DE102005055736B4 - Method of operating a coin-operated entertainment device - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for operating a coin-operated entertainment device having a computer-controlled control unit, a symbol game device (1) and at least one risk game device (15) comprising additional lighting elements (25) consisting of a plurality of risk fields (17, 19) with profit values, characterized in that in the case of multiple use of bets in the symbol game device (1), entry into a risk field (17, 19) of the risk gambling facility (15) which depends on the amount of the multiple gambling operation takes place with a correspondingly higher value profit value, the entry into the risk area Game device (15) in multiple game use by the risk fields (17, 19) associated lighting elements (25) is symbolized, cumulatively illuminate with increasing stakes and the achievement of increasing profits in the risk game device (15) the corresponding higher-value risk fields (17, 19 ) and each of the risk fields (17, 19) at least one additional luminous element or the risk ladder (16, 18) of the risk game device (15) is assigned a single additional luminous element (25) which is assigned and activated to the respectively determined risk field, wherein the additional luminous element (25) at an entrance in the corresponding risk field (17, 19) of the risk game device (15) lights up as an arrow.

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating a coin-operated entertainment device with a computer-controlled control unit, a symbol game device and at least one of a plurality of risk areas occupied with risk areas existing risk game device with additional lighting elements.

Such entertainment devices are known in various embodiments. They include a symbol game device, which usually has three rotating body, which may be formed as rollers, discs, folding card carousels or the like. On the visible from the outside 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.

In order to encourage a player to use such entertainment devices and entertain him during the game and to provide further game incentives, various measures have already been taken. So it is customary to attach to these amusement devices for the player actuating organs, which usually act on the course of each Umlaufkorper. Thus, for example, by pressing a post-start button within a certain period of time, one of the circulating bodies can be restarted by the player in order to give him the real possibility of achieving a profitable combination of symbols. In addition, stop buttons may be provided for the remaining rotating bodies to allow the player to prematurely stop a rotating rotating body, thereby giving the player the impression of being able to influence the game action and thus the symbol combination resulting from the game.

Furthermore, well-known game equipment often as an additional win game device on a risk game device that can be set at a profit already achieved via a button in operation. 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. Such a risk game device is usually occupied in their risk fields with different monetary values and special games.

In coin-operated entertainment devices with symbol gaming facilities and optionally other additional gaming facilities where points, specials or cash prizes are played, there are various methods to enable games of increased stakes.

Thus, for example, in a multiple game use the same winning combinations of the symbol game device rewarded with a corresponding multiple win, z. B. in so-called fruit machines, in which the symbols of the symbol game device fruits or other symbols, such as crowns, coins and the like, display.

In another method, multiple pay bets are purchased at multiple bets, d. H. the winning highs remain the same, but the chance of winning the prize is multiplied accordingly.

From the DE 41 26 287 C2 Furthermore, a Geldbetatigtes game is known in which the symbol game device is set by means of different high stakes corresponding monetary values in motion. The monetary value of the game is displayed in a display unit. The stakes are assigned different possible winnings. A risk gambling facility has risk areas grouped together in a risk ladder, which are occupied in the lower area with increasing multipliers of the stake for a game. This means that the achievable winning value of each of these risk areas is dependent on the amount of gambling. However, the entry into the risk game device is always in the lowest risk field with the lowest profit value. Furthermore, the risk game under risk of loss takes place in a known manner step by step from the lowest risk field to the highest value risk field. This makes the game for the player relatively monotonous and uninteresting.

Furthermore, from the DE 199 47 171 B4 a method for operating a coin-operated entertainment device known in which within a predetermined period of a game and / or a certain number of games a multiple entry into the display panels of the risk manager of the Risk game device is made possible, with each re-entry into one of a plurality of higher display panels of the risk manager and is achieved when reaching the higher display panel in the risk ladder, the payout ratio or the odds ratio. The achievement of the respective higher display field in the risk ladder is visually displayed by a light emitting element associated with the respective display field, whereby as the predetermined time span of a game and / or the specific number of games progresses, one light element each of the higher display fields of the risk ladder is illuminated step by step. In this case, the multiple entry into the display fields of risk managers of the risk game device is dependent on the condition that this multiple entry takes place within a predetermined period of a game and / or a certain number of games. The basic condition is therefore the time span, ie a time-dependent component. Furthermore, the incremental illumination of the higher display fields of the risk ladder is dependent on the progression of the predetermined time period of a game and / or the specific number of games, ie the time-dependent component.

It is an object of the invention to provide a method for operating a coin-operated entertainment device of the type mentioned above, which gives the player the possibility of realizing higher profits and greater chances of winning, thereby designing the game play with greater play and profit incentive and the entertainment value for To increase the player, the gameplay for the player is simply visually detectable.

According to the invention the object is achieved in that at a multiple stake in the symbol game device an entry into a dependent of the amount of multiple game use risk field of the risk game device with a correspondingly higher value profit and the entry into the risk game device with multiple game use symbolized by the risk fields associated lighting elements that are cumulatively enlightened with increasing stakes and associated with the achievement of increasing profits in the risk game device the corresponding higher-value risk fields and each of the risk fields at least one additional light element or the risk manager of the risk game device a single additional lighting element, which is assigned to the respectively determined risk field and activated, is assigned, wherein the additional lighting element when entering the corresponding risk field of the risk game device as Pfei l lights up.

By this method according to the invention the player receives noticeably better chances of higher profits in the risk game in the risk game establishment. This results in particular from the possibility of entry into a higher-value risk field in the risk manager of the risk game device, the amount of the value of the risk field is dependent on the amount of multiple stake in the symbol game device. The player can thus skip one or even more low-scoring risk areas and thus faster, naturally at the risk of total loss of the already achieved profit, reach the highest risk value with the highest value score.

In this case, the entry into a risk field of the risk game device is symbolized with one in the symbol game device multiple game use by one or more lighting elements. These document the game mode with multiple bets and greater chances of winning. Thus, the number of illuminated lighting elements increases with the height of the game use.

During the game in the risk game device further luminous elements are illuminated with increasing profits or the lighting elements are moved further and further upwards in the risk game device, i. H. Assigned to risk fields of higher value. This happens until the player has reached the highest value risk field or has suffered a total loss. Would the player with normal, so not with in the symbol game device made multiple game insert into the risk game device, the lighting elements remain naturally unlit.

In addition, the chances of higher recoverable profits in the higher-grade area of the risk ladder also increase because one or more of the risk areas are eliminated by skipping the risk game and thus the risk of loss is reduced. This method does not require coding via icons in the symbol game device to determine entry into the risk game device. Furthermore, no multipliers are required in the risk areas of the risk managers. This method also ensures a variable game play.

The additional lighting element acts like a bonus, as it shows the player the higher entry risk field than the lowest risk field. At the same time, the illuminant demonstrates the multi-stake game mode in the symbol game device. In this case, the additional lighting element can each be assigned to one of the risk fields. Alternatively, it is possible to move the additional light-emitting element computer-controlled, for example, as a wandering arrow or light spot from risk field to risk field.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, at least a portion of the risk fields occupied by the lower-value profit values are each assigned a specific amount of the multiple game bet made in the symbol game device.

For example, according to the method 2-, 4-, 8- and 16-fold game inserts may be provided for games in the symbol game device. If the player wants to enter the risk gambling establishment after a successful game in the symbol game facility in order to risk the profit already achieved at risk of loss with the prospect of an increase in profit, he enters a risk field, this multiple use of gambling from the Symbol game device is assigned. In this case, the lighting element associated with the risk field is illuminated and thus the game mode with multiple game use is displayed.

For example, if the player has made a 4-time stakes bet in the symbol game device, he will rise. B. in the third position in the risk ladder risk field, the z. B. is occupied with a profit value of 0.90 EURO. Accordingly, in the case of an 8-fold deployment, entry into the risk field in the fourth position in the risk ladder takes place with the occupancy of 1.80 EURO, etc., whereby at the same time the lighting elements assigned to the risk fields are illuminated. Thus, the player has already skipped several risk fields of the risk gambling establishment and has increased the prospects and chances for a higher profit.

According to a further development, the amount of the multiple game bet made in the symbol game device is determined when the risk field occupied by the lowest winning value is entered and, depending on this, assigned a risk field occupied by a corresponding higher-value winning value, from which the risk game until reaching it of the highest-value risk field in the risk gambling establishment can be continued under the risk of loss. In this case, the light field associated with the risk field is illuminated, which demonstrates the game mode with multiple player bets made in the symbol game device.

Thus, when entering the risk game device computer-controlled the entry field for further risk play is determined and set the beginning of the further risk game. The higher the amount of multiple bets, the higher the initial risk area, and the higher the risk leader position. H. the higher the multiple stake in the symbol game device, the lower the number of steps to reach the highest value winning value field.

In addition, after entering an area of risk dependent on multiple use of gambling, and in the event of further successful risk play, the additional lighting element lights up at the respectively next reached risk area. Accordingly, the lighting element goes out when an already recorded risk field is left in the further risk play or the player suffers a total loss. Thus, the player is always informed about the current status in the risk game in the risk game facility.

In order to further increase the gambling incentive for the player in the risk game and to create an additional incentive incentive, the profit already achieved is expediently increased when the highest-value risk field is reached, if risk fields were skipped during the risk game. In this case, the extent of the increase in the profit already achieved when the highest-value risk field is reached depends on the number of risk fields skipped during the risk play. Thus, for example, it can be provided to double the achieved profit per unused or skipped risk field again. This skipping of the risk fields is also documented by the bulbs, which are almost always upwards, d. H. up to the highest-value risk field in the risk gambling establishment.

Preferably, according to a further embodiment, the use in a risk field occupied with high-value profit values in an even multiple use of gambling, z. B. the 2-, 4-, 8- and 16-fold game use, for games in the symbol game device, done and the risk game under loss of risk until the next risk field continues.

Furthermore, the use in a risk field occupied by low-value profit values can be carried out with an odd multiple bet use and a higher-value risk field can only be achieved if an intervening risk field is achieved by a successful risk play. This means that the entry into a risk field of the risk game facility in an odd, z. For example, 3 times the stake is played in a low-value risk field and the next higher risk field must first be reached by a normal risk game before you can get into the next higher risk field, which would have been achieved with a 4-fold game use.

It is understood that the features mentioned above and those still to be explained below can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations. The scope of the invention is defined only by the claims.

The invention will be explained in more detail in the following description with reference to an exemplary embodiment, which is illustrated in the drawing. It shows:

1 a front view of operated by the inventive method Unterhaltungsgerates,

2 a schematic representation of a possible game play in the risk game device of the entertainment device according to 1 and

3 a schematic representation of a possible further game history in the risk game device of the entertainment device according to 1 ,

The one symbol game device 1 receiving housing 2 the computer-controlled and money-operated entertainment device with profit opportunity has on its front a windscreen 3 with reading windows 4 behind, behind which three juxtaposed, roller-shaped Umlaufkorper 5 the symbol game device 1 are provided. The rotating bodies 5 are brought to a halt after start-up at the beginning of the game during or at the end of the game by a random number generator of the control unit in one of a plurality of possible locking positions. The locking positions are on the circumference of the circulation body 5 symbols 6 assigned to the display of the game result in the reading windows 4 serve. From the displayed symbols 6 the player can read off the result of the game, especially if there is a win after one on the windscreen 3 explained profit plan from a combination of the displayed symbols 6 has resulted.

At the bottom of the game machine are post-start / stop buttons 7 for the circulating bodies 5 with which they can be restarted or prematurely stopped. In the case of a win by reaching a certain combination of symbols, a profit distribution in cash, ie by throwing money into an output tray 8th or by adding in a credit note 9 respectively. In the upper part of the entertainment device there is a coin slot 10 , a token slot 11 , a banknote entry slot 12 and a user card entry slot 13 a cash processing device, not shown. This is the game use or a multiple game use made by the player. Furthermore, next to the coin slot 10 a return button 14 arranged by pressing one in the credit display 9 displayed balance in the output tray 8th is available.

The one in the symbol game facility 1 Profit achieved by attaining a randomly determined symbol combination can usually be controlled by keys or computers as an insert in one of the two-sided windscreen 3 arranged additional win game facilities are transmitted, each as a risk game facility 15 are formed. The right risk game facility 15 owns several to a risk leader 16 summarized illuminated risk fields 17 , which are occupied in the lower area with increasing monetary profits of -.30 EURO to 2.00 EURO and in the upper area in ascending order with 3 to 100 special games. The left risk game facility 15 also assigns several to a risk leader 18 summarized illuminated risk fields 19 on, which are occupied in the lower area with cash winnings from -20 EURO to 1.80 EURO and in the upper range with 2 to 100 special games.

Risking in the risk ladder 16 respectively. 18 As you know, the profit shown is done by the next higher risk field 17 respectively. 19 in relation to the lit, profit-indicating risk field 17 respectively. 19 alternating with one below the risk manager 16 respectively. 18 attached total loss risk field 20 respectively. 21 with the inscription "0" flashes. When a risk key is pressed 22 respectively. 23 Either the next higher profit is achieved or the profit is lost. This process can be continued until the maximum win in special games is achieved. The special game winnings are displayed in the specials ad 24 and the cash prizes in the credit display 9 added.

The risk fields 17 respectively. 19 the risk gambling facilities 15 are additional lighting elements 25 in the form of enlightenable arrows assigned, depending on the particular game situation in the respective risk game facility 15 come on. At the same time the light elements show 25 the player that he is in game mode with in the symbol game device 1 multiple bets.

If the player has an even multiple game use, z. B. the 8-fold bet, made for a game and a game in the symbol game device 1 carried out, he can the profit made in the left risk game facility 15 to use the risk game to gain a higher profit at the risk of loss. The entry is made according to 2 first in the lowest, with the occupancy 0,20 EURO occupied risk field 19 This is the risk field 19 associated lighting element 25 lights. This is in 2 represented by the arrow shown with bold line and the symbol circle with the designation "8" for 8-times play use. This risk field 19 is the simple normal risk game reserved and will not be used for the rest of the game with multiple game use.

However, the height of the icon game device will immediately be computer controlled 1 multiple bets and the risk field 19 with the occupancy 1.80 EURO as an entry point into the risk ladder 18 the risk game facility 15 established. Thus, the player already has three risk fields 19 skipped. Now shine on the risk field 19 with the occupancy 2 Special games the associated lighting element 25 on while the lighting element 25 the lowest risk field 19 goes out. Now the player of this risk field 19 with the occupancy 2 Special games based on the risk game until the highest-value risk field 19 with the occupancy 100 special games in the risk game facility 15 continue with the risk of loss in the usual way, that is, first against the risk field 19 with the occupancy 2 Special games, taking this risk field 19 associated lighting element 25 lights up, then against the next higher risk field 19 etc..

Should the player be the highest value risk field 19 Achieving 100 special games with the occupancy can be profitable for any unused risk field 19 or lighting element 25 be doubled. Because he has three risk fields 19 With the assignments 0.20 EURO, 0.40 EURO and 0.90 EURO has jumped, therefore, his profit would multiply eightfold.

At a 4-fold stake would be the entry in the risk field 19 with the occupancy 0,90 EURO and with a 16-fold stake in the risk field 19 with the occupancy 2 Special games take place.

If the player has an odd multiple bet use, z. Example, the triple use, made for a game and a game in the symbol game device 1 carried out, he can put the profit made therein in the left risk game device 15 for risk play. According to 3 the entry into the risk ladder takes place 18 because it is the lowest odd-numbered stake (the simple bet is the normal risk play in the risk area 19 with the occupancy 0.20 EURO reserved), in the risk field 19 with the allocation 0.40 EURO in second position in the risk ladder 19 , The illuminated element designed as an arrow lights up 25 on top of that, the risk field 19 allocated with the allocation 0.40 EURO.

However, in order for him to reach the highest risk field 19 with the assignment 100 special games has the chance to multiply his win, but he must first reach the risk game against the next higher risk field with the occupancy 0,90 EURO, and then the risk game in the risk field 19 continue with the occupancy 1.80 EURO. So that's the risk field 19 with the allocation 0,90 EURO assigned lighting element 25 unlit. The light element 25 at the risk field 19 with the allocation of 1.80 EURO is illuminated to show the player the next achievable goal. These lighting conditions of the lighting elements 25 are represented by the circle symbols shown by dashed lines.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Symbol playing device

2

casing

3

windscreen

4

reading window

5

recirculating

6

symbol

7

Having-key

8th

dispensing tray

9

credit display

10

Munzeinwurfschlitz

11

Token insertion slot

12

Banknote input slot

13

Card entry slot

14

return button

15

Risk playing device

16

risk Head

17

risk area

18

risk Head

19

risk area

20

Total loss display

21

Total loss display

22

risk button

23

risk button

24

Special games Display

25

light element

Claims (8)

Method for operating a coin-operated entertainment device with a computer-controlled control unit, a symbol game device ( 1 ) and at least one of several risk-weighted areas ( 17 . 19 ) existing risk gambling facility ( 15 ) with additional lighting elements ( 25 ), characterized in that in a multiple game use in the symbol game device ( 1 ) an entry into a risk field dependent on the amount of the multiple stake ( 17 . 19 ) of the risk gambling establishment ( 15 ) with a correspondingly higher value profit value, the entry into the risk gambling facility ( 15 ) with frequent use of gambling by the risk fields ( 17 . 19 ) associated lighting elements ( 25 ), which cumulatively illuminate as the stakes increase, and in gaining increasing wins in the risk gambling establishment ( 15 ) the corresponding higher-value risk fields ( 17 . 19 ) and each of the risk fields ( 17 . 19 ) at least one additional lighting element or the risk manager ( 16 . 18 ) of the risk gambling establishment ( 15 ) one single additional lighting element ( 25 ), which is assigned to the respectively determined risk field and activated, is assigned, wherein the additional lighting element ( 25 ) when entering the corresponding risk area ( 17 . 19 ) of the risk gambling establishment ( 15 ) lights up as an arrow. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that at least part of the risk fields (with low-value profit values) ( 17 . 19 ) each have a certain height in the symbol game device ( 1 ) is assigned multiple game use. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when entering into the lowest profit value occupied by the risk field ( 17 . 19 ) computer-controlled determines the amount of multiple stake and depending on a with a correspondingly higher-value profit value occupied risk field ( 17 . 19 ), from which the risk play until reaching the highest-value risk field ( 17 . 19 ) in the risk game facility ( 15 ) can be continued under risk of loss. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that after an entry into a multi-stake dependent risk field ( 17 . 19 ) and in the further successful risk play the additional lighting element ( 25 ) on the next risk area ( 17 . 19 ) lights up. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that when the highest-value risk field ( 17 . 19 ) the profit already achieved is increased if risk areas ( 17 . 19 ) were skipped during the risk game. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the measure of the increase in the profit already achieved when the highest-value risk field ( 17 . 19 ) of the number of risk fields skipped during the risk play ( 17 . 19 ) is dependent. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the use in a risk field assigned with higher-value profit values ( 17 . 19 ) takes place in an even multiple use of gambling and the risk play at loss until the next risk field ( 17 . 19 ) can be continued. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the use in a risk field occupied by low-value profit values ( 17 . 19 ) takes place in an odd-numbered multiple stake and a higher-value risk field ( 17 . 19 ) can only be achieved if an intervening risk field ( 17 . 19 ) is achieved by a successful risk play.

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