U.S. patent application number 11/328281 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-03 for gaming machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to Aruze Corp.. Invention is credited to Kazuo Okada.
Application Number | 20060172805 11/328281 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36177366 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060172805 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Okada; Kazuo |
August 3, 2006 |
Gaming machine
Abstract
According to the manual adjustment mechanism 311, when the
player grips the grip rail 302 provided on the lower LCD display
301 and pushes the grip rail 302 away from, or pulls the grip rail
302 towards, the player, the crests of the wave-shaped parts 322
formed on the bottom face of the frame 321 can simultaneously ride
over the pair of primary rollers 331 and pair of secondary rollers
332, the lower LCD display 301 can be held while variously raised
or lowered in a stepped manner, and the installation angle of the
lower LCD display 301 in relation to the cabinet can be changed,
each time a crest rides over the pair of primary rollers 331 and
pair of secondary rollers 332.
Inventors: |
Okada; Kazuo; (Tokyo,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OBLON, SPIVAK, MCCLELLAND, MAIER & NEUSTADT, P.C.
1940 DUKE STREET
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Assignee: |
Aruze Corp.
Koto-ku
JP
|
Family ID: |
36177366 |
Appl. No.: |
11/328281 |
Filed: |
January 10, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/46 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3211 20130101; G07F 17/3216 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/046 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 19, 2005 |
JP |
P2005-011250 |
Jan 19, 2005 |
JP |
P2005-011251 |
Jan 19, 2005 |
JP |
P2005-011252 |
Claims
1. A games machine comprising: a cabinet; a display device
installed in the cabinet; a grip rail provided on the display
device; and a manual adjustment mechanism for adjusting an angle of
installation of the display device in relation to the cabinet by
moving manually the display device via the grip rail.
2. The games machine according to claim I further comprising: a
restriction device restricting the range of movement of the display
device.
3. The games machine according to claim 2 further comprising: a
position detection device detecting a position of the display
device; and a notification device externally notifying that the
position detection device has detected the display device reaching
a limit of movement.
4. The games machine according to claim 2 further comprising: a
position detection device detecting a position of the display
device; and a play control device establishing a condition wherein
play is impossible when the position detection device has detected
the display device reaching a limit of movement.
5. The games machine according to claim I further comprising: a
game medium detection device detecting game medium supplied as
remuneration for play; an interruption device interrupting movement
of the display device; and a clearing device clearing interruption
of movement of the display device with the interruption device when
the game medium detection device detects the game medium.
6. The games machine according to claim 1 further comprising: a bet
setting device setting the number of game medium as remuneration
for play; an interruption device interrupting movement of the
display device; and a clearing device clearing interruption of
movement in relation to the display device with the interruption
device on condition of manipulation of the bet setting device.
7. The games machine according to claim 1 further comprising: an
image control device displaying demonstration images on the display
device from a time of completion of play until a time of
commencement of play.
8. The games machine according to claim 1 further comprising: an
automatic restoration device automatically restoring the
installation angle of the display device to a default angle at the
time of completion of play.
9. A games machine comprising: a cabinet; a display device
installed in the cabinet; an adjustment mechanism for adjusting an
angle of installation of the display device in relation to the
cabinet using a drive source; a manipulation device for
manipulating the adjustment mechanism; and a permitting device for
permitting manipulation of the adjustment mechanism with the
manipulation device from a time when a predetermined condition is
fulfilled until completion of play.
10. The games machine according to claim 9 further comprising: a
game medium detection device detecting game medium supplied as
remuneration for play; and wherein a detection by the game medium
detection device is the predetermined condition.
11. The games machine according to claim 9 further comprising: a
bet setting device set as remuneration for play with the
predetermined number of game medium; and wherein a manipulation of
the bet setting device is the predetermined condition.
12. The games machine according to claim 9 further comprising: an
image control device displaying demonstration images on the display
device from a time of completion of play until a time of
commencement of play; and an automatic restoration device
automatically restoring the installation angle of the display
device to a default angle with the adjustment mechanism at the time
of completion of play.
13. A games machine comprising: a cabinet; a display device
installed in the cabinet; an automatic adjustment mechanism for
automatically adjusting an angle of installation of the display
device in relation to the cabinet; a head position detection device
detecting a position of a head of a player playing at the games
machine; a storage media storing a table to determine the angle of
installation of the display device in relation to the cabinet
according to the position of the head of the player playing at the
games machine; and a permitting device permitting automatic
adjustment of the angle of installation of the display device in
relation to the cabinet with the automatic adjustment mechanism
when a predetermined condition is fulfilled, based on a detection
results from the head position detection device and the table on
the storage media.
14. The games machine according to claim 13 further comprising: a
game medium detection device detecting game medium supplied as
remuneration for play; and wherein a detection by the game medium
detection device is the predetermined condition.
15. The games machine according to claim 13 further comprising: a
bet setting device setting the number of game medium as
remuneration for play; and wherein a manipulation of the bet
setting device is the predetermined condition.
16. The games machine according to claim 13 further comprising: an
automatic restoration device automatically restoring the
installation angle of the display device to a default angle with
the adjustment mechanism at a time of completion of play.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority from the Japanese Patent Applications Nos. 2005-011250,
2005-011251 and 2005-011252, filed on Jan. 19, 2005 in the Japanese
Patent Office; the entire contents of which are incorporated herein
by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a games machine having a
structure for ready viewing of displayed content.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Previous games machines having a structure for ready viewing
of displayed content are, for example, the games display device
disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-346032
(hereafter referred to as `patent document 1`). The games display
device disclosed in patent document 1 is provided with a
transparent front cover, a display unit visible from the front
through a front cover mounted rotatably in the frame of the games
machine, and a part for manipulating the angle of rotation of the
display unit provided in the front face of the games machine.
[0006] However, in the games display device disclosed in patent
document 1, since the display unit is rotated via a drive source
such as a motor and the like, even if the displayed content is
readily seen, the condition was often subtly different from that
desired by the player.
[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide
a games machine wherein the condition in which the displayed
content is readily seen, and the condition desired by the player,
can be made the same.
[0008] Furthermore, since the part for manipulating the angle of
rotation of the display unit can be operated at any time, the unit
was often subject to pranks by players and passersby and the like
simply by rotating the display unit.
[0009] Therefore, a further object of the present invention is to
provide a games machine wherein pranks by players and passersby and
the like to readily view displayed content are prevented.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The primary features provided in the present invention are a
cabinet (for example, the cabinet 2), a display device (for
example, the lower LCD display 301) installed in the cabinet (for
example, the cabinet 2), a grip rail (for example, the grip rail
302) provided on the display unit (for example, the lower LCD
display 301), and a manual adjustment mechanism (for example, the
manual adjustment mechanism 311) for adjusting the angle of
installation of the display unit (for example, the lower LCD
display 301) in relation to the cabinet (for example, the cabinet
2) by moving manually the display unit (for example, the lower LCD
display 301) via the grip rail (for example, the grip rail
302).
[0011] The secondary features provided in the present invention are
a cabinet (for example, the cabinet 2), a display device (for
example, the lower LCD display 301) installed in the cabinet (for
example, the cabinet 2), an adjustment mechanism (for example, the
adjustment mechanism 511) for adjusting the angle of installation
of the display unit (for example, the lower LCD display 301) in
relation to the cabinet (for example, the cabinet 2) using the
drive source (for example, the drive source 525), manipulation
means (for example, the control stick 503) for manipulating the
adjustment mechanism (for example, the adjustment mechanism 511),
and permitting means (for example, CPU 50, S76) for permitting
manipulation of the adjustment mechanism (for example, the
adjustment mechanism 511) with the manipulation means (for example,
the control stick 503) from the time the predetermined conditions
are established until completion of play.
[0012] The tertiary features provided in the present invention are
a cabinet (for example, the cabinet 2), a display device (for
example, the lower LCD display 301) installed in the cabinet (for
example, the cabinet 2), an automatic adjustment mechanism (for
example, the automatic adjustment mechanism 711) for automatically
adjusting the angle of installation of the display unit (for
example, the lower LCD display 301) in relation to the cabinet (for
example, the cabinet 2), head position detection means (for
example, the primary head position sensor group 703 and the like)
detecting the position of the head of the player playing at the
games machine (for example, the slot machine 601), storage media
(for example, the ROM 51) storing a table to determine the angle of
installation of the display device (for example, the lower LCD
display 301) in relation to the cabinet (for example, the cabinet
2) according to the position of the head of the player playing at
the games machine (for example, the slot machine 601), and
permitting means (for example, CPU 50, S86) permitting automatic
adjustment of the angle of installation of the display device (for
example, the lower LCD display 301). in relation to the cabinet
(for example, the cabinet 2) with the automatic adjustment
mechanism (for example, the automatic adjustment mechanism 711)
when the predetermined conditions are established, based on the
detection results from head position detection means (for example,
the primary head position sensor group 703 and the like) and the
table in the storage media (for example, the ROM 51).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a side view showing the outline of the manual
adjustment mechanism when the angle of installation of the lower
LCD display in relation to the cabinet is the default angle, in the
first embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the outline of the manual
adjustment mechanism in the first embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a side view showing the outline of the components
comprising the manual adjustment mechanism, and disposed on the
cabinet side, in the first embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a side view showing the outline of the manual
adjustment mechanism when the angle of installation of the lower
LCD display in relation to the cabinet is one limit angle, in the
first embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a side view showing the outline of the manual
adjustment mechanism when the angle of installation of the lower
LCD display in relation to the cabinet is the other limit angle, in
the first embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the slot machine in the
first embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a front view of the operation table in the first
through third embodiments.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram showing the control
system of the slot machine in the first embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the LCD display drive
circuit in schematic format in the first through third
embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a schematic descriptive diagram showing the
columns of symbols variably displayed on the variable display units
with base games in the first through third embodiments.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a descriptive diagram showing the winning
combination and payouts for same in the first through third
embodiments.
[0024] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the stop and display regions in
the five variable display units on the first through third
embodiments.
[0025] FIG. 13 is a flowchart related to the main processing
program in the first through third embodiments.
[0026] FIG. 14 is a flowchart related to the start receive
processing program in the first embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 15 is a flowchart related to the lottery processing
program in the first through third embodiments.
[0028] FIG. 16 is a flowchart related to the base game processing
program in the first through third embodiments.
[0029] FIG. 17 is a flowchart related to the bonus game processing
program in the first through third embodiments.
[0030] FIG. 18 is a flowchart related to the safety processing
program in the first embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 19 is a side view showing the outline of the adjustment
mechanism in the second embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of definition of the
installation angle of the lower LCD display in relation to the
cabinet in the second and third embodiments.
[0033] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the slot machine in the
second embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 22 is a schematic block diagram showing the control
system of the slot machine in the second embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 23 is a flowchart of the start receive processing
program in the second embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 24 is a side view showing the outline of the automatic
adjustment mechanism in the third embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the control table in the third
embodiment.
[0038] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the slot machine in the
third embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 27 is a schematic block diagram showing the control
system of the slot machine in the third embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 28 is a flowchart of the start receive processing
program in the third embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0041] The first through third embodiments of the present invention
as applied to a slot machine are described later in detail in
reference to the drawings.
First Embodiment
[0042] Firstly, the configuration in outline of the slot machine
according to the first embodiment is described based on FIG. 6
through FIG. 12.
[0043] In FIG. 6, the slot machine 1 has a slanted cabinet 2
forming the body of the slot machine 1 at which a player can play
while seated, an upper LCD display 3 provided at the top of the
front face of the cabinet 2, and a lower LCD display 301 provided
in the front panel 20 of the unit provided at the center of the
front face of the cabinet 2. Here, the upper LCD display 3 is
comprised of a general-purpose LCD display, and the lower LCD
display 301 is also comprised of a general-purpose LCD display. A
grip rail 302 gripped by the player is provided on the lower LCD
display 301 is described later. Information related to the game
such as game method, winning combinations and payouts for same, and
various effects and the like related to the game are displayed on
the upper LCD display 3. Furthermore, credit is displayed, and as
shown in FIG. 6, five variable display units 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25
are basically displayed, and various symbols described later are
variably displayed from top to bottom while scrolling (hereafter
also referred to as `scroll display`) in each variable display unit
21 through 25, and then stopped and displayed, on the lower LCD
display 301.
[0044] Therefore, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment,
slot games (base games and bonus games) are played with video reels
realized by display via the variable display units 21 through 25 of
the lower LCD display 301. In this slot game (base game or bonus
game), three symbols are stopped and displayed on each of the
variable display units 21 through 25. That is to say, as shown in
FIG. 12, the variable display units 21 through 25 are
differentiated into the primary stop and display regions 211, 221,
231, 241, and 251, the secondary stop and display regions 212, 222,
232, 242, and 252, and the tertiary stop and display regions 213,
223, 233, 243, and 253, and symbols are stopped and displayed in
each of the stop and display regions 211 through 213, 221 through
223, 231 through 233, 241 through 243, and 251 through 253.
[0045] Furthermore, this slot game (base game and bonus game) has
twenty-five pay-lines formed in five stop and display regions 211
through 213, 221 through 223, 231 through 233, 241 through 243, and
251 through 253. When activated, payout is occurs if a specific
symbol is queued in a specific mode when the symbols are stopped
and displayed in each pay-line. A description of the twenty-five
pay-lines is omitted.
[0046] Furthermore, the term `game` refers to a sequence of
operations including betting operation conducted based on currently
held credit for base games, symbols variably displayed and stopped
and displayed, and each processing (bonus game and payout
processing) conducted in accordance with the combination of stopped
and displayed symbols, and is distinct from bonus games.
[0047] Here, those of the twenty-five pay-lines activated are
referred to as `activated pay-lines`.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 6, the operation table 5 and the armrest 6
projecting towards the player are provided at the bottom of the
lower LCD display 301. As shown in FIG. 7, the COLLECT button 31
and the GAME RULES button 32 are provided in that order from left
in the upper stage of the operation table 5, the BET1 PER LINE
button 33, BET2 PER LINE button 34, BET3 PER LINE button 35, BET5
PER LINE button 36, BET8 PER LINE button 37, and the WIN START
FEATURE button 38 are provided in that order from left in the
middle stage of the operation table 5, and the RED PLAY1 LINE
button 39, the PLAY2 LINES button 40, the PLAY5 LINES button 41,
the PLAY20 LINES button 42, the BLACK PLAY25 LINES button 43, and
the GAMBLE RESERVE button 44 are provided in that order from left
in the lower stage of the operation table 5. Furthermore, as shown
in FIG. 6, the coin insertion slot 9, and the bill insertion slot
10, are provided at the right of the operation table 5.
[0049] The COLLECT button 31 is pressed when the base game is
completed. When the COLLECT button 31 is pressed, the equivalent
value of the number of credits acquired in the game is refunded
from the coin payout slot 15 to the coin receiver 16. A COLLECT
switch 45 is fitted to the COLLECT button 31, and when the COLLECT
button 31 is pressed, a switch signal is output from the COLLECT
switch 45 to the CPU 50 (see FIG. 8).
[0050] The GAME RULES button 32 is pressed if the game rules are
unclear. When the GAME RULES button 32 is pressed, various help
information is displayed on the upper LCD display 3 and the lower
LCD display 301. A GAME RULES switch 46 is fitted to the GAME RULES
button 32, and when the GAME RULES button 32 is pressed, a switch
signal is output from the GAME RULES switch 46 to the CPU 50 (see
FIG. 8).
[0051] A coin sensor 49 is provided in a coin insertion slot 9, and
when a coin is inserted in the coin insertion slot 9, a coin detect
signal is output from the coin sensor 49 to the CPU 50 (see FIG.
8), and the credit equivalent to the inserted coin is added.
Furthermore, a bill sensor 67 is provided in the bill insertion
slot 10, and when a bill is inserted in the bill insertion slot 10,
the bill detect signal is output from the bill sensor 67 to the CPU
50 (see FIG. 8), and the credit equivalent to the inserted bill is
added.
[0052] Each time the BET1 PER LINE button 33 is pressed, each
active pay-line is activated once. A 1-BET switch 57 is fitted to
the BET1 PER LINE button 33, and when the BET1 PER LINE button 33
is pressed, a switch signal is output from the 1-BET switch 57 to
the CPU 50 (see FIG. 8). Each time the BET2 PER LINE button 34 is
pressed, each active pay-line is activated twice. A 2-BET switch 58
is fitted to the BET2 PER LINE button 34, and when the BET2 PER
LINE button 34 is pressed, a switch signal is output from the 2-BET
switch 58 to the CPU 50 (see FIG. 8).
[0053] Each time the BET3 PER LINE button 35 is pressed, each
active pay-line is activated three times. A 3-BET switch 59 is
fitted to the BET3 PER LINE button 35, and when the BET3 PER LINE
button 35 is pressed, a switch signal is output from the 3-BET
switch 59 to the CPU 50 (see FIG. 8). Furthermore, each time the
BET5 PER LINE button 36 is pressed, each active pay-line is
activated five times. A 5-BET switch 60 is fitted to the BET5 PER
LINE button 36, and when the BET5 PER LINE button 36 is pressed, a
switch signal is output from the 5-BET switch 60 to the CPU 50 (see
FIG. 8).
[0054] Each time the BET8 PER LINE button 37 is pressed, each
active pay-line is activated eight times. A 8-BET switch 61 is
fitted to the BET8 PER LINE button 37, and when the BET8 PER LINE
button 37 is pressed, a switch signal is output from the 8-BET
switch 61 to the CPU 50 (see FIG. 8). The number of bets activated
in each line of the active pay-lines is therefore determined by
pressing the BET1 PER LINE button 33, BET2 PER LINE button 34, BET3
PER LINE button 35, BET5 PER LINE button 36, and BET8 PER LINE
button 37.
[0055] The WIN START FEATURE button 38 is for commencing a bonus
game, and adding a payout acquired in a bonus game to the credit. A
WIN START switch 47 is fitted to the WIN START FEATURE button 38,
and when the WIN START FEATURE button 38 is pressed, a switch
signal is output from the WIN START switch 47 to the CPU 50 (see
FIG. 8).
[0056] When the RED PLAY1 LINE button 39 is pressed, a game is
commenced with the number of active pay-lines as `1`. A 1-LINE
switch 62 is fitted to the RED PLAY1 LINE button 39, and when the
RED PLAY1 LINE button 39 is pressed, a switch signal is output from
the 1-LINE switch 62 to the CPU 50 (see FIG. 8). Furthermore, when
the PLAY2 LINES button 40 is pressed, a game is commenced with the
number of active pay-lines as `2`. A 2-LINES switch 63 is fitted to
the PLAY2 LINES button 40, and when the PLAY2 LINES button 40 is
pressed, a switch signal is output from the 2-LINES switch 63 to
the CPU 50 (see FIG. 8).
[0057] When the PLAY5 LINES button 41 is pressed, a game is
commenced with the number of active pay-lines as `5`. A 5-LINES
switch 64 is fitted to the PLAY5 LINES button 41, and when the
PLAY5 LINES button 41 is pressed, a switch signal is output from
the 5-LINES switch 64 to the CPU 50 (see FIG. 8). Furthermore, when
the PLAY20 LINES button 42 is pressed, a game is commenced with the
number of active pay-lines as `20`. A 20-LINES switch 65 is fitted
to the PLAY20 LINES button 42, and when the PLAY20 LINES button 42
is pressed, a switch signal is output from the 20-LINES switch 65
to the CPU 50 (see FIG. 8).
[0058] When the BLACK PLAY25 LINES button 43 is pressed, a game is
commenced with the number of active pay-lines as `25`. A25-LINES
switch 66 is fitted to the BLACK PLAY25 LINES button 43, and when
the BLACK PLAY25 LINES button 43 is pressed, a switch signal is
output from the 25-LINES switch 66 to the CPU 50 (see FIG. 8).
[0059] The number of active pay-lines can therefore be set as `1`,
`2`, `5`, `20`, or `25` by pressing the RED PLAY1 LINE button 39,
PLAY2 LINES button 40, PLAY5 LINES button 41, PLAY20 LINES button
42, or BLACK PLAY25 LINES button 43.
[0060] Furthermore, when the RED PLAY1 LINE button 39, PLAY2 LINES
button 40, PLAY5 LINES button 41, PLAY20 LINES button 42, or BLACK
PLAY25 LINES button 43 is pressed, a game is commenced with the
current number of bets and the number of relevant active pay-lines,
and variable display of the symbols is commenced on the variable
display units 21 through 25 on the lower LCD display 301.
[0061] The RED PLAY1 LINE button 39 and the BLACK PLAY25 LINES
button 43 are also used to select red or black in double-down games
conducted using credit acquired in bonus games.
[0062] The GAMBLE RESERVE button 44 is for pressing when leaving
the seat, or when moving to a double-down game after completing a
bonus game. A GAMBLE RESERVE switch 48 is fitted to the GAMBLE
RESERVE button 44, and when the GAMBLE RESERVE button 44 is
pressed, a switch signal is output from the GAMBLE RESERVE switch
48 to the CPU 50 (see FIG. 8).
[0063] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, the coin payout slot 15 is
formed, and the coin receiver 16 receiving the coins paid out from
the coin payout slot 15 is provided, in the bottom of the cabinet
2. A coin detector 73 (described later, see FIG. 8) comprised of a
sensor and the like is provided in the coin payout slot 15, and the
coin detector 73 detects the number of coins paid out from the coin
payout slot 15.
[0064] Examples of symbols variably displayed while scrolling on
the variable display units 21 through 25 of the lower LCD display
301 when playing base games are described based on FIG. 10. In FIG.
10, the column of symbols shown in the first reel strip 101 is the
column of symbols variably displayed with the variable display unit
21, the column of symbols shown in the second reel strip 102 is the
column of symbols variably displayed with the variable display unit
22, the column of symbols shown in the third reel strip 103 is the
column of symbols variably displayed with the variable display unit
23, the column of symbols shown in the fourth reel strip 104 is the
column of symbols variably displayed with the variable display unit
24, and the column of symbols shown in the fifth reel strip 105 is
the column of symbols variably displayed with the variable display
unit 25.
[0065] Here, the columns of symbols shown in the reel strips 101
through 105 have arrays of mutually different symbols. These
columns of symbols are comprised of the twelve symbols `WILD`,
`SHARK`, `FISH`, `PUNK`, `OCTOPUS`, `CRAB`, `WORM`, `A`, `K`, `Q`,
`J`, and `SARDINE` in combinations.
[0066] The words `SHARK`, `FISH`, `PUNK`, `OCTOPUS`, `CRAB`,
`WORM`, and `SARDINE` correspond to symbols of a shark, a fish, a
person holding a guitar, an octopus, a crab, a worm, and a sardine,
which are displayed on the lower LCD display 301. `WILD`, `A`, `K`,
`Q`, and `J` are letter symbols.
[0067] As described later, `SARDINE` is a scatter symbol for moving
to bonus games. Movement to a bonus game is possible when three or
more of the `SARDINE` symbols are stopped and displayed on the
variable display units 21 through 25, irrespective of activated
pay-lines.
[0068] `WILD` is a wild card symbol and can substitute for any of
`SHARK`, `FISH`, `PUNK`, `OCTOPUS`, `CRAB`, `WORM`, `A`, `K`, `Q`,
or `J`. `WILD` cannot substitute for the scatter symbol
`SARDINE`.
[0069] When the columns of symbols shown in the reel strips 101
through 105 are stopped and displayed following scroll display on
the variable display units. 21 through 25, each of three symbols is
stopped and displayed on the variable display units as described
above.
[0070] Furthermore, each winning combination comprised of the
aforementioned combination of symbols is preset, and when the
combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination is
stopped on an active pay-line, operation is the same as for the
conventional slot machine as far as payout for the winning
combination being added to the credit, and a description is
therefore omitted here.
[0071] Next, the configuration of the control system of the slot
machine 1 is described based on FIG. 8.
[0072] In FIG. 8, the control system of the slot machine 1 is
fundamentally comprised of a central CPU 50, with a ROM 51 and RAM
52 connected to the CPU 50. A main processing program, a base game
processing program, a bonus game processing program, a primary
lottery table for lottery of the base game stopped and displayed
symbols, a secondary lottery of table for lottery the bonus game
stopped and displayed symbols, and various programs and data tables
and the like necessary for control of the slot machine 1, and
described later, are stored in the ROM 51. Furthermore, the RAM 52
is a memory temporarily storing various data computed by the CPU
50.
[0073] Furthermore, a clock pulse generator circuit 53 generating a
reference clock pulse, a frequency divider circuit 54, a random
number generator 55 generating random numbers, and a random number
sampling circuit 56, are connected to the CPU 50. Random numbers
sampled with the random number sampling circuit 56 are used in
various lottery of winning combinations and the like. Furthermore,
the COLLECT switch 45 fitted to the COLLECT button 31, the GAME
RULES switch 46 fitted to the GAME RULES button 32, the 1-BET
switch 57 fitted to the BET1 PER LINE button 33, the 2-BET switch
58 fitted to the BET2 PER LINE button 34, 3-BET switch 59 fitted to
the BET3 PER LINE button 35, the 5-BET switch 60 fitted to the BET5
PER LINE button 36, the 8-BET switch 61 fitted to the BET8 PER LINE
button 37, the WIN START switch 47 fitted to the WIN START FEATURE
button 38, the 1-LINE switch 62 fitted to the RED PLAY1 LINE button
39, the 2-LINES switch 63 fitted to the PLAY2 LINES button 40, the
5-LINES switch 64 fitted to the PLAY5 LINES button 41, the 20-LINES
switch 65 fitted to the PLAY20 LINES button 42, the 25-LINES switch
66 fitted to the BLACK PLAY25 LINES button 43, and the GAMBLE
RESERVE switch 48 fitted to the GAMBLE RESERVE button 44, are
connected to the CPU 50. The CPU 50 conducts control to execute
operations corresponding to buttons based on switch signal output
from each switch when each button is pressed.
[0074] Furthermore, the coin sensor 49 provided in the coin
insertion slot 9, and the bill sensor 67 provided in the bill
insertion slot 10, are connected to the CPU 50. The coin sensor 49
detects coins inserted from the coin insertion slot 9, and the CPU
50 computes the number of coins inserted based on the coin detect
signal output from the coin sensor 49. The bill sensor 67 detects
the type and value of bills inserted from the bill insertion slot
10, and the CPU 50 computes the value of the bills, and the
equivalent credit, based on the bill detect signal output from the
bill sensor 67.
[0075] A hopper 71 is connected to the CPU 50 via a hopper drive
circuit 70. When the drive signal is output to the hopper drive
circuit 70 from the CPU 50, the hopper 71 pays out the
predetermined number of coins to the coin payout slot 15.
[0076] Furthermore, the coin detector 73 is connected to the CPU 50
via a payout complete signal circuit 72. The coin detector 73 is
provided in the coin payout slot 15, and when the predetermined
number of coins is detected to have been paid out from the coin
payout slot 15, the coin payout detect signal is output from the
coin detector 73 to the payout complete signal circuit 72, and on
this basis the payout complete signal circuit 72 outputs the payout
complete signal to the CPU 50. Furthermore, the upper LCD display 3
and the lower LCD display 301 are connected to the CPU 50 via an
LCD drive circuit 74, and the upper LCD display 3 and the lower LCD
display 301 are controlled by the CPU 50.
[0077] As shown in FIG. 9, the LCD drive circuit 74 is comprised of
the program ROM 81, the image ROM 82, a image control CPU 83, a
work RAM 84, a video display processor (VDP) 85, and a video RAM 86
and the like. The image control program, and various lottery tables
related to display on the upper LCD display 3 and the lower LCD
display 301 are stored in the program ROM 81. Furthermore, dot data
for forming images, for example, the columns of symbols displayed
in reel strips 101 through 105 in FIG. 10 and displayed on the
lower LCD display 301 (or the variable display units 21 through
25), and demonstration screens and the like, are stored in the
image ROM 82. Furthermore, the image control CPU 83 determines the
images displayed on the upper LCD display 3 and the lower LCD
display 301 from the dot data previously stored in the image ROM 82
in accordance with the image control program previously stored in
the program ROM 81 based on the parameters set by the CPU 50.
Furthermore, the work RAM 84 is configured as temporary storage
means when the image control CPU 83 executes the image control
program. Furthermore, the VDP 85 forms an image according to the
display content determined by the image control CPU 83, and outputs
this image to the upper LCD display 3 and the lower LCD display
301. Thus, for example, the columns of symbols and the like shown
in the reel strips 101 through 105 are scroll displayed on the
lower LCD display 301 (or the variable display units 21 through
25). The video RAM 86 is configured as temporary storage means when
the image is formed with the VDP 85.
[0078] Furthermore, the audio output circuit 79 is connected to the
CPU 50, and the speaker 80 is connected to the audio output circuit
79. The speaker 80 generates various sound effects when creating
various effects based on the output signal from the audio output
circuit 79.
[0079] Furthermore, the primary limit switch 341 and the secondary
limit switch 342 are connected to the CPU 50. Furthermore, the
locking actuator 351 and the default actuator 361 are connected to
the CPU 50 via the actuator output circuit 381, and the locking
actuator 351 and the default actuator 361 can be operated based on
the signal output from the actuator output circuit 381 (described
later).
[0080] The primary lottery table used when determining the symbols
stopped and displayed on the activated pay-lines comprised of the
secondary stop and display regions 212, 222, 232, 242, and 252 of
the variable display units 21 through 25 when playing a base game
using the five variable display units 21 through 25 in the slot
machine 1, is described below.
[0081] The symbols stopped and displayed on the activated pay-lines
comprised of the secondary stop and display regions 212, 222, 232,
242, and 252 of the variable display units 21 through 25 are
determined for each of the variable display units 21 through 25.
Thus, the symbols are scroll displayed on the variable display
units 21 through 25, and while code numbers `0` through `29` are
allocated sequentially one at a time from the top for each column
of symbols displayed on the reel strips 101 through 105 in FIG. 10,
in the primary lottery table, a random value is allocated to each
code number, and by sampling five random values via the random
number sampling circuit 56 to ensure correspondence with each
variable display unit 21 through 25, the symbols stopped and
displayed on the relevant activated pay-line are determined. For
example, the primary random numbers are sampled using the random
number sampling circuit 56. Next, the code numbers for the primary
random numbers are evaluated based on the primary lottery table.
The code numbers corresponding to the primary random numbers then
stop and display the allocated symbols in the secondary stop and
display region 212 of the variable display unit 21. Similarly, the
second through fifth symbols stopped and displayed in the secondary
stop and display regions 222 through 252 can be determined.
[0082] Next, the winning combination and payout for same when
playing a base game using the five variable display units 21
through 25 in the slot machine 1 are described below based on FIG.
11. FIG. 11 is a descriptive diagram showing the winning
combination and payout for same when playing a base game using the
five variable display units, and shows the payout when the number
of bets is `1`. When, therefore, the number of bets is `1`, the
value of the payout shown in FIG. 11 is added to the credit,
however when the number of bets is `2` or greater, the value of the
payout shown in FIG. 11 multiplied by the relevant number of bets
is added to the credit.
[0083] The winning combination and payout for same when a base game
is played is described below in practical detail. As shown in FIG.
11, when the `WILD` symbol is stopped and displayed consecutively
in the activated pay-lines in variable display units 21 and 22
(`2K` means that `WILD` symbol appears twice consecutively from the
left edge), a payout of `10` is obtained. Furthermore, when this
symbol is stopped and displayed consecutively in the activated
pay-lines in variable display units 21 through 23 (`3K` means that
`WILD` symbol appears three times consecutively from the left
edge), a payout of `320` is obtained. Furthermore, when this symbol
is stopped and displayed consecutively in the activated pay-lines
in variable display units 21 through 24 (`4K` means that `WILD`
symbol appears four times consecutively from the left edge), a
payout of `2500` is obtained.
[0084] Furthermore, when this symbol is stopped and displayed
consecutively in the activated pay-lines in variable display units
21 through 25 (`5K` means that `WILD` symbol appears five times
consecutively from the left edge), a payout of `6000` is
obtained.
[0085] Furthermore, when the `SHARK` symbol is stopped and
displayed consecutively in the activated pay-lines in variable
display units 21 and 22 (`2K` means that `WILD` symbol appears
twice consecutively from the left edge), a payout of `3` is
obtained. Furthermore, when this symbol is stopped and displayed
consecutively in the activated pay-lines in variable display units
21 through 23 (`3K` means that `WILD` symbol appears three times
consecutively from the left edge), a payout of `25` is
obtained.
[0086] Furthermore, when this symbol is stopped and displayed
consecutively in the activated pay-lines in variable display units
21 through 24 (`4K` means that `WILD` symbol appears four times
consecutively from the left edge), a payout of `150` is obtained.
Furthermore, when this symbol is stopped and displayed
consecutively in the activated pay-lines in variable display units
21 through 25 (`5K` means that `WILD` symbol appears five times
consecutively from the left edge), a payout of `1000` is
obtained.
[0087] As described above, the `WILD` symbol can also substitute
for the `SHARK` symbol.
[0088] Similarly, payouts for the `FISH` symbol, the `PUNK` symbol
(person holding a guitar), the `OCTOPUS` symbol, the `CRAB` symbol,
the `WORM` symbol, the `A` symbol (a letter), the `K` symbol (a
letter), the `Q` symbol (a letter), and the `J` symbol (a letter)
are set as shown in FIG. 11, and can be substituted by the `WILD`
symbol.
[0089] When these symbols are arrayed in a plurality of activated
pay-lines, and a plurality of payouts may be obtained, the total
value of all payouts is added to the credit.
[0090] On the other hand, with the `SARDINE` symbol, a payout of
`2` is obtained when `SARDINE` symbol appears twice (stopped and
displayed) consecutively from the left edge, a payout of `5` is
obtained when `SARDINE` symbol appears three times (stopped and
displayed) consecutively from the left edge, a payout of `10` is
obtained when `SARDINE` symbol appears four times (stopped and
displayed) consecutively from the left edge, and a payout of `125`
is obtained when `SARDINE` symbol appears five times (stopped and
displayed) consecutively from the left edge, irrespective of the
activated pay-lines on the variable display units 21 through
25.
[0091] The payout value shown in FIG. 11 is multiplied by the total
number of bets (product of the number of bets and the number of
activated pay-lines) only for payouts with the `SARDINE` symbol.
When payouts are also made with other than the `SARDINE` symbol,
the payout is also added to the credit in this case.
[0092] Furthermore, with the `SARDINE` symbol, the aforementioned
payout is obtained, and the player can move to a bonus game when
the `SARDINE` symbol appears three or more times (stopped and
displayed), irrespective of the activated pay-lines on the variable
display units 21 through 25.
[0093] A bonus game is a game played after a base game, and is
frequently advantageous to the player. Here, when the player moves
to a bonus game, between 15 and 25 consecutive games are played
automatically, without betting the credit, according to the results
of the lottery at the time of moving to the bonus game.
[0094] In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the columns
of symbols variably displayed on the variable display unit 21 of
the lower LCD display 301 while scrolling when playing a bonus game
are the columns of symbols shown on the reel strips 101 through 105
in FIG. 10, and are the same as used in base games.
[0095] The number of bets and number of activated pay-lines when
moving to a bonus game are each used during the bonus game.
Furthermore, the winning combination and payout for same in a bonus
game are the same as for base games, however the `SHARK` symbol is
handled as the `WILD` symbol (a letter), and when the `SARDINE`
symbol appears three or more times (stopped and displayed), the
player can move to a bonus game again. The player can therefore
often acquire considerable credit.
[0096] However, as shown in FIG. 6, in the slot machine 1 of the
first embodiment the lower LCD display 301 is installed in the
cabinet 2, however when the player moves the lower LCD display 301
by gripping the grip rail 302 of the lower LCD display 301, the
angle of installation of the lower LCD display 301 in relation to
the cabinet 2 can be adjusted manually in steps.
[0097] The manual adjustment mechanism installed in the slot
machine 1 of the first embodiment for realizing this adjustment is
described based on FIG. 1 through FIG. 5. FIG. 1 is a side view
showing the outline of the manual adjustment mechanism when the
angle of installation of the lower LCD display in relation to the
cabinet is the default angle. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the
outline of the manual adjustment mechanism. FIG. 3 is a side view
showing the outline of the components comprising the manual
adjustment mechanism, and disposed on the cabinet side. FIG. 4 is a
side view showing the outline of the manual adjustment mechanism
when the angle of installation of the lower LCD display in relation
to the cabinet is one limit angle. FIG. 5 is a side view showing
the outline of the manual adjustment mechanism when the angle of
installation of the lower LCD display in relation to the cabinet is
the other limit angle.
[0098] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, in the manual adjustment
mechanism 311, a pair of projections 333, a pair of primary rollers
331, a pair of secondary rollers 332, a primary limit switch 341, a
secondary limit switch 342, a locking actuator 351, a default
actuator 361, and one end of an energizing spring 372, are provided
appropriately on the cabinet 2 side.
[0099] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 5, in the
manual adjustment mechanism 311, the lower LCD display 301 wherein
the grip rail 302 is provided is rotatably supported on the axis by
a pair of rotation pins 371 at the tip of the frame 321.
[0100] A guide groove 303 is provided on both side faces of the
lower LCD display 301, and the pair of projections 333 provided on
the cabinet 2 side are inserted in the guide grooves 303. Thus,
movement of the lower LCD display 301 is restricted.
[0101] On the other hand, wave-shaped parts 322 are formed on the
bottom face of the frame 321, and the frame 321 is mounted on the
pair of primary rollers 331 and the pair of secondary rollers 332
provided on the cabinet 2 side via the wave-shaped parts 322.
Furthermore, the locking plate 323 is fixed in the center of the
frame 321, and the other end of the energizing spring 372 provided
in the cabinet 2 is fixed to this locking plate 323.
[0102] Since the frame 321 mounted on the pair of primary rollers
331 and the pair of secondary rollers 332 is pressed against the
pair of primary rollers 331 and the pair of secondary rollers 332
by the energizing spring 372, the tops of the pair of primary
rollers 331 and the pair of secondary rollers 332 are retained in
the troughs of the wave-shaped parts 322 formed in the bottom face
of the frame 321, and thus the position of the lower LCD display
301 rotatably supported on the axis by the tip of the frame 321 is
maintained.
[0103] Here, since the pair of primary rollers 331 and the pair of
secondary rollers 332 are provided on and fixed to the cabinet 2
side, for convenience in the description, the angle of intersection
of the straight line L1 passing through the axis of rotation of the
pair of primary rollers 331 and the axis of rotation of the pair of
secondary rollers 332, and the straight line L2 through the center
of the lower LCD display 301, is defined as the angle of
installation of the lower LCD display 301 in relation to the
cabinet 2. Furthermore, the installation angle .alpha.0 shown in
FIG. 1 is the default angle.
[0104] In the manual adjustment mechanism 311, when the player
grips the grip rail 302 provided on the lower LCD display 301 and
pushes the grip rail 302 away from, or pulls the grip rail 302
towards, the player, since the crests of the wave-shaped parts 322
formed on the bottom face of the frame 321 can simultaneously ride
over the pair of primary rollers 331 and pair of secondary rollers
332, the installation angle of the lower LCD display 301 in
relation to the cabinet 2 can be changed each time a crest rides
over the pair of primary rollers 331 and pair of secondary rollers
332.
[0105] When the player grips the grip rail 302 provided on the
lower LCD display 301 and continues pushing it away from the
player, the manual adjustment mechanism 311 moves to the condition
shown in FIG. 4. At this time, as shown in FIG. 4, since the
locking plate 323 of the frame 321 butts against the secondary
limit switch 342, the detect signal is issued from the secondary
limit switch 342. When the CPU 50 (see FIG. 8) detects the detect
signal from the secondary limit switch 342, the locking actuator
351 provided on the cabinet 2 side is actuated, pressing the
locking plate 323 of the frame 321 with the rod 352 of the locking
actuator 351. Thus, since the condition wherein the top parts of
the pair of primary rollers 331 and pair of secondary rollers 332
are in the troughs of the wave-shaped parts 322 formed on the
bottom face of the frame 321 is fixed, the position of the lower
LCD display 301 supported rotatably on the axis at the tip of the
frame 321 is also fixed.
[0106] Therefore, when the installation angle .alpha.1 shown in
FIG. 4 is set to the primary limit angle, and the player continues
pushing the grip rail 302 provided on the lower LCD display 301
away from the player, the installation angle of the lower LCD
display 301 in relation to the cabinet 2 can be increased to the
primary limit angle .alpha.1, that is to say, the lower LCD display
301 can be raised.
[0107] On the other hand, when the player continues pulling the
grip rail 302 provided on the lower LCD display 301 towards the
player, the manual adjustment mechanism 311 moves to the condition
shown in FIG. 5. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, since the
locking plate 323 of the frame 321 butts against the primary limit
switch 341, the detect signal is issued from the primary limit
switch 341. When the CPU 50 (see FIG. 8) detects the detect signal
from the primary limit switch 341, the locking actuator 351
provided on the cabinet 2 side is actuated, pressing the locking
plate 323 of the frame 321 with the rod 352 of the locking actuator
351. Thus, since the condition in which the top parts of the pair
of primary rollers 331 and pair of secondary rollers 332 are in the
troughs of the wave-shaped parts 322 formed on the bottom face of
the frame 321 is fixed, the position of the lower LCD display 301
supported rotatably on the axis with the tip of the frame 321 is
also fixed.
[0108] Therefore, when the installation angle .alpha.2 shown in
FIG. 5 is set to the secondary limit angle, and the player
continues pulling the grip rail 302 provided on the lower LCD
display 301 towards the player, the installation angle of the lower
LCD display 301 in relation to the cabinet 2 can be reduced to the
secondary limit angle .alpha.2, that is to say, the lower LCD
display 301 can be lowered.
[0109] As described above, since the fact that the installation
angle of the lower LCD display 301 in relation to the cabinet 2 is
the primary limit angle .alpha.1 shown in FIG. 4, or the secondary
limit angle .alpha.2 shown in FIG. 5, can be detected with the
secondary limit switch 342 or the primary limit switch 341, the
secondary limit switch 342 and primary limit switch 341 function as
`position detection means` detecting the position of the lower LCD
display 301. The position of the lower LCD display 301 may also be
detected directly with an infrared sensor and the like, and
indirectly with an encoder and the like provided on the rotation
pins 371 for direct detection.
[0110] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 5, the rod 362
of the default actuator 361 provided on the cabinet 2 side is fixed
on the bottom edge of the frame 321, and when a slot game (base
game or bonus game) is complete, the CPU 50 (see FIG. 8) actuates
the default actuator 361, the manual adjustment mechanism 311 is
moved to the condition shown in FIG. 1, and the installation angle
of the lower LCD display 301 in relation to the cabinet 2 is
automatically restored to the default angle .alpha.0.
[0111] The main processing program run on the slot machine 1 is
described based on FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a flowchart related to the
main processing program. In FIG. 13, the start receive processing
in FIG. 14 and described later is conducted first in step
(hereafter abbreviated by `S`) 11. This processing receives switch
signals output from the 1-BET switch 57, the 2-BET switch 58, the
3-BET switch 59, the 5-BET switch 60, the 8-BET switch 61, the
1-LINE switch 62, the 2-LINES switch 63, the 5-LINES switch 64, the
20-LINES switch 65, and the 25-LINES switch 66 based on operation
of the BET1 PER LINE button 33, the BET2 PER LINE button 34, the
BET3 PER LINE button 35, the BET5 PER LINE button 36, the BET8 PER
LINE button 37, the RED PLAY1 LINE button 39, the PLAY2 LINES
button 40, the PLAY5 LINES button 41, the PLAY20 LINES button 42,
or the BLACK PLAY25 LINES button 43, and the coin detect signal
from the coin sensor 49. A game is commenced when a switch signal
output from each switch is received.
[0112] In S12, the lottery processing shown in FIG. 15 and
described later is run based on the switch signals output from the
1-LINE switch 62, the 2-LINES switch 63, the 5-LINES switch 64, the
20-LINES switch 65, and the 25-LINES switch 66.
[0113] Here, when winning a bonus game, the number of bonus game
repetitions is determined, for example, selected by sampling from
any of between 10 and 25 games.
[0114] Next, in S13, the base game processing shown in FIG. 16 and
described later is run. Processing then proceeds to S14 and an
evaluation is made to determine whether or not a win was obtained
in the bonus game. In practice, in the lottery processing in S12,
since three or more of the `SARDINE` symbols appearing (stopped and
displayed) on the variable display units 21 through 25,
irrespective of activated pay-lines, is a win in a bonus game (YES
in S14), processing proceeds to S15, the bonus game processing
shown in FIG. 17 and described later is run, and the main
processing program is completed. On the other hand, in the lottery
processing in S12, since three or more of the `SARDINE` symbols not
appearing (stopped and displayed) on the variable display units 21
through 25, irrespective of activated pay-lines, is not a win in a
bonus game (NO in S14), the main processing program is
completed.
[0115] The start receive processing program run on the slot machine
1 is described based on FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is a flowchart related to
the start receive processing program. In S11 of the main processing
program shown in FIG. 13, when start receive processing is run, an
evaluation is first made in S21 in FIG. 14 of whether or not the
predetermined time (for example, 15 seconds) has elapsed after
completion of the immediately previous slot game (base game or
bonus game). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in S21),
processing proceeds immediately to S24 without further action, and
if the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S21), the default
angle is restored in S22. That is to say, the default actuator 361
is actuated, the manual adjustment mechanism 311 moved to the
condition shown in FIG. 1, and the installation angle of the lower
LCD display 301 in relation to the cabinet 2 is automatically
restored to the default angle .alpha.0. Furthermore, the locking
actuator 351 is actuated, pressing the locking plate 323 of the
frame 321 with the rod 352 of the locking actuator 351. Thus, the
installation angle of the lower LCD display 301 in relation to the
cabinet 2 is fixed at the default angle .alpha.0. The demo effects
are then displayed on the upper LCD display 3 and lower LCD display
301 in S23, and the demonstration image is displayed.
[0116] In S24, an evaluation is made to determine whether or not
the coin sensor 49 has detected a coin. This evaluation is
conducted by evaluating whether or not the coin detect signal has
been received from the coin sensor 49. When the coin sensor 49 has
detected a coin (YES in S24), no action is taken and processing
proceeds to S26. When the coin sensor 49 has not detected a coin
(NO in S24), processing proceeds to S25.
[0117] In S25, an evaluation is made to determine whether or not
the BET1 PER LINE button 33, the BET2 PER LINE button 34, the BET3
PER LINE button 35, the BET5 PER LINE button 36, or the BET8 PER
LINE button 37 has been operated. Here, when the BET1 PER LINE
button 33 and the like have not been operated (NO in S25),
processing returns to S21, and the aforementioned processing is
repeated. On the other hand, if the BET1 PER LINE button 33 and the
like have been operated (YES in S25), processing proceeds to
S26.
[0118] The lock is cleared in S26. That is to say, the locking
actuator 351 is actuated, moving the rod 352 of the locking
actuator locking actuator 351 off the locking plate 323 of the
frame 321. Thus, when the player grips the grip rail 302 provided
on the lower LCD display 301 and pushes the grip rail 302 away
from, or pulls the grip rail 302 towards the player, since the
crests of the wave-shaped parts 322 formed on the bottom face of
the frame 321 can simultaneously ride over the pair of primary
rollers 331 and pair of secondary rollers 332, the installation
angle of the lower LCD display 301 in relation to the cabinet 2 can
be changed each time a crest rides over the pair of primary rollers
331 and pair of secondary rollers 332.
[0119] In S27, an evaluation is made to determine whether or not
the RED PLAY1 LINE button 39, the PLAY2 LINES button 40, the PLAY5
LINES button 41, the PLAY20 LINES button 42, or the BLACK PLAY25
LINES button 43 has been operated. Here, when the RED PLAY1 LINE
button 39 and the like have not been operated (NO in S27),
processing returns to S21, and the aforementioned processing is
repeated. On the other hand, when the RED PLAY1 LINE button 39 and
the like have been operated (YES in S27), processing proceeds to
S28.
[0120] The lock is actuated in S28. That is to say, the locking
actuator 351 is actuated, pressing the locking plate 323 of the
frame 321 with the rod 352 of the locking actuator 351. Thus, the
installation angle of the lower LCD display 301 in relation to the
cabinet 2 is fixed at the angle at that time.
[0121] Processing then returns to the main processing program shown
in FIG. 13 even if demo effects are currently displayed, and
proceeds to the lottery processing in S12.
[0122] In the evaluation processing in S27, evaluation can be not
only with the operation signal, but also with other signals (for
example, the signal instructing start of reel rotation).
[0123] Thus, when the CPU 50 executes S23, the CPU 50 functions as
`image control means`. When the CPU 50 executes S26, the CPU 50
functions as `clearing means`.
[0124] The safety processing shown in FIG. 18 is run at the point
in time W1 between S26 and S27. FIG. 18 is a flowchart related to
the safety processing program. In the safety processing shown in
FIG. 18, firstly, the limit switch detects whether or not the frame
has reached the limit angle in S61. In practice, the frame reaching
the limit angle is detected by evaluating whether or not the CPU 50
has received the detect signal issued when the primary limit switch
341 or the secondary limit switch 342 detect the locking plate 323
of the frame 321. At this time, when the limit switches have not
detected the locking plate 323 of the frame 321 (NO in S61),
processing returns to the start receive processing in FIG. 14
without further action, and proceeds to S27.
[0125] On the other hand, when a limit switch has detected the
locking plate 323 of the frame 321 (YES in S61), processing
proceeds to S62, and the lock is actuated. That is to say, as shown
in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the locking actuator 351 is actuated,
pressing the locking plate 323 of the frame 321 with the rod 352 of
the locking actuator 351, and thus the installation angle of the
lower LCD display 301 in relation to the cabinet 2 is fixed at the
primary limit angle .alpha.1 or secondary limit angle .alpha.2.
[0126] External notification is conducted in S63. For example, the
fact that the installation angle of the lower LCD display 301 in
relation to the cabinet 2 has reached the primary limit angle
.alpha.1 or secondary limit angle .alpha.2 is displayed on the
lower LCD display 301, and a sound is emitted from the speaker
80.
[0127] Completion of locking is checked in S64. When locking is
complete, processing returns to the processing shown in FIG. 14,
and proceeds to S27. When locking is not complete, an error is
displayed on the upper LCD display 3, processing is interrupted,
and games cannot be played (S65).
[0128] Next, the lottery processing program run on the slot machine
1 is described based on FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is a flowchart related to
the lottery processing program. Lottery processing is run in S12 of
the main processing program shown in FIG. 13, however this requires
that processing first proceed to S31 in FIG. 15 to run symbol
determination processing. Here, in base games, symbols stopped and
displayed on the primary activated pay-line are determined for each
of the variable display units 21 through 25. In practice, as
described above, five random numbers corresponding to the variable
display units 21 through 25 are sampled with the random number
sampling circuit 56, and the stopped and displayed symbols
determined via the code numbers based on the primary lottery table.
Combination evaluation processing is run in S32 when symbols
stopped and displayed on the primary activated pay-line are
determined. The winning combination and payout for same are
determined in combination evaluation processing based on the table
in FIG. 11. Following combination evaluation, processing returns to
the main processing program in FIG. 13, and proceeds to the base
game processing in S13.
[0129] The primary activated pay-line is the activated pay-line
comprising the secondary stop and display regions 212, 222, 232,
242, and 252.
[0130] Next, the base game processing program run on the slot
machine 1 is described based on FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a flowchart
related to the base game processing program. Base game processing
is run in S13 of the main processing program in FIG. 13, however
this first requires scrolling of the symbols on the variable
display units 21 through 25 in S41 in FIG. 16, based on the switch
signals output from the 1-LINE switch 62, the 2-LINES switch 63,
the 5-LINES switch 64, the 20-LINES switch 65, and the 25-LINES
switch 66 and received in S11 in FIG. 13.
[0131] Scrolling of the symbols scrolled on the variable display
units 21 through 25 is stopped in S42.
[0132] In S43, credit equivalent to the payout determined based on
the table in FIG. 11 is paid in accordance with the combination of
winning combination symbols stopped and displayed on the variable
display units 21 through 25 in S42. Following the processing in
S43, processing returns to the main processing program shown in
FIG. 13, and proceeds to the evaluation processing in S14.
[0133] The bonus game processing program run on the slot machine 1
is described based on FIG. 17. FIG. 17 is a flowchart related to
the bonus game processing program. In S14 of the main processing
program shown in FIG. 13, when a win in a bonus game is determined
(YES in S14), processing proceeds to S15 in FIG. 13 and bonus game
processing is run, however this requires that lottery processing be
run during the bonus game in S51 in FIG. 17. Here, in bonus games,
symbols stopped and displayed on the primary activated pay-line are
determined for each of the variable display units 21 through 25. In
practice, as described above, five random numbers corresponding to
the variable display units 21 through 25 are sampled with the
random number sampling circuit 56, and the stopped and displayed
symbols determined via the code numbers based on the secondary
lottery table. When the symbols stopped and displayed in the
relevant activated pay-lines are determined, the winning
combination and payout for same is determined via these code
numbers based on the table in FIG. 11.
[0134] In the rotation processing in S52, scrolling of the symbols
on the variable display units 21 through 25 is automatic.
[0135] In the stop control processing in S53, scrolling of the
symbols on the variable display units 21 through 25 is stopped
automatically.
[0136] In the payout processing in S54, credit equivalent to the
payout determined based on the table in FIG. 11 (however, the
`SHARK` symbol is handled as the `WILD` symbol (a letter)) is paid
out in accordance with the combination of winning combination
symbols stopped and displayed on the variable display units 21
through 25 in S53.
[0137] In S55, an evaluation is made to determine whether or not
the number of times a bonus game is executed has reached the number
determined in S12 in FIG. 13. At this time, if the number of times
a bonus game is executed has not reached the number determined in
S12 in FIG. 13 (NO in S55), processing returns to S51 and the
aforementioned processing is repeated. On the other hand, if the
number of times a bonus game is executed has reached the number
determined in S12 in FIG. 13 (YES in S55), the bonus game program
is completed.
[0138] Even in S51, with a winning a bonus game, the number of
repeats of the bonus game is newly determined, and this determined
number of repeats is added to the `number of times determined in
S12 in FIG. 13` in the evaluation in S55. Thus, with a winning a
bonus game during a bonus game, the bonus game can be continued
even after the number of bonus games determined in S12 in FIG. 13
have been completed. For example, when first moving to twenty bonus
games, with a winning seventeen bonus games in the twelfth bonus
game, twenty five bonus games (20-12+17) are played.
[0139] Furthermore, when the final credit is acquired in a bonus
game, a double-down game in which the relevant credit is bet is
played following completion of the relevant bonus game, however a
description of this point is omitted.
[0140] As described in detail above, the slot machine 1 of the
first embodiment is provided with a cabinet 2, a lower LCD display
301 fitted to the cabinet 2, and a grip rail 302 provided on the
lower LCD display 301, as shown in FIG. 6. By moving manually the
lower LCD display 301 via the grip rail 302, a manual adjustment
mechanism 311 shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 5 in which the
installation angle of the lower LCD display 301 in relation to the
cabinet 2 can be adjusted, is provided. In the manual adjustment
mechanism 311, when the player grips the grip rail 302 provided on
the lower LCD display 301 and pushes the grip rail 302 away from,
or pulls the grip rail 302 towards the player, since the crests of
the wave-shaped parts 322 formed on the bottom face of the frame
321 can simultaneously ride over the pair of primary rollers 331
and pair of secondary rollers 332, the lower LCD display 301 can be
held while variously raised or lowered in a stepped manner, and the
installation angle of the lower LCD display 301 in relation to the
cabinet 2 can be changed, each time a crest rides over the pair of
primary rollers 331 and pair of secondary rollers 332. Thus, since
the installation angle of the lower LCD display 301 in relation to
the cabinet 2 can be readily adjusted in a stepped manner, the
player can adjust the installation angle to the desired angle (at
which the displayed content is readily visible).
[0141] Furthermore, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment,
when the player grips the grip rail 302 provided on the lower LCD
display 301 and pushes the grip rail 302 away from, or pulls the
grip rail 302 towards the player, when the installation angle of
the lower LCD display 301 in relation to the cabinet 2 reaches the
primary limit angle .alpha.1 shown in FIG. 4, or the secondary
limit angle .alpha.2 shown in FIG. 5, the secondary limit switch
342 or the primary limit switch 341 detect the secondary limit
angle or the primary limit angle and output the detect signal, the
locking actuator 351 is actuated based on the CPU 50 receiving the
detect signal (YES in S61) as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, presses
the locking plate 323 of the frame 321 with the rod 352 of the
locking actuator 351, and fixes the installation angle of the lower
LCD display 301 in relation to the cabinet 2 at the primary limit
angle .alpha.1 or the secondary limit angle .alpha.2 (S62). Thus,
the range of movement of the installation angle of the lower LCD
display 301 in relation to the cabinet 2 is restricted to within
the range between the primary limit angle .alpha.1 in FIG. 4 and
the secondary limit angle .alpha.2 in FIG. 5.
[0142] In consideration of the fact that players operating the slot
machine 1 of the first embodiment will be an indeterminate number
of persons, and young persons, it is assumed that the slot machine
1 of the first embodiment will be used in a rough manner. Based on
this assumption, it is also assumed that operation of the player
gripping the grip rail 302 provided on the lower LCD display 301
and pushing the grip rail 302 away from, or pulling the grip rail
302 towards, the player, will be in a rough manner. When operated
in this rough manner, the permitted range of operation is ignored,
and operation is excessive, so that an excessive load is applied to
the manual adjustment mechanism 311, and may result in damage to,
or a malfunction in, the manual adjustment mechanism 311. However,
in the slot machine 1, as described above, the range of movement of
the installation angle of the lower LCD display 301 in relation to
the cabinet 2 is physically restricted by the locking actuator 351,
so that the range between the primary limit angle .alpha.1 shown in
FIG. 4 and the secondary limit angle .alpha.2 shown in FIG. 5 is
not exceeded. Application of an excessive load to the manual
adjustment mechanism 311 is therefore prevented beforehand so that
operation in a rough manner does not cause damage to, or a
malfunction in, the manual adjustment mechanism 311.
[0143] Furthermore, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment,
when the player continuously grips the grip rail 302 provided on
the lower LCD display 301 and pushes the grip rail 302 away from,
or pulls the grip rail 302 towards the player, when the
installation angle of the lower LCD display 301 in relation to the
cabinet 2 reaches the primary limit angle .alpha.1 shown in FIG. 4,
or the secondary limit angle .alpha.2 shown in FIG. 5, the
secondary limit switch 342 or the primary limit switch 341 detects
the secondary limit angle or the primary limit angle and outputs
the detect signal, the CPU 50 receives the detect signal (YES in
S61) and displays the fact that the installation angle of the lower
LCD display 301 in relation to the cabinet 2 has reached the
primary limit angle .alpha.1, or the secondary limit angle
.alpha.2, on the lower LCD display 301, and a sound is emitted from
the speaker 80(S63), an error is displayed on the upper LCD display
3, processing is interrupted, and games cannot be played (S65).
[0144] Thus, the player can be persuaded not to grip the grip rail
302 provided on the lower LCD display 301 and push the grip rail
302 away from, or pull the grip rail 302 towards, the player.
[0145] Furthermore, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment,
when the coin sensor 49 has detected a coin (YES in S24), and when
the BET1 PER LINE button 33 and the like have been operated (YES in
S25), the lock is cleared (S26). Only in this case the installation
angle of the lower LCD display 301 in relation to the cabinet 2 can
be changed by the player gripping the grip rail 302 provided on the
lower LCD display 301 and pushing the grip rail 302 away from, or
pulling the grip rail 302 towards, the player. Thus, a non-playing
passerby is prevented from changing the installation angle of the
lower LCD display 301 in relation to the cabinet 2 as a prank.
[0146] Furthermore, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment,
when the predetermined time has elapsed after completion of the
immediately previous slot game (base game or bonus game) (YES in
S21), as shown in FIG. 1, the installation angle of the lower LCD
display 301 in relation to the cabinet 2 is automatically restored
to the default angle .alpha.0 (S22). Thus, when a game is not
played on the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, since the
installation angle of the lower LCD display 301 in relation to the
cabinet 2 is the predetermined angle .alpha.0 of the default angle,
when a plurality of the slot machines 1 of the first embodiment are
arrayed contiguously, the installation angle of the lower LCD
display 301 in relation to the cabinet 2 is uniform for slot
machines on which games are not currently played, and this is
useful in improving appearance.
[0147] Furthermore, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment,
when the predetermined time has elapsed after completion of the
immediately previous slot game (base game or bonus game) (YES in
S21), as shown in FIG. 1, the installation angle of the lower LCD
display 301 in relation to the cabinet 2 is automatically restored
to the default angle .alpha.0 (S22), and furthermore, the
demonstration image is then displayed on the upper LCD display 3
and the lower LCD display 301 (S23). At this time, the installation
angle of the lower LCD display 301 on which demonstration image is
displayed becomes the default angle .alpha.0, and the angle of view
of the lower LCD display 301 is such that passersby can view the
demonstration image on the lower LCD display 301 without
restriction. For example, the default angle .alpha.0 is adjusted
based on the horizontal distance between the lower LCD display 301
and the passerby, and the difference between the height of the
center of the lower LCD display 301 and the eye height of the
passerby. Change in the horizontal distance and the difference in
height is naturally desirable according to the country or region in
which the slot machine is installed, and ethnic group, gender, and
age and the like of the anticipated passerby.
Second Embodiment
[0148] In the games machine of the second embodiment of the present
invention, the player can appropriately manipulate the installation
angle of the display device in relation to the cabinet as desired.
Furthermore, this manipulation is possible from the time the
predetermined conditions are established until completion of play,
and thus players and passersby can be prevented from adjusting and
moving the display device simply as a prank unique to games
machines.
[0149] The games machine according to the second embodiment of the
present invention is described below based on drawings for an
embodiment of the present invention applied to a slot machine.
Firstly, the configuration of the outline of the slot machine
according to the second embodiment is described based on FIG. 7,
FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 11, FIG. 12, FIG. 21, and FIG. 22. FIG. 7 is
a front view of the operation table. FIG. 9 is a block diagram
showing the LCD liquid crystal drive circuit in schematic format.
FIG. 10 is a descriptive diagram showing schematically the columns
of symbols variably displayed on the variable display units with
base games. FIG. 11 is a descriptive diagram showing winning
combination and payouts for same. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the
stop and display regions on the five variable display units. FIG.
21 is a perspective view of the slot machine. FIG. 22 is a
schematic block diagram showing the control system of the slot
machine.
[0150] In FIG. 21, the slot machine 401 has a slanted cabinet 2
forming the entirety of the slot machine 401 and at which a player
can play while seated, an upper LCD display 3 provided at the top
of the front face of the cabinet 2, and a lower LCD display 301
provided behind the protective panel 502 in the front panel 20 of
the unit provided at the center of the front face of the cabinet 2.
Here, the upper LCD display 3 is comprised of a general-purpose LCD
display, and the lower LCD display 301 is also comprised of a
general-purpose LCD display.
[0151] The upper LCD display 3 and the five variable display units
21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 shown on the lower LCD display 301 are
similar to the first embodiment, and a description is therefore
omitted.
[0152] The operation table 5, the various buttons provided on the
operation table 5, and the coin insertion slot 9 and bill insertion
slot 10 provided at the right side of the operation table 5 are
similar to the first embodiment, and a description is therefore
omitted.
[0153] As shown in FIG. 21, the control stick 503 is provided on
the armrest 6. The operation switch 504 is fitted to the control
stick 503, and an operation signal from the operation switch 504
based on operation of the control stick 503 is output to the CPU
500 via the operation circuit 505 (see FIG. 22).
[0154] The coin payout slot 15 and the coin receiver 16 are also
similar to the first embodiment, and a description is therefore
omitted.
[0155] The columns of symbols variably displayed while scrolling on
the variable display units 21 through 25 are also similar to the
first embodiment, and a description is therefore omitted.
[0156] Next, the configuration of the control system of the slot
machine 401 is described based on FIG. 22. However, a description
of points in common with the first embodiment is omitted.
[0157] As shown in FIG. 22, the operation switch 504 is connected
to the CPU 500 via the operation circuit 505, and the motor 525
being a stepping motor is connected to the CPU 500 via the motor
drive circuit 532. When the control stick 503 is operated (see FIG.
21), the operation signal emitted from the operation switch 504 is
input to the CPU 500 via the operation circuit 505. The drive
signal from the CPU 500 is then output to the motor drive circuit
532, and the motor drive circuit 532 receiving the drive signal
outputs a stepping signal and the like to the motor 525. The motor
525 then rotates by the predetermined amount in the predetermined
direction.
[0158] In the slot machine 401 of the second embodiment, the lower
LCD display 301 is installed in the cabinet 2 as shown in FIG. 21.
The installation angle of the lower LCD display 301 in relation to
the cabinet 2 can be adjusted by operation of the control stick
503.
[0159] The installation angle adjustment mechanism is described
based on FIG. 19 and FIG. 20. FIG. 19 is a side view showing the
outline of the adjustment mechanism. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing
an example of definition of the installation angle of the lower LCD
display in relation to the cabinet.
[0160] As shown in FIG. 19, in the adjustment mechanism 511, the
lower LCD display 301 is provided facing the protective panel 502
in the cabinet 2. The bottom of the lower LCD display 301 is
rotatably supported on the axis in relation to the cabinet 2 via
the rotation axis 521. On the other hand, the arc-shaped rack 522
projects from the top of the lower LCD display 301. The pinion 524
meshing with the teeth 523 of this arc-shaped rack 522 is rotatably
supported on the axis in relation to the cabinet 2, and this rack
522 is rotated by the motor 525 being a stepping motor.
[0161] Here, for convenience in the description, as shown in FIG.
20, the angle .beta. formed between the horizontal line 542 passing
through the rotation axis 521, and the centerline 541 of the lower
LCD display 301 is defined as the installation angle of the lower
LCD display 301 in relation to the cabinet 2.
[0162] As referred to in the description of FIG. 21, when the
control stick 503 is operated, the operation signal emitted from
the operation switch 504 is input to the CPU 500 via the operation
circuit 505, and furthermore, the motor drive circuit 532 outputs a
stepping signal and the like to the motor 525 based on the motor
drive circuit 532 receiving the drive signal from the CPU 500.
Since the motor 525 receiving the stepping signal and the like
rotates by the predetermined amount in the predetermined direction,
the drive status of the motor 525 can be controlled. Since the
drive force of the motor 525 under this control then rotates the
lower LCD display 301 via the pinion 524 and the rack 522, the
installation angle .beta. of the lower LCD display 301 in relation
to the cabinet 2 can be adjusted by operation of the control stick
503.
[0163] In practice, when the control stick 503 is continuously
pushed towards the protective panel 502 (away from the player), the
motor 525 rotates in one direction (clockwise in FIG. 19), and thus
the lower LCD display 301 is gradually lowered. At this time, if
the control stick 503 is returned to the raised position (the home
position), rotation of the motor 525 is halted, and the
installation angle .beta. of the lower LCD display 301 in relation
to the cabinet 2 is fixed.
[0164] On the other hand, when the control stick 503 is
continuously pushed away from the protective panel 502 (towards the
player), the motor 525 rotates in the reverse direction, and thus
the lower LCD display 301 is gradually raised. At this time,
operation returning the control stick 503 to the raised position
(home position) results in halting of rotation of the motor 525,
and the installation angle .beta. of the lower LCD display 301 in
relation to the cabinet 2 is fixed.
[0165] Since the position to which the motor 525 is rotated (angle
of rotation) is controlled with the motor drive circuit 532, the
CPU 500 can return the installation angle .beta. of the lower LCD
display 301 in relation to the cabinet 2 to the default angle by
controlling the position to which the motor 525 is rotated.
Furthermore, the range of rotation of the motor 525 is also
controlled with the motor drive circuit 532, so that even when the
control stick 503 is pushed down continuously, rotation of the
motor 525 is halted immediately. Since an excessive load cannot be
applied to the lower LCD display 301, the pinion 524, and the rack
522, the adjustment mechanism 511 is not damaged. That is to say, a
range of adjustment exists when adjusting the installation angle
.beta. of the lower LCD display 301 in relation to the cabinet 2 by
operation of the control stick 503, and this range of adjustment is
controlled with the motor drive circuit 532.
[0166] The adjustment mechanism 511 is therefore provided with the
lower LCD display 301 (monitor) freely rotating on the cabinet 2
(base) via the rotation axis 521 (hinge), and the rotatable motor
525 (drive source), within the cabinet 2 (game cabinet). The
electrically operated control stick 503 (switch) able to freely
rotate the lower LCD display 301 using the motor 525 (drive
source), and electrically connected to the motor 525 (drive
source), is provided on the front face of the cabinet 2 (game
cabinet).
[0167] The main processing, the lottery processing, the base game
processing, and the bonus game processing run on the slot machine
401 is similar to the first embodiment, and a description is
therefore omitted.
[0168] The start receive processing run on the slot machine 401 is
described based on FIG. 23. FIG. 23 is a flowchart related to the
start receive processing program. In S11 of the main processing
program shown in FIG. 13, when running the start receive
processing, processing for making it impossible to adjust the
installation angle is first run in S70 in FIG. 23. When this
processing is run, the CPU 500 ignores the operation signal
received from the operation switch 504 via the operation circuit
505, and either does not output the drive signal, or outputs a
drive signal not driving the motor 525, to the motor drive circuit
532. In this state, since the motor 525 does not rotate even when
the control stick 503 is operated, the lower LCD display 301 cannot
be moved, and the installation angle .beta. of the lower LCD
display 301 in relation to the cabinet 2 can no longer be
adjusted.
[0169] In S71, an evaluation is made to determine whether or not
the predetermined time (for example, 15 seconds) has elapsed after
completion of the slot game (base game or bonus game). Here, if the
predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in S71), processing proceeds
immediately to S74 without further action, however if the
predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S71), the default angle is
restored in S72. That is to say, the CPU 500 computes the amount
and direction of rotation of the motor 525, and outputs a drive
signal to the motor drive circuit 532 to move the motor 525 by the
computed amount and in the computed direction so that the
installation angle .beta. of the lower LCD display 301 in relation
to the cabinet 2 becomes the default angle. The demo effects are
then displayed on the upper LCD display 3 and lower LCD display 301
in S73, and the demonstration image is displayed.
[0170] In S74, an evaluation is made to determine whether or not
the coin sensor 49 has detected a coin. This evaluation is
conducted by evaluating whether or not the coin detect signal has
been received from the coin sensor 49. If the coin sensor 49 has
detected a coin (YES in S74), no action is taken and processing
proceeds to S76. When the coin sensor 49 has not detected a coin
(NO in S74), processing proceeds to S75.
[0171] In S75, an evaluation is made to determine whether or not
the BET1 PER LINE button 33, the BET2 PER LINE button 34, the BET3
PER LINE button 35, the BET5 PER LINE button 36, or the BET8 PER
LINE button 37 has been operated. Here, when the BET1 PER LINE
button 33 and the like has not been operated (NO in S75),
processing returns to S71 and the aforementioned processing is
repeated, however on the other hand, if the BET1 PER LINE button 33
and the like have been operated (YES in S75), processing proceeds
to S76.
[0172] Installation angle adjustment permit processing is run in
S76. In this processing, the CPU 500 receives the operation signal
from the operation switch 504 via the operation circuit 505, and
furthermore, computes the amount and direction of rotation of the
motor 525 for the motor drive circuit 532 based on the operation
signal from the operation switch 504, and outputs a drive signal to
the motor drive circuit 532 to move the motor 525 by the computed
amount and in the computed direction. When the control stick 503 is
operated in this condition, since the motor 525 rotates, the lower
LCD display 301 can be moved, and the installation angle .beta. of
the lower LCD display 301 in relation to the cabinet 2 can be
adjusted.
[0173] In S77, an evaluation is made to determine whether or not
the RED PLAY1 LINE button 39, the PLAY2 LINES button 40, the PLAY5
LINES button 41, the PLAY20 LINES button 42, or the BLACK PLAY25
LINES button 43 has been operated. When the RED PLAY1 LINE button
39 and the like have not been operated (NO in S77), processing
returns to S71, and the aforementioned processing is repeated. On
the other hand, when the RED PLAY1 LINE button 39 and the like have
been operated (YES in S77), processing returns to the main
processing program in FIG. 13 even if currently displaying demo
effects, and proceeds to lottery processing in S12.
[0174] In the evaluation processing in S77, evaluation can be not
only with these operation signals, but also with other input.
[0175] The CPU 500 therefore acts as `permitting means` when
executing S76.
[0176] Furthermore, the `predetermined conditions` are established
when the CPU 500 determines YES in S74 and S75.
[0177] Furthermore, the CPU 500 acts as `automatic restoration
means` when executing S72.
[0178] As described in detail above, the slot machine 401 of the
second embodiment is provided with a cabinet 2, a lower LCD display
301 installed in the cabinet 2, an adjustment mechanism 511 in
which the installation angle .beta. (see FIG. 20) of the lower LCD
display 301 in relation to the cabinet 2 can be adjusted using the
motor 525, and a control stick 503 operating the adjustment
mechanism 511, as shown in FIG. 19. In the adjustment mechanism
511, when the control stick 503 is lowered, the motor 525 is
rotated, and thus the lower LCD display 301 is gradually lowered or
raised, and when the control stick 503 is returned to the raised
condition (home position), motor 525 rotation is halted, and the
installation angle .beta. of the lower LCD display 301 in relation
to the cabinet 2 is fixed.
[0179] Operation of the adjustment mechanism 511 with such a
control stick 503 is permitted by the CPU 500 (S76) only when the
coin sensor 49 has detected a coin (YES in S74), or when the BET1
PER LINE button 33 and the like have been operated (YES in S75).
Operation is not permitted by CPU 500 in other cases (S70).
[0180] That is to say, in the slot machine 401 of the second
embodiment, the player can manipulate the installation angle .beta.
(see FIG. 20) of the lower LCD display 301 in relation to the
cabinet 2 appropriately as desired via operation of the adjustment
mechanism 511 with the control stick 503. This operation is
permitted by the CPU 500 (S76) only when the coin sensor 49 has
detected a coin (YES in S74), or when the BET1 PER LINE button 33
and the like have been operated (YES in S75). Operation is not
permitted by CPU 500 when a game is not played on the slot machine
(S70). Thus, there is the advantage that players and passersby can
be prevented from adjusting and moving the lower LCD display 301
simply as a prank unique to the slot machine 401.
[0181] Furthermore, in the slot machine 401 of the second
embodiment, when the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S71)
after completion of the slot game (base game or bonus game), the
installation angle .beta. of the lower LCD display 301 in relation
to the cabinet 2 is automatically restored to the default angle
(S72). Thus, in the slot machine 401 of the second embodiment, the
installation angle .beta. of the lower LCD display 301 in relation
to the cabinet 2 becomes the default angle when a game is not
played on the slot machine. Thus, when a plurality of the slot
machines 401 of the second embodiment are arrayed contiguously, the
installation angle of the lower LCD display 301 in relation to the
cabinet 2 is uniform for slot machines on which games are not
currently played, and this is useful in improving appearance.
[0182] Furthermore, in the slot machine 401 of the second
embodiment, as described above, when the predetermined time has
elapsed (YES in S71) after completion of the slot game (base game
or bonus game), the installation angle .beta. of the lower LCD
display 301 in relation to the cabinet 2 is automatically restored
to the default angle (S72). The demo effects are then displayed on
the upper LCD display 3 and lower LCD display 301, and the
demonstration image is displayed (S73). At this time, the
installation angle .beta. of the lower LCD display 301 on which the
demonstration image is displayed in relation to the cabinet 2
becomes the default angle, and the angle of view of the lower LCD
display 301 is such that the demonstration image on the lower LCD
display 301 can be viewed by passersby without restriction. As
described above, the default angle is adjusted based on the
horizontal distance between the lower LCD display 301 and an
assumed passerby, and the difference between the height of the
center of the lower LCD display 301 and the eye height of the
assumed passerby.
Third Embodiment
[0183] In the games machine of the third embodiment of the present
invention, the installation angle of the display device in relation
to the cabinet is adjusted automatically according to the position
of the head of the player, and since adjustment by operation by
players and passersby is not possible, players and passersby can be
prevented from adjusting and moving the display device simply as a
prank unique to the games machine. Furthermore, by permitting
automatic adjustment only from the time the predetermined
conditions are established until completion of play, a malfunction
such as automatic adjustment according to the position of the head
of a passerby is prevented.
[0184] The games machine according to the third embodiment of the
present invention is described below in reference to drawings based
on an embodiment of the present invention applied to a slot
machine. Firstly, the configuration of the outline of the slot
machine according to the third embodiment is described based on
FIG. 7, FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 11, FIG. 12, FIG. 26, and FIG. 27.
FIG. 7 is a front view of the operation table. FIG. 9 is a block
diagram showing the LCD liquid crystal drive circuit in schematic
format. FIG. 10 is a descriptive diagram showing schematically the
columns of symbols variably displayed on the variable display units
with base games. FIG. 11 is a descriptive diagram showing winning
combination and payouts for same. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the
stop and display regions on the five variable display units. FIG.
26 is a perspective view of the slot machine. FIG. 27 is a
schematic block diagram showing the control system of the slot
machine.
[0185] In FIG. 26, the slot machine 601 has a slanted cabinet 2
forming the entirety of the slot machine 601 and at which a player
can play while seated, an upper LCD display 3 provided at the top
of the front face of the cabinet 2, and a lower LCD display 301
provided behind the protective panel 502 in the front panel 20 of
the unit provided at the center of the front face of the cabinet 2.
Here, the upper LCD display 3 is comprised of a general-purpose LCD
display, and the lower LCD display 301 is also comprised of a
general-purpose LCD display. The upper LCD display 3, the lower LCD
display 301 and the five variable display units 21, 22, 23, 24, and
25 displayed on the lower LCD display 301 are similar to the first
embodiment, and a description is therefore omitted.
[0186] The operation table 5, the various buttons provided on the
operation table 5, and the coin insertion slot 9 and bill insertion
slot 10 provided at the right side of the operation table 5 are
similar to the first embodiment, and a description is therefore
omitted.
[0187] As shown in FIG. 26, the primary head position sensor group
703 and the secondary head position sensor group 704 are provided
on both sides of the upper LCD display 3. The primary head position
sensor group 703 is comprised of the first sensor 703a, the second
sensor 703b, the third sensor 703c, the fourth sensor 703d, the
fifth sensor 703e, and the sixth sensor 703f. These six sensors are
arrayed equidistantly. Furthermore, the second head position sensor
group 704 is comprised of the first sensor 704a, the second sensor
704b, the third sensor 704c, the fourth sensor 704d, the fifth
sensor 704e, and the sixth sensor 704f. These six sensors are
arrayed equidistantly.
[0188] When the position of the head of the player who is seated in
front of a slanted cabinet 2 is detected by the six sensors 703a
through 703f comprising the primary head position sensor group 703,
and the six sensors 704a through 704f comprising the secondary head
position sensor group 704, a detect signal is processed by the head
position detect circuit 731 and output to the CPU 700 (see FIG.
27).
[0189] The columns of symbols variably displayed while scrolling on
the variable display units 21 through 25 are similar to the first
embodiment, and a description is therefore omitted. Furthermore,
the coin payout slot 15 and the coin receiver 16 are similar to the
first embodiment, and a description is therefore omitted.
[0190] Next, the configuration of the control system of the slot
machine 601 is described based on FIG. 27. However, a description
of points in common with the first embodiment is omitted.
[0191] As shown in FIG. 27, the primary head position sensor group
703 and the secondary head position sensor group 704 are connected
to the CPU 700 via the head position detect circuit 731, and
furthermore, the motor 525 being a stepping motor is connected to
the CPU 700 via the motor drive circuit 532. When the detect
signals are input to the CPU 700 from the six sensors 703a through
703f comprising the primary head position sensor group 703, or the
six sensors 704a through 704f comprising the secondary head
position sensor group 704, via the head position detect circuit
731, the drive signal is output to the motor drive circuit 532 from
the CPU 700, and since the motor drive circuit 532 receiving the
drive signal output a stepping signal and the like to the motor
525, the 525 rotates in the predetermined direction by the
predetermined amount. In the slot machine 601 of the third
embodiment, as shown in FIG. 26, the lower LCD display 301 is
installed in the cabinet 2. When the position of the head of the
player is detected with the six sensors 703a through 703f
comprising the primary head position sensor group 703, or the six
sensors 704a through 704f comprising the secondary head position
sensor group 704, the installation angle of the lower LCD display
301 in relation to the cabinet 2 is automatically adjusted so that
the player is able to readily view the lower LCD display 301 in
consideration of the detected position of the head of the
player.
[0192] The automatic adjustment mechanism provided in the slot
machine 601 of the third embodiment is described based on FIG. 20,
FIG. 24, and FIG. 25. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of
definition of the installation angle of the lower LCD display in
relation to the cabinet. FIG. 24 is a side view showing the outline
of the automatic adjustment mechanism. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing
the control table.
[0193] As shown in FIG. 24, in the automatic adjustment mechanism
711, the lower LCD display 301 is provided facing the protective
panel 502. The bottom of the lower LCD display 301 is rotatably
supported on the axis in relation to the cabinet 2 via the rotation
axis 521. On the other hand, the arc-shaped rack 522 projects from
the top of the lower LCD display 301. The pinion 524 meshing with
the teeth 523 of this rack 522 are rotatably supported on the axis
in relation to the cabinet 2, and this rack 522 is rotated by the
motor 525 being a stepping motor.
[0194] Similarly to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, the
angle .beta. formed between the horizontal line 542 passing through
the rotation axis 521, and the centerline 541 of the lower LCD
display 301 is defined as the installation angle of the lower LCD
display 301 in relation to the cabinet 2.
[0195] The position of the head of the player 701 is detected with
the six sensors 703a through 703f comprising the primary head
position sensor group 703, or the six sensors 704a through 704f
comprising the secondary head position sensor group 704. As shown
in the control table 751 in FIG. 25, seven detection patterns are
used with the primary head position sensor group 703 and the
secondary head position sensor group 704.
[0196] For convenience in the description, only the primary head
position sensor group 703 is described. In the control table 751 in
FIG. 25, `sensor a` is the first sensor 703a, `sensor b` is the
second sensor 703b, `sensor c` is the third sensor 703c, `sensor d`
is the fourth sensor 703d, `sensor e` is the fifth sensor 703e, and
`sensor f` is the sixth sensor 703f. `O` indicates that a sensor
has detected the head, and `X` indicates that a sensor has not
detected the head.
[0197] Since none of the six sensors 703a through 703f detect the
player 701 in detection pattern 1, the position of the head of the
player 701 is assumed to be below the position of the sixth sensor
703f (see FIG. 24), and the installation angle .beta. of the lower
LCD display 301 in relation to the cabinet 2 is automatically
adjusted to `.beta.1` at which the lower LCD display 301 is
presumed to be readily viewable from this assumed position.
[0198] Since the sensor 703f detects the player 701, and the five
sensors 703a through 703e do not detect the player 701, in
detection pattern 2, the position of the head of the player 701 is
assumed to be between the positions of the fifth sensor 703e and
the sixth sensor 703f (see FIG. 24), and the installation angle
.beta. of the lower LCD display 301 in relation to the cabinet 2 is
automatically adjusted to `.beta.2` at which the lower LCD display
301 is presumed to be readily viewable from this assumed
position.
[0199] Since the two sensors 703e and 703f detect the player 701,
and the four sensors 703a through 703d do not detect the player
701, in detection pattern 3, the position of the head of the player
701 is assumed to be between the positions of the fourth sensor
703d and the fifth sensor 703e (see FIG. 24), and the installation
angle .beta. of the lower LCD display 301 in relation to the
cabinet 2 is automatically adjusted to `.beta.3` at which the lower
LCD display 301 is presumed to be readily viewable from this
assumed position.
[0200] Since the three sensors 703d through 703f detect the player
701, and the three sensors 703a through 703c do not detect the
player 701, in detection pattern 4, the position of the head of the
player 701 is assumed to be between the positions of the third
sensor 703c and the fourth sensor 703d (see FIG. 24), and the
installation angle .beta. of the lower LCD display 301 in relation
to the cabinet 2 is automatically adjusted to `.beta.4` at which
the lower LCD display 301 is presumed to be readily viewable from
this assumed position.
[0201] Since the four sensors 703c through 703f detect the player
701, and the two sensors 703a and 703b do not detect the player
701, in detection pattern 5, the position of the head of the player
701 is assumed to be between the positions of the second sensor
703b and the third sensor 703c (see FIG. 24), and the installation
angle .beta. of the lower LCD display 301 in relation to the
cabinet 2 is automatically adjusted to `.beta.5` at which the lower
LCD display 301 is presumed to be readily viewable from this
assumed position.
[0202] Since the five sensors 703b through 703f detect the player
701, and the sensor 703a does not detect the player 701, in
detection pattern 6, the position of the head of the player 701 is
assumed to be between the positions of the first sensor 703a and
second sensor 703b (see FIG. 24), and the installation angle .beta.
of the lower LCD display 301 in relation to the cabinet 2 is
automatically adjusted to `.beta.6` at which the lower LCD display
301 is presumed to be readily viewable from this assumed
position.
[0203] Since the six sensors 703a through 703f all detect the
player 701, in detection pattern 6, the position of the head of the
player 701 is assumed to be above the position of the first sensor
703a (see FIG. 24), and the installation angle .beta. of the lower
LCD display 301 in relation to the cabinet 2 is automatically
adjusted to `.beta.7` at which the lower LCD display 301 is
presumed to be readily viewable from this assumed position.
[0204] The relationship between the control table 751 in FIG. 25
and the secondary head position sensor group 704 is similar.
However, when adjusting the installation angle .beta. of the lower
LCD display 301 in relation to the cabinet 2, the detection result
from the primary head position sensor group 703 is used first, and
the detection result from the secondary head position sensor group
704 is used only when the detection result from the primary head
position sensor group 703 is none of the seven detection
patterns.
[0205] Furthermore, when the detection result from the primary head
position sensor group 703 and the detection result from the
secondary head position sensor group 704 are none of the seven
detection patterns, the installation angle is automatically
adjusted to the preset default angle, or the position of the sensor
detecting at the lowest point is assumed as the position of the
head of the player 701, and the adjustment angle may be stored
beforehand in the table according to the assumed position and
automatically adjusted based on this table.
[0206] When making these adjustments, the detection signals from
the six sensors 703a through 703f comprising the primary head
position sensor group 703, and the six sensors 704a through 704f
comprising the secondary head position sensor group 704, are
analyzed and output to the CPU 700 as the detection results from
the primary head position sensor group 703 and the secondary head
position sensor group 704. When the CPU 700 receives the detection
results, the installation angle .beta. of the lower LCD display 301
in relation to the cabinet 2 is specified based on the control
table 751 and the like in FIG. 25, and output to the motor drive
circuit 532 as the drive signal. When the motor drive circuit 532
receives the drive signal, the direction and amount of rotation of
the motor 525 is computed, and a stepping signal for the computed
direction and amount of rotation is output to the motor 525 in
order to achieve the specified installation angle .beta. of the
lower LCD display 301 in relation to the cabinet 2. Thus, the motor
525 rotates in the specified direction and by the specified amount,
the drive force becomes the rotation source of the lower LCD
display 301 via the pinion 524 and rack 522, and the installation
angle .beta. of the lower LCD display 301 in relation to the
cabinet 2 is automatically adjusted to the specified angle.
[0207] Since the motor drive circuit 532 controls the angle of
rotation of the motor 525, the CPU 700 can also restore the
installation angle .beta. of the lower LCD display 301 in relation
to the cabinet 2 by controlling the rotation position of the motor
525. Furthermore, the motor drive circuit 532 also controls the
range of rotation of the motor 525, and since excessive load does
not act on the lower LCD display 301, the pinion 524, and the rack
522, the automatic adjustment mechanism 711 is not damaged. That is
to say, the installation angle .beta. of the lower LCD display 301
in relation to the cabinet 2 has a range of possible change, and
the motor drive circuit 532 controls this range of possible
change.
[0208] The adjustment mechanism 711 is therefore provided with the
lower LCD display 301 (monitor) freely rotating on the cabinet 2
(base) via the rotation axis 521 (hinge), and the rotatable motor
525 (drive source), within the cabinet 2 (game cabinet). The
primary head position sensor group 703 and the secondary head
position sensor group 704 (sensors) recognizing the position of the
head of the player are provided on the front face of the cabinet 2
(game cabinet) and the angle of the lower LCD display 301 (monitor)
is changed automatically based on the recognition result of the
primary head position sensor group 703 and the secondary head
position sensor group 704 (sensors) while referencing the control
table 751 (head position/angle setting table).
[0209] The main processing, lottery processing, base game
processing, and bonus game processing run on the slot machine 601
is similar to the first embodiment, and a description is therefore
omitted.
[0210] The start receive processing program run on the slot machine
601 is described based on FIG. 28. FIG. 28 is a flowchart related
to the start receive processing program. In S11 of the main
processing program shown in FIG. 13, when start receive processing
is run, an evaluation is first made in S81 in FIG. 28 of whether or
not the predetermined time (for example, 15 seconds) has elapsed
after completion of the slot game (base game or bonus game). Here,
if the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in S81), processing
proceeds immediately to S24 without further action, and if the
predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S81), the default angle is
restored in S22. That is to say, the CPU 700 computes the amount
and direction of rotation of the motor 525, and outputs a drive
signal to the motor drive circuit 532 to move the motor 525 by the
computed amount and in the computed direction so that the
installation angle .beta. of the lower LCD display 301 in relation
to the cabinet 2 becomes the default angle. The demo effects are
then displayed on the upper LCD display 3 and lower LCD display 301
in S83, and the demonstration image is displayed.
[0211] In S84, an evaluation is made to determine whether or not
the coin sensor 49 has detected a coin. This evaluation is
conducted by evaluating whether or not the coin detect signal has
been received from the coin sensor 49. When the coin sensor 49 has
detected a coin (YES in S84), no action is taken and processing
proceeds to S86. When the coin sensor 49 has not detected a coin
(NO in S84), processing proceeds to S85.
[0212] In S85, an evaluation is made to determine whether or not
the BET1 PER LINE button 33, the BET2 PER LINE button 34, the BET3
PER LINE button 35, the BET5 PER LINE button 36, or the BET8 PER
LINE button 37 has been operated. When the BET1 PER LINE button 33
and the like have not been operated (NO in S85), processing returns
to S81, and the aforementioned processing is repeated. On the other
hand, if the BET1 PER LINE button 33 and the like have been
operated (YES in S85), processing proceeds to S86.
[0213] Installation angle adjustment processing is run in S86. In
this processing, the installation angle .beta. of the lower LCD
display 301 in relation to the cabinet 2 is specified based on the
control table 751 in FIG. 25 when the detection result is received
from the head position detect circuit 731, and then output to the
motor drive circuit 532 as the drive signal. When the motor drive
circuit 532 receives the drive signal, the direction and amount of
rotation of the motor 525 is computed, and a stepping signal for
the computed direction and amount of rotation is output to the
motor drive circuit 532 in order to achieve the specified
installation angle .beta. of the lower LCD display 301 in relation
to the cabinet 2. Thus, the motor 525 rotates in the specified
direction and by the specified amount, the drive force becomes the
rotation source of the lower LCD display 301 via the pinion 524 and
rack 522, and the installation angle .beta. of the lower LCD
display 301 in relation to the cabinet 2 is automatically adjusted
to the specified angle.
[0214] In S87, an evaluation is made to determine whether or not
the RED PLAY1 LINE button 39, the PLAY2 LINES button 40, the PLAY5
LINES button 41, the PLAY20 LINES button 42, or the BLACK PLAY25
LINES button 43 has been operated. Here, when the RED PLAY1 LINE
button 39 and the like have not been operated (NO in S87),
processing returns to S81, and the aforementioned processing is
repeated. On the other hand, when the RED PLAY1 LINE button 39 and
the like have been operated (YES in S87), processing returns to the
main processing program in FIG. 13 even if currently displaying the
demo effects, and proceeds to lottery processing in S12.
[0215] In the evaluation processing in S87, evaluation can be not
only with the operation signals, but also with other signals.
[0216] The CPU 700 therefore acts as `permitting means` when
executing S86.
[0217] Furthermore, the `predetermined conditions` are established
when the CPU 700 determines YES in S84 and S85.
[0218] Furthermore, the CPU 700 acts as `automatic restoration
means` when executing S82.
[0219] As described in detail above, and as shown in FIG. 24, the
slot machine 601 of the third embodiment is provided with a cabinet
2, a lower LCD display 301 installed in the cabinet 2, and the
automatic adjustment mechanism 711 able to adjust the installation
angle .beta. of the lower LCD display 301 in relation to the
cabinet 2 using the motor 525 (see FIG. 20). In the automatic
adjustment mechanism 711, the position of the head of the player
701 is recognized with the primary head position sensor group 703
and the secondary head position sensor group 704, and the
installation angle .beta. of the lower LCD display 301 in relation
to the cabinet 2 is automatically adjusted based on the recognition
results of the primary head position sensor group 703 and the
secondary head position sensor group 704, and the control table 751
in FIG. 25.
[0220] Automatic adjustment with such an automatic adjustment
mechanism 711 is permitted by the CPU 700 (S86) only when the coin
sensor 49 has detected a coin (YES in S84), or when the BET1 PER
LINE button 33 and the like have been operated (YES in S85). CPU
700 does not permit operation in other cases (S80).
[0221] That is to say, in the slot machine 601 of the third
embodiment, the installation angle .beta. of the lower LCD display
301 in relation to the cabinet 2 is automatically adjusted in
accordance with the position of the head of the player 701 (S86),
and cannot be adjusted by manipulation by the player 701 and
passersby. Thus, there is the advantage that player 701 and
passersby can be prevented from adjusting and moving the lower LCD
display 301 simply as a prank unique to the slot machine 601.
Furthermore, there is the advantage that the CPU 700 permits
automatic adjustment (S86), and prevents a malfunction such as
automatic adjustment in accordance with the position of the head of
a passerby, only when the coin sensor 49 has detected a coin (YES
in S84), and when the BET1 PER LINE button 33 and the like have
been operated (YES in S85).
[0222] Furthermore, in the slot machine 601 of the third
embodiment, when the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S81)
after completion of the slot game (base game or bonus game), the
installation angle .beta. of the lower LCD display 301 in relation
to the cabinet 2 is automatically restored to the default angle
(S82). Thus, in the slot machine 601 of the third embodiment, the
installation angle .beta. of the lower LCD display 301 in relation
to the cabinet 2 becomes the default angle when a game is not
played on the slot machine. Thus, when a plurality of the slot
machines 601 of the third embodiment are arrayed contiguously, the
installation angle of the lower LCD display 301 in relation to the
cabinet 2 is uniform for slot machines on which games are not
currently played, and this is useful in improving appearance.
[0223] Furthermore, in the slot machine 601 of the third
embodiment, as described above, when the predetermined time has
elapsed (YES in S81) after completion of the slot game (base game
or bonus game), the installation angle .beta. of the lower LCD
display 301 in relation to the cabinet 2 is automatically restored
to the default angle (S82), the demo effects are then displayed on
the upper LCD display 3 and lower LCD display 301, and the
demonstration image is displayed (S83). At this time, the
installation angle .beta. of the lower LCD display 301 on which the
demonstration image is displayed in relation to the cabinet 2
becomes the default angle, and the angle of view of the lower LCD
display 301 is such that passersby can view the demonstration image
on the lower LCD display 301 without restriction. As described
above, the default angle is adjusted based on the horizontal
distance between the lower LCD display 301 and an assumed passerby,
and the difference between the height of the center of the lower
LCD display 301 and the eye height of the assumed passerby.
[0224] Monitors are an essential component of modern video game
machines, and moving the monitor during the game results in a
problem in that viewing the demonstration image displayed on the
monitor while a game is not currently played becomes difficult, a
problem in that the angles of the monitors of a plurality of
arrayed video game machines differ, thus negatively affecting
appearance, and furthermore, when an LCD display is adopted as the
monitor, there may be a difference in visibility with angle of
view, resulting in a problem in that appearance deteriorates. In
the slot machine 601 of the third embodiment, all of these problems
are resolved.
[0225] The present invention is not limited to the aforementioned
embodiments, and may be variously modified within the spirit
thereof.
[0226] For example, the slot machine of the first through third
embodiments is the slanted type at which a player can play while
seated, however an upright type at which a player can play while
standing is also possible.
[0227] Furthermore, games having five-reel video slots are played
on the slot machine of the first through third embodiments, however
games having, for example, three-reel and nine-reel video slots can
also be played. Furthermore, slot machines can also use, for
example, three-reel, five-reel, or nine-reel mechanical reels.
Furthermore, a hybrid slot machine can also use video reels and
mechanical reels in combination.
[0228] Furthermore, the present invention is implemented in the
slot machine of the first through third embodiments on which slot
games are played, however the present invention may also be
implemented in game machines on which other types of games, for
example, card games and shooting games, are played. Furthermore,
for example, this present invention may be implemented for changing
the installation angle of TVs provided in aircraft and the
like.
[0229] Also, while the present invention has been described above
in detail, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that the
present invention is not limited to the embodiment described in the
present invention. The device of the present invention can be
embodied in modified or alternative forms without departing from
the spirits and scopes of the present invention as set out in the
appended claims. Accordingly, the description of the present
invention is meant to be illustrative only and not limiting to the
scope of the present invention.
* * * * *