U.S. patent application number 11/936300 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-05 for gaming machine and control method thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to Aruze Corp.. Invention is credited to Hirobumi Toyoda.
Application Number | 20080132306 11/936300 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39476449 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080132306 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Toyoda; Hirobumi |
June 5, 2008 |
GAMING MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF
Abstract
A gaming machine comprises a controller, a first display and a
second display. The controller is operable to (a) execute a poker
game as a base game, and (b) execute the base game to be played
subsequently as a high-probability game with a raised winning
probability if the predetermined combination is a specific
combination. The first display is controlled by the controller for
displaying images related to the base game. The second display is
controlled by the controller and provided independently from the
first display. The controller is further operable to display images
related to the high-probability game on at least one of the first
and second displays.
Inventors: |
Toyoda; Hirobumi; (Tokyo,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NDQ&M WATCHSTONE LLP
1300 EYE STREET, NW, SUITE 1000 WEST TOWER
WASHINGTON
DC
20005
US
|
Assignee: |
Aruze Corp.
Koto-ku
JP
|
Family ID: |
39476449 |
Appl. No.: |
11/936300 |
Filed: |
November 7, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3267 20130101; G07F 17/3293 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/11 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 20, 2006 |
JP |
2006-313470 |
Claims
1. A gaming machine for playing with plural kinds of cards,
comprising: a controller operable to: (a) execute a base game, in
which some cards selected by a player among initially dealt cards
can be replaced with other cards and a payout is awarded if a
predetermined combination is created by the finally dealt cards,
and (b) execute the base game to be played subsequently as a
high-probability game with a raised winning probability if the
predetermined combination is a specific combination; a first
display controlled by the controller for displaying images related
to the base game; and a second display controlled by the controller
and provided independently from the first display, wherein the
controller is further operable to display images related to the
high-probability game on at least one of the first and second
displays.
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the controller
is operable to select one of the first and second displays for
displaying the images related to the high-probability game
thereon.
3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the controller
is operable to display the images related to the high-probability
game on both the first and second displays.
4. A gaming machine for playing with plural kinds of cards,
comprising: a controller operable to: (a) execute a base game, in
which some cards selected by a player among initially dealt cards
can be replaced with other cards and a payout is awarded if a
predetermined combination is created by the finally dealt cards,
and (b) execute the base game to be played subsequently as a
high-probability game with a raised winning probability if the
predetermined combination is a specific combination; a first
display controlled by the controller for displaying images related
to the base game; and a second display controlled by the controller
and provided independently from the first display, wherein the
controller is further operable to select one of the first and
second displays for displaying images related to the
high-probability game thereon.
5. A gaming machine for playing with plural kinds of cards,
comprising: a controller operable to: (a) execute a base game, in
which some cards selected by a player among initially dealt cards
can be replaced with other cards and a payout is awarded if a
predetermined combination is created by the finally dealt cards,
and (b) execute the base game to be played subsequently as a
high-probability game with a raised winning probability if the
predetermined combination is a specific combination; a first
display controlled by the controller for displaying images related
to the base game; and a second display controlled by the controller
and provided independently from the first display, wherein the
controller is further operable to display images related to the
high-probability game on both the first and second displays.
6. A control method of a gaming machine, which executes a game with
plural kinds of cards and comprises a controller, a first display
and a second display provided independently from the first display,
wherein the controller is operable to: (a) execute a base game, in
which some cards selected by a player among initially dealt cards
can be replaced with other cards and a payout is awarded if a
predetermined combination is created by the finally dealt cards,
(b) execute the base game to be played subsequently as a
high-probability game with a raised winning probability if the
predetermined combination is a specific combination, (c) display
images related to the base game on the first display, and (d)
display images related to the high-probability game on at least one
of the first and second displays.
7. The control method of a gaming machine according to claim 6,
wherein the controller is operable to select one of the first and
second displays for displaying the images related to the
high-probability game thereon.
8. The control method of a gaming machine according to claim 6,
wherein the controller is operable to display the images related to
the high-probability game on both the first and second displays.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based upon and claims priority of
Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-313470, filed on Nov. 20,
2006, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0002] This application is related to co-pending U.S. patent
application entitled "GAMING MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF"
referred to as the prior Japanese Patent Application No.
2006-309025, filed in Japan on Nov. 15, 2006, co-pending U.S.
patent application entitled "GAMING MACHINE, CONTROL METHOD THEREOF
AND PLAYING METHOD OF CARD GAME" referred to as the prior Japanese
Patent Application No. 2006-313469, filed in Japan on Nov. 20,
2006, and co-pending U.S. patent application entitled "GAMING
MACHINE, CONTROL METHOD THEREOF AND PLAYING METHOD OF CARD GAME"
referred to as the prior Japanese Patent Application No.
2006-313472, filed in Japan on Nov. 20, 2006, which are assigned to
the assignee of the present invention. The teachings of the
co-pending applications are incorporated herein by reference to the
extent they not do conflict with the teachings herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates to a gaming machine, a control
method thereof and a playing method of a card game.
[0005] 2. Description of Related Art
[0006] With a conventional gaming machine such as a poker machine
installed in a casino, a base game is executed in which a winning
is awarded when dealt cards constitute a predetermined card
combination. With such a gaming machine, one or more medals are
provided to a player for each poker game according to the number of
inserted medals and odds of a winning poker hand.
[0007] In addition, a gaming machine is provided, which executes
high-probability games with raised winning probability, recently.
For example, a gaming machine is provided, which deals two sets of
cards to each player, that is, ten cards in all (which is more than
traditional one set of five cards). Each of the players tries to
create one poker hand by combining the cards in two sets (see U.S.
Pat. No. 5,882,260).
[0008] Furthermore, there is a new gaming style called double down
game, recently. In the double down game, a player can try to double
a payout amount, which has been awarded according to a poker hand
in a general poker game, in order to increase the payout
amount.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming
machine having a new gaming style which enhances expectation for
more payout amounts, and a control method thereof.
[0010] A first aspect of the present invention provides a gaming
machine for playing with plural kinds of cards, which comprises a
controller, a first display and a second display. The controller
operable to (a) execute a base game, in which some cards selected
by a player among initially dealt cards can be replaced with other
cards and a payout is awarded if a predetermined combination is
created by the finally dealt cards, and (b) execute the base game
to be played subsequently as a high-probability game with a raised
winning probability if the predetermined combination is a specific
combination. The first display is controlled by the controller for
displaying images related to the base game. The second display is
controlled by the controller and provided independently from the
first display. The controller is further operable to display images
related to the high-probability game on at least one of the first
and second displays.
[0011] It is preferable that the controller is operable to select
one of the first and second displays for displaying the images
related to the high-probability game thereon.
[0012] Alternatively, it is preferable that the controller is
operable to display the images related to the high-probability game
on both the first and second displays.
[0013] A second aspect of the present invention provides a gaming
machine for playing with plural kinds of cards, which comprises a
controller, a first display and a second display. The controller
operable to (a) execute a base game, in which some cards selected
by a player among initially dealt cards can be replaced with other
cards and a payout is awarded if a predetermined combination is
created by the finally dealt cards, and (b) execute the base game
to be played subsequently as a high-probability game with a raised
winning probability if the predetermined combination is a specific
combination. The first display is controlled by the controller for
displaying images related to the base game. The second display is
controlled by the controller and provided independently from the
first display. The controller is further operable to select one of
the first and second displays for displaying images related to the
high-probability game thereon.
[0014] A third aspect of the present invention provides a gaming
machine for playing with plural kinds of cards, which comprises a
controller, a first display and a second display. The controller
operable to (a) execute a base game, in which some cards selected
by a player among initially dealt cards can be replaced with other
cards and a payout is awarded if a predetermined combination is
created by the finally dealt cards, and (b) execute the base game
to be played subsequently as a high-probability game with a raised
winning probability if the predetermined combination is a specific
combination. The first display is controlled by the controller for
displaying images related to the base game. The second display is
controlled by the controller and provided independently from the
first display. The controller is further operable to display images
related to the high-probability game on both the first and second
displays.
[0015] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a control
method of a gaming machine, which executes a game with plural kinds
of cards and comprises a controller, a first display and a second
display provided independently from the first display. The
controller is operable to (a) execute a base game, in which some
cards selected by a player among initially dealt cards can be
replaced with other cards and a payout is awarded if a
predetermined combination is created by the finally dealt cards,
(b) execute the base game to be played subsequently as a
high-probability game with a raised winning probability if the
predetermined combination is a specific combination, (c) display
images related to the base game on the first display, and (d)
display images related to the high-probability game on at least one
of the first and second displays.
[0016] It is preferable that the controller is operable to select
one of the first and second displays for displaying the images
related to the high-probability game thereon.
[0017] Alternatively, it is preferable that the controller is
operable to display the images related to the high-probability game
on both the first and second displays.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a game according to first and
second embodiments of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of a
poker machine according to the embodiments;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the poker machine according to
the embodiments;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a main processing in the poker
machine according to the embodiments;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a bet processing in the poker
machine according to the embodiments;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of an internal sortition processing
in the poker machine according to the embodiments;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a card display processing in the
poker machine according to the first embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a card replace processing in the
poker machine according to the embodiments;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a card redisplay processing in the
poker machine according to the embodiments;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a flow chart of an outcome determination
processing in the poker machine according to the embodiments;
[0028] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate display screens of a first and
second displays in the poker machine according to the
embodiments;
[0029] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate display screens of the first
and second displays in the poker machine according to the
embodiments;
[0030] FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate display screens of the first
and second displays in the poker machine according to the
embodiments;
[0031] FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate display screens of the first
and second displays in the poker machine according to the
embodiments;
[0032] FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate display screens of the first
and second displays in the poker machine according to the first
embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 16 is a flow chart of a card display processing in the
poker machine according to the second embodiment;
[0034] FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate display screens of the first
and second displays in the poker machine according to the second
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT
First Embodiment
[Outline of Playing Method]
[0035] FIG. 1 is a flow chart describing a playing method according
to a first embodiment of the present invention. A game played by
the playing method is a kind of poker game. Base games are executed
in this poker game. In each of the base games, some cards selected
by a player among initially dealt cards are replaced with other
cards, and then a payout is awarded when a winning card combination
(winning hand) is created with cards of the player. In a base game,
it is determined whether or not the winning card combination is a
specific combination (e.g., "flush" of hearts or diamonds) at first
(step S1). Subsequently, if it is determined in step S1 that the
winning card combination is the specific combination, the next base
game is executed as a high-probability game with raised winning
probability (step S2).
[Configuration of Poker Machine]
[0036] An appearance of a poker machine 10, which is a first
embodiment of the present invention, will be described. FIG. 2 is a
perspective view of the poker machine 10. Note that, although
medals are used as game media with the poker machine 10, coins,
medals, tokens or cards storing information about gaming value may
be used as game media.
[0037] A first display 32 for displaying images related to the base
game is provided on a front face of the poker machine 10. In
addition, a second display 33 for displaying images related to the
high-probability game is provided above the first display 32,
independently from the first display 32. The first display 32
displays the cards dealt to the player and an odds table presenting
card hands and payout amounts. The second display 33 displays
effecting images related to the base game in addition to the images
related to the high-probability game.
[0038] In addition, medal insertion slot 63 is provided on a right
side of the front face. A medal cashout opening 61 and a medal
receiver 67 are provided on a lower potion of the front face. A
game can be played after a medal insertion into the medal insertion
slot 63. In addition, medals are cashout from the medal cashout
opening 61 according to the outcome of the gaming and accumulated
on the medal receiver 67. As described below, a medal detection
sensor 31 (see FIG. 3) is provided within the medal insertion slot
63. The medal detection sensor 31 detects insertion of medals into
the poker machine 10 by the player.
[0039] In addition, speakers 46a and 46b are provided at an upper
portion of the poker machine 10. The speakers 46a and 46b output
sound effects along with progress of the game. Additionally,
illuminating lamps 36a and 36b are provided at both right and left
sides of the poker machine 10. The illuminating lamps 36a and 36b
are illuminated along with the progress of the game.
[0040] Hold switches 20, a deal switch 24, a cashout switch 22, a
max-bet switch 26, and a one-bet switch 28 used in the game are
provided beneath the first display 32.
[0041] Five hold switches 20 are provided. The hold switches 20 are
provided in association with respective card images displayed on
the first display 32 and the second display 33. Each of the hold
switches 20 is used when the player selects a card to hold after
cards are displayed. When the player presses one of the hold
switches 20 beneath a card selected among five cards displayed on
the first display 32 or the second display 33, the selected card is
held.
[0042] The cashout switch 22 and the deal switch 24 are provided at
a left lower position to the hold switches 20. The cashout switch
22 is used when cashing-out credits accumulated within the poker
machine 10. When the cashout switch 22 is pressed by the player,
medals are cashed-out onto the medal receiver 67. The deal switch
24 is used when the player wants to receive dealing of the cards on
the screen. When the deal switch 24 is pressed after the player
inserted one or more medals, images of the dealt cards or newly
replaced cards are displayed on the first display 32 or the second
display 33.
[0043] The max-bet switch 26 and the one-bet switch 28 are provided
at a right side of the deal switch 24. The max-bet switch 26 and
the one-bet switch 28 are used when the player starts the game. The
max-bet switch 26 is used when a maximum number of medals (five)
are bet at a time. The one-bet switch 28 increases a bet amount
according to the number of times pressed.
[Configuration of Control Unit of Poker Machine]
[0044] Next, a configuration of a control unit of the poker machine
10 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control
circuit of the poker machine 10.
[0045] A main control circuit 60, which is a "controller", includes
a central processing unit (CPU) 66, a read-only memory (ROM) 68, a
random access memory (RAM) 70, a random number generator (RNG) 65,
and interface circuits 62 and 72. These components are connected
each other via an input-output (I/O) bus 64. The I/O bus 64 inputs
and outputs data signals, control signals, and address signals
from/to the CPU 66.
[0046] The CPU 66 reads data from, and writes data into respective
components connected to the I/O bus 64 based on computer programs
stored in the ROM 68. The CPU 66 executes various processings in
cooperation with such components. In addition, an after-mentioned
timer (not shown) is pre-implemented within the CPU 66.
[0047] The ROM 68 and RAM 70, which are storage devices, are also
connected to the I/O bus 64. Control programs for controlling the
entire gaming of the poker machine 10 are stored in the ROM 68. In
addition, initial data for executing the control programs, a
control program for illuminating pattern of the illuminating lamps
36 (36a and 36b of FIG. 2), display control programs of the first
display 32 and the second display 33 or the like are stored in the
ROM 68. Furthermore, various kinds of tables are stored in the ROM
68. The various kinds of tables include base game sortition tables
for associating the random numbers generated by the RNG 65 with
card images to be displayed on the first display 32 or the second
display 33 in the base game and a combination determination table
for determining whether or not a combination of card images
displayed on the first display 32 or the second display 33 has
created a specific combination.
[0048] The above-mentioned base game sortition tables stored in the
ROM 68 further include a general sortition table and a
high-probability sortition table. The general sortition table has
some of the random numbers to be determined as a winning in the
general base game. The high-probability sortition table has more
random numbers to be determined as a winning than the
above-mentioned random numbers of the general sortition table.
[0049] In other words, the general sortition table and the
high-probability sortition table provide different winning
probabilities, respectively. For example, the CPU 66 sets the
high-probability sortition table as an internal sortition table
when a specific combination is created by dealt cards (FIG. 6, Step
S32). On the other hand, the general sortition table is set as the
internal sortition table when the specific combination is not
created by dealt cards.
[0050] The RAM 70 stores flags and parameters used in the
above-mentioned programs. A high-probability flag, which indicates
whether or not a gaming state is in a high-probability gaming
state, is also stored in the RAM 70. In addition, the
high-probability game counter, which indicates the number of times
of the high-probability game had been executed successively, is
also stored in the RAM 70.
[0051] In addition, the RNG 65 is connected to the I/O bus 64. The
RNG 65 generates random numbers within a predetermined range when a
random number generation command is transmitted from the CPU 66,
and transmits a signal indicating the random numbers to the I/O bus
64. The CPU 66 executes an after-mentioned internal sortition
processing based on the generated random numbers. Here, the random
numbers transmitted from the RNG 65 are stored in the RAM 70.
[0052] In the present embodiment, random numbers are generated in
the RNG 65 connected to the CPU 66 via the I/O bus 64. However, the
present invention is not limited to the above configuration. Random
number generation may be implemented in a program operating of the
CPU 66 as a random number generator. In this case, the RNG 65 may
be omitted.
[0053] The hold switches 20, the deal switch 24, the cashout switch
22, the max-bet switch 26, and the one-bet switch 28 are connected
to the interface circuits 62. An operation detection signal is
transmitted to the interface circuits 62 when each of these
switches is pressed by the player. The interface circuits 62
supplies the operation detection signal to the I/O bus 64.
[0054] In addition, the above-mentioned medal detection sensor 31
is also connected to the interface circuits 62. The interface
circuits 62 converts the detection signal transmitted from the
medal detection sensor 31 into a predetermined signal and supplies
the signal to the I/O bus 64.
[0055] A display control device 200 is connected to the interface
circuits 72. The first display 32 and the second display 33 are
connected to the display control device 200. The display control
device 200 transmits driving signals to the first display 32 and
the second display 33, based on image display commands transmitted
from the main control circuit 60.
[0056] In addition, the speakers 46 (46a and 46b) and the
illuminating lamps 36 (36a and 36b) are also connected to the
interface circuits 72. The interface circuits 72 supply the driving
signals and driving powers to the speakers 46 and the illuminating
lamps 36 in order to control them, according to processing results
of the CPU 66.
[0057] Furthermore, a hopper control device 210 is also connected
to the interface circuits 72. A hopper 50 is connected to the
hopper control device 210. The hopper control device 210 transmits
a driving signal to the hopper 50 based on the medal cashout
command transmitted from the main control circuit 60.
[Operation of Poker Machine]
[0058] A main processing executed by the above-mentioned main
control circuit 60 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flow chart of the
main processing.
[0059] The poker machine 10 initializes the parameters used by the
CPU 66 to default values upon activation so as to start the main
processing. In the main processing, a bet processing is first
executed (step S11). The bet processing is executed based on the
player's inserting one or more coins or pressing the max-bet switch
26 or the one-bet switch 28. Details of the bet processing will be
described below. The process flow proceeds to step S12 after the
bet processing.
[0060] Next, an internal sortition processing is executed to
determine cards to be dealt (step S12). In this processing, the CPU
66 transmits a command to generate random numbers to the RNG 65 and
then the RNG 65 generates the random numbers. The random numbers
generated by the RNG 65 are stored in the RAM 70 as an outcome of
the internal sortition. The CPU 66 determines cards corresponding
to the random numbers referring to the sortition table set in the
RAM 70. And then, the CPU 66 stores data with regard to the cards
in the RAM 70. Details of the internal sortition processing will be
described below. The process flow proceeds to step S13 after the
internal sortition processing.
[0061] Next, a card display processing is executed (step S13). The
CPU 66 supplies the data, which relates to the five cards initially
dealt to the player determined by the internal sortition processing
of step S12 (stored in the RAM 70) to the display control device
200 via the I/O bus 64 and the interface circuits 72. Here, the
cards are dealt on the first display 32 or the second display 33.
The display control device 200 reads image data corresponding to
the cards and stores the image data in an internal video RAM. In
this manner, the five cards initially dealt to the player are
displayed on the first display 32 or the second display 33. Details
of the processing will be described below. The process flow
proceeds to step S14 after the card display processing.
[0062] Next, a card replace processing is executed (step S14). In
this processing, the CPU 66 displays new card image(s) on the first
display 32 or the second display 33 according to the player's card
replacing operation. In this processing, the CPU 66 preliminarily
determines whether or not a combination of the five cards to be
displayed after card replacement creates a winning combination (one
of poker hands), and changes the displaying order of the cards
based on the result of the preliminary determination. Details of
the processing will be described below. The process flow proceeds
to step S15 after the card replace processing.
[0063] Next, an outcome determination processing is executed (step
S15). In this processing, the CPU 66 determines whether or not a
winning outcome, in which the finally dealt cards create a
predetermined card combination (one of poker hands), has been
brought. Furthermore, in this processing, the CPU 66 also
determines whether or not the base games to be played subsequently
will be executed as the high-probability games. Details of the
processing will be described below. The process flow proceeds to
step S16 after the outcome determination processing.
[0064] Next, an effect/payout processing is executed (step S16). In
this processing, the CPU 66 provides a payout to the player and
produces various effects (displaying images on the display 32 and
33, outputting sound effects from the speakers 46, illuminating of
the lamps 36 and so on) based on the outcome determination
processing of step S15. Specifically, if it is determined in step
S15 that the card combination creates the winning combination (one
of porker hands), the CPU 66 displays the fact on the first display
32 or the second display 33. Furthermore, the CPU 66 adds a payout
amount to internally pooled credits. On the other hand, if it is
determined in step S15 that the card combination does not create a
winning combination, the CPU 66 displays the fact on the first
display 32 or the second display 33. The main processing is
terminated after the effect/payout processing.
[0065] In this way, the CPU 66 functions, in steps S11, S12, S15
and S16, as a part of the controller which controls the execution
of the base game.
[Bet Processing]
[0066] A subroutine (FIG. 5) of the bet processing is invoked in
the above-mentioned step S11 (FIG. 4).
[0067] In the bet processing, it is first determined whether or not
one or more medals have been inserted, or whether or not the bet
switches 26 and 28 have been pressed (step S21). Here, the CPU 66
judges whether or not it has received a detection signal, which
indicates that one or more medals have been inserted into the medal
insertion slot 63, from the medal detection sensor 31 or a
detection signal, which indicates that the max-bet switch 26 or the
one-bet switch 28 has been pressed. The process flow proceeds to
step S22 when the CPU 66 has received at least one of the detection
signals. On the other hand, the CPU 66 repeats step S21 when the
CPU 66 has not received any of the detection signals.
[0068] If step 21 is affirmative, a bet amount is counted (step
S22). Here, the CPU 66 counts the bet amount based on the result of
step S21. Specifically, a sum of the number of totally detected
coins and the number of totally pressing times of the one-bet
switch 28 is stored in the RAM 70 as the bet amount. Maximum value
of a bet amount per one game is "5". The maximal value of "5" is
recorded in the RAM 70 regardless of the number of the detected
coins or the pressing times of the one-bet switch 28 when the
max-bet switch 26 is pressed. The process flow proceeds to step S23
after counting the bet amount.
[0069] Next, it is determined whether or not the deal switch 24 has
been pressed (step S23). Here, the CPU 66 determines whether or not
it has received a detection signal which indicates that deal switch
24 has been pressed. The CPU 66 repeats step S23 when it has not
received the detection signal. On the other hand, the CPU 66
terminates the bet processing subroutine when it has received the
detection signal.
[Internal Sortition Processing]
[0070] A subroutine (FIG. 6) of the internal sortition processing
is invoked in the above-mentioned step S12 (FIG. 4).
[0071] In the internal sortition processing, a gaming state
determination processing is executed first (step S31). In this
processing, the CPU 66 judges the gaming state based on the
high-probability flag stored in the RAM 70. The process flow
proceeds to step S32 after the gaming state is determined.
[0072] In the internal sortition processing, ten cards are selected
among cards used in the game. Five cards to be initially dealt to
the player are included in the ten cards. Other five cards, which
can be dealt to the player in card replacement, are also included
in the ten cards. The five cards to be initially dealt in the
general base game are always displayed on the first display 32. On
the other hand, the five cards to be initially dealt in the general
base game are displayed on the first display 32 or the second
display 33. Here, at least one joker is displayed as a wild card
among the five cards to be initially dealt in the high-probability
game. The joker raises probability that a winning combination (one
of poker hands) is to be created. In addition, some of the other
five cards can be displayed on the first display 32 or the second
display 33 as replacement(s) of card(s) which had been selected
among the initially dealt cards by the player to be replaced. Note
that, in the present embodiment, replace cards (the term "replace
card" means a card to be replaced or a replaced card) are selected
simultaneously with the initially dealt cards in the sortition as
described above. However, the present invention is not limited to
this, the replace card may be selected by the sortition after the
player has selected card(s) among the initially dealt cards. In
this case, the number of the replace cards selected by the
sortition may be equal to the number of the card had been selected
by the player.
[Card Display Processing]
[0073] A subroutine (FIG. 7) of the card display processing is
invoked in the above-mentioned step S13 (FIG. 4).
[0074] In the card display processing, it is first determined
whether or not a gaming state is in a high-probability game state
(step S35). Here, the CPU 66 judges the gaming state based on the
high-probability flag stored in the RAM 70. The process flow
proceeds to step S36 if the gaming state is in the high-probability
game state. On the other hand, the process flow proceeds to step
S37 if the gaming state is not in the high-probability game
state.
[0075] If step S35 is affirmative, a high-probability game image
display processing is executed (step S36). In this processing, the
CPU 66 selects one of the first display 32 and the second display
33 for displaying images related to the high-probability game
according to the random number generated by the internal sortition
executed in above-mentioned step S12. And then, the CPU 66 displays
the images related to the high-probability game on a display
selected from the first display 32 and the second display 33. In
addition, the CPU 66 transmits card data and a command for
displaying the initially dealt cards to the display control device
200 via the I/O bus 64 and the interface circuits 72. The card data
includes pairs of suit and number of the cards to be initially
dealt to the player determined by the internal sortition executed
in above-mentioned step S12. The display control device 200 reads
out corresponding image data and stores it in an internal video
RAM. And then, the display control device 200 displays the
initially dealt cards on the first display 32 or the second display
33. This subroutine is terminated after the high-probability game
image display processing.
[0076] If step S35 is negative, a base game image display
processing is executed (step S37) for displaying images on the
first display 32. In this processing, the CPU 66 displays images
related to the high-probability game on the first display 32
according to random numbers generated by the internal sortition
executed in above-mentioned step S12. In addition, the CPU 66
transmits card data and a command for displaying the initially
dealt cards to the display control device 200 via the I/O bus 64
and the interface circuits 72. The card data includes pairs of suit
and number of the cards to be initially dealt to the player
determined by the internal sortition executed in above-mentioned
step S12. The display control device 200 reads out corresponding
image data and stores it in an internal video RAM. And then, the
display control device 200 displays the initially dealt cards on
the first display 32. This subroutine is terminated after the
high-probability game image display processing.
[Card Replacement Processing]
[0077] A subroutine (FIG. 8) of the card replacement processing is
invoked in the above-mentioned step S14 (FIG. 4).
[0078] In the card replacement processing, it is first determined
whether or not any of the hold switches 20 have been pressed (step
S41). In this processing, the CPU 66 judges whether or not it has
received a detection signal, which indicates that any of the five
hold switches 20 has been pressed. The process flow proceeds to
step S42 when the CPU 66 has received the detection signal. On the
other hand, the process flow proceeds to step S43 when the CPU 66
has not received the detection signal.
[0079] If step 41 is affirmative, the CPU 66 holds the
corresponding card(s) to the pressed hold switch(es) 20 (step S42).
Here, the CPU 66 executes a setup such that the hold card(s) (the
term "hold card" represents a card corresponding to the hold switch
20 had been pressed in step S31) will not be replaced after the
deal switch 24 is to be pressed. At the same time, the CPU 66
overlays the "HELD" image(s) on the hold card(s) on the first
display 32 (FIG. 12B). The process flow proceeds to step S43 after
the hold card(s) is determined.
[0080] If step 41 is negative or after step 42, the CPU 66
determines whether or not the deal switch 24 has been pressed (step
S43). Here, the CPU 66 judges whether or not it has received a
detection signal, which indicates that the deal switch 24 has been
pressed. The process flow proceeds to step S44 when the CPU 66 has
received the detection signal. On the other hand, the CPU 66
returns the process flow to step S41 when it has not received the
detection signal.
Next, the CPU 66 determines the replace card(s) to be dealt (step
S44). Here, the CPU 66 selects the card(s) to be replaced among the
five replace cards selected by the sortition in step S12 (FIG. 4).
The number of the card(s) selected by the CPU 66 for replacement is
equal to the number of the non-hold cards (i.e., the number of
cards the player wishes to replace). Selection of the replace cards
may be executed in this step by new sortition among the five cards.
Alternatively, the five replace cards may have been selected with
an order at the sortition in step S12 (FIG. 4), and selected in
this order in the new sortition of this step S44. Note that, there
may be a case in which the player wishes to replace all five cards
(all of the cards in hand). The process flow proceeds to step S45
after the replace card(s) is determined.
[0081] Next, the CPU 66 executes a card redisplay processing (step
S45). In this processing, the CPU 66 transmits data related to the
replace card(s) determined in step S34 to the display control
device 200. The display control device 200 displays the replace
card(s) as replacement(s) for the non-hold card(s) on the first
display 32 or the second display 33. Details of this processing
will be described next. This subroutine is terminated after the
card redisplay processing.
[Card Redisplay Processing]
[0082] The card redisplay processing of step S45 (FIG. 8) will be
described based on FIG. 9. More specifically, a case will be
described in which (i) a "Spade 10", a "Spade J", a "Spade Q", a
"Diamond 3", and a "Diamond 2" are initially dealt, (ii) a "Spade
10", a "Spade J", and a "Spade Q" are selected as hold cards by the
player, and (iii) a "Diamond 10" and a "Spade K" are selected as
replace cards by the sortition as replacements for the two non-hold
cards.
[0083] In the card redisplay processing, the highest poker hand
created by a combination of hold cards and replace cards is
searched first (step S51). Since this hand is fixed after the card
replacement, it is defined as a "fixed hand". The CPU 66 searches
for a fixed hand recorded in the ROM 68 based on the combination of
the hold cards and the replace cards.
[0084] Poker hands, such as "royal flush" or "straight flush", are
stored in the ROM 68 together with their rank data. For example, as
shown in the odds table (FIG. 11B) displayed on the first display
32, the rank of each poker hand is the payout amount per one credit
(medal) according to the poker hand. For example, the ranks of
"royal flush", "straight flush", and "four of a kind" are 500, 50,
and 20, respectively. In this case, the larger the numeric value
is, the higher the rank is. However, the ranks of poker hands may
be ordinal numbers such as "1", "2", and "3" provided that they
express the rank order of respective hands. The CPU 66 searches for
the highest ranked poker hand according to the combination of the
hold cards and the newly dealt replace cards. In the present
embodiment, one pair of a "Spade J" and a "Diamond J" is searched
as the fixed hand.
[0085] Next, the CPU 66 searches for the highest ranked hand if it
is assumed that any one of the replace card(s) were substituted
with a more advantageous card (step S52). Since this hand will not
be created practically, it is defined as an "assumptive hand". If
it is assumed that one of the replace cards (e.g., a "Diamond J")
is substituted with another more advantageous card, the CPU 66
searches for the highest ranked hand. Specifically, the CPU 66
sequentially searches for winning hands by substituting the
"Diamond J" with the other advantageous card in order to find the
highest ranked hand. In the present embodiment, tentatively
substituting the "Diamond J" with a "Spade A" creates "royal
flush". Alternatively, tentatively substituting the "Spade K" with
a "Heart J" or a "Club J" creates "three of a kind" of Jack. Since
"royal flush" is ranked higher than "three of a kind", "royal
flush" is retrieved as an assumptive hand in the case where the
"Diamond J" is assumed as a "target card".
[0086] Next, the CPU 66 compares the fixed hand of step S51 and the
assumptive hand of step S52 (step S53). The process flow proceeds
to step S54, if the rank of the assumptive hand is equal to or
lower than that of the fixed hand. On the other hand, the process
flow proceeds to step S55, if the rank of the assumptive hand is
higher than that of the fixed hand.
[0087] If step 53 is negative, the CPU 66 changes the displaying
order based on the fixed hand (step S54). For example, if the
fixed-hand is one pair of a "Spade J" and a "Diamond J", the
displaying order is changed such that the replace card "Diamond J"
will be displayed first.
[0088] On the other hand, if step 53 is affirmative, the CPU 66
changes the displaying order such that the target card in the
assumptive hand will be displayed last (step S55). In the present
embodiment, since the target card in the assumptive hand "royal
flush" is a "Diamond J", the displaying order is changed such that
the "Diamond J" will be displayed last.
[0089] Next, the CPU 66 displays the replace cards in the
displaying order determined in step S54 or S55 (step S56).
Specifically, the CPU 66 first gives a command for displaying the
first replace card to the display control device 200 via the I/O
bus 64 and the interface circuits 72. The display control device
200 reads out the desired image data and stores it in the internal
video RAM. In this manner, the first replace card is displayed on
the first display 32 or the second display 33. Subsequently, the
CPU 66 gives a command for displaying the second replace card to
the display control device 200 after a predetermined wait time,
such as 0.2 to 2 seconds. And then, the CPU 66 displays the second
replace card on the first display 32 or the second display 33 via
the display control device 200.
[0090] Therefore, the first card is replaced, so that the "Spade
King" is displayed. Subsequently, the second card (target card) is
replaced, so that the "Diamond J" is displayed. As a result, the
fixed hand (one pair of Jack) is created. After step S56, this
subroutine is terminated.
[0091] Here, the player may expect that a "royal flush" will be
created if the next replace card is a "Spade A" when the first
replace card "Spade K" has been displayed. In this manner, change
of the displaying order of the replace cards based on the
assumptive hand can provide the player with an expectation for a
higher ranked hand until the last replace card is displayed.
[Outcome Determination Processing]
[0092] A subroutine (FIG. 10) of the outcome determination
processing is invoked in the above-mentioned step S15 (FIG. 4).
[0093] In the outcome determination processing, it is first
determined whether or not the final card combination is a specific
combination (step S60). In this processing, the CPU 66 judges
whether or not the specific combination (e.g., one of winning
porker hands) is created as an outcome of base game. If the
specific combination is created, the process flow proceeds to step
S61. On the other hand, if the specific combination is not created,
the process flow proceeds to step S62.
[0094] If step S60 is affirmative, the high-probability flag is set
(step S61). Here, the CPU 66 sets the high-probability flag stored
in the RAM 70 (flag is set on). After step S61, this subroutine is
terminated.
[0095] On the other hand, if step S61 is negative, the
high-probability flag is cleared (step S62). Here, the CPU 66
clears (resets) the high-probability flag stored in the RAM 70
(flag is set off). After step S62, this subroutine is
terminated.
[0096] In this manner, the CPU 66 is an example of the controller,
which is operable to (a) execute a base game, in which some cards
selected by a player among initially dealt cards can be replaced
with other cards and a payout is awarded if a predetermined
combination is created by the finally dealt cards, (b) execute the
base game to be played subsequently as a high-probability game with
a raised winning probability if the predetermined combination is a
specific combination, (c) display images related to the base game
on the first display, and (d) display images related to the
high-probability game on at least one of the first and second
displays. In addition, the CPU 66 is an example of the controller,
which is operable to select one of the first and second displays
for displaying the images related to the high-probability game
thereon.
[Display of Poker Machine]
[0097] FIGS. 11A and 11B are explanatory views illustrating an
example of display screens. FIG. 11A illustrates a display screen
of the second display 33 and FIG. 11B illustrates a display screen
of the first display 32. The second display 33 displays a character
image 90 (e.g., image of a sitting mermaid) or a character image
90a (e.g., image of a fish swimming in the water). In addition, the
first display 32 displays an image 91 (e.g., poker odds table) or
images 92 (e.g., card images). Furthermore, the first display 32
displays a text string image 93 (e.g., "SELECT HELD CARD!!"), a
text string image 94 indicating credits (e.g., "00, 00, 00, 1000")
and so on.
[0098] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate the display screens after the
hold switches 20 have been pressed on the displays shown in FIGS.
11A and 11B. FIG. 12A illustrates the display screen of the second
display 33 and FIG. 12B illustrates the display screen of the first
display 32. The second display 33 displays the character image 90
(e.g., image of the sitting mermaid) or the character image 90a
(e.g., image of the fish swimming in the water). In addition, the
first display 32 displays the image 91 (e.g., poker odds table) or
the images 92 (e.g., card images including cards with text string
images "HELD" overlaid thereon). Furthermore, the first display 32
displays the text string image 93 (e.g., "SELECT HELD CARD!!"), the
text string image 94 indicating credits (e.g., "1000") and so
on.
[0099] FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate the display screens after the
deal switch is pressed on the displays shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B.
FIG. 13A illustrates the display screen of the second display 33
and FIG. 13B illustrates the display screen of the first display
32. The second display 33 displays the character image 90 (e.g.,
image of the sitting mermaid) or the character image 90a (e.g.,
image of the fish swimming in the water). In addition, the first
display 32 displays the image 91 (e.g., poker odds table with grids
"FLUSH" and "10" highlighted) or the images 92 (e.g., card images).
Furthermore, the first display 32 displays a text string image 93
(e.g., "CONGRATULATIONS!!"), the text string image 94 representing
credits (e.g., "1000"), a text string image 95 (e.g., "FLUSH WIN 10
MEDALS") and so on.
[0100] FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate the display screens immediately
after the high-probability game has started. FIG. 14A illustrates
the display screen of the second display 33 and FIG. 14B
illustrates the display screen of the first display 32. The second
display 33 displays the character image 90 (e.g. close up image of
the mermaid). In addition, the first display 32 displays the image
91 (e.g., poker odds table with grids "FLUSH" and "10"
highlighted), the images 92 (e.g., card images) and so on.
Furthermore, the first display 32 displays the text string image 93
(e.g., "CONGRATULATIONS!!"), the text string image 94 indicating
credits (e.g., "1000"), the text string image 95 (e.g., "FLUSH WIN
10 MEDALS") and so on.
[0101] FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate the display screens in the
high-probability game (images related to the high-probability game
are displayed on the second display 33: the second display 33 is
selected for displaying the images related to the high-probability
game). FIG. 15A illustrates the display screen of the second
display 33 and FIG. 15B illustrates the display screen of the first
display 32. The second display 33 displays the image 91 (e.g.,
poker odds table), the images 92 (e.g., face-down card images) and
an image 96 (e.g., extra card [joker] image with the mermaid
illustrated thereon). In addition, the first display 32 displays
the text string image 94 indicating credits (e.g., "1000") and so
on. Furthermore, the first display 32 displays the character image
90 (e.g., image of the sitting mermaid) and the character image 90a
(e.g., image of the fish swimming in the water).
Second Embodiment
[0102] In a description of a second embodiment of the present
invention, detailed description on identical/equivalent components
to those of the above-mentioned first embodiment is omitted or
simplified. Those components have identical numerals between the
first and second embodiments.
[0103] In the present embodiment, contents of the card display
processing in the main processing (step S13 in FIG. 4) are
different from that of the first embodiment.
[Card Display Processing]
[0104] A subroutine (FIG. 16) of the card display processing is
invoked in the above-mentioned step S13 (FIG. 4). Since steps S135
and S137 in FIG. 16 are identical to steps S35 and S37 in FIG. 7
respectively, descriptions on these steps are omitted.
[0105] If step S135 is affirmative, a high-probability game image
display processing is executed (step S36) for displaying images on
the first display 32 and the second display 33. In this processing,
the CPU 66 displays images related to the high-probability game on
the first display 32 or the second display 33 according to random
numbers generated by the internal sortition executed in
above-mentioned step S12. In addition, the CPU 66 transmits card
data and a command for displaying the initially dealt cards to the
display control device 200 via the I/O bus 64 and the interface
circuits 72. The card data includes pairs of suit and number of the
cards to be initially dealt to the player determined by the
internal sortition executed in above-mentioned step S12. The
display control device 200 reads out corresponding image data and
stores it in an internal video RAM. And then, the display control
device 200 displays the initially dealt cards on the second display
33 and displays other images related to the high-probability game
on the first display 32. This subroutine is terminated after the
high-probability game image display processing.
[0106] In this manner, the CPU 66 is an example of the controller,
which is operable to display images related to the high-probability
game on both the first and second display.
[Display of Poker Machine]
[0107] FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate the display screens in the
high-probability game (images related to the high-probability game
are displayed on both the first display 32 and the second display
33). FIG. 17A illustrates the display screen of the second display
33 and FIG. 17B illustrates the display screen of the first display
32. The second display 33 displays the images 92 (e.g., face-down
card images) and the image 96 (e.g., extra card [joker] image with
the mermaid illustrated thereon). Furthermore, the second display
33 displays the character image 90 (e.g., image of the sitting
mermaid) and the character image 90a (e.g., image of the fish
swimming in the water). In addition, the first display 32 displays
the image 91 (e.g., poker odds table) and the text string image 94
indicating credits (e.g., "1000") and so on.
[0108] An example of the present invention has been described based
on the above embodiments. However, the present invention is not
limited to the above. The applicant intends that the scope which a
person having ordinary skill can readily conceive, and that
equivalents or substitutes of the components belong to the scope of
the present invention.
* * * * *