U.S. patent application number 11/338757 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-03 for gaming machine and gaming system.
This patent application is currently assigned to ARUZE CORP.. Invention is credited to Junichi Kogo.
Application Number | 20060172800 11/338757 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36177364 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060172800 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kogo; Junichi |
August 3, 2006 |
Gaming machine and gaming system
Abstract
The gaming system 200 is constructed from plural slot machines 1
and the roulette game machine 100. Based on that the specific
operation is conducted on the betting board 90 which is displayed
with the minimum size at the lower position on the lower liquid
crystal display 4, the betting board 90 is displayed with the
maximum size, thereby the bet operation for the roulette game
machine 100 can be done. At that time, on the lower liquid crystal
display 4, the variable display portions 21.about.23 used in the
slot game are also displayed, therefore any of the slot game and
the roulette game can be executed.
Inventors: |
Kogo; Junichi; (Tokyo,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ARENT FOX PLLC
1050 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W.
SUITE 400
WASHINGTON
DC
20036
US
|
Assignee: |
ARUZE CORP.
|
Family ID: |
36177364 |
Appl. No.: |
11/338757 |
Filed: |
January 25, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/31 ;
463/30 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3223 20130101; G07F 17/3281 20130101; G07F 17/3262
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/031 ;
463/030 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 28, 2005 |
JP |
2005-021036 |
Jan 17, 2006 |
JP |
2006-009141 |
Claims
1. A gaming machine comprising: an operation portion for conducting
an operation of a first game; a communication device for
communicating with another gaming machine providing a second game
in which a plurality of players participate; a first game control
device for controlling the first game; a first display device for
displaying first image data concerning with the first game; the
gaming machine further comprising: a display control device for
controlling the first display device so as to switch a first
display mode according to which the first image data are displayed
and a second display mode according to which both the first image
data and an acceptance portion to conduct an operation of the
second game are displayed; and a game operation control portion for
accepting the operation of the second game through the acceptance
portion when the first display device is switched to the second
display mode by the display control device.
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the acceptance
portion is displayed on the first display device with a minimum
size in addition to the first image data displayed on the first
display device with a maximum size in the first display mode.
3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, further comprising: a
determination device for determining whether or not a specific
operation is conducted by a player participating in the second
game.
4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the first
display device is switched to the second display mode or the first
display mode by the display control device when the determination
device determines that the specific operation is conducted.
5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the acceptance
portion is enlarged and displayed on the first display device with
a larger size than the minimum size and the first image data are
reduced and displayed on the first display device with a smaller
size than the maximum size in the second display mode.
6. The gaming machine according to claim 3, further comprising: a
transparent touch panel arranged on a front plane of the first
display device; wherein the specific operation is conducted when
the player touches the acceptance portion through the transparent
touch panel.
7. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the first
display device is switched to the first display mode when the
player presses the acceptance portion so as to pull down thereof,
and wherein the first display device is switched to the second
display mode when the player presses the acceptance portion so as
to pull up thereof.
8. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a
second display device for displaying second image data concerning
with the second game.
9. A gaming system including a first gaming machine for providing a
first game and a second gaming machine for providing a second game,
the first gaming machine and the second gaming machine being
connected so as to communicate with each other, wherein the first
gaming machine comprising: a first operation portion for conducting
an operation of the first game; a first game control device for
controlling the first game; a first display device for displaying
first image data concerning with the first game; a display control
device for controlling the first display device so as to switch a
first display mode according to which the first image data are
displayed and a second display mode according to-which both the
first image data and an acceptance portion to conduct an operation
of the second game are displayed; and a game operation control
portion for accepting the operation of the second game through the
acceptance portion when the first display device is switched to the
second display mode by the display control device; a first
communication device for transmitting an operation result through
the acceptance portion to the second gaming machine and for
receiving data concerning with the second game transmitted from the
second gaming machine; the second gaming machine comprising: a
second game control device for controlling the second game; a
second operation portion for conducting the operation of the second
game; and a second communication device for transmitting the data
concerning with the second game to the first gaming machine and for
receiving the operation result through the acceptance portion
transmitted from the first gaming machine.
10. The gaming system according to claim 9, wherein the first
gaming machine has a second display device for displaying second
image data concerning with the second game.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATION (S)
[0001] This application is based upon and claims a priority from
the prior Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2005-021036 filed on
Jan. 28, 2005 and 2006-9141 filed on Jan. 17, 2006, the entire
contents thereof are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a gaming machine
communicably connected to a multi-players joining gaming machine in
which a game that a plurality of players can participate is
executed, the gaming machine being able to execute not only a game
different from a multi-players joining game conducted in the
multi-players joining gaming machine but also being able to
participate in the multi-players joining game, and to a gaming
system including the gaming machine.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] In a game arcade, various gaming machines including slot
machines are installed. For example, in the gaming machine
installed in the game arcade, there exist not only a gaming machine
for one player such as a slot machine in which one player conducts
a game but also a gaming machine for multi-players such as a
roulette game machine in which a plurality of players can
participate in a roulette game.
[0006] In the game arcade in which various gaming machines
mentioned above are installed, players are fascinated on the basis
of characteristics of various gaming machines. Thereby, even if a
player conducts one game, there may be a case that the player wants
to conduct different games.
[0007] For example, in the multi-players joining game such as a
horse race game or roulette game, if players early finish
operations to participate in the game during a participation
acceptance time for accepting participation in the game, the other
players can conduct no operations till the participation acceptance
time elapses.
[0008] That is to say, in this case, players cannot solely help
spending a tedious time for waiting a lapse of the participation
acceptance time.
[0009] In order to dissolve the above problem, it has been proposed
an invention described in Japanese Unexamined Publication No.
2003-135855. According to the invention, in the gaming machine in
which the multi-players joining game is conducted, it is disclosed
a gaming system in which the game for one player, different from
the multi-players joining game, that the player can enjoy alone can
be executed during the tedious time such as the participation
acceptance time mentioned above.
[0010] On the other hand, even if the player plays the gaming
machine in which the game for one player is conducted, a desire
that the player wants to play the other gaming machines will occur.
For example, if the player plays the game in the slot machine and
has monotonous feeling in the game conducted in the slot machine,
there may be occur a case that the player feels to want to play the
multi-players joining game such as the roulette game.
[0011] In this case, the player cannot participate in the
multi-players joining game if the player does not move to the other
place where the gaming machine for the multi-players joining game
such as the roulette game is installed. Further, based on that a
number of players who can participate in the game done in the other
gaming machine is limited, there may be a case that the player
cannot participate in the game in spite that the player moves to
the other place to participate in the game conducted in the other
gaming machine.
[0012] Thus, in order to dissolve the above problems, it is
proposed a gaming system in which the slot machine being a gaming
machine that the game for one player is conducted is constructed as
a terminal to play the multi-players joining game.
[0013] In this case, in the slot machine, there are provided a
display portion to display game contents inherent in the slot
machine and a display device to display game contents concerning
with the multi-players joining game. This display device is
arranged at an upper position of the display portion and is
constructed from a touch panel. That is, by pressing the display
device, operation concerning with the multi-players joining game
can be done. Thus, the player can participate in the multi-players
joining game conducted in the gaming machine installed in the place
distant from the place where the slot machine is installed, without
separating the place of the slot machine. Therefore, the player can
participate in both the game in the slot machine and the
multi-players joining game through one gaming machine.
[0014] And as the slot machine similar to the above machine, there
exists a gaming machine in which a display screen of the display
device can be completely switched so that game contents concerning
with the game for one player and game contents concerning with the
multi-players joining game are alternately displayed, thereby the
player can participate in both two games without separating from
the place of the slot machine.
[0015] In the gaming system disclosed in Japanese Unexamined
Publication No. 2003-135855, the player can play both the
multi-players joining game and the game for one player while
staying at the gaming machine of the multi-players joining game.
And although advantage/disadvantage in the multi-players joining
game is changed (for example, payout is changed) according to a
game result in the game for one player, a time that the player can
conduct the game for one player is limited to the participation
acceptance time. That is, the game for one player is set to an
additional game of the multi-players joining game and is a game to
spend a tedious time during the participation acceptance time.
[0016] Therefore, for the player wanting to also enjoy the game for
one player, since the game for one player terminates according to
termination of the participation acceptance time, the player cannot
sufficiently enjoy the game for one player. Namely, in the gaming
machine of the multi-players joining game, although the player can
enjoy both the multi-players joining game and the game for one
player, the player cannot sufficiently enjoy the game for one
player.
[0017] On the other hand, in the gaming system in which the player
can participate in the multi-players joining game while conducting
the game in the slot machine mentioned above, when operation of the
multi-players joining game is done, the player cannot participate
in the multi-players joining game unless the player presses the
display device arranged at the upper position.
[0018] Therefore, for example, in a case that the player conducts
operation of the slot machine while sitting on a seat, the player
cannot participate in the multi-players joining game if the player
does not conduct operation of the multi-players joining game while
standing.
[0019] As mentioned, in the above gaming system, there exists a
problem that any one of the game for one player and the
multi-players joining game becomes hard to operate.
[0020] And in the slot machine in which the display screen of the
display device is completely switched so as to alternately display
game contents of the game for one player and game contents of the
multi-players joining game, in comparison with the slot machine
mentioned above, there is no problem that operation of the game
becomes hard to operate since it is enough only to switch the
display screen between the game for one player and the
multi-players joining game. However, if one of the games is
conducted, game contents of the other game are not displayed on the
display screen of the display device.
[0021] Therefore, for example, if the slot machine is operated, the
player cannot acknowledge the state of the multi-players joining
game. On the other hand, if the multi-players joining game is
conducted, the player cannot acknowledge the state of the slot
machine. Thus, the player cannot sufficiently enjoy both the game
for one player and the multi-players joining game.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0022] In order to dissolve the above problems, the present
invention has been done and has an object to provide a gaming
machine communicably connected to a multi-players joining gaming
machine in which a game that a plurality of players can participate
is executed, the gaming machine being able to execute not only a
game different from a multi-players joining game conducted in the
multi-players joining gaming machine but also being able to
participate in the multi-players joining game, and a gaming system
including the gaming machine.
[0023] In order to accomplish the object, according to one aspect
of the present invention, it is provided a gaming machine
comprising:
[0024] an operation portion for conducting an operation of a first
game;
[0025] a communication device for communicating with another gaming
machine providing a second game in which a plurality of players
participate;
[0026] a first game control device for controlling the first
game;
[0027] a first display device for displaying first image data
concerning with the first game;
[0028] the gaming machine further comprising:
[0029] a display control device for controlling the first display
device so as to switch a first display mode according to which the
first image data are displayed and a second display mode according
to which both the first image data and an acceptance portion to
conduct an operation of the second game are displayed; and
[0030] a game operation control portion for accepting the operation
of the second game through the acceptance portion when the first
display device is switched to the second display mode by the
display control device.
[0031] Further, according to another aspect of the present
invention, it is provided a gaming system including a first gaming
machine for providing a first game and a second gaming machine for
providing a second game, the first gaming machine and the second
gaming machine being connected so as to communicate with each
other,
[0032] wherein the first gaming machine comprising:
[0033] a first operation portion for conducting an operation of the
first game;
[0034] a first game control device for controlling the first
game;
[0035] a first display device for displaying first image data
concerning with the first game;
[0036] a display control device for controlling the first display
device so as to switch a first display mode according to which the
first image data are displayed and a second display mode according
to which both the first image data and an acceptance portion to
conduct an operation of the second game are displayed; and
[0037] a game operation control portion for accepting the operation
of the second game through the acceptance portion when the first
display device is switched to the second display mode by the
display control device;
[0038] a first communication device for transmitting an operation
result through the acceptance portion to the second gaming machine
and for receiving data concerning with the second game transmitted
from the second gaming machine;
[0039] the second gaming machine comprising:
[0040] a second game control device for controlling the second
game;
[0041] a second operation portion for conducting the operation of
the second game; and
[0042] a second communication device for transmitting the data
concerning with the second game to the first gaming machine and for
receiving the operation result through the acceptance portion
transmitted from the first gaming machine.
[0043] In the gaming machine and the gaming system according to the
present invention, when the first display device is switched to the
second display mode in the first gaming machine, information
concerning with the first game can be obtained from the first image
data displayed on the first display device and the operation of the
second game in which a plurality of players participate can be
conducted through the acceptance portion displayed on the first
display device. Therefore, when the player loses interest for the
first game, the player can participate in the second game. At that
time, even if the operation of the second game is done, the image
data concerning with the first game is displayed on the first
display device, thereby the player can grasp the state of both the
first game and the second game. Thus, the player can sufficiently
enjoy both the first game and the second game.
[0044] The above and further objects and novel features of the
invention will more fully appear from the following detailed
description when the same is read in connection with the
accompanying drawings. It is to be expressly understood, however,
that the drawings are for purpose of illustration only and not
intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0045] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification illustrate embodiments of
the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain
the objects, advantages and principles of the invention.
[0046] In the drawings,
[0047] Fig. is an explanatory view showing a gaming system
according to the embodiment,
[0048] FIG. 2A is an outline perspective view of a slot machine
constructing the gaming system according to the embodiment, and
FIG. 2B is a plan view of a control panel arranged in the slot
machine of the embodiment,
[0049] FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of symbol columns used in the
slot machine of the embodiment,
[0050] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control system of the
slot machine of the embodiment,
[0051] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a liquid crystal drive
circuit in the slot machine of the embodiment,
[0052] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a main control program in the slot
machine of the embodiment,
[0053] FIG. 7 is an outline perspective view showing a roulette
game machine constructing the gaming system of the embodiment,
[0054] FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing a roulette wheel
provided in the roulette game machine of the embodiment,
[0055] FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing a BET screen displayed
in a satellite of the roulette game machine of the embodiment,
[0056] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a control system of the
roulette game machine of the embodiment,
[0057] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a control system of the
satellite constructing the roulette game machine of the
embodiment,
[0058] FIG. 12 is a schematic view schematically showing a memory
area of a RAM provided in the satellite of the embodiment,
[0059] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a main control program in the
roulette game machine of the embodiment,
[0060] FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a main control program in the
satellite of the embodiment,
[0061] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a bet process program in the
satellite of the embodiment,
[0062] FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a communication process program
conducted between the slot machine and the roulette game machine in
the embodiment,
[0063] FIG. 17 is an explanatory view showing a display example of
an upper liquid crystal display in the slot machine of the
embodiment,
[0064] FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a condition observation process
program conducted in the slot machine of the embodiment,
[0065] FIG. 19 is an explanatory view showing a display example 1
of a lower liquid crystal display in the slot machine of the
embodiment,
[0066] FIG. 20 is an explanatory view showing a display example 2
of a lower liquid crystal display in the slot machine of the
embodiment,
[0067] FIG. 21 is a flowchart of a roulette participation process
program conducted between the slot machine and the roulette game
machine in the embodiment, and
[0068] FIG. 22 is a flowchart of a bet process program conducted in
the slot machine of the embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0069] Hereinafter, the embodiment embodying a gaming system
according to the present invention will be described in detail with
reference to the drawings.
[0070] At first, a construction of the gaming system according to
the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing a construction example of the
gaming system according to the embodiment.
[0071] A gaming system 200 of the present invention is constructed
from plural slot machines 1 and a roulette game machine 100. The
slot machines 1 and the roulette game machine 100 are connected
through a network N, thereby such construction functions as the
gaming system 200 of the embodiment.
[0072] Here, in each of the slot machines 1, a slot communication
device 25 mentioned later is provided and various data can be
mutually transmitted and received through the wireless manner among
the slot machines 1.
[0073] In the gaming system 200 of the embodiment, although
connection and transmission and reception of the data among the
slot machines 1 and between the roulette game machine 100 and each
of the slot machines 1 through the network N are conducted through
the wireless manner, it is not limited to the wireless manner. Such
connection to the network N may be done through the wire.
[0074] Here, the slot machine 1 constructing the gaming system 200
of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to
5.
[0075] First, an outline construction of the slot machine 1 will be
described with reference to FIG. 2A. FIG. 2A is an outline
perspective view of the slot machine 1.
[0076] In FIG. 2A, the slot machine 1 has a cabinet 2 which forms
whole construction of the slot machine 1. At an upper position of a
front plane of the cabinet 2, an upper liquid crystal display 3 is
arranged and a lower liquid crystal display 4 is arranged on a
device front panel 6 which is arranged at a center position of the
front plane of the cabinet 2. Here, the upper liquid crystal
display 3 is constructed from a liquid crystal display generally
used, and on the upper liquid crystal display 3, game contents of a
roulette game machine 100 mentioned later are displayed.
[0077] On the other hand, the lower liquid crystal display 4 is a
liquid crystal display with a so-called transparent touch panel 20
arranged on the front plane thereof, and icons and the like
displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4 can be selected by
pressing them through the transparent touch panel 20 with a finger.
Based on that a predetermined operation is conducted by the
transparent touch panel 20, a BET screen of credits for the
roulette game machine 100 can be displayed. At that time, a BET
operation for the roulette game conducted in the roulette game
machine 100 can be done by conducting an input operation through
the transparent touch panel 20. This point will be described in
detail hereinafter.
[0078] Further, on a surface of the lower liquid crystal display 4,
credits are displayed and three variable display portions 21, 22
and 23 are basically displayed as shown in FIG. 1. On each of the
variable display portions 21, 22 and 23, various symbols are
variably displayed while being scrolled (hereinafter, called as
"scroll display") from an upper direction toward a lower direction,
thereafter stopped and displayed. As mentioned, a slot game as a
basic game in the slot machine 1 is executed.
[0079] Therefore, in the slot machine 1 of the embodiment, the slot
game (there exist a base game and a bonus game) is conducted
through video reels which are realized by displaying variable
display portions 21 to 23, in which symbol columns 31.about.33 (see
FIG. 3) mentioned later are scrolled from the upper direction
toward the lower direction, on the lower liquid crystal display 4.
The symbol columns 31.about.33 displayed while being scrolled are
stopped and displayed with a predetermined symbol combination after
a predetermined time has elapsed.
[0080] In the slot game (there exist a base game and a bonus game),
in a case that the symbols stopped and displayed on an activated
pay line L in each of the variable display portions 21.about.23
become a predetermined symbol combination, credits are given to the
player and the player progresses the game by using the symbol
columns displayed and various operation buttons.
[0081] As shown in FIG. 2A, at a lower side of the lower liquid
crystal display 4, a control panel 5 projected forward is provided.
On an upper step of the control panel 5, as shown in FIG. 2B, a C/P
(credit/payout) button 12, a help button 13 are arranged, and at
the right side of the help button 13, a coin insertion slot 9 is
arranged. And on a lower step of the control panel 5, a BET button
14, a MAX BET button 15, a REPEAT BET button 16 and a start button
17 are arranged from the left side in order. At the right side of
the start button 17, a bill insertion portion 10 is arranged.
[0082] The C/P button 12 is a button which is generally pressed
when the game is terminated and coins corresponding to credits
retained by the player at present are paid out. Therefore, when the
C/P button 12 is pressed, coins are paid out to the player from a
hopper 69 (see FIG. 4) through a coin payout opening 7. Here, if
the C/P button 12 is not pressed, coins given as an award on the
basis of a game result are automatically carried over as credits
and accumulated in a coin accumulation portion 70 (see FIG. 4).
[0083] And to the C/P button 12, a C/P switch 62 (see FIG. 4) is
attached, and when the C/P button 12 is pressed, a switch signal is
output to a CPU 50 (see FIG. 4) from the C/P switch 62.
[0084] And the help button 13 is a button which is pressed when an
operation method of the slot machine 1 cannot be understood.
Therefore, when the help button 13 is pressed, various kinds of
help information are displayed on the lower liquid crystal display
4.
[0085] Here, to the help button 13, a help switch 63 (see FIG. 4)
is attached, and when the help button 13 is pressed, a switch
signal is output to the CPU 50 (see FIG. 4) from the help switch
63.
[0086] Further, the BET button 14 is a button which is operated
when coins credited are betted. Here, every the BET button 14 is
pressed one time a bet number is added by one against the activated
pay line L. In the slot machine 1 of the embodiment, one of the bet
numbers of "1".about."10" can be set against the activated pay line
L and the game can be conducted with the bet number set.
[0087] Here, to the BET button 14, a BET switch 64 (see FIG. 4) is
attached, and when the BET button 14 is pressed, a switch signal is
output to the CPU (see FIG. 4) from the BET switch 64.
[0088] And the MAX BET button 15 is button which is operated when
coins credited are betted with the maximum bet number ("10" in the
embodiment) against the activated pay line L. Here, when the MAX
BET button 15 is pressed, the bet number is set to "10" against the
activated pay line L.
[0089] To the MAX BET button 15, a MAX BET switch 65 (See FIG. 4)
is attached, and when the MAX BET button 15 is pressed, a switch
signal is output to the CPU 50 (See FIG. 4) from the MAX BET switch
65.
[0090] The REPEAT BET button 16 is a button which is operated when
the game is started in the slot machine 1 based on the bet number
at present or previously set. Therefore, when the REPEAT BET button
16 is pressed, variable display of the symbols is started in each
of the variable display portions 21.about.23 of the lower liquid
crystal display 4.
[0091] Here, to the REPEAT BET BUTTON 16, a REPEAT BET switch 66
(see FIG. 4) is attached, and when the REPEAT BET button 16 is
pressed, a switch signal is output to the CPU 50 (see FIG. 4) form
the REPEAT BET switch 66.
[0092] The start button 17 is a button which is operated when the
game is started in the slot machine 1 based on the bet number
betted through the BET button 14 or the MAX BET button 15.
Therefore, when the start button 17 is pressed, variable display of
the symbols is started in each of the variable display portions
21.about.23 of the lower liquid crystal display 4.
[0093] Here, to the start button 17, a start switch 67 (see FIG. 4)
is attached, and when the start button 17 is pressed, a switch
signal is output to the CPU 50 (see FIG. 4) from the start switch
67.
[0094] AT a lower position of the cabinet 2, the coin payout
opening 7 is formed and a coin tray 8 for receiving coins paid out
from the coin payout opening 7 is provided. Within the coin payout
opening 7, a coin detection portion 71, which is mentioned later
(see FIG. 4), constructed from a coin sensor is arranged. The coin
detection portion 71 counts a number of coins paid out from the
coin payout opening 7.
[0095] Next, each of the symbol columns 31.about.33, which are
stopped and displayed in the variable display portions 21.about.23
of the lower liquid crystal display 4, will be described with
reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the symbol
columns displayed in the variable display portions 21.about.23.
[0096] The symbol columns, which are projected on the lower liquid
crystal display 4 and stopped and displayed after the scroll
display, are set to three columns. The symbol column 31 is a symbol
column which is variably displayed in the variable display portion
21, the symbol column 32 is a symbol column which is variably
displayed in the variable display portion 22 and the symbol column
33 is a symbol column which is variably displayed in the variable
display portion 23. And by using the symbol columns 31.about.33,
the base game and the bonus game are conducted.
[0097] Here, each of the symbol column 31 and 33 has the same
symbol arrangement. Each of the symbol columns is constructed from
eleven (11) symbols obtained by voluntarily combining a triple BAR
34, a cherry 35, a double BAR 36, a seven 37, a single BAR 38 and a
blank 39 (area where no symbol exists).
[0098] And although the symbol column 32 is as same as each of the
symbol columns 31 and 33 at the point that the symbol column 32 is
constructed by combining the triple BAR 34, the cherry 35, the
double BAR 36, the seven 37, the single BAR 38 and the blank 39,
the symbol column 32 is different at the point that one trigger
symbol 40 is further arranged. The trigger symbol 40 is a symbol to
shift to the bonus game, and if the trigger symbol 40 is stopped
and displayed on the activated pay line L in the variable display
portion 22, the game state can be shifted to the bonus game
mentioned later.
[0099] Here, the bonus game is a game which is conducted after the
base game is terminated, and in many cases the bonus game is
generally more beneficial for the player. If the game state shifts
to the bonus game, it is executed a game (so-called free game) in
which 15.about.25 games can be continuously and automatically
executed without betting any credits corresponding to a result of
the lottery conducted when the game state shifts to the bonus
game.
[0100] And in a case that each of the symbol columns 31.about.33
scrolled in each of the variable display portions 21.about.23 is
stopped and displayed, three symbols are respectively stopped and
displayed in each of the variable display portions 21.about.23. At
that time, the symbols stopped and displayed are determined
beforehand based on a result of internal lottery mentioned later,
and display of the lower liquid crystal display 4 is controlled
based on such result.
[0101] And various winning symbol combinations are set beforehand
based on plural kinds of symbol combinations, and when the symbol
combination corresponding to the winning symbol combination is
stopped on the activated pay line L (see FIG. 2A), credits
corresponding to the winning symbol combination are added.
[0102] Next, a control system of the slot machine 1 will be
described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a block diagram
schematically showing a control system of the slot machine 1
according to the embodiment.
[0103] In FIG. 4, the control system of the slot machine 1 is
basically constructed from a CPU 50, and a ROM 51 and a RAM 52 are
connected to the CPU 50. In the ROM 51, a main process program
mentioned later, a base game process program, a bonus game process
program, a lottery table used when it is conducted a lottery to
determine the symbols which are stopped and displayed in the base
game, a lottery table used when it is conducted a lottery to
determine the symbols which are stopped and displayed in the bonus
game, and the other various programs necessary for control of the
slot machine 1 and data tables. And the RAM 52 is a memory to
temporarily store various data calculated by the CPU 50.
[0104] And to the CPU 50, a clock pulse generator 83 for generating
standard clock pulses and a frequency divider 84 are connected, and
a random number generator 85 for generating random numbers and a
random number sampling circuit 86 are also connected. The random
number sampled through the random number sampling circuit 86 is
utilized in various lotteries of the winning symbol combinations
and the like. Further, to the CPU 50, the C/P switch 62 attached to
the C/P button 12, the help switch 62 attached o the help button
13, the BET switch 64 attached to the BET button 14, the MAX BET
switch 65 attached to the MAX BET button 15 and the REPEAT BET
switch 66 attached to the REPEAT BET button 16 are respectively
connected to the CPU 50. The CPU 50 conducts control to execute
various operations each of which corresponds to each button, based
on the switch signal output from each switch by press thereof.
[0105] Further, to the CPU 50, the coin sensor 68 arranged in the
coin insertion slot 9 is connected. The coin sensor 68 detects
coins inserted from the coin insertion slot 9 and the CPU 50
calculates the number of inserted coins based on the coin detection
signal output from the coin sensor 68.
[0106] Further, to the CPU 50, the transparent touch panel 20
arranged on the front plane of the lower liquid crystal display 4
is connected. The operation through the transparent touch panel 20
is conducted on the basis of press by the finger of the player. The
operation information of the transparent touch panel 20 is
transmitted to the CPU 50.
[0107] In the transparent touch panel 20 of the slot machine 1
according to the embodiment, although the operation concerning with
the slot game conducted in the slot machine 1 can be executed, the
display operation to display the BET screen and the BET operation
on the BET screen for the roulette game machine 100 can be also
executed, by conducting the predetermined operations.
[0108] Therefore, based on the operation information displayed on
the lower liquid crystal display 4 through the transparent touch
panel 20, it can be determined whether or not the BET operation to
participate in the roulette game (BET screen display operation) is
conducted and whether or not the BET operation of chips for the
roulette game is conducted.
[0109] If the BET screen is displayed, based on that the BET
operation is done on the BET screen displayed on the lower liquid
crystal display 4 through the transparent touch panel 20, such BET
information is transmitted to the CPU 50. And based on the BET
information, such BET information of the player at present is
stored in the RAM 52 every the BET operation is done. Here, such
BET information is transmitted to the roulette game machine 100
mentioned later.
[0110] To the CPU 50, a hopper 69 is connected through a hopper
drive circuit 72. When a drive signal is output to the hopper drive
circuit 72 from the CPU 50, the hopper 69 pays out a predetermined
number of coins from the coin payout opening 7.
[0111] And to the CPU 50, a coin accumulation portion 70 and a coin
detection portion 72 are connected through a payout completion
signal circuit 73. Here, the coin accumulation portion 70
constructed from a circuit to store coins inserted through the coin
insertion slot 9 and coins given for the award as credits, and the
coin accumulation portion 70 can store coins as credits till the
number of coins reaches to the predetermined maximum permission
number. On the other hand, the coin detection portion 71 is
constructed from a circuit to count coins paid out from the hopper
69.
[0112] And when coins are given as the award, and the coin
accumulation portion 70 detects that coins are stored as credits or
the coin detection portion 71 detects that coins are paid out from
the hopper 69, the payout completion signal circuit 73 outputs a
payout completion signal to the CPU 50. Further, when coins stored
as credits are paid out, and the coin accumulation portion 70 or
the coin detection portion 71 detects that payout of coins stored
as credits from the hopper 69 is completed, the payout completion
signal circuit 73 outputs the payout completion signal to the CPU
50.
[0113] Further, to the CPU 50, the upper liquid crystal display 3
and the lower liquid crystal display 4 are connected through a
liquid crystal drive circuit 75, and the upper liquid crystal
display 3 and the lower liquid crystal display 4 are controlled by
the CPU 50.
[0114] Here, as shown in FIG. 4, the liquid crystal drive circuit
75 is constructed from a program ROM 76, an image ROM 77, an image
control CPU 78, a work RAM 79, a VDP (video display processor) 80
and a video RAM 81. And in the program ROM 76, there are stored an
image control program for controlling display of the upper liquid
crystal display 3 and the lower liquid crystal display 4 and
various -selection tables. And in the image ROM 77, for example,
there are stored dot data for forming images of the symbol columns
31 33 (see FIG. 3) and the image used when it is displayed a state
that a ball is rolling on a roulette wheel on the upper liquid
crystal display 3.
[0115] And the image control CPU 78 determines the images displayed
on the upper liquid crystal display 3 and the lower liquid crystal
display 4 among the dot data stored beforehand in the image ROM 77,
according to the image control program stored beforehand in the
program ROM 76 based on parameters set by the CPU 50. Further, the
work RAM 79 functions as a temporary memory when the image control
program is executed by the image control CPU 78. And the VDP 80
forms images corresponding to display contents determined by the
image control CPU 78 and outputs such images to the upper liquid
crystal display 3 and the lower liquid crystal display 4. Thereby,
for example, the symbol columns 31 33 displayed on the lower liquid
crystal display 4 are scrolled. Here, the video RAM 81 functions as
a temporary memory when images are formed by the VDP 80.
[0116] And to the CPU 50, a speaker 11 is connected through a
speaker drive circuit 82 and the speaker 11 produces various effect
sounds when various effects are conducted based on the output
signal from the speaker drive circuit 82.
[0117] Further, to the CPU 50, a slot communication device 25 is
connected. The slot communication device 25 converts signals
transmitted through the slot machine 1 into signals so as to become
a transmittable format, corresponding to a transmission format
through a telephone line or a LAN cable, and transmits such signals
to the outside. And the slot communication device 25 receives the
signals transmitted from the outside and inverts the signals so as
to become a readable format through the slot machine 1. Further,
the slot communication device 25 is connected to the network N
through the wireless manner and is also connected to a roulette
communication device 125 of the roulette game machine 100 through
the network N.
[0118] Next, the main process program conducted in the slot machine
1 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a flowchart
of the main process program of the slot machine 1 according to the
embodiment. Here, the main process program is stored in the ROM 51
provided in the slot machine 1 and executed by the CPU 50.
[0119] At first, when procedure shifts to step (abbreviated as "S"
hereinafter) 1, a start acceptance process is executed. The start
acceptance process (S1) is a process to accept an execution start
of the slot game. Therefore, in the start acceptance process, it is
determined whether or not the credit exists.
[0120] The credit increases on the basis of insertion of coins
through the coin insertion slot 9 and winning in the slot game and
the roulette game, and decreases on the basis of betting in the
slot gam and roulette game. That is to say, if the credit is zero
(0), the start acceptance process (s1) is waited, namely, such
process is waited till the credit increases by insertion of
coins.
[0121] And if the credit exists (not zero), the CPU 50 accepts the
switch signal output from the BET switch 64, the MAX BET switch 65,
the REPEAT BET switch 66 or the start switch 67, based on operation
of the BET button 14, the MAX BET button 15, the REPEAT BET button
16 or the start button 17. And at the time that the switch signal
output from the REPEAT BET switch 66 or the start switch 67 is
accepted, the game is started with the bet number set or the bet
number as same as that in the previous time.
[0122] In S2, based on the switch signal output from the BET switch
64, the MAX BET switch 65, the REPEAT BET switch 66 or the start
switch 67, various lottery processes are conducted. Concretely, the
lottery of winning symbol combination in the base game which is
done by using the variable display portions 21.about.23 is
conducted by using the random number value sampled through the
random number sampling circuit 86 and the predetermined lottery
table, thereby the symbols stopped and displayed are determined.
And based on the symbol combination stopped and displayed on the
activated pay line L, the winning symbol combination and payout
thereof are determined.
[0123] Next, in S3, the base game process is conducted. In the base
game process, variable display of the symbol columns 31.about.33 is
started in the variable display portions 21.about.23, and the
symbols are stopped and displayed based on the lottery result of
the lottery process done in S2 after a predetermined time elapses.
Further, based on the symbol combination stopped and displayed on
the activated pay line L, credits corresponding to the payout
preset for the winning symbol combination are paid out.
[0124] Further, in S3, it is determined whether or not the trigger
of the bonus game is won based on the lottery result in the lottery
process (S2). Concretely speaking, in the lottery process in S2, if
it is determined that the trigger symbol 40 is stopped and
displayed on the activated pay line L, the bonus game is won (S4:
YES), thus, procedure shifts to S5. In S5, a flag which indicates
that the bonus game is realized and is retained in the RAM 52 is
set. At that time, for example, a message "START BONUS GAME!" is
displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4. Thereby, it is
informed to the player that the bonus game is realized, thereafter
the bonus game process is conducted (S5). In the bonus game
process, it is conducted a so-called free game that the symbol
columns 31.about.33 are sequentially variably moved and stopped and
displayed without consuming credits, according to the game number
of times set in the lottery, and credits corresponding to the
payout are paid out.
[0125] On the other hand, if the trigger of the bonus game is not
won (S4: NO), the main process program is terminated.
[0126] Here, in the slot machine 1 according to the embodiment,
even while the slot game is executed, the player can participate in
the roulette game executed in the roulette game machine 100. The
process of this roulette game will be described in detail
hereinafter.
[0127] Next, the roulette game machine 100 constructing the gaming
system 200 according to the embodiment will be described with
reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 is an outline perspective view of
the roulette game machine 100.
[0128] As shown in FIG. 7, the roulette game machine 100 is
basically constructed from a cabinet 103 becoming a base body, a
roulette wheel 104 arranged at a substantially central position on
an upper plane of the cabinet and a plurality of satellites 102
(ten satellites in the embodiment) arranged around the roulette
wheel 104 so as to surround the roulette wheel 104.
[0129] Here, the satellite 102 is a play area for the player to bet
game media such as medals while predicting a game result, and a
single satellite 102 or plural satellites 201 are arranged for a
medal gaming machine such as the roulette game machine, a card game
machine and the like. And the satellite 102 is constructed from at
least a medal acceptance device 105 in which the game media such as
coins or medals used in the game are inserted, a control portion
106 with plural control buttons trough which the player inputs
predetermined instructions and an image display device 107 for
displaying images concerning with the game.
[0130] The player operates control portion 106 in the satellite 102
while seeing images displayed on the image display device 107,
thereby he player can progress the game developed on the image
display device 107.
[0131] And at a side plane of the cabinet 103 where each of the
satellites 102 is arranged, a medal payout opening 108 is formed
respectively. Further, at an upper right position of the image
display device 107 in each of the satellites 102, a speaker 109 is
provided respectively.
[0132] Next, a construction of the roulette wheel 104 according to
the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8
is a plan view of the roulette wheel according to the
embodiment.
[0133] As shown in FIG. 8, the roulette wheel 104 is basically
constructed from a frame member 111 fixed on the cabinet 103 and a
rotational wheel 112 which is rotatably received and supported
within the frame member 111. And on the rotational wheel 112, many
ball reception concave recesses 113 are formed (38 recesses in the
embodiment). Further, on the upper surface of the rotational wheel
112 in an outer direction of each of the ball reception concave
recesses 113, there are arranged number display plates 114 on each
of which one of numbers "0", "00", 1".about."36" is described so as
to correspond to each of the ball reception concave recesses
113.
[0134] And a ball throwing passage 115 is formed within the frame
member 111. To the ball throwing passage 115, a ball throwing
device (not shown) is connected, and when the ball throwing device
is driven, a ball 116 is inserted on the rotational wheel 112
through the ball throwing passage 115. And whole upper portion of
the roulette wheel 104 is covered by a hemispherical cover member
117 which is made of transparent acrylic resin.
[0135] Here, the frame member 111 is gradually inclined toward the
inner direction and a guide wall 118 is formed at the intermediate
position of the frame member 111. The guide wall 118 functions so
that the ball 116 is guided and rolled against the centrifugal
force. And when rotation speed of the ball 116 becomes weak and the
centrifugal force thereof vanishes, the ball 116 rolls down on the
inclined surface of the frame member 111 and moves toward the inner
direction and reaches to the rotational wheel 112 which is
rotating.
[0136] Further, the ball 116 rolls on the rotational wheel 112 and
passes through the number display plate 14, thereby the ball 116 is
received in any of the ball reception concave recesses 113. The
number described on the number display plate 114 corresponding to
the ball reception concave recess 113 in which the ball 116 is
received, becomes the winning number.
[0137] And a winning determination device (not shown) is arranged
under the roulette wheel 104. The winning determination device is a
device to determine in which ball reception concave recess 113 the
ball 116 is received. Further, under the rotational wheel 112, a
ball collection device (not shown) is arranged. This ball
collection device is a device to collect the ball 116 on the
rotational wheel 112 after the game is terminated. Here, the ball
throwing device, the winning determination device and the ball
collection device are already well-known, thus explanation thereof
will be omitted.
[0138] Next, construction of the control portion 106 and the image
display device 107 of the embodiment will be described.
[0139] As shown in FIG. 7, the control portion 106 is provided at
the side of the image display device 107 in the satellite 102, and
buttons operated by the player are arranged in the control portion
106. Concretely, in the control portion 106, a BET confirmation
button 122, a cashout button 123 and a help button 124 (see FIG.
11) are provided form the left side in order when seeing from a
position opposite to the satellite 102.
[0140] The BET confirmation button 122 is a button which is pressed
when the player confirms the bet after bet operation is done
through the image display device 107 mentioned later. And in a case
that the bet is decided and the player has betted to the number
described on the number display plate 114 corresponding to the ball
reception concave recess 113 on the roulette wheel 104 in which the
ball 116 is received during the game, winning can be obtained. If
the player won the game, credits corresponding to the number of
chips betted are added to the credits retained at present by the
player. Here, bet operation will be described in detail
hereinafter.
[0141] The cashout button 123 is a button which is pressed when the
game is terminated, and when the cashout button 123 is pressed,
medals (generally, one medal corresponds to one credit)
corresponding to credits obtained in the game and retained at
present by the player are paid out from the medal payout opening
108.
[0142] The help button 124 is a button which is pressed when the
operation method of the game and the like cannot be understood, and
when the help button 124 is pressed, a help screen indicating
various operation information is displayed on the image display
device 107 right after the operation of the help button 124.
[0143] On the other hand, the image display device 107 is a liquid
crystal display with a touch panel 128 arranged on the front plane
of the liquid crystal display, and icons displayed on the liquid
crystal display can be selected by pressing through the finger.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing one example of the display
screen displayed on the image display device during the game.
[0144] As shown in FIG. 9, during the game conducted in the
roulette game machine 100, a BET screen 131 with a betting board
130 is displayed on the image display device 107. And the player
can bet chips on the BET screen 131 by using credits retained.
[0145] Here, the BET screen 131 will be described according to FIG.
9. On the betting board 130 displayed on the BET screen 131, the
numbers as same as the numbers "0", "00", "1".about."36" are
arranged and displayed in a lattice. And specific BET areas for
betting chips while directing "odd number", "even number", "kinds
of colors (red and black) of the number display plate" and
"predetermined number range (for example, "1".about."12") are also
arranged in a lattice. Here, there are provided BET areas 142 in
the betting board 130. Each BET area 142, in which one of the
numbers as same as the numbers "0", "00", "1".about."36" displayed
on the number display plates 114 is displayed, has a number display
portion 142A. The number display portion 142A is a portion in which
one of the numbers as same as the numbers "0", "00", "1".about."36"
displayed on the number display plates 114 is displayed.
[0146] And below the betting board 130, a result history display
portion 135, BET buttons (136A, 136B, 136C, 136D) each of which is
used to bet a predetermined number of medals, a cashout result
display portion 137 and a credit number display portion 138 are
displayed.
[0147] In the result history display portion 135, there are
displayed in a list manner results of winning numbers obtained
during games after the previous game is terminated. Here, one game
means a series of operations that the player bets in each of the
satellites 102, the ball 116 falls in the ball reception concave
recess 113 and credits are paid out based on the winning number. At
that time, after one game is terminated, a new winning number is
added and displayed from the upper position, thereby the history of
the winning numbers obtained during the maximum number of games (16
games) can be confirmed.
[0148] Further, the BET button 136 is a button to select the number
of chips betted to the BET area 142 (on lattice area of the number
and mark, on line forming the lattice) directed by the player. As
the BET button 136, there exist four kinds of BET buttons such as a
1 BET button 136A, a 5 BET button 136B, a 10 BET button 136C and a
100 BET button 136D.
[0149] At first, the player directly presses the BET area 142 to be
betted by the finger and directs it by a cursor 140 mentioned
later. Under such state, when the player presses the 1 BET button
136A, the player can bet one chip every one press operation. For
example, every the player presses the 1 BET button 136A one time,
the bet number increases such as "1".fwdarw."2".fwdarw."3".fwdarw.
. . . And when the player presses the 5 BET button 136B, the player
can bet five chips every one press operation. For example, every
the player presses the 5 BET button 136B one time, the bet number
increases such as "5".fwdarw."10".fwdarw."15".fwdarw. . . . And
when the player presses the 10 BET button 136C, the player can bet
ten chips every one press operation. For example, every the player
presses the 10 BET button 136C one time, the bet number increases
such as "10".fwdarw."20".fwdarw."30".fwdarw. . . . Further, when
the player presses the 100 BET button 136D, the player can bet one
hundred chips every one press operation. For example, every the
player presses the 100 BET button 136D one time, the bet number
increases such as "100".fwdarw."200".fwdarw."300".fwdarw. . . .
[0150] Therefore, if many chips are betted, bet operation can be
simplified.
[0151] And in the cashout result display portion 137, the bet
number of chips betted in the previous game by the player and the
credit number paid out are displayed. Here, the number obtained by
subtracting the bet number from the cashout credit number is the
credit number newly obtained in the previous game by the
player.
[0152] Further, in the credit number display portion 138, the
credit number retained at present by the player is displayed. This
credit number decreases corresponding to the bet number (one credit
for one chip) when chips are betted. And if the number betted is
won and credits are paid out, the credit number corresponding to
the paid out number increases. Here, if the credit number retained
by the player becomes zero (0), the game is terminated.
[0153] And at the upper position of the betting board 130, a BET
timer graph 139 is formed. The BET timer graph 139 is a graph
indicating a remaining time according to which the player can bet.
A red graph gradually starts to extend toward the right direction
since the bet time starts. And when such graph extends to the most
right position, the bet time bettable in the present game is
terminated. When the graph extends to a specific position (for
example, the position that length of the graph becomes 2/3 of the
full length), the ball 116 is thrown in the roulette wheel 104 by
the ball throwing device.
[0154] And on the betting board 130, the cursor 140 indicating the
BET area 142 selected at present by the player is displayed.
Further, a chip mark 141 indicating the chip number betted up to
the present time and the BET area 142 is displayed. The number
displayed in the chip mark 141 indicates the bet number of chips.
For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the chip mark 141 of "7" put on
the lattice "18" indicates that seven chips are betted to the
number "18". As mentioned, the method to bet to one number is a bet
method called as "straight up".
[0155] And the chip mark 141 of "1" put on the cross point of
lattices of "5", "6", "8" and "9" indicates that one chips is
betted so as to cover four numbers of "5", "6", "8" and "9". Here,
the method to bet so as to cover four numbers is a bet method
called as "corner bet".
[0156] As the other bet methods, there exist "split bet" to bet on
the line between two numbers so as to cover two numbers, "street
bet" to bet to the end of the horizontal line (in FIG. 9, vertical
line) of three numbers so as to cover three numbers (for example,
"13", "14", "15"), "five bet" to bet on the line between the number
"00" and "3" so as to cover five numbers of "0", "00", "12, "2" and
"3", "line bet" to bet among the numbers in two horizontal lines
(in FIG. 9, two vertical lines) so as to cover six numbers (for
example, "13", "14", "15" "16" "17" and "18), "column bet" to bet
on the lattice described as "2 to 1" so as to cover twelve numbers,
and "dozen bet" so bet on each of the lattices described as "1st
12", "2nd 12" and "3rd 12" so as to cover twelve numbers. Further,
there are bet methods by using six lattices ("1 to 18" indicating
that the number is smaller than 18, "EVEN" indicating that the
number is even number, "RED" indicating that the color of the
number display plate is red, "BLACK" indicating that the color of
the number display plate is black, "ODD" indicating that the number
is odd number, "19 to 36" indicating that the number is larger than
19) formed on the lowermost step of the betting board 130 so as to
cover 18 numbers.
[0157] As mentioned, when the player generally bets on the BET
screen 131, the player first directly presses and directs the BET
area 142 (on lattice area of the number and mark, on line forming
the lattice) by the finger. As a result, the cursor 141 is moved to
the BET area 142 directed.
[0158] Thereafter, the player presses the BET buttons 136 (1 BET
button 136A, 5 BET button 136B, 10 BET button 136C and 100 BET
button 136D), thereby chips corresponding to the bet number
according to the BET buttons 136 are betted to the BET area 142
directed. For example, if the 10 BET button 136C is pressed four
times, the 5 BET button 136B is pressed one time and the 1 BET
button 136A is pressed three times, 48 chips can be totally
betted.
[0159] Next, a construction of the control system in the roulette
game machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 10. FIG.
10 is a block diagram schematically showing the control system of
the roulette game machine 100.
[0160] As shown in FIG. 10, the roulette game machine 100 is
constructed from a main control portion 183 including a main
control CPU 180, a ROM 181 and a RAM 182, the roulette wheel 104
connected to the main control portion 183 and ten satellites 102
(see FIG. 1). Here, the control system of the satellite 102 will be
described in detail hereinafter.
[0161] The main control CPU 180 conducts various processes based on
input signals supplied form each of the satellites 102 and the slot
machines 1, data and programs stored in the ROM 181 and the RAM
182, and the main CPU 180 transmits command signals to the
satellites 102 and the slot machines 1 based on a result in the
processes. Thereby, the main control CPU 180 mainly controls each
of the satellites 102 and the slot machines 1, and progresses the
roulette game. Further, the main CPU 180 controls the winning
determination device 184, the ball throwing device 185, the ball
collection device 186 provided in the roulette wheel 104, thereby
the main CPU 180 conducts throwing of the ball 116 to the roulette
wheel 104, collection of the ball 116 from the roulette wheel 104
and determination of wining number of the ball reception concave
recess 113 in which the ball 116 falls.
[0162] The ROM 181 is, for example, constructed from a
semiconductor memory and stores programs for realizing basic
functions of the roulette game machine 100, programs for
controlling each of the devices in the roulette wheel 104, odds
(payout number of credits corresponding to the winning)
corresponding to each of the BET areas 142 and programs for mainly
controlling each of the satellites 102.
[0163] On the other hand, the RAM 182 temporarily stores the bet
information of chips supplied from each of the satellites 102, the
winning number data determined by the winning determination device
184 and data concerning with the result of processes executed by
the main control CPU 180. And in the RAM 182, the game result (for
example, winning numbers) in the roulette game is stored as the
history data.
[0164] And to the main control CPU 180, the winning determination
device 184 provided in the roulette wheel 104, the ball throwing
device 185 and the ball collection device 186 are connected.
Further, to the main control CPU 180, a bet timer 110 to count a
bet time is connected. This bet timer 110 starts to count the bet
time according to start of the bet time and is used when the ball
is thrown in based on that a predetermined time elapses and when
the bet acceptance is closed up after a time limit elapses.
Therefore, display of the BET timer graph 139 at the satellite 102
is changed corresponding to a numeral value counted by the bet
timer 110.
[0165] Here, timer data of the bet timer 110 are voluntarily
transmitted to each of the satellites 102 and all of the slot
machines 1 constructing the gaming system 200.
[0166] Further, in a case that the bet time for the player in each
of the satellites 102 elapses to some extent, that is, if the timer
graph 139 of the BET screen 131 reaches to the specific position
(for example, the position that length of the graph becomes 2/3 of
the full length), the ball throwing device 185 is driven and the
ball 116 is thrown in the roulette wheel 104.
[0167] Further, when the rotation speed of the ball 116 gradually
becomes weak and the centrifugal force thereof vanishes, and the
ball 116 rolls down on the inclined surface of the frame member 111
and falls in the ball reception concave recess 113, the winning
determination device 184 determines the winning number described on
the number display plate 114 corresponding to the ball reception
concave recess 113 in which the ball 116 is received. The
determination result is transmitted to the main control CPU 180.
Thereafter, the ball collection device 186 is driven and the ball
116 is collected from the roulette wheel 104.
[0168] Next, a construction of the control system in the satellite
102 connected to the main control CPU 180 will be described with
reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a block diagram schematically
showing the control system of the satellite 102 according to the
embodiment. Here, each of ten satellites 102 has the same
construction, thus one satellite 102 will be described
hereinafter.
[0169] As shown in FIG. 11, the satellite 102 is basically
constructed from a main portion 189 in which the image display
device 107 and the other devices are provided and a medal
acceptance device 105 is provided in the main portion 189. Further,
the main portion 189 is basically constructed from a satellite
control portion 190 and several peripheral devices. The satellite
control portion 190 has a satellite control CPU 191, a ROM 192 and
a RAM 193. The ROM 192 is, for example, constructed from a
semiconductor memory, and in the ROM 192, programs to realize basic
function of the satellite 102, the other various programs necessary
for control of the satellite 102 and data tables are stored. And
the RAM 193 is a memory to temporarily store various data
calculated by the satellite control CPU 191, the credit number
retained at present by the player and the bet state of chips by the
player.
[0170] And to the satellite control CPU 191, the BET confirmation
button 122, the cashout button 123 and the help button 124 all of
which are provided in the control portion 106 (see FIG. 7), are
respectively connected. Further, the satellite CPU 191 conducts
control to execute various operations based on operation signals
output by press of each of buttons.
[0171] Concretely, based on the input signal supplied from the
control portion 106 corresponding to operation by the player, and
data and programs stored in the ROM 192 and the RAM 193, the
satellite control CPU 191 conducts various processes and transmits
the result of processes to the main control CPU 180 in the roulette
game machine 100.
[0172] On the other hand, the satellite control CPU 191 receives
the command signal from the main control CPU 180 and controls the
periphery devices constructing the satellite 102, thereby
progresses the roulette game in the satellite 102. And depending on
process contents, the satellite control CPU 191 executes various
processes based on the input signal input from the control portion
106 on the basis of operation by the player and data and programs
stored in the ROM 192 and the RAM 193. And based on the result
thereof, the satellite control CPU 191 controls the periphery
devices constructing the satellite 102, thereby progresses the
roulette game in the satellite 102, Here, as for which method is
used to conduct processes, such method is set every process
according to process contents. For example, the payout process of
medals corresponding to the winning number is done by the former
method, and bet operation process on the BET screen 131 by the
player is done by the latter method.
[0173] And to the satellite control CPU 191, a hopper 194 is
connected. The hopper 194 pays out a predetermined number of medals
through the medal payout opening 108 (see FIG. 7) according to the
command signal output from the satellite control CPU 191.
[0174] Further, to the satellite control CPU 191, the image display
device 107 is connected through a liquid crystal drive circuit 195.
Here, the liquid crystal drive circuit 195 is constructed from a
program ROM, an image ROM, an image control CPU, a work RAM, a VDP
(video display processor) and a video RAM. And in the program ROM
there are stored an image control program for controlling display
of the image display device 107 and various selection tables. And
in the image ROM, for example, there are stored dot data for
forming images displayed on the image display device 107. And the
image control CPU determines the images displayed on the image
display device 107 among the dot data stored beforehand in the
image ROM, according to the image control program stored beforehand
in the program ROM based on parameters set by the satellite control
CPU 191. Further, the work RAM functions as a temporary memory when
the image control program is executed by the image control CPU. And
the VDP forms images corresponding to display contents determined
by the image control CPU and outputs such images to the image
display device 107. Here, the video RAM functions as a temporary
memory when images are formed by the VDP.
[0175] And the touch panel 128 is arranged on the front plane of
the image display device 107, and operation information of the
touch panel 128 is transmitted to the satellite control CPU 191. On
the touch panel 128, the bet operation of chips by the player is
done on the BET screen 131. Concretely, selection of the BET area
142 and operation of the BET buttons 136 are conducted through the
touch panel 128, and such operation information is transmitted to
the satellite control CPU 191. And based on such information, the
bet information at present by the player is voluntarily stored in a
bet information memory area 193A formed in the RAM 193. Further,
such bet information is transmitted to the main control CPU
180.
[0176] Further, to the satellite control CPU 191, a sound output
circuit 196 and a speaker 109 are connected, and the speaker 109
outputs various effect sounds when various effects are conducted
based on the output signal from the sound output circuit 196.
[0177] And to the satellite control CPU 91, the medal acceptance
device 105 is connected. The medal acceptance device 105 is a
device to inserting game media such as coins or medals when the
player plays the game.
[0178] Further, the medal acceptance device 105 transmits a credit
signal, which is the information concerning with the credit number
added on the basis of the game media such as coins or medals
inserted in the medal acceptance device 105, to the satellite
control CPU 191. The satellite control CPU 191 increases the credit
number of the player stored in a credit number memory area 193B in
the RAM 193, based on the credit signal transmitted from the medal
acceptance device 105.
[0179] And as shown in FIG. 12, in the RAM 193, there are provided
the bet information memory area 193A in which the bet information
of the player playing the game is stored and the credit number
memory area 193B in which the credit number retained at present by
the player is stored.
[0180] Next, the main process program executed in the roulette game
machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is
a flowchart of the roulette game process program executed in the
roulette game machine 100. Here, each of the programs indicated by
the flowchart in FIG. 13 is stored in the ROM 18 and the RAM 182
provided in the roulette game machine 100, and such programs are
executed by the main control CPU 180.
[0181] When an electric power source of the roulette game machine
100 according to the embodiment is switched on, the BET screen 131
shown in FIG. 9 is first displayed on the image display device 107
in each of the satellites 102, and it is realized a state that the
player can bet chips.
[0182] Here, the other players can participate in such game while
the game is conducted. That is to say, in the roulette game machine
100 of the embodiment, in addition to the maximum ten players
corresponding to the number of the satellite 102, the players
corresponding to the number of the slot machine 1 constructing the
gaming system 200 can also participate in the roulette game.
[0183] That is to say, based on that the electric power source of
the roulette game machine 100 is switched on, the main process
program of the roulette game machine 100 is executed, and the bet
time during which the player can bet on voluntary BET area 142 is
started (S21). If the bet time is started, the BET timer graph 139
with red color displaying the remaining time during which the
player can bet, gradually extends to the right direction according
to that the bet time elapses. And the player participating in the
game can operate the touch panel 128 and bet chips to the BET area
142 corresponding to the number predicted by the player during the
remaining time (see FIG. 9). Here, the concrete bet method by using
the BET screen 131 is already explained, thus explanation of such
bet method will be omitted.
[0184] And based on that a predetermined time (in the embodiment,
time elapses till the BET timer graph 139 reaches to 2/3 of full
length) elapses since the bet time is started (S21), the ball
throwing device 185 is driven and the ball 116 is thrown in the
roulette wheel 104 (S22).
[0185] Next, it is determined whether or not the bet time is
terminated in S23. Here, the bet time is indicated by the BET timer
graph 139. Therefore, when the red graph gradually extending to the
right direction from start of the bet time (S21) reaches to the
most right position, the bet time in the present game is
terminated.
[0186] Here, before the bet time is terminated (S23: NO), bet
acceptance is continuously done till the bet time is terminated. On
the other hand, if the bet time is terminated (S23: YES), the bet
termination signal is output to the satellite control portion 190
in each of all satellites 102. Thereby, the image indicating that
the bet time is terminated is displayed on the image display device
107 of each satellite 102, and operation of the touch panel 128 is
inhibited.
[0187] The main control CPU 180 terminates the bet time and outputs
the bet termination signal to all of the satellites 102 and to the
slot machines 1 (S23: YES), thereafter receives the bet information
(information concerning with the BET area 142 directed by the
player and the number of chips betted to the BET area 142)
corresponding to bet operation done by the player in each of the
satellites 102 and slot machines 1 (S24). And such bet information
is stored in the RAM 182.
[0188] Here, if the bet operation is not done to the BET area 142
in the satellite 102, the main control CPU 180 receives the
information indicating that no direction of the BET area 142 is
done and the number of chips betted is "0", as the bet information.
Here, as for the slot machines 1, the process similar to the above
is conducted.
[0189] The ball 116 thrown in S2 rolls on the roulette wheel 104
along the guide wall 118 while processes in S23 and S24 are
conducted, thereafter if the rotation speed of the ball 116 becomes
weak and the centrifugal force thereof vanishes, the ball 116 rolls
down on the inclined surface of the frame member 111 and moves
toward inner side, further reaches to the rotational wheel 112
which is rotating (see FIG. 8).
[0190] And the ball 116 rolls on the rotational wheel 112 and
passes through one of the number display plates 114 formed at the
outside of the rotational wheel 112 rotating, the ball 116 is
received in any one of the ball reception concave recesses 113 and
stopped (S25). At that time, the number (any one of "0", "00",
"1".about.136") described on the number display plate 114
corresponding to the ball reception concave recess 113 in which the
ball 116 is received, becomes the winning number.
[0191] Next, after the ball 116 is received in the ball reception
concave recess 113, the main control CPU 180 drives the winning
determination device 184 and determines the number corresponding to
the ball reception concave recess 113 in which the ball 116 is
received (S26).
[0192] In S27, the history data of the game result (winning number)
stored in the RAM 182 is renewed. That is to say, in S26, the
number data determined as the winning number in S26 is added to the
history data and the oldest winning number data is deleted from the
history data. After the history data is renewed, procedure shifts
to S28.
[0193] Further, based on the bet information of each satellite 102
and the slot machine 1 received in S4 and the winning number
determined in S6, it is determined whether or not the number betted
in each of the satellites 102 and the slot machines 1 is won
(S28).
[0194] And on the basis of the winning determination conducted in
S28, it is determined whether or not the number betted in at least
one of the satellites 102 or the slot machines 1 is won (S29). If
it is determined that the number betted is won (S29: YES), the main
control CPU 180 executes the payout calculation process (S30).
[0195] In the payout calculation process, chips betted to the
winning number are recognized every satellite 102 and slot machine
1 and sum of payout of credits paid out to each of the satellites
102 and the slot machines 1 is calculated, by using odds (credit
number paid out every one chip) for each of the BET areas 142
stored in the ROM 181. Procedure shifts to S31.
[0196] On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no
winning number among the numbers betted in all of the satellites
102 and the slot machines 1 (S29: NO), procedure shifts to S31.
[0197] In S31, it is executed the game result transmission process
in which signals concerning with the payout of credits based on the
payout calculation process done in S30 and concerning with display
change according to determination of the winning number are output
to all of the satellites 102 and the slot machines 1.
[0198] When credits are paid out to the satellite 102 and the slot
machine 1, credit data corresponding to the payout are output to
the satellite control portion 190 of the satellite 102 in which the
roulette game is won and the CPU 50 of the slot machine 1 in which
the roulette game is won from the main control portion 183. This
credit data are added in the RAM 193 of the satellite 102 and the
RAM 52 of the slot machine 1.
[0199] On the other hand, in S27, since the history data stored in
the RAM 182 are renewed, the display change signal according to the
renewal of the history data is transmitted to all of the satellites
102 and the slot machines 1. Concretely, the signal to renew the
display contents of the result history display portion 135 is
transmitted. At that time, the history data stored in the RAM 182
are also transmitted to all of the satellites 102 and the slot
machines 1.
[0200] In S32, the ball collection device arranged under the
rotational wheel 112 is driven and the ball 116 on the rotational
wheel 112 is collected. The ball 116 collected is again thrown in
the roulette wheel 104 in the next games. Thereafter, procedure
returns to S21 and the next game is executed.
[0201] Next, the main process program in the satellite 102 will be
described with reference to FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the
main process program in the satellite. Each program indicated by
the flowchart in FIG. 14 is stored in the ROM 192 and the RAM 193
provided in the satellite 102, and is executed by the satellite
control CPU 191.
[0202] At first, in S40, the satellite control CPU 191 conducts the
bet process of chips through the BET screen 131. This bet process
(S40) will be described in detail hereinafter, thus explanation
thereof will be omitted here.
[0203] Next, in S41, the bet information (information of the BET
area 142 directed and the bet number directed to the BET area 142)
obtained in the bet process (S40) is transmitted to the main
control CPU 180 (see FIG. 10) of the main control portion 183.
[0204] On the other hand, as mentioned in the above, the main
control CPU 180 of the roulette game machine 100 stores the bet
information transmitted in the RAM 182 (S24). Here, in the bet
process (S40), the bet information transmitted to the main control
CPU 180 is stored in the bet information memory area 193A of the
RAM 193 in the satellite 102.
[0205] Thereafter, in the roulette game machine 100, the roulette
game is started on the roulette wheel 104 and the winning number
corresponding to the ball reception concave recess 113 in which the
ball 116 falls is detected by the winning determination device 184
(see FIG. 10).
[0206] In S42, the winning number determined in the roulette game
machine 100, the credit number paid out to each satellite 102 and
the history data stored in the RAM 182 are received and the history
data received are stored in the RAM 193.
[0207] At that time, since the history data are renewed based on
that the winning number is decided, the satellite 102 also receives
the display change signal of the image display device 107 according
to renewal of the history data. Concretely, the signal to renew
display contents of the result history display portion 135 is
received.
[0208] Next, based on the information received in S42, the payout
of credits is done and credits retained at present by the player is
added (S43). And the credit number stored in the credit number
memory area 193B is changed, and at the same time, the cashout
result display portion 137 indicating incomings and outgoings of
credits in the previous game displayed on the image display device
107 and the credit display portion 138 (see FIG. 9) indicating the
credit number at present are renewed.
[0209] And in S44, display contents of the history display of the
winning number in the BET screen 131 are renewed. Concretely,
display contents of the result history display portion 135 in the
BET screen 131 are renewed.
[0210] In the result history display portion 135 renewed on the BET
screen 135, the result of the winning numbers in the games
previously done is displayed in a list. At that time, after one
game is terminated, a new winning number is added and displayed
from the upper position and the history of the winning numbers
obtained in the maximum 16 games can be confirmed.
[0211] After the history display renewal process (S44) is finished,
the main process program in the satellite 102 is terminated.
[0212] Next, the bet process executed by the satellite control CPU
191 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 15. FIG. 15
is a flowchart of the bet process program. The program indicated in
the flowchart of FIG. 15 is stored in the ROM 192 and the RAM 193
provided in the satellite 102, and is executed by the satellite
control CPU 191.
[0213] When procedure shifts to the bet process (S40), the BET
screen 131 is displayed on the image display device 107. As
mentioned, on the BET display screen 131, the betting board 130
similar to the conventional betting board in which numbers and
marks are arranged on the lattices, is displayed. Thereby, the
player can bet chips based on the betting board of table type.
[0214] At first, in S50, the satellite control CPU 191 selects the
BET area 142 where the chip mark 141 is displayed, based on that
the touch panel 128 corresponding to the BET area 142 of the
betting board 130 is pressed by the finger of the player. Here, the
bet process (S31) on the BET screen 131 such as "straight up" and
the like is already well-known, thus explanation thereof will be
omitted.
[0215] Next, in S51, the bet number of chips when the bet operation
is done is set to the BET area 142 selected in S50. The player
presses each of the BET buttons 136 (1 BET button 136A, 5 BET
button 136B, 10 BET button 136C and 100 BET button 136D), thereby
chips corresponding each BET button are betted to the BET area 142
directed. And on the betting board 130, the number of chips betted
up to the present time and the chip mark 141 indicating the BET
area 142 are displayed. The bet number of chips is indicated by the
number displayed on the chip mark 141 (see FIG. 9).
[0216] Here, the bet information (information concerning with the
BET area 142 and the bet number directed) set according to the
above process is voluntarily stored in the bet information memory
area 193A of the RAM 193.
[0217] Next, in S52, it is determined by the satellite control CPU
191 whether or not the BET confirmation button 122 is pressed. The
BET confirmation button 122 is arranged in the control portion 106
as shown in FIG. 7, and is pressed when a series of bet operations
in S50, S51 are decided.
[0218] And if it is determined that the BET confirmation button 122
is pressed (S52: YES), the bet is decided. After the bet is
decided, the bet operation (S50, S51) cannot be conducted till the
next game is started. And after the bet is decided, if chips are
betted to the number described on the number display plate 114
corresponding to the ball reception concave recess 113 in which the
ball 116 is received on the roulette wheel 104 through which the
game is started, the game is won.
[0219] And if it is determined that the BET confirmation button 122
is not pressed (S52: NO), further it is determined whether or not
the bet time is terminated (S53). The bet time is displayed by the
BET timer graph 139 formed at the upper position of the betting
board 130. The BET timer graph 139 is a graph indicating the
remaining time during which the player can bet, and the red graph
starts to gradually extend toward the right direction after the
game is started. And when the red graph extends to the most right
position, the bet time is terminated.
[0220] If it is determined that the bet time is not terminated
(S53: NO), that is, if the BET timer graph 139 does not extend to
the most right position, procedure returns to S31 and the bet
operation (S50) can be again executed. By repeating the bet
operation (S50, S51), the bet operations (S50, S51) can be
conducted at a plurality of positions on the betting board 130.
[0221] On the other hand, if it is determined that the bet time is
terminated (S53: YES), the bet is decided on the basis of the
present state (S54). After the bet is decided, the bet process
program through the BET screen 131 is terminated, and procedure
returns to the main process program of the satellite 102. Here,
after the bet is decided, the bet operation (S50, S51) cannot be
done till the next game is started.
[0222] As mentioned in the above, in the roulette game machine 100
of the embodiment, the player can participate in the roulette game
from the satellite 102 and execute the roulette game.
[0223] Here, in the gaming system 200 according to the embodiment,
the player can participate in the roulette game conducted in the
roulette game machine 100 by using the slot machine 1.
[0224] Next, the process concerning with participation in and
execution of the roulette game by using the slot machine 1 will be
described with reference to Figs.
[0225] First, in a case that the main process program (see FIG. 13)
of the roulette game machine 100 is executed by the main control
CPU 180 in the roulette game machine 100, the communication process
program executed while conducting interruption processes with a
predetermined time interval will be described in detail with
reference to FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the communication
process program for controlling communication process conducted
between the slot machine 1 and the roulette game machine 100.
[0226] As shown in FIG. 16, when execution of the main process
program of the main control portion 183 in the roulette game
machine 100 is started, it is determined whether or not the ball
116 is thrown in the roulette wheel 104 (S100). That is to say,
determination in S100 is done based on whether or not the throwing
process of the ball 116 (S22) is done by executing the main process
program through the main control portion 183 of the roulette game
machine 100.
[0227] If it is determined that the ball 116 is thrown in the
roulette wheel 104 (S100: YES), the main control CPU 180 transmits
the roulette wheel rotation signal indicating that the ball 116 is
thrown and the rotational wheel 112 is rotating at present, to all
of the slot machines 1 constructing the gaming system 200. On the
other hand, if it is determined that the ball 116 is not thrown in
the roulette wheel 104 (S100: NO), procedure shifts to S102.
[0228] Here, similar to the roulette game machine 100, in all of
the slot machines 1 constructing the gaming system 200, not only
the main process program (see FIG. 6) is executed but also the
communication process program is executed while conducting
interruption processes with a predetermined time interval by the
CPU 50.
[0229] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16, at first, the CPU 50
determines whether or not the roulette wheel rotation signal is
received through the slot communication device 25. If it is
determined that the roulette wheel rotation signal is received
(S200: YES), procedure shifts to S201 and it is displayed on the
upper liquid crystal display 3 the image indicating the state that
the ball 116 is thrown in the roulette wheel 104 and the rotational
wheel 112 is rotating (S201). On the other hand, if it is
determined that the roulette wheel rotation signal is not received
(S200: NO), procedure shifts to S202.
[0230] In S102 in the communication process conducted in the
roulette game machine 100, it is determined whether or not one game
is terminated. That is to say, the main control CPU 180 determines
whether or not the winning number determination process (S26) in
the main process program is done by the main control portion 183 of
the roulette game machine 100. If it is determined that one
roulette game is terminated (S102: YES), it is transmitted to all
of the slot machines 1 constructing the gaming system 200 the
roulette wheel stop signal indicating that the rotational wheel 112
is stopped and the winning number is decided (S103). On the other
hand, if it is determined that one roulette game is not terminated
(s102: NO), procedure shifts to S104.
[0231] Here, in the above mentioned roulette wheel stop signal, the
information concerning with the winning number in the present
roulette game is included. For example, in a case that the ball 116
is received in the ball reception concave recess 113 corresponding
to the number display plate 114 with the number "29", it is
transmitted as the roulette wheel stop signal to all of the slot
machines 1 through the roulette transmission device 125 the
information indicating that the winning number is "29", with the
signal indicating that rotation of the rotational wheel 112 is
stopped.
[0232] In the communication process in the slot machine 1, in S202
shifted after processes of S200 and S201 are finished, it is
determined whether or not the roulette wheel stop signal is
received through the slot communication device 25.
[0233] If it is determined that the roulette wheel stop signal is
received (S202: YES), the state displayed on the upper liquid
crystal display 3 indicating that "the rotational wheel 112 is
rotating and the ball 116 is rolling" is changed to the state
indicating that "the rotational wheel 112 is stopped and the ball
116 is received in the ball reception concave recess 113 (see FIG.
17)".
[0234] At that time, on the upper liquid crystal display 3, the
ball 116 rolling on the roulette wheel 104 is stopped and displayed
within the ball reception recess corresponding to the winning
number, based on the information of the winning number added to the
roulette wheel stop signal.
[0235] For example, in a case that the winning number "29" is added
to the roulette wheel stop signal, as shown in FIG. 17, it is
displayed on the upper liquid crystal display 3 the state
indicating that the ball 116 is received in the ball reception
recess 113 corresponding to the number display plate 114 with the
number "29".
[0236] On the other hand, if it is determined that the roulette
wheel stop signal is not received (S202: NO), procedure shifts to
S204.
[0237] And in the roulette game machine 100, after processes of
S102, S103 are conducted, the main control CPU 180 reads out the
timer data from the timer 110 and transmits the timer data to all
of the slot machines 1 constructing the gaming system 200 (S104).
After the timer data are transmitted, execution of the
communication process program in the roulette game machine 100 is
terminated. Here, after a predetermined time elapses from
termination of the communication process program, the communication
process program is again executed while interruption processes are
done against the main process program, thereby the above mentioned
processes are repeated.
[0238] On the other hand, in the slot machine 1, in S204 to which
procedure shifts after processes of S202 and S203, the reception
process of the timer data (S104) transmitted from the roulette game
machine 100 is conducted. In the timer data reception process
(S204), the CPU 50 stores the timer data received through the slot
communication device 25 in the RAM 52. Here, the timer data stored
in the RAM 52 is used when control of the roulette game is
conducted in the slot machine 1.
[0239] After the timer data are received and stored in the RAM 52,
the CPU 50 terminates the communication process program. Here,
after a predetermined time elapses from termination of the
communication process program, the communication process program is
again executed while interruption processes are done against the
main process program of the slot machine 1, thereby the above
mentioned processes are repeated.
[0240] As mentioned in the above, as shown in FIG. 16, the
communication process program is executed while interruption
processes are done with a predetermined time interval between each
of the slot machines 1 constructing the gaming system 200 and the
roulette game machine 100, thereby the state of the roulette game
in the roulette game machine 100 is voluntarily displayed on the
upper liquid crystal display 3. That is to say, while the slot game
is conducted in the slot machine 1, the player can acknowledge the
state of the roulette game in the roulette game machine 100.
[0241] In each of the slot machines 1 constructing the gaming
system 200 of the embodiment, as mentioned, in addition to the slot
game in the slot machine 1, the player can participate in the
roulette game conducted in the roulette game machine 100 which is
installed in the other place.
[0242] Here, control of operation to participate in the roulette
game while playing the slot machine 1 will be described in detail
with reference to the drawings.
[0243] At first, in the slot machine 1, the condition observation
process program is executed while interruption processes are
conducted with a predetermined time interval against the main
process program of the slot machine 1, similar to the case of the
above mentioned communication process program.
[0244] The condition observation process program is a program to
observe the condition for displaying the betting board 90 on the
lower liquid crystal display 4, the betting board 90 being used
when the player participates in the roulette game in the slot
machine 1.
[0245] That is to say, in the slot machine 1, when the slot game is
conducted, display of the slot game (variable display portions
21.about.23) is done on whole plane of the lower liquid crystal
display 4. On the contrary, if a predetermined condition is
satisfied by the condition observation program (if a specific
operation is executed), the variable display portions 21.about.23
are moved to the upper position while being slightly reduced and
the betting board 90 to conduct bet operation for the roulette game
is displayed on substantial lower half of display area in the lower
liquid crystal display 4 (see FIG. 20).
[0246] With reference to FIGS. 18 to 20, the condition observation
process program will be described in detail. When interruption
processes are conducted against the main process program and
execution of the condition observation process program is started,
at first in S105, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the specific
operation is executed.
[0247] Here, the specific operation will be described with
reference to FIG. 19. FIG. 19 is an explanatory view showing a
display example 1 of the lower liquid crystal display 4 when the
slot game is mainly conducted.
[0248] As shown in FIG. 19, in a case that the player mainly
conducts the slot game, the variable display portions 21.about.23
used in the slot game are largely displayed by using most of the
display area of the lower liquid crystal display 4. At that time,
the betting board 90 used in the roulette game is small displayed
in the lower position of the lower liquid crystal display 4.
[0249] Here, if th player wants to participate in the roulette
game, the player conducts operation to pull up the display area of
the betting board 90 while pressing such area by the finger. By
conducting the operation so that the betting board 90, most of
which is concealed on the lower liquid crystal display 4, is pulled
up to the upper direction, the betting board 90 is displayed on the
lower liquid crystal display 4 and the variable display portions
21.about.23 are slightly reduced and displayed at the upper display
area (see display example shown in FIG. 20).
[0250] That is to say, the specific operation in the embodiment
means "the operation to pull up the betting board 90 displayed
small while pressing the display area of the betting board 90 by
the finger".
[0251] In S105, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the specific
operation is conducted based on the signal from the transparent
touch panel 20 arranged on the front plane of the lower liquid
crystal display 4. If it is determined that the specific operation
is conducted (S105: YES), display of the betting board 90 on the
lower liquid crystal display 4 is changed so that the bet operation
can be done (S106), as mentioned in the above. After display of the
betting board 90 on the lower liquid crystal display 4 is changed,
the condition observation process program is terminated. On the
other hand, if it is determined that the specific operation is not
conducted (S105: NO), display of the betting board 90 on the liquid
crystal display 4 is not changed and the condition observation
process program is terminated.
[0252] And if a predetermined time elapses from termination of the
condition observation process program, the CPU 50 again starts
execution of the condition observation process program. Therefore,
in the slot machine 1, while the main process program is executed,
the condition observation process program is repeatedly executed
while conducting interruption processes.
[0253] Here, in a case that the betting board 90 is displayed on
the lower liquid crystal display 4 so that the bet operation can be
conducted (see FIG. 20), contrary to the above mentioned case, the
specific operation is defined as the operation to pull down the
betting board 90 while pressing the border portion between the
betting board 90 and the display area for the slot game.
[0254] Therefore, in order to change the display state (state
capable of betting to the roulette game) shown in FIG. 20 to the
display state shown in FIG. 19, the player conducts the specific
operation to pull down the betting board 90 as mentioned in the
above.
[0255] And the specific operations are not limited to the above
operations. For example, by pressing some specific portion on the
lower liquid crystal display 4, the betting board 90 may be
displayed with a large size or displayed with a small size.
[0256] Next, in the sate capable of betting to the roulette game as
shown in FIG. 20, it will be described with reference to the
drawings the roulette participation process program executed while
conducting interruption processes with a predetermined time
interval against the main process program of the slot machine 1.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the roulette participation process
program executed between the slot machine 1 in the state capable of
betting to the roulette game and the roulette game machine 100.
[0257] First, in the slot machine 1, when execution of the roulette
participation process program is started, the bet process is done
(S110). Here, the bet process in the slot machine 1 will be
described with reference to FIGS. 20 and 22.
[0258] As shown in FIG. 20, the betting board 90 is displayed in
the display area at the lower position of the lower liquid crystal
display 4.
[0259] Similar to the betting board 130 in the satellite 102
mentioned in the above, the betting board 90 is constructed from a
BET timer graph 88, plural BET areas 89, a BET confirmation button
92, BET buttons 93 including a 1 BET button 93A, a 5 BET button
93B, a 10 BET button 93C and a 100 BET button 93D, and a cursor 94.
And if chips are betted to some BET area 89, a chip mark 91 is
displayed.
[0260] That is to say, the betting board 90 in the slot machine 1
is different from the betting board 130 in the satellite 102 at the
point that the betting board 90 does not have the cashout result
display portion 137 and the credit number display portion 138.
[0261] Here, each of portions in the betting board 90 has same
function as that of each of portions in the satellite 102 mentioned
in the above, thus explanation thereof will be omitted.
[0262] If the bet process in the slot machine 1 is executed, the
CPU 50 determines whether or not the BET area 89 on the betting
board 90 is selected (S120). Here, the player selects the BET area
89 for displaying the chip mark 91 by pressing the transparent
touch panel 20 corresponding to the BET area 89 of the betting
board 89 through the finger. If it is determined by the CPU 50 that
the player conducts operation to select the BET area 89 while
pressing the transparent touch panel 20 corresponding to the BET
area 89 by the finger (S120: YES), procedure shifts to S124. On the
other hand, if it is determined by the CPU 50 that operation to
select the BET area 89 is not done (S120: NO), procedure shifts to
S121.
[0263] In S121, it is determined whether or not operation to
determine the bet number is conducted. That is to say, it is
determined whether or not the bet number of chips to be betted is
set to the BET area 89 selected in S120.
[0264] Here, operation to determine the bet number is conducted
based on that the player presses each BET button (1 BET button 93A,
5 BET button 93B, 10 BET button 93C, 100 BET button 93D) among the
BET buttons 93, thus the CPU 50 determines in S121 whether or not
the BET buttons 93 are operated, based on the signal output from
the transparent touch panel 20. If it is determined that operation
to determine the bet number is done (S121: YES), chips
corresponding to the bet number are betted to the BET area 89. At
that time, the chip mark 91 indicating the number of chips betted
up to the present time and the BET area 89 is displayed on the
betting board 90, therefore the bet number of chips is indicated by
the number displayed on the chip mark 91 (see FIG. 20). As
mentioned, if the bet number is determined, procedure shifts to
S124.
[0265] On the other hand, if it is determined that operation to
determine the bet number is not conducted (S121: NO), procedure
shifts to S122.
[0266] Next, in S122, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the BET
confirmation button 92 is pressed. The BET confirmation button 92
is, as shown in FIG. 20, exist on the display plane of the lower
liquid crystal display 4 and is a button pressed when a series of
bet operations in S120 and S121 are decided. Therefore, the CPU 50
determines whether or not the transparent touch panel 20
corresponding to the BET confirmation button 92 is pressed by the
finger.
[0267] If it is determined that the BET confirmation button 92 is
pressed (S122: YES), the bet information determined up to the
present time is decided and a transmission flag is stored in the
RAM 52. Thereafter, procedure shifts to S123. On the other hand, if
it is determined that the BET confirmation button 92 is not pressed
(S122: NO), the bet process is terminated and procedure returns to
the roulette participation process program.
[0268] If it is determined that the BET confirmation button 92 is
pressed (S122: YES), it is determined whether or not the bet time
continues at present. Therefore, based on the timer data
transmitted from the roulette game machine 100 and stored in the
RAM 52, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the bet time
continues. If it is determined that the bet time continues (S123:
YES), the bet information decided up to the present time is
converted in a state transmittable to the roulette game machine
100, thereafter the bet process is terminated.
[0269] Here, at that time, as for the bet information stored in the
RAM 52, the bet information which is previously decided and
concerning with which the transmission flag is stored is also
converted in a state transmittable to the roulette game machine
100.
[0270] On the other hand, if it is determined that the bet time
does not continue, that is, if the roulette wheel 104 is rotating
and the roulette game is executed in the roulette game machine 100
(S123: NO), procedure shifts to S124.
[0271] Here, in S124, it is conducted the process to store the
present bet information in the RAM 52. That is to say, if procedure
shifts to S124 from S120, the information concerning with the BET
area 89 selected is added to the bet information and such bet
information is stored as the present bet information in the RAM 52.
And if procedure shifts to S124 from S121, the bet number decided
in S121 is added to the bet information and such bet information is
stored as the present bet information in the RAM 52. Further, if
procedure shifts to S124 form S123, the bet information decided in
S122 is stored in the RAM 52.
[0272] As mentioned, after the present bet information is stored in
the RAM 52 (S124), the bet process is terminated and procedure
returns to the roulette participation process program.
[0273] After the bet process (S110) is terminated, in S111, the CPU
50 determines whether or not the bet information is transmittable.
Here, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the bet information
converted in the transmittable state exists among the bet
information independently stored in the RAM 52. If it is determined
that the bet information is transmittable (S111: YES), the bet
information converted in the transmittable state is transmitted to
the roulette game machine 100 (S112) while adding discrimination
information to discriminate the slot machine 1. After the bet
information is transmitted, procedure shifts to S113. On the other
hand, if it is determined that the bet information is not
transmittable (S111: NO), procedure shifts to S113 while remaining
the bet information in the RAM 52.
[0274] Here, the main control CPU 180 of the roulette game machine
100 receiving the bet information output from the slot machine 1
through the roulette communication device 125 stores such bet
information in the RAM 182 while connecting to the discrimination
signal (S210). Here, at that time, it is determined that the bet
time continues in the bet process (S123: YES), therefore the
roulette game machine 100 is retained in the bet time.
[0275] Thus, the bet time is terminated based on that the bet
information is received and a predetermined time elapses.
Thereafter, processes in S25.about.S30 of the main process program
in the roulette game machine 100 are executed.
[0276] In S211 of the roulette participation process program in the
roulette game machine 100, the main control CPU 180 determines
whether or not one roulette game is terminated. That is to say, in
the main control program of the roulette game machine 100, it is
determined whether or not processes of S25.about.S30 are
terminated.
[0277] If it is determined that one roulette game is terminated
(S211: YES), the main control CPU 180 transmits the result in the
present roulette game to the slot machine 1. Here, at that time,
the information transmitted as the game result includes the winning
number in the present roulette game and the payout for the slot
machine 1. Such game result is respectively transmitted to each
slot machine 1 based on the discrimination information (S212).
After the game result is transmitted to each slot machine 1, the
roulette participation process program in the roulette game machine
100 is terminated.
[0278] On the other hand, if it is determined that one roulette
game is not terminated (S211: NO), the roulette participation
process program in the roulette game machine 100 is directly
terminated.
[0279] Here, the roulette participation process program of the
roulette game machine 100 is executed during the main control
program of the main control portion 183 is executed while
conducting interruption processes with a predetermined time
interval. That is, the roulette participation process program is
repeatedly executed with a predetermined time interval during the
electric power of the roulette game machine 100 is switched on.
[0280] On the other hand, in the slot machine 1 receiving the game
result in the present game from the roulette game machine 100, in
S113, the game result reception process is conducted. As mentioned
in the above, when the game result including the winning number in
the present game and the payout in the present roulette game is
received from the roulette game machine 100, the CPU 50 stores the
game result in the RAM 52 (S114).
[0281] Here, if it is determined that the game result is not
transmitted, procedure shifts to S114 without executing this
process.
[0282] In S114, it is determined by the CPU 50 whether or not the
game result is received through the slot communication device 25.
At that time, the CPU 50 determines the process in S114 based on
whether or not the game result stored in the RAM 52 in the game
result reception process (S113) exists. If it is determined that
the game result exists in the RAM 52 (S114: YES), the credit
addition process (S115) is done.
[0283] In the credit addition process (S115), it is conducted a
process that the credit number corresponding to the payout of the
game result received is added to the credit number existing at
present in the slot machine 1. Thereby, the credit obtained in the
roulette game done in the roulette game machine 100 is used in the
slot game done in the slot machine 1, without converting such
credits into the game media such as coins or medals. The credit
obtained in the roulette game is added to the credit of the slot
machine 1 (S115), thereafter the roulette participation process
program is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that
the game result is not received (S114: NO), the roulette game is
directly terminated.
[0284] As mentioned in the above, in the gaming system 200 of the
embodiment, even if the slot game is executed in the slot machine
1, the player can participate in the roulette game, which is the
multi-players joining game, done in the roulette game machine
100.
[0285] That is to say, while staying at the place where the slot
machine 1 is installed, the player can participate in the roulette
game done in the roulette game machine 100 which is installed in
the place quite different from the place where the slot machine 1
is installed. Therefore, the player can enjoy two games without
moving between the slot machine 1 and the roulette game machine
100.
[0286] Thus, while staying at the place where the slot machine 1 is
installed, two opportunities to select one of two games of the slot
game and the roulette game can be always given to the player. And
if the player loses interest for one game, the player can conduct
the other game. That is, convenience for the player can be improved
and operation rate of the slot machine 1 can be improved.
[0287] And in the slot machine 1 according to the embodiment, the
image indicating the state of the roulette game done in the
roulette game machine 100 is always displayed on the upper liquid
crystal display 3, thereby the player can acknowledge the sate of
the roulette game done in the roulette game machine 1 while staying
at the place where the slot machine 1 is installed. According to
this, interest for the roulette game can be raised.
[0288] And in the slot machine 1 of the embodiment, in a case that
display state on the lower liquid crystal display 4 is made into
the roulette betting state (see FIG. 20), the betting board 90 is
displayed without perfectly concealing the variable display
portions 21.about.23 used in the slot game. Thereby, the bet
operation for the roulette game can be conducted while grasping the
state of the roulette game.
[0289] Further, in the slot machine 1, the process of the bet
operation for the roulette game is executed while voluntarily
conducting interruption processes against the control program of
the slot game. Namely, in the slot machine 1 of the embodiment, the
bet operation for the roulette game can be done while executing the
slot game. Thereby, even if the player loses interest for the slot
game done in the slot machine 1 or has time on his hands, the
player can enjoy the roulette game.
[0290] For example, similar to the slot machine 1 of the
embodiment, if plural number of times of free games are adopted as
the bonus game in the slot machine, it is not required for the
player to conduct any operations while the free games are executed,
therefore the player becomes free and has time on his hands. At
that time, in the slot machine 1 of the embodiment, since the bet
operation for the roulette game can be done while executing the
slot game, the player can enjoy the roulette game in the slot
machine 1 without becoming free. Further, in this case, since the
player can confirm the game result of the free games while
conducting the bet operation for the roulette game, interest for
the free games in the slot game is not lost.
[0291] Here, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment
and, various modifications and changes can be done within the scope
of the present invention. For example, although the gaming system
200 of the embodiment is constructed from the slot machines 1 and
the roulette game machine 100, the gaming machines are not limited
to the above. For example, instead of the slot machine 1, it can be
used a gaming machine in which a card game for one player such a
poker game or a black jack game can be executed. And instead of the
roulette game 100, it can be used a gaming machine in which plural
players can participate in a horse race game or keno game.
* * * * *