Abstract: A program-controlled entertainment and game apparatus includes a storage section, preferably in the form of one or more optical or magnetic disks. A data compression technique, such as MPEG (“MOTION PICTURE EXPERT GROUP”), is employed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for checking the closed state of a door mounted on an object (1), especially on a motor vehicle, by using an electronic key (2). The electronic key (2) and the object (1) are each fitted with intercommunicating transmitter/receiver units (3, 4 or 13, 14). The closed state of the door (1) is determined via a closure detecting sensor (8) on the door (7) and indicated via optical displays (10 or 16) on the outside of the object (1) and/or on the electronic key (2).

Abstract: A computer-controlled entertainment device operated with at least one of money and money equivalents includes: a housing; a plurality of viewing windows disposed on the housing; a symbol game arrangement for displaying winning and losing symbol combinations including a plurality of rotating bodies disposed in the housing behind respective ones of the viewing windows; an optionally selectable additional prize game arrangement for one of playing to completion and accumulating a prize won in the symbol game arrangement; a money processing arrangement including a value specific stacking arrangement for items of value, a prize delivery arrangement operatively connected to the stacking arrangement and comprising at least one collection bin for the items of value, the collection bin being configured such that a filling level thereof is visible from a region outside the entertainment device; a computer control arrangement for filling the collection bin with items of value up to a final total value which is one of pre

Abstract: A music playing system includes a number of music playback units with playback changer devices, coding units, and ISDN cards. Each of the music playback units is provided with playable pieces of music. There is at least one input unit by means of which the pieces of music to be played on a playback unit are selected. In addition, there is a central computer with a memory in at least one playback unit, with the memory storing data about the pieces of music available in the playback units. The playback units can be connected between themselves and to the central computer via remote data transmission lines.

Abstract: An automatic bowling alley has a bowling lane with two ends. The bowling alley further includes a pin setup frame provided at one end of the bowling lane for handling a plurality of bowling pins. The pin setup frame includes a pin magazine for retaining a number of the pins therebelow. A pin support plate is located below the pin magazine. A device is provided for vertically moving the pin support plate in and out of an initial position and toward and away from the pin magazine to receive the pins from the pin magazine. A device is provided for tilting the pin support plate during the vertical movement into an intermediate tilting position to clear any pins therefrom. A sorting device is located beneath the pin support plate for separating and arranging the pins received therein into an aligned position. A pin conveyor is provided for transporting, in a predetermined position, the pins from the sorting device to the pin magazine.

Abstract: A game machine system comprising a plurality of game machines networked with one another. Each of the game machines includes: a reading device for reading an encoded user card; and a display for displaying a credit value read from the encoded user card; a safe-like housing structurally separate from the game machines; and a computer-controlled money processing device disposed in the housing and networked with the game machines.

Abstract: A record playing device includes a record magazine that contains record holders with records located in superimposed storage compartments. A record playback unit is located adjacent the record magazine and a travelling transport device conveys a desired record with the record holder back and forth between a selected storage compartment and the playback unit. A lifting and lowering device is disposed above the playback unit and includes a vertically extending guide rod and a holding mechanism seated to glide on the guide rod. A bracket is fixed to the holding mechanism and includes a record hold-down element for receiving a record holder with a record. A motor-driven eccentric control is coupled to the holding mechanism for lowering and lifting the holding mechanism together with the bracket along the guide rod.

Abstract: A disk play-back device includes a housing having an upper and a lower wall each having a respective opening. At least one exchangeable disk magazine is provided that contains superposed disk holders and that is insertable into the housing between the upper and lower walls. The disk magazine includes a front wall having a plurality of recesses formed therein, and a bottom and a top wall each having an opening in registration with the respective openings of the housing when the magazine is inserted in the housing. A catch device is located on the front wall of the disk magazine for fixing the disk magazine in position in the housing. The catch device includes a pressure spring having two ends, and two levers. Each lever is located behind a respective recess, and each has a front end facing the other front end.

Abstract: A coin operated entertainment machine includes a housing, viewing windows disposed on the housing, and rotating bodies disposed within the housing behind the viewing windows. The rotating bodies have symbols thereon which can be displayed behind the viewing windows. A computer control unit determines a win or loss of a game played on the entertainment machine based on combinations, showing through the viewing windows, of the symbols on the rotating bodies. At least one enticement device is disposed within the housing and includes an enticement element visible from a region outside the housing. The enticement element further comprises individual mirror segments thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a program controlled entertainment and game device which includes a housing, a display unit connected with the housing and preferably provided within the housing, operating elements associated with the housing, and a playback unit associated with the housing for a CD-I disc on which the program and data informations are stored. Preferably the entertainment and game device according to the invention is employed as a coin-operated game, merchandise dispensing machine or a skill testing device.

Abstract: A coin-operated entertainment machine includes a central control unit which permits the machine to be used at certain hours of the day or at certain days of the week at a reduced cost. In addition, the central control unit controls the machine in such a way that, with each use of the machine, a game of chance is automatically started, which gives the user the right to use the machine one or several times at no cost, should he win. Finally, the central control unit controls the machine in such a way that is possible to choose beforehand, by means of a selector, whether the end of the game depends on the occurrence of certain events during the game or on the end of a predetermined time interval.

Abstract: A coin-operated music playing machine or jukebox includes a coin unit, a viewing screen, an input keyboard, and at least one loudspeaker. The jukebox is connected to a central music store via a remote data transmission line, preferably an ISDN line. The jukebox has digital/analog converters and amplifiers for information transmitted via the remote data transmission line. The jukebox also includes an intermediate memory for storing audio information received over the remote data transmission line and a mass storage memory for frequently played selections.