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.

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.

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;