CZ2006554A3 - Entertainment apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The player-controllable entertainment device is executable for playing the basic game, for example, with the button (11). Occasionally, there is a transition from the basic game to the bonus game. It may also be possible to switch from a bonus game to a second bonus game. The games all relate to selecting a symbol from a plurality of sequences (13 to 17) of the symbol, wherein the selected symbols are evaluated in the evaluation device to win at least one of the bonus games. The bonus game can therefore provide an initial selection, followed by an improved final selection, which is evaluated to win, with this improved final selection being made through a scaling adjustment. One change may be available or a number of changes may be available.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical Fields

The invention relates to devices and, in particular, coin-operated machines.

Concerns Player Controllable Entertainment Concerns Player Controllable Game

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The term coin machine as used herein refers to a device that is operable to play a game upon startup via a wager, whether already secured by one or more coins, tokens, banknotes, credit or debit cards or any other means of providing credit or monetary value.

Players operable with coin machines having a display device with actual or simulated reels bearing symbols are well known. In the basic game, the reels rotate or spin and then move randomly to rest to display the selected symbols on one or more paylines in the pay zone within the display window. The prize may be made available to the player if the combination of symbols on the payline is of a predetermined prize nature.

It is also well known for such slot machines to be operable in a bonus game triggered by an event, such as selecting a trigger symbol or a combination in the base game, with free laps being made available to the player. This means that without requiring an additional bet value, the player can rotate one or more of the reels to achieve a new combination • v * 9 · 9 · 9 · 9 · 9 · 9 · 9

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999 symbols, which can result in a prize in addition to or instead of any prize resulting from the base game.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved bonus game arranged to provide additional entertainment value.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a player-operable entertainment device executable for playing a base game, followed by the occasional transition from the base game to the first bonus game, followed by the occasional transition from the first bonus game to the second bonus game. for each of said base, first bonus and second bonus games, a respective combination of symbols selected from a plurality of sequences of such symbols, and an evaluation device operable to determine a winning value depending on said selected symbol combination of at least said second bonus game.

With this arrangement, improved gaming fun can be derived from the possibility of playing a second bonus game.

Particularly preferably, the second bonus game comprises a plurality of options of said symbols for at least some of said sequences, in order to achieve an improved final displayed symbol combination, the final combination being evaluated by the evaluation device. That is, an initial selection is made and a variation adjustment is provided to change this initial selection to form the final combination.

This can provide even more amusing value if the second bonus game can be a super bonus game with improved winning opportunities.

Thus, according to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a player-operable entertainment device executable for playing a basic game, followed occasionally by switching to a variable bonus game, said device having a display device operable to display for said variable bonus game a combination of symbols selected from ¹⁰ and evaluation device operable to determine the winning values depending on the selected combination of symbols mentioned variable bonus game, ensuring change control to change the selected combination of symbols bonus games to improve this combination of ¹⁵ actions before the evaluation device.

The altering adjustment may act to change the initial selected combination on a predetermined principle in relation to the nature of the initial combination a / bevo by varying some or all of the sequences on a principle, for example, a random principle, independent of the nature of the initial selected combination.

A single modification modification operation can be provided, thereby making one enhancement available. Alternatively, multiple alteration operations may be allowed, thereby allowing for more enhancements. Such a number of enhancements may be evaluated for multiple respective wins or for a single win, for example, the highest win of the respective enhancements.

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The alteration treatment may operate in two phases, in which at least some of the sequences are changed on a predetermined principle depending on the nature of the initial combination selected, and in the second phase one (or each) remaining sequence is changed on a different principle, e.g. selection.

In one embodiment, the first phase change involves altering the displayed symbols so that they are the same as, or otherwise preferably related to, the other displayed symbols.

¹⁰

For example, all symbols of the sequences to be changed in the first stage may be changed to be the same as the selected one of the initially displayed symbols. The selected one symbol may be the symbol that is displayed in the most sequences in the initial combination, and the change may be applied only to those sequences from which the symbol is displayed.

Particularly preferably, each sequence displays a plurality of symbols, for example three consecutive symbols, and the evaluating device may be operable to tent a combination of symbols along multiple paylines or winning paths through the displayed symbols of different sequences.

Five side-by-side sequences may be provided, each showing three symbols, and there may be five winning lines: three straight lines and two 25-V lines. Of course, other arrangements are also possible.

The alteration may be of an automatic nature, which enters into operation and makes symbol changes without the intervention of a player.

Alternatively, the alteration treatment can be controlled by the player by requiring the player to be initiated and / or the player may be given the opportunity to select one or more change parameters.

The symbol sequences may be provided by side-by-side disk display units that rotate or rotate, i.e., a predetermined continuous symbol sequence is provided that presents a changing display unit in a window forming or simulating the rotation of a wheel having symbols around its periphery wherein the changing display unit goes to a standstill to provide a static display of one or more such symbols on one or more winning lines in a window.

All games, i.e. the base game as well as the first and second bonus games of the first aspect of the invention and the changeable bonus game of the second aspect of the invention, may be of the type of symbol selection described above, and the same symbol sequences may be used for each game. Alternatively, reduced range sequences for the second bonus game / changeable bonus game may be used, which may provide an increased chance of winning.

Changing the symbols under the effect of the alteration adjustment may be achieved by a process through an appropriate sequence for changing the displayed symbols or, where possible, by directly changing the symbols not necessarily in accordance with a pre-existing sequence of such symbols. The latter type of change is possible where the symbols are digitally generated and

displayed on the video screen rather than being mechanically presented on the circumference of the physical disks.

The transition from the base game to one (or each) bonus game can be achieved in any suitable manner, for example on a random or predetermined principle, as a predictable function of the selected stake value by the player or otherwise.

In one embodiment, the transition occurs as a result

1 ° occurrence of an event in a previous game. Thus, where the base game includes a selection of symbol combinations, the transition may occur to a first bonus game (in the first aspect of the invention) or a variable bonus game (in the second aspect of the invention) when a predetermined transition symbol is selected or a transition combination is selected. In a first aspect of the invention, the transition from the first bonus game to the second bonus game may also be determined by selecting a transition symbol or combination.

The aforementioned first bonus game may be of any suitable type, but preferably comprises selecting a combination of symbols from a plurality of symbol sequences as described above. In this case, the player may have a plurality of selection options, or rotating the disks, executable automatically or under partial or total influence of the player. These rotations of the disks 25 may be obtained as bonuses, for example from the results of the base game or from the bonus game itself, although alternatively there may be a fixed number.

In a second bonus game or changeable bonus game, o may also be a number of selection opportunities or spinning discs that can be earned as bonuses or have a fixed number.

The prize machine may determine the final win based on any combination of the outcome of the base game, the first bonus game and the changeable bonus game.

Preferably, the device is a player controllable coin slot machine as defined above. Winnings may correspond to the cash payout values and may be a function of the stake.

The invention will now be described in more detail by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 shows a schematic illustration of one embodiment of an entertainment device according to the invention;

Fig. 2 shows schematically a block diagram of the apparatus of Fig. 1;

Figures 3 to 6 show detailed views of the display units of the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in Figure 1, the entertainment device has a floor-standing, wall-mounted or table-mounted box-shaped box 6 having an upper faceplate 2 that is printed to define the area.

3 of the central window through which the VDU screen 5 (video display units) is exposed.

Above or below the plate 2, a coin or banknote slot 6 is provided in a suitable location for inserting coins, tokens, 5 or banknotes, and a payout opening 7 is provided below the plate 2.

As shown in Figure 2, inside the box 1 is mounted a VDU E5, a coin, token or banknote receiving mechanism 8 coupled to the slot 6, a payout device 9 associated with the outlet 6, and a processing unit 10 to which these components are connected.

Below the board 2 are players controllable buttons 11 which are also connected to the processing unit 10.

¹⁵ As shown in Figures 3-6, the VDU screen 4 shows an upper pay zone 12 through which five side-by-side sections 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 can be seen. The sections 13-17 simulate the circuits of side-by-side disks carrying symbols that are mounted to rotate about a ²⁰ common horizontal axis. Thus, each section 13-17 may vary on the screen 4, simulating the movement of the respective disc so that it rotates and then goes to rest and displays three symbols 13a, b, c-17a, b, c one above the winning zone 12. the other with the symbols of all slots 13-17 being aligned with each other on three paylines: the central horizontal payline 18 and the top and bottom horizontal paylines 19, 20.

As shown in Figure 3, there are also two V-shaped winning lines 21, 22.

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After inserting coins, tokens or banknotes into the slot 6 in an amount at least corresponding to a predetermined betting value for playing the game, the device may be operated for playing the game.

⁵

Starting the device may require the player to press the start button 11.

The base game playing procedure is then started, the VDU screen displaying changes simulating the rotation of the five ¹⁰ simulated reels. The disks then go to rest to show the three symbols 13a, b, c-17a, b, c.

The device now evaluates the symbols 13a, b, c-17a, b, c displayed on one or more of the five winning lines 18 22, and if the combinations of these symbols correspond to predetermined winning combinations, the corresponding cash prize is made available to the player , which is indicated on the alphanumeric digital display (not shown). The player may now have the option, for example, by selecting a bet value, to select how many of the winning lines 18-22 are used to evaluate the winnings.

On occasions set on a predetermined or random principle, a player may play the first bonus game. This may occur in connection with some special symbol or symbols that appear in winning zone 12, or when a player achieves some cumulative or target combination or value, or on the principle of surprise, or otherwise.

₃₀ Upon entering the first bonus game, the player can now get free spins with five reels of 13-17. This means that ·· 9999

each disk can rotate and be brought to rest so that the symbols shown in window 12 change to provide new combinations on lines 18-22. These combinations are evaluated as described above in connection with the base game, and any winnings are re-credited to the player as accumulated monetary value. The symbol sequences used in the first bonus game can be the same as in the base game.

The number of free spins allocated by the player may be predetermined or may be derived from bonus spins ¹⁰ obtained through playing the base game or obtained during the first bonus game. The rotation of the discs can also be selected automatically or can be selected by the player by operating the buttons 11.

Occasionally, a player may switch from the first bonus game to the second super free spins bonus game. This transition can be determined as described above in the same manner as when switching from the base game.

When entering the Super Free Spins game, the reels rotate and are brought to rest as shown in Figure 4. The sequence of symbols can be reduced compared to the base game. In accordance with conventional practice, as described above, a player may be able to select the number of paylines 18-22 used in the base game and / or the first free spins bonus game, for example, as determined by the initial bet value selected by the player. For the super free spins game, all winning lines 18-22 are preferably used and the total stakes are applied to all lines.

The initial selected combination, as shown in Figure 4, is evaluated and the symbol that appears on most reels is determined. As shown, in this case, it is a circle with a diagonal line that appears on each of the first four disks.

The device then automatically repeats this symbol at all displayed positions of the respective disks, as shown in Figure 5. This means that the digital information supplied to the VDU display causes the same symbol to appear at each of the three (displayed) positions of the first four wheels 12 - 16.

As shown, the fifth disc does not display a circle symbol with a diagonal line.

.5

The fifth wheel then rotates automatically.

In the illustrated embodiment, it is only the fifth disc 17 that needs to be rotated to enhance the illustrated combinations. In practice it can rotate any one or more ^{of: 0} the remaining wheels, i.e. wheels that do not (shown) of the desired symbols.

The rotation of the fifth reel is stopped as shown in Figure 6 on a random basis and the winning ₅ rows 18-22 for winning combinations are evaluated. In this case, there is one winning combination of 5 of the same symbols on the center line 18. The corresponding prize is then made available to the player in the usual manner, i.e. by accumulated monetary value. There are also winning combinations of 4 identical, _n symbols on the remaining lines 19-22.

The procedure is then automatically repeated up to the maximum number of rotations. That is, the disks are rotated again to provide an initial selection. The symbols shown are evaluated and stretched as described above, and the remaining reels are rotated to attempt to achieve one or more paylines. Any winning combination results in a win added to existing accumulated winnings.

The total maximum number of turns can be selected on any suitable principle, for example it can be a predetermined number, say 10, or it can be a variable number obtained as bonuses or chosen on a random basis or otherwise. Preferably, it is a fixed predetermined number.

¹⁵ In the present example, there are four discs over which a circular diagonal line symbol is stretched, and only one disc that is rotated. It should be understood that the stretching (i.e., repetition of the symbol) may take place over any one or more reels while leaving any

2θ of one or more rotating discs.

Also, changing the symbols, whether stretched or rotated, can take place via player control using buttons 11 alternatively or in addition to automatic device control.

With this arrangement, the player has improved entertainment because the device provides two bonus games, and the second bonus game is a changeable bonus game in which the initial symbol combination called can vary in an interesting way by 0 _to provide improved win options.

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It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not to be limited to the details of the above-described embodiment, which are described by way of example only.

For example, free spins can be selected and changed on any suitable principle, for example, they can be acquired or replenished during game play. Instead of the 5x3 layout as shown, any other disk layout may be used. More or fewer symbols could be used to give a higher or lower chance of winning. More or fewer winning lines may be modified and / or the number of winning lines used in the bonus game could be less than the maximum.

Zastupuje;

Claims (25)

PATENT CLAIMS 1. A player-controlled entertainment device executable for playing a basic game, followed by an occasional transition from 5 base games to a first bonus game, followed occasionally by switching from the first bonus game to the second bonus game, the device having a display device (4) operable to display for each of said basic, first bonus and second bonus games, respective symbol combinations (13a, b, c10 17a, b, c), selected from a plurality of sequences (13-17) of these symbols (13a, b, c-17a, b, c), and an evaluation device operable to determine the value of the prize as a function of on said selected symbol combination of at least said second bonus game. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second bonus game comprises a plurality of selections of said symbols (13a, b, c-17a, b, c) for each of at least some of said sequences (13-17) in order to achieve improved performance. final 20, the final combination is evaluated by an evaluation device. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein a alteration treatment is provided to change the initial selection to provide said final combination. 4. A player-operable entertainment device operable to play a base game, followed by the occasional transition to a variable bonus game, the device having a display device (4) operable to display the 30 of said variable bonus game of a combination of symbols (13a, b, c-17a, b, c) selected from a plurality of sequences (13-17) of said symbols, and an evaluation device operable to determine a winning value depending on said selected variable symbol combination bonus games while being 5, a modification is provided to change the selected combination of bonus game symbols to improve the combination prior to the operation of the evaluation device. A device according to any one of claims 3 or 4, 10, characterized in that the altering treatment acts to change the initial selected combination on a predetermined principle in relation to the nature of the initial combination and / or by changing some or all of the sequences on the random principle independently of the nature of the initial selected combination. Device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that there is provided one modification modification operation, wherein one improvement is available. A device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, 20, characterized in that a plurality of alteration operations are provided therein, while a number of improvements are available. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the amount of enhancements is evaluated to the amount of the respective ₂₅ wins or to one win. Apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the alteration treatment operates in two stages, wherein in the first stage at least some of the sequences are changed according to a predetermined principle depending on the nature of the selected initial combination and in the second phase, one (or each) of the remaining sequence (13-17) is changed on a different principle. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein all of the sequence symbols to be changed in the first stage are changed to be the same as the selected one of the initially displayed symbols. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the selected one symbol is a symbol that is displayed in most sequences in the initial combination, and the change is applied only to those sequences (13-17) in which the symbol is displayed. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that each sequence displays a plurality of symbols and the evaluator is operable to evaluate combinations of symbols along the plurality of paylines (18-22) or winning paths through the displayed symbols of different sequences (13). - 17). Device according to any one of claims 3 to 12, characterized in that the alteration treatment is of an automatic nature, which enters into effect and makes symbol changes without the intervention of a player. Apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 12, characterized in that the alteration treatment is operable by the player in that it requires the player to be initiated and / or the player may be provided with the option of selecting one or more change parameters. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the sequence of symbols (13-17) is provided by side-by-side disk display units which rotate or rotate. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that each of the games is a symbol selection type and the same symbol sequences (13-17) are used for each game. Apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 16, characterized in that the change of symbols by the altering treatment is achieved by passing through the respective sequence (13-17) to change the displayed symbols. 15 Dec Device according to any one of claims 3 to 16, characterized in that the change of symbols is achieved by directly changing the symbols not necessarily in accordance with a pre-existing sequence of these symbols, wherein the symbols are digitally generated and displayed on the video screen (4). The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the transition from the base game to one (or each) bonus game occurs as a result of the occurrence of an event in the previous game. ²⁵ The apparatus of claim 19, depending on claim 1, wherein the transition from the first bonus game to the second bonus game is determined by selecting a transition symbol or combination. ·· · The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the first bonus game comprises selecting a combination of symbols from a plurality of symbol sequences (13-17) and the player has a plurality of selection opportunities or rotating reels feasible 5 automatically or under the partial or total influence of the player. 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the rotating reels are obtained as bonuses from the results of the base game or from the bonus game itself. The apparatus of any one of claims 4 to 19, wherein the changeable bonus game has a plurality of selection opportunities or spinning discs that are obtained as bonuses or have a fixed number. 15 Dec A device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the evaluation device determines the final win based on any combination of the results of the base game, the first bonus game and the changeable bonus game. 25. A device substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.