U.S. patent application number 11/640385 was filed with the patent office on 2008-03-06 for gaming system including slot machines and gaming control method thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC.. Invention is credited to Kazuo Okada.
Application Number | 20080058090 11/640385 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39152448 |
Filed Date | 2008-03-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080058090 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Okada; Kazuo |
March 6, 2008 |
Gaming system including slot machines and gaming control method
thereof
Abstract
A gaming system includes: a slot machine providing a basic game;
and a second gaming device, separate from the slot machines, which
executes a second game. The gaming system further includes a
central controller. In the case that a "BONUS" symbol combination
stops in an active pay line in the basic game at the slot machine,
the central controller receives a second game start signal from the
slot machine. Also, the central controller receives data from the
slot machine concerning a basic bet permitted under a predetermined
condition. Furthermore, the central controller receives data from
the aforementioned slot machine, concerning additional bets that
differ from the data concerning the basic bet.
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.
Las Vegas
NV
|
Family ID: |
39152448 |
Appl. No.: |
11/640385 |
Filed: |
December 18, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60842362 |
Sep 6, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/34 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/25 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A gaming system comprising: a slot machine which executes a
basic game and, under a predetermined condition, transmits a signal
for switching to a second game; a second gaming device, which is a
separate device from said slot machine, and which executes the
second game; a central controller, which can communicate with said
slot machine and said second gaming device, which transmits a start
signal, according to a switching signal being received from said
slot machine, to start the second game on said second gaming
device, which receives data from said slot machine concerning a
basic bet permitted under the predetermined condition, and which
receives data concerning additional bets that differ from the data
concerning the basic bet from said slot machine.
2. A gaming system according to claim 1, wherein said central
controller provides a greater payout amount for the second game
based upon the data concerning the additional bets, being received
from said slot machine, than in a case in which only the basic bet
has been placed.
3. A gaming system according to claim 1, wherein said central
controller increases the number of bets that can be specified by
the player in the second game, according to the data being received
concerning the additional bets, in addition to the number of bets
that can be specified by the player according to the basic bet.
4. A gaming system according to claim 1, wherein said central
controller increases the credit amount bet on the second game
according to the data concerning the additional bets, being
received from said slot machine, in addition to the credit amount
for the basic bet.
5. A gaming system according to claim 1, wherein said central
controller permits the player to specify additional betting methods
according to the data concerning the additional bets, being
received from said slot machine, which differ from the betting
methods permitted according to the basic bet, in addition to the
betting methods that can be specified according to the basic
bet.
6. A gaming system comprising: a slot machine which executes a
basic game and, under a predetermined condition, transmits a signal
for switching to a second game; a second gaming device, which is a
separate device from said slot machine, and which executes the
second game; a central controller, which can communicate with said
slot machine and said second gaming device, which transmits a start
signal, according to a switching signal being received from said
slot machine, to start the second game on said second gaming
device, which receives data from said slot machine concerning a
basic bet permitted under the predetermined condition, which
receives data concerning additional bets that differ from the data
concerning the basic bet from said slot machine, which increases
the number of bets that can be specified by the player in the
second game, according to the data being received concerning the
additional bets, in addition to the number of bets that can be
specified by the player according to the basic bet, which increases
the credit amount bet on the second game according to the data
concerning the additional bets, being received from said slot
machine, in addition to the credit amount for the basic bet, and
which provides a greater payout amount for the second game based
upon the data concerning the additional bets, being received from
said slot machine, than in a case in which only the basic bet has
been placed.
7. A gaming system comprising: a slot machine which executes a
basic game and, under a predetermined condition, transmits a signal
for switching to a second game; a second gaming device, which is a
separate device from said slot machine, and which executes the
second game; a central controller, which can communicate with said
slot machine and said second gaming device, which transmits a start
signal, according to a switching signal being received from said
slot machine, to start the second game on said second gaming
device, which receives data from said slot machine concerning a
basic bet permitted under the predetermined condition, which
receives data concerning additional bets that differ from the data
concerning the basic bet from said slot machine, which increases
the number of bets that can be specified by the player in the
second game, according to the data being received concerning the
additional bets, in addition to the number of bets that can be
specified by the player according to the basic bet, which permits
the player to specify additional betting methods according to the
data concerning the additional bets, being received from said slot
machine, which differ from the betting methods permitted according
to the basic bet, in addition to the betting methods that can be
specified according to the basic bet, and which transmits payout
data to said slot machine according to the result of the second
game on which bets have been placed via said slot machine using the
credit data concerning the additional bets, being received from
said slot machine.
8. A gaming system comprising: a slot machine which executes a
basic game and, under a predetermined condition, transmits a signal
for switching to a second game; a second gaming device, which is a
separate device from said slot machine, and which executes the
second game; a central controller, which can communicate with said
slot machine and said second gaming device, which transmits a start
signal, according to a switching signal being received from said
slot machine, to start the second game on said second gaming
device, which receives data from said slot machine concerning a
basic bet permitted under the predetermined condition, which
receives data concerning additional bets that differ from the data
concerning the basic bet from said slot machine, which increases
the number of bets that can be specified by the player in the
second game, according to the data being received concerning the
additional bets, in addition to the number of bets that can be
specified by the player according to the basic bet, which increases
the credit amount bet on the second game according to the data
concerning the additional bets, being received from said slot
machine, in addition to the credit amount for the basic bet, which
permits the player to specify additional betting methods according
to the data concerning the additional bets, being received from
said slot machine, which differ from the betting methods permitted
according to the basic bet, in addition to the betting methods that
can be specified according to the basic bet, and which provides a
greater payout amount for the second game based upon the data
concerning the additional bets, being received from said slot
machine, than in a case in which only the basic bet has been
placed.
9. A gaming control method, which employs a system including a slot
machine for executing a basic game, and a second gaming device
which is a separate device from said slot machine, said gaming
control method comprising: a step in which, under a predetermined
condition, a controller of said slot machine transmits a signal for
switching to the second game executed by said second gaming device;
a step in which, a central controller transmits a start signal for
the second game according to the switching signal being received
from said slot machine; a step in which said central controller
starts the second game on said second gaming device; a step in
which the controller of said slot machine transmits data concerning
a basic bet permitted under the predetermined condition; a step in
which said central controller receives the data concerning the
basic bet from said slot machine; and a step in which the
controller of said slot machine transmits data concerning
additional bets that differ from the data concerning the basic
bet.
10. A gaming control method according to claim 9, further
comprising a step in which said central controller provides a
greater payout amount for the second game based upon the data
concerning the additional bets, being received from said slot
machine, than in a case in which only the basic bet has been
placed.
11. A gaming control method according to claim 9, further
comprising a step in which said central controller increases the
number of bets that can be specified by a player in the second
game, according to the data concerning the additional bets, being
received from said slot machine, in addition to the number of bets
that can be specified by the player according to the basic bet.
12. A gaming control method according to claim 9, further
comprising a step in which said central controller increases the
credit amount bet on the second game according to the data
concerning the additional bets, being received from said slot
machine, in addition to the credit amount for the basic bet.
13. A gaming control method according to claim 9, further
comprising a step in which said central controller permits the
player to specify additional betting methods according to the data
concerning the additional bets, being received from said slot
machine, which differ from the betting methods permitted according
to the basic bet, in addition to the betting methods that can be
specified by the player according to the basic bet.
14. A gaming control method, which employs a system including a
slot machine for executing a basic game, and a second gaming device
which is a separate device from said slot machine, said gaming
control method comprising: a step in which, under a predetermined
condition, a controller of said slot machine transmits a signal for
switching to the second game executed by said second gaming device;
a step in which, a central controller transmits a start signal for
the second game according to the switching signal being received
from said slot machine; a step in which said central controller
starts the second game on said second gaming device; a step in
which the controller of said slot machine transmits data concerning
a basic bet permitted under the predetermined condition; a step in
which said central controller receives the data concerning the
basic bet from said slot machine; and a step in which the
controller of said slot machine transmits data concerning
additional bets that differ from the data concerning the basic bet;
a step in which said central controller increases the number of
bets that can be specified by a player in the second game,
according to the data concerning the additional bets, being
received from said slot machine, in addition to the number of bets
that can be specified by the player according to the basic bet; a
step in which said central controller increases the credit amount
bet on the second game according to the data concerning the
additional bets, being received from said slot machine, in addition
to the credit amount for the basic bet; and a step in which said
central controller provides a greater payout amount for the second
game based upon the data concerning the additional bets, being
received from said slot machine, than in a case in which only the
basic bet has been placed.
15. A gaming control method, which employs a system including a
slot machine for executing a basic game, and a second gaming device
which is a separate device from said slot machine, said gaming
control method comprising: a step in which, under a predetermined
condition, a controller of said slot machine transmits a signal for
switching to the second game executed by said second gaming device;
a step in which, a central controller transmits a start signal for
the second game according to the switching signal being received
from said slot machine; a step in which said central controller
starts the second game on said second gaming device; a step in
which the controller of said slot machine transmits data concerning
a basic bet permitted under the predetermined condition; a step in
which said central controller receives the data concerning the
basic bet from said slot machine; and a step in which the
controller of said slot machine transmits data concerning
additional bets that differ from the data concerning the basic bet;
a step in which said central controller increases the number of
bets that can be specified by a player in the second game,
according to the data concerning the additional bets, being
received from said slot machine, in addition to the number of bets
that can be specified by the player according to the basic bet; a
step in which said central controller permits the player to specify
additional betting methods according to the data concerning the
additional bets, being received from said slot machine, which
differ from the betting methods permitted according to the basic
bet, in addition to the betting methods that can be specified by
the player according to the basic bet; and a step in which said
central controller transmits payout data according to the result of
the second game on which the bets have been placed via said slot
machine using the credit data.
16. A gaming control method, which employs a system including a
slot machine for executing a basic game, and a second gaming device
which is a separate device from said slot machine, said gaming
control method comprising: a step in which, under a predetermined
condition, a controller of said slot machine transmits a signal for
switching to the second game executed by said second gaming device;
a step in which, a central controller transmits a start signal for
the second game according to the switching signal being received
from said slot machine; a step in which said central controller
starts the second game on said second gaming device; a step in
which the controller of said slot machine transmits data concerning
a basic bet permitted under the predetermined condition; a step in
which said central controller receives the data concerning the
basic bet from said slot machine; and a step in which the
controller of said slot machine transmits data concerning
additional bets that differ from the data concerning the basic bet;
a step in which said central controller increases the number of
bets that can be specified by a player in the second game,
according to the data concerning the additional bets, being
received from said slot machine, in addition to the number of bets
that can be specified by the player according to the basic bet; a
step in which said central controller increases the credit amount
bet on the second game according to the data concerning the
additional bets, being received from said slot machine, in addition
to the credit amount for the basic bet; a step in which said
central controller permits the player to specify additional betting
methods according to the data concerning the additional bets, being
received from said slot machine, which differ from the betting
methods permitted according to the basic bet, in addition to the
betting methods that can be specified by the player according to
the basic bet; and a step in which said central controller provides
a greater payout amount for the second game based upon the data
concerning the additional bets, being received from said slot
machine, than in a case in which only the basic bet has been
placed.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a gaming system including
slot machines and a gaming control method.
[0003] 2. Related Art
[0004] Examples of known conventional slot machines include a slot
machine having a function of providing a free game or a bonus game
that provides the player with an advantage in comparison with a
basic game as disclosed in the specification of U.S. Pat. No.
6,634,941 and the specification of U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2004/110558. The term "free game" or "bonus game"
as used here represents a second game. Examples of such second
games executed by such slot machines thus disclosed include: a game
which, when a particular symbol is displayed, raises the
probability of winning a particular combination that gives the
player an award; a game that raises the amount of payout to be
received by a player who has won a particular winning
combination.
[0005] Also, examples of other disclosed slot machines include a
slot machine that displays the value of the payout which the player
has a chance to get in the second game, so as to notify the player
before the second game.
[0006] With such conventional slot machines, the same slot machine
also provides the second game. The present invention provides a
slot machine that offers further novel entertainment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The first aspect of the present invention relates to a
gaming system having the following configuration. The gaming system
comprises: slot machines each of which executes a basic game, and
which transmits a signal for switching to a second game under a
predetermined condition; a second gaming device, separate from the
slot machines, which executes the second game; and a central
controller which can communicate with the slot machines and the
second gaming device, which, upon reception of a switching signal
from any one of the slot machines, transmits a start signal to
start the second game in the second gaming device, which receives
data from the slot machine concerning a basic bet permitted under
the predetermined condition, and which receives data from the slot
machine concerning additional bets that differ from the basic
bet.
[0008] With the gaming system according to the first aspect of the
present invention, upon the slot machine transmitting a signal for
switching the basic game to the second game under a predetermined
condition to the central controller, the central controller
receives the data from the slot machine concerning the basic bet
permitted under the predetermined condition. Furthermore, the
central controller receives the data from the slot machine
concerning the additional bets that differ from the data concerning
the basic bet.
[0009] The second aspect of the present invention relates to a
gaming system having the following configuration. With such a
gaming system, the central controller provides a greater payout
amount for the second game based upon the data concerning the
additional bets received from the slot machine than in the case in
which only the basic bet has been placed.
[0010] With the gaming system according to the second aspect of the
present invention, the central controller provides a greater payout
amount for the second game based upon the data concerning the
additional bets received from the slot machine, than in the case in
which only the basic bet has been placed.
[0011] The third aspect of the present invention relates to a
gaming system having the following configuration. With such a
gaming system, upon reception of the data concerning the additional
bets from the slot machine, the central controller increases the
number of bets that can be specified by the player in the second
game according to the data concerning the additional bets, in
addition to the number of bets that can be specified by the player
according to the basic bet.
[0012] With the gaming system according to the third aspect of the
present invention, upon reception of the data concerning the
additional bets from the slot machine, the central controller
increases the number of bets that can be specified by the player in
the second game.
[0013] The fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a
gaming system having the following configuration. With such a
gaming system, upon reception of the data concerning the additional
bets from the slot machine, the central controller increases the
credit amount bet on the second game according to the data
concerning the additional bets, in addition to the credit amount
for the basic bet.
[0014] With the gaming system according to the fourth aspect of the
present invention, the central controller increases the credit
amount bet on the second game according to the data concerning the
additional bets received from the slot machine.
[0015] The fifth aspect of the present invention relates to a
gaming system having the following configuration. With such a
gaming system, the central controller permits the player to specify
additional betting methods according to the data concerning the
additional bets received from the slot machine, which differ from
the betting methods permitted according to the basic bet, in
addition to the betting methods that can be specified by the player
according to the basic bet.
[0016] With the gaming system according to the fifth aspect of the
present invention, the central controller permits the player to
specify the additional betting methods in the second game, which
differ from the betting methods permitted according to the basic
bet, according to the data concerning the additional bets received
from the slot machine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram which shows a
gaming system according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram which shows an external view
of the gaming system according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view which shows a slot machine
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view which shows an enlarged
view of the display region of the slot machine according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a block diagram which shows an electrical
configuration of a controller of a video reel slot machine
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a perspective view which shows a schematic
configuration of a liquid crystal display of the slot machine
according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from
the rear side;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a disassembled perspective view which shows a part
of the configuration of the liquid crystal display shown in FIG.
6;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a block diagram which shows an electrical
configuration of a controller of a mechanical reel slot machine
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a block diagram which shows an electrical
configuration of a display/input controller of the slot machine
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a plan view which shows a second gaming device
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a block diagram which shows an electrical
configuration of a central controller according to an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 12 is a perspective view which shows a second gaming
terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 13 is a block diagram which shows an electrical
configuration of a controller of the second gaming terminal
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 14 is a diagram which shows a structure of a random
number table for a basic game;
[0031] FIG. 15 is a diagram which shows a structure of a payout
table for the basic game;
[0032] FIG. 16 is a diagram which shows a structure of a payout
table for a second game;
[0033] FIG. 17 is a diagram which shows a structure of a payout
determining table for the second game;
[0034] FIG. 18 is a flowchart which shows a processing flow in the
basic game executed by the slot machine according to an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0035] FIGS. 19A and 19B are flowcharts which show the processing
flow of the gaming system in the second game according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 20 is a flowchart which shows the betting processing
flow of the slot machine in the second game according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 21 is a flowchart which shows the participation
processing flow of the second gaming terminal in the second game
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 22 shows an example of what is displayed when a
combination of "BONUS" symbols has come to a stop along an active
pay line L5 on a display region in the basic game executed by the
slot machine according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0039] FIG. 23 shows an example of what is displayed after the
symbol combination shown in FIG. 22 has been displayed in the basic
game executed by the slot machine according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0040] FIG. 24 shows an example of what is displayed on the slot
machine according to an embodiment of the present invention when
the player places a bet in the second game;
[0041] FIG. 25 shows an example of what is displayed on the second
gaming terminal upon reception of a second game start signal when
the slot machine enters the second game mode according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 26 shows an example of what is displayed on the second
gaming terminal when the slot machine enters the second game mode,
which permits a player to place additional bets, according to an
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0043] FIG. 27 shows an example of what is displayed on another
slot machine when the aforementioned slot machine enters the second
game mode, which permits a player to place additional bets via the
latter slot machine, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0044] A description will be given regarding a schematic
configuration of a gaming system 10 according to the present
embodiment with reference to FIGS. 2 and 20. FIG. 2 is a
perspective view which shows an external configuration of the
gaming system 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in
FIG. 2, the gaming system 10 principally comprises slot machines
13, a second gaming device 11, and second gaming terminals 15. The
term "second gaming device 11" as used here represents a gaming
device for a roulette game, for example. Each slot machine 13 has a
function of allowing the player to bet on a roulette game in the
second game under a predetermined condition described later with
reference to FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 20 in addition to the basic game
described later with reference to FIG. 18.
[0045] Furthermore, the gaming system 10 includes a large-size
monitor 16. The large-size monitor 16 displays images or the like
as necessary, corresponding to the progress of the second game
(which will also be referred to as "roulette game" hereafter).
[0046] The multiple slot machines 13 (eight slot machines in the
present embodiment) are provided such that they surround the
perimeter of the second gaming device 11 in a layout that allows
the players at the slot machines 13 to see the large-size monitor
16. With such an arrangement, each slot machine 13, including a
seat 57 for the player, is installed on a movable floor 18.
Furthermore, such an arrangement has a mechanism for raising the
slot machine 13 that has entered the second game mode together with
its seat 57 in the form of a single unit by raising the movable
floor 18 in the event that the second game has started.
[0047] Furthermore, the gaming system 10 includes multiple second
gaming terminals 15 (four second gaming terminals in the present
embodiment) which allows the players to participate in the roulette
game. Each of the second gaming terminals 15 is a dedicated
roulette gaming terminal, and for example, is a terminal which
allows other players to participate in the second game in the case
that the second game has started at any one of the slot machines
13. Note that a description will be given later regarding the
second game with reference to FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 21.
[0048] Furthermore, the gaming system 10 includes multiple movable
viewpoint cameras 17 (four in the present embodiment). One of the
movable viewpoint cameras 17 is provided for capturing an image of
a roulette device 60 described later with reference to FIG. 10.
This movable viewpoint camera 17 is installed at a position that
allows it to capture an image of the roulette device 60 from the
viewpoint along the vertical direction from the upper side to the
lower side of the roulette device 60. With such a layout, this
movable viewpoint camera 17 captures an image of the rotating
roulette wheel, and an image of a ball 65 at a certain position
after the roulette wheel stops. The images thus captured are
displayed on the monitor 16. The gaming system 10 is installed in
an amusement facility such as a casino.
[0049] In the case that a predetermined condition has been
satisfied, the slot machine 13 in the basic game mode enters the
second game mode. In this case, the gaming system allows the player
to place additional bets, in addition to the bets permitted as a
result of the predetermined condition having been satisfied (Step
S408 in FIG. 20). Furthermore, the gaming system allows the player
to place additional bets by transmitting credit data via the second
gaming terminal 15 (Step S410 in FIG. 20). With such an
arrangement, the number of bets permitted for the player is
determined based upon the amount of the additional bets, thereby
providing various betting methods.
[0050] A description will be given below regarding the
configuration of the gaming system 10 according to the present
invention with reference to FIG. 1. With the gaming system 10 shown
in FIG. 1, the components connected to a network 12 include: the
slot machines 13; the second gaming device 11; a central controller
14; and the second gaming terminals 15. The central controller 14
can control each slot machine 13, the second gaming device 11, and
each second gaming terminal 15 via the aforementioned network
12.
[0051] Each slot machine 13 provides a function of allowing the
player to play a basic game. Furthermore, in the case that a
predetermined condition has been satisfied, each slot machine 13
transmits a signal for switching the game from the basic game to
the second game. Here, the second game is executed by the second
gaming device 11 under the control of the central controller 14. In
this case, the slot machine 13 played by the player serves as a
terminal for the second game, which allows the player to bet on a
roulette game. Such an arrangement allows the player to play the
second game using the second gaming device 11 which is a separate
unit from the slot machine 13.
[0052] Furthermore, the second gaming terminal 15 is connected to
the central controller 14 via the network 12. The gaming system 10
has a mechanism which allows other players to participate in the
second game played at the slot machine 13 via the second gaming
terminals 15 in the case that the roulette game has started at the
second gaming device 11. The term "participation" as used here
represents an act of transmitting credits from the second gaming
terminal 15 to the slot machine 13 in the second game mode such
that a bet is relegated to another player at the slot machine 13 in
the second game mode. Thus, in the case that the roulette game has
started, the gaming system allows other persons in the amusement
facility to participate in the roulette game using the second
gaming terminals 15, thereby offering a second game that permits
participation of multiple players.
[0053] FIG. 3 is a perspective view which shows the slot machine 13
according to an embodiment of the present invention. The slot
machine 13 includes a cabinet 20 and a main door 42. The cabinet 20
has a structure in which the face facing the player is open. The
cabinet 20 includes various kinds of components. Such components
include: a controller 100 (see FIG. 5 and FIG. 8) for electrically
controlling the slot machine 13; a hopper 44 for controlling the
insertion of coins (gaming medium) and for retaining and paying out
the coins (see FIG. 5 and FIG. 8); etc. The gaming medium is not
restricted to coins. Other examples of such gaming media include
medals, tokens, electronic money or electronic value information
(credit) having the same value.
[0054] The main door 42 is a member that serves as a cover of the
cabinet 20, which protects the internal components stored in the
cabinet 20 from being exposed to the outside. The main door 42
includes the liquid crystal display 30 at approximately the center
thereof.
[0055] The liquid crystal display 30 is provided for displaying
various kinds of images with respect to the game such as images for
providing visual effects. Such an arrangement allows the player to
advance the game while visually confirming various kinds of images
displayed on the aforementioned liquid crystal display 30. In
particular, in the roulette game, the liquid crystal display 30
displays the BET screen 70 described later with reference to FIG.
24. The liquid crystal display 30 includes a transparent liquid
crystal panel 34 (see FIGS. 6 and 7). The transparent liquid
crystal panel 34 has a function of switching a part of or the
entire area of the liquid crystal panel 34 between a transparent
mode and an opaque mode, and a function of displaying various kinds
of images. Note that a detailed description will be given regarding
the configuration of the liquid crystal display 30.
[0056] Let us consider an arrangement in which the slot machine 13
comprises video reels. With such an arrangement, five virtual reels
are displayed on the liquid crystal display 30. Note that the term
"video reel" as used here represents a mechanism for displaying a
reel on the liquid crystal display 30 in the form of an image,
instead of the mechanical reels. Multiple kinds of symbols
necessary for the basic game include "BONUS", "WILD", "TREASURE
BOX", "GOLDEN MASK", "HOLY CUP", "COMPASS & MAP", "SNAKE", "A",
"K", "Q", "J", and "10". With such an arrangement, the liquid
crystal display 30 displays these symbols with an image as if the
reel has rotated.
[0057] On the other hand, let us consider an arrangement in which
the slot machine 13 comprises mechanical reels. With such an
arrangement, the slot machine 13 includes five mechanical reels 3A,
3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E (see FIGS. 4 and 6), each of which has multiple
kinds of symbols depicted on the outer face thereof, arranged along
a horizontal line on the rear face side of the liquid crystal
display 30 in a manner that allows each mechanical reel to be
rotated. The mechanical reels 3A through 3E and stepping motors
45A, 45B, 45C, 45D, and 45E (see FIG. 8) described later, etc.,
form a mechanism for displaying multiple symbols. As described
above, each of the mechanical reels 3A through 3E has symbols which
are necessary for the basic game depicted on the outer face
thereof. In the case that the transparent liquid crystal panel 34
is in the transparent mode, the player can visually confirm these
various kinds of symbols on the mechanical reels 3A through 3E.
[0058] The slot machine 13 includes an approximately horizontal
operation unit 21 below the liquid crystal display 30. Furthermore,
a coin insertion opening 22 is provided on the right side of the
operation unit 21, which allows the player to insert coins into the
slot machine 13. On the other hand, the components provided to the
left side of the operation unit 21 include: a BET switch 23 which
allows the player to determine which lines are to be set to active
pay lines among nine lines L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L8, and L9,
for providing an award described later (which will simply be
referred to as "active pay lines" hereafter), and which allows the
player to select the number of coins as gaming media which are to
be bet on the aforementioned active pay lines; a spin repeat bet
switch 24 which allows the player to play the game again without
changing the number of coins bet on the aforementioned active pay
lines from that in the immediately prior game. Such an arrangement
allows the player to set the number of coins bet on the
aforementioned active pay lines by performing a pushing operation
on either the BET switch 23 or the spin repeat bet switch 24.
[0059] With the aforementioned operation unit 21, a start switch 25
is provided on the left side of the BET switch 23, which allows the
player to input a start operation instruction for the basic game in
increments of games. Upon performing a pushing operation on either
the start switch 25 or the spin repeat bet switch 24, which serves
as a trigger to start the game, the aforementioned five mechanical
reels 3A through 3E start to rotate.
[0060] On the other hand, a cash out switch 26 is provided near the
coin insertion opening 22 on the aforementioned operation unit 21.
Upon the player pushing the cash out switch 26, the inserted coins
are paid out from a coin payout opening 27 provided at a lower
portion of the front face of the main door 42. The coins thus paid
out are retained in a coin tray 28. Furthermore, the coin payout
opening 27 is provided on the upper side of the coin tray 28, with
sound transmission openings 29 provided to the left and right of
the coin payout opening 27. Here, the sound transmission openings
29 are provided for transmitting sound effects generated by a
speaker 41 (see FIGS. 5 and 8) stored within the cabinet 20 to the
outside.
[0061] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view which shows the display region 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 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) provided at the rear face of
the front panel 31. The front panel 31 comprises a transparent
display screen 31a and a design formation area 31b where designs
have been formed. Such an arrangement allows the player to visually
confirm the image information displayed on the transparent liquid
crystal panel 34 provided at the rear face of the front panel 31
through the display screen 31a of the front face 31. On the other
hand, let us consider the case in which the region of the
aforementioned transparent liquid crystal panel 34 is in the
transparent mode. In this case, such an arrangement allows each of
the symbols on the five mechanical reels 3A through 3E provided on
the rear side of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 to be
visually confirmed through the display screen 31a. On the other
hand, let us consider an arrangement in which the slot machine 13
comprises video reels. With such an arrangement, the transparent
liquid crystal panel 34 in an opaque state may display the reels in
the form of an image. Also, an ordinary liquid crystal panel may be
employed instead of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34.
[0062] Furthermore, various kinds of display units, i.e., a payout
display unit 48, a credit amount display unit 49, and a BET amount
display unit 50, are provided on the left side of the rear face of
the liquid crystal display 30. Note that the design formation area
31b of the front panel 31 is formed having a transparent portion
that covers the top faces of these display units 48 through 50,
thereby allowing the player to visually confirm the contents
displayed on the aforementioned display units 48 through 50.
[0063] The slot machine 13 has the nine lines L1 through L9 for
providing awards as shown in FIG. 4. Each of the lines L1 through
L9 for providing awards is formed such that it extends so as to
pass through one of the symbols for each of the mechanical reels 3A
through 3E when the rotation of all the five reels 3A through 3E
has stopped, or when the five video reels have stopped.
[0064] Upon pushing the aforementioned BET switch 23 once, the line
L3 for providing a third award, the line L5 for providing a fifth
award, and the line L7 for providing a seventh award, are set to be
active pay lines, and one coin is input as a credit medal, for
example.
[0065] Furthermore, upon pushing the aforementioned BET switch 23
twice, the line L1 for providing a first award, the line L4 for
providing a fourth award, and the line L8 for providing an eighth
award, are set to be active pay lines, in addition to the
aforementioned three lines, and two coins are input as credit
medals, for example.
[0066] Furthermore, upon pushing the aforementioned BET switch 23
three times, the line L2 for providing a second award, the line L6
for providing a sixth award, and the line L9 for providing a ninth
award, are set to be active pay lines, in addition to the
aforementioned six lines, and three coins are input as credit
medals, for example.
[0067] The game available in the present embodiment is a basic game
in which a predetermined set of symbols are made along the active
pay lines. In the case that a predetermined condition has been
satisfied in the basic game, the game is switched to the second
game with coins paid out in the basic game according to a
predetermined condition.
[0068] The payout display unit 48 is a component for displaying the
amount of the coins paid out when a particular combination of the
symbols has been displayed along any one of the active pay lines
for providing an award. The credit amount display unit 49 is a
component for displaying the amount of the coins retained in the
slot machine 13 in the form of a credit. The BET amount display
unit 50 is a component for displaying the BET amount which is the
number of coins bet on the aforementioned active pay lines. Each of
the display units 48 through 50 comprises a seven segment display
device. Alternatively, each of the display units 48 through 50 may
be displayed on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 in the form
of an image.
[0069] FIG. 5 is a block diagram which shows an electrical
configuration of a controller 100 of the slot machine 13 including
the video reels. Note that a description will be given later
regarding the slot machine 13 including the mechanical reels with
reference to FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 5, the controller 100 of the
slot machine 13 is a micro computer, and includes an interface
circuit group 102, an input/output bus 104, a CPU 106, ROM 108, RAM
110, a communication interface circuit 111, a random number
generator 112, a speaker driving circuit 122, a hopper driving
circuit 124, a display unit driving circuit 128, and a
display/input controller 140.
[0070] The interface circuit group 102 is connected to the
input/output bus 104. The input/output bus 104 performs
input/output of data signals or address signals to/from the CPU
106.
[0071] Furthermore, the start switch 25 is connected to the
interface circuit group 102. The start signal output from the start
switch 25 is converted into a predetermined signal by the interface
circuit group 102, and the input signal thus converted is supplied
to the input/output bus 104.
[0072] Furthermore, the BET switch 23, the spin repeat bet switch
24, and the cash out switch 26 are connected to the interface
circuit group 102. Each of the switching signals output from these
switches 23, 24, and 26 is also supplied to the interface circuit
group 102, and is converted into a predetermined signal by the
interface circuit group 102. The switching signals thus converted
are supplied to the input/output bus 104.
[0073] Furthermore, a coin sensor 43 is connected to the interface
circuit group 102. The coin sensor 43 is a sensor for detecting the
coin inserted into the coin insertion opening 22. The coin sensor
43 is provided in combination with the coin insertion opening 22.
The sensing signal output from the coin sensor 43 is also supplied
to the interface circuit group 102, and is converted into a
predetermined signal by the interface circuit group 102. The
sensing signal thus converted is supplied to the input/output bus
104.
[0074] The ROM 108 and the RAM 110 are connected to the
input/output bus 104.
[0075] Upon reception of the basic game start operation instruction
input through the start switch 25, which serves as a trigger, the
CPU 106 reads out a basic game program, and executes the basic
game. The basic game program has been programmed so as to instruct
the CPU 106 to perform the following operation. That is to say,
according to the basic game program, the CPU 106 displays an image
of the five video reels commencing to scroll the symbols on the
five video reels on the liquid crystal display 30 via the
display/input controller 140. Then, the CPU 106 displays an image
of the five video reels stopping such that the combination of the
symbols on these five video reels is rearranged, whereupon a new
combination of the symbols is made along the active pay lines. In
the case that a particular combination of the symbols for providing
an award has been made along any one of the active pay lines when
they are stationary, the CPU 106 pays out a predetermined amount of
coins corresponding to the particular combination for providing the
award.
[0076] Furthermore, the CPU 106 controls the second game. With such
an arrangement, in the case that a predetermined condition has been
satisfied after the five video reels have been stopped, the CPU 106
transmits a signal for executing the second game.
[0077] The ROM 108 stores: a control program for central control of
the slot machine 13; a program for executing a routine shown in
FIGS. 18 through 21 (which will be referred to as the "routine
execution program" hereafter); initial data for executing the
control program; and various data tables used for determination
processing. Note that the routine execution program includes the
aforementioned basic game program etc. On the other hand, examples
of the data tables include tables such as those shown in FIGS. 14
and 15. The RAM 110 temporarily stores flags, variables, etc., used
for the aforementioned control program.
[0078] Furthermore, a communication interface circuit 111 is
connected to the input/output bus 104. The communication interface
circuit 111 is a circuit for communicating with the central
controller 14 etc., via the network 12 including various kinds of
networks such as a LAN. With the present embodiment, in the case
that a predetermined condition has been satisfied in the basic
game, the CPU 106 switches the game to the second game. In this
case, the CPU 106 transmits the second game start signal to the
central controller 14 etc., via the communication interface circuit
111. Furthermore, the CPU 106 receives data necessary for
displaying the BET screen 70 from the central controller 14 via the
communication interface circuit 111, and displays the image of the
BET screen 70 on the liquid crystal display 30. Subsequently, with
the liquid crystal display 30, the slot machine 13 serves as a
terminal which allows the player to place a bet on the second
game.
[0079] Furthermore, the random number generator 112 for generating
a random number is connected to the input/output bus 104. The
random number generator 112 generates a random number in a
predetermined range, e.g., a range between 0 and 65535
(2.sup.16-1). Alternatively, an arrangement may be made in which
the CPU 106 generates a random number by computation.
[0080] Furthermore, the display unit driving circuit 128 for
driving each of the aforementioned display units 48 through 50 is
connected to the input/output bus 104. The CPU 106 controls the
operation of each of the aforementioned display units 48 through 50
via the display unit driving circuit 128 according to the
occurrence of a predetermined event.
[0081] Furthermore, the speaker driving circuit 122 for driving the
speaker 41 is connected to the input/output bus 104. The CPU 104
reads out the sound data stored in the ROM 108, and transmits the
sound data thus read out to the speaker driving circuit 122 via the
input/output bus 104, thereby providing predetermined sound effects
generated by the speaker 41.
[0082] Furthermore, the hopper driving circuit 124 for driving the
hopper 44 is connected to the input/output bus 104. Upon reception
of a cash out signal input from the cash out switch 26, the CPU 106
transmits a driving signal to the hopper driving circuit 124 via
the input/output bus 104. As a result, the hopper 44 pays out an
amount of coins corresponding to the credit remaining at the
current point in time, as stored in a predetermined memory area of
the RAM 110.
[0083] Furthermore, the display/input controller 140 is connected
to the input/output controller 104. The CPU 106 creates an image
display command corresponding to the state and results of the game,
and outputs the image display command thus created to the
display/input controller 140 via the input/output bus 104. Upon
reception of the image display command input from the CPU 106, the
display/input controller 140 creates a driving signal for driving
the liquid crystal display 30 according to the image display
command thus input, and outputs the driving signal thus created to
the liquid crystal display 30. As a result, a predetermined image
is displayed on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 of the
liquid crystal display 30. The display/input controller 140
transmits the signal input through the touch panel 32 provided on
the liquid crystal display 30 to the CPU 106 via the input/output
bus 104 in the form of an input signal.
[0084] FIGS. 6 and 7 are diagrams which show the configuration of
the liquid crystal display 30 of the slot machine 13. The liquid
crystal display 30 displays game images for the basic game and the
second game. Accordingly, the liquid crystal display 30 comprises:
the front panel 31 including the touch panel 32 and a display plate
33; the transparent liquid crystal panel 34; a light introducing
plate 35; a reflecting film 36; fluorescent lamps 37a, 37b, 38a,
and 38b, each of which is a so-called white light source; lamp
holders 39a, 39b, 39c, 39d, 39e, 39f, 39g, and 39h; and a table
carrier package (TCP) on which transparent liquid crystal driving
ICs have been mounted. While the structure of the TCP is not shown
in particular in either FIG. 6 or FIG. 7, the TCP is formed of a
flexible substrate (not shown) connected to the terminal of the
transparent liquid crystal panel 34, for example.
[0085] The liquid crystal display 30 is provided at a position
forward of the display regions of mechanical reels 3A through 3E
(forward of the display screen 31a) such that it covers the
mechanical reels 3A through 3E. Here, the mechanical reels 3A
through 3E and the liquid crystal display 30 are provided with
predetermined intervals. On the other hand, let us consider an
arrangement employing the video reels. With such an arrangement, an
image of the reels is displayed on the liquid crystal display 30,
instead of the mechanical reels 3A through 3E.
[0086] The touch panel 32 is formed of a transparent member. The
display plate 33 has designs or the like formed at positions
corresponding to the regions between the aforementioned display
units 48 through 50. That is to say, the region of the display
plate 33 where the designs or the like have been formed serves as
the design formation area 31b of the front panel 31. On the other
hand, the region of the display plate 33 where no design or the
like has been formed serves as the display screen 31a of the front
panel 31 (see FIG. 4). Alternatively, an arrangement may be made in
which the design formation area 31b is not formed on the front
panel 31, and the entire area of the front panel 31 serves as the
display screen 31a. With such an arrangement, there may be no
design formed on the display plate 33. Alternatively, the display
plate 33 may be eliminated.
[0087] Note that an electric circuit or the like is provided for
operating the display units 48 through 50 disposed on the rear face
side of the display plate 33, which is not shown in FIG. 6 and in
FIG. 7.
[0088] The transparent liquid crystal panel 34 has a structure in
which a transparent substrate such as a glass substrate, upon which
a thin film transistor layer is formed, and another transparent
substrate are mounted so as to face each other with a certain gap
between them, and the gap between the substrates is filled with a
liquid crystal. The display mode of the liquid crystal panel 34 is
set to be normally white. The term "normally white" as used here
represents a mode in which the liquid crystal panel displays a
white image (i.e., allows the player to visually confirm the light
passing through the liquid crystal panel toward the side of the
display screen) in the state in which the liquid crystal is not
driven. As described above, with the present embodiment, the
transparent liquid crystal panel 34 is set to the normally white
state. Such an arrangement allows the player to visually confirm
the symbols on the mechanical reels 3A through 3E in a stage when
they are in motion and a stage when they are stationary, even if a
situation arises in which the liquid crystal cannot be driven,
thereby allowing the player to continue the game even if such a
situation has occurred. That is to say, even in the case that such
an accident has occurred, the player can play the basic game in
which predetermined sets of the symbols are made along the active
pay lines.
[0089] The light introducing plate 35 introduces the light emitted
from the fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b to the transparent liquid
crystal panel 34 (in other words, the transparent liquid crystal
panel 34 is illuminated). The light introducing plate 35 is
provided on the rear face side of the transparent liquid crystal
panel 34, and is formed of a transparent member (having a light
introducing function) such as acrylic resin or the like, with a
thickness of around 2 cm.
[0090] The reflecting film 36 has a structure in which an
evaporated silver film is formed on a white polyester film or an
aluminum thin film. The reflecting film 36 reflects the light
introduced via the light introducing plate 35 toward the front side
of the light introducing plate 35. The reflecting film 36 comprises
a reflecting region 36A and a non-reflecting region (transmissible
region) 36B. Here, the non-reflecting region 36B is formed of a
transparent member, and is provided to the region of the front
panel 31 that covers the front face of the mechanical reels 3A
through 3E.
[0091] The fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b are respectively disposed
along the upper end and the lower end of the light introducing
plate 35, with the ends of the fluorescent lamp 37a held by the
lamp holders 39a and 39b, and the ends of the fluorescent lamp 37b
held by the lamp holders 39g and 39h. The light emitted from the
fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b are reflected by the reflecting
region 36A of the reflecting film 36, thereby illuminating the
transparent liquid crystal panel 34. On the other hand, the
fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b are provided at an upper position and
a lower position on the rear side of the reflecting film 36 such
that they face the mechanical reels 3A through 3E, with the ends of
the fluorescent lamp 38a held by the lamp holders 39c and 39d, and
the ends of the fluorescent lamp 38b held by the lamp holders 39e
and 39f. The light emitted from these fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b
is reflected by the surfaces of the mechanical reels 3A through 3E,
and is input to the non-reflecting region 36b, thereby illuminating
the transparent liquid crystal panel 34. As described above, with
the liquid crystal display 30, the transparent liquid crystal panel
34 is illuminated by the light which is emitted from the
fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b and which is reflected by the
reflecting region 36A of the reflecting film 36, and by the light
which is emitted from the fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b, which is
reflected by the surfaces of the mechanical reels 3A through 3E,
and which is input to the non-reflecting region 36B. Accordingly,
the region of the liquid crystal display 30 that corresponds to the
non-reflecting region 36B of the reflecting film 36 has a function
of switching its state between a transparent state and an opaque
state according to whether or not the liquid crystal is being
driven. On the other hand, the region of the liquid crystal display
30 that corresponds to the reflecting region 36A of the reflecting
film 36 remains in the opaque state regardless of whether or not
the liquid crystal is being driven.
[0092] A description is being given regarding the slot machine 13
in which a part of the display screen of the liquid crystal display
30 has a function of switching its state between a transparent
state and an opaque state. Also, an arrangement may be made in
which the entire area of the display screen of the liquid crystal
display 30 has a function of switching its state between a
transparent state and an opaque state. With such an arrangement in
which the entire area of the display screen of the liquid crystal
display 30 has a function of switching its state between a
transparent state and an opaque state, the reflecting film 36 is
formed of the non-reflecting region 36B alone. Alternatively, the
reflecting film 36 may be eliminated.
[0093] FIG. 8 is a block diagram which shows an electrical
configuration of the controller 100 of the slot machine 13 for
controlling the mechanical reels. As shown in FIG. 8, the
controller of the slot machine 13 is a micro computer, and includes
the interface circuit group 102, the input/output bus 104, the CPU
106, the ROM 108, the RAM 110, the communication interface circuit
111, the random number generator 112, the motor driving circuit
120, the speaker driving circuit 122, the hopper driving circuit
124, the display unit driving circuit 128, and the display/input
controller 140. Note that the aforementioned controller 100 has the
same configuration as that for controlling the video reels
described with reference to FIG. 5, except for a part of the
configuration. Accordingly, a description will be given regarding
only that which differs from an arrangement for controlling the
video reels described with reference to FIG. 5.
[0094] A reel position detecting circuit 46 is connected to the
interface circuit group 102. The reel position detecting circuit 46
is a circuit for detecting the rotational position for each of the
mechanical reels 3A through 3E based upon the pulse signals
received from a reel rotational position sensor (not shown). The
detection signal output from the reel position detecting circuit 46
is also supplied to the interface circuit group 102, and is
converted into a predetermined signal by the interface circuit
group 102. The detection signal thus converted is supplied to the
input/output bus 104.
[0095] Upon reception of the basic game start operation instruction
input through the start switch 25, which serves as a trigger, the
CPU 106 reads out a basic game program, and executes the basic
game. The basic game program has been programmed so as to instruct
the CPU 106 to perform the following operation. That is to say,
according to the basic game program, the CPU 106 instructs each of
the stepping motors 45A through 45E so as to rotate all the
mechanical reels 3A through 3E, thereby commencing the scrolling of
the symbols on the reels 3A through 3E. After a period of time has
elapsed, the CPU 106 stops the driving of the stepping motors 45A
through 45E so as to stop the rotation of all the mechanical reels
3A through 3E, whereupon a new combination of the symbols is made
along the active pay lines. In the case that a particular
combination of the symbols for providing an award has been made
along any one of the active pay lines when they are stationary, the
CPU 106 pays out a predetermined amount of coins corresponding to
the particular combination for providing the award.
[0096] Furthermore, the CPU 106 controls the second game. With such
an arrangement, in the case that a predetermined condition has been
satisfied after the symbols on all the mechanical reels 3A through
3E have been displayed in the stationary state, the CPU 106
transmits a signal for executing the second game.
[0097] Furthermore, a motor driving circuit 120 for driving the
stepping motors 45A through 45E is connected to the input/output
bus 104. Upon an occurrence of a predetermined event, the CPU 106
controls the operation of the stepping motors 45A through 45E via
the motor driving circuit 120.
[0098] FIG. 9 is a block diagram which shows an 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 for performing image display processing and
input control for the touch panel 32. The display/input controller
140 comprises an interface circuit 142, an input/output bus 144, a
CPU 146, ROM 148, RAM 150, a VDP 152, video RAM 154, image data ROM
156, a driving circuit 158, and a touch panel control circuit
160.
[0099] The interface circuit 142 is connected to the input/output
bus 144. The image display command output from the CPU 106 of the
aforementioned controller 100 is supplied to the input/output bus
144 via the interface circuit 142. The input/output bus 144
performs input/output of data signals or address signals to/from
the CPU 146.
[0100] Furthermore, 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 driving signal, which is to be supplied to
the liquid crystal display 30, according to an image display
command received from the CPU 106 of the aforementioned controller
100. On the other hand, the RAM 150 stores flags and variables used
in the aforementioned display control program.
[0101] Furthermore, the VDP 152 is connected to the input/output
bus 144. The VDP 152 includes a so-called sprite circuit, a screen
circuit, a palette circuit, etc., and can perform various kinds of
processing for displaying images on the liquid crystal display 30.
With such an arrangement, the components connected to the DVP 152
include: the video RAM 154 for storing image data according to the
image display command received from the CPU 106 of the
aforementioned controller 100; and the image data ROM 156 for
storing various kinds of image data including the aforementioned
image data for visual effects, etc. Furthermore, the driving
circuit 158 for outputting a driving signal for driving the liquid
crystal display 30 is connected to the VDP 152.
[0102] The aforementioned CPU 146 instructs the video RAM 154 to
store the image data which is to be displayed on the liquid crystal
display 30 according to the image display command received from the
CPU 106 of the aforementioned controller 100 by reading out the
display control program stored in the ROM 148 and by executing the
program thus read out. Examples of the image display commands
include various kinds of image display commands including the
aforementioned image display commands for visual effects etc.
[0103] The image data ROM 156 stores various kinds of image data
including the aforementioned image data for visual effects,
etc.
[0104] The touch panel control circuit 160 transmits the signals
input via the touch panel 32 provided on the liquid crystal display
30 to the CPU 106 via the input/output bus 144 in the form of an
input signal.
[0105] FIG. 10 is a plan view which shows the second gaming device
11. As shown in FIG. 2, the second gaming device 11 principally
comprises the roulette device 60 and the display 69 for displaying
the BET screen 70, including the betting board 71, etc.
[0106] The roulette device 60 basically comprises a frame 61 fixed
to the second gaming device 11 and a wheel 62 rotatably held and
stored within the frame 61. Here, the wheel 62 has a number of
number pockets 63 (a total of 38 number pockets in the present
embodiment) formed in the shape of recesses on the upper face of
the wheel 62. Furthermore, each of the number pockets 63 includes a
number display plate 64, which display a number corresponding to
the respective number pocket 63 in the form of a design, formed at
the outer part of the respective number pocket 63 formed on the
upper face of the wheel 62. Such numbers provided at the number
pockets 63 include "0", "00", and "1" to "36". In other words, a
total of 38 number pockets 63 are formed on the wheel 62, each of
which has a corresponding number provided from among the numbers
"0", "00", and "1" to "36".
[0107] Furthermore, a ball supply opening 68 is formed within the
aforementioned frame 61. Here, a ball supply device (not shown) is
connected to the ball supply opening 68, which allows a ball 65 to
be supplied onto the wheel 62 from the ball supply opening 68 by
driving the ball supply device. Furthermore, the entire area above
the roulette board is covered with a transparent acrylic cover
member 67 formed in a hemispherical shape (see FIG. 2).
[0108] Furthermore, a win determination device (not shown) is
provided below the wheel 62. The win determination device is
provided for determining which one of the number pockets 63 has
received the ball 65. Furthermore, a ball collecting device (not
shown) is provided below the wheel 62. The ball collecting device
is provided for collecting the ball 65 remaining on the wheel 62
after the game. Note that the ball supply device, the win
determination device, and the ball collecting device are known
devices, and, accordingly, detailed descriptions thereof will be
omitted.
[0109] Here, the frame 61 is formed such that it gently slopes
downward toward the inner side, and has a guide wall 66 formed
along an intermediate region. The guide wall 66 allows the ball 65
thus supplied to move around the wheel 62 while guiding the ball 65
against its centrifugal force. As the ball 65 loses its centrifugal
force due to reduction in its rotational speed, the ball 65 rolls
down along the slope of the frame 61, whereupon the ball 65 reaches
the rotating wheel 62.
[0110] Then, the ball 65 rolling down to the rotating wheel 62 is
received by any one among the number pockets 63 through the number
display plate 64 provided to outer perimeter of the wheel 62. As a
result, the ball 65 is retained in the number pocket 63, and the
win determination device detects the number marked on the number
display plate 64 that corresponds to the number pocket 63 that has
retained the ball 65, thereby determining the winning number.
[0111] On the other hand, the display 69 for displaying the BET
screen 70 including the betting board 71 is a liquid crystal
display, for example. Upon the player betting chips using deposited
credits and additional credits by operating the slot machine 13 as
described later, the chip value thus bet is displayed. Note that
the gaming media such as coins or the like for the slot machine 13
and the second gaming terminal 15 serve as credits for the roulette
game in the form of chips. Note that a description is being given
regarding an arrangement in which the BET screen 70 is displayed on
the display 69. Also, an arrangement may be made in which the BET
screen 70 is displayed on a screen using a projector or the like
installed on the ceiling such that it faces downward along the
vertical direction, instead of the display 69. Such an arrangement
permits the anticipation of visual effects that enable the BET
screen 70 to be displayed with a greater realism, such as a visual
effect in which the chips thus bet are displayed in a
three-dimensional manner.
[0112] The betting board 71 displayed on the BET screen 70 on the
display 69 has numbers that match the 38 kinds of numbers "0",
"00", and "1" to "36" which are displayed in the form of a matrix.
Furthermore, special BET areas 73, which allow the player to bet on
"odd numbers", "even numbers", "the color of the number display
plate 64 (red or black)", "a predetermined range of the numbers
(e.g., "1" to "12")", are provided in the form of a matrix in the
same way.
[0113] Furthermore, a result history display unit 72 is displayed
on the right side of the betting board 71. The result history
display unit 72 displays the results of the winning numbers of the
past games up to and including the preceding game in the form of a
list. The term "one game" as used here represents a series of
stages from a stage in which the player places bets via the slot
machine 13, up to a stage in which a credit is paid out according
to the winning number after the ball 65 has dropped in the number
pocket 63. With such an arrangement, upon completion of one game, a
new winning number is added to the top field of the list, which has
the capacity to allow the players to confirm the history of the
winning numbers of a maximum of 16 games.
[0114] Here, the BET area 73 is an area (any one of the squares,
each of which has a respective number or mark, or any one of the
lines defining the squares) in which the player can place chips via
the slot machine 13.
[0115] Furthermore, a BET time display unit 74 is provided at an
upper portion of the betting board 71. The BET time display unit 74
displays time remaining during which the player can place bets. For
example, the BET time display unit 74 displays the time remaining
"100" at the time of starting to receive the betting. Then, the
time remaining displayed by the BET time display unit 74 is reduced
in decrements of 1 for each second. Upon the time remaining
becoming zero, the period for receiving bets expires. Furthermore,
when the time remaining for receiving bets from the players at the
slot machines 13 becomes 5 seconds, the ball 65 is supplied onto
the roulette board by driving the ball supply device.
[0116] Furthermore, a participation-enabled time display unit 75 is
provided on the right side of the BET time display unit 74, which
provides a function of displaying the time remaining during which
the gaming system permits the players to participate in the second
game via the second gaming terminals 15 and the slot machines 13
other than the slot machine 13 that has entered the second game
mode. With such an arrangement, the participation-enabled time
display unit 75 displays the period of time remaining during which
the players can participate in the second game via any one of a
total of four second gaming terminals 15 and a total of seven slot
machines 13 other than the slot machine 13 that has entered the
second game mode.
[0117] Furthermore, chip marks 76 are displayed on the betting
board 71, each of which indicates the chip value and the BET area
73 on which the chips have been bet up to the current point in
time. Here, the number displayed on the chip mark 76 represents the
value of chips thus bet. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the "10"
chip mark 76 on the number "7" identified by a double circle
indicates that the chips are bet on only a single number "7". Such
a betting method in which a bet is placed on only a single number
so as to cover a single number is referred to as "straight bet".
Note that FIG. 10 shows three kinds of betting methods with the
chip marks 76. The "10" chip mark 76 identified by a single circle
bet on "19 to 36" represents the chip for the basic bet which has
been provided without any particular conditions after the slot
machine 13 has entered the second game mode. On the other hand, the
"10" chip mark 76 identified by a double circle bet on "7"
represents the chip for the additional chip placed by the player at
the slot machine 13. The gaming system permits the player at the
slot machine 13 to place the additional chip after the placement of
the basic bet. On the other hand, the "10" chip mark 76 identified
by a hatched circle bet on the line between the number "16" and the
number "17" represents the chip for the additional bet according to
the credit data transmitted from any one of the second gaming
terminals 15 and other slot machines 13. The gaming system permits
the players at the second gaming terminals 15 and other slot
machines 13 to place such a bet after the placement of the basic
bet.
[0118] Note that the amount of chips for the basic bet is
determined beforehand based upon the credit amount in the basic
game immediately before the game has been switched to the second
game as described later.
[0119] Examples of the other betting methods include: "split bet"
for placing a bet so as to cover two numbers by locating the chip
on the line between the squares of the two numbers; a "street bet"
for placing a bet so as to cover three numbers (e.g., "13", "14",
and "15") by locating the chip at the edge of the row of the
numbers (any one of the rows along the vertical direction in FIG.
10); a "corner bet" for placing a bet so as to cover four numbers
(e.g., "5", "6", "8", and "9") by locating the chip at the
intersection of the lines defining the squares of four numbers; a
"five bet" for placing a bet so as to cover five numbers "0", "00",
"1", "2", and "3" by locating the chip on the line between the
squares of the numbers "00" and "3"; a "line bet" for placing a bet
so as to cover six numbers (e.g., "13", "14", "15", "16", "17", and
"18") by locating the chip at the end of the line between the two
rows of the numbers (two rows along the vertical direction in FIG.
10); a "dozen bet" for placing a bet so as to cover twelve numbers
by locating the chip at any one of the squares having respective
marks of "1st 12", "2nd 12", and "3rd 12"; and a "column bet" for
placing a bet so as to cover twelve numbers by locating the chip at
any one of the squares each of which has a mark of "2 to 1". In
addition, examples of other betting methods include: a "red/black
bet" for placing a bet on the color ("red" or "black") of the
number display plate 64; an "even/odd bet" for placing a bet on
whether the number is an odd number or an even number; and a
"low/high bet" for placing a bet on whether the number will be 18
or less, or will be 19 or more, so as to cover eighteen numbers,
using one of six squares provided at the lower end of the betting
board 71. Here, there is a difference in the payout amount (payout
rate) for each chip among the aforementioned betting methods, which
is employed for the payout after the player has won the bet.
[0120] FIG. 11 is a block diagram which shows an electrical
configuration of a controller 200 of the central controller 14. As
shown in FIG. 11, the central controller 14 comprises the
controller 200 of the central controller 14 and several peripheral
devices. Furthermore, the multiple slot machines 13 (eight slot
machines in the present embodiment) and the multiple second gaming
terminals 15 (four second gaming terminals in the present
embodiment) are connected to the central controller 14 via a
communication interface circuit 212 of the central controller
14.
[0121] Furthermore, the controller 200 of the central controller 14
includes an input/output bus 204, a CPU 206, ROM 208, RAM 210, a
communication interface circuit 212, a timer 214, a floor driving
circuit 216, a gaming controller 218, and a display controller
220.
[0122] The ROM 208 and the RAM 210 are connected to the
input/output bus 204.
[0123] The CPU 206 performs various kinds of processing according
to an input signal supplied from each of the slot machines 13 and
the second gaming terminals 15, and data and programs stored in the
ROM 208 and the RAM 210. Furthermore, the CPU 206 transmits command
signals to the slot machines 13 and the second gaming terminals 15
based upon the results of the processing thus performed. Thus, the
CPU 206 centrally controls each of the slot machines 13 and the
second gaming terminals 15, thereby advancing the game.
Furthermore, the input/output bus 204 is connected to the second
gaming device 11 via the gaming controller 218. The CPU 206 drives
unshown driving motors provided to the roulette device 60 of the
second gaming device 11, thereby allowing the ball 65 to be
supplied, and allowing the wheel 62 to be rotated. Furthermore, the
CPU 206 controls the win determination device for identifying the
position at which the ball 65 has dropped. This allows the winning
number to be determined based upon the position at which the ball
65 has dropped. The CPU 206 makes a win determination for each bet
chip based upon the winning number thus obtained, and the bet
information transmitted from each of the slot machines 13 and the
second gaming terminals 15. Furthermore, the CPU 206 calculates the
credit amount which is to be paid out at each of the slot machines
13 and the second gaming terminals 15.
[0124] The ROM 208 comprises semiconductor memory or the like, for
example. The ROM 208 stores a program for providing basic functions
of the second gaming device 11, a program for centrally controlling
each of the slot machines 13 and the second gaming terminals 15.
Examples of such programs include a program shown in FIGS. 19A and
19B. Furthermore, the ROM 208 stores the payout rate for the
roulette game (the credit amount for each chip to be paid out to a
winning player).
[0125] Specifically, the ROM 208 includes a payout credit storage
area (not shown) for storing each payout rate with respect to the
roulette game using the BET screen 70. Note that each payout rate
that corresponds to a respective BET area 73 of the BET screen 70
is determined beforehand and stored in the payout credit storage
area. Examples of such payout rates include from ".times.2" to
".times.36", which are associated with the kind of betting method
("straight bet", "corner bet", "split bet", etc.) as described
later with reference to the second game payout table in FIG.
16.
[0126] On the other hand, the RAM 210 temporarily stores bet
information with respect to the chips supplied from the slot
machines 13 and the second gaming terminals 15, the winning number
of the roulette device 60 determined by the win determination
device, and the results of the processing executed by the CPU 206,
etc.
[0127] Specifically, the RAM 210 includes: a bet information
storage area for storing bet information with respect to the
players who are playing; and a winning number storage area for
storing the winning number of the roulette device 60 determined by
the win determination device. Note that, more specifically, the
term "bet information" as used here represents the information with
respect to each bet placed using the slot machine 13 and the second
gaming terminals 15, such as the information with respect to the
BET area 73 specified via the BET screen 70, the amount of chips
thus bet (bet amount), the betting method, etc.
[0128] The timer 214 for performing time measurement is connected
to the input/output bus 204. The time information supplied from the
timer 214 is transmitted to the CPU 206 via the input/output bus
204. The CPU 206 rotates the wheel 62 and supplies the ball 65
based upon the time information received from the timer 214.
Furthermore, the CPU 206 performs switching control based upon the
time information from the timer 214, which switches the mode
between a mode that permits the players to transmit credit data for
the additional bets and a mode that does not permit such a bet via
the second gaming terminals 15 and the other slot machines 13 that
have not entered the second game mode, as described later.
[0129] Furthermore, the floor driving circuit 216 is connected to
the input/output bus 204. Upon reception of a signal for starting
the second game from the slot machine 13, the CPU 206 performs
control so as to raise the movable floor 18 via the floor driving
circuit 216. Also, upon reception of a signal for ending the second
game from the slot machine 13, the CPU 206 performs control so as
to lower the movable floor 18 via the floor driving circuit
216.
[0130] Furthermore, the display controller 220 is connected to the
input/output bus 204. The CPU 206 performs various kinds of
processing based upon the data and programs stored in the ROM 208
and the RAM 210. The CPU 206 controls the monitor 16 and displays
images based upon the results of the processing thus performed.
[0131] Furthermore, the movable viewpoint cameras 17 are connected
to the input/output bus 204. The CPU 206 performs various kinds of
processing based upon the data and programs stored in the ROM 208
and the RAM 210. The CPU 206 controls the movable viewpoint cameras
17 and captures images based upon the results of the processing
thus performed.
[0132] FIG. 12 is a perspective view which shows the second gaming
terminal 15. As shown in FIG. 12, the second gaming terminal 15
includes at least: a coin insertion opening 91 which allows the
player to insert a gaming medium such as a coin or the like; a
control unit 92 comprising multiple control buttons etc., which
allows the player to input instructions in a predetermined form;
and a display 93 for displaying an image with respect to the game.
The display 93 serves as a terminal which allows the player to
place bets. Furthermore, such an arrangement allows the player to
advance the game in progress by operating a touch panel 99, the
control unit 92, etc., while viewing the image displayed on the
display 93. Note that the gaming medium used at the second gaming
terminal 15 is not restricted to coins.
[0133] Furthermore, a coin tray 94 is provided on the side wall of
the cabinet 90 included in each second gaming terminal 15.
Furthermore, a speaker 95 for providing music, sound effects, etc.,
is provided on the upper-right side of the display 93 of each
second gaming terminal 15.
[0134] Furthermore, a coin sensor 314 (see FIG. 13) is provided
within the coin insertion opening 91, which allows the gaming
medium such as a coin thus inserted into the coin insertion opening
91 to be identified, and allows the coins to be counted.
Furthermore, a hopper 319 (see FIG. 13) is provided within the coin
tray 94, which allows a predetermined number of coins to be paid
out from the coin tray 94.
[0135] As described above, the second gaming terminal 15 employing
the touch panel 99 improves the ease of operability for the user.
Thus, such an arrangement allows other players in the amusement
facility to comfortably participate in the roulette game using the
second gaming terminals 15.
[0136] FIG. 13 is a block diagram which shows an electrical
configuration of a controller 300 of the second gaming terminal 15.
As shown in FIG. 13, the second gaming terminal 15 comprises the
controller 300 of the second gaming terminal 15 and several
peripheral devices.
[0137] The controller 300 includes an interface circuit group 302,
an input/output bus 304, a CPU 306, ROM 308, RAM 310, a liquid
crystal driving circuit 316, a hopper driving circuit 318, and a
sound output circuit 320.
[0138] The interface circuit group 302 is connected to the
input/output bus 304. The input/output bus 304 performs
input/output of data signals or address signals to/from the CPU
306.
[0139] A BET determining button 96, a cash out button 97, and a
help button 98, each of which is provided for the control unit 92
(see FIG. 12), are connected to the interface circuit group 302.
The operation signal output from each of these buttons is converted
into a predetermined signal by the interface circuit group 302, and
the signal thus converted is supplied to the input/output bus 304.
The CPU 306 performs control so as to execute various kinds of
corresponding operations based upon the operation signals which are
each output by pushing a corresponding button, and which are
supplied via the input/output bus 304.
[0140] Furthermore, the coin sensor 314 is connected to the
interface circuit group 302 connected to the CPU 306 via the
input/output bus 304. The coin sensor 314 detects the coins
inserted into the coin insertion opening 91 (see FIG. 12), counts
the coins thus inserted, and transmits the results to the CPU 306.
Then, the CPU 306 increments the credit amount which has been
deposited by the player, and which is stored in the RAM 310,
according to the signal thus transmitted.
[0141] Furthermore, the ROM 308 and the RAM 310 are connected to
the input/output bus 304.
[0142] The CPU 306 receives the command signals from the CPU 206
included within the controller 200 of the central controller 14 via
the communication interface circuit 312 connected to the
input/output bus 304. The CPU 306 controls the peripheral devices,
which are components of the second gaming terminal 15, according to
the command signals, thereby advancing the roulette game via the
second gaming terminal 15. The CPU 306 performs various kinds of
processing based upon the input signals supplied from the control
unit 92 according to the operation instructions input by the
player, and the data and the programs stored in the ROM 308 and the
RAM 310, depending upon the type of processing. Then, the CPU 306
transmits a signal based upon the results to the CPU 206 included
within the controller 200 of the aforementioned central controller
14 via the communication interface circuit 312, and controls the
peripheral devices which are components of the second gaming
terminal 15, thereby advancing the roulette game on the second
gaming terminal 15.
[0143] The ROM 308 comprises semiconductor memory or the like, for
example. The ROM 308 stores a program for providing basic functions
of the second gaming terminal 15, various kinds of programs, data
tables, etc., necessary for controlling the second gaming terminal
15. Examples of such programs include a program shown in FIGS. 19A
and 19B, and FIG. 21. On the other hand, the RAM 310 is memory for
temporarily storing various kinds of data computed by the CPU 306,
the credit amount possessed by the player at the current point in
time (credit amount deposited in the second gaming terminal 15),
etc.
[0144] Furthermore, the hopper driving circuit 318 is connected to
the input/output bus 304. The hopper 319 connected to the
controller 300 via the hopper driving circuit 318 pays out a
predetermined number of coins from the coin tray 94 (see FIG. 12)
according to a command signal received from the CPU 306.
[0145] Furthermore, the display 93 is connected to the input/output
bus 304 via the liquid crystal driving circuit 316. Here, the
liquid crystal driving circuit 316 comprises program ROM, image
ROM, an image control CPU, a working RAM, a VDP (video display
processor), video RAM, etc., which are not shown. Here, the program
ROM stores an image control program with respect to the display
functions of the display 93, and various kinds of selection tables.
The image ROM stores dot data for creating an image to be displayed
on the display 93, for example. The image control CPU determines an
image to be displayed on the display 93 from among the dot data
sets stored beforehand in the image ROM according to the image
control program stored beforehand in the program ROM based upon the
parameters set by the CPU 306. The working RAM is configured so as
to serve as temporary storage device, which are used by the image
control CPU for executing the aforementioned image control program.
The VDP is a component for creating an image that accords with the
display contents determined by the image control CPU, and for
outputting the image thus created to the display 93. Note that the
video RAM is configured as temporary storage device used by the VDP
for creating an image.
[0146] Furthermore, the touch panel 99 is mounted at the front face
of the display 93 as described above. The operation information
input via the touch panel 99 is transmitted to the CPU 306 via the
input/output bus 304. The touch panel 99 allows the player to
perform participation processing via the screen displayed on the
display 93 described later with reference to FIG. 26. Specifically,
upon pushing a transmission button 82 via the touch panel 99 as
described later with reference to FIG. 26, the information
corresponding to the button thus pushed is transmitted to the CPU
306. Then, the additional bet information (the chip amount for the
additional bet) is stored in the RAM 310 based upon the information
thus received for each player. Furthermore, the additional bet
information is transmitted to the CPU 206 of the central controller
14, and is stored in the bet information storage area of the RAM
210.
[0147] Furthermore, the sound output circuit 320 and the speaker 95
are connected to the input/output bus 304. Here, the speaker 95 is
a component for providing various kinds of sound effects according
to the output signal received from the sound output circuit
320.
[0148] FIG. 14 shows a basic game random number table used in the
basic game performed by the slot machine 13 described later with
reference to FIG. 18. In the basic game random number table, a
range of random numbers and the probability of winning are
registered in association with each of the particular winning
combinations. Accordingly, in the combination determination
processing (Step S5 shown in FIG. 18), in the case that a random
number extracted from a range of numbers between "0" to "65535" is
any one of the numbers in a range between "0" to "999", for
example, the internal component of the slot machine 13 generates a
particular combination for providing a "BONUS" winning which is the
final result of the basic game. In other words, the probability is
"1000/65536" that the combination of the symbols when they are
stationary matches a particular combination for providing the
"BONUS" winning. Also, in the case that a random number extracted
from a range of numbers between "0" to "65535" is any one of the
numbers in a range between "2000" to "3499", for example, the
internal component of the slot machine 13 generates a particular
combination for providing a "K" winning as the final result of the
basic game. In other words, the probability is "1500/65536" that
the combination of the symbols when they are stationary matches a
particular combination for providing the "K" winning. On the other
hand, in the case that a random number extracted from a range of
numbers between "0" to "65535" is any one of the numbers in a range
between "10000" to "65535", the internal component of the slot
machine 13 determines to generate other combinations, i.e., losing
combinations, as the final results of the basic game. In other
words, the probability is "55536/65536" that the combination of the
symbols when they are stationary matches any one of the losing
combinations.
[0149] FIG. 15 shows a basic game payout table used in the basic
game described later with reference to FIG. 18. In the basic game
payout table, the coin amount to be paid out is registered in
association with each particular combination for providing an award
for each credit amount bet on one game. Let us consider a stage in
which a determination is made for whether or not the combination
thus generated matches any one of the particular combinations for
providing an award. In this stage, let us consider the case in
which the combination thus generated matches the combination "K".
In this case, in the case that the credit amount bet is "1", 10
coins are paid out. In the case that the credit amount bet is "2",
20 coins are paid out. In the case that the credit amount bet is
"3", 30 coins are paid out. On the other hand, let us consider the
case in which the combination thus generated matches the
combination "BONUS". In this case, coins are not paid out, and the
credit data that corresponds to the credit amount thus bet is
transmitted to the central controller 14. The credit data thus
transmitted is available as credit in the second game described
later. For example, in the case that the credit amount bet is "1"
in the basic game at the slot machine 13, "10" chips are available
in the second game. Also, in the case that the credit amount bet is
"2", "20" chips are available in the second game. In the case that
the credit amount bet is "3", "30" chips are available in the
second game.
[0150] FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a second game payout table
used with the roulette game described later with reference to FIGS.
19A and 19B. This second game payout table shows that in the event
that betting is to be performed with no more than the possible
credits on transition from the basic game of the slot machine 13 to
the second game, there is no additional betting. In this case, the
gaming system permits the player to place only the basic bet on
only one position. That is to say, the betting methods thus
permitted include: "straight bet", "red/black"; "even/odd"; and
"low/high". The range of permissible betting methods is expanded
according to the number of additional bets, and further, multiple
bets are also permitted. For example, in the event that seven
additional bets have been made at the slot machine 13, the table
shows that the betting methods in the column "6 or more" to the far
right in FIG. 16 can be made, which allows the player to use any of
the betting methods from the sixth bet on. Furthermore, the payout
rate in the event of winning is also registered therein. For
example, the rate in the event of placing a "corner bet" is
".times.9". Note that the credits ultimately paid out from the slot
machine 13 are calculated by multiplying the number of credits bet
by the rate determined beforehand based on the betting methods
shown in FIG. 16, and further multiplied by the rate determined
according to the number of additional bets made with regard to the
slot machine 13 shown later in FIG. 17. All figures are rounded
down to the nearest decimal.
[0151] It should be noted that the arrangement shown in FIG. 16 is
but an example of the present embodiment, and that the payout rates
regarding the BET areas 73 on the BET screen 70 stored in the
payout credit storage area may be different from those shown in
FIG. 16.
[0152] A description has been given regarding an arrangement which
permits the player to increases the betting methods by placing the
basic bet that can be placed as a result of transition from the
basic game of the slot machine 13 to the second game, and the
additional bets that can be placed after the placement of the basic
bet. With such an arrangement, in the event of additional bets
being placed, multiple bets are permitted. Also, another
arrangement may be made in which the number of multiple bets which
can be placed is restricted according to the number of additional
bets placed.
[0153] As with the second game payout table shown in FIG. 16, the
payout rate for the roulette game is set relatively high, so a high
payout can be anticipated depending on how the player bets.
[0154] FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a second game payout
determination table used with the roulette game described later
with reference to FIGS. 19A and 19B. With this second game payout
determination table, the payout in the case of winning the second
game is changed according to the number of additional bets at the
slot machine 13. For example, in the event that a player of the
slot machine 13 plays a game with only a basic bet which is the
possible amount of credits on transition to the second game, and
wins, the number of credits won is multiplied by a rate determined
according to the betting method as shown in FIG. 16, and also by a
weighting rate determined in FIG. 17, which is ".times.0.8" at the
top row, due to no additional bets at the slot machine 13. To give
a specific example, if we say that the number of credits bet in the
basic game at the slot machine 13 is 1, and then 10 chips, which is
the number of chips usable, are bet on a "straight bet" and the
player wins, the number of chips, which is 10, is multiplied by the
"straight bet" rate ".times.36" as shown in FIG. 16, and then
further multiplied by the weighting rate ".times.0.8", so a total
of 288 chips is paid as credits.
[0155] Also, in the event that the second gaming terminal 15 has
provided 10 chips as credit data to the slot machine 13 as
additional bets, and a bet based upon this has won, the number of
chips bet is multiplied by a rate according to the betting method
as shown in FIG. 16, and weighting determined according to
additional betting, yielding the number of chips which are given to
the slot machine 13 and second gaming terminal 15 as credits. More
specifically, if we say that the second gaming terminal 15 provides
credit data of 10 credits to the slot machine 13 and the 10 chips
are bet on a "split bet", the number of additional bets is 1 if
there are no additional bets. Accordingly, looking at the table in
FIG. 17, we can see that weighting for the second gaming terminal
15 for additional bets of 1 through 5 is found at the second row
from the bottom, which gives a rate of ".times.0.2" for the slot
machine 13 and ".times.1.2" for the second gaming terminal 15. In
this case, the slot machine 13 is given 36 chips as credits,
calculated by multiplying the 10 chips by the "split bet" rate of
".times.18" and the above ".times.0.2". On the other hand, the
second gaming terminal 15 is given 216 chips as credits, calculated
by multiplying the 10 chips by the "split bet" rate of ".times.18"
and the above ".times.1.2". Note that while FIG. 17 shows weighting
being classified into a total of five patterns according to the
number of additional bets at the slot machine 13 and the second
gaming terminal 15, the embodiment is not restricted to this
arrangement. Furthermore, an arrangement is described wherein the
number of chips paid upon winning are calculated based on the
number of bets made at the provider of the chips among the slot
machine 13 and the second gaming terminal 15, but an arrangement
may be made instead where the total number of chips won is
distributed regardless of the provider.
[0156] FIG. 18 is a flowchart which shows the flow of the
processing of the slot machine 13 in the basic game, which is
executed by the controller 100 of the slot machine 13. The
processing is executed by calling a sub-program from a main program
for the slot machine 13 at a predetermined timing.
[0157] A description will be given below regarding the case in
which the slot machine 13 has been activated beforehand.
Furthermore, let us say that the variables used by the CPU 106
included in the aforementioned controller 100 have been initialized
to predetermined values, thereby operating the slot machine 13 in a
normal state.
[0158] First, the CPU 106 included in the aforementioned controller
100 determines whether or not any credits as coins inserted by the
player are remaining (Step S1). Specifically, the CPU 106 reads out
the credit amount C stored in the RAM 110, and performs processing
based upon the credit amount C thus read out. In the case that the
credit amount C is "0" (in the case of "NO" in the determination
processing in Step S1), the CPU 106 cannot start the game, and
accordingly, the CPU 106 ends this routine without performing any
processing. On the other hand, in the case that the credit amount C
is "1" or more (in the case of "YES" in the determination
processing in Step S1), the CPU 106 determines that there are
credits remaining, and the flow proceeds to Step S2.
[0159] In the following Step S2, the CPU 106 determines whether or
not the spin repeat bet switch 24 has been pushed. In the case that
the spin repeat bet switch 24 has been pushed, and accordingly, in
the case that the operation signal has been input from the spin
repeat bet switch 24 (in the case of "YES" in the determination
processing in Step S2), the flow proceeds to Step S12 according to
the instruction from the CPU 106. On the other hand, in the case
that the operation signal has not been input from the spin repeat
bet switch 24 within a predetermined period of time (in the case of
"NO" in the determination processing in Step S2), the CPU 106
determines that the spin repeat bet switch 24 has not been pushed,
and the flow proceeds to Step S3.
[0160] In the following Step S3, the CPU 106 sets the game
conditions. Specifically, the CPU 106 determines the amount of
coins bet on the active pay lines in this game. The CPU 106
receives the operation signals generated by the player operating
the BET switch 23. Then, the CPU 106 determines the BET amount to
be bet on the active pay lines based upon the number of times the
signals that indicate operation of the BET switch 23 have been
received, and stores the BET amount thus determined in a
predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. The CPU 106 reads out the
credit amount C stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM
110, and subtracts the total BET amount, which is the sum of the
aforementioned BET amounts, from the credit amount C thus read out.
Then, the CPU 106 stores the subtracted value in a predetermined
memory area of the RAM 110. Subsequently, the flow proceeds to Step
S4 according to the instruction from the CPU 106.
[0161] In the following Step S4, the CPU 106 determines whether or
not the start switch 25 is ON, i.e., waits for the start switch 35
to be operated. Upon the start switch 25 being operated, and
accordingly, upon the operation signal being input from the start
switch 25 (in the case of "YES" in the determination processing in
Step S4), the CPU 106 determines that the start switch 25 has been
operated, and the flow proceeds to Step S5.
[0162] On the other hand, in the case that the flow has proceeded
to Step S12, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the credit
amount C is equal to or greater than the total bet amount bet on
the previous game. In other words, the CPU 106 determines whether
or not the player can start the game by pushing the spin repeat bet
switch 24. Specifically, in the case that the spin repeat bet
switch 24 has been pushed, and accordingly, in the case that the
operation signal has been input from the aforementioned switch 24,
the CPU 106 reads out the credit amount C and the BET amount bet on
each of the active pay lines L1 to L9 in the previous game stored
in the predetermined memory areas of the aforementioned RAM 110.
Then, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the aforementioned
credit amount C is equal to or greater than the total bet amount
bet in the previous game based upon the relation between the credit
amount C and the BET amount thus read out. In the case that
determination has been made that the aforementioned credit amount C
is less than the total bet amount bet on the previous game (in the
case of "NO" in the determination processing in Step S12), the CPU
106 cannot start the game, and accordingly, the CPU 106 ends this
routine without performing any processing. On the other hand, in
the case that determination has been made that the aforementioned
credit amount C is equal to or greater than the total bet amount
bet in the previous game (in the case of "YES" in the determination
processing in Step S12), the CPU 106 subtracts the total bet amount
bet in the previous game from the aforementioned credit amount C,
and stores the subtracted value in a predetermined area of the RAM
110. Subsequently, the flow proceeds to Step S5 according to the
instruction from the CPU 106.
[0163] In the following Step S5, the CPU 106 performs combination
determination processing. A specific description will be given
below regarding the combination determination processing.
[0164] In the aforementioned combination determination processing,
first, the CPU 106 determines the combinations of the symbols along
the aforementioned active pay lines when they are stationary.
Specifically, the CPU 106 issues a command for the random number
generator 112 to generate a random number, thereby extracting a
random number in a predetermined range (in a range of "0" to
"65535" in the present embodiment) generated by the random number
generator 112. The CPU 106 stores the random number thus extracted
in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. Note that a
description is being given in the present embodiment regarding an
arrangement in which the random number is generated by the random
number generator 112, which is a separate component from the
aforementioned CPU 106. Also, an arrangement may be made in which
the random number is generated by computation processing by the CPU
106 without involving the random number generator 112. The CPU 106
reads out a basic game random number table (see FIG. 14), and a
particular combination table (not shown) for providing an award,
each of which is stored in the ROM 108. Then, the CPU 106 stores
the basic game random number table and the particular combination
table thus read out in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110.
Note that the CPU 106 controls display of the symbols when they are
stationary for each reel based upon the aforementioned basic game
random number table. Furthermore, the CPU 106 reads out the basic
game random number table and the particular combination table for
providing an award stored in the predetermined area of the
aforementioned RAM 110. Then, the CPU 106 determines the
combination of the symbols when they are stationary with respect to
the aforementioned active pay lines with reference to the
aforementioned basic game random number table, using the random
number stored in the predetermined memory area of the
aforementioned RAM 110 as a parameter. Upon determination of
particular combinations for providing an award, the CPU 106 stores
the particular combination data for providing an award thus
determined in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. Then, the
CPU 106 reads out the random number and the particular combination
data for providing an award stored in the predetermined memory area
of the RAM 110, and determines the combination of the symbols to be
displayed when they are stationary based upon the random number and
the particular combination data for providing an award thus read
out. In this stage, a symbol disposition table (not shown) stored
in the ROM 108 is read out by the CPU 106. The symbol disposition
table thus read out is stored in a predetermined memory area of the
RAM 110, and used as reference data. The CPU 106 stores the data
for the stationary symbols thus determined in a predetermined
memory area of the RAM 110. Alternatively, an arrangement may be
made in which the symbols when they are stationary are determined
for each reel using the aforementioned basic game random number
table.
[0165] Upon determination of the combination of the symbols when
they are stationary with respect to the aforementioned active pay
lines, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the combination of the
symbols when they are stationary with respect to the active pay
lines matches any one of the particular combinations for providing
an award. In the case that the combination of the symbols when they
are stationary with respect to the active pay lines matches any one
of the particular combinations for providing an award, the CPU 106
activates a flag, which indicates that the player has won the award
that corresponds to the kind of particular combination for
providing an award, in order to provide the award that accords with
the particular combination of symbols with respect to the active
pay lines for providing the award. The activated flag, which
indicates the player has won an award, is stored in a predetermined
area of the RAM 110 according to the instruction from the CPU 106.
On the other hand, in the case that the combination of the symbols
when they are stationary with respect to the active pay lines
matches any one of the other combinations, i.e., the losing
combinations, the CPU 106 does not activate the flag which
indicates that the player has won an award. Subsequently, the flow
proceeds to Step S6 according to the instruction from the CPU
106.
[0166] In the following Step S6, the CPU 106 instructs the
mechanical reels 3A through 3E to start to rotate. Specifically,
the CPU 106 instructs the mechanical reels 3A through 3E, in order
or at the same time, based upon the symbol disposition table stored
in the aforementioned RAM 110. Let us consider an arrangement in
which each slot machine 13 employs video reels. With such an
arrangement, the CPU 106 displays an image of the five video reels
starting to rotate.
[0167] On the other hand, let us consider an arrangement in which
each slot machine 13 employs mechanical reels. With such an
arrangement, after the mechanical reels 3A through 3E have started
to rotate according to the instruction from the CPU 106, the CPU
106 counts the number of driving pulses transmitted to each of the
stepping motors 45A through 45E, and the counted numbers are stored
in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. Furthermore, a reset
pulse is acquired upon each rotation of each of the mechanical
reels 3A through 3E. The reset pulses of the mechanical reels 3A
through 3E are input to the CPU 106 via the reel position detecting
circuit 46. Each driving pulse counted value stored in the
aforementioned RAM 110 is cleared to "0" according to the
corresponding reset pulse thus acquired. With such an arrangement,
the counted value, which corresponds to the rotational position in
a range of one cycle of the reel, is stored in a predetermined
memory area of the RAM 110 for each of the mechanical reels 3A
through 3E. In the symbol disposition table stored in the
aforementioned RAM 110, the rotational positions of the mechanical
reels 3A through 3E and the symbols on the mechanical reels 3A
through 3E are stored in association with one another. Before the
CPU 106 refers to the symbol disposition table, the CPU 106 makes a
combination of the code number assigned to each of the mechanical
reels 3A through 3E, in increments of predetermined rotational
pitches of the reels, and the symbol code that indicates the symbol
assigned to each code number, with the particular rotational
position at which the aforementioned reset pulse has been generated
as the reference position.
[0168] Upon the mechanical reels 3A through 3E starting to rotate,
the CPU 106 waits for a predetermined period of time to elapse
(Step S7). After the predetermined period of time has elapsed (in
the case of "YES" in the determination processing in Step S7), the
CPU 106 instructs the mechanical reels 3A through 3E to
automatically stop rotating (Step S8). Specifically, the CPU 106
instructs the mechanical reels 3A through 3E to stop rotating in
order or at the same time such that the symbols when they are
stationary, which correspond to the particular combinations for
providing an award determined in the aforementioned Step S5, are
displayed within a display region that has a visually interactive
relationship with the player. Subsequently, the flow proceeds to
Step S9 according to the instruction from the CPU 106. On the other
hand, let us consider an arrangement in which each slot machine 13
employs video reels. With such an arrangement, the CPU 106 waits
for a predetermined period of time to elapse (Step S7). Then, after
the predetermined period of time has elapsed (in the case of "YES"
in the determination processing in Step S7), the CPU 106 displays
an image of the five video reels stopping to rotate (Step S8).
[0169] In the following Step S9, the CPU 106 determines whether or
not a predetermined symbol combination has been formed based upon
the results of the combination determination processing performed
in Step S5. Specifically, the CPU 106 makes this determination
based upon the state of the flag that indicates whether or not the
player has won an award with respect to the active pay lines stored
in the predetermined memory area of the aforementioned RAM 110. In
the case that the flag, which indicates that the player has won an
award, has not been activated, i.e., in the case that the symbol
combination matches any one of the "other" combinations, which are
combinations other than the particular combinations for providing
an award (in the case of "NO" in the determination processing in
Step S9), the CPU 106 determines that the particular combination
for providing an award has not been formed, and ends this routine.
On the other hand, in the case that the flag, which indicates that
the player has won an award, has been activated, i.e., in the case
that the symbol combination matches any one of the combinations
other than the "other" combinations (in the case of "YES" in the
determination processing in Step S9), the flow proceeds to Step 10
according to the instruction from the CPU 106.
[0170] In the following Step S10, the CPU 106 determines whether or
not the particular combination for providing an award is "BONUS".
The term "BONUS" as used here represents a symbol combination in
which "BONUS" designs are arranged along the active pay line as
described later with reference to FIG. 22. In the present
embodiment, in the case that the "BONUS" combination has been
formed, the second game starts. The CPU 106 makes this
determination based upon the particular combination data for
providing an award stored in the predetermined memory area of the
aforementioned RAM 110. In the case that the particular combination
data for providing an award does not match the "BONUS" combination
(in the case of "NO" in the determination processing in Step S10),
the CPU 106 determines that the "BONUS" combination has not been
formed with respect to the particular combination data for
providing an award, and the flow proceeds to step S13 according to
the instruction from the CPU 106. On the other hand, in the case
that the particular combination data for providing an award matches
the "BONUS" combination (in the case of "YES" in the determination
processing in Step S10), the CPU 106 determines that the "BONUS"
combination has been formed with respect to the particular
combination data for providing an award, and the flow proceeds to
step S11 according to the instruction from the CPU 106.
[0171] In the following Step S11, the CPU 106 performs second game
processing described later with reference to FIGS. 19A and 19B.
Specifically, the CPU 106 transmits a second game start signal to
the central controller 14. After the second game processing, the
CPU 106 ends this routine.
[0172] On the other hand, in the case that the flow has proceeded
to Step S13, the CPU 106 pays out an amount of coins corresponding
to the aforementioned particular combination for providing an
award. Specifically, the CPU 106 calculates the amount of coins to
be paid out for the aforementioned particular combination for
providing an award using the basic game payout table as a reference
table as described above with reference to FIG. 15. The CPU 106
reads out the credit amount stored in the aforementioned
predetermined memory area of the RAM, 110. Then, the CPU 106
calculates the sum total amount of coins to be paid out thus
calculated and the credit amount thus read out, and stores the sum
thus calculated in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. The
CPU 106 displays the aforementioned value thus stored on the credit
amount display unit 49. Subsequently, the CPU 106 ends this
routine.
[0173] FIGS. 19A and 19B are flowcharts which show the processing
flow in the second game performed by the gaming system 10. A
description will be given regarding a second game processing
program for the slot machine 13 executed by the CPU 106 of the slot
machine 13, a second game processing program for the central
controller 14 executed by the CPU 206 of the central controller 14,
and a second game processing program for the second gaming terminal
15 executed by the CPU 306 of the second gaming terminal 15, in
that order, with reference to FIGS. 19A and 19B. Note that each of
the programs shown in the flowcharts in FIGS. 19A and 19B are
stored in the ROM 108 and the RAM 110 included in the slot machine
13, the ROM 208 and the RAM 210 included in the central controller
14, and the ROM 308 and the RAM 310 included in the second gaming
terminal 15. Also, these programs are executed by the CPU 106
included in the slot machine 13, the CPU 206 included in the
central controller 14, and the CPU 306 included in the second
gaming terminal 15.
[0174] First, description will be given regarding the second game
processing program for the slot machine 13 with reference to FIGS.
19A and 19B. In Step S101 shown in FIG. 19A, the CPU 106 transmits
a second game start signal to the central controller 14.
Subsequently, the flow proceeds to Step S102 according to the
instruction from the CPU 106. Here, the second game start signal
includes at least: the data which allows the slot machine 13 to be
identified; the credit amount bet on the "BONUS" combination being
formed in the basic game; and the information with respect to the
active pay lines.
[0175] In Step S102, the CPU 106 performs betting processing
described later with reference to FIG. 20.
[0176] Subsequently, the CPU 106 receives the credit payout results
transmitted from the CPU 206 of the central controller 14 (Step
S103 in FIG. 19B). Note that the credit payout results match the
payout results obtained according to whether or not the player has
won the roulette game executed via the BET screen 70. Subsequently,
the flow proceeds to Step S104 according to the instruction from
the CPU 106.
[0177] In Step S104, the CPU 106 pays out the credit according to
the payout results received in Step S103. Specifically, the credit
data is stored in the RAM 110 corresponding to the amount of the
payout from the roulette game. In the case that there are any
credits remaining in the roulette game, the CPU 106 reads out the
credit amount which is stored in a predetermined memory area for
the basic game. Furthermore, the CPU 106 calculates the sum of the
credit amount thus read out and the credit data which corresponds
to the payout for the roulette game and which is stored in the RAM
110. Then, the CPU 106 stores the sum in a predetermined memory
area in the RAM 110, and displays the sum on the credit amount
display unit 49 of the slot machine 13. Subsequently, the CPU 106
ends this routine. That is to say, the second game ends according
to the instruction from the slot machine 13, whereupon the roulette
game ends.
[0178] As described above, in the case that the player has won the
payout in the roulette game, the credit that has increased by the
amount of the payout is added to the coins for the slot machine 13,
at the point that the roulette game ends. Such an arrangement
allows the player to use the payout from the roulette game in the
form of coins for the basic game after the second game. This
provides a closer relation between the basic game and the second
game, thereby improving the amusement value of the game provided by
the overall gaming system 10.
[0179] Note that an arrangement may be made in which, in the case
that the player has won the payout in the roulette game, the player
can continue and play the roulette game that is a second game using
the payout. In this case, the CPU 106 transmits a second game start
signal to the central controller 14 as shown in Step S101 after the
payout processing shown in Step S104.
[0180] Next, description will be given regarding the second game
processing program for the central controller 14 with reference to
FIGS. 19A and 19B.
[0181] In Step S201 shown in FIG. 19A, the CPU 206 receives a
second game start signal transmitted in the aforementioned Step
S101 from the CPU 106 of the slot machine 13. Upon reception of the
second game start signal, the CPU 206 stores the second game start
signal thus received in the RAM 210. Furthermore, the CPU 206
raises the movable floor 18 on which the slot machine 13 that has
transmitted the second game start signal and the seat 57 have been
installed. Furthermore, the CPU 206 displays an image on the
large-size monitor 16 which provides notice of the start of the
second game. With such an arrangement, the movable floor 18 on
which the slot machine 13 has been installed is raised, and a
second game start message is displayed on the large-size monitor
16. This notifies other persons in the amusement facility of the
start of the second game, in addition to the players at the other
slot machines 13. Subsequently, the flow proceeds to Step S202
according to the instruction from the CPU 206.
[0182] In Step S202, the CPU 206 transmits a second game start
signal to other slot machines 13 and second gaming terminals 15. By
the CPU 206 transmitting the second game start signal to the other
slot machines 13 and second gaming terminals 15, other players can
participate in the roulette game using the other slot machines 13
and second gaming terminals 15. While the following description
with reference to FIGS. 19A and 19B will be made regarding an
arrangement wherein the second gaming terminal 15 is a terminal
which participates in the roulette game, the processing flow for
other slot machines 13 is basically the same. Subsequently, the CPU
206 advances the flow to Step S203.
[0183] In Step S203, the CPU 206 starts timing the betting period,
which is the period in which the player at the slot machine 13 can
place bets, from the point in time that a second game start signal
is transmitted from the slot machine 13. In this bet period, the
player at a slot machine 13 participating in the game can operate
the touch panel 32 of the liquid crystal display 30 to bet his/her
own chips on the BET area 73 in correlation to the player's
predicted number. Also, the CPU 206 starts timing the participation
period, which is the period in which the players of a second gaming
terminal 15 can participate in the second game, from the point in
time that the second game start signal is transmitted from the slot
machine 13. In this participation period, the player at a second
gaming terminal 15 participating in the game can deposit a coin
from the coin insertion opening 91 and operate the touch panel 99
of the display 93 to transmit credit data to the central controller
14 so as to relegate betting thereof to the slot machine 13.
Subsequently, the CPU 206 advances the processing to Step S204.
[0184] In Step S204, the CPU 206 receives the credit data
transmitted from the second gaming terminal 15. Furthermore, the
CPU 206 transmits the credit data received from the second gaming
terminal 15 to the slot machine 13. Subsequently, the CPU 206
advances the processing to Step S205.
[0185] In Step S205, the CPU 206 determines whether or not the
participation period has ended. Note that the period wherein
participation is allowed is displayed on the display 93 of the
second gaming terminals 15, and also on the BET screen 70 of the
second gaming device 11 by a participation-enabled time display
unit 75 (see FIG. 10). In the event that a determination is made
that the participation period has not yet ended (in the case of
"NO" in the processing in Step S205), the CPU 206 returns the flow
to Step S204, and credit data is received from the second gaming
terminal 15 until the participation period expires. On the other
hand, in the event that a determination is made that the
participation period has ended (in the case of "YES" in the
processing in Step S205), the CPU 206 advances the flow to Step
S206.
[0186] In Step S206, the CPU 206 transmits a participation period
end signal to the CPU 306 of the second gaming terminal 15, and
subsequently the flow proceeds to Step S207.
[0187] In Step S207, the CPU 206 determines whether or not the time
remaining in the betting period has become 5 seconds. Note that the
time remaining in the betting period is also displayed on the BET
time display unit 74 provided at the BET screen 70 of the second
gaming device 11 (see FIG. 10). In the case that determination has
been made that the time remaining in the betting period has not
reached 5 seconds (in the case of "NO" in the determination
processing in Step S207), the CPU 206 repeatedly performs the
processing in Step S207 in order to wait for the time remaining in
the betting period to become 5 seconds. On the other hand, in the
case that determination has been made that the time remaining in
the betting period has become 5 seconds (in the case of "YES" in
the determination processing in Step S207), the flow proceeds to
Step S208 according to the instruction from the CPU 206.
[0188] In Step S208, the CPU 206 supplies the ball 65 to the inner
portion of the roulette board. Specifically, first, the CPU 206
drives the ball supply device so as to supply the ball 65 to the
inner portion of the roulette board, whereby the roulette device 60
performs the number determination processing according to the game
execution program. More specifically, after the ball 65 is
supplied, the CPU 206 further drives the driving motor such that
the wheel 62 rotates at a predetermined rotational speed in the
direction opposite to the ball supply direction. The ball 65 thus
supplied rolls onto the roulette board along the guide wall 66.
Subsequently, as the ball 65 loses its centrifugal force due to
reduction in its rotational speed, the ball 65 rolls down along the
slope of the frame 61, whereupon the ball 65 reaches the rotating
wheel 62 (see FIG. 10).
[0189] Then, the ball 65 rolling down to the rotating wheel 62 is
received by any one among the number pockets 63 through the number
display plate 64 provided to outer perimeter of the wheel 62, which
is still rotating. As a result, the number marked on the number
display plate 64 that corresponds to the number pocket 63 retaining
the ball 65 (any one of the numbers "0", "00", and "1" to "36"
shown in FIG. 10) is determined to be a winning number.
[0190] Furthermore, upon the supply of the ball 65 to the inner
portion of the roulette board, the CPU 206 instructs the movable
viewpoint cameras 17 to capture images of the roulette device 60,
and displays the images thus captured on the monitor 16. Such an
arrangement allows the players to visually confirm the stage in
which the winning number is determined in the roulette game by
viewing the monitor 16 without the need to monitor the second
gaming device 11. Note that an arrangement may be made in which the
screen displayed on the monitor 16 is divided into multiple parts
as necessary, and both the roulette device 60 and the BET screen 70
are displayed on the monitor 16.
[0191] Subsequently, the CPU 206 determines whether or not the
betting period has expired (Step S209 in FIG. 19B). In the case
that determination has been made that the betting period has not
expired (in the case of "NO" in the determination processing in
Step S209), the CPU 206 repeatedly performs the processing in Step
S209 in order to wait for the betting period to expire. On the
other hand, in the case that determination has been made that the
betting period has expired (in the case of "YES" in the
determination processing in Step S209), the CPU 206 transmits a
betting period end signal, which provides notice that the betting
period has expired, to the CPU 106 of each slot machine 13 (Step
S210).
[0192] Though not illustrated in the drawings in particular, the
CPU 206 receives bet information data from the slot machine 13 as
it arrives, up to the point that the betting period end signal is
transmitted, and whether or not bets match betting methods
corresponding to the second game payout table conditions stored in
the ROM 208 is checked. Specifically, whether or not a betting
method is permissible is checked based on information received from
the slot machine 13 regarding a bet which a player has made at the
slot machine 13 (whether or not a bet has been made, in the event
that a bet has been made the specified BET area 73, the number of
chips (bets) bet on the specified BET area 73 and the betting
method thereof), and the bet information is stored in the bet
information storage area of the RAM 210 only for bets which are
permissible. Note that in the event that information is received in
Step S210 to the effect that no bet was made, the CPU 206 lowers
the movable floor 18 to which the slot machine 13 and chair 57 are
fixed. Subsequently, the CPU 206 advances the flow to Step
S211.
[0193] In Step S211, finalized bet display is performed.
Specifically, the CPU 206 displays the bet information stored in
the bet information storage area of the RAM 210 on the monitor 16.
For example, the contents of the betting board 71 shown in FIG. 10
are displayed on the monitor 16. Displaying the bet information on
the monitor 16 allows the players participating via the second
gaming terminal 15 to know where the credit data, transmitted so as
to relegate betting thereof to the player at the slot machine 13,
has been bet, in the form of chips. Subsequently, the CPU 206
advances the flow to Step S212.
[0194] In Step S212, the CPU 206 detects that the ball 65 has been
received by one of the number pockets 63, following which the win
determining device is activated so as to determine with which
number the number pocket 63 which the ball 65 has been stored in is
correlated. Subsequently, the CPU 206 advances the flow to Step
S213.
[0195] In Step S213, the CPU 206 determines whether or not the
chips bet at the slot machine 13 have won, based on the number of
the pocket where the ball 65 has been determined to have been
stored in Step S212, and the bet information received from the slot
machine 13. Subsequently, the CPU 206 advances the flow to Step
S214.
[0196] In Step S214, the CPU 206 executes payout calculation
processing. In the payout calculation processing, the CPU 206
identifies the chip bet on the winning number. Furthermore, the CPU
206 calculates the total payout of credits paid out to the slot
machine 13, and to the second gaming terminal 15 in the event that
there has been a bet from a second gaming terminal 15, using the
payout rates corresponding to the BET areas 73 specified in the
second game payout table stored in the payout credit storage area
of the ROM 208 (the number of credits to be paid out per chip (per
bet)), and the weighting values in the conditions specified in the
second game payout determining table. Subsequently, the CPU 206
advances the processing to Step S215. In this case, the monitor 16
may be arranged to display information such as the winning number,
payouts, etc.
[0197] In Step S215, the CPU 206 executes transmission processing
of the credit payout results of the roulette game based on the
payout calculation processing in Step S214. Specifically, the CPU
206 transmits credit data equivalent to the payout amount to the
second gaming terminal 15, at the same time as transmitting the
credit data equivalent to the payout amount to the slot machine 13
which has won. Subsequently, the CPU 206 advances the processing to
Step S216.
[0198] In Step S216, the CPU 206 drives the ball collecting device
provided below the wheel 62, thereby collecting the ball 65
remaining on the wheel 62. The ball 65 thus collected is supplied
again to the wheel 62 of the roulette device 60 in the following
games.
[0199] Subsequently, the CPU 206 lowers the movable floor 18, on
which the slot machine 13 and the seat 57 have been installed,
whereupon this routine ends.
[0200] Note that an arrangement may be made in which, in the case
that all the slot machines 13 are performing only the basic game,
i.e., in the case that none of the slot machines 13 is performing
the second game, the monitor 16 displays a demonstration image of
the second game stored in the ROM 208.
[0201] Finally, a description will be given regarding a second game
processing program for the second gaming terminal 15 with reference
to FIGS. 19A and 19B.
[0202] In step S301 shown in FIG. 19A, the CPU 306 of the second
gaming terminal 15 receives a second game start signal transmitted
in the aforementioned Step S202 from the central controller 14.
Upon reception of this signal, the player can operate the second
gaming terminal 15 for the roulette game. At the same time, the
screen as described later with reference to FIG. 25 is displayed on
the display 93 of the second gaming terminal 15. Subsequently, the
flow proceeds to Step S302 according to the instruction from the
CPU 306.
[0203] In Step S302, the CPU 306 performs participation processing
described later with reference to FIG. 21.
[0204] Subsequently, the CPU 306 receives the payout results of the
credits transmitted from the CPU 206 of the central controller 14
(Step S303 in FIG. 19B). Note that the credit payout results are
payout results corresponding to winning/loosing at the roulette
game which the slot machine 13 has played using the BET screen 70,
based on the credit data transmitted from the second gaming
terminal 15. Subsequently, the CPU 306 advances the processing to
Step S304.
[0205] In Step S304, the CPU 306 performs credit payout based on
the payout results received in Step S303. Specifically, credit data
of an amount corresponding to the payout from the roulette game is
recorded in the RAM 310, and further, the hopper 319 connected via
the hopper driving circuit 318 pays out a predetermined amount of
coins corresponding to the credit data from the coin tray 94 (see
FIG. 12), in response to a command signal from the CPU 306.
Subsequently, the CPU 306 ends the routine.
[0206] Thus, in the event of winning a payout with the roulette
game, credit data is transmitted to the second gaming terminal 15
as payout of the roulette game, at the point that the roulette game
ends. Accordingly, payout can be obtained at the second gaming
terminal 15, thereby improving the amusement value of the game
using the gaming system 10.
[0207] FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of betting
processing executed by the controller 100 of the slot machine
13.
[0208] First, in Step S401, the CPU 106 receives initial credit
data from the central controller 14. The term "initial credit data"
as used here represents the credit data that can be bet on the
basic bet in the second game according to the credit amount from
the basic game. Subsequently, the CPU 306 advances the processing
to Step S402.
[0209] In Step S402, the CPU 106 displays the BET screen 70 shown
in the later-described FIG. 24 on the liquid crystal display 30 of
the slot machine 13 (Step S402), and starts reception of betting
operations, i.e., starts a betting period wherein a player can bet
chips (Step S403). The player can operate the touch panel 32 during
this period during which bets can be received so as to place bets
using the chips of the player, which are the initial credit data
received in Step S401, on BET areas 73 corresponding to numbers
which the player has predicted. Specific methods of betting using
the BET screen 70 will be described later with reference to FIG.
24. Also, in the event that a bet has been placed, the CPU 106
transmits data relating to betting to the central controller
14.
[0210] Subsequently, the CPU 106 determines whether or not a bet
has been placed using the initial credit data. In the event that a
bet has been placed using the initial credit data (in the case of
"YES" in the processing in Step S404), the CPU 106 advances the
flow to Step S407. On the other hand, in the event that no bet has
been placed using the initial credit data (in the case of "NO" in
the processing in Step S404), the CPU 106 advances the flow to Step
S405.
[0211] In Step S405, the CPU 106 determines whether or not a
betting period end signal has been received. In the event that a
betting period end signal has been received (in the case of "YES"
in the processing in Step S405), the CPU 106 advances the flow to
Step S406. In the event that a betting period end signal has not
been received (in the case of "NO" in the processing in Step S405),
the CPU 106 returns the flow to Step S404.
[0212] In Step S406, the CPU 106 ends reception of betting
operations, and then ends the routine.
[0213] In Step S407, the CPU 106 determines whether or not coins
have been inserted. Specifically, whether or not coins for
additional bets have been inserted from the coin insertion opening
22 of the slot machine 13 is determined. Note that an arrangement
may be made in which basic game credits displayed on the credit
number display unit 49 are used instead of the coins thus inserted.
In the event that coins have been deposited (in the case of "YES"
in the processing in Step S407), the CPU 106 advances the flow to
Step S408. On the other hand, in the event that coins have not been
deposited (in the case of "NO" in the processing in Step S407), the
CPU 106 advances the flow to Step S409.
[0214] In Step S408, the CPU 106 performs additional betting
processing. Specifically, a betting operation is performed using
the BET screen 70, based on the deposited coins. Also, in the event
that a bet has been placed, the CPU 106 transmits data relating to
the bet, to the central controller 14. Subsequently, the CPU 106
advances the processing to Step S409.
[0215] In Step S409, the CPU 106 determines whether or not credit
data has been received from the second gaming terminal 15. In the
event that credit data has been received from the second gaming
terminal 15 (in the case of "YES" in the processing in Step S409),
the CPU 106 advances the flow to Step S410. On the other hand, in
the event that credit data has not been received from the second
gaming terminal 15 (in the case of "NO" in the processing in Step
S409), the CPU 106 advances the flow to Step S411. Note that while
the present embodiment describes an arrangement in which credit
data is transmitted from a second gaming terminal 15, it is
needless to say that credit data may be transmitted from another
slot machine 13 other than the slot machine 13 that has entered the
second game mode.
[0216] In Step S410, the CPU 106 performs additional betting
processing with the credit data transmitted from the second gaming
terminal 15. Specifically, betting operations are performed using
the BET screen 70, based on the credit data transmitted from the
second gaming terminal 15 via the central controller 14. Also, in
the event that a bet is placed, the CPU 106 transmits data relating
to the bet to the central controller 14. Subsequently, the CPU 106
advances the flow to Step S411.
[0217] In Step S411, determination is made regarding whether or not
a betting period end signal has been received from the central
controller 14. In the event that a betting period end signal has
been received from the central controller 14 (in the case of "YES"
in the processing in Step S411), the CPU 106 advances the flow to
Step S412. On the other hand, in the event that no betting period
end signal has been received (in the case of "NO" in the processing
in Step S411), the CPU 106 returns the flow to Step S407.
Accordingly, the gaming system allows the player to repeatedly
place additional bets before the betting period expires.
[0218] In Step S412, the CPU 106 ends reception of betting
operations, following which the CPU 106 ends the routine.
[0219] As mentioned earlier, following betting processing having
been performed, the CPU 106 transmits data relating to the bet to
the CPU 206 of the central controller 14, with the CPU 206 of the
central controller 14 determining whether each bet is within the
permissible range.
[0220] Also, in the event that a bet was not placed using the
initial credit data, this means that a bet was not placed using the
credits given to the slot machine 13 at the time of transition to
the second game, and in such cases the credit data is forfeited, it
being deemed that betting using the credit data has been abandoned.
Also, in the event that no bet was made using the initial credit
data, betting cannot be performed using credit data for additional
bets transmitted from other slot machines 13 or second gaming
terminals 15. Accordingly, the credit data for additional bets is
returned to the other slot machines 13 and second gaming terminals
15.
[0221] FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of
participation processing executed by the controller 300 of a second
gaming terminal 15.
[0222] First, in Step S501, a determination is made regarding
whether or not the CPU 306 has received a participation period end
signal. The participation period is a period during which the
second gaming terminal 15 can participate in the roulette game, and
is timed by the central controller 14. In the event that a
participation period end signal has been received (in the case of
"YES" in the processing in Step S501), the CPU 306 advances the
flow to Step S506. On the other hand, in the event that no
participation period end signal has been received (in the case of
"NO" in the processing in Step S501), the CPU 306 advances the flow
to Step S502.
[0223] In Step S502, the CPU 306 determines whether or not a coin
has been deposited. Specifically, the determination is made
regarding whether or not a coin for an additional bet has been
deposited from the coin insertion opening 91 of the second gaming
terminal 15. In the event that a coin has been deposited (in the
case of "YES" in the processing in Step S502), the CPU 306 advances
the flow to Step S503. On the other hand, in the event that no coin
has been deposited (in the case of "NO" in the processing in Step
S502), the CPU 306 returns the flow to Step S501.
[0224] In Step S503, the CPU 306 displays a transmission screen for
transmitting credit data for additional bets on the display 93.
Subsequently, the CPU 306 advances the flow to Step S504.
[0225] In Step S504, the CPU 306 determines whether or not the
transmission button has been pushed. Specifically, a determination
is made regarding whether or not the transmission button 82 on the
transmission screen, such as shown in FIG. 26, displayed on the
display 93 by the processing in Step S503, has been pushed by the
player. In the event that the transmission button has been pushed
(in the case of "YES" in the processing in Step S504), the CPU 306
advances the flow to Step S505. On the other hand, in the event
that the transmission button has not been pushed even after a
predetermined amount of time (in the case of "NO" in the processing
in Step S504), the CPU 306 returns the flow to Step S501.
[0226] In Step S505, the CPU 306 transmits the credit data to the
CPU 206 of the central controller 14. The credit data transmitted
from the second gaming terminal 15 is ultimately transmitted to the
slot machine 13 via the central controller 14, whereby the slot
machine 13 is able to perform additional bets using the credit
data. Subsequently, the CPU 306 returns the flow to Step S501.
[0227] In Step S506, the processing makes a transition upon
receiving the participation period end signal. In this case, the
CPU 106 ends the reception of coin depositing, and ends the
routine.
[0228] FIGS. 22 and 23 show examples of what is displayed on the
slot machine 13 for the basic game according to the present
embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in FIG.
22, the symbols when they are stationary are displayed on the
liquid crystal display 30 of the slot machine 13. In this example,
the "BONUS" symbols are arranged along the middle portion of the
horizontal line, i.e., the "BONUS" winning combination is formed
along the active pay line L5. As described above, in the case that
the "BONUS" winning combination has been formed, the game is
switched to the second game. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 23, the
liquid crystal display 30 displays the small window 85 that
displays a text reading "CONGRATULATIONS!! LET'S START THE ROULETTE
GAME". Such visual effects notify the player that the "BONUS"
symbols have been arranged along a particular active pay line, and
that the roulette game will start soon.
[0229] FIG. 24 shows an example of what is displayed on the liquid
crystal display 30 of the slot machine 13, which allows the player
to place a bet on the roulette game during the second game. A
description will be given below regarding the example of what is
displayed for the second game with reference to FIG. 24, except for
the same components described above with reference to FIG. 10.
[0230] First, the BET screen 70 is displayed on the liquid crystal
display 30 of the slot machine 13. The components of the BET screen
70 include: the result history display unit 72; a BET button
display unit 77; a payout display unit 78; and a credit amount
display unit 79, which are displayed, in that order, starting from
the upper left of the portion below the betting board 71, which is
also displayed on the BET screen 70. The payout display unit 78 and
the credit amount display unit 79 are dedicated components provided
for the roulette game, instead of the payout display unit 48 and
the credit amount display unit 49 provided to the slot machine
13.
[0231] A BET button display unit 77 displays chips which have been
deposited and which are to be bet on the BET areas 73 (number and
letter squares, or on lines defining the squares) according to
instructions from the player. The BET button display unit 77
comprises an initial chip storage portion 77A for displaying chips
that can be bet as a result of transition from the basic game to
the second game, these chips being represented by single circles; a
first additional chip storage portion 77B for displaying chips for
additional bets to be made by the slot machine 13 that has entered
the second game mode, these chips being represented by double
circles, and a second additional chip storage portion 77C for
displaying chips for additional betting based on credit data
transmitted from a second gaming terminal 15 or from another slot
machine 13 other than the slot machine 13 that has entered the
second game mode, these chips being represented by circles with
hatching. At first, only the chip mark 76 which corresponds to the
initially-provided chips is displayed in the initial chip storage
portion 77A. After the placement of the initial bet of the initial
chip on a bet area 73, the additional bets are permitted. In this
case, the chip marks 76 are displayed in the first additional chip
storage portion 77B and the second additional chip storage portion
77C in conjunction with the credit data.
[0232] The player first operates the chip mark 76 displayed in the
initial chip storage portion 77A by operating the touch panel 32,
making a drag-and-drop operation with a finger, so as to specify a
BET area 73 to place the bet. At this time a cursor 80 is
displayed. Clicking on the chip mark 76 with the chip stopped at
the position where a bet is to be placed removes the cursor 80 from
the screen, thereby finalizing the bet. Note that one coin used
with the basic game at the slot machine 13 is equivalent to one
chip used in the second game.
[0233] The present invention is not restricted to such an
arrangement in which the chips are bet on one location. Rather, the
gaming system allows the player to bet the chips on multiple
locations by repeatedly making the drag-and-drop operation on the
BET areas 73 in increments of chip marks.
[0234] Also, an arrangement may be made in which multiple roulette
games can be performed as long as there are credits remaining. With
such an arrangement, a payout amount display unit 78 displays the
number of chips which the player has bet in the previous game, and
the credit amount to be paid out. Here, a number obtained by
subtracting the amount bet from the payout credits is the credits
which the player has newly obtained by the previous game. This
display example shows the first instance of the second game after
the slot machine 13 has entered the second game mode, so the amount
bet and the payout credits both show "0".
[0235] Furthermore, a credit amount display unit 79 displays the
amount of credits which the player currently has. This credit
amount decreases as chips are bet (one credit for one bet). Also,
in the event that a chip which has been bet wins, and credits are
paid out, a chip mark 76 representing the amount paid out is
displayed. In the event that the number of credits which the player
has becomes zero, the game is over. Let us consider a case in which
the slot machine 13 has entered the second game mode with one
credit. The example here shows the screen of the slot machine 13 in
this case with 10 chips which is the initial chips being displayed
at a location saying "19 to 36", and with a remaining twenty chips
being displayed not bet at the BET button display unit 77.
Accordingly, "20" is displayed at the credit amount display unit
79.
[0236] FIG. 25 shows an example of a second game at a second gaming
terminal 15, illustrating an example of a display made on the
display 93 of the second gaming terminal 15 at the time of the
second gaming terminal 15 receiving a second game start signal from
the central controller 14.
[0237] The display 93 displays a message to the effect that the
roulette game will start, and a terminal number 83 indicating the
player of which slot machine 13 is going to bet in the second game.
Depositing predetermined coins from the coin insertion opening 91
brings up a screen such as shown in FIG. 26, which will be
described next, on the display 93.
[0238] FIG. 26 illustrates a display example displayed on the
display 93 upon a coin having been deposited from the coin
insertion opening 91 of the second gaming terminal 15, as an
example of a display of the second game at the second gaming
terminal 15.
[0239] A countdown number 81 is displayed on the display 93,
indicating the amount of time in which participation can be made.
This countdown number 81 displays the amount of time left in which
participation can be made, based on the participation period timed
by the central controller 14. Also, a transmission button 82 is
provided toward the bottom of the display 93, and pushing this
transmission button 82 transmits credit data for additional betting
to the central controller 14.
[0240] FIG. 27 illustrates a screen displayed on the liquid crystal
display 30 at the time of making an additional bet at a slot
machine 13 other than the slot machine 13 that has entered the
second game mode but is capable of communication with the central
controller 14, as an example of a display of the second game at a
slot machine 13.
[0241] Upon the slot machine 13 receiving a second game start
signal, a small window 85 comes up toward the top of the liquid
crystal display 30. A countdown number 81 is displayed toward the
left side of the small window 85, indicating the amount of time in
which participation can be made. This countdown number 81 displays
the amount of time left in which participation can be made, based
on the participation period timed by the central controller 14.
Also, a transmission button 82 is provided toward the right side of
the small window 85, and pushing this transmission button 82
transmits credit data for additional betting to the central
controller 14. Note that with the other slot machine 13, credits
already displayed at the credit amount display unit 49 for the
basic game may be used, or coins may be used by newly depositing
the coins from the coin insertion opening 22. Furthermore, as with
the case of the second gaming terminal 15, a second game starting
screen such as shown in FIG. 25 may first be displayed and then the
screen shown in FIG. 27 displayed on the liquid crystal display
30.
[0242] Thus, with the gaming system and the gaming control method
according to the present embodiment, in the event that a
predetermined symbol combination, such as "BONUS" symbol
combination or the like, has come to a stop along the pay line L5
in the basic game at the slot machine 13, the roulette game
performed at the second gaming device 11 separate from the slot
machine 13 is started. In this case, the slot machine 13 becomes a
terminal capable of betting operations of the roulette game, and
can use credits provided by the "BONUS" combination in the basic
game for basic bets in the roulette game. Furthermore, additional
bets can be made from not only the slot machine 13 that has entered
the second game mode but also additional bets can be made by
additional credits from slot machines 13 other than the slot
machine 13 that has entered the second game mode, and second gaming
terminals 15. Such additional bets enable multiple betting, and
also the payout of the roulette game also increases due to the
additional betting.
[0243] Moreover, in the event of a win, the second gaming terminals
15 and other slot machines 13 which have provided credit data for
additional bets each can receive payouts.
[0244] While the gaming system according to the present invention
has been described above by way of embodiments, it should be
clearly understood that the embodiments are exemplary of the
invention and in no way restrict the present invention, and that
the specific configurations such as the means and components may be
modified and altered as suitable. Moreover, it should be understood
that the advantages described in association with the embodiments
are merely a listing of most preferred advantages, and that the
advantages of the present invention are by no means restricted to
those described in connected with the embodiments.
[0245] While description has been made regarding an arrangement in
which the roulette game is performed as a second game using a real
roulette device, the present invention is not restricted to such an
arrangement. Also, the roulette game may be performed using a
virtual roulette. Also, the second game may be other forms of
gaming, such as a card game like poker, quizzes, or the like.
Moreover, other conceivable arrangements include, but are not
restricted to, competing with a computer or other players using
devices which involve physical exertion, such as cycling machines,
horseback riding machines, and so forth.
[0246] While preferred embodiments 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.
* * * * *