EP1752939A1 - Method of operating a money actuated gaming machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves converting a certain money amount in a credit display into a certain gain point and adding the money in a point display (25) of an money actuated entertainment machine, by an extra play device (26) during a credit in a credit display within a preset minimum play time of about three, six or twelve seconds. A certain point number is debited from the point display as entry for a play in the play device.

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating a coin-operated entertainment device with a computer-controlled control unit, a game device, a point display and a credit display and optionally a risk game device.

Such entertainment devices are known in various embodiments. They comprise a game device, which usually has three circulating bodies, which can be designed as rollers, discs, folding card carousels or the like. On the externally visible by reading window surface, the rotating body symbols. The recirculating bodies are usually stopped one after the other and after all the circulating bodies have come to a standstill, the symbol combination displayed in the reading windows indicates a gain or a loss. At different levels, money and / or points and / or special game winnings with increased chance of winning over the normal game or the like are promised.

Furthermore, known game devices often have a risk game device, which at a profit already achieved can be set by pressing a button. On a risk ladder, which displays various profit values on profit display elements, the profit already achieved and the profit that can be achieved are optically highlighted. A random generator present in the entertainment device decides whether the already achieved profit is lost or increased. When the profit is increased, it is displayed again as the realized profit, and the profit that can now be achieved is also optically highlighted. By pressing a risk key, the profit can be risked again. When carrying out a risk game, a decision is usually made about increasing or losing the total profit.

In addition, it is known in gaming machines, the profit achieved by means of a play-out, light up randomly in the occupied with different profits display fields and a display of the achieved profit display field is lit, increase or decrease. However, as a rule, no total loss of the profit used is possible.

Such additional win game facilities are usually occupied in their display fields with different monetary values, points and / or special games. As a rule, in such coin-operated entertainment devices, the monetary values, points and special games achieved in the gaming device or in one of the additional-win gaming devices are simply output, played out in the playout device or further propagated in the risk gaming device.

From the DE 10 231 000 A1 A method for operating a coin-operated entertainment device is known in which money deposits are debited from a credit store for the start of a symbol game device. In this case, winnings from the game facility are accumulated in the form of points in a point display. Each monetary value maximum gained during a game series in the symbol game facility decrements a certain number of points in the score display. The monetary value gained is credited to the player at the same time on the credit note. This process can be continued until the count "0" in the scoreboard. The disadvantage here is that from the beginning of the game can be played only with a fixed, fixed predetermined monetary stake. Since the minimum playing time of the entertainment device is fixed, for example, 12 seconds, the player must always wait until the expiry of the minimum playing time before a new game can be started.

It is an object of the invention to provide a method for operating a coin-operated entertainment device of the type mentioned, which allows a faster game play, whereby the game play designed with greater play and profit incentive and the entertainment value for the player is increased.

According to the invention the object is achieved in that in a credit in the credit display via an extra game device within a predetermined minimum playing time continuously converted a certain amount of money from the credit display in a certain points profit and in the point display and the point display a specific Score is deducted as a stake for a game in the game facility.

Accordingly, unlike the prior art methods, after inserting a monetary stake into the entertainment device, no play in the gaming device, e.g. a symbol game device started, but a certain amount of money on the extra game device converted into a certain points win. For example, if the allowable maximum bet per game is 0.20 EURO, 20 points are transformed into the scoring display and added up. The transformation takes place in each case within the permissible minimum playing time, e.g. 12 seconds, without any time delay.

If the credit display has a higher credit, for example EUR 15.00, then a transformation of a certain amount of money from the credit balance of the credit display into a certain point profit takes place continuously and until the credit is used up. Here, for example, a maximum of every 12 seconds, a conversion of 0.20 EURO from the credit display in 20 points in the score display. For example, if the minimum playing time is 3 or 6 seconds, 0.20 EURO will be converted into 20 points at most every 3 or 6 seconds and added to the score screen.

From the scoring display then a certain score, for example, 5 points for a 3-second game, 10 points for a 6-second game or 20 points for a 12-second game, deducted as an insert in the game facility.

Already after the first conversion and during the transformation process of monetary operations on the extra game device in point winnings point winnings as bets for a game, so the actual usual base game in the game device, can be started, of the scoreboard a certain number of points as an insert for the Base game is deducted and thus the score in the score display is decremented. This allows a faster game play, because it does not have to constantly wait for the expiration of the minimum playing time in the base game, before a new stake can be made. In addition, higher point wins can be achieved without exceeding the maximum permissible maximum win per game.

Another advantage of the method according to the invention is that it is possible to play immediately with higher scores from the scoreboard in the gaming device as soon as a larger number of scores have been accumulated on the scoreboard.

According to one embodiment of the method, a point credit in the point display after pressing a button on the extra game device a certain number of points is converted into a specific amount of money and this added up in the credit display. This occurs when the player makes the decision to end the game, withdraw the winnings and leave the amusement device. Through this triggered by key actuation transfer change thus takes place a bidirectional conversion of amounts of money into points and points in points of money on the extra game device.

According to an advantageous development, the extra game device consists of a plurality of light fields which are within the predetermined minimum playing time, e.g. 12 seconds, preferably one after the other, whereby after the minimum playing time has elapsed a certain amount of money, e.g. 0.20 EURO, from the credit display to a certain score, e.g. 20 points, is converted.

Alternatively, the object is achieved by the fact that in a credit in the credit display via a play with a close to 100% lying Hitqoute within a predetermined minimum playing time continuously converts a certain amount of money from the credit display in a certain score and added in the scoring and from the Scoring a certain score is deducted as a stake for a game in the game facility.

Here, the conversion process is similar to the previously discussed method with the extra game device. However, a player is used to transform funds from the balance display into point wins in the score display. The hit rate for converting funds into point wins is as close to 100% as possible. In the playing device, the typical characteristic is used that an amount of money inserted therein, preferably in the ratio 1: 1, can be increased or decreased. This means that with a 90% hit probability, for example, a cash amount of eg EUR 0.20 can lead to a score of eg 20, but also 10 or 30 points. Here are, of course, too Variations within certain limits possible. Incidentally, this method has the same advantages as described in relation to the previous method.

Furthermore, a point credit in the score display after pressing a button on the plaything a certain number of points is converted into a specific amount of money and this added up in the balance display. This is also done when the player makes the decision to end the game, remove the winnings, and leave the amusement device. This triggered by key actuation transfer change thus also takes place a bidirectional conversion of funds into points and points in points of money on the player.

Preferably, the playout device consists of a number of hit fields occupied display fields, wherein when randomly lit up a display panel within the predetermined minimum playing time, e.g. 6 seconds, it is decided whether the amount of money from the credit display is converted into a point profit and, depending on this, after the minimum playing time has elapsed, a certain amount of money, e.g. 0.10 EURO, from the credit display to a certain score, e.g. 10 points, is converted.

Advantageously, the conversion of funds from the credit display in point profits in the scoring in the ratio 1: 1, ie, for example, 0.20 EURO in 20 points, with a hit rate of approximately 100%, for example, 99%. Of course, the hit rate can also be arbitrary be varied. If there is no more money in the credit balance, the transformation process is ended. Further, the transformation of amounts into points is made regardless of whether or not a game is played in the game device or the risk game device.

Furthermore, it is advantageously provided that the number of points from the point display is debited in a ratio of 1: 1 as an insert for a game in the game device.

Depending on any statutory limits or specified by the manufacturer of entertainment equipment conditions, the predetermined minimum playing time is preferably 3, 6 or 12 seconds. This minimum playing time can also be varied if necessary. In this case, the number of points to be deducted from the point display for use for a game in the game device may depend on the length of the minimum game duration, e.g. 20 points for a 12-second game, 10 points for a 6-second game, or 5 points for a 3-second game.

Conversely, this is also possible if the player wishes to end the game on the entertainment device by the number of points to be converted from the point display to a certain amount of money in the credit display depends on the length of the minimum playing time or the maximum allowable profit per game, eg 20 Points in 0.20 EURO for a 12-second game, 10 points in 0.10 EURO for a 6-second game or 5 points in 0.05 EURO for a 3-second game.

Further, the amount of money to be converted from points in the score display is equal to or less than the amount of one game bet per game in the game facility. For example, if the maximum stake is 0.20 EURO per game, a score, preferably e.g. 20 points converted into a maximum of 0.20 EURO.

To increase the game incentive and to create a varied game flow is an essential part of the process according to the invention that during a conversion of a certain number of points from the point display in a certain amount of money in the credit display, the game in the game device or in the risk game device continues to run, ie is essentially independent of the transformation process.

Apart from the conversion of amounts of money into point profits and vice versa, after further training in the gaming facility, in the risk gambling facility or possibly also in another gaming facility, e.g. a jackpot game facility, points gained directly in the score display added. These can also be included in the conversion process of points from the point display into funds in the credit display.

It goes without saying that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations. The scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims.

Fig. 1

eine Vorderansicht eines nach dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren betriebenen Unterhaltungsgerätes,

Fig. 2

einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt einer Extra-Spieleinrichtung des Unterhaltungsgerätes gemäß Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt einer Ausspieleinrichtung des Unterhaltungsgerätes gemäß Fig. 1 und

Fig. 4 bis 6

vergrößerte Ausschnitte der Extra-Spieleinrichtung des Unterhaltungsgerätes gemäß Fig. 1 in verschiedenen Stufen des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.

The invention will be explained in more detail in the following description with reference to exemplary embodiments which are illustrated in the drawings. It shows:

Fig. 1

a front view of an operated according to the inventive entertainment device,

Fig. 2

an enlarged section of an extra game device of the entertainment device of FIG. 1,

Fig. 3

an enlarged section of a play device of the entertainment device of FIG. 1 and

4 to 6

enlarged sections of the extra game device of the entertainment device of FIG. 1 in different stages of the method according to the invention.

The one designed as a symbol game device game device 1 receiving housing 2 of the money-driven, computer-controlled entertainment device with profit option shown in FIG. 1 has on its front a windscreen 3 with reading windows 4, behind which three juxtaposed, roller-shaped circulating body 5 of the game device 1 are provided , The circulating bodies 5, after start-up at the beginning of the game, during or at the end of the game, are controlled by a random number generator of the control unit in one of a plurality of possible locking positions brought to a standstill. The locking positions are assigned to the circumference of the circulating body 5 symbols 6, which serve to display the result of the game in the reading windows 4. From the displayed symbols 6, the player can read off the result of the game, in particular also whether a win has resulted from a combination of the displayed symbols 6 according to a win plan explained on the windscreen 3.

In the lower part of the entertainment device are Nachstart / stop buttons 7 for the rotating body 5, with which they can be restarted or prematurely stopped. In the case of a win by reaching a particular combination of symbols, a payout in cash, i. done by throwing money into an output tray 8 or by adding up in a credit display 9. In the upper part of the entertainment device there are a coin insertion slot 10, a token insertion slot 11, a bill entry slot 12 and a user card entry slot 13 of a cash processing device, not shown. Furthermore, a return key 14 is arranged next to the coin insertion slot 10, by the actuation of which a credit balance displayed in the credit display 9 in the output tray 8 is retrievable.

The achieved in the game device 1 by achieving a randomly determined symbol combination profit according to the profit plan in the form of points can be key or computer controlled as an insert in one of the both sides of the windscreen 3 arranged additional profit game facilities are transmitted, each as a risk game device 15 and 16 are formed. The right risk game facility 15 has several combined to a risk ladder 17 illuminated display panels 18, which are occupied with increasing points winnings from 15 to 6000 points. The left risk game device 16 likewise has a plurality of illuminated display panels 20, which are combined to form a risk ladder 19 and are occupied with increasing point winnings of 10 to 5,000 points. Risking the point gain displayed in the risk ladder 17 or 19 takes place in that the next higher display field 18 or 20 with respect to the illuminated, indicating the profit display field 18 and 20 alternately with an attached below the risk ladder 17 and 19 respectively Total loss display field 21 or 22 with the inscription "0" flashes. When a risk key 23 or 24 is actuated, either the next higher profit is achieved or the profit used is lost. This process can be continued until the maximum win at points is reached. The achieved punk winnings are added up in a score display 25.

In the upper part of the center of the entertainment device is an extra game device 26 shown in FIG. 2 or a playout device 27 shown in FIG. 3, which is associated with a button 28.

The extra game device 26 shown in FIG. 2 consists of a plurality of light fields 29, which light up in an existing use for a game in the credit display 9 within a predetermined minimum playing time of 12 seconds successively. After the minimum playing time has elapsed, the bet is converted into a certain number of points and added up in the score display 25.

The play-out device 27 consists of a number of "+" or "-" occupied display fields 30, which symbolize a lying close to 100% lying Hitqoute, namely 90% Hitqoute "+" and 10% Hitqoute "-". In the case of illumination of a display panel 30 occupied by "+", after expiration of the playout within the minimum playing time of e.g. 6 seconds that a conversion of a certain amount of money from the credit display 9 is converted into a certain point gain and added to the scoring display 25. On the other hand, if a display field 30 occupied by "-" lights up after the end of the playout, no conversion of a sum of money into points takes place.

Thus, it is decided at random controlled lighting a display panel 30 within the predetermined minimum playing time, whether the amount of money from the credit display 9 is converted into a point win. This conversion is independent of the base game in the game device 1 or the risk game device 15 and 16, which may continue to run. From the dot display 25, a certain score, which is determined by the length of the minimum playing time, e.g. 3, 6 or 12 seconds, depending on deducted as a stake for a game in the game device 1. If, as a result of the playouts in the playout device 27, the credit in the credit display 9 has been used up, the conversion of funds into points has ended.

If the player wants to end the game on the entertainment device and the points display 25 has a point balance, by pressing the button 28 on the playout device 27 a certain number of points in a certain amount of money converted and added to this in the credit display 9. The amounts of money in the credit display 9 and the points numbers in the point display 25 are not shown in detail, but only as fictitious, graphical numerical values that may be correspondingly different depending on the transformation process.

4 to 6 show by way of example different stages as part of a continuous conversion of a certain amount of money from the credit display 9 on the extra game device 26 within a predetermined minimum playing time of 12 seconds in a certain points gain and its cumulation in the score display 25th

Accordingly, as shown in Figure 4, after the minimum playing time of 12 seconds has elapsed, a certain amount of money, e.g. 0.20 EURO, from the credit display 9 into a certain score, e.g. 20 points, with the illuminated fields 29 of the extra game device 26 lighting up one after the other. The conversion is symbolized by the arrow 31. If, as a result of the payouts in the extra game device 26, the credit in the credit display 9 has been used up, the conversion of funds into points has ended.

According to FIG. 5, use is then made for a game in the game device 1, for example, by debiting 20 points from the point display 25 for a game with a 12-second minimum playing time. If necessary, 10 points for a 6-second game or 5 points for a 3-second game can be deducted instead. In this case, the light fields 29 do not light up in the extra game device 26.

If the player achieves a point win in the subsequent game in the game device 1, this is added up directly in the score display 25 and displayed or risked in one of the risk game devices 15, 16.

If the player intends to end the game on the entertainment device, he can press the button 28. In the case of a point credit in the point display 25, according to FIG. 6, a certain number of points is then converted into a specific amount of money via the extra game device 26 and this is added up in the credit display 9. The arrow 32 symbolizes the transformation process from the point display 25 to the credit display 9. This balance can then pay out the player in the usual way on the payout shell 8 of the entertainment device.

List of reference numbers

1

gaming establishment

2

casing

3

windscreen

4

reading window

5

recirculating

6

symbol

7

Having-key

8th

dispensing tray

9

credit display

10

coin slot

11

Token insertion slot

12

Banknote input slot

13

Card entry slot

14

return button

15

Risk playing device

16

Risk playing device

17

risk Head

18

display

19

risk Head

20

display

21

Total loss display

22

Total loss display

23

risk button

24

risk button

25

Scores display

26

Extra playing device

27

playout

28

button

29

light field

30

display

31

arrow

32

arrow

Claims (14)

A method of operating a coin-operated entertainment device with a computer-controlled control unit, a game device (1), a score display (25) and a credit display (9) and optionally a risk game device (15,16), characterized in that in a credit in the credit display (9) over an extra game device (26) within a predetermined minimum playing time continuously converted a certain amount of money from the credit display (9) in a certain point win and added in the scoring (25) and from the scoreboard (25) a certain number of points as an insert for a game in the game facility (1) is deducted. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that in a point credit in the scoreboard (25) after pressing a button (28) on the extra game device (26) converted a certain number of points into a specific amount of money and this in the credit display (9) added becomes. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the extra game device (26) consists of a plurality of illuminated fields (29) which preferably light up within the predetermined minimum playing time, wherein after the minimum playing time a certain amount of money from the credit display (9) is converted into a certain point win. Method according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that in a credit in the credit display (9) via a play device (27) with a close as possible to 100% lying Hitqoute within a predetermined minimum playing time continuously a certain amount of money from the credit display (9) converted into a certain point win and added in the score display (25) and from the scoreboard (25) a certain score as a stake for a game in the game device (1) is deducted. A method according to claim 4, characterized in that when a credit point in the scoreboard (25) after pressing a button (28) via the play device (27) a certain number of points converted into a certain amount of money and this is added up in the credit display (9). A method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the playout device (27) consists of a number of hit rates occupied display fields (30), is decided upon randomly lit a display panel (30) within the predetermined minimum playing time, whether the amount of money from the credit display (9) converted into a point win and, depending on this, after expiry of the minimum playing time a certain amount of money from the Balance display (9) is converted into a certain points win. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the amount of money from the credit display (9) in a ratio of 1: 1 is converted into a point win. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the score from the scoreboard (25) in a ratio of 1: 1 is deducted as an insert for a game in the game device (1). Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the predetermined minimum playing time is preferably 3, 6 or 12 seconds. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the number of points to be debited from the point display (25) for use in a game in the game device (1) depends on the length of the minimum playing time. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the number of points to be converted by the point display (25) into a specific amount of money in the credit display (9) depends on the length of the minimum playing time or the maximum permissible profit per game. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the amount of money to be converted from points in the point display (25) corresponds at most to the amount of one game bet per game in the game device (1). Method according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that during a conversion of a certain number of points from the point display (25) into a certain amount of money in the credit display (9), the base game in the game device (1) the risk game in the risk Game device (15, 16) continues to run. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that points obtained in the game device (1) are added directly in the point display (25).

Images