EP0806022B1 - Money-operated entertainment machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PCT No. PCT/DE95/01547 Sec. 371 Date Jul. 24, 1997 Sec. 102(e) Date Jul. 24, 1997 PCT Filed Nov. 3, 1995 PCT Pub. No. WO96/23287 PCT Pub. Date Aug. 1, 1996A money-operated entertainment machine is provided with a game device including a plurality of display components (5) which are illuminated according to specific payoffs. The entertainment machine is further provided with a computer-controlled unit for controlling the course of the game. In order to render the game interesting for spectators, the game device takes the form of a risk game device (1) which increases the stake or a portion or multiple thereof when there is a risk of losing. The risk game device (1) includes a risk -display column (3) which is placed on a stand (2) and includes a display scale (4) which is composed of superimposed display components (5).

Description

A money-operated entertainment device with a gaming facility from several illuminable profit-specific display elements and with a computer-controlled control unit for Game sequence control.

Such entertainment devices are in a wide variety Embodiments known. For example, the DE discloses 36 38 100 A1 a coin operated, a profit in prospect playing game device in the manner of a roulette with one Number fields existing roulette wheel, on which a revolving Ball can be simulated as a point of light, and with a Keypads provided tableau, the numbers of the roulette wheel to bet on a winning number or Group of winning numbers. The individual number fields are Lamps assigned during the course of the profit determination the number fields in the form of a point of light in one direction of rotation illuminated one after the other, so the game progress to simulate a roulette. At random termination the illumination of the roulette wheel results in Illuminated number field, which in case of agreement with a profit from the associated keyboard on the panel triggers.

There is also a symbol game facility Play equipment that, e.g. known from DE 38 01 643 Al is, usually three as reels, disks or folding card carousels have trained circulation bodies. On the of surface visible through the reading window on the outside Orbital symbols. The circulation bodies are successively stopped and after all circulating bodies came to a standstill are the symbol combination shown in the reading windows a profit or loss. Instead of the circulating body light fields with symbols are also available Application, each of which is assigned a circumferential point of light is. In this case, they decide at the end of the game the light spots marked light fields a gain or loss.

Furthermore, as for example from DE 41 34 229 Al and DE 38 01 643 Al is known, entertainment devices with a symbol game device often an additional game device trained risk gaming facility on who already scored in the symbol game facility Key or computer-controlled profit in operation can be set. It is on a risk ladder that Various on display elements that can be illuminated Displays profit values, the profit already achieved and the achievable profit optically highlighted. About one in the Entertainment device existing random generator is decided whether the profit already made is lost or is increased. If the profit is increased, it will be called achieved profit displayed and also the now achievable profit is highlighted again optically. If the random generator decides one of the risk managers shines that the profit is lost associated total loss indicator on and a new game can begin.

The invention has for its object in a game device of the type mentioned the course of the game to make it more interesting and thus give the player a more extensive Entertainment and therefore a greater incentive to To offer game by making the game happening more varied is designed.

This object is achieved in that the Gaming facility as a one determinable by money entry Money or part of it or a multiple of which risk play equipment which increases the risk of loss is trained.

This measure makes the game happening much more interesting since the player now had the opportunity a direct bet by entering Money in the coin slot gradually at risk of loss the amount of money or a profit already made increase directly. So the player is no longer dependent on as with the well-known entertainment devices Reaching certain symbol combinations in the symbol game facility to get started in the risk game. Because of im immediately after pressing the money events occurring at the risk game becomes a big one Game incentive creates and the tension of the player constantly increased. The result is a fast, delightful game with great entertainment value and variable chances of winning.

Will a partial amount of money or a multiple of Used money, so decreased or increased accordingly the possible profit.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention the risk game device is placed on a stand housing Risk pillar made up of a stacked one Display elements composite display ladder exists. On the one hand, this results in a simple change of location of the entertainment device and the other one optically prominent representation of the risk game facility.

To look at the gameplay from several angles too can, according to a development of the invention, each display element the risk pillar in at least two of the same Representing profit value, spatially staggered Display segments divided. Are expedient the display elements of the risk column are circular or designed polygonal. With appropriate training, this enables of the display segments of the individual display elements All-round view of the risk pillar, which means that in addition to Players a relatively large group of people the game happening can track.

In a further attractive design of the entertainment device is the bottom display element of the risk column with a total loss and the overlying display elements are winning in increasing order. This gives the player the familiar entertainment equipment with symbol game device and risk game device keep familiar assignment of display elements, which leads to a quick acceptance of the entertainment device leads.

To highlight the profit achieved is after further training the solution of the invention at the top of the Risk column a display field is provided in which the achieved Additional gain for the respective level within the risk column can be represented. This display field is preferably in offset at least two representing the same profit value display segments arranged to each other divided. this makes possible a look at the exposed profit multiple angles.

In order to increase the range of profit opportunities are the display elements according to a further embodiment of the invention the risk pillar as changeable in its occupancy Display trained. This allows the operator of the entertainment device through the risk game facility simple redesign of the assignment of the display elements of the Risk pillar the entertainment device to the changing requirements adapt to different locations. So is a quick change in what is shown on the display elements Type of win (cash prizes, special game prizes, in which a winning key with an increased chance of winning comes, for example, every win is doubled, Free spins winnings, point wins and the like) and the amount of winnings given, including a partial takeover of profits can be provided.

The start of the game is expedient when a sufficient money shown in a credit display triggered by operating a manual start lever. Alternatively, the game can also be started by pressing Computer-controlled button.

So that the player can use his money and thus the initial condition make it relatively variable for the risk game can, is according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention a button for step-by-step selection in the credit display assigned to the amount of money used in the risk column. The player can therefore adjust the amount according to his balance determine the entry into the risk pillar. The player can thus choose the amount of money and thereby the amount of the achievable Determine profit.

In order for the player to influence the game enable, according to a development of the invention Risk column assigned a risk button when pressed either the higher profit is made or the wagered Money or profit is lost. It is also preferred provided that an acceptance button was assigned to the risk column the risk offer was canceled when they were activated and the profit made is accepted.

At least one is preferred within the standing housing Speakers attached. The loudspeaker is used for acoustic Information and animation, both during the Risk game as well as in the game-free time. To optical Conveying game incentives is expediently the risk pillar switched as an animation device in the non-play time, i.e. the display elements of the risk column light up in predetermined or randomly controlled manner.

In an alternative version of the entertainment device is preferably the risk game device in a wall housing housed. In this case, it is expedient to have several risk play facilities arranged in the wall housing. For special emphasis on achievable profits are after a further embodiment, the display elements of the risk game device each in one with a profit Display area and a flashing display area during the risk game divided. It is also expedient that Entertainment device with a coin slot, a bill entry slot and / or a user card input slot Mistake. In this way, the entertainment device operated with different means of payment.

To further increase the entertainment value for the player is a further development of the invention of the risk game device assigned at least one additional prize game device, in which one scored in the risk gaming facility Profit is playable. In this way, the player Possibility offered its in the risk gaming facility increase the profit achieved while at the risk of humiliation. The additional profit game device is preferred in the manner of a Roulette with a roulette wheel consisting of display panels, on which a revolving sphere can be simulated as a point of light is trained. Alternatively, the additional prize game device is preferred an icon game facility whose Symbolized load-bearing bodies after their decommissioning Show a game result behind reading windows. Here is to further increase the incentive to play at least one of the circulation bodies of the symbol game device and / or a separately provided circulating body with at least one extending outward from its axis of rotation, viewable channel for receiving coins provided when a certain event occurs in the risk gaming facility and / or the additional prize game device can be output via an output device. The player can thus immediately realistically recognize the amount of coins it has in the event of a win actually receives and beyond the player can do this because of the recognizability of the level of the circulating body with coins estimate the value of the Display total coins.

In a further alternative embodiment of the entertainment device is to achieve an additional profit Risk gaming facility at least one jackpot game layout assigned. The jackpot game layout consists of one light bar comprising various profit display elements. When a certain event occurs in the risk gaming facility and / or in the additional win game facility becomes a specific profit display element of the light bar illuminated, which is a symbol related to the profit achieved wearing. If a certain number of profit display elements the light bar is lit, the additional gain given. The light bar of the jackpot game arrangement can also consist of neutral illuminated display elements, each time a certain event occurs in the risk gaming facility and / or the additional win gaming facility be illuminated in turn and at complete lighting of the light bar the additional Trigger profit.

It is understood that the above and those below Features to be explained not only in each case specified combination, but also in other combinations or can be used alone without the To leave the scope of the present invention.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Vorderansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Unterhaltungsgerätes und

Fig. 2

eine alternative Ausführung des Unterhaltungsgerätes.

The idea on which the invention is based is explained in more detail in the following description with reference to two exemplary embodiments which are shown in the drawing. It shows.

Fig. 1

a front perspective view of an entertainment device according to the invention and

Fig. 2

an alternative version of the entertainment device.

With a computer-controlled control unit for the whole Entertainment device provided with a game has one Risk gaming facility that increases risk of loss 1 on that in a circular, on a cuboid Stand housing 2 placed on risk column 3 is. The computer determines the entire game flow including the determination of winnings and the payment of winnings. The control and arithmetic functions are accordingly the programs of the computer executed all functions can be adjusted. Risk pillar 3 continues from several superimposed to a display ladder 4 composite illuminated display elements 5 together. The lowest display element 5 is with a total loss (Label "0") occupied while the display elements above in increasing order with money winnings are. Each display element 5 is distributed over the circumference divided into three equal display segments 6, which with the same profit values are occupied. At the top of the risk column 3 there is a circular display field 7, that also circumferentially in three identical display segments 6 is divided. In the display field 7 or in the associated Display segments 6 are those in the risk game device 1 achieved profit of the respective level within the risk pillar 3 additionally shown. On the side of the risk pillar 3 a hand start lever 16 is attached for the start of the game.

There is a risk button on the top of the stand housing 2 8 and an accept key 9 that the risk gaming facility 1 are assigned. At the top of the The front of the stand housing 2 are a coin slot 10 of a coin processing device, a coin return key 11, a credit display 12 for the status of the coin balance and a button 13 for the gradual selection of the height of the Play stake in risk pillar 3 attached. At the bottom The area of the standing housing 2 is a coin payout tray 14 and a speaker 15 is provided.

The game process in the entertainment device is as follows. After inserting the required coins into the coin slot 10 is the corresponding amount of money through the credit display 12 shown. By pressing the button accordingly 13 the amount of money is then selected, the with increasing money profits display elements 6 analog the number of times button 13 is pressed from the bottom light up gradually above. That the selected money bet marking display element 5 remains illuminated, for example this is the display element 5 with the assignment 1.60 DM. After actuating the hand start lever 16, it stands Amount to risk. Risking this additionally in Display field 7 shown amount occurs in that the next higher display element 5 with the allocation 3.20 DM in In relation to the illuminated one, which shows the money of 1.60 DM Display element 5 alternating with that at the bottom of the Display line 4 arranged, with a total loss and the label "0" provided display element 5 flashes. When the risk button 8 is pressed or after a certain time has elapsed Time becomes either the next higher profit (3.20 DM) achieved, the display element 5 with the allocation 3.20 DM remains illuminated and this amount simultaneously in the display field 7 is shown, or the money is lost. This process can be carried out in the event of a win, which then The stake represents until the maximum profit is reached be continued. A profit or partial profit achieved here can at any time by pressing the accept key 9 can be accepted, the corresponding amount is added up in the credit display 12. By actuation the coin return key 11 can in the credit display Retrieved 12 amount shown in the coin pay tray 14 become. During the risk game, acoustic information, for example about the score, or a background music done on the speaker 15.

Alternatively, a fixed money bet of e.g. 1, -DM possible, the profits shown on the display ladder 4 are fixed and, for example, above the use level of 1, -DM in increasing order of 2, -DM, 4, -DM, 8, -DM etc. increase. Furthermore, it is also possible to use the money variably to design, for example in a range of 0.10 DM to 2, -DM, depending on the chosen application the profit allocation of the display elements 5 of the display ladder 4 changes accordingly. The risk game is started always in the lowest level of display ladder 4. But it is also possible to get started by computer-controlled play to be determined.

The entertainment device is also with an automatic risk equipped with the risk button 8 on or off can be. Lights up when the automatic is switched on the display button 17 assigned to the risk button 8, and it amounts are automatically risked until either a certain one Amount of money has been achieved or by lighting up of the display element 5 with the total loss Loss of the risked amount is displayed. At a The automatic credit risk level is less than one game bet switched off.

In the embodiment of the entertainment device shown in FIG. 2 are two risk game devices 1 in a wall housing 18 integrated, the one next to the coin slot 10 Banknote input slot 19 and a user card input slot 20, which has a money processing device assigned. The display elements 5 of the risk game devices 1 are each in one with a profit occupied display area 21 and in a risk game flashing display area 22 divided.

Claims (23)

1. Money-operated entertainment machine, having a playing device (1) formed from a plurality of illuminatable, individual win display members (5), and having a computer-controlled control unit for controlling the course of the game, characterised in that the playing device is in the form of a risk playing device (1), which increases a monetary stake, which is determinable by the input of money, or a partial sum thereof, or a multiple thereof, with a risk of losing.
2. Entertainment machine according to claim 1, characterised in that the risk playing device (1) includes a risk column (3), which is mounted on a console (2) and comprises a display ladder (4) formed from display members (5) lying above one another.
3. Entertainment machine according to claim 2, characterised in that each display member (5) of the risk column (3) is divided into at least two display segments (6), which display the same win value and are disposed in a spatially offset manner relative to each other.
4. Entertainment machine according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the display members (5) of the risk column (3) have a circular or polygonal configuration.
5. Entertainment machine according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the lowermost display member (5) of the risk column (3) is occupied by a total loss, and the display members (5) lying thereabove are occupied by wins in increasing order.
6. Entertainment machine according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that a display area (7) is provided at the upper end of the risk column (3), in which area the achieved win of the respective stage within the risk column (3) is additionally displayable.
7. Entertainment machine according to claim 6, characterised in that the display area (7) is divided into at least two display segments (6), which display the same win value and are disposed in an offset manner relative to each other.
8. Entertainment machine according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the display members (5) of the risk column (3) are configured as displays which are variable in respect of their occupancy.
9. Entertainment machine according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the beginning of the game is triggered by the actuation of a manual starting lever (16), when there is a sufficient monetary stake displayed in a credit display (12).
10. Entertainment machine according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the credit display (12) has associated therewith a button (13) for the stepwise selection of the level of the monetary stake in the risk column (3).
11. Entertainment machine according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the risk column (3) has associated therewith a risk button (8), the actuation of which either achieves the higher win or loses the inserted monetary stake or win respectively.
12. Entertainment machine according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the risk column (3) has associated therewith an acceptance button (9), the actuation of which cancels the risk offer, and the achieved win is accepted.
13. Entertainment machine according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that at least one loudspeaker (15) is accommodated within the console (2).
14. Entertainment machine according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the risk column (3) is converted into an animated device in the play-free time.
15. Entertainment machine according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that the risk playing device (1) is accommodated in a wall housing (18).
16. Entertainment machine according to claim 15, characterised in that a plurality of risk playing devices are disposed in the wall housing (18).
17. Entertainment machine according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterised in that the display members (5) of the risk playing device (1) are each divided into a display region (21), which is occupied by a win.
18. Entertainment machine according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterised in that a coin insertion slot (10), a banknote input slot (19) and/or a player card input slot (20) are/is provided.
19. Entertainment machine according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterised in that the risk playing device (1) has associated therewith at least one additional-win playing device, in which a win, achieved in the risk playing device (1), can be played.
20. Entertainment machine according to claim 19, characterised in that the additional-win playing device is in the form of a type of roulette, having a roulette drum which comprises display areas, and on which drum a rotating ball is able to be simulated as a light spot.
21. Entertainment machine according to claim 19, characterised in that the additional-win playing device is a symbol playing device, the symbol-carrying rotatable bodies of which display a game result behind display windows after they have stopped.
22. Entertainment machine according to claim 21, characterised in that at least one of the rotatable bodies of the symbol playing device and/or a separately provided rotatable body are/is provided with at least one visible channel, which extends outwardly from its axis of rotation, for receiving coins, which can be issued via a dispensing means if a predetermined result appears in the risk playing device (1) and/or in the additional-win playing device.
23. Entertainment machine according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterised in that the risk playing device has associated therewith at least one jackpot playing arrangement.

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