U.S. patent application number 12/058008 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-02 for roulette gaming machine changing payout ratio set for specific bet type and playing method of roulette game.
This patent application is currently assigned to Aruze Corp.. Invention is credited to Katsuhiro KIDO.
Application Number | 20080242393 12/058008 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39795367 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080242393 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KIDO; Katsuhiro |
October 2, 2008 |
Roulette Gaming Machine Changing Payout Ratio Set For Specific Bet
Type And Playing Method Of Roulette Game
Abstract
In a unit game that is repeatedly executed, an "ODDS UP
determining process" is executed in which a bet type to be
subjected to ODDS UP is randomly determined, among all bet types.
When the "ODDS UP determining process" is executed, one or more bet
types are determined as a specific bet type, or no bet type is
determined as a specific bet type. When there is a specific bet
type determined in the "ODDS UP determining process," a payout
ratio set for the specific bet type is switched from a base ratio
to a specific ratio higher than the base ratio. Thereby, when a bet
is made in the specific bet type determined in the "ODDS UP
determining process" and a winning is made in this bet type, a
payout to be awarded to a player is larger.
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.
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
39795367 |
Appl. No.: |
12/058008 |
Filed: |
March 28, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/17 ; 463/25;
463/43 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3211 20130101;
G07F 17/3258 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/17 ; 463/25;
463/43 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 2, 2007 |
JP |
JP2007-096213 |
Claims
1. A roulette gaming machine comprising: a roulette device in which
a ball rolls on a wheel having a plurality of marks disposed
thereon; a display that displays a plurality of bet areas each of
which corresponding to at least one mark and one bet type and on
each of which a game value is bet; an input device that receives an
operation from an outside; and a controller programmed to perform
operations of: (a) betting a game value on a bet area associated
with the operation received by the input device from the outside,
in a bet type corresponding to the bet area; (b) rolling the ball,
thereby setting, as a specific mark, a mark corresponding to a stop
position of the ball; (c) when the specific mark and the bet area
on which the game value is bet have a corresponding relation,
awarding a payout on the basis of the game value bet on the bet
area and a payout ratio set for the bet type corresponding to the
bet area; and (d) randomly switching the payout ratio set for a
specific bet type between a base ratio and a specific ratio higher
than the base ratio.
2. A roulette gaming machine comprising: a roulette device in which
a ball rolls on a wheel having a plurality of marks disposed
thereon; a display that displays a plurality of bet areas each of
which corresponding to at least one mark and one bet type and on
each of which a game value is bet; an input device that receives an
operation from an outside; and a controller programmed to perform
operations of: (a) betting a game value on a bet area associated
with the operation received by the input device from the outside,
in a bet type corresponding to the bet area; (b) rolling the ball,
thereby setting, as a specific mark, a mark corresponding to a stop
position of the ball; (c) when the specific mark and the bet area
on which the game value is bet have a corresponding relation,
awarding a payout on the basis of the game value bet on the bet
area and a payout ratio set for the bet type corresponding to the
bet area; (d) randomly determining, as a specific bet type, one or
more bet types among all bet types; and (e) switching the payout
ratio set for the specific bet type from a base ratio to a specific
ratio higher than the base ratio.
3. A roulette gaming machine comprising: a roulette device in which
a ball rolls on a wheel having a plurality of marks disposed
thereon; a display that displays a plurality of bet areas each of
which corresponding to at least one mark and one bet type and on
each of which a game value is bet; an input device that receives an
operation from an outside; and a controller programmed to perform
operations of: (a) betting a game value on a bet area associated
with the operation received by the input device from the outside,
in a bet type corresponding to the bet area; (b) rolling the ball,
thereby setting, as a specific mark, a mark corresponding to a stop
position of the ball; (c) when the specific mark and the bet area
on which the game value is bet have a corresponding relation,
awarding a payout on the basis of the game value bet on the bet
area and a payout ratio set for the bet type corresponding to the
bet area; (d) randomly switching the payout ratio set for a
specific bet type between a base ratio and a specific ratio higher
than the base ratio; and (e) displaying an image showing that the
payout ratio is being switched, on the display, before the payout
is awarded.
4. A roulette gaming machine comprising: a roulette device in which
a ball rolls on a wheel having a plurality of marks disposed
thereon; a display that displays a plurality of bet areas each of
which corresponding to at least one mark and one bet type and on
each of which a game value is bet; an input device that receives an
operation from an outside; and a controller programmed to perform
operations of: (a) betting a game value on a bet area associated
with the operation received by the input device from the outside,
in a bet type corresponding to the bet area; (b) rolling the ball,
thereby setting, as a specific mark, a mark corresponding to a stop
position of the ball; (c) when the specific mark and the bet area
on which the game value is bet have a corresponding relation,
awarding a payout on the basis of the game value bet on the bet
area and a payout ratio set for the bet type corresponding to the
bet area; (d) randomly determining, as a specific bet type, one or
more bet types among all bet types; (e) switching the payout ratio
set for the specific bet type from a base ratio to a specific ratio
higher than the base ratio; and (f) displaying an image showing
that the payout ratio is being switched, on the display, before the
payout is awarded.
5. A playing method of a roulette game that repeatedly executes a
unit game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having a plurality of
marks disposed thereon, the method comprising the steps of: (a)
betting a game value on a bet area, among a plurality of bet areas
displayed on a display, associated with an operation received by an
input device from an outside, in a bet type corresponding to the
bet area; (b) rolling the ball, thereby setting, as a specific
mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball; (c) when
the specific mark and the bet area on which the game value is bet
have a corresponding relation, awarding a payout based on the game
value bet on the bet area and a payout ratio set for the bet type
corresponding to the bet area; and (d) randomly switching the
payout ratio set for a specific bet type between a base ratio and a
specific ratio higher than the base ratio.
6. A playing method of a roulette game that repeatedly executes a
unit game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having a plurality of
marks disposed thereon, the method comprising the steps of: (a)
betting a game value on a bet area, among a plurality of bet areas
displayed on a display, associated with an operation received by an
input device from an outside, in a bet type corresponding to the
bet area; (b) rolling the ball, thereby setting, as a specific
mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball; (c) when
the specific mark and the bet area on which the game value is bet
have a corresponding relation, awarding a payout based on the game
value bet on the bet area and a payout ratio set for the bet type
corresponding to the bet area; (d) randomly determining, as a
specific bet type, one or more bet types among all bet types; and
(e) switching the payout ratio set for the specific bet type from a
base ratio to a specific ratio higher than the base ratio.
7. A playing method of a roulette game that repeatedly executes a
unit game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having a plurality of
marks disposed thereon, the method comprising the steps of: (a)
betting a game value on a bet area, among a plurality of bet areas
displayed on a display, associated with an operation received by an
input device from an outside, in a bet type corresponding to the
bet area; (b) rolling the ball, thereby setting, as a specific
mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball; (c) when
the specific mark and the bet area on which the game value is bet
have a corresponding relation, awarding a payout based on the game
value bet on the bet area and a payout ratio set for the bet type
corresponding to the bet area; (d) randomly switching the payout
ratio set for a specific bet type between a base ratio and a
specific ratio higher than the base ratio; and (e) displaying an
image showing that the payout ratio is being switched, on the
display, before the payout is awarded.
8. A playing method of a roulette game that repeatedly executes a
unit game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having a plurality of
marks disposed thereon, the method comprising the steps of: (a)
betting a game value on a bet area, among a plurality of bet areas
displayed on a display, associated with an operation received by an
input device from an outside, in a bet type corresponding to the
bet area; (b) rolling the ball, thereby setting, as a specific
mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball; (c) when
the specific mark and the bet area on which the game value is bet
have a corresponding relation, awarding a payout based on the game
value bet on the bet area and a payout ratio set for the bet type
corresponding to the bet area; (d) randomly determining, as a
specific bet type, one or more bet types among all bet types; (e)
switching the payout ratio set for the specific bet type from a
base ratio to a specific ratio higher than the base ratio; and (f)
displaying an image showing that the payout ratio is being
switched, on the display, before the payout is awarded.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority from the prior Japanese patent Application No.
2007-096213, filed on Apr. 2, 2007.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a roulette gaming machine
that changes a payout ratio set for a specific bet type, and a
playing method of a roulette game.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] In a gaming machine where a player expects a win number to
play a game, such as a roulette gaming machine, a bingo gaming
machine, or a keno gaming machine, pockets having identification
numbers (for example, "00", "0" and "1" to "36" in a roulette
gaming machine) are formed on a wheel, and a rolling object rolling
on the wheel, such as a ball, is used to specify one of the pockets
on the wheel, thereby determining a win number.
[0006] Here, in the gaming machine, a series of processes of
rolling the ball on the wheel to determine a win number are
basically common to every game. Accordingly, when a game is
repeatedly played, a player may be gradually bored with the
game.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,921,072B2 discloses a roulette gaming
machine in which several wheels are provided and a win number is
determined on each of the wheels. Like this, a game is played using
several wheels, thereby providing a chance of obtaining a large
amount of payout. At the same time, a game is played using the
several win numbers determined, so that the game can be
diversified.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Here, although the above-described roulette gaming machine
uses the several wheels to increase a chance of obtaining a payout,
the payout ratio (so-called, odds) is constant.
[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a roulette
gaming machine having an entertainment characteristic, which is not
provided in the above prior art, and a playing method of a roulette
game.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
roulette gaming machine having a new entertainment characteristic,
in which a player's expectation is increased by changing a payout
ratio (so-called odds) set for a specific bet type, without
deteriorating a game characteristic of a conventional roulette
gaming machine, and a playing method of a roulette game.
[0011] A roulette gaming machine according to the present invention
includes: a roulette device in which a ball rolls on a wheel having
a plurality of marks disposed thereon; a display that displays a
plurality of bet areas each of which corresponding to at least one
mark and one bet type and on each of which a game value is bet; an
input device that receives an operation from an outside; and a
controller programmed to perform operations of: (a) betting a game
value on a bet area associated with the operation received by the
input device from the outside, in a bet type corresponding to the
bet area; (b) rolling the ball, thereby setting, as a specific
mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball; (c) when
the specific mark and the bet area on which the game value is bet
have a corresponding relation, awarding a payout on the basis of
the game value bet on the bet area and a payout ratio set for the
bet type corresponding to the bet area; and (d) randomly switching
the payout ratio set for a specific bet type between a base ratio
and a specific ratio higher than the base ratio.
[0012] According to the above structure, the payout ratio set for a
specific bet type is randomly switched between the base ratio and
the specific ratio. Thereby, when a bet is made in a specific bet
type and the payout ratio is switched into a specific ratio, a
payout that is awarded at a time of winning is larger, as compared
to a base. Therefore, a player's expectation can be increased
without deteriorating a game characteristic of a conventional
roulette gaming machine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Other and further objects, features and advantages of the
invention will appear more fully from the following description
taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a playing method of a roulette gaming
machine.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a roulette gaming machine.
[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a display screen.
[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a display screen.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a
roulette gaming machine.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a roulette device.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically showing an
electrical structure of a roulette gaming machine.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically showing an
electrical structure of a station.
[0022] FIG. 9 shows an ODDS management table.
[0023] FIG. 10 shows an ODDS UP subject determining table.
[0024] FIG. 11 is a flow chart of a game process.
[0025] FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a game process.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] An embodiment of a roulette gaming machine and a playing
method of a roulette game according to the present invention will
be described. A roulette gaming machine means a gaming machine in
which a player expects a number etc. to be determined in a roulette
device and bets a possessed game value such as a chip on the
expected number etc., and when the bet number etc. wins, a
predetermined number of game medium such as a medal, or game value
such as credit is awarded to the player.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, a roulette gaming machine 1 repeatedly
performs a unit game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having many
marks disposed thereon, and executes a playing method comprising
the steps of: betting a game value on a bet area, among many bet
areas displayed on a display, associated with an operation received
by an input device from an outside, in a bet type corresponding to
the bet area; rolling the ball, thereby setting, as a specific
mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball; when the
specific mark and the bet area on which the game value is bet have
a corresponding relation, awarding a payout based on the game value
bet on the bet area and a payout ratio set for the bet type
corresponding to the bet area; randomly determining, as a specific
bet type, one or more bet types among all bet types; switching a
payout ratio set for the specific bet type from a base ratio to a
specific ratio higher than the base ratio; and displaying an image
showing that the payout ratio is being switched, on the display,
before a payout is awarded.
[0028] Here, the description of "randomly determining, as a
specific bet type, one or more bet types among all bet types" means
executing "an ODDS UP determining process" of randomly determining
a bet type (specific bet type) to be subjected to ODDS UP among all
bet types, in this embodiment. When the "ODDS UP determining
process" is executed, one or more bet types are determined as a
specific bet type, or no bet type is determined as a specific bet
type. The "ODDS UP determining process" is executed every unit game
that is repeatedly carried out. When there is a specific bet type
determined by the "ODDS UP determining process," a payout ratio
(so-called odds) set for the specific bet type is switched from a
base ratio to a specific ratio higher than the base ratio. Due to
this, when a bet is made in a specific bet type determined by the
"ODDS UP determining process" and a winning is made in this
specific bet type, a payout to be awarded to a player is
larger.
[0029] The roulette gaming machine 1 that executes the playing
method includes a roulette device 101, a display unit (display)
102, an input unit (input device) 103 and a controller 100, as
shown in FIG. 2.
[0030] (Roulette Device 101)
[0031] The roulette device 101 is a device that randomly selects
one of the many marks and determines the selected mark as a
specific mark. The roulette device 101 has a physical structure
with a wheel having many marks disposed thereon and a ball rolling
on the wheel. Meantime, the roulette device 101 may have an
electrical structure of displaying a roulette screen on which a
ball rolling on a wheel is displayed. The electrical structure may
include a liquid crystal display device, a CRT (Cathode-ray tube)
device, a plasma display device and the like. The detailed
structure of the roulette device 101 will be described later.
[0032] (Display Unit 102)
[0033] The display unit (display) 102 is electrically structured to
display many bet areas. The display unit 102 may have a physical
structure with a table having many bet areas depicted thereon, and
the like. The electrical structure may include a liquid crystal
display device, a CRT (Cathode-ray tube) device, a plasma display
device and the like. The detailed structure of the display unit 102
will be described later.
[0034] (Input Unit 103)
[0035] The input unit (input device) 103 is operated for betting a
chip (game value) on any of the many bet areas displayed on the
display unit 102. As described below, the input unit 103 may be
constructed from a touch panel provided on a front of the display
unit 102, or constructed from several buttons.
[0036] (Controller 100)
[0037] The controller 100 is configured to execute a first process
of betting a game value (chip) on a bet area, among the many bet
areas displayed on the display (display unit 102), associated with
an operation received by an input device (input unit 103) from an
outside, in a bet type corresponding to the bet area; a second
process of rolling a ball, thereby setting, as a specific mark, a
mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball; and a third
process of, when the specific mark and the bet area on which the
game value is bet have a corresponding relation, awarding a payout
(credit) based on the game value bet on the bet area and a payout
ratio set for the bet type corresponding to the bet area. In other
words, the controller 100 has a first processing unit, a second
processing unit and a third processing unit.
[0038] In addition, the controller 100 is configured to execute a
fourth process of randomly determining, as a specific bet type, one
or more bet types among all bet types; a fifth process of switching
a payout ratio set for the specific bet type from a base ratio to a
specific ratio higher than the base ratio; and a sixth process of
displaying an image showing that the payout ratio is being
switched, on the display (display unit 102), before a payout is
awarded. In other words, the controller 100 has a fourth processing
unit, a fifth processing unit and a sixth processing unit.
[0039] The controller 100 includes a bet execution unit 105 that
executes a bet of a chip, based on an operation signal from the
input unit 103, and a display control unit 104 that controls the
display unit 102 to display many bet areas. The display control
unit 104 displays bet information on a corresponding bet area when
the bet execution unit 105 executes a bet. A detailed display state
will be described later. Meantime, the many bet areas are in
association with respective bet types. The details of the bet types
will be described later. In other words, the controller 100
executes the first process of betting a game value (chip) on a bet
area, among the many bet areas displayed on a display (display unit
102), associated with an operation received by an input device
(input unit 103) from an outside, in a bet type corresponding to
the bet area.
[0040] In addition, the controller 100 includes a game execution
unit 110 that causes the roulette device 101 to execute an
operation of randomly selecting one of the many marks and
determining the selected mark as a specific mark. To be more
specific, the game execution unit 110 rolls the ball on the wheel
having the many marks disposed thereon, thereby causing the
roulette device 101 to execute an operation of randomly selecting
one of the many marks and determining the selected mark as a
specific mark. In addition, the controller 100 includes a mark
determining unit 106 that determines a mark corresponding to a stop
position of the ball rolled in the roulette device 101. The
controller 100 sets, as a specific mark, the mark determined by the
mark determining unit 106. That is, the controller 100 executes the
second process of rolling a ball, thereby setting, as a specific
mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball.
[0041] In addition, the controller 100 includes: an ODDS memory 108
that stores a base ratio that is a payout ratio (odds) set for each
bet type and referred to as a payout ratio when a corresponding bet
type is not determined as a specific bet type in an "ODDS UP
determining process", and stores a specific ratio that is a payout
ratio (odds) set for each bet type and referred to as a payout
ratio when a corresponding bet type is determined as a specific bet
type in an "ODDS UP determining process"; a payout determining unit
109 that determines a payout for a player; and a payout award unit
111 that awards a payout to a player. The payout determining unit
109 refers to a bet that is executed by the bet execution unit 105
and a specific mark that is determined by the mark determining unit
109, and determines whether the specific mark and the bet area on
which a chip is bet have a corresponding relation. The payout
determining unit 109 determines a winning when the specific mark
and the bet area on which a chip is bet have a corresponding
relation, and calculates a payout (credit), based on a payout ratio
that is set for the bet type corresponding to the bet area on which
a chip is bet, among the payout ratios (odds) stored in the ODDS
memory 108, and the chip bet on the bet area. The calculated payout
is awarded to a player by the payout award unit 111. That is, the
controller 100 executes the third process of, when the specific
mark and the bet area on which the game value is bet have a
corresponding relation, awarding a payout (credit) based on the
game value bet on the bet area and a payout ratio set for the bet
type corresponding to the bet area.
[0042] Furthermore, the controller 100 includes an ODDS UP
execution unit 107. The ODDS UP execution unit 107 executes a "ODDS
UP determining process" every unit game and randomly determines a
specific bet type. As described above, there is a case where no bet
type is determined as a specific bet type in the "ODDS UP
determining process". That is, the controller 100 executes the
fourth process of randomly determining, as a specific bet type, one
or more bet types among all bet types.
[0043] When there is a specific bet type determined in an "ODDS UP
determining process," the payout determining unit 109 switches a
payout ratio set for the specific bet type, among the payout ratios
(odds) stored in the ODDS memory 108, to a specific ratio from a
base ratio, then calculating a payout (credit). That is, the
controller 100 executes the fifth process of switching a payout
ratio set for the specific bet type from a base ratio to a specific
ratio higher than the base ratio.
[0044] In addition, when there is a specific bet type determined in
an "ODDS UP determining process," the display control unit 104
controls the display unit 102 to display an ODDS screen, before the
payout award unit 111 awards a payout. The ODDS screen displays the
payout ratios (odds) set for respective bet types. The display
control unit 104 displays, in the ODDS screen, an image showing
that a payout ratio set for the specific bet type is being switched
to a specific ratio from a base ratio. That is, the controller 100
executes the sixth process of displaying an image showing that the
payout ratio is being switched, on the display (display unit 102),
before a payout is awarded.
[0045] Each block of the controller 100 may be embodied in hardware
or software, as required.
[0046] (Operation of the Controller 100)
[0047] An operation of the controller 100 with the above-mentioned
structure will be described. First, bet information is inputted to
the bet execution unit 105 from the input unit 103 and the inputted
bet information is displayed on the display unit 102 by the display
control unit 104. Thereby, the controller 100 executes the first
process of betting a game value (chip) on a bet area, among many
bet areas displayed on a display (display unit 102), associated
with an operation received by an input machine (input unit 103)
from an outside, in a bet type corresponding to the bet area. As
the roulette device 101 is operated by the game execution unit 110,
one of the many marks is randomly selected and is determined as a
specific mark. The specific mark is determined by the mark
determining unit 106. Thereby, the controller 100 executes the
second process of rolling a ball, thereby setting, as a specific
mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball.
[0048] Before or after the above process, an "ODDS UP determining
process" is executed by the ODDS UP execution unit 107, so that a
specific bet type is randomly determined. Thereby, the controller
100 executes the fourth process of randomly determining, as a
specific bet type, one or more bet types among all bet types. When
there is a specific bet type determined in an "ODDS UP determining
process," a payout ratio set for the specific bet type, among the
payout ratios (odds) stored in the ODDS memory 108, is switched to
a specific ratio from a base ratio by the payout determining unit
109. Thereby, the controller 100 executes the fifth process of
switching a payout ratio set for the specific bet type from a base
ratio to a specific ratio higher than the base ratio. In addition,
when there is a specific bet type determined in an "ODDS UP
determining process," an ODDS screen is displayed on the display
unit 102 by the display control unit 104 and an image showing that
a payout ratio set for a specific bet type is being switched to a
specific ratio from a base ratio is displayed. Thereby, the
controller 100 executes the sixth process of displaying an image
showing that the payout ratio is being switched, on the display
(display unit 102), before a payout is awarded.
[0049] The payout determining unit 109 determines whether the
specific mark and the bet area on which a chip is bet have a
corresponding relation. When the specific mark and the bet area on
which a chip is bet have a corresponding relation, a winning is
made and a payout (credit) is calculated, based on the chip bet on
the bet area and the payout ratio set for the bet type
corresponding to the bet area. Then the calculated payout (credit)
is awarded to a player by the payout award unit 111. Thereby, the
controller 100 executes the third process of, when the specific
mark and the bet area on which the game value is bet have a
corresponding relation, awarding a payout (credit) based on the
game value bet on the bet area and a payout ratio set for the bet
type corresponding to the bet area.
[0050] As clearly seen from the above operation and as shown in
FIG. 1, the roulette gaming machine 1 repeatedly performs a unit
game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having many marks disposed
thereon, and realizes a playing method including: betting a game
value on a bet area, among many bet areas displayed on a display,
associated with an operation received by an input device from an
outside, in a bet type corresponding to the bet area; rolling the
ball, thereby setting, as a specific mark, a mark corresponding to
a stop position of the ball; when the specific mark and the bet
area on which the game value is bet have a corresponding relation,
awarding a payout based on the game value bet on the bet area and a
payout ratio set for the bet type corresponding to the bet area;
randomly determining, as a specific bet type, one or more bet types
among all bet types; switching a payout ratio set for the specific
bet type from a base ratio to a specific ratio higher than the base
ratio; and displaying an image showing that the payout ratio is
being switched, on the display, before a payout is awarded.
[0051] According to the above playing method, the payout ratio set
for a specific bet type randomly determined among all bet types is
switched from a base ratio to a specific ratio. Thereby, when a bet
is made in a specific bet type and a winning is made in the
specific bet type, a payout to be awarded is larger, as compared to
a base. Therefore, a player's expectation may be increased without
deteriorating a game characteristic of a conventional roulette
gaming machine. In addition, since an image showing that the payout
ratio is being switched is displayed on the display, a player can
watches the display to know whether a payout ratio set for a bet
type corresponding to a bet area on which the player makes a bet is
switched. As a result, a player's expectation may be further
increased.
[0052] (Display State)
[0053] An example of a display state of the display unit (display)
102 in the operating processes of the playing method of the
roulette game and the roulette gaming machine 1 will be
specifically described. The display state will be described on the
basis of an electrical structure that the display unit 102 displays
a BET screen 61 including many bet areas 72, and the like, as shown
in FIG. 3.
[0054] While a roulette game is executed in the roulette gaming
machine 1, a BET screen 61 having a table-type betting board 60 is
displayed on the display unit 102, as shown in FIG. 3. The
table-type betting board 60 is provided with many bet areas 72. In
the mean time, at a front of the display unit 102, provided is a
light transmissive touch panel 50 that is operable by pressing from
an outside, as an input unit (input device) 103. Therefore, the
description that various parts on the BET screen 61, such as bet
areas 72, are pressed means that the various parts corresponding to
the bet areas 72 of the touch panel 50 are pressed by a player.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 3, in the table-type betting board 60
displayed in the BET screen 61, the thirty-eight kinds of numbers
of "0," "00," and "1" to "36" are arranged in a grid form. In
addition, 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.
[0056] At a lower part from the table-type betting board 60, a
result history display section 65, unit BET buttons 66, a cashout
result display section 67 and a credit-number display section 68
are sequentially displayed from left of the screen.
[0057] The result history display section 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 makes a bet, a ball
rolls and stops and a credit (payout) is paid out based on a win
number (determined number, specific mark)). At this time, when one
game is over, one combination of win numbers is additionally
displayed from top and a history of the win numbers of maximum 10
games can be checked.
[0058] The unit BET buttons 66 are provided to bet a chip on a bet
areas 72 indicated by the player (on a grid of numbers and marks or
on a line forming a grid). The unit BET buttons 66 are structured
from four kinds of buttons, a 1 BET button 66A, a 5 BET button 66B,
a 10 BET button 66C and a 100 BET button 66D.
[0059] First, a player pushes a bet area 72 with a finger etc., so
that a cursor 70 (described later) is indicated. In this state,
whenever the 1 BET button 66A is pushed, a chip is bet in a unit of
one piece (whenever the 1 BET button 66A is pushed with a finger
etc., the bet-number is increased in an order of
"1"->"2"->"3" . . . ). When the 5 BET button 66B is pushed,
the chips are bet in a unit of five pieces (whenever the 5 BET
button 66B is pushed with a finger etc., the bet-number is
increased in an order of "5"->"10"->"15" . . . ). When the 10
BET button 66C is pushed, the chips are bet in a unit of ten pieces
(whenever the 10 BET button 66C is pushed with a finger etc., the
bet-number is increased in an order of "10"->"20"->"30" . . .
). Furthermore, when the 100 BET button 66D is pushed, the chips
are bet in a unit of 100 pieces (whenever the 100 BET button 66D is
pushed with a finger etc., the bet-number is increased in an order
of "100"->"200"->"300" . . . ). Accordingly, even when many
chips are bet, an operation thereof can be simplified.
[0060] The cashout result display section 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.
[0061] The credit-number display section 68 displays the number of
credits that are currently possessed by a player. When a chip is
bet, the credit-number is decreased in accordance with the
bet-number (one credit for one chip). In addition, when a winning
is made for the number on which the bet is made and the cashout of
credits is performed, the credit-number is increased by the number
corresponding to the cashout-number. In the mean time, when the
credit-number possessed by a player becomes 0, the game is
over.
[0062] A BET time display section 69 is disposed above the
table-type betting board 60. The BET time display section 69
displays a remaining time period for which a player can bet. When
reception of a bet operation starts, "20" is displayed and the
number is decreased by 1 every one second. When the number becomes
"0," the reception of a bet operation ends. In addition, when the
bet time of the player is 5 seconds, a ball insertion device that
will be described later is driven to insert the ball into the
wheel.
[0063] Furthermore, a JP display section 73, which displays the
credit-number accumulated up to now in a jackpot (JP) manner, is
disposed at the right of the BET time display section 69. Here, the
credit-number of a JP manner is a value to which 0.5% of credits
bet in twelve stations 4 is accumulatively added and the JP display
section 73 displays a common value in all the stations 4. When a
winning is made in a specific bet type determined in the "ODDS UP
determining process," a half of the payout to be awarded to a
player is paid out from the credit-number of a JP manner. In the
mean time, the credit-number that is accumulated up to now by the
JP manner is also displayed on a JP amount display unit 15 (refer
to FIG. 5) of an electric light display unit 5 that will be
described later, in addition to the JP display section 73.
[0064] In addition, a cursor 70 showing the bet area 72 currently
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. The number
shown on the chip mark 71 indicates the number of chips bet. For
example, as shown in FIG. 3, the chip mark 71 of "7", which is put
on the grid of "18", indicates that seven 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."
[0065] 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."
[0066] As the other bet types, there is a bet type of "Split bet"
in which a bet is made while covering two numbers on a line between
the two numbers. In addition, there is a bet type of "Street bet"
in which a bet is made while covering three numbers (for example,
"13, "14" and "15") at ends of one row (one column in the vertical
direction in FIG. 3). In addition, 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" on a line between "0" and "3". Furthermore,
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 (two columns in the vertical direction in
FIG. 3). In addition, there is a bet type of "Column bet" in which
a bet is made while covering twelve numbers on the grid of "2 to
1". Additionally, there is a bet type of "Dozen bet" in which a bet
is made while covering twelve numbers on the grids of "1st 12",
"2nd 12" and "3rd 12", respectively.
[0067] Furthermore, there are other bet types, using the six grids
provided at the lowest part of the table-type betting board 60,
which are: "Red or Black bet" in which a bet is made on the red or
black numbers of the numbered plates; "Odd or Even bet" in which a
bet is made on the odd or even numbers; and "Low or High bet" in
which a bet is made on the numbers of 18 or less or 19 or more.
[0068] In the mean time, the payout ratios (odds) set for
respective bet types are different, respectively. Here, the payout
ratio (odds) is a payout-number of credits for a winning per one
chip. The payout ratio will be specifically described later.
[0069] When a bet is made on the BET screen 61 structured as
described above, a player presses a bet area 72 on which a bet is
made (on a grid of number and mark or on a line forming a grid)
with a finger etc. As a result, the pressed bet area 72 becomes an
indicated bet area 72 and the cursor 70 is moved to the indicated
bet area 72.
[0070] Then, the respective 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, and then the resulted unit numbers of chips
are bet on the indicated bet area 72. For example, when the 10 BET
button 66C is pushed four times, the 5 BET button 66B is pushed
once and the 1 BET button 66A is pushed three times, 48 chips are
bet in total.
[0071] In addition, when there is a specific bet type determined in
an "ODDS UP determining process," an ODDS screen 75 is displayed on
the display unit 102, as shown in FIG. 4. In the ODDS screen 75, a
bet type and an ODDS (payout ratio) corresponding to the bet type
are displayed. In addition, an image showing that an ODDS
corresponding to a specific bet type is being switched from a base
ODDS (base ratio) to a specific ODDS (specific rat) is displayed.
In FIG. 4, "Line" is determined as a specific bet type and an image
shows that an ODDS corresponding to "Line" is being switched from a
base ODDS of "5:1" to a specific ODSS of "7:1".
[0072] (Mechanical Structure of the Roulette Gaming Machine 1)
[0073] Next, the mechanical structure of the roulette gaming
machine 1 will be described.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 5, the roulette gaming machine 1 is
configured to have a cabinet 2 that is a main body, a roulette
device 3 (roulette device 101) provided at substantially center of
an upper surface of the cabinet 2, several stations 4 (twelve
stations in this embodiment) mounted so as to surround the roulette
device 3, and an electric light display unit 5 provided above the
cabinet 2.
[0075] Here, the station 4 is a bet unit in which a player's bet
operation that is performed while expecting a win number of the
roulette device 3 is inputted. The station 4 includes, at least, a
medal insertion slot 6 into which a game medium such as money and a
medal is inserted, a controller 7 having control buttons and the
like with which a player inputs a predetermined instruction, and an
image display device 8 (display unit (display) 102) that displays
an image relating to a game. The station 4 is a game area that
receives a player's bet operation.
[0076] The image display device 8 is a liquid crystal display of a
so-called touch panel type having the touch panel 50 attached to a
front thereof, as an input unit (input device) 103. When an icon
displayed on the liquid crystal screen is pressed with a finger
etc. of a player, the icon is selected. A player who recognizes an
image displayed on the image display device 8 operates the touch
panel 50 or controller 7, thereby proceeding with a game.
[0077] In addition, medal payout slots 9 are respectively provided
to sides of the cabinet 2 having the stations 4 mounted thereto.
Furthermore, speakers 10 that transmit music, effect sound and the
like are provided on upper right sides of the image display devices
8 of the stations 4, respectively.
[0078] Furthermore, WIN lamps 11 are respectively provided above
the image display devices 8 of the respective stations 4. When a
winning is made for the number ("00", "0", "1" to "36" in this
embodiment) bet in the stations 4, the WIN lamp 11 of the station 4
in which the winning is made is turned on. In the mean time, the
WIN lamps 11 are disposed at positions that can be seen from all
the stations 4 (twelve stations in this embodiment). In other
words, another player who plays a game in the same roulette gaming
machine 1 can see a lighting state of the WIN lamps 11.
[0079] In addition, 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. In
addition, a hopper (not shown) is provided in the medal payout slot
9, and the hopper pays out the predetermined number of medals from
the medal payout slot 9.
[0080] In addition, a server 13 is disposed in a corner 12 that is
located at a corner of the cabinet 2. The server 13 is connected to
each of the stations 4 and transmits a command signal to each of
the stations 4, thereby initiatively controlling each of the
stations 4 and proceeding with a game. Due to this, the server 13
is typically stored in the corner 12 so that a player cannot
operate the server 13. However, if a corner door 14 provided to the
corner 12 is opened by means of a key switch, the server 13 can be
operated.
[0081] The server 13 is connected to a liquid crystal display and a
keyboard, which are not shown. The liquid crystal display displays
a menu screen or maintenance screen. In addition, the keyboard is
an operating unit having several keys disposed thereon. In a state
that a menu screen or maintenance screen is displayed on the liquid
crystal display, an operator operates the keyboard, thereby
performing a maintenance operation as well as various settings in
the roulette gaming machine 1.
[0082] The electric light display unit 5 has a JP amount display
unit 15 that displays a credit-number of a JP manner. In the mean
time, the JP amount display unit 15 is mounted on a top of the
electric light display unit 5, so that all players who play a game
in the respective stations 4 can see the contents of display.
[0083] As shown in FIG. 6, the roulette device 3 is configured to
include a frame 21 that is fixed to the cabinet 2 and a wheel 22
that is rotatably received and supported in the frame 21. Many
recessed numbered pockets 23 (thirty-eight pockets in this
embodiment) are formed on the upper surface of the wheel 22.
Further, on the upper surface of the wheel 22, numbered plates 25
are formed in outward directions of the respective numbered pockets
23, the numbered plates respectively having numbers of "00", "0"
and "1" to "36" (as figure letters) indicated as a mark, so as to
correspond to the respective numbered pockets 23. In other words,
thirty-eight numbered pockets 23, each of which is given with one
number out of "00", "0" and "1" to "36" are formed on the wheel
22.
[0084] In addition, the frame 21 has a ball insertion slot 36
formed therein. The ball insertion slot 36 is coupled with a ball
insertion device (not shown). As the ball insertion device is
driven, a ball is inserted on the wheel 22 from the ball insertion
slot 36. In addition, an entire upper part of the roulette device 3
is covered with a hemisphere cover member 28 (refer to FIG. 5) made
of transparent acryl.
[0085] In addition, a win determining device 86 (refer to FIG. 7)
is provided below the wheel 22. The win determining device 86 is a
device for determining the numbered pocket 23 into which the ball
27 is received. Further, a ball collection device that is not shown
is provided below the wheel 22. The ball collection device is a
device for collecting the ball 27 on the wheel 22 after a 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.
[0086] Here, the frame 21 is gently inclined inward and a guide
wall 29 is formed at a middle part thereof. The guide wall 29
guides an inserted ball 27 against centrifugal force, thereby
allowing the ball 28 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 inwardly and reaches the wheel 22 being rotated. The ball 27,
which is rolled onto the wheel 22, passes over the numbered plates
25 at the periphery of the wheel 22 being rotated 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
(specific mark) is determined.
[0087] As shown in FIG. 5, the controller 7 is disposed on a side
of the image display device 8 and has buttons each of which is
operated by a player. To be more specific, the controller 7 has a
BET decision button 47, a cashout button 48 and a help button 49
from left, seen from a position opposite to the station 4.
[0088] 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.
[0089] 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 the medal payout slot
9.
[0090] The help button 49 is a button that is pushed when an
operation method of a game is unclear. Immediately after the help
button 49 is pushed, a help screen showing a variety of operation
information is displayed on the image display device 8.
[0091] (Electrical Structure of the Roulette Gaming Machine 1)
[0092] Next, an electrical structure of the roulette gaming machine
1 will be described.
[0093] (Electrical Structure of the Server 13)
[0094] As shown in FIG. 7, the roulette gaming machine 1 includes a
server 13 and several stations 4 (twelve stations in this
embodiment) connected to the server 13. The server 13 is connected
to the roulette device 3 and the electric light display unit 5. In
the mean time, a control system of the station 4 will be
specifically described later.
[0095] The server 13 is configured to include: a server control CPU
81 ROM 82, and a RAM 83 that serve as a calculation device and a
control device that control the entire server 13; a timer 84
connected to the server control CPU 81; a liquid crystal display 32
connected to the CPU through a liquid crystal driving circuit 85;
and a keyboard 33.
[0096] The server control CPU 81 executes a variety of processes,
based on input signals supplied from each of the stations 4 and
data or program stored in the ROM 82 and the RAM 83. Based on the
results of the executed processes, the server control CPU 81
transmits a command signal to the stations 4, thereby initiatively
controlling each of the stations 4 and proceeding with a game.
Further, the server control CPU 81 drives a drive motor provided to
the roulette device 3, thereby shooting a ball 27 or rotating the
wheel 22. Furthermore, the server control CPU 81 controls the win
determining device 86 that specifies a drop position of a ball,
thereby determining a win number based on the drop position of the
ball. Then, based on the one win number obtained in the roulette
device 3 and the bet information transmitted from each of the
stations 4, a winning of the chips bet is determined and the
credit-number to be paid out in each of the stations 4 is
calculated.
[0097] The ROM 82 is structured from a semiconductor memory, or the
like. The ROM 82 stores a program for implementing basic functions
of the roulette gaming machine 1, a program for executing an "ODDS
UP determining process", a program for initiatively controlling
each of the stations 4, and the like. In addition, the ROM 82
stores a payout ratio set for each bet type (so-called odds,
payout-number of credits for a winning per one chip), in a form of
an ODDS management table of FIG. 9, and stores an ODDS UP subject
determining table that is used in the "ODDS UP determining
process."
[0098] On the other hand, the RAM 83 temporarily stores the bet
information of chips supplied from each of the stations 4, a win
number of the roulette device 3 determined by a sensor, a
credit-number of a JP manner accumulated up to now, data of result
of a process executed by the server control CPU 81, and the
like.
[0099] Further, to the server control CPU 81, the timer 84 that
measures time is connected. 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 inserts the ball 27, based on the time
information of the timer 84.
[0100] In addition, the server control CPU 81 is connected to the
electric light display unit 5 (refer to FIG. 5). The server control
CPU 81 controls light emission of a light emitter such as LED to
perform an effect by an electric spectacular and to display
predetermined letters on the electric light display unit 5.
Furthermore, the server control CPU 81 displays the credit-number
of a JP amount, which is accumulated up to now, on the JP amount
display unit 15 of the electric light display unit 5.
[0101] (Electrical Structure of the Station 4)
[0102] Next, a structure of a control system of the stations 4
connected to the server 13 according to this embodiment will be
described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a block diagram
schematically showing a control system of the station according to
the embodiment. In the mean time, the twelve stations 4 have a
basically same structure, so that one of the stations 4 will be
described as an example.
[0103] As shown in FIG. 8, the station 4 is structured from 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 is structured from 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. In addition,
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 situation of chips bet by a player, and the like.
[0104] In addition, the station control CPU 91 is connected to a
BET decision button 47, a cashout button 48 and a help button 49,
which are provided in the controller 7 (refer to FIG. 5). Based on
operation signals outputted by pushing the respective buttons, 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 controller 7 in response to an
operation by a player, as well as 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.
[0105] On the other hand, the station control CPU 91 receives a
command signal from the server control CPU 81, controls the
peripheral devices constituting the station 4 based on the command
signal, and proceeds with a unit game in the station 4. In
addition, the station control CPU 91 executes a variety of
processes, based on an input signal that is inputted from the
controller 7 in response to an operation by a player and the data
or program stored in the ROM 92 and the RAM 93, depending on
contents of the process, controls the peripheral devices
constituting the station 4 based on the process results, and
proceeds with a unit game in the station 4.
[0106] In addition, the station control CPU 91 is connected to a
hopper 94. The hopper 94 pays out a predetermined number of medals
from the medal payout slot 9 (refer to FIG. 5) in accordance with a
command signal from the station control CPU 91.
[0107] Furthermore, the station control CPU 91 is connected to an
image display device 8 through a liquid crystal driving circuit 95.
The liquid crystal driving circuit 95 is structured from 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. In addition,
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. In addition,
the work RAM is structured as a temporary memory to be used when
the image control program is executed in the image control CPU. In
addition, 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 is
structured as a temporary memory to be used when an image is formed
in the VDP.
[0108] In addition, a touch panel 50 is attached on a front of the
image display device 8, as described above. Operation information
of the touch panel 50 is transmitted to the station control CPU 91.
As a player operates the touch panel 50 by pressing, a bet
operation of chips is performed in the BET screen 61. To be more
specific, a selection of the bet area 72, an operation of a unit
BET button 61, or the like, is made, and the operation information
thereof is transmitted to the station control CPU 91. Based on the
information, the current bet information of a player (a bet area 72
indicated in the BET screen 61, the number of chips bet and a bet
type) 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.
[0109] Furthermore, the station control CPU 91 is connected to a
speaker 10 through a sound output circuit 96. The speaker 10
generates a variety of effect sounds when performing various
effects, based on an output signal from the sound output circuit
96. In addition, a WIN lamp 11 is connected to the station control
CPU 91 through a lamp control circuit 98. When a winning is made
for the number bet is made, the WIN lamp 11 is turned on by the
lamp control circuit 98.
[0110] In addition, a medal sensor 97 is connected the station
control CPU 91. The medal sensor 97 detects medals inserted from
the medal insertion slot 6 (refer to FIG. 5), 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.
[0111] (Odds Management Table)
[0112] Next, an ODDS management table that is referred to when
calculating a payout at a time of winning will be described with
reference to FIG. 9. The ODDS management table is stored in the ROM
82 of the server 13, and a base ODDS and a specific ODDS correspond
to a bet type. In addition, one number corresponds to each bet
type. Note that, a base OODS is a base ratio that is referred to
when a corresponding bet type is not determined as a specific bet
type in the "ODDS UP determining process" and a specific ODD is a
specific ratio that is referred to when a corresponding bet type is
determined as a specific bet type in the "ODDS UP determining
process."
[0113] For example, a base ODDS corresponding to the bet type of
"Straight" is "35:1". "35:1" means that when a credit (chip) of "1"
is bet and a winning is made, the credits of "35" are paid out in
addition to the original credit of "1". That is, when a winning is
made in the odds of "35:1", the credits thirty-six times as much as
an amount bet are paid out. In addition, a base ODDS corresponding
to the bet type of "Dozen" is "2:1".
[0114] In addition, a specific ODDS corresponding to a bet type of
"Straight" is "39:1". That is, when "Straight" is determined as a
specific bet type in the "ODDS UP determining process" and a
winning is made in a bet type of "Straight," the credits forty
times as much as an amount bet are paid out. Like this, a specific
ODDS has a rate higher than that of a base ODDS.
[0115] (Odds Up Subject Determining Table)
[0116] Next, an ODDS UP subject determining table that is used in
the "ODDS UP determining process" will be described with reference
to FIG. 10. The ODDS UP subject determining table is stored in the
ROM 82 of the server 13 and has a column of number subjected to
ODDS UP and a column of random number range. The numbers in the
column of number subjected to ODDS UP respectively correspond to
the numbers in the ODDS management table of FIG. 9. When one random
number among the random number range of "0" to "255" is randomly
determined, a number subjected to ODDS UP corresponding to the
random number range to which the determined random number belongs
is determined as a number indicating a specific bet type.
[0117] For example, when the random number "192" is determined, the
number subjected to ODDS UP "6", which corresponds to the random
number range of "190" to "195" to which the random number "192"
belongs, is determined as a number indicating a specific bet type.
In this case, in FIG. 9, "Line" corresponding to the number "6"
becomes a specific bet type and an ODDS set for the bet type of
"Line" is switched to the specific ODDS from the base ODDS. In
addition, when the random number "229" is determined, the numbers
subjected to ODDS UP "3, 4", which correspond to the random number
range of "226" to "231" to which the random number "229" belongs,
are determined as numbers indicating specific bet types. In this
case, in FIG. 9, "Street" corresponding to the number "3" and
"Corner" corresponding to the number "4" become specific bet types
and the ODDS set for each of the bet types of "Street" and "Corner"
is switched to the specific ODDS from the base ODDS.
[0118] (Processing Operations of the Roulette Gaming Machine 1)
[0119] Next, the process operations carried out in the roulette
gaming machine 1 will be described. The station control CPU 91 of
each station 4 and the server control CPU 81 of the server 13
cooperate with each other to execute a game process, thereby
proceeding with a unit game.
[0120] (Game Process at the Station)
[0121] The station control CPU 91 of each station 4 executes a game
process routine for the station, which is shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.
First, as shown in FIG. 11, the station control CPU 91 determines
whether a medal or money is inserted by a player, based on a
detection signal of the medal sensor 97 (S1). When a medal or money
is not inserted (S1: NO), the step of S1 is repeated and the wait
state is sustained until a medal or money is inserted. On the other
hand, when a medal or money is inserted (S1: YES), the credit data
of an amount corresponding to the number of pieces inserted is
recorded in the RAM 93 (S2). Then, a medal insertion signal
notifying the detection of a medal or money inserted is transmitted
to the server 13 (S3).
[0122] Then, in the image display device 8 of the station 4, the
BET screen 61 of FIG. 3 is displayed (S4) and a reception of a
player's bet operation is started (S5). A player who participates
in a game operates the touch panel 50 to make a bet on a BET area
72 relating to a number that the player expects, during the bet
period for which abet operation is allowed (refer to FIG. 3). In
the mean time, the player can participate in a game in the course
of the game after the bet period is started. In the roulette gaming
machine 1 according to this embodiment, maximum twelve players can
play a game.
[0123] When a bet period end signal notifying that the bet period
is over is received from the server 13 (S6), the reception of a bet
operation on the touch panel 50 is ended (S7). Then, bet
information (the indicated bet area 72, the number of chips
(bet-number) bet on the indicated bet area 72 and a bet type) about
the bet that is performed by the player in the station 4 is
transmitted to the server 13 (S8).
[0124] Then, as shown in FIG. 12, the station control CPU 91
receives a result of the "ODDS UP determining process" from the
server 13 (S9). Here, the result of the "ODDS UP determining
process" is information indicating whether there is a bet type
(specific bet type) to be subjected to ODDS UP and which bet type
is a specific bet type. Then, it is determined whether there is a
specific bet type determined in the "ODDS UP determining process"
(S10). When it is determined that there is a specific bet type
(S10: YES), the ODDS screen 75 is displayed on the image display
device 8 (S11), as shown in FIG. 4. Then, an image showing that the
ODDS corresponding to the specific bet type is switched to a
specific ODDS from a base ODDS is displayed (S12).
[0125] After that, or when it is determined that there is no
specific bet type (S10: NO), a payout result of credits, which is
transmitted from the server 13, is received (S13). Then, based on
the payout result, the credits are paid out (S14). To be more
specific, the credit data is recorded in the RAM 93, and when the
cashout button 48 is pushed, the medals according to the
credit-number that is currently stored in the RAM 93 (typically,
one medal per one credit) are paid out from the medal payout slot
9. Then, a process of turning on the WIN lamp is performed (S15)
and the WIN lamp 11 is turned on at a time of winning. After that,
when a game is played continuously in any one of stations 4, the
process returns to the step of S4, so that a bet time is again
started to transit to a next game. On the other hand, when a game
is ended in all the stations 4, the game process routine for the
station is ended.
[0126] (Game Process in the Server)
[0127] The server control CPU 81 of the server 13 executes a game
process routine for the server, which is shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.
First, as shown in FIG. 11, a medal detection signal transmitted
from any of the stations 4 is received (S101) and a bet period for
which a bet operation of a player is received is started (S102).
Then, it is determined whether the remaining bet period becomes 5
seconds (S103). Meantime, the remaining bet period is displayed in
the BET time display section 69, on the image display device 8
(refer to FIG. 3). When it is determined that the remaining bet
period does not become 5 seconds (S103: NO), the step of S103 is
repeated and a wait state is sustained until the remaining bet
period becomes 5 seconds. On the other hand, when it is determined
that the remaining bet period becomes 5 seconds (S103: YES), the
ball insertion device is driven to insert a ball 27 into the wheel
22 (S104). Furthermore, the drive motor is driven to rotate the
wheel 22 at a predetermined rotating speed in a direction opposite
to the ball inserting direction. The inserted ball 27 rolls on the
wheel 22 along the guide wall 29. Then, 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 inwardly and reaches the center part of the wheel 22 being
rotated (refer to FIG. 6).
[0128] Then, it is determined whether the bet period is over or not
(S105). When it is determined that the bet period is not over
(S105: NO), the step of S105 is repeated and a wait state is
sustained until the bet period is over. On the other hand, when it
is determined that the bet period is over (S105: YES), a bet period
end signal notifying that the bet period is over is transmitted to
each of the stations 4 (S106). Then, the bet information (the
indicated bet area 72, the number of chips (bet-number) bet on the
indicated bet area 72 and a bet type) about the bet that is
performed by the player in each of the stations 4 is received and
stored in the RAM 83 (S107)
[0129] After that, the credits corresponding to 0.5% of a sum of
the credits bet in the respective stations 4 are accumulatively
added to the credit-number of a JP manner, which is recorded in the
RAM 83 (S108). Correspondingly, the display of the JP amount
display unit 15 or JP display section 73 is updated.
[0130] Here, the ball 27, which is rolled onto the wheel 22, passes
over the numbered plates 25 at the periphery of the wheel 22 being
rotated and then is received in any one of the numbered pockets 23.
As a result, the number (any one of "00", "0" and "1" to "36" in
FIG. 6) indicated on the numbered plate 25 corresponding to the
numbered pocket 23 having the ball 27 received therein becomes a
win number. After the ball 27 is received in the numbered pocket 23
the server control CPU 81 drives the win determining device 86 to
determine the numbered pocket 23 into which the ball 27 is received
(S109). Thereby, a win number is determined.
[0131] Then, as shown in FIG. 12, the sever control CPU 81 performs
an ODDS UP determining process (S110). A result of the ODDS UP
determining process is transmitted to each station 4 (S111). Then,
it is determined whether a winning is made for the chips bet in
each station 4, based on the bet information received from each
station 4 and the win number (S112).
[0132] Then, a payout calculating process is executed (S113). In
the payout calculating process, a win chip that is bet on the win
number is recognized for each station 4. When a winning is made,
the ODDS management table (refer to FIG. 9) stored in the ROM 82 is
referred to. Herein, when a bet type relating to a winning is not a
specific bet type, the base ODDS is used and when a bet type
relating to a winning is a specific bet type, the specific ODDS is
used, so that a sum of the payouts of credits to be paid out to
each station 4 is calculated.
[0133] After that, the payout result of credits based on the payout
calculating process is transmitted to each station 4 (S114). Then,
the credit-number of a JP manner is subtracted, as required (S115).
That is, when a winning is made in the specific bet type determined
in the "ODDS UP determining process," a half of the payout to be
paid out to a player is paid out from the credit-number of a JP
manner. Correspondingly, the display of the JP amount display unit
15 or JP display section 73 is updated. Then, the ball collection
device provided below the wheel 22 is driven to collect the ball 27
on the wheel 22 (S116). After that, when a game is continuously
played in any one of the stations 4, the process returns to the
step of S102, so that a bet time is again started. On the other
hand, when the game is ended in all the stations 4, the game
process routine for the server is ended.
[0134] As described above, the payout ratio (ODDS) set for a
specific bet type randomly determined among all bet types is
switched from a base ratio (base ODDS) to a specific ratio
(specific ODDS). Thereby, when a bet is made in a specific bet type
and a winning is made in the specific bet type, a payout to be
awarded is larger, as compared to a base. Therefore, a player's
expectation may be increased without deteriorating a game
characteristic of a conventional roulette gaming machine. In
addition, since an image showing that the payout ratio is being
switched is displayed on the display (image display device 8), a
player can watch the display to know whether a payout ratio set for
a bet type corresponding to a bet area on which the player makes a
bet is switched. As a result, a player's expectation may be further
increased.
[0135] In the above embodiment, all players who participate in a
unit game can enjoy a benefit that a payout to be awarded at a time
of winning is larger than a base, through the "ODDS UP determining
process." However, it may be possible that only a player who pays
an entry fee separately from the chip can enjoy a benefit that a
payout to be awarded at a time of winning is higher than a base. In
other words, it may be possible: when a winning is made in a
specific bet type determined in the "ODDS UP determining process,"
if a player having the winning has not paid an entry fee in
advance, a payout for the player is calculated using the base ODDS.
On the other hand, if a player having the winning has paid an entry
fee in advance, a payout for the player is calculated using the
specific ODDS.
[0136] In addition, when a winning is made in a specific bet type
determined in the "ODDS UP determining process," a half of the
payout is paid out from the credit-number of a JP manner. However,
the invention is not limited thereto. For example, as described
above, for a case where only a player who have paid an entry fee
separately from the chip can enjoy a benefit that a payout to be
awarded at a time of winning is larger than a base, the entry fee
paid by the player may be accumulated and a part or all of the
payout may be paid out from the total sum of the accumulated entry
fees.
[0137] 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. In addition, 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. In addition, 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.
[0138] 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 respective steps used to induce one result or
blocks having a predetermined processing function should be
understood as a process having no self-contradiction. In addition,
the electrical or magnetic signal is transmitted/received and
written in the respective steps or blocks. Although the processes
in the respective 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 processes in the respective
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. In addition, the
other structures necessary for the respective steps or blocks are
apparent from the above descriptions.
[0139] While this invention has been described in conjunction with
the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many
alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to
those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of
the invention as set forth above are intended to be illustrative,
not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following
claims.
* * * * *