Patent Publication Number: US-10769881-B1

Title: Augmented reality game system and method thereof

Description:
PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C Section 119(e) &amp; 37 C.F.R. Section 1.78 
     This nonprovisional application claims priority based upon the following prior U.S. Provisional Patent Application entitled: Augmented Reality Game System, Application No. 62/870,861 filed Jul. 5, 2019, in the name of Karriem Adams, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to gaming systems, more specifically but not by way of limitation, an augmented reality based gaming system that facilitates the ability for remote players to participate in games at a facility such as but not limited to a casino wherein the present invention provides an interactive experience similar to that of being physically present in the facility. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In the United States the gambling industry is a multi-billion dollar per year industry. While some states have more open regulations than others, most states have at least some form of entertainment wherein it is permissible to bet with the provider or other individuals participating in the activity. Gambling activities include betting on events such as but not limited to horse racing. The most popular form of gambling are casinos wherein casinos provide numerous types of table games ranging from roulette to card games and many others. Casinos are destinations and are not provided in all states. Most states allow some form of online gaming wherein a player can login to a website and play a game such as but not limited to poker and place bets. One of the problems with this is the lack of simulation of reality. Online poker games are software simulations of card games the use algorithms and a software interface to simulate a poker game. These can be financially risky and further do not provide a true poker game experience. 
     The online gaming industry includes the ability to virtually place bets on games and events but does not provide simulation and an interaction synonymous with attending a facility such as but not limited to a casino. Many players desire the interaction with the dealer and the other players as part of the tactile experience of participating in a game. Additionally, similar to the appeal of attending a destination like Las Vegas, players enjoy the opportunity to visit various casino facilities to participate in a variety of games. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for an online augmented reality game system that is configured to provide a remote player an augmented reality experience at a facility such as but not limited to a casino wherein the present invention facilitates the ability for the remote player to join a game being played at a table in the casino. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is the object of the present invention to provide an augmented reality gaming system that facilitates the ability for a remote player to join a table game at a casino wherein the present invention includes a software application configured to facilitate the execution of the present invention. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an augmented reality gaming system operable to facilitate a casino or similar facility to receive a remote player at a table game or the like wherein the system of the present invention includes an augmented reality device placed at a table and engaged by the remote player. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide an augmented reality gaming system that facilitates the ability for a remote player to join a table game at a casino wherein the software of the present invention facilitates establishment of a player account for a remote player. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide an augmented reality gaming system operable to facilitate a casino or similar facility to receive a remote player at a table game or the like wherein the system of the present invention further includes monetary deposits at each participating casino. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to provide an augmented reality gaming system that facilitates the ability for a remote player to join a table game at a casino wherein a remote player utilizes the software application to operably couple to an augmented reality device in a player position on a game table. 
     Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide an augmented reality gaming system operable to facilitate a casino or similar facility to receive a remote player at a table game or the like wherein the system of the present invention utilizes the augmented reality device to receive dealt cards and wherein the remote player has visible access thereto. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an augmented reality gaming system that facilitates the ability for a remote player to join a table game at a casino wherein the system of the present invention further leverages staff at the casinos to provide some operational parameters of the present invention. 
     Still an additional object of the present invention is to provide an augmented reality gaming system operable to facilitate a casino or similar facility to receive a remote player at a table game or the like wherein the present invention utilizes poker chips provided by the casino for the remote player. 
     An alternative object of the present invention is to provide an augmented reality gaming system that facilitates the ability for a remote player to join a table game at a casino wherein the present invention provides a live video feed and scanned data image to the remote player. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to provide an augmented reality gaming system operable to facilitate a casino or similar facility to receive a remote player at a table game or the like wherein the present invention further utilizes safes or similar item at a casino to avoid online transfer of funds. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an augmented reality gaming system that facilitates the ability for a remote player to join a table game at a casino wherein the present invention further includes game centers at remote locations such as but not limited to restaurants wherein the game center facilitates the ability for a player to join a table game at another facility. 
     To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic of the architecture of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 2  is a flowchart of the process for the operator in the present invention; and 
         FIG. 3  is a flowchart of the process of the casino in the present invention; and 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart of the process of the player in the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated an augmented reality game system  100  constructed according to the principles of the present invention. 
     An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention. 
     It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “exemplary embodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic. 
     Referring in particular to  FIG. 1  herein, the augmented reality game system  100  is illustrated in a schematic architecture. The augmented reality game system  100  facilitates the ability for a remote player to participate in a table game such as but not limited to poker, wherein the remote player operably couples to an augmented reality device  10  that is placed in a player position on a casino table game  5 . The augmented reality device  10  includes a camera  11 , a card scanner  12 , and a controller  13  wherein the aforementioned provide the ability to engage in a poker game. The augmented reality device  10  is operably coupled to a server  15  that includes the necessary electronics to be communicably coupled to the Internet utilizing conventional communication protocols. The controller  13  includes the necessary electronics to receive, store, transmit and manipulate data and facilitates operation of the augmented reality device  10 . A remote player communicably couples to the augmented reality device  10  and can visually and audibly engage a dealer and other players located at the casino table game  5 . The card scanner  12  facilitates scanning the image of the card ensuing placement of a card by a dealer wherein the scanned image data is transferred to the remote player. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the card scanner  12  could employ alternate technologies that include but are not limited to object recognition and object tracking wherein the card scanner employs visual data capture recognition so as to ascertain values of items such as but not limited to cards or dice. A camera  11  provides video data to the remote player wherein the position of the camera  11  can be manipulated by the remote player. 
     It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that remote players can engage with the augmented reality game system  100  utilizing various augmented reality terminals  20  wherein these augmented reality terminals  20  can be located in various facilities and be alternate types of computing devices. By way of example but not limitation, the augmented reality terminals  20  can be video game consoles, smart phones, tablet PC&#39;s and desktop PC&#39;s. These augmented reality terminals  20  have loaded thereon the necessary software to facilitate participation in the augmented reality game system  100  for a remote player. The augmented reality terminals  20  are communicably coupled to a server  2  wherein the server  2  is a conventional computer server having the necessary electronics to facilitate operation of the augmented reality game system  100 . It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that various quantities and types of computer servers could be utilized to provide operation of the augmented reality game system  100 . 
     Now referring in particular to  FIG. 2  submitted as a part hereof, the process flow for the operator of the augmented reality game system  100  is diagrammed therein. In step  201 , the operator of the augmented reality game system  100  will utilize server  2  and publish a website providing an interface for players and casinos to access and engage the augmented reality game system  100 . Step  203 , casino facilities will utilize the website to register with the augmented reality game system  100 . The augmented reality game system  100  is configured to communicably couple with a multitude of casinos and similar gaming facilities so as to provide remote players access to table games located at these facilities. Step  205 , if required the operator will deploy the necessary server hardware at the casino facilities that have registered with the augmented reality game system  100 . In step  207 , the augmented reality game system  100  will include staffing that are responsible for providing certain activities described herein so as to facilitate execution of the augmented reality game system  100 . As such, the operator of the augmented reality game system  100  will hire and train the required staff. Step  209 , through promotion and other techniques the operator of the augmented reality game system  100  will attract and register remote players. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the during the registration process, the operator will execute steps such as but not limited to demographic collection and account setup. In step  211 , the operator will verify the registered players age and location utilizing suitable techniques and resources so as to ensure compliance with any laws and/or regulations governing gambling activities. 
     In step  213 , the players will establish deposit accounts. Deposit accounts are financial accounts held with the operator wherein the deposit accounts are utilized to receive funds for participation in table games at the casinos. The deposit accounts are configured to receive funds in alternate manners such as but not limited to credit cards or wire transfers. Step  215 , the operator receives deposits from registered players in order to establish a balance in the deposit account for use in playing table games at the casinos. In step  219 , the operator will establish safe deposits at the casinos enrolled in the augmented reality game system  100 . The safe deposits are suitable secure devices for receiving and storing currency. Step  221 , the operator of the augmented reality game system  100  deposits currency into the safe deposits located at each of the casinos registered with the augmented reality game system  100 . It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the amount of currency could vary but is sufficient to support a plurality of remote players and their engagement with the casino. 
     In step  223 , the operator of the augmented reality game system  100  will receive a request from a remote player to virtually participate in a table game at one of the registered casinos. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the augmented reality game system  100  could provide a list or visual representation of the available registered casinos. Furthermore, the augmented reality game system  100  can be configured to present the various types of available poker games available to a user and allow a user to choose therefrom. The request will identify the casino, which game the remote player would like to participate in and further provide the amount of money the remote player would like utilize to initiate participation in a table game. The request is an electronic submission through the software application of the present invention. In step  225 , the operator provides notification to a staffed personnel located at the casino that a remote player desires to participate in a table game at that casino facility. Step  227 , subsequent receiving notification of the remote player request and the amount of currency requested, the personnel at the casino will remove the requested currency amount from the safe deposit. In step  229 , the personnel utilizes the currency removed from the safe deposit to purchase poker chips from the casino facility wherein the value of the poker chips has a value equal to that of the amount of currency removed from the safe deposit. 
     In step  231 , the casino will allocate a table position to the remote player and provide notification to the personnel of the augmented reality game system  100 . Step  233 , the personnel of the augmented reality game system  100  will transport the poker chips and an augmented reality device  10  to the allocated table position. In step  235 , the personnel of the augmented reality game system  100  will ensure proper operation of the augmented reality device  10  and the remote players active connection therewith. Step  237 , the remote player will participate in at least one table game in accordance with the rules thereof. In step  239 , upon completion of engagement with the table game, the remote player will notify the operator of the augmented reality game system  100  of their desire to exit the game wherein the notification is transmitted through the software application of the augmented reality game system  100 . Step  241 , the personnel of the augmented reality game system  100  will proceed to the allocated table position having the augmented reality device  10  and poker chips of the remote player and retrieve any remaining poker chips belonging to the player and the augmented reality device  10 . It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the remote player could participate in the table game until depletion of the poker chips and either transmit a notification to exit the game or transmit a notification for additional poker chips to be transferred to the allocated table position. In step  243 , the personnel of the augmented reality game system  100  exchanges any remaining poker chips of the remote player with the casino for a currency value equivalent thereto. In step  245 , the player will reconcile the amount removed from the safe deposit returning an amount of currency equivalent to the amount removed. Step  247 , the player&#39;s deposit account is either debited or credited depending on the requirement for reconciliation of the safe deposit. 
     Now referring in particular to  FIG. 3 , the process flow for a casino registered with the augmented reality game system  100  is diagrammed therein. In step  301 , the casino will enter into an agreement with the operator of the augmented reality game system  100  and register therewith. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the casinos and operator of the augmented reality game system  100  will have an agreement outlining various business terms and conditions. In step  303 , the casino will provide a location for the safe deposits previously discussed herein. Step  305 , the casino provides any required badging, facility training or other requirements for the personnel of the operator of the augmented reality game system  100  that perform the activities previously described herein. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the operator of the augmented reality game system  100  and the casino as part of their agreement utilize casino employees to perform the tasks previously described herein requiring personnel interaction. 
     In step  307 , the casino will receive a notification that a remote player desires to participate in a table game at the casino. Step  309 , the casino will designate a position at a table wherein the game being played at the table is the game desired by the remote player. In step  311 , the casino will provide a dealer at the table if not already present. Step  312 , the casino will exchange a provided currency amount for poker chips to be utilized in participating in the table game. Step  313 , the dealer will engage in the table game with the remote player and any other players present at the table. Step  315 , the remote player notifies request to end participation in the table game. In step  317 , the casino receives request for a remote player to exit the table game. Step  319 , the casino will redeem the poker chips for the currency amount equivalent thereto. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the process flow for a remote player participating in the augmented reality game system  100  is diagrammed therein. In step  401 , a remote player will download the software application of the present invention or visit the website of the augmented reality game system  100 . Step  403 , utilizing the software application of the present invention the remote player will commence the registration process required to participate in the augmented reality game system  100 . In step  405 , during the registration process, the remote player will provide certain demographic information such as but not limited to age and geographic location. Step  407 , the remote player will provide verification documents such as but not limited to a copy of a government issued identification so as to validate age. In step  409 , the remote player will establish a deposit account wherein the remote player will access the deposit account as needed to either deposit or withdraw funds therefrom. The remote player will be graphically presented on the user interface the amount in their deposit account as well as any requested withdrawals therefrom. Step  411 , subsequent establishment of a deposit account, the remote player will provide an initial deposit thereinto. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the remote player will make alternate deposits as required to continue participating in the augmented reality game system  100 . 
     In step  413 , the remote player decides to participate in a table game at one of the casinos registered with the augmented reality game system  100 . Step  415 , the remote player will initiate a buy request through the software application for an amount of currency the remote player desires to utilize for participating in a table game. In step  417 , the operator of the augmented reality game system  100  will facilitate the exchange of currency from the buy request for poker chips at the casino. Step  419 , the player will receive notification through the software application of the present invention of the table and table position that has been allocated to the remote player. Additionally, an augmented reality device  10  will be placed in the allocated table position and the remote player will operably engage therewith as previously described herein. Step  421 , the remote player will have their purchased poker chips transferred to the allocated table and position. In step  423 , the remote player will verify the amount of the poker chips utilizing the augmented reality device  10  wherein the camera  11  can be moved by the remote player in order to visually inspect the poker chips and the amount thereof. Step  425 , the remote player will begin participating in the table game. In step  427 , the remote player receives the poker cards on the card scanner  12  of the augmented reality device  10  and the scanned image of the poker cards is transferred to the remote player. Step  429 , the remote player will complete participation in at least one game and ensuing completion of the desired quantity of table games, the remote player will transmit a signal utilizing the software application of the present invention to the operator of the augmented reality game system  100  of their desire to terminate participation in the table game. Step  431 , the remote player will transmit instructions to personnel of the augmented reality game system  100  to return any remaining poker chips to the casino and redeem for the currency value thereof. In step  435 , the remote player will have any applicable fund value reconcile with the safe deposit amount and the remote players deposit account. It should be understood that the operator of the augmented reality game system  100  provides a temporary loan of the requested amount from the safe deposit at the casino and that amount is either returned at the end of the game via a deposit or transfer from the deposit account of the remote player. 
     In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.