This disclosure relates generally to gaming systems, and more specifically to automatic gaming systems that implement dice, such as craps.
Gaming systems, and particularly automatic and/or electronic gaming systems, are becoming more common. Current gaming systems can automate many functions, so as to eliminate a dealer or human presence required to facilitate playing various games. One example of this is the game of craps. Current systems employ dice systems which can roll actual dice in a controlled environment, and get a reading from the dice to enable playing of games, such as craps, without a dealer. These systems, however, may have durability issues, introduce regulatory concerns regarding the randomness of the mechanical assembly, and may provide a user experience that can be improved upon.
Illustrative examples of the disclosure include, without limitation, methods, systems, and various devices. In one aspect, a method for controlling movement of dice in a gaming system is disclosed. The gaming system includes an input device controllable by a user and a platform for holding the dice. The platform may be moved up and down by a drive to cause the dice to be moved upward and thrown above the surface of the platform. Data received from the input device may be used to determine the upward motion of the platform. The data may include the distance a user is from the input device. The data may also include how hard, how far and/or how fast a user pushes the input device. Data received from the input device may not be used to determine the upward motion of the platform. The time at which the platform may be moved may be randomly determined.
Other features of the systems and methods are described below. The features, functions, and advantages can be achieved independently in various examples or may be combined in yet other examples, further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings.
Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
The drive mechanism 104 may include a motor, such as a voice coil motor 120, that may drive the platform 106 and canister 102 up and down (e.g., in the vertical direction). In some aspects, the drive 104 may include other types of motors. In some cases, the drive mechanism 104 may be configured to move the platform 106 upward, and may rely on gravity to move the platform 106 downward. However, in most implementations, the drive 104 may be configured to move the platform both up and down, to control the forces applied to platform 106 so as to enable precise control of the throw of dice 108. This may enable the dice system 100 to guarantee that each dice roll or throw is random, such as to comply with one or more gaming licensing regulations.
The drive 104 may be fixed relative to the platform 106, to enable vertical movement of the platform 106 independently of the drive 104 (e.g., so that the drive 104 may remain stationary), thereby protecting the operation of the drive 104. The platform 106 may be movable in at least the vertical direction via one or more support structures 304, 306, 308, 310 coupled to intermediary plate 302 (further described in
In some aspects, the two shafts 110, 112 and upper and lower portions 128, 130 of the sheaths 114, 116 may form a guide system. Shafts 110, 112 may, in some cases, be coated with an oil-free lubricant (i.e., TEFLON), such that no oil is needed to help reduce wear and maintenance of the shafts 110, 112 and sheaths 114, 116. The magnets 122, 124 and 126 may cooperate together to limit mechanical movement of the shafts 110, 112. In some cases, one magnet 126 may be attached to one or more of shafts 110, 112. Magnetic movement limiters 122, 124 may be placed at the top and bottom of sheaths 114, 116, so as to limit the maximum vertical movement of magnet 126, which may be positioned in between limiters of the portions 128, 130, which may also include an oil-free lubrication system. In another example, shaft 110 and/or 112 may include two magnets 126, spaced a distance apart from each other along shafts 110, 112. Magnetic movement limiters 122, 124 and portions 128, 130 may be positioned in between magnets 126, such that the upper limiter 124 may limit downward movement of shaft 110, 112, and lower limiter 122 may limit upward movement of shaft 110, 112. The position of movement limiters 122, 124 and magnet(s) 126 may determine the minimum and maximum vertical position shafts 110, 112 and hence platform 106. It should be appreciated that the above described configurations of a magnetic braking system are only given by way of example. Other types of braking systems that similarly utilizes magnets are also contemplated herein.
The magnets (122, 124, 126) may replace prior systems, for example that utilized mechanical springs. By replacing the mechanical spring systems with magnetic brakes, reliability of the system may be increased. In some aspects, game cycle counters may be provided in system 100 that monitor usage of various components of system 100 and provide maintenance information of the components. The maintenance information may include lifetime and replacement information of dice 108, container 102, and other components, such as a vibration area of the platform 106, etc. In some aspects, the counters may provide a warning or indication that one or more components need to be replaced. With use of magnetic brakes, the maintenance interval of the braking system may be greatly increased.
In one example, using the magnetic brakes (122, 124, 126) may reduce the weight of platform 106, for example to 1.8 lbs. (0.8 kg). As a result of the weight savings, the magnetic braking system may also reduce the power needed to move the platform in the vertical direction. The weight savings may also reduce the impact of vibrating the platform on surrounding systems, such as brackets, and other mechanical structures.
In some cases, the use of the magnetic brakes and/or drive 104 may increase the height at which the dice can be thrown as well as reduce the time that is needed to throw dice 108 and to determine which dice 108 are facing upwards, so as to determine what score is associated with the throw, in less time than previous systems. Tables 1 and 2 below show experimental dice throw times for the described system, and for previous systems, for example, utilizing spring movement limiters.
The magnet(s) 126 and magnetic movement limiters 122, 124 of each shaft or member may limit movement of the platform 106 in the vertical direction without utilizing springs or other similar systems of previous designs. As a result of using magnetic limiters, the described system may be more durable, last longer, require less maintenance, require less replacement of parts, etc. In some cases, the fixed portion of system 100 may include the drive 104, which may include part of voice coil motor 120, a plate or platform 132 on which the sheaths 114, 116 and voice coil motor 120 is mounted, one or more supports 134, 136, that couple the plate 132 to an upper plate or platform 138, upon which an RFID detection device or plate (e.g., including a microcontroller) 140 may be placed, attached, mounted, etc. The RFID detection device 140 may detect the one or more dice 108, which may each include a number of RFID tags or chips. Each chip may correspond to a face of each dice 108 on which is displayed the pips of the dice 108. In some examples an RFID tag or chip for a given pip on a face, say a “2”, may be located opposite the face showing a “2.” In this way, when the die is laying on platform 106, and a “2” is facing upwards where players can see it, the RFID detection device 140 may detect the closest RFID tag as the one corresponding to the number “2.” One implementation of an RFID system for detecting dice will be explained in greater detail below in reference to
In some cases, the drive 104 may include a voice coil motor 120. Voice coil 120 may include a first cylinder or cylindrical portion 142, and a second cylindrical portion 144. Portion 144 may fit at least partially inside of cylinder portion 142. Portion 144 may be substantially hollow and may house windings 146, for example, made out of copper. Portion 142 may include a permanent magnet 148. Drive mechanism 104 may also include a power source 150, electrically connected to voice coil motor 120 for driving the voice coil motor 120. When current is applied to the voice coil motor 120 via power source 150, a magnetic field is produced. This magnetic field causes the voice coil motor 120 to react to the magnetic field produced by the permanent magnet 148 fixed to the portion 142, thereby moving the portion 144 of the motor 120. For example, driving current through the windings 146 in one direction may drive the portion 144 in one direction and driving current through the windings 146 in the opposite direction may drive the portion 144 in the opposite direction. Movement of the portion 144 may be highly controlled for micro-positioning in this manner. In some cases, the power source 150 may include voice coil driver module and/or voice coil driver for regulating control of the voice coil motor 120, and a UPS module for backup and power bursts. A more detailed example of power source 150 will be described below in reference to
As the moving parts (i.e., portion 142 and its coil 146) of the voice coil motor 120 do not contact the stationary parts (i.e., portion 144 and its magnet 148), there is no mechanical wear on the voice coil 120 and there are no sensitive mechanical parts (wheels, straps, bearings, motor) required for creating fast dynamic movements. A voice coil motor 120 may also be chosen as it may be placed at a number of different locations in dice system 100 to effectuate vertical movement of platform 106, with minimal modification of other components. The voice coil motor 120 may also be configured to provide arbitrary movement frequency (e.g., up to 100 Hz), amplitude and offset, such that it may be completely customizable to different system 100 designs. In some cases, the voice coil motor 120 may vibrate the platform 106, for example across a wide frequency range, to settle the dice so that one face of each dice is facing upwards, to simulate rolling of the dice in a player's hand, and for other reasons. In some cases, the voice coil motor 120, in conjunction with other components of system 100 may enable throwing of dice 108 up to 14 inches or 35 cm above the platform 106, to simulate a player rolling the dice 108.
It should be appreciated, that other drive 104 are contemplated herein, such that the described techniques may be implemented in a similar manner with these other drive 104 (e.g., other motor types, in different physical configurations).
In some aspects, a fan 152 or other cooling mechanism may be provided proximate to the drive 104, for example, to ensure safer and longer operation of drive 104. In some cases, a flexible retention device 154, such as a hollow chain, may be used to hold wiring to the RFID detection device 140, so the wiring may be flexed each time the platform 106 moves without overly stressing the wiring.
In some aspects, system 100 may include a displacement sensor 156, for example, attached to plate 132. The platform 106 may be connected to a device or structure 158 that may move proximate to displacement sensor 156, for example, to enable measuring displacement of platform 106 relative to drive 104 (or other fixed portions of system 100). During operation of the dice system 100, theoretical displacements of the platform 106 may be selected randomly by a random number generator associated with the power system 150 (either incorporated into the driving system of the power system or input to the driving system from another outside computer component). The theoretical displacements may be referred to as the stroke or throw of the dice that is desired. As further described below, the stroke or throw may involve multiple controlled movements of the platform 106 so as to achieve a desired throw of the dice. The displacement sensor 156, 158 may measure the actual displacements of the platform 106, which may be compared to the theoretical displacement, as more fully described below, in a form of a closed loop feedback system, so as to monitor and adjust the accuracy of the dice system 100 continually over time.
In one example, portion 144 of voice coil motor 120 may attach to a surface of the intermediary plate 320 (e.g., a surface facing away from platform 106). Upon activation, the voice coil motor 120 may move the platform assembly 300 in the vertical direction and/or vibrate the platform assembly 300, with the shafts 110, 112 guided by sheaths 114, 116. The magnet(s) 126 attached to the shafts and the magnetic movement limiters 122, 124 may limit the vertical movement of the shafts 110, 112 and hence the platform assembly 300.
In some examples, RFID detector plate support structures 140 may have one or more holes or openings corresponding to support structures 304-310. In this way, platform assembly 300 may move vertically with respect to RFID detector plate 140, such that RFID detector plate 140 does not move with platform 106. As RFID detector plate 140 only needs to be able to read the RFID tags of the dice once the dice have settled on the bottom of the platform 106, the fact that RFID detector plate 140 does not move with platform 106 does not negatively impact operation of RFID detector plate 140.
In some aspects, the power system 150 may also control the precise movement of drive 104/voice coil motor 120, to change the characteristics of movement of platform 106, to effectuate different throw characteristics of the dice 108. An example of different movements of platform 106 will be described in greater detail below in reference to
In some aspects, power system/drive control 150 may also, via feedback from drive/voice coil motor 120 and/or one or more temperature sensors, measure temperature of the drive 104/voice coil motor 120 in operation. The power system 150 may monitor the temperature of drive 104/voice coil motor 120 to ensure it does not overheat, potentially causing damage to drive 104 and other components of dice system 100. Upon detecting an overheat condition, the power system 150 may temporarily cease providing power to drive 104/voice coil motor 120 to prevent any damage being caused to drive 104/voice coil motor 120. In some aspects, the power system 150 may resume supplying power to drive 104/voice coil motor 120 upon expiration of a configurable time period, upon detection of a temperature of the drive 104/voice coil motor 120 being within a safe operable range, and the like.
In some aspects, power system 150 may include a capacitor power bank 402 that may store energy for moving the platform 106. Capacitator power bank 402 may provide an uninterruptable power supply. Capacitor bank 402 may store energy, for example, that is provided by any number of conventional power supplies (e.g., 120V wall socket). In some cases, the capacitor bank 402 may store energy, and may provide the energy to the drive 104/voice coil motor 120 for effectuating a roll or throw of dice 108. In some cases, capacitor bank 402 may store enough energy to effectuate one, two, or more additional jumps of the dice 108 via moving platform 106, for example, when the conventional power source is interrupted or a power failure occurs. In one example, a throw of the dice 108 may consume, on average, 12 W, with a max of up to 60 W. This may be a significant increase in power efficiency from prior systems, such as those that utilize a spring and/or other drive, which may require up to 400 W. Power system 150, at least in part due to capacitor bank 402, may enable very fast platform movement, for example, by supplying a peak power of up to 1100 W. In some cases, power system 150 may utilize a 24 V low power design, such that no AC certification may be needed. It should be appreciated, that other types of power systems 150 are contemplated herein, that provide different ranges of power, operate at different voltages, and are configured with one or more different component (e.g., not utilizing a capacitor bank 402).
In some cases, power system 150 may have one or more communication ports 404, to enable configuration of power source via an external computing device, including, for example, the input of random number generator information. In some cases, power system 150 may include one or more wireless transmitters to enable wireless control of power system 150.
Each RFID reader 602 on RFID device 140 may transmit power within a short range of the RFID reader 602. If one or more tags 714, which are constructed within dice 108, are located within range of an RFID reader 140, the power will activate the circuitry of the one or more tags 714 and cause the one or more tags to transmit one or more signals that uniquely identify each tag 714. The distance of a particular tag 714, corresponding to one of faces 702, 704, 706, 708, 710 or 712 of dice 108, may correspond to the strength of the signal received by the one or more of the RFID readers 602. Based on the signal strength (RSSI) of RFID tags 714 received by one or more RFID readers 602, the distance to the one or more tags 714 may be determined. In other cases, time difference of arrival from two or more tags 714 may be used to calculate distance. In either case, from this distance information, a machine learning algorithm may determine which of the dice are lying in the upright position (e.g., facing upwards). In some examples, each tag 714 may have a code that corresponds to a particular dice and a particular face or pip 702, 704, 706, 708, 710 and 712 of the dice 108. In this way, the position and/or orientation of multiple faces of a signal dice 108 may be determined, and multiple measurements may be taken and the upward face of multiple dice may be determined concurrently and quickly.
In some cases, based on multiple RFID tag readings, the inclination angle of one or more dice may be determined, for example, when a dice lands after a throw in a cocked position such that no single face is facing upward. In one example, if this condition is detected, for example, based on RFID signal strengths detected by RFID readers 602, a control signal may be sent to drive 104 to vibrate or otherwise move the platform 106, so as to settle the dice 108 so that each face of the dice 108 is facing upwards. In some cases, if after one attempt to settle the dice is unsuccessful (e.g., an inclination angle is again detected relative to a dice 108, the dice throw may be nulled, and a new dice throw may be initiated or indicated. In some cases, detecting a cocked condition may include determining two inclination angles for one dice (e.g., from two faces of dice 108).
In one example, process 800 may begin at operation 802, in which an RFID power signal may be transmitted by at least one of RFID readers 602. In most cases, most or all of RFID readers 602 will transit an RFID power signal, for example, after dice 108 have been thrown or rolled by system 100. Next, at operation 804, at least two RFID response signals may be received, by RFID board 140/RFID readers 602 from RFID tags 714 associated with one or more dice 108. As known in the art and briefly described above, upon receiving a signal, an RFID tag may transmit a unique signal indicating its identity using in part the received signal power, such that the tag it considered passive and requires no dedicated power source. Each response may indicate, via a unique number, for example, the face 702, 704, 706, 708, 710 and 712 and which dice 108 to which it is associated with. As described above, a tag may be located on the opposite face from which it is associated with, so as to be closest to the RFID reader to indicate an upward face of the dice. The distance of each tag response, and hence each tag or face, from the RFID readers may then be determined at operation 806.
In some examples, and by all means, not all examples, process 800 may additionally include operations 808, 810, and 812. At operation 808, it may be determined if an inclination angle of one or more dice is detected, indicating that the one or more dice are cocked or not resting on a single face or not all of the dice can be read, which may indicate that one dice is resting on top of another dice. If an inclination angle is detected or an expected reading from a dice is missing, process 800 may continue to operation 810, where an indication that a dice is cocked or missing may be sent to effectuate vibrating or other moving platform 106 to jostle and otherwise settle the dice (e.g., by activating drive 104/voice coil motor 120). Process 800 may then loop back and repeat operations 802, 804 and 806. Operation 808 may be performed again, and if one or more dice are still misaligned/cocked/missing, process 800 may proceed to operation 812, where an error message may be sent to the controller of dice system 100 and result in the dice throw being ended or terminated. In such a case, the game may continue with the same bets and the dice may just be rolled again, or the game may be terminated, all of the bets cancelled and game restarted.
If, either on the first loop or the second loop of operations 802, 804, 806 and/or 808, and 810, no dice are detected as having an inclination angle or are missing, process 800 may proceed to operation 814. In other cases, for example, where operations 808, 812, and 814 are not performed, immediately upon the completion of operation 806, process 800 may proceed to operation 814. At operation 814, all RFID tag readings, corresponding to responses received at operation 804, may be ranked according to an estimated distance from a proximate or closest RFID reader 602, via techniques known in the art (e.g., RSSI, time difference of arrival, etc.). Next, at operation 816, the ranking of RFID tags, and hence faces of the dice that are facing upwards, may be modified using machine learning techniques based on previous dice rolls and results. In some cases, system 100 may utilize one or more cameras for detecting the faces of dice resulting after one or more throws, for example, to verify that the face detected via RFID is the actual face resulting from the throw (e.g., providing a feedback loop). This information may be used to associate an accuracy value or weight to various determinations of dice rolls based on, for example, location of one or more dice relative to RFID board 140/platform 106, number of dice thrown at the same time, and other relevant factors. The accuracy value or weight may then be combined with RFID tag distances, for example, based on one or more similarities in characteristics between the current dice roll and past dice rolls. The weighted RFID tag distances may then re-ranked. Similarly, distance information associated with cocked dice may also be used to derive values or weights that improve future determinations of cocked or inclined dice. Next, at operation 818, a face for each dice may be selected as the resulting score, and the results communicated to a controller of system 100, whereby process 800 may end at 820. In some cases, operations 808, 810, and/or 812 may be performed after the re-ranking performed at operation 816. In other cases, operation 808 may be modified by or based on prior dice roll data/machine leaning techniques in a similar manner. In some examples, if either at operation 814 or 816, a closest face may not be determined, operation 810 or 812 may subsequently be performed.
Process 800 may provide an efficient way to determine the score of a dice roll, and for example, may contribute to reducing the amount of time required by system 100 to roll and score a dice roll.
As illustrated in
In some cases, a higher maximum height of dice resulting from a dice throw may be desired. In these cases, the drive may be controlled, for example via power system 150, to produce two upward accelerations of the platform. The platform assembly 300 may first be accelerated upward at operation 904, for example, to an intermediate height 912 (e.g., not the max height of the system). The platform assembly 300 may then sink or move downwards, at operation 906, to a second intermediate height 914. In some cases height 914 may be the resting height 902. Operation 906 may be performed via gravity naturally causing the platform assembly 300 to return to the resting position 902, by reversing the direction of drive 104, and/or by magnetic braking. Upon reaching intermediate height 914, the platform assembly 300 may again be accelerated in the upward direction, at operation 908, to height 916, which in some cases, may be the max height of the system. After reaching height 916, the platform assembly 300 may return to resting height 902 at operation 910, via one or more of gravity, reverse operation of drive 104, or magnetic braking.
In some cases, before the platform is accelerated initially upwards, the platform may be vibrated by the drive, for example, to simulate the slight rolling of the dice in a player's hand prior to throwing the dice during a real dice game played by a player actually physically throwing dice. Upon accelerating to height 912, the dice may stay on the platform or slightly jump up above the platform. Upon reaching height 916, the dice may jump or move to the highest height before returning to platform 916, which may then be in resting position 902 or slightly vibrating so as to enable the dice to settle faster without one dice sitting on another or any of the dice being cocked. One or more of the first or second intermediate heights 912, 914, the maximum height 916, the initial acceleration 904, the downward acceleration 906, or the second upward acceleration 908 may be modified or configured to determine how high the dice will jump. In one example, by utilizing a final max height 916 of ½ inch, with proper timing or positioning of the second operation 908, a maximum dice throw height of 14 inches may be achieved. In other examples, the timing between activating the two upward accelerations 904 and 908 may also be adjusted to configure the dice throw height. In other examples, the height 914 may similarly be used to configure the dice throw height.
The stroke of the platform assembly 300, which determines the height of the dice throw, may be predetermined. There may as little as two predetermined strokes and an unlimited number of predetermined strokes. In an aspect, there may be ten predetermined strokes, each of which may be randomly selected by a random number generator associated the drive 104/VCM 120. As further described below with respect to
At operation 1004, the platform 106/platform assembly 300 holding the dice is then moved upward with the first force. At operation 1006, the platform 106/platform assembly 300 is moved or allowed to fall downward a first distance or over a first time period, which may be due to gravity, the drive 104/VCM 120 or magnetic braking. At operation 1008, the platform 106/platform assembly 300 is moved upward with a second force to achieve the randomly determined height/duration of the stroke/throw.
In some aspect, as previously described, process 1100 may utilize displacement sensor/structure 156, 158 described above in reference to
In the example illustrated, process 1100 may begin at operation 1102, in which the randomly configured jump height of the platform and/or of the dice may be obtained, for example, from a controller of dice system 100. The dice may then be thrown or rolled accordingly. The height or displacement of the platform may be measured at operation 1104. Operation 1104 may utilize displacement sensor 156, 158 as descried above. In some implementations of process 1100, the maximum dice height may also be measured, at operation 1106. In some cases, operation 1106 may require the use of cameras, optical sensors, or other sensing devices, to obtain information for measuring or determining the maximum height of the die. In one example, the height of the dice may be determined from one or more optical sensors or one or more pressure sensors on the platform, for example that can detect a time period when the dice is not in contact with the platform. In this case, the total time the dice is not contacting the platform may be used with information concerning the acceleration of the platform to determine the height of the dice. In some cases, operation 1106 may not be performed for every dice throw, such as for every one out of N number of dice rolls.
At operation 1108, the configured platform jump height and the actual measured jump height may be compared. If there is a difference between the two values or a difference that is greater than a configurable threshold, process 1100 may proceed to operation 1110, where one or more parameters of the platform movement may be adjusted to reduce and/or eliminate the difference or error. The one or more parameters may include any of the parameters described above for controlling the movement of the platform, such as first and second upward forces, a one or more intermediary heights, etc.
Once the one or more parameters have been adjusted at operation 1110, or if there was no error to begin with, and the max dice jump was measured/determined at operation 1106, process 1100 may continue to operation 1112, where it may be determined if there is any error or difference between the configured dice jump and the measured dice jump. If there is a difference, or a difference greater than a configurable threshold, process 1100 may continue to operation 1114, where one or more parameters of the platform movement may be adjusted to reduce and/or eliminate the difference or error. The one or more parameters may include any of the parameters described above for controlling the movement of the platform, such as first and second upward forces and one or more intermediary heights, distances, times, etc. Upon adjusting the one or more parameters, or if there was no dice jump height error, process 1100 may continue to operation 1116, where the adjusted parameters, and the height values may be recorded, for example, for future calibration and comparison. Process 1100 may then end at 1118.
Process 1200 may begin at operation 1202, where a selection option for each of n number of dice systems may be presented, for example, to a user. In some aspects, the selection options may include a button or area within a graphical user interface, for example, provided by a display device associated with the dice game table or console, or may include one or more physical buttons, as illustrated in
In some aspects of process 1200, the dice in the selected systems or canisters may be throw or rolled, at operation 1210. In some cases, where a player refused to select X dice or takes too long to do so, operation 1210 may be performed automatically, after a configurable time period, or even upon selection of the one or more dice systems. In other cases, the gaming system may receive a throw or roll selection prior to throwing the dice at operation 1210, at which process 1200 may end at 1212.
As illustrated in
The antenna elements produce one or more fields within which some body part, typically a player's hand, may move. The data generated by the antenna elements may then be analyzed by an associated processor to determine something about the movement, such presence, direction, velocity, or particular types of motions, such as a circular motion, a flick gesture, etc. Such determinations may then be used to instruct the gaming machine in some manner, such as instructing the dice system 1306 to throw the dice to a specified height.
For example, when a player puts their hand close to the MAJESTIC button 1500, the antenna elements may detect that presence and provide an instruction to the dice system 1306 that causes a certain amount of energy or power to be provided to drive 104/voice coil motor 120, which may determine how fast platform 106 accelerates and hence how far the dice are thrown above platform 106. In an embodiment, the closer the player's hand gets to the MAJESTIC button 1500, the higher the dice are thrown above platform 106. In an embodiment, the speed at which a player presses the MAJESTIC button 1500 may determine the height the dice are thrown. The speed may be measured by the antenna elements.
As illustrated in
As previously discussed, in an embodiment, regardless of how close the player's hand may be to the button 1500, or how far, fast or hard the play may have pushed the button 1500, so as to prevent a player from attempting to manipulate the outcome of a throw, the stroke of the platform will either be a minimum predetermined stroke, a maximum predetermined stroke, or even a randomly selected predetermined stroke among a plurality of predetermined strokes. In an embodiment, the player's presence or motion may determine the height the dice are thrown above the platform, but not when, such that the timing of the throw remains random or predetermined but based on a random event generator's determination.
In some aspects, dice system 100 and/or one or more of the above-described processes may be implemented using one or more computing devices or environments, as described below.
Computer 1602, which may include any of a mobile device or smart phone, tablet, laptop, desktop computer, or collection of networked devices, cloud computing resources, etc., typically includes a variety of computer-readable media. Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by computer 1602 and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. The system memory 1622 includes computer-readable storage media in the form of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory such as read only memory (ROM) 1623 and random access memory (RAM) 1660. A basic input/output system 1624 (BIOS), containing the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within computer 1602, such as during start-up, is typically stored in ROM 1623. RAM 1660 typically contains data and/or program modules that are immediately accessible to and/or presently being operated on by processing unit 1659. By way of example, and not limitation,
The computer 1602 may also include other removable/non-removable, volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media. By way of example only,
The drives and their associated computer storage media discussed above and illustrated in
The computer 1602 may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer 1646. The remote computer 1646 may be a personal computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a peer device or other common network node, and typically includes many or all of the elements described above relative to the computer 1602, although only a memory storage device 1647 has been illustrated in
When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 1602 is connected to the LAN 1645 through a network interface or adapter 1637. When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 1602 typically includes a modem 1605 or other means for establishing communications over the WAN 1649, such as the Internet. The modem 1605, which may be internal or external, may be connected to the system bus 1621 via the user input interface 1636, or other appropriate mechanism. In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the computer 1602, or portions thereof, may be stored in the remote memory storage device. By way of example, and not limitation,
In some aspects, other programs 1627 may include a dice system control application 1665 that includes the functionality as described above. In some cases, dice system control application 1665, may execute some or all operations of processes 800, 1000, 1100, and/or 1200. In some aspects, computing device 100 may also communicate with one or more dice systems 100.
Each of the processes, methods and algorithms described in the preceding sections may be embodied in, and fully or partially automated by, code modules executed by one or more computers or computer processors. The code modules may be stored on any type of non-transitory computer-readable medium or computer storage device, such as hard drives, solid state memory, optical disc and/or the like. The processes and algorithms may be implemented partially or wholly in application-specific circuitry. The results of the disclosed processes and process steps may be stored, persistently or otherwise, in any type of non-transitory computer storage such as, e.g., volatile or non-volatile storage. The various features and processes described above may be used independently of one another, or may be combined in various ways. All possible combinations and subcombinations are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. In addition, certain methods or process blocks may be omitted in some implementations. The methods and processes described herein are also not limited to any particular sequence, and the blocks or states relating thereto can be performed in other sequences that are appropriate. For example, described blocks or states may be performed in an order other than that specifically disclosed, or multiple blocks or states may be combined in a single block or state. The example blocks or states may be performed in serial, in parallel or in some other manner. Blocks or states may be added to or removed from the disclosed example embodiments. The example systems and components described herein may be configured differently than described. For example, elements may be added to, removed from or rearranged compared to the disclosed example embodiments.
It will also be appreciated that various items are illustrated as being stored in memory or on storage while being used, and that these items or portions thereof may be transferred between memory and other storage devices for purposes of memory management and data integrity. Alternatively, in other embodiments some or all of the software modules and/or systems may execute in memory on another device and communicate with the illustrated computing systems via inter-computer communication. Furthermore, in some embodiments, some or all of the systems and/or modules may be implemented or provided in other ways, such as at least partially in firmware and/or hardware, including, but not limited to, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), standard integrated circuits, controllers (e.g., by executing appropriate instructions, and including microcontrollers and/or embedded controllers), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), etc. Some or all of the modules, systems and data structures may also be stored (e.g., as software instructions or structured data) on a computer-readable medium, such as a hard disk, a memory, a network or a portable media article to be read by an appropriate drive or via an appropriate connection. For purposes of this specification and the claims, the phrase “computer-readable storage medium” and variations thereof, does not include waves, signals, and/or other transitory and/or intangible communication media. The systems, modules and data structures may also be transmitted as generated data signals (e.g., as part of a carrier wave or other analog or digital propagated signal) on a variety of computer-readable transmission media, including wireless-based and wired/cable-based media, and may take a variety of forms (e.g., as part of a single or multiplexed analog signal, or as multiple discrete digital packets or frames). Such computer program products may also take other forms in other embodiments. Accordingly, the present disclosure may be practiced with other computer system configurations.
In an embodiment, a method for controlling movement of at least one dice is disclosed, the method comprising receiving data from an input device indicative of a height the at least one dice should move upward, causing a platform holding the at least one dice to move upward with a first force, causing the platform to move downward either a first distance or over a first period of time, and causing the platform to move upward with a second force, wherein the height that the dice moves upward is controlled by selecting at least one of the first force, the first distance, the first period of time, or the second force.
In the embodiment, wherein the input device includes field sensitive antenna elements and the data corresponds to a distance between a user and the field sensitive antenna elements. In the embodiment, wherein the input device includes a pressure sensor and the data corresponds to a force applied to the input device by a user. In the embodiment, wherein the input device includes an acceleration sensor and the data corresponds to a force applied to the input device by a user. In the embodiment, wherein the input device includes a velocity sensor and the data corresponds to a speed at which a user pressed the input device. In the embodiment, wherein the input device includes a distance sensor and the data corresponds to a distance the input device was moved by a user. In the embodiment, wherein the input device includes a first sensor configured to measure a motion of the input device by a user and a second sensor configured to measure the motion of the input device and the data corresponds to a difference between a measurement of the first sensor and a measurement of the second sensor. In the embodiment, wherein a first movement of the platform in response to the receiving data is randomly determined.
In the embodiment, wherein causing the platform to move upward with the first force and the second force is performed by a drive coupled to a power system. In the embodiment, wherein causing the platform to move downward the first distance or over the first period of time is performed by the drive. In the embodiment, wherein causing the platform to move downward the first distance or over the first period of time comprises deactivating the drive. In the embodiment, wherein the first force is less than the second force.
In the embodiment, further comprises selecting at least one of the first force, the first distance or the first period of time to maintain the at least one dice in contact with the platform. In the embodiment, wherein the first force, the first distance or the first time period, and the second force are predetermined to result in a randomly determined dice height.
In an embodiment, a method for controlling movement of at least one dice is disclosed, the method comprising receiving data from an input device indicative of a height a user would like the at least one dice to move upward, randomly determining a time at which the at least one dice will move upward, based on the random determination and not the received data, causing a platform holding the at least one dice to move upward with a first force, after causing the platform to move upward with the first force, causing the platform to move downward either a first distance or over a first period of time, and after causing the platform to move downward either the first distance or over the first period of time, causing the platform to move upward with a second force, wherein the height that the dice moves upward is controlled by selecting at least one of the first force, the first distance, the first period of time, or the second force.
In the embodiment, wherein causing the platform to move upward with the first force and the second force is performed by a drive coupled to a power system. In the embodiment, wherein causing the platform to move downward the first distance or over the first period of time is performed by the drive. In the embodiment, wherein causing the platform to move downward the first distance or over the first period of time comprises deactivating the drive. In the embodiment, wherein the first force is less than the second force. In the embodiment, further comprises selecting at least one of the first force, the first distance or the first period of time to maintain the at least one dice in contact with the platform.
Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some or all of the elements in the list.
While certain example embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Thus, nothing in the foregoing description is intended to imply that any particular feature, characteristic, step, module or block is necessary or indispensable. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of certain of the disclosure.
This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 62/910,903, filed Oct. 4, 2019, the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
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