DE3001551A1 - Coin-operated gaming machine - has facility to minimise time between initiating stop operation and discs coming to rest - Google Patents

Abstract

The coin-operated gaming machine, i.e. slot machine, is designed such that the time between operation of the stop button and the symbol discs coming to rest is minimised. The system uses discs (1) with a total of 24 symbols around the periphery and is controlled in the stopping mode by a brake (31). Operation of the discs is provided by a signal generator (3), with high and low frequency (4,12) stages providing signals over a selector (5) to a 24 stage ring counter (7). The complete unit (9) provides an event generator function and when the stop key (23) is activated a latch (26) is set to initiate the stop cycle. The period of the stop phase is determined by the output selected (16) from the counter.

Description

Gaming machine with random generator

The invention relates to a slot machine with winning symbols Recirculating bodies that are brought to a standstill by means of brakes in locking positions, with a random generator with a circumferential brake marker Contains marking device, which upon request from a central sequence control device is encountered in an unpredictable position when passing the brake mark a braking command to one of the brakes specified by the sequence control device with a stop button for premature braking and a display for signaling a stop phase during which premature braking is possible is.

In such gaming machines, the player has the option of the profit determination circulating body in the stop phase, which is given to him by a Lamp is signaled to be brought to a standstill by pressing a stop button.

The stop button does not act directly on the brake; with the stop button a random generator is activated, if possible without giving preference to one at a certain point in time, the brake is put into standstill position.

From the utility model G 72 21 047 is a random generator known with a motor-driven cam disc. It is driven by a Synchronous motor without backstop, so that its direction of rotation is indefinite when requested is.

A switch that is coupled to the cam disc via a feeler lever is, brings the brake to standstill when the Feeler lever one Mark (notch or tooth) meets.

From the patent PS 22 59 736 is a random generator with a electronic ring counter known. The ring counter is of a high frequency advanced and centrally controlled stopped. Each stage is on the output side with connected to a brake.

The known random number generators have the disadvantage that after pressing the stop button occasionally takes a relatively long time before the circulating unit comes to a standstill.

This time can be particularly long if the recirculating unit has a carries a large number of winning symbols, for example twenty or more.

Accordingly, the invention is based on the object of a gaming machine of the type mentioned so that between pressing the stop button and a barely noticeable amount of time passes when the circulating unit is shut down.

The object is achieved in that the random generator has a during the request contains activatable logic circuit for brake control and that the marking device is provided with an additional marking, which is in the activated logic circuit defines the beginning of the stop phase, which occurs with the occurrence of the braking command that takes effect after pressing the stop button ends.

By appropriate definition of the additional marking relative to Brake marking can be the time delay between pressing the stop button and stopping of the circulating body are kept so short that a safe reaction of the game on the signaling is guaranteed, whereby the player is given the feeling, that he himself has met the symbol displayed when the circulating unit is at a standstill. In fact, it was already clear at the moment of the request at which locking position the circulating unit will come to a standstill, d.

H. which winning symbol is displayed.

A development of the invention is that the duration of a complete revolution of the requested marking device is as long as that of the recirculating body to be braked.

Due to the synchronous running of the marking device with that of the circulating body it is ensured that the result of the random number generator is not falsified can when the rotating speed of the rotating body fluctuates.

A next development of the invention is that the logic circuit contains a two-stage counter, the counting input of which in the activated state of the Logic circuit can be advanced from the additional marking of the marking device is and that depending on the occupancy of the second stage, the brake signal to the brake is switchable.

This ensures that if the premature Possibility to stop the recirculating body during the following cycle on the random generator certain locking position comes to a standstill.

A development of the invention is that the output of the first stage of the two-stage counter connected to the set input of a flip-flop is, whose output Q is both with the display means for signaling the stop phase as well as with the stop button to prepare for switching through the brake command is connected to the brake and whose reset input receives the brake command.

The flip-flop supplies a stop signal that takes effect when a key is pressed will; it is reset if the button is not pressed.

Another embodiment of a slot machine according to the invention with an electromechanical random generator that acts as a marking device contains motor-driven cam, whose circumferentially sensed notches or Teeth cause the braking, is that the cam disk by an additional Sensing element is sensed offset, that according to the requirement Defines the beginning of the stop phase.

By suitable choice of the offset of the markings, the desired Duration of the stop phase specified.

A further development consists in the fact that the cam disk has two tracks has, of which one of the marking of the stop phase and the other of the marking is used for braking.

This means that a coherent set of contact springs can be used, which is easy to assemble and which takes up little space.

An important embodiment of a slot machine according to the invention with an electronic random number generator which, as a marking device, is one of contains an incremental ring counter, one of its outputs the brake signal is tapped, is that an additional to a certain Number of counting levels offset output serves as an additional marking that after the request defines the start of the stop phase.

Here, too, the duration of the stop phase is determined by the offset the markings, d. H. the output connections. This solution is particularly space-saving and flexible.

Further refinements of the invention are set out in the remaining subclaims refer to.

Embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and explained in the description below.

1 shows a circuit diagram for a slot machine with a random generator according to an embodiment of the invention, its marking device contains a ring counter which can be incremented by a pulse generator and Fig. 2 a motor-driven cam disk as a marking device for the random number generator according to FIG. 1, parts having the same effect with the same, but provided with a line Reference numbers are provided.

The circuit diagram in Fig. 1 contains those parts in the slot machine, which are necessary to understand the invention.

A designated 1 roller-shaped recirculating body on his the outward-facing surface bears a row of twenty-four winning symbols, is started by a central overrun control 2 at the start of the game. Meanwhile A pulse generator 3 generates high-frequency pulses that are transmitted by an Ozzilator 4 a controllable switch 5 get into the clock input 6 of a ring counter 7, which is thereby continuously updated. The ring counter 7 has twenty-four counting stages corresponding to the twenty-four winning symbols on the circumference of reel 1. The pulse generator 3, the ring counter 7 and a logic circuit 8 to be described later form one Random generator 9 to stop the illustrated roller 1 - and possibly other rolls, not shown - at irregular times.

This is generated according to a program in the central sequence control 2 regularly after a certain playing time a signal with which the random generator 9 is requested via a request line 10.

The request line 10 is connected to the control input 11 of the switch 5 connected, the working position drawn in dashed lines after the request occupies, in which he has a low frequency generator 12 with the clock input 6 of the ring counter 7 connects.

It should be noted that which of the twenty-four cannot be predicted Levels of the ring counter 7 occupied after the switch 5 has been switched will be; the same occupancy probability of applies to each level one to twenty-four. From the following it can be seen that after the switchover the result of the random number generator has already been determined.

The generated pulses are also passed through a light emitting diode 47, which is connected in series with a current limiting resistor 48. In the service case you can use these simple means to determine whether the oscillator 4 and then the low frequency generator 12 provides pulses, while in normal operation first a faint glow and then a lighter flicker is visible.

The request line 10 is also provided with an input 13 of an AND gate 14 of the logic circuit 8, the other input of which is connected to a counter output 16 of the ring counter 7 is connected. After the request of the random generator 9 the AND gate 14 is prepared, the occupancy signal from the counter output 16 to a To switch through the input 17 of a two-stage counter 18, the first stage of which 19 occupied and whose output 20 is energized. The excitement sets a flip-flop 21, its Q output with a lamp 22 for signaling the stop phase and with a Stop button 23 is connected. During the stop phase, the roller can be turned one by pressing the stop button 23 can be stopped prematurely.

In summary, it should be noted: the one tapped by the ring counter 7 Counting output 16 marks the beginning of the stop phase.

A count output 24 of the last stage of the ring counter 7 is on the one hand connected to a parallel input 25 of the first stage, which depends on the clock signal can be assigned at clock input 6.

On the other hand, the counter output 24 is connected to the logic circuit 8, there, among other things, with the reset input R of the flip-flop 21. The counter output 24 marks the end of the stop phase.

The following is the shutdown of the roller 1 during the stop phase described. The prerequisite for this is actuation the stop button 23, which sets a flip-flop 26 and an AND gate connected to the Q output 27 28 is prepared to switch through a brake command to its output 29, the is then passed through an OR gate 30 to the brake 31, so that the roller 1 immediately is stopped. The braking command is also obtained from the counter output 24.

To clear the two-stage counter 18 and the flip-flop 26 is roll monitoring is provided. This consists of a monoflop 32, whose Trigger input 33 is constantly connected to the output of the low-frequency generator 12 is, so that when the roller is running, the stable state is achieved by timely retriggering is held at which an unconnected Q output 34 is excited. The service life in the unstable state, the RC element 35 is somewhat larger due to suitable dimensioning as the nominal period of the low frequency generator 12.

If the post-trigger pulse is too long in coming, it drops Monoflop 32 in its stable state, in which to be with the clearing inputs 36 and 37 of the two-stage counter 18 and the flip-flop 26 connected Q output 38 is energized is.

Due to the dimensioning of the RC element 35, there is also a Deletion if the roller runs too slowly; for example when in fraudulent Intention by manipulative braking is attempted to find a winning position to achieve the roller. Since the request signal necessary for switching through the brake command from the central sequence control 2 is only pending for two seconds, it is over its presence in the current game is no longer possible, the brake 31 in the braking position to move. A profit scanner, not shown, then remains passive, so that no profit can be achieved either.

The following description assumes that the possibility of premature braking was not used during the stop phase. The roller one continues and switches the ring counter 7 in the manner already described. When the count output connected to the AND element 14 is repeatedly excited Counter 18 pushed into the second stage 39, after which its output 40 and an AND gate 41 is prepared, the brake command from the count output 24 of the ring counter 7 in the already to switch through to the brake 31 as described. The roller 1 then comes around Time of one revolution shifted to the same notch position as with premature braking during the stop phase.

In summary, it should be noted: the counter output 24 marks this End of both the stop phase and the roller rotation.

The duration of the stop phase is determined by the tap from the ring counter 7 at a suitable counter output 16; the more this relative to the brake marking is offset, the shorter the duration.

Fig. 2 shows a marked 7 'marking device that instead of of the ring counter 7 shown in Fig. 1 can be used. This consists of a two-piece cam 42 and 43, each of which is juxtaposed has a notch 44 and 45 on the circumferential side. Both parts 42 and 43 are on theirs facing end faces provided with a tooth embossing 46, the twenty-four allows discrete circumferentially offset positions.

Before the request from the central sequence control 2, the cam disk 7 'rotated back and forth by a mixer motor, not shown, so that she is found in an unforeseeable position when requested. the Request line 10 is connected to an electromagnetic clutch 5 ', which the cam disk 7 'when requested via a drive shaft with the to be braked Roller 1 couples.

The circumferential contours of the two parts 42 and 43 of the cam disk 7 ' are scanned by two feeler levers 16 'and 24'.

As soon as the feeler lever 16 'comes into the notch 45, it closes one Contact, which marks the beginning of the stop phase. Then comes the feeler lever 24 'in the notch 44 and marks the end of the stop phase and the roller rotation, how already in the interaction of pulse generator 3, ring counter 7 and Logic circuit 8 described.

The duration of the stop phase is determined by the peripheral Offset of the two notches. The two parts 42 and 43 of the cam 7 'are connected to each other at the factory taking into account a suitable offset.

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Claims (11)

Claims 1. Slot machine with circulating units carrying a profit symbol, which are brought to a standstill by means of brakes in detent positions, with a Random generator, which is a revolving marking device provided with a brake marking contains that when requested by a central sequence control device in not more predictable t; te1-ment is encountered when passing the brake mark a braking command to one of the brakes predetermined by the sequence control device with a stop button for premature braking and a display for signaling a stop phase, while premature braking is possible at r, characterized in that that the random generator (9) has a logic circuit that can be activated during the request (8) for brake control and that the marking device (7, 7 ') with a additional marking (16, 16 'is provided, which is in the activated logic maintenance (8) defines the beginning of the stop phase, which occurs with the occurrence of the after actuation the stop button (2 s) the braking command becomes effective ends. 2. Money game device according to claim 1, characterized in that the Duration of one complete cycle of the requested marking device (7, 7 as well is as long as that of the recirculating body to be braked (1). 3. Money game device according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that that the logic circuit (8) contains eiritiri two-stage counter (18) whose counting input (17) in the activated state of the logic circuit (8) from the additional marking (16, 1 £ ') d-r 1 roll device (7, 7') can be incremented and that depends on the occupancy of the second stage (39) the brake signal to brake (31) is switchable. 4. slot machine according to claim 3, characterized in that the Output (20) of the first stage (19) of the two-stage counter (18) with the set input (S) of a flip-flop (21) is connected, whose Q-Ausgarig both with the display means (22) for signaling the stop phase as well as with the stop button (23) for preparation the switching through of the brake command to the brake (31) and its reset input (R) receives the Brern command. 5. Money game device according to one of the preceding claims, with a electromechanical random generator, which is a motor-driven marking device Contains cam, the circumferential side of which is sensed by a cooling organ notches or teeth cause the braking, characterized in that the cam disk (42, 43) is sensed offset by an additional sensing element (16 '), which after the request defines the start of the stop phase. 6. Money game alltorrlat according to claim 5, characterized gekenrlzeichrlet, that the cam disk (42, 43) has between tracks, one of which is the marking the stop phase and the other to mark the braking. 7. slot machine according to one of claims 1 to 4 with an electronic Random generator which, as a marking device, can be incremented by a pulse generator Contains ring counter, from one of its outputs the brake signal is tapped is characterized by the fact that an additional to a certain number of Output (16) offset by counting levels serves as an additional marker that appears after the Request defines the start of the stop phase. 8. slot machines according to claim 2 and 7, characterized in that that the pulse generator (3) before the request a high frequency (hf) and after the Request a low frequency (nf) that generates low frequency Frequency (nf) a tachometer sensing the rotating body (1) to be braked is provided is, which when passing the locking positions of the recirculating body (1) in each case a pulse generated and that the ring counter (7) has a counting step for each detent position. 9. slot machine according to claim 7 and 8, characterized in that the pulse generator (3) contains a changeover switch (5) that can be controlled by the request signal, which in the rest position switches through the high frequency (hf) to the clock input (6) of the ring counter (7). 10. Slot machine according to claim 9, characterized in that the output pulses of the pulse generator (3) for service purposes through a light-emitting diode (47). 11. Slot machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that the logic circuit (8) contains a monoflop (32) with the low frequency (nf) can be retriggered and its activated in the stable state Output Q (38) connected to a reset input (36) of the two-stage counter (18) is, wherein the service life of the monoflop (32) is slightly longer than the nominal duration of a Is low frequency period.