Random number generator for authenticating the results of electronic lottery and luck-and-skill game simulators (ELGCS) run by digital computers.

Abstract

The device covered by this patent application comprises a sheet metal cabinet housing an electronic printer circuit, a print tray with concealment to prevent visibility of the printed content, a tamper-proof sensor, and a sensor for opening and / or tampering with the cabinet. The purpose of the device is to unmistakably authenticate the results of random number-based draws, such as lotteries, gambling, and skill simulators. The device generates random numbers, prints them on thermal paper in the form of coupons, sends these printouts to a tray, conceals the content, but makes the presence of the coupons visible. Only then is the same printed number sent to the simulator, which uses it to process the game. Once extraction / activation is complete, the device moves the coupons out of the cabinet and allows access. Subsequently, the parties can compare the number printed on the coupon with the number displayed on the simulator's monitor or other result display means.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electromechanical device for immediately and independently verifying the results generated by lottery, gambling, and skill simulators (ELGCS). The present invention applies to the field of games that are partially or entirely dependent on random numbers for their execution and use a generator of random or pseudo-random numbers executed by software processed by a computer or other digital electronic circuits for this purpose.

Background Art

[0002] (Current State of the Art) Currently, in many or all of their current implementations, electronic lotteries and games of chance and skill simulators (ELGCS) need to generate game elements randomly or pseudo-randomly in a random manner. Whether these elements are numbers or any kind of graphic symbols. All existing ELGCS implement chance and unpredictability in the game by random or pseudo-random numbers. These numbers can be generated in two different ways. One is the method by natural entropy or "natural randomness". As an example, in the real world, for example, there are many factors involved in calculating the probability of a specific result in a dice game, and countless factors such as the direction and speed of the air, the flatness of the surface, the throwing angle, etc. must be considered.

[0003] Therefore, "true" random number generators reflect this entropy, or natural disorder. These generators are abbreviated as TRNG, from the English term True Random Number Generators. Another possible way to generate random numbers is to ignore natural entropy. To compensate for the lack of entropy and simulate true randomness, an initial value, commonly known as a "seed," is used and applied to an equation (mathematical formula). Using this method, the equation (mathematical formula) can produce a sequence of random numbers that have no predictability pattern. This type of generator is called PRNG, from the English term Pseudo Random Number Generators. For technical convenience, most ELGCS employ the latter PRNG. PRNGs can be derived from countless equations and mathematical methods, can be executed to some extent algorithmically, and can be translated into code executable on a computer using some programming language. As the name suggests, a random number generator produces numbers, specifically real numbers.

[0004] As an example, consider a digital electronically controlled slot machine simulator using three reels, each with 10 symbols. Each of the 10 symbols is assigned a fixed identification number from 1 to 10. The PRNG (Programmable Random Number Generator) generates a random number from 1 to 10 for each of the three reels. This results in a outcome consisting of three random symbols, all independently assigned to each other. If, by chance, these symbols form one of the winning combinations defined by the game's rules, the machine pays for that specific combination.

[0005] Currently, all stages of game processing in ELGCS occur within the software that implements the PRNG. Finally, the numbers obtained from the PRNG execution are formatted into a more suitable structure for processing (e.g., converted to integers, repetitions removed in this process), combinations are examined to determine if there are any winning combinations, the results are presented to the user, and the final prize money is paid. All of this is done within the ELGCS software. [Overview of the project]

[0006] (Limitations of current technology) Currently, there are still unresolved technical issues. The entire process, due to its electronic and digital nature, takes place internally within the ELGCS, invisible to the user. The ELGCS lacks a reliable, immediate, direct, and objective method to verify that it effectively produced the presented results without interference other than strictly adhering to the lottery / game rules implemented within the ELGCS (rules known to the user in advance) and strictly enforcing those rules.

[0007] Current ELGCS systems lack provisions to prove / certify to users that the combinations presented to them at the end of each draw / game are free from defects or interference that could alter the results presented to them, by comparing the sequence of random numbers generated by the random number generation algorithm—from the initial generation process through verification, transport, and display—with the original results obtained immediately after the random numbers were generated. Such alterations could be the product of improper and intentional manipulation, inconsistencies with the rules of the game known to the user, or due to equipment defects and malfunctions. This lack of evidence constitutes a significant functional limitation of current ELGCS systems. That is, modern laws and administrative practices are moving towards demanding greater transparency from companies to consumers of all goods and services. However, the manufacturing and sales divisions of ELGCS systems still exhibit a lack of voluntary (or involuntary) transparency in the processing and display of draw and game results. This is because, currently, there are no available technologies that can verify the results generated by ELGCS in a simple, effective, rapid, and direct manner, other than relying on complex, costly, and time-consuming forensic investigations and examinations, neither for users nor even for testing authorities.

[0008] (Comparison of this device with current technology. Significant limitations have been eliminated, along with significant advantages for ELGCS manufacturers, users, and their testing.) This device addresses doubts about the reliability and transparency of results generated by ELGCS. Generally speaking, the device generates a sequence of random numbers, which is immediately sent to a printer. The printer reproduces this sequence on a thermal paper coupon, which is then internally moved within the device's cabinet to a tamper-proof, concealed print tray. This configuration allows for partial external visibility of the unprinted portion. This clearly demonstrates to the user that the sequence of random numbers used in the draw / game initiated by ELGCS has already been created, printed, and can no longer be altered. These sequences are presented to the user at the end of each draw / game, simultaneously with the presentation of results by ELGCS.

[0009] After confirming that printing and transfer to the hidden print tray are complete, the device immediately sends the same sequence to the ELGCS, which can then begin the draw / game process. The ELGCS must use only the numbers of that sequence, in the same order as received, thereby performing a check aimed at determining the formed combination, whether it is a win or a draw, always in accordance with the rules published for the game in question, and finally presenting them to the user. Once the draw / game is complete, the device shreds the coupon and moves it to the device's exit slot. At this point, the user can access the coupon with the initially generated sequence printed on it, even before the ELGCS has accessed it, and can then compare the sequence generated by the device with the sequence presented by the simulator, which must be exactly identical to it.

[0010] Thus, the device of this patent application eliminates the inherent limitation of current ELGCSs—the inability to authenticate results in the sense that they are not subject to defects imposed by interference, modification, or processing, whether intentional or not—by providing an external mechanism that offers independent authentication of the presented results. This is because the generation of the random number sequence resulting in a combination of winning / winning or losing / non-winning is performed externally, independently of the ELGCS. The ELGCS only passively receives the random number sequence for processing, and even then, this is only done after these random number sequences have been pre-printed, making them immutable and irreversible, and available in an opaque form that can be partially viewed by the user until the draw / game is complete. Due to its external and independent nature, the device operates with and is compatible with any ELGCS that can communicate with the outside world via a standard and widely used interface. To use this device, each simulator only requires minor modifications, such as inserting the necessary code into its respective software to execute a security protocol for instructing the device and receiving the random number sequence and necessary operational and safety information from the device.

[0011] Thus, this device is a significant new technological implementation with original and innovative applications, unlike anything previously seen or similar, and therefore has a positive and comprehensive impact on cutting-edge technology. This innovation arises from the early presentation of the lottery / game results, even before the lottery / game is completed, visually informing the user that irreversible results already exist at that point. This provides ELGCS manufacturers, their users, and even regulatory authorities with an immediate, simple, clear, and low-cost method for verifying the results generated by ELGCS, ensuring that these results faithfully reflect the initially generated random numbers. The results displayed on the ELGCS results screen / results display medium must be identical to those displayed on the coupon printed before the start of the lottery / game. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front view of the device. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the left front of the device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the device, with Figure A showing the front inclined cover in the closed position and Figure B showing the front inclined cover in the open position tilted forward. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the print tray in a completely concealed state. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the hidden print tray components without the lid. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows details of the temporary location of the thermal paper coupon. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows details of the tilt of the front cover and printer support of the cabinet. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a block diagram of the electronic circuit controlled by a microcontroller. [Figure 8a] Figure 8a shows a power supply and voltage regulator circuit. [Figure 8b] Figure 8b shows the microcontroller and external memory. [Figure 8c] Figure 8c shows a sensor controller circuit. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows details of the lower rear of the device cabinet, including the power connection section and the USB connection section. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a diagram (Part 1) showing the logical flow of the interaction between ELGCS and the device. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a diagram (Part 2) showing the logical flow of the interaction between ELGCS and the device. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a diagram (Part 3) showing the logical flow of the interaction between ELGCS and the device. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows a typical installation diagram when ELGCS is attached to the device. [Figure 14]FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the layout of the thermal paper coupon.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0013] This device is a unit that provides complementary and parallel processing to a lottery, gambling, and skill simulator (ELGCS) connected thereto. The purpose of this device is to ensure that the sequence of random numbers provided by the microcomputer-controlled electronic circuit equipped with this device, which is required by the ELGCS, is effectively received, processed, and presented to the user by the ELGCS without the possibility of the content and / or the order of the sequence being changed during the processing by the simulator.

[0014] ELGCS (FIGS. A, B, C, D, E, (1) in FIG. 13) starts the process by sending a status check command (FIG. 10). This command is received at the USB serial port (FIG. 8d, (U12)) and is sent to the CPU (FIG. 8, (CPU), (FIG. 8, (U13)) of the electronic circuit of the device (FIGS. A, B, C, D, E, (2) in FIG. 13), namely the electronic circuit (FIG. 2(5), FIG. 15), using the dedicated security protocol and the expertise of both the ELGCS and the electronic circuit of the device. In response to this command, one of two possible responses, "Yes" or "Unavailable (No)" (FIG. 10), is returned to the ELGCS via the USB serial port (FIG. 8d, (U12)), or no response is returned at all. If "Unavailable" is returned, the ELGCS must follow the logic flow considered most appropriate for processing its status. These are either to continue sending the same command until the device becomes "available" or to interrupt its operation.

[0015] The reasons why the interface returns "unavailable" are as follows. That is, the opening / tampering sensor of the cabinet cover (Figure 2(21) and Figure 3(21)) is activated and monitored by the electronic circuit by the sub-circuit (Figure 8c (SWT_01 and SWT_02)), the presence of the thermal paper coupon and the optoelectronic sensor for the limit switch (Figure B(8:1 / 15) in Figure 5) are activated and monitored by their respective controllers (Figure 8c (U5)), and / or the optoelectronic sensor for protection against invalid, premature, and / or unauthorized access to the thermal paper coupon (Figure B(8:2 / 15) in Figure 5) is activated and monitored by its respective controller (Figure 8c (U5)). This sensor has two functions: (A) to confirm the valid delivery of the thermal paper coupon to the user, and (B) to provide a redundant layer (Figure B(8:3 / 15) in Figure 5) to protect against attempted invalid, premature, and / or unauthorized access to the thermal paper coupon. Other reasons for the device to return "unavailable" are the shortage of printer paper (Figure 2(9)) or some error in the printer (Figure 2(4)). The electronic circuit of the device returns a unique and specific numerical error code for each error. Also, in the case of no response, a communication failure, a power supply stop to the electronic circuit of the device, or a general failure has occurred.

[0016] If the response from the electronic circuit of the device to the ELGCS is "yes / available" indicated by a unique and specific numerical code, the ELGCS then sends an "operation command" (Figure 10). Upon receiving this command, the electronic circuit of the device internally executes again a "command OK?" (Figure 10) composed of the same tests as those executed by the aforementioned status check command. Further, unlike the status check command, the operation command requires parameters formatted in a way that conforms to the communication protocol for its execution, so the electronic circuit of the device verifies the format and content of the command. If the electronic circuit discovers any inaccuracies or contradictions in any of the inspections, the electronic circuit responds to the ELGCS with a unique and specific numerical error code and considers the operation command terminated.

[0017] If no errors are found in the above inspection, the electronic circuit of the device will start an operation consisting of the following four steps: (1) generate a sequence of random numbers, (2) save a log of the complete sequence, the date and time the sequence was generated, and the sequence's identification serial number on an SD memory card (Figure 8b (J15)), (3) print the sequence on a thermal paper coupon (10), and (4) provide the sequence to ELGCS.

[0018] In step (1), the CPU (Figure 8b (U13)) generates a sequence of k random positive integers, each with a maximum of three digits, "jjj" (Figure 10). Here, "k" > 0 & "k" <= 200 and "jjj" > 0 & "jjj" <= 200 (where "k" and "jjj" are determined by the operation command by ELGCS). This is the execution of code that implements the PRNG algorithm MT19937 Mersenne Twister. For reference, see "T. Nishimura," "Mersenne Twister: 623-dimensionally distributed uniform pseudorandom number generator," ACM - Transactions on Modeling and Computer Simulation Vol.8, No.1, January pp.3-30 1998.

[0019] A log of the complete sequence, the date and time the sequence was created, and the sequence's identification serial number is stored on a non-volatile SD memory card (Figure 8b (J15)). Depending on the storage capacity of the selected memory card, the system can hold a log of up to 300 million complete sequences, each with 100 digits, their respective creation dates and times, and the corresponding sequence's identification serial number.

[0020] Step (2) consists of a print command sent via the serial USB port (Figure 8d (U11)) to print the entire sequence in the order created by the thermal paper printer (Figure 2 (4), Figure 7 (4)). As printing progresses, the thermal paper coupon moves through the concealed (hidden) print tray guides (Figure 4, Figure C, (27:15)) with the printed usable area facing upwards. Once the entire usable area (Figure 14 (C2)) is printed, the device terminates step (2) and pauses the movement of the thermal paper coupon. The correct positioning of the thermal paper coupon is communicated to the electronic circuitry via a sensor (Figure 5 (8:1)). In this state, the printed usable area (Figure 14 (C2)) remains stationary within the hidden print tray (Figure 4, Figure A (15)) with its lower edge positioned just above the 45° downward inclined portion of the hidden print tray (Figure 6 (7:15)). Therefore, the printed usable area is concealed from external view by the horizontal alignment of the lower edge of the printed usable area with the lower edge of the central area of ​​the concealed print tray cover. The concealed print tray cover is superimposed on the printed usable area onto a metal screen (Figure 6(12:21 / 15)) located between two viewing windows (Figure 6(12:18 / 15)), as shown by the projection of the concealment plane (Figure 6(28)).

[0021] The correct positioning of the entire printed usable area below (Figure 6, XX) yields the following important result: it is possible to confirm through the side viewing window (Figure 6, (12:18 / 15)) that the paper containing the sequence of random numbers to be used for the draw / game by the ELGCS is in the tray, but is completely and temporarily hidden by the metal screen (Figure 6 (12:21 / 15)) (only the unprinted margin portions (Figure 14, (L1, length C1+C2) and (L3, length C1+C2)) are visible through the side viewing window). At this point, at the request of the ELGCS, step (3) of operation in Figure 10 is initiated and terminated by a dedicated security protocol using the expertise of the ELGCS and the device's electronic circuits: the generated and already printed sequence of random numbers is returned to the ELGCS. The ELGCS then processes the returned sequence of random numbers as it sees fit and needs, however, its processing must be restricted in terms of content and order, as will be described later.

[0022] Once step (3) above is completed, the device's electronics begin counting down the timeout period (Figure 11), during which time the device must receive a command to terminate operation from ELGCS. This step has two possibilities: (a) If the timeout period expires without the device's electronics receiving a command to terminate operation, the device's electronics enter an operational error state and perform the following actions: (1) Command the printing of the word "ERROR" in the margin between the margins (Figure 14 (L1 and L2)) (Figure 14, C1), and return a number which is an error code specific to ELGCS.

[0023] Another possibility while waiting for a command to terminate the operation of the device's electronic circuitry is (b) receiving the command before the timeout period expires. By issuing this command to the device's electronic circuitry, the ELGCS has adopted the sequence provided by the operation command from the device's electronic circuitry to determine whether the current draw / game has already been completed, whether there were any winning combinations, and has presented them to the user. Upon receiving the command to terminate operation, the following steps are performed (Figure 12): (1) Move 89 mm of the unprinted paper from the upper side of the lower edge of the usable area (Figure 14 (C2)) until the printed usable area is fully exposed to the outside of the device through the slot (Figure 7 (12:19 / 15)). (2) Cut the paper into the shape of a coupon and make it accessible to the user. (3) Return a unique and specific numerical success code to the ELGCS and terminate the operation termination command (Figure 12).

[0024] If any error occurs during the execution of the command to terminate operation, the electronic circuit of the device will enter an operational error state and perform the following actions: (1) It will instruct the printing of the word "Error" in the margin between the margins (Figure 14 (L1 and L2)) (Figure 14, C1), and return a number which is an error code specific to ELGCS.

[0025] If the operation completes successfully, the user will possess a coupon containing the same sequence of random numbers that ELGCS would have used, in the same content and order. The user can verify that the presented combination, whether successful or not, is the same as one independently generated by the device, in the same content and order as that already printed before being provided to ELGCS. This is a significant and unparalleled achievement to date. The user can immediately authenticate the results of the draw / game that has just finished and compare the content and order of the sequence written on the coupon with the results displayed on the screen or the results presented by any means that make the results provided by ELGCS available. And they must necessarily be the same. The only possible hypothesis for a discrepancy between the draw / game results presented by ELGCS and the content of the coupon generated by the device is that during processing by ELGCS, there was some modification, alteration, interference, or defect in ELGCS that would characterize an irreparable flaw.

[0026] Maintenance of this device consists only of replacing the thermal paper coupon reel. Figure 7 shows how to access the interior from the front cover of the cabinet. Figure A is a perspective view of the cabinet with the front slanted door (cover) closed, positioned at 90° from the vertical plane (Figure 7(2)). The printer's tilt support is also positioned at 90° from the vertical plane (Figure 7(3)). In this state, the front slanted cover of the cabinet rotates counterclockwise around its pivot to open, and the printer's tilt support moves only clockwise around its pivot (Figure 7(24)).

[0027] Figure 7B shows the cabinet's front slanted cover and printer holder in the open position, at 0° from the vertical plane. This position allows for maintenance / replacement of the electronic circuit board located on the case's fixed rear cover in a vertical position. This position also provides easy and direct access to the thermal paper coupon roll. The pivot diagram of the cabinet's front slanted cover (Figure 7(25)) shows that the only possible rotation in this position is clockwise.

Claims

1. A random number generator for authenticating the results of an electronic lottery and luck-and-skill game simulator (ELGCS) run by a digital computer, the device comprising a print tray (15) with concealment and tamper-proof security, an external cover with a viewing window (12:18 / 15), an exit slot (12:19 / 15) for coupons (9), and an external metal screen (12:21 / 15) to assist in concealing thermal paper coupons, a transparent PETG upper rear cover to prevent unauthorized access to the thermal paper coupons displayed in the viewing window, and a guide for the print tray A random number generator comprising, as components: a do (27:15), a stainless steel bottom inclined section (7:15) for a thermal paper coupon holder, a photoelectron sensor (8:1 / 15) for detecting the presence and end of the thermal paper coupon, a photoelectron sensor (8:2 / 15) for protecting against invalid, premature, and / or unauthorized attempts to access the thermal paper / coupon, and a dual-function photoelectron sensor for redundancy in protection against invalid, premature, and / or unauthorized attempts to access the thermal paper / coupon (9), firstly for confirmation of the output of the thermal paper / coupon (9), and secondly for redundancy in protection against invalid, premature, and / or unauthorized attempts to access the thermal paper / coupon (9).

2. A random number generator for authenticating the results of an electronic lottery and luck-and-skill game simulator (ELGCS) performed by a digital computer according to claim 1, the device comprising an electronic circuit and light-emitting diodes (D2 and D3), resistors (R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10), capacitors (C1, C2 and C3, C4, C5, C6, C7 and C8), transistors (Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4), a battery charging IC (U1), a voltage regulator IC (U2), an IC microcontroller (U13), an IC SPI controller for an SD card (U14), an IC electric level converter for a photoelectronic sensor (U3, U4, U5, U6, U5, U8, U9, U10), and a microswitch (SW A random number generator including _01, SWT, SWT_02) and serial USB communication ports (U11, U12).

3. A random number generator for authenticating the results of an electronic lottery and luck-and-skill game simulator (ELGCS) performed by a digital computer as described in claim 2, wherein communication with the ELGCS is performed by a dedicated communication protocol and is configured to perform functions pre-stored in the form of firmware, the functions including checking the integrity of electronic circuit functions, generating a plurality of pseudorandom numbers, formatting / normalizing these pseudorandom numbers, creating, maintaining, and storing sequence records, generation dates and times, and identification serial numbers, monitoring security detection on a print tray (15), maintaining the physical integrity of the tray (15), printing a sequence of pseudorandom numbers, and monitoring the displacement of thermal paper (9) from the moment of printing until effective delivery to the user.

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