Slot machine with chip detection for local and remote gaming

Abstract

This disclosure relates to gaming systems and methods associated with coin pushers. Various embodiments may include: identifying characteristics of game coins received at the coin pusher via sensors; determining whether the game coin is valid to initiate a game round; initiating the game round; determining the value of any game coins received during the game round; and updating the player account. Other embodiments may support remote operation and gameplay. In examples, the system and method may include receiving information indicating a remote input for a game round, initiating the game round, settling the input, and updating the player account associated with the input.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 587,051, filed September 29, 2023, and U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 896,761, filed September 25, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to, but is not limited to, the field of gaming devices and their usage. Background Technology

[0004] Casinos and other gaming venues offer a variety of games to attract players. These games may include live table games (such as roulette, dice, blackjack, etc.), virtual games, physical machines (such as roulette machines), single-player gaming machines, stadium-style group gaming stations, and combinations of various game types.

[0005] A coin pusher is a casino game in which a moving element (such as a pusher) moves back and forth at the back of a platform. Multiple tokens are stacked on the platform, piled up at the front. If the pusher touches any token, it can cause that token to push one or more other tokens off the edge of the platform's front. Sometimes the pusher may touch a token but not cause any to fall off the edge. If a token does fall off the edge, it lands in a trough from which players can collect it. At a certain point, the tokens on the platform and the pusher reach a balance point, at which point the pusher no longer touches any tokens, and the game begins.

[0006] Players insert one coin into a slot located at the top of a platform. The coin falls onto the platform, which is already filled with coins. As the coin falls, it adds to and disturbs existing coins, potentially causing a lever to push other coins off the edge. Players can then collect these coins. If the number of coins pushed off the edge exceeds the number inserted, the player wins. However, it's also possible for a player to insert multiple coins without any falling off the edge, or for the number of coins falling to the edge to be less than the player's initial investment.

[0007] Traditionally, coin pusher players had to travel to a casino or gaming venue and acquire physical game tokens (such as game tokens worth 25 or 1) to participate in the game. However, traveling to a casino was not always feasible, and acquiring enough tokens could also be difficult. When players were unable to visit the casino or acquire the required number of tokens, the casino lost business opportunities, and the players missed out on the gaming experience.

[0008] In addition, players have a variety of game types, options, and platforms available. Casinos and game providers must continuously innovate to attract and retain players, maintain profitability, and enhance the player experience. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This disclosure relates to systems and methods for operating a coin pusher game device. In one embodiment, the method may include: receiving information indicating an input (which may be remote) for a game round on the coin pusher game device; initiating a game round based on the input; settling the input by determining the value of any game coins received during the game round; and updating a player account based on the settled input. Remote input may be associated with a player account, and initiating a game round may include: providing game coins to a platform of the coin pusher game device. The platform includes a plurality of game coins, and a pusher drives the plurality of game coins toward the edge of the platform.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the method may also provide a live video stream of the coin-pushing game device on a user interface associated with a remote computing device. The remote computing device may be at least one of a mobile computing device or a player station. In some embodiments, initiating a game round includes automatically transferring game coins from a storage area associated with the game device to the platform. A transfer device may automatically transfer at least one game coin from a collection area to the storage area.

[0011] According to another embodiment, the game system may include a computing device including a processor and a memory, the memory including instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the computing device to at least: identify features of game coins received at a coin pusher device via a sensor, determine whether the game coins are valid based on the features to initiate a game round, and, when the game coins are determined to be valid, initiate a game round on the coin pusher device, determine the value of any game coins received during the game round, and update the player account based on the value.

[0012] The features may include at least one of the following: visual features, physical features, electronic features, and a value associated with the game coin. Visual features may include at least one of the following: edge markings on the game coin, patterns on the game coin, at least one color on the game coin, and ultraviolet fluorescence. Physical features may include at least one of the game coin's weight and shape. Electronic features may be associated with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. Sensors may include at least one of the following: a weight sensor, an RFID sensor, an ultraviolet detection sensor, an image sensor, and a shape detection sensor.

[0013] A coin pusher game device may include: a platform holding multiple game coins; a pusher that drives the multiple game coins toward an edge or rim; a sensor that identifies features of a first game coin and a value associated with the first game coin; a path for receiving the first game coin and delivering it onto the platform; and a collection area for collecting any game coins driven away from the edge by the pusher. Other features may include: a coin slot for manually receiving the first game coin and positioning it for identification by the sensor; and a conveyor for returning at least one game coin from the collection area to a storage area.

[0014] The above and other features will become clearer when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims in the following detailed description. This summary is intended to present some concepts in a simplified form, which will be further elaborated in the detailed description below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor should it be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a coin pusher game device according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the platform of the coin pusher game device according to an embodiment, further showing the pusher, the game coin on the platform, and the edge of the platform.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a top view of different types and denominations of game coins for a coin pusher game device according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of a game coin with an RFID chip according to an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a top view of a mobile computing device according to an embodiment, illustrating remote gameplay of a coin pusher game device according to an embodiment.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a top-down view of a player standing in front of a game station according to an embodiment, which supports remote gameplay with a coin pusher device.

[0021] Figure 7 These are top, front, and side views of a single-player coin pusher game device according to an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A more detailed side view of the coin pusher device shown further illustrates the shock absorber according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 9 These are front and top views of a multiplayer coin pusher game device according to an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the security features of a coin pusher game device according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of providing remote gameplay, as provided in an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating game coin recognition and gameplay examples provided according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 13 This is an illustration of an exemplary block diagram representing a general computer system in which the methods and systems disclosed herein, or parts thereof, may be incorporated. Detailed Implementation

[0028] This disclosure describes specific embodiments and their detailed construction and operation. The embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit. Those skilled in the art will understand from the content described herein that various equivalent embodiments exist. In particular, it should be noted that other embodiments are possible, variations can be made to the embodiments described herein, and equivalent alternatives may exist for the components, parts, or steps constituting the embodiments. For the sake of clarity and brevity, certain aspects of components or steps in some embodiments have not been described in excessive detail; such details should be obvious to those skilled in the art based on the content described herein, and excessive detail may hinder the understanding of more critical aspects of the embodiments.

[0029] Figure 1 An exemplary coin pusher 100 is shown. The coin pusher may include a cabinet 110 that houses electrical and mechanical components for operating and playing the game. The coin pusher 100 may include a horizontal or generally horizontal platform 120 on which a plurality of game tokens 125 are included. The game tokens may be a type of game token (such as casino tokens) or other objects (such as plastic or metal discs).

[0030] Game coins 125 can fall into chute 115 and onto platform 120. In some embodiments, players can manually insert game coins into slot 105 at the front of cabinet 110 to start a game round. In other embodiments (such as during remote gameplay), game coins contained in storage container 170 can automatically fall into chute 115 when the game starts.

[0031] The push rod 130 may include at least one movable element, such as a push rod arm that drives multiple game coins (including dropped game coins) toward edge 150. The push rod 130 may continuously move between a first position and a second position (see, for example, path 140) to drive multiple game coins 125 toward edge 150. A motor (not shown) housed within cabinet 110 may drive the movement of the push rod 130. In some examples, the push rod 130 includes a fixed arm or edge, while the platform moves along path 140 between the first and second positions. Figure 2 Another example is provided of a game coin 125 located on platform 120 between the second position 202 and the edge 150. A pusher 130 is shown in the first position 204, with a path 140 located between the first position 204 and the second position 202.

[0032] Game coins pushed past edge 150 may fall into collection area 160. In some embodiments, the collection area includes a guard 165, which serves as a safety measure to prevent objects and players from entering cabinet 110 and attempting to collect game coins from the platform. In some embodiments, guard 165 is movable between an open position and a closed position to guide the landing point of fallen game coins. In the open position, game coins entering collection area 160 may be guided to the cabinet opening to allow players to collect the acquired game coins. The open position may be available during gameplay. The closed position may be the default position. In one example, the closed position may allow the guard to block the cabinet opening and guide any fallen game coins to storage container 170. Guard 165 may remain in the closed position until the game or game round begins. At the start of the game or game round, guard may be switched to the open position during gameplay and switched back to the closed position after that round or the end of the game. Figure 8 The teleportation system 810, further shown in the diagram, can transport any dropped game coins from the collection area 160 to the storage container 170. Although Figure 8 The location and dimensions of the conveyor system 810 depicted do not accurately reflect its actual location, but they illustrate that conventional coin pushers use a coin track to circulate tokens inside the machine. The coin track is made of metal, and the coins are also made of metal, so this circulation system works well in this environment. However, tokens do not have the same hardness as coins, so the coin track causes them to wear out more quickly. Accordingly, the coin pusher 100 uses a conveyor belt to move tokens from the collection area to the storage area, thereby slowing down the wear and tear on the tokens.

[0033] The coin pusher 100 may include at least one sensor system 190 to detect characteristics of the game tokens. These characteristics may serve as a safety measure to ensure that the machine uses the correct game tokens. The sensor system 190 may also help prevent damage to the coin pusher or improper use of the coin pusher.

[0034] As described in this article, game coins (such as casino game coins) can be used as game coins for coin pushers in various embodiments. Figure 3 Examples of different game tokens that can be used in the scheme described herein are shown. Game tokens have different designs and patterns to distinguish them from those used in other casinos, other gaming venues, and other types of game tokens. Game tokens may have distinguishable edge markings 302, text, symbols, denomination markings (such as 5, 10, 50, 100, etc.), weight, size (see, for example, game token 308), and other features such as radio frequency identification (RFID) tags (see...). Figure 4 (Further discussion) or ultraviolet (UV) light can detect color 220.

[0035] The sensor system 190 can identify characteristics of the game token, such as at least one of its physical, visual, or electronic features. Since many casinos use game tokens of similar size and weight, the sensor system 190's ability to identify token characteristics can help determine the type of token and ensure that the machine 100 uses the correct token. In some embodiments, the sensor system 190 can also identify the value of the game token. The value of the game token can be associated with different game modes, game types, and stakes.

[0036] In some embodiments, the sensor system 190 can identify physical characteristics including at least one of the coin's weight and shape. For example, missized coins (such as too large or too small) can be prevented from being delivered to platform 120. (See reference...) Figure 3 In one example, when the coin pusher is set to manually accept coins of specific sizes (e.g., 10, 50, or 100 denominations), a physically smaller 5-denomination coin might be rejected. For example, a 5-denomination coin could be fed directly to the collection area instead of being sent to platform 120 via chute 115. Similarly, coins of different denominations can have different weights. A weight sensor can be configured to verify that the coin has a specific weight or is within a specific weight range, and reject any coin that does not meet the coin pusher's weight settings.

[0037] Visual features may include: edge marking design on the coin (such as edge marking 302), pattern on the coin, at least one color on the coin, and ultraviolet fluorescence (such as ultraviolet coloring 304). The sensor system 190 may verify the coin type or coin denomination based on one or more unique visual features associated with the coin.

[0038] like Figure 4As further shown, electronic features may include information detected from and associated with an RFID tag (see, for example, RFID tag 306). The game coin 125 may include a front design 402, a front counterweight 404 (which also forms part of the edge marking), a colored denomination identifier 406 (which also forms part of the edge marking), an RFID chip 306, a back counterweight 408 (which also forms part of the edge marking), and a back design 410. The front design and back image may indicate the denomination, the game coin issuer, and other features. The sensor system 190 may verify the game coin type based on the RFID tag 306 on or inside the game coin. For example, the RFID tag may provide information related to at least one of the following: the value of the game coin, the type of game coin, and the game history associated with the game coin. The unique ID of each RFID tag also enables the identification of the quantity of game coins currently in the machine, storage container, platform, and / or collection area.

[0039] Although Figure 1 The sensor system 190 shown is located in the lower part of the cabinet 110, but it can be located at any or multiple locations within the coin pusher 100, and may include multiple components or sensors, including one or more of the following: a weight sensor, an RFID sensor, an ultraviolet detection sensor, an image sensor, and a shape detection sensor. In various embodiments, the sensor system 190 can identify the characteristics of the coin before it falls into the chute 115. In various embodiments, the sensor system 190 can identify the characteristics of the coin after it has been received by the slot 105, or when it is being conveyed from the storage container 190.

[0040] In other examples, such as Figure 8 As shown, the sensor system 190 may include a tilt detection sensor 800 mounted between the control panel 802 and the main unit 804 of the coin pusher to monitor the orientation of the cabinet 110. The tilt detection sensor 800 may be located at any location within the cabinet 110, or at multiple locations within the cabinet 110, such that it is triggered when the cabinet tilts, impacts, collides, or shakes. The tilt detection sensor 800 may trigger alarms (e.g., visual alarms, audible alarms, combinations of alarm types, etc.) or other notifications, broadcast or transmitted (e.g., to other computing devices) with information about the alarm event, such as... Figure 10 As further illustrated, the tilt detection sensor can also automatically stop or shut down the game. During an alarm event, the guard 165 can switch to the off position or lock in the off position. After an alarm event, the coin pusher 100 may need to be reset. Other safety measures can also be implemented when an alarm occurs. For example, in Figure 10In this system, camera 1002 (whether installed inside the coin pusher or in the environment surrounding it) continuously monitors activities around the coin pusher and stores at least a portion of the generated video. When an alarm event occurs due to a person 1004 tilting, bumping, colliding with, or shaking the coin pusher, video 1006 of the activities around the coin pusher before and after the alarm event can be recorded so that the operator can review the video footage, determine whether the person 1004 attempted to cheat, and take appropriate measures.

[0041] Multiple gameplay modes can utilize different types of game currency (such as casino tokens), reward formats (such as virtual currency), game locations (such as local games and remote games), security features (such as sensor system 190), and token distribution events (such as automatic and player-initiated). Any combination of game mode features can be combined to provide a customized gaming experience.

[0042] In the first example, the player manually inserts game token 125 into slot 105. The game token slides down chute 115 onto platform 120, and any game tokens pushed down as a result enter collection area 160 from platform 120.

[0043] In the second example, players can link their player accounts to game rounds. For example, Figure 1 As shown, players can insert player cards or other identification credentials into card slot 180 to link their player accounts to the game. Subsequently, players can manually insert game coins 125 into slot 105. The game coins slide down chute 115 onto platform 120, and any collected game coins are automatically linked to and added to the player's account. This game mode eliminates the need for players to retrieve, count, or carry large amounts of game coins from collection area 160. One or more sensors within collection area 160 can automatically identify the quantity and / or type of game coins falling into the collection area from edge 150. This automatic counting process speeds up the game, allowing for more rounds of gameplay compared to traditional collection methods.

[0044] In the third example, players can link their accounts to start a game round, with game coins being transported from storage container 170 to platform 120 via chute 115. In this example, players do not need to manually insert game coins into slot 105. Therefore, players can play the coin pusher game locally or remotely, with the machine itself retrieving game coins from the storage container and inserting them into chute 115 to complete the coin delivery. Similar to the example above, any game coins that fall into collection area 160 are automatically counted and added to the player's account.

[0045] In the fourth example, players can switch between different game modes and / or features of different game modes. For example, a player can choose to physically insert game coins into slot 105 and then switch to a mode where game coins are automatically delivered from storage container 170. Players can also switch between collecting game coins from collection area 160 and automatically crediting any winnings to their player account.

[0046] Figure 5-6 An example of a remote gameplay mode that can be implemented using the coin pusher 100 is shown, and any examples discussed in this article are also applicable. Figure 5 One gameplay mode is illustrated, in which a user operates a coin pusher 100 using a remote computing device 502. The remote computing device can be a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or other type of computing device that communicates with the coin pusher. Coins that actually fall into the collection area can be electronically credited to the remote gaming account, while physical coins are returned to the storage container. Figure 6 One gameplay mode is illustrated, in which a user operates a coin pusher 100 using a player station 602 in a manner similar to a remote computing device 502. For example, a player station 404 may be located within a gaming venue (such as a casino).

[0047] Figure 7 The structure of the coin pusher is shown in top view 702, front view 704, and side view 706. Figure 8 The structure of the multiplayer coin pusher is shown in front view 902 and top view 904.

[0048] In remote gameplay examples, players can view at least a portion of the coin pusher on a display (e.g., displays 504, 604). For example, platform 120, multiple game tokens 125, and chute 115 are visible on displays 504, 506. In various embodiments, the display provides a live video stream of the coin pusher. Remote players can start game rounds in real time and can initiate and view the live coin delivery and game results.

[0049] Player accounts can be linked to remote gameplay, allowing game events to be recorded or deducted in real time based on events occurring on the coin pusher. In some examples, a field operator can be set up to perform one or more aspects of the coin pusher operation based on instructions received via a remote computing device. In other examples, the coin pusher operation is automated and can execute instructions received via a remote computing device, eliminating the need for a field operator.

[0050] Figure 11 A flowchart example related to local or remote gameplay is shown. At box 1110, each aspect can receive information indicating the local or remote input for the game round on the coin pusher.

[0051] At box 1120, each party can launch a game round based on local or remote input. In some examples, launching a game round involves manually placing game tokens onto the coin pusher's platform. Alternatively, the game round can be launched remotely, such as via a mobile computing device, player station, or other remote computing device. In such examples, the game tokens may be provided by the coin pusher itself. Launching a game round may require linking a player account to the game round, such as by logging into a player account, inserting a player card into the coin pusher, or other methods.

[0052] At box 1130, parties can settle bets by determining the value of game coins received during a game round. Bet settlement may include determining the quantity and value of game coins received in the collection area during a game round, or after game coins are delivered to the platform. In some examples, the value of game coins may be limited to game coins received within a specific time period (e.g., 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds) after game coins are delivered to the platform. In other examples, this time period may refer to a period after the last game coin is received in the collection area. Different time periods can be implemented, for example, to keep the game running efficiently and promptly.

[0053] At box 1140, player accounts can be updated based on settlement inputs. Player accounts associated with game rounds can be credited with the value associated with any in-game currency received in the collection area. If no in-game currency is collected in the collection area, the player account can be deducted the value associated with one or more in-game currencies delivered to the platform.

[0054] In some examples, the coin pusher can automatically return one or more game coins received in the collection area to the storage area. For example, the delivery can take place after a game round ends.

[0055] Figure 12 An exemplary flowchart relating to coin identification and gameplay according to an embodiment is shown. At block 1210, aspects may be used to identify features of the coin received at the coin pusher via sensors. As described herein, sensors may include one or more of a weight sensor, an RFID sensor, an ultraviolet detection sensor, an image sensor, and a shape detection sensor. The sensors may be positioned to identify the coin before it is conveyed to the platform. For example, the sensors may be positioned along a path between the slot and the chute for receiving the coin. In the example where the coin originates from a storage container, the sensors may be located on or around the storage container. The sensors may identify the coin as it leaves the storage container or before it is conveyed to the chute and the platform.

[0056] The features of a game coin can be physical features, including at least one of the coin's weight and shape. Features can also be visual features, including at least one of the following: edge markings on the coin, patterns on the coin, at least one color on the coin, and ultraviolet fluorescence. Features can also be electronic features, such as information associated with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag.

[0057] At box 1220, various parties can determine the validity of game tokens based on features to initiate a game round. The coin dispenser can accept game tokens with one or more features and reject game tokens that do not have one or more features. Accepted game tokens can be delivered to the platform, while rejected game tokens can be transferred to a separate storage area or rejection container.

[0058] In some examples, tokens with inappropriate size characteristics may fail to enter the token slot on the coin dispenser. In other examples, inappropriately sized tokens (e.g., tokens that are too small) may be diverted to a different path instead of being conveyed to the chute leading to the platform. Token acceptance or rejection can be a binary decision based on whether sensors identify one or more desired characteristics associated with a valid token. In various examples, this determination may occur in real time or in a manner that ensures the player does not perceive a delay or noticeable lag after inserting a token or initiating a coin dispenser.

[0059] At box 1230, each party can initiate a game round when the game token is confirmed to be valid. After the game token is confirmed to be valid, a game round can be initiated by transferring the game token to the platform.

[0060] At box 1240, various aspects can determine the value of any game coins received during a game round. One or more sensors can automatically determine the value of the game coins. Game coins received during a game round can refer to any game coins received in the collection area within a certain period after the game coins are delivered to the platform.

[0061] This disclosure describes specific embodiments and their detailed construction and operation. The embodiments described herein are presented in an illustrative rather than limiting manner. In view of the teachings herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that the exemplary embodiments described herein can have a range of equivalents. Most notably, other embodiments are possible, variations can be made to the embodiments described herein, and the components, parts, or steps constituting the embodiments can have equivalents. For clarity and brevity, details that are readily understood by those skilled in the art based on the teachings herein and / or that may obscure a more relevant aspect of the embodiments are not described in great detail when presenting certain aspects of the components or steps of some embodiments.

[0062] The aforementioned technologies can be implemented on computing devices associated with gaming devices (e.g., player terminals operating one or more games, mobile computing devices such as smartphones, laptops, or tablets), multiple computing devices associated with multiple gaming devices, controllers communicating with gaming devices (e.g., controllers configured to synchronize the gaming devices), or multiple controllers communicating with gaming devices. Furthermore, the technologies can be distributed among computing devices and controllers.

[0063] Figure 13 An exemplary block diagram of a computing system is shown, which includes hardware modules, software modules, and combinations thereof, and can be implemented as a computing device and / or a server.

[0064] In a basic configuration, the computing system may include at least a processor, system memory, storage devices, input / output peripherals, communication peripherals, and an interface bus. Instructions stored in memory can be executed by the processor to implement various methods and operations, including the roulette wheel speed adjustment and result detection optimization described above. The components of the computing system may reside in the gaming device, in other components of the server or network, or be distributed among certain combinations of such devices.

[0065] The interface bus is configured to communicate, transmit, and transfer data, control, and commands between various components of the electronic device. System memory and storage devices include computer-readable storage media such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, hard disk drives, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, flash memory, and other tangible storage media. Any such computer-readable storage medium may be configured to store instructions or program code embodying various aspects of this disclosure. Furthermore, system memory includes operating systems and application programs. The processor is configured to execute the stored instructions and may include, for example, a logic processing unit, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, etc.

[0066] System memory and storage devices may also include computer-readable signal media. Computer-readable signal media may include propagated data signals embodying computer-readable program code therein. Such propagated signals may take any of a variety of forms, including but not limited to electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any combination thereof. Computer-readable signal media may be any computer-readable medium that is not a computer-readable storage medium but can communicate, propagate, or transmit programs for use in conjunction with a computing system.

[0067] In addition, input and output peripherals include user interfaces (e.g., keyboard, screen, microphone, speaker, other input / output devices), as well as computing components (e.g., digital-to-analog converters and analog-to-digital converters), graphics processing units, serial ports, parallel ports, and universal serial buses. Input / output peripherals may also include various sensors, such as light sensors, proximity sensors, GPS, magnetic field sensors, altitude sensors, speed / accelerometer sensors, RSSI sensors, distance sensors, and other types of sensors. These input / output peripherals can be connected to the processor via any port coupled to the interface bus.

[0068] The user interface can be configured to allow users of the computing system to interact with the computing system. For example, the computing system may include instructions that, when executed, cause the computing system to generate the user interface and perform other methods and operations that the user can use to provide input to the computing system and receive output from the computing system.

[0069] The user interface can take the form of a graphical user interface, rendered on a screen, and combined with audio transmitted via speakers and microphones, as well as input received via a keyboard. In one embodiment, the user interface can be generated locally on the computing system. In another embodiment, the user interface can be hosted on a remote computing system and rendered at the computing system. For example, a server can generate the user interface and transmit associated information to a computing device, which then presents the user interface to the user. The computing device can, for example, execute a browser or application that exposes an application programming interface (API) on the server to access the user interface hosted on the server.

[0070] Finally, the communication peripherals of the computing system are configured to facilitate communication between the computing system and other computing systems (e.g., between computing devices and servers) via a communication network. Communication peripherals include, for example, network interface controllers, modems, various modulators / demodulators and encoders / decoders, wireless and wired interface cards, antennas, etc.

[0071] A communication network includes any type of network suitable for providing communication between a computing device and a server, and may include combinations of discrete networks using different technologies. For example, a communication network includes cellular networks, Wi-Fi / broadband networks, local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), telephone networks, fiber optic networks, or combinations thereof. In an example embodiment, the communication network includes the Internet and any network suitable for communicating with the Internet. The communication network may also be configured as a medium for transmitting data between the computing device and the server.

[0072] The aforementioned techniques can be embodied in code modules executed by one or more computers or computer processors, and can be fully or partially automated by these code modules. The code modules can be stored on any type of non-transitory computer-readable medium or computer storage device, such as hard disk drives, solid-state drives, optical discs, etc. The processes and algorithms can be implemented, partially or entirely, in dedicated circuitry. The disclosed processes and the results of the process steps can be persistently or otherwise stored in any type of non-transitory computer memory, such as volatile or non-volatile memory.

[0073] In one embodiment, a method for operating a coin pusher game device includes: receiving information indicating a remote input for a game round on the coin pusher game device, wherein the remote input is associated with a player account; initiating a game round based on the remote input, wherein initiating a game round includes: providing game coins to a platform of the coin pusher game device, wherein the platform includes a plurality of game coins, and wherein the coin pusher game device includes a pusher that drives the plurality of game coins toward an edge of the platform; settling the input by determining the value of any game coins received in a collection area below the edge during the game round; and updating the player account based on the settled input.

[0074] In one embodiment, the method further includes providing a real-time video stream of the coin pusher game device on a user interface associated with a remote computing device, at least during game rounds.

[0075] In one embodiment, the remote computing device is at least one of a mobile computing device and a game station.

[0076] In one embodiment, starting a game round includes automatically transferring game coins from a storage area associated with the game device to the platform.

[0077] In one embodiment, the method further includes automatically transferring at least one game coin from the collection area to the storage area.

[0078] In one embodiment, both the storage area and the collection area are housed within a cabinet associated with the coin pusher game device.

[0079] In one embodiment, a gaming system includes: a computing device including a processor and a memory, the memory including instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the computing device to at least: identify features of game coins received at a coin pusher device via a sensor; determine, based on the features, whether the game coin is valid to initiate a game round; and, when the game coin is determined to be valid, initiate a game round on the coin pusher device, wherein the instructions for initiating the game round include providing game coins to a platform of the coin pusher device, wherein the platform includes a plurality of game coins, and wherein the coin pusher device includes a pusher that drives the plurality of game coins toward an edge of the platform; determine the value of any game coins received in a collection area below the edge during the game round; and update a player account based on the value.

[0080] In an embodiment, the feature is at least one of the following: physical features, visual features, electronic features, and a value associated with game coins.

[0081] In an embodiment, the visual features include at least one of the following: edge markings on the game coin, patterns on the game coin, at least one color on the game coin, and ultraviolet fluorescence.

[0082] In an embodiment, the physical characteristics include at least one of the coin's weight and the coin's shape.

[0083] In one embodiment, the electronic features are associated with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag.

[0084] In an embodiment, the sensor includes at least one of the following: a weight sensor, an RFID sensor, an ultraviolet detection sensor, an image sensor, and a shape detection sensor.

[0085] In one embodiment, when a feature indicates that the game currency is invalid, the game currency is transferred to the currency storage area.

[0086] In one embodiment, a coin-pushing game device includes: a platform for holding multiple game coins; a pusher for driving the multiple game coins toward an edge, wherein the pusher moves between a first position and a second position on the platform; a sensor for identifying features of a first game coin and a value associated with the first game coin; a path for receiving the first game coin and providing the first game coin onto the platform; and a collection area for collecting any game coins driven away from the edge by the pusher.

[0087] In one embodiment, a game coin slot is also included for receiving the first game coin and positioning the first game coin for identification by a sensor.

[0088] In one embodiment, a computing device is also included, the computing device being configured to at least: receive an investment from a remote computing device to initiate a game round, wherein the investment is associated with a player account; initiate a game round by transferring a first game coin from a storage area to a path; settle the investment by determining the value of any game coins received in a collection area during the game round; and update the player account based on the settled investment.

[0089] In one embodiment, a transporter is also included for returning at least one game coin from the collection area to the storage area.

[0090] In one embodiment, the computing device is further configured to provide a real-time video stream of the platform on a user interface associated with the remote computing device, at least during game rounds.

[0091] In one embodiment, the platform, push rod, sensor, path, and collection area are all housed within a cabinet, and a tilt detection sensor is configured to trigger an alarm and prevent a game round when the cabinet is tilted.

[0092] In an embodiment, the features include at least one of the following: edge markings on the game coin, patterns on the game coin, at least one color on the game coin, the weight of the game coin, the shape of the game coin, ultraviolet fluorescence, and radio frequency identification (RFID) tags.

[0093] Conditional terms used herein (such as "can," "may," "perhaps," "may," "for example," etc.) are generally intended to indicate that certain embodiments include specific features, elements, and / or steps, while other embodiments do not. Therefore, such conditional terms do not generally imply that the features, elements, and / or steps are necessary for one or more embodiments, nor do they imply that one or more embodiments necessarily include a logical mechanism (whether or not user input or prompting is required) to determine whether to include or perform these features, elements, and / or steps in a particular embodiment. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are synonymous, used in an open-ended manner, and do not exclude additional elements, features, actions, operations, etc. Furthermore, the term "or" is used in an inclusive sense (rather than an exclusive sense); for example, when used to connect a list of elements, "or" indicates one, several, or all of the elements in the list.

[0094] This disclosure describes specific embodiments and their detailed construction and operation. These embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit. Those skilled in the art will understand from this disclosure that various equivalent embodiments exist. In particular, it should be noted that other possible embodiments exist, variations can be made to the embodiments described herein, and equivalent alternatives may exist for the components, parts, or steps constituting the embodiments. For the sake of clarity and brevity, certain aspects of components or steps in some embodiments have not been described in excessive detail; such details are obvious to those skilled in the art based on the content described herein and / or may obscure the understanding of more critical aspects of the embodiments.

[0095] The terms and descriptions above are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute a limitation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations, improvements, and modifications can be made to the concepts without departing from the basic principles of the invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of this invention should be determined only by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for operating a coin pusher game device, the method comprising: Receive information indicating the input for a game round on a coin pusher device, wherein the input is associated with a player account; Based on the input, the game round is started, wherein starting the game round includes: providing game coins to the platform of the coin pusher device, wherein the platform includes multiple game coins, and wherein the coin pusher device includes a pusher that drives the multiple game coins toward the edge of the platform; The input is settled by determining the value of any game coins received in the collection area below the edge during a game round; and The player's account is updated based on the settlement investment.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: At least during game rounds, a real-time video stream of the coin pusher game device is provided on a user interface associated with a remote computing device, through which the push can be made.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the remote computing device is at least one of a mobile computing device and a player station.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein starting a game round comprises: The game currency is automatically transferred from the storage area associated with the game device to the platform.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: At least one game coin in the collection area is automatically transferred to the storage area via a transport device.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein both the storage area and the collection area are housed within a cabinet associated with the coin pusher game device.

7. A game system, comprising: A computing device, including a processor and a memory, the memory including instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the computing device to at least: The characteristics of the game coins received at the coin pusher device are identified by sensors. Based on the aforementioned features, determine whether the game coin is valid to initiate a game round; When the game coin is determined to be valid, a game round is initiated on the coin pusher device, wherein the instruction for initiating the game round includes providing the game coin to the platform of the coin pusher device, wherein the platform includes multiple game coins, and wherein the coin pusher device includes a pusher that drives the multiple game coins toward the edge of the platform; Determine the value of any game coins received in the collection area below the edge during a game round; and Update the player account based on the value.

8. The game system of claim 7, wherein the feature is at least one of the following: physical feature, visual feature, electronic feature, and value associated with game currency.

9. The gaming system of claim 8, wherein the visual feature comprises at least one of the following: edge markings on the game coin, patterns on the game coin, at least one color on the game coin, and one or more of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and ultraviolet fluorescence.

10. The game system of claim 8, wherein the physical feature includes at least one of the weight of the game coin and the shape of the game coin.

11. The gaming system of claim 8, wherein the electronic feature is associated with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag.

12. The gaming system of claim 7, wherein the sensor comprises at least one of the following: a weight sensor, an RFID sensor, an ultraviolet detection sensor, an image sensor, and a shape detection sensor.

13. The game system of claim 7, wherein when the feature indicates that the game currency is invalid, the game currency is transferred to the currency storage area.

14. A coin pusher game device, comprising: The platform is used to hold multiple game currencies; A push rod for driving the plurality of game coins toward an edge, wherein the push rod moves between a first position and a second position on the platform; Sensors are used to identify the characteristics of the first game coin and the values ​​associated with the first game coin; A path is used to receive the first game coin and provide the first game coin to the platform; and The collection area is used to collect any game coins that are driven away from the edge by the push rod.

15. The coin pusher device of claim 14, further comprising a coin slot for manually receiving the first coin and positioning the first coin for identification by the sensor.

16. The coin pusher device of claim 14, further comprising a computing device, said computing device being configured to at least: Receive inputs from a remote computing device to initiate a game round, wherein the inputs are associated with a player account; A game round is initiated by transferring the first game coin from the storage area to the path. The input is settled by determining the value of any game coins received in the collection area below the edge during a game round; and The player's account is updated based on the settlement investment.

17. The coin pusher device of claim 16, further comprising a conveyor for returning at least one game coin from the collection area to the storage area.

18. The coin pusher device of claim 16, wherein the computing device is further configured to: provide a real-time video stream of the platform on a user interface associated with the remote computing device, at least during game rounds.

19. The coin pusher device of claim 14, wherein the platform, the pusher, the sensor, the path, and the collection area are all housed within a cabinet, and wherein, The tilt detection sensor is configured to trigger an alarm and stop a game round when the cabinet is tilted.

20. The coin pusher device of claim 14, wherein the feature is at least one of the following: edge markings on the coin, patterns on the coin, at least one color on the coin, weight of the coin, shape of the coin, ultraviolet fluorescence, and radio frequency identification (RFID) tag.

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