U.S. patent application number 11/939479 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-24 for gaming machine and playing method thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC.. Invention is credited to Kazuo OKADA.
Application Number | 20080176644 11/939479 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39641806 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080176644 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
OKADA; Kazuo |
July 24, 2008 |
Gaming Machine And Playing Method Thereof
Abstract
A gaming machine carries out varying display of symbols at
plural reel display regions in a communal display. When a
predetermined length of time has passed, symbols determined at a
game result determination processing are stopped and display per
reel display region. The gaming machine comprises a plurality of
consoles each of which allows a player to carry out wagering
operation. The gaming machine constantly accepts wagering carried
out with the consoles. When wagering operation is carried out with
a console, a game control unit specifies the wagering operation
timing and determines a payout table corresponding to the wagering
operation timing among plural payout tables predefined with
different payout rate. A payout table is determined such that as
wagering operation timing is made later, a lower-payout-rated
payout table is associated with the wagering operation. When all
symbols are stopped and displayed, the game control unit determines
payout contents in accordance with the determined payout table
associated with the wagering and payout is awarded to the player
who carried out the wagering operation through the console.
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: |
39641806 |
Appl. No.: |
11/939479 |
Filed: |
November 13, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60881483 |
Jan 22, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/25 ;
463/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3202 20130101;
G07F 17/3211 20130101; G07F 17/3227 20130101; G07F 17/322 20130101;
G07F 17/34 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/25 ;
463/42 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A gaming machine comprising: a communal display for displaying
game result; a plurality of consoles for carrying out operation on
a game; and a game controller programmed to operate (a) to
determine game result to be displayed in the communal display, (b)
to divide the game result determined at (a) into plural display
stages and sequentially display the game result in the communal
display per display stage; (c) to accept game participation of the
plurality of consoles in accordance with participation operation by
each of the plurality of consoles and specify participation timing
of each of the plurality of consoles; and (d) to change payout
contents on the game result to be awarded to each of the plurality
of consoles in accordance with participation timing of each of the
plurality of consoles.
2. A gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the game
controller selects a payout table among a plurality of payout
tables of different payout rate depending on participation timing
of each of the plurality of consoles and determines payout contents
to be awarded to each of the plurality of consoles along the game
result in accordance with a selected payout table.
3. A gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the game
controller specifies display stage directed to participation timing
with respect to each of the plurality of consoles and changes
payout contents on the game result in accordance with a specified
display stage.
4. A gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the game
controller measures lapse time from a point in time to commence a
game in the communal display, specifies participation timing of
each of the plurality of consoles in accordance with measurement of
the lapse time, and changes payout contents on the game result in
accordance with participation timing within the lapse time.
5. A gaming machine comprising: a communal display for displaying
game result; a plurality of consoles for carrying out operation on
a game; and a game controller programmed to operate (a) to
determine game result to be displayed in the communal display, (b)
to divide the game result determined at (a) into plural display
stages and sequentially display the game result in the communal
display per display stage; (c) to accept game participation of a
the plurality of consoles in accordance with participation
operation by each of the plurality of consoles and specify
participation timing of each of the plurality of consoles; (d) to
select a payout table for each of the plurality of consoles among a
plurality of payout tables of different payout rate depending on
participation timing of each of the plurality of consoles; and (e)
to change payout contents on the game result to be awarded to each
of the plurality of consoles in accordance with the payout table
selected for each of the plurality of console.
6. A gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the game
controller specifies display stage of game result in the communal
display directed to participation timing with respect to each of
the plurality of consoles and selects a payout table for each of
the plurality of consoles in accordance with specified display
stage of game result in the communal display.
7. A gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the game
controller measures lapse time from a point in time to commence a
game in the communal display, specifies participation timing of
each of the plurality of consoles in accordance with measurement of
the lapse time, and selects a payout table for each of the
plurality of consoles in accordance with participation timing
within the lapse time.
8. A playing method of a gaming machine which makes a game
controller execute a game, display game result in a communal
display, and allows plural players to participate in the game with
a plurality of consoles, the playing method comprising the steps
of: (a) determining game result to be displayed in the communal
display with the game controller, (b) dividing the game result
determined at (a) into plural display stages and sequentially
displaying the game result in the communal display per display
stage with the game controller; (c) accepting game participation of
the plurality of consoles in accordance with participation
operation by each of the plurality of consoles and specifying
participation timing of each of the plurality of consoles with the
game controller; and (d) changing payout contents on the game
result to be awarded to each of the plurality of consoles in
accordance with participation timing of each of the plurality of
consoles with the game controller.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATION (S)
[0001] This application is based upon and claims a priority from
the U.S. provisional Patent Application No. 60/881,483 filed on
Jan. 22, 2007, the entire contents thereof are incorporated herein
by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a gaming machine wherein a
plural number of players can participate in a game displayed in a
communal display by using a plurality of consoles. More
particularly, it relates to a gaming machine which has convenient
game participation acceptance system.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] There has conventionally been known a gaming machine which
has a single communal display for displaying a game and enables
plural players to participate in a game (e.g., slot game, card game
such as poker and the like, roulette game, horse race game, etc.)
displayed in the communal display.
[0006] For example, US Patent Application Publications No.
2005/0059474A1, No. 2005/0218590A1, and No. 2005/0282618A1
respectively disclose gaming machines each of which has a single
communal display to display a game and enables plural players to
participate in a game displayed in the communal display.
[0007] In the above such gaming machines, plural players
participate in a game wherein a plurality of consoles are allocated
to the players. Therefore, generally, there is provided a
predetermined participation acceptable period before a target game
is executed. That is, the gaming machine accepts each console's
participation in a game (participation in a game, wagering upon an
upcoming game result) during the participation acceptable period,
however, closes the "participation in a game" when the
participation acceptable period terminates and subsequently goes on
to "game execution". After that, the gaming machine displays the
game in the communal display and awards a payout to each
participant console in accordance with a game result.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a gaming
machine which has convenient game management system conventional
ones did not have.
[0009] Therefore, in order to achieve the object, according to a
first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming
machine comprising: a communal display for displaying game result;
a plurality of consoles for carrying out operation on a game; and a
game controller programmed to operate (a) to determine game result
to be displayed in the communal display, (b) to divide the game
result determined at (a) into plural display stages and
sequentially display the game result in the communal display per
display stage; (c) to accept game participation of the plurality of
consoles in accordance with participation operation by each of the
plurality of consoles and specify participation timing of each of
the plurality of consoles; and (d) to change payout contents on the
game result to be awarded to each of the plurality of consoles in
accordance with participation timing of each of the plurality of
consoles.
[0010] Furthermore, according to a second aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a gaming machine comprising: a
communal display for displaying game result; a plurality of
consoles for carrying out operation on a game; and a game
controller programmed to operate (a) to determine game result to be
displayed in the communal display, (b) to divide the game result
determined at (a) into plural display stages and sequentially
display the game result in the communal display per display stage;
(c) to accept game participation of a the plurality of consoles in
accordance with participation operation by each of the plurality of
consoles and specify participation timing of each of the plurality
of consoles; (d) to select a payout table for each of the plurality
of consoles among a plurality of payout tables of different payout
rate depending on participation timing of each of the plurality of
consoles; and (e) to change payout contents on the game result to
be awarded to each of the plurality of consoles in accordance with
the payout table selected for each of the plurality of console.
[0011] Furthermore, according to a third aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a playing method of a gaming machine
which makes a game controller execute a game, display game result
in a communal display, and allows plural players to participate in
the game with a plurality of consoles, the playing method
comprising the steps of: (a) determining game result to be
displayed in the communal display with the game controller, (b)
dividing the game result determined at (a) into plural display
stages and sequentially displaying the game result in the communal
display per display stage with the game controller; (c) accepting
game participation of the plurality of consoles in accordance with
participation operation by each of the plurality of consoles and
specifying participation timing of each of the plurality of
consoles with the game controller; and (d) changing payout contents
on the game result to be awarded to each of the plurality of
consoles in accordance with participation timing of each of the
plurality of consoles with the game controller.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification illustrate embodiments of
the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain
the objects, advantages and principles of the invention.
[0013] In the drawings,
[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram for illustrating a feature of a gaming
machine directed to the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an outline construction
of the gaming machine;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a symbol display part of
the gaming machine;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating pay lines of the gaming
machine;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a sequential display manner
of the symbol display part during a game executed by the gaming
machine;
[0019] FIG. 6 is an exemplary first payout table of the gaming
machine;
[0020] FIG. 7 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a control
system of the gaming machine;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an outline construction
of a console which is one of composing elements of the gaming
machine;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a wagering screen displayed
in a liquid crystal display installed in the console;
[0023] FIG. 10 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a control
system of the console which is one of the composing elements of the
gaming machine;
[0024] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a main control processing program
to be executed for the gaming machine;
[0025] FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a wagering acceptance processing
program to be executed for the gaming machine;
[0026] FIG. 13 is a diagram for illustrating relation between each
payout table and wagering timing;
[0027] FIG. 14 is an exemplary fourth payout table of the gaming
machine; and
[0028] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a control processing program to be
executed for a console which is one of composing elements of the
gaming machine.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0029] Here will be described an embodiment of the inventive gaming
machine by referring to drawings.
[0030] A gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment allows plural
players to participate in a game displayed in a communal display 20
installed on a communal display device 2 through plural consoles 4
(see FIG. 2). Accordingly, a player can participate in and enjoy
the game to be executed in the communal display device 2 by
carrying out wagering operation with one of the consoles 4.
[0031] In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, so-called
slot game is executed. That is, in the gaming machine 1, varying
display of symbols 46 and varying stopped display of symbols 46 are
carried out in a symbol display part 7 of the communal display 20.
Symbols 46 are sequentially stopped and displayed per unit of reel
display region (five reel display regions, namely, a first reel
display region 23 through a fifth reel display region 27, see FIG.
5). In case a combination of stopped and displayed symbols 46
defined by each pay line (see FIG. 4) coincides with a
predetermined winning symbol combination (see FIG. 6), a payout of
the winning symbol combination is awarded to the winning
player.
[0032] There will be described a feature of a gaming machine
directed to the present embodiment by referring to drawings. FIG. 1
is a diagram for illustrating the feature of the gaming machine
directed to the present embodiment.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 of the present
embodiment is programmed to repeatedly execute a unit game
consisting of a general wagering period and a game execution
period. A general wagering period is a period to only accept
participation (i.e., wagering operation and the like) of plural
consoles 4 (see FIG. 2) composing the gaming machine 1. On the
other hand, a game execution period is a period to execute a unit
game of slot game while accepting wagering operation of each
console 4 after a lapse of a general wagering period. That is,
during the game execution period, wagering operation is accepted
similar to the general wagering period and varying display and
varying-stopped display of symbols 46 in the symbol display part 7
is carried out thereby to award a payout (e.g., coins, medals, or
gaming valuables equivalent to such gaming media) to each console 4
depending on a game result.
[0034] That is, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment
allows the player to participate in a slot game through a console 4
any time either the general wagering period or the game execution
period. In other word, in the gaming machine 1, the player can
participate in the slot game any time during execution of a unit
game. The gaming machine 1 is thus capable of providing players
with convenience of "free game participation timing".
[0035] Furthermore, in the gaming machine 1, a wagering period
corresponding to a game execution period is divided into five
periods, namely, a first wagering period through a fifth wagering
period (see FIG. 1). The first wagering period through the fifth
wagering period are individually defined with a predetermined
length of time. Termination of each of the first wagering period
through the fifth wagering period is associated with stopped and
displayed timing of symbols 46 at each reel display region (see
FIG. 3).
[0036] To be more specific, termination of a first wagering period
commencing with varying display of symbols 46 is associated with
stopped and display timing (time ta) of symbols 46 at a first reel
display region 23. In simultaneous with the termination of the
first wagering period, a second wagering period commences.
Termination of the second wagering period is associated with
stopped and display timing (time tb) of symbols 46 at a second reel
display region 24. Similarly, termination of a third wagering
period, that of a fourth wagering period, and that of a fifth
wagering period are associated with stopped and display timing
(time tc, time td and time te) of symbols 46 at a third reel
display region 25, at a fourth reel region 26 and a fifth reel
region 27, respectively (see FIG. 1).
[0037] The first wagering period through the fifth wagering period
are associated with a first payout table through a fifth payout
table, respectively. That is, in the gaming machine 1, a payout
table to be applied to wagering operation is determined depending
on "which timing to carry out wagering operation among a general
wagering period, a first wagering period through a fifth wagering
period".
[0038] The first payout table through the fifth payout table
individually define winning symbol combinations (see FIG. 6 and
FIG. 14) and predetermined payout amount for each of the winning
symbol combinations, wherein payout rate is made different among
the five payout tables (see FIG. 13).
[0039] As described, in the gaming machine 1, payout of a unit game
is determined in accordance with a combination of symbols 46
stopped and displayed on each pay line (see FIG. 4) and payout
amount of a winning symbol combination defined in a payout table.
Since an applicable payout table is changed depending on wagering
operation timing in the gaming machine 1, payout contents to be
awarded can be changed depending on the wagering operation timing.
Since "change of payout contents in accordance with wagering
operation timing" is brought, the gaming machine 1 is thus capable
of providing players with "variety of payout contents in accordance
with a game result".
[0040] Furthermore, as wagering operation timing is made later, a
lower-payout-rated payout table is associated with the wagering
operation as shown in FIG. 13, which makes it possible to "award
payout in accordance with game progress (the number of already
stopped and displayed symbols 46)". As to the slot game, difficulty
of winning payout varies depending on the number of already stopped
and displayed symbols 46, the gaming machine 1 is capable of
"providing different amount of payout depending on difficulty of
winning payout".
[0041] Here will be described the schematic structure of the gaming
machine 1 of the present embodiment by referring to FIG. 2. FIG. 2
is a perspective view showing an outline construction of the gaming
machine 1 directed to the first embodiment.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming machine 1 of the present
embodiment comprises the communal display device 2 and a plurality
of consoles 4.
[0043] The communal display device 2 comprises a communal display
20. The communal display 20 displays slot game in which plural
players can participate. Furthermore, the communal display 20
displays a symbol display part 7 when a slot game is executed. In
the symbol display part 7, varying display and varying-stopped
display of symbols 46 are carried out.
[0044] The structure of the symbol display part 7 will be described
later by referring to drawings.
[0045] Furthermore, speakers 21, and LEDs 22 are provided at an
upper portion of the communal display device 2. The speakers 21
output music and sound effects along game progress. The LEDs 22
flash for various amusing effects depending on game progress.
[0046] There will be described the structure of the symbol display
part 7 to be displayed in the communal display 20 in detail. FIG. 3
is a diagram illustrating the schematic structure of the symbol
display part 7.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, the symbol display part 7 consists of
fifteen symbol display regions 31 through 45. A symbol 46 is
stopped and displayed in each symbol display region. Accordingly,
fifteen symbols 46 in total are stopped and displayed in the symbol
display part 7.
[0048] The symbol display part 7 includes five reel display regions
each of which has three rows arranged vertically (see FIG. 3). That
is, the symbol display part 7 consists of a first reel display
region 23 through a fifth reel display region 27. For example, a
third reel display region 25 consists of a symbol display region
37, a symbol display region 38 and a symbol display region 39.
[0049] In each reel display region, varying display and
varying-stopped display of symbols 46 are carried out per defined
symbol column. Each symbol column consists of ten kinds of symbols
46, namely, "SEVEN", "3-BAR", "2-BAR", "BAR", "SMILE", "4SUN",
"STAR", "MOON", "HEART" and "CHERRY". Accordingly, a symbol 46
constituting a symbol column of a corresponding reel display region
is stopped and displayed in a symbol display region in the reel
display region.
[0050] In the symbol display part 7 of the gaming machine 1, five
pay lines (pay line (A) through pay line (E)) are defined (see FIG.
4). Each pay line consists of five symbol display regions. Each pay
line is constituted by five symbol display regions each of which
belongs to each reel display region.
[0051] For example, a pay line (B) consists of a symbol display
region 32, a symbol display region 35, a symbol display region 38,
a symbol display region 41 and a symbol display region 44 and these
symbol display regions belong to the first reel display region 23
through the fifth reel display region 27, respectively (see FIG. 3
and FIG. 4).
[0052] As described, in the gaming machine 1, prize judgment is
made in accordance with symbols 46 stopped and displayed on a pay
line (i.e., five symbol display regions constituting the pay line).
Furthermore, the gaming machine 1 allows the player to wager gaming
values per pay line.
[0053] Back to FIG. 2, there will be described schematic structure
of the gaming machine 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming machine 1
comprises a plurality (five in the present embodiment) of consoles
4. At each console 4, wagering operation on slot game is carried
out by a player. Since each console 4 is arranged in front of the
communal display device 2, a player seated at a console 4 can carry
out operation for a game (e.g., wagering operation on the slot
game, and the like) watching displayed contents in the communal
display 20.
[0054] Next, a schematic structure of each console 4 will be
described by referring to drawings. FIG. 8 is a view showing an
outline construction of the console 4 directed to the present
embodiment.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 8, a console 4 comprises a liquid crystal
display 10, a touch panel 11, operation buttons 12, a coin
insertion slot 13, a bill insertion slot 14, and a coin payout
opening 15. The liquid crystal display 10 is mounted on an upper
face of the console 4 and serves as a display device for displaying
a wagering operation screen (see FIG. 9) for a slot game, a game
result screen and the like.
[0056] The touch panel 11 is provided on a front face of the liquid
crystal display 10. When a wagering screen is displayed in the
liquid crystal display 10, the touch panel 11 serves as operation
means.
[0057] The operation buttons 12 are operation means for carrying
out various operations such as payout operation to request a payout
awarded to the target console 4. The coin insertion slot 13 is a
portion for allowing the player to insert coins used as gaming
value and similarly, the bill insertion slot 14 is a portion for
allowing the player to insert bills. The coin payout opening 15 is
a portion from which coins or medals corresponding to credits
stocked in the console 4 are dispensed as payout of credits stocked
in the console 4 when a payout operation is carried out with the
operation buttons 12.
[0058] There will be described the wagering screen to be displayed
in the liquid crystal display 10 by referring to drawings. FIG. 9
is a diagram illustrating the wagering screen to be displayed in
the liquid crystal display 10.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 9, when the wagering screen is displayed,
there are additionally displayed the symbol display part 7 and five
pay lines, and at the same time, there are formed pay line
designation operation regions 80, wagering setting operation
regions 81, a credit amount display part 82 and a payout amount
display part 83 in the liquid crystal display 10 and the touch
panel 11.
[0060] The pay line designation operation regions 80 are regions
formed at edge parts of the five pay lines in the liquid crystal
display 10. The player can designate a pay line for wagering by
touching a part of the touch panel 11 where a corresponding to pay
line designation operation region 80 is located.
[0061] The wagering setting operation regions 81 are regions for
the player to determine the number of wagering upon a pay line
designated by operating the pay line designation operation regions
80. As shown in FIG. 9, there are provided three kinds of wagering
setting operation region 81 for designating "1", "5", and "10" in
the gaming machine 1. Accordingly, a wagering amount corresponding
to any one of "1", "5", and "10" can be set and wagered upon a
designated pay line by touching a part of the touch panel 11 where
a desired wagering setting operation region 81 is located.
[0062] The credit amount display part 82 is a display part for
displaying amount of credits (gaming values) the player of the
target console 4 currently holds. The payout amount display part 83
is a display part for displaying payout amount awarded to the
player through a unit game.
[0063] Next, there will be described a playing method of the gaming
machine 1 directed to the present embodiment. The player who
desires to play a game with the gaming machine 1 is seated in front
of a console 4, designates a play line among the pay line (A)
through the pay line (E) by operating the pay line designation
operation regions 80 and carries out wagering operation to wager
upon the pay line designated by touching a wagering setting
operation region 81.
[0064] Timing to carry out the wagering operation may be any time
during a unit game execution period and it does not matter whether
it is in a general wagering period or a game execution period.
[0065] During a game execution period, varying display of symbols
46 is carried out at the symbol display part 7 in the communal
display 20. Per reel display region, varying-stopped display of
symbols 46 is carried out in the order from the first reel display
region 23 to the fifth reel display region 27 with a predetermined
length of time being taken (S6 through S10).
[0066] When symbols 46 are stopped and displayed in all of the
symbol display regions 31 through 45 constituting the symbol
display part 7, prize judgment is made with respect to each pay
line and a payout is awarded to each console 4 which participated
in the game in accordance with prize judgment result.
[0067] It is to be noted that a payout table used at the timed of
the prize judgment is a payout table determined among the first
payout table through the fifth payout table in accordance with
wagering operation timing.
[0068] Next, there will be described a control system of the gaming
machine 1 directed to the present embodiment by referring to
drawings. FIG. 7 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating the
control system of the gaming machine 1 directed to the present
embodiment.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 7, the gaming machine 1 comprises a game
controller 50, the plurality of consoles 4, the communal display 20
and various peripheral devices.
[0070] The game controller 50 essentially comprises a game control
unit 55. The game control unit 55 consists of a CPU 56, a ROM 57,
and a RAM 58. The ROM 57 stores various programs for executing
processing required to control the entirety of the gaming machine
1, data tables and the like. That is, in the ROM 57, there are
stored a main control program (see FIG. 11), a wagering accept
processing program (see FIG. 12), and a first payout table through
a fifth payout table. The CPU 56 is a processing unit for executing
various control programs and serves as the nerve center of control
under the game control unit 55. The RAM 58 is a memory for
temporarily storing various data processed by the CPU 56.
[0071] Through an I/O interface 61, the game control unit 5 is
connected to an LED driving circuit 59, a communication interface
60, a sound control circuit 62 and an image control circuit 63.
[0072] The LED driving circuit 59 is connected to the LEDs 22,
whereby flashing manner of the LEDs 22 as game effects are changed
depending on game progress in accordance with control of the game
controller 50. The communication interface 60 is connected to a
communication interface 74 of each console 4 which constitutes a
part of the gaming machine 1. That is, the communication interface
60 is an interface for transmitting data and signals between the
game control unit 55 and each console 4. The sound control circuit
62 is connected to the speakers 21 so as to control the speakers 21
to output predetermined music and a sound effect in accordance with
the control of the game controller 50.
[0073] The image control circuit 63 is connected to the communal
display 20 and serves as a control circuit for displaying images in
the communal display 20 in accordance with processing result of the
CPU 56. That is, varying display and varying-stopped display of
symbols 46 in the communal display 20 is carried out by the image
control circuit 63 along game progress.
[0074] Next, there will be described a control system of each
console 4 which constitutes a part of the gaming machine 1 by
referring to drawings. FIG. 10 is an exemplary diagram illustrating
the control system of the console 4.
[0075] As shown in FIG. 10, the control system of the console 4
comprises a console control unit 65 which is essential to the
system, a CPU 66, ROM 67 and RAM 68.
[0076] The ROM 67 stores various programs for executing processing
required to control the console 4, data tables and the like. That
is, the ROM 67 stores a main control program of the console 4 (see
FIG. 15) and such like various control programs.
[0077] The CPU 66 is a processing unit for executing a control
program stored in the ROM 67. That is, the CPU 66 serves as the
nerve center of control relating to wagering processing, payout
processing and the like.
[0078] The RAM 68 is a memory for temporarily storing various data.
To be more specific, the RAM 68 stores data processed by the CPU
66, namely, amount of credits currently stocked in the console 4, a
wagering target selected by the player, amount of wagering (the
amount of credits) wagered upon the wagering target and the
like.
[0079] Through the I/O interface 69, the console control unit 65 is
connected to a display driving circuit 70, a touch panel driving
circuit 71, a hopper driving circuit 72, a payout completion signal
circuit 73 and a communication interface 74.
[0080] The display driving circuit 70 is connected to the liquid
crystal display 10 installed in the console 4. That is, the display
driving circuit 70 is a circuit for executing display control of
the liquid crystal display 10. Accordingly, what is displayed in
the liquid crystal display 10 is controlled by the console control
unit 65 and the display driving circuit 70.
[0081] The touch panel driving circuit 71 is connected to the touch
panel 11 provided on a front face of the liquid crystal display 10.
That is, the touch panel driving circuit 71 is a circuit for
transmitting an operation signal to the console control unit 65
when an operation on the touch panel 11 is made. Thereby, the
console control unit 65 can detect an operation made on the touch
panel 11 in case a wagering screen and is displayed in the liquid
display 10.
[0082] The hopper driving circuit 72 is a circuit for controlling
driving manner of the hopper 75 connected to the hopper driving
circuit 72 in accordance with a control signal from the console
control unit 65. The payout completion signal circuit 73 is a
circuit for transmitting a payout completion signal to the console
control unit 65 when coins to be paid out to the coin payout
opening 15 are detected by the coin detecting unit 76 and
predetermined number of coins are detected. Accordingly, at the
console 4, predetermined number of coins depending on a game result
can be paid out in accordance with an operation with the operation
buttons 12.
[0083] The communication interface 74 is connected to the
communication interface 60 of the game controller 50. Since the
communication interface 60 is connected to the game control unit
55, as described, the communication interface 74 transmits data and
signals between to the console 4 and the game control unit 55.
[0084] Next, there will be described various control programs to be
executed for the gaming machine 1 directed to the present
embodiment by referring to drawings.
[0085] Firstly, there will be described a main control program to
be executed by the game control unit 55 of the gaming machine 1.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the main control program for the game
control unit 55 of the gaming machine 1.
[0086] As shown in FIG. 11, when the power of the gaming machine 1
is turned on, the game control unit 55 firstly carries out an
initialization processing (S1). At the initialization processing
(S1), processing to initialize contents stored in the RAM 58,
various peripheral devices and the like is carried out. After a
termination of the initialization processing (S1), the game control
unit 55 goes on to a processing at S2.
[0087] Going on to S2, the game control unit 55 commences a unit
game. That is, the game control unit 55 commences measurement with
a clock signal constituting a part of the game control unit 55 to
commence a general wagering period (see FIG. 1). After commencing
the general wagering period of a unit game, the game control unit
55 goes on to a processing at S3.
[0088] Going on to S3, the game control unit 55 refers to the clock
circuit and judges whether or the general wagering period has
terminated. In case it is judged that the general wagering period
has terminated (S3: YES), the game control unit 55 goes to a
processing at S4. In case it is judged that the general wagering
period has not terminated (S3: NO), the game control unit 55
returns to the processing at S3 and holds processing until the
general wagering period terminates.
[0089] Going on to S4, the game control unit 55 executes a game
result determination processing. The game result determination
processing (S4) is to determine game result of a unit game. That
is, at S4, the game control unit 55 determines fifteen symbols 46
to be stopped and displayed in the symbol display regions 31
through 45 constituting the symbol display part 7.
[0090] To be more specific, the game control unit 55 executes a
lottery program stored in the ROM 57 and extracts a random number
value from a predetermined random number value range. Further on,
the game control unit 55 determines symbols 46 to be stopped and
displayed in symbol display regions constituting respective reel
display regions in accordance with the extracted random number
value and along symbol columns corresponding to the respective reel
display regions 23 through 27. Thereby, symbols 46 to be stopped
and displayed in fifteen symbol display regions constituting the
symbol display part 7 are determined.
[0091] After determining symbols 46 to be stopped and displayed in
the symbol display regions 31 through 45 and storing the game
result in the RAM 58, the game control unit 55 goes on to a
processing at S5.
[0092] Next, the game control unit 55 sets a value of a counter N
to "0" (S5) and commences varying display of symbols 46 in the
symbol display part 7 (S6). It is to be noted that the counter N
indicates the number of already terminated wagering periods out of
a first wagering period through a fifth wagering period and the
number of reel display regions where symbols 46 are already stopped
and displayed. The counter N is included in the RAM 58.
[0093] Furthermore, varying display of symbols 46 at S7 is carried
out per symbol column associated with each reel display region.
[0094] When varying display of symbols 46 in the symbol display
part 7 is commenced, the game control unit 55 goes on to a
processing at S7.
[0095] Going on to S7, the game control unit 55 judges whether or
not a predetermined length of time has terminated. To be more
specific, the game control unit 55 refers to the clock circuit
constituting the game control unit 55 and detects whether or not a
wagering period (i.e., time ta or time tb) has passed, whereby the
judgment at S7 is made. For example, provided that it is in a first
wagering period, the game control unit 55 judges whether or not a
time ta has passed at S7. Furthermore, provided that it is in a
fourth wagering period, the game control unit 55 judges whether or
not a time td, termination time of the fourth wagering period, has
passed.
[0096] In case the predetermined length of time has passed (S7:
YES), the game control unit 55 goes on to a processing at S8. In
case the predetermined length of time has not passed yet (S7: NO),
the game control unit 55 returns to the processing at S7 and holds
the processing until the predetermined length of time passes.
[0097] When the predetermined length of time passes, the game
control unit 55 adds "1" to the current value of the counter N in
the RAM 58 (S8). After that, the game control unit 55 stops varying
display of symbols 46 in a reel display region corresponding to the
renewed value of the counter N and displays three symbols 46
determined at the game result determination processing (S4) in
three symbol display regions constituting the corresponding reel
display region, respectively (S9).
[0098] In case of N=1, "a reel display region corresponding to a
value of the counter N is the first reel display region 23 and in
case of N=2, it is the second reel display region 24. Similarly,
the value of "N" corresponds to the third reel display region 25,
the fourth reel display region 26 and the fifth reel display region
27 in respective cases of N=3, 4 and 5.
[0099] By specifying a reel display region in accordance with the
value of the counter N, the game control unit 55 can specify symbol
display regions constituting the target reel display region.
Furthermore, at the game result determination processing (S4), a
single symbol 46 is associated with each of the fifteen symbol
display regions. Accordingly, the game control unit 55 is capable
of specifying symbols 46 stopped and displayed in symbol display
regions constituting the target reel display region and displaying
the determined symbols 46 there.
[0100] After stopping and displaying symbols 46 determined at the
game result determination processing (S4) in the reel display
region corresponding to the value of the counter N, the game
control unit 55 goes on to a processing at S10.
[0101] Going on to S10, the game control unit 55 refers to the
counter N in the RAM 58 and judges whether or not the value of the
counter N is "5". The case that the value of the counter N is "5"
corresponds to a situation that symbols 46 determined at the game
result determination processing (S4) are stopped and displayed in
the fifth reel display region. That is, at S10, it is judged
whether or not symbols 46 are stopped and displayed in all of the
symbol display regions constituting the symbol display part 7.
[0102] In case the value of the counter N is "5" (S10: YES), the
game control unit 55 goes on to a processing at S11. In case the
value of the counter N is not "5" (S10: NO), the game control unit
55 returns to the processing at S7.
[0103] Going on to S11, the game control unit 55 executes a prize
judgment processing. The prize judgment processing (S11) is to
judge whether or not symbols 46 stopped and displayed in symbol
display regions of each pay line, determined in accordance with the
game result determination processing (S4), coincides with a winning
symbol combination (see FIG. 6 and FIG. 14). After making prize
judgment per pay line, the game control unit 55 stores the prize
judgment result in the RAM 58 and goes on to a processing at
S12.
[0104] Going on to S12, the game control unit 55 executes payout
contents determination processing. At the payout contents
determination processing (S12), the game control unit 55 determines
payout contents to be awarded to consoles 4 which participated in
the slot game in accordance with wagering information and the prize
judgment result obtained at the prize judgment processing
(S11).
[0105] It is to be noted that wagering information is transmitted
from the console 4 per wagering operation (S53) and stored in the
RAM 58 along wagering acceptance processing to be described later
(S24). Furthermore, the wagering information consists of wagering
target (i.e., pay line), the number of wagering and payout table
data. The payout table data are data to be determined by the
wagering acceptance processing program and indicate any one the
first payout table through the fifth payout table. That is, at the
payout contents determination processing (S12), the game control
unit 55 determines payout contents per wagering operation unit in
accordance with prize judgment result, wagering target, the number
of wagering and payout table of the payout table data to be applied
along the wagering information (e.g., the third payout table).
[0106] After determining payout contents to all of wagering
information stored in the RAM 58, the game control unit 55
transmits payout data to each console 4 which transmitted its
wagering information. Receiving payout data, the console 4 can
award payout to the player depending on the wagering operation.
[0107] After terminating the payout contents determination
processing (S12), the game control unit 55 returns to the
processing at S2, whereby the gaming machine 1 can commence a new
unit game.
[0108] Next, there will be described the wagering acceptance
processing program to be executed for the game control unit 55 of
the gaming machine 1 by referring to drawings. FIG. 12 is a
flowchart of the wagering acceptance processing program.
[0109] It is to be noted that the wagering acceptance processing
program is executed by the game control unit 55 in parallel to the
afore-mentioned main control processing program.
[0110] When the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned on, similar
to the main control processing program, the game control unit 55
commences execution of the wagering acceptance processing program
and judges whether or not to have received wagering information
(wagering target and the number of wagering) from each console 4
constituting a part of the gaming machine 1. In case of receiving
wagering information from the console 4 (S21: YES), the game
control unit 55 goes on to a processing at S22. In case of not
receiving wagering information (S21: NO), the game control unit 55
terminates the wagering acceptance program.
[0111] After terminating the wagering acceptance processing
program, the game control unit 55 commences execution of the
wagering acceptance processing program again. That is, the wagering
acceptance program is executed repeatedly as long as the power of
the gaming machine 1 is being supplied.
[0112] Receiving wagering information from the console 4 (S21:
YES), the game control unit 55 refers to the clock circuit and
specifies a point in time to receive the wagering information.
After storing wagering information in the RAM 58 together with
accept-time data indicating the point in time to receive the
wagering information, the game control unit 55 goes on to a
processing at S23.
[0113] Going on to the processing at S23, the game control unit 55
executes a payout table determination processing. At the payout
table determination processing (S23), the game control unit 55
determines a payout table to be applied to the wagering information
among the first payout table through the fifth payout table in
accordance with the accept-time data.
[0114] As described, in the gaming machine 1 of the present
embodiment, there are defined five kinds of payout tables, namely,
the first payout table through the fifth payout table (see FIG. 1
and FIG. 6). As shown in FIG. 13, the first payout table through
the fifth payout table are defined to have different payout rate of
"100%", "60%", "40%", "20%" and "10%", respectively, in the order
from the first payout table to the fifth payout table.
[0115] In this regard, there will be described the matter of payout
rate difference among the five payout tables by taking the first
payout table of "100%" payout rate and the fourth payout table of
"20%" payout rate as an example.
[0116] As shown in FIG. 6, according to the first payout table, it
is defined to award "100" as payout for "a winning symbol
combination including two SEVEN symbols stopped and displayed on a
pay line". On the other hand, according to the fourth payout table
shown in FIG. 14, it is defined to award "20" as payout for the
above specified winning symbol combination. That is, the payout for
the winning symbol combination defined with the fourth payout table
is 20% of the payout for the same winning symbol combination
defined with the first payout table.
[0117] As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 14, payouts for all winning
symbol combinations defined with the fourth payout table are
defined to be 20% of the payouts for all of the corresponding
winning symbol combinations defined with the first payout table.
Accordingly, the payout rate defined with the fourth payout table
is 20% of the payout rate defined with the first payout table.
[0118] It is to be noted that, similar to the case of the fourth
payout table, payout rate of the second payout table, that of the
third payout table and that of the fifth payout table are defined
to be respectively predetermined rate of that of the first payout
table. That is, as to the second payout table, the third payout
table and fifth payout table, payout rate of each winning symbol
combination are defined to be predetermined percentage ("60%",
"40%", "10%") of that of the first payout table.
[0119] There will be described a payout table determination
processing (S23) in detail by referring to drawings. As shown in
FIG. 1 and FIG. 13, the first payout table through the fifth payout
table are associated with a general wagering period, a first
wagering period through a five wagering period. To be more
specific, a general wagering period and a first wagering period are
associated with the first payout table, and the second wagering
period is associated with the second payout table. In this regard,
the third wagering period, the fourth wagering period and the fifth
wagering period are associated with the third payout table, the
fourth payout table and the fifth payout table, respectively.
[0120] Accordingly, at the payout table determination processing
(S23), the game control unit 55 can detect "when the target
wagering information was generated" by referring to accept-time
data included in wagering information the game control unit 55 has
received. Thereby, the game control unit 55 can determine a payout
table corresponding to the receipt time of the target wagering
information from the first payout table through the fifth payout
table and make payout table data of the determined payout table
associated with the target wagering information.
[0121] For example, in case of receiving certain wagering
information during a third wagering period, i.e., between the time
tc and the time td, the game control unit 55 associates the target
wagering information with the payout table data directed to the
third payout table.
[0122] After determining a payout table to be associated with
accept-time data, the game control unit 55 associates the target
wagering information with payout table data of the determined
payout tale and goes on to a processing at S24.
[0123] After terminating the payout table determination processing
(S23), the game control unit 55 adds the payout table data
associated with the target wagering information to the wagering
information and stores the wagering information inclusive of the
added payout table data in the RAM 58. It is to be noted that
wagering information includes identification data for identifying a
console 4 which has transmitted the target wagering
information.
[0124] After storing the wagering information in the RAM 58, the
game control unit 55 terminates the wagering acceptance processing
program. After terminating the wagering acceptance processing
program, the game control unit 55 commences execution of the
wagering acceptance processing program again. Thereby, the gaming
machine 1 is capable of accepting wagering operation of each
console 4 constantly as long as the main control processing program
is being executed by the game control unit 55.
[0125] Next, there will be described a main control processing
program to be executed for each console 4 in detail by referring to
drawings. FIG. 15 is a flow chart of a control processing program
to be executed for the console 4.
[0126] When the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned on, the
console control unit 65 firstly causes the liquid crystal display
10 to display a wagering screen (see FIG. 9) through the display
driving circuit 70 (S51). After that, the console control unit 65
goes on to a processing at S52.
[0127] Going on to the processing at S52, the console control unit
65 judges whether or not a wagering operation has been carried out
by the player. To be more specific, the console control unit 65
makes the judgment on S52 in accordance with presence/absence of
operation signals from touch panel 11 corresponding to touched
locations of the pay line designation operation regions 80 and the
wagering setting operation regions 81. In case a wagering operation
has been carried out (S52: YES), the console control unit 65 adds
identification data of the target console 4 to the wagering
information (wagering target, the number of wagering) determined in
accordance with the target wagering operation and transmits the
wagering information to the game control unit 55 (S53). After
transmitting the target wagering information to the game control
unit 55, the console control unit 65 goes on to a processing at
S54. In case a wagering operation has not been carried out (S52:
NO), the console control unit 65 goes on to the processing at S54
skipping the processing at S53.
[0128] At S54, the console control unit 65 judges whether or not to
have received payout data. The target payout data here corresponds
to payout data transmitted from the game control unit 55 at S12 and
indicates payout contents determined in accordance with a payout
table corresponding to timing of the wagering operation, wagering
information and game result.
[0129] In case of having received payout data transmitted from the
game control unit 55 (S54: YES), the console control unit 65 adds
payout based on the associated payout data to credits stored in the
RAM 68. Furthermore, the console control unit 65 causes the liquid
crystal display 10 to display a game result screen (not shown) in
accordance with the target payout data through the display driving
circuit 70 (S55). After causing the liquid crystal display 10 to
display the game result screen, the console control unit 65 goes on
to a processing at S56. In case of no having received the payout
data transmitted from the game control unit 55 (S54: NO), the
console control unit 65 goes on to the processing at S56.
[0130] Going to the processing at S56, the console control unit 65
judges whether or not a payout operation has been carried out. To
be more specific, the console control unit 65 carries out judgment
on S56 in accordance with presence/absence of a receipt of an
operation signal from one of the operation buttons 12.
[0131] In case a payout operation has been carried out by the
player (S56: YES), the console control unit 65 carries out a payout
processing (S57). In case a payout operation has not been carried
out by the player (S56: NO), the console control unit 65 returns to
the processing at S51.
[0132] At the payout processing (S57), the console control unit 65
carries out a processing to payout coins corresponding to credit
amount stored in the RAM 68 to the coin payout opening 15. After
terminating the payout processing (S57), the console control unit
65 returns to the processing at S51 to cause the liquid crystal
display 10 to display a wagering screen again.
[0133] Since the processing is return to S51, the player can carry
out a new wagering operation to the slot game with the console
4.
[0134] As described so far, according to the gaming machine 1 and
the playing method of the gaming machine 1 directed to the present
embodiment, participation in a unit game in a form of wagering
operation with the console 4 is acceptable while the slot game in
the gaming machine 1 is being executed. Accordingly, the player can
participate in and enjoy the slot game constantly without
participation restriction depending on game progress of the slot
machine. That is, the gaming machine 1 and the playing method of
the gaming machine 1 directed to the present embodiment is thus
capable of providing players with convenience of "free game
participation timing".
[0135] Additionally, in the gaming machine 1 and the playing method
of the gaming machine 1 directed to the present embodiment, an
appropriate payout table is determined among plural payout tables
of different payout rate at the payout table determination
processing (S23) depending on wagering operation timing (i.e., time
when receiving wagering information). Payout contents of the target
wagering information are determined in accordance with the
determined payout table (S12) and the payout is awarded to the
player (S54, S57).
[0136] That is, since payout contents to be awarded for certain
game result are variously changed depending on wagering operation
timing, the gaming machine 1 and the playing method of the gaming
machine 1 directed to the present embodiment is capable of
providing players with "variety of payout contents depending on
game result".
[0137] Additionally, in the gaming machine 1 and the playing method
of the gaming machine 1 directed to the present embodiment, an
appropriate payout table is determined among the first payout table
through the fifth payout table at the payout table determination
processing (S23) depending on wagering operation timing, and payout
is awarded in accordance with the determined payout table. At the
payout table determination processing (S23), as the wagering
operation timing is later, a lower-payout-rated payout table is
applied to the target wagering information.
[0138] In the slot game executed with the gaming machine 1, every
time a predetermined length of time terminates, varying display of
symbols 46 in each reel display region is stopped sequentially in
the order from the first reel display region 23 to the fifth reel
display region. That is, a game result is sequentially informed of
the players along a lapse of a predetermined length of time.
[0139] As described, the player can participate in the slot game
any time by means of wagering operation. Therefore, the player can
also participate in the target unit game at a stage in which
symbols 46 have been stopped and displayed in plural reel display
regions (e.g., the first reel display region 23 through the fourth
reel display region 26). In this case, since a part of the game
result has already been informed of the player, the player can
predict a pay line which is likely to have a winning symbol
combination judging from already stopped and displayed symbols 46.
Accordingly, by delaying wagering operation timing, the player can
win a payout more easily in comparison with early wagering
operation carried out when varying of symbols 46 is just
commenced.
[0140] In this regard, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 14, each of the
first payout table through the fifth payout table is associated
with stop and display timing of symbols 46 in each reel display
region. Accordingly, the payout table determination processing
(S24) is carried out such that as wagering operation timing is made
later, a lower-payout-rated payout table is associated with the
wagering operation.
[0141] Accordingly, payout in accordance with a high-payout-rated
payout table is awarded to a player who carried out a wagering
operation when a unit game just commenced whereas payout in
accordance with a low-payout-rated payout table is awarded to a
player who carried out a wagering operation when a predetermined
length of time passed from commencement of the game where winning
of payout is easier.
[0142] That is, in the gaming machine 1, an appropriate payout
table is selected among plural payout tables of different payout
rate depending on game progress (i.e., stage of already-informed
game result). Thereby, the gaming machine 1 is capable of
preventing "difference of difficulty to win a payout depending on
game progress", a negative part which is caused in case of allowing
players to participate in a unit game any time. Furthermore, the
gaming machine 1 is capable of providing players who participate in
a game with plural consoles 4 with joy of game under the sense of
fairness without arising sense of unfairness among players who
participated in the unit game at different timing.
[0143] Furthermore, according to the gaming machine 1 directed to
the present embodiment, an appropriate payout table is selected
from plural payout tables (first payout table through fifth payout
table) respectively predefined with different payout rate.
Therefore, appropriate payout contents depending on wagering timing
can be determined without processional burden on the game control
unit 55.
[0144] It is to be noted that the present invention is not
restricted to the above-described embodiment but, not to mention,
it can be variously improved and changed within the scope not
departing from the subject matter thereof.
[0145] For example, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment
is a gaming machine for executing so-called slot game. However,
kind of game is not restricted to slot game. That is, games for the
inventive gaming machine may be any kinds of games of which game
result is informed of players with sequential step. Horse race game
(e.g., game in which order of race horses' arrival is the wagering
target), and the like can be applied to the game.
[0146] As to the slot game executed with the gaming machine 1
directed to the present embodiment, the first reel display region
23 through the fifth reel display region 27 are sequentially
stopped and displayed so as inform players of game result with
sequential step. The number of sequential steps to inform of game
result may be any plural number. That is, the present invention is
applicable to various games such as so-called three-reel slot game
and the like.
[0147] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the first reel
display region 23 through the fifth reel display region 27 are
sequentially stopped and displayed in the order from the first reel
display region. However, the order for the reel display region to
stop and display can be determined freely. For example, the order
for the reel display region to stop and display symbols 46 can be
determined randomly so that game result should be informed with
sequential step in accordance with the determined order.
[0148] In the present embodiment, the payout table determination
processing (S23) and the payout contents determination processing
(S12) are executed by the game control unit 55. However, it is also
possible to make the console control unit 65 execute the above
specified processing. In that case, a wagering target and the
number of wagering are stored in the RAM 68 of a console 68, and
specifying of the wagering operation timing and determination of a
payout table to be applied to the wagering are carried out by at
the end of the console 4. Accordingly, the console control unit 65
can determine appropriate payout contents by only receiving game
result from the game control unit 55, whereby load due to
communicational processing between the game control unit 55 and the
console control unit 65 can be lessened.
* * * * *