Patent Abstract:
The disclosure relates to methods of, and apparatus for, online communication between a studio ( 401 ) and a plurality of remote users ( 404   1-n ), for example in a live online gaming environment, particular examples relating to casino games such as baccarat, roulette and blackjack, in which remotely located players communicate with a live casino providing an online video feed.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, co-pending United Kingdom Patent Applications No. GB1606742.3 filed Apr. 18, 2016 for all subject matter contained in said application. The disclosure of said application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates to methods of, and apparatus for, online communication between a studio and a plurality of remote users, for example in a live online gaming environment, particular examples relating to casino games such as baccarat, roulette and blackjack, in which remotely located players communicate with a live casino providing an online video feed. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The online gambling market represents one of the fastest growing sectors of the gambling industry. The global industry is estimated to be wroth over $417 billion, and is set to expand into new markets as regulations against online gambling are eased and its popularity grows. 
         [0004]    A large number of online casinos are available to customers in this rapidly expanding market. The majority of online games are virtually generated, displaying entirely computer generated images to users. In such games, pseudorandom number generators are used to simulate the random chance offered in traditional “brick and mortar”, or land based casinos. However, to distinguish themselves in a crowded market, some operators offer so-called “live online casinos”. 
         [0005]    In a live online casino, a human operator runs the game in real time from a studio. A cameral in the studio takes a view of the operator (who alternatively may be termed a dealer or croupier) and a table on which the game is played. A live video stream of the operator and table is transmitted to the remote players, who can interact with the game via their computers using various control functions provided on screen. Optical recognition technology is typically used to translate the physical actions of the game operator into data. For example, optical recognition may be used to scan cards as they are being dealt by a dealer, or to determine the final position of the ball in a game of roulette. The cards may also be provided with computer-readable information, such as a bar code, to enable an appropriately positioned reader to read each card as it is being dealt. Regulatory requirements typically prohibit the values of cards in the deck being dealt from being known before they are dealt. 
         [0006]    Live online casinos offer several benefits to customers over conventional virtual casinos. Live casinos provide some of the look and feel of real casinos and can be marketed to mimic the more exclusive high-stakes games in real casinos. They also provide more security to the customer, since the higher running costs of a live casino mean that only the most stable casinos can operate them. Players can also have more confidence in the fairness of the live game than they can in a computer generated virtual game. The introduction of a live element can therefore be used to increase an operator&#39;s market share, as well as provide users with a more immersive and interactive experience. 
         [0007]    However, there are high costs associated with running an online casino. A studio must be operated, and staff employed. Live online casinos therefore tend to only offer live options for more popular games which, depending on regional variations, are usually poker, roulette, blackjack and baccarat. While poker tends to be more popular in western countries such a North American countries, baccarat tends to be more popular in eastern countries such as the Philippines and other countries in eastern Asia. 
         [0008]    It is clearly desirable to increase the number of customers using an online casino, the length of time they stay on the casino website, and the number of customers who revisit the website. One key way of achieving this is to improve the customer&#39;s experience of the online casino, to encourage return visits. In some ways this may be done by making the online casino more similar to a real casino, while in others this may be done by offering services online that cannot normally be offered in real casinos. 
         [0009]    One of the most popular games played in live online casinos, particularly in eastern Asian countries, is baccarat. The object of baccarat is to successfully wager on whether the “banker” hand or the “player” hand will have a greater score. Each hand is a set of cards drawn from a multiple number of decks of standard playing cards. The hands are scored according to predetermined rules. 
         [0010]    In live online casinos, baccarat is conventionally played by remote players watching a live stream of a dealer in a studio  100 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . As the dealer  101  deals the cards  102 , the cards  102  are turned over so that their values can be seen by the remote player via the video stream and scanned by OCR technology to translate the cards into computer readable data. The result  103  is automatically displayed on the video stream. In the example illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the result  103  is that the banker, scoring  9 , wins over the players, scoring  5 . Players can typically interact with the dealer  101  by text based messaging, or by voice feeds. 
         [0011]    However, this manner of playing baccarat does not allow for the possibility of “squeezing” the cards, which is common in real casinos, i.e. casinos in which the operator and players are physically present in the same location around a common playing table. In real casinos, one of the players at a baccarat table may be selected to squeeze the cards. The dealer deals one of the cards face down, so that the players cannot see its value. The selected player may see a portion of the face of a card, so that the value of the card may be guessed without the other players seeing. Typically, a player is selected on the basis of highest bets in a previous round, thereby encouraging increased betting. Squeezing cards adds tension to the game, and so enhances player experience, as well as incentivising the placing of higher bets. Although it may offer the illusion of increased control to the selected player, squeezing does not affect the outcome of the game. 
         [0012]    Squeezing has been implemented in some live online games. For example, the cards may be scanned whilst being dealt face down. The selected player then may see a computer generated video of a representation of the cards, which simulates the squeezing of a card based on the scanned value. In other systems, a pre-recorded video of cards being squeezed may be shown to the selected player. Such systems can, however, appear artificial and lack the live feeling of squeezing the cards, limiting the extent to which a player may interact with the game. There is therefore a need for a system that enables a more immersive enhanced customer experience. 
         [0013]    As well as limiting the options for the player to interact with the game, current live systems typically limit the options available to the game operator. Particular operators may be configured to run the games in different ways. For example, the operator may wish to select a player based on a different rule in order to incentivise a particular behaviour from the players. There is therefore a need for more customisable live online casino systems. 
         [0014]    Other popular live online casino games include roulette and blackjack. In roulette, a ball is dropped into a spinning wheel, and eventually comes to rest in a segment on the wheel. Players may bet on the segment or type of segment (for example red or black, odd or even) that the ball will come to rest on. Blackjack is a card game where a dealer deals cards to the player and to himself. The player or dealer with the highest card score, but not greater than 21, wins. Typically, the player and dealer decide whether to draw more cards to increase their score or to hold. 
         [0015]    Live online casino versions of roulette and blackjack typically comprise a live video stream of a dealer in a casino performing the actions that would be done in a real casino. Optical recognition technology interprets the physical results of the dealer&#39;s actions, and the resulting data is transmitted to the players along with the video stream. Remote players view the live video stream of the dealer and bet accordingly. The resulting live video stream therefore has the appearance of watching a dealer in a studio, rather than providing the effect of being in a real casino, and the immersive experience is limited. It would therefore be desirable to enhance the live effect of these games, so that a more immersive experience is provided to the customer. Additionally, these games conventionally allow for little or no interactivity and do not therefore allow the operator to incentivise particular customer behaviours. 
         [0016]      FIG. 2  shows a still image of an example video stream of a studio  200  set up for a live online game of blackjack. The dealer  201  has dealt cards  202  to seven players, each of which have allocated sections of the table  203  assigned to them. The current bets of the players are represented on overlaid images  204  at respective locations on the table  203 . Each player can, at the appropriate time, place a bet by selecting one or more chips  205  from their current balance, which is displayed on screen along with their current bet. The outcome of each round is determined automatically based on automatic optical recognition of the cards being dealt, as controlled by the dealer  201 . The dealer  201  therefore has only to follow a limited selection of moves, and ensure that the cards are dealt properly so as to be recognised by the automated system. One or more taskbars  206  are provided to enable the user to select various functions, such as to choose personal settings for the game. 
         [0017]      FIG. 2  shows a still image of an example video stream  301  of a studio  300  set up for a live online roulette game. In this case, the video stream  301  is shown along with a virtual representation of a roulette board  302 , which displays the current bets being placed by the players of the game. The dealer  303  operates the roulette wheel  304 , and bets are taken while they are permitted before the roulette ball comes to rest. As with the game of blackjack shown in  FIG. 2 , the dealer  303  is permitted only to take a limited number of actions, and there is no interaction with the players of the game. The ‘live feel’ aspect of the game is therefore limited. Furthermore, the ‘types’ of betting a player can participate in are limited and, therefore, repetitive, thereby increasing the risk that a player may quickly lose interest and leave a game or site. Clearly, and as stated above, it is highly desirable to maximise the length of time a player&#39;s interest in a live online casino game can be maintained. 
         [0018]    It is an object of the invention to address one or more of the above mentioned problems. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0019]    In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method of online communication between a studio and a plurality of remote users, the method comprising: 
         [0020]    transmitting a first video stream of the studio to the remote users from a first camera in the studio; 
         [0021]    presenting on the first video stream a first side of a card, a second side of the card being hidden; 
         [0022]    receiving a reveal instruction sent by an instructing one of the plurality of users; and 
         [0023]    in response to the reveal instruction, revealing a portion of the second side of the card to the instructing user in a second video stream transmitted to the instructing user from a second camera in the studio. 
         [0024]    By allowing a user to provide an instruction to reveal an otherwise hidden portion of the card via a second video stream, the invention enables a more interactive and immersive experience for the user. Although the user cannot physically handle the card, an enhanced level of control is enabled compared to conventional methods. 
         [0025]    A first control function enabling the instructing user to send the reveal instruction may be made available only to the instructing user. Only one of the plurality of users is allowed to perform the ‘squeezing’ action, i.e. revealing an otherwise hidden portion of the card. 
         [0026]    Each of the plurality of users may select a bid amount prior to the card being presented on the first video stream. The instructing user can be selected from the plurality of users based on the highest bid amount from the bid amounts selected by the plurality of users, for example in a preceding round when the method involves a series of rounds. 
         [0027]    The reveal instruction may be sent by the instructing user to indicate how much of the second side of the card is revealed on the second video stream. The reveal instruction may for example be selected from a number of options indicating varying amounts of the hidden side of the card being revealed. 
         [0028]    A second control function may enable the instructing user to send a further instruction that is made available only to the instructing user before or after the reveal instruction is sent to the instructing user. The second control function may for example be for instructing the card to be rotated or to be passed to the dealer. 
         [0029]    The second side of the card may be revealed to the plurality of users on the first video stream either in response to the further instruction being sent by the instructing user or after a predefined period of time has elapsed. The gameplay is therefore not held up if the user does not act for a period of time, while allowing the selected user some degree of control over how the game is played. 
         [0030]    In accordance with the second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of online communication between a studio and a plurality of remote users, the method comprising: 
         [0031]    transmitting a video stream of the studio to the remote users from a camera in the studio, the video stream showing a roulette wheel and a croupier; 
         [0032]    receiving bet instructions from the plurality of users; 
         [0033]    receiving a spin instruction sent by an instructing one of the plurality of users; and 
         [0034]    in response to the spin instruction, spinning a ball in the roulette wheel. 
         [0035]    An advantage of the invention is that of a more immersive experience, as the instructing user is permitted to choose when to spin the ball in the roulette wheel. The decision of when to spin is one that cannot realistically have any predictable effect on the outcome of the game, but nevertheless gives the instructing user a sense of more control over the game. 
         [0036]    A spin control function enabling the instructing user to send the spin instruction may be made available only to the instructing user. The spin control function may be made available according to the one or more predefined rules, at random intervals or preset intervals. 
         [0037]    The instructing user may for example be selected from the plurality of users based on a highest bid amount from previous bid instructions received from the plurality of users. The highest bid amount may be calculated over a predefined number of previous games played. 
         [0038]    The instructing user may alternatively be selected from the plurality of users based on a number of games played by each of the plurality of users during a preceding time period, or based on a player with the highest total winnings from one or more previous games. 
         [0039]    The instructing user may be allocated a bonus in the event of a winning bet instruction being received from the instructing user, thereby giving the plurality of users an inventive to become the instructing user. The bonus may for example be a proportion of an amount bid in the bet instruction received from the instructing user. 
         [0040]    A predefined time period may be allowed for receiving the spin instruction. The predefined time period, which may for example be 10 seconds or less, gives the instructing user sufficient time to select the spin function, thereby giving the desired impression of control, but without holding up the game for the other users. If the predefined time period expires without a spin instruction being received, the dealer will proceed to spin the ball anyway. 
         [0041]    In accordance with the third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of online communication between a studio and a plurality of remote users, the method comprising: 
         [0042]    transmitting a first video stream of the studio to the plurality of remote users from a first camera in the studio, the video stream showing a table and a dealer, the table having a card dealing location for each of the plurality of remote users; 
         [0043]    providing a cameral control function to each of the plurality of remote users; 
         [0044]    in response to the camera control function being activated by one of the remote users, providing a second video stream to that user from a second camera in the studio, the second camera being directed to the card dealing location for that user. 
         [0045]    An advantage of the invention is that a user can be provided with a more immersive experience, as the alternative view provided in the second video stream is more specific to the user&#39;s position on the table, thereby more closely replicating the user&#39;s view in a real casino. 
         [0046]    The second video stream may be provided in place of the first video stream or in addition to the first video stream. 
         [0047]    In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a computer program for instructing a computer, such as a network connected server, to perform the method according to any of the first to third aspects defined above. The computer program may comprise machine-readable instructions stored on a non-transitory medium such as a computer memory or storage disc. 
         [0048]    In accordance with a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a network server configured to perform the method according to any of the first to third aspects. The network server may be connected to the studio and the plurality of users and configured to transmit a live video stream from the studio to each of the plurality of users and to receive instructions from each of the users such as bet instructions, spin instructions relevel instructions and camera control functions in relation to a game played in the studio. 
         [0049]    In accordance with a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus from online communication between a studio and a plurality of remote users, the apparatus comprising a server connected via a first network connection to a studio and via second network connections to a plurality to remote users, the server being configured to: 
         [0050]    transmit a first video stream received from a first camera in the studio to the remote users, wherein a first side of a card is presented on the first video stream, a second side of the card being hidden; 
         [0051]    receive a reveal instruction from an instructing one of the plurality of users; and in response to the reveal instruction, transmit a second video stream the instructing user from a second camera in the studio revealing a portion of the second side of the card. 
         [0052]    The various optional features associated with the first aspect of the invention may also be applied to the apparatus according to the sixth aspect, modified accordingly. 
         [0053]    In accordance with a seventh aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for online communication between a studio and a plurality of remote users, the apparatus comprising a server connected via a first network connection to a studio and via second network connections to a plurality of remote users, the server being configured to: 
         [0054]    transmit a video stream received from the studio to the remote users from a camera in the studio, the video stream showing a roulette wheel and a croupier; 
         [0055]    receive bet instructions from the plurality of users; 
         [0056]    receive a spin instruction sent by an instructing one of the plurality of users; and 
         [0057]    in response to receiving a spin instruction, send an instruction to the studio to spin a ball in the roulette wheel. 
         [0058]    The various optional features associated with the second aspect of the invention may also be applied to the apparatus of the seventh aspect of the invention, modified accordingly. 
         [0059]    In accordance with the eight aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for online communication between a studio and a plurality of remote users, the apparatus comprising a server connected via a first network connection to a studio and via second network connections to a plurality of remote users, the server being configured to: 
         [0060]    transmit a first video stream received from a first camera in the studio to the plurality of remote users, the video stream showing a table and a dealer, the table having a card dealing location for each of the plurality or remote users; 
         [0061]    provide a camera control function to each of the plurality of remote users; 
         [0062]    in response to the camera control function being activated by one of the remote users, providing a second video stream to that user from a second camera in the studio, the second camera being directed to the card dealing location for that user. 
         [0063]    The various optional features associated with the third aspect of the invention may also be applied to the apparatus of the eighth aspect of the invention, modified accordingly. 
         [0064]    In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-implemented apparatus for facilitating online communication between a studio and a plurality of remote users, the apparatus comprising:
       a system clock;   a communication module configured to transmit, to remote user terminals for display on respective screens thereof, a video stream of the studio from a camera in the studio, said video stream showing a roulette wheel and a croupier;   a user interface module configured to receive first bet instructions from a plurality of user terminals; and   a processing module for displaying on a screen of one or more of said remote user terminals, together with said video stream, a plurality of graphical elements, said graphical elements having respective identity data associated therewith;       
 
         [0069]    wherein said user interface module is further configured to receive a second bet instruction from said one or more of said plurality of remote user terminals in respect of a user-selected one or more of said graphical elements; the apparatus further comprising:
       a win calculation module configured to receive spin data representative of at least one status of the roulette wheel during a current game and game data representative of a current game, and use said spin data and game data to calculate win data; and   a win determination module configured to compare said win data with the identity data associated with said graphical elements to determine one or more winning graphical elements, and output data representative of said one or more winning graphical elements.       
 
         [0072]    Optionally, the spin data may comprise data representative of a relative rotary position of said roulette wheel during a current game, speed of rotation of said roulette wheel during a current game, position of a ball within said roulette wheel during a current game, and/or speed of rotation of a ball within said roulette wheel during a current game. 
         [0073]    The game data may comprise time stamp data derived from a clock associated with the apparatus. 
         [0074]    In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the win calculation module may be configured to:
       receive time stamp data derived from a clock associated with the apparatus and said spin data;   calculate first data using said time stamp data and first spin data, and calculate second data using said time stamp data and second spin data; and   calculate said win data by entering said first and second data into a random number generator algorithm.       
 
         [0078]    Optionally, the first data and/or said second data may comprise a randomly generated number. 
         [0079]    In an exemplary embodiment, the video stream of said studio may be captured with a single colour background. 
         [0080]    The apparatus may further comprise a graphics generating module for receiving said data representative of said one or more winning graphical elements and generating graphics data representative thereof for display on a screen of one or more of said remote user terminals together with said video stream. 
         [0081]    Optionally, the graphics data may be superimposed into said displayed video stream. The graphics data may be configured to generate an animated representation of said graphical elements. The graphics generating module may be configured to receive spin data, indicative that said roulette wheel has started to spin, and, in response thereto, trigger said animated representation of said graphical elements for display on said screen. 
         [0082]    In an exemplary embodiment, the graphics generating module may be configured to receive spin data indicative that a current game has ended and, in response thereto, cause said animated representation of said graphical elements displayed on said screen to stop. 
         [0083]    The graphics data may be configured to display said graphical elements in the form of one or more slot reels that spin whilst said roulette wheel is spinning and stop at the end of a current game to indicate a winning graphical element. 
         [0084]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer implemented method for facilitating online communication between a studio and a plurality of remote users, the method comprising:
       providing a system clock;   using a communication module to transmit, to remote user terminals for display on respective screens thereof, a video stream of the studio from a camera in the studio, said video stream showing a roulette wheel and a croupier;   providing a user interface module configured to receive first bet instructions from a plurality of user terminals; and   using a processing module to display on a screen of one or more of said remote user terminals, together with said video stream, a plurality of graphical elements, said graphical elements having respective identity data associated therewith;       
 
         [0089]    wherein said user interface module is further configured to receive a second bet instruction from said one or more of said plurality of remote user terminals in respect of a user-selected one or more of said graphical elements; the method further comprising:
       using a win calculation module to receive spin data representative of at least one status of the roulette wheel during a current game and game data representative of a current game, and use said spin data and game data to calculate win data; and   using a win determination module to compare said win data with the identity data associated with said graphical elements to determine one or more winning graphical elements, and output data representative of said one or more winning graphical elements       
 
         [0092]    It will be appreciated that any one or more of the optional features of each aspect of the present invention may be applied to any one or more of the other aspects of the invention. 
     
    
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
         [0093]    Aspects and embodiments of the invention are descried in further detail below by way of example and with reference to the enclosed drawings in which: 
           [0094]      FIG. 1  is a representation of a video stream of a baccarat game in a live online casino; 
           [0095]      FIG. 2  is a representation of a video stream of a blackjack game in a live online casino; 
           [0096]      FIG. 3  is a representation of a live online game of roulette incorporating a video stream; 
           [0097]      FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram of a network arrangement for a live online gaming system 
           [0098]      FIG. 5  is a schematic plan view diagram of an exemplary studio with a number of gaming tables and associated dealers and cameras; 
           [0099]      FIG. 6  is an example of a task bar comprising functions presented to a user; 
           [0100]      FIG. 7  is an example series of illustrations of actions to be selected by a user; 
           [0101]      FIG. 8  is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary series of operations for a live online baccarat game; 
           [0102]      FIG. 9  is an example screen shot of a live online roulette game, as shown to an instructing user; 
           [0103]      FIG. 10  is an example screen shot of a live online roulette game, as shown to a non-instructing user; 
           [0104]      FIG. 11  is a further example screen shot of a live online roulette game, with a spin function provided to an instructing user; 
           [0105]      FIG. 12  is a further example screen shot of a live online roulette game, in which an instructing user is allocated a bonus following a winning bet; 
           [0106]      FIG. 13  is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary series of operations for a live online roulette game; 
           [0107]      FIG. 14  is an example screen shot of an alternative video stream view to that shown in  FIG. 2 , as selected by a user; 
           [0108]      FIG. 15  is a schematic diagram of a network arrangement for a live online roulette gaming system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0109]      FIG. 16  is a schematic diagram illustrating the principal features of a computer-implemented apparatus for a live online roulette gaming system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0110]      FIG. 17  is a representation of a live online game of roulette incorporating a video stream and derived using apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0111]      FIG. 18  is a schematic flow diagram illustrating principal steps of a computer-implemented method of facilitating a live online roulette game according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0112]      FIG. 19  is a schematic block diagram illustrating principal features of a computer-implemented apparatus for a live online roulette gaming system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0113]      FIG. 20  is a representation of a live online game of roulette incorporating a video stream and derived using apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0114]      FIG. 21  is a representation of a live online game of roulette incorporating a video stream and derived using apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0115]      FIG. 4  illustrates schematically a network system  400  for live online gaming, which is applicable to each of the aspects of the invention disclosed herein. The network system  400  comprises a casino studio  401  that is linked via a first connection  402  to a server  403 . The server  403  may be in a common location to the studio  401  or, more usually, may be in a different location. The location of the server  403  may be chosen depending on the expected locations(s) of the users  404   1-n , for example to minimise latency and maximise the available bandwidth for each user. While a dedicated single connection may be used for the connection  402  between the studio  401  and server  403 , an effectively unlimited number of connections  405   1-n  may be made between the users  404   1-n  and the server  403 , although in practice a maximum number of concurrent connections will be set according to the capacity of the server  403  to as to limit the possibility of the server  403  being overloaded or adversely affecting the gameplay experience of the users. 
         [0116]    The studio  401  provides a video stream to the server  403  from one or more cameras in the studio  401 , along with other data relating to the game being played, and receives from the server  403  information and instructions relating to the users  404   1-n . Each user  404   1-n  is connected to the server  403  via a network connection  405   1-n , typically via the internet. The number of users in a typical live online casino game may vary from one to around seven, although can be a higher number depending on the capacity of the server  403  and the ability of the studio to accommodate the number of users in a live casino environment. The upper limit is therefore, as with real casino games, and particularly for card-based games, typically set by physical limits on the size of the table used and the time taken for a dealer to deal to all the players, which needs to be sufficiently short to maintain the users&#39; interest. The studio  401  may accommodate more than one game at any given time, so that total number of users, n, connected to the server  403  may be considerably higher than those taking part in any single game. The bandwidth requirements on the server  403  can therefore be highly variable and large, whereas the requirements for the connection  402  between the studio  401  and the server  403  are less severe and more predictable. 
         [0117]      FIG. 5  illustrates a schematic plan view of an exemplary studio  401  connected to a server  403  ( FIG. 4 ) by a network connection  402 . The studio  401  contains a number of gaming tables  501   1-3  A camera  502   1-3  is directed at each table  501   1-3  for transmitting a view of the table  501   1-3  and an associated dealer  503   1-3  to a local hub  504 . The local hub  504  may be configured to send a multiplexed video stream derived from the cameras  502   1-3 , together with associated gaming date from each table  501   1-3 , to the server via the network connection  402 . Additional overhead cameras (not shown) may be provided at each table, for example to provide a view of cards as they are being dealt for the purposes of optical recognition of the cards. Scanning equipment, such as a barcode scanner, may be provided at each table for scanning cards as they are being dealt. Data from this additional equipment is also sent to the hub  504  for onward transmission. Some local processing of the video and data feeds from the tables may be provided by the local hub  504 , while other processing may be carried out remotely at the server  403  ( FIG. 4 ). 
         [0118]    In an exemplary implementation of the first aspect of the invention, a task bar  601  may be provided on a user&#39;s screen interface, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The task bar  601  may for example be added to a user screen interface of the types shown in  FIG. 1 or 2 , a typical position being along the bottom edge of the screen. The task bar  601  may provide a number of selection options for the user, such as to select personal options, a help function and a wallet function. For the particular example of a live online baccarat game, a ‘squeeze mode’ function  602  is provided on the task bar  601 . The function  602  is made available to a user dependent on a predefined set of rules, and may be shown only if the function is made available. The function may otherwise be absent or greyed out and non-functional when not available. A typical rules is that the user who placed the highest bid amount in a preceding game is selected as the instructing user. Other rules may also apply, such as selecting a user at random or selecting a user based on a number of previous games played, or based on a total of bid amounts placed during a number of preceding games. 
         [0119]      FIG. 7  illustrates a series of images that may be presented to the selected user once the function  602  is selected at the appropriate time. In baccarat, the appropriate time is generally when the fourth card has been dealt face down, at which point the function becomes available to the selected user. A predefined time period then starts, for example a period of less than 10 seconds, to allow the selected user to select the function. The images in  FIG. 7  are shown to illustrate the actions that can be taken. The user may choose to throw the card  703  to the dealer (option  711 ), rotate the card  703  to the left or right (options  712  and  713 ), or reveal a portion of the hidden side of the card  703 , as indicated by options  714 - 718 . The various options  714 - 718  indicate different levels at which the hidden side of the card  703  can be revealed, the highest level  718  showing the largest portion of the hidden side of the card  703 . A user can typically tell the value of the card  703  based on only a small portion of the card  703  being revealed, given a basic knowledge of the layout of the cards being used. 
         [0120]    Once the function is selected and the chosen instruction is provided by the user, either the dealer of a separate designated person positioned next to the dealer performs the instructed action. A second camera is provided in the casino for the purpose of viewing the hidden side of the card, the view from which is provided as a second video stream to only the selected user. Once the view has been provided, the user may choose to throw the card to the dealer or may take no action and allow a predefined time period to elapse, after which the designated person or dealer will reveal the card to the other users. 
         [0121]      FIG. 8  illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for performing a live online game of baccarat using the above described ‘squeeze mode’ function. From a player&#39;s perspective, the first step  801  is to select a game from a third party website. The player then selects a table (step  802 ), which in this case is a baccarat table with a ‘squeeze mode’ facility. When at the table, the player places bets (step  803 ), which are sent to the server via a secure online connection (typically via secure hypertext transfer protocol, or https, request). The bets received by the server are placed (step  804 ) and saved to a database  805 . From the perspective of the table  806 , two views are presented: a first view  807  in which a normal view of the table is presented and a second view  808  presented only to the player selected to be the instructing user for the squeeze mode, which in this example is the player with the most bets. From the perspective of a back office dealer module  809  a request is sent, for example via JavaScript, to notify the server to calculate bets. On a JavaScript (Jsp) page  810 , a query (for example an SQL query) is made for calculating the bests of players at the table. Via a connection, typically an XML socket connection, the player identifications are broadcast to the table  806 , which are incorporated into the views  807 ,  808  presented to the users. A result, the view presented to all users includes the player identifications (or IDs) together with the amounts bet. 
         [0122]    Returning to the perspective of the dealer module, once a countdown initiated by the back office dealer module  809  reaches zero, the dealer at the table starts dealing (step  811 ). The dealer deals the first three cards, which are scanned as they are dealt by a scanner application (step  812 ). The information relating to the card values may be put on hold before being broadcast to the table, which allows time for the selected user to perform a squeeze action. Otherwise, the server will process the game automatically. Once the squeeze action is performed, or after a preset time interval, the cards are released to the server and processed (step  813 ). The game state is broadcast (via an XML socket connection) to the table. 
         [0123]    From the perspective of the player selected to be the instructing user, once the fourth card is handed face down to the ‘squeezer’ (step  814 ), the squeezer waits for instructions from the instructing user. The instructing user instructs the squeezer to perform a squeezing action (step  815 ) and a portion of the card is revealed to the instructing user (step  816 ). The instructing user then releases the cards by clicking on a selection option, or after a predetermined time delay, the cards are released and shown to the other players. The dealer then announces the result and the game ends (step  817 ). 
         [0124]      FIG. 9  shows an exemplary screen  901 , i.e. from a user&#39;s perspective, of a live online game of roulette. The screen  901  comprises a live video stream  902 , a representation of a layout (or betting area)  903  and a taskbar  904  containing various information and control functions specific to the user. Other portions of the screen  901  may be used to contain information displays such as a chat function window  905 , a timer  906  and an announcement window  907 . A further overlaid information window  908  is shown to the user to indicate that they have been selected to be an instructing user for the particular game. In the example shown, the instructing user is nominated to be the chosen ‘golden ball’ player, and is informed that they should look out for a spin button and for the video steam to switch to an ‘x’ (or interactive) mode. A cash back bonus may also be indicated, which in this case is dependent on the user placing a minimum bet for the game. In the example shown, the cash back bonus is −25, for a minimum bet of −50. 
         [0125]    A different screen  1001  is shown to other users, or players, taking part in the same game, as shown in  FIG. 10 . Most of the features of the screen  1001  are the same as those for the instructing user, but in this case the information window  1008  indicates that the user may become a golden ball player. The information window  1007  indicates the requirements for becoming a golden ball player, which is to be the player who played the most games in the last 24 hours. Other rules may apply, for example based on the highest previous bet, a random selection or on highest total winnings. 
         [0126]    Returning to the instructing user&#39;s screen,  FIG. 11  shows a subsequent screen  1101  once the timer  906  indicates that bets are closed. The video stream window  902  now switches to a view of the roulette wheel. An overlaid information window  1108  is displayed to indicate that the user now has an opportunity to send a spin instruction, which in this example is provided by clicking on a golden ball  1110  marked ‘spin’. If the user clicks on the ball  1101  within a predefined time period (which may, for example be less then 10 seconds), an instruction is sent to the studio for the dealer to spin the ball in the roulette wheel. Alternatively, the ball may be spun (i.e. projected along the outer circumference of the roulette wheel) by a ball ejection machine configured to project the ball upon receiving a trigger signal initiated by the user clicking on the ball. To improve the user experience, the latency of action, i.e. the time between the user clicking on the ball  1110  and the ball being projected, is preferably as short as possible, for example less than one second. A machine-operated ball projector may therefore be preferred, although in other cases a dealer may manually project the ball into the roulette wheel, which may be necessary due to regulatory requirements. 
         [0127]    The principle of the golden ball option is that only the instructing user is given the option to spin the ball. This should have no effect, or at least no predictable effect, on the outcome of the game. A user may nevertheless obtain an improved experience from the option, since the impression is given that they have some control over the game. This may be sufficient for a user to want to be the golden ball player, and may therefore incentivise the user to meet the state requirements, for example being the player who played the most games in a preceding time period. The effect of this would be to increase the amount of time the user plays. The rule may alternatively be the highest amount bet over a preceding number of games or the player with the highest total winnings from a preceding number of games. Allocating a bonus payment in the event of a win when a player is a golden ball player provides a further inventive to become the golden ball player. The bonus is typically a portion of the amount bid in the bet instruction provided by the golden ball player for that game, rather than a proportion of the winning amount, so as to incentivise the player based on how much they bet rather than how much they win (which is entirely out of their control). 
         [0128]      FIG. 12  shows a subsequent screen  1201  shown to the golden ball player following placement of a winning bet. An information window  1202  is shown indicating that a golden ball bonus payment has been made, which in this case is          25 from a          50 bet. The golden ball selection process then restarts, and a golden ball player is selected once a subsequent game commences. The prevent the same player from being selected each time, the rule chosen for selecting the instructing player may be altered for a subsequent game. In the example shown in  FIG. 12 , once the game has ended the information window  1207  changes to indicate that the player who bet the most over a preceding number of games is selected to be the golden ball player. 
         [0129]      FIG. 13  is a flow diagram illustrating a sequence of steps taken for the above process. From the operator point of view, the process starts with the operator entering, i.e. logging into, the back office program (step  1301 ). The operator selects a bonus management facility, which may be available via a tab selection (step  1302 ), and chooses to add a golden ball bonus (step  1303 ). The operator then adds the player selection rule and a payout rule (step  1304 ), if applicable. The operator saves the selections, and the process is then active (step  1305 ). The settings are stored in a server database  1306 . 
         [0130]    From a player&#39;s point of view, the process starts with the player selecting a golden ball table (step  1307 ). The player then places bets on the table (step  1308 ), which are sent to the server. The server calculates the bets and finds a selected player according to the rules set by the operator (step  1309 ), and saves the bets in the database  1306 . An SQL query, for example, may be used to calculate the player according to rules set by the operator. An XML socket connection is used to broadcast the selected player name and the croupier is notified on a dealer module of the selected player name (step  1310 ). 
         [0131]    From the perspective of the screen shown to the players, the table  1311  is shown in two modes. In a first normal mode  1312  players have normal views and play, while in a second mode  1313  the selected player has the golden ball button activated. 
         [0132]    From the perspective of the back office dealer module, the process begins by the pit boss (i.e. a supervisor of a number of gaming tables) manually starting a golden ball game (step  1314 ). The croupier at each table waits for a countdown timer  906  ( FIG. 9 ) to expire, and is notified of the selected player name (step  1310 ), while an XML socket connection is made to broadcast a message to show the golden ball button to the selected player. The croupier waits to receive a spin instruction from the instructing user (the golden ball player), resulting in one of two possible outcomes. In a first outcome  1315 , the player provides a spin instruction and the croupier announces that the player has selected to spin the ball. The croupier then spins the ball (step  1316 ). In a second outcome, where no instruction is received from the instructing user (step  1319 ), the croupier announces that the golden ball player has not selected to spin the ball, and proceeds to spin the ball (step  1316 ). The croupier then announces the winning number and this is entered into the dealer module. The player then wins a bonus depending on any payout rule that may have been set by the operator (step  1317 ). The game then finishes (step  1318 ), and the process then repeats, starting again from step  1314 . 
         [0133]      FIG. 14  shows a screen  1401  as presented to a user, or player, for a live online gam of blackjack, in which a second video stream to show a perspective from the user&#39;s position on the table  203  is shown. In comparison to the normal view of the table  203  shown in  FIG. 2 , the view in  FIG. 14  is closer to the table and more representative of the view that the user would have if they were seated at that position. The player&#39;s cards  1402  are presented directly in front of the player, in the centre of their screen, thereby emphasising their position in the game and enhancing the player&#39;s experience of the game by more closely simulating a real casino experience. The player may choose to switch between the two views represented by  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 14  by selecting a camera control function on their task bar  1403 . The alternative camera view may be provided for all active players in the game, and is enabled by having multiple cameras placed around the periphery of the table  203  at or near a position similar to that a user would take if seated at a real table. 
         [0134]    In each of the embodiments disclosed herein, two-way video communication may be enabled by video streams being sent from cameras located at the remote users&#39; locations. These video streams may be received by the server and incorporated into the video stream that is sent to all users and/or may be viewable by the dealer. In the example of a blackjack game with alternative camera views, the alternative camera view may be a composite view of the image of the table together with views of each of the other players located at their respective positions. Each user may be provided with an option to rotate the alternative camera view so that their view of the table may be changed. A scaling and mapping operation may be carried out on each video stream received from the players so that their appearance within the video stream is correctly oriented to appear to be positioned around the table, thereby simulating their appearance on a virtual video screen around the table. 
         [0135]      FIG. 15  illustrates schematically a network system  200  for live online gaming according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, which is applicable to each of the aspects of the present invention disclosed herein. The network system  200  comprises a casino studio  201  (including a dealer module) that is linked via a first connection  202  to a server  203 . The server  203  may be in a common location to the studio  201  or, more usually, may be in a different location. The location of the server  203  may be chosen depending on the expected location(s) of the users  204   1-n  for example to minimise latency and maximise the available bandwidth for each user. While a dedicated single connection may be used for the connection  202  between the studio  201  and the server  203 , an effectively unlimited number of connections  205   1-n  may be made between the users  204   1-n  and the server  203 , although in practice a maximum number of concurrent connections will be set according to the capacity of the server  203  so as to limit the possibility of the server  203  being overloaded or adversely affecting the gameplay experience of the users. 
         [0136]    The studio  201  provides a video stream to the server  203  from one or more cameras in the studio  201 , along with other data relating to the game to be played, and receives from the server  203  information and instructions relating to the users  204   1-n . Each user  204   1-n  is connected to the server  203  via a network connection  205   1-n  typically via the internet. The number of users in a typical live online casino game may vary from one to around seven, although can be a higher number depending on the capacity of the server  203  and the ability of the studio to accommodate the number of users in a live casino environment. The studio  201  may accommodate more than one game at any given time, so the total number of users n connected to the server  203  may be considerably higher than those taking part in a single game. The bandwidth requirements on the server  203  can therefore be highly variable and large, whereas the requirements for the connection  202  between the studio and the server  203  are less severe and more predictable. 
         [0137]    As previously described,  FIG. 5  illustrates a schematic plan view of an exemplary studio  201  connected to a server  203  ( FIG. 15 ) by a network connection  202 . The studio  201  contains a number of gaming tables  501   1-3 . A respective camera  502   1-3  is directed at each table  501   1-3  for transmitting a view of the table and an associated dealer  503   1-3  to the local hub or dealer module  504 . The dealer module  504  may be configured to send a multiplexed video stream derived from the cameras  502   1-3  together with associated gaming data from each table  501   1-3  to the server via the network connection  202 . Additional overhead cameras (not shown) may be provided at each table, for example to provide a view of the roulette wheel as it is being spun for the purposes of optical recognition of the rotary position of the wheel and the location therein of the ball after it has been spun. Data from this additional equipment is also sent to the dealer module  504  for onward transmission. Some local processing of the video and data feeds from the tables may be provided by the dealer module  504 , while other processing may be carried out remotely at the server  203  ( FIG. 15 ). 
         [0138]    The background provided in the studio  201  for the tables  501  and dealers  503  is preferably of a single colour, typically blue or green, such that the cameras  502   1-3  capture a video stream with a single colour backdrop. A graphics module (not shown) associated with the dealer module  504  or the server  203  ( FIG. 15 ) can generate graphics data (still or animated) and an editing module (not shown) utilising Green Screen technology enables the above-mentioned single colour to be made transparent such that the generated graphics can be superimposed into the video stream displayed at the remote user terminals. 
         [0139]    Referring to  FIG. 16  of the drawings, a wheel interface module  302  may be provided in respect of the roulette wheel  300 . As will be well known to a person skilled in the art., a roulette wheel  300  has a rotor with pockets on the periphery of the rotor. In some known roulette wheel systems, sensors are provided to detect the ball. These sensors may be provided on the rim of the wheel (to detect the ball in the ball track) and at least one sensor may be provided to detect which pocket the ball lands in, although this sensing may additionally or alternatively be performed by the aforementioned overhead cameras and an associated optical recognition module. The sensors detect a number of different pieces of spin data (or ‘game state data’), including the number of the pocket in which the ball falls for each game, the speed of the rotor, the speed of the ball, relative rotary position of the rotor, etc. A processor is provided in the wheel interface module  302  for receiving this game state data and configured to generate two bonus numbers using game state data of the aforementioned type as well as time stamp data associated with a specific (current) game. For example, a first bonus number may be calculated using time stamp data and wheel speed data or rotary position data, and a second bonus number may be calculated using time stamp data, wheel speed/position data and ball speed/position data. Irrespective of the game state data used to generate the first and second bonus numbers, it will be appreciated that each bonus number is essentially a random number generated in respect of a specific current game, and a wheel interface module capable of performing this process is known from, for example, US2011/0244939. Once generated, the two bonus numbers are entered into an algorithm to generate a number (e.g. between 0 and 126, wherein the generated number is indicative of a “winning” symbol (as will be explained in more detail below). The generated number, or data representative of the winning symbol, is fed to the dealer module  504 . This ‘win’ data may be processed at the dealer module  504 , or transmitted to the server (via HTTPS connection  202 ) for processing, to generate suitable graphics data for transmission to the relevant remote user terminal(s)  204  to be superimposed into the displayed video stream. 
         [0140]    Furthermore, the wheel interface module is configured to identify (via the sensors) when the wheel starts to spin, and output data indicative of this. This data is transmitted to the dealer module and processed to generate animation data to animate the graphics superimposed into the displayed video stream, as will be explained in detail hereinafter. 
         [0141]      FIG. 17  shows an exemplary screen  601 , i.e. from a user&#39;s perspective, of a live online game of roulette. The screen  601  comprises a live video stream  602 , a representation of a layout (or betting area)  603  and a taskbar  604  containing various information and control functions specific to the user. Other portions of the screen  601  may be used to contain information displays such as a chat function window  605 , a timer  606  and an announcement window  607 . The task bar  604  may provide a number of selection options for the user, such as a help function, a wallet function and a facility to enable the user select personal options. For example, in this particular exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a set of seven graphical symbols  608  are laid out horizontally, in side-by-side configuration, along the top of the betting area  603 . These symbols  608  are user-selectable within the betting area  603 , and bets may be placed thereon. Thus, the user can select one or more of the symbols  608 , and place a bet thereon that it will be the winning symbol after the roulette wheel has been spun. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the same symbols are displayed on the screen in the form of a reel  609 , defined by computer-generated graphics and made to look similar to a reel of a conventional ‘fruit machine’ in the sense that it can be animated to appear to ‘spin’ about a horizontal axis whilst the roulette wheel is spinning triggered by the above-mentioned data from the wheel interface module indicative that the roulette wheel has started spinning), with the various symbols appearing within the user&#39;s perspective as the reel spins. A ‘marker’  610  is provided in respect of the reel  609 , corresponding to a central portion of the visible part of the reel, which marks the “winning” symbol after the roulette wheel has been spun and the winning symbol has been calculated and determined in the manner described above. 
         [0142]    Thus, in use, referring to  FIG. 18  of the drawings and starting with the dealer&#39;s point of view, a method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention starts with the operator entering, i.e. logging into, the back office program (step  1000 ) facilitated by the dealer module referenced above. Once the process is active, the game can be accessed online by remote users or players. 
         [0143]    From the player&#39;s point of view, the process starts with the player selecting a table (step  1002 ). The player then places the bets on the table (step  1004 ), which are sent to the server. The server calculates the bets and saves the bets in a database within, or communicably coupled to the dealer module (step  1006 ). At this stage, the player can also place a bet on one or more of the symbols  608  ( FIG. 5 ) the corresponding bet(s) are also saved to the database. 
         [0144]    Next, the dealer spins the roulette wheel (with the ball), either in response to a selected remote user&#39;s instruction or upon the expiry of a predetermined period of time (e.g. at the end of a countdown timer to indicate that the betting period has expired) (step  1008 ). The video stream window  602  ( FIG. 5 ) may then switch to a view of the roulette wheel as it spins and until it stops, thereby showing the remote user where the ball has landed when the wheel stops. The dealer announces the winning ball position and data representative thereof is transmitted, via the dealer module, to the server to be displayed on the remote user(s) screens (step  1010 ). In addition, the aforementioned bonus numbers and, therewith, a winning number is generated that corresponds to a winning symbol (step  1012 ). Data representative of the winning symbol can be used to derive graphics data for display at the remote user terminal to indicate the winning symbol. In this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, that data is used to cause the ‘reel’ carrying the symbols to stop spinning at a point wherein the winning symbol is located generally centrally and in line with the marker to indicate that it is the winning symbol. 
         [0145]    This process can be seen more clearly in  FIG. 19 , which illustrates schematically the technical aspects of the win determination and display process. Thus, whilst the roulette wheel is spinning, the video stream is shot by the first one or more (‘head on’) cameras  900  in the studio, and overhead images are captured by the second one or more (overhead) cameras  902 . The video stream is transmitted, via the dealer module  904 , to the server  906  for display in the video stream window of a remote user&#39;s screen. The image data from the overhead camera(s)  902  (or wheel data from the wheel sensors, not shown) is transmitted to a wheel interface module  907 . Within the wheel interface module  907 , there is provided a processor  908 , an optical recognition and/or sensor module  910 , and a random number generator (RNG) module  911 . The images from the overhead camera(s)  902  and/or or the signals from the wheel sensors are processed by the optical recognition module  910  (or data obtained from the sensors is processed by a sensor module  910 ) to determine the above-mentioned spin data. Data indicative that the wheel has started spinning is transmitted, via the dealer module, to the server to trigger animation (i.e. spinning) of the displayed slot reel(s) carrying the bonus symbols. Time stamp data for that specific spin is also determined by the wheel interface module. The time stamp data and the spin data are fed to the processor  908 . The processor is configured to use a first algorithm to generate a first bonus number using the time stamp data and first spin data, and a second algorithm to generate a second bonus number using the time stamp data and second spin data. The first and second bonus numbers, or data representative thereof, are fed to the random number generator module  911  which generates a number therefrom (e.g. between 0 and 126) and outputs the generated number to the processor. The winning symbol is determined according to the generated number, and data representative thereof is a) transmitted for display at the remote user&#39;s terminal  912  and b) used to calculate the remote user&#39;s winnings (using bet data held in a database within, or communicably coupled to, the server  906 ). Win data is then also transmitted for display at the remote user&#39;s terminal. Furthermore, spin data (generated when the ball lands on a number and has rotated at least twice in the wheel) is generated by the wheel interface module and used (in addition to the win data) to stop the graphics reel(s) at the correct position to display the winning symbol. It will be appreciated that, whilst the processor, random number generator module and image recognition module have been illustrated in  FIG. 19  as separate entities within the wheel interface module, one or more of these functions may be integrated as a single module. Equally, these functions may not be provided within a so-called wheel interface module: one or more of the functions may be provided within the dealer module, in the server or even remotely from both the server and the dealer module, and the present invention is not necessarily intended to be in any way limited in this regard. 
         [0146]    Referring now to  FIG. 20  of the drawings, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the user display may be provided with a pair of reels  800 , each carrying symbols on their ‘outer’ rim. The reels may be positioned on the user&#39;s screen in side-by-side configuration and arranged to “spin” about the same horizontal axis (triggered by the above-mentioned data indicative that the roulette wheel has started to spin). In this case, a symbol “win” may comprise a combination of two symbols (as indicated by the winning combination of symbols appearing side by side against the marker) and the winning number generated in the manner described above may correspond to a winning combination of symbols, rather than a single symbol. Referring to  FIG. 21  of the drawings, in yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, three reels  800  of symbols may be provided, in side-by-side relation and a symbol win may comprise a combination of three symbols, such that the above-mentioned winning number corresponds to a winning combination to be indicated to the user by the row of three symbols appearing against the marker when the reels stop spinning. 
         [0147]    Other embodiments are within the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6