DE102006012490A1 - Money activated entertainment device operating method, involves providing display medium as optical pre-indication for starting mandatory break for bookings after uninterrupted game operation - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves accumulating the money value in a game mechanism. The mechanism is linked with a money gamble region and a point game region. A display medium is provided as an optical pre-indication for the starting of a processor controlled mandatory break for bookings after the uninterrupted game operation for a determined period. The resting period is indicated up to the beginning of the mandatory break.

Description

The The invention relates to a method for operating a coin-operated entertainment device a computer controlled game control control unit and at least one gaming device in which monetary values, points and / or special matches scored, spent, played out, risked and / or are accumulated, the game device a money gaming area and a point play area is assigned.

Money-operated entertainment devices are in various embodiments known. In general, such entertainment devices have one or several game facilities. Most frequently they include a symbol playing device, in which with rotating bodies behind Reading windows a win or loss indicating symbol combinations are displayed. At different levels, money and / or points and / or special game winnings with respect to the normal game increased chance of winning or the like.

Mostly own such entertainment devices at least one of a plurality of profit individual display fields existing Zusatzgewinnspieleinrichtung in which a device in the symbol achieved Game result is played or accumulated.

A such additional winning game facility may, for example, be a risk gambling establishment be in making a decision about increase or total loss of the profit made. Furthermore it is at entertainment devices known, the profit achieved by means of a Zusatzgewinnspieleinrichtung play out a trained play-off device, in which an accomplished Profit increased or can be degraded. Another game incentive with additional chance to win provides an additional win game device in the form of a jackpot game device in which an additional Profit triggered can be.

Such Additional winning gaming facilities are mostly in their display fields occupied with different monetary values, points and / or special games. In general, in such entertainment devices the in the symbol player or in one of the additional winning game facilities achieved monetary values, points and / or special games simply issued, played in the playout, in the risk play device weiterriskiert and / or accumulated in the jackpot game device.

• 1.) Nach einer Stunde ununterbrochenem Spielbetrieb muss jegliche Geldbewegung, nämlich Spieleinsatz- oder Gewinnbuchung, für 5 Minuten pausieren.
• 2.) Im Verlauf einer Stunde dürfen nicht mehr als z.B. 80 Euro Einsatz geleistet werden und zwar netto, d.h. nach Abzug sämtlicher Gewinne. Tritt dieser Fall auf, so dürfen für den Rest der Spielstunde keine weiteren Einsätze mehr getätigt werden.
• 3.) Im Verlauf einer Spielstunde dürfen nicht mehr als z.B. 500 Euro als Gewinn erzielt werden und zwar netto, d.h. nach Abzug sämtlicher Einsätze. Tritt dieser Fall auf, so dürfen für den Rest der Spielstunde keine weiteren Gewinne mehr erzielt werden.

In legal gaming regulations, various regulations are made to prevent over-playing of entertainment devices. Thus, based on a playing time of, for example, one hour, three striking corner points are defined, which are to protect the player against excessive play:

• 1.) After one hour of uninterrupted game operation, any movement of money, namely stake or winnings, must be paused for 5 minutes.
• 2.) In the course of an hour not more than eg 80 euro employment are to be made and that net, ie after deduction of all profits. If this case occurs, then no further bets may be made for the remainder of the game hour.
• 3.) In the course of a game less than 500 euros may be achieved as a profit and that net, ie after deduction of all bets. If this case occurs, no further gains may be made for the remainder of the game hour.

Based to the cases 2.) and 3.) are the same Calls and gains in a conventional entertainment device essentially, so that these limits are barely reached. According to the aforementioned Corner points, however, the player can choose specifically, whether permanently made missions or permanently a profit phase is initiated.

This results in the following problem:
In case 2.) the critical playing time limit is reached after 33.33 minutes, namely
80 Euro = 0,2 Euro per game = 400 games,
400 games per 5 seconds = 2000 games,
2000 games ./. 60 seconds = 33.33 minutes.

In case 3.) the critical playing time limit is reached after 20.83 minutes, namely
500 Euro = 2 Euro per game = 250 games,
250 games per 5 seconds = 1250 games,
1250 games ./. 60 seconds = 20.83 minutes.

Since no further betting or prize booking may take place for the remainder of the game hour, this may be particularly unpleasant for the player in case 2.), for further achievement of points needed for points game play abruptly stopped. The player then has to wait 26.27 minutes until the transformation process, ie the conversion of monetary stakes into points and vice versa, can be used again and further points can be scored. In the event that there are not enough points on a bench, the actual game operation in the point game must pause. This is annoying and annoying, since the player can not predict the time for the break of the game. In addition, it can not be assumed that the statutory provisions, namely especially the limit of max. 80 Euro bet per hour, every player is familiar. Besides, he would have to intuitively count in some way until that game limit is reached.

It Object of the invention is a method for operating a coin-operated entertainment device of to create the type mentioned above the player Remaining remaining time on the entertainment device informed and this sonach can control his playing behavior accordingly, reducing the entertainment value for the Player increases becomes.

According to the invention Task solved by that a display medium as an optical preview for the time of entry computer-controlled given compulsory break for stakes and profit bookings an uninterrupted game mode of a certain duration is, that the remaining time until the entry point of the forced break signaled.

Of the The main advantage of this display medium is that the player can react flexibly to the respective game situation at any time, since he is the entry time of a computer-controlled predetermined Forced break for stakes and profit bookings is displayed. For example, the player can in time the use in the point game in the points play area of the Entertainment device reduce and with the remaining remainder points in its sole discretion handle and over have the score. For example, 20 points are generated per 5 seconds in the cash game area. It can but also between 5 and 100 points per 3 seconds in the points play area be playful.

The Display medium thus serves as a preview for the forced break after a Game hour and informs the player about the current entry time the forced break, whereby the player here enough points can hold up to in the example 5 - minute transfer break in the Play on the points play area.

To In a further development of the method, the remaining time until the time of entry the forced break from the display medium permanently displayed. The player So it's always over the remaining time informed.

alternative can the remaining time until the time of the forced break from Display medium for one limited period, e.g. for a period of, for example 10 seconds. This can be a so-called popup window on a Screen of the entertainment device This information about the remaining time until the compulsory break of the entertainment device provides.

at In another alternative, the display medium can be used for signaling the remaining time until the entry of the forced break from the player himself be retrieved, for example by touching a certain subarea a touchscreen screen on which the display medium can be displayed is.

Prefers is the display medium as graphically displayable arrow, triangle, Progress bar or the like executed. An embodiment is also possible the display medium as a clock-like time remaining display or a Text information display. The remaining time display is preferably a backward running Clock in analogue or digital representation. The text information display can the remaining time until the time of entry of the computer controlled predetermined compulsory break for stakes and profit bookings after a continuous game operation of e.g. indicate one hour as the wording, e.g. "Still 18.20 minutes to the mission break" or similar Wise.

The Display and display options of optical preview for the entry time of a computer-controlled compulsory break yet simplified by the fact that at least the at least one game device and the display medium is displayed on a touchscreen screen become. Here you can the gameplay in the game facility and the display of the remaining time until the entry point of the forced break by touching subareas of the touchscreen screen influenced by the player, controlled and made visible. The game device can, for example a symbol player, a risk player, a player or a jackpot player device.

According to one Another embodiment of the method, in addition to the display medium an acoustic Signal medium the entry time of a computer-controlled predetermined Forced break for stakes and announce profit bookings.

It It is understood that the above and below to be explained features not only in the specified combination, but also in other combinations are usable. The scope of the invention is only through the claims Are defined.

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

1 a front view of a operated according to the method Unterhal processing unit,

2 an enlarged view of a game device of the entertainment device according to 1 .

3 a view of a game option window in the entertainment device,

4 a representation of various buttons that can be placed anywhere on the entertainment device, and

5 - 12 Views of a gaming area and a point play area of the gaming device of the entertainment device in various game situations.

The computer-controlled entertainment device with profit possibility comprises a game device designed as a symbol game device 1 in a housing 2 and has on its front a windscreen 3 with reading windows 4 on, behind which five juxtaposed, cylindrical shaped circulation body 5 the game facility 1 are provided. The game facility 1 is on a touchscreen screen 6 but it can also be a mechanical game device known type. Likewise, those of the game facility 1 associated controls partially on the touchscreen screen 6 shown.

The rotating bodies 5 are usually 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 7 assigned to the display of the game result in the reading windows 4 serve. From the displayed symbols 7 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 7 has resulted.

At the bottom of the amusement machine are post-start / stop buttons 8th 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 9 or by adding in a credit note 10 respectively. In the upper part of the entertainment device there is a coin slot 11 , a token slot 12 , a bill entry slot 13 and a user card entry slot 14 a cash processing device, not shown. Furthermore, next to the coin slot 11 a return button 15 arranged by pressing one in the credit display 10 displayed balance in the output tray 9 is available.

The one in the game facility 1 Profit achieved by achieving a randomly determined symbol combination can be controlled by a key or computer as an insert in one of the two-sided windscreen 3 arranged additional winning game facilities are transmitted, each as a risk game device 16 are formed. The risk play facilities 16 own several to one each risk leader 17 respectively. 18 combined illuminated display panels 19 respectively. 20 , which are occupied with different point wins and special games. Risking in the risk ladder 17 respectively. 18 displayed profit happens by the next higher display field 19 respectively. 20 in relation to the lit, profit-indicating display field alternately with one below the risk ladder 17 respectively. 18 attached total loss display panel 21 respectively. 22 with the inscription "0" flashes. When a risk key is pressed 23 respectively. 24 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 a special game 26 and the monetary gains in the credit note 9 added.

As in particular from 2 It can be seen on the touchscreen screen 6 below the game facility 1 a gaming area A and the point games area B are provided. In order to be able to play in the point play area B, first points in the money play area A must be generated. Points bets are made by a point bank 25 deducted and point gains on this up.

In the point game there are five different games I, II, III, IV and V to choose from, touching the corresponding field on the touch screen 6 or by pressing a corresponding button PLAY SELECT. Such a game selection window is in 3 shown.

4 shows a variety of buttons that can be located anywhere on the entertainment device and are provided for money and points bookings and the game itself. The following functions are assigned to the buttons:

In the points play area:

• a game selection
• b Between a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 100 points per game put
• c Single game start with points
• d Automatic game start with points

After a point win:

• e Points win is transferred to the point bank
• f Points win is offered at a 1: 1 risk
• g chooses red card off
• h Split the risk amount and transfer the rest to the point bank (H)
• i transmission the full risk amount to the point bank.

The following explains the gaming area A and the course of the game in this area. First, the conversion of money into points is explained:
After money in the cash slot 13 of the amusement device and selection of one of the five point games I, II, III, IV or V are according to 5 at a stand in the credit display 10 (Money storage) larger 20 cents automatically 20 cents stake converted into 20 points and on the points bench 25 credited. As long as the AUTO START button is pressed 27 is activated, this process takes place automatically every 5 seconds. This function can be activated by touching the AUTO START 27 , BEGIN 28 or COLLECT 29 to be interrupted. With the START key 27 individual bookings of 20 cents can be triggered. The throwing of money over 25 euros is not possible. Differences are automatically paid out. With a credit balance of 10 cents can be aufgemünzt to 20 cents, so that a further reserve booking is possible.

A display medium shown as an arrow 30 shows and wanders in a bar field 31 from right to left or from left to right depending on the conversion of money into points or points in money, always closer to the outer edge of the bar field 31 the closer the entry point in time of a computer-controlled compulsory break for game inserts and winnings bookings after an uninterrupted game operation of a certain duration is approaching. Thus, the display medium signals 30 the remaining time until the entry point of the forced break. This is also in terms of the 6 and 7 to be observed. An indicator designed as an arrow 32 indicates the transfer direction of money money points or points money, ie, from the gaming area A to the points game area B and vice versa, to.

Now the conversion of points into money is explained:
By pressing the COLLECT button 29 according to 6 can be won automatically amounts of money in different amounts. This function can be activated by touching the AUTO START 27 , BEGIN 28 or COLLECT 29 to be interrupted.

At the end of the Collect phase according to 7 Scores become smaller 10 played in a rest point game, ie 0 to 10 points, so no residual points on the bench 25 remain.

following the function of the compulsory break in the gaming area is described:

5 minutes break:

After, for example, one hour at the latest, any booking of bets or winnings must be suspended for 5 minutes. The in the credit display 10 specified money will be paid automatically. The on the bench 25 points are not disbursed and can continue to be played in the points play area B. The remaining time until the entry point of the forced break is above a pause arrow 33 in digital representation in the manner of a clock as a display medium 34 displayed ( 8th ).

Insert pause:

If, within the course of an hour, the maximum allowable limit for service bookings is reached, no further service bookings may be made for the remainder of the hour. Winning bookings by pressing the COLLECT button 29 are possible at any time. The on the bench 25 located points can according to 9 in point play area B continue to be played. The maximum remaining time after the compulsory break occurs is how to 8th described, above the pause arrow 33 displayed. As an optical preview for the time of the forced break, the display medium moves 30 (Arrow) according to 10 from the middle of the bar field 31 to the right outer edge.

Collect-break:

If the legally permissible limit for profit bookings is reached within one hour, no further booking of winnings may be made for the remainder of the hour. Insert entries by pressing the AUTO START button 27 or START 28 are according to 11 however possible at any time. The on the bench 25 points can continue to be played in the point play area B. The maximum remaining time after compulsory break is above the pause arrow 33 through the clock 34 displayed. As an optical preview for the time of the forced break, the display medium moves 30 (Arrow) according to 12 from the middle of the bar field 31 up to its left outer edge.

1

Symbol gaming facility

2

casing

3

windscreen

4

reading window

5

recirculating

6

Touch Screen

7

symbol

8th

Afterstart / stop buttons

9

dispensing tray

10

credit display

11

coin slot

12

Token insertion slot

13

Bill entry slot

14

User card entry slot

15

return button

16

Risk game device

17

risk Head

18

risk Head

19

display

20

display

21

Total loss display

22

Total loss display

23

risk button

24

risk button

25

points Bank

26

Special games Display

27

button AUTO START

28

button BEGIN

29

button COLLECT

30

display medium

31

bar field

32

display

33

pause arrow

34

Clock

A

Money play area

B

Points play area

Claims (8)

Method for operating a coin-operated entertainment device with a computer-controlled game sequence control unit and at least one game device ( 1 ), in which monetary values, points and / or special games are scored, spent, played, risked and / or accumulated, whereby the gaming establishment ( 1 ) is associated with a gaming area (A) and a score board (B), characterized in that a display medium (A) 30 . 34 ) is provided as a visual advance notice for the entry time of a computer-controlled predetermined compulsory break for stakes and winnings after an uninterrupted game mode of certain duration, which signals the remaining time to the time of entry of the compulsory break. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the remaining time until the time of the forced break from the display medium ( 30 . 34 ) is displayed permanently. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the remaining time until the time of the forced break from the display medium ( 30 . 34 ) is displayed for a limited period of time. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the display medium ( 30 . 34 ) is called to signal the remaining time until the time of the forced break by the player. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the display medium ( 30 ) is executed as a graphically displayable arrow, triangle, progress bar or the like. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the display medium ( 34 ) is executed as a clock-like remaining time display or a text information display. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least the at least one game device and the display medium ( 30 . 34 ) on a touchscreen screen ( 6 ) being represented. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that in addition to the display medium ( 30 . 34 ) an acoustic signal medium signals the entry time of a computer-controlled predetermined compulsory break for stakes and profit bookings.