EP0719433B1 - Programmable game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PCT No. PCT/DE94/01088 Sec. 371 Date Jun. 10, 1996 Sec. 102(e) Date Jun. 10, 1996 PCT Filed Sep. 15, 1994 PCT Pub. No. WO95/08156 PCT Pub. Date Mar. 23, 1995A programmable game machine has a housing, a display unit (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 game machine is preferably used as a coin-operated game machine, as a prize-giving game machine, or as a game of skill. The memory device (36, 38) preferably includes a memory unit for replaceably storing games, with only one game at a time being stored in the memory unit. The game machine may be linked to a server which supplies games for storage in the memory unit.

Description

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

Computers have been used more and more recently. 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 storage parts such as EPROMS, etc.

Programs are usually stored in EPROMS, for example, where they can be modified according to the circumstances. However, the storage volumes at 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 use cases are being transferred to them. However, this means that various programs have to run on the personal computers.

In order to be able to reproduce picture and sound information at the same time, especially if this contains large amounts of data, additional storage and output media have therefore been developed. 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 mode 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 temporarily and then to display it as an interactive program. This allows you to switch back and forth between various program and data structures without wasting time.

In order to enable a versatile and interesting game operation, a program-controlled entertainment and game device with a play unit for a CDI disk, on which the program and data information is stored, has been proposed in the earlier application P 42 22 110.2 by the applicant. The use of the device is determined by the program that is permanently stored in the CDI plate, and the device can thus be configured in terms of its function. 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 top 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, whereby jumps from and to the different levels are of course mutually possible at any time. The play options are thereby compared to conventional entertainment and play equipment greatly enlarged.

A game device is known from EP-A-0 431 724 which operates using program, image and sound data stored on cassettes. A circuit for selecting the cassette required in each case under the control of the central unit, in each case in accordance with an actuation of operating elements by the user. The display shows the selected cassette. As with the devices working with CDI plates, the program and data information is permanently stored in the storage medium. A change of the game or another instruction of the game device is only possible by selecting another storage unit or by exchanging the same.

In the field of music players, a music player system has already been developed which comprises a central computer with a memory for at least one music player unit, the music player units being connected to one another and to the central computer via a remote data transmission line. 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. (DE-A-4 244 198)

Games stored in cassettes can be used in a video game computer according to EP-A-0 501 456. A modem connection for remote data transmission is provided in order to process game processes such as score values etc. centrally.

From US-A-4 572 509 a video game device system is known, in which the devices are used either as stand-alone devices or networked. A combined display of different devices is possible. The control can be done centrally or decentrally.

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 operator-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 a distance-adjustable manner in the bottom guide elements from the display tube. A housing with the screen is adjustable. This configuration enables the operator to provide an optimal sitting position with a favorable screen tilt. The distance to the screen can therefore meet the physical requirements, and at the same time the controls can be arranged ergonomically. In this way, the device in question can be operated without fatigue over a longer period of time.

To facilitate the operation of the device and for better clarity, large-screen projection arrangements for entertainment devices have also been developed, which make it possible to design the device's operating and design options in a more varied manner and with greater play appeal, so that the entertainment value is increased. Such an arrangement is described for example in WO-A-93-14843. It comprises an image recording device that detects the playing field, a projector connected to it and a projection wall onto which the recorded image of the playing field can be projected. The enlarged projected image can be followed 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 hindrance of the player and give the player tips and advice give. It has been proposed to assign such a projection-type entertainment device to a control panel which carries the same actuators 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 simultaneously. The interaction of several players with and against each other is promoted.

Furthermore, several game devices, in particular video devices, are set up with different boards, each of which contains programs and data for different games. 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 in the case of these gaming devices that an amusement tax amount which is 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 cannot 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 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 the dependent claims.

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, operating elements assigned to the housing, a control unit provided in the housing and a memory device assigned to the housing. The memory device is re-programmable in each case for storing the program and data formations for the respective functional configuration.

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 storage 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 and storing new program and data information depending on the situation. Such a transfer process has the effect that the properties of the gaming device change, ie a different game variant can be played, for example. However, by completely reading a completely different program or game, the game device can be completely converted, additional units such as a goods magazine possibly having to be changed or connected.

Was a gaming machine, then it can be a skill gaming machine entirely as is 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, in which the different games are stored.

More in detail, with each newly imported game, the entertainment and gaming 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 managers, turntables, special play facilities etc. are shown on the display. If the multi-game device according to the invention then becomes a skill game device such as a shooting simulation device or dart game device, the result is a completely different display with target area and hit display and the like. For the player, in practice it is a new game device with completely different game rules and characteristics.

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 by the respective player from the available reservoir. The play possibilities are thereby greatly increased compared to conventional entertainment and gaming devices, which are in each case gaming machines or skill gaming devices, etc. The entertainment and game device according to the invention 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 entertainment and gaming device according to the invention, the storage device is advantageously connected to the housing, preferably integrated with it, which results in 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 quick change of the CD-ROM, it is favorable 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 gaming 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, which makes the data exchange 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 on the hard disk, for example. In this way, the game operation can be made particularly flexible. The data exchange can take place, for example, by the operator, but alternatively also by the user, ie the player. See The operator, for example, that the frequency of the gaming device in question is significantly reduced, he only needs to replace the saved game with a command and corresponding reading 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.

A further 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 panel, ie a matrix of optical transmitters / receivers that detect the interruption of a light beam, can be provided. This allows the player to intervene directly in the game by operating his hands on the field.

An advantageous embodiment of the entertainment and game device according to the invention comprises a control panel, which can 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 a 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, which is preferably assigned a control panel assigned to the device.

A device is preferably provided by means of which at least individual areas of the display can be selected and displayed in large or small format by computer control. This greatly facilitates game operations. The player then also sees only the display and operating functions that are of interest at the moment by highlighting the game areas that are currently in use, 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 game areas that will soon 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 which device functions assigned device functions can be selected for further device operation.

According to a preferred embodiment of the program-controlled entertainment and gaming device according to the invention, a device for coin / banknote entry, checking, and return is provided.

The program-controlled entertainment and gaming device according to the invention is preferably used as a gaming device. The practical embodiment can, for example, be such that a conventional gaming machine 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 interactive game operation if a risk game device, which increases the risk of loss when using an already achieved profit, is provided with a risk ladder that can be represented on the display unit and consists of several profit-specific display elements. During the game operation, for example, the risk ladder can be changed, you can jump back and forth, depending on the winning 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 playout unit with a separate display field, which can be optically highlighted in the presence of a randomly controlled or predetermined event, with at least the next riskable win being controlled in a gameplay-controlled manner without an optical highlighting Risk of loss is risky.

To facilitate game operation, a selection device can be provided, by means of which the following game operation can be carried out on selected game device elements and the selected game device elements are shown enlarged.

Another preferred use of the program-controlled entertainment and gaming device according to the invention is in use as a goods play machine. In such machines, the goods are offered with certain values and output according to the game result achieved.

Another preferred use of the entertainment and gaming device according to the invention is 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 here that on the one hand the combination and selection options for the player are far greater than conventional. On the other hand, the device response is much faster compared to the machines currently in use.

A preferred embodiment of the skill 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 scans the visible hits generated on the screen with an optical firearm. 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 of skill machine according to the invention in such a way 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.

Fig. 1

ein schematisches Diagramm, das den grundsätzlichen Aufbau eines ersten Ausführungsbeispieles eines erfindungsgemäßen programmgesteuerten Unterhaltungs- und Spielgerätes veranschaulicht,

Fig. 2

ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen programmgesteuerten Spiel- und Unterhaltungsgerätes und

Fig. 3

ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen programmgesteuerten Unterhaltungsund Spielgerätes.

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:

Fig. 1

1 shows a schematic diagram which illustrates the basic structure of a first exemplary embodiment of a program-controlled entertainment and gaming device according to the invention,

Fig. 2

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

Fig. 3

a third embodiment of a program-controlled entertainment and gaming device according to the invention.

• Stand-alone-Gerät,
• Stand-alone-Gerät mit Datenfernübertragung z.B. zu einem externen Server oder einer externen Auswertung,
• vernetzte Gerätekonfiguration mit lokalem Server und Datenfernübertragungsverbindung zu einem externen Server oder einer externen Auswertung,
• vernetzte Gerätekonfiguration in einem Verbund von Spielstätten-Netzen, die über eine Datenfernübertragungsverbindung mit einem Server bzw. einer externen Auswertung verbunden sind.

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

• Stand-alone 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 arcade networks, which are connected to a server or an external evaluation via a remote data transmission connection.

1 to 3 of the drawing, the first three of the above variants are shown.

First, the basic structure of a program-controlled entertainment and gaming device according to the invention is 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 game operation. 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 memory device assigned to the housing comprises a hard disk 36 and a diskette station 38 or diskettes which are connected to the system board 16 via lines 40 and 42, respectively. Optionally, a dashed CD-ROM 44 can be provided, which is connected to the system board 16 via a line 46, also shown in dashed lines.

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

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 according to this new function specification.

2 shows a second exemplary embodiment of the entertainment and gaming 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 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 gaming device according to the invention can thus be used in conjunction with an external 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 venues via the remote data transmission connection and monitors the individual devices or undertakes 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 remote 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 includes a modem 250 that is connected via a line 252 to a remote data transmission port 256.

Claims (27)

1. Program-controlled entertainment and gaming machine, including

   - a housing (101);

   - a display (4; 104), more especially a display screen, which is connected to the housing (101) or is provided therein;

   - control elements (6; 106) associated with the housing (101);

   - a control unit (16, 18, 22, 28), which is provided in the housing (101); and

   - a storage means (36, 38, 44; 236, 244), which is associated with the housing, and in which instructional programmed information is stored,

   characterised in that

   - the storage means is always newly programmable to store the programmed and data information for the particular function configuration, only one game at a time being stored in the entertainment and gaming machine.
2. Program-controlled entertainment and gaming machine according to claim 1, characterised in that the storage means (36, 38, 44) is connected to the housing, preferably in an integral manner.
3. Program-controlled entertainment and gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the storage means comprises a disc (36; 236), preferably a hard disc.
4. Program-controlled entertainment and gaming machine according to claim 3, characterised in that one or more CD-ROMs (44) are provided as data carriers in the housing.
5. Program-controlled entertainment and gaming machine according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein several CD-ROMs are provided as data carriers, characterised in that a CD-ROM magazine is provided for the storage and reading of the data carriers.
6. Program-controlled entertainment and gaming machine according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the storage means includes one or more EPROMs.
7. Program-controlled entertainment and gaming machine according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the machine has a diskette driving mechanism (38).
8. Program-controlled entertainment and gaming machine according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the machine (102; 202) communicates with a remote data transmission line.
9. Program-controlled entertainment and gaming machine according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the machine communicates with a network (262).
10. Program-controlled entertainment and gaming machine according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that a server (264) is provided for controlling the machine (202) or respectively a network associated with the machine.
11. Program-controlled entertainment and gaming machine according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the machine is associated with an evaluation unit or communicates therewith.
12. Program-controlled entertainment and gaming machine according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterised 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 gaming machine according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the control keyboard/elements are provided on the display screen.
14. Program-controlled entertainment and gaming machine according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that a control console is associated with the machine.
15. Program-controlled entertainment and gaming machine according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that a remote control unit is provided.
16. Program-controlled entertainment and gaming machine according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterised in that the control elements are voice-controlled.
17. Program-controlled entertainment and gaming machine according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterised in that the display unit includes a large-image projection screen, which preferably has associated therewith a control console connected to the machine.
18. Program-controlled entertainment and gaming machine according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterised in that an arrangement is provided, by means of which at least individual regions of the display are selectable in a computer-controlled manner and can be represented in large or small format.
19. Program-controlled entertainment and gaming machine according to claim 18, characterised in that a simultaneous representation of several displays on the display unit is possible.
20. Program-controlled entertainment and gaming machine according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterised in that a selection arrangement is provided, by means of which arrangement machine functions associated with display elements are selectable for the further operation of the machine.
21. Program-controlled entertainment and gaming machine according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterised in that an arrangement (8) is provided for the insertion, examination, debiting and/or return of money or cards.
22. Program-controlled entertainment and gaming machine according to claim 21 and one of claims 1 to 20, characterised in that it is configured as a cash gaming machine.
23. Program-controlled entertainment and gaming machine according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterised in that a selection arrangement is provided, by means of which arrangement the following gaming operation is accomplishable using selected gaming machine elements, and the selected gaming machine elements are represented on an enlarged scale.
24. Program-controlled entertainment and gaming machine according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterised in that it is configured as an automatic machine for playing for goods, specific values being associated with the goods, and the goods being issued according to the win achieved, a storage location being provided for the goods offered, and a delivery mechanism being provided for particular goods to be issued.
25. Program-controlled entertainment and gaming machine according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterised in that it is configured as an automatic machine for games of skill.
26. Program-controlled entertainment and gaming machine according to claim 25, characterised in that it is configured as a shooting simulation machine, wherein the display unit has a display screen, serving as the shooting range, and a camera which is connected to a storing and evaluating unit and scans the visible hits produced on the display screen with an optical shooting weapon.
27. Program-controlled entertainment and gaming machine according to claim 25 or 26, characterised in that an evaluation for the gaming operation with several players is provided, such that the evaluation display for the particular player and/or for all of the players is shown.

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