GB2336233A

GB2336233A - An amusement or gaming machine with colour variable backlighting

Info

Publication number: GB2336233A
Application number: GB9807304A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony B Mathias
Original assignee: Astra Games Ltd
Current assignee: Astra Games Ltd
Priority date: 1998-04-07
Filing date: 1998-04-07
Publication date: 1999-10-13
Also published as: GB9807304D0

Abstract

A gaming or amusement-with-prizes machine having a plurality of reels wherein the backlighting of the symbols on the reels in the screen windows is colour variable, at least one symbol combination on a win line generating different prizes according to which backlighting colour is randomly or apparently randomly selected and energised. The reels are spun and then stopped in a random or apparently random manner. Preferably the backlighting is selected from white and one other colour, the colour other than white generating a greater prize. There may be at least two other colours which can be selected simultaneously and used to generate a mixed colour, generating a different prize from those generated by the other colours. The backlighting may vary from reel to reel.

Description

1 2336233 IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO GAMING OR AMUSEMENT WITH PRIZES

MACHINES This invention relates to gaming or amusement-withprizes machines. It is concerned with those which have several side-by-side reels, usually three or four, with arrays of different symbols around each reel. In play, after insertion of a coin or token, or once the player is in credit, the reels spin and stop in a random (or at least in an apparently random) manner to show a row of symbols on a line. Certain combinations of symbols on this line generate prizes, which are usually paid out automatically.

The player only sees a short segment of each reel periphery in a window of a screen. Within each reel, and registering with the associated window, there is generally a backlighting unit. This, when energised, shows up the symbol on the win line more brightly, and it may also illuminate symbols immediately above and below the win line, which are also visible through the window. In some machines win lines are not confined to the straight, central row of symbols but may be provided by diagonals or rows above and below the normal win line.

only a limited number of symbols can be accommodated on each reel, and this restricts the odds on winning prizes. Machine manufacturers are always looking for ways of increasing the odds, to make available the very occasional extra large prize, and it is the aim of this invention to provide one solution to this problem.

2 According to the present invention there is provided a gaming or amusementwith-prizes machine of the kind described in which the backlighting of the symbols in the screen windows is colour variable, at least one symbol combination an a win line generating different prizes according to which backlighting colour is energised.

In this Specification, colour includes white and the normal backlighting will be white. Fruit symbols are multicoloured, and to illuminate them in anything other than white would look very odd. However, for the top prize symbols other than fruit are used, and the number seven is popular. Often three sevens in a row is the maximum prize. Such symbols can be presented in opalescent white paint, and with white backlighting they will of course appear white. But with red backlighting they will appear red and so on. It is envisaged that a "normal" prize will be available when there is white backlighting of at least one winning symbol combination, but if it turns into another colour, a super prize will be awarded. That can be arranged to happen very rarely.

Generally, just one extra colour will be sufficient, but there could be more with graded super prizes. If there are two sets of non-white colour bulbs (or LEDs or optic fibres) in the backlighting unit, one could use each set independently or both together to mix the colours and obtain a third one, in addition to the basic white.

it would also be possible to backlight one reel with one colour, another reel with another colour and so on, 3 enabling further grading of the super prizes, but generally the win line will be illuminated with a uniform colour.

4

Claims

1. A gaming or amusement-with-prizes machine having a plurality of reels with symbols around their peripheries which, in use, are spun and then stop in a random or apparently random manner to show in windows of a screen a row of back-lit symbols in a line, certain combinations of such symbols generating prizes, wherein the backlighting of the symbols in the screen windows is colour variable, at least one symbol combination on a win line generating d-4.,':--Ferent prizes according to which backlighting colour is randomly or apparently randomly selected and energised.

2. A gaming or amusement -with-prizes machine according to Claim 1, wherein the backlighting is selected from white and at least one other colour, backlighting of another colour generating a prize greater than that generated by white back--ichtina.

3. A gaming or amusement-with-prizes machine according to Claim 1, wherein there are at least two other colours and these can be selected and energised simultaneously to -oroduce a mixed colour, this generating a different prize those generated by those colours used singly.

4. A gaming or amusement-with-prizes machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the colour backlight is t'n.- same for all the reels.

5. A gaming or amusement-with-prizes machine according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the colour backlight can vary from reel to reel, different colour combinations generating different Drizes.

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