Gaming Machine And Controlling Method Thereof

Abstract

In a gaming machine and a method of controlling the gaming machine, one dealer card having a number on its face and a plurality of player cards each having any one of a positive number and a negative number on its face are displayed face down on a liquid crystal display. After the dealer card is turned over to show the face, the plurality of player cards are turned over to show the faces sequentially one by one. If a sum of the numbers shown on the displayed player cards agrees with the number shown on the dealer card, an award is provided. In this event, each of the player cards may have either a positive number or a negative number on its face.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/012,528 filed on Dec. 10, 2007, and which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a gaming machine for playing a game and a controlling method thereof.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] A gaming machine which executes a card game disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,821 has been known as a related gaming machine. U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,821 discloses the following game. Firstly, as a primary game, five cards are dealt to a player. Then, the player holds some of the dealt five cards and replaces the other cards with different cards. Thereafter, if the player obtains a winning combination, an award is provided to the player.

[0006] If the award is provided, the player can select whether or not to execute a double-up game as a secondary game. If the player decides not to execute the double-up game, medals or credits corresponding to the award provided in the primary game are paid out. On the other hand, if the player decides to execute the double-up game, he/she determines whether the number shown on the front face of the card displayed face down is greater or smaller than a number shown on the front face of the card displayed face up. If his/her determination is right, the award provided in the primary game is doubled. If his/her determination is wrong, the award provided in the primary game is confiscated.

[0007] Therefore, the execution of the secondary game provides the player with a chance of winning more awards. However, at the same time, the player may lose the award won in the primary game by playing the secondary game.

[0008] As described above, the related gaming machine only increases or reduces awards by allowing a player to determine whether the number of the card the player has is greater or smaller than that of the predetermined card. Thus, there has been desired a gaming machine having game properties with new entertainment properties to implement elaborate effects unlike the card game as described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A first aspect of the present invention is a gaming machine comprising: a display adapted to display a plurality of cards; and a controller configured to (a) display, on the display, one dealer card having a number, (b) display a plurality of player cards face down on the display, each of the player cards having any one of a positive number and a negative number, (c) display each of the face-down player cards face up on the display, and (d) generate an award corresponding to the number of the dealer card upon agreement between a sum of the numbers of the plurality of player cards and the number of the dealer card.

[0010] A second aspect of the present invention is a gaming machine comprising: a display adapted to display a plurality of cards; and a controller configured to (a) display, on the display, one dealer card having a number when an award is provided in a primary game, (b) display a plurality of player cards face down on the display, each of the player cards having any one of a positive number and a negative number, (c) display each of the face-down player cards face up on the display, and (d) generate an award corresponding to the number of the dealer card upon agreement between a sum of the numbers of the plurality of player cards and the number of the dealer card.

[0011] A third aspect of the present invention is a gaming machine comprising: a display adapted to display a plurality of cards; an input device configured to receive an input from a player; and a controller configured to (a) display, on the display, one dealer card having a number, (b) display three or more player cards face down on the display, each of the player cards having any one of a positive number and a negative number, (c) display two or more player cards face up on the display, the two or more player cards being selected by the input from the three or more player cards displayed face down, and (d) generate an award corresponding to the number of the dealer card upon agreement between a sum of the numbers of the face-up player cards and the number of the dealer card.

[0012] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a gaming machine comprising: a display adapted to display a plurality of cards; and a controller configured to (a) display, on the display, one dealer card having a number when a sub-game is selected during an execution of a main game, (b) display a plurality of player cards face down on the display, each of the player cards having a number, (c) display each of the face-down player cards face up on the display, and (d) generate an award corresponding to the number of the dealer card upon agreement between a sum of the numbers of the plurality of player cards and the number of the dealer card.

[0013] A fifth aspect of the present invention is a method of controlling a gaming machine, comprising: displaying, by the controller, one dealer card having a number, on the display; displaying, by the controller, a plurality of player cards face down on the display, each of the player cards having any one of a positive number and a negative number; displaying, by the controller, each of the face-down player cards face up on the display one by one; and generating, by the controller, an award corresponding to the number of the dealer card upon agreement between a sum of the numbers of the plurality of player cards and the number of the dealer card.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a sub-game execution process executed by a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 2 is an external view of the gaming machine according to the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a controller in the gaming machine according to the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a main game execution process executed by the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by the gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a face display process executed by the gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a face display process executed by the gaming machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by the gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a face display process executed by the gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by the gaming machine according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 12 shows a display example in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIGS. 13(a) and 13(b) show display examples in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIGS. 14(a) and 14(b) show display examples in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIGS. 15(a) and 15(b) show display examples in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIGS. 16(a) to 16(f) show display examples in the gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIGS. 17(a) to 17(f) show display examples in the gaming machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIGS. 18(a) to 18(f) show display examples in the gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0032] FIG. 1 is a flowchart schematically showing a procedure of a sub-game execution process executed by a gaming machine according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a controller in the gaming machine. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, an outline of the present invention will be described below.

[0033] First, a controller 40 shown in FIG. 3 displays a first dealer card in a sub-game executed at the same time as a main game (Step S151 in FIG. 1).

[0034] Next, the controller 40 turns over a first player card to show the face out of two face-down player cards (Step S152; see FIG. 13(b)). Moreover, the controller 40 turns over a face-down second player card to display the face (Step S153; see FIG. 14(a)).

[0035] Thereafter, the controller 40 adds a number shown on the first player card and a number shown on the second player card, and determines whether or not the sum (total) of the numbers agrees with a number shown on the first dealer card (Step S154).

[0036] If it is determined that the sum of the numbers shown on the first and second player cards agrees with the number shown on the first dealer card, the controller 40 provides an award (Step S155).

[0037] In this way, the following card game is executed as the sub-game executed at the same time as the main game. Specifically, in the card game, it is determined whether or not a sum of numbers shown on multiple player cards displayed on a liquid crystal display 21 agrees with a number shown on a dealer card and an award is provided upon agreement therebetween.

[0038] Next, detailed description will be given of a configuration of the gaming machine according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing a gaming machine 14 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming machine 14 includes: the liquid crystal display 21 adapted to display various images; a touch panel 31; a BET switch 23 for betting 1 credit; a MAXBET switch 24 for betting a maximum number of credits; a start switch 35 for starting a card game; a credit number display part 25 for displaying the current number of credits; a BET number display part 26 for displaying the number of bet credits; and a payout switch 27 for paying out coins.

[0039] The gaming machine further includes: a coin insertion slot 29 into which coins are inserted; a ticket printer 28 for printing out data on plays, such as the number of coins to be paid out; a bill insertion slot 30 into which bills are inserted; a lamp 52; and a speaker 22.

[0040] In a lower part of the gaming machine 14, provided is a payout opening 32 through which coins are paid out. Moreover, below the payout opening 32, provided is a receiving portion 33 for accumulating coins paid out.

[0041] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the controller 40 and various devices connected to the controller 40 provided in the gaming machine 14 according to this embodiment. The controller 40 in the gaming machine 14 shown in FIG. 3 is a microcomputer, including an interface circuit group 102, an I/O bus 104, a CPU 41, a ROM 42, a RAM 43, a communication interface circuit 49, a random number generating circuit 48, a speaker driving circuit 46, a hopper driving circuit 45, a display driving circuit 47 and a liquid crystal driving circuit 44.

[0042] The interface circuit group 102 is connected to the I/O bus 104. The I/O bus 104 inputs and outputs a data signal or an address signal to and from the CPU 41.

[0043] The BET switch 23, the MAXBET switch 24, the payout switch 27 and the start switch 35 are connected to the interface circuit group 102. Moreover, switching signals outputted from those switches 23, 24, 27 and 35 are supplied to the interface circuit group 102, converted into predetermined signals by the interface circuit group 102 and then transmitted to the CPU 41 through the I/O bus 104.

[0044] In addition, a coin detecting sensor 51 is connected to the interface circuit group 102. The coin detecting sensor 51 is a sensor for detecting coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 29 and is provided in a coin insertion part of the coin insertion slot 29. A detection signal outputted by the coin detecting sensor 51 is supplied to the interface circuit group 102, converted into a predetermined signal by the interface circuit group 102 and then transmitted to the CPU 41 through the I/O bus 104.

[0045] The ROM 42 storing a game execution program and the RAM 43 for storing various data are connected to the I/O bus 104. The random number generating circuit 48, the communication interface circuit 49, the liquid crystal driving circuit 44, the touch panel 31, the hopper driving circuit 45, the speaker driving circuit 46 and the display driving circuit 47 are further connected to the I/O bus 104.

[0046] When the start switch 35 is pressed after the BET switch 23 or the MAXBET switch 24 is pressed, the CPU 41 executes a game by reading the game execution program stored in the ROM 42. The game execution program is a program for executing a game to be described later by displaying cards on the liquid crystal display 21 through the liquid crystal driving circuit 44.

[0047] In a first embodiment, the game execution program is configured to execute the following card game as a sub-game of a blackjack game, while the blackjack game is executed as a main game. In the sub-game, one dealer card and two player cards are displayed on the liquid crystal display 21, and if a sum of numbers shown on the player cards agrees with a number shown on the dealer card, an award is provided.

[0048] Moreover, in second to fifth embodiments to be described later, the game execution program is configured to execute the following card game. Specifically, one dealer card and multiple player cards are displayed on the liquid crystal display 21, and an award is provided if a sum of numbers shown on the player cards agrees with a number shown on the dealer card.

[0049] The communication interface circuit 49 is connected to a hall server and the like, and transmits, to the hall server, data on a history of plays executed in the gaming machine 14, and the like. Moreover, the communication interface circuit 49 receives various data transmitted from the hall server.

[0050] The random number generating circuit 48 generates a random number for determining whether or not to provide an award in the card game executed on the liquid crystal display 21.

[0051] The display driving circuit 47 performs control of displaying the number of credits in the credit number display part 25 and of displaying the number of bet credits in the BET number display part 26. Moreover, the display driving circuit 47 also controls the turning on and off of the lamp 52 (notifying device).

[0052] The speaker driving circuit 46 outputs sound data to the speaker 22 (notifying device). Specifically, the CPU 41 reads sound data stored in the ROM 42 and transmits the sound data to the speaker driving circuit 46 through the I/O bus 104. Thus, predetermined sound effects are emitted from the speaker 22.

[0053] The hopper driving circuit 45 outputs a payout signal to a hopper 101 when the payout switch 27 is pressed. Specifically, when a payout signal is inputted by pressing the payout switch 27, the CPU 41 outputs a driving signal to the hopper driving circuit 45 through the I/O bus 104. Thus, the hopper 101 pays out coins equivalent to the number of credits remaining at this time. The number is stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 43.

[0054] The liquid crystal driving circuit 44 performs display control for executing a card game on the liquid crystal display 21. Specifically, the CPU 41 generates an image display command signal corresponding to a state and an outcome of a card game executed on the liquid crystal display 21, and outputs the image display command signal to the liquid crystal driving circuit 44 through the I/O bus 104. Upon receipt of the image display command signal outputted by the CPU 41, the liquid crystal driving circuit 44 generates a driving signal for driving the liquid crystal display 21 according to the image display command, and outputs the generated driving signal to the liquid crystal display 21. Thus, a predetermined image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 21.

[0055] On a surface of the liquid crystal display 21, the touch panel 31 is provided. When a player touches the touch panel 31, an input signal corresponding to a position touched by the player is inputted to the liquid crystal driving circuit 44.

[0056] Next, with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, description will be given of a procedure of a card game execution process according to the first embodiment. The card game is executed by the gaming machine 14.

[0057] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the card game execution process according to the first embodiment. First, in Step S121, a main game execution process is performed. In this process, the controller 40 executes a blackjack game as a main game, on the display 21. This will be described in detail later.

[0058] In Step S122, it is determined whether or not there is a sub-game execution input in the main game execution process. In this process, the controller 40 determines whether or not there is a sub-game execution input in Step S132 shown in FIG. 5 to be described later.

[0059] Thereafter, if it is determined that there is the sub-game execution input, the controller 40 performs a sub-game execution process in Step S123. The sub-game execution process will be described in detail later.

[0060] Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, the main game execution process in Step S121 shown in FIG. 4 will be described.

[0061] First, in Step S131 shown in FIG. 5, the controller 40 executes a step of receiving a bet made by the player. In this step, the controller 40 uses the coin detecting sensor 51 to detect that coins have been inserted into the coin insertion slot 29 shown in FIG. 2 and also uses a bill reading sensor 50 to detect that bills have been inserted into the bill insertion slot 30. Moreover, when the BET switch 23 is pressed, the controller 40 detects a bet of credits equivalent to the number of times the BET switch is pressed. Furthermore, when the MAXBET switch 24 is pressed, the controller 40 detects a bet of the maximum number of credits.

[0062] In Step S132, the controller 40 receives a sub-game execution input. In this step, the controller 40 displays a sub-game execution selection image 205 on the liquid crystal display 21 as shown in FIG. 12. Furthermore, when an area of the sub-game execution selection image is touched by the player through the touch panel 31, the controller 40 determines that there is a sub-game execution input and stores a sub-game execution command in the RAM 43.

[0063] In Step S133, the controller 40 activates a timer set in the RAM 43 to measure elapsed time T from the start of reception of a bet, and determines whether or not the elapsed time T measured with the timer has reached preset reception time Tmax (for example, 10 seconds).

[0064] In Step S134, if the elapsed time T measured with the timer has reached the preset reception time Tmax, the controller 40 finishes the reception of the bet and the sub-game execution input. Specifically, the reception time Tmax for a bet and the sub-game execution input is predetermined, and the player is to perform a BET input and the sub-game execution input within the reception time Tmax.

[0065] In Step S135, when the player presses the start switch 35, the controller 40 detects this and executes a blackjack game as a main game. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13(a), first and second dealer cards D11 and D12 and first and second player cards P11 and P12 are displayed face down on the display 21. Moreover, a Stay image 201 and a Hit image 202 are displayed on the display.

[0066] The Stay image 201 is an image to be selected when the player does not need another card in execution of the blackjack game. When the player touches the Stay image 201, the touch panel 31 detects this and the controller 40 recognizes that Stay has been selected. The Hit image 202 is an image to be selected when the player needs another card in execution of the blackjack game. When the player touches the Hit image 202, the touch panel 31 detects this and the controller 40 recognizes that Hit has been selected.

[0067] In Step S136, the controller 40 turns over the first dealer card D11 to show the face, out of the two dealer cards D11 and D12. As a result, a card of "8 of diamonds" is displayed as the face of the first dealer card D11 as shown in FIG. 13(b).

[0068] In Step S137, the controller 40 turns over of the first and second player cards P11 and P12 in this order to show the faces out of the two player cards P11 and P12. As a result, a card of "3 of clubs" is displayed as the face of the first player card P11 as shown in FIG. 13(b). Thereafter, a card of "5 of hearts" is displayed as the face of the second player card P12 as shown in FIG. 14(a).

[0069] In Step S138, the controller 40 receives selection of Hit or Stay. If Stay is selected, the process advances to Step S141. If Hit is selected, the process advances to Step S139. In the example shown in FIG. 14(a), since a sum of numbers shown on the two player cards P11 and P12 is "8", the player is to select Hit by touching the Hit image 202.

[0070] In Step S139, the controller 40 displays a third player card P13 face up as shown in FIG. 14(b).

[0071] In Step S140, the controller 40 receives selection of Hit or Stay again. The player can repeatedly select Hit unless he/she goes bust.

[0072] If the player selects Stay, the controller 40 turns over the face-down second dealer card D12 to display the face, in Step S141. As a result, a card of "Jack of spades" is displayed as the face of the second dealer card D12 as shown in FIG. 15(a).

[0073] In Step S142, the controller 40 performs a step of determining whether the player wins or loses. In this step, the controller 40 determines a winner between the dealer and the player by comparing a sum of the numbers shown on the player cards P11, P12 and P13 with a sum of the numbers shown on the dealer cards D11 and D12. In the example shown in FIG. 15(a), since the sum of the numbers shown on the player cards is "21" and the sum of the numbers shown on the dealer cards is "18", the player wins the game.

[0074] In Step S143, if the player wins the game, an award is provided. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15(b), the controller 40 displays an image "YOU WIN!!" on the display 21 and pays out 100 coins.

[0075] Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 1, description will be given of the sub-game execution process in Step S123 shown in FIG. 4. When the sub-game is selected and thereby the sub-game execution command is stored in the RAM 43 in Step S132 shown in FIG. 5, the controller 40 executes the sub-game concurrently with the blackjack game described above.

[0076] In Step S151 shown in FIG. 1, the controller 40 displays a first dealer card D21 face up on the display 21. As a result, a card of "8 of diamonds" is displayed as the face of the first dealer card D21 on the display 21 as shown in FIG. 13(b).

[0077] In Step S152, the controller 40 displays a first player card P21 face up on the display 21. As a result, a card of "3 of clubs" is displayed as the face of the first player card P21 on the display 21 as shown in FIG. 13(b).

[0078] In Step S153, the controller 40 displays a second player card P22 face up on the display 21. As a result, a card of "5 of hearts" is displayed as the face of the second player card P22 on the display 21 as shown in FIG. 14(a).

[0079] In Step S154, the controller 40 adds up the numbers shown on the first and second player cards P21 and P22 displayed on the display 21 as shown in FIG. 14(a) and compares the sum of the numbers with the number shown on the first dealer card D21. Thereafter, if the sum of the numbers shown on the first and second player cards P21 and P22 agrees with the number shown on the first dealer card D21, the controller 40 provides an award in Step S155.

[0080] In the example shown in FIG. 14(a), since the sum of the numbers shown on the first and second player cards P21 and P22 agrees with the number shown on the first dealer card D21, the award is provided.

[0081] In this case, as shown in FIG. 14(b), the controller 40 displays an image "YOU WIN!!" on the display 21 and notifies the player that 200 coins are to be paid out.

[0082] As described above, in the gaming machine 14 according to the first embodiment, selection of whether or not to execute the sub-game is received during execution of the blackjack game that is the main game. In the case where the sub-game is executed, the award is provided when the sum of the numbers shown on the first and second player cards P21 and P22 agrees with the number shown on the first dealer card D21. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine having entertainment properties to increase expectations for an outcome of the sub-game.

[0083] Next, with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, description will be given of a procedure of a card game execution process executed by the gaming machine 14 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. First, in Step S11 shown in FIG. 6, the controller 40 executes a step of receiving a bet made by the player. In this step, the controller 40 uses the coin detecting sensor 51 to detect that coins have been inserted into the coin insertion slot 29 shown in FIG. 2 and also uses the bill reading sensor 50 to detect that bills have been inserted into the bill insertion slot 30. Moreover, when the BET switch 23 is pressed, the controller 40 detects a bet of credits equivalent to the number of times the BET switch is pressed. Furthermore, when the MAXBET switch 24 is pressed, the controller 40 detects a bet of the maximum number of credits.

[0084] In Step S12, the controller 40 activates the timer set in the RAM 43 to measure elapsed time T from the start of reception of a bet. Thereafter, in Step S13, the controller 40 determines whether or not the elapsed time T measured with the timer has reached preset reception time Tmax (for example, 10 seconds).

[0085] In Step S14, if the elapsed time T measured with the timer has reached the preset reception time Tmax, the controller 40 finishes the reception of the bet. Specifically, the reception time Tmax for a bet is predetermined, and the player is to perform a BET input within the reception time Tmax.

[0086] In Step S15, when the player presses the start switch 35, the controller 40 detects this and displays one dealer card D1 and three player cards P1 to P3 face down on the liquid crystal display 21 as shown in FIG. 16(a). The dealer card D has a number on its face and each of the player cards P1 to P3 has a positive number or a negative number on its face.

[0087] In Step S16, a face display process is executed for each of the cards D1 and P1 to P3 displayed on the liquid crystal display 21. The face display process will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7.

[0088] In Step S31 shown in FIG. 7, the controller 40 turns over the dealer card D1 to show the face, as shown in FIG. 16(b). As a result, the face of the dealer card D1, having a number "200", for example, is displayed on the liquid crystal display 21.

[0089] Next, in Step S32, the controller 40 turns over the player card P1 on the left to show the face among the three player cards P1 to P3. As a result, the face of the player card P1, having a number "100", for example, is displayed on the liquid crystal display 21 as shown in FIG. 16(c).

[0090] In Step S33, the controller 40 turns over the player card P2 in the middle to show the face among the three player cards P1 to P3. As a result, the face of the player card P2, having a number "300", for example, is displayed on the liquid crystal display 21 as shown in FIG. 16(d).

[0091] In Step S34, the controller 40 turns over the player card P3 on the right to show the face among the three player cards P1 to P3. As a result, the face of the player card P3, having a number "-200", for example, is displayed on the liquid crystal display 21 as shown in FIG. 16(e).

[0092] In Step S17 shown in FIG. 6, the controller 40 performs a step of adding up the numbers shown on the faces of the three player cards P1 to P3. Thereafter, in Step S18, the controller 40 determines whether or not a sum of the numbers shown on the faces of the three player cards P1 to P3 agrees with the number shown on the dealer card D1. In the example shown in FIG. 16(e), the sum of the numbers shown on the three player cards P1 to P3 is "200", which agrees with the number "200" shown on the dealer card D1.

[0093] Subsequently, in Step S19, the controller 40 executes a step of providing an award if the sum of the numbers shown on the player cards agrees with the number shown on the dealer card in Step S18. In the example shown in FIG. 16(e), the sum of the numbers shown on the three player cards P1 to P3 and the number shown on the dealer card D1 are both "200" and agree with each other. Thus, the award is provided in Step S19. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16(f), characters "200, Congratulations!!" are displayed on the liquid crystal display 21 to notify the player that an award of 200 coins is to be provided.

[0094] As described above, in the card game executed in the gaming machine 14 according to the second embodiment, each of the three player cards P1 to P3 has any one of the positive number and the negative number on its face. Moreover, in the case where the sum of the numbers shown on the faces of the player cards P1 to P3 agrees with the number shown on the dealer card D1, an award of coins equivalent to the number shown on the dealer card D1 is provided.

[0095] Thus, the sum of the numbers does not always increase along with the addition of numbers of the player cards P1 to P3 but may decrease when any of the player cards has a negative number on its face. Consequently, it is possible to provide a gaming machine having entertainment properties to increase expectations for an outcome of the game.

[0096] In the gaming machine according to the second embodiment described above, the description was given by taking, as an example, the case where the numbers shown on the player cards are displayed in a left-to-right order as shown in FIGS. 16(a) to 16(f). However, the present invention is not limited to the above case. For example, it is also possible to display the numbers shown on the faces of the three player cards P1 to P3 in a random order.

[0097] Next, a gaming machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The gaming machine according to the third embodiment is different from that described in the second embodiment only in the face display process executed in Step S16 shown in FIG. 6. With reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 8, a face display process according to the third embodiment will be described below.

[0098] In Step S51 shown in FIG. 8, starting from a state where the dealer card D1 and three player cards P1 to P3 are displayed face down as shown in FIG. 17(a), the controller 40 turns over one dealer card D1 to show the face as shown in FIG. 17(b). As a result, the face of the dealer card D1, having a number "500", for example, is displayed on the liquid crystal display 21.

[0099] Next, in Step S52, the player card P1 on the left is turned over to show the face as a first player card among the three player cards P1 to P3. As a result, the face of the player card P1, having a number "300", for example, is displayed on the liquid crystal display 21 as shown in FIG. 17(c).

[0100] In Step S53, the number of the first player card P1 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 21. As a result, characters "300 in total!!" are displayed as shown in FIG. 17(c).

[0101] In Step S54, the player card P2 in the middle is turned over to show the face as a second player card among the three player cards P1 to P3. As a result, the face of the player card P2, having a number "-100", for example, is displayed on the liquid crystal display 21 as shown in FIG. 17(d).

[0102] In Step S55, a sum of the numbers shown on the first and second player cards P1 and P2 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 21. As a result, characters "200 in total!!" are displayed as shown in FIG. 17(d).

[0103] Next, in Step S56, the controller 40 compares the sum of the numbers shown on the first and second player cards P1 and P2 (hereinafter the sum being referred to as "B") with the number shown on the dealer card D1 (the number being hereinafter referred to as "A"), and determines whether or not the sum "B" is equal to or smaller than the number "A". In other words, the controller 40 determines whether or not "B.ltoreq.A" is satisfied.

[0104] If it is determined that "B.ltoreq.A" is satisfied, the controller 40 determines in Step S57 whether or not a number shown on a third player card, that is the player card P3 on the right, is zero or a positive number. If it is determined that the number shown on the player card P3 on the right is zero or a positive number, Steps S58 and S59 are performed.

[0105] In Step S58, the controller 40 executes a step of outputting a first sound (for example, a chime sound) from the speaker 22. In Step S59, the controller 40 executes a step of turning on the lamp 52 in red.

[0106] If it is determined in Step S57 that the number shown on the player card P3 on the right is not zero or a positive number, in other words, if the number shown on the player card P3 is a negative number, Steps S61 and S62 are performed.

[0107] In Step S61, the controller 40 executes a step of outputting a second sound (for example, a buzzer sound) from the speaker 22. In Step S62, the controller 40 executes a step of turning on the lamp 52 in blue.

[0108] On the other hand, if it is determined in Step S56 that "B>A" is satisfied, in other words, if it is determined that the sum "B" of the numbers shown on the first and second player cards P1 and P2 is greater than the number "A" shown on the dealer card D1, the controller 40 determines in Step S60 whether or not the number shown on the third player card, that is the player card P3 on the right, is a negative number. If it is determined that the number shown on the player card P3 on the right is a negative number, Steps S58 and S59 described above are performed. More specifically, the controller 40 outputs the first sound from the speaker 22 and turns on the lamp 52 in red.

[0109] If it is determined in Step S60 that the number shown on the player card P3 on the right is not a negative number, in other words, if the number shown on the player card P3 is zero or a positive number, Steps S61 and S62 described above are performed. More specifically, the controller 40 outputs the second sound from the speaker 22 and turns on the lamp 52 in blue.

[0110] Thereafter, in Step S63, characters "300 more to win!!" are displayed on the liquid crystal display 21 and the player card P3 on the right is turned over to show the face as the third player card. As a result, the face of the player card P3, having a number "300", for example, is displayed on the liquid crystal display 21 as shown in FIG. 17(e).

[0111] Subsequently, the controller 40 performs Steps S17 to S19 shown in FIG. 6. More specifically, in Step S17, the controller 40 adds up the numbers shown on the faces of the three player cards P1 to P3. Thereafter, in Step S18, the controller 40 determines whether or not a sum of the numbers shown on the faces of the three player cards P1 to P3 agrees with the number shown on the dealer card.

[0112] In the example shown in FIG. 17(e), a sum of the numbers shown on the three player cards P1 to P3 is "500", which agrees with the number "500" shown on the dealer card D1.

[0113] Subsequently, in Step S19, the controller 40 executes a step of providing an award if the sum of the numbers shown on the player cards agrees with the number shown on the dealer card in Step S18. In the example shown in FIG. 17(e), the sum of the numbers shown on the three player cards P1 to P3 agrees with the number shown on the dealer card D1. Thus, the award is provided in Step S19. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17(f), the controller 40 displays characters "500, Congratulations!!" on the liquid crystal display 21 to notify the player that an award of 500 coins is to be provided.

[0114] As described above, in the card game executed in the gaming machine 14 according to the third embodiment, each of the three player cards P1 to P3 has a positive number or a negative number on its face. Moreover, in the case where the sum of the numbers shown on the faces of the player cards P1 to P3 agrees with the number shown on the dealer card D1, an award of coins equivalent to the number shown on the dealer card D1 is provided.

[0115] Moreover, the sound to be outputted from the speaker 22 and the color of the lamp 52 are changed in accordance with whether the number shown on the face of the third player card P3 is any one of zero and a positive number or a negative number, before the number is displayed. In the case where "B.ltoreq.A" is satisfied when comparing the sum "B" of the numbers shown on the two player cards P1 and P2 out of the three player cards P1 to P3 with the number "A" shown on the dealer card D1, the sum of the numbers shown on the three player cards P1 to P3 may agree with the number shown on the dealer card D1 if the number shown on the third player card P3 is zero or a positive number. Thus, the controller 40 allows the player to have expectations by outputting the first sound such as a chime sound and turning on the lamp 52 in red before turning over the third player card P3 to show the face.

[0116] Similarly, suppose the case where "B>A" is satisfied when comparing the sum "B" of the numbers shown on the two player cards P1 and P2 out of the three player cards P1 to P3 with the number "A" shown on the dealer card D1. In this case, the sum of the numbers shown on the three player cards P1 to P3 may agree with the number shown on the dealer card D1 if the number shown on the third player card P3 is a negative number. Thus, the controller 40 allows the player to have expectations by outputting the first sound such as a chime sound and turning on the lamp 52 in red, before turning over the third player card P3 to show the face.

[0117] On the other hand, suppose the case where "B.ltoreq.A" is satisfied when comparing the sum "B" of the numbers shown on the two player cards P1 and P2 out of the three player cards P1 to P3 with the number "A" shown on the dealer card D1. In this case, the sum of the numbers shown on the three player cards P1 to P3 has no chance of agreeing with the number shown on the dealer card D1 if the number shown on the third player card P3 is a negative number. Thus, the controller 40 notifies the player that he/she is less likely to win an award by outputting the second sound such as a buzzer sound and turning on the lamp 52 in blue, before turning over the third player card P3 to show the face.

[0118] Similarly, suppose the case where "B>A" is satisfied when comparing the sum "B" of the numbers shown on the two player cards P1 and P2 out of the three player cards P1 to P3 with the number "A" shown on the dealer card D1. In this case, the sum of the numbers shown on the three player cards P1 to P3 has no chance of agreeing with the number shown on the dealer card D1 if the number shown on the third player card P3 is zero or a positive number. Thus, the controller 40 notifies the player that he/she is less likely to win an award by outputting the second sound such as a buzzer sound and turning on the lamp 52 in blue, before turning over the third player card P3 to show the face.

[0119] As described above, the controller 40 can increase expectations for an outcome of the game by changing the sound to be outputted from the speaker 22 and the color of the lamp 52 according to the possibility of providing an award. Thus, a gaming machine having entertainment properties can be provided.

[0120] Next, a gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a card game executed in the gaming machine 14 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0121] First, in Step S71 shown in FIG. 9, the controller 40 executes a step of receiving a bet made by the player. In this step, the controller 40 uses the coin detecting sensor 51 to detect that coins have been inserted into the coin insertion slot 29 shown in FIG. 2 and also uses the bill reading sensor 50 to detect that bills have been inserted into the bill insertion slot 30. Moreover, when the BET switch 23 is pressed, the controller 40 detects a bet of credits equivalent to the number of times the BET switch is pressed. Furthermore, when the MAXBET switch 24 is pressed, the controller 40 detects a bet of the maximum number of credits.

[0122] In Step S72, the controller 40 activates the timer set in the RAM 43 to measure elapsed time T from the start of reception of a bet. Thereafter, in Step S73, the controller 40 determines whether or not the elapsed time T measured with the timer has reached preset reception time Tmax (for example, 10 seconds).

[0123] In Step S74, if the elapsed time T measured with the timer has reached the preset reception time Tmax, the controller 40 finishes the reception of the bet. Specifically, the reception time Tmax for a bet is previously determined, and the player performs a BET input within the reception time Tmax.

[0124] In Step S75, when the player presses the start switch 35, the controller 40 detects this and displays one dealer card D1 and five player cards P1 to P5 face down on the liquid crystal display 21 as shown in FIG. 18(a). The dealer card D1 has a number on its face and each of the player cards P1 to P5 has a positive number or a negative number on its face.

[0125] In Step S76, a face display process is executed for each of the cards D1 and P1 to P5 displayed on the liquid crystal display 21. The face display process will be described below with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 10.

[0126] In Step S91 shown in FIG. 10, the controller 40 turns over the dealer card D1 to show the face, as shown in FIG. 18(b). As a result, the face of the dealer card D1 having a number "400", for example, is displayed on the liquid crystal display 21. Furthermore, the controller 40 displays characters "Pick three cards" on the liquid crystal display 21 to notify that three cards can be selected from the five player cards P1 to P5.

[0127] Next, in Step S92, the controller 40 turns over the first selected player card to show the face among the five player cards P1 to P5. For example, when the player touches an area on the liquid crystal display 21 where the fourth player card P4 from the left among the five player cards P1 to P5 is displayed, the touch panel 31 detects this. As a result, the controller 40 displays the face the player card P4, having a number "200", for example, on the liquid crystal display 21 as shown in FIG. 18(c). Moreover, as shown in FIG. 18(c), the controller 40 displays characters "Pick two more cards" on the liquid crystal display 21 to notify the player that he/she can select two more cards out of the four player cards P1, P2, P3 and P5 displayed face down.

[0128] In Step S93, the controller 40 turns over the second selected player card to show the face out of the face-down four player cards P1, P2, P3 and P5. For example, when the player touches an area on the liquid crystal display 21 where the second player card P2 from the left among the four player cards P1, P2, P3 and P5 is displayed, the touch panel 31 detects this. As a result, the controller 40 displays the face of the player card P2, having a number "300", for example, on the liquid crystal display 21 as shown in FIG. 18(d). Moreover, as shown in FIG. 18(d), the controller 40 displays characters "Pick one more card" on the liquid crystal display 21 to notify the player that he/she can select one more card out of the three player cards P1, P3 and P5 displayed face down.

[0129] In Step S94, the controller 40 turns over the third selected player card to show the face out of the three player cards P1, P3 and P5 displayed face down. For example, when the player touches an area on the liquid crystal display 21 where the rightmost player card P5 among the three player cards P1, P3 and P5 is displayed, the touch panel 31 detects this. As a result, the controller 40 displays the face of the player card P5, having a number "-100", for example, on the liquid crystal display 21 as shown in FIG. 18(e). Thus, the three player cards are turned over to show the faces out of the five face-down player cards P1 to P5.

[0130] Thereafter, in Step S95, numbers shown on faces of the two player cards P1 and P3 which did not get selected are displayed.

[0131] Subsequently, in Step S77 shown in FIG. 9, the controller 40 performs a step of adding up the numbers shown on the faces of the selected three player cards P2, P4 and P5. Thereafter, in Step S78, the controller 40 determines whether or not a sum of the numbers shown on the faces of the selected three player cards P2, P4 and P5 agrees with the number shown on the dealer card D1. In the example shown in FIG. 18(e), a sum of the numbers shown on the selected three player cards P2, P4 and P5 is "400", which agrees with the number "400" shown on the dealer card D1.

[0132] Thereafter, in Step S79, the controller 40 executes a step of providing an award if the sum of the numbers shown on the player cards agrees with the number shown on the dealer card in Step S78. In the example shown in FIG. 18(e), the sum of the numbers shown on the three player cards P2, P4 and P5 and the number shown on the dealer card D1 are both "400" and agree with each other. Thus, the award is provided in Step S79. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18(f), characters "400, Congratulations!!" are displayed on the liquid crystal display 21 to notify the player that an award of 400 coins is to be provided.

[0133] As described above, in the card game executed in the gaming machine 14 according to the fourth embodiment, each of the five player cards P1 to P5 has either a positive number or a negative number on its face. Moreover, in the case where the sum of the numbers shown on the faces of three player cards selected from the five player cards P1 to P5 agrees with the number shown on the dealer card D1, an award of coins equivalent to the number shown on the dealer card D1 is provided.

[0134] Thus, the sum of the numbers does not always increase along with the addition of numbers of the selected three player cards but may decrease when any of the selected player cards has a negative number on its face. Consequently, it is possible to provide a gaming machine having entertainment properties to increase expectations for an outcome of the game.

[0135] Note that, in the gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment described above, the description was given of the example where three player cards are selected from the five player cards P1 to P5 as shown in FIGS. 18(a) to 18(f). Meanwhile, the number of the player cards to be selected can also be set to other than three.

[0136] Next, a gaming machine according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a card game executed in the gaming machine 14 according to the fifth embodiment. In the gaming machine according to the fifth embodiment, a primary game such as a slot game, a roulette game and a horse racing game is executed, and a card game is executed as a secondary game when an award is provided in the primary game. This will be described in detail below.

[0137] In Step S101 shown in FIG. 11, the controller 40 executes a primary game. As described above, examples of the primary game include a slot game, a roulette game, a horse racing game and the like. In this embodiment, any kind of game can be executed as the primary game.

[0138] In Step S102, the controller 40 determines whether or not an outcome of the primary game leads to an award. For example, when the primary game is a slot game, an award is provided if the same numbers "7-7-7" are lined up in a predetermined area. When the primary game is a roulette game, an award is provided if a ball enters a pocket having a number on which a bet is made. When the primary game is a horse racing game, an award is provided if a horse on which a bet is made wins.

[0139] If the outcome of the primary game leads to an award, the controller 40 executes a step of receiving a bet made by the player in Step S103. In this step, the controller 40 uses the coin detecting sensor 51 to detect that coins have been inserted into the coin insertion slot 29 shown in FIG. 2 and also uses the bill reading sensor 50 to detect that bills have been inserted into the bill insertion slot 30. Moreover, when the BET switch 23 is pressed, the controller 40 detects a bet of credits equivalent to the number of times the BET switch is pressed. Furthermore, when the MAXBET switch 24 is pressed, the controller 40 detects a bet of the maximum number of credits.

[0140] In Step S104, the controller 40 activates the timer set in the RAM 43 to measure elapsed time T from the start of reception of a bet. Thereafter, in Step S105, the controller 40 determines whether or not the elapsed time T measured with the timer has reached preset reception time Tmax (for example, 10 seconds).

[0141] In Step S106, if the elapsed time T measured with the timer has reached the preset reception time Tmax, the controller 40 finishes the reception of the bet. Specifically, the reception time Tmax for a bet is predetermined, and the player is to perform a BET input within the reception time Tmax.

[0142] In Step S107, when the player presses the start switch 35, the controller 40 detects this and displays one dealer card D1 and three player cards P1 to P3 face down on the liquid crystal display 21 as shown in FIG. 16(a). The dealer card D1 has a number on its face and each of the player cards P1 to P3 has a positive number or a negative number on its face.

[0143] In Step S108, a face display process is executed for each of the cards D1 and P1 to P3 displayed on the liquid crystal display 21. Since the face display process is the same as that having been described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, description thereof will be omitted.

[0144] In Step S109 shown in FIG. 11, the controller 40 performs a step of adding up the numbers shown on the faces of the three player cards P1 to P3. Thereafter, in Step S110, the controller 40 determines whether or not a sum of the numbers shown on the faces of the three player cards P1 to P3 agrees with the number shown on the dealer card. In the example shown in FIG. 16(e), a sum of the numbers shown on the three player cards P1 to P3 is "200", which agrees with the number "200" shown on the dealer card D1.

[0145] Subsequently, in Step S111, the controller 40 executes a step of providing an award if the sum of the numbers shown on the player cards agrees with the number shown on the dealer card in Step S110. In the example shown in FIG. 16(e), the sum of the numbers shown on the three player cards P1 to P3 and the number shown on the dealer card D1 are both "200" and agree with each other. Thus, the award is provided in Step S111. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16(f), the characters "200, Congratulations!!" are displayed on the liquid crystal display 21 to notify the player that an award of 200 coins is to be provided.

[0146] As described above, in the gaming machine 14 according to the fifth embodiment, the controller 40 first executes a primary game, and when an award is provided in the primary game, executes a card game as a secondary game of the primary game. In the card game to be executed as the secondary game, each of the three player cards P1 to P3 has a positive number or a negative number on its face. Moreover, in the case where the sum of the numbers shown on the faces of the player cards P1 to P3 agrees with the number shown on the dealer card D1, an award of coins equivalent to the number shown on the dealer card D1 is provided.

[0147] Thus, the sum of the numbers does not always increase along with the addition of the numbers of the player cards P1 to P3 but may decrease when any of the player cards has a negative number on its face. Consequently, it is possible to provide a gaming machine having entertainment properties to increase expectations for an outcome of the game.

[0148] Note that, in the secondary game executed in the gaming machine according to the fifth embodiment described above, the description was given by taking, as an example, the case where the numbers shown on the player cards are displayed in a left-to-right order as shown in FIGS. 16(a) to 16(f). However, the present invention is not limited to the above case. For example, it is also possible to display the numbers shown on the faces of the three player cards P1 to P3 in a random order.

[0149] Although the embodiments of the gaming machine according to the present invention have been described above, the embodiments are described merely as concrete examples and the present invention is not particularly limited thereto. The concrete configuration of each of the means and the like can be changed in design according to the necessity. Moreover, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely listed as preferred effects achieved by the present invention. The effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A gaming machine comprising: a display adapted to display a plurality of cards; and a controller configured to (a) display, on the display, one dealer card having a number, (b) display a plurality of player cards face down on the display, each of the player cards having any one of a positive number and a negative number, (c) display each of the face-down player cards face up on the display, and (d) generate an award corresponding to the number of the dealer card upon agreement between a sum of the numbers of the plurality of player cards and the number of the dealer card.

2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to display the face-down player cards face up one by one, and display a sum of the numbers of the face-up player cards on the display every time one of the face-down player cards is displayed face up.

3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a notifying device configured to output at least one of a sound signal and an optical signal before the last face-down player card among the plurality of player cards is displayed face up, the sound signal and optical signal each indicating whether the number of the last face-down player card is a positive number or a negative number.

4. A gaming machine comprising: a display adapted to display a plurality of cards; and a controller configured to (a) display, on the display, one dealer card having a number when an award is provided in a primary game, (b) display a plurality of player cards face down on the display, each of the player cards having any one of a positive number and a negative number, (c) display each of the face-down player cards face up on the display, and (d) generate an award corresponding to the number of the dealer card upon agreement between a sum of the numbers of the plurality of player cards and the number of the dealer card.

5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the controller is configured to display the face-down player cards face up one by one, and display a sum of the numbers of the face-up player cards on the display every time one of the face-down player cards is displayed face up.

6. The gaming machine according to claim 4, further comprising a notifying device configured to output at least one of a sound signal and an optical signal before the last face-down player card among the plurality of player cards is displayed face up, the sound signal and optical signal each indicating whether the number of the last face-down player card is a positive number or a negative number.

7. A gaming machine comprising: a display adapted to display a plurality of cards; an input device configured to receive an input from a player; and a controller configured to (a) display, on the display, one dealer card having a number, (b) display three or more player cards face down on the display, each of the player cards having any one of a positive number and a negative number, (c) display two or more player cards face up on the display, the two or more player cards being selected by the input from the three or more player cards displayed face down, and (d) generate an award corresponding to the number of the dealer card upon agreement between a sum of the numbers of the face-up player cards and the number of the dealer card.

8. The gaming machine according to claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to display the face-down player cards face up one by one and display a sum of the numbers of the face-up player cards on the display every time one of the face-down player cards is displayed face up.

9. The gaming machine according to claim 7, further comprising: a notifying device configured to output at least one of a sound signal and an optical signal before the last face-down player card among the plurality of player cards is displayed face up, the sound signal and optical signal each indicating whether the number of the last face-down player card is a positive number or a negative number.

10. A gaming machine comprising. a display adapted to display a plurality of cards; and a controller configured to (a) display, on the display, one dealer card having a number when a sub-game is selected during an execution of a main game, (b) display a plurality of player cards face down on the display, each of the player cards having a number, (c) display each of the face-down player cards face up on the display, and (d) generate an award corresponding to the number of the dealer card upon agreement between a sum of the numbers of the plurality of player cards and the number of the dealer card.

11. A method of controlling a gaming machine, comprising: displaying, by the controller, one dealer card having a number, on the display; displaying, by the controller, a plurality of player cards face down on the display, each of the player cards having any one of a positive number and a negative number; displaying, by the controller, each of the face-down player cards face up on the display one by one; and generating, by the controller, an award corresponding to the number of the dealer card upon agreement between a sum of the numbers of the plurality of player cards and the number of the dealer card.

12. The method of controlling a gaming machine, according to claim 11, further comprising: displaying, by the controller, the face-down player cards face up one by one, and displaying, by the controller, a sum of the numbers of the face-up player cards on the display every time one of the face-down player cards is displayed face up.

13. The method of controlling a gaming machine, according to claim 11, further comprising outputting at least one of a sound signal and an optical signal before displaying the last face-down player card among the plurality of player cards face up, the sound signal and the optical signal each indicating whether the number of the last face-down player card is a positive number or a negative number.