|
(11) | EP 1 463 009 A2 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| (54) | Entertainment machine |
| (57) A coin-operated entertainment machine has a main display device such as rotatable
reels (8), with which a main game can be played involving the selection and display
of symbols, a prize being awarded if the symbols make up a winning combination. The
reels can be operated for multiple successive games. Play is transferable from the
main display device to secondary displays (14). These secondary displays may be columns
of selectable elements (20) which can be used to award further prizes. In one embodiment
after each reel operation there is a period of operation of the secondary display,
during which the next reel operation can be commenced. In other embodiments the secondary
display operations can run at the same time as reel operation. |
[0001] This invention relates to coin-operated player operable entertainment machines of the kind having a main display device which in play of a game operates to display a selected combination of symbols.
[0002] As used herein the term coin is intended also to cover notes, tokens, charge or credit cards or any other means of supplying credit or monetary value.
[0003] Entertainment machines of the above kind which are fruit machines or poker machines typically have three or four reels with symbols around their peripheries. In play of a game, after game credit has been staked the reels rotate behind a window and then come to rest each displaying one or more selected symbols through the window on one or more win lines. An award is made available to the player in the event that a predetermined winning combination of symbols is displayed on the (or one) win line.
[0004] To optimise earnings it is desirable for games to be completed quickly. However, there may be a minimum duration imposed by law, and in any case, if play ends too quickly the entertainment value may be reduced so as to discourage player interest.
[0005] An object of the present invention is to enable game play to be completed quickly without unduly discouraging player interest.
[0006] According to the invention therefore there is provided a coin-operated player-operable entertainment machine having a main display device operable in play of a game to display a selected combination of symbols, characterised by the provision of a plurality of secondary display devices each operable to display a selected outcome and which is operable in association with the main display device, whereby in successive games respective said secondary display devices are operable in association with the main display device.
[0007] With this arrangement, it is possible to arrange for games to be played quickly one after the other, yet at the same time, player interest can be maintained in so far as each game can be associated with operation of a respective secondary display device.
[0008] In one embodiment, play is transferable from the main display device to the secondary display devices such that play is transferable in a subsequent game to a respective said secondary display device during operation of a different said display device to which play transferred in a preceding game. With this arrangement, the duration of play of a game can be prolonged because the period of operation of the main display device can be supplemented by the period of operation of the respective supplementary display device.
[0009] Notwithstanding this prolongation, the rate of purchase of games can be at a high level because further games can be started before completion of preceding games. In particular, after completion of operation of the main display device in a first game, the main display device can be operated again in a second game before operation of the supplementary display device of the first game has ended. Further games can overlap in this way depending on the duration of operation of the main and supplementary display devices.
[0010] In one example, the main display device may operate for say 3 seconds, and each supplementary display device may operate for say 7 seconds. With this example arrangement games can be started at 3 second intervals, each game can last 10 seconds, and three games can run at the same time.
[0011] The supplementary display device may operate for a common duration and may be of like kind. However, if desired the supplementary display devices may be of different duration and/or of different kinds.
[0012] Transfer from the main display device to a respective said supplementary display device may occur automatically under control of the machine, and/or at the initiation of the player e.g. by operating a control button or the like, the supplementary display device being selected on any random, pseudo random or predetermined basis.
[0013] Transfer, or the option to transfer, may arise whenever the main display device operates or only on some occasions. For example availability of transfer may be determined by the symbol combination selected with the main display device. Transfer may only be available when the selected combination is of a predetermined category e.g. when it is not a winning combination. In one embodiment transfer becomes available and is automatically initiated whenever the selected combination is not a winning combination.
[0014] In the case where transfer is not made available or is not effected, a substitute operation may occur to ensure that game play is prolonged, preferably on every such occasion. This substitute operation may be of a spurious nature which has no affect on the game. For example, especially in the case where the selected symbol combination displayed on the main display device is a winning combination and this prevents transfer of play to a respective supplementary display device, substitute operation may then come into effect to produce flashing lights or sounds or the like before the game ends.
[0015] There is also the possibility, in certain gaming jurisdictions where this is permitted, for the main display device to be operated after sufficient game credit has been staked e.g. by the insertion of coins or other credit means, without requiring actuation of a player control.
[0016] Especially in this case, in accordance with an alternative embodiment, the secondary display devices may operate respectively in association with operations of the main display device without requiring operation of a player control for each game. Accordingly, it is possible for multiple games, say four games, to be played, possibly simultaneously, within an overall game play period.
[0017] This could be indicated to the player by actuating multiple e.g. four sections of the supplementary display device (or four such devices) simultaneously, deactuating each section after each operation of the main display device, or alternatively the arrangement may be such that the sections only actuate when the main display device has operated for each individual game and such sections could then operate for increasingly shorter times.
[0018] This can increase the speed of the game play by running multiple e.g. four sections. Within e.g. the same 10 second period.
[0019] An award may be made available to the player if the selected symbol combination displayed on the main display device is of a predetermined winning nature. There may be different awards for different winning combinations and these may constitute available payouts.
[0020] The outcomes of the supplementary display devices may also correspond to awards if of a predetermined winning nature. There may be different winning outcomes with different awards for each supplementary display device, or there may only be one winning outcome, other outcomes not being of a winning nature. The (or each) winning outcome of each supplementary display device may be the same as, or different from, the (or each) outcome of the (or each) other supplementary display device.
[0021] There may be any suitable number of supplementary devices which may be equal to the number which can operate at the same time, or which may be a different number. In one embodiment there are more supplementary devices than can be operated at the same time.
[0022] Most preferably a predetermined stake is required to be credited to the machine for the playing of a game and the arrangement may be such that a number of games can only be initiated for play at the same time if sufficient stakes have already been credited for that number of games. Alternatively it may be possible to provide stakes when required for the games.
[0023] With regard to the main display device, this may take any suitable form but is preferably of the kind which provides a display of changing or moving symbols which comes to rest with the selected combination of symbols displayed at a win zone. Most preferably the display device is of the kind having actual or simulated rotatable symbol bearing reels, particularly as hereinbefore described.
[0024] With regard to the supplementary display devices these may take any suitable form. In one embodiment they comprise multiple display elements which are actuated in accordance with a predetermined or random pattern or sequence to give a moving or changing display which comes to rest with a selected such element actuated to indicate the outcome associated therewith.
[0025] The display elements may be actuated by illumination thereof e.g. by back illumination of transparent or translucent areas with lamps, or by use of LEDs or otherwise.
[0026] In one embodiment the display elements are arranged in a sequence, e.g. in a column or ladder, and are actuated in turn along the sequence, possibly backwards and forwards along the sequence, e.g. up and down in the case of the aforesaid column or ladder. In this case only one element, e.g. an end element of the sequence, may correspond to a winning outcome.
[0027] The invention will now be described further by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-
- Figure 1
- is a front perspective view of one form of a machine according to the invention; and
- Figure 2
- is a diagrammatic representation of a control system of the machine.
[0028] Referring to the drawings, Figure 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 4, 5, a coin slot 6 and a payout opening 7.
[0029] Within the housing 1 there are three axially aligned reels 8 having say 20 symbols at regularly spaced positions around their peripheries. The reels 8 are axially rotatable 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 lower glass panel 3. 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 in the centre of the window 10 and two further symbols are visible above and below the win line.
[0030] The stepper motors 9 are connected to a microprocessor-based control unit 11. This unit is also connected to a coin-mechanism 12, a pay-out mechanism 13, and the buttons 4, 5.
[0031] The upper panel 2 has five like supplementary display devices 14 comprising a row of five side by side upright columns 15-19 each consisting of ten aligned LEDs 20 which are connected to the control unit 11.
[0032] In addition, decorative display regions 21 are provided on the upper panel 2 and these can be back lit with lamps 22 which are also connected to the control unit 11.
[0034] In use, the player inserts coins into the coin mechanism 12 through the slot 6 sufficient to generate credit for one or more games. A predetermined stake value, is required to play a game. The credit value available for playing games (or the number of such games credited) is shown on an alphanumeric display 24 on the panel 2 connected to the unit 11. A game commences after a start button 4 has been pressed and the reels 8 spin and then come to rest so as to display a combination of symbols on the win line. The displayed symbol combination is assessed by the control unit 11 and a win indication is given in the event that the combination is of a predetermined winning nature. Winning combinations are indicated on a win chart printed on the top panel 2.
[0035] The reels 8 spin and come to rest a predetermined period of time, say 3 seconds, after pressing the start button 4.
[0036] If the selected symbol combination is a winning combination the lamps 22 used to back light the decorative display are actuated so as to flash. At the same time the sound generator 23 is actuated to generate a tune or sequence of sounds.
[0037] Flashing of the lamps 22 and actuation of the sound generator 23 continues for a predetermined period of time, say 7 seconds, after the reels 8 have come to rest. A payout can then be obtained by operating a button 5.
[0038] If the selected symbol combination is not a winning combination, when the reels 8 stop play transfers automatically to a selected one of the supplementary display devices 14, and one of the LEDs 20 is actuated so as to be illuminated. The actuated LED is selected at random. The LEDs 20 of the selected display device 14 are switched in sequence so that only one LED is illuminated at any time, and the pattern of illumination progresses up the respective column 15-19, from LED to LED, from the originally selected LED up to the top of the column. The pattern of illumination then progresses down the column 15-19 to the bottom of the column. Movement up and down the column 15-19 between the top and bottom positions is repeated for a predetermined period of time, say 7 seconds. The rate of switching of the LEDs 20 is sufficiently rapid to give several cycles of movement up and down the column whilst allowing visual separation of the individual illuminated LEDs.
[0039] At the end of the predetermined period switching of the LEDs 20 stops leaving the last actuated LED still illuminated. If this is the top LED in the respective column 15-19 this corresponds to a winning outcome and an award of predetermined value is made available to the player. If the last actuated LED is not the top LED, this corresponds to a losing outcome.
[0040] With this arrangement, the game including spin of the reels 8 and either actuation of the lamps 22 and sound generator 23 or transfer of play to the selected column 15-19, always has a predetermined minimum duration, say 10 seconds.
[0041] During any such game, if sufficient credit is available to provide a stake for a further game, the player can press the start button 4 to start a second game. The start button 4 becomes operable for this purpose, as indicated by illumination of the button 4, as soon as the reels 8 stop spinning. The player can then play a second game, involving spin of the reels 8 followed by actuation of the lamps 22 and sound generator 23 or transfer of play to a selected column 15-19, before the first game has ended i.e. during the period of actuation of the lamps 22 and sound generator 23 or operation of the selected supplementary display device 14 of the first game. The second game therefore proceeds at the same time as the actuation of the lamps 22 and sound generator 23 or operation of the device 14 of the first game, whereby it can occur that play of the second game results in two of the columns showing movement of lights up and down at the same time.
[0042] This can be repeated with subsequent games as long as there is sufficient credit for further games.
[0043] As shown, there are five columns 15-19 and the arrangement may be such that transfer in the first credited game is to the first column 15 at one end of the row of columns, e.g. the left end as shown in the drawings, and in subsequent games the next columns 16-19 in the row are successively selected. For each column 15-19 the LEDs 20 are switched to give cycles of rising and falling illumination for a predetermined duration as described above in relation to the first game.
[0044] With the arrangement shown the maximum number of games which can be credited in advance may be five, and when all game credit has been used up, transfer in the next game may start again at the left end column 15. Alternatively different arrangements may apply whereby the credit limit may be different from the number of supplementary display devices 14, and transfer for any game may be to the next column 15-19, or back to the left end column 15 when the previous column was the right end column 19.
[0045] In this way, it is ensured that each game has a predetermined significant duration, say 10 seconds, without having to wait for the full duration before a subsequent game can be started. With a 3 second reel spin followed by a 7 second duration of actuation of the lamps and sound generator or operation of a supplementary display device, it is possible to start a new game every 3 seconds whereby 3 games can run at the same time.
[0047] In a modification of the above-described embodiment, instead of requiring successive operations of the start button 4 to play successive games, after providing sufficient game credit for e.g. four games, the start button 4 is pressed and this causes four games to be played automatically one after the other.
[0048] In this case, four of the secondary display devices are actuated simultaneously to run for a predetermined maximum period, say 10 seconds. The sections 15-19 are then deactuated successively in correspondence with successive operations of the reels 8. By way of example, with four sections actuated simultaneously within an overall 10 second limit, after a first period of say 3 seconds operation of the reels 8 a first section 15 is deactuated, after a second 3 second period the second section 16 is deactuated (after 6 seconds operation), after a third 3 second period the third section 17 is deactuated (after 9 seconds operation), and during a fourth 3 second period of operation of the reels 8 the fourth section 18 is deactuated after 1 second (after 10 seconds total operation of this section). Alternatively the arrangement may be such that the fourth section 18 may be deactuated after the fourth 3 second period (i.e. after 12 seconds).
[0049] At the end of play of the four games, the player is awarded prizes depending on the outcome of the four operations of the reels 8 and the automatically initiated operations of the four sections 15-19.
[0050] In a variation of the above modifications, instead of actuating the four sections 15-19 simultaneously, the sections 15-19 are actuated successively, in correspondence with the four successive operations of the reels 8, with an overall predetermined maximum period between actuation of the first section 15 and deactivation of the fourth section 18, of say 10 seconds. Thus, for example, the first section 15 may be actuated for 3 seconds during a first 3 second operation of the reels 8, the second 16 and third 17 sections may be actuated for respective 3 second periods during second and third 3 second operations of the reels 8, and the fourth 18 section may be actuated for 1 second during the fourth 3 second operation of the reels 8.
[0051] Alternatively, other time combinations may be used, such as 3 seconds for each of the first 15 and second 16 sections, and 2 seconds for each of the third 17 and fourth 18 sections to make up 10 seconds in total.
[0052] Alternatively, the first three sections 15-17 may be actuated for longer periods than the reels 8, e.g. successively for 10, 7 and 4 seconds so that all four sections 15-18 have an overlapping period of simultaneous actuation.
1. A coin-operated entertainment machine comprising a main display device operable in
play of a game to display a selected combination of symbols, characterised by the provision of a plurality of secondary display devices each operable to display
a selected outcome and which is operable in association with the main display device,
whereby in successive games respective said secondary display devices are operable
in association with the main display device.
2. An entertainment machine according to claim 1, characterised in that play is transferable from the main display device (8) to the secondary display devices
(15-19) such that play is transferable in a subsequent game to a respective said secondary
display device during operation of a different said display device to which play transferred
in a preceding game.
3. An entertainment machine according to claim 2, characterised in that the supplementary display devices (15-19) operate for a common duration.
4. An entertainment machine according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that the supplementary display devices (15-19) are of like kind.
5. An entertainment machine according to any one of claims 2-4 characterised in that play is initiated by pressing a start button (4).
6. An entertainment machine according to any one of claims 2-5, characterised in that transfer from the main display device (8) to the secondary display devices (15-19)
becomes available and is automatically initiated whenever the selected combination
of symbols is not a winning combination of symbols.
7. An entertainment machine according to claim 1, characterised in that multiple sections of the secondary display devices (15-19) are actuated simultaneously
in association with the main display device (8) and one section is deactuated after
the first operation of the said main display device, such that a subsequent section
is deactuated following a subsequent operation of the said main display device.
8. An entertainment machine according to claim 1, characterised in that a section of the secondary display devices (15-19) is actuated in association with
operation of the main display device (8) and deactuated after each operation of the
said main display device such that subsequent operations of the said main display
device actuate and deactuate different sections of the said secondary display device.
9. An entertainment machine according to claim 1, characterised in that a section of the secondary display devices (15-19) is actuated in association with
an operation of the main display device (8) such that subsequent operations of the
said main display device actuate different subsequent sections of the said secondary
display device and all sections of the said secondary display devices are deactuated
simultaneously following the final operation of the said main display device.
10. An entertainment machine according to any one of claims 1-9, characterised in that prizes are awarded when a selected symbol combination displayed on the main display
device (8) is of a predetermined winning nature such that there are different awards
for different combinations.
11. An entertainment machine according to any one of claims 1-10, characterised in that prizes are awarded when the outcome of the supplementary display devices (15-19)
corresponds to a predetermined winning nature.
12. An entertainment machine according to any one of claims 1-11, characterised in that a stake of predetermined value is required such that a number of games can only be
initiated for play at the same time if sufficient stakes have already been credited
for that number of games.
13. An entertainment machine according to any of claims 1-12 wherein the main display
device (8) comprises actual or simulated rotatable symbol bearing reels (8) operable
to display a selected combination of symbols within a win zone.
14. An entertainment machine according to any one of claims 1-13 wherein the supplementary
display devices (15-19) comprise multiple display elements which are actuated in accordance
with a predetermined or random pattern or sequence to give a moving or changing display
which comes to rest with a selected such element actuated to indicate the outcome
associated therewith.
15. An entertainment machine according to any one of claims 1-14 wherein the display elements
are actuated by illumination thereof.
16. An entertainment machine according to any one of claims 1-15, wherein the display
elements are illuminated by LEDs (20).