GB1466765A - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Abstract

1466765 Gaming machines BELL-FRUIT MFG CO Ltd 12 March 1975 [23 March 1974] 13034/74 Heading G4V A gaming machine has display means which operate during each game to select at random and display a combination of symbols wherein the display means comprises a screen on which the image of a combination of symbols is produced and made to change at random during each game by electronic scanning means which scans the screen repetitively. Fig. 1 shows picture information stored in "read only" memory units ROM1, ROM2 and ROM3. Each unit determines which particular symbol appears in a particular symbol position on screen S of a cathode-ray tube which is scanned in a series of horizontal lines by an electron beam. Control of scanning is by processing circuitry T. Information is read by read-out sequencer R from each memory unit in turn during each horizontal line scan on screen S so that an image of at least one symbol is built-up simultaneously in each symbol position as scanning proceeds through each frame. Such a build up is shown in Fig. 2 where the symbols displayed form a static image before being changed. Alternatively the picture information can be changed partially during successive scans so that the symbols appear to move from the bottom to the top of the screen. There could be two or three complete symbols displayed at each symbol position. A game control programmer P operates at random to stop the reading of further new information and the last scan is repeated indefinitely with the same picture information. Unit C compares this information with prize-winning combinations and operates prize awarding means W if a match is obtained. A colour cathode-ray display tube may be used. The picture information may be stored magnetically on tape which is single or multitracked. In the latter case two or more video signals are recorded on separate tracks which are read simultaneously and each produce symbol images in a corresponding symbol position on the screen. The signals may be all the same but phase shifted or delay units may be used. Alternatively, different signals may be recorded on each track so as to produce a different sequence of symbol images on the screen. Preferably, one of the tracks has win information recorded on it which is read simultaneously with the other tracks and is used to indicate whether or not the combination of symbols corresponding to the picture information then being read on the other tracks is a prize winning combination. Separate tapes may be used instead of a single multi-track tape.