DE3017409A1 - Fruit machine with electronic circuit - identifying win conditions and controlling bonus play cycles - Google Patents

Abstract

The fruit machine has an electronic control unit to control the operation of the three rotating symbol drums and to determine the bonus win modes. The rotation of the three drums is controlled by signals generated by a central control with gating stages coupled to the first two stages. A contact array is switched to indicate the winning combination and specific outputs activated. A win counter unit has two stages; one for normal play cycles and another for bonus cycles. Specific output combinations are identified by gating logic coupled to flip flops that control the drive signals for the drums.

Description

Slot machine

The invention relates to a slot machine, usually a plurality of winning symbols load-bearing circulating bodies, which are controlled by a central control device via 'individual Control lines each set in circulation by a running signal at the start of the game and the to 'irregular points in time due to the fall of the respective run signal to Be brought to a standstill, which are coupled with one of the zentra-I.en at the end of the game Control device activatable profit sensing device for determining normal and special game winnings, where in the special game e-in win key with opposite the normal game of increased expectation of winnings is applied, with a credit counter for normal and special game winnings connected to the win scanner is.

Slot machines of the type mentioned are in various Embodiments can be found in restaurants and amusement arcades. They mostly own 3 recirculating bodies, which can be designed in the form of rollers or disks, on the Surface visible from outside through window - the circulating units carry winning symbols. The circulating bodies are shut down one after the other; after all recirculating bodies to the If you have come to a standstill, the combination of symbols decides whether you win or lose. Money and special game prizes are promised in different amounts; with the latter there is a winning key with a higher chance of winning compared to the normal game to use special game prizes, so-called series, enjoy due to the high profit expectation, great popularity; the more often special game hits can be achieved are, the greater the gaming incentive exercised by the machine. Newer machines have therefore been set up in such a way that it is more likely that series can be achieved are, with the length of the series in favor of an economically justifiable profit distribution is kept short. In a short one, for example two special games Series, there is often no profit with the result that the player is disappointed the game stops.

The invention is based on the object of a Gel.dspie] machine of the type mentioned at the beginning, the one that only includes a few special games The stand of the special game counter offers an end chance in which a particularly high There is an expectation of profit.

The object is achieved in that at least one of the control lines a credit balance-related that can be derived from the credit counter for special game winnings Signals controlled circuit breaker is inserted, which the Uml.aufkörper after ingestion a special game win-enabling position in this.

This allows recirculating units, in their control line, the disconnector lies after taking one of the special game & profit-making position and with a predeterminable level of the credit counter in the profit-making position be held, with a reduced number of renewed and unpredictable numbers Positions to be stopped-tender circulating units mean a reduced risk of profit.

An embodiment of the game machine according to the invention with a special game counter having a zero counting stage in the credit counter in that the disconnector is controlled by a memory element whose occupancy input Receives and receives busy signals from the outputs of individual stages of the special game counter whose reset input receives a zero level signal at the output of the zero stage.

The end chance is initiated by loading the memory element; she ends when the status of the special, earnings counter reaches zero and the memory element has deleted.

There is a further development of the slot machine according to the invention in that the busy signals upon occurrence of a grant signal from the profit sensing device be switched through by means of an AND element to the memory element, preferably the guarantee signal depends on the response of a recirculating body coupled to that one Sampling element is generated in the profit sampling device, the circuit breaker of which Von the guarantee signal can be activated.

The guarantee signa is always generated when the recirculating body is in a special game win-enabling position. Also, if the associated Memory element is occupied, then the recirculating body is left in this position.

A next embodiment for a slot machine according to the invention, which is disengaged with disconnectors in two control lines is that a first one of the circuit breakers from the to a first, to a low, from zero different status of the special game counter combined outputs of neighboring Counting levels can be activated and that a second the disconnector from the to one second smaller group of combined outputs can be activated, whereby the first group includes the second.

If the special game counter is decreasing, the expectation of winnings can can be improved in two stages, with two recirculating bodies in the second stage one of the special game win-enabling position can be held. Most of them Slot machines equipped with three Uml bodies can then only be one Recirculating bodies cause a loss result.

Another embodiment for a slot machine after of the invention with at least three successively coming to a standstill circulating bodies and with disconnectors for the two recirculating units that come to a standstill first consists in the fact that the scanning device comes to a standstill with the last one Circulating body contains coupled scanning element, which is a preparatory signal for the median Activation of the disconnector in the control line for the first to come to a standstill reaching Uml.aufkörper generated.

This circuit configuration delays the entry into the second particularly profitable level of the final chance to win at least one game, by sending the necessary preparation signal after a particular hit has been achieved This is a game variant is created that the payout in one economically justifiable framework.

There is a feature that has the same effect as the previous embodiment in that the preparatory signal occupies a memory element whose occupancy output one AND element prepared, one off with the recirculating body that first came to a standstill gekuppel.ten scanning elements to be derived guarantee signal. to the control input of the disconnector to switch this recirculating unit through in the control line.

An important embodiment for a slot machine according to the Invention with at least one recirculating body, in which several winning symbols-e serve to determine the profit and inserted a circuit breaker in its control line is, is that one on the reset input of the isolating switch controlling Memory element acting button is provided.

The symbols that can be achieved at standstill can be used in combination with the Symbol.en of the remaining circulating units for a large or a small profit to lead. If this seems too small, the risk-taker can get the most out of it Give up the position of the recirculating unit by pressing a button in favor of a randomly attainable position leading to greater profit.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing and explained in the description below.

The single figure shows all necessary for an understanding of the invention Parts of the slot machine.

At the start of the game, a central unit labeled 1 is generated regularly Control device running signals that are transmitted via individual control lines 2, 2 'and 2 ″ to electromechanical organs, not shown, of three recirculating bodies 3, 4 ′ and 5 are directed. The recirculating bodies 3 to 5 each run as long as the individual one Running signal is pending. The central control device i- allows the Laufsignal.e successively Unlawful times end, so that the recirculating body 3 to 5 at the end of the game Stand in unpredictable positions.

Corresponding to the, - adopted locking positions affect the recirculating units 3 to 5 switches, e.g. B. 6 to 8, in a profit scanner 9, which regularly at the end of the game via an interrogation line 10 from the central control device 1 can be activated. In the case of the switch position assumed here, the interrogation signal as a profit signal from an AND element 11 to a profit-related output of the Profit sampling device 9 switched through. Additional outputs 12 and 12 '' for normal and special game winnings of the win scanning device 9, each on a different Profit amount are related, each lead via a line multiple 13g and 13 'SürNormal-. and special game winnings to a credit counter 14.

The credit counter 14 contains a section 14 a for counting normal games and a section 14 b for counting special games; the former is not shown in detail, since they is not the subject of the invention.

Section 14b contains a parallel to series converter 15. If the activated win scanning device 9 a win of, for example, 30 special games has recognized, then there is an H-Signa] on the line labeled 230 ", which the parallel 7-series converter 15 after it has been activated by the central control device 1 via line 16 causes thirty pulses at its output 17, which get into the clock input 18 of a bidirectional counter 19 to check its status to raise thirty.

If this was previously on Nu] 1, its Nu] l-Ste]] e 20 was occupied; now it's his thirtieth. The counter output 21 of the zero position 20 is with the profit sampler 9 connected so that the latter at a different from ul Status of the bidirectional counter 29 receives an L signal when it occurs a profit evaluation logic, not shown, in the profit sampling device 9 of FIG Norma] - is switched to special game mode; at now terem comes a winning key with higher profit expectations to apply.

In the following, after reaching the thirty special games comprehensive Profit assumes that the reading of the bidirectional counter 19 is thirty amounts to. The bidirectional counter 19 has a backward counter input 22, the regular in each game via an incrementing line 23 from the control device 1 SpieJabzugssignal received.

After starting 1 on out of twenty games, the tenth digit is the bidirectional Counter 19 occupied, whose output as well as the outputs of the subsequent Levels 6 to 9 are connected to inputs of an OR gate 24. The exits levels one to five are also connected to inputs of an OR gate 25. The outputs of both OR elements 24 and 25 are connected to inputs of a third OR element 26 connected, at the output 27 of which there is an H-Signa] if one of the first ten Levels of the counter is occupied. The output 27 of the third OR gate 26 is with an input of an AND-G] iedes 28 connected so that the high signal this prepared, a guarantee signal from the profit sensing device 9 to the set input a flip-flop 29 through. The guarantee signal is from one of the middle Recirculating body 4 influenceable switch, z. B.

30, generated; namely regularly when the recirculating body 4 to End of the game has taken a position that enables a special game win. Since several such - Stel boys are planned, there are several certifying signaie Switch, e.g. B. 7 and 30, in member 31 ORed by the profit scanner 9 sent to AND gate 28.

The Q output of the flip-flop. 29 is one with the control input 32 in the control line 2 'for the middle circulation.

body 4 lying disconnector 33 connected, so that this in the games is kept in a separate position after the occurrence of the guarantee signal the effect that the middle recirculating body 4, in its special game win-enabling Position is left. The now reduced number of in unpredictable Circulating bodies to be stopped means a reduced risk of profit.

In the following it is assumed that the status of the bidirectional Counter 19 is switched from six to five, so that the receipt signal from the fifth Stage also occurs at the output of the OR gate 25. The busy signal arrives on the one hand on the route already described through the third OR element 26 to the AND element 28. On the other hand, the occupied signal prepares an AND gate 28 ', a guarantee signal from the profit sampling device 9 to the setting S of a second flip-flop 29: ' to switch through. This guarantee signal is provided by one of the right recirculating body 5 influenceable switch 31 generated; and then when the right circumferential body 5 has taken a certain position where a certain winning symbol is visible is.

The profit sampling device 9 also generates a guarantee signal, the from the left recirculating body-3 influenceable switches, z. B. 6, in link 31 'ORED reaches the set input S of a third flip-flop 29'§ through an AND gate 35, if ] the latter has been prepared for switching through by the output of the second flip-flop 29 '. The output of the third flip-flop 29 ″ is connected to the control input 32 ′ of a second disconnector 33 ', which is in the control line 2 for the left circulating body 3 is inserted. The last mentioned guarantee signal is generated when the left Recirculating body 3 has taken a position that allows a special game win.

In the last four special games it is possible to use two of the three recirculating bodies 3 to 5 to hold in a special game play inne-enabling hole position. Then there only one recirculating body 5 can cause a loss hit is the prospect of profit considerably higher.

After Ab] on the special games, the zero position is 20 of the bidirectional Counter 19 occupied, so that the output 21 of the zero position 20 now carries the H signal. The output 21 is directly connected to the clear input S of the second flip-flop 29 'and above Decoupling diodes 35 and 35 'connected to the reset inputs S of the F] ipf] ops 29 and 29 ", so that the flipf] .ops 29 to 29 "are cleared with the effect that the disconnect switches 33 and 33 'fall back into their normally closed contact position.

Type tines and middle recirculating units 3 and 4 are multiple G0wnnsymbols displayed in the event of a standstill and also used to calculate profits. This is it is possible to embody several symbols or switches from these um] 3 and 4 in the profit scanner 9 to determine the amount of in combination with the other recirculating bodies possibly arising special pie].

Under these conditions it could be perceived as disadvantageous that a recirculating body occasionally only appears in a small series of special games enabling steering is held. In order for such a fa] l restart opportunities To be able to grant is for the two flip-flops controlling the disconnectors 33 and 33 ' 29 and 29 "each a delete button 36 and 36 'is provided, which is about one decoupling diode 37 and 37 'each to the respective clear input R of the flip-flop 29 and 29 "acts.

Claims (8)

Claims 1. Slot machine carrying several winning symbols Circulating bodies from a central control device via individual control lines each set in circulation by a running signal at the start of the game and those that are too irregular Points in time are brought to a standstill by dropping the respective run signal, which are coupled to one that can be activated by the central control device at the end of the game Profit scanning device for determining normal and special games] win, with in the special game a prize draw3 with a higher expectation of winnings compared to the normal game is applied, with a credit counter for normal and special game winnings, the is connected to the profit sampling device, characterized in that in at least one of the control lines (2, 2 ', 2 ") from the credit counter (14 b) for special game winnings derivable credit balance-related signals controlled disconnector (33, 33 ') is inserted, which enables the circulating body (3, 4) after taking a special game win Ste] Jung left in this. 2. GeldspieJautomat according to claim 1, with a Nu] l counting stage having special game counter in the credit counter, characterized in that the Isolation switch (33, 33 ') is controlled by a memory element (29, 29 "), whose Occupancy input (S) Occupancy signals from the outputs of individual levels of the special game counter (19) receives and its clear input (R) from the output (21) of the zero counting stage (20) a zero level signal. receives. 3. Slot machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the Occupied signals from the profit sensing device (9) when a grant signal occurs middle] s of an AND element (28, 28 ') for Storage element '(29, 29') be switched through. 4. Geldspiel.automat according to claim 3, characterized in that the guarantee signal depends on the response of a recirculating body (e.g. B. 4) coupled scanning element (z. B. 7) generated in the profit scanning device (9) whose disconnector (33) can be activated by the guarantee signal. 5. Geid game machine according to claim 4, with disconnectors in two control lines, characterized in that a first (33) of the disconnectors (33, 33 ') from the to -a first, to a low, non-zero reading of the special game counter (9) combined outputs of adjacent counting levels can be activated and that a second (33 ') of the disconnectors from those combined into a second, smaller group Outputs can be activated, the first group including the second. 6. Slot machine according to claim 5, with at least three in a row revolving bodies coming to a standstill and with disconnectors for the two first to style. 1-standing circulating body, characterized in that the scanning device (9) one coupled to the recirculating body (5) that came to a standstill last Scanning element (31) contains the preparation signal for indirect control of the isolating switch (33 ') in the control line (2) for the first to come to a standstill reaching circulating body (3) generated. 7. cash machine according to claim 6, characterized in that the Preparation signal a memory element (29) occupied, the occupancy output (Q) on AND element (34) prepared, one from with the circulating body that first came to a standstill (3) coupled scanning elements (e.g. 6) to derive the guarantee signal. to the control input (32 ') of the isolating switch (33. to switch this recirculating body (3) through in the control line (2). 8. Slot machine according to one of claims 2 to 7, with at least a recirculating body, in which several winning symbols are used to determine the winnings at the same time serve and in the control line of which a disconnector is inserted, characterized in that that one to the clear input (R) of the circuit breaker (33, 33 ') controlling memory element (29, 29 ") acting button (36, 36 ') is provided.