EP0719433A1

EP0719433A1 - Programmable game machine

Info

Publication number: EP0719433A1
Application number: EP94927473A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Karsten Ballhorn
Original assignee: NSM AG
Current assignee: NSM AG
Priority date: 1993-09-15
Filing date: 1994-09-15
Publication date: 1996-07-03
Anticipated expiration: 2014-09-15
Also published as: DE59402776D1; US5882262A; ATE153152T1; WO1995008156A1; DE4331258A1; EP0719433B1; ES2104418T3

Abstract

A programmable game machine has a housing, a display (4) linked to the housing, preferably mounted therein, control elements (6) associated to the housing, a control unit (16) provided in the housing and a memory device (36, 38) associated with the housing in which program and data information is stored. The disclosed game machine is preferably used as a coin-operated game machine, as prize-giving game machine or as a game of skill.

Description

Program-controlled entertainment and play equipment

Description

The invention relates to a program-controlled entertainment and game device.

Computers have recently found ever more application. In order to achieve the greatest possible versatility, various storage media have been developed for programs and data, for example magnetic disks, floppy disks, so-called compact disks, programmable memory parts such as EPROMS, etc.

Programs are conventionally stored in EPROMS, for example, where they can be modified according to the circumstances. However, the storage volumes in EPROMS are limited overall, so that the program volume that can be stored in them is not suitable for all applications.

The requirements for the storage of data and programs have grown increasingly. With the proliferation of personal computers, more and more applications are being transferred to them. However, this means that various programs have to run on the personal computers.

To play back picture and sound information at the same time can, especially when large amounts of data beinhal ^¬ th, therefore more storage and output media are wrapped ent. These are so-called CDI - disks on which such information can all be stored digitally in accordance with the so-called CDI standard. CDI disks can thus contain program and data information at the same time, the relevant program information allowing access to the corresponding data and interactive control operation being made possible. Since this can be done in real time, there are a variety of applications. It is possible to read video, audio and program information from the disk at the moment of access, to store it between and then to display it as an interactive program. As a result, it is possible to switch back and forth between various program and data structures without loss of time.

In order to enable a versatile and interesting game operation, the applicant, in the earlier application P 42 22 110.2, proposed a program-controlled entertainment and game device with a player unit for a CDI disk on which the program and data information are stored. The use of the device is determined in each case by the program permanently stored in the CDI plate, and the function of the device can thus be designed entirely in accordance with the requirements. The CDI plate makes it possible to have the game play unexpectedly varied. Various game functions can be interactively selected and combined with one another at maximum speed. Furthermore, when a certain function is selected and the display immediately following it, further game functions can in turn be selected from it. In this way you can jump from one game level to the next, jumps and the different levels at any time ^¬ are mutually comprehensible possible. The game options are thus tungs- over conventional Unterhai and Spielge ^¬ boards greatly increased.

In the field of Musi kabspi el devices is already a Musikab ^¬ been game system developed which comprises a central computer with a memory for at least one Musi kabspi el ei NheI t, wherein the Musi kabspi el ei NheI th each other and with the central computer via a Remote data transmission line are connected. The memory can be organized in such a way that it is distributed over the various music playback units. An ISDN line is preferably used as the remote data transmission line.

To improve the operating properties and to increase comfort, in particular information devices with a screen, with an operating console and a housing have been developed in which an individually operated, oriented arrangement of the screen and the operating elements is made possible. For this purpose, the control console is designed as an independent control panel, which is arranged in bottom-side guide elements to the screen tube at a distance of 1 bar. A housing with the screen is designed to be tilt-adjustable. This configuration enables the operator to provide an optimal sitting position with a favorable screen inclination. The distance to the screen can therefore meet the physical requirements, and at the same time the control elements can be arranged ergonomically. In this way, the device in question can be operated without fatigue over a longer period of time.

To facilitate device operation and for better For clarity, large-scale projection configurations for entertainment devices have also been developed which make it possible to design the device's operating and design options in a more varied and more playful way, so that the entertainment value is increased. For this purpose a the playing field sensing Bildaufnah ^¬ are meeinrichtung, provided a service associated with this projector and a projection screen on which the captured image of the playing field can be projected. The enlarged projected image can be followed exactly by one or more players. This makes it much easier for several people to play together on one device. In addition to the currently active players, those not involved in the game can also follow the game without handicapping the player and give the player tips and advice. It has been proposed to assign such a projection-type entertainment device to a control panel which carries the same actuating elements as the actual entertainment device. Individual areas of the playing field should be able to be displayed in large or small format using buttons or computers. Furthermore, the simultaneous projection of different playing fields is provided. The interaction of several players with and against each other is thereby promoted.

Furthermore, a number of game devices, in particular video devices with different boards, are set up, as a result of which the programs and data for different games are included. By switching from one board to the other, the game in question can be selected with a different variant or another game. It has proven to be very disadvantageous with these play equipment that an amusement tax amount increased by a factor corresponding to the number of boards has to be paid. This increase in costs makes the play equipment uneconomical so that it could not have prevailed.

The invention has for its object to provide an entertainment ^¬ and game device that enables a versatile and varied game operation.

This object is achieved according to the invention in a program-controlled entertainment and gaming device with the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments of the game device according to the invention are the subject of claims under ^¬.

A program-controlled entertainment and game device according to the invention thus comprises a housing, a display connected to or provided in the housing, in particular a screen, control elements assigned to the housing, a control unit provided in the housing and a memory device assigned to the housing, in the program and data information is stored.

The advantage of the program-controlled entertainment and gaming device according to the invention lies in the fact that the use of the device is determined by the program stored in the memory device. In this way it is possible to design the entertainment and gaming device in accordance with the requirements in terms of function by reading in and storing new program and data information depending on the situation. Such a changeover process causes the properties of the gaming device to change, ie a different game variant can be played, for example. But it can also be done by reading a completely different program or game a complete Umfunkti oni tion of the game device. If, for example, the gaming device is first on Was slot machine, it can be followed by a dexterity ^¬ keitsspielgerät be quite as desired. These very different devices have in common the hardware components of the device, such as the housing, display, operating elements, control unit and the memory device with variable memory content and the memory device with variable memory content, in which the different games are stored.

More in detail, with each newly imported game, the entertainment and game device, which is always equipped with the same basic units, receives different game functions. However, these also have an optical effect, because in the case of the gaming machine, e.g. the risk ladders, turntables, special game facilities etc. are shown on the display. If the multi-game device according to the invention is then turned into a skill game device such as a shooting simulation device or throw game, a completely different display results with the target area and hit display and the like. In practice, the player is then dealing with a new game device with completely different game rules and properties.

In this way, the entertainment and game device according to the invention can be played in an extraordinarily varied manner. Different game variants and games or device functions can be selected as desired from the available reservoir by the respective player. The play possibilities are thereby increased extraordinarily compared to conventional entertainment and gaming devices, which are in each case gaming machines or skill gaming devices, etc. The Unterhai processing and gaming device combines these functions and also has the advantage that the amusement tax is not accumulated, because only one game is saved in the device at a time.

In the inventive Unterhai Guidance and game device, the memory device advantageously with the housing ver¬ connected, preferably formed with this integrated where ^¬ obtained by a compact device construction.

The storage unit expediently comprises a hard disk. Alternatively or additionally, one or more CD-ROMs can be provided as data carriers in the housing. For a rapid change of the CD-ROM, it is advantageous if a CD-ROM magazine is provided for storing and reading the data carriers.

One or more EPROMs can also be provided as the memory device. The game can be integrated into the respective device via these EPROMs.

According to a further variant of the program-controlled entertainment and game device according to the invention, the device has a floppy disk drive. Floppy disks can then simply be transported and exchanged for the exchange of games, as a result of which the data exchange can be made very flexible.

In a preferred embodiment of the program-controlled entertainment and gaming device according to the invention, the device is connected to a remote data transmission line, and the recorded data can be stored, for example, on the hard disk. In this way, the game operation can be made particularly flexible. The data can be exchanged, for example, by the operator, but alternatively also by the user, ie the player. See If the operator, for example, that the frequency of the gaming device in question clearly decreases, he merely needs to exchange the saved game with a command and corresponding reading in of new game data for another game in which there appears to be greater interest.

These data exchanges can of course take place at the desired time and are generally not tied to the game operation, i.e. data transmission is usually not carried out online.

The program-controlled entertainment and game device according to the invention can advantageously be connected to a network, a server being expediently provided for controlling the device or a network assigned to the device.

Another flexible embodiment of the program-controlled entertainment and game device according to the invention results from the fact that the device is assigned to an evaluation unit or is connected to this. This can e.g. the frequency of use and selection processes relating to newly imported games are also automated.

A keyboard and / or mouse can be provided as control elements, as in a personal computer. A joystick or laser beam can also be used. Alternatively or additionally, an operating keyboard or elements can also be attached to the screen, such as a touchscreen. Furthermore, a touch pariel, ie a matrix of optical transmitters / receivers that detect the interruption of a light beam, can be provided. As a result, the player subject can intervene directly in the game by operating his hands on the playing field. An advantageous embodiment of the Unterhai processing and game device includes a control panel, which may also be provided. Furthermore, game operation with a remote control unit is also possible. In another preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention, the operating elements are at least partially voice-controlled.

In order to enable game operation with the involvement of several players or even third persons who do not play along, the display unit advantageously comprises a large-screen projection screen or TV screen, to which a control panel assigned to the device is preferably assigned.

A device is preferably provided, by means of which computer-controlled at least individual areas of the display can be selected and displayed in large or small format. This greatly facilitates game operations. The player then also sees through the highlighting of the game being used before only the display and operating functions that are of interest at the moment, which means that he can concentrate much more than usual on the game operation.

In order to clarify the different functional areas and game levels, a simultaneous display of several displays is advantageously possible on the display unit. In this way, on the one hand, the player can survey the play area currently being used. On the other hand, he can also look at other games that might interest him, for example.

For jumping into the different game levels and one A better overview of the jump operation is expediently provided with a selection device by means of the display elements assigned device functions for further device operation.

According to a preferred embodiment of the program-controlled erfindungsge ^¬ Unterhai MAESSEN Guidance and game device a device is provided for the coin / bill entry, verification, -rückgabe.

The program-controlled entertainment and gaming device according to the invention is preferably used as a gaming device. The practical configuration can, for example, be such that a conventional gel device is shown on the screen and is operated in a conventional manner by means of the operating elements assigned to the housing according to the invention. For this purpose, it can also have turntables and / or rollers in a conventional manner.

It is particularly favorable for the interactive game operation if a risk which is increased when a profit already achieved is used and which increases the risk of loss if there is a risk of loss with a risk ladder which can be represented on the display unit and consists of a plurality of profit-specific display elements. During the game operation, for example, the risk ladder can be changed, jumping back and forth, depending on the profit constellation that is currently operating. A symbol or special game device can also be provided. Furthermore, the gaming machine according to the invention can comprise a slot with a separate display field, which can be optically highlighted in the presence of an accident-controlled or predetermined event, with at least the next riskable prize game being controlled without an optical highlighting Risk of loss is risky.

To facilitate the Spi el betri ebes, a Auswahlein¬ direction be provided by means of the operation of the game following ^¬ ementen at selected Spi el geräteel is executed and the selected Spi el geräteel emente enlarged be provided dar¬.

Another preferred use of the program-controlled entertainment and gaming device according to the invention is in use as a goods playout machine. In such machines, the goods are offered with the best values and are issued in accordance with the game results achieved.

Another preferred use of the entertainment and gaming device according to the invention is also its use as a skill slot machine. Here, too, there are innumerable game variants, which greatly increases the appeal for skill players. It must be taken into account that on the one hand the combination and selection options for the player are far greater than conventional. On the other hand, the device reaction is much faster compared to the machines currently in use.

A preferred exemplary embodiment of the skill-based game machine according to the invention is designed as a shooting simulation device, in which the display unit has a screen serving as a firing field and a camera connected to a storage and evaluation unit, which shows the visible ones generated with an optical firearm on the screen Scans hits. A display of the evaluation is expediently provided at the same time as the firing field. Shooting simulations are made possible in a way that is interesting for the player. Furthermore, an evaluation for game operation with several players can advantageously be provided in a game machine according to the invention such that the evaluation display of the respective player and / or all players is shown. The incentive to play is significantly increased by the simultaneous display.

The invention is explained in more detail below with the aid of the following description of several exemplary embodiments and the drawings. The drawing shows:

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the basic structure of a first embodiment of a program-controlled entertainment and gaming device according to the invention,

2 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a program-controlled game and entertainment device according to the invention and

3 shows a third exemplary embodiment of a program-controlled entertainment and game device according to the invention.

The entertainment and game device according to the invention can be implemented in a number of embodiments. These include:

- Stand-al one device,

- Stand-alone device with remote data transmission e.g. to an external server or an external evaluation,

- Networked device configuration with local server and remote data transmission connection to an external server or an external evaluation, - networked device configuration in a network of gaming facility networks, which are connected to a server or an external evaluation via a remote data transmission connection.

In Fig. 1 bi? 3 of the drawing, the first three of the above embodiment variants are shown.

The basic structure of a program-controlled entertainment and game device according to the invention is first explained using the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1. The entertainment and game device 2 shown is a coin-operated stand-alone device. It comprises a housing (not shown), with the housing a display 4 in the form of a screen, e.g. a VGA monitor. Furthermore, control elements 6 are connected to the housing in the form of an input keyboard. A coin processing 8 is provided for the coin slot operating. Furthermore, an acoustic display and maintenance unit is connected to the device, which comprises a stereo amplifier 10 and speakers 14 connected to it via two connecting lines 12.

The control unit, which can be a commercially available system card, is accommodated on a system plate 16. This is provided with a DVI card 18, DVI being "Digital Video Interactive", a trademark of Intel Corporation, USA. The DVI card is connected to the display 4 via a line 20. An I / O module 22 is connected to the control elements 6 via a line 24 and to the coin processing 8 via a line 26. A sound card, a so-called sound board 28, is connected to the stereo amplifier 10 via a line 30. The system board 16 is connected to a power supply unit 34 via a supply line 32. A housing associated with the memory means comprises a hard disk 36, and a chain Dis ^¬ station 38 and floppy disks, which are connected via lines 40 and 42 connected to the system board sixteenth It can fakulta ^¬ a CD-ROM shown in phantom may be provided tiv 44, which is connected via a line 46 also illustrated by dashed lines to the system board sixteenth

As can be seen from the above description of the device structure, the entertainment and gaming device according to the invention is suitable for extraordinarily flexible operation due to its ability to combine graphics, still and moving pictures and audio parts with the aid of a single computer.

For the desired device function or variant, only a corresponding program with associated data needs to be read into the memory device. The device then functions in accordance with this new function specification.

2 shows a second exemplary embodiment of the entertainment and game device 102 according to the invention, which is also designed as a stand-alone device. A screen 104 serving as a display is installed in the housing 101 of the device 102 on the front side. Operating elements 106 are arranged below the display 104. Below the operating elements 106 there is a modem 150 which is connected to a remote transmission connection via a line 152 and a Datex-P connection box 156 provided in the wall 154.

This embodiment of the entertainment and game device according to the invention can thus be used in conjunction with an external device Server or an external evaluation are operated. The server or evaluation is a computer operated by the operator, who makes contact with the computers of the individual gaming venues via the remote data transmission connection and monitors the individual devices or takes over their evaluation. It is also possible to transfer new software to the server's local hard drives.

3 shows a third exemplary embodiment of the program-controlled entertainment and gaming device 202 according to the invention. This is a networked device configuration with a local server and data transmission connection to an external server or an external evaluation.

Several devices 2 are connected to a local server 264 via lines 260 or a network 262. Server 264 is connected to hard drives 236 via line 240. Furthermore, a CD-ROM 244 is connected to the local server 264 via a line 246. The server 264 contains a modem 250 which is connected via a line 252 to a remote data transmission connection 256.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described. It also includes other configurations and partial combinations of the claimed, described and / or illustrated features.

Claims

16

Claims

Program-controlled entertainment and gaming device, comprising

- a housing (101),

- A display (4; 104) connected to or provided in the housing (101), in particular one

Screen,

- Control elements (6; 106) assigned to the housing (101),

- A control unit (16, 18, 22, 28) provided in the housing (10) and a memory device (36, 38, 44; 236, 244) assigned to the housing, in which program and data information are stored.

Program-controlled entertainment and game device according to claim 1, characterized in that the storage device (36, 38, 44) is connected to the housing, preferably of an integrated design.

Program-controlled entertainment and gaming device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the storage device comprises a disk (36; 236), preferably a hard disk.

Program-controlled entertainment and game device according to claim 3, characterized in that one or more CD-ROMs (44) are provided as data carriers in the housing.

Program-controlled entertainment and play equipment after one of claims 1 to 4, in which a plurality of CD-ROMs are provided as data carriers, characterized in that a CD-ROM magazine is provided for storing and reading the data carriers.

6. Program-controlled entertainment and game device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the memory device comprises one or more EPROMs.

7. Program-controlled entertainment and game device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the device has a floppy disk Erk (38).

8. Program-controlled entertainment and game device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the device (102; 202) is connected to a remote data transmission line.

9. Program-controlled entertainment and game device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the device is connected to a network (262).

10. Program-controlled entertainment and game device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a server (264) is provided for controlling the device (202) or a network assigned to the device.

11. Program-controlled entertainment and game device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the device is assigned to an evaluation unit or connected to this. 12. Program-controlled entertainment and game device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a keyboard (6), a touch screen or touch panel, a laser beam, a joystick and / or mouse are provided as control elements.

13. Program-controlled entertainment and game device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the operating keypad / el elements are provided on the screen.

14. Program-controlled entertainment and game device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the device is assigned a control panel.

15. Program-controlled entertainment and game device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that a remote control unit is provided.

16. Program-controlled entertainment and game device according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the control elements are voice-controlled si nd.

17. Program-controlled entertainment and game device according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the display unit comprises a large-screen projection screen, which is preferably associated with a control panel connected to the device.

18. Program-controlled entertainment and game device according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that a device is provided by means of the computer-controlled at least individual areas of the display can be selected and displayed in large or small format.

19. Program-controlled entertainment and game device according to claim 18, characterized in that a simultaneous display of several displays on the display device is possible.

20. Program-controlled entertainment and game device according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that a selection device is provided by means of the display elements associated device functions can be selected for further device operation.

21. Program-controlled entertainment and gaming device according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that a device (8) for money or card entry, checking, debiting and / or return is provided.

22. Use of the program-controlled entertainment and gaming device according to claim 21 and one of claims 1 to 20 as Gel dspi el device.

23. Gambling device according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that a selection is provided, by means of which the following game operation can be carried out on selected game device elements and the selected game device elements enlarged be put.

24. Use of a program-controlled entertainment and game device according to one of claims 1 to 21 as a game machine. 25. Use of a program-controlled entertainment and gaming device according to one of claims 1 to 21 as a game machine.

26. Skill slot machine according to claim 25, characterized in that it is designed as a shooting simulation device.

27. skill game machine according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that an evaluation is provided for the game operation with several players such that the evaluation display of the respective player and / or all players is shown.