U.S. patent application number 11/727258 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-10 for game system including slot machines and control method thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC.. Invention is credited to Kazuo Okada.
Application Number | 20080085753 11/727258 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39275362 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080085753 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Okada; Kazuo |
April 10, 2008 |
Game system including slot machines and control method thereof
Abstract
In a game system including slot machines and mobile phones
capable of communicating with the slot machines, when credit of the
slot machine is purchased using electronic data of the mobile phone
and at the time of adjustment when a player performs a
predetermined cashout operation, adjustment data in accordance with
the number of credits is generated in the slot machine. The
adjustment data is transmitted from the slot machine to an external
of the slot machine in order to move the adjustment data to the
mobile phone.
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: |
39275362 |
Appl. No.: |
11/727258 |
Filed: |
March 26, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60850271 |
Oct 10, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 ;
463/41 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3218 20130101;
G07F 17/3232 20130101; G07F 17/3211 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 ;
463/41 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A game system including slot machines, comprising: a mobile
phone; and a slot machine capable of communicating with the mobile
phone, wherein the slot machine including: a control panel for
receiving the operation of a player; and a controller for
generating adjustment data based on the current number of credits
when the player performs a cashout operation on the control panel
and at the same time, and transmitting the adjustment data to an
external in order to move the generated adjustment data to the
mobile phone.
2. The game system including slot machines according to claim 1,
wherein the controller transmits the adjustment data to the mobile
phone by radio communication in order to move the adjustment data
to the mobile phone.
3. The game system including slot machines according to claim 1,
further comprising an adjustment server capable of downloading the
adjustment data, wherein: the adjustment server generates and
transmits to the slot machine a URL from which the adjustment data
can be downloaded using the mobile phone and a password that allows
the adjustment data to be downloaded by accessing the URL and
inputting the password based on the adjustment data received from
the controller; the slot machine includes a display to display an
information image thereon; and the controller of the slot machine
generates adjustment data based on the current number of credits
when the player performs the cashout operation on the control panel
and transmits the adjustment data to the adjustment server, and
displays the URL and the password received from the adjustment
server on the display.
4. The game system including slot machines according to claim 1,
further comprising an adjustment server capable of downloading the
adjustment data, wherein: the adjustment server generates and
transmits to the slot machine an image by which the adjustment data
can be downloaded by photographing using the mobile phone based on
the adjustment data received from the controller; the slot machine
includes a display to display an information image thereon; and the
controller of the slot machine transmits the adjustment data to the
adjustment server and receives the image by which the adjustment
data is downloaded from the adjustment server, and displays it on
the display.
5. A game system including slot machines, comprising: a mobile
phone; and a slot machine capable of communicating with the mobile
phone, wherein the slot machine includes: a control panel for
receiving an input by the operation of a player; and a controller
for generating adjustment data of the type input on the control
panel by the player based on the current number of credits when the
player performs a cashout operation and an operation to input the
type of adjustment data on the control panel, and transmitting the
adjustment data to an external in order to move the generated
adjustment data to the mobile phone.
6. The game system including slot machines according to claim 5,
wherein the controller transmits the adjustment data to the mobile
phone by radio communication in order to move the adjustment data
to the mobile phone.
7. The game system including slot machines according to claim 5,
further comprising an adjustment server capable of downloading the
adjustment data, wherein: the adjustment server generates and
transmits to the slot machine a URL from which the adjustment data
can be downloaded using the mobile phone and a password that allows
the adjustment data to be downloaded by accessing the URL and
inputting the password based on the adjustment data received from
the controller; the slot machine includes a display to display an
information image thereon; and the controller of the slot machine
generates adjustment data of the type input on the control panel by
the player based on the current number of credits when the player
performs the cashout operation and the operation to input the type
of the adjustment data on the control panel and transmits the
adjustment data to the adjustment server, and displays the URL and
the password received from the adjustment server on the
display.
8. The game system including slot machines according to claim 5,
further comprising an adjustment server capable of downloading the
adjustment data, wherein: the adjustment server generates and
transmits to the slot machine an image by which the adjustment data
is downloaded by photographing using the mobile phone based on the
adjustment data received from the controller; the slot machine
includes a display to display an information image thereon; and the
controller of the slot machine transmits the adjustment data to the
adjustment server and receives the image by which the adjustment
data is downloaded from the adjustment server, and displays it on
the display.
9. A control method of a game system including slot machines,
comprising the steps of: (a) generating adjustment data based on
the current number of credits when a player performs a cashout
operation on the slot machine; and (b) transmitting the adjustment
data to an external from the slot machine in order to move the
generated adjustment data to the mobile phone.
10. The control method of a game system including slot machines
according to claim 9, further comprising the step of: transmitting
the adjustment data to the mobile phone by radio communication in
order to move the adjustment data from the slot machine to the
mobile phone.
11. The control method of a game system including slot machines
according to claim 9, further comprising the steps of: transmitting
the adjustment data from the slot machine to an adjustment server
capable of downloading the adjustment data; in the adjustment
server, based on the adjustment data received from the slot
machine, generating and transmitting to the slot machine a URL from
which the adjustment data can be downloaded by a mobile phone and a
password that allows the adjustment data to be downloaded by
accessing the URL and inputting the password; and in the slot
machine, when the player performs the cashout operation, generating
adjustment data based on the current number of credits,
transmitting the adjustment data to the adjustment server, and
displaying the URL and the password received from the adjustment
server on the display.
12. The control method of a game system including slot machines
according to claim 9, further comprising the steps of: transmitting
the adjustment data from the slot machine to the adjustment server
capable of downloading the adjustment data; in the adjustment
server, based on the adjustment data received from the slot
machine, generating and transmitting to the slot machine an image
by which the adjustment data can be downloaded by photographing
using the mobile phone; and in the slot machine, when the player
performs the cashout operation, generating adjustment data based on
the current number of credits, transmitting the adjustment data is
transmitted to the adjustment server, receiving the image by which
the adjustment data can be downloaded from the adjustment server,
and displaying it on the display.
13. A control method of a game system including slot machines,
comprising the steps of: (a) generating adjustment data of a type
input to the slot machine by a player based on the current number
of credits, when the player performs a cashout operation on the
slot machine; and (b) transmitting the adjustment data to an
external from the slot machine in order to move the generated
adjustment data to a mobile phone.
14. The control method of a game system including slot machines
according to claim 13, further comprising the step of: transmitting
the adjustment data to the mobile phone by radio communication in
order to move the adjustment data from the slot machine to the
mobile phone.
15. The control method of a game system including slot machines
according to claim 13, further comprising the steps of:
transmitting the adjustment data from the slot machine to the
adjustment server capable of downloading the adjustment data; in
the adjustment server, based on the adjustment data received from
the slot machine, generating and transmitting to the slot machine a
URL from which the adjustment data can be downloaded and a password
that allows the adjustment data to be downloaded by accessing the
URL and inputting the password; and in the slot machine, when the
player performs the cashout operation and the operation to input
the type of adjustment data, generating adjustment data of the type
input by the player based on the current number of credits and
transmitting the generated adjustment data to the adjustment
server, and displaying the URL and the password received from the
adjustment server on the display.
16. The control method of a game system including slot machines
according to claim 13, further comprising the steps of:
transmitting the adjustment data from the slot machine to the
adjustment server capable of downloading the adjustment data; in
the adjustment server, based on the adjustment data received from
the slot machine, generating and transmitting to the slot machine
an image by which the adjustment data can be downloaded by
photographing using the mobile phone; and in the slot machine,
transmitting the adjustment data to the adjustment data server and
receiving the image by which the adjustment data can be downloaded
from the adjustment server, and displaying it on the display.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/850,271, filed on Oct. 10,
2006; the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a game system including
slot machines and a control method thereof.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Recently, a networked system of slot machines is proposed
and a computerized game apparatus connected via a network, in
particular, a technique having taken security into consideration is
disclosed in, for example, WO2003/090886 (PCT/US2003/010969)
Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-523668. In addition, along
with the spread of electronic money, the case increases in number
where payout is made by a financial value stored in a mobile
phone.
[0006] The present invention provides a slot machine that enhances
new convenience by connection between a mobile phone and the slot
machine.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is a game system
including slot machines, comprising a mobile phone and slot
machines capable of communicating with the mobile phone. The slot
machine comprises a control panel that receives the operation of a
player, and a controller that generates adjustment data based on
the current number of credits when the player performs the cashout
operation on the control panel, and transmits the adjustment data
to an external in order to move the generated adjustment data to
the mobile phone.
[0008] With the game system including slot machines according to
the first aspect of the present invention, when the player performs
the cashout operation on the control panel, the adjustment data
based on the current number of credits is generated. Then, the
generated adjustment data is transmitted in order to return it to
the mobile phone.
[0009] A second aspect of the present invention is a game system
including slot machines, comprising a mobile phone and slot
machines capable of communicating with the mobile phone. The slot
machine comprises a control panel that receives the input by the
operation of a player, and a controller that generates adjustment
data of the type input to the control panel by the player based on
the current number of credits when the player performs the cashout
operation and the operation to input the type of the adjustment
data on the control panel, and transmits the adjustment data to an
external in order to move the generated adjustment data to the
mobile phone.
[0010] With the game system including slot machines according to
the second aspect of the present invention, when the player
performs the cashout operation on the control panel, the adjustment
data based on the current number of credits is generated. Then, the
generated adjustment data is transmitted in order to return it to
the mobile phone. In addition, the type of the adjustment data is
made to differ based on the input performed on the control panel by
the player.
[0011] A third aspect of the present invention is a control method
of a game system including slot machines, in which adjustment data
is generated based on the current number of credits when a player
performs the cashout operation on the slot machine. Then, the
adjustment data is transmitted to an external from the slot machine
in order to move the generated adjustment data to the mobile
phone.
[0012] With the control method of a game system including slot
machines according to the third aspect of the present invention,
the adjustment data is generated based on the current number of
credits when the player performs the cashout operation. Then, the
generated adjustment data is transmitted in order to return it to
the mobile phone.
[0013] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a control method
of a game system including slot machines, in which adjustment data
of the type input to the slot machine by the player is generated
based on the current number of credits when the player performs the
cashout operation on the slot machine. Then, the adjustment data is
transmitted to an external from the slot machine in order to move
the generated adjustment data to the mobile phone.
[0014] With the control method of a game system including slot
machines according to the fourth aspect of the present invention,
when the player performs the cashout operation on the slot machine,
the adjustment data is generated based on the current number of
credits. Then, the generated adjustment data is transmitted in
order to return it to the mobile phone. In addition, the type of
the adjustment data is made to differ in accordance with the
inputting performed on the slot machine by the player.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing a control method of a game
system including slot machines according to a first embodiment of
the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a
game system including slot machines according to the first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the slot machine shown
in FIG. 2.
[0018] FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view showing a display shown in
FIG. 3 from the player's side.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the electric configuration
of a controller of a slot machine having video reels.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the general
configuration of the display shown in FIG. 3 in the state of being
viewed from the rear side.
[0021] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the
configuration of the display shown in FIG. 3.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the electric configuration
of a controller of a mechanical reel slot machine.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the electric configuration
of a display/input controller of the slot machine shown in FIG. 5
and FIG. 8.
[0024] FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are flow charts showing processing
executed by the controller of the slot machine shown in FIG. 3.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an exchange rate
table.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a currency
selection screen shown in step S4 in FIG. 10A.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an exchange upper
limit value input screen shown in step S6 in FIG. 10A.
[0028] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the number of
credits input screen shown in step S9 in FIG. 10A.
[0029] FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing details of adjustment data
movement processing shown in FIG. 10B.
[0030] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a display example of an
adjustment data type selection screen.
[0031] FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a
game system including slot machines according to a second
embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing details of adjustment data
movement processing according to the second embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing details of adjustment data
movement processing according to a third embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
First Embodiment
[0034] FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a control method of a game system
including slot machines according to a first embodiment of the
present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, in the control method of a
game system including slot machines in the present invention, first
authentication processing is performed (step S100). In this
authentication processing, initial checking processing before a
base game is started is performed, such as whether or not programs
for activating the system function normally, whether there is any
alteration of a program or not etc.
[0035] Next, the base game is executed (step S200). In the base
game, when a start switch 25 to be described later is pressed in a
state in which a desired number of credits are bet by inserting
coins into a coin insertion slot 22 to be described later, the base
game is executed in which scrolling of symbols indicative of a
symbol is started and then the symbols come to a stop
(rearrangement) (refer to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4).
[0036] Next, it is determined whether or not a predetermined
cashout operation has been performed by a player (step S300).
Specifically, it is determined whether or not a cashout switch 26
to be described later has been turned on. Here, when it is
determined that the predetermined cashout operation has not been
performed (NO in step S300), processing shifts to step S200.
[0037] On the other hand, when it is determined that the
predetermined cashout operation has been performed (YES in step
S300), payout in accordance with the current number of credits is
made. In general, at the time of payout, coins are paid out from a
coin payout opening 27 to be described later. In contrast to this,
in the present embodiment, payout is made by transmitting
electronic data (adjustment data to be described later) to a mobile
phone carried by the player, in addition to the payout of coin.
[0038] Before payout, first it is determined whether or not there
has been a selection operation of the type of adjustment data to be
transformed (step S400). Here, the adjustment data includes, for
example, data of money, point data of a mileage card, and point
data of a specific Internet site. In other words, in the present
embodiment, it is possible to transmit to the mobile phone not only
data of money but also what can be handled in the same manner as
money, even if it is not money, such as points of a mileage card,
points of an Internet site, etc., depending on the selection by the
player. In step S400, a selection screen is displayed on, for
example, the display of the slot machine, on which any of money,
mileage points, and specific Internet site points is selected, and
when the player selects one of them, it is determined that the
result of step S400 is "YES".
[0039] When it is determined that there has not been any selection
operation of the type of adjustment data to be transformed (NO in
step S400), this processing is repeated until it is determined that
there has been a selection operation. On the other hand, when it is
determined that there has been a selection operation of the type of
adjustment data to be transformed (YES in step S400), adjustment
data in accordance with the selected type is generated (step
S500).
[0040] Next, the generated adjustment data is transmitted (step
S600). The transmission is performed in order to return the
adjustment data to the mobile phone and the destination is not
limited to the mobile phone. In other words, the processing in step
S600 includes, not limited to the direct transmission of adjustment
data to the mobile phone, the transmission of adjustment data to
something other than the mobile phone such that the adjustment data
is transmitted to the mobile phone finally.
[0041] In this manner described above, the electronic data of the
credit of the slot machine obtained from games is returned to the
mobile phone and thus the convenience of the player is
enhanced.
[0042] Next, the configuration of a game system including slot
machines according to the first embodiment of the present invention
is explained with reference to FIG. 2 to FIG. 9. FIG. 2 is a block
diagram showing the configuration of the game system including slot
machines according to the first embodiment of the present
invention. The game system shown in the first embodiment comprises
mobile phones 300, slot machines 13, an exchange rate management
server 500, and a network 600. In this game system, credits of the
slot machine 13 is purchased using the financial value stored in
the mobile phone 300 to play a game and after the game is over, the
adjustment data in accordance with the number of credits is paid
out to the mobile phone 300.
[0043] The mobile phone 300 is carried by the player and mounts an
IC chip. The IC chip stores financial value data showing the
financial value.
[0044] The exchange rate management server 500 stores an exchange
rate table (refer to FIG. 11). The exchange rate table is
transmitted to the slot machine 13 as needed and referred to when
the financial value data is exchanged into credit.
[0045] The slot machine 13 is a gaming machine with which the
player can play the base game. Upon receipt of the financial value
from the mobile phone 300 of the player, the slot machine 13
exchanges the financial value into credit.
[0046] In addition, the slot machine 13 is connected to the
exchange rate management server 500 via the network 600 and
receives the data of the exchange rate table from the exchange rate
management server 500. Because of this, upon receipt of the
financial value from the mobile phone 300 of the player, the slot
machine 13 refers to the received exchange rate table and exchanges
the financial value into credit.
[0047] Further, when the player ends the game, the slot machine 13
generates adjustment data in accordance with the number of credits
and transmits this to the mobile phone 300. In this manner
described above, in the present embodiment, the purchase of credit
and adjustment are all performed through electronic data.
[0048] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the slot machine 13
shown in FIG. 2. The slot machine 13 comprises a cabinet 20 and a
main door 42. The face of the cabinet 20 on the side on which the
player is located during games is open. In the cabinet 20, various
constituent members including a controller 100 (refer to FIG. 5 and
FIG. 8) for electrically controlling the slot machine 13, a hopper
44 (refer to FIG. 5 and FIG. 8) for controlling the insertion,
saving, and payout of coins (game media), etc., are provided. The
game media are not limited to coins, but there can be medal, token,
electronic money, or electronic value information (credit)
corresponding thereto.
[0049] The main door 42 is a member for covering the inside of the
cabinet 20 to prevent it from being exposed to the outside and
substantially in the center of the main door 42, a display 30 is
provided.
[0050] The display 30 displays various images about games including
effect images. The player advances games while visually recognizing
the various images displayed on the display 30. The display
comprises a transparent liquid crystal panel 34 (refer to FIG. 6
and FIG. 7). The transparent liquid crystal panel 34 is capable of
switching a part or the whole thereof into transparent/opaque
states and capable of displaying various images.
[0051] When the slot machine 13 is constituted by video reels, five
virtual reels are displayed on the display 30. The video reel is an
image of a reel that is displayed on the display 30 instead of the
mechanical reel. A plurality of kinds of symbols necessary for the
base game include "BONUS", "WILD", "TREASURE BOX", "GOLDEN MASK",
"HOLY CUP", "COMPASS & MAP", "SNAKE", "A", "K", "Q", "J", and
"10". The transparent liquid crystal panel 34 displays each of
these symbols along with images in which the reel seems to
rotate.
[0052] On the other hand, when the slot machine 13 is constituted
by mechanical reels, on the rear side of the display 30, five
mechanical reels 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E (refer to FIG. 4 and FIG.
6) on the outer circumferential surface of which a plurality of
kinds of symbols are drawn, respectively, are provided rotatably,
lining up side by side. The mechanical reels 3A to 3E are
constituted as what display a plurality of symbols along with
stepping motors 45A, 45B, 45C, 45D, and 45E (refer to FIG. 8), etc.
On the outer circumferential surfaces of the mechanical reels 3A to
3E, the above-described plurality of kinds of symbols necessary for
the base game are drawn. These various kinds of symbols on the
respective mechanical reels 3A to 3E become visible when the
transparent liquid crystal panel 34 enters the transparent
state.
[0053] Below the display 30, a substantially horizontal operation
panel 21 is provided. On the right-hand side of the operation panel
21, the coin insertion slot 22 through which coins are inserted
into the slot machine 13 is provided. On the other hand, on the
left-hand side of the operation panel 21, a BET switch 23 is
provided. The BET switch 23 has a function of determining which of
lines L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L8, and L9 for giving nine awards
to be described later is activated, and a function of selecting the
number of coins as the game media to be bet on the line
(hereinafter, referred to as "payline") for giving the activated
award. In addition, similarly, on the left-hand side of the
operation panel 21, a spin repeat bet switch 24 is provided. The
spin repeat bet switch 24 is used to perform the game again without
changing the number of coins bet on the above-mentioned payline in
the previous game. By press-operating the BET switch 23 or the spin
repeat bet spin 24, the number of coins to be bet on the
above-mentioned payline is determined in accordance with the
operation.
[0054] On the above-mentioned operation panel 21, on the left-hand
side of the BET switch 23, the start switch 25 that accepts the
start operation of the base game by the player for each game is
provided. The press operation of either of the start switch 25 and
the spin repeat bet switch 24 triggers the start of the game and
the rotation of the above-mentioned five mechanical reels 3A to 3E
etc. is started.
[0055] On the other hand, on the above-mentioned operation panel
21, in the vicinity of the coin insertion slot 22, the cashout
switch 26 is provided. When the player press-operates the cashout
switch 26, the inserted coins are paid out from the coin payout
opening 27 that opens in the lower part of the front of the main
door 42. The paid out coins are saved on a coin tray 28. In
addition, above the coin tray 28 and on both the sides with the
coin payout opening 27 being sandwiched in between, a speaker grill
opening 29 is provided. The speaker grill opening 29 is used to
propagate the effect sound emitted from a speaker 41 (refer to FIG.
5 and FIG. 8) accommodated in the cabinet 20.
[0056] Further, in the slot machine 13 in the present embodiment, a
substantially vertical connection part 121 is provided below the
operation panel 21. On the right-hand side of the connection part
121, a holder 170 is provided. This holder 170 is configured so
that the mobile phone 300 of the player is fixed and is provided
with a radio transmission/reception part (transmission part) 171
capable of radio communication with the mobile phone 300 of the
player.
[0057] When the mobile phone 300 of the player is fixed on the
holder 170, the mobile phone 300 of the player and the slot machine
13 is connected via the radio transmission/reception part 171. It
is not necessary for the mobile phone 300 of the player to be
contacted with the radio transmission/reception part 171 and what
is required is only to be fixed while maintaining a predetermined
distance at which communication is possible. In addition, the radio
transmission/reception part 171 is provided with an IC card
reader/writer (not shown) for transmitting/receiving information
to/from an IC chip (not shown) mounted on the mobile phone 300 of
the player. Communication is performed by means of electromagnetic
waves transmitted from the IC card reader/writer.
[0058] Further, while the player is fixing the mobile phone 300 on
the holder 170, if the cashout switch 26 is press-operated, instead
of that coins are paid out from the coin payout opening 27,
adjustment data is generated and transmitted to the mobile phone
300 via the transmission/reception part 171.
[0059] FIG. 4 is the enlarged front view of the display 30 shown in
FIG. 3 when viewed from the player's side. The display 30 of the
slot machine 13 comprises a front panel 31 and the transparent
liquid crystal panel 34 (refer to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7) provided on
the backside of the front panel 31. The front panel 31 includes a
transparent display plane 31a and a picture formation area 31b in
which pictures are formed. The image information displayed on the
transparent liquid crystal panel 34 provided on the backside of the
front panel 31 is visible via the display panel 31a of the front
panel 31. On the other hand, when the area of the above-mentioned
transparent liquid crystal panel 34 is in the transparent state,
the respective symbols on the five mechanical reels 3A to 3E
provided behind the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 are visible
via the display plane 31a. By the way, when the slot machine 13 is
constituted by the video reels, it may also be possible to display
the image of the reel by bringing the transparent liquid crystal
panel 34 into the opaque state or use a mere liquid crystal panel
instead of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34.
[0060] On the rear side to the left of the display 30, various
displays such as a number of payouts display 48, a number of
credits display 49, and a number of BETs display 50 are provided.
Incidentally, in the picture formation area 31b of the front panel
31, the part covering the front of the above-mentioned various
displays 48 to 50 is transparent and the display contents of the
various displays 48 to 50 are visible.
[0061] The slot machine 13 has the lines L1 to L9 for giving nine
awards as shown in FIG. 4. These lines L1 to L9 for giving each of
these awards extend so as to pass through one symbol in each of the
mechanical reels 3A to 3E when the rotation of all the mechanical
reels 3A to 3E stops or the five video reels stop.
[0062] When the above-mentioned BET switch 23 is pressed once, for
example, the line L3 for giving a third award, the line L5 for
giving a fifth award, and the line L7 for giving a seventh award
are activated.
[0063] When the above-mentioned BET switch 23 is pressed twice, for
example, the line L1 for giving a first award, the line L4 for
giving a fourth award, and the line L8 for giving an eighth award
are activated in addition to the above-mentioned three lines.
[0064] When the above-mentioned BET switch 23 is pressed three
times, for example, the line L2 for giving a second award, the line
L6 for giving a sixth award, and the line L9 for giving a ninth
award are activated in addition to the above-mentioned six
lines.
[0065] The number of payouts display 48 displays the number of
coins to be paid out when a combination for giving an award is
established along the payline. The number of credits display 49
displays the number of credits stored in the slot machine 13. The
number of BETs display 50 displays the number of BETs. The various
displays 48 to 50 are constituted so as to include a seven-segment
display, respectively. Alternatively, it may also be possible to
display the various displays 48 to 50 on the transparent liquid
crystal panel 34 in images.
[0066] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration
of the controller 100 of the slot machine 13 having video reels. As
shown in FIG. 5, the controller 100 (generation part) of the slot
machine 13 is constituted by a microcomputer, comprising an
interface circuit group 102, an input/output bus 104, a CPU
(Central Processing Unit) 106, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 108, a RAM
(Random Access Memory) 110, a communication interface circuit 111,
a random number generator 112, a speaker drive circuit 122, a
hopper drive circuit 124, a display drive circuit 128, and a
display/input controller 140.
[0067] To the interface circuit group 102, the input/output bus 104
is connected and the input/output bus 104 performs input/output of
a data signal or an address signal for the CPU 106.
[0068] To the interface circuit group 102, the start switch 25 is
connected. A start signal output from the start switch 25 is
converted into a predetermined signal in the interface circuit
group 102 and then is supplied to the input/output bus 104.
[0069] To the interface circuit group 102, the BET switch 23, the
spin repeat bet switch 24, and the cashout switch 26 are also
connected. Each switching signal output from each of these switches
23, 24, and 26 is also supplied to the interface circuit group 102.
Then, after converted into a predetermined signal in the interface
circuit group 102, it is supplied to the input/output bus 104.
[0070] To the interface circuit group 102, a coin sensor 43 is also
connected. The coin sensor 43 is a sensor for detecting coins
inserted into the coin insertion slot 22. The coin sensor 43 is
provided in connection with the coin insertion slot 22. A sensing
signal output from the coin sensor 43 is also supplied to the
interface circuit group 102. Then, after converted into a
predetermined signal in the interface circuit group 102, it is
supplied to the input/output bus 104.
[0071] To the interface circuit group 102, the radio
transmission/reception part 171 is also connected. The radio
transmission/reception part 171 is provided on the holder 170 and
performs transmission/reception of data with the mobile phone 300
of the player.
[0072] To the input/output bus 104, the ROM 108 and the RAM 110 are
connected.
[0073] The CPU 106 reads the base game program and performs the
base game when the start operation of the base game is received by
the start switch 25 as a trigger. The basic game program produces a
display on the display 30 via the display/input controller 140,
which indicates that the scrolling of the symbols of the five video
reels is started. Then, by producing a display that indicates that
the five reels are caused to come to a stop, the symbols of the
five video reels are rearranged. The combination of the symbols
having come to a stop is shown on the payline and when the
combination is a specific combination that gives an award, coins in
accordance with the specific combination that gives the award are
paid out. The base game program is programmed so as to cause the
CPU 106 to execute the above operations.
[0074] In the ROM 108, a control program for totally controlling
the slot machine 13, a program for executing routines shown in FIG.
10A and FIG. 10B (hereinafter, referred to as "routine execution
program"), initial data for executing the control program, and
various data tables used in determination processing are stored. In
the routine execution program, the above-mentioned base program
etc. are included. The data tables include a table shown in FIG. 11
etc. The RAM 110 temporarily stores a flag, the value of a
variable, etc., used in the above-mentioned control program.
[0075] To the input/output bus 104, the communication interface
circuit 111 is also connected. The communication interface circuit
111 is a circuit for performing communication with the exchange
rate management server 500 via the network 600 including the
various networks of LAN. In the present embodiment, the CPU 106
receives the exchange rate table (refer to FIG. 11) from the
exchange rate management server 500 via the communication interface
circuit 111.
[0076] To the input/output bus 104, the random number generator 112
for generating a random number is also connected. The random number
generator 112 generates a random number included in a certain range
of numeric values, for example, "0" to "65535 (two to the sixteenth
power-1). Alternatively, it may also be possible to constitute so
that a random number is generated by arithmetic processing by the
CPU 106.
[0077] To the input/output bus 104, the display drive circuit 128
for driving the above-mentioned various displays 48 to 50 is also
connected. The CPU 106 controls the operation of the
above-mentioned various displays 48 to 50 via the display drive
circuit 128 in accordance with the occurrence of a predetermined
event.
[0078] To the input/output bus 104, the speaker drive circuit 122
for driving the speaker 41 is also connected. The CPU 106 reads
sound data stored in the ROM 108 and transmits the read sound data
to the speaker drive circuit 122 via the input/output bus 104. Due
to this, a predetermined effect sound is emitted from the speaker
41.
[0079] To the input/output bus 104, the hopper drive circuit 124
for driving the hopper 44 is also connected. Upon receipt of a
cashout signal from the cashout switch 26, the CPU 106 outputs a
drive signal to the hopper drive circuit 124 via the input/output
bus 104. Due to this, the hopper 44 pays out coins corresponding to
the remaining credits at the time when stored in a predetermined
memory area of the RAM 110.
[0080] To the input/output bus 104, the display/input controller
140 is also connected. The CPU 106 generates an image display
command in accordance with the state of the game and the result of
the game and outputs the generated image display command to the
display/input controller 140 via the input/output bus 104. Upon
receipt of the image display command from the CPU 106, the
display/input controller 140 generates a drive signal for driving
the display 30 based on the input image display command and outputs
the generated drive signal to the display 30. Due to this, a
predetermined image is displayed on the transparent liquid crystal
panel 34 of the display 30. The display/input controller 140
transmits the signal received by the touch panel 32 on the display
30 as an input signal to the CPU 106 via the input/output bus
104.
[0081] FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are detailed configuration diagram of the
display 30 shown in FIG. 3. The display 30 displays a game image
relating to the base game. The display panel 30 comprises the front
panel 31 comprising the touch panel 32 and a display board 33, the
transparent liquid crystal panel 34, a light guide board 35, a
reflective film 36, fluorescent lamps, a so-called white light
source, 37a, 37b and 38a, 38b, lamp holders 39a, 39b, 39c, 39d,
39e, 39f, 39g, and 39h, and a table carrier package (TCP) mounting
an IC for driving a transparent liquid crystal panel. Although not
shown schematically in particular in FIG. 6 or FIG. 7, the TCP is
constituted by a flexible substrate (not shown) connected to the
terminal of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34.
[0082] The display 30 is provided on the side before the display
areas of the mechanical reels 3A to 3E (on the side before the
display plane 31a) in such a way as to span the mechanical reels 3A
to 3E. These mechanical reels 3A to 3E and the display 30 are
provided being spaced by predetermined intervals. In the case of
the video reel, images of the reel are displayed on the display 30
instead of the mechanical reels 3A to 3E.
[0083] The touch panel 32 is constituted by a transparent member.
The display board 33 is constituted by a transparent member and on
the display board 33, pictures etc. are formed on the positions
corresponding to the above-mentioned various displays 48 to 50. In
other words, the area in which the pictures etc. on the display
board 33 are formed is the picture formation area 31b in the front
panel 31 and on the other hand, the area in which the pictures etc.
on the display board 33 are not formed is the display plane 31a in
the front panel 31 (refer to FIG. 4). Alternatively, it may also be
possible to use the entire surface of the front panel 31 as the
display plane 31a without forming the picture formation area 31b in
the front panel 31. In this case, what is required is to form no
pictures on the display board 33 or to omit the display board
33.
[0084] By way of caution, it should be noted that electric circuits
for activating the various displays 48 to 50 arranged on the
backside of the display board 33 etc. are not shown schematically
in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7.
[0085] The transparent liquid crystal panel 34 is formed by a
transparent substrate, such as a glass plate on which a thin film
transistor layer is formed, and a transparent substrate in
opposition to this, with liquid crystals being sealed into a gap in
between. The display mode of the transparent liquid crystal panel
34 is set to normally white. Normally white refers to a mode in
which a white display (the light having transmitted to the display
plane side is visible to the outside) is produced in a state in
which the liquid crystals are not driven. By employing such a
transparent liquid crystal panel 34 set to normally white, even if
an event occurs where the liquid crystals cannot be driven, the
display in which the respective symbols of the respective
mechanical reels 3A to 3E are scrolled and the display in which
they have come to a stop can be visible and therefore it is
possible for the player to continue the game. In other words, even
if such an event described above occurs, it is possible to perform
the game in which rearrangement of the respective symbols of the
respective mechanical reels 3A to 3E is focused on.
[0086] The light guide board 35 guides the light from the
fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b to the transparent liquid crystal
panel 34 (that is, to illuminate the transparent liquid crystal
panel 34). The light guide board 35 is provided on the backside of
the transparent liquid crystal panel 34. The light guide board 35
is constituted by, for example, a transparent member (having a
function of guiding light), such as an acryl base resin, having a
thickness of about 2 cm.
[0087] The reflective film 36 reflects the light guided by the
light guide board 35 toward the front side of the light guide board
35. As the reflective film 36, for example, a white polyester film
or an aluminum thin film on which a silver evaporated film is
formed is used. The reflective film 36 consists of a reflective
area 36A and a non-reflective area (transmission area) 36B. The
non-reflective area 36B is formed by a transparent material. The
non-reflective area 36B is provided in an area including a part
covering the front of the mechanical reels 3A to 3E of the front
panel 31.
[0088] The fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b are arranged along the
upper end and the lower end of the light guide board 35. Both the
ends of the fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b are supported by the lamp
holders 39a, 39b and 39g, 39h. The light irradiated from these
fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b is reflected from the reflective area
36A of the reflective film 36 to irradiate the transparent liquid
crystal panel 34. On the other hand, the fluorescent lamps 38a and
38b are arranged so as to face the mechanical reels 3A to 3E at the
upper position and the lower position on the backside of the
reflective film 36. Both the ends of the fluorescent lamps 38a and
38b are supported by the lamp holders 39c, 39d and 39e, 39f. The
light that enters the non-reflective area 36B after being emitted
from these fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b and reflected by the
surfaces of the mechanical reels 3A to 3E irradiates the
transparent liquid crystal panel 34. As described above, in the
display 30, the light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 37a and
37b and further reflected by the reflective area 36A of the
reflective film 36, and the light having entered the non-reflective
area 36B after being emitted from the fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b
and further reflected by the surfaces of the mechanical reels 3A to
3E irradiate the transparent liquid crystal panel 34. Consequently,
the area of the display 30 corresponding to the non-reflective area
36B of the reflective film 36 switches its state between the
transparent and opaque states depending on whether or not the
liquid crystals are driven. On the other hand, the area of the
display 30 corresponding to the non-reflective area 36A of the
reflective film 36 remains in the opaque state irrespective of
whether or not the liquid crystals are driven.
[0089] In the slot machine 13, only a partial area of the display
plane of the display 30 is set as an area that switches between the
transparent and opaque states, however, it may also be possible to
set the entire area of the display screen of the display 30 as an
area that switches between the transparent and opaque states. As
described above, in order to set the entire area of the display 30
as an area that switches between the transparent and opaque states,
all that is required is to turn the entire reflective film 36 into
the non-reflective area 36B or to omit the reflective film 36.
[0090] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the electric configuration
of the controller 100 of the slot machine 13 with mechanical reels.
As shown in FIG. 8, the controller 100 of the slot machine 13 is
constituted by a microcomputer, comprising 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 drive circuit 120, the speaker drive
circuit 122, the hopper drive circuit 124, the display drive
circuit 128, and the display/input controller 140. The
configuration is the same as that in the case of the video reels
explained in FIG. 5 except for a part, and therefore, only the part
that differs from that in the case of the video reel explained in
FIG. 5 is explained.
[0091] To the interface circuit group 102, a reel position
detection circuit 46 is connected. The reel position detection
circuit 46 detects the rotation position of each of the mechanical
reels 3A to 3E based on the pulse signal from a reel rotation
position sensor (not shown) and the detection signal from the reel
position detection circuit 46 is also supplied to the interface
circuit group 102 and after being converted into a predetermined
signal by the interface circuit group 102, is supplied to the
input/output bus 104.
[0092] The CPU 106 reads the base game program and executes the
base game when the start operation of the base game is received
from the start switch 25 as a trigger. The base game program starts
the scrolling of the reels 3A to 3E by driving each of the stepping
motors 45A to 45E to rotate all the mechanical reels 3A to 3E.
Then, the base game program rearranges the symbols of the reels 3A
to 3E by stopping the drive of each of the stepping motors 45A to
45E to stop the rotation of all the mechanical reels 3A to 3E. The
combination of the symbols having come to a stop is shown on the
payline and when the combination is a specific one that gives an
award, coins in accordance with the specific combination that gives
the award are paid out. The base game program is programmed so as
to cause the CPU 106 to execute the above operations.
[0093] In addition, the CPU 106 also takes control of the second
game. Consequently, the CPU 106 transmits a signal to execute the
second game if a predetermined condition is met when the symbols of
all the mechanical reels 3A to 3E have come to a stop to be
displayed.
[0094] To the input/output bus 104, the motor drive circuit 120 for
driving the stepping motors 45A to 45E is also connected. The CPU
106 controls the operation of the stepping motors 45A to 45E via
the motor drive circuit 120 in response to the occurrence of a
predetermined event.
[0095] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the electric configuration
of the display/input controller 140 of the slot machine 13 shown in
FIG. 5 and FIG. 8. The display/input controller 140 of the slot
machine 13 is constituted by a sub microcomputer that performs
image display processing and takes control of the inputting from
the touch panel 32, and the display/input controller 140 comprises
an interface circuit 142, an input/output bus 144, a CPU 146, a ROM
148, a RAM 150, a VDP 152, a video RAM 154, an image data ROM 156,
a drive circuit 158, and a touch panel control circuit 160.
[0096] To the interface circuit 142, the input/output bus 144 is
connected. An image display command output from the CPU 106 on the
above-mentioned controller 100 side is supplied to the input/output
bus 144 via the interface circuit 142. The input/output bus 144
performs the input/output of a data signal or an address signal for
the CPU 146.
[0097] To the input/output bus 144, the ROM 148 and the RAM 150 are
connected. In the ROM 148, a display control program for generating
a drive signal to be supplied to the display 30 based on the image
display command from the CPU 106 on the above-mentioned controller
100 side is stored. On the other hand, in the RAM 150, flags and
values of variables used in the above-mentioned display control
program are stored.
[0098] To the input/output bus 144, the VDP 152 is also connected.
The VDP 152 includes a so-called sprite circuit, a screen circuit,
a pallet circuit, etc., and is a processing apparatus capable of
performing various processing for displaying images on the display
30. To the VDP 152, the video RAM 154 for storing image data in
accordance with the image display command from the CPU 106 on the
above-mentioned controller 100 side and the image data ROM 156
storing various image data including the above-mentioned effect
image data etc. are connected. Further, to the VDP 152, the drive
circuit 158 that outputs a drive signal to drive the display 30 is
also connected.
[0099] The above-mentioned CPU 146 stores the image data to be
displayed on the display 30 in response to the image display
command from the CPU 106 on the above-mentioned controller 100 side
in the video RAM 154 by reading and executing the display control
program stored in the ROM 148. The image display command includes
various image display commands including the display command of the
above-mentioned effect image etc.
[0100] The image data ROM 156 stores various image data including
the data of the above-mentioned effect image etc. The touch panel
control circuit 160 transmits the signal received by the touch
panel 32 on the display panel 30, as an input signal, to the CPU
106 via the input/output bus 144.
[0101] The above is the configuration of the game system according
to the present embodiment. By the way, the BET switch 23, the spin
repeat bet switch 24, the start switch 25, the cashout switch 26,
and the touch panel 32 correspond to the control panel of the slot
machine 13.
[0102] FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are flow charts showing processing
executed by the controller 100 of the slot machine 13 shown in FIG.
3. First, the controller 100 including the CPU 106 receives the
exchange rate table (refer to FIG. 11) from the exchange rate
management server 500 (step S1). Specifically, the controller 100
receives the exchange rate table (refer to FIG. 11) and stores it
in the RAM 110.
[0103] Here, the exchange rate table is explained. FIG. 11 is a
diagram showing an example of the exchange rate table. The exchange
rate table stores the financial value per credit for each currency
type. For example, in the case of "yen", the financial value
necessary for one credit is "100 yen".
[0104] The exchange rate table is stored in the exchange rate
management table 500 and the exchange rate changes with time for
each currency type. The exchange rate is determined based on the
exchange rate that changes in real time. For example, when the
financial value per credit is "100 yen" with respect to "yen", the
financial value per credit with respect to "dollar", "euro", etc.,
is determined based on the exchange rate at present in the exchange
rate management server 500. Specifically, the exchange rate
management server 500 determines that 100 yen corresponds to 0.85
dollars when the dollar-yen exchange rate at present is 117 yen. In
this manner, it is possible for the controller 100 to obtain the
exchange rate table in which the exchange rate at present is
reflected in step S1.
[0105] When the financial value per credit of a specific currency
type (for example, yen) changes, the controller 100 changes the
financial values of other currency types in accordance with this.
For example, when a shop in which the slot machine 13 is installed
raises one credit from 100 yen to 200 yen, the controller 100
changes the financial values of "dollar", "euro", etc.,
corresponding to "200 yen" based on the exchange rate at present if
the contents of the price rise are input into the slot machine
13.
[0106] Again, FIG. 10A is referred to. The controller 100
determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed after
the reception of the exchange rate table (after step S1) (step S2).
When it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed (YES in
step S2), the processing shifts to step S1. Due to this, it follows
that the controller 100 receives the exchange rate table each time
a predetermined time elapses. In other words, it follows that the
controller 100 receives the exchange rate that changes in real time
at each predetermined time and obtains the proper exchange rate
table in accordance with the exchange variations.
[0107] When it is determined that a predetermined time has not
elapsed (NO in step S2), the controller 100 determines whether or
not the mobile phone 300 of the player is fixed on the holder 170
(step S3). Specifically, the controller 100 determines whether or
not the distance between the radio transmission/reception part 171
provided on the holder 170 and the mobile phone 300 of the player
is equal to or less than a distance at which radio communication is
possible. In the present embodiment, if the mobile phone 300 of the
player is fixed on the holder 170, the distance between the mobile
phone 300 and the slot machine 13 will be equal to or less than a
distance at which radio communication is possible.
[0108] Here, when it is determined that the mobile phone 300 is not
fixed on the holder 170 (NO in step S3), the processing shifts to
step S2. On the other hand, when it is determined that the mobile
phone 300 is fixed on the holder 170 (YES in step S3), the
controller displays the currency selection screen (refer to FIG.
12) on the display 30 (step S4).
[0109] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the currency
selection screen shown in step S4 in FIG. 10A. The currency
selection screen is displayed on the display 30 and the currency
type and the financial value per credit are displayed for each
currency type stored in the exchange rate table. It is possible for
the player to select a currency type of the financial value to be
exchanged into credit by press-operating a currency type button
201. In this manner, it is possible for the player to determine
which currency to be transformed into credit while viewing the
financial value per credit for each currency type displayed on the
currency selection screen.
[0110] Again, FIG. 10A is referred to. After the currency selection
screen is displayed (after step S4), the controller 100 determines
whether or not a currency is selected (step S5). Specifically, the
controller 100 determines whether or not there has been the press
operation of the currency type button 201 provided on the display
30 in the currency selection screen (refer to FIG. 12). When it is
determined that no currency has been selected (NO in step S5), the
processing is repeated until it is determined that a currency has
been selected. When it is determined that a currency has been
selected (YES in step S5), the controller 100 displays an exchange
upper limit value input screen (refer to FIG. 13) (step S6).
[0111] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the exchange
upper limit value input screen shown in step S6 in FIG. 10A. The
exchange upper limit value input screen is displayed on the display
30 and it is possible for the player to input an exchange upper
limit value by press-operating a ten key 202 and determine the
exchange upper limit value by press-operating a determination
button 204. In addition, it is possible for the player to clear the
input exchange upper limit value by press-operating a clear button
203.
[0112] Again, FIG. 10A is referred to. After the display of the
exchange upper limit value input screen (after step S6), the
controller 100 receives the input of the exchange upper limit value
(step S7). Specifically, the controller 100 receives the input of
the exchange upper limit value when the ten key 202 provided on the
display 30 is press-operated in the exchange upper limit value
input screen (refer to FIG. 13).
[0113] Then, the controller 100 determines whether or not the
exchange upper limit value has been determined (step S8).
Specifically, the controller 100 determines whether or not there
has been the press operation of the determination button 204
provided on the display 30 in the exchange upper limit value input
screen (refer to FIG. 13). When it is determined that the exchange
upper limit value has not been determined (NO in step S8), the
processing shifts to step S7.
[0114] On the other hand, when it is determined that the exchange
upper limit value has been determined (YES in step S8), the
controller 100 stores the input exchange upper limit value in the
RAM 110. Then, the controller 100 displays the number of credits
input screen (refer to FIG. 14) (step S9).
[0115] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the number of
credits input screen shown in step S9 in FIG. 10A. The number of
credits input screen is displayed on the display 30 and it is
possible for the player to input the number of credits by
press-operating the ten key 202 and determine the number of credits
by press-operating an exchange determination button 205. In
addition, it is possible for the player to clear the input number
of credits by press-operating the clear button 203.
[0116] Again, FIG. 10A is referred to. After the display of the
number of credits input screen (after step S9), the controller 100
receives the input of the number of credits (step S10).
Specifically, the controller 100 receives the input of the number
of credits when the ten key 202 provided on the display 30 is
press-operated in the number of credits input screen (refer to FIG.
14).
[0117] Then, the controller 100 determines whether or not there has
been the press operation of the exchange determination button (step
S1). Specifically, the controller 100 determines whether or not
there has been the press operation of the exchange determination
button 205 provided on the display 30 in the number of credits
input screen (refer to FIG. 14).
[0118] When it is determined that there has not been the press
operation of the exchange determination button (NO in step S11),
the processing shifts to step S10. On the other hand, when it is
determined that there has been the press operation of the exchange
determination button (YES in step S11), the controller 100 stores
the number of credits received in step S10 in the RAM 110.
[0119] Then, the controller 100 calculates the financial value
indicating the amount of money of the number of credits stored in
the RAM 110 (step S12). Specifically, the controller 100 transform
the number of credits stored in the RAM 110 in step S11 into a
financial value by referring to the exchange rate table (refer to
FIG. 11) stored in the RAM 110 in step S11. For example, in the
exchange rate table shown in FIG. 11, the financial value per
credit in the currency type "yen" is 100 yen and therefore if the
determined number of credits is "100", then the financial value
will be "10,000 yen". The controller 100 stores the financial value
data indicating the calculated financial value in the RAM 110.
[0120] Next, the controller 100 determines whether or not the
financial value calculated in step S12 is equal to or less than the
exchange upper limit value (FIG. 10B: step S13). Specifically, the
controller 100 determines by comparing the financial value data
stored in the RAM 110 in step S12 with the transform upper limit
value stored in the RAM 110 in step S8. Here, when it is determined
that the financial value is not equal to or less than the transform
upper limit value (NO in step S13), the processing shifts to step
S10.
[0121] In addition, when it is determined that the financial value
is equal to or less than the transform upper limit value (YES in
step S13), the controller 100 makes a transmission request for the
financial value data indicating the financial value calculated in
step S12 (step S14). At this time, the controller 100 transmits a
transmission request signal for the financial value data to the
mobile phone 300 of the player via the radio transmission/reception
part 171.
[0122] Then, the controller 100 receives the financial value data
(step S15). In other words, it follow that the controller 100
receives the financial value data for which the transmission
request has been made in step S14 from the mobile phone 300 of the
player via the radio transmission/reception part 171. After the
reception, the controller 100 stores the received financial value
data in the RAM 110.
[0123] Next, the controller 100 exchanges the received financial
value data into the number of credits. Specifically, the controller
100 exchanges the financial value data stored in the RAM 110 in
step S15 into the data of the number of credits by referring to the
exchange rate table (refer to FIG. 11) stored in the RAM 110 in
step S1. For example, in the exchange rate table shown in FIG. 11,
the financial value per credit in the currency type "yen" is 100
yen, then, when the financial value data is "10,000 yen", the data
of the number of credits will be "100". The controller 100 stores
the exchanged data of the number of credits in the RAM 110 and adds
the exchanged data of the number of credits to the data of the
number of credits already stored in the RAM 110 and displays it on
the number of credits display 49.
[0124] Then, the controller 100 executes the base game (step S17).
In the base game, the controller 100 determines whether or not the
start switch 25 has been pressed in a state in which the desired
number of credits is bet by the insertion of coins into the coin
insertion slot etc. When it is determined that the start switch 25
has been pressed, the controller 100 starts scrolling of symbols on
which symbols are drawn and then causes the symbols to come to a
stop (rearrangement). Then, the controller 100 pays out credits
based on the state in which the symbols have come to a stop.
[0125] Next, the controller 100 determines whether or not the
cashout switch 26 has been turned on (pressed) (step S18). When it
is determined that the cashout switch has not been turned on (NO in
step S18), the processing shifts to step S17.
[0126] On the other hand, when it is determined that the cashout
switch 26 has been turned on (YES in step S18), the controller 100
executes adjustment data movement processing (step S19).
[0127] By this adjustment data movement processing, adjustment data
based on the current number of credits is generated and the
adjustment data is transmitted to the mobile phone 300. Then, the
processing shown in FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B is repeated until the
power supply of the slot machine 13 is turned off.
[0128] FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the detail of the adjustment
data movement processing shown in FIG. 10B. As shown in FIG. 15, at
the time of the adjustment data movement processing, first, the
adjustment data type selection screen is displayed (step S20).
[0129] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a display example of the
adjustment data type selection screen. As shown in FIG. 16, the
controller 100 displays the adjustment data type selection screen
on the display 30. In the type selection screen, money adjustment
buttons 206a to 206c for adjusting the current number of credits by
money and point adjustment buttons 207a to 207d for adjusting the
current number of credits by points of a specific company or a
specific site are displayed.
[0130] Specifically, the money adjustment buttons 206a to 206c are
the dollar button 206a, the yen button 206b, and the euro button
206c. Below these buttons 206a to 206c, the contents of exchange
indicating how much money is required to adjust one credit are
displayed. In addition, the point adjustment buttons 207a to 207d
are the first point button 207a, the second point button 207b, the
third point button 207c, and the fourth point button 207d. Below
these buttons 207a to 207d, the contents of exchange indicating how
much money is required to adjust one credit are displayed.
[0131] Again, FIG. 15 is referred to. After displaying the
adjustment data type selection screen (after step S20), the
controller 100 determines whether or not the adjustment data type
selection has been completed (step S21). Specifically, the
controller 100 determines whether or not any one of the buttons
206a to 206c and 207a to 207d displayed on the type selection
screen has been press-operated.
[0132] When it is determined that the adjustment data type
selection has not been completed (NO in step S21), the processing
shifts to step S20. On the other hand, when it is determined that
the adjustment data type selection has been completed (YES in step
S21), the controller 100 generates adjustment data in accordance
with the selection result (step S22). In other words, the
controller 100 generates adjustment data in accordance with the
current number of credits and the type selected from the type
selection screen. In other words, when the number of credits is
"100" and the selected type is "dollar", the controller 100
generates the adjustment data indicative of "85 dollars". In
addition, specifically, when the number of credits is "100" and the
selected type is "mileage point", the controller 100 generates
adjustment data indicative of "100 points".
[0133] Then, the controller 100 transmits the adjustment data to
the mobile phone 300 by radio via the radio transmission/reception
part 171 (step S23). Due to this, it follows that adjustment is
made by electronic data.
[0134] In this manner, in the game system including the slot
machine 13 according to the first embodiment, when the player
performs the predetermined cashout operation on the control panel,
adjustment data based on the current number of credits is
generated. Then, the generated adjustment data is transmitted in
order to return it to the mobile phone.
[0135] As described above, since payout in accordance with the
number of credits is made by electronic data, it is possible,
without using bulky media such as coins, to complete payout only by
the mobile phone 300, and enhance convenience.
[0136] In addition, when the player performs the predetermined
cashout operation on the control panel, the adjustment data of the
type selected by the player is generated based on the current
number of credits. Then, the generated adjustment data is
transmitted in order to return it to the mobile phone.
[0137] As described above, the player is made to select the type of
the adjustment data (dollar, yen, mileage point, etc.) and the
adjustment data in accordance with the selection is moved to the
mobile phone 300, and therefore, payout in accordance with the
desire of the player is made and the convenience can be
enhanced.
[0138] In addition, since the adjustment data is transmitted to the
mobile phone 300 by radio communication, it is possible to move the
adjustment data in a simple method.
Second Embodiment
[0139] Next, a game system including slot machines and a control
method of a game system including slot machines in accordance with
a second embodiment of the present invention are explained. The
second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment, however, the
configuration and the contents of processing are different. What is
different from the first embodiment is explained below.
[0140] FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the
game system including slot machines according to the second
embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 17, the game
system according to the second embodiment comprises an adjustment
server 700 connected to the network 600. The adjustment server 700
is configured so as to be capable of downloading adjustment
data.
[0141] In the present embodiment, adjustment data is not
transmitted from the slot machine 13 directly to the mobile phone
300 but moved to the adjustment server 700 from the slot machine 13
via the network 600. It follows that the player accesses the
adjustment server 700 after the game is over by utilizing the
mobile phone 300 and receives the adjustment data from the
adjustment server 700. Because of this, a program is stored in the
adjustment server 700, which generates information to cause the
mobile phone 300 to access the adjustment server 700 and download
the adjustment data based on the received adjustment data.
[0142] FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing the detail of the adjustment
data movement processing according to the second embodiment. As
shown in FIG. 18, first, the controller 100 of the slot machine 13
displays the adjustment data type selection screen (refer to FIG.
16) on the display 30 (step S30). Next, the controller 100
generates adjustment data in accordance with the selected type
(step S31). Then, the controller 100 transmits the adjustment data
to the adjustment server 700 via the communication interface
circuit (transmission part) 111 (step S32).
[0143] After this, the adjustment server 700 generates a URL
(Uniform Resource Locator) from which adjustment data can be
downloaded and a password that allows the adjustment data to be
downloaded by accessing the URL and inputting the password based on
the adjustment data from the slot machine 13 (step S33). Then, the
adjustment server 700 transmits the URL and the password to the
slot machine 13 (step S34).
[0144] Then, the slot machine 13 displays the received URL and
password on the display 30 (step S35). Due to this, it is made
possible for the player to confirm the displayed URL and password.
After this, the player accesses the displayed URL by utilizing the
mobile phone 300 and inputs the password (step S36). Then, the
download of the adjustment data from the adjustment server 700 to
the mobile phone 300 is started (step S37).
[0145] Incidentally, the URL generated by the adjustment server 700
may be one for accessing the adjustment server 700 or one for
accessing another download-dedicated server. When a
download-dedicated server is used, the adjustment data for each
player and the password assigned to each player are transmitted
from the adjustment server 700 to the download-dedicated
server.
[0146] In this manner, in the game system including the slot
machines 13 according to the second embodiment, as in the first
embodiment, it is possible to complete payout only by the mobile
phone 300 and enhance the convenience.
[0147] In addition, according to the second embodiment, since the
download of adjustment data is started by the input of the URL and
password, there is no possibility of erroneous transmission of
adjustment data to a mobile phone belonging to a person other than
the player at the time of radio transmission and it is possible to
move the adjustment data without fail to the mobile phone 300 of
the player.
Third Embodiment
[0148] Next, a game system including slot machines and a control
method of a game system including slot machines according to a
third embodiment of the present invention are explained. The third
embodiment is the same as the second embodiment, however, the
contents of processing are different. What is different from the
second embodiment is explained below.
[0149] In the second embodiment, adjustment data is downloaded by
the input of the URL and password. In contrast to this, in the
third embodiment, QR code generated by the adjustment server 700 is
displayed in the slot machine 13 and the player photographs the QR
code by the mobile phone 300 to download the adjustment data.
[0150] FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing the detail of adjustment
data movement processing according to the third embodiment. As
shown in FIG. 19, first, the controller 100 of the slot machine 13
displays the adjustment data type selection screen (refer to FIG.
16) on the display 30 (step S40). Next, the controller 100
generates adjustment data in accordance with the selected type
(step S41). Then, the controller 100 transmits the adjustment data
to the adjustment server 700 via the communication interface
circuit (transmission part) 111 (step S42).
[0151] After this, the adjustment server 700 generates QR (Quick
Response) by which adjustment data is downloaded by photographing
it by the mobile phone based on the adjustment data from the slot
machine 13 (step S43). Then, the adjustment server 700 transmits
the image information of the QR code to the slot machine 13 (step
S44). Incidentally, what is generated by the adjustment server 700
is not limited to the QR code but other image information will be
accepted as long as the download of adjustment data is possible by
photographing it by the mobile phone 300.
[0152] Then, the slot machine 13 displays the received QR code on
the display 30 (step S45). Due to this, it is made possible for the
player to confirm the displayed QR code. After this, the player
photographs the displayed QR code by utilizing the mobile phone 300
(step S46). Then, the download of the adjustment data from the
adjustment server 700 to the mobile phone 300 is started (step
S47).
[0153] In this manner, in the game system including the slot
machines 13 according to the third embodiment, as in the first
embodiment, it is possible to complete payout only by the mobile
phone 300 and enhance the convenience.
[0154] In addition, according to the third embodiment, since the
download of adjustment data is started by photographing the QR
code, there is no possibility of erroneous transmission of
adjustment data to a mobile phone belonging to a person other than
the player and it is possible to move the adjustment data without
fail to the mobile phone 300 of the player. Further, it is possible
to omit operations such as inputting of a URL etc. and perform
download of adjustment data simply.
[0155] The embodiments of the game system according to the present
invention are described as above, they are only illustrated as an
example, and not limiting the present invention in particular. The
specific configuration of each means etc. can be modified in design
adequately. In addition, the effects described in the embodiments
of the present invention are just enumerated from most preferable
effects that can be obtained from the present invention and the
effects of the present invention are not limited to those described
in the embodiments of the present invention.
[0156] For example, it may also be possible to perform the
transmission/reception of data between the mobile phone 300 of the
player and the slot machine 13 via a mobile phone network (not
shown) or to connect the slot machine 13 with the mobile phone 300
of the player by providing an external connection terminal (not
shown) to the slot machine 13.
[0157] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments, data is
transmitted/received between the slot machine 13 and the mobile
phone 300, however, this is not limited and it may also be possible
to transmit/receive data between the slot machine 13 and a
recording medium, such as an IC card, other than the mobile phone
300.
[0158] Further, in the second embodiment, the URL and password are
input by the mobile phone 300, however, in addition to the case
where the mobile phone 300 is used to input them, it may also be
possible to input the URL and password in the slot machine 13 and
then transmit adjustment data from the slot machine 13 to the
mobile phone 300.
* * * * *