EP0281402A2 - Unterhaltungsmaschinen - Google Patents

Unterhaltungsmaschinen Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0281402A2
EP0281402A2 EP88301874A EP88301874A EP0281402A2 EP 0281402 A2 EP0281402 A2 EP 0281402A2 EP 88301874 A EP88301874 A EP 88301874A EP 88301874 A EP88301874 A EP 88301874A EP 0281402 A2 EP0281402 A2 EP 0281402A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
jackpot
machine according
win
display
value
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP88301874A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0281402A3 (de
Inventor
John Laurence Wain
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Barcrest Ltd
Original Assignee
Barcrest Ltd
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 Barcrest Ltd filed Critical Barcrest Ltd
Publication of EP0281402A2 publication Critical patent/EP0281402A2/de
Publication of EP0281402A3 publication Critical patent/EP0281402A3/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • G07F17/3244—Payment aspects of a gaming system, e.g. payment schemes, setting payout ratio, bonus or consolation prizes
    • 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
    • G07F17/326—Game play aspects of gaming systems
    • G07F17/3267—Game outcomes which determine the course of the subsequent game, e.g. double or quits, free games, higher payouts, different new games

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a coin-(or token-) operated entertainment machine of the kind which is operable to play games resulting in the selection and display of combinations of symbols and with which a win indication is given in the event that a symbol combination of a predetermined winning nature is obtained.
  • the invention is more particularly, although not exclusively, concerned with such a machine which is a fruit machine and with which the displayed symbols (typically representations of fruit) are selected at random, for example, by rotation of reels.
  • This modern jackpot feature is commonly linked to an auxiliary display with which different display regions, such as letters of a word or sections of a path or ladder, are illuminated in correspondence with selection of auuxiliary symbols such as numbers or letters accompanying (e.g. printed over) the main combination symbols, the jackpot win being obtained for example when all letters of a word have been illuminated or illumination has progressed along a path or ladder to reach a jackpot indicator.
  • auxiliary display with which different display regions, such as letters of a word or sections of a path or ladder, are illuminated in correspondence with selection of auuxiliary symbols such as numbers or letters accompanying (e.g. printed over) the main combination symbols, the jackpot win being obtained for example when all letters of a word have been illuminated or illumination has progressed along a path or ladder to reach a jackpot indicator.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide an entertainment machine having a jackpot feature and with which the above-described problem can be avoided or at lest appreciably reduced.
  • a coin-­(or token-) operated entertainment machine which is operable to play games resulting in the selection and display of combinations of symbols and with which a win indication is given in the event that a symbol combination of a predetermined winning nature is obtained and wherein at least one jackpot display is provided and the player has the opportunity in at least some games of achieving a jackpot win and thereby obtaining a prize award determined by an accumulated value shown on such jackpot display, characterised in that there is provided means for augmenting the displayed accumulated value and the corresp­onding prize award when the player achieves the jackpot win.
  • the augmenting may be effected on a random or predetermined basis.
  • the prize award is augmented such that a predetermined maximum prize value is obtained irrespective of the displayed value prior to the win. It is also possible to carry over a displayed jackpot award from one game to a next game which is already credited (or even to a next game which is not yet credited) without having to rely on the inducement of an increasing jackpot award to sustain player interest: the player knows that a substantial award (preferably of a predetermined maximum value) is available irr­espective of the actual displayed award. The actual jackpot display therefore performs the function of demonstrating in an attractive way the availability of a substantial jackpot award without having to do this by actually making available an initial low level award.
  • each display may compromise simulated coin receptacles, numerical displays or any other suitable display or combination of displays.
  • the arrangement may be such that the or each jackpot display is progressively "filled" during the course of a game on a regular predictable basis or at random or in response to selection of a pre­determined symbol or combination of symbols as desired.
  • Such filling may involve simulated movement, e.g. of a coin, into the jackpot display.
  • "filling" of the jackpot display may be completed e.g. by simulated movement of the requisite number of coins into the display.
  • the jackpot prize value may be of a value of coins (or tokens) or may constitute one or more game features (such as fruit machine “hold” or “nudge” steps) or any other suitable award and the nature of the jackpot display will be of a corresponding format.
  • Award of jackpot prize value may be made available in response to selection of a predetermined symbol combination.
  • the jackpot feature may be linked to an auxiliary display whereby it is necessary to reach a predetermined position on a ladder or path or to illuminate a word or the like, by attaining successively appropriate auxiliary symbols accompanying the main symbol display, in order for a jackpot prize award to be made available.
  • the jackpot prize award may be made available on a random basis.
  • the machine of the invention is preferably a fruit machine of the kind described above.
  • the entertainment machine shown in the drawings is a fruit machine and comprises a floor-standing box-shaped housing 1 having a front wall which includes a screen-printed glass sheet 2 and, below this sheet 2 a series of operating buttons including a start button 3, hold/nudge button 4, and a jackpot button 5.
  • the front wall also contains a payout opening 6 and a coin slot 7.
  • the housing there are three axially aligned reels 8 having, say, 20 symbols (such as pictures of fruit) at regularly spaced positions around their peripheries.
  • the reels 8 are axially rotable and are drivably connected to respective stepper motors 9.
  • the reels 8 are arranged behind a window 10 defined by a printed region of the glass panel 2.
  • Each reel 8 can be arrested, by the respective stepper motor 9, in any of 20 stopping positions in which one symbol is in precise registration with a horizontal win line 11 in the centre of the window 10 and two further symbols are visible above and below the win line 11.
  • the stepper motors 9 are connected to a microprocessor-based control unit 12.
  • This control unit 12 is also connected to a coin mechanism 13.
  • a payout mechanism 14 the buttons 3 - 5, various lamps 15 behind printed display regions of the panel and lamps 16 in the buttons 3 - 5.
  • the panel 2 bears printed matter additional to the window 10 including the following:- information relating to the playing the game including details of awards which can be achieved; an auxiliary display constituting a ladder 17; a jackpot disply 18 made up of printed display regions representing coins adding up to a maximum prize value (say twenty 10p coins)
  • the machine When the player inserts coins into the coin mechanism 13 through the coin slot 7 sufficient to generate credit for one or more games, the machine is actuated such that a game can now be played.
  • the player can press the start button 3 to cause the reels 8 to rotate and come to rest after different respective random periods of time so as to display a selected symbol combination on the win line 11.
  • the player At random at the start of some games the player is given the opportunity of arresting one or more reels 8 against rotation by pressing one or more hold/nudge buttons 4.
  • the player At random at the end of some games the player is given the opportunity of stepping one or more reels 8 through one or more steps by pressing one or more hold/nudge buttons 4.
  • the combination of symbols on the win line 11 is known by the control unit 12 since the original starting position of the reels 8 and the number of steps through which each reel has rotated is known (because each stepper motor 9 is driven by a counted number of impulses fed from the control unit 12). If the final combination is of a predetermined winning nature corresponding to a payout, the payout mechanism 14 is appropriate actuated.
  • One or more symbols on the periphery of each reel is overprinted in conventional manner with a number.
  • the bottom "run” 23 of the ladder 17 is illuminated.
  • the illumination moves up the ladder, in convention manner, in correspondence with the value of any overprinted number which is on the win line 11.
  • the illumination returns to the bottom "run” 23.
  • the top position 24 on the ladder corresponds to a jackpot feature. If the top position 24 is illuminated, the player can press the jackpot buttom 5 and a payout equal to a jackpot prize award is made.
  • the value of the award is always the same i.e.
  • the maximum possible displayed value (£2.00) even if the actual displayed value immediately before achieving the win is less than the maximum (e.g. it may correspond to only say 30p or 40p represented by 3 or 4 illuminated regions 19).
  • an augmenting device 20 is actuated and this causes the jackpot display 18 to fillup to the maximum level by successive illumination of those regions 19 which are not already illuminated.
  • the successive illumination may simulate coins falling into the jackpot whereby on uppermost region 19 is first illuminated and then this is extinguished and in its place the next lowest region 19 is illuminated and so on.
  • the device 20 which in practice may form part of the game programme may be actuated automatically when the jackpot win is achieved or when the button 5 is pressed.
  • the contents of the display 18 may be increased. On each such occasion there may be a change representing dropping of one or more coins into the display 18.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Pinball Game Machines (AREA)
  • Display Devices Of Pinball Game Machines (AREA)
  • Game Rules And Presentations Of Slot Machines (AREA)
EP88301874A 1987-03-06 1988-03-03 Unterhaltungsmaschinen Withdrawn EP0281402A3 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB8705323 1987-03-06
GB878705323A GB8705323D0 (en) 1987-03-06 1987-03-06 Entertainment machines

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0281402A2 true EP0281402A2 (de) 1988-09-07
EP0281402A3 EP0281402A3 (de) 1989-09-27

Family

ID=10613469

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP88301874A Withdrawn EP0281402A3 (de) 1987-03-06 1988-03-03 Unterhaltungsmaschinen

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0281402A3 (de)
GB (2) GB8705323D0 (de)

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1991017529A1 (de) * 1990-05-07 1991-11-14 Th. Bergmann Gmbh & Co. Rouletteartiges geldspielgerät
EP1168261A2 (de) * 2000-06-21 2002-01-02 IGT-UK Limited Spielautomat
US6602135B1 (en) * 2000-10-06 2003-08-05 Igt Gaming device having a changing multiple selection set bonus scheme
US6739971B2 (en) * 2001-04-11 2004-05-25 Wms Gaming Inc. Bonus accumulator for chance game
US6827646B2 (en) 1994-09-23 2004-12-07 Igt Slot machine with an additional payout indicator
US7156738B2 (en) * 2001-01-16 2007-01-02 Igt Casino gambling machine with bonus round award redemption
US7192344B2 (en) 2001-01-30 2007-03-20 Igt Gaming device having an award level determination competition
US7338371B2 (en) 2003-07-03 2008-03-04 Igt High low series gambling game
US7361087B2 (en) 2003-07-18 2008-04-22 Igt Gaming device having high-low game
US7588494B2 (en) 2003-09-05 2009-09-15 Igt Gaming device having a high-low game
US7654897B2 (en) 2001-04-11 2010-02-02 Wms Gaming Inc. Bonus accumulator for a wagering game
US8257164B2 (en) 2007-10-30 2012-09-04 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing an outcome enhancing feature
US8272940B2 (en) 2003-08-28 2012-09-25 Igt Gaming device having match game with award determined by prediction of correct matches

Families Citing this family (28)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2227946B (en) * 1989-02-13 1992-12-02 Technical Casino Services Ltd Roulette game and apparatus
US5277424A (en) * 1992-07-08 1994-01-11 United Gaming, Inc. Video gaming device utilizing player-activated variable betting
US7832727B1 (en) 1992-10-02 2010-11-16 Bally Gaming Inc. Illuminated wheel indicators
US7766329B1 (en) 1992-10-02 2010-08-03 Sierra Design Group Wheel indicator and ticket dispenser apparatus
US5292127C1 (en) 1992-10-02 2001-05-22 Arcade Planet Inc Arcade game
JP2971285B2 (ja) * 1993-04-16 1999-11-02 アルゼ株式会社 遊技機用表示装置
DE4343346C2 (de) * 1993-12-18 2002-07-25 Panther Appbau Und Vertriebsge Verfahren zum Betreiben eines münzbetätigten Unterhaltungsgerätes
DE4431060C2 (de) * 1994-09-01 1999-05-20 Nsm Ag Verfahren zum Betreiben eines geldbetätigten Unterhaltungsgerätes
DE4432898C2 (de) * 1994-09-15 1999-06-17 Nsm Ag Geldbetätigtes Unterhaltungsgerät
US5823874A (en) 1994-09-23 1998-10-20 Anchor Gaming Method of playing game and gaming device with an additional payout indicator
US6234897B1 (en) 1997-04-23 2001-05-22 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming device with variable bonus payout feature
US6004207A (en) * 1997-12-23 1999-12-21 Wms Gaming Inc. Slot machine with incremental pay-off multiplier
US6190255B1 (en) 1998-03-24 2001-02-20 Wms Gaming Inc. Bonus game for a gaming machine
ZA992256B (en) 1998-03-24 2000-01-13 Wms Gaming Inc Bonus Game for a gaming machine.
US6159098A (en) * 1998-09-02 2000-12-12 Wms Gaming Inc. Dual-award bonus game for a gaming machine
US6592457B1 (en) 1999-05-26 2003-07-15 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming machine with player selected events
US6443837B1 (en) 1999-05-26 2002-09-03 Wms Gaming Inc. Bonus games for gaming machines with strategy options
US6358147B1 (en) 1999-06-23 2002-03-19 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming machine with multiple payoff modes and award presentation schemes
US6159097A (en) * 1999-06-30 2000-12-12 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming machine with variable probability of obtaining bonus game payouts
US6155925A (en) * 1999-08-12 2000-12-05 Wms Gaming Inc. Bonus game for gaming machine with payout percentage varying as function of wager
US7393280B2 (en) 2001-08-17 2008-07-01 Igt Class of feature event games suitable for linking to multiple gaming machines
US7435173B2 (en) * 2002-09-12 2008-10-14 Igt Gaming device having slidable indicator disks
GB2385455B (en) * 2003-06-07 2006-09-13 Mazooma Games Ltd A prize display means
US7775870B2 (en) 2003-11-21 2010-08-17 Sierra Design Group Arcade game
US8721422B2 (en) 2004-05-19 2014-05-13 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game with award enhancement feature
WO2009061994A1 (en) 2007-11-09 2009-05-14 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game with enhanced player-selection bonus feature
US7823883B1 (en) 2008-02-29 2010-11-02 Bally Gaming Inc. Wheel indicator and ticket dispenser apparatus
US8523662B2 (en) 2009-11-13 2013-09-03 Igt Gaming system and method providing balanced paybacks with varying wager amounts

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2809517A1 (de) * 1977-03-21 1978-09-28 Nsm Apparatebau Gmbh Kg Muenzbetaetigtes spielgeraet
DE2841699A1 (de) * 1978-09-25 1980-04-10 Paul Gauselmann Elektrisch betriebenes geldspielgeraet
DE2734903B2 (de) * 1977-08-03 1980-06-19 Peter 8906 Gersthofen Eiba Geldspielgerat mit Gewinnmoglichkeit
DE2938307A1 (de) * 1979-09-21 1981-04-09 Paul 4992 Espelkamp Gauselmann Geldspielautomat mit zusatzgewinnmoeglichkeit
GB2147442A (en) * 1983-08-05 1985-05-09 Jpm Coin operated gaming or amusement machines

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB8333590D0 (en) * 1983-12-16 1984-01-25 Jpm Automatic Machines Ltd Gaming/amusement machines
GB8518678D0 (en) * 1985-07-24 1985-08-29 Bell Fruit Mfg Co Ltd Gaming & amusement machines
GB8524908D0 (en) * 1985-10-09 1985-11-13 Barcrest Ltd Entertainment machines
GB2183882B (en) * 1985-12-05 1989-10-11 Barcrest Ltd Entertainment machines
GB8612480D0 (en) * 1986-05-22 1986-07-02 Bell Fruit Mfg Co Ltd Gaming & amusement machines

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2809517A1 (de) * 1977-03-21 1978-09-28 Nsm Apparatebau Gmbh Kg Muenzbetaetigtes spielgeraet
DE2734903B2 (de) * 1977-08-03 1980-06-19 Peter 8906 Gersthofen Eiba Geldspielgerat mit Gewinnmoglichkeit
DE2841699A1 (de) * 1978-09-25 1980-04-10 Paul Gauselmann Elektrisch betriebenes geldspielgeraet
DE2938307A1 (de) * 1979-09-21 1981-04-09 Paul 4992 Espelkamp Gauselmann Geldspielautomat mit zusatzgewinnmoeglichkeit
GB2147442A (en) * 1983-08-05 1985-05-09 Jpm Coin operated gaming or amusement machines

Cited By (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1991017529A1 (de) * 1990-05-07 1991-11-14 Th. Bergmann Gmbh & Co. Rouletteartiges geldspielgerät
US6827646B2 (en) 1994-09-23 2004-12-07 Igt Slot machine with an additional payout indicator
EP1168261A2 (de) * 2000-06-21 2002-01-02 IGT-UK Limited Spielautomat
EP1168261A3 (de) * 2000-06-21 2004-01-28 IGT-UK Limited Spielautomat
US8579690B2 (en) 2000-10-06 2013-11-12 Igt Gaming device having a changing multiple selection set bonus scheme
US6863607B2 (en) 2000-10-06 2005-03-08 Igt Gaming device having a changing multiple selection set bonus scheme
US6602135B1 (en) * 2000-10-06 2003-08-05 Igt Gaming device having a changing multiple selection set bonus scheme
US6817943B2 (en) 2000-10-06 2004-11-16 Igt Gaming device having a changing multiple selection set bonus scheme
US7156738B2 (en) * 2001-01-16 2007-01-02 Igt Casino gambling machine with bonus round award redemption
US8210929B2 (en) 2001-01-30 2012-07-03 Igt Gaming device having an award level determination competition
US7192344B2 (en) 2001-01-30 2007-03-20 Igt Gaming device having an award level determination competition
US8777712B2 (en) 2001-01-30 2014-07-15 Igt Gaming device having an award level determination competition
US6739971B2 (en) * 2001-04-11 2004-05-25 Wms Gaming Inc. Bonus accumulator for chance game
US7654897B2 (en) 2001-04-11 2010-02-02 Wms Gaming Inc. Bonus accumulator for a wagering game
US7338371B2 (en) 2003-07-03 2008-03-04 Igt High low series gambling game
US7594850B2 (en) 2003-07-18 2009-09-29 Igt Gaming device having high-low game
US7361087B2 (en) 2003-07-18 2008-04-22 Igt Gaming device having high-low game
US8272940B2 (en) 2003-08-28 2012-09-25 Igt Gaming device having match game with award determined by prediction of correct matches
US7588494B2 (en) 2003-09-05 2009-09-15 Igt Gaming device having a high-low game
US8257164B2 (en) 2007-10-30 2012-09-04 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing an outcome enhancing feature
US8579699B2 (en) 2007-10-30 2013-11-12 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing an outcome enhancing feature
US8636583B2 (en) 2007-10-30 2014-01-28 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing an outcome enhancing feature
US9235966B2 (en) 2007-10-30 2016-01-12 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing an outcome enhancing feature
US9495842B2 (en) 2007-10-30 2016-11-15 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing an outcome enhancing feature

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB8705323D0 (en) 1987-04-08
GB2204436B (en) 1991-07-17
EP0281402A3 (de) 1989-09-27
GB8802833D0 (en) 1988-03-09
GB2204436A (en) 1988-11-09

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