U.S. patent application number 10/734976 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-30 for method for operating a coin actuated entertainment automat.
This patent application is currently assigned to Atronic International GmbH - Germany. Invention is credited to Gauselmann, Michael.
Application Number | 20040266531 10/734976 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 7895457 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040266531 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gauselmann, Michael |
December 30, 2004 |
Method for operating a coin actuated entertainment automat
Abstract
A method for operating a coin operated entertainment automat
features placing a coin into a coin acceptance device of an
entertainment automat, testing the coin in a coin testing device,
displaying symbols on a symbol display device, wherein a displayed
symbol combination comprises several symbols and wherein upon
reaching of a predetermined symbol combination or upon reaching of
a predetermined credit balance in a credit balance counter disposed
on the side of the control unit in the following a symbol
combination is displayed with the symbol display device,
controlling the course of the game with a control unit including a
microcomputer and a pseudorandom number generator, influencing the
course of the game by an operational element disposed on the front
side of the entertainment automat, substituting a symbol by another
randomly determined symbol, renewing the symbols within a
predetermined time window until a winning carrying symbol
combination is reached, and accumulating the obtained winning in a
credit balance counter.
Inventors: |
Gauselmann, Michael;
(Espelkamp, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Horst M. Kasper
13 Forest Drive
Warren
NJ
07059
US
|
Assignee: |
Atronic International GmbH -
Germany
|
Family ID: |
7895457 |
Appl. No.: |
10/734976 |
Filed: |
December 15, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10734976 |
Dec 15, 2003 |
|
|
|
09491779 |
Jan 26, 2000 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2300/404 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101; G07F 17/3265 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/042 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 26, 1999 |
DE |
199 03 063.4 |
Claims
1-8. (canceled)
9. A method for operating a coin actuated entertainment automat
comprising placing a coin into a coin acceptance device of an
entertainment automat; testing the coin in a coin testing device;
displaying symbols on a symbol display device, wherein a displayed
symbol combination comprises several symbols and wherein upon
reaching of a predetermined credit balance in a credit balance
counter disposed on the side of the control unit in the following a
symbol combination is displayed with the symbol display device;
controlling the course of the game with a control unit including a
microcomputer and a pseudorandom number generator; influencing the
course of the game by an operational element disposed on the front
side of the entertainment automat; substituting a symbol by another
randomly determined symbol; renewing the symbols within a
predetermined time window until a winning carrying symbol
combination is reached; and accumulating the obtained winning in
the credit balance counter.
10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising networking
a second entertainment automat to the first entertainment automat;
simultaneously switching the played entertainment automats (1) into
a uniform game mode upon reaching of a predetermined symbol
combination or upon reaching of a predetermined credit balance
state of a common credit balance counter; determining in a game
mode the entertainment automat, which has reached the highest
winning value within a time window predetermined by the control
unit; coordinating the winning value to that entertainment automat,
which entertainment automat has reached the highest winning within
the time limited game mode.
11. A method for operating a coin actuated entertainment automat
comprising inserting payment into an automatic entertainment
automat; activating a game time after receiving the payment by the
automatic entertainment machine; randomly drawing all cards;
determining if a game time has ended; displaying the winning values
in case the game time has ended; determining if a key has been
depressed in case the game time has not yet ended; determining if
the depressed key is a hand out key or a hold key in case a key had
been depressed; randomly drawing cards not being held in case the
hand out key had been depressed; holding cards in case the hold key
had been depressed; actualize the intermediate state; determining
if a certain winning combination had been reached; randomly drawing
again all cards if the certain winning combination had been
reached; determining again if the game time has ended if the
certain winning combination had not been reached.
12. The method for operating a coin actuated entertainment automat
according to claim 11 further comprising determining if a special
symbol combination or a jackpot winning value has been reached
after inserting payment into the automatic entertainment
automat.
13. The method for operating a coin actuated entertainment automat
according to claim 11 further comprising networking a second
entertainment automat to the first entertainment automat;
determining which one of the entertainment automats assumes a
master function; determining which one of the entertainment
automats assumes a slave function; determining if a jackpot filling
level has reached a predetermined release amount; starting a
jackpot game at the entertainment automat performing the slave
function; waiting till the slave is ready; activating the game time
for the entertainment automats; randomly drawing all cards;
determining if a game time has ended; collecting the game results
of the slave entertainment automat in the master entertainment
automat; distributing of the game results to the slave
entertainment automat by the master entertainment automat;
calculating of the winning amount; displaying the winning
amount.
14. The method for operating a coin actuated entertainment automat
according to claim 13 further comprising sending a readiness signal
to the master entertainment automat; waiting by the slave
entertainment automat for an activation of the game time through
the master entertainment automat.
15. A method for operating a coin actuated entertainment automat
with a coin acceptance device and a coin test device, a symbol
display device and a control unit for controlling the course of the
game, wherein the control unit includes a microcomputer and a
pseudorandom number generator, wherein the game course can be
influenced by an operational element disposed on the front side of
the entertainment automat, and wherein a displayed symbol
combination comprises several symbols, and wherein a symbol can be
substituted by another randomly determined symbol, wherein upon
reaching of a predetermined symbol combination or upon reaching of
a predetermined credit balance in a credit balance counter disposed
on the side of the control unit in the following a symbol
combination is displayed with the symbol display device (2), and
wherein the symbols can be renewed within a predetermined time
window, until the winning carrying symbol combination is reached,
and wherein the obtained winning is accumulated in the credit
balance counter.
16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the entertainment
automats (1) are networked together, and wherein the played
entertainment automats (1) are simultaneously switched into a
uniform game mode upon reaching of a predetermined symbol
combination or upon reaching of a predetermined credit balance
state of a common credit balance counter, wherein in the game mode
is determined at which entertainment automat (1) the highest
winning value is reached within a time window predetermined by the
control unit (7), and wherein the winning value is coordinated to
that entertainment automat (1), which entertainment automat (1) has
reached the highest winning within the time limited game mode.
17. A method for operating a coin actuated entertainment automat
comprising placing a coin into a coin acceptance device of an
entertainment automat; testing the coin in a coin testing device;
displaying symbols on a symbol display device, wherein a displayed
symbol combination comprises several symbols and wherein upon
reaching of a predetermined symbol combination or upon reaching of
a predetermined credit balance in a credit balance counter disposed
on the side of the control unit in the following a symbol
combination is displayed with the symbol display device;
controlling the course of the game with a control unit including a
microcomputer and a pseudorandom number generator; influencing the
course of the game by an operational element disposed on the front
side of the entertainment automat; substituting a symbol by another
randomly determined symbol; renewing the symbols within a
predetermined time window until a winning carrying symbol
combination is reached; accumulating the obtained winning in a
credit balance counter; and switching simultaneously the coin
actuated entertainment automats disposed in the network into a
common supplemental game when a predetermined value of a common
jackpot is surpassed.
18. The method according to claim 9, further comprising monitoring
a credit balance state with a first operational block exhibiting a
game stake; monitoring the total playing time by a second
operational block; randomly determining winning symbols during the
complete game time by a control unit; illustrating and displaying
the randomly determined winning symbols with a symbol display
device; activating a first branching block by a third operational
block for determining the remaining residual game time; determining
in a second branching block in case of a presence of remaining
residual game time, if an operating element furnished on the front
side of the entertainment automat has been actuated; performing a
return to the first branching block in case of an absence of an
operating element activation.
19. The method according to claim 9, further comprising determining
which operational element was actuated in case of an activation of
an operational element; presenting card symbols with the symbol
display device; drawing not held cards by new cards determined
randomly from the card storage in a fourth operational block;
determining a winning value of a displayed symbol combination;
displaying the winning value in a fifth operational block; checking
in a third branching block, if the maximum winning value is
displayed with the symbol display device; holding the winning
symbols displayed with the symbol display device upon remaining of
a residual game time in the following by activation of an
operational element; performing a return from the third branching
block to the first branching block upon checking if the game time
has ended; determining an actualized winning value in case of an
ended game time in a sixth operational block; performing a return
from the sixth operational block to a first operational block by
checking, if a further credit balance state for basing a further
game stake is present.
20. The method according to claim 9, further comprising determining
symbol combinations randomly in case of a credit balance state
exhibiting a game stake in the credit balance counter of the
entertainment automat; performing a switch over from a base game
into a supplemental game by a control unit in case a predetermined
winning value is coordinated to the symbol combination displayed by
the symbol display device or if a particular symbol combination is
displayed with the symbol display device; determining in a
branching block if a preset jackpot winning value has been reached
or surpassed for a predetermined symbol combination.
21. The method according to claim 9, further comprising monitoring
a total game time by an operational block; randomly determining
winning symbols by a control unit during a total game time;
displaying the randomly determined winning symbols with the symbol
display device; activating a branching block by an operational
block for determining the remaining residual game time; checking in
the branching block in case of a presence of remaining residual
game time, if an operational element present on the front side of
the entertainment automat has been actuated; performing a return to
a branching block in case of no actuation of the operational
element; checking which one operational element was actuated in
case of an actuation of the operational element; checking in the
branching block, if a maximum winning value is displayed with the
symbol display device; performing a return upon non-reaching of the
maximum winning value from one branching block to a second
branching block, wherein the game time is checked in the second
branching block; displaying winning symbols with the symbol display
device upon remaining of a residual game time; holding the display
of the winning symbols by actuating of the operational element or
throwing out all up to now held cards by actuating an entry block;
performing a return from the one branching block to the second
branching block by checking if the game time has ended; determining
an actualized winning value in an operational block in case of an
ended game time, and displaying actualized winning value with a
coordinated display means; performing a return from a second
operational block to a third operational block by checking if a
further credit balance state sufficient for a game stake is
present.
22. The method according to claim 10, further comprising initiating
a network by actuating the power switch of each entertainment
automat; assuming of the master function by one of the
entertainment automats, wherein the master function comprises
essentially that a coordination of the entertainment automats
present in the network is performed with respect to the collection
of data through the counter state of the jackpot amount and the
release of a common special game, which takes place at all
entertainment automats present in the network at the same time;
switching the second entertainment automat present in the network
to a slave function; randomly determining a symbol combination in
an operational block and displaying the symbol combination in the
symbol display device in case of a sufficient credit balance state;
transferring an adjustable shared part amount of the game stake of
each base game to a common jackpot counter; checking the counter
state of the jackpot counter in a branching block following to a
determination of the winning value in the base game; sending from
the master a control signal to all other entertainment automats
present in the network if the predetermined jackpot counter state
is reached or surpassed, wherein the slaves switch to the
supplemental game based on the control signal after termination of
the base game; monitoring in an operational block, if an okay
signal was returned by all slaves; starting the supplemental game
at the same time in all participating coin actuated entertainment
automats.
23. The method according to claim 10, further comprising activating
an entertainment automat in case of a credit balance state
exhibiting a game stake; monitoring a total game time by an
operational block; randomly determining winning symbols by a
control unit and displaying the winning symbols with the symbol
display device within the total game time; activating a branching
block for determining the remaining residual game time by the
operational block; checking in a branching block if an operational
element disposed on the front side of the entertainment automat was
actuated in case of a presence of remaining residual game time;
performing a return to the branching block if no operational
element actuation took place; checking in case of actuation of the
operational element which operational element was actuated;
determining and displaying a game result of the displayed symbol
combination in an operational block; determining in a first
branching block if a maximum winning value is displayed with the
symbol display device; performing a return from the first branching
block to a second branching block in case of a non-reaching of the
maximum winning value; and checking the game time in the second
branching block.
24. The method according to claim 10, further comprising performing
a return upon reaching of the maximum winning value from a
branching block to an operational block, wherein new winning
symbols are randomly determined in the operational block and are
displayed with the symbol display device; displaying winning
symbols in case of a remaining residual game time with the symbol
display device and holding the winning symbols in the following by
actuating the operational element or throwing out all up to now
held cards by actuating an entry block; performing a return from
the first branching block to the second branching block; checking
in the second branching block, if the game time has ended; scanning
the individual results of the slave entertainment automats by the
entertainment automat turned master in case of an ended game time;
accumulating the incoming game results by the master; communicating
the incoming game results from the master to the slaves;
determining the winning value in the following in an operational
block; displaying the determined winning value with the coordinated
display means of a respective entertainment automat; performing a
return from an operational block displaying the winning value to a
second operational block checking the game stake.
25. The method according to claim 10, further comprising initiating
a network by actuating the power switch of each of the
entertainment automats, wherein one of the entertainment automats
assumes a master function; switching further entertainment automats
contained in the network to slave operation; wherein the slave
function comprises essentially that predetermined data are
transmitted continuously to the master after request; randomly
determining a symbol combination in an operational block in case of
a sufficient credit balance state; displaying the determined symbol
combination with the symbol display device; transmitting an
adjustable share part of the stake of each base game to a common
jackpot counter; checking in a branching block, if an instruction
is present from the master to start thereupon a supplemental game
following to the determination of the winning value in the base
game; confirming a receipt of the instruction of the start of the
supplemental game to the master; activating the entertainment
automat in case of a credit balance state exhibiting at least a
game stake; checking by an operational block, if the master signal
for the special games is present; randomly determining winning
symbols by a control unit during the complete game time; displaying
the determined winning symbols with the symbol display device;
activating a first branching block for determining the remaining
residual game time by an operational block; checking in a second
branching block, if an operational element furnished on the front
side of the entertainment automat was actuated; performing a return
to the first branching block in case no actuation of an operational
element took place and in case of a presence of a remaining
residual game time.
26. The method according to claim 10, further comprising checking
which operational element was actuated in case of an actuation of
an operational element; determining a game result of the displayed
symbol combinations; displaying the determined game result in the
operational block; determining in a branching block if a maximum
winning value is displayed with the symbol display device;
performing a return from a first branching block to a second
branching block in case of a non-reaching of the maximum winning
value; checking the game time in the second branching block;
performing a return from the first branching block to a second
operational block; performing a return upon reaching of the maximum
winning value, wherein new winning symbols are randomly determined
in the second operational block and wherein the new winning symbols
are displayed with the symbol display device; displaying winning
symbols with the symbol display device in case of a remaining of
residual game time; holding the winning symbols in the following by
actuating the operational element or throwing out all up to now
held cards by actuating the entry block; performing a return from
the first branching block to the second branching block by checking
if the game time has ended; performing a return from a third
operational block to a fourth operational block by checking if a
further credit balance state sufficient for a game stake is
present.
27. A system for operating a coin actuated entertainment automat
comprising a first entertainment automat; a second entertainment
automat, wherein the first entertainment automat and the second
entertainment automat are forming a network and are simultaneously
switched, and means for configuring the network connected to the
first entertainment automat and to the second entertainment
automat, wherein the first entertainment automat and the second
entertainment automat are at the same time playing a base game, and
wherein a predetermined winning combination or a predetermined
winning value is reached in the base game, whereupon a supplemental
game is activated upon a trigger value on the first entertainment
automat and on the second entertainment automat.
28. The system according to claim 27, wherein the first
entertainment automat is furnished with a first additional
operating element, wherein the first additional operating element
is associated to each presented winning symbol and each presented
winning symbol can be held in the following by action of the first
operating element, and wherein the first entertainment automat
includes a first separate processor and first software; wherein the
second entertainment automat is furnished with a second additional
operating element, wherein the second additional operating element
is associated to each presented winning symbol and each presented
winning symbol can be held in the following by action of the second
operating element, and wherein the second entertainment automat
includes a second separate processor and second software.
29. The system according to claim 27, wherein one of the first
entertainment automat and of the second entertainment automat
performs a master function, and wherein the entertainment automat
performing the master function drives the supplemental game which
is performed on the first entertainment automat and on the second
entertainment automat.
30. The system according to claim 29, wherein the entertainment
automat performing the master function accumulates a jackpot amount
as an adjustable shared part of the game stake of each base game,
and wherein the entertainment automat performing the master
function scans individual game results and subdivides the jackpot
winning amount.
31. The system according to claim 27 further comprising a display
means furnished as a central large display field, wherein the
display means displays the temporary jackpot value.
32. A network of entertainment apparatuses comprising a first
symbol display device; first operating elements disposed near the
first symbol display device; a first opening for receiving coins,
tokens or banknotes; a first payment unit; a first control unit
connected to the first symbol display device, to the first
operating elements, to the first opening and to the first payout
unit; a first symbol game device connected to the first control
unit; a first video controller having a symbol memory storage and
connected to the first symbol display device and to the first
control unit; a first read-only memory including a first pseudo
random number generator program, a first winning value recognition
program, a first display control program, and a first winning plan
program; a first communications board associated with the first
control circuit; a first serial interface disposed at the first
communications board; a second symbol display device; second
operating elements disposed near the second symbol display device;
a second opening for receiving coins, tokens or banknotes; a second
payment unit; a second control unit connected to the second symbol
display device, to the second operating elements, to the second
opening and to the second payout unit; a second symbol game device
connected to the second control unit; a second video controller
having a symbol memory storage and connected to the second symbol
display device and to the second control unit; a second read-only
memory including a second pseudo random number generator program, a
second winning value recognition program, a second display control
program, and a second winning plan program; a second communications
board associated with the second control circuit; a second serial
interface disposed at the second communications board; a cable
connecting the first serial interface to the second serial
interface; wherein a determination is set as to what game stake
part is to be delivered to the jackpot.
33. The network of entertainment apparatuses according to claim 32,
wherein the first symbol display device displays the temporary
jackpot value; wherein the second symbol display device displays
the temporary jackpot value; wherein the first control unit
performs an automatic recognition for determining which control
unit assumes a master function and which control unit assumes a
slave function; wherein the second control unit performs an
automatic recognition for determining which control unit assumes a
master function and which control unit assumes a slave function;
wherein a jackpot prerelease value is set; wherein the jackpot is
frozen upon reaching of the jackpot prerelease value; and wherein a
jackpot playout game is started at the first control unit and at
the second control unit.
34. The network of entertainment apparatuses according to claim 32,
wherein the first symbol display device is furnished by a first
flat picture screen and wherein the second symbol display device is
furnished by a second flat picture screen; wherein the first
control unit is furnished with a first microprocessor and wherein
the second control unit is furnished with a second
microprocessor.
35. A method for operating a coin actuated entertainment automat
comprising placing a coin into a coin acceptance device of an
entertainment automat; testing the coin in a coin testing device;
displaying symbols on a symbol display device, wherein a displayed
symbol combination comprises several symbols and wherein upon
reaching of a predetermined credit balance in a credit balance
counter disposed on the side of the control unit in the following a
symbol combination is displayed with the symbol display device;
controlling the course of the game with a control unit including a
microcomputer and a pseudorandom number generator; influencing the
course of the game by an operational element disposed on the front
side of the entertainment automat; substituting a symbol by another
randomly determined symbol; renewing the symbols within a
predetermined time window until a winning carrying symbol
combination is reached; and accumulating the obtained winning in a
credit balance counter.
36. The method according to claim 35, further comprising networking
a second entertainment automat to the first entertainment automat;
simultaneously switching the played entertainment automats (1) into
a uniform game mode upon reaching of a predetermined credit balance
state of a common credit balance counter; determining in a game
mode the entertainment automat, which has reached the highest
winning value within a time window predetermined by the control
unit; coordinating the winning value to that entertainment automat,
which entertainment automat has reached the highest winning within
the time limited game mode.
37. The method according to claim 35, further comprising delivering
a percentage of each game stake to a jackpot; determining a
reaching or surpassing of a jackpot release value; activating a
special jackpot game sequence upon reaching or surpassing of the
jackpot release value, which jackpot game sequence is the same at
each used networked entertainment automat; giving to each player of
each used networked entertainment automat the possibility to
achieve a predetermined result within a predetermined time period,
wherein the player has to reach a winning symbol combination
predetermined by the entertainment automat after an arbitrary
number of games during the predetermined time period.
38. A method of running a plurality of entertainment automats
comprising employing a first entertainment automat; employing a
second entertainment automat; networking the first entertainment
automat to the second entertainment automat; starting the
entertainment automats to run; determining which entertainment
automat from the first entertainment automat and the second
entertainment automat assumes a master function within the network;
determining which entertainment automat from the first
entertainment automat and the second entertainment automat assumes
a slave function within the network.
39. The method of running a plurality of entertainment automats
according to claim 38 further comprising collecting data relating
to the games performed at the entertainment automats in the
entertainment automat performing the master function; managing a
jackpot in the entertainment automat performing the master
function; filling the jackpot depending on the games performed in
the entertainment automats; determining if the filling level of the
jackpot has reached a predetermined level; initiating a
supplemental game in all running entertainment automats
simultaneously upon the jackpot having reached the predetermined
level.
40. The method of running a plurality of entertainment automats
according to claim 38 further comprising inserting payment (36)
into one of the entertainment automats for obtaining an active
entertainment automat; activating a game time (37) of the active
entertainment automat; randomly drawing all cards (38) of the
active entertainment automat; determining if a game time has ended
(39) at the active entertainment automat; presenting the winning
amount on a display if the game time is determined to be ended;
waiting for another insertion of payment.
41. The method of running a plurality of entertainment automats
according to claim 40 further comprising determining if a key is
depressed (40) in case it was determined that the game time had not
been ended; returning process to determining if the game time is
ended (30) in case it is determined that no key was depressed;
randomly drawing a card not yet held (43) if it is determined (40)
that the hand out key (41) was depressed; holding a card (46) if it
is determined (40) that the hold key (42) was depressed;
actualizing an intermediate state (44); determining if a Royal
Flush (45) has been reached; returning process to randomly drawing
all cards (38) of the active entertainment automat in case a Royal
Flush (45) has been reached; and returning process to determining
if the game time is ended (30) in case no Royal Flush (45) has been
reached.
42. The method of running a plurality of entertainment automats
according to claim 38 further comprising inserting payment (36)
into one of the entertainment automats for obtaining an active
entertainment automat; activating a base game (48) of the active
entertainment automat; determining if a special symbol combination
(49) has been reached; returning process to inserting payment (36)
if it is determined that no special symbol combination (49) has
been reached; activating a game time (37) of the active
entertainment automat if it is determined that a special symbol
combination (49) has been reached; randomly drawing all cards (38)
of the active entertainment automat; determining if a game time has
ended (39) at the active entertainment automat; presenting the
winning amount on a display if the game time is determined to be
ended; waiting for another insertion of payment.
43. The method of running a plurality of entertainment automats
according to claim 42 further comprising determining if a key is
depressed (40) in case it was determined that the game time had not
been ended; returning process to determining if the game time is
ended (30) in case it is determined that no key was depressed;
randomly drawing a card not yet held (43) if it is determined (40)
that the hand out key (41) was depressed; holding a card (46) if it
is determined (40) that the hold key (42) was depressed;
actualizing an intermediate state (44); determining if a Royal
Flush (45) has been reached; returning process to randomly drawing
all cards (38) of the active entertainment automat in case a Royal
Flush (45) has been reached; returning process to determining if
the game time is ended (30) in case no Royal Flush (45) has been
reached.
44. The method of running a plurality of entertainment automats
according to claim 38 further comprising inserting payment (36)
into one of the entertainment automats for obtaining an active
entertainment automat; activating a base game (48) of the active
entertainment automat; determining if a jackpot winning value (49)
has been reached; returning process to inserting payment (36) if it
is determined that no jackpot winning value (49) has been reached;
activating a game time (37) of the active entertainment automat if
it is determined that a jackpot winning value (49) has been
reached; randomly drawing all cards (38) of the active
entertainment automat; determining if a game time has ended (39) at
the active entertainment automat; presenting the winning amount on
a display if the game time is determined to be ended; waiting for
another insertion of payment.
45. The method of running a plurality of entertainment automats
according to claim 44 further comprising determining if a key is
depressed (40) in case it was determined that the game time had not
been ended; returning process to determining if the game time is
ended (30) in case it is determined that no key was depressed;
randomly drawing a card not yet held (43) if it is determined (40)
that the hand out key (41) was depressed; holding a card (46) if it
is determined (40) that the hold key (42) was depressed;
actualizing an intermediate state (44); determining if a Royal
Flush (45) has been reached; returning process to randomly drawing
all cards (38) of the active entertainment automat in case a Royal
Flush (45) has been reached; returning process to determining if
the game time is ended (30) in case no Royal Flush (45) has been
reached.
46. The method of running a plurality of entertainment automats
according to claim 38 further comprising starting a network (49);
inserting payment (36) into one of the entertainment automats for
obtaining an active entertainment automat; activating a base game
(48) of the active entertainment automat; determining if a jackpot
amount has surpassed a jackpot release value (52); returning
process to inserting payment (36) if it is determined that no
jackpot amount has surpassed the jackpot release value (52);
starting the slave entertainment automat with the jackpot game (53)
if it is determined that the jackpot amount has surpassed the
jackpot release value (52); waiting till the slave entertainment
automat (54) is ready; activating a game time (37) of the slave
entertainment automat; randomly drawing all cards (38) of the
active entertainment automat; determining if a game time has ended
(39) at the slave entertainment automat; collecting the individual
result (55) of the slave entertainment automat if the game time is
determined to be ended; distributing of the sum of the individual
result (56) to the slave entertainment automat; calculating a
winning amount (57); presenting the winning amount on a display
(58); collecting the jackpot amount (51).
47. The method of running a plurality of entertainment automats
according to claim 46 further comprising determining if a key is
depressed (40) in case it was determined that the game time had not
been ended; returning process to determining if the game time is
ended (30) in case it is determined that no key was depressed;
randomly drawing a card not yet held (43) if it is determined (40)
that the hand out key (41) was depressed; holding a card (46) if it
is determined (40) that the hold key (42) was depressed;
actualizing an intermediate state (44); determining if a Royal
Flush (45) has been reached; returning process to randomly drawing
all cards (38) of the active entertainment automat in case a Royal
Flush (45) has been reached; returning process to determining if
the game time is ended (30) in case no Royal Flush (45) has been
reached.
48. The method of running a plurality of entertainment automats
according to claim 38 further comprising starting a network (49);
inserting payment (36) into one of the entertainment automats for
obtaining an active entertainment automat; activating a base game
(48) of the active entertainment automat; determining if a jackpot
distribution game has been started (59); returning process to
inserting payment (36) if it is determined that no jackpot
distribution game has been started (59); transmitting ready state
to the master entertainment automat (60) if it is determined that
no jackpot distribution game has been started (59); waiting for
activating a game time (61) through the master entertainment
automat; randomly drawing all cards (38) of the active
entertainment automat; determining if the game time has ended (39);
waiting for an individual result from the master entertainment
automat (62) if the game time is determined to be ended;
calculating a winning amount (57); presenting the winning amount on
a display (58); waiting for another insertion of payment.
49. The method of running a plurality of entertainment automats
according to claim 48 further comprising determining if a key is
depressed (40) in case it was determined that the game time had not
been ended; returning process to determining if the game time is
ended (30) in case it is determined that no key was depressed;
randomly drawing a card not yet held (43) if it is determined (40)
that the hand out key (41) was depressed; holding a card (46) if it
is determined (40) that the hold key (42) was depressed;
actualizing an intermediate state (44); determining if a Royal
Flush (45) has been reached; returning process to randomly drawing
all cards (38) of the active entertainment automat in case a Royal
Flush (45) has been reached; returning process to determining if
the game time is ended (30) in case no Royal Flush (45) has been
reached.
50. The method of running a plurality of entertainment automats
according to claim 38 further comprising starting a network (49);
inserting payment (36) into one of the entertainment automats for
obtaining an active entertainment automat; activating a base game
(48) of the active entertainment automat; determining if a jackpot
amount has surpassed a jackpot release value (52); returning
process to inserting payment (36) if it is determined that no
jackpot amount has surpassed the jackpot release value (52);
determining if a predetermined number (x) of games have been
performed if it is determined that the jackpot amount has surpassed
the jackpot release value (52); presenting the winning amount on a
display (58) if it is determined that a predetermined number (x) of
games have been performed; collecting the jackpot amount (51).
51. The method of running a plurality of entertainment automats
according to claim 50 further comprising starting the slave
entertainment automat with the jackpot game (63) if it is
determined that a predetermined number (x) of games have been
performed; waiting till the slave entertainment automat (64) is
ready; activating a game time (65) of the slave entertainment
automat; randomly drawing all cards (66) of the active
entertainment automat; determining if a key is depressed (40);
returning process to determining if the key is depressed (40) in
case it is determined that no key was depressed; holding a card
(46) if it is determined (40) that the hold key (42) was depressed;
returning process to determining if the key is depressed (40);
randomly drawing a card not yet held (43) if it is determined (40)
that the hand out key (41) was depressed; waiting until the slave
entertainment automat is ready (67); collecting the individual
result (68); distributing the sum of the individual result to the
slave entertainment automat (69); calculating a winning amount
(70); returning process to determining if a predetermined number
(x) of games have been performed (71).
52. The method of running a plurality of entertainment automats
according to claim 38 further comprising starting a network (49);
inserting payment (50) into one of the entertainment automats for
obtaining an active entertainment automat; activating a base game
(48) of the active entertainment automat; determining if a jackpot
amount has surpassed a jackpot release value (52); returning
process to inserting payment (50) if it is determined that no
jackpot amount has surpassed the jackpot release value (52);
determining if a predetermined number (x) of games have been
performed if it is determined that the jackpot amount has surpassed
the jackpot release value (52); presenting the winning amount on a
display (58) if it is determined that a predetermined number (x) of
games have been performed; waiting for another insertion of
payment.
53. The method of running a plurality of entertainment automats
according to claim 52 further comprising activating a game time
(65) by the master entertainment automat if it is determined that a
predetermined number (x) of games have been performed; randomly
drawing all cards (66) of the active entertainment automat;
determining if a key is depressed (40); returning process to
determining if the key is depressed (40) in case it is determined
that no key was depressed; holding a card (46) if it is determined
(40) that the hold key (42) was depressed; returning process to
determining if the key is depressed (40); randomly drawing a card
not yet held (43) if it is determined (40) that the hand out key
(41) was depressed; sending an individual result (68) from the
slave entertainment automat to the master entertainment automat;
calculating a winning amount (70); returning process to determining
if a predetermined number (x) of games have been performed
(71).
54. The method of running a plurality of entertainment automats
according to claim 38 further comprising displaying a jackpot level
value; surpassing a predetermined threshold value of the jackpot;
switching the networked entertainment automats into a new game mode
at a certain point in time; activating a supplemental game at the
same time for the networked entertainment automats; distributing
parts of the displayed jackpot to the networked entertainment
automats; furnishing a winning value to each networked
entertainment automat participating in the supplemental game,
wherein the winning value corresponds to the achievements of the
player during the supplemental game; assigning the winning value
based on the filling level of the jackpot and the ranking position
of the obtained game result at the end of the supplemental
game.
55. A method of running a plurality of entertainment automats
comprising employing a first entertainment automat; employing a
second entertainment automat; employing a third entertainment
automat; networking the first entertainment automat to the second
entertainment automat and to the third entertainment automat;
starting the entertainment automats to run; determining which
entertainment automat from the first entertainment automat, the
second entertainment automat and the third entertainment automat
assumes a master function within the network; determining which
entertainment automat from the first entertainment automat, the
second entertainment automat and the third entertainment automat
assumes a first slave function within the network such that a
remaining one of the entertainment automats assumes a second slave
function.
56. The method of running a plurality of entertainment automats
according to claim 55 further comprising collecting data relating
to the games performed at the entertainment automats in the
entertainment automat performing the master function; managing a
jackpot in the entertainment automat performing the master
function; filling the jackpot depending on the games performed in
the entertainment automats; determining if the filling level of the
jackpot has reached a predetermined level; initiating a
supplemental game in all running entertainment automats
simultaneously upon the jackpot having reached the predetermined
level.
57. The network of entertainment apparatuses according to claim 32
further comprising a third symbol display device; third operating
elements disposed near the third symbol display device; a third
opening for receiving coins, tokens or banknotes; a third payment
unit; a third control unit connected to the third symbol display
device, to the third operating elements, to the third opening and
to the third payout unit; a third symbol game device connected to
the third control unit; a third video controller having a symbol
memory storage and connected to the third symbol display device and
to the third control unit; a third read-only memory including a
third pseudo random number generator program, a third winning value
recognition program, a third display control program, and a third
winning plan program; a third communications board associated with
the third control circuit; a third serial interface disposed at the
third communications board; a second cable connecting the third
serial interface to the first serial interface and to the second
serial interface.
58. The network of entertainment apparatuses according to claim 57,
wherein the first symbol display device displays the temporary
jackpot value; wherein the second symbol display device displays
the temporary jackpot value; wherein the third symbol display
device displays the temporary jackpot value; wherein the first
control unit performs an automatic recognition for determining
which control unit assumes a master function and which control unit
assumes a slave function; wherein the second control unit performs
an automatic recognition for determining which control unit assumes
a master function and which control unit assumes a slave function;
wherein the third control unit performs an automatic recognition
for determining which control unit assumes a master function and
which control unit assumes a slave function; wherein upon a failure
of the one control unit performing the master function, then one of
the previous control units performing the slave function will
assume the master function.
59. The method of running a plurality of entertainment automats
according to claim 38 further comprising experiencing a failure of
the entertainment automat performing the master function;
automatically assuming the master function by the slave.
60. The method of running a plurality of entertainment automats
according to claim 55 further comprising experiencing a failure of
the entertainment automat performing the master function;
automatically assuming the master function by one of the
entertainment automats performing the slave function.
61. The method of running a plurality of entertainment automats
according to claim 55 further comprising employing the
entertainment automat performing the master function for
organizational purposes and not as a slot machine.
62. The method of running a plurality of entertainment automats
according to claim 38 further comprising furnishing a first control
circuit (7) to the first entertainment automat and having a first
communications board 20 and a first microcomputer (8) with a first
serial interface; furnishing a second control circuit (7) to the
second entertainment automat and having a second communications
board 20 and a second microcomputer (8) with a second serial
interface; wherein the first entertainment automat assumes the
master function; controlling a display means (21) of a jackpot and
a data exchange and data balancing of the entertainment automat (1)
disposed in the communications network by the first communications
board (20); a first connection running from the first
communications board (20) to the first serial interface; a second
connection running from the second communications board (20) to the
second serial interface.
63. The method of running a plurality of entertainment automats
according to claim 62 further comprising forming the first serial
interface as an RS-232 serial interface; forming the second serial
interface as an RS-232 serial interface.
64. The method of running a plurality of entertainment automats
according to claim 62 further comprising furnishing the first
communications board (20) with a first self-contained central
processing unit (22) and with a third serial interface (32)
disposed on the side of the first central processing unit (22);
furnishing the second communications board (20) with a second
self-contained central processing unit (22) and with a fourth
serial interface (32) disposed on the side of the second central
processing unit (22); coordinating to the first central processing
unit (22) a first fixed value memory storage (24) and a first
battery buffered operating data storage (25); coordinating to the
second central processing unit (22) a second fixed value memory
storage (24) and a second battery buffered operating data storage
(25); furnishing a first connection between the first central
processing unit (22), first memory components (24, 25) and a first
serial communications controller (28) with first serial ports by
way of a first address decoder 26 and a first I/O decoder 27 and a
first bus; furnishing a second connection between the second
central processing unit (22), second memory components (24, 25) and
a second serial communications controller (28) with second serial
ports by way of a second address decoder 26 and a second I/O
decoder (27) and a second bus; connecting a first serial port (29)
of the first communications controller (28) under connection of a
first power amplifier 30 to the first display means 21 formed as a
first large display field, with which a temporary jackpot stand is
displayed; connecting an external micro-computer to an interface
(31) of the first communications controller (28); furnishing an
interface adapter (33) connected at a serial interface 32 of the
first communications controller (28), wherein the interface adapter
(33) comprises essentially an optical coupler (35) for galvanic
separation and a power stage (34) disposed successively to the
optical coupler (35); connecting the network cabling (133) is
connected to the power stage (34).
65. The method of running a plurality of entertainment automats
according to claim 62 further comprising combining of the first
entertainment automat (1) and the communications of the first
entertainment automat (1) through the first communications board
(20); combining of the second entertainment automat (1) and the
communications of the second entertainment automat (1) through the
second communications board (20); furnishing the first
communications board (20) to carry a first individual address
number, which is once set through a first rotary switch; furnishing
the second communications board (20) to carry a second individual
address number, which is once set through a second rotary switch;
performing a first automatic recognition determining if the first
entertainment automat 1 performed the master function or the slave
function after switching on of the first entertainment automat (1);
performing a second automatic recognition determining if the second
entertainment automat 1 performed the master function or the slave
function after switching on of the second entertainment automat
(1).
66. The method of running a plurality of entertainment automats
according to claim 62 further comprising switching on the first
entertainment automat (1); switching on the second entertainment
automat (1); performing an automatic recognition after a switching
on of each one of the entertainment automats (1) as to which
entertainment automat (1) assumes a master function or a slave
function; having the first entertainment automat (1) wait for a
predetermined time period for a recognition signal of the master;
having the second entertainment automat (1) wait for a
predetermined time period for a recognition signal of the master;
in case no recognition signal appears because neither the first
entertainment automat nor the second entertainment automat (1) has
assumed the master function, sending a master function assumption
signal by the first communications board (20) after a second
predetermined time period; sending the master function assumption
signal first from the first entertainment automat (1) with a lowest
address number this signal first and assuming the master function
by the first entertainment automat; confirming a receipt of this
master function assumption signal by the second communications
board (20); behaving as a slave in the communications network by
the second communications board (20); actualizing data by the
master calls from the individual slave; accumulating a total sum
and delivering the data back to the slave through the
communications network every third predetermined time period times
an entertainment automat number in the communications network such
that each communications board (20) contains the same data
contents; assuming a master function by a slave in case of a
failing function of an established master such that it is assured
even upon failure of a master at each time that the valid state of
data and the overall functioning of the system remains intact with
the exception of the original master.
67. The method of running a plurality of entertainment automats
according to claim 62 further comprising turning on the first
entertainment automat (1) and the second entertainment automat (1);
delivering to one master a master signal of a second master;
deactivating the master with the higher address number and
performing a slave function by the deactivated master; delivering
from the first communications board (20) a release signal to the
first control unit (7); performing a configuration of the first
entertainment automat (1) with a micro-computer as to what
percentage of the game stake is to be delivered to the jackpot.
68. The network of entertainment apparatuses according to claim 32
further comprising display means (21) of a jackpot and a data
exchange and data balancing of the entertainment automat (1) are
disposed in the network and are controlled by the first
communications board (20). wherein the first control circuit
includes a first micro-computer; wherein the second control circuit
includes a second micro-computer; wherein the first microcomputer
(8) includes a first serial interface; wherein the second
microcomputer (8) includes a second serial interface; wherein the
first communications board (20) includes a third serial interface
connected to the first serial interface; wherein the second
communications board (20) includes a fourth serial interface
connected to the second serial interface.
69. The network of entertainment apparatuses according to claim 68
wherein the first serial interface, the second serial interface,
the third serial interface, and the fourth serial interface are
RS-232 serial interfaces.
70. The network of entertainment apparatuses according to claim 32
wherein the first communications board (20) includes a first
contained central processing unit (22) with the first serial
interface (32) disposed on the side of the first central processing
unit (22); wherein the second communications board (20) includes a
second central processing unit (22) with the second serial
interface (32) disposed on the side of the second central
processing unit (22); further comprising a first fixed value memory
storage (24) coordinated to the first central processing unit (22);
a second fixed value memory storage (24) coordinated to the second
central processing unit (22); a first battery buffered operating
data storage (25) coordinated to the first central processing unit
(22); a second battery buffered operating data storage (25)
coordinated to the second central processing unit (22); a first
address decoder (26); a first I/O decoder (27); and a first bus,
wherein the first address decoder (26), the first I/O decoder (27)
and the first bus perform a connection between the first central
processing unit (22), the first fixed value memory storage (24),
the first battery buffered operating data storage (25) and a first
serial communications controller (28) with first serial ports; a
second address decoder (26); a second I/O decoder (27); and a
second bus, wherein the second address decoder (26), the second I/O
decoder (27) and the second bus perform a connection between the
second central processing unit (22), the second fixed value memory
storage (24), the second battery buffered operating data storage
(25) and a second serial communications controller (28) with second
serial ports; a first power amplifier (30); display means (21)
formed as a large display field; a first serial port (29) furnished
to the first communications controller (28) and leading under
connection of the first power amplifier (30) to the display means
(21), which display means (21) displays the temporary jackpot
stand.
71. The network of entertainment apparatuses according to claim 32
further comprising an external micro-computer connectable to a
first interface (31) of the first communications controller (28); a
first interface adapter (33) connected to a first serial interface
(32) of the first communications controller (28); wherein the first
interface adapter 33 comprises essentially a first optical coupler
(35) for galvanic separation and a first power stage (34) disposed
successively to the optical coupler (35); and network cabling (133)
connected to the power stage 34.
72. The network of entertainment apparatuses according to claim 32
wherein the first communications board (20) connects a first
entertainment automat (1) to a second entertainment automat (1) and
performs communications of the first entertainment automat (1);
wherein the first communications board (20) carries a first
individual address number, which is once set through a first rotary
switch; wherein an automatic recognition is performed determining
whether the first entertainment automat (1) performs a master
function or a slave function after switching on of the
entertainment automat (1).
73. The network of entertainment apparatuses according to claim 32
wherein an automatic recognition is performed as to whether a first
entertainment automat (1) or a second entertainment automat (1)
assumes a master function or a slave function after switching on of
the first entertainment automat (1) and/or the second entertainment
automat (1); wherein the first entertainment automat (1) waits for
a first predetermined time period for a recognition signal of a
master.
74. The network of entertainment apparatuses according to claim 32
wherein a master with a higher address number will deactivate and
perform a slave function in case more than one master should
respond after turning on of a first entertainment automats (1) and
after turning on a second entertainment automat (1) and in case one
master received a master signal of another master.
75. The network of entertainment apparatuses according to claim 32
wherein the first communications board (20) delivers a release
signal to the first control unit (7) after a successful automatic
determination of the master/slave function to be performed by a
first entertainment automat (1) and by a second entertainment
automat (1), after a turning on of the first entertainment automat
(1) and of the second entertainment automat (1).
76. The network of entertainment apparatuses according to claim 32
further comprising a micro-computer connected to the first
communication board (20) for performing a configuration as to what
percentage of a game stake case is to be delivered to the jackpot
through an interface;
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a method for operating a
coin actuated entertainment automat with a coin acceptance device
and a coin test device, a symbol display device, a control unit for
controlling the course of the game, a microcomputer and a pseudo
random number generator.
[0003] 2. Brief Description of the Background of the Invention
Including Prior Art
[0004] A circuit arrangement for a money game automat is known from
the German patent DE 2818503 C3, which teaches three next to each
other disposed roller shaped circulating bodies, wherein the
winning symbols are disposed on the circulating bodies. After the
first stopping of the three circulating bodies, the middle
circulating body can be placed again in circulation and be stopped
at a randomly determined locking position by way of a follow-up
starting automatic, which can be connected upon activation of an
operating element, in case of a non-winning symbol combination. The
winning combination can improve by way of such circuit arrangement
without that continuously attention has to be given to the incoming
symbol combinations in the first drawing course.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] 1. Purposes of the Invention
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to improve a class
forming entertainment automat of the initially recited kind such
that more game excitement and tension is offered and such that a
further winning chance is offered depending on the skill of the
player.
[0007] It is another object of the present invention to furnish an
entertainment automat with additional procedural features.
[0008] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a networked entertainment automat, where the whole network
participates in exciting additional winning possibilities.
[0009] 2. Brief Description of the Invention
[0010] The apparatus according to the present invention is
associated with the advantage that one and all symbol combinations
can be changed or improved within a predetermined time window by
follow-up drawing until a predetermined winning combination has
been reached. The winning amount is depending on the number of the
reached winning combination, which can be reached one or more times
within a predetermined time window.
[0011] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the
determination of the winning value is performed by a base game and
a supplemental game. In case of a predetermined winning combination
or a predetermined winning value is reached in the base game, then
successively the supplemental game is activated. A predetermined
starting combination has to be improved in one or several
predetermined winning symbol combinations by an undetermined number
of follow-up starting possibilities within a predetermined time
window in a supplemental game. The winning value reached in the
supplemental game depends on the number of the obtained winning
combination within the predetermined time window.
[0012] According to a further embodiment of the invention several
coin actuated entertainment automats are networked to each other.
If a predetermined value of a common jackpot is surpassed, then the
coin actuated entertainment automats disposed in the network are
simultaneously switched into a common supplemental game. Depending
on the game results in the supplemental game, a part share of the
jackpot value is determined. Each player who participated in the
supplemental game receives a winning value corresponding to his or
her game performance, whereby no discrimination of an individual is
performed. The method according to the present invention
furthermore is associated with the advantage that a fixed winning
value is associated to no winning combination at the start of the
game. At the end of the supplemental game it is determined, which
winning value is coordinated to which winning combination.
[0013] The novel features which are considered as characteristic
for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The
invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its
method of operation, together with additional objects and
advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following
description of specific embodiments when read in connection with
the accompanying drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0014] In the accompanying drawing, in which are shown several of
the various possible embodiments of the present invention:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a coin actuated
entertainment automat with the display device presenting
symbols,
[0016] FIG. 2 is a view of a diagram showing a block circuit
diagram with the essential device groups for operating an
entertainment automat,
[0017] FIG. 3 is a view of a diagram showing a flow diagram for
determining a winning value within a predetermined game time,
[0018] FIG. 4 is a view of a driagram showing a flow diagram for
determining a winning value in a supplemental game,
[0019] FIG. 5 is a view of a diagram showing a flow diagram for
determining a winning value with networked entertainment automats,
when this entertainment automat assumes the master function,
[0020] FIG. 6 is a view of a diagram showing a flow diagram for
determining a winning value for an entertainment automat operating
as a slave in a network,
[0021] FIG. 7 is a view of a diagram showing a flow diagram for
determining a jackpot winning value at an entertainment automat
operating as a master in a network, and
[0022] FIG. 8 is a view of a diagram showing a flow diagram for
determining a jackpot winning value at an entertainment automat
operating as a slave.
DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0023] A coin operated entertainment automat designated with
reference numeral 1 includes a symbol display device 2, which can
be formed as a monitor or as a flat picture screen. Operating
elements 3 are disposed below the symbol display device 2 in the
kind that an operating element 3 is associated to each presented
winning symbol. A breakout 4 is furnished neighboring to the symbol
display device 2, where a money or bank note testing device follows
to the breakout 4. An opening 5 for receiving coins is disposed
below the breakout 4. The coin actuated entertainment automat 1
comprises a coin collection position, not illustrated in detail,
with a payout device. The course control is performed by way of a
control unit 7 comprising a microcomputer 8, wherein the control
unit 7 controls the total and complete game course and function
course of the coin actuated entertainment automat 1.
[0024] The device groups required for operating a coin actuated
entertainment automat 1 are illustrated as a block circuit diagram
in FIG. 2. The entertainment automat 1 comprises a symbol game
device 2 comprising a picture screen tube or, respectively, a flat
picture screen, by way of which symbol combinations are presented
and displayed, wherein a winning value of different level is
coordinated to some of the symbol combinations. The symbol game
device 2 is connected to a control unit 7 by way of an intermediary
of video controller 6 having a symbol memory storage. The control
unit 7 of the coin actuated entertainment automat 1 comprises a
microcomputer 8 with the calculating circuit 9, a control circuit
10 and accumulators 11. The programs, such as pseudo random number
generator program, winning value recognition program, display
control program, and winning plan program, required, are contained
in a fixed value memory storage (read only memory ROM) 12. The for
each entered game determined pseudo random numbers are
intermediately stored in an operating data memory storage (random
access memory RAM) 13. In addition, obtained values are registered
in credit balance counters and other counters in the operational
data memory storage (random access memory RAM) 13.
[0025] The control circuit 7 comprises a communications board 20 in
addition to a microcomputer 8. The display means 21 of a jackpot
and a data exchange and data balancing of the entertainment automat
1 disposed in the communications network are controleld by the
communications board 20. In addition, the microcomputer 8 includes
a serial interface not illustrated. A connection is furnished to
the communications board 20 with the serial interface (TTL-level).
The serial interface is formed as an RS 232 interface.
[0026] The communications board 20 comprises a self-contained CPU
22 (Hitachi 64 180 or a Zilog Z80 180) with the serial interface 32
disposed on the CPU side. The central processing unit CPU 22 has
coordinated a fixed value memory storage 24 (read only memory ROM)
of the type 27C 1000/2000 and a battery buffered operating data
storage 25 (random access memory RAM) of the type DS 1225/1230Y.
The connection between the central processing unit CPU 22, the
memory components 24, 25 and a serial communications controller 28
(Zilog Z85 C30) with the serial ports is performed by way of an
address decoder 26 and an I/O decoder 27 and a bus. A serial port
29 of the communications controller 28 leads under connection of a
power amplifier 30 (MAX483 or MAX487) to the display means 21
formed as a large display field, with which the temporary jackpot
stand is displayed. An external personal-computer not illustrated
is connectable at an interface 31 of the communications controller
28 formed as an RS 232 interface. An interface adapter 33 is
connected at a serial interface 32 of the communications controller
28 formed as a serial interface RS 485. The interface adapter 33
comprises essentially an optical coupler 35 of the type 6 N 136 for
galvanic separation and a power stage 34 disposed successively to
the optical coupler 35. The network cabling is connected to the
power stage 34.
[0027] The combining of the entertainment automats 1 and the
communications of the entertainment automats 1 is performed through
the respective communications board 20. Each communications board
20 carries an individual address number, which is once set through
a rotary switch. After switching on of the entertainment automat 1
the automatic recognition is performed determining this
entertainment automat 1 performed the master function for the slave
function. After the switching on, each one of the entertainment
automats 1 the automatic recognition is performed as to which
entertainment automat assumes the master function or the slave
function. Ater turning on, the entertainment automats wait for a
time period of three seconds+(50 milliseconds times individual
address number) for a recognition signal of the master. Since at
this point in time no entertainment automat 1 has assumed the
master function, the recognition signal does not appear. In this
case the communications board 20 sends after an additional two
seconds a master function assumption signal. According to the above
recited time calculation, the entertainment automat 1 with the
lowest address number will send this signal first and assumes the
master function. The remaining communications board 20 will confirm
the receipt of this signal and will behave as slaves in the
communications network. The data are actualized, that is the master
calls for the data from each individual slave, accumulates the
total sum and delivers the data back to the slaves through the
communications network every (30 milliseconds times entertainment
automat number in the communications network) such that each
communications board 20 contains the same data contents. Each slave
can assume the master function in case of a failing function of the
master thereby. Such a compound offers the advantage of multimaster
capabilities. Each communications board 20 contains its own central
processing unit CPU 22 with the communications software and all
data relevant for the control of the compound and the
communications board 20 can therefore assume both the function of
the master as well as the function of a slave. Based on this
feature it is assured that even upon failure of a master at each
time the valid state of data and the overall functioning of the
system remains intact with the exception of the original
master.
[0028] If more than one master should respond after turning on of
the entertainment automats 1, that is one master receives the
master signal of another master, then the master with the higher
address number will deactivate and perform the slave function.
[0029] After a successful automatic determination of the
master/slave function, in each case after the turning on of the
entertainment automat 1, the communications board 20 delivers a
release signal to a control unit 7. A configuration can be
performed with a personal-computer PC as to what percentage of the
game stake case is to be delivered to the jackpot through an
interface formed of type RS 232 not illustrated in detail. The
filling state of the jackpot is illustrated on the one hand with a
symbol display device 2 and on the other hand through a central
large display field 21.
[0030] A jackpot release value is preset by giving a lower jackpot
value and an upper jackpot value. The jackpot release value
disposed between the lower preset jackpot value and in the upper
preset jackpot value is determined with a random number generator
of the control unit 7. Upon reaching or surpassing of the jackpot
release value, the jackpot is frozen and a jackpot game playout
sequence is started.
[0031] The entertainment automat 1 with the master function
inquires the data are from each individual slave every 30
milliseconds and receives thus the increase amount of the jackpot.
These part amounts are accumulated by the master, the actual
jackpot value is calculated and is delivered to the slaves through
the communications network. If thereby a reaching or surpassing of
the jackpot release value is determined, then a special jackpot
game sequence is activated by the control unit 7, which jackpot
game sequence is the same at all entertainment automats 1.
[0032] If the jackpot game sequence was initiated, then the
possibility is given to each user of the entertainment automat 1 at
each entertainment automat 1, which is networked and was previously
played, to achieve a predetermined result within a predetermined
and with the video screen 8 displayable time period, that is the
player has to reach a winning symbol combination predetermined by
the entertainment automat after an arbitrary number of games during
this time period. The time and way of the supplemental game is
determined by the game software employed.
[0033] A course diagram or flow diagram of the game action is
illustrated in FIG. 3. The entertainment automat 1 is activated in
case of a credit balance state exhibiting a game stake monitored by
the operational block 36. The total playing time is monitored by an
operational block 37. The winning symbols are randomly determined
during the complete game time by the control unit 7 not illustrated
in detail and are illustrated and displayed with the symbol display
device 2 (operational block 38). A branching block 39 is activated
by the operational block 38 for determining the remaining residual
game time. It is determined in a branching block 40 in case of a
presence of remaining residual game time, if an operating element 3
furnished on the front side of the entertainment automat 1 has been
actuated. In case of no operating element 3 activation a return to
the branching block 39 is performed.
[0034] In case of an activation of an operational element (entry
block 41-42) it is determined, which operational element 3 was
actuated. In case of actuation of an operational element 3
according to the entry block 41, then for example, five card
symbols disposed next to each other are presented with the symbol
display device 2 wherein the symbol storage comprises 20 card
symbols, namely ten, Jack, Queen, King, and ace in each case in all
four colors. The not held cards are drawn by new cards determined
randomly from the card storage in the operational block 43. The
winning value of the displayed symbol combination is determined and
displayed in the operational block 44. In the following it is
checked in the branching block 45, if the maximum winning value,
for example a Royal Flush, is displayed with the symbol display
device 2. In case of a non-reaching of the maximum winning value, a
return is performed from the operational block 45 to the
operational block 38, wherein new winning symbols are randomly
determined in the operational block 38 and are displayed with the
symbol display device 2. Upon remaining of a residual game time the
winning symbols displayed with their symbol display device 2 can be
held in the following by activation of the operational element 3
(operational block 42, operational block 46) or all cards held so
far can be thrown out by actuation of the entry block 41.
[0035] A return is performed from the branching block 45 to the
branching block 39 by checking if the game time has ended. In case
of an ended game time, the actualized winning value is determined
in the operational block 47 and is displayed with a coordinated
display means 21 not illustrated in detail. A return is performed
from the operational block 47 to the operational block 36 by
checking, if a further credit balance state for basing a further
game stake is present.
[0036] The previously in FIG. 3 presented game element represents a
supplemental game unit according to an embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 4. The coin actuated entertainment automat 1 comprises a base
game and a supplemental game. Symbol combinations are determined
randomly in case of a credit balance state exhibiting a game stake
in the credit balance counter of the entertainment automat 1,
wherein the determined symbol combinations are displayed with the
symbol display device 2. If a predetermined winning value is
coordinated to the symbol combination displayed by the symbol
display device 2 or if a particular symbol combination is displayed
with the symbol display device 2, then a switch over is performed
from the base game (operational block 48) into a special game or
supplemental game by the control unit 7 not illustrated in detail.
A determination if a preset jackpot winning value has been reached
or surpassed for a predetermined symbol combination is made in the
branching block 49.
[0037] The total game time is monitored by the operational block
37. The winning symbols are randomly determined by the control unit
7 not illustrated in detail during the total game time and are
displayed with the symbol display device 2 (operational block 38).
A branching block 39 for determining the remaining residual game
time is activated by the operational block 38. In case of a
presence of remaining residual game time, the branching block 40
checks, if an operational element 3 present on the front side of
the entertainment automat 1 has been actuated. In case of no
actuation of the operational element a return is performed to the
branching block 39.
[0038] In case of an actuation of the operational element (entry
block 41-42) it is checked, which one operational element 3 was
actuated. For example five next to each other disposed card symbols
are displayed with the symbol display device 2 upon actuation of an
operational element 3 according to the entry block 41, wherein the
symbol storage comprises 20 card symbols, namely ten, Jack, Queen,
King, and ace in each case in all four colors. Not held cards are
drawn by new cards randomly determined from the card storage in the
operational block 43. The winning value of the displayed symbol
combinations is determined and displayed in the operational block
44. In the following it is checked in the branching block 45, if
the maximum winning value, for example a Royal Flush, is displayed
with the symbol display device 2. Upon non-reaching of the maximum
winning value a return is performed from the branching block 45 to
the branching block 39, wherein the game time is checked as
previously recited in the branching block 39. Upon remaining of a
residual game time, winning symbols displayed with the symbol
display device 2 can be held (operational block 42, operational
block 46) by actuating of the operational element 3 or all up to
now held cards can be thrown out by actuating the entry block
41.
[0039] A return is performed from the branching block 45 to the
branching block 39 by checking if the game time has ended. In case
of an ended game time, the actualized winning value is determined
in the operational block 47 and is displayed with a coordinated
display means 21 not illustrated in detail. A return is performed
from the operational block 47 to the operational block 36 by
checking if a further credit balance state sufficient for a game
stake is present.
[0040] Several coin operated entertainment automats 1 of of the
same construction type are networked to each other according to a
further embodiment of the Invention illustrated in FIG. 7. The
network (operational block 49) is initiated by actuating the power
switch of each entertainment automat 1, wherein one of the
entertainment automats 1 assumes the master function according to
FIG. 5. The further entertainment automats 1 present in the network
switch to a slave function according to FIG. 6. The master function
comprises essentially that the coordination of the entertainment
automats 1 present in the network is assumed, in particular with
respect to the collection of data through the counter state of the
jackpot amount and the release of a common special game, which
takes place at all entertainment automats 1 present in the network
at the same time. In case of a sufficient credit balance state a
symbol combination is randomly determined in the operational block
50 and is displayed in the symbol display device 2. An adjustable
shared part amount of the game stake of each base game is
transferred to a common jackpot counter (operational block 51). The
counter state of the jackpot counter is checked in a branching
block 51 following to the determination of the winning value in the
base game. If the predetermined jackpot counter state is reached or
surpassed, then the master (operational block 53) sends a control
signal to all other entertainment automats 1 present in the
network, wherein the slaves switch to the special game based on the
control signal after termination of the base game. It is monitored
in the operational block 54, if an okay signal was returned by all
slaves. In the following the special game is started at the same
time in all participating coin actuated entertainment automat
1.
[0041] The entertainment automat 1 is activated in case of a credit
balance state exhibiting a game stake. The total game time is
monitored by the operational block 37. The winning symbols are
randomly determined by the control unit 7 not illustrated in detail
and are displayed (operational block 38) with the symbol display
device 2 within the total game time. A branching block 39
determining the remaining residual game time is activated by the
operational block 38. In case of a presence of remaining residual
game time, it is checked in a branching block 40, if an operational
element 3 disposed on the front side of the entertainment automat 1
was actuated. A return is performed to the branching block 39 if no
operational element actuation took place.
[0042] In case of actuation of the operational element (entry block
41-42) it is checked, which operational element 3 was actuated. In
case of actuation of an operational element 3 according to entry
block 41, for example five next to each other disposed card symbols
are displayed with the symbol display device 2, wherein the symbol
storage comprises 20 card symbols, namely ten, Jack, Queen, King,
and ace in each case in all four colors. Cards not held are redrawn
by new cards randomly determined from the card storage in the
operational block 43. The game result of the displayed symbol
combination is determined and displayed in the operational block
44. In the following it is determined in the branching block 45, if
the maximum winning value, for example a Royal Flush, is displayed
with the symbol display device 2. A return is performed from the
branching block 45 to the branching block 39 in case of a
non-reaching of the maximum winning value, wherein the game time is
checked in the branching block 39.
[0043] Upon reaching of the maximum winning value a return is
performed from the branching block 45 to the operational block 38,
wherein new winning symbols are randomly determined in the
operational block 38 and are displayed with the symbol display
device 2.
[0044] In case of a remaining residual game time, winning symbols
displayed with the symbol display device 2 can be held (operational
block 42, operational block 46) in the following by actuating the
operational element 34 or all up to now held cards can be thrown
out by actuating the entry block 41.
[0045] A return is performed from the branching block 45 to the
branching block 39, wherein it is checked in the branching block
39, if the game time has ended.
[0046] In case of an ended game time the individual results of the
slave entertainment automats are scanned (operational block 55) by
the entertainment automat 1 turned master. The incoming game
results are accumulated by the master and in the following
communicated to the slaves (operational block 56). The winning
value is determined in the following in the operational block 57.
The determined winning value is displayed (operational block 58)
with the coordinated display means 21 of the respective
entertainment automat 1. A return is performed from the operational
block 58 displaying the winning value to the operational block 50
checking the game stake.
[0047] The function courses and function flows of a slave
entertainment automat are illustrated as a block diagram in FIG. 6.
The network (operational block 49) is initiated by actuating the
power switch of each of the entertainment automats 1, wherein one
of the entertainment automats 1 assumes the master function
according to FIG. 5. The further entertainment automats 1 contained
in the network switch to slave operation. The slave function
comprises essentially that predetermined data are transmitted
continuously to the master after request. A symbol combination is
randomly determined in the operational block 50 in case of a
sufficient credit balance state and is displayed with the symbol
display device 2. An adjustable share part of the stake of each
base game is transmitted to a common jackpot counter.
[0048] In the following to the determination of the winning value
in the base game, it is checked in the branching block 59, if an
instruction is present from the master to start thereupon the
special game. The receipt of the instruction of the start of the
special game is to be confirmed to the master (operational block
60).
[0049] The entertainment automat 1 is activated in case of a credit
balance state exhibiting at least a game stake. It is checked by an
operational block 61, if the master signal for the special games is
present. The winning symbols are randomly determined by the control
unit 7 not illustrated in detail during the complete game time and
the winning symbols are displayed (operational block 38) with the
symbol display device 2. A branching block 39 for determining the
remaining residual game time is activated by the operational block
38. In case of a presence of a remaining residual game time it is
checked in a branching block 40, if an operational element 3
furnished on the front side of the entertainment automat 1 was
actuated. A return is performed to the branching block 39 in case
no actuation of an operational element took place.
[0050] In case of an actuation of an operational element (entry
block 41-42) it is checked, which operational element 3 was
actuated. For example, five next to each other-disposed card
symbols are displayed on the symbol display device 2 upon actuation
of an operational element 3 according to the entry block 41,
wherein the symbol storage comprises 20 card symbols, namely ten,
Jack, Queen, King, and ace in each case in all four colors. Cards
not held are redrawn by new cards randomly determined from the card
storage in the operational block 43. The game result of the
displayed symbol combinations is determined and displayed in the
operational block 44. In the following it is determined in the
branching block 45, if the maximum winning value, for example a
Royal Flush, is displayed with the symbol display device 2. In case
of a non-reaching of the maximum winning value, a return is
performed from the branching block 45 to the branching block 39,
wherein the game time is checked in the branching block 39. Upon
reaching of the maximum winning value, a return is performed from
the branching block 45 to the operational block 38, wherein new
winning symbols are randomly determined in the operational block 38
and wherein the new winning symbols are displayed with the symbol
display device 2. In case of a remaining of residual game time,
winning symbols displayed with the symbol display device 2 can be
held (operational block 42, operational block 46) in the following
by actuating the operational element 3 or all up to now held cards
can be thrown out by actuating the entry block 41.
[0051] A return is performed from the branching block 45 to the
branching block 39 by checking if the game time has ended. A return
is performed from the operational block 47 to the operational block
36 by checking if a further credit balance state sufficient for a
game stake is present.
[0052] In the following the individual game results of the slave
entertainment automats are scanned by the entertainment automat 1
made master. The incoming game results are accumulated by the
master and in the following communicated to the slaves (operational
block 62, FIG. 6). In the following thereto a winning value is
determined in the operational block 57, wherein the winning value
is coordinated to the winning symbol combination coordinated to the
respective entertainment automat 1. The determined winning value is
displayed with the coordinated display means 21 of the respective
entertainment automat 1 (operational block 58). A return is
performed from the operational block 58 displaying the winning
value to the operational block 50 checking the game stake.
[0053] The jackpot winning amount, for example is subdivided in ten
equal or unequal amounts, wherein the equal or unequal amounts are
played out in the special game or, respectively, the supplemental
game according to a further embodiment of the Invention according
to the flow chart diagram of FIG. 7. The symbols of a poker hand
are displayed with the symbol game device. A starting symbol
combination is presented and displayed randomly, wherein the
starting symbol combination can be improved upon by one time or
multiple time redrawing. The amount available for playing out is
fed to the game apparatus, which game apparatus has achieved the
highest winning value according to the winning plan in the
respective play out. An automatic determination is made which
entertainment automat 1 in a network assumes the master or slave
function upon initiation of the entertainment automats 1. The
communication is performed to the respective communications board
20. Each communications board 20 is associated with an individual
address number, wherein the individual address number is set once
through a rotary switch. After switching on of each entertainment
automat, there is performed the automatic recognition, which
entertainment automat 1 assumes the master function or slave
function. The entertainment automats 1 wait for a time period of
three seconds plus 50 milliseconds (times individual address
number) for a recognition signal of the master after switching on.
Since at this point in time no entertainment automat has yet
assumed the master functions, the recognition signal does not
appear. In this case the communication board 20 sends a master
function assumption signal after further two seconds. The
entertainment automat 1 with the lowest address number will send
out this signal first and assume the master function (operational
block 49) according to the above recited time calculation. In the
following it is checked by the entertainment automat 1 if a credit
balance amount permitting a game stake is present and the base game
is started (operational block 50). The jackpot amount is collected
in parallel in the operational block 51 of the master. The jackpot
state is continuously checked by the master (branching block 52).
If the jackpot amount reaches a predetermined limiting value, a
recognition sequence is sent (operational block 63) by the master
entertainment automat to the displayed entertainment automats. At
the same time the master communicates to the slaves how many times
special games or, respectively, supplemental games have to be
started. If the master has received the return message (operational
block 64) of all further slave entertainment automats, then a
supplemental game is started (operational block 65) at the same
time at all entertainment automats 1. It is randomly determined
from the symbol storage of a poker hand, which symbols are
displayed (operational block 66). In the following it is checked in
branching block 40, if an operational element 3 was actuated. In
case of an operational element actuation (entry block 41-42) it is
checked, if an operational element 3 was actuated. In case of
actuation of an operational element 3 according to the entry block
41, then card symbols are displayed with the symbol display device
2. Cards not held are redrawn by randomly determined new cards from
the card storage in the operational block 43.
[0054] Upon actuation of the hand out key (entry block 41) the
cards not held or winning symbols not held are replaced by randomly
determined new winning symbols. The start of the new game is
synchronized with the further entertainment automats 1 in the
following operational block 67. The individual game results of each
entertainment automat 1 are fed to the master entertainment automat
(operational block 58), wherein the master entertainment automat
collects and accumulates the individual game results. The obtained
game results are communicated to the slaves in a following
operational block 69. The winning value coordinated to each
obtained symbol combination is communicated to the master
entertainment automat. The winning value coordinated to the
obtained symbol combination is determined by each slave
(operational block 70) in the following and is displayed with the
display means disposed on the side of the entertainment automat. A
return is performed from the operational block 70 and the branching
block 15 by checking, if a predetermined number of games has been
performed. In the following the winning value display 58 is
activated by the branching block 71, and a return is performed from
the winning value display 58 to the entry operational block 50 for
determining a game entitling credit balance.
[0055] The function course and flow diagram of a slave
entertainment automat during a special game or a supplemental game
is illustrated in FIG. 8 by way of a block circuit diagram. The
automatic determination is performed during initiation of
operations of the entertainment automats 1, which entertainment
automat 1 of the network assumes the master function or the slave
function. The communication is performed to the respective
communications board 20. Each communications board 20 has
associated an individual address number, wherein the individual
address number is set once by a rotary switch. After switching on
of each one of the entertainment automats 1, the entertainment
automats 1 wait for a time period of three seconds plus 50
milliseconds (times individual address number) for a recognition
signal of the master. Since at this point in time no entertainment
automat 1 has assumed the master functions, the recognition signal
does not appear. In this case the communications board 20 sends a
master function assumption signal after further two seconds. The
entertainment automat 1 with the lowest address number will send
out this signal first and assume the master function (operational
block 49) and all other entertainment automats 1 will assume the
slave function according to the above recited time calculation. In
the following the entertainment automat 1 checks if a credit
balance amount permitting a game stake is present and the base game
is started (operational block 50). The slave checks continuously
(branching block 52), if the master has communicated that the
jackpot was released. The master also communicates to the slaves
how many times the special games or, respectively, supplemental
games have to be started. If the confirmation message of all other
slave entertainment automats is present at the master, then the
supplemental game is started (operational block 65) at the same
time at all other entertainment automats 1. It is randomly
determined from the symbol storage of a poker hand, which symbols
are to be displayed (operational block 66). It is checked in the
following branching block 40, if an operational element 3 was
actuated. In case of an actuation of an operational element (entry
block 41-42) it is checked, which operational element 3 was
actuated. Card symbols are displayed with the symbol display device
2 upon actuation of an operational element 3 according to the entry
block 41. Cards not held are redrawn by new cards randomly
determined from the card storage in the operational block 43.
[0056] Upon actuation of the hand out key (entry block 41), the
cards not held or winning symbols not held are replaced by winning
symbols randomly determined. The start of a new game is
synchronized with the further entertainment automats 1 in the
following operational block 67. The individual game results of each
entertainment automat 1 are fed to the master entertainment automat
(operational block 58), wherein the master entertainment automat
collects and accumulates the individual game results and
communicates the individual game results to the slaves. The winning
value associated with the obtained symbol combination is determined
in the following by each slave (operational block 70) and is
displayed with a display means disposed on the side of the
entertainment automat. A return is performed from the operational
block 70 to branching block 71 by checking, if the predetermined
number of games has been performed. The winning value display 58 is
activated in the following by the branching block 71 and a return
is performed from the winning value display 58 to the entry
operational block 50 for determining a presence of a credit balance
entitling to a game.
[0057] It will be understood that each of the elements described
above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application
in other types of game system configurations and playout procedures
differing from the types described above.
[0058] While the invention has been illustrated and described as
embodied in the context of a method for operating a coin-operated
entertainment automat, it is not intended to be limited to the
details shown, since various modifications and structural changes
may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the
present invention.
[0059] Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal
the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying
current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications
without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art,
fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or
specific aspects of this invention.
[0060] What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by
Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.
* * * * *