[0001] This invention relates to player-operable entertainment machines, particularly coin-operated
amusement with prizes (AWP) machines, such as "fruit" or "poker" machines of the kind
having a main display device for displaying a selected combination of symbols at a
win zone. As used herein, the term coin is intended also to cover tokens, charge or
credit cards or any other means of supplying credit or monetary value.
[0002] The main display device of a fruit machine may comprise multiple side-by-side reels
which are rotatable about a common horizontal axis within a housing behind a window
at the win zone. Each reel has symbols at equally spaced positions around its periphery
and the reels can be brought to rest with one symbol on each reel displayed through
the window on a win line.
[0003] If the displayed combination of symbols constitutes a predetermined winning combination
an award may be made available to the player.
[0004] It is well known to provide a supplementary display or 'games feature' which can
be used to enhance the entertainment value of the machine and provide additional or
alternative opportunities for winning.
[0005] In particular, it is known to provide a panel having sections which can be selectively
illuminated to represent movement from location to location around a region, e.g.
so as to simulate the playing of a board game.
[0006] Play is transferred from the main reels to the supplementary feature on a random
or predetermined basis, and then illumination of the panel sections may be effected
by, or in correspondence with, a rotatable subsidiary feature reel, or otherwise,
representing the spin of a reel or roll of a dice or other selection method.
[0007] Awards or award possibilities may be made available to the player in dependence on
the location on the region to which play has progressed.
[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a games feature having enhanced
award possibilities.
[0009] According to the invention, there is provided an entertainment machine having a main
display device which displays selected symbols at a win zone and a supplementary game-playing
display region whereby play can transfer between the main display device and the supplementary
game-playing region, characterised in that the supplementary display region comprises
a matrix of selectable zones including one or more award zones wherein play can advance
through the matrix in correspondence with selected symbols on the main display device.
[0010] With this arrangement, there may be enhanced award possibilities, in the sense of
a wider range of kinds of awards and/or a wider range of routes to the attainment
of awards, which can enhance game-playing entertainment.
[0011] As desired, but not necessarily, there may be enhancement of award value or frequency.
[0012] The main display device may take any suitable form and may be in the form of actual
or simulated rotatable reels bearing symbols, e.g. as mentioned above.
[0013] The said selected symbols may include one or more transfer symbols whereby play can
transfer to the matrix only on selection of one or more of said transfer symbols.
[0014] The main symbols and each transfer symbols may take any suitable form and may be
displayed on the main display device in any arrangement.
[0015] For example, the or each transfer symbols may be displayed with or be adjacent to
one or more main symbols. Each transfer symbol may be incorporated in the main symbols.
[0016] Alternatively, or additionally, the transfer symbols may actually take the place
of a main symbol.
[0017] For example, where the main device is in the form of actual/simulated rotatable reels
bearing symbols, the reels may also bear one or more transfer symbols adjacent to
or in place of a main symbol.
[0018] For play to transfer to the supplementary game playing region, the transfer symbols
may be displayed anywhere in view within the win zone, or it may be required that
the transfer symbols are displayed in a predetermined position in the win zone, e.g.
on a win line.
[0019] The matrix may take any suitable form and may be any regular or irregular shape or
configuration of zones.
[0020] However, preferably, the matrix comprises rows and columns of zones, which may be
mutually transverse.
[0021] The matrix may comprise any number of zones which may be any shape e.g. square, rectangular,
circular or with a curved outer perimeter.
[0022] In a preferred embodiment the matrix comprises rectangular said zones within a rectangular
field.
[0023] As described above, play can advance through the matrix according to selected symbols.
[0024] The symbols may indicate to the player the route that play can advance through the
matrix. For example, the symbol may indicate the allowed distance and/or direction
of movement through the matrix. The symbol may also indicate the number of zones that
may be traversed, and/or the direction.
[0025] Alternatively, or additionally, the symbol may indicate a destination in the matrix,
to which play can advance.
[0026] The or each said award zone may bear a symbol to indicate the award.
[0027] Alternatively, the matrix may incorporate digital or other displays capable of operation
to indicate different awards.
[0028] Progression of play through the matrix may be indicated in any suitable manner e.g.
by back illumination of a number of panels.
[0029] Additionally or alternatively, progress of play through the matrix, may be simulated
by display of moving images e.g. a video screen. Indeed, display of the selected symbols
may be by way of a video screen.
[0030] Play may transfer between the main display device and the supplementary game-playing
region automatically (i.e. outside the influence of the player) on selection of one
or more symbols.
[0031] Alternatively, on selection of the said one or more transfer symbols, transfer of
play to the supplementary display game may be under control of the player. The possibility
of transfer of play to the supplementary display game may be indicated by e.g. illumination
of the matrix or a zone thereof or, indeed, any suitable part of the machine.
[0032] There may be a predetermined entry position in the matrix, that is to say each time
play transfers to the matrix, it may be necessary to start at a particular position.
[0033] Alternatively, there may be provision for play to begin from a position (e.g. the
last position) gained in a previous game in the supplementary region.
[0034] Awards available from award zones may be automatically awarded, or may be credited
to the player for future award, or the player may be given the option of trying to
increase the award, e.g. by gambling this with a conventional 'gamble' feature, prior
to award or credit.
[0035] Awards may be of any suitable nature, including monetary pay out, free games, scored
points, extra 'nudges' or 'holds' or other games features (such as the main game).
For example, at least one award zone may correspond to a predetermined number of 'nudges'
made available to the player in the main game.
[0036] One or more award zones may allow the player a 'bonus' move, i.e. may allow or offer
the player further progress through the matrix by effecting or contributing to movement
between the zones.
[0037] One or more award zones may offer the player a multi-level start into a further supplementary
games feature of the machine. Alternatively, or additionally, one or more award zones
may offer a second entry into the matrix.
[0038] The awards of different zones may be of different kinds. For example, awards may
change by increase in value from zone to zone , or throughout the matrix from one
part to another part. For example, in the case of a square grid, awards may increase
in value from one corner zone to another corner zone. Awards may be located so as
to be concentrated in a particular area of the matrix e.g. in the zones along all
or part of the perimeter of the matrix.
[0039] There may be incentive for the player to seek to move in a particular direction,
from one zone to another zone in addition to or rather than obtaining an award already
offered by a zone, in the hope of obtaining a higher value award.
[0040] Provision may be made for storage or accumulation of awards e.g. for subsequent use
in the supplementary game or in another games feature of the machine.
[0041] To this end there may be provided player operable control means to allow the player
to choose either to obtain an award or to store the award.
[0042] More preferably the entertainment machine is a coin-operated machine, particularly
a coin-operated 'amusement with prizes' (AWP) machine which may be of the fruit machine
or poker machine kind using actual (or simulated) rotatable reels as mentioned above
the main display device.
[0043] The invention will now be described further by way of example only and with reference
to the accompanying drawings in which:-
- Fig. 1
- is a diagrammatic perspective view of one form of an entertainment machine according
to the invention;
- Fig. 2
- is an enlarged diagrammatic view of part of the display of the machine of Fig. 1;
- Fig. 3
- is a block circuit diagram of the machine; and
- Figs. 4a & 4b
- show symbols which can be selected and displayed.
[0044] Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1 shows a fruit machine having a floor-standing box
shaped housing 1 having a front wall which includes upper and lower glass panels 2,
3, a number of operating buttons 5, 6, a coin slot 7 and a payout opening 8.
[0045] Within the housing 1 there are three axially aligned reels 9 having say twenty main
symbols 30 at regularly spaced positions around their peripheries. The reels 9 are
axially rotatable and are drivably connected to respective stepper motors 10. The
reels 9 are arranged behind a main display device including a window 11 at a win zone,
the window being defined by a printed region of the lower glass panel 3. Each reel
9 can be arrested by the respective stepper motor 10 in any of twenty stopping positions
in which one main symbol 30 is displayed in precise registration with a horizontal
win line 50 in the centre of the window 11 and two further main symbols 30 are visible
above and below the win line 50.
[0046] It will be appreciated that the above configuration could be replaced, at least in
part, by simulated reels using a video screen or other suitable means.
[0047] As described in more detail hereinafter, the upper glass panel 2 has a back-illuminated
printed region 15 which defines a matrix 17 of zones 18.
[0048] In addition to the-main symbols on the reels 9, transfer symbols are also provided
either adjacent to a main symbol, as shown in Fig. 4a, or in place of a main symbol
30 as shown in Fig. 4b. The transfer symbols comprise a directional arrow and a number
which correspond respectively to the direction of movement which is allowed through
the matrix 17 and the number zones 18 that may be traversed.
[0049] Thus the configuration of the transfer symbols 32 comprising an upwardly directed
arrow containing a number three as shown in Fig. 4a, allows movement through three
zones 18 in an upward direction.
[0050] The stepper motors 10 are connected to a microprocessor-based control unit 12. This
unit is also connected to a coin-mechanism 13, a payout mechanism 14 and the buttons
5, 6.
[0051] In use, the player inserts coins into the coin mechanism 13 through the slot 7 sufficient
to generate credit for one or more games, and the machine is actuated so that a game
can now be played. The game commences after a start button 5 has been pressed and
the reels 9 spin and then come to rest so as to select a combination of symbols displayed
on the win line. The displayed symbol combination is assessed by the control unit
12 and a win indication is given in the event that the combination is of a predetermined
winning nature. This is the main feature game.
[0052] The control buttons 6 can be used to perform 'hold' or 'nudge' functions, when made
available to the player, so that the player can seek to influence the outcome of a
game, in conventional manner.
[0053] The upper panel 2 is a transparent glass panel and, as mentioned, within this there
is the printed display region 15, which can be back-illuminated with a bank of lights
16, and which provides a supplementary games feature.
[0054] As shown, this games feature consists of a matrix 17 containing a grid of printed
zones 18. The matrix 17 is a rectangular field of like rectangular zones 18 arranged
in mutually perpendicular rows and columns.
[0055] The matrix includes a plurality of award zones 20, 22 and these are marked with symbols,
relating to awards as will be described below. Four awards zones 20 are located in
a diagonal across the matrix 17. The remaining fourteen award zones 22 are located
in perimeter positions on two sides of the matrix.
[0056] Play can progress through the matrix 17 by successive back illumination of the zones
18 simulating movement through a number of steps. The movement corresponds to the
transfer symbol selected with the main reel 9.
[0057] The award zones 20 are marked with one or more 'bonus' symbols, and the perimeter
zones 22 are marked with one or more 'nudge' symbols.
[0058] Play transfers to the matrix 17 when a transfer symbol on the main reels 9 is selected
on the win line.
[0059] On each transfer to the matrix 17, play automatically begins at the zone 18
a in the lower left hand corner of the matrix 17. Depending on the transfer symbol
32 selected play then progresses through the matrix to a zone which is then back-illuminated.
In the case where an 'bonus' award zone is illuminated , this offers a bonus to the
player. Certain 'bonus' zones allow further advancement of the players position within
the matrix 17. The bonus may be indicated by a symbol indicating the distance (i.e.
number of zones) and direction of movement which is offered. The symbol may be configured
as for the transfer symbols shown in Fig. 4
a or Fig. 4
b.
[0060] Other 'bonus' zones may offer the player a multi-level start into a secondary bonus
game (not shown) which is provided in addition to the matrix. Alternatively, or additionally,
other 'bonus' zones may offer the player a second entry into the matrix providing
a multi-level entry into the matrix. Other 'bonus' zones may offer cash prizes which
may be of increasing value.
[0061] If, in accordance with the selected transfer symbol or above mentioned bonus, play
advances to a zone 18 in which no award is offered then play automatically reverts
back to the main 'reel' games feature to continue there if play advances to the perimeter
'nudge' zones 22, then the player is given a number of nudges (between 1 and 8 as
indicated in Figure 2) for use in playing the main 'reel' games feature. Play then
transfers automatically to the main games feature and the number of 'nudges' allocated
become available.
[0062] The number of nudges may also be displayed within an area of the main display device.
[0063] One or more limitations may be imposed on the foregoing by virtue of time, or number
of operations, or game duration or game outcome or otherwise. Accumulated 'nudges'
or 'bonuses' gained may be maintained throughout successive games or may be reset
or cancelled at the end of a game or at the end of play of the feature game.
[0064] With the arrangement described above, there are enhanced possibilities for attaining
awards in the feature game which provided additional player entertainment.
[0065] It is of course to be understood that the invention is not intended to be restricted
to the details of the above embodiment which are described by way of example only.
1. An entertainment machine having a main display device (9) which displays selected
symbols at a win zone (50) and a supplementary game-playing display region whereby
play can transfer between the main display device and the supplementary game-playing
region, characterised in that the supplementary display region (15) comprises a matrix (17) of selectable zones
(18) including one or more award zones (20, 22) wherein play can advance through the
matrix (17) in correspondence with selected symbols (32) on the main display device
(9).
2. A machine according to claim 1 characterised in that the main display device comprises actual or simulated rotatable reels (9) bearing
symbols (30, 32) including the said selected symbols (32).
3. A machine according to claim 1 or 2 characterised in that the said selected symbols (32) include one or more transfer symbols additional to
main symbols (30) of the main display device whereby play can transfer to the matrix
(17) only on selection of one or more of said transfer symbols (32).
4. A machine according to claim 3 characterised in that the or each transfer symbol (32) is displayed with or adjacent to one or more said
main symbols (30).
5. A machine according to claim 3 characterised in that the or each transfer symbol (32) is displayed separately, in place of the main symbols
(30).
6. A machine according to any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein the win zone has a win line
(50) characterised in that the or each said transfer symbol (32) is selected when displayed on the win line
(50).
7. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6 characterised in that the said selectable zones (18) are arranged in mutually transverse rows and columns.
8. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7 characterised in that the matrix (17) comprises rectangular said zones (18) within a rectangular field
(15).
9. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8 characterised in that the selected symbols (32) indicate number of zones (18) traversed through the matrix
(17).
10. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9 characterised in that the selected symbols (32) indicate a direction of movement through the matrix (17).
11. A machine according to claim 10 characterised in that the direction is selected from two mutually perpendicular directions.
12. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 11 characterised in that the selected symbols (32) indicate destinations in the matrix (17) to which play
advances.
13. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 12 characterised in that the (or at least one) award zone (22) corresponds to a number of nudges made available
to the player.
14. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 13 characterised in that the (or at least one) award zone (20) corresponds to a bonus allowing further movement
through the matrix.
15. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 14 characterised in that the said zones (18) are back illuminated to indicate progression from zone to zone.