GB2291997A

GB2291997A - Entertainment apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2291997A
Application number: GB9515170A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jurgen Schattauer
Original assignee: NSM AG
Current assignee: NSM AG
Priority date: 1994-07-27
Filing date: 1995-07-24
Publication date: 1996-02-07
Anticipated expiration: 2015-07-24
Also published as: DE4426584C2; GB9515170D0; DE4426584A1; GB2291997B

Description

1 2291997 ENTERTAINMENT APPARATUS

Description

The present invention relates to an entertainment apparatus having a number of symbol carriers.

DE-A-42 32 762 discloses a coin-operated gaming machine, which contains at least two different gaming systems in one and the same apparatus, such systems being self-contained and being independent of each other. These gaming systems may include, for example, roller, card or dice games. The player is supposed to become interested in the apparatus as a result of being offered a selection of completely different games. The facility to change the game therefore increases his/her excitement. The various games, more especially their function and display panels, are shown on a video display.

The basic object of the present invention is to provide an entertainment apparatus which renders possible a wide variety of games.

According to the present invention there is provided an entertainment apparatus having a number of first symbol carriers and additional number of second symbol carriers, whereby additional facilities for winning are provided when the second symbol carriers are played in conjunction with the first symbol carriers.

Because the entertainment apparatus uses additional second symbol carriers, more game variants are available, which generally increase the excitement of the games and provide the player with more varied and more interesting options than is the case with only one set of 9 - 2 symbol carriers. Furthermore, by selecting different types of additional symbol carriers, the player can adapt his game in a more individual manner and, in consequence, can make it subjectively more entertaining.

An advantageous further development of the entertainment apparatus resides in the fact that the symbol carriers are rollers and/or discs and/or cards. In consequence, the player is offered popular game variants which increase his interest in the entertainment apparatus.

Furthermore, the f irst symbol carriers and the second symbol carriers may be of different types. The player who is used to only one type of symbol carrier becomes attentive to and interested in the entertainment apparatus because of this combination facility. By changing the symbol carrier, he can play another game, whereby the entertainment value is increased.

Moreover, it is possible for the number of additional second symbol carriers used in the game to be selectable. Because of this option, the player can take an active part in shaping the course of the game, so that he becomes more directly involved, and so that the communication with the entertainment apparatus can be effected in two directions. In each case, the interest of the player in the entertainment apparatus is increased, since it provides him with numerous possibilities for giving full expression to his creativity and adapting the type of game and the requirements for winning to his personal willingness to take risks.

It is possible to fix the sequence for the start of the f irst and second symbol carriers. The player is thereby given the opportunity to introduce a phase of passive relaxation, in which he does not have to prove his creativity. The entertainment apparatus can then provide him with an exciting game, where the sequence for the start of the f irst and second symbol carriers is f ixed by the entertainment apparatus. In consequence, even the players who do not wish to play an active role become enthusiastic.

It is also possible for the sequence for the start of the first and second symbol carriers to be selectable. As a result of this option, the player who intends to decide on which visual displays he prefers for the start of his symbol carriers becomes involved. The creative player can determine with which symbol carriers he intends to begin. That is to say, he can determine whether he wishes to play with cards or with discs or with rollers, without having to change to a different gaming machine. This facility is welcomed by the budding players.

With the present entertainment apparatus it is also possible for a selective start of the first or second symbol carriers to be provided. In consequence, the player can determine whether he wishes to play exclusively with one type of symbol carrier, that is to say with discs for example, or whether he decides on cards or rollers. Thus, the preferences of many different player requirements can be fulfilled with one gaming machine, where even the players who do not wish to decide exclusively on one type of symbol carrier are attracted.

1 4 - Furthermore, the stake for starting the first and second symbol carriers can differ in each case. In this way, the player can also select his stake and hence, of course, also the chances of winning with the type of gymbol carrier. Depending on how happy he is at taking risks, the player then additionally has the possibility of making his game even more interesting and more varied by varying the type of symbol carrier, whereby his interest in and his enthusiasm for the apparatus can be additionally increased.

With the entertainment apparatus, it is also possible for money or special games to be selectively provided as the winnings for playing with the first symbol carriers. In this way, the player is given the opportunity of selecting the first set of symbol carriers to see whether he wants to win money or whether he prefers to play special games. In consequence. therefore, the fan of special games also has the option of playing exclusively for special games on one set of symbol carriers. Because of this variety, the entertainment apparatus provides many different players with the facility to play exactly according to their requirements and thus to be totally fulfilled, the optimum case being adapted to the subjective requirements of such an entertainment apparatus.

An additional facility of the entertainment apparatus resides in the fact that money or special games are selectively provided as the winnings for playing with the second symbol carriers. As a result of this wide variety of games, the group of players which only wants the opportunity of choosing between money games and special games with the second symbol carriers is now also included and interested in the game. By selecting the money game, the player can play as his reward a game having a virtual stake of, for example, 4.- DM on the second set of symbol carriers, and such would not be possible for him on the first set of symbol carriers. This will be especially welcomed by the player who enjoys taking risks and who can thus increase his kicks considerably.

Because of the possibility that special games are provided as winnings for playing with the second symbol carriers, the players are eventually also involved who do not wish to use the selection facilities but prefer to use their gaming strong point differently with this varied entertainment apparatus.

An additional advantageous further development of the present invention is seen to reside in the fact that a start for the respective other symbol carriers is provided as the winnings for playing with the first or second symbol carriers. The player is hereby given the opportunity of starting one or more symbol carriers of the second set of symbol carriers after finishing playing with the first set of symbol carriers and to receive additional winnings on the second set of symbol carriers via these solutions which occur. The player can be given the opportunity of, for example, playing a game for special games on the second set of symbol carriers, and such would otherwise not be possible for him. Despite the frustrating expe rience of no-win games, the player thus becomes gripped by the entertainment apparatus, since he keeps being given the additional chance of winning on the second set of symbols.

With one embodiment of the entertainment apparatus of the present invention, the chances of winning when playing with the second symbol carriers are preferably increased. Because of these improved chances of winning, which are associated with playing the second set of symbol carriers, the player is naturally even more interested in being able to play the second set. A game can be played, f or example, on the second set with a virtual stake of 4.- DM and, in consequence, special games can then be won. Thus, it can be even more exciting for the player to play- off the symbol carrier of the additional second set of symbol carriers, because he gains even greater interest through the calculated stake at the end of the game with the second set of symbol carriers.

With the present invention, it is also advantageous that normal games can be played on the first or second symbol carriers and special games can be played on the second or first symbol carriers. In consequence, the player can chose the core game freely by clearly stipulating the type of game for the individual sets of symbol carriers, since the clear stipulation no longer requires the attention of the player for the selection of the types of games during the course of the game.

Furthermore, the number of f irst symbol carriers may differ from the number of second symbol carriers. Because of this interesting variation the player is able to begin, for example, with one set of say three symbols and then receive the opportunity, on the second set with say four symbols of playing-off three symbol carriers with one "bonus number", whereby the chances of winning are determined accordingly in dependence on the stake. The player is thereby given the opportunity of concluding a high-risk game with a game which provides other chances of winning and renders possible a more varied game.

An additional advantageous development of the present invention resides in the fact that the start frequency of the first and second symbol carriers is automatically prescribed by the entertainment apparatus. After an above-described, extremely active phase, this arrangement permits the player to relax somewhat, without having to lose the fun of playing with the entertainment apparatus, which has now fixed for him the start sequence of the symbol carriers. Because of this type of recreational phase, the player is soon in a position again to take an active part and comes through such a period of play more refreshed and in better health without running the risk of wearing himself out at the entertainment apparatus. Other players who want to take a less active part in the course of the game may also prefer this type of prescribed start sequence.

By way of example, the present invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to two embodiments and the drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a front view of an entertainment apparatus according to a first embodiment; and Fig. 2 is a front view of an entertainment apparatus according to a second embodiment.

Fig. 1 is a front view of a housing 5 for an entertainment apparatus 1 having symbol carriers. Said housing includes a first set of three rollershaped symbol carriers 15 and an additional second set of three symbol carriers 20 behind a front panel 10, said second set being disposed in an offset manner relative to the first set of symbol carriers 15. The additional second set of symbol carriers 20 is mechanically independent of the first set of symbol carriers 15 and configured as a set of discs in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1. Symbols and/or numbers 25 of the symbol carriers 26 are visible behind windows 12 on the symbol carriers 15 and 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the number 7 is shown each time as the symbol for the f irst set of symbol carriers 15, and apples are shown for the symbols of the second set of symbol carriers 20. Different symbols 25 may also be visible, of course, in one set of symbol carriers 15 and 20.

In the top left-hand corner of the front panel 10 of the entertainment apparatus 1, a coin slot 40 and a magnetic card slot 42 are illustrated for the insertion of coins or respectively for the introduction of a magnetic strip card or a memory card, by means of which the credit stored in the entertainment apparatus can be increased. Moreover, an end button 50 is illustrated there, by means of which the game can be terminated and the actual credit can be paid-out button 58 is disposed A symbol selector beneath said end button. Furthermore, a credit display 60 is illustrated in the upper region of the front panel 10 of the entertainment apparatus 1.

A risk button 52 is provided in the lower region of the front panel 10 of the housing 1 for playing special games on the special game display 62, which is illustrated at the right-hand side of the front panel 10 of the entertainment apparatus 1. Furthermore, the start/stop buttons 54 and 56 are situated here, and the first set or the additional second set of symbol carriers 15 or 20 respectively can be manually operated by said buttons. A tariff button 57, which will be described more fully hereinafter, is provided for the selection of the stake for the game. A win button 59 is also used for the selection of the type of win, as will also be explained.

A dispensing dish 70 is illustrated in the lower region of the front panel 10 of the entertainment apparatus 1, and the credit amount can be dispensed in coins within said dish in the event of a win or in the event of the game being terminated. Alternatively thereto, the win can also of course be stored in a credit memory (not shown), and the amended credit is then indicated in the credit display 60.

The mode of operation of the first embodiment of the entertainment apparatus is described hereinafter. After coins have been fed into the coin slot 40 or after a memory card or magnetic strip card has been introduced into the slot 42, a corresponding credit is indicated in the credit display 60. The player can select the set of symbols, with which he would like to play, by means of the symbol selector button 58. If the player provides no set of symbols, the set of symbols determined by the entertainment apparatus 1 is selected. By selecting the start sequence for the sets of symbol carriers, the tariff for starting the symbol carriers is also fixed. By actuating the start/stop button 54, or after a predetermined time has passed, the selected set of symbol carriers, e.g. the first set 15, is set in rotation. A stake is thereby debited from the credit storage unit.

As a result of a fresh actuation of the start/stop button 54, the symbol carriers 15 of the first set are stopped one after the other or together. If the button 54 is not actuated, the symbol carriers of the selected set stop automatically after a predetermined playing period. The solution vector, which is defined by symbols visible through the windows 12 of the first set of symbol carriers 15, for example, is then determined. If this solution vector is identical with a vector from a predetermined quantity of win vectors, the player is 1 offered a win. This win can be in the form of an increase in his stored credit (not shown), in the form of being offered special games or, however, in the form of being offered an additional game on the other set of symbol carriers, e.g. the second set 20. The player can freely select the tariff or stake, crucial for this game on the second set of symbol carriers, via a tariff button 57. Correspondingly modified chances of winning are then also compared with this selected stake.

In an alternative variant of the entertainment apparatus, only part of the stake for the f irst set of symbol carriers' is debited by the credit storage unit (not shown) f or the game on the second set of symbol carriers 20. It is thereby possible to determine, via the symbol carrier selector button 58, whether the rollers 15 should be started initially and then the discs 20 be started, or the other way round. Alternatively, the discs 20 and the rollers 15 may also be selectively started.

By actuating the win button 59, the player can determine whether money or special games are won on the rollers or discs. In consequence, the player can decide whether to play for an identical win or a different win on both sets of symbol carriers 15 and 20. After such an interesting and varied game has been terminated, the player can terminate the game by actuating the end button 50, and he receives his credit via a dispensing dish 70, or a corresponding amount is credited to his memory card or magnetic strip card.

A second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Fig. 2. In addition to a f irst set of symbol carriers 15, this second embodiment of the entertainment apparatus has a second set of four symbol 1 carriers 20. Otherwise, the second embodiment of the entertainment apparatus according to the invention is constructed in accordance with the first embodiment, so no further description is given.

The mode of operation of the second embodiment of the entertainment apparatus is described hereinafter. After coins have been inserted into the coin slot 40 or a memory card or magnetic strip card has been introduced into the slot 42, a corresponding credit is shown in the credit display 60. By actuating the selector button 58, the player decides with which set of symbol carriers he intends to play. He then sets the selected symbol carriers in motion by actuating the start/stop button 54 or 56 respectively. A stake, which is dependent on the selection of the selected symbol carriers, is thereby debited by the credit storage unit. If the player selects the first set of rollers 15, he can determine, via the win button 59, whether he wants to play for special games, money or games on the second set of rollers 20. The stake for the first set of rollers 20 is 30 Pf, for example, and the stake for the second set of rollers is 40 Pf, for example. As a result of a fresh actuation of the start/stop button 54 or 56 respectively, the symbol carriers 15 and 20 of the first and second set 15 are stopped one after the other or together. If the button 54 is not actuated, the symbol carriers 15 and 20 of the first and second sets automatically stop after a predetermined playing period.

As described above in the first embodiment, when playing on the first set of rollers, the solution vector is compared with pre-determined vectors of the dimension three, and then a corresponding win is offered. When playing on the second set of rollers 20 having four rollers, the solution vector of the dimension four is r compared with the pre-determined vectors of the dimension three in such a manner that the first vector stake is ignored, and the remaining vector of the dimension three is compared with the pre-determined solution vectors. However, a win is basically also ensured when a predetermined solution vector of the dimension three can only be shown by substituting one of the vector stakes of the final three rollers by the first vector stake of the four-vector. In consequence, in a relatively large number of cases, the player can win as a result of this "bonus number". With the entertainment apparatus of this embodiment, therefore, the tariff for playing the second set of rollers is also higher than the stake for playing with the first set of rollers 15.

In an alternative variant of the entertainment apparatus of the second embodiment, any desirable vector stake of the vector of the dimension four can be used for substituting any other desirable vector stake prior to the comparison with the predetermined vectors, so that the chances of winning are again increased as a result thereof. The stakes for the individual games on the different sets of rollers are then also adapted in such manner.

After the termination of such an interesting and varied game, the player can terminate the game by actuating the end button 50 and receives his credit via a dispensing dish 70, or a corresponding amount is credited to his memory card or magnetic strip card.

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Claims

1. An entertainment apparatus having a number of f irst symbol carriers and additional number of second symbol carriers, whereby additional facilities for winning are provided when the second symbol carriers are played in conjunction with the first symbol carriers.

2. An entertainment apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the symbol carriers are rollers and/or discs and/or cards.

3. An entertainment apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first symbol carriers and the second symbol carriers are of different types.

4. An entertainment apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the number of additional second symbol carriers used in the game is selectable.

5. An entertainment apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sequence for the start of the first and second symbol carriers is fixed.

6. An entertainment apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sequence for the start of the first and second symbol carriers is selectable.

7. An entertainment apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6, wherein a selective start of the first or second symbol carriers is provided.

8. An entertainment apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the stake for starting the first and second symbol carriers differs in each case.

a 0

9. An entertainment apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8, wherein money or special games are selectively provided as the winnings for playing with the first symbol carriers.

10. An entertainment apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9, wherein money or special games are selectively provided as the winnings for playing with the second symbol carriers.

11. An entertainment apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10, wherein special games are provided as winnings for playing with the second symbol carriers.

12. An entertainment apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11, wherein a start for the respective other symbol carriers is provided as the winnings for playing with the first or second symbol carriers.

13. An entertainment apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the chances of winning when playing with the second symbol carriers are increased.

14. An entertainment apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 13, wherein normal games are played on the first or second symbol carriers and special games are played on the second or first symbol carriers, respectively.

15. An entertainment apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the number of first symbol carriers differs from the number of second symbol carriers.

f

16. An entertainment apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the start frequency of the first and second symbol carriers is automatically prescribed by the entertainment apparatus.

17. An entertainment apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.