U.S. patent application number 11/725446 was filed with the patent office on 2008-03-20 for slot machines and playing method thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC.. Invention is credited to Kazuo Okada.
Application Number | 20080070671 11/725446 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39189296 |
Filed Date | 2008-03-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080070671 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Okada; Kazuo |
March 20, 2008 |
Slot machines and playing method thereof
Abstract
A slot machine has an external connecting unit connectable to a
cellular phone. A controller of the slot machine is connected to
the cellular phone via the external connecting unit, to receive an
operation signal from an operating part of the cellular phone and
perform control of a game based on the received operation
signal.
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
89119
|
Family ID: |
39189296 |
Appl. No.: |
11/725446 |
Filed: |
March 20, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60842385 |
Sep 6, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3218 20130101;
G07F 17/3211 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/020 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A slot machine comprising: a connecting terminal connectable to
a cellular phone of a player; and a game controller receiving an
operation signal from an operating part of the cellular phone by a
connection with the cellular phone via the connecting terminal, and
performing control of a game based on the operating signal
received.
2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the game
controller can perform a game identical with a game performable on
a display of the cellular phone, by using the cellular phone, when
the cellular phone and the slot machine are not connected to each
other via the connecting terminal.
3. The slot machine according to claim 2, wherein the game
controller reads credit data and performs control of a game with
the read credit data by establishing a connection between the
cellular phone and the slot machine via the connecting terminal,
the credit data being provided by a game, performed with the
cellular phone not connected to the slot machine, and identical to
a game performed with the slot machine, and the credit data being
stored in a memory of the cellular phone.
4. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the game
controller reads credit data and performs control of a game with
the read credit data by establishing a connection between the
cellular phone and the slot machine via the connecting terminal,
the credit data being provided by a game performed with the
cellular phone connected to the slot machine and being stored in a
memory of the cellular phone.
5. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the slot machine
is connected so as to establish communication with a management
server storing data of a plurality of games; and the game is one
game received from the management server from among the plurality
of games stored in the management server.
6. The slot machine according to claim 1, further comprising a
memory storing data of the plurality of games, wherein the game is
one game read from the memory, from among the plurality of games
stored in the memory.
7. A slot machine comprising: a connecting terminal connectable to
a cellular phone capable of performing a game identical to a game
of the slot machine; and a game controller, by being connected to
the cellular phone via the connecting terminal, receiving: (a) an
operation signal from an operating part of the cellular phone; (b)
credit data provided by the identical game performed with the
cellular phone and then stored in a memory of the cellular phone;
and (c) credit data provided by a game on the slot machine via the
connecting terminal and then stored in a memory of the cellular
phone, new line and the game controller performing control of the
game based on the operating signal received and the credit data
received.
8. The slot machine connected so as to establish communication with
a management server storing data of a plurality of games, the slot
machine comprising: a connecting terminal connectable to a cellular
phone capable of performing games identical to the plurality of
games; and a game controller receiving one game from among the
plurality of games, from the management server, the game
controller, by being connected to the cellular phone via the
connecting terminal, receiving: (a) an operation signal from an
operating part of the cellular phone; (b) credit data provided by
the identical games performed with the cellular phone and then
stored in a memory of the cellular phone; and (c) credit data
provided by one game on the slot machine via the connecting
terminal and then stored in a memory of the cellular phone, new
line and the game controller performing control of the one game
based on the operating signal received and the credit data
received.
9. A slot machine comprising: a memory storing data of a plurality
of games; a connecting terminal connectable to a cellular phone
capable of performing games identical to the plurality of games;
and a game controller reading one game from among the plurality of
games from the memory, the game controller, by being connected to
the cellular phone via the connecting terminal, receiving: (a) an
operation signal from an operating part of the cellular phone; (b)
credit data provided by the identical games performed with the
cellular phone and then stored in a memory of the cellular phone;
and (c) credit data provided by one game on the slot machine via
the connecting terminal and then stored in a memory of the cellular
phone, new line and the game controller performing control of the
one game based on the operating signal received and the credit data
received.
10. A game control method in which a game controller advances a
game in a slot machine having a connecting terminal connectable to
a cellular phone of a player, the method comprising the steps of:
establishing a connection with the cellular phone via the
connecting terminal; receiving an operation signal from an
operating part of the cellular phone connected; and performing
control of a game based on the operation signal received.
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the step of
controlling the game performs control of a game identical with a
game performable on a display of the cellular phone, by using the
cellular phone, when the cellular phone is not connected to the
slot machine via the connecting terminal.
12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising the steps
of: reading, from a memory of the cellular phone that is connected,
credit data provided by a game identical to a game performed with
the slot machine, the identical game being performed by the
cellular phone in a state not connected to the slot machine.
13. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the steps
of: reading, from the cellular phone that is connected, credit data
provided by a game performed with the cellular phone connected to
the slot machine; and performing a control of a game by using the
read credit data.
14. The method according to claim 10, wherein the slot machine is
connected so as to establish communication with a management server
storing data of a plurality of games; and the game controller
includes the steps of: receiving one game of the plurality of games
from the management server; and performing control of the one game
received.
15. The method according to claim 10, wherein the slot machine has
a memory storing data of a plurality of games; and the game
controller includes the steps of: reading one game of the plurality
of games stored in the memory; and performing control of the one
game read.
16. A game control method of a slot machine in which the slot
machine has a connecting terminal connectable to a cellular phone
capable of performing a game identical to a game of the slot
machine, and a game controller advances a game, the method
comprising the steps of: establishing a connection with the
cellular phone via the connecting terminal; receiving (i) credit
data provided by the identical game performed with the cellular
phone and stored in a memory of the cellular phone; (ii) credit
data provided by a game on the slot machine via the connecting
terminal and stored in a memory of the cellular phone; and (iii) an
operation signal from an operating part of the cellular phone; and
performing control of a game based on the operation signal received
and the credit data received.
17. A game control method of a slot machine in which a game
controller advances a game, the slot machine being connected so as
to establish communication with a management server storing data of
a plurality of games, and having a connecting terminal connectable
to a cellular phone capable of performing games identical to the
plurality of games, the method comprising the steps of: receiving
one game of the plurality of games from the management server;
establishing a connection with the cellular phone via the
connecting terminal; receiving (i) credit data provided by the
identical game performed with the cellular phone and stored in a
memory of the cellular phone; (ii) credit data provided by a game
on the slot machine via the connecting terminal and stored in a
memory of the cellular phone; and (iii) an operation signal from an
operating part of the cellular phone; and performing control of a
game based on the operation signal received and the credit data
received.
18. A game control method of a slot machine in which a game
controller advances a game, the slot machine having a memory
storing data of a plurality of games, and a connecting terminal
connectable to a cellular phone capable of performing games
identical to the plurality of games, the method comprising the
steps of: reading one game of the plurality of games from the
memory; establishing a connection with the cellular phone via the
connecting terminal; receiving (i) credit data provided by the
identical game performed with the cellular phone and stored in a
memory of the cellular phone; (ii) credit data provided by a game
on the slot machine via the connecting terminal and stored in a
memory of the cellular phone; and (iii) an operation signal from an
operating part of the cellular phone; and performing control of a
game based on the operation signal received and the credit data
received.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to slot machines and a game
control method of the slot machines.
[0003] 2. Related Art
[0004] Networking of slot machines has been proposed in recent
years. For example, WO2003/090886 (PCT/US2003/010969), or Japanese
Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2005-523668,
discloses a networked computerized game system, and in particular,
a technique concerned with security. As performance of cellular
phones improves, the number of players performing slot games on the
cellular phones is increasing.
[0005] The present invention provides new slot machines with new
entertainment value, the machines being adapted for use with
cellular phones familiar to a user, when the slot games are
performed with the actual slot machines in a casino.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a slot
machine includes a connecting terminal connectable to a cellular
phone of a player, and a game controller receiving an operation
signal from an operating part of the cellular phone by a connection
with the cellular phone via the connecting terminal, and performing
control of a game based on the operating signal received.
[0007] This slot machine is connectable with the cellular phone and
subjected to the control of the game by receiving the operation
signal from the operating part of the cellular phone.
[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the
game controller can perform a game identical with a game
performable on a display of the cellular phone, by using the
cellular phone, when the cellular phone and the slot machine are
not connected to each other via the connecting terminal.
[0009] This slot machine performs the game identical with the game
the cellular phone can perform alone.
[0010] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the
game controller reads credit data and performs control of a game
with the read credit data by establishing a connection between the
cellular phone and the slot machine via the connecting terminal,
the credit data being provided by a game, performed with the
cellular phone not connected with the slot machine, and identical
game to game performed with the slot machine, and then being stored
in a memory of the cellular phone.
[0011] This slot machine performs a game using credit data provided
when a game is performed with the cellular phone alone.
[0012] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the
game controller reads credit data and performs control of a game
with the read credit data by establishing a connection between the
cellular phone and the slot machine via the connecting terminal,
the credit data being provided by a game performed with the
cellular phone that is connected with the slot machine and being
stored in a memory of the cellular phone.
[0013] In this slot machine, the credit data provided by the game
is stored in the memory of the cellular phone connected.
[0014] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the
slot machine is connected so as to establish communication with a
management server storing data of a plurality of games, and the
game is one game received from the management server from among the
plurality of games stored in the management server.
[0015] In this slot machine, the plurality of games stored in the
management server connected so as to establish communication can be
performed by using the operating part of the cellular phone.
[0016] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a
memory is provided storing data of the plurality of games, and the
game is one game read from the memory, from among the plurality of
games stored in the memory.
[0017] In this slot machine, the plurality of games can be stored
in the slot machine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the relationship between
slot machines 13 according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention and cellular phones 300 or the like;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view when the slot machine 13 and
the cellular phones 300 are connected to each other in the
preferred embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the slot machine 13 in
the preferred embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view showing in enlarged
dimension a display area of the slot machine 13 in the preferred
embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a perspective view, when viewed from the back
side, of the outline of the construction of a liquid crystal
display 30 of the slot machine 13 in the preferred embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the
construction of part of the liquid crystal display 30 shown in FIG.
5;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the electrical
configuration of a controller 100 of the slot machine 13 in the
preferred embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of a game
program storage table stored in a management server 500;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the electrical
configuration of the cellular phone 300;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a credit
data storage table stored in the cellular phone 300;
[0028] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the flow of a main process
of the slot machine 13 in the preferred embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the flow of an operation
signal receiving process of the slot machine 13 in the preferred
embodiment; and
[0030] FIGS. 13 to 15 are examples of display of the liquid crystal
display 30 of the slot machine 13 in the preferred embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] The construction of the slot machine 13 of a preferred
embodiment of the present invention will now be described in
outline with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0032] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the relationship between
the slot machines 13 of the present invention and cellular phones
300 or the like. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a situation where a
game is performed with the slot machine 13 of the present invention
when the slot machine 13 and the cellular phone 300 are connected
to each other.
[0033] In the block diagram of FIG. 1, a plurality of the slot
machines 13 are connected to the cellular phones 300, respectively,
via an external connecting unit 170 (refer to FIG. 2). The slot
machines 13 and the cellular phone 300 are connected to a
management server 500 over the network 600.
[0034] The management server 500 stores a plurality of game
programs. Each of the slot machines 13 is capable of performing a
plurality of kinds of games by receiving the game programs from the
management server 500.
[0035] Each of the cellular phones 300 is also capable of
performing a game with the cellular phone 300 by receiving its game
program from the management server 500 over the network 600. Credit
data obtained from this game can be stored in a predetermined
memory of the cellular phone 300. When the slot machine 13 and the
cellular phone 300 are connected to each other, the player can
perform the game with the slot machine 13 by using the credit
data.
[0036] Referring particularly to FIG. 2, when the slot machine 13
and the cellular phone 300 are connected to each other via the
external connecting unit 170, the player can perform the game on
the slot machine 13 by operating an operating part 350 of the
cellular phone 300.
[0037] The operating part 350 is provided with a center button 351,
an upper button 352, a right button 353, a lower button 354, a left
button 355, and an end button 356. The player can perform games
with the slot machine 13 by operating the various buttons 351 to
356 by a hand 200.
[0038] When the center button 351 is operated, the cellular phone
300 supplies a middle operation signal to the slot machine 13. Upon
receipt of the middle operation signal, the slot machine 13 repeats
the game without changing the number of coins bet on winning lines,
to be described later, in the previous game, as in the case where a
spin-repeat-bet switch 24 (refer to FIG. 3), to be described later,
is operated.
[0039] When the upper button 352 is operated, the cellular phone
300 supplies an upper operation signal to the slot machine 13. Upon
receipt of the upper operation signal, the slot machine 13 bets a
coin on the later-described winning lines, as in the case where a
BET switch 23 (refer to FIG. 3), described later, is operated.
[0040] When the right button 353 is operated, the cellular phone
300 supplies a right operation signal to the slot machine 13. Upon
receipt of the right operation signal, the slot machine 13 shifts a
cursor 94 (refer to FIG. 13), described later, to the right.
[0041] When the lower button 354 is operated, the cellular phone
300 supplies a lower operation signal to the slot machine 13. Upon
receipt of the lower operation signal, the slot machine 13 starts
the game as in the case where a start switch 25 (refer to FIG. 3),
described later, is operated.
[0042] When the left button 355 is operated, the cellular phone 300
supplies a left operation signal to the slot machine 13. Upon the
receipt of the left operation signal, the slot machine 13 shifts
the later-described cursor 94 (refer to FIG. 13) to the left.
[0043] When the end button 356 is operated, the cellular phone 300
supplies an end signal to the slot machine 13. Upon receipt of the
end signal, the slot machine 13 sends credit data stored in a RAM
110 (refer to FIG. 7) to be described later to the cellular phone
300.
[0044] Thus, the present invention is capable of enhancing
operability for the player because the player can perform the games
by using the operating part of the cellular phone the player is
accustomed to using, enabling the provision of a slot machine 13
having a new entertainment value.
[0045] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the slot machine 13 in
the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The slot machine
13 includes a cabinet 20 and a main door 42. The cabinet 20 has a
surface opening toward the player. The cabinet 20 houses various
components including a controller 100 (refer to FIG. 7) for
electrically controlling the slot machine 13, and a hopper 44
(refer to FIG. 7) for controlling the insertion, storage, and
payout of coins (game media), and the like. The game media are not
limited to coins. For example, the media may include medals,
tokens, electronic money, or electronic information of value
(credits) equivalent to these.
[0046] The main door 42 is a member with which the interior of the
cabinet 20 is covered so as not to be exposed to the outside. A
liquid crystal display 30 is disposed at substantially the center
of the main door 42.
[0047] The liquid crystal display 30 provides a variety of images
related to games including produced images and the like. The player
advances the game while observing the variety of images displayed
on the liquid crystal display 30. The liquid crystal display 30
includes a transparent liquid crystal panel 34 (refer to FIGS. 5
and 6). The transparent liquid crystal panel 34 can be brought
partly or entirely into its transparent or non-transparent state,
and can also display a variety of images. The construction of the
liquid crystal display 30 will be described in detail later.
[0048] On the back side of the liquid crystal display 30, five
mechanical reels 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E (refer to FIG. 4), each
having a plurality of kinds of symbols on its outer peripheral
surface, are rotatably laterally aligned. The mechanical reels 3A
to 3E are constructed as a plurality of symbol displaying means,
together with stepping motors 45A, 45B, 45C, 45D, and 45E (refer to
FIG. 7) to be described later. The mechanical reels 3A to 3E have
on their respective outer peripheral surfaces a plurality of kinds
of symbols necessary for a basic game. These symbols of the
mechanical reels 3A to 3E are made visible when the transparent
liquid crystal panel 34 is in its transparent state.
[0049] A substantially horizontal operating part 21 is disposed
below the liquid crystal display 30. Disposed on the right side of
the operating part 21 is a coin slot 22 through which a number of
coins are inserted into the slot machine 13. On the other hand,
disposed on the left side of the operating part 21 are a BET switch
23 and the spin-repeat-bet switch 24. The BET switch 23 is used to
choose the number of coins as game media to be bet on lines L1, L2,
L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L8, and L9 for awarding nine prizes to be
described later (hereinafter referred to simply as "winning
lines"), any one of which can be decided to be activated, and the
activated prize is awarded. The spin-repeat-bet switch 24 is used
to repeat the game without changing the number of coins bet on the
winning lines in the last game. The number of coins to be bet on
the winning lines can be selected by pushing the BET switch 23 or
the spin-repeat-bet switch 24.
[0050] In the operating part 21, a start switch 25 for accepting
for each game the player's operation of starting the basic game is
disposed on the left side of the BET switch 23. Pushing either the
start switch 25 or the spin-repeat-bet switch 24 triggers the start
of the game, and the above-mentioned five mechanical reels 3A to 3E
are then rotated.
[0051] Also in the operating part 21, a cash-out switch 26 is
disposed in the vicinity of the coin slot 22. When the player
pushes the cash-out switch 26, the inserted coins can be paid out
from a coin discharge slot 27. The discharged coins can be
collected on a coin tray 28. Sound permeable openings 29, through
which sound effects outputted from a speaker 41 (refer to FIG. 7)
housed within the cabinet 20 are propagated to the outside of the
cabinet 20, are disposed on the right and left sides with the coin
discharge slot 27 interposed therebetween above the coin tray
28.
[0052] A connecting surface 121 extending substantially vertically
is disposed below the operating part 21. The external connecting
unit 170 is disposed on the right side of the connecting surface
121. The external connecting unit 170 is configured so as to be
connectable to the cellular phone 300 of the player.
[0053] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a display area of the slot
machine 13. The liquid crystal display 30 of the slot machine 13
includes a front panel 31 and the transparent liquid crystal panel
34 (refer to FIGS. 5 and 6), which is disposed on the back surface
of the front panel 31. The front panel 31 can be constructed by
incorporating a transparent display surface 31a and a symbol
forming area 31b where a symbol can be formed. Image information
displayed on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 disposed on
the back surface of the front panel 31 can be observed through the
display surface 31a of the front panel 31. On the other hand, when
the area of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 is in its
transparent state, the symbols on the five mechanical reels 3A to
3E arranged to the rear of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34
can be observed through the display surface 31a. Display parts 48
to 50 are disposed above the mechanical reels 3A to 3E.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 4, the slot machine 13 has the lines L1 to
L9 for awarding nine prizes. These lines L1 to L9 extend so as to
pass through a symbol of each of the mechanical reels 3A to 3E when
all of the rotations of the mechanical reels 3A to 3E come to a
stop.
[0055] For example, a one-push operation of the BET switch 23
activates the line L3 for awarding a third prize, the line L5 for
awarding a fifth prize, and the line L7 for awarding a seventh
prize, and also takes up a coin as a credit medal.
[0056] A two-push operation of the BET switch 23 activates, for
example, the line L3 for awarding a first prize, the line L4 for
awarding a fourth prize, and the line L8 for awarding an eighth
prize, in addition to the above-mentioned three lines, and also
take up two coins as credit medals.
[0057] A three-push operation of the BET switch 23 activates, for
example, the line L2 for awarding a second prize, the line L6 for
awarding a sixth prize, and the line L9 for awarding a ninth prize,
in addition to the above-mentioned six lines, and also take up
three coins as credit medals.
[0058] A game executable in the present embodiment is the basic
game to align symbols on the winning lines. If a number of
predetermined symbols can be aligned on the winning line, the
player can receive a prize.
[0059] A display part 48 displays the number of credits of coins
stored in the slot machine 13. A display part 49 displays the
number of BETs, namely the number of coins bet on the winning
lines. A display part 50 displays the number of coins paid out when
a combination for awarding a prize is established on the winning
lines. The display parts 48 to 50 may be displayed with images on
the transparent liquid crystal panel 34. Alternatively, a
seven-segment indicator may be included.
[0060] FIGS. 5 and 6 show the construction of the liquid crystal
display 30 of the slot machine 13. The liquid crystal display 30
displays game images and the like related to the basic game.
Therefore, the liquid crystal display 30 is constructed of the
front panel 31 including a touch panel 32 and a display board 33,
the transparent liquid crystal panel 34, a light guide plate 35, a
reflecting film 36, fluorescent lamps 37a, 37b, 38a, and 38b, being
so-called white light sources, lamp holders 39a, 39b, 39c, 39d,
39e, 39f, 39g, and 39h, and a table carrier package (TCP) mounting
thereon ICs for driving the transparent liquid crystal panel. The
TCP, not being shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, is constructed of a flexible
substrate (not shown) connected to a terminal part of the
transparent liquid crystal panel 34.
[0061] The liquid crystal display 30 is disposed in front of the
display areas of the mechanical reels 3A to 3E (in front of the
display surface 31a) so as to cross over the mechanical reels 3A to
3E. Predetermined spacing is provided between the mechanical reels
3A to 3E and the liquid crystal display 30.
[0062] The touch panel 32 is formed of a transparent member. The
display board 33 is formed of a transparent member, and a symbol or
the like can be formed at a predetermined position on the display
board 33. In this case, the area where the symbol or the like is
formed on the display board 33 corresponds to the symbol forming
area 31b on the front panel 31. On the other hand, the area where
neither symbol nor the like is formed on the display board 33
corresponds to the display surface 31a on the front panel 31 (refer
to FIG. 4). Alternatively, the entire surface of the front panel 31
may be the display surface 31a, without forming the symbol forming
area 31b on the front panel 31. In this case, the display board 33
may be omitted.
[0063] The transparent liquid crystal panel 34 can be achieved by
sealing liquid crystal in a clearance part between a transparent
substrate such as a glass plate with a thin film transistor layer
formed thereon, and another transparent substrate opposed thereto.
The display mode of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 is set
to normally white. The term "normally white" means a mode in which
a white display is provided with no liquid crystal being driven
(the light transmitted to the display surface side can be observed
from the outside). By employing the transparent liquid crystal
panel 34 set to normally white, the player can continue the game
because the variable displays and the stop displays of the
respective symbols on the mechanical reels 3A to 3E can be observed
in the event that the liquid crystal cannot be driven. That is,
even in that event, it is possible to perform a game comprised
mainly of rearrangement of the symbols on the mechanical reels 3A
to 3E.
[0064] The light guide plate 35, which guides the light from the
fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b to the transparent liquid crystal
panel 34 (in other words, illuminates the transparent liquid
crystal panel 34), is disposed on the back side of the transparent
liquid crystal panel 34, and formed of a transparent member such as
acrylic resin (with a light guiding function) having a thickness of
about 2 cm.
[0065] The reflecting film 36 can be obtained by forming, for
example, a silver deposition film on a white polyester film or an
aluminium thin film, and it reflects the light introduced in the
light guide plate 35 toward the front side of the light guide plate
35. The reflecting film 36 is constructed of a reflecting area 36A
and a non-reflecting area (a permeable area) 36B. The
non-reflecting area 36B is formed of a transparent material and
disposed in an area including a part of the front panel 31 which
covers the front parts of the mechanical reels 3A to 3E.
[0066] The fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b are disposed along the
upper end and the lower end of the light guide plate 35,
respectively, and both their ends are supported by lamp holders 39a
and 39b, and lamp holders 39g and 39h, respectively. The light
irradiated from the fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b is reflected from
the reflecting area 36A of the reflecting film 36 and irradiates
the transparent liquid crystal panel 34. On the other hand, the
fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b are disposed at upper and lower
positions of the back side of the reflecting film 36, respectively,
and directed to the mechanical reels 3A to 3E. Both ends of the
fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b are supported by lamp holders 39c and
39d, and lamp holders 39e and 39f, respectively. The light emitted
from the fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b is reflected from the
surfaces of the mechanical reels 3A to 3E to the non-reflecting
area 36B, and illuminates the transparent liquid crystal panel 34.
Thus, in the liquid crystal display 30, the light irradiated from
the fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b and reflected from the reflecting
area 36A of the reflecting film 36, as well as the light irradiated
from the fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b and reflected from the
surfaces of the mechanical reels 3A to 3E to the non-reflecting
area 36B illuminates the transparent liquid crystal panel 34.
Hence, the area of the liquid crystal display 30 corresponding to
the non-reflecting area 36B of the reflecting film 36 is an area
switched between the transparent state and the non-transparent
state, depending on whether the liquid crystal is driven or not. On
the other hand, the area of the liquid crystal display 30
corresponding to the reflecting area 36A of the reflecting film 36
is brought into the non-transparent state, irrespective of whether
the liquid crystal is driven or not.
[0067] Although in the slot machine 13 only a partial area of the
display surface of the liquid crystal display 30 is subjected to
switching between the transparent state and the non-transparent
state, the entire area of the display surface of the liquid crystal
display 30 may be subjected to switching between the transparent
state and the non-transparent state. In this case, the reflecting
film 36 may be entirely formed as the non-reflecting area 36B, or
the reflecting film 36 may be omitted.
[0068] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the electrical
configuration of the controller 100 of the slot machine 13. The
controller 100 is a microcomputer and is provided with an interface
circuit group 102, an input-output bus 104, a CPU 106, a ROM 108, a
RAM 110, an interface circuit 111 for communication, a random
number generator 112, a motor drive circuit 120, a speaker drive
circuit 122, a hopper drive circuit 124, and a display/input
controller 140.
[0069] The interface circuit group 102 is connected to the
input-output bus 104 performing input and output of data signals or
address signals with respect to the CPU 106.
[0070] A start switch 25 is connected to the interface circuit
group 102. A start signal outputted from the start switch 25 is
converted to a predetermined signal by the interface circuit group
102, and then supplied to the input-output bus 104.
[0071] The BET switch 23, the spin-repeat-bet switch 24, and the
cash-out switch 26 are also connected to the interface circuit
group 102. Switching signals outputted from the switches 23, 24,
and 26, respectively, are also supplied to the interface circuit
group 102, and converted to predetermined signals by the interface
circuit group 102, respectively, and then supplied to the
input-output bus 104.
[0072] A coin sensor 43 is also connected to the interface circuit
group 102. The coin sensor 43 is a sensor for detecting coins
inserted into the coin slot 22, and provided in relation to the
coin slot 22. A sensing signal outputted from the coin sensor 43 is
also supplied to the interface circuit group 102, and converted to
a predetermined signal by the interface circuit group 102, and then
supplied to the input-output bus 104.
[0073] A reel position detection circuit 46 is also connected to
the interface circuit group 102. The reel position detection
circuit 46 is a circuit for detecting the rotational positions of
the mechanical reels 3A to 3E, based on pulse signals from a reel
rotational position sensor (not shown). The detection signals from
the reel position detection circuit 46 are also supplied to the
interface circuit group 102, and converted to predetermined signals
by the interface circuit group 102, and then supplied to the
input-output bus 104.
[0074] The external connecting unit 170 is also connected to the
interface circuit group 102. The connection of the external
connecting unit 170 to the cellular phone 300 permits communication
between the cellular phone 300 and the slot machine 13.
[0075] The ROM 108 and the RAM 110 are connected to the
input-output bus 104.
[0076] Upon acceptance of the start operation of the basic game
through the start switch 25, the CPU 106 reads a basic game program
to execute the basic game. The basic game program is programmed as
follows. That is, all of the stepping motors 45A to 45E are driven
to rotate all of the mechanical reels 3A to 3E so as to start the
scrolls of the symbols on the reels 3A to 3E. Thereafter, the
drives to the stepping motors 45A to 45E are stopped, to stop the
rotations of all of the mechanical reels 3A to 3E so as to
rearrange the reels 3A to 3E. If a combination of symbols stopped
at this time is displayed on the winning lines, and the combination
corresponds to a specific combination for which a prize is awarded,
a number of coins associated with the specific combination are paid
out.
[0077] The ROM 108 stores a control program for regulating and
controlling the slot machine 13, a program for executing routines
as shown in FIGS. 11 to 12 (hereinafter referred to as "routine
execution program"), and initial data for executing the control
program, and various data tables used in decision processes. The
routine execution program includes the above-mentioned basic game
program and the like. The RAM 110 temporarily stores the values of
flags and variables, and the like used in the control program.
[0078] The interface circuit 111 for communication is also
connected to the input-output bus 104. The interface circuit 111
for communication is a circuit for communication with the
management server 500 or the like, over the network 600 including a
variety of networks of LAN.
[0079] The random number generator 112 for generating random
numbers is also connected to the input-output bus 104. The random
number generator 112 generates random numbers included in a certain
range of numerical values, for example, "0" to "65535
(2.sup.16-1)." Alternatively, the random numbers may be generated
by the arithmetic processing of the CPU 106.
[0080] The motor drive circuit 120 for driving the stepping motors
45A to 45E is also connected to the input-output bus 104. In
response to the occurrence of a predetermined event, the CPU 106
controls the operations of the stepping motors 45A to 45E via the
motor drive circuit 120.
[0081] The speaker drive circuit 122 for driving the speaker 41 is
also connected to the input-output bus 104. The CPU 106 reads sound
data stored in the ROM 108, and sends the read sound data to the
speaker drive circuit 122 via the input-output bus 104. This
enables the speaker 41 to generate predetermined sound effects.
[0082] The hopper drive circuit 124 for driving the hopper 44 is
also connected to the input-output bus 104. If inputted a cash-out
signal from the cash-out switch 26, the CPU 106 outputs a drive
signal to the hopper drive circuit 124 via the input-output bus
104. This enables the hopper 44 to payout a number of coins
corresponding to the remainder of credits at that point, which is
stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110.
[0083] The display/input controller 140 is also connected to the
input-output bus 104. The CPU 106 generates an image display
instruction according to the game state and the game result, and
outputs the generated image display instruction to the
display/input controller 140 via the input-output bus 104. If
inputted the image display instruction from the CPU 106, the
display/input controller 140 generates a drive signal for driving
the liquid crystal display 30 based on the inputted image display
instruction, and outputs the generated drive signal to the liquid
crystal display 30. This enables a predetermined image to be
displayed on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 of the liquid
crystal display 30.
[0084] FIG. 8 shows a game program storage table to be stored in
the management server 500. In this table, game IDs and game names
and game programs are stored in association with each other.
[0085] Thus, the management server 500 stores a plurality of game
programs, and the slot machines 13 and the cellular phones 300
perform games by receiving the game programs over the network
600.
[0086] In an alternative, the plurality of the game programs may be
stored in a predetermined memory of the controller 100 of the slot
machine 13. In cases of storing the game programs in the management
server 500, small volume memory is sufficient for each of the slot
machines 13. In cases of storing the game programs in the slot
machine 13, it is unnecessary to separately provide the management
server 500.
[0087] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the
cellular phone 300.
[0088] The cellular phone 300 is provided with an input-output bus
304, a CPU 306, a ROM 308, a RAM 310, a wireless equipment 320, a
liquid crystal display 330, an operating part 350, and an external
connecting unit 370.
[0089] The CPU 306, the ROM 308, and the RAM 310 are connected to
the input-output bus 304.
[0090] The CPU 306 performs the overall control of the cellular
phone 300. When a game program is received from the management
server 500, the game program is read from the RAM 310 to perform
the game with the cellular phone 300.
[0091] The ROM 308 stores programs for executing various functions
of the cellular phone 300, and the RAM 310 temporarily stores the
values of flags and variables to be used in the above-mentioned
programs. When a game program is received from the management
server 500, the game program is stored in a predetermined memory
area. The RAM 310 also temporarily stores credit data (refer to
FIG. 10) of slot games performed with the cellular phone 300.
[0092] The wireless equipment 320 and the liquid crystal display
330 are also connected to the input-output bus 304.
[0093] The wireless equipment 320 exchanges radio waves during
talking, namely performs sending and receiving of radio waves with
a base station, as well as the modulation and demodulation of
calling and incoming signals. The wireless equipment 320 also
receives the game programs from the management server 500 over the
network 600. The liquid crystal display 330 displays predetermined
images, and if a slot game is performed with the cellular phone
300, it displays predetermined images used in the slot game.
[0094] The operating part 350 is also connected to the input-output
bus 304.
[0095] The operating part 350 performs a dial input operation in
normal talking and the like. The operating part 350 is provided
with various buttons such as the above-mentioned center button 351,
the upper button 352, the right button 353, the lower button 354,
the left button 355, and the end button 356. The buttons 351 to 356
execute input operations when performing a slot game.
[0096] An external connecting unit 370 is also connected to the
input-output bus 304.
[0097] The external connecting unit 370 is configured so as to be
connectable to the slot machine 13 via the external connecting part
170 provided in the slot machine 13. The connection between the
cellular phone 300 and the slot machine 13 enables the cellular
phone 300 to communicate with the slot machine 13 via the external
connecting unit 370.
[0098] FIG. 10 shows a credit data storage table stored in the RAM
310 of the cellular phone 300. In this table, game IDs and game
names and credit data are stored in association with each other. It
can be seen from this table that the player having the cellular
phone 300 obtains credit data of "4683" related to the game ID
"0001" and the game name "A." It is noted that the credit data
stored in the credit data storage table have no minus values.
[0099] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the flow of a main process
of the slot machine 13 performed by the controller 100 of the slot
machine 13.
[0100] In the following, it is assumed that the slot machine 13 is
activated in advance, and the variables used in the CPU 106 are
initialized to predetermined values, so that the slot machine 13 is
in its normal operation.
[0101] The CPU 106 decides the presence or absence of a connection
to a cellular phone (step S1). Specifically, the CPU 106 decides
whether the slot machine 13 and the cellular phone 300 are
connected to each other via the external connecting unit 170. If
connected (if the result is YES in step S11), the CPU 106 moves the
procedure to step S2. If not connected (if the result is NO in step
S11), the CPU 106 terminates the present routine.
[0102] In step S2, the CPU 106 performs a game selection process.
Specifically, the CPU 106 receives an operation signal from the
operating part 350 of the cellular phone 300, and receives a game
program from the plurality of the game programs stored in the
management server 500. In other words, the player selects a game
from a selection screen (refer to FIG. 13) displayed on the liquid
crystal display 30 of the slot machine 13 by using the operating
part 350 of the cellular phone 300. The CPU 106 then moves the
procedure to step S3.
[0103] In step S3, the CPU 106 performs a credit data receiving
process. Specifically, from among the credit data (refer to FIG.
10) stored in the RAM 310 of each cellular phone 300, the CPU 106
receives credit data corresponding to the game program that the
slot machine 13 received from the management server 500, and stores
it in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110 via the external
connecting unit 170. The CPU 106 then moves the procedure to step
S4.
[0104] In step S4, the CPU 106 performs an operation signal
receiving process to be described later with reference to FIG. 12.
The CPU 106 then moves the procedure to step S5.
[0105] In step S5, the CPU 106 performs a game control process.
Specifically, the CPU 106 instructs the random number generator 112
to generate a random number in order to decide a combination of
symbols in the basic game, and also instructs the motor drive
circuit 120 to rotate and then stop the mechanical reels 3A to 3E.
If the combination of symbols is a predetermined combination, the
CPU 106 instructs the hopper drive circuit 124 to award a prize via
the hopper 44. According to the game result, the CPU 106 updates
the credit data stored in the predetermined memory area of the RAM
110 in step S3. The CPU 106 then moves the procedure to step
S6.
[0106] In step S6, the CPU 106 decides whether an end signal is
received or not. Specifically, the CPU 106 decides whether the end
signal is received from the cellular phone 300 via the external
connecting unit 170. If received (if the result is YES in step S6),
the CPU 106 moves the procedure to step S7. If not received (if the
result is NO in step S6), it returns the procedure to step S4. As
used herein, the end signal is a signal to be supplied from the
cellular phone 300 by the player's operation of the end button 356
(refer to FIG. 2).
[0107] In step S7, the CPU 106 performs a credit data sending
process. Specifically, the CPU 106 sends the credit data stored in
a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110 to the cellular phone
300 via the external connecting unit 170. The CPU 106 then
terminates the present routine.
[0108] FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the flow of an operation
signal receiving process that is a subroutine of the main process
in FIG. 11.
[0109] In the following, it is assumed that the slot machine 13 is
connected to the cellular phone 300 via the external connecting
unit 170.
[0110] The CPU 106 decides whether an upper operation signal is
received or not (step S11). Specifically, the CPU 106 decides
whether the upper operation signal is received from the cellular
phone 300 via the external connecting unit 170. If received (if the
result is YES in step S11), the CPU 106 moves the procedure to step
S12. If not received (if the result is NO in step S1), it returns
the procedure to step S16. As used herein, the upper operation
signal is a signal supplied from the cellular phone 300 by the
player's operation of the upper button 352 (refer to FIG. 2).
[0111] In step S12, the CPU 106 performs a bet process.
Specifically, the CPU 106 performs the process of betting a coin on
the winning lines. The CPU 106 then moves the procedure to step
S13.
[0112] In step S13, the CPU 106 performs a credit data subtraction
process. Specifically, in reply to the one coin betting on the
winning lines in step S12, the CPU 106 performs the process of
subtracting, from the credit data stored in the predetermined
memory area of the RAM 110. The CPU 106 then moves the procedure to
step S14.
[0113] In step S14, the CPU 106 decides whether a lower operation
signal is received or not. Specifically, the CPU 106 decides
whether the lower operation signal is received from the cellular
phone 300 via the external connecting unit 170. If received (if the
result is YES in step S14), the CPU 106 moves the procedure to step
S15. If not received (if the result is NO in step S14), it returns
the procedure to step S16. As used herein, the lower operation
signal is a signal supplied from the cellular phone 300 by the
player's operation of the lower button 354 (refer to FIG. 2).
[0114] In step S15, the CPU 106 performs a start process. The CPU
106 then terminates the present subroutine.
[0115] In step S16, the CPU 106 decides whether a middle operation
signal is received or not. Specifically, the CPU 106 decides
whether the middle operation signal is received from the cellular
phone 300 via the external connecting unit 170. If received (if the
result is YES in step S16), the CPU 106 moves the procedure to step
S17. If not received (if the result is NO in step S16), it returns
the procedure to step S11. As used herein, the middle operation
signal is a signal supplied from the cellular phone 300 by the
player's operation of the center button 351 (refer to FIG. 2).
[0116] In step S17, the CPU 106 performs a repeat bet process.
Specifically, in reply to the operation of the center button 351 of
the cellular phone 300, the CPU 106 starts the game without
changing the number of coins bet on the winning lines in the last
game. The CPU 106 then moves the procedure to step S18.
[0117] In step S18, the CPU 106 performs a credit data subtraction
process. Specifically, the CPU 106 performs the process of reducing
the credit data stored in the predetermined memory area of the RAM
110 by the number of the coins bet on the winning lines in step
S18. The CPU 106 then terminates the present subroutine.
[0118] FIGS. 13 to 15 show display examples to be displayed on the
liquid crystal display 30 when a game is performed with the
operating part 350 of the cellular phone 300.
[0119] The upper drawing of FIG. 13 is a display example displayed
on the liquid crystal display 30 at the time of the game selection
process in step S2 in FIG. 11.
[0120] In the upper drawing of FIG. 13, game selection blocks 410,
410, and 430, and a cursor 94 are displayed on the upper part of
the liquid crystal display 30. That is, the player can choose
his/her desired game from a plurality of games (games A to C in
this embodiment) by operating the cursor 94. At this time, the
player can choose the game with the operating part 350 of the
cellular phone 300 connected via the external connecting unit 170.
More specifically, when the player operates the right button 353 of
the operating part 350, the cursor 94 shifts by 1 to the right.
When the player operates the left button 355 of the operating part
350, the cursor 94 shifts by 1 to the left.
[0121] The lower drawing of FIG. 13 is a display example to be
displayed on the liquid crystal display 30 when the game A is
selected in the upper drawing of FIG. 13, and the credit data
receiving process in step S3 in FIG. 11 is performed.
[0122] In the lower drawing of FIG. 13, a display part 48 and a
representation image 411 are displayed on the upper part of the
liquid crystal display 30. As used herein, the representation image
411 is a representation image associated with the game A. The
credit data of the game A, "4683", stored in the RAM 310 of the
cellular phone 300 is displayed on the display part 48 (refer to
FIG. 10). That is, the data of "4683" can be displayed on the
display part 48 in the following manner that the slot machine 13
receives the credit data of the gate A stored in the RAM 310 of the
cellular phone 300, and the credit data is stored in the RAM
110.
[0123] Although the present embodiment has been made assuming that
the reels of the slot machine 13 are the mechanical reels, video
reels may be used instead of the mechanical reels. This enables the
player to perform a plurality of games with different reels, thus
increasing enthusiasm for the games.
[0124] The upper drawing of FIG. 14 shows a display example
displayed on the liquid crystal display 30 when the slot machine 13
receives the upper operation signal in the process of FIG. 12.
[0125] In the upper drawing of FIG. 14, the mechanical reels 3A to
3E are stopped. The player can confirm by the display part 49 that
the number of coins bet on the winning lines is one, and that the
line L3, line L5, and line L7 are activated by betting the one
coin. The player can also confirm by the display part 49 that the
credit data is changed to "4682" by betting the one coin. That is,
the player can confirm that the one coin was bet on the winning
lines by operating the upper button 352 of the cellular phone
300.
[0126] The lower drawing of FIG. 14 is a display example to be
displayed on the liquid crystal display 30 when the slot machine 13
receives the upper operation signal three times and then receives
the lower operation signal.
[0127] In the lower drawing of FIG. 14, the mechanical reels 3A to
3E are rotating. The player can confirm by the display part 49 that
the number of coins bet on the winning lines is three. The player
can also confirm that the credit data is changed to "4680"
decreased by "2" from that in the upper drawing of FIG. 14. That
is, the player can confirm that the three coins were bet on the
winning lines by operating the upper buttons 352 of the cellular
phone 300 three times, and then the mechanical reels were rotated
by operating the lower button 354.
[0128] The upper drawing of FIG. 15 shows a display example to be
displayed on the liquid crystal display 30 when a representation
occurs in the game control process in step S4 in FIG. 11.
[0129] The games to be performed on the slot machine 13 provide
various representations to please the player. In the upper drawing
of FIG. 15, a leading character 81 and an enemy character 82 are
displayed. A whip 91, a torch 92, and dynamite 93 are displayed
above the characters 81 and 82. The cursor 94 is displayed below
the whip 91. Here, the player can see situations where the leading
character 81 fights with the enemy character 82 by using the whip
91, the torch 92, and the dynamite 93.
[0130] In the upper drawing of FIG. 15, the player can select the
whip 91, the torch 92, or the dynamite 93 by operating the cursor
94. That is, the cursor 94 shifts by 1 to the right when the player
operates the right button 353, and shifts by 1 to the left when the
player operates the left button 355. As a result, if the player
selects the dynamite 93 by using the operating part 350 of the
cellular phone 300, the leading character 81 takes action against
the enemy character 82 by throwing the dynamite 93, as shown in the
lower drawing of FIG. 15.
[0131] As shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, in the present invention the
player is capable of performing the games executable with the slot
machine 13 by using the operating part 350 of the cellular phone
300 of the player. The games executable with the slot machine 13
are games executable only by the cellular phone 300. In some cases,
the player may be accustomed to perform the games with the
operating part 350 of the cellular phone 300. In such a case, the
player may perform the games with the operating part 350 of the
cellular phone 300 the player is accustomed to using, instead of
the operating part 21 of the slot machine 13. Hence, the present
invention can provide the slot machine 13 which enhances the
operability for players and provides a new entertainment value.
[0132] While the preferred embodiments of the slot machine of the
present invention have been described and illustrated above, it is
to be understood that they are exemplary of the invention and are
not to be considered to be limiting. Additions, omissions,
substitutions, and other modifications can be made thereto without
departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.
Accordingly, the invention is not to be considered to be limited by
the foregoing description and is only limited by the scope of the
appended claims.
[0133] For example, when performing a game with the credit data
stored in the RAM 310 of the cellular phone 300, though the
foregoing embodiment has described that only the same game in the
plurality of the games could be used, a different game may be used.
This further improves convenience for the players.
* * * * *