Roulette timer

Abstract

 Game timer comprising a timing device (4), and an end-of-game detector (6) connected to the timing device (4) for detecting an end of a game play. The game timer further comprises a first indicator (1) and a second indicator (2) connected to the timing device (4). The timing device (4) is arranged to start a first timer upon receiving a signal from the end-of-game detector (6) indicating the end of the game play, to indicate on the first indicator (1) a representation of the value of the first timer, and to indicate on the second indicator (2) that the value of the first timer exceeds a start time value. The start time value indicates the intended maximum time period between an end of a game play and a start of a new game play.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a game timer comprising a timing device, an end-of-game detector connected to the timing device for detecting an end of a game play, e.g. the end of a game play such as the ball resting in a pocket of a roulette wheel. In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method for indicating a desired start of a new game play.

Prior art

[0002] The British patent publication GB-A-2 379 172 describes a roulette coup sequencing device. The device indicates to the dealer when the roulette wheel may be spun and when not. Sensors are being used to detect when a ball rests in one of the numbered pockets on the wheel, i.e. the end of a play. It is advantageously used to synchronize the plays on multiple roulette tables, preventing the occurrence of two tables managed by one dealer from requiring simultaneous inspection.

Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention seeks to provide a game timer for casino plays, such as roulette, which enables to urge a dealer to control the game with more regularity, enabling an increased frequency of game play, and secondly making multi-play of a game more efficient.

[0004] According to the present invention, a game timer according to the preamble defined above is provided, in which the game timer further comprises a first indicator and a second indicator connected to the timing device. The timing device is arranged to start a first timer upon receiving a signal from the end-of-game detector indicating the end of the game play, to indicate on the first indicator a representation of the value of the first timer, and to indicate on the second indicator that the value of the first timer exceeds a start time value. The start time value indicates the intended maximum time period between an end of a game play and a start of a new game play. Such an embodiment allows to give a precise indication of the progress of a game play to all parties involved, i.e. the dealer and floor manager, but also to the players. This allows to create a more constant frequency of game play, thus increasing the attractiveness of the game and also increasing revenue generated.

[0005] In a first embodiment, the first indicator comprises a plurality of lights (e.g. LED's), the value of the first timer being indicated by the number of lights illuminated. Such a visual indication is clear and unambiguous, even if glanced at for a very short time. The second indicator may be formed by the same plurality of lights, which e.g. start flashing when the value of the first timer exceeds the start time value, or may be implemented using a further plurality of lights, such as LED's.

[0006] The game timer, in a further embodiment, comprises a third indicator connected to the timing device. The timing device is further arranged to provide on the third indicator a numerical indication of a remaining time period value, the remaining time period value being the difference between the start time value and the first timer value. Such a down counter is a clear indication to both the dealer of the game, and for the players, of the time remaining before a new game play will probably be started.

[0007] In a further embodiment, which may be combined with the previous embodiment, again the game timer further comprises a third indicator connected to the timing device. The timing device is further arranged to provide on the third indicator a numerical indication of a second time period value, the second time period value indicating the time period lapsed since an intended start of the new game play. This may be accomplished by starting a second timer present in the timing device, but this may also be calculated as being equal to the first timer value minus the start time value. For the dealer, an increasing third indicator is a sign that a new game play should be started as soon as possible, to remain with the intended frequency of play. Also, a supervisor or floor manager may quickly spot the occurrence of an up counting third indicator, and take suitable measures.

[0008] The game timer may in an even further embodiment further comprise a start-of game detector connected to the timing device, in which the timing device is reset upon receiving a signal from the start-of-game detector indicating the start of a new game play. The start-of-game detector may be a simple button to be actuated by the dealer, or it may be a sensor detecting a suitable characteristic of the start of a new game play (e.g. the entry of a ball on a roulette wheel).

[0009] The present invention may be utilized in a variety of games, which include a relatively long period in which placing a bet is allowed. In particular, this invention is usable for a roulette game, and the end-of-game detector may then be arranged to detect the presence of a ball in one of a plurality of pockets in a roulette wheel.

[0010] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method for indicating a desired start of a new game play, comprising starting a first timer upon detection of the end of a previous game play, indicating the value of the first timer, and indicating when the value of the first timer exceeds a start time value, the start time value indicating the intended maximum time period between an end of a game play and a start of a new game play. In a further embodiment, the value of the first timer is indicated by a number of lights illuminated. In an even further embodiment, the method further comprises providing a numerical indication of a remaining time period value, the remaining time period value being the difference between the start time value and the first timer value. Furthermore, the method may comprise providing a numerical indication of a second time period value, the second time period value indicating the time period lapsed since an intended start of the new game play, e.g. being equal to the first timer value minus the start time value. The method in an even further embodiment comprises resetting the timing device upon the start of a new game play. The method is particularly suited for roulette play, the end of the previous game is determined by detecting the presence of a ball in one of a plurality of pockets in a roulette wheel. The method embodiments as described may provide similar advantages as the corresponding game timer embodiments described above.

Short description of drawings

[0011] The present invention will be discussed in more detail below, using a number of exemplary embodiments, with reference to the attached drawings, in which

Fig. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the game timer according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a front plate comprising the indicators of the game timer according to the present invention; and

Fig. 3 shows a simplified block diagram of an embodiment of a plurality of game timers and a central unit.

Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

[0012] In Fig. 1, a schematic block diagram is shown of an embodiment of the game timer 10 according to the present invention. The game timer 10 comprises a timing device 4, which is connected to a start-of-game detector 5 and an end-of-game detector 6. Furthermore, the timing device 4 is connected to a first indicator 1, a second indicator 2 and a third indicator 3. Finally, the timing device 4 is connected to an interface unit 7, which allows the game timer 10 to communicate with other game timers 10, or other external equipment.

[0013] The game timer 10 according to the present invention may be used to provide a higher frequency of game play, e.g. in a casino. Using the game timer 10, it is possible to determine whether a new game play may or should be started, resulting in a more even game play frequency, and eventually a higher turn around.

[0014] The game timer 10 may be used as a spin control device in a roulette game, and a possible embodiment of the actual implementation of the spin control device front plate 15 is shown schematically in Fig. 2. On the front plate 15, an inner ring with LED's 11, an outer ring with LED's 12, and a numerical display 13 in the center part are provided. The inner ring may comprise red and orange rectangular LED's 11, and forms the first indicator 1 of the embodiment of Fig. 1. The outer ring may comprise green LED's 12, and forms the second indicator 2 of the embodiment of Fig. 1. Finally, the numerical indicator 13 forms the third indicator 3 of the embodiment of Fig. 1.

[0015] The timing device 4 comprises logic circuitry, or even a microcontroller or processor with associated memory devices, and is arranged for keeping time using one or more timers, in a manner known to the skilled person. The timing device 4 may be programmed to receive a start time value, which is a maximum time value which is allowed before a next game play should be started after the end of the previous game play. E.g. in a roulette game, an end of a play may be detected using the end-of-game detector 6. The end-of-game detector 6 may be any kind of detector which senses that the roulette ball has come to rest in one of the pockets of a roulette wheel (inductive, capacitive, optical sensor, etc.). The timing device 4 is also connected to the start-of game detector 5, which is e.g. a sensor which senses the entry of a roulette ball in the roulette wheel, or a switch operated by the roulette croupier.

[0016] After detection of the end of a game play, a timer is started in the timing device 4, e.g. upon detection of an appropriate signal from the end-of-game detector 6. The timing device 4 is arranged to illuminate the LED's 11 of the first indicator 1 incrementally one by one, until the complete inner ring with LED's 11 is illuminated when the timer reaches the start time value. The ring of LED's 11 thus provide a representation of the value of the timer. After that, also the second indicator 2 (outer ring with LED's 12) starts blinking or illuminates in a predefined pattern (loop) to indicate that a new game play should be started. Upon detection of the start of a new game play, e.g. when the timing device 4 receives an associated signal from the start-of-game detector 5, the timer is reset, and the first and second indicator 1, 2, are turned off.

[0017] The first and second indicator 1, 2 may in a further embodiment be combined, and implemented as a single plurality of LED's, e.g. LED's 11. In the same manner as the embodiment described above, the LED's 11 are illuminated one by one (first indicator 1), and when the timer equals the start time value, the LED's 11 are controlled to e.g. flash (second indicator 2).

[0018] The numerical display 13 (or third indicator 3) may operate in a number of different modes. In a first embodiment, the timing device 4 controls the third indicator 3 in a count down manner. When an end of game play is detected, the timing device 4 counts down using the third indicator 3 from the (programmed) start time value down to zero, e.g. by subtracting the timer value from the start time value. The third indicator 3 thus indicates how long it will take for a new game play will start, while the first indicator 1 provides an increasing time indication. Especially for the game players, such an indication is useful.

[0019] In a further mode, the numerical display 13 indicates in an incremental manner, the time period since a new game play should have started (i.e. since the first indicator 1 reached full illumination, or since the second indicator 2 started to blink). This mode is particularly useful for the game controller (roulette croupier) or the floor manager in a casino, and will urge a consistent game play frequency. The value to be indicated may be obtained from the same timer in the timing device 4, by subtracting the start time value from the timer value.

[0020] In an even further mode, a combination of the above modes is executed by the timing device 4: first the numerical display 13 counts down from the start time value to zero, and after reaching zero, the numerical display 13 starts to count upwards.

[0021] Again, when a new game is initiated, as detected by the start-of-game detector 5, also the third indicator 3 (or numerical display 13) is reset, or shut off.

[0022] The game timer 10 as described above may advantageously be used in a roulette game, as discussed. However, also other game types may benefit from the game timer 10 according to the present invention, especially when there is a relatively long betting phase of the game, and when the game players have a free choice to enter bets in a defined game phase. Examples of other games are e.g. (but not limited to) Punto Banco, Baccarat, Sic Boo, Big Wheel, etc. In all of these games, also suitable start-of game detectors 5 and end-of-game detectors 6 may be selected. E.g. in the Punto Banco or Baccarat game, the electronic input of the croupier for the game display may be used accordingly (e.g. which bet has won the game to indicate the end of the game play). In the Big Wheel game, a detector may be used which senses whether the wheel is spinning or not. In Sic Boo, in which dice are used, the input of the croupier to start a throw of dice can be used as triggering signal.

[0023] The game timer 10 of the present invention may also advantageously be applied in multi-roulette games, wherein multiple players play roulette on a series of machines, and the winning number is determined by a single, normal roulette table. Especially for the players, the game frequency on the actual table should be as steady as possible, which is allowed by the game timer according to the present invention. As a result, the waiting period after placing a bet on a roulette machine may be shorter than without the game timer 10.

[0024] The game timer 10 will also allow to control the sequence of play on neighboring roulette tables, e.g. in order to make sure that a game is not started at the same time on a neighboring roulette table. The interface unit 7 of a game timer 10 may be coupled to an interface unit 7 of a game timer 10 on a neighboring roulette table to accomplish this. Also, by creating the more stable frequency of play using the present game timer 10, the synchronization of neighboring tables is much easier to accomplish.

[0025] The present game timer 10 also allows to introduce more regularity in the frequency of game play, which may also be helpful in re-aspiring play on roulette tables with a low frequency of game play, or to spread the use of game play on different tables in a room more evenly. This will result in a more attractive atmosphere and dynamics in the room.

[0026] In an even further embodiment, multiple game timers 10 may be connected to a single control unit 20, as depicted schematically in Fig. 3. This allows e.g. to monitor a large number of game locations in a game room by a single supervisor. Also, the control unit 20 may be arranged to perform data analysis on the various data obtained by each game timer 10.

Claims

1. Game timer comprising a timing device (4), an end-of-game detector (6) connected to the timing device (4) for detecting an end of a game play, characterized in that the game timer further comprises a first indicator (1) and a second indicator (2) connected to the timing device (4), in which the timing device (4) is arranged to start a first timer upon receiving a signal from the end-of-game detector (6) indicating the end of the game play, to indicate on the first indicator (1) a representation of the value of the first timer, and to indicate on the second indicator (2) that the value of the first timer exceeds a start time value, the start time value indicating the intended maximum time period between an end of a game play and a start of a new game play.

2. Game timer according to claim 1, in which the first indicator (1) comprises a plurality of lights (11), the value of the first timer being indicated by the number of lights (11) illuminated.

3. Game timer according to claim 1 or 2, in which the game timer further comprises a third indicator (3) connected to the timing device (4), and in which the timing device (4) is further arranged to provide on the third indicator (3) a numerical indication of a remaining time period value, the remaining time period value being the difference between the start time value and the first timer value.

4. Game timer according to claim 1 or 2, in which the game timer further comprises a third indicator (3) connected to the timing device (4), and in which the timing device (4) is further arranged to provide on the third indicator (3) a numerical indication of a second time period value, the second time period value indicating the time period lapsed since an intended start of the new game play.

5. Game timer according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the game timer further comprises a start-of-game detector (5) connected to the timing device (4), and in which the timing device (4) is reset upon receiving a signal from the start-of game detector (5) indicating the start of a new game play.

6. Game timer according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the end-of-game detector (6) is arranged to detect the presence of a ball in one of a plurality of pockets in a roulette wheel.

7. Method for indicating a desired start of a new game play, comprising
starting a first timer upon detection of the end of a previous game play,
indicating the value of the first timer, and
indicating when the value of the first timer exceeds a start time value, the start time value indicating the intended maximum time period between an end of a game play and a start of a new game play.

8. Method according to claim 7, in which the value of the first timer is indicated by a number of lights illuminated.

9. Method according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising
providing a numerical indication of a remaining time period value, the remaining time period value being the difference between the start time value and the first timer value.

10. Method according to any one of claims 7 through 9, further comprising
providing a numerical indication of a second time period value, the second time period value indicating the time period lapsed since an intended start of the new game play.

11. Method according to any one of claims 7 through 10, further comprising resetting the timing device (4) upon the start of a new game play.

12. Method according to any one of claims 7 through 11, in which the end of the previous game is determined by detecting the presence of a ball in one of a plurality of pockets in a roulette wheel.

Drawing