U.S. patent application number 12/056843 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-02 for gaming machine selecting and displaying terminal device capable of obtaining special payout and playing method thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to Aruze Corp.. Invention is credited to Katsuhiro KIDO.
Application Number | 20080242390 12/056843 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39795366 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080242390 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KIDO; Katsuhiro |
October 2, 2008 |
GAMING MACHINE SELECTING AND DISPLAYING TERMINAL DEVICE CAPABLE OF
OBTAINING SPECIAL PAYOUT AND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF
Abstract
A gaming machine awards a base payout based on an execution
result of a game and a game value bet, for stations 4 each of which
receives a special payout target and awards a payout. Based on the
bets in the respective stations 4, a possible target for a special
payout is set. When a possible target is set, the image data is
displayed on a special payout symbol indicator 62 so as to specify
the station 4 of the possible target. A special payout target is
randomly selected from the possible targets and is displayed on a
bonus win indicator 63, and a special payout is awarded in the
station 4.
Inventors: |
KIDO; Katsuhiro; (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: |
39795366 |
Appl. No.: |
12/056843 |
Filed: |
March 27, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/16 ;
463/27 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3276 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/16 ;
463/27 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 2, 2007 |
JP |
2007-096352 |
Claims
1. A gaming machine comprising: a gaming machine main body that
executes a game; a plurality of terminal devices each of which
receives a bet for the game and awards a payout; a display device
that displays image data relating to the game; and a controller
operates: (a1) to award to each terminal device a base payout based
on an execution result of the game and a game value bet; (a2) to
determine whether to set each of the terminal devices as a possible
target for a special payout, based on the respective bets in the
terminal devices; (a3) when the possible target is set, to output
the image data to the display device so as to specify the terminal
device as the possible target; (a4) to randomly select a special
payout target from a group of one or more possible targets; and
(a5) to award a special payout in the terminal device of the
special payout target.
2. A gaming machine comprising: a roulette unit that executes a
roulette game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having a plurality
of marks disposed thereon; a plurality of terminal devices each of
which has a plurality of bet areas corresponding to at least one
mark, and receives a bet on the bet areas and awards a payout; a
display device that displays image data relating to the roulette
game; and a controller operates: (b1) to set, as a win mark, a mark
corresponding to a stop position of the ball after the ball rolls
in the roulette unit; (b2) to award to each terminal device a base
payout, based on a payout rate set for a bet area corresponding to
the win mark and a game value bet on the bet area; (b3) to
determine whether to set each of the terminal devices as a possible
target for a special payout, based on the respective bets in the
terminal devices; (b4) when the possible target is set, to output
the image data to the display device so as to specify the terminal
device of the possible target; (b5) to randomly select a special
payout target from a group of one or more possible targets; and
(b6) to award a special payout in the terminal device of the
special payout target.
3. A gaming machine comprising: a roulette unit that executes a
roulette game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having a plurality
of marks disposed thereon; a plurality of terminal devices each of
which has a plurality of bet areas corresponding to at least one
mark, and receives a bet on the bet areas and awards a payout; a
display device that displays image data relating to the roulette
game; and a controller operates: (c1) to set, as a win mark, a mark
corresponding to a stop position of the ball after the ball rolls
in the roulette unit; (c2) to award to each terminal device a base
payout based on a payout rate set for a bet area corresponding to
the win mark and a game value bet on the bet area; (c3) to
calculate a summed value of game values bet in the respective
terminal devices, respectively; (c4) to set, as a possible target,
a terminal device having the summed value of the game values, which
is a predetermined value or more, (c5) when the possible target is
set, to output the image data to the display device so as to
specify the terminal device of the possible target; (c6) to
randomly select a special payout target from one or more possible
targets; and (c7) to award a special payout in the terminal device
of the special payout target.
4. A gaming machine comprising: a roulette unit that executes a
roulette game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having a plurality
of marks disposed thereon; a plurality of terminal devices each of
which has a plurality of bet areas corresponding to at least one
mark, and receives a bet on the bet areas and awards a payout; a
display device that displays image data relating to the roulette
game; and a controller that stores, as the image data, a plurality
of types of special payout symbols and operates: (d1) to set, as a
win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball after
the ball rolls in the roulette unit; (d2) to award to each terminal
device a base payout, based on a payout rate set for a bet area
corresponding to the win mark and a game value bet on the bet area;
(d3) to determine whether to set each of the terminal devices as a
possible target for a special payout, based on the respective bets
in the terminal devices; (d4) when the possible target is set, to
randomly select one special payout symbol from the special payout
symbols and to display the one special payout symbol on the display
device; (d5) when the possible target is set, to output the image
data to the display device so as to specify the terminal device of
the possible target; (d6) to randomly select a special payout
target from a group of one or more possible targets; and (d7) to
award a special payout corresponding to the special payout symbol
in the terminal device of the special payout target.
5. A gaming machine comprising: a roulette unit that executes a
roulette game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having a plurality
of marks disposed thereon; a plurality of terminal devices each of
which has a plurality of bet areas corresponding to at least one
mark, and receives a bet on the bet areas and awards a payout; a
display device that is provided to each of the terminal devices and
displays image data relating to the roulette game and the bet
areas; a light transmissive touch panel that is provided to a front
of the display device to be press-operable; and a controller that
stores, as the image data, a plurality of types of special payout
symbols and operates: (e1) to receive a bet on the bet area
corresponding to a pressed location of the touch panel; (e2) to
set, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the
ball after the ball rolls in the roulette unit; (e3) to award to
each terminal device a base payout, based on a payout rate set for
a bet area corresponding to the win mark and a game value bet on
the bet area; (e4) to calculate a summed value of game values bet
in the respective terminal devices, respectively; (e5) to set, as a
possible target, a terminal device having the summed value of the
game values, which is a predetermined value or more, (e6) when the
possible target is set, to randomly select one special payout
symbol from the special payout symbols and to display the one
special payout symbol on the display device; (e7) when the possible
target is set, to output the image data to the display device so as
to specify the terminal device of the possible target; (e8) to
randomly select a special payout target from a group of one or more
possible targets; and (e9) to award a special payout corresponding
to the special payout symbol in the terminal device of the special
payout target.
6. A playing method of a gaming machine, comprising the steps of:
awarding a base payout based on an execution result of a game and a
game value bet, for each of a plurality of terminal devices each of
which receives a bet for a game and awards a payout; setting a
possible target for a special payout, based on the respective bets
in the terminal devices; when the possible target is set,
displaying image data so as to specify a terminal device of the
possible target; randomly selecting a special payout target from a
group of one or more possible targets; and awarding a special
payout in the terminal device of the special payout target.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent
Application No. 2007-096352 filed on Apr. 2, 2007, the entire
disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to a multi participant-type gaming
machine in which several players can take part in a game.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] There has been conventionally known a multi participant-type
gaming machine in which several players make a bet from client
terminals to play a game. For example, the Patent Documents 1, 2
and 3 disclose a gaming machine in which several consoles, a
central controller and a common indicator are associated with each
other. For example, there are US2005/0059474 A1, US2005/0282618 A1
and US2005/0218590 A1.
[0006] There is a gaming machine having a function of awarding a
special payout such as "JACKPOT" so as to further interest a player
in a game, in addition to a base payout based on a game result and
a game value bet. In the conventional multi participant-type gaming
machine, it is needed to provide the gaming machine with a function
of awarding a special payout to a player, so as to further interest
the player in a game.
[0007] An object of the invention is to provide a gaming machine
capable of awarding a special payout in a form suitable for a game
in which several players take part, and a playing method
thereof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the invention provides
a gaming machine comprising: a gaming machine main body (this is
not limited to a roulette unit) that executes a game; a plurality
of terminal devices each of which receives a bet for the game and
awards a payout; a display device that displays image data relating
to the game; and a controller programmed to operate as described in
steps of (a1) to (a5).
[0009] Specifically, the controller operates:
[0010] (a1) to award to each terminal device a base payout based on
an execution result of the game and a game value bet;
[0011] (a2) to determine whether to set each of the terminal
devices as a possible target for a special payout, based on the
respective bets in the terminal devices;
[0012] (a3) when the possible target is set, to output the image
data to the display device so as to specify the terminal device of
the possible target;
[0013] (a4) to randomly select a special payout target from a group
of one or more possible targets; and
[0014] (a5) to award a special payout in the terminal device of the
special payout target.
[0015] According to the above structure, when a possible target for
a special payout is set based on the respective bets in the
terminal devices, the image data is outputted to the display device
so as to specify the terminal device of the possible target. This
enables a player who operates the terminal device of the possible
target to recognize that a special payout will be awarded. As a
result, since it is possible to have a player be aware during a
game that the player stands a chance of winning a special payout in
addition to a base payout depending on a game result, it is
possible to award a special payout in a form suitable for a multi
participant-type game having the terminal devices.
[0016] The invention provides a gaming machine comprising: a
roulette unit that executes a roulette game in which a ball rolls
on a wheel having a plurality of marks disposed thereon; a
plurality of terminal devices each of which has a plurality of bet
areas corresponding to at least one mark, and receives a bet on the
bet areas and awards a payout; a display device that displays image
data relating to the roulette game; and a controller programmed to
operate as described in steps of (b1) to (b6).
[0017] Specifically, the controller operates:
[0018] (b1) to set, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop
position of the ball after the ball rolls in the roulette unit;
[0019] (b2) to award to each terminal device a base payout, based
on a payout rate set for a bet area corresponding to the win mark
and a game value bet on the bet area;
[0020] (b3) to determine whether to set each of the terminal
devices as a possible target for a special payout, based on the
respective bets in the terminal devices;
[0021] (b4) when the possible target is set, to output the image
data to the display device so as to specify the terminal device of
the possible target;
[0022] (b5) to randomly select a special payout target from a group
of one or more possible targets; and
[0023] (b6) to award a special payout in the terminal device of the
special payout target.
[0024] According to the above structure, when a possible target for
a special payout is set based on the respective bets in the
terminal devices, the image data is outputted to the display device
so as to specify the terminal device of the possible target. This
enables a player who operates the terminal device of the possible
target to recognize that a special payout will be awarded. As a
result, since it is possible to have a player be aware during a
game that the player stands a chance of winning a special payout in
addition to a base payout depending on a game result, it is
possible to award a special payout in a form suitable for a multi
participant-type roulette game having the terminal devices.
[0025] The invention provides a gaming machine comprising: a
roulette unit that executes a roulette game in which a ball rolls
on a wheel having a plurality of marks disposed thereon; a
plurality of terminal devices each of which has a plurality of bet
areas corresponding to at least one mark, and receives a bet on the
bet areas and awards a payout; a display device that displays image
data relating to the roulette game; and a controller programmed to
operate as described in steps of (c1) to (c7).
[0026] Specifically, the controller operates:
[0027] (c1) to set, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop
position of the ball after the ball rolls in the roulette unit;
[0028] (c2) to award to each terminal device a base payout based on
a payout rate set for a bet area corresponding to the win mark and
a game value bet on the bet area;
[0029] (c3) to calculate a summed value of game values bet in the
respective terminal devices,
[0030] respectively;
[0031] (c4) to set, as a possible target, a terminal device having
the summed value of the game values, which is a predetermined value
or more,
[0032] (c5) when the possible target is set, to output the image
data to the display device so as to specify the terminal device of
the possible target;
[0033] (c6) to randomly select a special payout target from a group
of one or more possible targets; and
[0034] (c7) to award a special payout in the terminal device of the
special payout target.
[0035] According to the above structure, when a possible target for
a special payout is set based on a summed value of game values bet
in the respective terminal devices, the image data is outputted to
the display device so as to specify the terminal device of the
possible target. This enables a player who operates the terminal
device of the possible target to recognize that a special payout
will be awarded. As a result, since it is possible to have a player
be aware during a game that the player stands a chance of winning a
special payout in addition to a base payout depending on a game
result, it is possible to award a special payout in a form suitable
for a multi participant-type roulette game having the terminal
devices. Furthermore, since it is possible to obtain a lottery
right to the special payout by the bet of a predetermined or more
game value, it is possible to enable to the player to positively
make a bet.
[0036] The invention provides a gaming machine comprising: a
roulette unit that executes a roulette game in which a ball rolls
on a wheel having a plurality of marks disposed thereon; a
plurality of terminal devices each of which has a plurality of bet
areas corresponding to at least one mark, and receives a bet on the
bet areas and awards a payout; a display device that displays image
data relating to the roulette game; and a controller that stores,
as the image data, a plurality of types of special payout symbols
and is programmed to operate as described in steps of (d1) to
(d7).
[0037] Specifically, the controller operates:
[0038] (d1) to set, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop
position of the ball after the ball rolls in the roulette unit;
[0039] (d2) to award to each terminal device a base payout, based
on a payout rate set for a bet area corresponding to the win mark
and a game value bet on the bet area;
[0040] (d3) to determine whether to set each of the terminal
devices as a possible target for a special payout, based on the
respective bets in the terminal devices;
[0041] (d4) when the possible target is set, to randomly select one
special payout symbol from the special payout symbols and to
display the one special payout symbol on the display device;
[0042] (d5) when the possible target is set, to output the image
data to the display device so as to specify the terminal device of
the possible target;
[0043] (d6) to randomly select a special payout target from a group
of one or more possible targets; and
[0044] (d7) to award a special payout corresponding to the special
payout symbol in the terminal device of the special payout
target.
[0045] According to the above structure, when a possible target for
a special payout is set based on the respective bets in the
terminal devices, the image data is outputted to the display device
so as to specify the terminal device of the possible target. This
enables a player who operates the terminal device of the possible
target to recognize that a special payout will be awarded. As a
result, since it is possible to have a player be aware during a
game that the player stands a chance of winning a special payout in
addition to a base payout depending on a game result, it is
possible to award a special payout in a form suitable for a multi
participant-type roulette game having the terminal devices.
[0046] Furthermore, when the possible target is set, one special
payout symbol is randomly selected from the special payout symbols
and is displayed on the display device, so that a player is able to
recognize the contents of a special payout in the form of the
special payout symbol. This further interests the player in a
special payout in the roulette game.
[0047] The invention provides a gaming machine comprising: a
roulette unit that executes a roulette game in which a ball rolls
on a wheel having a plurality of marks disposed thereon; a
plurality of terminal devices each of which has a plurality of bet
areas corresponding to at least one mark, and receives a bet on the
bet areas and awards a payout; a display device that is provided to
each of the terminal devices and displays image data relating to
the roulette game and the bet areas; a light transmissive touch
panel that is provided to a front of the display device to be
press-operable; and a controller that stores, as the image data, a
plurality of types of special payout symbols and is programmed to
operate as described in steps of (e1) to (e9).
[0048] Specifically, the controller operates:
[0049] (e1) to receive a bet on the bet area corresponding to a
pressed location of the touch panel;
[0050] (e2) to set, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop
position of the ball after the ball rolls in the roulette unit;
[0051] (e3) to award to each terminal device a base payout, based
on a payout rate set for a bet area corresponding to the win mark
and a game value bet on the bet area;
[0052] (e4) to calculate a summed value of game values bet in the
respective terminal devices, respectively;
[0053] (e5) to set, as a possible target, a terminal device having
the summed value of the game values, which is a predetermined value
or more,
[0054] (e6) when the possible target is set, to randomly select one
special payout symbol from the special payout symbols and to
display the one special payout symbol on the display device;
[0055] (e7) when the possible target is set, to output the image
data to the display device so as to specify the terminal device of
the possible target;
[0056] (e8) to randomly select a special payout target from a group
of one or more possible targets; and
[0057] (e9) to award a special payout corresponding to the special
payout symbol in the terminal device of the special payout
target.
[0058] According to the above structure, when a possible target for
a special payout is set based on a summed value of game values bet
in the respective terminal devices, the image data is outputted to
the display device so as to specify the terminal device of the
possible target. This enables a player who operates the terminal
device of the possible target to recognize that a special payout
will be awarded. As a result, since it is possible to have a player
be aware during a game that the player stands a chance of winning a
special payout in addition to a base payout depending on a game
result, it is possible to award a special payout in a form suitable
for a multi participant-type roulette game having the terminal
devices.
[0059] Furthermore, since it is possible to obtain a lottery right
to the special payout by the bet of a predetermined or more game
value, it is possible to enable to the player to positively make a
bet. Further, when the possible target is set, one special payout
symbol is randomly selected from the special payout symbols and is
displayed on the display device, so that a player is able to
recognize the contents of a special payout in the form of the
special payout symbol. This further interests the player in a
special payout in the roulette game.
[0060] The invention provides a playing method of a gaming machine,
comprising the steps of: awarding a base payout based on an
execution result of a game and a game value bet, for each of a
plurality of terminal devices each of which receives a bet for a
game and awards a payout; setting a possible target for a special
payout, based on the respective bets in the terminal devices; when
the possible target is set, displaying image data so as to specify
a terminal device of the possible target; randomly selecting a
special payout target from a group of one or more possible targets;
and awarding a special payout in the terminal device of the special
payout target.
[0061] According to the above structure, when a possible target for
a special payout is set based on the respective bets in the
terminal devices, the image data is outputted to the display device
so as to specify the terminal device of the possible target. This
enables a player who operates the terminal device of the possible
target to recognize that a special payout will be awarded. As a
result, since it is possible to have a player be aware during a
game that the player stands a chance of winning a special payout in
addition to a base payout depending on a game result, it is
possible to award a special payout in a form suitable for a multi
participant-type game having the terminal devices.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0062] FIG. 1 illustrates an operating state of a roulette gaming
device;
[0063] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a roulette gaming device;
[0064] FIG. 3 is an external perspective showing a schematic
structure of a roulette gaming device;
[0065] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a roulette wheel;
[0066] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a server;
[0067] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a control system of a
roulette gaming device;
[0068] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a control system of a
station;
[0069] FIG. 8 illustrates a payout management table;
[0070] FIG. 9 illustrates a station management table;
[0071] FIG. 10 illustrates a variable state of a special payout
symbol in a special payout symbol indicator;
[0072] FIG. 11 illustrates a display state of an image display
device;
[0073] FIG. 12 illustrates a display state of an image display
device;
[0074] FIG. 13 illustrates a display state of an image display
device;
[0075] FIG. 14 illustrates a display state of an image display
device;
[0076] FIG. 15 illustrates a display state of an image display
device;
[0077] FIG. 16 is a flow chart of a game process routine that is
performed in a station;
[0078] FIG. 17 is a flow chart of a chance slot process
routine;
[0079] FIG. 18 is a flow chart of a process that is performed in a
server; and
[0080] FIG. 19 is a flow chart of a bonus lottery process.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0081] Hereinafter, a gaming machine and a playing method thereof
according to an embodiment of the invention will be described.
[0082] An embodiment of the invention will be described with
reference to FIGS. 1 to 19. A gaming machine is structured to
obtain a lottery right based on a bet and thus to perform a lottery
while displaying the lottery right obtained. In other words, as
shown in FIG. 1, a gaming machine 101 includes: a gaming machine
main body 102 that executes a game; several terminal devices 103
each of which receives a special payout target and awards a payout;
a display device 104 that displays image data relating to the game;
and a controller 105 of FIG. 2. The controller 105 is configured to
execute a program that operates as described in steps of (a1) to
(a5).
[0083] Specifically, in a step of (a1), the controller awards to
each terminal device 103 a base payout based on an execution result
of a game and a game value bet. In a step of (a2), the controller
determines whether to set each of the terminal devices as a
possible target for a special payout, based on the respective bets
in the terminal devices 103. In a step of (a3), when any one of the
terminal devices 103a is set as the possible target (the terminal
device set as the possible target is hereinafter referred to as
participating terminal 103), the controller outputs the image data
to the display device 104 so as to specify the terminal device 103
possible target as a possible target. In a step of (a4), the
controller randomly selects a special payout target from a group of
possible target one or more possible targets. In a step of (a5),
the controller awards a special payout in the terminal device 103
selected as the special payout target.
[0084] Here, the "gaming machine 101" may be a one player-type or a
multi participant-type. For example, the gaming machine 101 may
include a gaming machine (roulette gaming device 1) that executes a
roulette game and the like, on condition that many players take
part in the game. Furthermore, the gaming machines such as slot
machine in which one player plays a game may be associated with
each other so that via data communication is possible, thereby
constituting a multi participant-type gaming machine.
[0085] The "gaming machine main body 102" may execute a game by
means of a mechanical operation, an electrical operation or a
combination of mechanical and electrical operations, as long as the
game is a multiplayer-type game. The game executed by means of a
mechanical operation can be a game using a roulette unit 3 that
rotates or moves an actual ball or wheel. The game executed by
means of an electrical operation can be a game that virtually
rotating or moving an image of a ball or wheel displayed on a
display device such as liquid crystal display.
[0086] The "terminal device 103" may be a gaming-only terminal
device (station 4) or an information processing device such as a
personal computer used for multiple purposes, as long as it can
receive a bet for a game and award a payout. The "image data" may
be still image data or moving image data. Further, the image data
may be the number of the terminal device 103, a name or face
specifying a player, animals and plants, motif and the like. The
"display device 104" may be provided in each of the terminal
devices 103 or may be a single large screen display shared among
all the terminal devices 103. For example, the display device 104
may include a liquid crystal display device, a CRT (Cathode-Ray
Tube) device, a plasma display device and the like.
[0087] A method of specifying the participating terminal 103
possible target may be a method of outputting the image data of the
number of the terminal device 103 and the like on the display
device 104, or a method of switching an image of a special payout
symbol indicator 62 in the display device 104 of the participating
terminal 103 possible target from a still state to a moving
state.
[0088] The "execution result of a game" is a state where a game
could enter a "win" state as a result of executing a unit game. In
this embodiment, the "execution result of a game" may be also
referred to as a "game result." For example, in a roulette game in
which a ball is rolled on a wheel, an execution result is a mark on
the wheel corresponding to a stop position of the ball. In a slot
game, an execution result is a pattern of symbols stopped after
rearrangement. Note that the "rearrangement" means arranging the
symbols again after dismissing the arrangement of the symbols. The
"arrangement" means a state in which the symbols are visible to an
exterior player.
[0089] The "unit game" is a series of operations from a reception
state of a bet (bet time) to the state where a game could enter a
"win" state (i.e., game time, payout time). For example, in a
roulette game, the unit game includes a bet time for receiving a
bet, a game time during which a ball is rolled and then stopped and
a payout time during which a payout is awarded.
[0090] The "game value" includes a medal, a coin, a gaming ball,
money, bill, a magnetic card and the like. The "base payout" is a
payout that is awarded based on an execution result of a game and a
game value bet. For example, in a roulette game, the game value is
a payout that is determined on the basis of a payout rate, which is
set in a bet area corresponding to a mark (win mark) corresponding
to a stop position of a ball after the ball rolls in a roulette
unit, and a game value bet on the bet area.
[0091] The "special payout" means a bonus that is paid out
irrespective of the game value bet. A JACKPOT may be set as a
special payout. In the mean time, the "JACKPOT" means that some of
the game values bet are subtracted and accumulated and all or a
part of the game values accumulated is awarded when a "win" state
is resulted.
[0092] The "possible target" means a terminal device 103 having
obtained a right for participating in a lottery for the special
payout (hereinafter, lottery right). The lottery right is a right
that is determined by means of a random selection. The possible
target is set based on a bet. A setting type based on a bet may be
a type based on a degree of a game value bet or a type in which a
bet is made on a side bet area provided for a possible target. The
"special payout target" means a terminal device 103 to which a
special payout selected from the possible targets is awarded.
[0093] The gaming machine 101 structured as described above
executes a playing method comprising the steps of awarding a base
payout based on an execution result of a game and a game value bet,
for each of a plurality of terminal devices 103 each of which
receives a bet for a game and awards a payout; setting a possible
target for a special payout, based on the respective bets in the
terminal devices 103; when the possible target is set, displaying
image data so as to specify a terminal device 103 of the possible
target; randomly selecting a special payout target from a group of
one or more possible targets; and awarding a special payout in the
terminal device 103 of the special payout target.
[0094] Thus, according to the gaming machine 101 and the playing
method, when a possible target for a special payout is set based on
the respective bets in the terminal devices 103, the image data is
outputted to the display device so as to specify the terminal
device 103 as the possible target. That way, a player who operates
the terminal device 103 set as the possible target is informed that
the player stands a chance of receiving a special payout. As a
result, since it is possible to have a player be aware during a
game that the player stands a chance of winning a special payout in
addition to a base payout depending on a game result, it is
possible to award a special payout in a form suitable for a multi
participant-type game having the terminal devices 103.
[0095] Further, the gaming machine 101 has such a structure that a
lottery right to a special payout based on a bet for a roulette
game is obtained and a lottery is performed while displaying the
lottery right obtained. In other words, the gaming machine 101
includes: a roulette unit (gaming machine main body 102) that
executes a roulette game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having
marks disposed thereon; terminal devices 103 each of which has
several bet areas corresponding to at least one mark, and receives
a bet on the bet areas and awards a payout; a display device 104
that displays image data relating to the roulette game; and a
controller 105. The controller 105 is configured to execute a
program that operates as described in steps of (b1) to (b6).
[0096] Specifically, in a step of (b1), the controller sets, as a
win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball after
the ball rolls in the roulette unit. In a step of (b2), the
controller awards to each terminal device 103 a base payout based
on a payout rate set for a bet area corresponding to the win mark
and a game value bet on the bet area. In a step of (b3), the
controller determines whether to set each of the terminal devices
103 as a possible target for a special payout, based on the
respective bets in the terminal devices 103. In a step of (b4),
when the possible target is set, the controller outputs the image
data to the display device so as to specify the terminal device 103
of the possible target. In a step of (b5), the controller randomly
selects a special payout target from a group of one or more
possible targets. In a step of (b6), the controller awards a
special payout in the terminal device 103 of the special payout
target.
[0097] According to the above structure, when a possible target for
a special payout is set based on the respective bets in the
terminal devices 103, the image data is outputted to the display
device 104 so as to specify the terminal device 103 of the possible
target. That way, a player who operates the terminal device 103 set
as the possible target is informed that the player stands a chance
of receiving a special payout. As a result, since it is possible to
have a player be aware during a game that the player stands a
chance of winning a special payout in addition to a base payout
depending on a game result, it is possible to award a special
payout in a form suitable for a multi participant-type roulette
game having the terminal devices.
[0098] Furthermore, the gaming machine 101 may have such a
structure that a lottery right for a special payout is obtained by
a bet of a predetermined number or more game value. To be more
specific, the controller 100 may have a structure to execute a
program that operates as described in steps of (c1) to (c6).
[0099] In a step of (c1), the controller sets, as a win mark, a
mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball after the ball
rolls in the roulette unit. In a step of (c2), the controller
awards to each terminal device 103 a base payout based on a payout
rate set for a bet area corresponding to the win mark and a game
value bet on the bet area. In a step of (c3), the controller
calculates a summed value of game values bet placed by the terminal
devices 103, respectively. In a step of (c4), the controller sets,
as a possible target, a terminal device having the summed value of
the game values, which is a predetermined value or more. In a step
of (c5), when the possible target is set, the controller outputs
the image data to the display device 104 so as to specify the
terminal device 103 as a possible target. In a step of (c6), the
controller randomly selects a special payout target from a group of
one or more possible targets. In a step of (c7), the controller
awards a special payout in the terminal device 103 set as the
special payout target.
[0100] According to the above structure, since it is possible to
obtain a lottery right to a special payout by a bet of a
predetermine or more game value as well as to award a special
payout in a form suitable for a multi participant-type roulette
game having the terminal devices 103, it is possible to enable to
the player to positively make a bet.
[0101] Furthermore, the gaming machine 101 may be structured to
have a player be aware of the contents of the special payout by a
special payout symbol. To be more specific, the controller 100 may
be configured to execute a program that operates as described in
steps of (d1) to (d7).
[0102] In a step of (d1), the controller sets, as a win mark, a
mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball after the ball
rolls in the roulette unit. In a step of (d2), the controller
awards to each terminal device 103 a base payout based on a payout
rate set for a bet area corresponding to the win mark and a game
value bet on the bet area. In a step of (d3), the controller
determines whether to set each of the terminal devices 103 as a
possible target for a special payout, based on the respective bets
in the terminal devices 103. In a step of (d4), when the possible
target is set, the controller randomly selects one special payout
symbol among the special payout symbols and displays the one
special payout symbol on the display device 104. In a step of (d5),
when the possible target is set, the controller outputs the image
data to the display device 104 so as to specify the terminal device
103 as the possible target. In a step of (d6), the controller
randomly selects a special payout target from a group of one or
more possible targets. In a step of (d7), the controller awards a
special payout corresponding to the special payout symbol in the
terminal device 103 set as the special payout target.
[0103] According to the above structure, it is possible to award a
special payout in a form suitable for a multi participant-type
roulette game having the terminal devices 103. Furthermore, when a
possible target is set, one special payout symbol is randomly
selected among the special payout symbols and is displayed on the
display device 104, so that a player is able to recognize the
contents of a special payout in the form of the special payout
symbol. This further interests the player in a special payout in
the roulette game.
[0104] (Structure of the Controller 105)
[0105] As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming machine 101 includes: a
roulette unit 3 (main body 102 of the gaming machine) executing a
roulette game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having marks
arranged thereon; terminal devices 103 each of which has several
bet areas corresponding to at least one mark, and receives a bet on
the bet areas and awards a payout; display devices 104 each of
which is provided to each of the terminal devices 103 and displays
image data and bet areas relating to a roulette game; light
transmissive touch panels 50 each of which is provided to a front
side of each display device 104 to be press-operable from an
outside; and a controller 105.
[0106] The controller 105 includes: a special payout symbol memory
121 that stores special payout symbols, as the image data; and a
payout rate memory 115 that stores a bet type and a payout rate.
Further, the controller 105 includes a win mark setting unit 111
that receives a signal from a roulette unit 3. The win mark setting
unit 111 has a function of setting, as a win mark, a mark
corresponding to a stop position of a ball after the ball rolls in
the roulette unit 3.
[0107] Further, the controller 105 includes: a bet receiving unit
112 that receives a terminal signal outputted from the terminal
device 103. The bet receiving unit 112 has functions of receiving a
bet on the bet area corresponding to a pressed location of the
touch panel 50 and extracting the terminal data such as the
terminal number of the terminal device 103, a bet type, a
bet-number (game value) and the like included in a terminal signal.
The bet receiving unit 112 is associated with a bet memory 113. The
bet memory 113 has a function of storing the terminal data
outputted from the bet receiving unit 112. The bet memory 113
outputs a terminal number, a bet type and a bet-number to a base
payout instruction unit 114. Furthermore, the bet memory 113 output
a bet-number to a bet-number summing unit 116.
[0108] The base payout instruction unit 114, to which the terminal
data is inputted from the bet memory 113, receives the terminal
data from the bet memory 113, a win mark from the win mark setting
unit 111 and a bet type and a payout rate from the payout rate
memory 115. The base payout instruction unit 114 has functions of
calculating a base payout based on a payout rate set for a bet area
corresponding to a win mark and a bet-number (game value) bet for
the bet area, and instructing a terminal device corresponding to
the terminal number to award a base payout.
[0109] Further, the bet-number summing unit 116, to which a
bet-number is inputted from the bet memory 113, has a function of
calculating a summed value of the bet-numbers bet in the respective
terminal devices 103. The bet-number summing unit 116 is associated
with a summed bet-number memory 117. The summed bet-number memory
117 has a function of storing a summed value calculated in the
bet-number summing unit 116, correspondingly to the terminal number
of the terminal device 103. The summed bet-number memory 117 is
associated with a possible target setting unit 118. The possible
target setting unit 118 has functions of determining whether a
summed value stored in the summed bet-number memory 117 is a
predetermined value or more and setting the terminal number of the
terminal device, for which it is determined that a summed value is
a predetermined value or more, as a possible target.
[0110] The possible target setting unit 118 outputs a terminal
number of a possible target to a special payout target determining
unit 119 and a special payout symbol determining unit 122. The
special payout target determining unit 119 has a function of
randomly selecting a special payout target from a group of one or
more terminal numbers of the possible targets. In the mean time,
the special payout symbol determining unit 122 has functions of
randomly selecting one special payout symbol among special payout
symbols stored in a special payout symbol memory 121 and outputting
the one special payout symbol on the display device 104 of the
terminal device 103, when a possible target is set.
[0111] The special payout target determining unit 119 and the
special payout symbol determining unit 122 are associated with the
gaming machine main body 102. A special payout instruction unit 120
has a function of instructing the terminal device 103 having a
terminal number of a special payout target inputted from the
special payout target determining unit 119 to award a special
payout corresponding to a special payout symbol from the special
payout symbol determining unit 122.
[0112] Each block of the controller 105 may be embodied in hardware
or software, as required. When each block is embodied in software,
the controller 105 is structured by a program that operates as
described in the steps of (e1) to (e9).
[0113] In a step of (e1), the controller receives a bet on the bet
area corresponding to a pressed location of the touch panel. In a
step of (e2), the controller sets, as a win mark, a mark
corresponding to a stop position of the ball after the ball rolls
in the roulette unit 3. In a step of (e3), the controller awards to
each terminal device 103 a base payout based on a payout rate set
for a bet area corresponding to the win mark and a game value bet
on the bet area. In a step of (e4), the controller calculates a
summed value of bet-numbers (game values) bet in the respective
terminal devices 103, respectively. In a step of (e5), the
controller sets, as a possible target, a terminal device 103 having
the summed value of the game values, which is a predetermined value
or more. In a step of (e6), when the possible target is set, the
controller randomly selects one special payout symbol among the
special payout symbols and displays the one special payout symbol
on the terminal device 103. In a step of (e7), when the possible
target is set, the controller outputs the image data to the display
device 104 so as to specify the terminal device 103 of the possible
target. In a step of (e8), the controller randomly selects a
special payout target from a group of one or more possible targets.
In a step of (e9), the controller awards a special payout
corresponding to the special payout symbol in the terminal device
103 of the special payout target.
[0114] (Operations of the Controller 105)
[0115] An operation of a game controller 100 will be described.
First performed is an operation of a bet time of FIG. 1. On the
display device 104 of the terminal device 103 are displayed image
data and a bet area relating to a roulette game. When a bet on a
bet area corresponding to a pressed location of the touch panel 50
is received, a terminal signal including the terminal data such as
the terminal number of the terminal device 103, a bet type, a
bet-number (game value) and the like is outputted to the bet
receiving unit 112. When the bet receiving unit 112 receives the
terminal signal, the terminal data included in the terminal signal
is stored in the bet memory 113.
[0116] Next, the terminal data of the bet-number stored in the bet
memory 113 is read out by the bet-number summing unit 116. Then, a
summed value of the bet-numbers is calculated. When the calculation
of the summed value of the bet-numbers for all the terminal devices
103 is carried out, the summed value of the bet-numbers is stored
in the summed bet-number memory 117. The possible target setting
unit 118 determines whether the summed value stored in the summed
bet-number memory 117 is a predetermined value or more. When it is
determined that the summed value is a predetermined value or more,
the terminal number having the summed value is set as a possible
target.
[0117] When a possible target is set, the special payout symbol
determining unit 122 randomly selects one special payout symbol
among the special payout symbols stored in the special payout
symbol memory 121. Then, the determined special payout symbol is
displayed on the display device 104 of the terminal device 103. The
detailed display will be described later. Meantime, a state of
selecting a special payout symbol from the several types of the
special payout symbols may be displayed on the display device
104.
[0118] Like this, when a possible target for a special payout is
set on the basis of a summed value of the bet-numbers (game values)
bet in the respective terminal devices 103, the image data is
outputted on the display device 104 so as to specify the terminal
device 103 of the possible target. That way, a player who operates
the terminal device 103 set as the possible target is informed that
the player stands a chance of receiving a special payout. As a
result, since it is possible to have a player be aware during a
game that the player stands a chance of winning a special payout in
addition to a base payout depending on a game result, it is
possible to award a special payout in a form suitable for a multi
participant-type roulette game having the terminal devices 103.
Furthermore, since a lottery right to the special payout can be
obtained by a predetermined or more bet-number, it is possible to
enable to the player to positively make a bet.
[0119] Further, when a possible target is set, the special payout
target determining unit 119 randomly selects a special payout
target from a group of one or more terminal numbers of the possible
targets. The determined special payout target is displayed on the
display device 104 of the terminal device 103. In the mean time,
during a period for which a special payout target is selected, a
premonition image may be displayed on the display device 104. The
specific display will be described later.
[0120] Thus, when a possible target is set, one special payout
symbol is randomly selected from the several types of the special
payout symbols and is displayed on the display device 104, so that
a player is able to recognize the contents of a special payout in
the form of the special payout symbol. This further interests the
player in a special payout in the roulette game.
[0121] Then, an operation is started in the game time from the
middle of the bet time. In the roulette unit 3, a roulette game is
started. In other words, a ball rolls on a wheel having several
marks disposed thereon. Then, when the ball is stopped and the
roulette game is thus over, a mark corresponding to a stop position
of the ball is obtained. The mark is outputted to the win mark
setting unit 111. When the win mark setting unit 111 receives the
mark outputted from the roulette unit 3, it sets the mark as a win
mark. Thus, the game time is over. Meantime, the bet time is over
before the game time is over.
[0122] When the game time is over, an operation is started in a
payout time. The win mark is outputted to the base payout
instruction unit 114. When the win mark is inputted to the base
payout instruction unit 114, the base payout instruction unit 114
obtains the terminal data from the bet memory 113 and the bet type
and the payout rate from the payout rate memory 115. Then, based on
the payout rate set for the bet area corresponding to the win mark
and the bet-number bet on the bet area, a base payout is
calculated. Then, the base payout is paid out in the terminal
device 103 corresponding to the terminal number.
[0123] Further, when the win mark is set in the win mark setting
unit 111, a special payout corresponding to the special payout
symbol of the special payout symbol determining unit 122 is paid
out in the terminal device 103 having the terminal number of the
special payout target inputted from the special payout target
determining unit 119.
[0124] (Mechanical Structure: Schematic Structure)
[0125] In the followings, it will be specifically described a case
where the gaming machine 101 is applied to a roulette gaming device
1. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing a schematic
structure of a roulette gaming device 1 according to an embodiment.
The roulette gaming device 1 has a cabinet 2, a roulette unit 3,
stations 4 and an electric light indicator 5. The cabinet 2 fixes
the roulette unit 2, the stations 4 and the electric light
indicator 5 at predetermined positions and protects a device
equipped therein such as electronic substrate.
[0126] The roulette unit 3 corresponds to the gaming machine main
body 102 shown in FIG. 2 and is disposed substantially at a central
part of the cabinet 2. The stations 4 correspond to the terminal
devices 103 of FIG. 2 and are disposed around the roulette unit 2.
To be more specific, 12 (twelve) stations 4 are disposed to
surround the roulette unit 3. The station 4 serves as a bet unit
for receiving a bet operation of a player and a payout unit for
awarding a medal. The bet operation is an operation that a player
predicting a win number of the roulette unit 3 inputs the contents
such as number corresponding to the predicted win number.
[0127] The electric light indicator 5 has a JP amount indicator 15.
The JP amount indicator 15 is mounted on a top of the electric
light indicator 5. Thus, the JP amount indicator 15 allows all
players who play a game in the stations 4 to see the display
contents.
[0128] The JP amount indicator 15 displays a jackpot (JP) amount
that is a special payout. Here, the roulette gaming device 1
accumulates 0.5% of credits that are bet in a roulette game using a
BET screen 61 in the twelve stations 4 and stores the accumulated
credit as a jackpot. The credit of the jackpot is paid out to a
predetermined station 4 when a special payout is determined by lot.
Meanwhile, the "win" means that a "win" state is resulted.
[0129] Further, the roulette gaming device 1 has a server 13. The
server 13 corresponds to the controller 105 of FIG. 2. The server
13 is disposed at a corner part 12 of the cabinet 2. The server 13
is received in an inner space of the corner part 12. The inner
space of the corner part 12 can be opened/shut by means of a corner
door 14 having an authentication key attached. The corner door 14
is typically shut so that a player cannot operate the server 13. In
the mean time, in the operation of the server 13, the corner door
14 is opened by operating an authentication key. Thus, the server
13 is operated from an outside of the cabinet 2, so that various
settings of the roulette gaming device 1 can be performed.
[0130] (Mechanical Structure: Roulette Unit 3)
[0131] A structure of the roulette unit 3 will be described with
reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the roulette unit 3
according to an embodiment. The roulette unit 3 includes a frame 21
fixed to the cabinet 2 and a wheel 22 disposed at an inner side of
the frame 21. As shown in FIG. 3, an entire upper part of the
roulette unit 3 is covered by means of a hemisphere cover member 28
made of transparent acryl.
[0132] As shown in FIG. 4, the wheel 22 is received in the frame 21
and its upper surface is exposed to an outside. The wheel 22 is
horizontally disposed so that a center axis of rotation thereof is
identical to a vertical direction, and is supported to freely
rotate so that a center point thereof is a rotation center. The
wheel 22 has several numbered pockets 23 (38 pockets in this
embodiment). The numbered pockets 23 are disposed in a ring shape
at a periphery of an upper surface of the wheel 22. Each of the
numbered pockets 23 is shaped in a recess shape having a size and a
depth capable of receiving a ball 27.
[0133] Further, the wheel 22 has several numbered plates 25. The
numbered plates 25 are set same as the numbered pockets 23. The
numbered plates 25 indicate each number of "00", "0", "1" to "36"
as figure letters. Each of the numbered plates 25 is disposed at
the periphery of the respective numbered pockets 23. Thus, the
numbered pockets 23 are given with any number of "00", "0", "1" to
"36" of the numbered plates 25.
[0134] The frame 21 that the wheel 22 is disposed at the center of
the frame is inclined downward at a small degree from the periphery
to the wheel 22. The frame 21 has a guide wall 29. The guide wall
29 is disposed between the periphery of the frame 21 and the wheel
22. The guide wall 29 guides an inserted ball 27 against
centrifugal force, thereby allowing the ball 27 to roll.
[0135] Further, the frame 21 has a ball insertion slot 36. The ball
insertion slot 36 is opened to the wheel 22. The ball insertion
slot 36 is associated with a ball insertion device (not shown) that
is equipped in the frame 21. The ball insertion device is
structured to insert the ball 27 from the ball insertion slot 36
onto the wheel 22.
[0136] Further, the roulette unit 3 has a win determining device 86
of FIG. 6 and a ball collection device (not shown). The win
determining device 86 and the ball collection device are disposed
below the wheel 22. The win determining device 86 is a device for
determining the numbered pocket 23 having received the ball 27.
Further, the roulette unit 3 has the ball collection device that is
not shown. The ball collection device is a device for collecting
the ball 27 on the wheel 22 after a roulette game is over. In the
mean time, since the ball insertion device, the win determining
device and the ball collection device have been already known, the
detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.
[0137] In the roulette unit 3 structured as described above, when a
ball 27 is introduced on the frame 21 by the ball insertion device,
the guide wall 29 guides the ball 27 against the centrifugal force
of the ball 27, thereby enabling the ball 27 to roll. When the
centrifugal force is decreased as the rotation speed of the ball 27
is lowered, the ball 27 is rolled down along the inclined surface
of the frame 21, is moved to the inside and reaches the wheel 22
being rotated. The ball 27, which is rolling-introduced onto the
wheel 22, passes over the numbered plates 25 at the periphery of
the wheel 22 and then is received in any one of the numbered
pockets 23. As a result, the number indicated on the numbered plate
25 corresponding to the numbered pocket 23 having the ball 27
received therein is determined by the win determining device 86, so
that a win number is determined.
[0138] (Mechanical Structure: Server 13)
[0139] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the server 13 according to
this embodiment. Here, FIG. 5 shows a state that the corner door 4
of the corner part 12 is opened.
[0140] The server 13 is equipped in a space 31 opened at a wall
surface of the cabinet 2. The sever 13 is associated with each
station 4. The server 13 transmits a command signal to each of the
stations 4 to initiatively control each station 4, thereby
progressing a game. Further, the server 13 performs a maintenance
operation for the roulette gaming device 1, in addition to the
control of a game of the roulette gaming device 1.
[0141] A liquid crystal display 32 and a keyboard 33 are associated
with the server 13. The liquid crystal display 32 displays a menu
screen (not shown) or maintenance screen (not shown). Further, the
keyboard 33 is an operating means having several keys disposed
thereon. In a state that a menu screen or maintenance screen is
displayed on the liquid crystal display 32, when an operator
operates the keyboard 33, the maintenance operation as well as
various settings in the roulette gaming device 1 can be made.
[0142] (Mechanical Structure: Station 4)
[0143] The station 4 has a medal insertion slot 6, a control unit 7
and an image display device 8. The medal insertion slot 6 is used
to insert money or a game medium used in a game such as chip, medal
and the like. The control unit 7 has several operating parts such
as control button and the like. The operating parts are used to
input an instruction by a player. The image display device 8
displays an image relating to a game and has a game area that
receives a bet operation by a player. Thus, the image display
device 8 enables a player to operate the touch panel or control
unit 7 while seeing an image.
[0144] The control unit 7 is disposed at a side of the image
display device 8. The control unit 7 has buttons each of which is
operated by a player. To be more specific, the control unit 7 has a
BET decision button 47, a cashout button 48 and a help button 49.
The BET decision button 47, the cashout button 48 and the help
button 49 are disposed in an order from left, seen from a position
opposite to the station 4.
[0145] The BET decision button 47 is a button that is pushed when
deciding a bet after a bet operation is carried out by means of the
image display device 8, which will be described later. Then, a bet
is decided, and a "win" state is reached when the bet is made on
the number indicated on the numbered plate 25 corresponding to the
numbered pocket 35 into which a ball 27 is received in the roulette
unit 3 during a game. When a "win" state is reached, the credits
corresponding to the number of chips bet are added to the credits
that a player possesses currently. In the mean time, the bet
operation will be described more specifically.
[0146] The cashout button 48 is a button that is pushed typically
when a game is over. When the cashout button 48 is pushed, the
medals (typically, one medal for one credit), which correspond to
the credits obtained through a game and the like and currently
possessed by a player, are cashed out from a medal payout slot 9.
The help button 49 is a button that is pushed when an operation
method of a game is unclear, for example. When the help button 49
is pushed, a help screen that displays variety of information on
the image display device 8 is displayed.
[0147] The image display device 8 is a liquid crystal display of a
touch panel type having the touch panel 50 attached to a front
thereof. When an icon displayed on the liquid crystal is pushed
with a finger and the like, the icon is selected. The display
screen to be displayed on the image display device will be
specifically described later.
[0148] Further, the respective stations 4 have medal payout slots
9, speakers 10 and WIN lamps 11. The medal payout slots 9 are
disposed at the sides of the cabinet 2. The speakers 10 are
disposed above a right side of the image display device 8. The WIN
lamps 11 are disposed at sides of the speakers 10. The speakers 10
are used to output a music or effect music relating to a roulette
game. The WIN lamps 11 are turned on/off when a number ("00", "0",
"1" to "35" in this embodiment) bet in the station 4 is drawn.
[0149] In the mean time, the WIN lamps 11 are disposed at positions
that can be seen from all the stations 4 (12 stations in this
embodiment). Thus, the WIN lamps 11 enable another player to easily
check a lighting state during the game in the same roulette gaming
device 1.
[0150] A medal sensor (not shown) is provided in the medal
insertion slot 6. The medal sensor validates a medal inserted into
the medal insertion slot 6 and counts the inserted medal. Further,
the medal payout slot 9 is associated with a hopper (not shown).
The hopper pays out a predetermined number of medals from the medal
payout slot 9.
[0151] (Electrical Structure: Server 13)
[0152] FIG. 6 is a block diagram that schematically shows a control
system of a roulette gaming device. As shown in FIG. 6, the
roulette gaming device 1 includes a server 13 and several stations
4 (12 stations in this embodiment) associated with the server 13.
The server 13 is associated with the roulette unit 3 and the
electric light indicator 5. In the mean time, a control system of
the station 4 will be specifically described later.
[0153] Further, the server 13 includes a server control CPU 81
serving as a calculation device performing an entire control and a
control device, a ROM 82 and a RAM 83, a timer 84 associated with
the server control CPU 81, a liquid crystal display 32 associated
with the CPU through a liquid crystal driving circuit 85 and a
keyboard 33.
[0154] The server control CPU 81 executes a variety of processes,
based on input signals supplied from the respective stations 4 and
data or program stored in the ROM 82 and the RAM 83. Thus, the
server control CPU 81 transmits a command signal to the stations 4
based on execution results of the processes to initiatively control
the respective stations 4, thereby progressing a game. Further, the
server control CPU 81 drives a drive motor provided to the roulette
unit 3, thereby shooting a ball 27 or rotating the wheel 22.
Furthermore, the server control CPU 81 controls the win determining
device 86, thereby determining a win number based on a dropped
position of the ball. Then, based on the win number obtained and
the bet information transmitted from the respective stations 4, the
CPU determines a win of the chips bet and calculates the
credit-number to be paid out in each of the stations 4.
[0155] The ROM 82 includes a semiconductor memory, for example. The
ROM 82 stores a program for implementing basic functions of the
roulette gaming device 1, a payout rate for a roulette game (the
number of credits to be paid out per one chip when a "win" state is
reached), a program for initiatively controlling the respective
stations 4, and the like.
[0156] The RAM 83 temporarily stores the bet information of chips
to be supplied from the respective stations 4, a win number of the
roulette unit 3 determined by a sensor, a JP amount that is
accumulated up to now, data relating to a result of a process that
is executed by the server control CPU 81, and the like.
[0157] Further, the server control CPU 81 is associated with the
timer 84 that measures time. The time information of the timer 84
is transmitted to the server control CPU 81. The server control CPU
81 rotates the wheel 22 or introduces the ball 27, based on the
time information of the timer 84, which will be described
later.
[0158] Further, the server control CPU 81 is associated with the
electric light indicator 5. The server control CPU 81 controls
light emission of a light emitting member such as LED to perform an
effect by an electric spectacular and to display predetermined
letters on the electric light indicator 5. Furthermore, the server
control CPU 81 displays the JP amount, which is accumulated up to
now, on the JP amount indicator 15 of the electric light indicator
5.
[0159] Further, the ROM 82 is provided with a payout credit memory
area in which a payout rate relating to a roulette game using the
BET screen 61 is stored. The payout credit memory area stores data
of a bet type or payout rate in a form of a payout management table
shown in FIG. 8. The payout management table will be specifically
described later.
[0160] Furthermore, the RAM 83 is provided with a bet information
memory area in which the bet information of a player who is playing
a game is stored. The bet information memory area stores data of
bet information or possible target in a form of a station
management table shown in FIG. 9. The station management table will
be specifically described later. Further, the RAM 83 is provided
with a win number memory area in which a win number of the roulette
unit 3 determined by the win determining device is stored, a JP
accumulation memory area 83 in which a pool amount having pooled
0.5% of the credits bet on the BET screen 61 is stored, and the
like. In the mean time, the bet information is information about a
bet that is made using the stations 4, such as the bet area 72
displayed on the BET screen 61, the number of bet chips
(bet-number) and bet type.
[0161] (Electrical Structure: Station 4)
[0162] In the followings, a structure of a control system of the
station 4 will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a
control system of the station according to an embodiment. In the
mean time, the twelve stations 4 have a same structure, so that one
station 4 will be described as an example.
[0163] The station 4 includes a station control unit 90 and several
peripheral devices. The station control unit 90 includes a station
control CPU 91, a ROM 92 and a RAM 93. The ROM 92 includes a
semiconductor memory, for example. The ROM 92 stores a program for
implementing basic functions of the station 4, various programs
necessary for controlling the station 4, a data table and the like.
Further, the RAM 93 is a memory that temporarily stores various
data calculated in the station control CPU 91, the number of
credits that are currently possessed by a player (i.e., stored in
the station 4), a bet situation of chips by a player, and the
like.
[0164] Further, the station control CPU 91 is associated with a BET
decision button 47, a cashout button 48 and a help button 49, which
are equipped in the control unit 7. Based on operation signals
outputted as the buttons are pushed, the station control CPU 91
performs a control so as to execute the corresponding operations.
To be more specific, based on an input signal that is supplied from
the control unit 7 as an operation by a player is inputted and the
data or program stored in the ROM 92 and the RAM 93, the station
control CPU executes a variety of processes and transmits the
results thereof to the server control CPU 81. In the mean time, the
station control CPU 91 receives a command signal from the server
control CPU 81, controls the peripheral devices constituting the
station 4 and progresses a roulette game in the station 4. Further,
the station control CPU 91 executes a variety of processes, based
on an input signal that is inputted from the control unit 7 as an
operation by a player is inputted and the data or program stored in
the ROM 92 and the RAM 93, depending on contents of process,
controls the peripheral devices constituting the station 4 based on
the process results and progresses a roulette game in the station
4.
[0165] Further, the station control CPU 91 is associated with a
hopper 94. The hopper 94 pays out a predetermined number of medals
from the medal payout slot 9 in accordance with a command signal
from the station control CPU 91. Furthermore, the station control
CPU 91 is associated with an image display device 8 through a
liquid crystal driving circuit 95. With regard to this, the liquid
crystal driving circuit 95 includes a program ROM, an image ROM, an
image control CPU, a work RAM, a VDP (video display processor), a
video RAM and the like. The program ROM stores an image control
program for display on the image display device 8, a variety of
selection tables and the like.
[0166] Further, the image ROM stores dot data for forming an image
to be displayed on the image display device 8, for example. The
image control CPU determines an image to be displayed on the image
display device 8 from the dot data previously stored in the image
ROM, in accordance with an image control program previously stored
in the program ROM, based on parameters set in the station control
CPU 91. Further, the work RAM includes a temporary memory unit to
be used when the image control program is executed in the image
control CPU. Further, the VDP forms an image relating to contents
of display determined in the image control CPU and outputs the
image on the image display device 8. In the mean time, the video
RAM includes a temporary memory unit to be used when an image is
formed in the VDP.
[0167] Further, a touch panel 50 is attached on a front of the
image display device 8. Operation information of the touch panel 50
is transmitted to the station control CPU 91. On the touch panel
50, a player makes a bet operation with chips in the BET screen 61.
To be more specific, a player operates the touch panel 50 with
regard to a selection of the bet area 72, an operation of a unit
BET button 61 and the like, and the operation information is
transmitted to the station control CPU 91. Based on the
information, the current bet information of a player (a bet area
indicated in the BET screen 61 and the number of chips bet) is
stored in the RAM 93 at all times. Furthermore, the bet information
is transmitted to the server control CPU 81 and is stored in the
bet information memory area of the RAM 83.
[0168] Furthermore, a sound output circuit 96 and a speaker 10 are
associated with the station control CPU 91. The speaker 10
generates a variety of effect sounds when performing various
effects, based on an output signal from the sound output circuit
96.
[0169] Further, a medal sensor 97 is associated with the station
control CPU 91. The medal sensor 97 detects medals inserted from
the medal insertion slot 6, calculates the inserted medals and
transmits a result thereof to the station control CPU 91. The
station control CPU 91 increases the credit-number possessed by a
player, which is stored in the RAM 93, based on the transmitted
signal.
[0170] Further, a WIN lamp 11 is associated with the station
control CPU 91. When the chip bet in the BET screen 61 is
determined to make a win or JP, the station control CPU 91 turns
on/off the WIN lamp 11 in a predetermined color.
[0171] (Data Table)
[0172] In the followings, a payout management table of FIG. 8 will
be described. The data of the payout management table is stored in
the ROM 82 of the server 13 shown in FIG. 6. The payout management
table has a column of numbers, a column of bet types and a column
of payout rates. The data of numbers such as "1", "2", "3" and the
like are stored in the column of numbers. The data showing bet
types such as "Straight", "Split", "Street" and the like are stored
in the column of bet types. The bet types will be specifically
described later. The data showing the payout rates such as "35:1",
"17:1", "11:1" and the like are stored in the column of payout
rates, correspondingly to the bet types. Thus, when a bet is made
in a bet type of "Straight", 35 pieces will be paid out per 1 piece
bet.
[0173] In the followings, a station management table of FIG. 9 will
be described. In the mean time, the data of the station management
table is stored in the RAM 83 of the server 13 shown in FIG. 6. The
station management table has a column of stations, a column of bet
information having a column of bet types and a column of
bet-numbers and a column of possible targets. The column of
stations stores the machine number data inherent to each station 4.
The column of bet types stores the bet type data such as "Straight"
as described above. The column of bet-numbers stores the number of
pieces bet such as "20." The column of possible targets stores the
data showing whether a possible target has a possibility that a
special payout will be awarded thereto. In the mean time, the "1"
in the column of possible targets shows that it is set as a
possible target and "0" shows that it is not set as a possible
target.
[0174] Thus, for example, in the station 4 having a machine number
of "1", a bet is made in the bet type of "Straight" and "Corner", a
bet-number for each bet type is 20 pieces and it is shown the
possible target is "1." Further, in the station 4 having a machine
number of "2", a bet is made in the bet type of "Red", a bet-number
for the bet type is 15 pieces and it is shown the non-possible
target is "0."
[0175] (Display States of the Image Display Device 8)
[0176] In the followings, display states of the image display
device 8 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 10
to 15. FIG. 11 shows a state that a possible target is set and a
special payout symbol is determined by lot, resulting from a
predetermined number or more bet. In a display screen of the state,
a BET screen 61 having a table-type betting board 60 is displayed.
A player can operate the BET screen 61 to bet a chip using the
credits possessed.
[0177] In the table-type betting board 60 that is displayed in the
BET screen 61, the 38 numbers of "0," "00," and "1" to "36" are
arranged in a grid form. Further, special bet areas for indicating
"odd number", "even number", "types of colors of numbered plates
(red or black)" and "a predetermined range of numbers (for example,
"1" to "12") to bet a chip are also arranged in a grid form.
[0178] At a lower part of the table-type betting board 60, a result
history indicator 65, a special payout symbol indicator 62, a unit
BET button 66, a cashout result indicator 67 and a credit-number
indicator 68 are sequentially displayed from left of the screen.
The result history indicator 65 displays, in a list form, results
of win numbers up to the previous games (here, one game is a series
of operations that a player performs a bet in each of the stations
4, a ball 27 is dropped in the numbered pocket 23 and a credit is
paid out based on a win number)
[0179] At this time, when one game is over, a win number is
additionally displayed from top and a history of maximum 16 win
numbers can be checked.
[0180] The letters of "CHANCE SLOT" are displayed near to the
special payout symbol indicator 62. When a possible target is set,
the special payout symbol indicator 62 variably displays the
special payout symbols in a time period for which it randomly
selects one special payout symbol from the several types of special
payout symbols, and stops the determined special payout symbol. To
be more specific, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, a summed value of
bet-numbers is 15 pieces or more, the four types of image data of
"MEGA", "MAJOR", "MINI" and "LOSS" are sequentially
switching-displayed in the special payout symbol indicator 62. The
condition of starting the switching-display, i.e., the condition of
setting a possible target is such that a summed value of
bet-numbers is a predetermined number or more, such as 15 pieces or
more.
[0181] This enables a player who operates the station 4 to
recognize that a possible target for which a special payout will be
awarded is set. As a result, it is possible to have a player be
aware during the roulette game that the player stands a chance of
winning a special payout in addition to a base payout depending on
the game result. Furthermore, since it is possible to obtain a
lottery right to the special payout by the bet of a predetermined
game value or more, it is possible to enable to the player to
positively make a bet.
[0182] In the mean time, "MEGA", "MAJOR", "MINI" and "LOSS"
indicate a payout degree. In other words, "MEGA" means a maximum
payout-number, "MAJOR" means a middle degree of a payout-number,
"MINI" means a small degree of a payout-number and "LOSS" means no
payout. For example, for "MEGA", a payout is performed using all of
JP (100%). For "MAJOR", a payout is performed using 70% of JP. For
"MINI", a payout is performed using 40% of JP.
[0183] Further, the unit BET buttons 66 are provided for a player
to bet a chip on bet areas 72 (above the grids of number and mark
or above lines forming a grid) indicated by the player. The unit
BET button 66 includes a 1 BET button 66A, a 5 BET button 66B, a 10
BET button 66C and a 100 BET button 66D. A player first pushes the
screen with a finger, thereby indicating a bet area 72, on which a
bet is made, with a cursor 70. At this state, when the player
pushes the 1 BET button 66A, the player bets a chip in a unit of
one piece (whenever the 1 BET button 66A is pushed with a finger,
the bet-number is increased in an order of "1"-->"2"-->"3" .
. . ). Further, when the player pushes the 5 BET button 66B, the
player bets chips in a unit of five pieces (whenever the 5 BET
button 66B is pushed with a finger, the bet-number is increased in
an order of "5"-->"10"-->"15" . . . ). Further, when the
player pushes the 10 BET button 66C, the player bets chips in a
unit of ten pieces (whenever the 10 BET button 66C is pushed with a
finger, the bet-number is increased in an order of
"10"-->"20"-->"30" . . . ). Furthermore, Further, when the
player pushes the 100 BET button 66D, the player can bet chips in a
unit of 100 pieces (whenever the 100 BET button 66D is pushed with
a finger, the bet-number is increased in an order of
"100"-->"200"-->"300" . . . ). Accordingly, even when many
chips are bet, an operation thereof stays simple.
[0184] Further, the cashout result indicator 67 displays the number
of chips bet by a player in a previous game and the cashout
credit-number. Here, the subtraction of the bet-number from the
cashout credit-number results in a credit-number that is newly
obtained by a player in a previous game.
[0185] Furthermore, the credit-number indicator 68 displays the
number of credits possessed by a current player. When a chip is
bet, the credit-number is decreased in proportional to the
bet-number (one credit for one bet). Further, when a win is
determined for the chip bet and the cashout of credits is
performed, the credit-number is increased as the cashout-number. In
the mean time, when the credit-number possessed by a player is 0,
the game is over.
[0186] A BET time indicator 69 is disposed above the table-type
betting board 60. The BET time indicator 69 displays a remaining
time period for which a player can make a bet. When a bet operation
is received, "20" is displayed and the number is decreased by 1
every one second. When the number is "0," a bet operation is not
received. Further, in each of the stations 4, when the bet time of
the player is 5 seconds, the ball insertion device is driven to
insert the ball 27 on the roulette wheel.
[0187] Furthermore, a JP indicator 73, which displays the
credit-number of JP accumulated up to now, is disposed at the right
of the BET time indicator 69. Here, the JP indicator 73 displays a
value to which 0.5% of credits bet in the twelve stations 4 is
accumulatively added and is common to all the stations 4. When a
special payout, which is carried out in combination with a roulette
game under predetermined condition, is made, a win of JP is
determined and the credit-number corresponding to a special payout
symbol among the JP is paid out. In the mean time, the
credit-number of JP that is accumulated up to now is also displayed
on the JP amount indicator 15 of the electric light indicator
5.
[0188] Further, a cursor 70 showing the bet area 72 selected by a
player is displayed on the table-type betting board 60.
Additionally, a chip mark 71 showing the number of chips that are
bet up to now and the bet area 72 is displayed and the number shown
on the chip mark 71 indicates the number of chips bet.
[0189] When a player wants to make a bet in the BET screen 71
structured as described above, the player indicates a bet area 72
to be bet (above the grids of number and mark or above lines
forming a grid) and directly pushes it with a finger. As a result,
the cursor 70 is moved to the bet area 72 indicated. Then, when the
unit buttons of the unit BET buttons 66 (1 BET button 66A, 5 BET
button 66B, 10 BET button 66C, 100 BET button 66D) are pushed, the
chips as the unit number are bet on the bet area 72 indicated. For
example, when the 10 BET button 66C is pushed four times, the 5 BET
button 66B is pushed one time and the 1 BET button 66A is pushed
three times, 48 chips can be bet.
[0190] FIG. 12 shows a state that a special payout symbol is
determined by lot. In the display screen of the state, a bonus win
indicator 63 appears on the table-type betting board 60. The bonus
win indicator 63 displays a special payout symbol that is
determined by lot in the special payout symbol indicator 62. In
other words, the bonus win indicator 63 displays a letter image
having combined the "special payout symbol", which is determined by
lot, and "JACKPOT CHANCE".
[0191] Thus, when a possible target is set, one special payout
symbol is randomly selected from the several types of the special
payout symbols and is displayed on the special payout symbol
indicator 62 and the bonus win indicator 63, so that contents of
the special payout can be recognized to a player. This further
interests the player in a special payout in the roulette game.
[0192] FIG. 13 shows a state that a special payout target is being
determined by lot among the possible targets. In the display screen
of the state, a letter image displayed on the bonus win indicator
63 is rotated, thereby displaying whether a payout corresponding to
the special payout symbol will be awarded or not. Thus, during the
roulette game, it is possible to enable a player to recognize a
possibility that a special payout corresponding to a special payout
symbol will be awarded, in addition to a possibility that a base
payout based on a game result will be awarded. In the mean time,
the rotation of a letter image on the bonus win indicator 63 is
continued until the game time is over.
[0193] FIG. 14 shows a state that a special payout target is
determined by lot. In other words, a letter image of "WIN" is
displayed with a special payout symbol on the bonus win indicator
63. FIG. 15 shows a state that a special payout target is not
determined. In other words, a letter image of "SORRY, MAY BE NEXT"
is displayed on the bonus win indicator 63.
[0194] (Bet Types)
[0195] In the followings, the bet types will be described with
reference to the betting board 60 of FIG. 12. For example, as shown
in FIG. 12, the chip mark 71 of "7", which is put on the grid of
"18", indicates that 7 chips are bet on the number "18." Like this,
the bet type in which a bet is made on one number only is referred
to as a "Straight bet."
[0196] The chip mark 71 of "1", which is put on an intersection of
the grids of "5", "6", "8" and "9", indicates that one chip is bet
while covering the four numbers of "5", "6", "8" and "9." Like
this, the bet type in which a bet is made while covering the four
numbers is referred to as a "Corner bet."
[0197] Further, there is a bet type of "Split bet" in which a bet
is made while covering two numbers above a line between the two
numbers. Further, there is a bet type of "Street bet" in which a
bet is made while covering three numbers at ends of the one row of
the numbers (one column in the vertical direction). Further, there
is a bet type of "Five bet" in which a bet is made while covering
five numbers of "0", "00", "1", "2" and "3" above a line between
"00" and "3".
[0198] There is a bet type of "Line bet" in which a bet is made
while covering six numbers (for example, "13", "14", "15", "16",
"17" and "18") between two rows of the numbers (two columns in the
vertical direction). There is a bet type of "Column bet" in which a
bet is made while covering 12 numbers above the grid of "2 to 1".
There is a bet type of "Dozen bet" in which a bet is made while
covering 12 numbers above the grids of "1st 12", "2nd 12" and "3rd
12", respectively.
[0199] Furthermore, there is a bet type of "Red or Black bet" in
which a bet is made on the color of the numbered plate ("red" or
"black") using the six grids provided at the lowest end of the
table-type betting board 60. There is a bet type of "Odd or Even
bet" in which a bet is made on the odd or even numbers. There is a
bet type of "Low or High bet" in which a bet is made while 18
numbers using the numbers of 18 or less or 19 or more. Here, the
bet types have different payouts (payout rates) of the credits per
one chip, which are awarded when the chip bet is determined as a
win.
[0200] (Processing Operations)
[0201] In the followings, the operations will be described, based
on a game processing program of the server that is executed by
means of the server control CPU 81 of the roulette gaming device 1,
and a game processing program of the station that is executed by
the station control CPU 91 of the station 4. In the mean time, the
programs that are shown in flow charts of FIGS. 16 to 19 are stored
in the ROM 82 or RAM 83 of the server 13 or the ROM 92 or RAM 93 of
the station 4 and executed by the server control CPU 81 or station
control CPU 91.
[0202] (Station Side Game Process)
[0203] In the followings, a station side game process will be
described with reference to FIG. 16. Firstly, it is determined
whether a medal or bill is inserted by a player, based on a
detection signal of the medal sensor 97 (S1). When a medal or bill
is not inserted (S1, NO), this routine is ended, and the step of S1
is repeatedly executed and the standby mode is continued until a
medal or bill is inserted.
[0204] In the mean time, when a medal or bill is inserted (S1,
YES), the credit data of an amount of money corresponding to the
number of pieces inserted is recorded in the RAM 93, so that the
credit is added (S2). Then, a medal detection signal indicating
that a medal or bill is inserted is transmitted to the server 13
(S3).
[0205] Then, in the image display device 8 of the station 4, the
BET screen 61 of FIG. 11 is displayed and a bet time for which a
player can bet a chip is started (S4). Then, a bet operation is
executed (S5). Thus, a player who takes part in a game can operate
the touch panel 50 to make a bet on the BET area 72 relating to a
number that the player predicts, during the bet time for which a
bet operation can be received. In the mean time, the detailed bet
types using the BET screen 61 have been already described.
Therefore, the descriptions thereof will be omitted.
[0206] Further, the player can take part in a game in the course of
the game after the bet time is started. In the roulette gaming
device 1 of this embodiment, maximum 12 players can play a game.
Furthermore, when this time game is carried out following the
previous game, a bet operation is received just after the previous
game is over.
[0207] When a bet operation is carried out, a bet information
signal including the contents of the bet operation is transmitted
to the server 13 (S6). Then, it is determined whether the bet time
is over or not (S7). When the bet time is not over (S7, NO), the
process is transited to the step of S5 and the state of receiving a
bet operation is maintained. When the bet time end signal is
received from the server 13, an image showing that the bet time is
over is displayed on the image display device 8 of the station 4
and the process of receiving a bet operation on the touch panel 50
is ended (S8).
[0208] Then, when a win number signal, which is a game result of
the roulette game, is received from the server 13, a process such
as one which emphasizes the win number is carried out, so that an
effect for notifying the win number of the roulette game is
performed (S9). When a payout result signal is received from the
server 13, a credit is paid out on the basis of the payout result
signal. To be more specific, the credit data of a base payout and a
special payout is stored in the RAM 93. When the cashout button 48
is pressed, the medals (typically, one medal per one credit)
according to the credit-number currently stored in the RAM 93 are
paid out from the medal payout slot 9 (S10). Then, a standby mode
is made. When a unit game end signal is received from the server 13
(S11), this routine is ended. Then, a process of receiving a bet
operation in a next unit game is re-started.
[0209] (Chance Slot Process)
[0210] While the station side game process is performed, a chance
slot process of FIG. 17 is performed in the station 4 at the same
time. In other words, depending on whether a possible target signal
from the server 13 is received, it is determined whether to
participate in a bonus (A1). When it is determined not to
participate in a bonus (A1, NO), this routine is ended. Thus, the
step of A1 is re-executed, so that the determination of whether to
participate in a bonus is repeated.
[0211] When it is determined to participate in a bonus (A1, YES), a
slot rotation is started in the special payout symbol indicator 62,
as shown in FIGS. 1 and 12. To be more specific, as shown in FIG.
10, the four types of the image data of "MEGA", "MAJOR", "MINI" and
"LOSS", which are special payout symbols, are sequentially
switching-displayed. Then, it is determined whether a bet time is
over or not (A3). When a bet time is not over (A3, NO), the step of
S2 is re-executed and the slot rotation of the special payout
symbols is continued on the special payout symbol indicator 62.
[0212] In the mean time, when a bet time is over (A3, YES), a bonus
type corresponding to the special payout symbol is registered,
based on a bonus type signal transmitted from the server 13. In
other words, one of "MEGA", "MAJOR", "MINI" and "LOSS" is
registered (A4). Then, as shown in FIG. 12, the slot rotation of
the special payout symbol indicator 62 is stopped and the special
payout symbol corresponding to the bonus type registered is stopped
on the special payout symbol indicator 62 (A5).
[0213] Then, the bonus win indicator 63 appears on the table-type
betting board 60. Then, a letter image having combined the special
payout symbol" stopped on the special payout symbol indicator 62
and "JACKPOT CHANCE" is displayed on the bonus win indicator 63
(A6). Thus, a player is able to be aware of standing a chance of
winning a special payout corresponding to the "special payout
symbol".
[0214] The display of the letter image on the bonus win indicator
63 is continued until a first effect time has elapsed, through a
waiting of the first effect time (A7). After that, an effect of a
bonus win is performed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the
letter image displayed on the bonus win indicator 63 is rotated
(A8). When a special payout target signal is received from the
server 13, a display based on the special payout target signal is
made. To be more specific, when a special payout is determined by
lot, a letter image of "WIN" is displayed with the special payout
symbol on the bonus win indicator 63, as shown in FIG. 14. In the
mean time, when a special payout is not determined, a letter image
of "SORRY, MAY BE NEXT" is displayed on the bonus win indicator 63,
as shown in FIG. 15 (A9). Then, the station enters the standby
mode. When a unit game end signal is received from the server 13
(A10), this routine is over.
[0215] (Server Side Game Processing)
[0216] In the followings, a server side game processing will be
described with reference to FIG. 18. It is determined whether a
player inserts a coin or bill by receiving a medal detection signal
transmitted from the station 4 (B1). When a medal detection signal
is not received (B1, NO), this routine is ended. Thus, the step of
B1 is repeated until a medal and the like is inserted in the
station 1.
[0217] When a medal and the like is inserted in the station 3 (B1,
YES), there is started a measurement of a bet time period, which is
a reception period for which a player can make a bet, from the time
at which the first player inserts a medal or bill (B2). In the mean
time, when this time game is executed following the previous game,
a bet time is started just after the previous game is over. A
player who takes part in a game can operate the touch panel 50 for
the bet time period, thereby betting the chips on the bet area 72
related to the number predicted by the player.
[0218] Then, it is determined whether the remaining bet time is 5
seconds (B3). In the mean time, the remaining bet time is also
displayed on the image display device 8 by means of the BET time
indicator 69. When it is determined that the remaining bet time is
not 5 seconds (B3, NO), the step of S3 is re-executed, so that the
standby mode is kept until the remaining bet time is 5 seconds.
Meantime, when it is determined that the remaining bet time is 5
seconds (B3, YES), a roulette lottery process is executed in the
roulette unit 3.
[0219] To be more specific, the ball insertion device is driven, so
that the ball 27 is inserted into the roulette wheel (B4). Then,
the driving motor is driven, so that the wheel 22 is rotated at a
predetermined rotation speed in a direction opposite to the ball
insertion direction. The inserted ball 27 rolls on the roulette
wheel along the guide wall 29. Then, when the rotation speed is
lowered and the centrifugal force is thus reduced, the ball is
dropped along the inclined surface of the frame 21 and thus reaches
the wheel 22 being rotated (refer to FIG. 4). The ball 27, which
reaches the wheel 22, continues to pass over the numbered plates 25
at the periphery of the wheel 22 and is introduced into one of the
numbered pockets 23 and the number (any one of "00", "0" and "1" to
"36" in FIG. 4) shown on the numbered plate 25 corresponding to the
numbered pocket 23 into which the ball 27 is introduced becomes a
win number.
[0220] When the roulette lottery process is carried out as
described above, a bet information signal is received from the
station 4 (B5). The bet-number and the bet type included in the bet
information signal are registered in the station management table
of FIG. 9 (B6). Then, it is determined whether the bet time is over
(B7). When it is determined that the bet time is not over (B7, NO),
the standby mode continues until the bet time is over. In the mean
time, when it is determined that the bet time is over (B7, YES), a
bet time end signal is transmitted to the station 4 (B8).
[0221] Then, a jackpot accumulation process is executed (B9) To be
more specific, the bet information made by a player in each of the
stations 4, i.e., the information of the indicated bet area 72 and
the number of chips (bet-number) bet on the indicated bet area 72
and the bet type is received and stored in the bet information
memory area of the RAM 83. Then, the credits, which correspond to
0.5% of the total credits bet in the stations 4, are accumulated
and added to the JP amount that is recorded in the JP accumulation
memory area 83V of the RAM 83. Correspondingly to this, the display
of the JP amount indicator 15 and the JP indicator 73 is
updated.
[0222] Then, when the ball 27 is received in the numbered pocket 23
in the roulette unit 3, a win determining device 86 is driven.
Thus, it is detected a win number of the roulette unit 3 in this
time game (B10).
[0223] Then, the win number signal including the information of the
win number is transmitted to the stations 4 (B11). Then, the bet
information and the win number of the stations 4 are used to
determine whether the chips respectively bet in the stations 4 are
determined as a win (B12). Continuously, a payout calculation
process is executed. In the payout calculation process, the won
chips bet on the win number are recognized for each station 4 and a
sum of the payouts of the credits to be respectively paid out to
the stations 4 is calculated with the payout rates for each bet
area 72, which are stored in the ROM 82 in a payout management
table form of FIG. 8, i.e., the credit-number to be paid out per
one chip (one bet) (B13).
[0224] Then, it is executed a process of transmitting a payout
result signal including a payout result of the credits of the
roulette game, based on the payout calculation process. To be more
specific, the payout result signal including the credit data of a
base payout corresponding to the payout amount of the roulette game
is transmitted to the station control CPU 91 of the station 4 that
is determined to be a win in the roulette game (B14).
[0225] Then, the ball collection device provided below the wheel 22
is driven, so that the ball 27 on the wheel 22 is collected. The
collected ball 27 is adapted to be inserted in the wheel 22 of the
roulette unit 3 in a next or more game (B15). Then, a unit game end
signal is transmitted to the station 4 (B16) and this routine is
ended.
[0226] (Bonus Lottery Process)
[0227] While the game process is performed in the server 13, a
bonus lottery process of FIG. 19 is performed at the same time. In
other words, the station management table of FIG. 9 is referred to
and it is determined whether the bet-number in each station 4 is a
predetermined value or more, such as "15" (C1). When it is
determined the bet-number is not a predetermined value (C1, NO),
this routine is over and the step of C1 is repeatedly executed.
[0228] When it is determined the bet-number is a predetermined
value (C1, YES), a possible target is determined for which a
special payout will be awarded and "1" is set in the corresponding
location of the possible target column of FIG. 9 (C2). Then, a
possible target signal is transmitted to the station 4 having the
machine number for which "1" is set (C3).
[0229] Then, it is determined whether a bet time is over or not
(C4). When a bet time is not over (C4, NO), the step of C1 is
re-executed. When a bet time is over (C4, YES), a bonus lottery is
performed. To be more specific, one bonus type is randomly selected
from the four bonus types of "MEGA", "MAJOR", "MINI" and "LOSS"
(C5). Then, the determined bonus type is determined (C6) and a
bonus type signal is then transmitted to the station 4 (C7).
[0230] Then, a lottery is made to determine whether a special
payout target is determined by lot, for all the possible targets.
Thereby, depending on the lottery result, all the possible targets
may become a special payout target, or alternatively, several
possible targets may become a special payout target (C8). Then, a
special payout target signal including the lottery result of the
special payout target is transmitted to the station 4 that is set
as a possible target (C9). After that, a standby mode is made. When
a unit game end signal is received from the server 13 (C10), this
routine is over.
[0231] Although the above descriptions have been provided with
regard to the characteristic parts so as to understand the
invention more easily, the invention is not limited to the
embodiment as described above and can be applied to the other
embodiments and the applicable scope should be construed as broadly
as possible. Furthermore, the terms and phraseology used in the
specification have been used to correctly illustrate the invention,
not to limit it. Further, it will be understood by those skilled in
the art that the other structures, systems, methods and the like
included in the spirit of the invention can be easily derived from
the spirit of the invention described in the specification.
Accordingly, it should be considered that the invention covers
equivalent structures thereof without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. Further,
the abstract is provided so that an intellectual property office
and a general public institution or one skilled in the art who is
not familiar with patent and legal or professional terminology can
quickly analyze the technical features and essences of the
invention through a simple investigation. Accordingly, the abstract
is not intended to limit the scope of the invention that should be
evaluated by the claims. Further, it is required to sufficiently
refer to the documents that have been already disclosed, so as to
fully understand the objects and effects of the invention.
[0232] The above descriptions include a process that is executed on
a computer or computer network. The above descriptions and
expressions have been provided so that the one skilled in the art
can understand the invention most effectively. In the
specification, the steps used to induce one result or blocks having
a predetermined processing function should be understood as a
process having no self-contradiction. Further, the electrical or
magnetic signal is transmitted/received and written in the steps or
blocks. Although the respective processes in the steps or blocks
embody the signal as a bit, value, symbol character, term, number
and the like, it should be noted that these have been used for the
convenience of descriptions. Further, although the respective
processes in the steps or blocks have been often described as an
expression common to a human action, the process described in the
specification is executed by a variety of devices in principle.
Further, the other structures necessary for the steps or blocks are
apparent from the above descriptions.
* * * * *