DE2722296C2 - Slot machine - Google Patents

Description

(a) Each sector area (54) of a rotating body (13) assigned to a symbol (14) has a photoelectrically scannable address that corresponds to one of the digits of the random number generator,

(b) a first comparator (60) then delivers a signal! for stopping a rotating body (13), if its scanned address matches the generated digit of the random number generator (35) assigned to it,

(c) after a rotating body (13) has come to a standstill, a standstill code is scanned and in stored in a recording device (80, 82),

(d) after all rotating bodies (13) have stopped, their standstill codes are repeated scanned and together with the stored standstill codes a second Comparator (94) supplied which, if they match, supplies a signal to the profit determination device.

The invention relates to a slot machine with the features mentioned in the preamble of the claim. Such a slot machine is from the DE-OS 20 16 481 known.

As with the known slot machine is also in the slot machine according to the invention by using a preferably electronically working Random number generator the probability that a rotating body due to mechanical inadequacies gets used to certain "preferential positions", largely reduced.

When the rotating bodies have reached a standstill position determined by the random number generator, a profit determination can be made and, if necessary, the payment can be made.

The publication mentioned at the beginning does not deal with this aspect of a gaming machine. But it is clear that one of the characters in question on the rotating body - that is present several times on this can be - a corresponding signal is to be generated, from which the profit is then calculated

However, this makes it possible, by mechanical engagement, to bring the rotating body into a position that is different from that of the from the random number generator predetermined stopping position deviates, and in this case a unauthorized payment of winnings can occur.

The object of the present invention is to provide a

To create slot machines of the type mentioned at the outset, in which such an intervention remains unsuccessful

The solution to this problem results from the characterizing features of the patent claim.

The invention is described below on the basis of preferred embodiments with reference to the Drawings explained in detail. It shows

P i g. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional gaming machine in which the invention

ίο can be used,

F i g. 2 is a perspective view of a disk mechanism of a gaming machine according to the invention;

Fi g. 3 a block diagram of a preferred embodiment

form of the invention,

F i g. 4 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of the invention;

5 shows an enlarged side view of the disk and a disk stopping mechanism according to FIG Invention,

6 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG F i g. 6,

7 shows a circuit of the disk movement and Position detector and

8 is a block diagram of the control logic of the Invention.

In Fig. 1 a .conventional machine is shown, in which the invention can be incorporated and provided. Each slot machine 10 is through Throwing coins into a coin validator 11 set in motion, as described in US-PS 39 98 309 Often a number of coins can be deposited one after the other in such facilities to the Payout multiply and also by the

Increase your chances of winning.

When the coins are accepted, indicator lamps (not shown) light up to show that the machine can now be used to play a game. Such a game will go through Pulling the handle 12 initiated, which sets a number of discs 13 (Fig. 2) in rotation, which are brought to a standstill in succession, the combinations of characters 14 am The outer circumference of each disc become visible. Payment lungs are induced depending on whether the Signs on the idle disks match predetermined winning combinations or not According to FIG. 3 ii> l an electronic device for

thus generating the addresses at which the disks are to be shut down, in connection with devices for Stopping the disks in these respective positions created essentially the effect of any mechanical disturbances to the shit ben and their arrangement when choosing the To eliminate standstill.

In Figure 3, a coin validator 11, a release device 15 and a disk mechanism 16 are shown coins that are received by the coin validator

μ either fall into a payout container 25 or a collection bin 32. A coin diverting mechanism 29 brings a diverter 30 into a corresponding position to determine the trajectory of the coin.

The release device 15 is connected to a random number generator 35 by a line 34. Means the release device, a switch is closed in the same way as it switches to

Activate the control logic and also to illuminate the various display devices, not shown closes to put the random number generator into operation. In one embodiment of the Invention, this random number generator works continuously by generating an average of about 100 numbers per Second generated. He works with an algorithm in such a way that the probability that he himself repeated, theoretically extremely small The generator is set to produce any number that corresponds to each address location or each separate character on the disc, which in this embodiment are 22 character stop positions. Such Random number generators are known in electronics and therefore do not need to be described in detail to become. The random number is generated which defines the stop position for each target

For a correct stopping of the disk, the current positions of the disk are recorded and a target position detector 36 is provided for this purpose. One embodiment of such a target position detector is in Fig. 5 and 6 shown It is a section of a single rotating body 13 t "disc") shown rotating about an axis or shaft 38. The disc generally has a Flange portion 39 extending from the rim towards the shaft with a circumferentially extending cylindrical one Section 40, which bears the characters which are read by the player. Together A dial 41, which works together with a stopping mechanism 42, rotates with each disk to stop the disk in one of the 22 address positions. The dial has a control slot 44 for each address location. The stop mechanism has a solenoid 45, which is a Connection 46 actuated, which has a corresponding member 47, the size of which is dimensioned so that it is in the Control incision fits. By energizing the solenoid via lines 48, member 47 is consequently in one of the Steuereinsrhnitte pressed to the rotary movement of the dial and thus the associated disc shut down.

The target position detector 36 has a light source or lamp 49 which is located on one side of the Disk flange 39 is arranged, in connection with an arrangement of Photodete'ctoren 50, which are aligned with respect to the light source and arranged on the opposite side of the pane, each photodetector is connected to a line 51.

In Fig. 5 is each d>? R by dashed lines 53 limited 22 sectors of the disc are divided into an address section 54 and a decoding section 55, which are separated from one another by dashed lines 56. The address and decode information has in Form of precisely defined holes translucent or translucent areas 57 in the pane flange on, the number, arrangement and respective position of these holes being different for each address. In the photodetector array 50 is arranged a sensor (not shown), which with respect to each area is aligned, in which a hole in the disc flange can be defined for coding purposes can. As a result, when the address area 54 comes to coincide with the photodetector array 50, a series of signals is transmitted over the line connected to each photodetector, which fiuriits with a hole, and which thereby gives light from the light source 49 receives a different voltage level or a signal with a different voltage level present on the lines connected to photodetectors that are not aligned with a hole. As a result, a composite electrical signal is created that corresponds to the detected address and As a result, the signal position of the disk corresponds to each address area. A timing control slot is aligned or incision 58. If this timing incision with a certain photodetector in the

ίο provided arrangement aligns to this incision to feel, a signal is transmitted that an immediate alignment of the address coding with the Photodetector array and thereby indicates that the array is being read at this point in time should. If reading is carried out at a different point in time, the address range can only be used for Half be brought to the photodetector arrangement to coincide and so result in an erroneous reading.

In Fig. 3, the signal from line 51 is sent to a Comparator 60 transmitted. The comparator receives a signal via a line 61, which the of the Generator 35 generated additional number! The comparator can have a standard design, which receives a number of signals and compares the signals to an output on line 62 to create when the signals correspond.

A circuit arrangement of the disk movement and position detector 36 is shown schematically in FIG. 7 shown. Here, three disk movement and position detectors 36 are reproduced, one for each disk 13 of the disk mechanism 17 so that when the correct signal is applied to one of the terminals X, Y or Z, the photodelectors of this arrangement are energized so as to sense light passing through the associated pane as a result of which a signal is transmitted over each of the lines 51, depending on it whether or not an opening in the pane itself falls between the light source and the corresponding photodetector. This signal, together with a timing signal, is then transmitted from the photodetector 63 to the comparator 60 via a line 63-4. This comparator has a number of AND gates 65 which receive the timing signal via a line 63, 4 at the other terminal. In this way, only the

so AND gates to be conductive at the time at which the timing slot 58 with his assigned photodetector used for cover! is thereby ensured that the photodetector is arranged is really precisely aligned with respect to the address sector of the disc.

Thereafter, a signal is transmitted via the AND gates 65, which process both the timing control and the photosensor signal, to an exclusive OR gate 66. The signals from the random number generator 35 are applied to the other terminal of each OR gate 66, corresponding to the respective number which is generated. The signal is then transmitted to the terminals Ac to Ec so that when the signals are corresponding, that is, when no signal is obtained at one of the c "; r terminals or a signal is obtained at both terminals, there is a relationship between the number on the Disk and the number selected by the random number generator

consists. If, of course, one of the outputs of the exclusive OR gates is at the lower level that shows different signals at its terminals, there is no increase in the Output signal on line 67.

If all of the exclusive-OR-Glicd 66 The signals received correspond to one another, the signal level on the line 67 changes, which is indicated becomes that the comparator 60 shows a relationship between the output of the random number generator and the Has felt the disc position, which signals and indicates that the disc will be stopped should. A shutdown signal is then received at connection 68, which is then transmitted via line 62 is transmitted to the disk stop mechanism 19.

Both the address and decode photodetector assemblies have parity to ensure data integrity. However, to further ensure that the correct decoding (of a character) reflects the actual visual impression of the If the player represents the disabled characters, the address will have odd parity and the Decoding uses an even parity. That is, due to the design of the index wheel there is only a disc with a sign or a representation opposite "Profit lines" accepted and adopted as decoding data. These parity signals are supported by the Presence of a signal indicated via the AND gate 70 and the exclusive OR gate 71 to the Line 67 is transmitted. As can be seen from this, the schematic arrangement is consequent an embodiment of the disk movement and position detector 36 and the comparator 60 are created. which signals and emits a signal when the Disk mechanism must be stopped in order to form the address given by the random number generator selected matches.

As shown in Fig. 5, the trigger and Control incisions so arranged to shut down the disc that the photodetector assembly always is brought into congruence with the decoding section 55 of the disc. As a result, during reading the address used by the photodetector array. to find the address codes on the disc using the To feel the timing signal emitted in the presence of the timing slot or incision 58 will. When the disk stop mechanism 19 is energized, however, the link 47 is in the aligned Control cut 44 pressed to stop the disc. Because of the precise arrangement and Positioning each of the control incisions, the disks are always together with the photodetector assembly stopped at the decoding section of the disc, the coding section of which corresponds to the address section corresponds to, in which the disk was stopped according to the generated random number. Thereafter, the disk stop signal is sent to a disk position recorder 80 (Fig. 3) supplied together with the signals from lines 51, which correspond to the photodetector levels.

As shown in Fig. 7, a disk position recorder is provided 80 the disk stop signa! together with the photodetector signals, which arrives at a recording device 82 via a series of AND gates S1 and thereafter are. In this way, the precisely defined signals to which the decoding codes correspond are recorded and recorded. The recording and recording device may be any of the usual ones Be embodiments, but is preferably a random memory with one for all decoding signals sufficient storage capacity of each of the individual disks.

By capturing these signals, the position of the target can be checked as soon as all targets are shut down to ensure that the target positions have not been forged or changed are. Without such a detection, as with older, conventional facilities, if an access to the inside of the device can be obtained the positions of the discs before triggering the Withdrawal logic can be changed in order to receive a higher payout than the. the the corresponds to the original position of the target. If ever

1 * 11

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Disk is stopped, the decoding signal is transmitted directly via a line 84 (FIG. 4) to both the Control and payout logic 24a as well as to the slice setting recording device 80. After all slices have stopped and the control logic has signaled, the payout calculations initiate a comparison between the decoding signals of the shutdown disks that are in the Disk position recorder 80 was added and the disk decoding signals are made immediately before the payout is calculated has been read out si. ', d in order to determine whether or that the disk mechanism has not changed has been.

In Figure 4 are a coin validator 11, a release device 15, a disk mechanism 16, a disk stop mechanism 19, a coin diverting mechanism 29, a payout container 25. a sensor or feeler 28 assigned to the full container, a collecting container 32, a random number generator 35, a comparator 60 and a disk position recorder 80 illustrated, (each of these bodies works in the same way as in the embodiment of FIG. 3.

In addition, a switch 85 is provided which

4S is switched accordingly to over the line 86 the Release signal from release device 15 and a signal via line 111 from the disk mechanism indicating that the disks have been rotated. These two signals

so can by closing switches according to the excitation of the release device as with existing Devices and are supplied via a switch that is activated by operating the handle 12 is closed, which results in the rotating movement of the discs. When these signals are present, the Target position mechanism energized to initiate sensing of the target position. Over line 87 the random number generator is also switched on

Together with the switching on of the target position detector, a signal is sent to a switch 88 supplied whereby a number can be transmitted from the random number generator to the comparator, thereby initiating a search for that number by the target position detector If Equality is detected, the disk stall mechanism given a signal to energize the solenoid 45 (Fig. 5) and stop the disc.

The same signal is used to turn a counter 89 to one set, which counter then in turn causes tier Random number generator closes switch 88, thereby transmitting another number to the comparator will.

To the Stillsel / cn of the individual disks 13 of the Disk mechanism will repeat this order until the counter reaches a predetermined count reached, which is equal to the number of disks in the .Scheiben Mechanism. After that, over the line 90 a signal is sent to the control and payout logic in order to calculate the selection as with the to initiate previous forms of implementation. Consequently a signal is given to the counting logic that indicates that the disk mechanism is now completely at a standstill. (In other words, all disks have been stopped are.

When all disks come to a standstill, the control and

to calculate the amount because the characters on the discs are aligned or in a line. The circuit for the control is in I 'i g. 8 shown. When the signal from the counter 89 is present that all disks have stopped, a comparator 94 is switched on in order to receive a disk position signal via the line 84 and a recorded signal corresponding to the disk position from the recording device 80 via the line%. These signals are referred to as signal A and signal B and are compared. When this is done. weather! transmit a signal on line 97, thereby energizing comparator 98. At the same time, a payout logic 99 has already received a signal indicating the coins played from the coin validator 11 via a line 100. As a result, a payout signal calculated as a result of receipt of the recorded disc position signal B over line 96 becomes. fed to the comparator 98, which results in. that the comparator emits a container release signal via a line 101. As a result, the comparator 98 then compares the signal from the payout logic with a counting signal relating to the paid out coins, which has been reported back from the payout container via the line 102. and as long as these signals are not the same, a container release signal is issued.

During this operating period, a container status signal is sent by the controller via a line 107 which changes the level when the sensor 28 associated with the container senses that the container is actually full. The sensor is preferably used to sense the container weight, and if so the weight exceeds a predetermined value, a signal is given that the container is full. One a Completed game indicating signal is an AND gate 108 together with the signal that the Container is full. supplied so that the coin diverting mechanism can be switched on at the end of the game, to divert the coins so that they no longer fall into the payout container, but instead to the Coin collecting container 32 are deflected.

As a result, the coin diverting mechanism can only be energized and switched on at the end of a game, thereby preventing any leakage of coins during the execution of a game, or while coins are deposited one after the other to start a game sequence. Since the signal of the Coin diverting device only added at the end of the game

leads is and this same signal is supplied to the Münzpnifer having a conventional coin counter, is submitted a signal to the Münziiblciteinriehtung to positions on the Linde each game / u change, and is not discharged during the time period when additional coins in the slot machine be thrown in. By controlling the flow of coins in this manner, an accurate indication of which container, ie, payout container 25 oiler, collection container 32 is receiving the coins, and an accurate count and inventory can be obtained of the coins that are in each of these containers. By controlling the flow of coins in this precise manner, a check and control can always be obtained as to whether or not the coins in the various containers correspond to the coins being played, and thereby to indicate that none (coins) have been removed by unauthorized persons to the MÜH / bch?.! ¹ .'- ΓΠ h ^.! ^1. · ?! ¹ ! ⁿ Ί ^ρΓ Aiisfiihniny; sfnrni dor Fig. 4, a coin return container 110 is also shown, which receives the coins when a coin rejection mechanism is energized and returns the coins to the player. The same coin reject mechanism can also be energized by a signal from the disk mechanism indicating that the disk has been set in motion. and the duplication of these signals is only provided to ensure that the player cannot continuously toss coins into the machine after a game has started by operating the handle 12. The signal from the disk mechanism is supplied via line 111.

Both the coins played and the coins paid out after each game are displayed. As a result, signals are fed to a corresponding display device 112 which indicate the Coins, the coins paid out and the signal "game complete" as well as the signal from the coin validator indicate that he has received enough coins. to release the release device 15. This display lasts until the start of the next game. the display is then reset. Such Advertisements are well known and provide a visual indication that the player is making the required payout had received. This display lasts as long. like the winning combination on the disks persists in order to enable confirmation that that a correct payout has been made according to the signs on the discs.

From this it can thus be seen that the circuit of FIG. 4 gradually creates the certainty that the Sequence is correct. For example, the disk mechanism must rotate before being used by the random number generator a number is given. After this number has been generated, the counter must before the control and the payout logic are switched on. At the same time, the coin rejection mechanism energized to prevent further coins being inserted. Then the payout container switched on, and the visual display relating to the corresponding to the position of the deactivated disk mechanism disbursed coins is excited. After the payout, signals are issued whether during coins received from the next game have been thrown into the payout container or into the collection container and a signal is sent to the coin counter, so that the amount of the coin is credited to the correct container. During this period

the coins played and the payout from the last game are displayed. aside from that finds none if the disc stop setting position does not correspond to the recorded disc stop position Payout takes place.

For this (see sheet of drawings

Claims (1)

Claim: Slot machine with several symbol-bearing rotating bodies, which after they are set in motion are shut down successively by signals from a random number generator, with a device for sensing the standstill positions of the individual rotating bodies, depending on from the displayed standstill line of all rotating bodies formed symbol combination a profit determination device is controlled, marked a combination of the following features: