EP0492389A2 - Slot machine - Google Patents

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Publication number
EP0492389A2
EP0492389A2 EP91121687A EP91121687A EP0492389A2 EP 0492389 A2 EP0492389 A2 EP 0492389A2 EP 91121687 A EP91121687 A EP 91121687A EP 91121687 A EP91121687 A EP 91121687A EP 0492389 A2 EP0492389 A2 EP 0492389A2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
time
devices
related information
game
information
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Granted
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EP91121687A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0492389B1 (en
EP0492389A3 (en
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Peter Eiba
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Eiba Peter
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Individual
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/3202—Hardware aspects of a gaming system, e.g. components, construction, architecture thereof
    • G07F17/3204—Player-machine interfaces
    • G07F17/3211—Display means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/3225—Data transfer within a gaming system, e.g. data sent between gaming machines and users
    • G07F17/3232—Data transfer within a gaming system, e.g. data sent between gaming machines and users wherein the operator is informed
    • G07F17/3234—Data transfer within a gaming system, e.g. data sent between gaming machines and users wherein the operator is informed about the performance of a gaming system, e.g. revenue, diagnosis of the gaming system

Definitions

  • the invention relates to entertainment, in particular gaming machines, a system using such devices and a method for operating such devices.
  • Gambling devices with display devices which offer a player a wide variety of information about the previous course of the game. This information is only related to the number of occurrences.
  • US 4,636,551-A discloses a system for controlling the operation of gaming machines that are electronically interconnected, with a control unit communicating with the devices using a processor.
  • DE 26 36 253-A2 discloses a game device with a clock and a microprocessor. However, the clock only serves to switch the device, an alarm device and corresponding incentive devices on or off depending on the time of day.
  • DE 34 41 518 C2 mentions the possibility of arranging a day timer in the data processing center in a gaming hall with a larger number of gaming machines which are connected to a data processing center. However, this only serves, depending on the time of day, the price or playing time information called up from a read-only memory in the To modify the accumulator of the process computer of the gaming device so that different tariffs are possible during the day.
  • the invention is based on the object of specifying an entertainment device, in particular a gaming machine, in which additional information is easily offered to a player. This additional information can also be used to advantage when monitoring and evaluating device operation.
  • the invention also provides a system with several such gaming machines and a method for operating them.
  • the entertainment, in particular gaming machine according to the invention has the features of claim 1.
  • the system according to the invention is characterized in claim 3, the method for its operation in claim 8.
  • the figure shows a system in which a number n of gaming devices 1 can communicate via a controller 2 with a number n of display units 3 and / or a computer 4, which then for example uses a modem or an ISDN system 5 to provide information can send to or receive from a center 6.
  • the timing device for example in the form of a battery-backed electronic clock, can, depending on the structure of the system Game device 1 itself, as indicated at 16, can be arranged in the controller 2, as indicated at 26, or in the computer 4, as indicated at 46.
  • the first solution is given when each game device is operated free-standing, i.e. independently of any external control.
  • each game device 1 can be assigned its own display unit 3 with corresponding displays 11, 21, 31 and 41 for displaying the aforementioned and other information or contain it integrated.
  • the game devices When several game devices 1 are interconnected with a computer 4, preferably via the controller 2, the game devices are provided with an interface 8 or the like, via which the individual game devices 1 are preferably periodically queried one after the other. In this case, either the information already set in time relationship in the gaming device 1 is read out or the time calculation takes place in the controller 2 or with the computer 4 switched on. In the first two cases, the controller 2 forwards the time-related information directly to one or more display units 3, while in the third case the computer 4 has to be switched on.
  • each gaming device 1 contains a microprocessor 13 in the usual way and display devices 14 for the display of previously common information, wherein fields or devices for the new time-related information can also be integrated in this display.
  • a corresponding display unit 3 can be assigned to each gaming device 1, which either only displays its (time) information or else the (time) information of several gaming devices.
  • one or more central displays for example in the eye-catcher of the players, can also be arranged in a game hall, so that the players can use the information displayed to select the gaming device which they consider to be the cheapest.
  • the display unit 3 can be designed in any manner that is as descriptive as possible, for example as a monitor, television set, projection screen or using discrete display devices 11, 21, 31, 41, for example in the form of seven-segment displays, light-emitting diode arrangements or the like. For example, several columns of display devices or fields 11 to 41 can be arranged next to one another, wherein one column can be assigned to a gaming device 1.
  • time information such as the data listed above under d) and e) can be recorded centrally, evaluated and, if necessary, forwarded to a main station 6 via a modem.
  • the invention creates the possibility which is particularly advantageous for the player to obtain additional, namely time-related information for his game decisions.
  • the invention can also be applied to other entertainment devices in which time-related information is of interest to a player.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Pinball Game Machines (AREA)
  • Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)
  • Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
  • Slot Machines And Peripheral Devices (AREA)

Abstract

In an entertainment machine, especially a coin-operated gaming machine, the conventionally determined absolute values, such as quantities and sums of money, are put into relation at the particular time and the time-related information is displayed. A plurality of machines (1) can be combined to form a system and their time-related information transmitted to a central display (3).

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft Unterhaltungs-, insbesondere Geldspielgeräte, ein solche Geräte verwendendes System und ein Verfahren zum Betrieb derartiger Geräte.The invention relates to entertainment, in particular gaming machines, a system using such devices and a method for operating such devices.

Bekannt sind Geldspielgeräte mit Anzeigevorrichtungen, die einem Spieler die verschiedensten Informationen über den vorangegangenen Spielverlauf bieten. Diese Informationen sind ausschließlich bezogen auf die Anzahl von aufgetretenen Vorgängen.Gambling devices with display devices are known which offer a player a wide variety of information about the previous course of the game. This information is only related to the number of occurrences.

Ein Beispiel für eine derartige Anzeige ist in der DE 37 38 120 A1 beschrieben. Bei diesem Unterhaltungsgerät mit einer Symbol-Spieleinrichtung zur Darstellung von Symbolkombinationen sind zwei zueinander parallele Reihen von Leuchtdioden für eine Vielzahl zurückliegender Spiele vorgesehen. Mit der ersten Reihe werden alle Gewinnspiele in Spielfolge und mit der zweiten Reihe alle Nicht-Gewinnspiele in Spielfolge angezeigt.An example of such a display is described in DE 37 38 120 A1. In this entertainment device with a symbol game device for displaying symbol combinations, two mutually parallel rows of light-emitting diodes are provided for a large number of past games. The first row shows all competitions in sequence and the second row shows all non-competitions in sequence.

Die US 4,636,551-A offenbart ein System zum Steuern des Betriebs von Geldspielgeräten, die elektronisch miteinander verbunden sind, wobei eine Steuereinheit unter Verwendung eines Prozessors mit den Geräten in Verbindung steht.US 4,636,551-A discloses a system for controlling the operation of gaming machines that are electronically interconnected, with a control unit communicating with the devices using a processor.

Bei keinem dieser Geldspielgeräte ist eine Zeitmeß- bzw. Anzeigevorrichtung vorgesehen.No time measuring or display device is provided in any of these gaming machines.

Die DE 26 36 253-A2 offenbart ein Spielgerät mit einer Uhr und einem Mikroprozessor. Die Uhr dient jedoch nur dazu, abhängig von der Tageszeit das Gerät, eine Alarmvorrichtung und entsprechende Anreizvorrichtungen an- bzw. abzuschalten.DE 26 36 253-A2 discloses a game device with a clock and a microprocessor. However, the clock only serves to switch the device, an alarm device and corresponding incentive devices on or off depending on the time of day.

Die DE 34 41 518 C2 erwähnt zwar die Möglichkeit, bei einer Spielhalle mit einer größeren Anzahl von Geldspielgeräten, die mit einer Datenverarbeitungszentrale verbunden sind, in der Datenverarbeitungszentrale einen Tageszeitgeber anzuordnen. Dieser dient jedoch nur dazu, tageszeitabhängig die aus einem Festwertspeicher aufgerufene Preis- bzw. Spielzeitinformation im Akkumulator des Prozeßrechners des Spielgeräts zu modifizieren, so daß tageszeitlich verschiedene Tarife möglich sind.DE 34 41 518 C2 mentions the possibility of arranging a day timer in the data processing center in a gaming hall with a larger number of gaming machines which are connected to a data processing center. However, this only serves, depending on the time of day, the price or playing time information called up from a read-only memory in the To modify the accumulator of the process computer of the gaming device so that different tariffs are possible during the day.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Unterhaltungs-, insbesondere Geldspielgerät anzugeben, bei dem auf einfache Weise einem Spieler zusätzliche Informationen angeboten werden. Diese zusätzlichen Informationen können mit Vorteil auch bei der Überwachung und Auswertung des Gerätebetriebs Verwendung finden.The invention is based on the object of specifying an entertainment device, in particular a gaming machine, in which additional information is easily offered to a player. This additional information can also be used to advantage when monitoring and evaluating device operation.

Die Erfindung bringt ferner ein System mit mehreren derartigen Geldspielgeräten und ein Verfahren zu deren Betrieb.The invention also provides a system with several such gaming machines and a method for operating them.

Das erfindungsgemäße Unterhaltungs-, insbesondere Geldspielgerät besitzt die Merkmale des Patentanspruchs 1. Das erfindungsgemäße System ist im Patentanspruch 3, das Verfahren zu dessen Betrieb im Patentanspruch 8 gekennzeichnet.The entertainment, in particular gaming machine according to the invention has the features of claim 1. The system according to the invention is characterized in claim 3, the method for its operation in claim 8.

Weitere Merkmale und Vorteile der Erfindung ergeben sich aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung eines Ausführungsbeispiels anhand der Zeichnung, die ein Blockschaltbild eines Systems darstellt, bei dem erfindungsgemäße Geräte Verwendung finden können.Further features and advantages of the invention result from the following description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawing, which represents a block diagram of a system in which devices according to the invention can be used.

Insbesondere zeigt die Figur ein System, bei dem eine Anzahl n von Spielgeräten 1 über einen Kontroller 2 mit einer Anzahl n von Anzeigeeinheiten 3 und/oder einem Rechner 4 in Kommunikation treten kann, der dann beispielsweise über ein Modem oder eine ISDN-Anlage 5 Informationen an eine Zentrale 6 senden bzw. von dieser empfangen kann.In particular, the figure shows a system in which a number n of gaming devices 1 can communicate via a controller 2 with a number n of display units 3 and / or a computer 4, which then for example uses a modem or an ISDN system 5 to provide information can send to or receive from a center 6.

Es sei darauf hingewiesen, daß der konstruktive Aufbau von Spielgeräten bezüglich der Mechanik und die Ausstattung mit elektronischen Vorrichtungen wie Mikrocomputern zur Steuerung der Geräte bekannt sind, wozu beispielsweise auf die eingangs genannten Druckschriften hingewiesen sind. Aus der DE 38 20 868 A1 ist ferner ein System zum Abruf von Spielgerätedaten aus einer Anzahl von Spielgeräten durch einen Personalcomputer bekannt. Es wird deshalb davon abgesehen, diese Einzelheiten zu beschreiben.It should be noted that the construction of game devices with regard to the mechanics and the equipment with electronic devices such as microcomputers for controlling the devices are known, for which reference is made, for example, to the publications mentioned at the beginning. From DE 38 20 868 A1 a system for retrieving game device data from a number of game devices by a personal computer is also known. It is therefore not necessary to describe these details.

Wesentlich für die Erfindung ist nun, daß verschiedene für den Spieler interessante Informationen nicht nur als bloße Zählung zur Verfügung gestellt werden, sondern daß diese Informationen mit der Zeit in Beziehung gesetzt werden.It is essential for the invention that various information of interest to the player is not only made available as a mere count, but that this information is related to time.

Nur beispielsweise sei bezüglich dieser Informationen auf folgende Gesichtspunkte hingewiesen:

  • a) Spielverlauf, z. B. Serienspiele, Sonderspiele, usw., d. h. wann, in welchem Zeitrahmen, etc. derartige Ereignisse eingetreten sind;
  • b) Gerätenutzung, d. h. Hinweise darauf, wie lange das Gerät, für welche Zeit und wann benutzt wurde;
  • c) Auszahlquote, d. h. in welcher Zeitperiode Auszahlungen in welcher Höhe erfolgt sind.
For example, the following aspects should be noted with regard to this information:
  • a) course of the game, e.g. B. series games, special games, etc., ie when, in what time frame, etc. such events have occurred;
  • b) Device usage, ie information on how long the device has been used, for what time and when;
  • c) Payout ratio, ie in what time period and in what amount payments were made.

Für den betrieblichen Ablauf sind ferner von Bedeutung:

  • d) Statistik, beispielsweise über in einer bestimmten Zeitperiode aufgetretene Fehler, Manipulationen, Leerspielungen, Geräteausfall und Kassenunregelmäßigkeiten;
  • e) Buchhaltung, also beispielsweise zeitbezogen Kassenstand und Differenzen, die es erlauben, bei Kundenreklamationen bezüglich Fehlauszahlungen eine sofortige Überprüfung der Gerätedaten durchzuführen und einen eventuellen Fehlbetrag festzustellen.
The following are also important for the operational process:
  • d) Statistics, for example about errors, manipulations, empty games, device failures and cash register irregularities that occurred in a certain period of time;
  • e) Accounting, e.g. time-based cash balance and differences, which make it possible to immediately check the device data in the event of customer complaints regarding incorrect payments and determine a possible shortfall.

Alle diese Informationen lassen sich erfindungsgemäß dadurch erhalten, daß die im Spielgerät 1 in bekannter Weise festgestellten Absolutwerte, also Anzahlen, Geldbeträge usw. zur Zeit in Beziehung gesetzt werden. Im einzelnen heißt dies, daß mittels einfacher Operationen wie periodischen Abtastungen von Zählern, Mittelwertbildungen und/oder Divisionen oder auch beliebig komplizierterer Operationen wie Gauß'sche Verteilung, Varianz und dergleichen die gewünschten Informationen errechnet bzw. bestimmt und für eine Abfrage und/oder eine Anzeige bereitgehalten werden.All this information can be obtained according to the invention in that the absolute values, that is to say the numbers, amounts of money, etc., which are determined in a known manner in the gaming device 1 are currently related. Specifically, this means that by means of simple operations such as periodic sampling of counters, averaging and / or divisions or even more complicated operations such as Gaussian distribution, variance and the like, the desired information is calculated or determined and for a query and / or a display be kept ready.

Die Zeitgabevorrichtung, etwa in Form einer batteriegepufferten elektronischen Uhr, kann je nach Aufbau des Systems im Spielgerät 1 selbst, wie mit 16 angedeutet, im Kontroller 2, wie mit 26 angedeutet oder im Rechner 4, wie mit 46 angedeutet, angeordnet sein. Die erste Lösung ist dann gegeben, wenn jedes Spielgerät freistehend, also unabhängig von jeglicher Außensteuerung betrieben wird. In diesem Fall kann jedem Spielgerät 1 eine eigene Anzeigeeinheit 3 mit entsprechenden Anzeigen 11, 21, 31 und 41 zur Anzeige der vorgenannten und anderer Informationen zugeordnet sein bzw. diese integriert enthalten.The timing device, for example in the form of a battery-backed electronic clock, can, depending on the structure of the system Game device 1 itself, as indicated at 16, can be arranged in the controller 2, as indicated at 26, or in the computer 4, as indicated at 46. The first solution is given when each game device is operated free-standing, i.e. independently of any external control. In this case, each game device 1 can be assigned its own display unit 3 with corresponding displays 11, 21, 31 and 41 for displaying the aforementioned and other information or contain it integrated.

Bei Zusammenschaltung mehrerer Spielgeräte 1 mit einem Rechner 4, vorzugsweise über den Kontroller 2, sind die Spielgeräte mit einer Schnittstelle 8 oder dergleichen versehen, über den die einzelnen Spielgeräte 1 vorzugsweise nacheinander periodisch abgefragt werden. Hierbei werden entweder die bereits im Spielgerät 1 in Zeitbeziehung gesetzten Informationen ausgelesen oder die Zeitberechnung findet im Kontroller 2 bzw. unter Einschaltung des Rechners 4 statt. In den beiden ersteren Fällen leitet der Kontroller 2 die zeitbezogenen Informationen direkt an eine oder mehrere Anzeigeeinheiten 3, während im dritten Falle die Einschaltung des Rechners 4 erforderlich ist.When several game devices 1 are interconnected with a computer 4, preferably via the controller 2, the game devices are provided with an interface 8 or the like, via which the individual game devices 1 are preferably periodically queried one after the other. In this case, either the information already set in time relationship in the gaming device 1 is read out or the time calculation takes place in the controller 2 or with the computer 4 switched on. In the first two cases, the controller 2 forwards the time-related information directly to one or more display units 3, while in the third case the computer 4 has to be switched on.

Es sei noch darauf hingewiesen, daß jedes Spielgerät 1 in üblicher Weise einen Mikroprozessor 13 enthält sowie Anzeigevorrichtungen 14 für die Anzeige bisher üblicher Informationen, wobei in diese Anzeige auch Felder oder Vorrichtungen für die neuen zeitbezogenen Informationen integriert sein können.It should also be pointed out that each gaming device 1 contains a microprocessor 13 in the usual way and display devices 14 for the display of previously common information, wherein fields or devices for the new time-related information can also be integrated in this display.

Wie erwähnt, kann jedem Spielgerät 1 eine entsprechende Anzeigeeinheit 3 zugeordnet sein, die entweder lediglich seine (Zeit-)Informationen oder aber die (Zeit-)Informationen mehrerer Spielgeräte wiedergibt. Zusätzlich oder alternativ dazu können auch eine oder mehrere zentrale Anzeigen, beispielsweise im Blickfang der Spieler in einer Spielhalle angeordnet sein, so daß die Spieler anhand der angezeigten Informationen das ihnen als am günstigsten erscheinende Spielgerät auswählen können.As mentioned, a corresponding display unit 3 can be assigned to each gaming device 1, which either only displays its (time) information or else the (time) information of several gaming devices. In addition or as an alternative to this, one or more central displays, for example in the eye-catcher of the players, can also be arranged in a game hall, so that the players can use the information displayed to select the gaming device which they consider to be the cheapest.

Die Anzeigeeinheit 3 kann in beliebiger, möglichst anschaulicher Weise ausgebildet sein, etwa als Monitor, Fernsehgerät, Projektionsbildschirm oder unter Verwendung diskreter Anzeigevorrichtungen 11, 21, 31, 41, etwa in Form von Sieben-Segment-Anzeigen, Leuchtdiodenanordnungen oder dergleichen. Beispielsweise lassen sich mehrere Spalten von Anzeigevorrichtungen oder -feldern 11 bis 41 nebeneinander anordnen, wobei je eine Spalte einem Spielgerät 1 zugeordnet sein kann.The display unit 3 can be designed in any manner that is as descriptive as possible, for example as a monitor, television set, projection screen or using discrete display devices 11, 21, 31, 41, for example in the form of seven-segment displays, light-emitting diode arrangements or the like. For example, several columns of display devices or fields 11 to 41 can be arranged next to one another, wherein one column can be assigned to a gaming device 1.

Werden mehrere Spielgeräte 1 in einem Spielsystem wie demjenigen der Figur zentralgesteuert eingesetzt, dann lassen sich über den Rechner 4 Zeitinformationen wie die zuvor unter d) und e) aufgeführten Daten zentral erfassen, auswerten und ggf. über ein Modem an eine Hauptstelle 6 weiterleiten.If several game devices 1 are used centrally in a game system such as that of the figure, then time information such as the data listed above under d) and e) can be recorded centrally, evaluated and, if necessary, forwarded to a main station 6 via a modem.

Es zeigt sich somit, daß die Erfindung die für den Spieler besonders vorteilhafte Möglichkeit schafft, zusätzliche, nämlich zeitbezogene Informationen für seine Spielentscheidungen zu erhalten.It can thus be seen that the invention creates the possibility which is particularly advantageous for the player to obtain additional, namely time-related information for his game decisions.

Obwohl sich die vorstehenden Erläuterungen hauptsächlich auf Geldspielgeräte beziehen, kann die Erfindung auch auf andere Unterhaltungsgeräte angewandt werden, bei denen zeitbezogene Informationen für einen Spieler von Interesse sind.Although the above explanations mainly relate to gaming machines, the invention can also be applied to other entertainment devices in which time-related information is of interest to a player.

Claims (12)

Unterhaltungs- bzw. Geldspielgerät, bei dem den Spielablauf bzw. Spielstand kennzeichnende Informationen mittels elektronischer Vorrichtungen bestimmt und zur Anzeige gebracht werden,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß
eine Zeitgabevorrichtung (16; 26; 46) vorgesehen ist, daß in den elektronischen Vorrichtungen zeitbezogene Informationen bestimmt werden und daß eine Anzeigevorrichtung (3) für diese zeitbezogenen Informationen vorgesehen ist.Entertainment or gaming machine in which information characterizing the course of the game or game status is determined and displayed by means of electronic devices,
characterized in that
a timing device (16; 26; 46) is provided that time-related information is determined in the electronic devices and that a display device (3) is provided for this time-related information. Gerät nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Gerät (1) ein freistehendes Gerät ist, in dem die Zeitgabevorrichtung (16) und eine Anzeigevorrichtung (3) für die zeitbezogenen Informationen enthalten bzw. zugeordnet sind.Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device (1) is a free-standing device in which the timing device (16) and a display device (3) for the time-related information are contained or assigned. System mit mehreren Geräten nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Geräte (1) eine Schnittstellenvorrichtung (8) aufweisen, über die sie vorzugsweise periodisch von einer Kontrollvorrichtung (2 bzw. 4) abfragbar sind, wobei entweder die bereits in den Geräten (1) aufbereiteten zeitbezogenen Informationen direkt übernommen oder von den Geräten Informationen abgefragt und mit der Zeit in der Kontrollvorrichtung (2 bzw. 4) in Beziehung gesetzt und die zeitbezogenen Informationen Anzeigevorrichtungen (3; 11, 21, 31, 41) zugeleitet werden.System with several devices according to claim 1, characterized in that the devices (1) have an interface device (8), via which they can preferably be queried periodically by a control device (2 or 4), either the ones already in the devices (1 ) processed time-related information directly or information requested by the devices and related to the time in the control device (2 or 4) and the time-related information is sent to display devices (3; 11, 21, 31, 41). System nach Anspruch 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Kontrollvorrichtung aus einem Kontroller (2) und einem zugeschalteten Rechner (4) besteht und daß die Zeitgabevorrichtung (26, 46) im Kontroller (2) oder dem Rechner (4) angeordnet ist.System according to claim 3, characterized in that the control device consists of a controller (2) and a connected computer (4) and that the timing device (26, 46) is arranged in the controller (2) or the computer (4). System nach Anspruch 3 oder 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß mindestens eine zentrale Anzeigeeinheit (3) für mehrere bzw. alle Spielgeräte (1) des Systems im Blickfang der Spieler angeordnet ist, die in übersichtlicher und anschaulicher Weise die den einzelnen Spielgeräten (1) zugeordneten zeitbezogenen Informationen vorzugsweise in individuellen Feldern (11, 21, 31, 41) wiedergibt.System according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that at least one central display unit (3) for several or all game devices (1) of the system is arranged in the eye-catcher of the players, which clearly and clearly assigns the individual game devices (1) reproduces time-related information preferably in individual fields (11, 21, 31, 41). System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die einzelnen Spielgeräte (1) direkt oder aber vorzugsweise über den Kontroller (2) mit der zentralen Anzeigeeinheit (3) verbunden sind, wobei die Anzeigevorrichtung (3) vorzugsweise ein Monitor, ein Fernsehgerät oder ein Projektionsschirm ist und die zeitbezogenen Informationen vorzugsweise Daten über den Spielverlauf, die Gerätenutzung, die Auszahlquote, statistische Daten und/oder Buchhaltungsdaten sind.System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the individual game devices (1) are connected directly or preferably via the controller (2) to the central display unit (3), the display device (3) preferably being a monitor, a television set or is a projection screen and the time-related information is preferably data about the course of the game, device use, the payout rate, statistical data and / or accounting data. System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Kontrollvorrichtung (2 bzw. 4) bzw. der Rechner (4) über eine Datenfernübertragungsvorrichtung (5) mit einer Zentrale (6) verbunden ist.System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (2 or 4) or the computer (4) is connected to a center (6) via a remote data transmission device (5). Verfahren zum Ermitteln und Anzeigen von im Zusammenhang mit Unterhaltungs-, insbesondere Geldspielgeräten (1) gewünschten Informationen, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß in den Geräten (1) anfallende absolute Daten, wie Anzahlen und Geldwerte, in Beziehung zur Zeit gesetzt und die zeitbezogenen Informationen angezeigt werden.Method for determining and displaying information desired in connection with entertainment, in particular gaming machines (1), characterized in that absolute data, such as numbers and monetary values, occurring in the devices (1) are related to the time and the time-related information is displayed . Verfahren nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die zeitbezogenen Informationen in dem oder den Spielgerät(en) (1) selbst ermittelt und zur Anzeige gebracht werden.A method according to claim 8, characterized in that the time-related information in the game device (s) (1) itself is determined and displayed. Verfahren nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die zeitbezogenen Informationen mehrerer Spielgeräte (1) über Kontrollvorrichtungen (2) gemeinsamen Anzeigevorrichtungen (3) zugeführt werden.Method according to Claim 8, characterized in that the time-related information from a number of gaming devices (1) is fed to common display devices (3) via control devices (2). Verfahren nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die zeitbezogenen Informationen zentral aus von den Spielgeräten (1) abgefragten absoluten Daten ermittelt und zur Anzeige gebracht werden.Method according to Claim 8, characterized in that the time-related information is determined centrally from absolute data queried by the gaming devices (1) and displayed. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 8 bis 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die zeitbezogenen Informationen betriebsmäßig ausgewertet und ggf. zu einer Zentrale (6) fernübertragen werden.Method according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the time-related information is evaluated operationally and, if necessary, is transmitted remotely to a center (6).
EP91121687A 1990-12-28 1991-12-18 Slot machine Expired - Lifetime EP0492389B1 (en)

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DE4042094 1990-12-28
DE4042094A DE4042094C2 (en) 1990-12-28 1990-12-28 System for operating one or more entertainment, in particular money, gaming device (s)

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EP0492389A2 true EP0492389A2 (en) 1992-07-01
EP0492389A3 EP0492389A3 (en) 1992-12-30
EP0492389B1 EP0492389B1 (en) 2003-12-17

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JP (1) JPH06205878A (en)
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US5209476A (en) 1993-05-11
DE59109257D1 (en) 2004-01-29
ES2213741T3 (en) 2004-09-01
EP0492389B1 (en) 2003-12-17
JPH06205878A (en) 1994-07-26
DE4042094A1 (en) 1992-07-02
EP0492389A3 (en) 1992-12-30
DE4042094C2 (en) 1999-02-25

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