Patent Application
20090286606
a. Field of Invention
The invention relates generally to portable, waterproof gaming systems for gambling, especially for casino-type gambling. More specifically, it relates to those systems having a computerized gaming unit contained within a main housing for use in recreation areas and public gathering places, especially at casinos and gaming resorts. The computerized gaming unit communicates with a central processing unit, which has software and hardware to provide computerized gaming unit management capabilities. Gaming selections include slots, roulette, craps, cards and competitions. Also included are player betting, player tracking, provider incentives, player services, provider banking, and security capabilities.
b. Description of Prior Art
The prior art for gaming systems includes electronic device card readers for purchasing betting credits. A credit card, a debit card, preloaded money cards and the like are scanned through the card reader to purchase betting credits. The game is played and credits/debits are calculated until the player has no more credits or until the player wants to terminate play. These systems are utilized at gaming casinos or other indoor places of congregation.
The present invention relates to a portable, waterproof, floatable, rugged gaming system, which may be used outdoors, poolside or at other remote places. There is no system which has the capability of withstanding the outdoor elements, including water elements related to poolside play. The system provides a further unique feature of gaming made available while in a body of water, such as a pool, lake, ocean or river.
Notwithstanding the prior art, the present invention is neither taught nor rendered obvious thereby.
The present invention relates to a portable, waterproof gaming system which includes: a) a watertight main housing for encompassing a computerized gaming unit for water proximity play of at least one gaming selection selected from the group consisting of slots, roulette, craps, cards and competitions; b) a computerized gaming unit for water proximity play of at least one gaming selection, the computerized gaming unit having sufficient software and hardware to provide the at least one gaming selection selected from the group consisting of slots, roulette, craps, cards and competitions, the computerized gaming unit contained within the watertight main housing and having controls, including at least one control selected from a group consisting of on-off, volume, gaming selection, food and drink service and guest services, the computerized gaming unit further including i) means for electronically enabling a player to purchase betting credits; ii) means for enabling the player to bet at least a portion of the purchased betting credits, as part of gaming play; and iii) subtracting the purchased betting credits from the player purchased betting credits when the player loses and adding to the player purchased betting credits when the player wins; and c) a remotely located, central processing host unit connected to the computerized gaming unit, the host unit including sufficient software and hardware to provide the following computerized gaming unit management capabilities with respect to the computerized gaming unit, including user tracking and user data collection and storage.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof gaming system, the connection between the central processing host unit and the computerized gaming unit is selected from the group consisting of a wired connection, a wireless connection and a combination thereof.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof gaming system, the computerized gaming unit further includes a card reading sub-unit adapted to read at least one card selected from the group consisting of credit and debit cards, room keys, gaming cards, preloaded money cards and membership cards.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof gaming system, the main housing includes at least one handle.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof gaming system, the main housing includes at least one resting means for placing the main housing on a horizontal surface.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof gaming system, the main housing with the computerized gaming unit is floatable.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof gaming system, the main housing includes at least one floatation member.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof gaming system, the controls include at least one button and the main housing includes a button contact selected from a group consisting of a rigid touch-screen, a flexible touch-screen, a flexible plastic shield and a gel-pad plastic shield.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof gaming system, at least one of the computerized gaming unit and the remotely located, central processing host unit includes a lock out feature that permits a lock out of use of the computerized gaming unit.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof gaming system, the computerized gaming unit includes sufficient hardware and software to download additional gaming selections, the sufficient hardware and software including download means selected from the group consisting of wireless download, internet download, local area network download and intranet download.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof gaming system, the watertight main housing includes a flexible holding mechanism selected from the group consisting of a strap, a handle, a tether and an anchor.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof gaming system, the system further includes a cradle adapted to receive and nest the main housing with the computerized gaming unit.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof gaming system, the cradle includes a power charger.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof gaming system, the cradle includes a card reading sub-unit adapted to read at least one card selected from the group consisting of credit and debit cards, room keys, gaming cards, preloaded money cards and membership cards.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a waterproof gaming system includes: a) a plurality of watertight main housings for encompassing a computerized gaming unit for water proximity play of at least one gaming selection selected from the group consisting of slots, roulette, craps, cards and competitions; b) a plurality of computerized gaming units for water proximity play of at least one gaming selection, the computerized gaming unit having sufficient software and hardware to provide the at least one gaming selection selected from the group consisting of slots, roulette, craps, cards and competitions, the computerized gaming unit contained within the watertight main housing and having controls, including at least one control selected from a group consisting of on-off, volume, gaming selection, food and drink service and guest services, the computerized gaming unit further including i) means for electronically enabling a player to purchase betting credits; ii) means for enabling the player to bet at least a portion of the purchased betting credits, as part of gaming play; and iii) subtracting the purchased betting credits from the player purchased betting credits when the player loses and adding to the player purchased betting credits when the player wins; and c) a remotely located, central processing host unit connected to the plurality of computerized gaming units, the host unit including sufficient software and hardware to provide the following computerized gaming unit management capabilities with respect to the computerized gaming unit, including user tracking and user data collection and storage.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof gaming system as described in paragraph [00019], the connection between the central processing host unit and the computerized gaming unit is selected from the group consisting of a wired connection, a wireless connection and a combination thereof.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof gaming system as described in paragraph [00019], the computerized gaming unit further includes a card reading sub-unit adapted to read at least one card selected from the group consisting of credit and debit cards, room keys, gaming cards, preloaded money cards and membership cards.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof gaming system as described in paragraph [00019], the main housing includes at least one handle.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof gaming system as described in paragraph [00019], the main housing includes at least one resting means for placing the main housing on a horizontal surface.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof gaming system as described in paragraph [00019], the main housing with the computerized gaming unit is floatable.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof gaming system as described in paragraph [00019], the main housing includes at least one floatation member.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof gaming system as described in paragraph [00019], the controls include at least one button and the main housing includes a button contact selected from a group consisting of a rigid touch-screen, a flexible touch-screen, a flexible plastic shield and a gel-pad plastic shield.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof gaming system as described in paragraph [00019], the at least one of the computerized gaming unit and the remotely located, central processing host unit includes a lock out feature that permits a lock out of use of the computerized gaming unit.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof gaming system as described in paragraph [00019], the computerized gaming unit includes sufficient hardware and software to download additional gaming selections, the sufficient hardware and software including download means selected from the group consisting of wireless download, internet download, local area network download and intranet download.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof gaming system as described in paragraph [00019], the watertight main housing includes a flexible holding mechanism selected from the group consisting of a strap, a handle, a tether and an anchor.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof gaming system as described in paragraph [00019], the system further includes a cradle adapted to receive and nest the main housing with the computerized gaming unit.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof gaming system as described in paragraph [00019], the cradle includes a power charger.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof gaming system as described in paragraph [00019], the cradle includes a card reading sub-unit adapted to read at least one card selected from the group consisting of credit and debit cards, room keys, gaming cards, preloaded money cards and membership cards.
Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed.
The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the detail description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:
The present invention relates generally to portable, waterproof gaming systems. More specifically, it relates to those systems having a computerized gaming unit contained within a main housing for use in recreation areas and public gathering places. The computerized gaming unit communicates with a central processing host unit, which has software and hardware to provide computerized gaming unit management capabilities. The computerized gaming unit further includes i) means for electronically enabling a player to purchase betting credits; ii) means for enabling the player to bet at least a portion of the purchased betting credits, as part of gaming play; and iii) subtracting the purchased betting credits from the player purchased betting credits when the player loses and adding to the player purchased betting credits when the player wins; and Gaming selections include slots, roulette, craps, cards and competitions. Also included are player tracking, provider incentives, player services, provider banking, and security capabilities.
The waterproof gaming system may be employed at poolside casinos, hotel/motel swimming pools, airports, theme parks, race tracks, hospitals, other public gathering places, and the like. Since the main housing is waterproof, portable, rugged and floatable, the waterproof gaming system particularly facilitates use in or near a swimming pool. In essence, casino action is brought to outside facilities of the casino or to other places where people may congregate for recreation, for leisure, for travel, for business or for personal matters.
The gaming system may relate to an individual gaming device or a plurality of gaming devices. An individual gaming device includes sufficient computer software and hardware to communicate with a central processing host unit. When there is a plurality of gaming devices, each gaming device communicates individually with the central processing host unit. Each gaming device has one or more touch screens or plastic shields with functional buttons and/or other controls for playing games and for the other gaming device functions, as well as for hotel and casino services, such as requesting food and beverage service, or TV, movie or music service. Each gaming device includes speakers for relaying audible sounds and may be electrically powered, battery, fuel cell or other portable power source operated, or it may be solar powered. It could be powered by two or more of the foregoing and hence be a hybrid. There is also an optional card reader for scanning credit cards, room keys, preloaded money cards, room key and membership cards. Furthermore, an optional biometric fingerprint reader may be included.
A waterproof cradle is used for mounting the gaming device which provides for charging the gaming device battery, as well as for optional game play within the cradle. Each gaming device may also play games and request functions independent of the cradle. The cradle includes hardware and software for a bill validator, ticket printer, battery charger, security hook, card reader and player tracking system as well as connections to the waterproof main housing via waterproof ports. The ports include a battery charger port for connection to the internal battery of the device; a downloadable gaming port for connection to load games to the device, a player tracking port for connection to a Game Monitoring Unit for transfer and deposit of monies and player tracking; and a USB and Ethernet port for connections for music download, TV, movies, casino services and the like.
Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views,
Referring to
Referring to box 9, the main housing 3 is waterproof, watertight, rugged, portable and floatable. Because the main housing is floatable, the main housing 3 includes at least one flotation member. The main housing 3 encompasses the computerized gaming unit 5 for water proximity play of at least one gaming selection, selected from the group consisting of slots, roulette, craps, cards and competitions. As shown by box 11, the main housing 3 includes a flexible holding mechanism, selected from the group consisting of strap, handle, tether and anchor. Furthermore, the main housing includes a resting means, as shown by box 13, for placing the main housing 3 on a horizontal surface. The resting means may be located on the bottom of the main housing 3. Speakers, as shown by box 13, are located on the main housing, being controlled by the computerized gaming unit 5. An LED or other light source means to indicate a jackpot or winning combination has occurred, as well as a vibrate feature are also located in the main housing, as shown by box 13. The vibrate feature may be used to warn of low battery, player is running low on credits, dinner table is available, car valet, pool closing, check out time, or the like. As shown by box 15, the main housing 3 includes a button contact selected from the group consisting of a rigid touch-screen, a flexible touch-screen, a flexible plastic shield and a gel-pad plastic shield.
As shown in box 17, the computerized gaming unit 5 has sufficient software and hardware to provide the at least one gaming selection and betting. To facilitate betting, the computerized gaming unit 5 includes i) means for electronically enabling a player to purchase betting credits; ii) means for enabling the player to bet at least a portion of the purchased betting credits, as part of gaming play; and iii) subtracting the purchased betting credits from the player purchased betting credits when the player loses and adding to the player purchased betting credits when the player wins. The computerized gaming unit 5, as shown in box 19, allows for water proximity play of at least one gaming selection selected from the group consisting of slots, roulette, craps, cards and competitions.
Referring now to
As shown by the communication connection arrows in
Referring now to
A second watertight gaming device includes a main housing 617. A computerized gaming unit 619 is contained within the main housing 617. The computerized gaming unit 619 includes a screen 621.
The plurality of computerized gaming units 605 and 619 each communicate with a central processing host unit 615. The communication is made through wireless connection, wired connection and combinations thereof. Wifi, Bluetooth, and the like may be employed for wireless connection.
Whether or not the gaming device is removed, a player, as shown in flow 615, plays the watertight gaming device. As the games are played, flow 617 determines whether there is an end of credits. If there is, flow 619 shows the device being returned to the cradle by the player, if it has been removed in flow 613, and repeating flow 603. If there is not an end of credits, i.e. credit remaining, flow 621 determines whether the player has requested a deposit. If a deposit has not been requested, flow 615 is repeated and the watertight gaming device is played. If a deposit is requested, flow 623 shows the device connecting to the host system through a wired connection or a wireless connection. In flow 625, the player accesses the account to deposit winnings, followed by the player removing the player card and returning to start box 601.
The main housing includes at least one flexible holding mechanism in this case, handles 104 on the outer sides of the gaming device 100. In the alternative, a handle may be located on the top of the main housing 103. In addition, the flexible holding mechanism may be a strap, a handle, a tether, an anchor, or the like. The handles 104 includes a ruggedized rubber material 107 which cover the edges and sides to guard the waterproof gaming device 100 from shock which may be caused by dropping the water gaming device 100. The rubber material 107 is a member which facilitates floatation. The ruggedized rubber material 107 may be permanently attached or may be removable.
The computerized gaming unit 105 may be solar powered or battery operated. Furthermore, the computerized gaming unit 105 includes a playing screen 102 which is a semi-transparent liquid crystal display. The playing screen 102 may be rigid touch-screen, flexible touch-screen, flexible plastic shield, or gel-pad plastic shield. Preferable the screen material should be sufficiently strong and scratch resistant to allow thousands of play to occur without adversely effecting visibility. Furthermore, there will be no adverse effect when the waterproof gaming device 100 goes underwater.
Referring now to
The cradle 300 includes software and hardware for a bill validator, ticket printer, battery charger, security hook, card reader and player tracking, as well as connections to the waterproof main housing via waterproof ports. The cradle further includes a connection for a battery charging system port 302 to charge the internal battery of the waterproof game device 301. Furthermore, there is a connection for a host connectivity port 304, as well as a connection for input and output data ports for downloadable games to load games to the waterproof game device. There is a player tracking port 306 to connect to a game monitoring unit for transfer and deposit of monies and player tracking from the host to the waterproof game device 301. In addition, there are connections for USB and Ethernet ports 308. There is also a ticket printer port, not shown.
To summarize, the present invention thus provides a casino gaming system in places where the public is congregated. It provides communication which allows a player of casino games on a portable gaming device. All functions from establishing credits to requesting a deposit of monies are provided. There also is player tracking by a central processing host unit.
Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those particular embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
