U.S. patent application number 12/146993 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-29 for topper device of gaming machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to ARUZE CORP.. Invention is credited to Hiroyuki NAGANO.
Application Number | 20090029761 12/146993 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40295871 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090029761 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
NAGANO; Hiroyuki |
January 29, 2009 |
Topper Device Of Gaming Machine
Abstract
When any of slot machines comprising a link system (e.g., the
slot machine) has won, the winning slot machine transmits a win
signal to an installed topper device. A processor of the topper
device that received the win signal transmits to other linked
topper devices (e.g., the topper devices) an effect signal
informing that the slot machine has won, and performs effect
showing that the installed slot machine has won. In contrast, the
processors of the topper devices that received the effect signal
specifies the sending topper device, and executes the effect
showing a position of the winning slot machine, by using a topper
liquid crystal panel or the LED.
Inventors: |
NAGANO; Hiroyuki; (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: |
40295871 |
Appl. No.: |
12/146993 |
Filed: |
June 26, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3223 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101; G07F 17/3227 20130101; G07F 17/3272
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 25, 2007 |
JP |
JP2007-193130 |
Claims
1. A topper device of a gaming machine comprising: an effect device
that executes the effect; a first communication device that
communicates with an installed gaming machine; a second
communication device that communicates with other topper devices
installed in other gaming machines; and a processor that executes:
(a) when the installed gaming machine has won, a process to receive
from the gaming machine a win signal informing that it has won, via
the first communication device; (b) when receiving the win signal,
a process to execute at the effect device a first effect informing
that the gaming machine has won; (c) when receiving the win signal,
a process to transmit to the other topper devices an effect signal
informing that the gaming machine has won, via the second
communication device; and (d) when receiving the effect signal from
the other topper devices, a process to execute at the effect device
a second effect showing that the gaming machine in which the topper
device that transmitted the effect signal is installed has won.
2. A topper device of a gaming machine comprising: an effect device
that executes effect; a first communication device that
communicates with an installed gaming machine; a second
communication device that communicates with other topper devices
installed in other gaming machines; and a processor that executes:
(a) when the installed gaming machine has won, a process to receive
from the gaming machine a win signal informing that it has won, via
the first communication device; (b) when receiving the win signal,
a process to execute at the effect device the first effect
informing that the gaming machine has won; (c) when receiving the
win signal, a process to transmit to the other topper devices an
effect signal informing that the gaming machine has won, via the
second communication device; and (d) when receiving the effect
signal from the other topper devices, a process to execute at the
effect device the second effect showing a direction of installation
of the gaming machine in which the topper device that transmitted
the effect signal is installed.
3. The topper device of the gaming machine according to claim 1,
wherein the effect signal includes the identification information
that identifies the topper device that transmitted the effect
signal, and the processor specifies the topper device that
transmitted the effect signal, based on the identification
information.
4. The topper device of the gaming machine according to claim 2,
wherein the effect signal includes the identification information
that identifies the topper device that transmitted the effect
signal, and the processor specifies the topper device that
transmitted the effect signal, based on the identification
information.
5. The topper device of the gaming machine according to claim 1,
wherein when receiving the effect signal from the other topper
devices located within a predetermined distance, the processor
executes the second effect showing that the gaming machine in which
the topper device that transmitted the effect signal is installed
has won.
6. The topper device of the gaming machine according to claim 5,
further comprising an operation unit that accepts an operator's
input operation, wherein the processor sets the predetermined
distance based on the input operation accepted by the operation
unit.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based upon and claims a priority from
the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-193130 filed on Jul.
25, 2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] A topper device of a gaming machine according to one or more
aspects of the present invention relates to a topper device of a
gaming machine that informs a gaming machine that has won a prize,
from among plural gaming machines.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Conventionally, in a slot machine that is a kind of a gaming
machine, a game is started when coins, etc. are inserted into a
gaming machine, and a symbol column is variably displayed in a
predetermined area of the gaming machine, then
stopped-and-displayed after a predetermined period of time has
elapsed. As a result, the slot machine is configured to win a prize
if the stopped combination of symbols matches a predetermined
combination, and to be awarded with payout.
[0006] In addition, in a poker gaming machine that is also a kind
of a gaming machine, a game is started when coins, etc. are
inserted into the gaming machine, and five playing cards are dealt
to players. Then, the poker gaming machine is such configured that
a player wins a prize if a combination of the dealt cards matches a
predetermined combination, and is awarded with payout.
[0007] Conventionally, in the gaming machine, a topper device that
informs winning when a prize is hit is provided on the top of the
machine (Refer to U.S. Pat. No. 6,923,718B2 specification). This
topper device that comprises a liquid crystal display and lights,
etc. receives a win signal from a gaming machine when the gaming
machine in which a topper device is installed has won a prize, and
executes effect of informing the winning gaming machine, by using a
liquid crystal display and lights, etc.
[0008] In addition, the conventional topper device executes the
effect of informing a winning gaming machine even when a linked
gaming machine that is different from the installed gaming machine
has won. FIG. 13 is an illustration showing a link system 209
comprising plural linked gaming machines (slot machines in FIG. 13)
201 to 204 and topper devices 205 to 208 respectively installed in
the gaming machines 201 to 204. As shown in FIG. 13, in the link
system 209, a server 211 and the gaming machines 201 to 204 are
connected via a network 210 so that interactive communication is
enabled. Then, when any of the gaming machines (e.g., gaming
machine 202) has won, the winning gaming machine 202 transmits a
win signal indicating that it has won, to the server 211. After
that, the server 211 that has received the win signal transmits to
the other linked gaming machines (e.g., the gaming machines 201,
203, and 204) a topper effect signal indicating that the gaming
machine 202 has won. At the same time, the gaming machines 201, 203
and 204 that received the topper effect signal use the topper
devices 205, 207, and 208 to execute the effect of showing a
position of the winning gaming machine 202 (e.g., displaying the
arrow showing a direction of installation of the winning gaming
machine 202).
[0009] However, when the topper device of the conventional gaming
machine was used in the link system 209 as shown in FIG. 13, in
particular, there were the following problems:
[0010] More specifically, in order to know winning status of the
other linked gaming machines, the conventional topper devices
transmitted and received a signal through a gaming machine or
server. Thus, although no problem occurred if a gaming machine and
topper device were made by a same manufacturer, in some cases,
signal transmission/receipt was not possible due to different
standards of signals or communication devices if a combination of
products made by different manufacturers was used. As a result, for
example, when only a part of the gaming machine comprising the link
system was replaced with a new product of other manufacturer, the
topper device of that gaming machine could not execute the effect.
Furthermore, there was another problem that only gaming machines
made by a same manufacturer could comprise the link system.
[0011] Hence, it is an object of the present invention to provide a
topper device of a gaming machine having high versatility, wherein
it could specify a gaming machine that has won a prize from among
plural gaming machines in a link, by transmitting and receiving a
signal among topper devices without going through a gaming machine
or server, and thus could execute the effect without being affected
by standard of the installed gaming machine.
SUMMARY
[0012] Therefore, in order to achieve the object, according to a
topper device of a gaming machine of the present invention
encompassing one or more aspects thereof, there is provided a
topper device of a gaming machine. The topper device of a gaming
machine comprises an effect device that executes the effect and a
first communication device that communicates with an installed
gaming machine and a second communication device that communicates
with other topper devices installed in other gaming machines and a
processor. When the installed gaming machine has won, the processor
receives from the gaming machine a win signal informing that it has
won, via the first communication device. When receiving the win
signal, the processor executes at the effect device a first effect
informing that the gaming machine has won. When receiving the win
signal, the processor transmits to the other topper devices an
effect signal informing that the gaming machine has won, via the
second communication device. When receiving the effect signal from
the other topper devices, the processor executes at the effect
device a second effect showing that the gaming machine in which the
topper device that transmitted the effect signal is installed has
won. As a result, it becomes possible to specify the winning slot
machine among plural gaming machines in the link by
transmitting/receiving the signals among the topper devices,
without going through the slot machines or server. Therefore, even
in a combination of slot machines made by different manufacturers,
a link system consisting of plural topper devices can be formed,
and then high versatility is achieved that enables effects to be
executed without being affected by the standard of a gaming machine
to be placed in a game parlor.
[0013] According to the present invention encompassing one or more
aspects, there is provided a topper device of a gaming machine. The
topper device of a gaming machine comprising an effect device that
executes effect and a first communication device that communicates
with an installed gaming machine and a second communication device
that communicates with other topper devices installed in other
gaming machines and a processor. When the installed gaming machine
has won, the processor receives from the gaming machine a win
signal informing that it has won, via the first communication
device. When receiving the win signal, the processor executes at
the effect device the first effect informing that the gaming
machine has won. When receiving the win signal, the processor
transmits to the other topper devices an effect signal informing
that the gaming machine has won, via the second communication
device. When receiving the effect signal from the other topper
devices, the processor executes at the effect device the second
effect showing a direction of installation of the gaming machine in
which the topper device that transmitted the effect signal is
installed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification illustrate embodiments of
the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain
the objects, advantages and principles of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a
link system according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an outer appearance of
a slot machine according to the one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a view showing a frame format of symbol strings
drawn on the reel band of each of the reels according to the one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a view showing a winning combination of a slot
machine according to the one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration
of a entire slot machine according to the one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration
of a entire topper device according to the one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0021] FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing an effect image
displayed on a topper device, while a slot machine is playing a
free game according to the one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing an effect image
displayed on a topper device according to the one embodiment of the
present invention, when a slot machine in which the topper device
is installed has won;
[0023] FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing an effect image
displayed on a topper device according to the one embodiment of the
present invention, when another slot machine arranged near a slot
machine in which the topper device is installed has won;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a view for illustrating a range in a group of
topper devices where each of the within-range topper devices
executes an effect;
[0025] FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing an effect image
displayed on a topper device according to the one embodiment of the
present invention, when plural slot machines has won almost
concurrently;
[0026] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a effect control program executed
by a topper device according to one embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0027] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a
conventional link system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] The various aspects summarized previously may be embodied in
various forms. The following description shows by way of
illustration of various combinations and configurations in which
the aspects may be practiced. It is understood that the described
aspects and/or embodiments are merely examples, and that other
aspects and/or embodiments may be utilized and structural and
functional modifications may be made, without departing from the
scope of the present disclosure.
[0029] It is noted that various connections are set forth between
items in the following description. It is noted that these
connections in general and, unless specified otherwise, may be
direct or indirect and that this specification is not intended to
be limiting in this respect.
[0030] A topper device of a gaming machine according to one or more
aspects of the invention will be described in detail with reference
to the drawings based on an embodiment embodying one or more
aspects of the invention. However, it is appreciated that one or
more aspects of the present invention may be embodied in
distributable (via CD and the like) or downloadable software games,
console games, and the like. In this regard, the topper device of a
gaming machine may be a topper device of a virtual gaming machine
that is displayed on a multi-purpose computer and/or dedicated
kiosk. Aspects of the invention are described by way of hardware
elements. However, it is appreciated that these elements may also
be software modules that are executable in a computer. The software
modules may be stored on a computer readable medium, including but
not limited to a USB drive, CD, DVD, computer-readable memory,
tape, diskette, floppy disk, and the like. For instance, aspects of
the invention may be embodied in a JAVA-based application or the
like that runs in a processor or processors. Further, the terms
"CPU", "processor", and "controller" are inclusive by nature,
including at least one of hardware, software, or firmware. These
terms may include a portion of a processing unit in a computer (for
instance, in multiple core processing units), multiple cores, a
functional processor (as running virtually on at least one of
processor or server, which may be local or remote). Further, in
network-based gaming systems, the processor may include only a
local processor, only a remote server, or a combination of a local
processor and a remote server.
[0031] It is contemplated that one or more aspects of the invention
may be implemented as computer executable instructions on a
computer readable medium such as a non-volatile memory, a magnetic
or optical disc. Further, one or more aspects of the invention may
be implemented with a carrier signal in the form of, for instance,
an audio-frequency, radio-frequency, or optical carrier wave.
[0032] In the following, based on one substantiated embodiment,
there will be described in detail a topper device according to the
present invention, with reference to the drawings. Here will be
described the topper device according to the following embodiment
by exemplifying a topper device installed in a slot machine, in
particular.
[0033] The topper device according to the present invention is
characterized in that it is such configured that interactive
communication is enabled by a communication device that the topper
device is provided with, among topper devices and without going
through a slot machine, and that when an installed slot machine has
won a prize, the topper device transmits and receives an effect
signal indicating that the slot machine has won, among the topper
devices and via the communication device, and executes the effect
of showing that the gaming machine has won.
[0034] In the following, there will be first described an outline
configuration of a link system 9 including topper devices 5 to 8
according to this embodiment. FIG. 1 is an outline configuration
diagram of the link system 9 according to the present
embodiment.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, the link system 9 according to this
embodiment consists of plural slot machines 1 to 4 placed in a game
parlor, topper devices 5 to 8 installed in respective slot machines
1 to 4, and a network 10 connecting the respective topper device 5
to 8 to be able to communicate. In addition, there will be
described a detailed configuration of the slot machines 1 to 4 and
topper devices 5 to 8 later.
[0036] Now the network 10 consists of communication lines such as
LAN (Local Area Network), etc. that enable interactive
communications. Then, in the link system 9 according to this
embodiment, the respective topper devices 5 to 8 are connected via
the network 10 so that interactive communications is enabled. In
addition, a variety of information on games is transmitted and
received among the topper devices 5 to 8. For example, when any of
the slot machines 1 to 4 has won, as described below, the topper
device installed in the winning slot machine sends other topper
devices an effect signal including identification information that
identifies the sending topper device.
[0037] In addition, the network 10 may be wireless or wired and use
infrared communication or radio wave communications.
[0038] When any of the slot machines (e.g., slot machine 2)
comprising the link system 9 has won, the winning slot machine 2
transmits a win signal to the installed topper device 6. Then, the
topper device 6 that received the win signal transmits to the other
linked topper devices (e.g., topper devices 5, 7, and 8) an effect
signal indicating that the slot machine 2 has won. At the same
time, the topper devices 5, 7 and 8 that received the effect signal
execute the effect (e.g., displaying the arrow showing a direction
of installation of the winning slot machine 2) of showing a
position of the winning slot machine 2 by using a liquid crystal
display and lights, etc.
[0039] In the following, description is made as to an outline
configuration of the slot machines 1 to 4 and topper devices 5 to 8
according to this embodiment based on FIG. 2. Each of the slot
machines 1 to 4 and the topper devices 5 to 8 has an identical
configuration. Thus, in the following description, the slot machine
1 and the topper device 5 are described as an example, and the
description on the slot machines 2 to 4 and the topper devices 6 to
8 are omitted here.
[0040] FIG. 2 is a perspective appearance view of the slot machine
1 and topper device 5 according to this embodiment. The slot
machines 1 to 4 according to the present invention are a so-called
hybrid slot machine that arranges a known clear liquid crystal
display panel on the front face of plural mechanical reels that are
rotatably supported, and that plays a game by causing various types
of symbols drawn on the outer circumferential surface of the
mechanical reel to transmit through the clear liquid crystal
display.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine 1 directed to the
present embodiment is an upright-type slot machine used in game
arcades such as casinos and the like. This slot machine 1 has a
cabinet 11, a main door 12 and a topper device 5. The main door 12
is arranged at a front face of the cabinet 11. The topper device 5
is arranged at an upper side of the cabinet 11.
[0042] Cabinet 11 is a housing portion that houses the electrical
and mechanical components for executing a predetermined game mode
in station 1. Cabinet 11 has three reels (specifically, left reel
15, center reel 16 and right reel 17) which are rotatably provided
therein. Reels 15 through 17 each have a symbol column drawn on an
outer periphery thereof (refer to FIG. 3). The symbol column is
constituted of a predetermined twenty-two symbols. A main liquid
crystal panel 18B to be described later is arranged in front of the
reels 15 though 17.
[0043] The main door 12 has an upper display portion 19A, a
variable display portion 19B and lower display portion 19C provided
as a display portion 19 for displaying information with respect to
the game. The upper display portion 19A is constituted of an upper
liquid crystal panel 18A arranged above the variable display
portion 19B. The upper liquid crystal panel 18A displays, for
instance, effect images, introduction to game contents, explanation
of game rules, payout tables, and the like. The lower display
portion 19C is arranged at a lower side of the variable display
portion 19B and has a plastic panel 18C onto which an image has
been printed. This plastic panel 18C is lit up with a
backlight.
[0044] The variable display portion 19B is constituted of the main
liquid crystal panel 18B and is adapted to display an execution
state of the game. The main liquid crystal panel 18B is a
heretofore known transparent liquid crystal panel secured to the
main door 12. The main liquid crystal panel 18B has three display
windows 20, 21 and 22 formed therein. The slot machine 1 renders
the back side of the display windows 20, 21 and 22 visible by
placing these display windows in a transmission state. As a result,
a player can visually recognize the symbols drawn on reels 15
through 17 via the respective display windows 20 through 22.
[0045] One pay line L is displayed on the main liquid crystal panel
18B in the variable display portion 19B. This pay line L is a line
that runs in a horizontal direction across a mid portion of the
symbol display area corresponding to reels 15 through 17 and
defines a symbol combination. Accordingly, if the symbol
combination that was repositioned on the pay line L is a
predetermined winning combination, the station 1 awards a payout in
accordance with the winning combination and the credit amount that
was bet (bet amount).
[0046] The number of reels may be five, instead of three, and
further, the number of displayed symbols is not limited to nine
symbols.
[0047] A touch panel 23 is provided at a front face of the main
liquid crystal panel 18B. Thus, the player can input different
types of commands by operating of the touch panel 18.
[0048] At a right lower side of the variable display portion 19B,
there are provided a payout amount display portion 24A and a credit
amount display portion 24B. The payout amount display portion 24A
displays, as a payout amount, a payout amount to be awarded in the
case the symbol combination which is stopped and displayed on the
pay line L in a base game is a predetermined combination, and an
accumulated payout amount acquired in a free game. On the other
hand, the credit amount display unit 24B displays the credit amount
that an actual player has.
[0049] An operation table 25 is provided at a front face of the
cabinet 11. The operation table 25 is arranged between the variable
display portion 19B and the lower display portion 19C so as to
protrude towards the front side. A plurality of types of operation
buttons 26 are arranged on this operation table 25. Operation
buttons 26 include a BET button, a collecting button, a start
button and a CASHOUT button and the like. The operation table 25
has a coin slot 27 and a bill slot 28. The coin slot 27 accepts
coins representing a gaming value inside the cabinet 11. The bill
slot 28 accepts bills inside the cabinet 11.
[0050] In the slot machine 1 directed to the present embodiment,
coins, bills or electronic valuable information (credit)
corresponding to these are used as gaming values. However, the
gaming values applicable to this invention are not limited to these
items and may also include medals, tokens, electronic money or
tickets, for instance.
[0051] Also, a coin tray 29 is provided at a lowermost portion of
the cabinet 11. This coin tray 29 receives the coins paid out by a
hopper 64. A light emitting portion 30 is arranged at the periphery
of cabinet 11 in the slot machine 1. The light emitting portion 30
emits light in a predetermined lighting fashion during the free
game and when the slot machine 1 wins a prize. A speaker 31 is
provided at a side face of the cabinet 11 and is adapted to output
sounds in accordance with the progress of the game.
[0052] On the one hand, the topper device 5 has a shape of
rectangular board and is arranged to be almost parallel to the
upper liquid crystal panel 18A.
[0053] The topper device 5 also comprises a topper liquid crystal
panel 32 that displays various types of effect screens in the
center. In addition, above and below the topper liquid crystal
panel 32 are equally spaced plural LEDs 33 along the edge of the
panel. Then, as described below, the topper device 5 executes
various types of effects using the topper liquid crystal panel 32
and the LEDs 33.
[0054] Next, a description will be given based on FIG. 3 with
respect to symbols which are drawn on the reel band of a left reel
15, a center reel 16 and a right reel 17, and which are
repositioned while being scrolled on the main liquid crystal panel
18B, through each of the display windows 20 through 22 in a base
game and free game. FIG. 3 is a view showing a frame format of
symbol strings drawn on the reel band of the left reel 15, the
center reel 16 and the right reel 17.
[0055] The reel bands of reels 15 through 17 each contain 22
symbols drawn thereon. The respective symbol strings are made up of
combinations of symbols including "RED 7", "BLUE 7", "BELL",
"APPLE", "CHERRY", "STRAWBERRY", "PLUM" and "ORANGE". The
predetermined kinds of symbols are respectively positioned in a
predetermined sequence. In the symbol strings shown in FIG. 3, code
numbers are allocated with respect to each symbol constituting
these symbol strings, in a downward sequence.
[0056] Next, a description will be given based on FIG. 4 with
respect to winning combinations and payout amounts in a base game
and a free game carried out with a slot machine 1 according to the
present embodiment by using each of the reels 15 through 17.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 4, when a game is executed in the slot
machine 1 based on the first game mode, if three symbols "BELL",
"APPLE", "CHERRY", "STRAWBERRY", "PLUM" and "ORANGE" are stopped
and displayed along the pay line L, a payout amount set in advance
is awarded to the player. Even if one or two symbols "CHERRY" and
"ORANGE" are repositioned along the pay line L, a payout amount set
in advance is awarded to the player in accordance with the number
of the repositioned symbols. If three symbols "RED 7" or "BLUE 7"
are stopped and displayed along the play line L, a fixed payout
amount is awarded and at the same time, a free game is started
after switching from the base game.
[0058] If the topper device 5 installed in the slot machine 1 has
won when a winning combination of "RED 7" and "BLUE 7", in
particular, was hit among winning combinations of the above
symbols, it transmits an effect signal indicating that the slot
machine 1 has won, to other topper devices 6 to 8 connected by the
network 10. It also executes the effect of informing that the slot
machine 1 has won, by using the topper liquid crystal panel 32 or
the LEDs 33.
[0059] The payout amounts shown in FIG. 4 represent payout amounts
when bet amount is "1". Thus, although the payout amounts shown in
FIG. 4 are paid out when bet amount is "1", the amounts by
multiplying the payout amounts shown in FIG. 4 by bet amount will
be paid out when bet amount is "2" or greater. In addition, bet
amount in a free game to be applied is identical to bet amount of a
base game immediately before the free game is started.
[0060] Next, the internal construction of slot machine 1 directed
to the present embodiment will be described in detail by referring
to the drawings. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the internal
construction of slot machine 1.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 5, slot machine 1 has a plurality of
constituting elements, with a main control board 71 as a core. The
main control board 71 has a controller 41 for executing control
programs on the base game and free game.
[0062] The main control board 71 has the controller 41, a random
number generation circuit 45, a sampling circuit 46, a clock pulse
generation circuit 47 and a divider 48.
[0063] The main control board 71 also has an illumination effect
driving circuit 61, a hopper driving circuit 63, a payout
completion signal circuit 65 and a display portion driving circuit
67.
[0064] Controller 41 has a main CPU 42, a RAM 43 and a ROM 44. The
main CPU 42 inputs/outputs signals to/from the other constituting
elements through an I/O port 49 to execute a program stored in ROM
44. The main CPU 42 thus serves as the core for controlling slot
machine 1. RAM 43 temporarily stores data and programs to be used
when the main CPU 42 is operational. For instance, RAM 43
temporarily stores random number values which were sampled by a
sampling circuit 46 to be described later. The RAM 53 stores code
numbers corresponding to the respective reels 15 through 17. The
ROM 44 stores various types of programs that will be executed by
the main CPU 42, as well as permanent data.
[0065] The random number generation circuit 45 operates in response
to a command from the main CPU 42 to generate random numbers in a
definite range. The sampling circuit 46 extracts an arbitrary
random number from the random numbers generated by the random
number generation circuit 45 in response to a command from the main
CPU 42. The sampling circuit 46 inputs the extracted random numbers
to the main CPU 42. The clock pulse generation circuit 47 generates
a reference clock for activating the main CPU 42. Then, the divider
48 inputs a signal obtained by dividing the reference clock by a
fixed period, to the main CPU 42.
[0066] A reel driving unit 50 is connected to the main control
board 71. This reel driving unit 50 has a reel position detection
circuit 51 and a motor driving circuit 52. The reel position
detection circuit 51 detects the stop position for each one of the
left reel 15, the center reel 16 and the right reel 17. The motor
driving circuit 52 inputs a driving signal to motors M1, M2 and M3
which are connected to reels 15 through 17, respectively. Motors
M1, M2 and M3 are activated in response to a driving signal
inputted from the motor driving circuit 52. As a result, motors M1,
M2 and M3 respectively spin reels 15 through 17, and stop them at a
desired position.
[0067] A touch panel 23 is also connected to the main control board
71. This touch panel 23 identifies the coordinate position of the
portion a player has touched. The touch panel 23 identifies where
the player touched the panel and in which direction the touched
location has moved based on the identified coordinate position
information. The touch panel 23 inputs a signal corresponding to
the identification results to the main CPU 42 through the I/O port
49.
[0068] Operation buttons 26 are also connected to the main control
board 71. As was already described, the operation buttons 26
include a start button for instructing execution of the game, a
collecting button, a BET button, etc. The buttons included in the
operation buttons 26 each input an operation signal to the main CPU
42 through the I/O port 49 upon being held down.
[0069] The illumination effect driving circuit 61 outputs an effect
signal with respect to the above-described light emitting portion
30.
[0070] The hopper driving circuit 63 drives a hopper 64 based on
the control of the main CPU 42. As a result, the hopper 64 performs
a coin payout operation whereby coins are paid out to the coin tray
29. A coin detecting portion 66 is connected to the payout
completion signal circuit 65. The coin detecting portion 66
measures the number of coins paid out by the hopper 64 and then
inputs data on the measured amount of coins to the payout
completion signal circuit 65. The payout completion signal circuit
65 judges whether a set number of coins has been paid out, based on
the coin amount data inputted from the coin detecting portion 66.
If the set number of coins has been paid out, the payout completion
signal circuit 65 inputs a signal showing completion of coin payout
to the main CPU 42. The display portion driving circuit 67 then
controls display of the respective display portions including the
payout amount display portion 24A, the credit amount display
portion 24B and the like.
[0071] In addition, the topper device 5 is serially-connected to
the slot machine 1 via a communication interface 68. In the
following, description is made as to an internal configuration of
the topper device 5, with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a block
diagram showing the internal configuration of the topper device
5.
[0072] As shown in FIG. 6, the topper device 5 basically consists
of a controller 81 that executes an effect control program (FIG.
12), etc., for effect control in the topper device 5, a
communication interface 82 that receives various types of signals
to be transmitted from the installed slot machine 1, a
communication device 83 that transmits/receives a signal to/from
the other topper devices 6 to 8 connected by the network 10, an LED
driving circuit 84 that operates as a driving control means of the
LEDs 33, and an image control circuit 85 that operates as a display
control means of the topper liquid crystal panel 32.
[0073] The controller 81 has a main CPU 91, a ROM 92 and a RAM 93.
The main CPU 91 operates according to a program stored in the ROM
92, and controls behavior of the overall topper device 5. The RAM
93 stores data and programs to be used when the main CPU 91
operates, and temporarily holds identification information, etc.
that specifies a sending topper device included in an effect signal
received from other topper devices, for example. The ROM 92 stores
a program executed by the main CPU 91 and permanent data.
[0074] Then, when the main CPU 91 executes effect, it transmits a
LED driving command that determines content of the effect, such as
a lighting pattern of the LED 33, to the LED driving circuit 84,
etc. The main CPU 91 also transmits to the image control circuit 85
a display pattern command that determines content of effect such as
an image display pattern, of the topper liquid crystal panel 32,
etc.
[0075] In addition, the communication interface 82 is a
communication device that receives various types of signals
transmitted from the slot machine 1. The signals to be received
from the slot machine 1 include a win signal to be transmitted when
the slot machine 1 has won a prize. This win signal includes, for
example, the identification information (identification ID, etc.)
that identifies the slot machine 1, content of winning ("RED7",
"CHERRY", etc.), and information on winning time, etc.
[0076] In addition, the communication device 83 transmits various
types of signals to the other topper devices 6 to 8, and also
receives signals to be transmitted from the other topper devices 6
to 8. The signals to be transmitted to the other topper devices 6
to 8 include an effect signal to be transmitted when the slot
machine has won a prize with a specific winning combination. This
effect signal includes, for example, the identification information
(identification ID), etc. that identifies a sending topper device,
content of winning ("RED7", "BLUE7", etc.), and winning time, etc.
In addition, the signals to be received from the other topper
devices 6 to 8 include an effect signal to be transmitted from the
other topper devices 6 to 8 when the slot machines 2 to 4 have won
prizes.
[0077] In addition, the LED driving circuit 84 consists of a CPU, a
RAM, a ROM, etc. and controls lighting of the LEDs 33 based on an
LED driving command to be transmitted from the main CPU 91.
[0078] In contrast, the image control circuit 85 has an image
control CPU, an image control work RAM, an image control program
ROM, an image ROM, a video RAM and an image control IC, etc. Based
on a display pattern command to be transmitted from the main CPU
91, the image control circuit executes the image control program
stored in the image control program ROM, determines an image to be
displayed on the topper liquid crystal panel 32, forms an image
corresponding to the determined content, and outputs it to the
topper liquid crystal panel 32.
[0079] In addition, a brightness adjusting switch 94 and an
effect-pattern switch 95 are connected to the main CPU 91. The
brightness adjusting switch 94 is a switch to be manipulated when
lighting interval of the LEDs 33 or brightness of the topper liquid
crystal panel 32 is adjusted. Then, the respective switches 94, 95
are such configured that an operator can manipulate them.
[0080] In addition, the effect pattern switch 95 is a switch to be
manipulated when a lighting pattern of the LEDs 33 or an effect
image pattern of the topper liquid crystal panel 32 is selected
from plural patterns. Besides, in the topper device 5 according to
this embodiment, a range of the other topper devices 6 to 8 that
execute effect of showing winning of the slot machine 1 when the
slot machine has won with a specific winning combination (namely, a
distance from a winning slot machine to topper device that executes
the effect) can be set by manipulating the effect pattern switch
95. For example, it has become possible to set, as a range that can
be set, to execute the effect by only topper devices installed in
slot machines adjacent to the wining slot machine 1, or to execute
the effect by the topper devices installed in slot machines in a
same island as the winning slot machine 1.
[0081] In the following, description is made as to the specific
content of the effect to be executed by the topper device 5 while
the slot machine 1 having the above configuration is playing a
game.
[0082] First, while the slot machine 1 is playing a base game, all
the LEDs 33 are repeatedly turned on and off (e.g., at the
intervals of 5 seconds). In contrast, the light of the topper
liquid crystal panel 32 is turned off.
[0083] In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, while the slot machine 1 is
playing a free game, all the LEDs 33 are repeatedly turned on and
off at the predetermined time intervals (e.g., intervals of 1
second) that are shorter than those during a base game. At the same
time, a word 96 of "Free Game" is displayed on the topper liquid
crystal panel 32.
[0084] In addition, if the slot machine 1 has won when among the
winning combinations along a pay line L as shown in FIG. 4, a
winning combination of either "BLUE7" or "RED7" is hit, all LEDs 33
are continuously lighted on for a predetermined duration (e.g., 10
seconds), as shown in FIG. 8. At the same time, a word 97 of "Hit"
showing that the prize was won is displayed on the topper liquid
crystal panel 32.
[0085] In contrast, if any of the slot machines 2 to 4 other than
the slot machine 1 hits the winning combination "BLUE7" or "RED7"
and an effect signal transmitted from the other topper devices 6 to
8 is received, the LEDs 33 are turned on so that a lighting area
gradually moves to the direction of the winning slot machine, as
shown in FIG. 9. At the same time, an arrow 98 pointing to the
direction of the winning slot machine is displayed on the topper
liquid crystal panel 32. However, the effect as shown in FIG. 9 is
executed only when this topper device 5 is within a predetermined
distance from the winning slot machine. Then, the configuration is
such that the spacing thereof may be arbitrarily changed by the
effect pattern switch 95, as described above.
[0086] For example, FIG. 10 is a view illustrating the case in
which it was set that "the effect is executed at two nearest
machine each at both adjacent sides of machine that won a prize".
As shown in FIG. 10, among slot machines 101 to 106 placed in the
game parlor, when the slot machine 3 won a prize, the arrows
showing the right direction are displayed in the two slot machines
101, 102 located to the left of the slot machine 103. In addition,
the arrows showing the left direction are displayed in the topper
devices of the two slot machines 104, 105 located to the right of
the slot machine 103. In addition, the slot machines do not execute
any effect for the slot machine 103 wining the prize, in
particular.
[0087] Furthermore, when two slot machines have won prizes almost
simultaneously, the effect for the slot machine whose winning time
is earlier is executed first, and then after that effect finishes,
effect for the next winning slot machine is executed. For example,
the following case is described; the slot machine 103 and slot
machine 105, among the slot machines 101 to 106 arranged
side-by-side in a shop, as shown in FIG. 11, have won prizes almost
simultaneously and the slot machine 103 has won earlier. In this
case, only the effect for the slot machine 103 whose winning time
is earlier is to be executed, and the arrows showing the right
direction are displayed in the topper devices of two slot machines
101, 102 located to the left of the slot machine 103. In addition,
the arrows showing the left direction are also displayed in the
topper device of the two slot machines arranged to the right of the
slot machine 103.
[0088] Then, after the effect for the slot machine 103 finishes,
the effect for the slot machine 105 whose winning timing is later
is executed. Specifically, the arrows showing the right direction
are displayed in the topper devices of the two slot machines 103,
104 located to the left of the slot machine 105. Then, the arrow
showing the left direction is also displayed in the topper device
of the slot machine 106 located to the right of the slot machine
105.
[0089] In the following, description is made as to the effect
control program to be executed in the topper devices 5 to 8
according to this embodiment, with reference to the drawings. FIG.
12 is a flowchart of the effect control program. Respective program
shown in the flow chart of FIG. 12 are stored in the ROM 92 or the
RAM 93 the topper devices 5 to 8 are provided with, and repeatedly
executed by the main CPU 91 at the predetermined time intervals
(e.g., 200 ms).
[0090] First, as shown in FIG. 12, the main CPU 91 judges in step
(hereinafter abbreviated as S) 1 whether or not a win signal
transmitted from the respective installed slot machines 1 to 4 was
received. This win signal includes the identification information
that identifies the installed slot machines (identification ID,
etc.), content of winning ("RED 7", "CHERRY", etc.), and
information on the winning time, etc.
[0091] As a result, if it is judged that the win signal was
received from the respective slot machines 1 to 4 (S1: YES), the
main CPU 91 further analyzes the received win signal and judges
whether or not that win signal is a win signal indicating the
specific winning combination ("RED7", "BLUE7" in this embodiment)
(S2).
[0092] Then, if it is judged that the win signal with the specific
winning combination was received from the respective slot machines
1 to 4 (S2: YES), the process shifts to S3. In contrast, if it is
judged that a win signal with any winning combination other than
the specific winning combination was received (S2: NO), the effect
control program terminates with no effect being executed at this
topper device.
[0093] In S3, the main CPU 91 transmits an effect signal to other
topper devices connected by the network 10. This effect signal
includes, for example, the identification information
(identification ID, etc.) that identifies a sending topper device,
content of winning ("RED 7", "BLUE 7", etc.), winning time,
etc.
[0094] Next, in S4, the main CPU 91 judges whether or not the
effect for winning of the installed target slot or other slot
machine is already being executed. If it is then judged that the
effect is being executed (S4: YES), it will wait till the effect
finishes. In contrast, if it is judged that the effect is not
executed (S4: NO), the process shifts to S5.
[0095] In S5, the main CPU 91 transmits a specific LED driving
command and a display pattern command to the LED driving circuit 84
and the image control circuit 85, and executes the effect for
winning of the installed target slot machine. Specifically, as
shown in FIG. 8, it causes all the LEDs 33 to be lighted on
continuously for a predetermined duration (e.g., 10 seconds) and
also the word 97 of "Hit" showing the winning to be displayed on
the topper liquid crystal panel 32.
[0096] On the one hand, if it is judged that the win signal was not
received from the respective slot machines 1 to 4 in the S1 (S1:
YES), the main CPU 91 further judges whether or not an effect
signal was received from the other topper devices connected by the
network 10 (S6).
[0097] Then, if it is judged that it received the effect signal
from the other topper devices (S6: YES), the process shifts to S7.
On the one hand, if it is judged that it did not receive the effect
signal from the other topper device (S6: NO), it terminates the
effect control program without performing the effect on this topper
device.
[0098] Next, in S7, the main CPU 91 analyzes the received effect
signal and specifies the topper device (i.e., the winning slot
machine) that transmitted the effect signal.
[0099] Then, in S8, the main CPU 91 judges whether or not a
distance from the topper device that transmitted the effect signal
to this topper device is within the set distance. In this
embodiment, it is executed is made only when this topper device is
within the set distance from the winning slot machine. Then, the
configuration is such that the spacing may be arbitrarily changed
by the effect pattern switch 95, as described above. For example,
it also becomes possible to execute the effect by only topper
devices installed in slot machines adjacent to a wining slot
machine, or the execute effect by topper devices installed in slot
machines in a same island as a winning slot machine.
[0100] Then, if it is judged that the distance from the topper
device that transmitted the effect signal to this topper device is
within the set distance (S8: YES), the process shifts to S9. In
contrast, if it is judged that the distance from the topper device
that transmitted the effect signal to this topper device is not
within the set distance (S8: NO), the effect control program
terminates with no effect being executed in this topper device.
[0101] In S9, the main CPU 91 judges whether or not the effect for
winning of the installed target slot machine or other slot machine
is already being executed. If it is judged that the effect is being
executed (S9: YES), it will wait till the effect finishes. On the
one hand, if it is judged that the effect is not executed (S9: NO),
it shifts to S10.
[0102] Next, in S10, the main CPU 91 transmits a specific LED
driving command or a display pattern command to the LED driving
circuit 84 and the image control circuit 85, it executes the effect
for winning of other winning slot machines. Specifically, as shown
in FIG. 9, it causes the LEDs 33 to turn on so that a lighting area
gradually moves to the direction of the winning slot machine and
then the topper liquid crystal panel 32 to display the arrow 98
showing the direction of the winning slot machine.
[0103] In the topper devices 5 to 8 according to the present
embodiment, as described above, if any of the slot machines
comprising the link system 9 (e.g., the slot machine 2) has won,
the winning slot machine 2 transmits a win signal to the installed
topper device 6, which then transmits an effect signal indicating
that the slot machine 2 has won (S3) and executes the effect of
showing that the installed slot machine 1 has won (S5). At the same
time, the topper devices 5, 7, and 8 that received the effect
signal specify the sending topper device 6 (S7), and execute the
effect showing a position of the winning slot machine 2 by using
the topper liquid crystal panel 32 or the LEDs 33. Thus, it becomes
possible to specify the winning slot machine among plural gaming
machines in the link by transmitting/receiving the signals among
the topper devices, without going through the slot machines or
server. Therefore, even in a combination of slot machines made by
different manufacturers, a link system consisting of plural topper
devices can be formed, and then high versatility is achieved that
enables effects to be executed without being affected by the
standard of a gaming machine to be placed in a game parlor.
[0104] In addition, as the effect showing a winning slot machine to
users is executed by using only topper devices that are within a
set range from the winning slot machine, no unnecessary effect is
executed at the topper devices of slot machines in a remote
location where the effect is not expected, and processing load can
be alleviated. In addition, it becomes possible to set a range of
slot machines for which effect is executed considering the size of
a shop and the intentions of the game parlor.
[0105] In addition, it will be obvious that the present invention
shall not be limited to the embodiment and that various
improvements and modifications may be made without departing from
the scope of the invention.
[0106] For instance, in this embodiment, although an effect signal
is transmitted to other topper devices only when prize is won with
a specific winning combination (e.g., "RED7", "BLUE7") among a
plural of winning combinations (FIG. 4), an effect signal may be
transmitted irrespective of types of winning combinations. In
addition, the slot machines equipped with progressive function may
comprise the link system 9 and thus an effect signal may be
transmitted when a progressive payout is won.
[0107] In addition, the brightness adjusting switch 94 or the
effect pattern switch 95 may be such configured that it can be
operated by a player as well as an operator. Further, brightness of
the topper liquid crystal panel 32 or content of effect may be
changed based on content of winning.
[0108] Although the subject matter has been described in language
specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is
to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended
claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts
described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described
above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the
claims.
* * * * *