U.S. patent application number 11/725471 was filed with the patent office on 2008-03-06 for game system including slot machines and game control method thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC.. Invention is credited to Kazuo Okada.
Application Number | 20080058065 11/725471 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39152426 |
Filed Date | 2008-03-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080058065 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Okada; Kazuo |
March 6, 2008 |
Game system including slot machines and game control method
thereof
Abstract
An interface capable of communicating with a cellular phone of a
player, and a game controller are provided. The game controller
accepts on a touch panel an input of credit number data indicating
the number of credits the player purchases, and sends data of a
send request for sending cash value data indicating a cash value to
the cellular phone upon completion of acceptance of the input, and
receives the cash value data from the cellular phone upon
completion of sending of the send request, and then converts the
cash value data received to the credit number data at a
predetermined conversion rate.
Inventors: |
Okada; Kazuo; (Tokyo,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NDQ&M WATCHSTONE LLP
1300 EYE STREET, NW
SUITE 1000 WEST TOWER
WASHINGTON
DC
20005
US
|
Assignee: |
ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC.
745 Grier Drive,
Las Vegas
NV
89119
|
Family ID: |
39152426 |
Appl. No.: |
11/725471 |
Filed: |
March 20, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60842379 |
Sep 6, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 ;
463/41 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3244 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/020 ;
463/041 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A slot machine comprising: an interface capable of communicating
with a cellular phone of a player; a display on which data can be
input in a push operation by the player; and a game controller
accepting on the display an input of credit number data indicating
a number of credits the player purchases, and sending data of a
send request for sending cash value data indicating a cash value to
the cellular phone upon acceptance of the input, and receiving the
cash value data from the cellular phone upon sending of the send
request, and then converting the cash value data received to the
credit number data at a predetermined conversion rate.
2. The slot machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a
holder securing the cellular phone; and a conversion decision
button outputting a permit signal to permit conversion of the cash
value data to the credit number data, wherein the interface
establishes communication with the cellular phone by wireless
communication upon securing of the cellular phone to the holder;
and the game controller converts the cash value data to the credit
number data when the conversion decision button outputs the permit
signal.
3. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the slot machine
is connected so as to establish communication with a conversion
rate management server storing a plurality of the predetermined
conversion rates for each of a plurality of kinds of cash values;
the game controller receives data for a plurality of conversion
rates indicating the plurality of the predetermined conversion
rates at predetermined time intervals from the conversion rate
management server, and displays on the display the plurality of the
conversion rates data received, and accepts the input of the credit
number data upon completion of displaying on the display.
4. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the game
controller accepts an input of an upper limit value of the cash
value data to be converted to the credit number data, and converts
the cash value data to the credit number data when the cash value
data received does not exceed the upper limit value.
5. A slot machine connected so as to establish communication with a
conversion rate management server storing a plurality of
predetermined conversion rates for each of a plurality of kinds of
cash values, the slot machine comprising: a holder securing a
cellular phone of a player; an interface establishing communication
with the cellular phone by wireless communication upon securing of
the cellular phone to the holder; a display on which data can be
input in a push operation by the player; a conversion decision
button outputting, when the player performs a push operation of a
predetermined position on the display, a permit signal to permit
conversion of cash value data indicating cash values to credit
number data indicating a number of credits the player purchases;
and a game controller (i) receiving data for a plurality of
conversion rates indicating the plurality of predetermined
conversion rates at predetermined time intervals from the
conversion rate management server; (ii) displaying on the display
the data for the plurality of conversion rates received; (iii)
accepting on the display an input of the credit number data upon
completion of displaying on the display; (iv) sending data of a
send request for sending the cash value data to the cellular phone
upon completion of acceptance of the input; (v) receiving the cash
value data from the cellular phone upon completion of sending of
the data of the send request; and (vi) converting the cash value
data received to the credit number data at the predetermined
conversion rate when the conversion decision button outputs the
permit signal.
6. A slot machine comprising: a holder securing a cellular phone of
a player; an interface establishing communication with the cellular
phone by wireless communication upon securing of the cellular phone
to the holder; a display on which data can be input in a push
operation by the player; a conversion decision button outputting,
when the player performs a push operation of a predetermined
position on the display, a permit signal to permit conversion of
cash value data indicating cash values to credit number data
indicating a number of credits the player purchases; and a game
controller (i) accepting on the display an input of an upper limit
value of the cash value data to be converted to the credit number
data; (ii) accepting an input of the credit number data upon
completion of acceptance of the input of the upper limit value;
(iii) sending data of a send request for sending the cash value
data to the cellular phone upon completion of acceptance of the
input of the credit number data; (iv) receiving the cash value data
from the cellular phone upon completion of sending of the data of
the send request; and (v) converting the cash value data received
to the credit number data at a predetermined conversion rate when
the conversion decision button outputs the permit signal and the
cash value data received do not exceed the upper limit value.
7. A slot machine connected so as to establish communication with a
conversion rate management server storing a plurality of
predetermined conversion rates for each of a plurality of kinds of
cash values, the slot machine comprising: a holder securing a
cellular phone of a player; an interface establishing communication
with the cellular phone by wireless communication upon securing of
the cellular phone to the holder; a display on which data can be
input in a push operation by the player; a conversion decision
button outputting, when the player performs a push operation of a
predetermined position on the display, a permit signal to permit
conversion of cash value data indicating cash values to credit
number data indicating a number of credits the player purchases;
and a game controller (i) receiving data for the plurality of
conversion rates indicating the plurality of the predetermined
conversion rates from the conversion rate management server at
predetermined time intervals; (ii) displaying on the display the
data for the plurality of the conversion rates received; (iii)
accepting on the display an input of an upper limit value of the
cash value data to be converted to the credit number data upon
completion of displaying on the display; (iv) accepting an input of
the credit number data upon completion of the input of the upper
limit value; (v) sending data of a send request for sending the
cash value data to the cellular phone upon completion of the input
of the credit number data; (vi) receiving the cash value data from
the cellular phone upon completion of sending of the data of the
send request; and (vii) converting the cash value data received to
the credit number data at the predetermined conversion rate when
the conversion decision button outputs the permit signal and the
cash value data received does not exceed the upper limit value.
8. A game control method in which a game controller advances a game
in a slot machine comprising an interface capable of communicating
with a cellular phone of a player, and a display on which data can
be input by a push operation by the player, the method comprising
the steps of: accepting on the display an input of credit number
data indicating a number of credits the player purchases; sending
data of a send request for sending cash value data indicating a
cash value to the cellular phone upon completion of acceptance of
the input; receiving the cash value data from the cellular phone
upon completion of sending of the send request; and converting the
cash value data received to the credit number data at a
predetermined conversion rate.
9. The game control method according to claim 8, wherein the slot
machine further comprises: (i) a holder securing the cellular
phone; and (ii) a conversion decision button outputting a permit
signal to permit conversion of the cash value data to the credit
number data when the player performs a push operation of a
predetermined position on the display, and the game controller
includes the steps of: (a) establishing communication with the
cellular phone via the interface by wireless communication upon
securing of the cellular phone to the holder; and (b) converting
the cash value data to the credit number data when the conversion
decision button outputs the permit signal.
10. The game control method according to claim 8, wherein the slot
machine is connected so as to establish communication with a
conversion rate management server storing a plurality of the
predetermined conversion rates for each of a plurality of kinds of
cash values; the game controller includes the steps of: (a)
receiving data for a plurality of conversion rates indicating the
plurality of the predetermined conversion rates from the conversion
rate management server at predetermined time intervals; (b)
displaying on the display the data for the plurality of the
conversion rates received; and (c) accepting an input of the credit
number data upon completion of displaying on the display.
11. The game control method according to claim 8, wherein the game
controller includes the steps of: accepting an input of an upper
limit value of the cash value data to be converted to the credit
number data; and converting the cash value data to the credit
number data when the cash value data received does not exceed the
upper limit value.
12. A game control method in which, a slot machine is connected so
as to establish communication with a conversion rate management
server storing a plurality of predetermined conversion rates for
each of a plurality of kinds of cash values, and there are
provided: a holder securing a cellular phone of a player; an
interface establishing communication with the cellular phone by
wireless communication upon securing of the cellular phone to the
holder; a display on which data can be inputted in a push operation
by the player; a conversion decision button outputting, when a
player performs a push operation of a predetermined position on the
display, a permit signal to permit conversion of cash value data
indicating cash values to credit number data indicating a number of
credits the player purchases, and the method comprising the steps
of: (a) receiving data for a plurality of conversion rates
indicating the plurality of the predetermined conversion rates from
the conversion rate management server at predetermined time
intervals; (b) displaying on the display the data for the plurality
of the conversion rates received; (c) accepting on the display an
input of the credit number data upon completion of displaying on
the display; (d) sending data of a send request for sending the
cash value data to the cellular phone upon completion of acceptance
of the input; (e) receiving the cash value data from the cellular
phone upon completion of sending of the data of the send request;
and (f) converting the cash value data received to the credit
number data at the predetermined conversion rate when the
conversion decision button outputs the permit signal.
13. A game control method in which there are provided: a holder
securing a cellular phone of a player; an interface establishing
communication with the cellular phone by wireless communication
upon securing of the cellular phone to the holder; a display on
which data can be inputted in a push operation by the player; a
conversion decision button outputting, when the player performs a
push operation of a predetermined position on the display, a permit
signal to permit conversion of cash value data indicating cash
values to credit number data indicating a number of credits the
player purchases; and the method comprising: (a) accepting on the
display an input of an upper limit value of the cash value data to
be converted to the credit number data; (b) accepting an input of
the credit number data upon completion of acceptance of the input
of the upper limit value; (c) sending data of a send request for
sending the cash value data to the cellular phone upon completion
of the input of the credit number data; (d) receiving the cash
value data from the cellular phone upon completion of sending of
the data of the send request; and (e) converting the cash value
data received to the credit number data at a predetermined
conversion rate when the conversion decision button outputs the
permit signal and the cash value data received do not exceed the
upper limit value.
14. A game control method in which, a slot machine is connected so
as to establish communication with a conversion rate management
server storing a plurality of predetermined conversion rates for
each of a plurality of kinds of cash values, and there are
provided: a holder securing a cellular phone of a player; an
interface establishing communication with the cellular phone by
wireless communication upon securing of the cellular phone to the
holder; a display on which data can be inputted in a push operation
by the player; a conversion decision button outputting, when the
player performs a push operation of a predetermined position on the
display, a permit signal to permit conversion of cash value data
indicating cash values to credit number data indicating a number of
credits the player purchases, and the method comprising the steps
of: (a) receiving data for a plurality of conversion rates
indicating the plurality of the predetermined conversion rates from
the conversion rate management server at predetermined time
intervals; (b) displaying on the display the data for the plurality
of the conversion rates received; (c) accepting on the display an
input of an upper limit value of the cash value data to be
converted to the credit number data upon completion of displaying
on the display; (d) accepting an input of the credit number data
upon completion of acceptance of the input of the upper limit
value; (e) sending data of a send request for sending the cash
value data to the cellular phone upon completion of the input of
the credit number data; (f) receiving the cash value data from the
cellular phone upon completion of sending of the data of the send
request; and (g) converting the cash value data received to the
credit number data at the predetermined conversion rate when the
conversion decision button outputs the permit signal and the cash
value data received do not exceed the upper limit value.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a game system including
slot machines and a game control method thereof.
[0003] 2. Related Art
[0004] The networking of slot machines has been proposed in recent
years. For example, WO2003/090886 (PCT/US2003/010969), or Japanese
Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2005-523668,
discloses a networked computerized game system, in particular, a
technique concerning security. The spread of electronic money has
increased the occasions to make payment of money using a cash value
stored in a cellular phone.
[0005] The present invention provides new slot machines enhancing
convenience by links between cellular phones and slot machines.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] According to the first aspect of the present invention, a
slot machine includes an interface capable of communicating with a
cellular phone of a player, a display on which data can be input
with a push operation by the player, and a game controller. The
game controller accepts on the display an input of credit number
data indicating a number of credits the player purchases, and sends
data of a send request for sending cash value data indicating a
cash value to the cellular phone upon acceptance of the input, and
receives the cash value data from the cellular phone upon sending
of the send request, and then converts the cash value data received
to the credit number data at a predetermined conversion rate.
[0007] In this slot machine, the input of credit number data
indicating the number of credits the player purchases is accepted,
and data of the send request for sending cash value data indicating
the cash value to the cellular phone can be sent upon completion of
the acceptance of the input, and the cash value data can be
received from the cellular phone upon completion of sending of the
send request, and then the received cash value data can be
converted to the credit number data at the predetermined conversion
rate.
[0008] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the
slot machine further includes a holder securing the cellular phone,
and a conversion decision button outputting a permit signal to
permit conversion of the cash value data to the credit number data.
The interface establishes communication with the cellular phone by
wireless communication upon securing the cellular phone to the
holder. The game controller converts the cash value data to the
credit number data when the conversion decision button outputs the
permit signal.
[0009] In this slot machine, the communication with the cellular
phone by wireless communication can be established by securing the
cellular phone to the holder, and the cash value data can be
converted to the credit number data by pushing the conversion
decision button.
[0010] According to the third aspect of the present invention, the
slot machine is connected so as to establish communication with a
conversion rate management server storing a plurality of the
predetermined conversion rates for each of a plurality of kinds of
cash values. The game controller receives a plurality of conversion
rate data indicating a plurality of predetermined conversion rates
from the conversion rate management server at predetermined time
intervals, and displays on the display the plurality of conversion
rate data received, and accepts the input of the credit number data
upon completion of displaying on the display.
[0011] In this slot machine, the plurality of conversion rate data
indicating the plurality of predetermined conversion rates are
received from the conversion rate management server at
predetermined time intervals, and the received plurality of
conversion rate data are displayed, and the input of the credit
number data can be accepted upon completion of the displaying.
[0012] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the
game controller accepts an input of an upper limit value of the
cash value data to be converted to the credit number data, and
converts the cash value data to the credit number data when the
cash value data received does not exceed the upper limit value.
[0013] This slot machine accepts the input of an upper limit value
of cash value data converted to credit number data, and converts
the cash value data to the credit number data when the received
cash value data does not exceed the upper limit value.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of slot
machines according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention and devices connected to the slot machines;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the slot machine of the
preferred embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view showing in enlarged
dimension a display area of the slot machine of the preferred
embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical
configuration of a controller of a video reel slot machine in the
preferred embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view when viewed from the back side
of the outline of the construction of a liquid crystal display of
the slot machine in the preferred embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the
construction of part of the liquid crystal display shown in FIG.
5;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the electrical
configuration of a controller of a mechanical reel slot machine in
the preferred embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the electrical
configuration of a display/input controller of the slot machine in
the preferred embodiment;
[0022] FIGS. 9A and 9B are flow charts showing the flow of the
processing operation of the slot machine in the preferred
embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a
conversion rate table in the preferred embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a currency selection screen in
the preferred embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a conversion upper limit input
screen in the preferred embodiment; and
[0026] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a credit number input screen in
the preferred embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of slot
machines 13 according to the present invention and devices
connected to the slot machines 13. In FIG. 1, a conversion rate
management server is connected to the slot machines 13 over a
network 600. Cellular phones 300 of the players are also
connectable to the slot machines 13 via a wireless send/receive
part 171 (refer to FIG. 2). The connecting method of the cellular
phones 300 of the players will be described later.
[0028] Each of the cellular phones 300 of the players sends a cash
value (electronic money) for purchasing credits to the slot machine
13. The cellular phone 300 is equipped with an IC chip (not shown)
for storing the cash value and performing wireless communication
with the slot machine 13.
[0029] The conversion rate management server 500 stores a
conversion rate table (refer to FIG. 10) used for converting cash
values to credits.
[0030] Each of the slot machines 13 is a slot machine enabling the
player to perform a basic game. The slot machine 13 receives a cash
value from the cellular phone 300 of the player, and then converts
the cash value to a credit by receiving a conversion rate table
from the conversion rate management server 500. The conversion
method will be described later.
[0031] Thus, the cash value stored in the cellular phone 300 of the
player can be converted to credit, enabling the player to perform
the basic game. This facilitates the purchase of the credit thereby
improving the attractiveness of the game.
[0032] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the slot machine 13 of
the preferred embodiment in the present invention. The slot machine
13 includes a cabinet 20 and a main door 42. The cabinet 20 has a
surface opening toward the player. The cabinet 20 houses various
components including a controller 100 (refer to FIGS. 4 and 7) for
electrically controlling the slot machine 13, and a hopper 44
(refer to FIGS. 4 and 7) for controlling the insertion, storage,
and payout of coins (game media), and the like. The game media are
not limited to coins. For example, they may be medals, tokens,
electronic money, or electronic value information (credits)
equivalent to these.
[0033] The main door 42 is a member with which the interior of the
cabinet 20 is covered so as not to be exposed to the outside. A
liquid crystal display 30 is disposed at substantially the center
of the main door 42.
[0034] The liquid crystal display 30 provides a variety of images
related to games including produced images and the like. The player
advances the game while observing the variety of images displayed
on the liquid crystal display 30. The liquid crystal display 30
includes a transparent liquid crystal panel 34 (refer to FIGS. 5
and 6). The transparent liquid crystal panel 34 can be brought
partly or entirely into its transparent or non-transparent state,
and can also display a variety of images. The construction of the
liquid crystal display 30 will be described in detail later.
[0035] If the slot machine 13 includes video reels, five virtual
reels are displayed on the liquid crystal display 30. The term
"video reels" means displaying images of reels in place of
mechanical reels, on the liquid crystal display 30. As a plurality
of kinds of symbols necessary for the basic game, the following
symbols of "BONUS", "WILD", "TREASURE BOX", "GOLDEN MASK", "HOLY
CUP", "COMPASS & MAP", "SNAKE", "A", "K", "Q", "J", and "10"
are displayed together with images as if the reels were
rotating.
[0036] On the other hand, if the slot machine 13 includes
mechanical reels, five mechanical reels 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E
(refer to FIGS. 3 and 5), each having a plurality of kinds of
symbols on its outer peripheral surface, are rotatably laterally
aligned on the back side of the liquid crystal display 30. The
mechanical reels 3A to 3E are constructed as a plurality of symbol
displaying means, together with stepping motors 45A, 45B, 45C, 45D,
and 45E (refer to FIG. 7) to be described later. The mechanical
reels 3A to 3E have on their respective outer peripheral surfaces a
plurality of kinds of symbols necessary for the basic game. These
symbols of the mechanical reels 3A to 3E are made visible when the
transparent liquid crystal panel 34 is in its transparent
state.
[0037] A substantially horizontal operating part 21 is disposed
below the liquid crystal display 30. Disposed on the right side of
the operating part 21 is a coin slot 22 through which a number of
coins are inserted into the slot machine 13. On the other hand,
disposed on the left side of the operating part 21 are a BET switch
23 and a spin-repeat-bet switch 24. The BET switch 23 is used to
choose the number of coins as game media to be bet on lines L1, L2,
L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L8, and L9 for awarding nine winnings to be
described later (hereinafter referred to simply as "winning
lines"), any one of which can be made active, and the activated
winning is awarded. The spin-repeat-bet switch 24 is used to repeat
the game without changing the number of coins bet on the winning
lines in the last game. The number of coins to be bet on the
winning lines can be decided by pushing the BET switch 23 or the
spin-repeat-bet switch 24.
[0038] In the operating part 21, a start switch 25 for accepting
per game the player's operation of starting the basic game is
disposed on the left side of the BET switch 23. Pushing either the
start switch 25 or the spin-repeat-bet switch 24 triggers the start
of the game, and the above-mentioned five mechanical reels 3A to 3E
are then rotated.
[0039] Also in the operating part 21, a cash-out switch 26 is
disposed in the vicinity of the coin slot 22. When the player
pushes the cash-out switch 26, the inserted coins can be paid out
from a coin discharge slot 27. The discharged coins can be
collected on a coin tray 28. Sound transmitting openings 29,
through which sound effects output from a speaker 41 (refer to
FIGS. 4 and 7) housed within the cabinet 20 are propagated to the
outside of the cabinet 20, are disposed on the right and left sides
with the coin discharge slot 27 interposed therebetween above the
coin tray 28.
[0040] A connecting surface 121 extending substantially vertically
is disposed below the operating part 21. A holder 170 is disposed
on the right side of the connecting surface 121. The holder 170 is
configured so that the cellular phone 300 of the player can be
secured thereto, and is equipped with a wireless send/receive part
171 enabling wireless communications with the cellular phone 300 of
the player.
[0041] Securing the cellular phone 300 of the player to the holder
170 enables the cellular phone 300 of the player and the slot
machine 13 to be connected via the wireless send/receive part 171.
The cellular phone 300 of the player may be secured at a
predetermined distance so as to permit communications with the
wireless send/receive part 171, without requiring contact
therewith. The wireless send/receive part 171 is equipped with an
IC card reader/writer (not shown), by which information is sent to
and received from the IC chip (not shown) mounted on the cellular
phone 300 of the player. Communications can be performed with
electromagnetic wave emitted from the IC card reader/writer.
[0042] FIG. 3 shows in an enlargement of a display area of the slot
machine 13. The liquid crystal display 30 of the slot machine 13
includes a front panel 31 and the transparent liquid crystal panel
34 (refer to FIGS. 5 and 6), which is disposed on the back surface
of the front panel 31. The front panel 31 can be constructed by
incorporating a transparent display surface 31a and a symbol
forming area 31b where a symbol can be formed. Image information
displayed on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 disposed on
the back surface of the front panel 31 can be observed through the
display surface 31a of the front panel 31. On the other hand, when
the area of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 is in its
transparent state, the symbols on the five mechanical reels 3A to
3E arranged to the rear of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34
can be observed through the display surface 31a. If the slot
machine 13 is comprised of video reels, the transparent liquid
crystal panel 34 may be set to its non-transparent state in order
to display image reels. Alternatively, an ordinary liquid crystal
panel may be used instead of the transparent liquid crystal panel
34.
[0043] Various display parts such as a payout number display part
48, a credit number display part 49, and a BET number display part
50 are disposed on the left back side of the liquid crystal display
30. The portions of the symbol forming area 31b of the front panel
31 which cover the front parts of the various display parts 48 to
50 are transparent, permitting visual observation of the contents
of the displays on the display parts 48 to 50.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 3, the slot machine 13 has the lines L1 to
L9 for awarding the nine winnings. The lines L1 to L9 extend so as
to pass through a symbol of each of the mechanical reels 3A to 3E
when the rotations of the mechanical reels 3A to 3E come to a
stop.
[0045] For example, a one-push operation of the BET switch 23
activates the line L3 for awarding a third winning, the line L5 for
awarding a fifth winning, and the line L7 for awarding a seventh
winning, and also takes up a coin as a credit medal.
[0046] A two-push operation of the BET switch 23 activates, for
example, the line L1 for awarding a first winning, the line L4 for
awarding a fourth winning, and the line L8 for awarding an eighth
winning, in addition to the above-mentioned three lines, and also
takes up two coins as credit medals.
[0047] A three-push operation of the BET switch 23 activates, for
example, the line L2 for awarding a second winning, the line L6 for
awarding a sixth winning, and the line L9 for awarding a ninth
winning, in addition to the above-mentioned six lines, and also
takes up three coins as credit medals.
[0048] The payout number display part 48 displays the payout number
of coins when a combination for awarding a winning is established
on the winning lines. The credit number display part 49 displays
the credit number of coins stored in the slot machine 13. The BET
number display part 50 displays the BET number that is the number
of coins bet on the winning lines. These display parts 48 to 50 are
constructed by incorporating a seven-segment indicator.
Alternatively, the display parts 48 to 50 may be displayed by
images on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34.
[0049] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical
configuration of the controller 100 of the slot machine 13 having
video reels. The slot machine 13 having the video reels will be
shown in FIG. 7 to be described later. Referring to FIG. 4, the
controller 100 of the slot machine 13 is a microcomputer and
provided with an interface circuit group 102, an input-output bus
104, a CPU 106, a ROM 108, a RAM 110, an interface circuit 111 for
communication, a random number generator 112, a speaker drive
circuit 122, a hopper drive circuit 124, a display part drive
circuit 128, and a display/input controller 140.
[0050] The interface circuit group 102 is connected to the
input-output bus 104 performing input and output of data signals or
address signals with respect to the CPU 106.
[0051] A start switch 25 is connected to the interface circuit
group 102. A start signal output from the start switch 25 is
converted to a predetermined signal by the interface circuit group
102, and then supplied to the input-output bus 104.
[0052] The BET switch 23, the spin-repeat-bet switch 24, and the
cash-out switch 26 are also connected to the interface circuit
group 102. Switching signals output from the switches 23, 24, and
26, respectively, are also supplied to the interface circuit group
102, and converted to predetermined signals by the interface
circuit group 102, and then supplied to the input-output bus
104.
[0053] A coin sensor 43 is also connected to the interface circuit
group 102. The coin sensor 43 is a sensor for detecting coins
inserted into the coin slot 22, and disposed in relation to the
coin slot 22. A sensing signal output from the coin sensor 43 is
also supplied to the interface circuit group 102, and converted to
a predetermined signal by the interface circuit group 102, and then
supplied to the input-output bus 104.
[0054] The wireless send/receive part 171 is also connected to the
interface circuit group 102. The wireless send/receive part 171 is
equipped in the holder 170 in order to exchange data with the
cellular phone 300 of the player.
[0055] The ROM 108 and the RAM 110 are connected to the
input-output bus 104.
[0056] Upon acceptance of the start operation of the basic game
through the start switch 25, the CPU 106 reads a basic game program
to execute the basic game. The basic game program is programmed as
follows. That is, a display for starting scrolling of the symbols
on the five video reels is provided on the liquid crystal display
30 via the display/input controller 140. Thereafter, a display for
stopping the five video reels is provided to rearrange the five
video reels. If a combination of symbols stopped at this time is
displayed on the winning lines, and the combination corresponds to
a specific combination for which a winning is awarded, a number of
coins associated with the specific combination are paid out.
[0057] The ROM 108 stores a control program for regulating and
controlling the slot machine 13, a program for executing a routine
as shown in FIGS. 9a and 9B (hereinafter referred to as a "routine
execution program"), and initial data for executing the control
program, and various data tables used in decision processes. The
routine execution program includes the above-mentioned basic game
program and the like. As an example of the data tables, there is a
table as shown in FIG. 10. The RAM 110 temporarily stores the
values of flags and variables, and the like used in the control
program.
[0058] The interface circuit 111 for communication is also
connected to the input-output bus 104. The interface circuit 111
for communication is a circuit for communication with the
conversion rate management server 500 over the network 600
including a variety of networks of LAN. In the present embodiment,
the CPU 106 receives a conversion rate table (refer to FIG. 10)
from the conversion rate management server 500 via the interface
circuit 111 for communication.
[0059] The random number generator 112 for generating random
numbers is also connected to the input-output bus 104. The random
number generator 112 generates random numbers included in a certain
range of numerical values, for example, "0" to "65535
(2.sup.16-1)." Alternatively, the random numbers may be generated
by the arithmetic processing of the CPU 106.
[0060] The display part drive circuit 128 for driving the display
parts 48 to 50 is also connected to the input-output bus 104. In
response to the occurrence of a predetermined event, the CPU 106
controls the operations of the display parts 48 to 50 via the
display part drive circuit 128.
[0061] The speaker drive circuit 122 for driving the speaker 41 is
also connected to the input-output bus 104. The CPU 106 reads sound
data stored in the ROM 108, and sends the read sound data to the
speaker drive circuit 122 via the input-output bus 104. This
enables the speaker 41 to generate predetermined sound effects.
[0062] The hopper drive circuit 124 for driving the hopper 44 is
also connected to the input-output bus 104. If a cash-out signal is
input from the cash-out switch 26, the CPU 106 outputs a drive
signal to the hopper drive circuit 124 via the input-output bus
104. This enables the hopper 44 to pay out a number of coins
corresponding to the remainder of credits at that point, which is
stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110.
[0063] The display/input controller 140 is also connected to the
input-output bus 104. The CPU 106 generates an image display
instruction according to the game state and the game result, and
outputs the generated image display instruction to the
display/input controller 140 via the input-output bus 104. If an
image display instruction is input from the CPU 106, the
display/input controller 140 generates a drive signal for driving
the liquid crystal display 30 based on the input image display
instruction, and outputs the generated drive signal to the liquid
crystal display 30. This enables a predetermined image to be
displayed on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 of the liquid
crystal display 30. The display/input controller 140 sends, as an
input signal, the signal accepted by the touch panel 32 on the
liquid crystal display 30, to the CPU 106 via the input-output bus
104.
[0064] FIGS. 5 and 6 show the construction of the liquid crystal
display 30 of the slot machine 13. The liquid crystal display 30
displays game images related to the basic game. Therefore, the
liquid crystal display 30 is constructed of the front panel 31
including a touch panel 32 and a display board 33, the transparent
liquid crystal panel 34, a light guide plate 35, a reflecting film
36, fluorescent lamps 37a, 37b, 38a, and 38b being so-called white
light sources, lamp holders 39a, 39b, 39c, 39d, 39e, 39f, 39g, and
39h, and a table carrier package (TCP) mounting thereon ICs for
driving the transparent liquid crystal panel. The TCP, not being
shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, is constructed of a flexible substrate (not
shown) connected to a terminal part of the transparent liquid
crystal panel 34, and the like.
[0065] The liquid crystal display 30 is disposed in front of the
display areas of the mechanical reels 3A to 3E (in front of the
display surface 31a) so as to cross over the mechanical reels 3A to
3E. A predetermined spacing is provided between the mechanical
reels 3A to 3E and the liquid crystal display 30. For video reels,
the images of the reels are displayed on the liquid crystal display
30, instead of the mechanical reels 3A to 3E.
[0066] The touch panel 32 is formed of a transparent member. The
display board 33 is formed of a transparent member, and a symbol or
the like is formed at positions or the like corresponding to the
areas between the display parts 48 to 50, on the display board 33.
That is, the area where the symbol or the like is formed on the
display board 33 corresponds to the symbol forming area 31b on the
front panel 31. On the other hand, the area where neither a symbol
nor the like is formed on the display board 33 corresponds to the
display surface 31a on the front panel 31 (refer to FIG. 3).
Alternatively, the entire surface of the front panel 31 may be the
display surface 31a, without forming the symbol forming area 31b on
the front panel 31. In this case, no symbol may be formed on the
display board 33, or the display board 33 may be omitted.
[0067] It is noted that the electric circuits for activating the
display parts 48 to 50 arranged on the back side of the display
board 33 are not shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0068] The transparent liquid crystal panel 34 can be achieved by
sealing liquid crystal in a clearance part between a transparent
substrate such as a glass plate with a thin film transistor layer
formed thereon, and another transparent substrate opposed thereto.
The display mode of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 is set
to normally white. The term "normally white" means a mode in which
a white display is provided with the liquid crystal not being
driven (the light transmitted to the display surface side can be
observed from the outside). By employing the transparent liquid
crystal panel 34 set to normally white, the player can continue the
game because the variable displays and the stop displays of the
respective symbols on the mechanical reels 3A to 3E can be observed
in the event that the liquid crystal cannot be driven. That is,
even in that event, it is possible to perform a game comprised
mainly of the rearrangement of the symbols on the mechanical reels
3A to 3E.
[0069] The light guide plate 35, which guides the light from the
fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b to the transparent liquid crystal
panel 34 (in other words, illuminates the transparent liquid
crystal panel 34), is disposed on the back side of the transparent
liquid crystal panel 34, and is formed of a transparent member such
as acrylic resin (with a light guiding function) having a thickness
of about 2 cm.
[0070] The reflecting film 36 can be obtained by forming, for
example, a silver deposition film on a white polyester film or an
aluminium thin film, and it reflects the light introduced in the
light guide plate 35 toward the front side of the light guide plate
35. The reflecting film 36 is constructed of a reflecting area 36A
and a non-reflecting area (a permeable area) 36B. The
non-reflecting area 36B is formed of a transparent material and
disposed in an area including a part of the front panel 31 which
covers the front parts of the mechanical reels 3A to 3E.
[0071] The fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b are disposed along the
upper end and the lower end of the light guide plate 35,
respectively, and both of their ends are supported by lamp holders
39a and 39b, and lamp holders 39g and 39h, respectively. The light
irradiated from the fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b is reflected from
the reflecting area 36A of the reflecting film 36 and irradiates
the transparent liquid crystal panel 34. On the other hand, the
fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b are disposed at the upper and lower
positions of the back side of the reflecting film 36, respectively,
and directed to the mechanical reels 3A to 3E. Both ends of the
fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b are supported by lamp holders 39c and
39d, and lamp holders 39e and 39f, respectively. The light emitted
from the fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b is reflected from the
surfaces of the mechanical reels 3A to 3E to the non-reflecting
area 36B, and illuminates the transparent liquid crystal panel 34.
Thus, in the liquid crystal display 30, the light irradiated from
the fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b and reflected from the reflecting
area 36A of the reflecting film 36, as well as the light irradiated
from the fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b and reflected from the
surfaces of the mechanical reels 3A to 3E to the non-reflecting
area 36B illuminate the transparent liquid crystal panel 34. Hence,
the area of the liquid crystal display 30 corresponding to the
non-reflecting area 36B of the reflecting film 36 is an area to be
switched between the transparent state and the non-transparent
state, depending on whether the liquid crystal is driven or not. On
the other hand, the area of the liquid crystal display 30
corresponding to the reflecting area 36A of the reflecting film 36
is brought into the non-transparent state irrespective of whether
the liquid crystal is driven or not.
[0072] Although in the slot machine 13, only a partial area of the
display surface of the liquid crystal display 30 is subjected to
switching between the transparent state and the non-transparent
state, the entire area of the display surface of the liquid crystal
display 30 may be subjected to switching between the transparent
state and the non-transparent state. In this case, the reflecting
film 36 may be entirely formed as the non-reflecting area 36B, or
the reflecting film 36 may be omitted.
[0073] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the electrical
configuration of the controller 100 of the slot machine 13 having
mechanical reels. Referring to FIG. 7, the controller 100 of the
slot machine 13 is a microcomputer, and provided with an interface
circuit group 102, an input-output bus 104, a CPU 106, a ROM 108, a
RAM 110, an interface circuit 111 for communication, a random
number generator 112, a motor drive circuit 120, a speaker drive
circuit 122, a hopper drive circuit 124, a display part drive
circuit 128, and a display/input controller 140. Since this
electrical configuration is identical with that of the slot machine
13 having the video reels described with reference to FIG. 4,
except for one part, only the different part will be described
here.
[0074] A reel position detection circuit 46 is connected to the
interface circuit group 102. The reel position detection circuit 46
is a circuit for detecting the rotational positions of the
mechanical reels 3A to 3E, based on pulse signals from a reel
rotational position sensor (not shown). The detection signals from
the reel position detection circuit 46 are also supplied to the
interface circuit group 102, and converted to predetermined signals
by the interface circuit group 102, and then supplied to the
input-output bus 104'.
[0075] Upon acceptance of the start operation of the basic game
through the start switch 25, the CPU 106 reads a basic game program
to execute the basic game. The basic game program is programmed as
follows. That is, all of the stepping motors 45A to 45E are driven
to rotate all of the mechanical reels 3A to 3E so as to star, the
scrolling of the symbols on the reels 3A to 3E. Thereafter, the
drives to the stepping motors 45A to 45E are stopped to stop the
rotations of all of the mechanical reels 3A to 3E so as to
rearrange the reels 3A to 3E. If a combination of symbols stopped
at this time is displayed on the winning lines, and the combination
corresponds to a specific combination for which a winning is
awarded, a number of coins associated with the specific combination
are paid out.
[0076] The CPU 106 also controls a second game. Consequently, the
CPU 106 sends a signal for executing the second game if a
predetermined condition is satisfied when the symbols of all of the
mechanical reels 3A to 3E are stopped and displayed.
[0077] The motor drive circuit 120 for driving the stepping motors
45A to 45E is also connected to the input-output bus 104. In
response to the occurrence of a predetermined event, the CPU 106
controls the operations of the stepping motors 45A to 45E via the
motor drive circuit 120.
[0078] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the electrical
configuration of the display/input controller 140 of the slot
machine 13. The display/input controller 140 of the slot machine 13
is a sub-microcomputer performing image display processing and the
control of input from the touch panel 32, and is equipped with an
interface circuit 142, an input-output bus 144, a CPU 146, a ROM
148, a RAM 150, a VDP 152, a video RAM 154, a ROM 156 for image
data, a drive circuit 158, and a touch panel control circuit
160.
[0079] The interface circuit group 142 is connected to the
input-output bus 144. An image display instruction output from the
CPU 106 on the above-mentioned controller 100 is supplied to the
input-output bus 144 via the interface circuit 142. The
input-output bus 144 performs input and output of data signals or
address signals with respect to the CPU 146.
[0080] The ROM 148 and the RAM 150 are connected to the
input-output bus 144. The ROM 148 stores a display control program
for generating a drive signal to be supplied to the liquid crystal
display 30, based on the image display instruction from the CPU 106
on the controller 100. On the other hand, the RAM 150 stores the
values of flags and variables, and the like used in the
above-mentioned control program.
[0081] The VDP 152 is also connected to the input-output bus 144.
The VDP 152 is a processing unit including a so-called sprite
circuit, a screen circuit, and a palette circuit, thus enabling it
to perform different processes for displaying images on the liquid
crystal display 30. Connected to the VDP 152 are the video RAM 154
for storing image data associated with the image display
instructions from the CPU 106, and the ROM 156 for image data
storing various kinds of image data containing the above-mentioned
produced image data. Further connected to the VDP 152 is the drive
circuit 158 outputting a drive signal for driving the liquid
crystal display 30.
[0082] By reading and executing a display control program stored in
the ROM 148, the CPU 146 instructs the video RAM 154 to store image
data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 30 in response
to the image display instructions from the CPU 106 on the
above-mentioned controller 100. The image display instructions
contain various types of image display instructions such as the
display instruction for the above-mentioned produced image.
[0083] The ROM 156 for image data stores various kinds image data
such as the representation image data.
[0084] The touch panel control circuit 160 sends, as an input
signal, the signal received by the touch panel 32 on the liquid
crystal display 30, to the CPU 106 via the input-output bus
144.
[0085] FIGS. 9A and 9B are flow charts showing a sequence of
processes up to the conversion of a cash value to a credit, which
is executed by the controller 100 of the slot machine 13.
[0086] In step S1, the CPU 106 receives a conversion rate table
(refer to FIG. 10) from the conversion rate management server 500,
and moves the procedure to step S2. Specifically, the CPU 106
receives the conversion rate table and stores it in the RAM
110.
[0087] In step S2, the CPU 106 decides whether or not a
predetermined time has elapsed. If so, the CPU 106 moves the
procedure to step S1. If not, it moves to the procedure to step
S3.
[0088] In step S3, the CPU 106 decides whether or not the cellular
phone 300 of the player is secured to the holder 170. If so, the
CPU 106 moves the procedure to step S4. If not, it moves the
procedure to step S2. Specifically, the CPU 106 decides whether or
not the distance between the wireless send/receive part 171
provided in the holder 170 and the cellular phone 300 of the player
is not more than a distance enabling wireless communication. In the
present embodiment, if the cellular phone 300 of the player is
secured to the holder 170, the distance therebetween falls within
the distance enabling wireless communication.
[0089] In step S4, the CPU 106 operates to display a currency
selection screen (refer to FIG. 11), and moves the procedure to
step S5.
[0090] In step S5, the CPU 106 decides whether or not a currency is
selected. If so, the CPU 106 moves the procedure to step S6. If
not, it moves the procedure to step S5. Specifically, on the
currency selection screen (refer to FIG. 11), the CPU 106 decides
whether a currency kind button 201 on the liquid crystal display 30
has been pushed or not by a hand 200.
[0091] In step S6, the CPU 106 operates to display a conversion
upper limit input screen (refer to FIG. 12), and moves the
procedure to step S7.
[0092] In step S7, the CPU 106 accepts the input of a conversion
upper limit value, and moves the procedure to step S8.
Specifically, the CPU 106 accepts the input of the conversion upper
limit value in the following manner such that ten keys 202 arranged
on the liquid crystal display 30 are pushed by the hand 200.
[0093] In step S8, the CPU 106 decides whether or not the
conversion upper limit value has been selected. If so, the CPU 106
moves the procedure to step S9. If not, it moves the procedure to
step S7. Specifically, the CPU 106 decides whether on the
conversion upper limit input screen (refer to FIG. 12), a decision
button 204 on the liquid crystal display 30 has been pushed or not
by the hand 200. If so, the CPU 106 operates to store the input
conversion upper limit value in the RAM 110.
[0094] In step S9, the CPU 106 operates to display a credit number
input screen (refer to FIG. 13), and moves the procedure to step
S10.
[0095] In step S10, the CPU 106 accepts the input of a credit
number, and moves the procedure to step S11. Specifically, the CPU
106 accepts the input of the credit number in the following manner
such that ten keys 202 on the liquid crystal display 30 are pushed
by the hand 200.
[0096] In step S11, the CPU 106 decides whether or not the
conversion decision button has been pushed. If so, the CPU 106
moves the procedure to step S12. If not, it moves the procedure to
step S10. Specifically, the CPU 106 decides whether on the credit
number input screen (refer to FIG. 13), a conversion decision
button 205 on the liquid crystal display 30 has been pushed by the
hand 200. If so, the CPU 106 instructs the RAM 110 to store the
decided and input credit number.
[0097] In step S12, the CPU 106 calculates the cash value
indicating the total amount of the decided credit number, and moves
the procedure to step S13. Specifically, the CPU 106 converts the
credit number stored in the RAM 110 in step S11 to the cash value
by referring to the conversion rate table (refer to FIG. 10) stored
in the RAM 110 in step S1. For example, the conversion rate table
shown in FIG. 10, the cash value per credit is stored, and the cash
value per credit of the currency kind "yen" is 100 yen.
Consequently, if the decided credit number is "100," the cash value
is "10,000 yen." The CPU 106 instructs the RAM 110 to store cash
value data indicating the cash value so calculated.
[0098] In step S13, the CPU 106 decides whether or not the
calculated cash value is not more than the conversion upper limit
value. If it is not over that value, the CPU 106 moves the
procedure to step S14. If over that value, it moves the procedure
to step S10. Specifically, the CPU 106 makes a decision by
comparing the cash value data stored in the RAM 110 in step S12
with the conversion upper limit value stored in the RAM 110 in step
S8.
[0099] In step S14, the CPU 106 operates to generate a send request
of the cash value data indicating the cash value calculated in step
S12, and moves the procedure to step S15. Specifically, the CPU 106
sends the cash value data to the cellular phone 300 of the player
via the wireless send/receive part 171.
[0100] In step S15, the CPU 106 receives the cash value data, and
moves the procedure to step S16. Specifically, the CPU 106 receives
the cash value data for which the send request was executed, from
the cellular phone 300 of the player via the wireless send/receive
part 171, and operates to store the cash value data in the RAM
110.
[0101] In step S16, the CPU 106 converts the received cash value
data to credit number data. Specifically, the CPU 106 converts the
cash value data stored in the RAM 110 in step S15 to credit number
data by referring to the conversion rate table (refer to FIG. 10)
stored in the RAM 110 in step S1. For example, the conversion rate
table shown in FIG. 10 stores the cash value per credit, and the
cash value per credit of the currency kind "yen" is 100 yen.
Consequently, if the cash value data is "10,000," the credit number
data is "100." The CPU 106 instructs the RAM 110 to store the
converted credit number data, and add the converted credit number
data to the credit number data already stored in the RAM 110, and
operates to display the result on the credit number display part
49. The CPU 106 then terminates the present procedure.
[0102] The conversion rate table shown in FIG. 10 is a table in
which the cash value per credit is stored for each currency kind.
For example, in the case of "yen," the cash value necessary for a
credit is "100 yen."
[0103] By referring to the conversion rate table, the CPU 106
converts the data indicating the credit number the CPU 106 accepted
the input thereof, to cash value data. Further, by referring to the
conversion rate table, the CPU 106 converts the cash value data
received from the cellular phone 300 of the player, to the credit
number data.
[0104] The conversion rate table is stored in the conversion rate
management server 500, and the conversion rate for each currency
kind changes with time. This conversion rate is determined based on
the corresponding exchange rate that changes in real time. For
example, if the cash value per credit of "yen" is "100 yen," in the
conversion rate management server 500, the cash value per credit of
"dollar," "euro," or the like is determined based on the current
exchange rate. Specifically, if the current exchange rate of
"dollar" is 117 yen per dollar, its cash value is 0.85 dollar for
100 yen.
[0105] Thus, the current exchange rate can be reflected in the
conversion rate table, and the CPU 106 receives this conversion
rate table from the conversion rate management server 500 at
predetermined time intervals, and stores it in the RAM 110.
[0106] It is therefore possible for the slot machine 13 to purchase
credits by using the conversion table in which the current exchange
rate is reflected.
[0107] Here, the conversion rate management server 500 receives and
stores the exchange rate changing in real time from a predetermined
server (not shown).
[0108] The CPU 106 can also change the conversion rate in the
following manner different from the manner of changing conversion
rates based on exchange rates, that is, by changing the cash value
per credit for a specific currency kind.
[0109] For example, the CPU 106 changes the cash value per credit
for "yen" (a specific currency kind) from "100 yen" to "110 yen,"
and then converts the value of "dollar," "euro," or the like
corresponding to "110 yen," based on the current exchange rate.
[0110] The CPU 106 receives the exchange rates changing in real
time from a predetermined server (not shown), and stores them in
the RAM 110.
[0111] FIG. 11 is a currency selection screen on which the player
can select a currency kind of the cash value to be converted to
credits. The currency selection screen is displayed on the liquid
crystal display 30, and the currency kind and the cash value per
credit are displayed per currency kind stored in the conversion
rate table. The player can choose a currency kind of the cash value
to be converted to credits by pushing the currency kind button 201
by the hand 200.
[0112] Thus, the player can decide the kind of a currency to be
converted to credits by observing the cash value per credit for
each currency kind displayed on the currency selection screen.
[0113] FIG. 12 is a conversion upper limit input screen on which,
the player can input an upper limit value of the cash value to be
converted to credits. The conversion upper limit input screen is
displayed on the liquid crystal display 30, and the player can
decide the conversion upper limit value by inputting the conversion
upper limit value by pushing the ten key 202 by the hand 200, and
then pushing the decision button 204.
[0114] The player can also clear the inputted conversion upper
limit value by pushing a clear button 203 by the hand 200.
[0115] FIG. 13 is a credit number input screen on which the player
can input a credit number. The credit number input screen is
displayed on the liquid crystal display 30, and the player can
decide a credit number by inputting the credit number by pushing
the ten keys 202 by the hand 200, and then pushing the conversion
decision button 204.
[0116] The player can also clear the input credit number by pushing
the clear button 203 by the hand 200.
[0117] Thus, in the present embodiment, the player can perform the
basic game by sending the cash value stored in the cellular phone
to the slot machine in order to convert it to credits. This enables
the player to purchase the credits with ease, thereby improving the
attractiveness of the game.
[0118] Additionally, by using a non-contact type IC card (an IC
chip) for sending and receiving data between the cellular phone and
the slot machine, the transmission speed can be increased
considerably compared to transmission over a transmission circuit
network for cellular phones. This facilitates the purchase of
credits, thereby improving the attractiveness of the game.
[0119] Further, the cash value can be converted to credits in
consideration of the exchange rate changing in real time. This
increases the range of selections when choosing a currency kind to
purchase credits, thereby improving the attractiveness of the
game.
[0120] Furthermore, the player can input an upper limit value of
the cash value to be converted to credits. This eliminates the
possibility that, when purchasing the credits, the cash value can
be converted to a greater number of credits than the upper limit
value. Hence, the player can perform the game with a sense of
security.
[0121] While the preferred embodiments of the slot machine of the
present invention have been described and illustrated above, it is
to be understood that they are exemplary of the invention and are
not to be considered to be limiting. Additions, omissions,
substitutions, and other modifications can be made thereto without
departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.
Accordingly, the invention is not to be considered to be limited by
the foregoing description and is only limited by the scope of the
appended claims.
[0122] For example, the sending and receiving of data between the
cellular phone 300 of the player and the slot machine 13 may be
performed over a transmission circuit network for cellular phones
(not shown). Alternatively, an external connecting terminal (not
shown) may be provided in the slot machine 13 so as to be connected
to the cellular phone 300 of the player.
[0123] In another alternative, instead of direct sending and
receiving of data between the cellular phone 300 of the player and
the slot machine 13, a currency exchange server (not shown) is
connected to the slot machine 13 over the network 600, and
connected to the cellular phone 300 of the player via the external
connecting terminal (not shown), so that the currency exchange
server can operate to convert a cash value to a credit number.
* * * * *