EP0023136A1 - Improvements in or relating to reel mechanisms for gaming machines - Google Patents
Improvements in or relating to reel mechanisms for gaming machines Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0023136A1 EP0023136A1 EP80302420A EP80302420A EP0023136A1 EP 0023136 A1 EP0023136 A1 EP 0023136A1 EP 80302420 A EP80302420 A EP 80302420A EP 80302420 A EP80302420 A EP 80302420A EP 0023136 A1 EP0023136 A1 EP 0023136A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- code
- energy
- transmission
- source
- locations
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
- G07F17/34—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements depending on the stopping of moving members in a mechanical slot machine, e.g. "fruit" machines
Definitions
- This invention is concerned with improvements in or relating to reel mechanisms for gaming machines, i.e. machines for playing games of chance.
- gaming machines i.e. machines for playing games of chance.
- One commonly known type of gaming machine is the fruit machine.
- One proposed arrangement includes a sensing disc fixed for rotation with each reel and having an arrangement of holes unique to each angular stop position of the reel.
- a source of light is provided at one side of the disc and a plurality of photocells are radially arranged at the other side of the disc.
- the unique arrangement of holes for that position transmits light to respective ones of the photocells, the latter producing a coded arrangement of electrical signals which are utilised to indicate the angular stop position.
- Such an arrangement requires a considerable number of photocells to enable a sufficient number of codes to be obtained corresponding to the number of symbols.
- a further proposed arrangement includes a sensing disc fixed for rotation with each reel and having a plurality of holes arranged in an annular fashion. At the radial position of the holes a source of light is provided at one side of the disc and a photocell at the other side of the disc such that an electrical pulse is generated by the photocell each time a hole travels through the path of light.
- a counter is provided in association with each reel for counting the number of pulses thus determining at any one time the angular position of the respective reel. This arrangement requires a continuous check of the reel and also appropriate electrical circuitry enabling a count to be carried out, means for resetting a counter after each revolution of the reel and means for translating information from the count.
- energy as used hereinafter in the Specification is to be construed as embracing that which can be generated from a source, can be transmitted through the atmosphere, and can change the condition of a sensor placed in the path of transmission, and the transmission of which can be affected by the positioning of a solid member in said path.
- the term is intended to embrace at least light, sound and magnetic flux.
- the present invention provides a reel mechanism for use in a gaming machine, said mechanism comprising a rotatable part, and sensing means having a source of energy as hereinbefore defined and means responsive to said energy, the rotatable part having means in the form of a code unique to each stop position thereof, each code being arranged to permit serial data transmission of energy from the source to the responsive means during travel of the rotatable part in the path of energy from the source, and means being provided for receiving electrical outputs from the responsive means to register the stop position of the rotatable part.
- the present invention also provides a reel mechanism for a gaming machine, said mechanism comprising a plurality of rotatable assemblies, a member of each assembly having a series of symbols arranged in an equi-spaced fashion around its axis of rotation and means for sensing the combination of symbols visible to the player, said sensing means comprising a source of energy as hereinbefore defined and means responsive to said energy, a part of each rotatable assembly having means in the form of a code unique to each stop position of the rotatable assembly, each code being arranged to permit serial transmission of energy from the source to the responsive means during travel of said part in the path of energy from the source, and means being provided for receiving electrical outputs from the responsive means to register the angular position of the rotatable assembly.
- each code comprises two series of locations through which energy can be transmitted, each series comprising transmission locations which are angularly spaced apart but at the same radial position, the angular position of both series corresponding to one another, and a predetermined number of angular positions being provided for the transmission locations in each code, each series of transmission locations having a respective responsive means aligned therewith, the code being defined by the presence of a transmission location in a selected one of the series at each angular position.
- each code includes a coding indicative of the start of the code for the respective stop position, the coding preferably comprising two transmission locations radially aligned at a further angular position at the radial positions of the respective series of transmission locations.
- each code comprises a series of locations through which energy can be transmitted angularly spaced apart at one radial position, a predetermined number of angular positions being provided for the transmission locations in each code, and the code being defined by the presence of a transmission location in a selected angular position, the means for receiving the electrical outputs from the responsive means being arranged to produce a signal at constant intervals of time, which signal differs in accordance with the presence of a transmission location.
- each code includes a coding indicative of the start of the code for the respective stop position, the coding preferably comprising a transmission location shaped to produce a different output from the outputs of the other transmission location or locations of-the code.
- the source of energy may comprise a light source, for example in the form of one or more light emitting diodes, with the responsive means comprising light sensitive devices, for example in the form of photo transistors.
- each code comprises a series of aperture locations at one radial position only one light sensitive device may be required, with optical fibres arranged between the light sensitive device and the desired locations at the respective rotatable parts, as the angular position of only one part is sensed, at any one time.
- each code comprises two series of aperture locations
- one light sensitive device may be provided for each series, with an optical fibre arrangement extending between the respective light sensitive device and the desired locations aligned with the respective series of aperture locations of each rotatable assembly.
- the source of energy may comprise a magnet arrangement with the or each responsive means in the form of a Hall effect transducer, a screen for the magnetic flux being provided on the or each rotatable part.
- the source of energy may comprise one or more ultrasonic transmitters with the responsive means comprising one or more ultrasonic receivers.
- the reel mechanism includes a control system which controls operation of the or each sensing means immediately before the respective rotatable part is due to be stopped and which processes the information obtained from the sensed code so as to determine the angular position in which the rotatable part stops.
- the control system processes the information with a -self-checking function such that the rotatable part is allowed to move to a further angular stop position if a sensed code is not acceptable.
- a gaming machine comprises a set of three or four reels 10, only one of which is shown in the drawing, and each of which has a plurality of symbols, usually representative of different kinds of fruit, equi-spaced around its peripheral edge.
- the reels 10 are separately mounted to be rotatable relative to one another in a conventional fashion when the machine is operated and each is arranged to stop rotating by random stopping means comprising a peripherally toothed disc (not shown) mounted for rotation with the reel, and a latch or stop (not shown) engageable in a random one of cutouts or notches between adjacent teeth of the disc.
- the notches correspond in number to the number of stop positions of the respective reel, each stop position having an associated symbol which is displayed through a window of the gaming machine when the reel stops rotating, to be visible to the player. Any conventional arrangement for producing the random periods of rotation of the reels may be utilised. Alternatively the stop positions may be randomly predetermined and means provided for stopping the reels where desired.
- the combination of symbols visible through the window determines whether or not the player should receive a prize and sensing means is associated with each reel to determine the angular position of the reel when stopped.
- Each sensing means is mounted on a U-shaped member 12 which in turn is connected to a printed circuit board (not shown).
- the sensing means comprises a pair of light sources in the form of light emitting diodes (LED's) 14, 16 spaced apart along the length of one of the legs of the member 12 and a pair of light sensitive devices, for example in the form of photo transistors 18, 20, positioned on the other leg of the member 12 to be in alignment with the respective LED's 14, 16.
- the member 12 is so arranged relative to the respective reel 10 that the latter during rotation passes through the gap defined between the legs of the member 12.
- each angular stop position of the disc 10 there is provided a code unique to the stop position and defined by a selected arrangement of apertures formed in the reel.
- the apertures are arranged in two series of aperture locations, each series 22, 24 comprising aperture locations which are angularly spaced apart but at the same radial position, the series 22, 24 being radially spaced apart and the angular positions of both series corresponding to one another.
- the innermost series 22 is positioned to be capable of alignment with the LED 14 and the photo-transistor 18 while the outermost series 24 is capable of aligning with LED 16 and the photo-transistor 20. Only two codes 26, 28 are shown for reasons of clarity.
- Each of the codes on the disc 10 includes a start coding providing two radially aligned apertures 30, located one in each of the series 22, 24, and as this is the only position in any code where an aperture is provided in each series it is solely representative of the start of a code.
- each code involves an aperture located in either of the series 26, 28 at each of five angular positions, such that the code will provide five bits of information providing a '1' or '0' reading in binary form. For example if the series 22 is arranged to provide a reading of 1 while the series 24 provides a reading 0 then the code 26 will comprise 11011 whereas the code 28 will comprise 10011. Any code can only be sensed during rotation of the reel 10, for example in the direction of arrow A, and therefore the pulse code produced by the photo-transistors 18, 20 sensing the location of the apertures in a code provides a series data transmission.
- the LED's 14, 16 and the photo-transistors 18, 20 are in electrical circuit with a control system including a microprocessor which is adapted to process information obtained from the photo-transistors and thus determine the angular positions of the reels. As each code is unique to a particular stop position it will be appreciated that no continuous check need be made by the sensing means.
- the microprocessor is arranged to operate the sensing means immediately before the reel . 10 is due to cease rotating, and the code then read by the sensing means corresponds to the stop position displayed through the window of the gaming machine.
- the control system is self-checking in that a code will only be accepted and the- stopping means allowed to operate if a first pair of apertures 30 are sensed followed by five bits of information and a second pair of apertures 30 signifying the start of the next code and correspondingly the end of the previous code.
- the processor is programmed to take two readings at each angular location in each code being read. The first reading is taken and stored and after an appropriate delay the second reading is taken and compared with the first. Only when the readings match will the processing of the information then commence as otherwise it may be that the readings have been affected by spurious electrical signals. If the readings do not match they are discarded and a further pair of readings taken.
- Reading 1 When a pair of readings are found to match, the reading (Reading 1) is stored and passed to a further store (to become Reading 3). In accordance with the processing programme Reading 1 should then be compared with a previously stored Reading 2 but if the process is still in the stage of being set up there is no stored Reading 2 and thus although the programme of processing the information continues for a cycle the information processed in the cycle will be of no consequence except that, at the end of the cycle, the Reading 3 is stored in the processor as Reading 2.
- a new Reading 1 is stored and passed to said further store to become Reading 3 and the Reading 1 is compared with the stored Reading 2. If the readings match no further action takes place at this time as this is indicative that there had been no change in the output signal from the respective photo-transistor and that therefore no code aperture has passed thereby. If the readings do not match the processor is programmed to then determine if Reading 1 is such as has been caused by detection of the leading edge of a pulse from the respective photo-transistor. If this is the case then it is indicative of a code aperture having come into alignment with the path of light and in this event the processor is programmed to register the appropriate '1' or '0' signal.
- a pointer register associated with a memory block.
- the latter includes banks of symbol information corresponding to the symbols on the reels and the pointer register is controlled in accordance with the registered codes to relate the codes to the symbol information in the memory block. After decoding the resulting symbols are compared with one another to determine if the same symbols are aligned with one another in a "win" arrangement.
- each code may be defined by only one series of apertures such that only one LED and photo-transistor would be necessary for each reel.
- each code would comprise, for example, five bits of information in the form of a signal where an aperture was provided at an angular location of the code, or no signal where no aperture was provided.
- it may be necessary to provide a master disc providing a series of pulses in ' accordance with rotation of the reel for synchronising with the pulses from the photo-transistor.
- an additional aperture may be provided of such a shape as to produce a pulse of different length from that produced by a code aperture.
- the number of photo-transistors required may be reduced by utilising only one photo-transistor for each series of code aperture locations, an optical fibre arrangement extending between the respective photo-transistor and the desired position aligned with the respective series of code aperture locations on each reel assembly. This arrangement is possible as only one sensing means is operable at any on time.
- a control system may be provided other than one including a microprocessor, with the information being stored in a shift register.
- the system is bi-directional.
- a sensing arrangement other than one using photo-electric means may be utilised, for example a magnet and a Hall effect transducer where a screen for the magnetic flux is attached to the reel, or an ultrasonic arrangement comprising appropriate transmitters and receivers.
- the codes may be formed on other than the reel, for example on the toothed disc, with the sensing means being repositioned accordingly.
- the reels 10 or the toothed discs are formed of a material which allows transmission of light, for example a clear plastics.
- a masking arrangement is applied, for example by screen printing, and defines unmasked areas forming the transmission locations of the codes.
- an arrangement may be utilised wherein the energy sources and the responsive components are provided at the same sides of the respective reels or toothed discs, the latter being arranged to reflect energy from the sources to the responsive components.
- the codes are therefore defined by reflective areas.
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Slot Machines And Peripheral Devices (AREA)
- Length Measuring Devices By Optical Means (AREA)
- Optical Transform (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This invention is concerned with improvements in or relating to reel mechanisms for gaming machines, i.e. machines for playing games of chance. One commonly known type of gaming machine is the fruit machine.
- In gaming machines of the type having a plurality of rotatable reels each carrying a series of symbols around its axis of rotation, for example around its outer peripheral edge, the reels are spun and stopped at any randomly selected angular positions. A symbol on each reel is then visible through a window of the machine to the player and the combination of symbols determines whether or not a prize is won. Various arrangements have been proposed for sensing the angular positions of the reels so as to determine the winning combinations.
- One proposed arrangement includes a sensing disc fixed for rotation with each reel and having an arrangement of holes unique to each angular stop position of the reel. At one side of the disc a source of light is provided and a plurality of photocells are radially arranged at the other side of the disc. When the reel comes to rest at any randomly selected angular position the unique arrangement of holes for that position transmits light to respective ones of the photocells, the latter producing a coded arrangement of electrical signals which are utilised to indicate the angular stop position. Such an arrangement requires a considerable number of photocells to enable a sufficient number of codes to be obtained corresponding to the number of symbols.
- A further proposed arrangement includes a sensing disc fixed for rotation with each reel and having a plurality of holes arranged in an annular fashion. At the radial position of the holes a source of light is provided at one side of the disc and a photocell at the other side of the disc such that an electrical pulse is generated by the photocell each time a hole travels through the path of light. A counter is provided in association with each reel for counting the number of pulses thus determining at any one time the angular position of the respective reel. This arrangement requires a continuous check of the reel and also appropriate electrical circuitry enabling a count to be carried out, means for resetting a counter after each revolution of the reel and means for translating information from the count.
- The term "energy" as used hereinafter in the Specification is to be construed as embracing that which can be generated from a source, can be transmitted through the atmosphere, and can change the condition of a sensor placed in the path of transmission, and the transmission of which can be affected by the positioning of a solid member in said path. For example the term is intended to embrace at least light, sound and magnetic flux.
- The present invention provides a reel mechanism for use in a gaming machine, said mechanism comprising a rotatable part, and sensing means having a source of energy as hereinbefore defined and means responsive to said energy, the rotatable part having means in the form of a code unique to each stop position thereof, each code being arranged to permit serial data transmission of energy from the source to the responsive means during travel of the rotatable part in the path of energy from the source, and means being provided for receiving electrical outputs from the responsive means to register the stop position of the rotatable part.
- The present invention also provides a reel mechanism for a gaming machine, said mechanism comprising a plurality of rotatable assemblies, a member of each assembly having a series of symbols arranged in an equi-spaced fashion around its axis of rotation and means for sensing the combination of symbols visible to the player, said sensing means comprising a source of energy as hereinbefore defined and means responsive to said energy, a part of each rotatable assembly having means in the form of a code unique to each stop position of the rotatable assembly, each code being arranged to permit serial transmission of energy from the source to the responsive means during travel of said part in the path of energy from the source, and means being provided for receiving electrical outputs from the responsive means to register the angular position of the rotatable assembly.
- Preferably each code comprises two series of locations through which energy can be transmitted, each series comprising transmission locations which are angularly spaced apart but at the same radial position, the angular position of both series corresponding to one another, and a predetermined number of angular positions being provided for the transmission locations in each code, each series of transmission locations having a respective responsive means aligned therewith, the code being defined by the presence of a transmission location in a selected one of the series at each angular position.
- Preferably also, each code includes a coding indicative of the start of the code for the respective stop position, the coding preferably comprising two transmission locations radially aligned at a further angular position at the radial positions of the respective series of transmission locations.
- Alternatively, each code comprises a series of locations through which energy can be transmitted angularly spaced apart at one radial position, a predetermined number of angular positions being provided for the transmission locations in each code, and the code being defined by the presence of a transmission location in a selected angular position, the means for receiving the electrical outputs from the responsive means being arranged to produce a signal at constant intervals of time, which signal differs in accordance with the presence of a transmission location.
- Preferably each code includes a coding indicative of the start of the code for the respective stop position, the coding preferably comprising a transmission location shaped to produce a different output from the outputs of the other transmission location or locations of-the code.
- The source of energy may comprise a light source, for example in the form of one or more light emitting diodes, with the responsive means comprising light sensitive devices, for example in the form of photo transistors. Where each code comprises a series of aperture locations at one radial position only one light sensitive device may be required, with optical fibres arranged between the light sensitive device and the desired locations at the respective rotatable parts, as the angular position of only one part is sensed, at any one time. Where each code comprises two series of aperture locations, one light sensitive device may be provided for each series, with an optical fibre arrangement extending between the respective light sensitive device and the desired locations aligned with the respective series of aperture locations of each rotatable assembly.
- Alternatively, the source of energy may comprise a magnet arrangement with the or each responsive means in the form of a Hall effect transducer, a screen for the magnetic flux being provided on the or each rotatable part.
- Further the source of energy may comprise one or more ultrasonic transmitters with the responsive means comprising one or more ultrasonic receivers.
- Advantageously the reel mechanism includes a control system which controls operation of the or each sensing means immediately before the respective rotatable part is due to be stopped and which processes the information obtained from the sensed code so as to determine the angular position in which the rotatable part stops. Preferably the control system processes the information with a -self-checking function such that the rotatable part is allowed to move to a further angular stop position if a sensed code is not acceptable.
- An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the single figure of the accompanying drawings, which is a side view of part of a reel of a gaming machine showing codes for certain angular stop positions.
- A gaming machine comprises a set of three or four
reels 10, only one of which is shown in the drawing, and each of which has a plurality of symbols, usually representative of different kinds of fruit, equi-spaced around its peripheral edge. Thereels 10 are separately mounted to be rotatable relative to one another in a conventional fashion when the machine is operated and each is arranged to stop rotating by random stopping means comprising a peripherally toothed disc (not shown) mounted for rotation with the reel, and a latch or stop (not shown) engageable in a random one of cutouts or notches between adjacent teeth of the disc. The notches correspond in number to the number of stop positions of the respective reel, each stop position having an associated symbol which is displayed through a window of the gaming machine when the reel stops rotating, to be visible to the player. Any conventional arrangement for producing the random periods of rotation of the reels may be utilised. Alternatively the stop positions may be randomly predetermined and means provided for stopping the reels where desired. - The combination of symbols visible through the window determines whether or not the player should receive a prize and sensing means is associated with each reel to determine the angular position of the reel when stopped.
- Each sensing means is mounted on a
U-shaped member 12 which in turn is connected to a printed circuit board (not shown). The sensing means comprises a pair of light sources in the form of light emitting diodes (LED's) 14, 16 spaced apart along the length of one of the legs of themember 12 and a pair of light sensitive devices, for example in the form ofphoto transistors member 12 to be in alignment with the respective LED's 14, 16. Themember 12 is so arranged relative to therespective reel 10 that the latter during rotation passes through the gap defined between the legs of themember 12. - On each angular stop position of the
disc 10 there is provided a code unique to the stop position and defined by a selected arrangement of apertures formed in the reel. The apertures are arranged in two series of aperture locations, eachseries series innermost series 22 is positioned to be capable of alignment with theLED 14 and the photo-transistor 18 while theoutermost series 24 is capable of aligning withLED 16 and the photo-transistor 20. Only twocodes - Each of the codes on the
disc 10 includes a start coding providing two radially alignedapertures 30, located one in each of theseries series series 22 is arranged to provide a reading of 1 while theseries 24 provides a reading 0 then thecode 26 will comprise 11011 whereas thecode 28 will comprise 10011. Any code can only be sensed during rotation of thereel 10, for example in the direction of arrow A, and therefore the pulse code produced by the photo-transistors - The LED's 14, 16 and the photo-
transistors reel .10 is due to cease rotating, and the code then read by the sensing means corresponds to the stop position displayed through the window of the gaming machine. The control system is self-checking in that a code will only be accepted and the- stopping means allowed to operate if a first pair ofapertures 30 are sensed followed by five bits of information and a second pair ofapertures 30 signifying the start of the next code and correspondingly the end of the previous code. With this arrangement it will be appreciated that if the latch or stop does not engage properly in a notch and is bounced back on to the periphery of the toothed disc the sensing means will not read the appropriate number of bits of information, the code will not be registered, and the reel will be allowed to rotate until a correct reading is taken indicating proper functioning of the latch or stop. Also if the reel runs on with the latch or stop not in its notch, a new code is read and replaces the code previously registered. - The processor is programmed to take two readings at each angular location in each code being read. The first reading is taken and stored and after an appropriate delay the second reading is taken and compared with the first. Only when the readings match will the processing of the information then commence as otherwise it may be that the readings have been affected by spurious electrical signals. If the readings do not match they are discarded and a further pair of readings taken.
- When a pair of readings are found to match, the reading (Reading 1) is stored and passed to a further store (to become Reading 3). In accordance with the processing programme Reading 1 should then be compared with a previously stored Reading 2 but if the process is still in the stage of being set up there is no stored Reading 2 and thus although the programme of processing the information continues for a cycle the information processed in the cycle will be of no consequence except that, at the end of the cycle, the Reading 3 is stored in the processor as Reading 2.
- After a pair of matched readings have been obtained a new Reading 1 is stored and passed to said further store to become Reading 3 and the Reading 1 is compared with the stored Reading 2. If the readings match no further action takes place at this time as this is indicative that there had been no change in the output signal from the respective photo-transistor and that therefore no code aperture has passed thereby. If the readings do not match the processor is programmed to then determine if Reading 1 is such as has been caused by detection of the leading edge of a pulse from the respective photo-transistor. If this is the case then it is indicative of a code aperture having come into alignment with the path of light and in this event the processor is programmed to register the appropriate '1' or '0' signal. If the comparison shows that the change in the reading has been occasioned by the trailing edge of a pulse no further action is taken at this time. This procedure continues for each of the angular locations of the code being read and is repeated for each of the reels. As each new part of the code is registered, the contents of the register are shifted to one side to accommodate the new registered part of the code.
- To determine which code relates to a given symbol there is provided within the microprocessor a pointer register associated with a memory block. The latter includes banks of symbol information corresponding to the symbols on the reels and the pointer register is controlled in accordance with the registered codes to relate the codes to the symbol information in the memory block. After decoding the resulting symbols are compared with one another to determine if the same symbols are aligned with one another in a "win" arrangement.
- In a modification each code may be defined by only one series of apertures such that only one LED and photo-transistor would be necessary for each reel. Provided the signals produced by the photo-transistor are synchronised to the speed of rotation of the reel, then each code would comprise, for example, five bits of information in the form of a signal where an aperture was provided at an angular location of the code, or no signal where no aperture was provided. In such a case it may be necessary to provide a master disc providing a series of pulses in' accordance with rotation of the reel for synchronising with the pulses from the photo-transistor. As a start coding, an additional aperture may be provided of such a shape as to produce a pulse of different length from that produced by a code aperture.
- It is also envisaged that the number of photo-transistors required may be reduced by utilising only one photo-transistor for each series of code aperture locations, an optical fibre arrangement extending between the respective photo-transistor and the desired position aligned with the respective series of code aperture locations on each reel assembly. This arrangement is possible as only one sensing means is operable at any on time.
- It is to be appreciated that a control system may be provided other than one including a microprocessor, with the information being stored in a shift register. The system is bi-directional.
- It will also be appreciated that a sensing arrangement other than one using photo-electric means may be utilised, for example a magnet and a Hall effect transducer where a screen for the magnetic flux is attached to the reel, or an ultrasonic arrangement comprising appropriate transmitters and receivers. It is further to be appreciated that the codes may be formed on other than the reel, for example on the toothed disc, with the sensing means being repositioned accordingly.
- t In another modification the
reels 10 or the toothed discs are formed of a material which allows transmission of light, for example a clear plastics. To define the codes, a masking arrangement is applied, for example by screen printing, and defines unmasked areas forming the transmission locations of the codes. - Further, an arrangement may be utilised wherein the energy sources and the responsive components are provided at the same sides of the respective reels or toothed discs, the latter being arranged to reflect energy from the sources to the responsive components. The codes are therefore defined by reflective areas.
- Various other modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims (16)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AT80302420T ATE10236T1 (en) | 1979-07-19 | 1980-07-18 | RECIRCULATION MECHANISMS FOR PLAY EQUIPMENT. |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB7925267 | 1979-07-19 | ||
GB7925267 | 1979-07-19 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0023136A1 true EP0023136A1 (en) | 1981-01-28 |
EP0023136B1 EP0023136B1 (en) | 1984-11-07 |
Family
ID=10506634
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP80302420A Expired EP0023136B1 (en) | 1979-07-19 | 1980-07-18 | Improvements in or relating to reel mechanisms for gaming machines |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0023136B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE10236T1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE3069596D1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6802507B2 (en) * | 2000-07-17 | 2004-10-12 | Dragon Co., Ltd. | Rotary reel unit for game machine |
US7607979B2 (en) | 2004-01-20 | 2009-10-27 | Konami Gaming Incorporated | Disk, displayed symbol identifier of mechanical slot machine, and mechanical slot machine |
Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3059219A (en) * | 1958-03-12 | 1962-10-16 | Harris Intertype Corp | Photographic type composition |
GB1268104A (en) * | 1968-08-02 | 1972-03-22 | Beriola Machine Company Pty Lt | Improvements in and relating to slot machines |
FR2237255A1 (en) * | 1972-06-27 | 1975-02-07 | Nsm Apparatebau Gmbh Kg | |
GB1472704A (en) * | 1975-11-04 | 1977-05-04 | Bell Fruit Mfg Co Ltd | Gaming machine |
GB1488658A (en) * | 1973-10-02 | 1977-10-12 | Bell Matic As | Slot machines |
FR2351680A1 (en) * | 1976-05-17 | 1977-12-16 | Bally Mfg Corp | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE |
DE2814183A1 (en) * | 1977-04-27 | 1978-11-02 | Nsm Apparatebau Gmbh Kg | COIN OPERATED PLAYER |
GB1550745A (en) * | 1978-01-24 | 1979-08-22 | Alca Electronics | Mounted movable member provided with a position detection system |
-
1980
- 1980-07-18 EP EP80302420A patent/EP0023136B1/en not_active Expired
- 1980-07-18 AT AT80302420T patent/ATE10236T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1980-07-18 DE DE8080302420T patent/DE3069596D1/en not_active Expired
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3059219A (en) * | 1958-03-12 | 1962-10-16 | Harris Intertype Corp | Photographic type composition |
GB1268104A (en) * | 1968-08-02 | 1972-03-22 | Beriola Machine Company Pty Lt | Improvements in and relating to slot machines |
FR2237255A1 (en) * | 1972-06-27 | 1975-02-07 | Nsm Apparatebau Gmbh Kg | |
GB1488658A (en) * | 1973-10-02 | 1977-10-12 | Bell Matic As | Slot machines |
GB1472704A (en) * | 1975-11-04 | 1977-05-04 | Bell Fruit Mfg Co Ltd | Gaming machine |
FR2351680A1 (en) * | 1976-05-17 | 1977-12-16 | Bally Mfg Corp | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE |
DE2814183A1 (en) * | 1977-04-27 | 1978-11-02 | Nsm Apparatebau Gmbh Kg | COIN OPERATED PLAYER |
GB1550745A (en) * | 1978-01-24 | 1979-08-22 | Alca Electronics | Mounted movable member provided with a position detection system |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6802507B2 (en) * | 2000-07-17 | 2004-10-12 | Dragon Co., Ltd. | Rotary reel unit for game machine |
US7607979B2 (en) | 2004-01-20 | 2009-10-27 | Konami Gaming Incorporated | Disk, displayed symbol identifier of mechanical slot machine, and mechanical slot machine |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP0023136B1 (en) | 1984-11-07 |
ATE10236T1 (en) | 1984-11-15 |
DE3069596D1 (en) | 1984-12-13 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP0095319B1 (en) | Games machine | |
US4238127A (en) | Electronic gaming apparatus | |
US4326351A (en) | Display devices | |
US5988638A (en) | Reel type slot machine utilizing random number generator for selecting game result | |
CA1060999A (en) | Gaming machines | |
EP0062433A2 (en) | Entertainment machines | |
US4827123A (en) | Direction sensitive optical shaft encoder | |
GB2175638A (en) | Digital readout combination lock dial with led display | |
EP0023136B1 (en) | Improvements in or relating to reel mechanisms for gaming machines | |
GB2054232A (en) | Gaming machines | |
JP3431235B2 (en) | Centrifuge rotor identification system and centrifuge rotor | |
JPS60501520A (en) | electronic speed sensing device | |
CA1100635A (en) | Electronic gaming apparatus | |
GB2045990A (en) | Gaming Machine | |
JP2678365B2 (en) | Rotating display device for amusement machines | |
GB2093295A (en) | Apparatus for Detecting the Angular Positioning of a Fruit Machine Reel | |
GB1579732A (en) | Position detection of movable members of amusement machines | |
JP2709276B2 (en) | Symbol identification device for gaming machines | |
JPH01201292A (en) | Pattern identifying device for rotaty drum type display device for game machine | |
GB1584542A (en) | Amusement machines | |
GB2069783A (en) | Position detecting apparatus | |
GB2061585A (en) | Gaming machines | |
EP0064963B1 (en) | Cancellor | |
WO1982002447A1 (en) | Apparatus for detecting the angular positioning of a fruit machine reel | |
EP0027723A1 (en) | Position detection of rotatable members of coin-operated entertainment machines |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE FR IT LU NL SE |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 19810720 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE FR IT LI LU NL SE |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Free format text: THE PATENT HAS BEEN ANNULLED BY A DECISION OF A NATIONAL AUTHORITY Effective date: 19841107 Ref country code: NL Effective date: 19841107 Ref country code: LI Effective date: 19841107 Ref country code: IT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED. Effective date: 19841107 Ref country code: FR Free format text: THE PATENT HAS BEEN ANNULLED BY A DECISION OF A NATIONAL AUTHORITY Effective date: 19841107 Ref country code: CH Effective date: 19841107 Ref country code: BE Effective date: 19841107 Ref country code: AT Effective date: 19841107 |
|
REF | Corresponds to: |
Ref document number: 10236 Country of ref document: AT Date of ref document: 19841115 Kind code of ref document: T |
|
REF | Corresponds to: |
Ref document number: 3069596 Country of ref document: DE Date of ref document: 19841213 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
NLV1 | Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act | ||
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 19850731 |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
EN | Fr: translation not filed | ||
26N | No opposition filed | ||
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Effective date: 19870401 |