WO2004032076A1 - Machines de jeu - Google Patents

Machines de jeu Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2004032076A1
WO2004032076A1 PCT/GB2003/004332 GB0304332W WO2004032076A1 WO 2004032076 A1 WO2004032076 A1 WO 2004032076A1 GB 0304332 W GB0304332 W GB 0304332W WO 2004032076 A1 WO2004032076 A1 WO 2004032076A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
credit
control
free play
free
crane
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2003/004332
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Gordon James Crompton
Original Assignee
Cromptons Leisure International Limited
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 Cromptons Leisure International Limited filed Critical Cromptons Leisure International Limited
Priority to GB0506923A priority Critical patent/GB2408618B/en
Priority to AU2003269251A priority patent/AU2003269251A1/en
Publication of WO2004032076A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004032076A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
    • A63F9/30—Capturing games for grabbing or trapping objects, e.g. fishing games
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
    • 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

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an games machine, and in particular to an electronic games machine having electronic credits.
  • Another type of games machine is the prize vending machine, in which a crane is operated by the player to attempt to grab a prize from a playfield. A coin or other token is inserted and a crane operated to move a grabber from a home position over a playfield loaded with prizes such as small toys. Once the grabber is located in the location the player wants a grab control is actuated which lowers the crane in an attempt to grab the prize. The crane returns to a prize dispenser to provide the prize, if any, to the player.
  • WO 02/30533 describes a prize vending machme of this type having a repeat grab control. When actuated, the repeat grab control repeats the grab attempt without returning the crane to the home position.
  • Such games machines are frequently located in amusement arcades, motorway service stations, and similar locations, though they may be located virtually anywhere.
  • the field of games machines is fiercely competitive and there is a continuing need to develop games which keep the user interested, and with additional features to attract users.
  • EP 252 590 describes a video game system of this type in which the award levels are monitored and adjusted to maximise revenue.
  • an electronic games machines comprising: a credit system for accumulating one or more credits for playing the game; a control or a plurality of controls for starting and operating the game; a free play indicator for displaying a message indicating a free credit; and a control system arranged: to accept a predetermined input or sequence of inputs on the credit system and/or at least one control; to respond to the predetermined input or sequence of inputs by evaluating selection criteria to determine whether to offer a free play; and if it is determined to offer a free play, to activate the free play indicator to indicate a free credit.
  • a free play is awarded as a response to a predetermined player input or sequence without the need for the player to achieve a specified score or a specified result first.
  • the electronic games machine may award an extra credit simply on insertion of a coin, or on operation of a start button when at least one credit has already been registered. This can serve to provide the possibility of a quick reward, hence increasing player interest and attracting players.
  • the apparatus includes a random result generator for randomly generating one of a plurality of outputs and the selection criteria include determining whether the result of the random result generator is a predetermined output or one of a number of predetermined outputs.
  • the predetermined input state may be a start state or the predetermined sequence of input states may begin with a start state.
  • the start state may be the operation of one of the controls to start the game at a time that a positive credit is recorded on the credit system.
  • an indicator field in the form of a plurality of indicators, at least one of which is a free credit indicator for indicating a free credit; wherein the control system operates the indicators one after the other in response to a first predetermined state and displays one of the indicators in response to a second predetermined state to indicate whether a free credit is available.
  • the invention is particularly applicable to a crane type apparatus having a playfield for supporting prizes; a crane arranged for movement over the play field; a grabber attached to the crane arranged to carry out a grab attempt by descending to the play field to attempt to grab items on the play field; and at least one crane movement control for moving the crane over the crane-field.
  • the control system may be arranged to determine randomly whether to award a free play on detection of a predetermined state, for example the start of crane movement or the start of a grab operation.
  • the grab attempt is conveniently started when the player stops operating the or each crane movement control or when a predetermined time elapses.
  • the indicators may be illuminated one after the other on operation of the crane movement control and on commencement of a grab attempt the sequence of indicators may be stopped to indicate whether a free play is available.
  • the crane type games machine may have a repeat grab control which may be enabled after movement of the grabber over the play field, wherein the control system is arranged to respond to operation of the repeat grab control when enabled to cause the grabber to make a repeat grab attempt while remaining in position over the playfield.
  • the repeat grab control may be enabled when a credit is available or when the free credit indicator is illuminated. This arrangement allows the use of a repeat grab control even by players who conventionally only pay for one game at a time, and so would not otherwise have any credits available to pay for a repeat grab. In this case, the free play control may allow extra possibilities to such players and hence enhance the attractiveness of the games machine.
  • a games machine for use with a number of physical prizes, the machine comprising: a credit system for registering one or more credits for playing the game; a grabber which maybe actuated to make a grab attempt to obtain a prize; a control or a plurality of controls for starting and operating the game; a free play indicator for indicating a message indicating a free credit; and a control system arranged: to detect a predetermined state, and in response to the detection of the predetermined state firstly to attempt to grab a prize and secondly to evaluate selection criteria to determine whether to offer a free play; and if it is determined to offer a free play, to activate the free play indicator to indicate a free credit.
  • the games machine may be a fruit-machine type machine having a plurality of display locations capable of displaying one of a number of symbols, and a start control.
  • the control system may be arranged, if the credit system indicates at least one credit on detecting operation of a start control, to carry out two operations. Firstly, the control system may cause random symbols to be displayed in the display locations, and may dispense a prize if one of a number of predetermined sets of symbols are displayed in the display locations. Secondly, the control system may evaluate selection criteria to determine whether to offer a free play; and if it is determined to offer a free play, may activate the free play indicator to indicate a free credit.
  • the symbols may be provided on moveable cylinders as in a conventional fruit machine, or may be provided electronically on a video display unit.
  • method of operation of an electronic games machine having a credit system, a free play indicator and at least one control generating at least one signal in dependence on the operation of the control including the steps of: registering within the electronic games machine a credit on the credit system; testing the signal or signals to determine whether a predetermined input or sequence of inputs on one or more control and/or the credit system is present; when the predetermined input or sequence of inputs is detected, evaluating selection criteria to determine whether to offer a free play; when the predetermined input is detected, evaluating selection criteria to determine whether to offer a free play; and if it is determined to offer a free play, generating a signal to activate the free play indicator to indicate the availability of a free play.
  • the method may further include enabling the repeat operation control after a game has reached at least a predetermined state when sufficient credit is available or when a free play is indicated. The predetermined state may be after a grab attempt has failed.
  • the invention in another aspect, relates to a computer program for carrying out the method.
  • the computer program may be recorded on a data carrier.
  • Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the invention in the form of a crane grabber
  • FIG 2 shows part of the controls of the crane grabber according to Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 shows a flow diagram of the operation of the crane grabber of Figures 1 and 2; and Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of the invention in the form of a fruit machine.
  • a crane grabber includes a housing 2 enclosing playfield
  • the housing 2 has a transparent top 3 to allow a player to view the playfield.
  • a coin slot 26 is provided in the housing.
  • a crane 10 having a grabber 12 is provided.
  • the grabber 12 is in the form of a claw.
  • Control panel 14, described in more detail below, is used to operate the crane grabber.
  • the housing also contains a control system 28 including a processor 16 and memory 18, for controlling the crane grabber.
  • the memory includes software 20 for controlling the processor to operate the crane grabber.
  • the control system 28 is shown schematically in Figure 1 though in practice it would be contained within the housing and invisible from the outside.
  • the control panel 14 includes an x-control 22 and a y- control 24 for moving the crane forwards and backwards, and sideways respectively over the play field 4.
  • the controls 22, 24 generate signals determined by the position of the respective controls, and hence under the control of a user.
  • the control panel also includes a display part 30 having a time display 32, a credit display 34 and a plurality of indicators 36 arranged in a circle, some of the indicators being free play indicators 38 and the remainder being indicators 40 that when illuminated indicate no free play.
  • a grab control 42 is provided in the centre of the circle of indicators, the grab control 42 having a lamp 44 to indicate when the repeat grab function is enabled. In use, initially the credit display is operated in attract mode (step 50) with the indicators 36 being illuminated in turn and the repeat grab light 44 flashing.
  • a player places one or more coins or tokens in the coin slot 26 and credit is registered (Step 52) and displayed on the credit display 34.
  • the software 20 operating the processor 16 and the coin slot 26 constitute a credit system for recording the player's credit.
  • the attract mode is stopped and the indicators 36 and lamp 44 put out.
  • control system 28 detects the signal output by the control (step 54) and moves the crane over the playfield 4 in accordance with the controls 22, 24.
  • the control system 28 also starts a timer which displays a decreasing time on the time display 32 to indicate the time remaining for the game.
  • the indicators 36 are illuminated sequentially.
  • the controls 22, 24 are released or the allowed time elapses the sequential operation of the indicators 36 is stopped (step 55), and one of the indicators illuminated, which may be a free play indicator 38 or one of the other indicators 40.
  • the chance of a free play is controlled by the software, conveniently randomly.
  • the control system may include a random result generator in the software for determining whether a free play is enabled.
  • the probability of a free play may be adjusted by the operator.
  • the player is credited with an additional unit and the number displayed on the credit display is incremented as part of the same step. It would, of course, also be possible to wait for a predetermined time before incrementing the credit display 34.
  • control system evaluates the free play on the basis of the sequence pf control inputs and the state of the credit, by starting the process of illuminating the lights sequentially when the game is started and determining the free play when the state that triggers the grab operation of the claw 12 is detected.
  • the grabber or claw 12 is actuated (step 56) in an attempt to grab a prize from the playfield 4.
  • the games machine determines (step 58) whether the attempt was successful, i.e. whether there is a prize in the claw.
  • the grabber successfully picks up a prize it returns to its original position (step 60). Otherwise, the player may operate the repeat grab control 42 (step 62) if it is enabled. It is enabled if there is additional credit remaining or if the free play indicator 38 is illuminated; however, if it is detected that there is a prize in a grabber the repeat grab control is not enabled. If the repeat grab control is enabled lamp 44 is illuminated to indicate this state of affairs.
  • the software may allow a buy in time after a grab attempt.
  • This option (step 66) is shown dotted in Figure 3, and replaces the step shown dashed in the Figure between steps 62 and 68. If this option is operated, the grabber 12 remains in the up position for a predetermined length of time. If credit is registered during this time then the repeat grab control 42 is enabled to allow the player to activate the repeat grab control 42 (step 64).
  • the invention thus acts as enhancement over the crane grabber described in WO 02/30533 in that it allows the repeat grab function to operate even with players who insert coins to obtain one credit at a time.
  • the indicators above are visual indicators, those skilled in the art will realise that an aural indicator such as a loudspeaker may alternatively or additionally be provided to indicate a free play. Indeed, in certain cases it may be possible to use other senses, such as touch, to provide a free play indicator.
  • the invention is not restricted to crane type machines, but may be used on any amusement machine having a credit type system.
  • a fruit machine 80 has a number of display positions 82 each having a wheel 84 with a number of symbols 85 around the circumference.
  • a start control 86 is provided together with a free play indicator 88.
  • Coin slot 26 and control system are provided as above.
  • the control system randomly determines whether free play is available and if so, illuminates the free play indicator.
  • the player may use the free play indicator as an extra credit either for a completely new game or to operate a feature of the game, such as a "nudge" feature in a conventional fruit machine.
  • Other types of game including credits that may be enhanced using the invention include digger machines, and indeed any form of coin, token or card operated gaming device. The invention is applicable to both single player and multi-player machines.
  • the term "games machine” is intended to extend to any form of machine in which chance or skill is used to obtain a variable result, possibly in addition to other non-gaming functions.
  • the term is intended to include, for example, a vending machine which randomly gives a free credit a certain percentage of the time a coin, token or credit is input, to create a little extra interest in addition to the conventional function of vending product.
  • the indicators including the free play indicator, may be arranged as part of a video display unit also providing additional game information. Alternatively or additionally, a separate lamp or light emitting diode or other illuminated display may be provided to act as the free play indicator.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)
  • Coin-Freed Apparatuses For Hiring Articles (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une machine de jeu électronique comprenant un système de crédit (26, 28) destiné à enregistrer un ou plusieurs crédits et un indicateur de jeu gratuit sur un panneau de commande (14). Ledit panneau de commande comprend également une ou plusieurs commandes. Ledit système de commande (28) est conçu pour détecter une entrée ou une séquence d'entrées prédéterminée sur un système de crédits et/ou des commandes, et il permet de réagir en déterminant s'il faut offrir un jeu gratuit. Ainsi un jeu gratuit peut être récompensé sans qu'il atteigne un état ou un résultat particulier dans le jeu. L'invention peut être par exemple appliquée à une machine de jeu de type connu, telle qu'une griffe à bras de levage présentant une bras de levage (10) et une griffe (12) destinée à lever les récompenses.
PCT/GB2003/004332 2002-10-07 2003-10-01 Machines de jeu WO2004032076A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0506923A GB2408618B (en) 2002-10-07 2003-10-01 Games machine
AU2003269251A AU2003269251A1 (en) 2002-10-07 2003-10-01 Games machine

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0223192.6 2002-10-07
GBGB0223192.6A GB0223192D0 (en) 2002-10-07 2002-10-07 Games machine

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2004032076A1 true WO2004032076A1 (fr) 2004-04-15

Family

ID=9945408

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2003/004332 WO2004032076A1 (fr) 2002-10-07 2003-10-01 Machines de jeu

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2003269251A1 (fr)
GB (2) GB0223192D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2004032076A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1834678A1 (fr) * 2004-10-29 2007-09-19 Kabushiki Kaisha Sega doing business as Sega Corporation Dispositif de jeu avec acquisition de cadeaux
US20170312623A1 (en) * 2016-04-27 2017-11-02 Paokai Electronic Enterprise Co., Ltd. Interactive object grabbing machine and control method thereof

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4685673A (en) * 1985-10-28 1987-08-11 Elektro Automaten Verstraeten Pvba Device for carrying the grab in slot machine cabinets
WO1992008530A1 (fr) * 1990-11-12 1992-05-29 Vendtron, Inc. Dispositif de divertissement
US5397134A (en) * 1993-11-18 1995-03-14 Advanced Games & Engineering, Inc. Winner every time crane game apparatus and method

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB0225561D0 (en) * 2002-11-01 2002-12-11 Bilgrey Samson Ltd Amusement apparatus

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4685673A (en) * 1985-10-28 1987-08-11 Elektro Automaten Verstraeten Pvba Device for carrying the grab in slot machine cabinets
WO1992008530A1 (fr) * 1990-11-12 1992-05-29 Vendtron, Inc. Dispositif de divertissement
US5397134A (en) * 1993-11-18 1995-03-14 Advanced Games & Engineering, Inc. Winner every time crane game apparatus and method

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1834678A1 (fr) * 2004-10-29 2007-09-19 Kabushiki Kaisha Sega doing business as Sega Corporation Dispositif de jeu avec acquisition de cadeaux
EP1834678A4 (fr) * 2004-10-29 2009-11-11 Sega Kk Dba Sega Corp Dispositif de jeu avec acquisition de cadeaux
US7731199B2 (en) 2004-10-29 2010-06-08 Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Prize acquisition game apparatus
US20170312623A1 (en) * 2016-04-27 2017-11-02 Paokai Electronic Enterprise Co., Ltd. Interactive object grabbing machine and control method thereof
CN107308635A (zh) * 2016-04-27 2017-11-03 宝凯电子企业股份有限公司 交互式抓物机及其控制方法

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0223192D0 (en) 2002-11-13
GB0506923D0 (en) 2005-05-11
GB2408618B (en) 2006-03-29
GB2408618A (en) 2005-06-01
AU2003269251A1 (en) 2004-04-23

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