FR2794879A1 - Control of poker machines to increase the relative importance of strategy over chance to allow conformity with regulation in different jurisdictions - Google Patents

Abstract

The poker machine displays (EV) a number of graphic objects stored in memory and accepts commands (CG,CD) to select objects. A number of objects are displayed on the screen for a short time. During this time the user selects graphic objects. The score is determined from the match between the selected objects and predetermined permanently displayed graphic object groups.

Description

The present invention relates to a method of controlling a game equipment, more particularly to the type of electronic game machine. It is also aimed at a game equipment and control.

This invention is mainly but not limited to the context of electronic gaming equipment installed in commercial, public or private spaces, which may be paid or free.

These gaming equipment are subject in certain countries, and in particular in France, to precise regulations relating to their use, in particular in terms of winning or awarding free spins.

Most of them use a color video screen but also any other type of electronic or mechanical display. A player sees unfolding certain actions on a screen and it intervenes thanks to the action of pointing and selection means such as joysticks, push buttons, touch screens or any other equivalent device, on the course of the game according to the choices that are proposed to him.

There are <B> already </ B> dedicated electronic gaming equipment <B> at </ B> poker games. Document US5294120 thus discloses a video poker game method using a microcomputer, in which several cards are selected and displayed on video screens, and each player selects drawn cards.

Document AU656302 may also be mentioned which discloses a game machine provided in particular for a poker game, including an image display command, and programmed to draw at random and display an original combination of cards in which the player may keep or throw some of those cards.

The methods implemented in these gaming equipment, however, have the disadvantage of giving <B> to </ B> the part of chance a place exceedingly superior <B> to </ B> that of the strategy or talents deployed by the players, which leads to the impossibility of lawful use of such gaming equipment in countries or places subject to specific regulations on games of chance.

The object of the invention is to remedy this disadvantage by proposing a method for controlling a game equipment comprising a viewing space, control and processing means and object storage means. graphics, which privileges the part of the strategy to the detriment of that of chance and thus makes it possible to reward the qualities of reflection, anticipation and speed of reaction of a player, while being in conformity with the specific regulations to which these equipments of game are subject.

By graphic object, we mean any type of object, including symbols, letters, numbers, playing cards, pictograms, or images.

The aforementioned objectives are achieved with a method of controlling a game equipment comprising steps for extracting and displaying graphic objects contained in the storage means, and steps for entering graphic object selection commands among graphic objects. viewed.

According to the invention, several graphic objects are successively extracted from the storage means and visualized in a presentation area within the display space each for a short period of time, the graphic objects possibly selected during these short periods of time are stored and viewed within a selection area within said viewing space, and a score is determined from a comparison between the selected object sequence and combinations of predetermined graphic objects viewed from permanently in a combination zone within said viewing space, and this score is displayed in a score area within said viewing space.

This provides an efficient way of quantifying the reaction and strategy qualities expressed by a player to select in a short time a sequence of graphical objects conforming to one of the associated combinations <B> > to </ B> a winning score, while significantly limiting the share of chance.

The method according to the invention is for example implemented in a game whose principle is to choose whether or not to keep graphical objects among those that the process shows a <B> to </ B> a <B> to </ B> the screen, with the aim of achieving the highest score possible. The possible scores <B> to </ B> achieve are indicated in a table of scores.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the graphic objects successively extracted and displayed are in a predetermined number and the method further comprises a calculation and a visualization, in a specific area within the space of visualization, the number of graphic objects remaining <B> to </ B> view. The player thus has on the screen valuable information to refine his personal strategy of selecting graphic objects presented.

It is advantageous that each short period of time during which a new graphic object is presented has a predetermined duration and that the method according to the invention further comprises a calculation and a visualization, in a specific area within the space. visualization, the remaining time to decide at each visualization of a graphic object in the presentation area. This additional information provides the player with a useful parameter for his selection decision making.

Moreover, the graphic objects that can be selected and viewed in the area of selected objects are preferably in predetermined number.

In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, provision is made for management of a selection control area within the viewing space, this selection control area being arranged to express a command graphically. selection by a player of a graphic object being presented. In practice, it may be a management of a graphical representation of an arrow pointing to a first graphic reference corresponding to a command for selecting an object being presented. or to a second graphic reference corresponding to a command for non-selection or rejection of said object being presented.

Preferably, the extraction and display steps and the selection steps are initiated by an externally initiated engagement process and included in a predetermined maximum duration. This activation process is for example conditioned by the execution of a payment transaction either by coin, or by credit card or by any other means of payment, including electronic type.

As regards the origin of the graphic objects presented, these may be drawn randomly or pseudo-randomly from among a plurality of graphic objects previously stored in the data storage means, or may belong to <B> to </ B> predetermined sequences of graphic objects previously stored in the data storage means.

It is further advantageous to provide a control method according to the invention further comprising a step of entering and managing a command <B> </ B> risk <B> </ B> issued by a player <B at the end of the step of determining and displaying a score obtained by this player, during which all or part of said score is put into play in a new sequence of extraction steps and presentation and selection steps.

This particular feature helps <B> to </ B> significantly increase the interest of the game as it brings a share of risk <B> to </ B> the main strategy approach.

It is also possible, in the case of determining a score greater than a predetermined value, a step of entering and managing an <B> </ B> improvement <B> </ B> issued by a player <B> to </ B> the outcome of the step of determining and viewing said score, during which a predetermined amount is subtracted from said score before execution of a new sequence of Extraction and presentation steps and selection steps.

In the context of a party initiated by a payment transaction comprising an initial number of turns each corresponding to a sequence of extraction and presentation steps and selection steps leading to </ B> the determination of a score, the method according to the invention may further comprise a step for determining a number of additional turns tuned to a player in the context of a game based the score obtained by this player. This determination step makes it possible in particular to take into account the possible regulatory constraints in terms of limiting the number of additional turns within one or more parts.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a game equipment comprising a screen constituting a viewing space, control and processing means, storage means for graphic objects, access control means including, for example payment means, and game control means, implementing the control method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control and processing means cooperate with the screen to determine within display area <B>: </ B> a presentation area arranged to display a succession of graphic objects, a selection control area arranged to graphically express a command to select a graphical object presented, a zone d selected objects arranged to receive and view a series of graphic objects selected from among the graphical objects presented, and an area of combination permanently visualizing several particular combinations <B> to </ B> each of which determined scores are associated.

The game control means preferably comprise two control assemblies arranged respectively in the left and in the right of the display screen.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the description below. In the accompanying drawings given as non-limiting examples: FIG. 1 shows a characteristic content of a screen controlled by the method according to the invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a gaming machine implementing the method according to the invention, and FIGS. 3A and 3B show the steps of the process according to the invention.

Firstly, reference <B> to </ B> will be described in Figure <B> 1, </ B> as an example of an arrangement of a screen of an electronic game equipment controlled by the method according to the invention.

The <B> E </ B> screen includes a ZA area for presenting an OG graphical object for a short period of time (for example a few seconds or fractions of a second) <B>, a ZJ area selection control input, a ZS storage and viewing area of the selected objects and a permanent display zone ZC of the winning combinations Cl-C3, Ci leading <B> to the scores of si-S3, if.

The ZJ command entry area contains a graphic representation of a selectable <B> FS </ B> arrow pointing to either a graphic <B> G </ B> "keep" or a graphic reference. <B> J </ B> fyjeter ".

The screen <B> E </ B> furthermore comprises: <B> - </ B> a zone ZT expressing the time TD remaining to decide, <B> - </ B> a zone ZD expressing the time TJ remaining in the game, <B> - </ B> a ZP box expressing the name <B> J </ B> or the player's alias and the score obtained <B> SC, </ B> <B> - </ B> a zone ZR expressing the number OR of objects remaining, <B> - </ B> a zone ZG expressing the number NG of free parts, <B> - </ B> a zone ZX expressing the number NX of turns additional.

FIG. 2 will now describe, with reference to FIG. 2, game equipment controlled by the method according to the invention.

This <B> S </ B> gaming equipment includes an EV video screen, two sets of joysticks and control buttons <B> CG, </ B> CD respectively <B> to </ B> and < B> to </ B> right of the screen, a CPU CPU card including for example a microprocessor or a microcontroller MC and a memory ME, a payment module MP <B> to </ B> part and / or < B> to </ B> credit card possibly equipped with a mechanical meter <B> CM, </ B> and a speaker or buzzer HP. All of these components may for example be connected and communicate via a link bus BL. It is also possible, in the case of gaming equipment installed in places such as casinos where the payment of winnings is authorized, a VR reward payment module.

Reference will now be made, with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, to an example of running a game on a machine implementing the method according to the invention.

After triggering <B> (A) </ B> of the consecutive game <B> to </ B> a payment transaction or action on a push button, the player is prompted <B> (Al) to </ B> enter his name or a pseudonym, through a choice of options available <B> to the screen. When the player has registered his name or the time allowed to do so is exceeded, the following items appear on the screen: a maximum time counter of the game ZD, TJ <B> - < / B> an NX turn counter, indicating how many laps the player has, <B> - </ B> a remaining graphic object counter OR, <B> - </ B> a score counter <B > SC, <B> - </ B> - possibly the name or pseudonym <B> Ni </ B> of the player, <B> - </ B> a TD counter indicating a <B> </ B> time to decide <B>, </ B> <B> - </ B> a zone of choice ZJ materialized by an arrow surmounted by the words <B> </ B> keep <B> </ B> or < B> </ B> throw <B>. </ B> If the <B> </ B> time to decide <B> </ B> reaches <B> 0 </ B> or if the player has chosen <B> </ B> B> </ B> throw <B>, <b> another OG graphic object appears to the screen in the ZA box to be optionally chosen by the player and the remaining object counter is decremented. <B> A </ B> this moment, the <B> </ B> time information to decide <B> </ B> appears <B> at </ B> the screen, followed by a value of time during which the player can choose between <B> </ B> keep <B> </ B> and <B> <B> <B> <B> </ B> the graphic object OG.

If the player opts to discard the proposed graphical object, a different graphical object appears. </ B> If he chooses to keep it, this graphic object is placed in the ZS area of the preserved objects. The counter <B> </ B> object remaining <B> </ B> OR is decremented in both cases.

This possibility is repeated until <B> 5 </ B> graphic objects have been selected or until the remaining object counter has reached <B> 0. </ B>

When <B> 5 </ B> graphic objects have been selected or when the remaining object counter is <B> to </ B> zero, the SC </ B> score possibly made for the graphical objects placed in the area of preserved objects appears <B> at </ B> the screen. The player can then choose between taking the eventual score corresponding to the combination or risking that score (B4) <B>. </ B> If he chooses to risk, his choice may allow him to double his score or lose it.

If <B> 5 </ B> graphic objects have not been selected and the remaining object counter is <B> to 0, </ B> the tour is complete. However, if a combination scoring a score is made with the chosen objects, the score is displayed on the screen and the player has the opportunity to take that score or risk it. In this case, if the player has <B> already </ B> made a score and has not chosen <B> 5 </ B> graphic objects, he can choose to improve the combination by answering < B </ B> yes <B> to </ B> the proposal <B> </ B> do you want to improve <B>? , </ B> a predetermined number of points is removed from his score, then the player can choose from <B> 5 </ B> additional items that will be offered to him to be added <B> to </ B> <B> already </ B> chosen.

If the player's cumulative score is zero or less than the score required to obtain an additional turn, the player may continue the game by introducing a coin, allowing him to play one or more rounds in the limit of the duration. Of the game.

If the player's cumulative score is less than a predetermined minimum value and the player decides to stop or if the maximum time set for a game is over, the game is over.

If the cumulative score is greater than a predetermined threshold value, the player may play one or more additional rounds in a number equal to the multiple of that threshold value contained in the cumulative score, remaining within the limit maximum duration of the game.

When there is no more round to play or when the player wishes, he can, when it is proposed (B13), decide to record his score which is then classified, s it is in the best, in the list of records (B15) which can be displayed in sequence in demonstration mode.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and many adjustments can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, one can provide many other provisions of the different viewing areas within the screen. Some non-essential viewing areas may be deleted or grouped together. The numbers of objects presented, objects to select, and winning combinations can be arbitrary. The graphic representation of the control selection may be other than an arrow, for example a coloration or a specific illumination of the mention of the chosen command.

Furthermore, the control method according to the invention can also be implemented on a personal computer <B> or </ B> any other computer equipment. It can also be implemented in the form of downloadable software via a communication network such as the Internet. Orders can be made in the form of a touch screen. Moreover, it is possible to provide versions of the game equipment according to the invention adapted to allow, in authorized or authorized places such as casinos, the payment of a reward of any kind whatsoever.

Claims (2)

1.Procedure for controlling gaming equipment including viewing space, control and processing means, and storage means for graphic objects, comprising: steps for retrieving and viewing graphic objects contained in the storage means, steps for entering graphic object selection commands among visualized graphic objects, characterized in that a plurality of graphic objects are successively extracted from the storage means and displayed in a presentation area within the display area. each display space for a short period of time, the graphic objects possibly selected during these short periods of time are kept and displayed in a selection area within said viewing space, and a score is determined <B> to </ B> from a comparison between the set of selected objects and combinations of predetermined graphic objects viewed permanently in a combination zone within said viewing space, and this score is displayed in a score area within said viewing space. 2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the graphical objects successively extracted and displayed are in a predetermined number and in that it further comprises a calculation and a visualization, in a zone specific to within the viewing space, the number of graphic objects remaining <B> to </ B> view. <B> 3. </ B> The method according to one of claims <B> 1 </ B> or 2, characterized in that each short period of time has a predetermined duration and in that it further comprises a calculating and displaying, in a specific area within the viewing space, the remaining time for deciding on each display of a graphic object in the presentation area. 4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the graphic objects that can be selected and displayed in the area of selected objects are in predetermined number. <B> 5. </ B> The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a management of a selection control zone within the viewing space, this zone of selection command being arranged to graphically express a selection command by a player of a graphic object being presented. <B> 6. </ B> The method of claim 5, characterized in that the management of the selection control area includes a management of a graphical representation of an arrow pointing to either a first graphic reference corresponding to a command for selecting an object being presented, ie to a second graphic reference corresponding to a command for non-selection or rejection of said object; object being presented. <B> 7. </ B> A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the extraction and display steps and the selection steps are initiated by an externally initiated engagement process and included in a predetermined maximum duration. <B> 8. </ B> The method of claim 7, characterized in that the engagement process is conditioned by the execution of a payment transaction. <B> 9. </ B> A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that graphical objects extracted and presented are drawn randomly or pseudo-randomly from among a plurality of graphic objects previously stored in the storage means of data. <B> 10. </ B> A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that graphical objects extracted and presented belong <B> to </ B> predetermined sequences of graphic objects previously stored in the means data storage. <B> 11. </ B> A method according to any preceding claim, characterized in that it further comprises a step of entering and managing a command <B> </ B> risk <B> </ B> issued by a player <B> to </ B> the outcome of the step of determining and viewing a score obtained by this player, during which all or part of said score is put into play in a new sequence of extraction and presentation steps and selection steps. 12. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and claim 2, characterized in that it furthermore comprises, in the case of determining a score greater than a predetermined value, a step of entering and managing a command <B> </ B> improve <B> </ B> issued by a player <B> to </ B> the outcome of the step of determining and viewing said score, during which a predetermined amount is subtracted from said score before executing a new sequence of extraction and presentation steps and selection steps. <B> 13. </ B> A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a party initiated by a payment transaction comprises an initial number of turns each corresponding to a sequence of steps. extraction and presentation and selection steps leading to the determination of a score, characterized in that it further comprises a step for determining a number of additional laps granted <B> to </ B> a Player as part of a game based on that player's score. 14. Game equipment comprising a screen constituting a viewing space, control and processing means, storage means for graphic objects, access control means including for example means of payment, and means game control device, implementing the control method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control and processing means co-operate with the screen to determine within the viewing space <B >: </ B> a presentation area arranged to display a succession of graphic objects, a selection control area arranged to graphically express a command to select a presented graphic object, a selected object area arranged to receive and view a series of graphical objects selected from among the graphical objects presented, and a combination zone permanently visualizing more their particular combinations <B> to </ B> each of which specific scores are associated. <B> 15. </ B> Playing equipment according to claim 13, characterized in that the game control means comprise two control assemblies respectively arranged <B> to </ B> left. and <B> to </ B> right of the viewing screen.