DE10026366B4 - Method of operating a coin-operated entertainment device - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for operating a coin-operated entertainment device with a computer-controlled control unit for game sequence control, in which by means of a symbol player with circulating bodies behind reading windows a winning or losing indicating symbol combinations are displayed, and at least one displayable on a graphic display, enlightenable symbols comprehensive winning game device in which after the occurrence of a certain game event an additional winning game is started, characterized in that
- In the multiple game levels (I-IV) existing additional win game device (25) each represented a different number of at least three identical symbols (27,28) and at the beginning of a game in each game level (I-IV) at least one symbol (28) is briefly enlightened,
- after the symbol (28) has been extinguished, all symbols (27) of the respective playing level (I-IV) are randomly swirled against each other at random;
- at standstill of the symbols (27) the at least one supposed, initially illuminated symbol (28) is selected by a key-controlled, and
- and given a suitable selection of the at least one initial illuminated symbol (28), a win and / or a game ...

Description

The The invention relates to a method for operating a coin-operated entertainment device a computer-controlled game sequence control unit, in which by means of a symbol playing device with rotating bodies behind Reading windows a win or loss indicating symbol combinations and at least one displayable on a graphic display, enlightenable symbols comprising additional winning game facility, in the after the occurrence of a specific game event an additional win game is started.

such Entertainment devices are in various embodiments known. They comprise a symbol playing device, usually three recirculating has, as rollers, discs, folding card carousel or the like can be trained. On the outside The surface can be viewed through the reading window. The rotating bodies are usually stopped in succession and after all the circulating body for Standstill, are the displayed in the reading windows Symbol combination a win or loss. At different heights Money and / or points and / or special game winnings with respect to Normal game increased Chance of winning or the like in prospect.

Around now to encourage a player to use such entertainment devices and him too to entertain the duration of the game and to provide further game incentives have already been various measures met. So it is usual at these amusement devices for the Player actuators to install, which act mostly on the course of the individual circulating bodies. For example, by operation a post start button within a certain period of time the circulation body be restarted by the player to give him the opportunity grant, to achieve a profitable combination of symbols. Furthermore can for the remaining rotating body stop buttons be provided to allow the player a spinning recirculating to stop prematurely.

Farther have known entertainment devices often as an additional winning game facility a risk play facility, which are set at a profit already achieved via a key in operation can. This is done on a risk ladder, which on profit display fields shows different profit values, the profit already achieved and the achievable profit optically highlighted. About an existing in the entertainment device Random generator will decide if the profit already made lost or increased becomes. When increasing of the profit, this is again displayed as realized profit and Also, the now achievable profit is highlighted again. By operation a risk key, the profit can be risked again. When carrying out a Risk play is usually a decision about increasing or Total loss of the profit.

Such Additional winning gaming facilities are mostly in their display fields with different monetary values and special games, super special games, Points, free spins and the like occupied. In general, will be in such money-operated entertainment devices the in the symbol player or in one of the additional winning game facilities achieved monetary values and special games simply spent, played out, further crystallized or accumulated.

From the DE 44 02 800 A1 is a money-operated entertainment device arranged behind associated viewing windows folding card carousels whose circumferentially adjacent folding cards form a pair of folding cards with the sides facing each other. All folding cards of each folding card carousel alternately carry only on the front or on the back of a game-crucial icon. After the swirling of the folding card carousel all folded card pairs remain in a display position in which no symbols are displayed. Subsequently, by pressing a selection key, one of the folding card pairs is displayed in order to display a symbol that decides on the profit or loss according to a particular winning plan, by one step. The player can see after the discovery of one or all hidden symbols, whether he has achieved a profit or not. It can thus begin the next game immediately after uncovering a single hidden symbol. In this case, a kind of the known "Hütchenspiels" is simulated, in which a game guide an object is placed under a hat of several cones and then the cones are moved in any order to each other. Then, a player must guess under which hat the object is located, by the fact that the player can freely determine which of the hidden in a hidden display position pair of folding cards should be folded into an icon indicating display position, wherein in case of revealing the winning symbol, which corresponds to the object of the "shell game" that has won players, while the appearance of another symbol that corresponds to an empty cap in the "shell game", the player has lost. The player is not the loser value or the output symbol in the folding card carousel known, so that the player has no clue, after which he can judge and follow the course of the game.

Furthermore, from the pre-published DE 199 26 280 A1 a method for operating an entertainment device is known, in which at the beginning of the game in a Zusatzgewinnspieleinrichtung a symbol of at least three identical symbols is illuminated. In a subsequent period of time, all symbols are moved randomly relative to each other relatively quickly. When the symbols are at a standstill, the initially illuminated symbol is selected with the aid of a key and, if the selection is correct, a profit is made. The symbols correspond to the hat in the well-known "shell game", whereby the course of the game essentially follows the rules of this game, but the game only takes place in one level, ie the player either wins the game or not the true or false selection of the initial enlightened symbol ends.

It Object of the invention is a method for operating a coin-operated entertainment device of to create the aforementioned type, giving the player the opportunity acknowledges, when playing in the additional winning game facility an additional profit to achieve, whereby the gameplay with greater play and profit incentive and the entertainment value for the player is increased.

• – die Zusatzgewinnspieleinrichtung aus mehreren Spielebenen besteht, in denen jeweils eine unterschiedliche Anzahl von mindestens drei identischen Symbolen dargestellt und bei Beginn eines Spiels in jeder Spielebene mindestens ein Symbol kurzzeitig erleuchtet wird,
• – nach Erlöschen des Symbols alle Symbole der jeweiligen Spielebene zufallsgesteuert schnell gegeneinander verwirbelt werden,
• – bei Stillstand der Symbole das mindestens eine vermeintliche, anfänglich erleuchtete Symbol tastengesteuert ausgewählt wird, und
• – und bei zutreffender Auswahl des mindestens einen anfänglich erleuchteten Symbols ein Gewinn gegeben und/oder ein Spiel in der nächsthöheren Spielebene angeboten wird.

According to the invention the object is achieved in that

• The additional winning game device consists of several game levels, in each of which a different number of at least three identical symbols are displayed and at the beginning of a game in each game level at least one symbol is briefly illuminated,
• - after the symbol has been extinguished, all symbols of the respective playing level are randomly swirled against each other,
• - At standstill of the symbols, the at least one supposed, initially illuminated symbol is selected by a key-controlled, and
• - and given a suitable selection of the at least one initially lit symbol, a win is given and / or a game is offered in the next highest level of play.

By The invention will be known per se "Hütchenspiel" as additional win game device provided in a further developed variant, which is already from the house equipped with a special game incentive and great excitement Shell game is carried out in a Zusatzgewinnspieleinrichtung. Of particular advantage is the implementation of the game over several levels of play, each with a different number represented by identical symbols. Before the start of a game become dependent on the player from the respective playing level in which he is located, one or several identical symbols displayed briefly, for example by flashing, giving the player the starting point of each Symbols for knows the next game. Then the flashing of the or the symbols selected by the control unit. During the following against each other swirling the symbols, the player must now or the the originally enlightened, but now extinguished symbols within the Verwirbelungszeitraums observe. Depending on the type of responsiveness of the player, he can the Swirling process more or less well follow. He will always be anxious, the or the initial Illuminated symbols until the end of the swirling period watch and track their current placement to this Select a key at the end of the game and make a profit. Choose accordingly the player at standstill of the symbols after their vortex the or the correct symbols, a win is given or entered Play in the next higher game level offered. Otherwise he has lost the game. The game possibility over several Playing levels with different levels of difficulty the gameplay for the player more interesting and varied.

Prefers the graphic display is designed as a dot matrix display. there Above all, there is an LED display, a gas plasma display, a vacuum fluorescent display, an electroluminescent display or the like. One Computer-controlled dot matrix display has the advantage that the darzustel lounging additional gaming facility and possibly the Symbol game device visually simple and dependent can be represented by the intended game play varying.

Especially advantageous is the design of the graphic display as a touchscreen monitor, because game features and game influencing elements by touching the corresponding monitor area be activated and triggered by the player's fingers can, without being provided for this purpose special buttons on the entertainment device Need to become.

According to a preferred development of the method according to the invention, the brief illumination of at least one of the symbols at the beginning of a game takes place randomly in each game level. This will give a certain, for the player noticeable order of selection of the one or excluded from other or more of the symbols to be initially lit, thus making it difficult to observe the initially illuminated symbols for subsequent turbulence.

to Representation of the used in the additional winning game device Symbols are provided different means. Sonach can the Symbols of the additional winning game device, for example, as lion heads, cones, any objects or other graphical symbols.

In order to the player after the swirl of all symbols in the respective The game level can determine the symbol or the respective symbols, which in his opinion are those randomly controlled at the beginning of the game have been briefly illuminated by the control unit, is after a further Ausgestal direction of the invention each symbol of the additional win game device assigned a key. Preferably, each symbol is a game level associated with a button simulated on a touchscreen.

at appropriate choice of each initially enlightened one Symbols at the end of the game in a game level becomes the player given a money, special game, points and / or free game win.

In order to the gameplay from game level to game level more interesting and more varied, the playing conditions during the Game progress in the additional win game facility gradually with higher Difficulty levels are provided. This happens after a further education measure the invention in that the number of symbols per game level of a game level to the next highest level of play is enlarged. It can be about the number of initially illuminated symbols be enlarged. Therefore, the player must have more than one initial enlightened symbol on the grafig display and watch their current positions note the turbulence of all symbols in a game level. Additionally or instead, the number of non-applicable icons may be after their turbulence from one level of play to the next highest level of play be enlarged. The player has the difficulty that he is an ever-growing Number of symbols in each game level must be observed since the initially enlightened symbols after the swirling of all symbols on one larger number of positions may occur.

at another advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention will be the time span of the initial momentary illumination of at least one symbol of a game level to the next highest level of play computer-controlled shortened. The player thus has less time from game level to game level, the positions of the initial enlightened symbols to save thought. This is the game in the respective game level faster than in the previous game level.

Of Further, the degree of difficulty of the game play in the additional win game facility still thereby increased be that the period for the key-controlled selection of at least a supposed, initially enlightened symbol after the swirling of all the symbols of one Game level to the next highest level of play computer-controlled shortened becomes. The player is thus forced to choose his symbols as much as possible after the turbulence to hit fast because over the predetermined time, the game is lost or he will with one for this punished game event, e.g. by deduction of points.

One special game incentive arises if the appropriate selection of at least one initial enlightened Symbols recoverable gain from a game level respectively next highest level of play elevated becomes. For example, the achievable gain from the game level may be too Game level will be doubled. This always strives for the player be, if possible the highest Level of play to achieve the highest possible profit.

on the other hand is according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a punishment of the player in case of non-performance the game criteria provided. Accordingly, if not complete selection the initial one After their turbulence, symbols illuminated the game in one lower game level continued. If, for example, only one of two initially enlightened Symbols correctly recognized after the turbulence of all symbols and selected the player is regressed to a previous level of play. Thus, a termination of the game and thus an annoying for the player Total loss of the already achieved profit can be prevented. These demotion in turn, the player again gives the opportunity gets to the next highest level of play work your way up.

According to a preferred development of the method according to the invention, at least one of the initially illuminated symbols has a higher significance than the other initially illuminated symbols. In addition, if the higher-order symbol is selected, after swirling all the symbols of a game level, at least one next higher game level is skipped. This higher-value symbol is expediently characterized during its initial short-term illumination, for example, with a other shape or color.

In an alternative embodiment The invention will be with appropriate selection of the higher quality Symbols after swirling all symbols of a game level a bonus win given, for example, additional Points or special games that the player redeems in the further game on the entertainment device, in one Playing off playoff device or in a risk play device can risk.

in the worst case will be at least one if not correct selection initially Enlightened symbol in a game level the game in the additional win game facility completed. This measure is especially when the additional win game facility only consists of a small number of game levels.

alternative in addition, if not correctly selected, at least one initially enlightened one can do so Symbols in a game level already in the previous game levels scored the winning and the game in the additional win game facility stopped to save the player from total loss.

It It is understood that the above and below to be explained features not only in the specified combination, but also in Other combinations are usable without the scope of the present To leave invention.

Of the The idea underlying the invention will become apparent in the following Description based on exemplary embodiments, which are illustrated in the drawings, described in more detail. Show it:

1 an operated according to the inventive method money-operated entertainment device in a front view with a schematically illustrated and designed as a graphic display additional winning game device,

2 to 5 enlarged views of the designed as a graphic display additional win game device in various embodiments.

The symbol game device 1 receiving housing 2 the money-operated, computer-controlled entertainment device with profit possibility according to 1 has a windscreen on its front 3 with reading windows 4 behind, behind which three juxtaposed, disk-shaped recirculating body 5 the symbol game device 1 are provided. These each carry a plurality of symbols 6 indicating the display of a game result in the reading windows 4 serve. The rotating bodies 5 are brought to a stop after start-up during or at the end of the game by a random number generator of the control unit in one of a plurality of possible detent positions. From the displayed symbols 6 the player can read off the result of the game, especially if there is a win after one on the windscreen 3 explained profit plan from a combination of the displayed symbols 6 has resulted.

In the lower part of the entertainment device are Nachstart- or stop buttons 7 for the three rotating bodies 5 with which they can be restarted or prematurely stopped. In the case of a win by reaching a certain combination of symbols, a profit distribution in cash, ie by throwing money into an output tray 8th or by adding in a credit note 9 respectively. In the upper part of the entertainment device there is a coin slot 10 , a token slot 11 , a bill entry slot 12 and a user card entry slot 13 a cash processing device, not shown. Furthermore, next to the coin slot 10 a return button 14 arranged by pressing one in the credit display 9 displayed balance in the output tray 8th is available.

A gain achieved in the symbol game device by achieving a randomly determined symbol combination 1 can be keyboard or computer controlled as an insert into one of the risk play facilities 15 be transferred, the two sides of the windscreen 3 are arranged. The right risk game facility 15 includes several to a risk leader 16 combined illuminated display panels 17 , which are occupied in the lower area with increasing cash gains and in the upper area in increasing order with numbers of special game winnings. The left risk game facility 15 also assigns several to a risk leader 18 combined illuminated display panels 19 which are also occupied by rising money profits and in increasing order with numbers of special game winnings. Risking in the risk ladder 16 respectively. 18 displayed profit happens by the next higher display field 17 respectively. 19 with respect to the illuminated, profit-indicating display panel 17 respectively. 19 alternating with one below the risk manager 16 respectively. 18 attached total loss display field 20 respectively. 21 with the inscription "0" flashes. When a risk key is pressed 22 respectively. 23 Either the next higher profit is achieved or the profit is lost. This process can be continued until the maximum win in special games is achieved. The Special game winnings are displayed in a special games 24 displayed and the monetary gains in the credit note 9 added.

In the middle of the windscreen 3 of the entertainment device is a Zusatzgewinnspieleinrichtung 25 intended. This is as a graphic display 26 educated. On the graphic display 26 become a multiplicity of symbols in several game levels like a matrix 27 . 28 shown in horizontal game levels. Some of these symbols 28 are specially marked. Below the additional win game facility 25 are a plurality of keys 29 provided, whose number of the set of symbols 27 . 28 in the graphic display 26 equivalent.

In the embodiment of the additional winning game device 25 according to 2 shows the graphic display 26 three horizontal rows of symbols 27 and 28 , where each row represents a certain level of play I, II and III. Right side of the rows of symbols 27 . 28 is the measure of the increase in profits when successfully playing the rows of symbols 27 . 28 the respective game levels I, II, III specified.

In contrast to the embodiment of the additional win game device 25 to 1 are in the embodiments of the 2 to 5 the button's 29 on the appropriately designed as a touch screen monitor graphic display 26 simulated by computer software. The number of keys provided in the individual embodiments 29 corresponds to the number of those series of symbols 27 . 28 a game level I, II, III with the largest number of symbols 27 . 28 ,

One in the symbol game device 1 or the risk gambling establishment 15 Profit earned in the form of specials, points, cash or the like can now be used as a stake in a game in the additional winning game facility 25 be provided.

According to the embodiment of the additional winning game device 25 according to 2 becomes a symbol 28 in the lower game level I initially briefly lit up. After the symbol goes out 28 there is a turbulence of all symbols 27 . 28 in the game plane I. During the swirling of the symbols 27 . 28 the player must change the position of the initially illuminated symbol 28 observe. When the swirl is over, the player touches that key or simulated key 29 in which he believes that this is the now correct position of the initially enlightened symbol 28 reproduces. Is the position of the symbol 28 Inaccurate, the game is in the additional win game facility 25 completed. Is the position of the symbol 28 if true, the profit used is doubled. The doubled bet is now considered a stake for the next highest level of play II. Here, the game is played in the same manner described above until successful completion of the highest level of play III.

The embodiment of the additional win game device 25 to 3 differs in the different number of symbols 27 . 28 per game level I to III, with the number of game levels increasing to game level. The gameplay is the same as this one 2 however, it is the observing of the initially enlightened symbol 28 with increasing number of symbols 27 from game level to game level.

In the embodiment of the additional winning game device 25 to 4 both the number of symbols increases 27 from game level to game level steadily, but also increases the number of initially briefly illuminated symbols 28 , As a result, the player has the difficulty of having a greater number of initially illuminated symbols from game level to game level 28 to track and after the swirling of all symbols 27 the correct position of the symbols 28 to determine.

The additional win game facility 25 to 5 shows a steadily increasing number of symbols 27 in an increased number of game levels I to IV, including the number of initially briefly lit icons 28 can rise. Becomes part of the initially enlightened symbols 28 after the turbulence of all symbols 27 incorrectly displayed by the player, with the incorrect symbols 28 Dashed lines can be downgraded to a previous, lower game level. On the other hand, the player determines all symbols 28 in the right position after the turbulence of all symbols 27 In a game level, a bonus can be given in the form of a winnings increase or even a game level can be skipped.

1

Symbol gaming facility

2

casing

3

windscreen

4

reading window

5

recirculating

6

symbol

7

Nachstarttaste

8th

dispensing tray

9

credit display

10

coin slot

11

Token insertion slot

12

Bill entry slot

13

Card entry slot

14

return button

15

Risk game device

16

risk Head

17

display

18

risk Head

19

display

20

Total loss display

21

Total loss display

22

risk button

23

risk button

24

Special games Display

25

Additional raffle facility

26

graphic display

27

symbol

28

erleuchtbares symbol

29

button

Claims (19)

A method for operating a coin-operated entertainment device with a computer-controlled control unit for game sequence control, in which by means of a symbol player with circulating bodies behind reading windows a winning or losing indicating symbol combinations are displayed, and at least one displayable on a graphic display, enlightenable symbols comprehensive winning game device in which after the occurrence of a certain game event an additional winning game is started, characterized in that - in the multi-game levels (I-IV) existing additional winning game device ( 25 ) each have a different number of at least three identical symbols ( 27 . 28 ) and at the beginning of a game in each game level (I-IV) at least one symbol ( 28 ) is briefly lit, - after the symbol has gone out ( 28 ) all symbols ( 27 ) of the respective game level (I-IV) randomly swirled against each other quickly, - at standstill of the symbols ( 27 ) the at least one supposed, initially illuminated symbol ( 28 ) is selected with the aid of a key, and - and with the appropriate selection of the at least one initially illuminated symbol ( 28 ) is given a win and / or a game in the next higher game level (I-IV) is offered. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that as a graphic display ( 26 ) a dot matrix display is used, the dot matrix display being an LED display, a gas plasma display, a vacuum fluorescent display or an electroluminescent display Method according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the graphic display ( 26 ) is designed as a touchscreen monitor. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the brief illumination of at least one of the symbols ( 28 ) occurs randomly at the beginning of a game in each game level (I-IV). Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the symbols ( 27 ) of the additional prize playing facility ( 25 ) are represented as lion heads, cones, arbitrary objects or other graphic symbols. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that all symbols ( 27 ) after their turbulence in the respective game level (I-IV) by assigned keys ( 29 ) are selectable. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each symbol ( 27 ) a game level (I-IV) of the additional win game device ( 25 ) a simulated on a touchscreen monitor button ( 29 ). Method according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, if the initially illuminated symbol is selected correctly ( 28 ) each game level (I-IV) is given a money, special game, points and / or free game win. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the number of symbols ( 27 ) per game level (I-IV) is increased from one level of play to the next highest level of play. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the number of initially illuminated symbols ( 28 ) and / or the number of non-applicable symbols ( 27 ) whose turbulence is increased from one game level (I-IV) to the next highest level of play. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the time span of the initial brief illumination of at least one symbol ( 28 ) is shortened computer-controlled from a game level (I-IV) to the next highest level of play. Method according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the time period for the key-controlled selection of the at least one supposed, initially illuminated symbol ( 28 ) after the turbulence of all symbols ( 27 ) is shortened computer-controlled from a game level (I-IV) to the next highest level of play. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, if the at least one initially illuminated symbol is selected ( 28 ) is increased from one level of play (I-IV) to the next highest level of play. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, if the initially illuminated symbols ( 28 ) after turbulence of all symbols ( 27 ) the game continues in a lower game level (I-IV). Method according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that at least one of the initially illuminated symbols ( 28 ) of a higher value than the other initially illuminated symbols ( 28 ) and if the higher-order symbol is selected ( 28 ) after turbulence of all symbols ( 27 ) of a game level (I-IV) is skipped at least one next higher level game. Method according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that at least one of the initially illuminated symbols ( 28 ) has a higher priority than the other initially illuminated symbols ( 28 ) and if the higher-order symbol is selected ( 28 ) after turbulence of all symbols ( 27 ) a bonus is given to a game level (I-IV). Method according to one of Claims 1 to 16, characterized in that, if a selection of at least one initially illuminated symbol is not selected ( 28 ) in a game level (I-IV) the game in the additional win game device ( 25 ) is terminated. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 17, characterized in that, if the selection of at least one initially illuminated symbol is not selected ( 28 ) in a game level (I-IV) of the already achieved in the previous levels of play profit and the game in the additional game playing device ( 25 ) is terminated. Method according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the symbol playing device ( 1 ) on the graphic display ( 26 ) is pictured.