Global Patent Index - EP 1278167 A3

EP 1278167 A3 20040114 - A prize awarding system for gaming machines

Title (en)

A prize awarding system for gaming machines

Title (de)

Preisausschüttungssystem für Geldspielautomaten

Title (fr)

Système de distribution des prix pour machines à sous

Publication

EP 1278167 A3 20040114 (EN)

Application

EP 02255060 A 20020719

Priority

GB 0117654 A 20010720

Abstract (en)

[origin: EP1278167A2] A prize awarding system allows for higher prizes on the results of a series of linked gaming machines than can be achieved on the play of an individual machine. A primary fund (represented by a solid line) builds up steadily until, after n1 games, a major prize is won. This is awarded to the player and the primary fund reverts to its base level, only to build up again as further games are played. After a total of n2 games, it reaches a permitted maximum, at which point the proportion of the stake money previously allocated to the primary fund is directed to the reserve fund (represented by a broken line), which builds up in a similar manner as further games are played. If another major win is achieved after a total of n3 games, then the player is awarded a maximum prize. This exhausts the primary fund down to its base level, but there is an instant transfer from the reserve fund to the primary fund, which therefore starts to build up again from well above its base level. When it reaches maximum again, the reserve fund starts to be replenished. <IMAGE>

IPC 1-7

G07F 17/32

IPC 8 full level

G07F 17/32 (2006.01)

CPC (source: EP)

G07F 17/32 (2013.01)

Citation (search report)

Designated contracting state (EPC)

AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE SK TR

DOCDB simple family (publication)

EP 1278167 A2 20030122; EP 1278167 A3 20040114; GB 0117654 D0 20010912; GB 0216763 D0 20020828; GB 2379615 A 20030319

DOCDB simple family (application)

EP 02255060 A 20020719; GB 0117654 A 20010720; GB 0216763 A 20020719