DE10022551A1 - Device for games machine/system for determining win value has device for determining operand to derive win value from operand, game points state, display activated only by win signal - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a counter for generating a game points state, a points state display and a detector for generating a win signal that triggers a win output, especially a button and/or device for automatic game state monitoring. There is a device for determining an operand, especially a base value or random number, to determine the win value from the operand and game points state and an operand display only activated by the generated win signal. Independent claims are also included for the following: a method of determining a win value.

Description

The invention relates to a device for a gaming machine ten or one interacting with several slot machines Game system for determining a profit Profit value with a counter to generate a game point stands, a display to show the score and a detector for generating a profit distribution generating signal, in particular a button and / or automatic monitoring device for automatic monitoring chen of a game state. The invention further relates to a Method for determining a profit Winnings value while playing a slot machine or a game system that works with several slot machines stems, whereby a game score is determined and displayed and when activating a detector, in particular a button  and / or an automatic monitoring device for auto matically monitoring a state of play, a win filling triggering profit signal is generated.

So-called jackpot game systems are known in which several in slot machines housed in a gaming facility in this manner linked together that a superordinate game system stem, namely the jackpot system is created. Usually in such a game system a score, namely the counter reading of a jackpot, more or less steady increases. This score represents a possible Ge winn, if necessary by converting the score into one Amount of money, for example based on a posted table. Depending Random size, one of the slot machines is played lost and - also depending on a random event - a score to be achieved is specified. That is, the drawn Automat has to reach a certain state, namely the displayed number of points within a pre agreed period of time. If the machine has this specified Zu reached within the specified time, a bet generate a winning signal that indicates that the jackpot was "cracked".

The respective current level of the game score this over orderly game system determines the attractiveness of the game, since usually the profit to be achieved with the game points stood rising. In this coupling of attractiveness and amount of Score is a disadvantage of such systems. If the game score is low - what regularly after the parent game system wins - the venue loses its attractiveness and the players migrate.

The invention has for its object a profit value another way to determine.

This problem is solved with a device of the beginning mentioned type in that it has a device for determining of an operand, in particular a basic value or a to  number of cases, in order to derive from the operand and the score To determine the winning value, and only when the winning si is generated gnal activatable display for displaying the operand. The task is also ge in a method of the beginning named type solved in that the winning signal a determining triggers an operand that is linked to the game score to determine the winning value, with the operand only at generated profit signal is displayed.

The win value generated by the game system will therefore not determined directly from the game score. Rather, the Game score pre-processed in Form of a numerical link of a generated operand with the game score. The operand is only shown here shows when the winning signal has been generated. Before the production The operand is not displayed against the profit signal and remains unknown to the player. A displayed system point testand can therefore not before a profit or before achievement Chen a predetermined state on a machine from the player be converted into a profit value. The game thus receives an additional, attractiveness-increasing component. The used technical means of the facility for loading votes of the operand preferably have a random number gena rator on. Alternatively or additionally, they have a memory on, which stores data about the previous course of the game chert. Since the previous course of the game of Zu if events depend (also) depends on an operand to be determined not known to a player before winning because of the operand is only displayed after generating a winning signal.

The essential aspect of the invention is that of a slot machine or a parent, in particular a computer-based central processing unit game system only then an operand for determining the profit value is displayed when a winning signal has been generated. The game system hereby receives a random component that a player not allowed to predict how much expected profit is.  

The invention cannot be used only in one with multiple gaming machines cooperating game system, but even in a single machine with a display of a score generated by a counter works. Also thanks to the invention, a direct correlation of the Score with a Ge representing a win profit value can be prevented by an operation with that of Players not recognizable operands with the game score is carried out automatically when the winning signal is present.

Further details and special features result from the Subclaims and the Aus shown in the drawing leadership examples. It shows:

Fig. 1 is a display panel of a game system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of some components of a device before the embodiment;

Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment from the inventive method.

Fig. 1 shows a display panel 10 for a so-called. Jackpot system. In this jackpot system, several slot machines are linked to one another in such a way that a higher-level gaming system is created for the individual slot machines. The individual gaming machines are monitored by monitoring devices, for example pictures of the counter readings of the individual gaming machines. The images from the cameras are transmitted to a central unit via corresponding video signal lines, where they are recorded and evaluated. At predetermined, in particular regular, intervals, the central unit starts a new game by switching on the display panel 10 , frame lights 11 and / or light emitting diodes 12 being switched on permanently or flashing. Switching on the frame lights 11 and / or LEDs 12 represents an optical start signal. Alternatively or additionally, this start signal can also be presented acoustically.

Simultaneously or shortly after this optical or acoustic start signal, the central unit triggers one of the gaming machines located in the gaming facility and displays its identifier, for example in the form of a device number, in a machine identification display 13 . The relevant display 13 shows that the device with the displayed identifier is the device triggered for the next game of the higher-level game system. Only on this device can now be won within the framework of the higher-level game system.

Furthermore, a state or a value is displayed in a default value display 14 , which the selected machine must reach within a predetermined period of time. This is, for example, a value which indicates to the player how many special games he has to reach on the machine shown by the machine identification display 13 within the predetermined time period.

If the machine reaches the specified value within the specified period of time, a button 15 on or in the area of the display panel 10 is monitored for actuation. When actuated, a win signal is generated, ie a signal that indicates that the game has been won. Instead of the button, an automatic monitoring device can also be provided on the respective machine, which automatically determines when the target state set with the default value display 14 has been reached and then generates the winning signal.

The scoreboard 10 also has a game score display 16 with which a game score of the game system can be Darge. This score is determined by the central unit. The central unit changes, ie it increases or decreases the game score, for example, within certain time intervals and / or depending on certain game events. Such a game event is given, for example, when a game of the higher-level game system has not been won. As a result, the central unit then increases the game score by a predetermined value.

Furthermore, the display panel 10 has a basic value display 17 , which, however, is only activated when the button 15 or the automatic monitoring device or generally the detector has generated a winning signal. As long as a winning signal has not been generated during a running game of the superordinate game system, the basic value display 17 does not display the basic value. That is, the basic value display 17 either shows no value at all or a symbol which does not represent a valid basic value.

The displays 13 , 14 , 16 and / or 17 are preferably in the form of ticker-type displays for, in particular in phases, ie non-continuous display of a ticker. As a result, these displays can be used to display further information.

The basic value represents an operand which is linked to the game score of the game score display 16 . Basically, the invention includes all mathematical operations, in particular multiplication, division, addition, subtraction, exponentiation, square rooting, etc.

If the state of the selected machine now reaches the state specified in the default value display, the central unit generates an optical and / or acoustic signal which is now distributed as a profit. Such a signal can be output optically, for example, via a flashing lamp 18 or acoustically via a loudspeaker. At the same time, controlled by the central unit, the basic value display is activated and the game score of the game score display 16 is multiplied by the basic value. The result of this operation, namely multiplication, is also brought to the display by means of the display panel 10 . Additionally or alternatively, a number of coins corresponding to the product can be ejected by a machine. Additionally or alternatively, a screen assigned to the central unit shows the calculated value, which is then distributed as a profit.

Fig. 2 shows a block diagram with some components of an embodiment of a device according to the invention. A game point status (SPS) counter 19 continuously determines the game point status of the higher-level game system. In the manner described above, this counter 19 is increased at predetermined time intervals and / or as a function of certain game conditions or, if the higher-level game system is won, initialized to a low base value. The determined game point status (SPS) is fed to an operator 20 performing one or more of the above-mentioned mathematical operations, who is preferably a multiplier.

A detector 21 , in particular the button 15 and / or an automatic monitoring device for monitoring a gaming state of a slot machine, generates a winning signal which causes a basic value block 22 to determine a basic value. This basic value is initially unknown to the player. The basic value is randomly determined within a certain bandwidth, ie a random number generator selects a value for the basic value within a certain bandwidth. The bandwidth can either be fixed or variable. A variable bandwidth is linked to the previous course of the game. If many games have been won, the values within the range are lower. However, if the last game won was a long time ago, the base value can be selected from a higher range. The amount and width of the bandwidth increase with the number of past games not won, which the random number generator takes into account when generating the random number when calculating a random size.

The basic value block 22 has, in addition or as an alternative to the case number generator, a memory in the form of a so-called safe. This safe is to be understood as an imaginary money store. Amounts from previous non-won games of the higher-level game system go into it. If the content of the safe is high, a high base value is selected when there is a profit signal, while a lower base value is determined if the safe is empty or has negative values.

The basic value generated by the basic value block 22 is supplied to a basic value display block 23 , which displays the determined basic value on the basic value display 17 of the display panel 10 - but only if there is a winning signal.

The basic value is also fed to the operator 20 , who multiplies the basic value by the game score. The result of this operation is displayed by means of the PLC / GW display block 24 . The result can be forwarded to an automated teller machine which causes the automated teller machine to pay out an amount corresponding to the product or a corresponding number of coins.

Fig. 3 shows a flow chart for explaining the method. In a first block 25 , a game of the higher-level game system is initialized and started. The process proceeds to a second block 26 , which determines a current game score. As explained above, this game point status is changed, in particular increased or decreased, depending on certain time intervals and / or certain game states. A first branching block 27 is then used to check whether a detector has responded, in particular whether a button has been actuated and / or an automatic monitoring device on a gaming machine has detected a specific game state. If this is not the case, the process sequence is returned via a branch 28 to the second block 26 , which possibly determines a new game score.

However, if an activation of the detector is detected in the first branch block 27 , the method sequence proceeds to a second branch block 33 , where it is checked whether the profit is to be distributed. If this is not the case (yet), the process sequence is led back to the second block 26 via the branches 34 and 28 . As long as the prize has not been distributed, the higher-level game system will continue. If the profit is distributed, which may have been confirmed automatically or by an input made on the central unit by an operator, the method sequence proceeds to a third block 29 , which generates a basic value according to the manner described above. In a fourth block 30 , the basic value is displayed, specifically as a result of the profit signal generated by the detector. In a fifth block 31 , the basic value is multiplied by the game score. The result is displayed in a sixth block 32 . Finally, the process sequence is led back to the first block 25 via a branch 35 .

An example follows: The score 16 shows a value of 7 million points. The basic value is drawn as a result of a winning signal at 100 and is displayed on the basic value display 17 . Multiplying the operator 20 by 7 million and 100 leads to a profit value of 700 million points. This profit value represents a profit of, for example, DM 700 , since 1 million points correspond to DM 1 . The advantage of this procedure is that the player cannot find out how much money he can win beforehand, ie before he actually wins.

With the modification described below, it is possible to determine the amount of the winnings distributed over a longer period of time. The operator of the gaming facility can enter an amount to be distributed in an average number of games, for example DM 2,000 in 1,000 games, so that an average of DM 2 per game is to be distributed. In addition to these values, the operator can also enter a divider on the central unit, for example in the amount of the above 1 million and a minimum profit value of, for example, DM 150 . For each game not won by the higher-level game system, an amount of DM 2 is booked into the imaginary safe, ie added to a memory of the central unit.

If, for example, DM 300 has reached the imaginary safe and the game score has reached a value of 2.2 million points if the game of the higher-level game system is won, e.g. if the jackpot is won, the central unit calculates the following basic value: 2 .2 million / 1 million = 2.2. The safe content is divided by this value, ie 300 / 2.2 = 136, which corresponds to the basic value. The profit value is calculated at 136 × 2.2 million, so that the profit is 136 × 2.2 million / 1 million = DM 299 , -. After this amount has been distributed, the imaginary safe only contains DM 1 , whereby another game is started.

As the following example shows, the safe content can also assume negative values, ie the memory can also calculate negative values. E.g. it is assumed that the safe contains DM 80.00 . The game score is again at 2.2 million. Now the game of the higher-level game system is won. The basic value is DM 80 / (2.2 million / 1 million) = DM 36 . The player now receives a profit of 36 × 2.2 million / 1 million = DM 79 , -. However, a minimum profit of DM 150 is set, so that the central unit automatically calculates a corresponding profit value. For this he calculates an increased basic value in the form of DM 150 , - / 2.2 = 68, so that the player actually receives a profit of 68 × 2.2 million / 1 million = DM 149 , - .

This amount is deducted from the safe by the central unit, so that the value of the safe content is now - DM 148 , - while a new game is started by the higher-level game system. For each game not won, the central unit adds DM 2 to the safe.

This procedure allows the parent game system to be cal to make it cululable. This is advantageous as a gaming venue operators in this way are not at high risk of multiple winnings of the superordinate game game closely following in time is economically threatened.

The higher-level game system described above describes an application of the basic idea, namely a profit value automatically determined in such a way that he chose for the player is not recognizable during a running game. Another However, application is also included in the invention sen, namely the application of the basic principle explained in a single slot machine. The invention also enables not a win value for a single slot machine  to link directly to the score, but to him to be preprocessed via the operands. Consequently is also a prediction of the single slot machine profit not possible.

The invention provides a novel system, with the attractiveness of slot machines or of several Slot machine-interacting game systems are enhanced that can.  

Reference list

10th

Scoreboard

11

Frame light

12th

led

13

Vending machine identification display

14

Default value display

15

Button

16

Score display

17th

Basic value display

18th

Flashing light

19th

PLC counter

20th

operator

21

detector

22

Core value block

23

Basic value display block

24th

PLC / GW display block

25th

1

, block

26

2

, block

27

1

, Junction block

28

branch

29

3rd

, block

30th

4

, block

31

5

, block

32

6

, block

33

2

, Junction block

34

branch

35

branch

Claims (13)

1. A device for a gaming machine or a game system cooperating with a plurality of gaming machines for determining a profit value representing a profit with a counter ( 19 ) for generating a game score, a display ( 16 ) for displaying the game score and a detector ( 15 , 21 ) for generating a profit signal triggering a payout, in particular a push button and / or an automatic monitoring device for automatically monitoring a game state, characterized by a device ( 22 ) for determining an operand, in particular a base value or a random number, in order to extract from the operand and the game score to determine the winning value, and a display ( 17 ) which can only be activated when the winning signal has been generated, for displaying the operand. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized by operator gate means ( 20 ) for linking the operand with the game point testand for determining the profit value and display means ( 24 ) for displaying the profit value. 3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the operator means ( 20 ) have a multiplier and the operand and the score of the multiplier are multiplier factors. 4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized characterized that the device for determining the operan which has a random number generator with which a Zu if number can be generated to determine the operand. 5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that the random number generator is designed such that a Random number within a fixed or variable range can be generated. 6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that the bandwidth depends on the previous course of the game can be laid. 7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized characterized that the device for determining the operan which has a memory, in particular a so-called safe, for Save from previous game history Data. 8. The device according to claim 7, characterized by means to increase the memory content if there is no at the end of a game Gain signal was generated or to reduce the memory stop when a winning signal has been generated. 9. A method for determining a profit representing a profit value during the example of a slot machine or a game system interacting with several slot machines, wherein a game score is determined ( 26 ) and indicates and when activating a detector ( 21 ), in particular a button and / or an automatic monitoring device for automatically monitoring a game status, a profit signal triggering a payout is generated, characterized in that the win signal triggers a determination ( 29 ) of an operand which is linked ( 31 ) to the game point status in order to determine the win value, the operand is only displayed when the competition is created. 10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the operand is multiplied by the score. 11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that the operand happens to be within a fixed or variable Bandwidth is selected. 12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized ge indicates that the operand taking into account the previous outgoing game history is determined. 13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12 for operation one slot machine or one with multiple slot machines cooperating game system with a device according to a of claims 1 to 8.