EP1830329A2 - Machines de divertissement - Google Patents

Machines de divertissement Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1830329A2
EP1830329A2 EP07250757A EP07250757A EP1830329A2 EP 1830329 A2 EP1830329 A2 EP 1830329A2 EP 07250757 A EP07250757 A EP 07250757A EP 07250757 A EP07250757 A EP 07250757A EP 1830329 A2 EP1830329 A2 EP 1830329A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
machines
unit
stake
game
symbol
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP07250757A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1830329A3 (fr
Inventor
Frans Mullers
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Barcrest Development BV
Original Assignee
Barcrest Development BV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Barcrest Development BV filed Critical Barcrest Development BV
Publication of EP1830329A2 publication Critical patent/EP1830329A2/fr
Publication of EP1830329A3 publication Critical patent/EP1830329A3/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • 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
    • G07F17/3202—Hardware aspects of a gaming system, e.g. components, construction, architecture thereof
    • G07F17/3216—Construction aspects of a gaming system, e.g. housing, seats, ergonomic aspects

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a coin-operated player-operable entertainment game machine system particularly amusements with prizes (AWP) machines, such as "fruit” or “poker” machines of the kind having a main display device for displaying a selected combination of symbols at a win zone.
  • ADP amusements with prizes
  • coin is intended also to cover tokens, charge or credit cards or any other means of supplying credit or monetary value.
  • the main display device of a fruit machine may comprise multiple actual or video-simulated side-by-side reels which are rotatable about a common horizontal axis within a housing behind a window at the win zone.
  • Each reel has symbols at equally spaced positions around its periphery and the reels can be brought to rest with one symbol on each reel displayed through the window on a win line.
  • Each such machine can be operated by a player to play a game after game-play credit has been staked, to cause the reels of the machine to rotate.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a game machine system whereby a player can be provided with further entertainment opportunities for playing a game.
  • a coin-operated player-operable game machine system having a plurality of coin-operated player-operable machines which are each independently actuable for play of a game by credit of a game-playing stake value, and each being operable to make available an award when a predetermined running winning symbol combination is displayed, wherein the symbol combinations are displayed by a plurality of separate symbol selecting units connected to said plurality of machines wherein each machine is operable via a unit selection means, to place a stake on any of the plurality of symbol selecting units and make available an award when a predetermined winning combination is displayed by the symbol selecting unit on which a stake has been placed.
  • the plurality of symbol selecting units are provided in a "top-box" which may span across the top of the plurality of machines so that players playing at each one of the machines can see each unit.
  • each symbol selecting unit may be associated with one or more of the machines. Accordingly, the symbol selecting unit associated with one or more machines may also be mounted above the respective machine or machines.
  • the associated symbol selected unit may be the "default" unit for game play or a respective machine.
  • a coin-operated player-operable game machine system having a plurality of coin-operated player-operable machines each having a primary symbol selecting unit mounted within a housing of the machine and operably connected thereto, each machine being independently actuable for play of a game by credit of a game-playing stake value and each being operable to make available an award when a predetermined winning symbol combination is displayed, wherein the machines are connected to one another and each machine comprises a unit selection means whereby each machine is operable to place said game-playing stake value on any of the symbol selecting units of any of the other machines.
  • the primary symbol selecting unit may be the "default" unit for game play on the respective machine.
  • the unit selection means preferably provides a plurality of selectable options each one relating to one of the symbol selecting units.
  • the selectable options are preferably player-selectable.
  • the machine may automatically select one of the selectable options which may be on a random, a pseudo-random or a predicable basis.
  • the selectable options may be exclusive i.e. only one option is selectable at any one time or non-exclusive so that multiple units may be selectable at any one time. Additionally or alternatively, there may be group options where units are grouped together for selection as a group.
  • the game-playing stake value is preferably variable between games to effect a corresponding variation in an award for achieved winning combinations. This may be effected by a stake value selection means. Most preferably, the game-playing stake value is variable for each selected option and/or for each symbol selecting unit e.g. so each player can bet a different selected stake on each selected option relating to a single or group of units.
  • this may be via the automatic payout of coins or other monetary value which corresponds to a winning combination on a unit on which a stake was placed.
  • the award may be credited to the player's account for conversion to stakes and/or for payout when the player requests payout.
  • Other outcomes may arise in place of or in addition to monetary awards, such as bonuses, special features, free games or the like on a random or predetermined basis.
  • the machines preferably incorporate a coin-mechanism and/or other credit acceptance means and player-controls for initiating machine actuation, etc.
  • the machines may further comprise a display device for displaying game related information.
  • the display device may comprise one or a number of screens which may be video or alphanumeric displays. Most preferably the display device comprises a video touch screen and the player-controls and/or the unit selection means and/or the stake selection means may be operable via touch screen control.
  • Win determination may be effected by the machines i.e. the machine compares the displayed symbol combination against a machine win table to determine an outcome and award.
  • the symbol selecting units may be responsible for win determination, which may have its own win table.
  • the machines may further have one or more supplementary features which influence symbol selection such as nudge, hold and gamble features or one or more supplementary feature games.
  • the symbol selecting units preferably comprise a display device operable to provide an arranging or moving display of symbols which provide a static display of symbols when at rest. Symbol selection may be random or pseudo-random.
  • the display device comprises a plurality of actual or video-simulated symbol-bearing reels which rotate behind a window with one or more win lines.
  • a symbol selecting unit is preferably only operable when a stake is placed on the respective unit from one of the machines.
  • the symbol selecting units repeatedly generate displays of symbols regardless of whether a stake is placed thereon. Where there is repeated operation irrespective of a placed stake, the repeated operations may be separated by a predetermined period of time.
  • one or all of the machines may comprise a handheld unit.
  • one or more handheld units may be provided which have some or all of the operational features of the machines.
  • the handheld unit may be portable or hardwired to the system.
  • a portable handheld unit may have a wireless connection to the gaming system.
  • Figures 1 and 2 show a gaming machine system having a number of symbol selecting units 1-3 which are mounted side-by-side behind a pivoted banner unit 4 having side-by-side glass windows 5-7 numbered "1", "2" and "3" on the banner.
  • a plurality of side-by-side reels 8 can be seen which are mounted for rotation about a common horizontal axis, each having a number of symbols 9 marked around their peripheries at regularly spaced intervals.
  • Each reel 8 is driveably connected to a motor 10, which are in turn connected to a microprocessor control unit 11 of the respective symbol selecting unit 1-3.
  • each reel 8 When at rest, each reel 8 displays three symbols 9 through the respective window 5-7, one of which is disposed on a central horizontal win line 12, with one symbol 9 above and one below the win line.
  • the win line 12 is marked on the printed banner unit 14.
  • Each of the symbol selecting units 1-3 may provide a different game, for example unit 1 provides a 3-reel game with three horizontal win lines 12a-c and two diagonal win lines 12d-e with stake amounts of 2, 5, 10, 20 and 40, unit 2 provides a 4-reel game with ten win lines and stake amounts of 5, 10, 20, 40 and 50, and unit 3 provides a 3-reel game with five win lines and the option of three nudges.
  • the system also comprises three machines 13-15 stationed below the banner unit 14; each comprising a separate respective box shaped housing 16 mounted on a common box shaped mounting structure 17.
  • Each housing 16 comprises a front wall having upper 18 and lower 19 glass panels.
  • the upper panel 18 comprises a number of operating buttons 20-22, a coin slot 23, and a number of alphanumerical displays 24-27.
  • the lower panel 19 comprises a display 28 of the winning symbol combinations for all of the units 1-3 and a payout opening 29.
  • each housing 16 there is microprocessor-based control unit 30 which is connected to a coin mechanism 31, a payout mechanism 32, the buttons 20-22 and the displays 24-27 and 28.
  • the control unit 30 of each machine 13-15 is connected to each of the control units 11 of the symbol selecting units 1-3 by appropriate network links 33 which may be cable or wireless links, etc.
  • a player inserts coins into the coin mechanism 31 through the slot 23 sufficient to generate credit for one or more games to activate the respective machines 13-14.
  • buttons 20a-c which are each operable to select a stake value to place on each one of the symbol selecting units 1-3, e.g. button 20a selects a stake value to be placed on the first unit 1 numbered "1".
  • Each button 20a-c can be pressed a number of times to increment the stake value to a maximum stake value, the value being shown on a corresponding adjacent display 24.
  • buttons 21 a-c may be pressed to effect “hold” or “nudge” operations so that the player can influence the outcome of the game played thereon.
  • the combination is assessed by the control unit 11 of the respective unit 1-3 and an indication is provided to the control units 30 of the betting machines 13-15 in the event that the combination is of a winning nature as compared with a win table of the respective unit 1-3.
  • Each machine 13-15 from which a stake was placed on the respective unit 1-3 displays any awarded value on a display 25 which corresponds to the stake display 24 for the respective unit 1-3, dependent upon the stake value placed.
  • a running total of the award values is provided on display 26.
  • Game play credit is indicated on the display 27, which is decremented for each stake is placed on a unit 1-3.
  • the collect button 22 can be pressed to obtain a payout to the value on display 26.
  • the three machines 13-15 allow a player at each machine 13-15 to select and place a stake on any of the three units 1-3 housed in the banner unit 4, which allows three players to be playing a game on each of the three units simultaneously. Accordingly, the players will all experience the same wins and losses if the stakes placed on each unit 1-3 are all the same.
  • the system allows for different stake values to be placed on a game on a particular unit 1-3 by each machine 13-15.
  • the symbol selecting units 1-3 are associated with a specific machine 13-15 and may be housed within the respective machine housing 16.
  • the control units 11 of the selecting units 1-3 are linked via cable or wireless connections 33 to the control units 30 of each machine 13-14 as before.
  • the machines 13-15 may additionally comprise a start button, which, if pressed following actuation of the respective machine 13-15, will automatically default to play a game on the associated unit 1-3 housed within the respective machine 13-15 with a nominal stake value, i.e. machine 13 defaults to play of a game on unit 1.
  • a nominal stake value i.e. machine 13 defaults to play of a game on unit 1.
  • specific stake values must be selected using the buttons 20a-c.
  • the communication links 33 are wireless, a connection is established with the respective units 1-3 on which stakes have been placed.
  • buttons 20a-c may provide the option to place stakes on a group of units i.e. 1 and 3 or 1 and 2 or 2 and 3. This is particularly applicable where there are a larger number of units to place stakes upon, i.e. 30 units which may be grouped into groups 1 - 10, 1 1 - 21, 21 - 30.
  • the functions of the machines can be provided on a number of handheld devices. These devices may be hardwired to the symbol selecting units 1-3 and/ or the machines 13-15. Alternatively, the devices may be portable which are capable of establishing wireless connections with one or a number of the units 1-3 when stakes are placed on one or a number of the units 1-3. In this latter respect, the handheld devices may incorporate a video display showing the spinning reels of the units 1-3 on which stakes were placed as the devices would be likely to be used remotely and out of sight of the actual units 1-3. Accordingly, the symbol selecting units 1-3 may provide a video simulation of the reels 8 which can be played on a display of the handheld device. Furthermore, the handheld devices are operable to provide the full range of functions of one of the machines 13-15 and each device may also have a designated "default" or primary symbol selecting unit 1-3 associated therewith.
  • each unit 1-3 may play identical games or different games.
  • Each of the machines 13-15 may be freestanding machines or mounted on a mounting box in groups as described above.
EP07250757A 2006-02-23 2007-02-22 Machines de divertissement Withdrawn EP1830329A3 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0603575A GB2435709A (en) 2006-02-23 2006-02-23 Gaming machine with multiple selectable reel sets

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1830329A2 true EP1830329A2 (fr) 2007-09-05
EP1830329A3 EP1830329A3 (fr) 2008-04-23

Family

ID=36178573

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP07250757A Withdrawn EP1830329A3 (fr) 2006-02-23 2007-02-22 Machines de divertissement

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1830329A3 (fr)
GB (1) GB2435709A (fr)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2456644A (en) * 2008-01-25 2009-07-29 Barcrest Group Ltd Display system for playing a game

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2322217A (en) * 1997-02-12 1998-08-19 Barcrest Ltd Entertainment machine system
GB2327794A (en) * 1997-07-24 1999-02-03 Showcase Projects Limited Amusement with prizes apparatus
GB2333631A (en) * 1998-01-26 1999-07-28 Astra Games Limited Gambling machines connected to a further game of chance
WO2000008613A1 (fr) * 1998-08-03 2000-02-17 Thomas Estates Limited Appareil de jeu
US20030199308A1 (en) * 2002-04-23 2003-10-23 Gamesoft Limited Gaming apparatus

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB0500936D0 (en) * 2005-01-18 2005-02-23 Electrocoin Leisure S Wales Lt Game apparatus with multi-section display

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2322217A (en) * 1997-02-12 1998-08-19 Barcrest Ltd Entertainment machine system
GB2327794A (en) * 1997-07-24 1999-02-03 Showcase Projects Limited Amusement with prizes apparatus
GB2333631A (en) * 1998-01-26 1999-07-28 Astra Games Limited Gambling machines connected to a further game of chance
WO2000008613A1 (fr) * 1998-08-03 2000-02-17 Thomas Estates Limited Appareil de jeu
US20030199308A1 (en) * 2002-04-23 2003-10-23 Gamesoft Limited Gaming apparatus

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1830329A3 (fr) 2008-04-23
GB0603575D0 (en) 2006-04-05
GB2435709A (en) 2007-09-05

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