Hybrid system for integrating a networked software game using a physical dice machine and a digital software platform, in which a live stream camera is integrated into the process

Abstract

System requirement: Hybrid system for integrating a networked software game using a physical dice machine (1) and a digital software platform (7), in which a live stream camera (6) is integrated into the process; characterized in that a physical dice machine (1) which integrates a mechanical dice mechanism for generating random results and is equipped with sensors (2) for precisely detecting and evaluating the diced results.

Description

Foreword

[0001] Every day, over 20 million people worldwide play online backgammon on various gaming platforms. A significant proportion—about 10 percent of these players—participate professionally in real-money games or tournaments, either to earn a living or at least to secure a regular supplementary income.

[0002] Backgammon is a strategic board game in which the course of the game and ultimately the outcome—victory or defeat—is determined both by the players' tactical skill and, to a large extent, by the results of the dice rolls. In online games, these dice rolls are generated by so-called random number generators (RNGs), which are designed to ensure that the game is random and fair.

[0003] Nevertheless, a large portion of online players harbors a great deal of mistrust: An estimated 70 percent of online backgammon players express dissatisfaction with the trustworthiness of the platforms they play on. The frequently voiced accusation is that the dice results generated by the system could be manipulated, thus compromising fair and equal competition.

[0004] The aim of this invention is therefore to develop a new type of online backgammon platform that offers the highest degree of transparency and fairness. Appropriate technical and conceptual measures are intended to eliminate any suspicion of possible manipulation of dice results from the outset, thus permanently strengthening player confidence.

[0005] This task is solved by having the rolling of conventional dice done by a dice machine and transmitted to the user screen via a live stream camera. Technical area:

[0006] The invention relates to the technical integration of physical random number generators with digital gaming environments, particularly in the field of online gambling. It is focused on tamper-proof random number generation in dice games and also includes the audiovisual integration of a live stream camera application to increase game transparency and user interaction. Particular focus is placed on the application in the traditional game of backgammon, although the invention is universally extendable to other dice games. Typical fields of application include: Board games. Monitoring and regulation of gambling, especially in casinos. Organization and evaluation of tournaments with dice elements, e.g., in eSports. Broadcasting and integration into remote gaming environments, including streaming formats and hybrid event formats. State of the art:

[0007] Previous online dice games, such as backgammon, are based exclusively on digital random number generators (RNGs) that operate at the software level. These systems are invisible to players and therefore cannot guarantee the highest levels of trust in terms of fairness and security against manipulation. The integration of real dice results into online games does not currently exist in a fully automated form. Likewise, there is no known system combination with a higher-level live stream camera that provides a visual representation of the real dice processes during the game and serves as an interface between the real dice results and the game interface. Object of the invention:

[0008] The object of the invention is to provide a system that combines a physical, sensor-monitored dice machine with an online gaming platform (especially for backgammon). The goal is to generate the dice roll result realistically, record it securely, transmit it digitally, and integrate it into the gaming system without delay. A live stream camera complements the system visually and audibly, increasing both confidence in the gameplay and immersion for the user. Solution to the task:

[0009] The invention solves the problem by means of a networked overall system that enables automated, tamper-proof and user-friendly recording and evaluation of dice results.

[0010] The process begins with a physical dice machine equipped with sensors to detect dice movement and accurately determine the final result. The sensor data is transferred to an integrated microcontroller immediately after the dice roll is completed.

[0011] The microcontroller handles data processing in real time and forwards the recorded dice results to a central server-based backend via a Wi-Fi interface. There, the data assignment of the result to a game event takes place, as well as structured further processing for game evaluation and display on the user interface.

[0012] The system also includes at least one imaging unit in the form of a live-stream camera. The live-stream camera enables visual documentation of the dice rolling process in real-time, continuously capturing video data of the game. This component serves both to promote user engagement and to preserve evidence during the game.

[0013] To ensure data integrity and comply with regulatory or gaming law requirements, a blockchain module is integrated. This ensures audit-proof, immutable storage of all dice results and game events.

[0014] The system's user interface is designed to be platform-independent and accessible across various devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets, PCs). This ensures high user-friendliness and flexible application in both private and professional contexts.

[0015] This technical interaction creates the basis for an innovative, trustworthy, and scalable solution for automated dice scoring and game analysis – with potential applications in gaming, gambling, and interactive events. Software:

[0016] The planned new online backgammon platform is designed to meet the functional standards of market-leading systems. This includes, among other things, a full implementation of gaming features, a structured user interface for the lobby area, customizable display options, and the ability to integrate communication interfaces, including, in particular, the integration of a live stream camera for real-time user interaction. The new platform naturally allows backgammon and other dice games to be played across devices—it is fully compatible with PCs, tablets, and mobile phones. Hardware:

[0017] The dice machine features a membrane supporting surface, which is set in motion by vibration or air pressure, upon which two precision dice rest. A glass cover prevents the dice from falling. The live stream camera is mounted above the glass cover. The dice machine is installed at a central location, physically separate from the users. This machine is functionally connected to the online platform and is available to all registered participants. The dice machine is not activated continuously, but rather at the request of a participant when a dice result is required during the game. If necessary, several dice machines can be operated in parallel and using the same procedure. Example process for participants:

[0018] Registration is required before participation. After successfully logging in with a username and password, the user receives access to the platform interface in the so-called lobby area. Within this area, the user can choose between different game modes, such as real money or play money, select opponents, and configure individual game parameters, such as game length, stake amount, and similar settings.

[0019] A game begins automatically with the starting lineup of the game as soon as two users have bindingly accepted the respective previously defined game conditions.

[0020] The live stream camera window with top view of the dice machine is displayed in the upper right corner of the user screen and remains visible throughout the game.

[0021] The players can now activate the dice machine for their required move by clicking. The dice are then started on the dice machine. After 3 seconds, the vibration ends, and the stationary dice numbers are recorded by the recognition system and virtually displayed on the user screen. The rolled dice numbers remain unchanged on the live stream camera for 5 seconds before the dice machine switches to standby mode. Both opponents can follow this entire dice machine process in real time on their live stream camera windows. The dice results are automatically recorded by the game system and transmitted in encrypted form to the server software. The players then take turns making their moves according to the desired numbers and implement them on their respective game boards in accordance with the rules.

[0022] The software evaluates the moves in real time, updates the score and displays the result directly on the user's screen. 1 dice machine 2 Sensor technology 3 microcontrollers 4 WLAN module 5 backend servers 6 Camera unit 7 User interface 8 Blockchain module 9 live stream windows

Claims

[1] System requirement: Hybrid system for integrating a networked software game using a physical dice machine (1) and a digital software platform (7), in which a live stream camera (6) is integrated into the process; characterized by that a physical dice machine (1) which integrates a mechanical dice mechanism for generating random results and is equipped with sensors (2) for the precise recording and evaluation of the diced results. [2] System according to claim 1, characterized by that a microcontroller (3) which processes the recorded sensor data (2) of the dice machine (1) and forwards them via an integrated WLAN module (4) for wireless transmission to a central server backend (5). [3] System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the server backend (5) processes the received data from the microcontroller (3) in real time and automatically correlates it with the associated game event, saves it and updates the player interface (7) accordingly. [4] System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a live stream camera (6) is mounted in a top view perspective above the dice chamber (1), which enables visual and auditory documentation of the dice rolling process in real time and continuously transmits the dice rolling process on the user interface (7) of the digital game platform (7) as a video stream. [5] System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that several dice machines (1) are operated in parallel and synchronously and the game selection process provides for automatic allocation of the available machine. [6] System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the storage is tamper-proof and audit-proof in a blockchain (8), which ensures that the history of the game is visible and traceable for all players. [7] System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the live stream camera (6) function also archives recorded sequences of the dice rolling process for the purpose of preserving evidence, which can be retrieved in the event of a dispute. [8] System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the platform can be used device-independently via web browsers on PCs, tablets and smartphones. [9] System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it is designed independently of a specific dice game and, in a structured form, allows adaptation to other dice game variants with different game mechanics. [10] System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the dice machine (1) is arranged in a sealed, transparent housing which allows visual observation but prevents manual intervention.

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