GB2410445A

GB2410445A - Game machine system

Info

Publication number: GB2410445A
Application number: GB0401676A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Johannes Huber Pasmans
Original assignee: Barcrest Development BV
Current assignee: Barcrest Development BV
Priority date: 2004-01-27
Filing date: 2004-01-27
Publication date: 2005-08-03
Also published as: NL1028136A1; NL1028136C2; GB0401676D0

Abstract

A game machine system has a symbol selecting unit (1) with reels (5) mounted for rotation connected to a plurality of separate coin-operated player-operable terminals (14-18). The symbol selecting unit (1) is operable repeatedly to select symbol combinations and each terminal (14-18) is actuated for play of a game by credit of a game-playing stake. An actuated terminal (14-18) is operable to make available an award when a said predetermined winning combination displayed on a win line (8-12) of symbols is selected for the respective terminal (14-18). Each terminal (14-18) may have pre-set parameters of predetermined winning combinations and at least one parameter may differ for different terminals (14-18). For example, each of the different terminals may be assigned a different pay line 8-12.

Description

GAME MACHINE SYSTEM

This invention relates to a coin-operated player-operable game machine system with which symbol combinations are selected and awards are made available following attainment of predetermined winning combinations.

The term coin is intended also to cover notes, tokens, charge or credit cards or any other means of supplying credit or monetary value.

Coin-operated player-operable game machine systems are known which have multiple linked gaming machines such as 'fruit machines', 'poker machines' or 'slot machines' which typically have three or four actual or video-simulated reels with symbols around their peripheries.

Each such machine can be operated by a respective player to play a game, after game-playing credit has been staked, to cause the reels of that machine to rotate behind a window and then come to rest each displaying one or more selected symbols through the window on one or more win lines, an award being made available to the player in the event that a predetermined winning combination of symbols is displayed on the (or one) win line.

As a consequence of linking the machines, special awards and bonuses such as a linked jackpot can be made available.

An object of the present invention is to provide a game machine system of enhanced versatility and entertainment value.

According to the invention therefore there is provided a - 2 coinoperated player-operable game machine system having a symbol selecting unit operable repeatedly to select symbol combinations, and connected thereto a plurality of separate coin-operated player-operable terminals, wherein each terminal, when actuated for play of a game by credit of a game-playing stake, is operable to make available an award when a said symbol combination is selected which is a predetermined winning combination for the respective terminal.

With this arrangement symbol selection occurs at the common symbols selecting unit, and win determination occurs in relation to the playeroperable terminals. This can give enhanced versatility in relation to possibilities for linked or shared features such as special awards and bonuses, and also, due to the interrelationship between the separate player-operable terminals and the common symbol selecting unit, game play entertainment can be enhanced e.g. as a consequence of actual or perceived competition between players.

Each terminal may be pre-set for parameters of predetermined winning combinations, which may be the same as or different from those for the other terminals.

Alternatively provision may be made for the parameters to change from game to game on a random or other basis determined by the system and/or under the control of the player.

Preferably at least one said parameter differs for the different terminals. - 3

The winning combination parameters may relate to different combination configurations of the unit. Thus, for example, the unit may be arranged to select symbols which can form simultaneously different combination configurations e.g. different symbol combination lines across a matrix of symbols, and different terminals may utilise different respective configurations for winning combination determination.

The number of terminals may be equal to the number of configurations so that a different respective configuration may apply uniquely to each terminal.

The winning combination parameters may alternatively or additionally relate to ranges of winning combinations. For example, each terminal may have a table of winning combinations, which combinations may correspond respectively to different award values, and the tables may be selectable with regard to the identity of the winning combinations, the number of winning combinations etc. for each terminal.

With regard to award availability this may involve automatic pay out of coins, or other monetary value, corresponding to an achieved winning combination. Alternatively, the award may be credited for subsequent pay out on player demand and/or for conversion e.g. to stakes for play of further games.

Provision may be made for variation in game-play stake value to effect a corresponding variation in award values for achieved winning combinations. - 4

In addition to awards, other outcomes may arise for each terminal as a consequence of the selected combination for the terminal, and/or on a random or 'surprise' basis, such as bonuses, special features and the like.

5Thus, for example, a terminal in play may be awarded one or more additional free bonus plays (i.e. one or more further symbol combination selections without requiring further game play stake).

As a further example, in a 'bingo'-style game, one or more selected symbols at each symbol combination selection may be matched to a 10predetermined array of symbols, whereby an award is made available when a predetermined configuration of symbols such as a row or column in the array has been completely matched.

The arrangement may be such that activity on each terminal does not influence activity on any other terminal.

15Alternatively the arrangement may be such that an outcome for one terminal, such as a bonus feature, or supplementary play feature or the like, is shared with or used by another terminal in play.

With regard to the symbol selecting unit, this preferably comprises a display device operable to provide a changing or moving display of 20symbols which comes to rest to provide a static display of selected symbol combinations. Selection of symbol combinations may be on a random or pseudo random basis.

Preferably the display device comprises a plurality, say 3 or 4, - 5 actual or video simulated symbol-bearing reels which rotate behind a window and then come to rest displaying one or more symbols through the window on one or more win lines. In a particularly preferred embodiment each reel displays three symbols one above the other whereby, for three side by side reels there may be five transverse win lines - three lines perpendicularly across the reels, one above the other, and two diagonal lines through the central symbol.

Thus, where the player has the option of selecting combination configurations as mentioned above, these five win lines may constitute the different selectable configurations.

Alternatively or additionally the symbol-selecting unit may have two or more display devices, e.g. two or more sets of reels as described above, whereby the different configurations may relate to different display devices.

Where reels are used there may be more than three as described above. In particular there may be four reels.

With regard to the terminals, these may take any suitable form but preferably each terminal incorporates a respective coin-mechanism or other means of accepting credit, a display device for displaying game related information, and possibly player controls e.g. for initiating actuation of the terminal and/or for selecting options where appropriate.

The terminal display device may mimic partially or wholly the display device of the symbol selecting unit. Alternatively or additionally - 6 the display device may provide displays showing current game play credit, award value and the like. The terminal display device may comprise actual rotatable reels and/or a video screen, and/or one or more alphanumeric display devices (e.g. LED, LCD).

The terminals and the symbol selecting device may all be physically separate housed units linked by cables, wireless links or the like.

Repeated symbol selecting operation of the symbol selecting unit may occur without control of the terminals. That is, the unit may operate repeatedly to select symbol combinations e.g. in the case of a changing display device as described above, this may change (e.g. by rotation of reels) and then come to rest, then after a predetermined pause automatically start changing again, whether or not required by the terminals.

Alternatively the symbol selecting operation may only repeat whilst there is at least one terminal in play.

Each terminal in play preferably utilises the symbol combination selected in a symbol selecting operation which commenced immediately after activation of the terminal, although other arrangements may also apply.

The invention will now be described further by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a machine system according to the invention; and - 7 Figure 2 is a diagrammatic block circuit diagram of the system.

Referring to Figure 1 this shows a game machine system having a master symbol selecting unit 1 in the form of a housing 2, which may be a table top or wall mounted structure, having a front printed glass panel 3 with a window 4.

Behind the window, within the housing 2 there are three side by side reels 5 mounted for rotation about a common horizontal axis. The reels 5 have symbols 6 marked at regularly spaced intervals around their peripheries. The reels 5 are drivably connected to respective motors 7.

When at rest each reel 5 displays three symbols 6 through the window 4 one on a central horizontal win line 8, and two respectively above and below the central symbol, on upper and lower horizontal win lines 9, 10.

These horizontal win lines 8-10 are marked on the front panel 3 of the housing 2 as also are two diagonal lines 11, 12 through the central symbol on the middle reel 5.

The five win lines 8-12 may be identified e.g. by the numbers one to five.

The housing 2 contains a microprocessor control unit 13 to which the motors 7 are connected.

The system also comprises five slave units or terminals 14-18 each comprising a respective separate housing 19 which may be a table top or wall mounted structure. - 8

Each of the housings 19 has on a front printed glass panel 20 a coin slot 21, a display device 22 (such as a video screen and/or an LCD or LED alphanumeric device), player operable controls such as press buttons 23, and a pay out opening 24.

Within each housing 19 there is a microprocessor based control unit 25 to which is connected a coin mechanism 26, a pay out device 27, the buttons 23 and the display device 22, and lamps 28 for back illumination of sections of the panel.

The control units 25 of the slave units 14-18 are connected to the control unit 13 of the master unit 1 by remote links 29 which may be cables, wireless links, etc. In use, the master unit 1 operates automatically in repeated symbol selection cycles. In each cycle the reels 5 rotate and then come to rest after different respective periods of time. After a short pause the cycle is 1 5 then repeated.

This repeated operation of the master unit 1 takes place irrespective of the slave units 14-18 i.e. it continues even when all slave units are inactive.

The slave units 14-18 remain inactive until value at least equal to a predetermined stake value for play of a game has been credited by insertion of coins through the slot 21 into the coin mechanism 26.

Credit value is shown on the display device 22 of the respective slave unit 14-18. - 9 -

Activation of the respective slave unit 14-18 may be signalled e.g. by back illumination of sections of the front panel 20.

Each slave unit 14-18 is pre-set with a table of winning symbol combinations which are displayed e.g. on the display device 22 or on a back illuminated section of the panel 20.

Typically the reels 5 of the master unit 1 may have say 20 or 24 symbols around their peripheries which may be pictures of fruit (cherries, etc), and special symbols, such as a bar and the like.

The win table on each slave unit 14-18 may indicate for example that a combination containing one cherry in any position corresponds to a low award, three cherries corresponds to a higher award, three bars corresponds to a jackpot award, etc. All slave units 14-18 are pre-set with the same table of winning combinations.

Each slave unit 14-18 is pre-set to assess combinations selected with the master unit 1 on a different respective one of the five win lines 8-12. The win lines 8-12 to which each slave unit 14-18 relates may be indicated on the slave unit 14-18 e.g. by back illumination of the number (1 to 5) of the win line 8-12 on the front panel 20 of the slave unit 14- 18.

When desired, players can press start buttons 23 on activated slave units whereupon the control unit 25 of each such slave unit 14-18 assesses the symbol combination produced on the respective win line 8 - 10 12 on the master unit 1 at the end of the first full cycle following pressing of the start button 23.

In the event that the control unit 25 of each such operated slave unit 1418 determines that the selected symbol combination is one of the winning combinations of the slave unit's win table an appropriate award value is credited to the slave unit 14-18 and indicated on the display device 22.

When required the player can obtain a corresponding pay out through the opening 24 by pressing a pay out button 23.

In the case where different slave units 14-18 are being operated simultaneously e.g. by different players, since each slave unit 14-1 8 assesses a different respective win line 8-12, it can occur that one slave unit has a winning outcome whilst the other slave units have losing l outcomes. Particularly depending on the distribution of different symbols on the master unit reels 5 it can also occur that two or more slave units 14-18 have winning outcomes at the same time on different win lines 8-1 2.

Instead of using start buttons 23, the arrangement may be such that slave units 14-18 operate automatically whenever in credit. Also, if desired, pay outs may be automatic whereby pay out buttons 23 need not be provided.

The arrangement may be such that all slave units 14-18 in credit operate in synchronism e.g. such that operation of a start button 23 for - 11 one automatically also operates all other slave units 14-18 in credit.

With this embodiment, due to use of the same symbol selecting reels 5 for the multiple individual slave units 14-18, this can give enhanced playing entertainment by simulating competition between the players.

In an alternative embodiment, to further enhance player entertainment and game versatility, provision may be made for variations in win tables and/or applicable win lines for the respective slave units 14 18.

Thus, for example, instead of using a different pre-set win line 8-12 for each slave unit 14-18, with the number of slave units 14-18 being the same as the number of win lines 8-12, it is possible to have duplication of win lines 8-12 between slave units 14-18 and also to use a number of slave units 14-18 different from the number of win lines 8-12.

Such variations in win lines 8-12 for the slave units 14-18 may be preset, or may be varied, on occasions on a predetermined or random basis by the control units 25. Alternatively, provision may be made for players to pre-select desired win lines 8-12 using buttons 23.

It could therefore even be the case that all slave units 14-18 use the same win line whereby all may have a winning outcome at the same time.

It is also possible to have different win tables for different slave units 14-18, on a pre-set basis or allocated on a predetermined or random - 12 basis by the control units 25, or pre-selected by players using the buttons 23.

In this case therefore it can arise that a particular symbol combination is a winning combination for one slave unit, but a losing combination for another slave unit.

Award values for winning combinations may be fixed. Alternatively the player may have the option of increasing award values by increasing game stake value. Thus for example if normal game play requires one unit of credit per game the player may have the option of staking two units per game thereby doubling all award values for the respective slave unit.

Parameters such as selected win lines, selected win table options, stake value are preferably indicated to the player on the display device 22 and/or by back illumination of sections of the panel 20.

Other displays may also be presented to the player for information and/or entertainment purposes.

Where the display device 20 includes a video monitor this could present a series of help screens or the like to assist the player in selecting a desired win table or win line where this option is available.

The operation of the master unit 1 may be accompanied by a game counter keeping track of the games on a video screen, an associated set of LEDs or the like which may be on the master unit 1 and/or the slave units 14- 18. If desired the rotation of the reels 5 on the master unit 1 - 13 may be reproduced on each slave unit 14-18 using actual or video simulated reels 5.

Features additional to simple win assessment of symbol combinations can also be incorporated.

For example, one winning combination attained with one slave unit 14-18 may be such as to give rise to automatic further symbol selection without necessarily requiring further stakes, e.g. such as to cause the master unit 1 to select one or two further combinations (in one or two selection cycles) which are guaranteed wins.

In so far as the slave units 14-18 use different respective win lines 812, such guaranteed wins will only apply to the slave unit responsible for the further symbol selection cycles. Other slave unit in credit may however also benefit in that they also have further symbol selection cycles, without requiring further stake value, applied to their respective win lines, which may or may not result in further wins.

In a further embodiment, a bonus could be achieved with one slave unit which could then apply to other active slave units.

For example, a further selection having a guaranteed win achieved with one slave unit could also apply to other slave units.

Also there could be a bonus of the 'fruit bingo' style where each slave unit has a 'bingo card' i.e. a matrix of symbols, which may be printed on the slave unit panel 20 or shown on a video monitor of the display device 22, having e.g. the following lay out: - 1 Symbol A Symbol B Symbol A 25 Symbol B Symbol B Symbol B 10 Symbol C Symbol C Symbol C 5 Symbol D Symbol D Symbol D 2 Symbol B or C Symbol B or C Symbol B or C 1 During a bonus play of one or more cycles of the master unit 1, the appropriate position in the 'bingo card' is highlighted in correspondence with the relevant win line of the master unit 1. Thus, if symbol C is on the win line on the left reel 5, symbol C in the left column of the card is highlighted. If symbol B is on the win line on the middle reel 5, the two symbol B sections of the middle column of the bingo card are highlighted, etc. The indicated award is credited when any horizontal row is completed. This may terminate the bonus play, or it may clear that row (or retain it highlighted to prevent further pay outs of that award) and allow bonus play to continue to pay a number of additional wins.

This bonus play taking place on one slave unit may be shared with other active slave units.

Other bonuses and shared awards are also possible.

If a 'special' win, such as a jackpot, is achieved on one slave unit, the win, or a percentage of it could be shared between all active units.

Several master units 1 could be liked together to form a number of separate machine banks, each consisting of its respective master unit 1 15 and slave units 14-18, thus allowing operation of a linked jackpot. Any achieved linked jackpot could then be shared between all active slaves of all machine banks.

It is of course to be understood that the invention is not intended to be restricted to the details of the above embodiment which are described by way of example only.

Thus, for example, the master unit may have two or more sets of reels whereby different reel sets may be used for different slave units instead of or additionally to different allocation of win lines 8-12.

Claims

: c c.

. c '.e cee: :: ce.

. . . - 16

1. A coin-operated player-operable game machine system having a symbol selecting unit operable repeatedly to select symbol combinations, and connected thereto a plurality of separate coin-operated player-operable terminals, wherein each terminal, when actuated for play of a game by credit of a game-playing stake, is operable to make available an award when a said symbol combination is selected which is a predetermined winning combination for the respective terminal.

2. A system according to claim 1 characterized in that each terminal is pre-set for parameters of predetermined winning com binations.

3. A system according to claim 2 characterized in that at least one said parameter differs for the different terminals.

4. A system according to any of claims 2 and 3 characterized in that the winning combination parameters relate to different combination configurations of the unit, and different terminals utilise different respective configurations for winning combination determination.

5. A system according to claim 4 characterized in that the number of terminals is equal to the number of configurations so that a different respective configuration applies uniquely to each terminal. e c;

e e cce e. - 17

6. A system according to any of claims 2 to 5 characterised in that the winning combination parameters relate to ranges of winning combinations.

7. A system according to any one of claims 2 to 6 characterised in that provision is made for variation in game-play stake value to effect a corresponding variation in award values for achieved winning combinations.

8. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 characterised in that outcomes other than awards are available for each terminal.

9. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 8 characterised in that activity on each terminal does not influence activity on any other terminal.

10. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 8 characterised in that an outcome for one terminal is shared with or used by another terminal in play.

A system according to any one of claims 1 to 10 characterised in that the symbol selecting unit comprises a display device operable to provide a changing or moving display of symbols which comes to rest to provide a static display of selected symbol combinations.

1 2. A system according to any of claims 1 to 11 characterised in that each terminal incorporates a respective means of accepting credit, a display device for displaying game related information, - 18 and player controls.

13. A system according to claim 12 characterized in that the terminal display device mimics partially or wholly the display device of the symbol selecting unit.

14. A system according to any of claims 1 to 13 characterized in that the repeated symbol selecting operation of the symbol selecting unit occurs without control of the terminals.

15. A system according to claim 14 characterized in that the symbol selecting operation only repeats whilst there is at least one terminal in play.

16. A system according to any of claims 1 to 15 characterized in that each terminal in play utilises the symbol combination selected in a symbol selecting operation which commenced immediately after activation of the terminal.

17. A coin-operated player-operable game machine system substantially as heinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.