U.S. patent application number 09/813518 was filed with the patent office on 2001-07-26 for drop slot game machine.
Invention is credited to Krise, David A., Sines, Randy D..
Application Number | 20010009316 09/813518 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24606355 |
Filed Date | 2001-07-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010009316 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Krise, David A. ; et
al. |
July 26, 2001 |
Drop slot game machine
Abstract
The present invention is a game machine comprising a playing
field having an upper interior edge and a lower interior edge with
at least one drop zone deflector located adjacent to the upper
interior edge of the playing field. The present invention also has
a number of exit positions located along the lower interior edge of
the playing field. A payline display and a payline symbol selector
display are also part of the present invention. Balls passing
through the exit positions select symbols for display in the
payline display determined in part upon the movement of a ball on
said playing field. The game also has a ball ejector capable of
propelling a ball in a path that intersects the drop zone
deflector.
Inventors: |
Krise, David A.; (Spokane,
WA) ; Sines, Randy D.; (Spokane, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WELLS ST JOHN ROBERTS GREGORY AND MATKIN
SUITE 1300
601 W FIRST AVENUE
SPOKANE
WA
992013828
|
Family ID: |
24606355 |
Appl. No.: |
09/813518 |
Filed: |
March 20, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09813518 |
Mar 20, 2001 |
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09128218 |
Aug 3, 1998 |
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6203008 |
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09128218 |
Aug 3, 1998 |
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08649821 |
May 17, 1996 |
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5788230 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
273/108 ;
273/121D |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2007/0064 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101; G07F 17/34 20130101; A63F 7/022 20130101; G07F
17/3262 20130101; G07F 17/3297 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/108 ;
273/121.00D |
International
Class: |
A63D 003/02 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A game machine comprising: a) a playing field having an upper
interior edge and a lower interior edge; b) a drop zone deflector
located adjacent the upper interior edge of said playing field; c)
an exit position located adjacent the lower interior edge of said
playing field; d) a payline display; e) a payline symbol selector
that selects a symbol for display in the payline display determined
in part upon the movement of a ball on said playing field; and f) a
ball ejector capable of propelling a ball in a path that intersects
said drop zone deflector.
2. The game machine of claim 1, further comprising a zone divider
wall oriented generally vertically on said playing field.
3. The game machine of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
ball engaging obstacles arranged along the surface of the playing
field.
4. The game machine of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
drop zone deflectors located along the upper interior edge of said
playing field and a plurality of zone divider walls oriented
vertically on said playing field adjacent said upper interior edge
and said plurality drop zone deflectors are associated with said
plurality of zone divider walls.
5. The game machine of claim 1, further comprising a ball holder
where balls are held prior to being received into said ball
ejector.
6. The game machine of claim 1, wherein said ball ejector fires a
predetermined set of n balls onto said playing field at a time, and
said payline display displays n symbols at a time.
7. The game machine of claim 1, further comprising a symbol
selector display which displays the symbol selected by said symbol
selector when a ball leaves said playing field through said exit
position associated with the symbol displayed on said symbol
selector display.
8. The game machine of claim 1, wherein said payline symbol
selector is additionally comprised of a plurality of sensors which
register the location of said ball as it passes through said exit
position.
9. A game machine comprising: a) a playing field having an upper
interior edge, a middle field, and a lower interior edge; b) a
plurality of drop zone deflectors located along the upper interior
edge of said playing field; c) a plurality of zone divider walls
oriented along the vertical axis of said playing field between said
upper interior edge and said middle field and associated with said
drop zone deflectors; d) a plurality of exit positions located
along the lower interior edge of said playing field; e) a payline
display; f) a payline symbol selector which selects a symbol for
display in the payline display based in part upon which exit
position a ball leaves the playing field through; g) a symbol
selector display associated with said plurality of exit positions
which displays the symbol that will be selected when a ball passes
through said associated plurality of exit positions. h) a ball
ejector capable of propelling a ball along said playing field such
that the path of said ball intersects said drop zone deflector.
10. The game machine of claim 9, wherein said payline symbol
selector is additionally comprised of a plurality of sensors
associated with said plurality of exit positions and said symbol
selector display registers and displays the number of balls that
have passed through said associated plurality of exit
positions.
11. A game machine comprising: a) an inclined play field having a
plurality of zones in which game balls move by gravity; b) a ball
launching mechanism to start a plurality of game balls in the play
field near an upper portion thereof; c) user controlled zone
director for directing game balls from said ball launching
mechanism into a selected one or more of said zones; d) a
multi-symbol payline display; and e) a payline symbol selector that
selects each of a plurality of symbols for display by said
multi-symbol payline display in response to movement of game balls
in said zones on said playing field.
12. A method for a game machine which receives a ball at the top of
a vertically oriented playing field and where said ball selects a
symbol for display on a payline display as it falls through and
exits at the bottom of the playing field under the force of gravity
comprising the steps of: a) randomly generating a number of symbols
and randomly assigning said symbols to an equal number of scoring
positions; b) receiving input selecting an upper portion of said
playing field to be subdivided and subdividing the selected upper
portion of said playing field so that the side to side motion of
said ball will be constrained to said subdivided upper portion of
said playing field; c) injecting a ball into the top portion of
said playing field; d) displaying on said payline display the
symbol selected by said ball when it contacts said scoring
position.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to an
electro-mechanical gaming machine, and more particularly to a
combination slot machine and pachenko game machine which has drop
zones created by zone deflectors and scoring positions which vary
from game to game.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Slot machines have been a dominant part of the gaming
industry world wide for over 50 years. While pachenko machines have
seen a great deal of popularity in Asia, they are not as well
suited for gaming as the traditional slot machine.
[0003] Slot machines have changed very little over the years.
Whether mechanical or electronic, they still have reels spinning
and coming to stop on a potential jackpot. It appears that a large
part of the appeal of slot machines is the "mechanical" nature of
the spinning reels which induces a belief in players that they are
witnessing a truly random event and that the "big" jackpot is
always just around the corner. While the big jackpot may or may not
be just around the corner, slot machines maintain a very accurate
payout percentage, usually between 92 and 99 percent with the house
retaining the rest as profit.
[0004] The public perception of the "mechanical" nature of a slot
machine is a critical part of their acceptance of the fairness of
the machine. When slot machines with video displays showing
simulated reels were introduced, the public rejected them in favor
of the older slot machines with mechanical reels. Even though the
new machines simulated the mechanical slots in every way and used
the same random number generating circuit and yielded the same
percentages as the mechanical slot machines, they were less
attractive to the gaming public.
[0005] The biggest problem with the mechanical or electronic slot
machines that have mechanical reels is that they have higher
mechanical maintenance costs than machines with video displays in
place of spinning reels. While prior art machines that replaced the
spinning reels with video displays had lower mechanical maintenance
costs they were also less attractive to gamers.
[0006] Another problem with traditional slot machines is their
size, due to the space requirements of the mechanical reels.
Traditional slot machines take up a great deal of floor space and
are generally not well suited to being wall mounted. Smaller
machines would allow the machines' owners to generate more revenue
per square foot. The option of wall mounting a machine is
attractive because this allows greater flexibility in the placement
of machines.
[0007] Yet another problem with traditional slot machines is the
limited number of possible combinations of symbols limits the size
of a jackpot that can be offered. In order to provide larger
jackpots, gaming establishments link multiple machines together in
order to offer a progressive jackpot.
[0008] Finally, the very randomness which makes slot machines
attractive also deters some people from playing them because they
do not perceive there to be any skill involved in playing the game.
Additionally, some people are looking for a more interactive
experience than is provided by traditional slot machines. Too much
interactivity, such as that involved with video and pinball games,
would slow down the cycle rate of the machines to an unacceptable
level.
[0009] There is a demand for a gaming machine that is as attractive
to gamers as slot machines but at lower mechanical maintenance
costs. There is a further demand for a gaming machine which would
allow for the chance at a large jackpot with a small investment
without having to link together multiple machines. There is yet a
further demand for a gaming machine which creates a perception of
skill while maintaining an accurate payout percentage and a fast
cycle rate.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention is a drop slot game machine that
utilizes falling balls which drop from the upper part of the
playing field, which is divided into user or randomly selectable
drop zones, and into exit positions at the bottom of the playing
field. The balls encounter deflector pegs which randomly change the
path of the balls during their fall. As each passes through an exit
position it is detected by sensor (photoelectric, infra-red, etc).
Each exit position has a corresponding symbol which is represented
on a liquid crystal display, the exit position symbol display,
which lights up when a ball passes through that position. A small
LED above each symbol reflects how many balls fell into a
particular position (providing some did) so there can be no doubt
to the player to which position and to how many balls passed
through the associated exit position. A larger LCD payline display,
simulating the payline of a traditional slot machine, shows the
series of symbols selected by the balls passing through the exit
positions.
[0011] If, for example, three balls are dropped, then the symbols
representing the three exit positions which the balls pass through
are displayed on the larger payline display. The symbols used in
traditional slot machines as well as new symbols can be displayed
on the exit position symbol display and the payline display. If all
three balls fall into a single exit position, then the same symbol
will be represented three times on the payline.
[0012] Payout in the present invention is controlled by electrical
circuits similar to the those controlling payout in traditional
slot machines, thereby ensuring the same payout percentages.
[0013] After passing through the exit positions, the balls
recirculate by rolling into a launching position where they will be
ejected back to the top of the game machine to drop through the
playing field. It is likely that the balls will be launched by
electrical solenoid or pneumatic ejector system.
[0014] A microprocessor/random number generator determines which
symbols appear on which exit positions at the time of each pull.
More than three balls can be used and more than three symbols can
be represented on the payline (such as a four or greater reel
machine). Furthermore, multiple paylines can be used using the
appropriate number of balls (i.e. three paylines, three symbols per
payline, nine balls would drop). In general, it is possible to
simulate almost all current slot machine pay variations.
[0015] An additional feature of the machine is to have drop zones
so that the balls may be deflected into one specific zone at the
upper starting position. These zones may be either randomly
selected by the machine itself, or selected by the player just
prior to the symbols being shown on the LCD.
[0016] Other features may include bonus payouts such as: symbols
designated by the LCD as "double", "triple" etc. if balls fall in
those individual or group of holes. Another bonus may be available
if all the balls fall through the same hole. Yet another bonus may
be available based upon what is displayed on the exit position
display in combination with the payline display.
[0017] From a players standpoint, there is an element of
anticipation not present in traditional slot machines. A player can
see a jackpot developing and "wish" balls into the jackpot
positions. The present invention also creates a perception of
"true" randomness not found in traditional slot machines. The
player sees balls freely dropping through the playing field as
opposed to reels jerkily moving symbols in or out of the
payline.
[0018] The present invention also creates a perception of skill, by
being able to select drop zones, a player can exert a distinct
influence on the outcome (not at all present in current slot
machines). In reality, the percentages will run the same, but there
is little doubt that the perception of skill on the player's behalf
will exist.
[0019] Another aspect that is unique to the present invention is
what may be called the "if only I had" aspect which is evident in
other gambling sport/games, i.e. horse racing "if only I had bet on
the number two horse", roulette "if only I had bet the red or
seven", craps, etc. In the case of the present invention, "if only
I had selected number two drop zone".
[0020] Yet another advantage to the player is their ability to
experience the excitement of a "high probability of win" round when
they look down and see many symbols which may be "high" jackpot
oriented. In these cases, the player will actually be at an
advantage to win during that round, and he/she will know it. This
situation never exists on a traditional slot machine.
[0021] The machine of the present invention also allows for a
greater number of symbols to be displayed than a traditional, reel
based, slot machine. The reel based machines are limited to
displaying the number of symbols that can be fit on the reel. In a
three(3) reel machine with eleven(11) symbols per reel there are
1331 possible combinations that can ever be displayed on the
payline. In the present invention it is easy to store many symbols
for electronic display. In a machine with eight(8) exit positions
and 25 possible symbols per exit position there are over 150
billion combinations for display on the exit position display. This
larger number of possible combinations makes it possible for the
present invention to payout over a larger range of combinations and
would allow a single machine to have the potential to payout a very
large jackpot.
[0022] The present invention should have a very wide appeal to the
gaming establishments as it has an overtly visible "mechanical"
element, balls launching and freely dropping through the playing
field, yet very low maintenance. The maintenance is low because
other than simple mechanical switches and a ball ejecting system,
the machine is dependent on non-mechanical hardware and software
for most of its operation.
[0023] These and other features of the present invention will be
more fully appreciated when considered in light of the following
detailed description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is a functional diagram of the drop slot game machine
of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 2 is an functional diagram of the upper portion of the
playing field of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 2a illustrates a close up cutaway cross-sectional view
of a portion of FIG. 2.
[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates the exit positions, payline display, and
symbol selector display of the present invention in isolation.
[0028] FIG. 3a is a cross-sectional close up of a portion of FIG.
3.
[0029] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the game machine of the
present invention.
[0030] FIG. 5 is a flow chart diagraming the operational sequence
of the drop slot game machine of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] The game machine of the present invention is shown generally
at 2 in FIG. 1. The present invention comprises a generally upright
gaming cabinet 4 the upper portion of which houses the playing
field 6 which in turn is covered by a transparent front glass 44.
At the top of playing field 6, there are three zone deflectors 8a,
8b, and 8c, just below and slightly to the right of each deflector
there is a zone divider wall 10a, 10b, and 10c. Zone deflectors 8a,
8b, and 8c along with zone divider walls 10a, 10b, and 10c divide
the upper portion of the playing field into drop zones I, II, III,
and IV.
[0032] The middle portion of playing field 6 is comprised of a maze
of deflector pegs 12. Generally, the maze of deflector pegs 12 is
arranged so it would take a ball 2-4 seconds to fall through the
maze. There are eight exit positions 20 at the bottom of playing
field 6 under the maze of deflector pegs 12. Each exit position 20
has an exit position sensor 22 associated with it and each exit
position sensor 22 has an exit position symbol display 24
associated with it. Each exit position symbol display 24 is also
comprised of a ball count display 26. Beneath the exit position
symbol display 24, there is a payline display 28.
[0033] The exit positions 20 lead to ball return ramp 30 which in
turn leads to ball holder 32 which is connected to ball ejector 14.
Ball ejector 14 is provided with a ball ejector sensor 34 that will
cause the ball holder 32 to load the ball ejector 14 when no balls
are detected.
[0034] The drop slot game machine 2 is also provided with four zone
select buttons 36 and a play handle 38. The player may use the zone
select buttons 36 to chose which zone the balls should drop into
when launched by the ball ejector 14. Play handle 38 is modeled
after a traditional slot machine handle.
[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates the drop zone portion of the present
invention. Referring to FIG. 2a, we can see that zone deflectors 8
have two positions, retracted 8r, and extended 8e. When extended,
there is not enough room for a ball to pass between zone deflector
8e and zone divider wall 10. Front glass 44 and playing field 6
also limit the ball's travel. In addition, the upper interior edge
42 of playing field 6 is curved in order to guide the ball along a
path intersecting the deflectors 8e. The extension and retraction
of the zone deflectors is controlled by deflector peg
retractor/extender 40 which is a solenoid in one of the preferred
embodiments.
[0036] FIGS. 3 and 3a illustrate a front and side view of the exit
positions 20. In FIG. 3a deflector peg 12, exit position sensor 22,
and exit position symbol display 24, and payline display 28 can be
clearly seen. In the present preferred embodiment, exit position
sensor 22 is an infra-red (IR) sensor. The IR sensor 22 detects a
ball passing through the exit position 20 and illuminates the
corresponding symbol on the exit position symbol display 24 and
payline display 28.
[0037] A typical playing cycle the player will put coins in the
machine, or play credits, the same as regular slot machines. At
this point all LCDs go blank. The player then hits a drop zone
button 36 once and new symbols are selected and displayed on the
exit position symbol display 24. The player can now pull the
traditional slot machine handle 38 or push a play button 62 or a
zone select button 36 again to launch the balls. Upon first push of
a zone select button 36, a zone deflector 8 is also activated and
moves into it extended position 8e.
[0038] A separate play button 62 will exist for people who just
want to put their money in and push a button, allowing play similar
to traditional slot machines. Alternatively, people may put their
money in and pull the handle 38. In these cases the zone will be
selected randomly by the machine itself. As soon as this button is
pushed, or handle pulled, the symbols are immediately selected and
displayed on the exit position symbol display 24 and the ball is
launched (perhaps simultaneously). Balls are launched, deflected
into zones selected or random, fall and drop into holes and
appropriate symbols are displayed on the payline display 28. Balls
proceed to launch positions for next pull or launch. If the player
wins, coins drop or credits register like a traditional slot
machine.
[0039] All other features that are available in a traditional slot
machine, i.e. bill validator, personalized card tracking, cash or
credit, number of coins played display, are available in present
invention.
[0040] In FIG. 5 the operational sequence of the for the present
invention begins with the machine in standby 70. In standby 70 the
machine can carry out any number of actions to attract players such
as lighting and sound effects. If the machine detects a coin drop
or credit deposit 72 the machine is initialized for gameplay 74.
Also referring to FIG. 1, when initialized for gameplay 74 the
present invention may randomly displays symbols on the exit
position symbol display 24, clears the payline display 28, and
moves all the zone deflectors 8 to their starting position, either
extended or retracted.
[0041] Gameplay continues with either the player selecting a drop
zone I, II, III, IV when a zone select button is pressed 76 or the
machine randomly selecting a drop zone when the play handle is
pulled 78 or the play button is pushed 80. As the play handle is
pulled 78 or the play button is pushed 80 the selected zone
deflector is extended and the balls are launched and the game is
played 88. If a drop zone I, II, III, IV was selected when a zone
select button is pressed 76 the balls are launched and the game is
played 88 with a second pressing of the zone select button 82, the
play handle is pulled 78, or the play button is pushed 80.
[0042] In the preffered embodiment, the symbols on the exit
position symbol display 24 that are to be used for scoring in a
game are be selected and displayed simultaneously with the
launching of the balls. Alternatively, the symbols on the exit
position symbol display 24 may be selected and displayed when the
drop zones are selected 76, the play handle is pulled 78, or the
play button is pushed 80.
[0043] If a coin drop or credit deposit is detected 72 and no
further gameplay events occur after a specified amount of time the
machine may randomly select a drop zone and play the game 88 or
reset 96.
[0044] After the balls are launched and the game is played 88 the
present invention determines scoring 90. If the game is a winner
the invention provides the appropriate payout response 92 and
returns the machine to standby 94(70). If the game is not a winner
the machine is returned to standby 94(70).
[0045] It is within the scope of the present invention to use any
number of balls launched one at a time or in groups. It is
advantageous to use a smaller number of balls launched
simultaneously in order to keep the cycle rate on the game as short
as possible. It is also withion the scope of the present invention
to use balls that have an offset center of mass.
[0046] The present invention may also be configured for lottery or
pull tab usage in areas where slot machines are prohibited. Any
number of balls could be dropped to select any number of randomly
selected symbols. The selected symbols would be displayed and any
winning combination would be printed out on a validated ticket for
redemption.
[0047] From the foregoing teachings, it can be appreciated by one
skilled in the art that a new, novel, and nonobvious gaming machine
has been disclosed. It is to be understood that numerous
alternatives and equivalents will be apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art, given the teachings herein, such that the present
invention is not to be limited by the foregoing description but
only by the appended claims.
* * * * *