U.S. patent application number 12/175120 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-16 for gaming machine comprising display performing dice game using roulette and playing method thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to ARUZE CORP.. Invention is credited to Hiroyuki NAGANO.
Application Number | 20090181748 12/175120 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40851134 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090181748 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
NAGANO; Hiroyuki |
July 16, 2009 |
GAMING MACHINE COMPRISING DISPLAY PERFORMING DICE GAME USING
ROULETTE AND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF
Abstract
The gaming machine 1 is a gaming machine that executes a game
using identification numbers of 1 to 6 and is programmed to store a
bet area bet on, which area corresponds to any one of the
identification numbers 1 to 6, and a credit placed as a bet on the
bet area; to roll the ball on three wheels each of which has a
plurality of numbered pockets 23 to which the identification
numbers of 1 to 6; when the ball is received in any one of the
plurality of numbered pockets 23, to display pip images of dices
corresponding to three win numbers detected by a win determining
device 86 on an image display device; and when the three win
numbers conform to the bet areas bet in the terminal device 4, to
award a payout, based on odds defined for the conforming bet areas
and the credits placed as a bet.
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: |
40851134 |
Appl. No.: |
12/175120 |
Filed: |
July 17, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61020795 |
Jan 14, 2008 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3211 20130101; G07F 17/322 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/17 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A gaming machine that executes a game using identification
numbers of 1 to 6, the gaming machine comprising: a wheel having a
plurality of numbered pockets to which the identification numbers
of 1 to 6 are allotted; at least one ball that rolls on the wheel
and is received in any one of the plurality of numbered pockets; a
win number detection device that detects, as a win number, the
identification number allotted to one of the numbered pockets
having received the ball; a terminal device that has a plurality of
bet areas corresponding to the identification numbers, and receives
a game value placed as a bet on one or more of the bet areas, and
awards a payout based on odds defined for the bet areas; a display;
and a controller that operates: (a1) to store a bet area bet on and
a game value placed as a bet in the terminal device; (a2) to roll
the ball on the wheel; (a3) when the ball is received in any one of
the plurality of numbered pockets, to display on the display a pip
image of a dice corresponding to a win number detected by the win
number detection device; and (a4) when the win number conforms to
the bet area bet on in the terminal device, to award a payout,
based on odds defined for the conforming bet area bet on and the
game value placed as a bet on the bet area.
2. A gaming machine that executes a game using identification
numbers of 1 to 6, the gaming machine comprising: a plurality of
wheels each of which has a plurality of numbered pockets to which
the identification numbers of 1 to 6 are allotted; a ball that
rolls on the wheels and is received in any one of the plurality of
numbered pockets; a win number detection device that detects, as a
win number, the identification number allotted to one of the
numbered pockets having received the ball; a terminal device that
has a plurality of bet areas corresponding to the identification
numbers, and receives a game value placed as a bet on one or more
of the bet areas, and awards a payout based on odds defined for the
bet areas; a display; and a controller that operates: (b1) to store
a bet area bet on and a game value placed as a bet in the terminal
device; (b2) to roll the ball on the wheels; (b3) when the ball is
received in any one of the numbered pockets in all of the wheels,
to display a plurality of pip images of dices corresponding to win
numbers detected by the win number detection device on the display;
and (b4) when the win numbers conform to the bet areas bet in the
terminal device, to award a payout, based on odds defined for the
conforming bet areas and the game value placed as a bet.
3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein a game to be
executed is a Sic Bo that uses the three wheels and has a bet area
relating to a combination of the identification numbers allotted to
the numbered pockets having the three balls received therein.
4. A gaming machine that executes a game using identification
numbers of 1 to 6, the gaming machine comprising: a wheel having a
plurality of numbered pockets each of which has a display device
that displays the identification numbers; at least one ball that
rolls on the wheel and is received in any one of the plurality of
numbered pockets; a win number detection device that detects, as a
win number, the identification number displayed on the display
device provided to the numbered pocket having received the ball; a
terminal device that has a plurality of bet areas corresponding to
the identification numbers, and receives a game value placed as a
bet on one or more of the bet areas, and awards a payout based on
odds defined for the bet areas; a display; and a controller that
operates: (c1) to store a bet area bet on and a game value placed
as a bet in the terminal device; (c2) to randomly determine and
display the identification numbers of 1 to 6 on each display
device; (c3) to roll the ball on the wheel; (c4) when the ball is
received in any one of the plurality of numbered pockets, to
display on the display a pip image of a dice corresponding to a win
number detected by the win number detection device; and (c5) when
the win number conforms to the bet area bet on in the terminal
device, to award a payout, based on odds defined for the conforming
bet area bet on and the game value placed as a bet on the bet
area.
5. A gaming machine that executes a game using identification
numbers of 1 to 6, the gaming machine comprising: a plurality of
wheels each of which has a plurality of numbered pockets each of
which has a display device that displays the identification
numbers; a ball that rolls on each wheel and is received in any one
of the plurality of numbered pockets; a win number detection device
that detects, as a win number, the identification number displayed
on the display device provided to the numbered pocket having
received the ball; a terminal device that has a plurality of bet
areas corresponding to the identification numbers, and receives a
game value placed as a bet on one or more of the bet areas, and
awards a payout based on odds defined for the bet areas; a display;
and a controller that operates: (d1) to store a bet area bet on and
a game value placed as a bet in the terminal device; (d2) to
randomly determine and display the identification numbers of 1 to 6
on each display device; (d3) to roll the ball on the wheels; (d4)
when the ball is received in any one of the numbered pockets in all
of the wheels, to display a plurality of pip images of dices
corresponding to win numbers detected by the win number detection
device on the display; and (d5) when the win numbers conform to the
bet areas bet in the terminal device, to award a payout, based on
odds defined for the conforming bet areas and the game value placed
as a bet.
6. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein a game to be
executed is a Sic Bo that uses the three wheels and has a bet area
relating to a combination of the identification numbers allotted to
the numbered pockets having the three balls received therein.
7. A playing method of a game in which identification numbers of 1
to 6 are used to repeatedly perform a game, the playing method
comprising the steps of: storing a bet area bet on bet areas
corresponding to the identification numbers and a game value placed
as a bet on the bet area; rolling a ball on a wheel having a
plurality of numbered pockets to which the identification numbers
of 1 to 6 are allotted; when the ball is received in any one of the
plurality of numbered pockets, displaying a pip image of a dice
corresponding to a win number detected by a win number detection
device on a display; and when the win number conforms to the bet
area bet on in a terminal device, awarding a payout, based on odds
defined for the conforming bet area bet on and the game value
placed as a bet on the bet area.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/020,795, filed on Jan. 14, 2008, which
application is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to a gaming machine and a playing
method thereof.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Conventionally, there are many types of games using a dice,
which have much popularity together with a card game, a roulette
game and a slot game. For example, U.S. Patent Publication No.
2007/0018406 discloses a gaming machine that executes a Sic Bo game
in which three dices are used to foresee the number of pips or a
combination of the dices.
[0006] However, when it is intended to develop the gaming machine
as a gaming machine like a slot machine, the hexahedral dice
requires a complicated device with respect to operations of shaking
the dice, interpreting the pip of the dice, withdrawing the dice
and the like, so that it takes much cost for the development. In
addition, if a video game is made so as to execute a game using a
dice, a reality is lost, so that it is apt to be monotonous.
[0007] In the mean time, a roulette game is a game to foresee where
a ball, which is thrown on a wheel being rotated, will fall. It is
a famous game that can be said as a representative game in a casino
and the like. The rules thereof are simple, so that there are many
fans. For example, U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2005/0032570 and
2006/0094493 disclose roulette gaming devices in which a betting
board arranged in a grid type is used to foresee a number to be bet
and to bet a chip.
[0008] An object of the invention is to provide a gaming machine
capable of using a wheel, which is used in a roulette game, in a
dice game to reduce the costs of development and to increase a
player's game motivation while providing a realistic of the
roulette game, and a playing method thereof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The invention provides a gaming machine that executes a game
using identification numbers of 1 to 6, the gaming machine
including: a wheel having a plurality of numbered pockets to which
the identification numbers of 1 to 6 are allotted; at least one
ball that rolls on the wheel and is received in any one of the
plurality of numbered pockets; a win number detection device that
detects, as a win number, the identification number allotted to one
of the numbered pockets having received the ball; a terminal device
that has a plurality of bet areas corresponding to the
identification numbers, and receives a game value placed as a bet
on one or more of the bet areas, and awards a payout based on odds
defined for the bet areas; a display; and a controller programmed
to operate as described in the steps of (a1) to (a4). Specifically,
the controller operates: (a1) to store a bet area bet on and a game
value placed as a bet in the terminal device; (a2) to roll the ball
on the wheel; (a3) when the ball is received in anyone of the
plurality of numbered pockets, to display on the display a pip
image of a dice corresponding to a win number detected by the win
number detection device; and (a4) when the win number conforms to
the bet area bet on in the terminal device, to award a payout,
based on odds defined for the conforming bet area bet on and the
game value placed as a bet on the bet area.
[0010] According to the above structure, when a ball is received in
any one of numbered pockets having identification numbers of 1 to 6
allotted thereto on a wheel, it is possible to display a pip image
of a dice corresponding to a win number detected by a win number
detection device on a display. In addition, when any one win number
of 1 to 6 detected by the win number detection device conforms to
the bet area bet on in the terminal device, it is possible to award
a payout, based on odds defined for the conforming bet area bet on
and the game value placed as a bet on the bet area. Thereby, a
player familiar with a roulette game may play a conventional game
using a dice with a sense same as the roulette game. In addition, a
game arcade may easily enable a player of a roulette game to take
part in a game using a dice.
[0011] Furthermore, the invention provides a gaming machine that
executes a game using identification numbers of 1 to 6, the gaming
machine including: a plurality of wheels each of which has a
plurality of numbered pockets to which the identification numbers
of 1 to 6 are allotted; a ball that rolls on the wheels and is
received in any one of the plurality of numbered pockets; a win
number detection device that detects, as a win number, the
identification number allotted to one of the numbered pockets
having received the ball; a terminal device that has a plurality of
bet areas corresponding to the identification numbers, and receives
a game value placed as a bet on one or more of the bet areas, and
awards a payout based on odds defined for the bet areas; a display;
and a controller programmed to operate as described in the steps of
(b1) to (b4). Specifically, the controller operates: (b1) to store
a bet area bet on and a game value placed as a bet in the terminal
device; (b2) to roll the ball on the wheels; (b3) when the ball is
received in any one of the numbered pockets in all of the wheels,
to display a plurality of pip images of dices corresponding to win
numbers detected by the win number detection device on the display;
and (b4) when the win numbers conform to the bet areas bet in the
terminal device, to award a payout, based on odds defined for the
conforming bet areas and the game value placed as a bet.
[0012] According to the above structure, since many wheels are
provided, the gaming machine of the invention can be applied to a
game using many dices. Thereby, a player familiar with a roulette
game may play a conventional game using dices with a sense same as
the roulette game. In addition, a game arcade may easily enable a
player of a roulette game to take part in a game using a dice.
[0013] In addition, the invention provides the gaming machine
according to claim 2, wherein a game to be executed may be a Sic Bo
that uses the three wheels and has a bet area relating to a
combination of the identification numbers allotted to the numbered
pockets having the three balls received therein.
[0014] According to the above structure, it is possible to execute
a Sic Bo using three wheels. In addition, when a Sic BO game is
executed, the three wheels are rotated at the same time to roll the
ball on each wheel. Thereby, a player may play a conventional Sic
Bo game with a sense same as a roulette game. In addition, a game
arcade may easily enable a player of a roulette game to take part
in a game using a dice.
[0015] Furthermore, the invention provides a gaming machine that
executes a game using identification numbers of 1 to 6, the gaming
machine including: a wheel having a plurality of numbered pockets
each of which has a display device that displays the identification
numbers; at least one ball that rolls on the wheel and is received
in any one of the plurality of numbered pockets; a win number
detection device that detects, as a win number, the identification
number displayed on the display device provided to the numbered
pocket having received the ball; a terminal device that has a
plurality of bet areas corresponding to the identification numbers,
and receives a game value placed as a bet on one or more of the bet
areas, and awards a payout based on odds defined for the bet areas;
a display; and a controller programmed to operate as described in
the steps of (c1) to (c5). Specifically, the controller operates:
(c1) to store a bet area bet on and a game value placed as a bet in
the terminal device; (c2) to randomly determine and display the
identification numbers of 1 to 6 on each display device; (c3) to
roll the ball on the wheel; (c4) when the ball is received in any
one of the plurality of numbered pockets, to display on the display
a pip image of a dice corresponding to a win number detected by the
win number detection device; and (c5) when the win number conforms
to the bet area bet on in the terminal device, to award a payout,
based on odds defined for the conforming bet area bet on and the
game value placed as a bet on the bet area.
[0016] According to the above structure, it is possible to randomly
display the identification numbers of 1 to 6 on the respective
display devices. Thereby, when a main game is executed, it is
possible to provide a player with a pleasure that the player does
not know which identification number will be displayed on each
display device.
[0017] Furthermore, the invention provides a gaming machine that
executes a game using identification numbers of 1 to 6, the gaming
machine including: a plurality of wheels each of which has a
plurality of numbered pockets each of which has a display device
that displays the identification numbers; a ball that rolls on each
wheel and is received in any one of the plurality of numbered
pockets; a win number detection device that detects, as a win
number, the identification number displayed on the display device
provided to the numbered pocket having received the ball; a
terminal device that has a plurality of bet areas corresponding to
the identification numbers, and receives a game value placed as a
bet on one or more of the bet areas, and awards a payout based on
odds defined for the bet areas; a display; and a controller
programmed to operate as described in the steps of (d1) to (d5).
Specifically, the controller operates: (d1) to store a bet area bet
on and a game value placed as a bet in the terminal device; (d2) to
randomly determine and display the identification numbers of 1 to 6
on each display device; (d3) to roll the ball on the wheels; (d4)
when the ball is received in any one of the numbered pockets in all
of the wheels, to display a plurality of pip images of dices
corresponding to win numbers detected by the win number detection
device on the display; and (d5) when the win numbers conform to the
bet areas bet in the terminal device, to award a payout, based on
odds defined for the conforming bet areas and the game value placed
as a bet.
[0018] According to the above structure, since many wheels are
provided, the gaming machine of the invention can be applied to a
game using many dices. In addition, it is possible to randomly
display the identification numbers of 1 to 6 on each display
device. Thereby, when a main game is executed, it is possible to
provide a player with a pleasure that the player does not know
which identification number will be displayed on each display
device. In addition, a player familiar with a roulette game may
play a conventional game using dices with a sense same as the
roulette game. Further, a game arcade may easily enable a player of
a roulette game to take part in a game using a dice.
[0019] In addition, the invention provides the gaming machine
according to claim 5, wherein a game to be executed may be a Sic Bo
that uses the three wheels and has a bet area relating to a
combination of the identification numbers allotted to the numbered
pockets having the three balls received therein.
[0020] According to the above structure, it is possible to execute
a Sic Bo using three wheels. In addition, when a Sic BO game is
executed, the three wheels are rotated at the same time to roll the
ball on each wheel. Thereby, a player may play a conventional Sic
Bo game with a sense same as a roulette game. In addition, a game
arcade may easily enable a player of a roulette game to take part
in a game using a dice.
[0021] Furthermore, the invention provides a playing method of a
game in which identification numbers of 1 to 6 are used to
repeatedly perform a game, the playing method including the steps
of: storing a bet area bet on bet areas corresponding to the
identification numbers and a game value placed as a bet on the bet
area; rolling a ball on a wheel having a plurality of numbered
pockets to which the identification numbers of 1 to 6 are allotted;
when the ball is received in any one of the plurality of numbered
pockets, displaying a pip image of a dice corresponding to a win
number detected by a win number detection device on a display; and
when the win number conforms to the bet area bet on in a terminal
device, awarding a payout, based on odds defined for the conforming
bet area bet on and the game value placed as a bet on the bet
area.
[0022] According to the above structure, when a ball is received in
any one of numbered pockets having identification numbers of 1 to 6
allotted thereto on a wheel, it is possible to display a pip image
of a dice corresponding to a win number detected by a win number
detection device on a display. In addition, when any one win number
of 1 to 6 detected by the win number detection device conforms to
the bet area bet on in the terminal device, it is possible to award
a payout, based on odds defined for the conforming bet area bet on
and the game value placed as a bet on the bet area. Thereby, a
player familiar with a roulette game may play a conventional game
using a dice with a sense same as the roulette game. In addition, a
game arcade may easily enable a player of a roulette game to take
part in a game using a dice.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a playing method of a gaming machine;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a gaming machine;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an external appearance
of a gaming machine;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a roulette unit;
[0027] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a roulette unit;
[0028] FIG. 6 illustrates a BET screen;
[0029] FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically showing a control
system of a gaming machine;
[0030] FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically showing a control
system of a station;
[0031] FIG. 9 shows a payout odds table;
[0032] FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a game execution process
program;
[0033] FIG. 11 is a flow chart of a display number determining
process program;
[0034] FIG. 12 shows a display number lottery table; and
[0035] FIG. 13 is a flow chart of a game execution process program
that is performed in a station.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0036] Hereinafter, a gaming machine and a playing method according
to an embodiment of the invention will be described.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 1, a gaming machine executes a playing
method including the steps of: storing a bet area bet on and a game
value placed as a bet in a terminal device; rolling a ball on a
wheel having a plurality of numbered pockets to which
identification numbers of 1 to 6 are allotted (displayed); when the
ball is received in any one of the plurality of numbered pockets,
displaying a pip image of a dice corresponding to a win number
detected by a win number detection device on a display; and when
the win number conforms to the bet area bet on in the terminal
device, awarding a payout, based on odds defined for the conforming
bet area bet on and the game value placed as a bet on the bet
area.
[0038] A gaming machine 99 executing the above playing method
includes a terminal device 101, a wheel unit 100 that executes a
main game, and a controller 102, as shown in FIG. 2. The terminal
device 101 is structured to arrange a bet receiving unit 103 that
receives a game value, a display 117 having a bet area unit 104
that is a bet target and a payout award unit 105 that awards a
payout. Meantime, the display 117 has a touch panel with which a
bet operation is made.
[0039] (Structure of the Controller 102)
[0040] The controller 102 has a memory 107 that stores information
of a bet area and a game value, which a player makes a bet from the
terminal device 101, and an odds memory 115 that stores a payout
rate corresponding to a bet-type.
[0041] In addition, the controller 102 has a ball rolling start
unit 108 that rolls a ball on the wheel unit 100 and a win number
determining unit 110 as a win number detection device that
determines a number regarded as a win number of the wheel unit 100.
Further, it has a bet win determining unit 111 that determines
whether the win number conforms to a bet area stored in the memory
107 and a payout calculating unit 114 that calculates a payout to
be cashed out to a player.
[0042] The controller 102 may be embodied in hardware or software,
as required.
[0043] (Operations of the Controller 102)
[0044] With the above structure, an operation of the controller 102
will be described. In each terminal device 101, the bet receiving
unit 103 receives a game value. When a player bets the game value
on a bet area unit 104 selected, the memory 107 stores therein the
bet area bet on by the player and the game value placed as a bet on
the bet area. Before and after a predetermined bet receiving time
is over, a ball is rolled on the wheel unit 100 in response to a
signal from the ball rolling start unit 108. After that, the win
number determining unit 110 specifies a number on which the rolling
ball is stopped in the wheel unit 100. Then, the bet win
determining unit 111 determines whether the number determined by
the win number determining unit 110 conforms to the bet area stored
in the memory 107. When they conform to each other, the payout
calculating unit 114 calculates a payout corresponding to the bet
area bet on, based on the payout odds corresponding to a bet type
stored in the odds memory 115. Then, a game value corresponding to
the payout calculated in the payout calculating unit 114 is awarded
from the payout award unit 105.
[0045] (Display State of the Display 117)
[0046] In the followings, a state to be displayed on the display
117 in the gaming machine 99 will be described with reference to
FIG. 1.
[0047] A player makes a bet, based on the bet area unit 104
displayed on the display 117 of the terminal device 101. After a
bet time is over, a ball is introduced from the wheel unit 100 by
the ball rolling start unit 108. The bet win determining unit 111
displays on the display 117 a display or letter (a pip image of a
dice corresponding to a win number detected by the win number
determining unit 110) for notifying that a bet area conforming to
the number determined in the win number determining unit 110 wins.
After that, when there is a cashout, the display 117 displays a
game value that is increased as the cashout-number. Thus, a game is
over and the bet area unit 104 is displayed on the display 117 so
as to receive a bet of a next game.
[0048] (Mechanical Structure: Schematic Structure)
[0049] In the followings, it will be specifically described a case
where the gaming machine 99 is applied to a gaming machine 1. FIG.
3 is an external perspective view showing a schematic structure of
a gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment. The gaming machine 1
has a cabinet 2, three roulette units 3, stations 4 and an electric
light indicator 5. The cabinet 2 fixes the three roulette units 2,
the stations 4 and the electric light indicator 5 at predetermined
positions and protects a device equipped therein such as electronic
substrate. Meantime, a game to be executed in this embodiment is a
Sic Bo game that uses three balls and has BET areas 57, 58, 59,
60A, 60B, 61, 62, 63 as a bet area relating to a combination of the
three balls.
[0050] According to the above structure, it is possible to execute
a Sic Bo game using three wheels. In addition, when a Sic BO game
is executed, the three wheels are rotated at the same time to roll
the ball on each wheel. Thereby, a player may play a conventional
Sic Bo game with a sense same as a roulette game. In addition, a
game arcade may easily enable a player of a roulette game to take
part in a game using a dice.
[0051] In the mean time, the game to be executed is described as a
Sic Bo in this embodiment. However, the invention is not limited
thereto. For example, a game using a dice, such as CRAPS may be
possible.
[0052] The roulette unit 3 is equivalent to the wheel unit 100 of
FIG. 2 and is disposed about at a central part of the cabinet 2.
The stations 4 are equivalent to the terminal devices 101 of FIG. 2
and are disposed around the roulette unit 3. To be more specific,
the 12 stations 4 are disposed to surround the roulette unit 3. The
station 4 serves as a bet receiving unit 103 for receiving a bet
operation of a player and a payout award unit 105 for awarding a
credit. In addition, the station 4 has an image display device 8 as
the display 117 that displays a BET screen 50 or effect image. In
the mean time, the bet operation is an operation that a player
expecting a win number of the roulette unit 3 inputs the contents
such as number corresponding to the expected win number.
[0053] The electric light indicator 5 has an information indicator
15. The information indicator 15 is mounted on a top of the
electric light indicator 5. Thereby, the information indicator 15
allows all players who play a game in the stations 4 to see the
contents of display.
[0054] In addition, the gaming machine 1 has a server 13. The
server 13 is equivalent to the controller 102 of FIG. 2. The server
13 is disposed at a corner part 12 of the cabinet 2. The server 13
is received in an inner space of the corner part 12. The inner
space of the corner part 12 can be opened/shut by means of a corner
door 14 having an authentication key attached. The corner door 14
is typically shut so that a player cannot operate the server 13. In
the mean time, in the operation of the server 13, the corner door
14 is opened by operating an authentication key. Thereby, the
server 13 is operated from an outside of the cabinet 2, so that the
gaming machine 1 can be variously set.
[0055] (Mechanical Structure: Roulette Unit 3)
[0056] In the followings, a structure of the roulette unit 3 will
be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a
perspective view of a roulette unit 3 according to this embodiment.
In addition, FIG. 5 is a plan view of a roulette unit 3 according
to this embodiment. The roulette unit 3 has a frame 21 fixed to a
cabinet 2 and a wheel 22 disposed in the frame 21. As shown in FIG.
4, an entire upper part of the roulette unit 3 is covered by means
of a hemisphere cover member 28 made of transparent acryl.
Meanwhile, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the gaming
machine 1 has the three roulette units 3 and the structures thereof
are same.
[0057] The cover member 28 is arch-shaped, seen from the side, as
shown in FIG. 4. The cover member 28 is dome-shaped so that a
height of the cover member 28 is highest at a center part of the
cover member 28. The cover member 28 and the frame 21 are bonded to
each other without a step. In addition, the cover member 28 and the
frame 21, which are bonded to each other without a step, are bent
and integrally formed at the insides thereof
[0058] Even though a ball is escaped from the frame 21 by rotation
of the wheel 22, the ball rolls along the bent parts of the insides
of the cover member 28 and the frame 21, so that it can be smoothly
returned into the frame 21.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 4, the wheel 22 is received in the frame 21
and its upper surface is exposed to an outside. The wheel 22 is
horizontally disposed so that a center axis of rotation thereof is
identical to a vertical direction, and is supported to freely
rotate so that a center point thereof is a rotation center. In
addition, a rotation device (not shown) as the ball rolling start
unit 108 that rotates a rotation shaft is provided at an inside
below the wheel. The wheel 22 has a plurality of numbered pockets
23 (38 pockets in this embodiment). The numbered pockets 23 are
disposed in a ring shape at a periphery of an upper surface of the
wheel 22. Each of the numbered pockets 23 is shaped in a recess
shape having a size and a depth capable of receiving a ball 27.
[0060] According to the above structure, a sum of the numbered
pockets is 38. Thereby, a conventional roulette gaming device
having 38 pockets can be used so as to develop the gaming machine
1, so that the development period and costs can be reduced.
[0061] In addition, by rotating the rotation shaft provided to the
wheel 22 using the rotation device, it is possible to enable the
ball 27, which is received in the numbered pocket 23, to roll on
the wheel 22. Thereby, when manufacturing the gaming machine 1 of
the invention, it is not necessary to provide an insertion device
that introduces a ball 27, so that the costs can be reduced.
[0062] Furthermore, the wheel 22 has numbered display plates 25 as
a display device corresponding to each numbered pocket 23. The
numbered display plates 25 are set to have the number same as that
of the numbered pockets 23. The numbered display plates 25 are
structured to display each number of "1" to "6" with a design
showing pips of a dice. The respective numbered display plates 25
are arranged on the peripheries of the respective numbered pockets
23, respectively. Thereby, the numbered pockets 23 can display a
design showing the pips of a dice, which show any one of "1" to "6"
of the numbered display plates 25.
[0063] According to the above structure, it is possible to randomly
display the identification numbers of 1 to 6 on the respective
numbered display plates 25. Thereby, when a main game is executed,
it is possible to provide a player with a pleasure that the player
does not know which identification number will be displayed on the
numbered display plates 25
[0064] The frame 21 having the wheel 22 disposed at the center
thereof is curved and inclined downward at a small angle toward a
direction of the wheel 22 from the periphery thereof. In addition,
the frame 21 bonded to the cover member 28 without a step guides
the introduced ball 27 against the centrifugal force, thereby
rolling the ball 27.
[0065] Furthermore, each of the three roulette units 3 has a win
determining device 86 of FIG. 7. The respective win determining
devices 86 are disposed below the wheels 22. The win determining
device 86 as the win number determining unit 110 is a device for
determining a number of a design displayed on the numbered display
plate 25 corresponding to the numbered pocket 23 having the ball 27
received therein. In the mean time, since the win determining
device 86 has been already known, the detailed description thereof
will be omitted.
[0066] The three roulette units 3 structured as described above
rotate the rotation shaft provided to the wheel 22 in a high speed
by the rotation device, introducing the ball 27 received in the
numbered pocket 23 to the inside of the frame 21 and the cover
member 28 from the numbered pocket 23. Thereby, the inner surfaces
of the frame 21 and the cover member 28 guide the ball 27 against
the centrifugal force, thereby rolling the ball 27. When the
centrifugal force is decreased as the rotation speed of the ball 27
is lowered, the ball 27 is rolled down along the inclined surface
of the frame 21, is moved to the inside and reaches the wheel 22
being rotated. The ball 27, which is rolling-introduced onto the
wheel 22, passes over the numbered plates 25 at the periphery of
the wheel 22 and then is received in any one of the numbered
pockets 23. As a result, the number indicated on the numbered plate
25 corresponding to the numbered pocket 23 having the ball 27
received therein is determined by the win determining device 86, so
that a win number is determined.
[0067] (Mechanical Structure: Server 13)
[0068] The server 13 shown in FIGS. 3 and 7 is equipped in a space
31 opened at a wall surface of the cabinet 2. The sever 13 is
associated with each station 4. The server 13 transmits a command
signal to each of the stations 4 to initiatively control each
station 4, thereby progressing a game. In addition, the server 13
performs a maintenance operation for the gaming device 1, in
addition to the control of a game of the gaming device 1.
[0069] A liquid crystal display 32 and a keyboard 33 are associated
with the server 13. The liquid crystal display 32 displays a menu
screen (not shown) or maintenance screen (not shown). In addition,
the keyboard 33 is an operating means having several keys disposed
thereon. In a state that a menu screen or maintenance screen is
displayed on the liquid crystal display 32, when an operator
operates the keyboard 33, the maintenance operation as well as
various settings in the roulette gaming device 1 can be made.
[0070] (Mechanical Structure: Station 4)
[0071] As shown in FIG. 3, the station 4 has a medal insertion slot
6, a control unit 7 and an image display device 8. The medal
insertion slot 6 is used to insert money or a game medium used in a
game such as chip, medal and the like. The control unit 7 has
several operating parts such as control button and the like. The
operating parts are used to input an instruction by a player. The
image display device 8 as the display 117 shown in FIG. 2 displays
a moving image relating to a game and a BET screen 50 that receives
a bet operation of a player. Thereby, the image display device 8
enables a player to operate the touch panel 56 or control unit 7
while seeing an image or BET screen 50.
[0072] The control unit 7 is disposed at a side of the image
display device 8. The control unit 7 has buttons each of which
being operated by a player. To be more specific, the control unit 7
has a participation button 68 that is used to take part in a game,
an end button 69 that ends a game, and a release button 70 that
releases all the bets. The participation button 68, the end button
69 and the release button 70 are disposed in an order from left,
seen from a position opposite to the station 4.
[0073] The image display device 8 is a liquid crystal display of a
touch panel type having the touch panel 50 attached to a front
thereof. When an icon displayed on the liquid crystal is pushed
with a finger and the like, the icon is selected.
[0074] In addition, the respective stations 4 have medal payout
slots 9, speakers 10 and WIN lamps 11. The medal payout slots 9 are
disposed at the sides of the cabinet 2. The speakers 10 are
disposed above a top-right of the image display device 8. The WIN
lamps 11 are disposed at sides of the speakers 10. The speakers 10
are used to output a music or effect music relating to a game. The
WIN lamps 11 are turned on when a BET area bet on in the station 4
wins.
[0075] In the mean time, the WIN lamps 11 are disposed at positions
that can be seen from all the stations 4 (12 stations in this
embodiment). Thereby, the WIN lamps 11 enable another player to
easily check a lighting state during the game in the same roulette
gaming machine 1.
[0076] A medal sensor (not shown) is provided in the medal
insertion slot 6. The medal sensor validates a medal inserted into
the medal insertion slot 6 and counts the inserted medal. In
addition, the medal payout slot 9 is connected to a hopper (not
shown). The hopper pays out the predetermined number of medals from
the medal payout slot 9.
[0077] (Electrical Structure: Server 13)
[0078] FIG. 7 is a block diagram that schematically shows a control
system of the gaming machine 1. As shown in FIG. 7, the gaming
machine 1 includes a server 13 and several stations 4 (12 stations
in this embodiment) associated with the server 13. The server 13 is
associated with the three roulette units 3 and the electric light
indicator 5. In the mean time, a control system of the station 4
will be specifically described later.
[0079] In addition, the server 13 includes a server control CPU 81
serving as a calculation and control device performing an entire
control, a ROM 82 and a RAM 83, a timer 84 associated with the
server control CPU 81, a liquid crystal display 32 associated with
the CPU through a liquid crystal driving circuit 85 and a keyboard
33.
[0080] The server control CPU 81 executes a variety of processes,
based on input signals supplied from the respective stations 4 and
data or program stored in the ROM 82 and the RAM 83. Thereby, the
serve control CPU 81 transmits a command signal to the stations 4
based on execution results of the processes to initiatively control
the respective stations 4, thereby progressing a game. Further, the
sever control CPU 81 drives a drive motor that rotates a rotation
device provided to each roulette unit 3, thereby rotating the wheel
22. Furthermore, the server control CPU 81 as the win number
determining unit 110 controls the win determining device 86,
thereby determining a win number based on a dropped position of the
ball. Then, based on the win number obtained and the bet
information transmitted from the respective stations 4, the server
control CPU 81 as the bet determining unit 111 determines a win of
the chips bet. In addition, the server control CPU 81 as the payout
calculating unit 114 calculates the credit-number to be paid out in
each of the stations 4.
[0081] The ROM 82 includes a semiconductor memory, for example. The
ROM 82 stores a program (for example, a program for executing a
game execution process that will be described later, a program for
executing a display number determining process) for implementing
basic functions of the gaming machine 1, a payout odds table that
determines a payout rate (payout-number of credits for a win per
one chip) for a game shown in FIG. 9, a display number lottery
table shown in FIG. 12, a program for initiatively controlling the
respective stations 4, and the like. In the mean time, the ROM 82
is equivalent to the odds memory 115 shown in FIG. 2.
[0082] The RAM 83 temporarily stores the bet information of chips
to be supplied from the respective stations 4, a win number of the
roulette unit 3 determined by a sensor, data relating to a result
of a process that is executed by the server control CPU 81, and the
like. In the mean time, the RAM 83 is equivalent to the memory 107
that stores a bet area and a game value, which is shown in FIG.
2.
[0083] Further, the server control CPU 81 is associated with a
timer 84 that measures time. The time information of the timer 84
is transmitted to the server control CPU 81. The server control CPU
81 rotates the wheel 22, based on the time information of the timer
84.
[0084] In addition, the server control CPU 81 is associated with
the electric light indicator 5. The server control CPU 81 controls
light emission of a light emitting means such as LED to perform an
effect by an electric spectacular and to display predetermined
letters or time information of the timer 84 on the electric light
indicator 5.
[0085] In addition, the ROM 82 is provided with a memory area
corresponding to payout odds relating to a roulette game using the
BET screen 50. The memory area stores data of a bet type or payout
odds in a form of a payout management table. The payout management
table will be specifically described later.
[0086] Furthermore, the RAM 83 is provided with a bet information
memory area in which the bet information of a player who is playing
a game is stored. The bet information memory area stores data of
bet information or participation object in a form of a station
management table. The station management table will be specifically
described later. Further, the RAM 83 is provided with a win number
memory area in which a win number of the roulette unit 3 determined
by the win determining device 86 is stored. Meanwhile, the bet
information is information of a bet that is made using the station
4, such as a bet area indicated on the BET screen 80, the number of
chips bet (bet-number), a bet-type and the like.
[0087] (Electrical Structure: Station 4)
[0088] In the followings, a structure of a control system of the
station 4 will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a
control system of the station according to an embodiment. In the
mean time, the twelve stations 4 have a same structure, so that one
station 4 will be described as an example.
[0089] The station 4 includes a station control unit 90 and several
peripheral devices. The station control unit 90 includes a station
control CPU 91, a ROM 92 and a RAM 93. The ROM 92 includes a
semiconductor memory, for example. The ROM 92 stores a program for
implementing basic functions of the station 4, various programs
(for example, a program for executing a game execution process that
is performed in the station) necessary for controlling the station
4, a data table and the like. In addition, the RAM 93 is a memory
that temporarily stores various data calculated in the station
control CPU 91, the number of credits that are currently possessed
by a player (i.e., stored in the station 4), a bet situation of
chips by a player, and the like.
[0090] In addition, the station control CPU 91 is associated with
the participation button 68, the end button 69 and the release
button 70, which are equipped in the control unit 7. Based on
operation signals outputted as the respective buttons are pushed,
the station control CPU 91 performs a control so as to execute the
corresponding operations. To be more specific, based on an input
signal that is inputted from the control unit 7 as an operation of
a player is received and the data or program stored in the ROM 92
and the RAM 93, the station control CPU executes a variety of
processes and transmits the results thereof to the server control
CPU 81. In the mean time, the station control CPU 91 receives a
command signal from the server control CPU 81, controls the
peripheral devices constituting the station 4 and progresses a game
in the station 4. In addition, the station control CPU 91 executes
a variety of processes, based on an input signal that is inputted
from the control unit 7 as an operation of a player is received and
the data or program stored in the ROM 92 and the RAM 93, depending
on contents of process, controls the peripheral devices
constituting the station 4 based on the process results and
progresses a game in the station 4.
[0091] In addition, the station control CPU 91 is associated with a
hopper 94. The hopper 94 pays out the predetermined number of
medals from the medal payout slot 9 in accordance with a command
signal from the station control CPU 91. Furthermore, the station
control CPU 91 is connected with an image display device 8 through
a liquid crystal driving circuit 95. The liquid crystal driving
circuit 95 includes a program ROM, an image ROM, an image control
CPU, a work RAM, a VDP (video display processor), a video RAM and
the like. The program ROM stores an image control program for
display on the image display device 8, a variety of selection
tables and the like.
[0092] In addition, the image ROM stores dot data for forming an
image to be displayed on the image display device 8, for example.
The image control CPU determines an image to be displayed on the
image display device 8 from the dot data previously stored in the
image ROM, in accordance with an image control program previously
stored in the program ROM, based on parameters set in the station
control PCU 91. In addition, the work RAM includes a temporary
memory means used when the image control program is executed in the
image control CPU. In addition, the VDP forms an image relating to
contents of display determined in the image control CPU and outputs
the image on the image display device 8. In the mean time, the
video RAM is structured as a temporary memory means used when an
image is formed in the VDP. The image display device 8 is
equivalent to a display 117 (refer to FIG. 2) that displays a pip
image of a dice corresponding to a win number to be displayed in a
game execution process that is performed in the station.
[0093] In addition, a touch panel 56 is attached on a front of the
image display device 8. Operation information of the touch panel 56
is transmitted to the station control CPU 91. On the touch panel
56, a player makes a bet operation with chips on the BET screen 50.
To be more specific, a player operates the touch panel 56 with
regard to a selection of the respective bet areas 57, 58, 59, 60A,
60B, 61, 62, 63 in the table-type betting board 51, an operation of
unit BET buttons 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D, an operation of the BET
decision button 47, an operation of the cashout button 48, an
operation of the help button 49 and the like, and the operation
information is transmitted to the station control CPU 91. Based on
the information, the current bet information of a player (a bet
area indicated on the BET screen 50 and the number of chips bet) is
stored in the RAM 93 at all times. Furthermore, the bet information
is transmitted to the server control CPU 81 and is stored in the
bet information memory area of the RAM 83.
[0094] Furthermore, a sound output circuit 96 and a speaker 10 are
connected to the station control CPU 91. The speaker 10 generates a
variety of effect sounds when performing various effects, based on
an output signal from the sound output circuit 96.
[0095] In addition, a medal sensor 97 is associated with the
station control CPU 91. The medal sensor 97 detects medals inserted
from the medal insertion slot 6, calculates the inserted medals and
transmits a result thereof to the station control CPU 91. The
station control CPU 91 increases the credit-number possessed by a
player, which is stored in the RAM 93, based on the transmitted
signal. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, the station control CPU
enables the credit-number indicator 54 on the BET screen 50 to
display a credit-number.
[0096] In addition, a WIN lamp 11 is associated with the station
control CPU 91. When the chip bet on the BET screen 61 wins, the
station control CPU 91 turns on the WIN lamp 11 in a predetermined
color.
[0097] (Data Table: Payout Odds Table)
[0098] In the followings, a payout odds corresponding to a bet-type
shown in FIG. 8 will be described. The payout odds table that
determines a payout odds corresponding to a bet-type is stored in
the ROM 82 of the server 13. The payout odds corresponding to a
bet-type has a column of bet-types and a column of payout odds. The
data showing bet-types such as "Small Bet", "Specific Double",
"Specific Triple" and the like are stored in the column of
bet-types. The bet-types will be specifically described. The data
showing the payout rates such as "1:1", "10:1", "180:1" and the
like are stored in the column of payout odds, correspondingly to
the bet types. Thereby, when a bet is made in a bet type of
"Specific Double", 10 pieces will be paid out per 1 piece bet. The
payout odds for each bet-type are set as values based on a
probability that a ball 27 will roll on the wheel 22 and will be
received in the numbered pocket 23, as shown in the payout odds
table of FIG. 9. In the mean time, the "payout odds" is a
payout-number of credits for a win. In addition, a "win" means that
a winning is made.
[0099] (Data Table: Display Number Lottery Table)
[0100] In the followings, a display number lottery table shown in
FIG. 12 will be described. The display number lottery table is
stored in the ROM 82 of the server 13. The display number lottery
table showing a display number determination probability
corresponding to the display numbers of "1" to "6", which are
displayed on the respective numbered display plates 25 and
represented as the pips of a dice, has a column of display numbers
and a column of display number determination probabilities. The
column of display numbers stores data indicating the numbers of "1"
to "6" represented as the pips of a dice. The column of display
number determination probabilities stores data indicating a
probability of "1/6", correspondingly to the display numbers.
Thereby, when a display number determining process, which will be
described later, is executed, one display number of "1" to "6" is
extracted and determined in a probability of 1/6, based on the
display number lottery table, so as to display it on each numbered
display plate 25, and the determined display number can be
displayed on the numbered display plate 25.
[0101] (Data Table: Station Management Table)
[0102] In the followings, a station management (not shown) will be
described. The station management table is stored in the RAM 83 of
the server 13. The station management table has a column of
stations, a column of bet information having a column of bet types
and a column of bet-numbers and a column of participation objects.
The column of stations stores the machine number data inherent to
each station 4. The column of bet types stores the data of the bet
types. The column of bet-numbers stores the number of pieces bet
such as "20." The column of participation objects stores the data
showing whether a participation object has a possibility that a
payout will be awarded thereto. In the mean time, the "1" in the
column of participation objects shows that it is set as a
participation object and "0" shows that it is not set as a
participation object.
[0103] (Display State of the Image Display Device 8)
[0104] First, the BET screen 50 that is displayed on the image
display device 80 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. In
the table-type betting board 51 that displays a variety of bet
areas to be displayed on the BET screen 50, designs of dices
showing "1" to "6" corresponding to the pips of a dice displayed on
the numbered display plates 25, a combination of the designs of the
dices, a summed number of the pips of the dice displayed on the
numbered display plates 25 are arranged. In the mean time, each bet
area is equivalent to the bet area unit 104 shown in FIG. 2.
[0105] In addition, on a lower part of the BET screen 50 are
displayed a BET decision button 47, unit BET buttons (1 BET button
52A, 5 BET button 52B, 10 BET button 52C, 50 BET button 52D), a
cashout result indicator 53, a credit-number indicator 54, a BET
timer count 55, a cashout button 48 and a help button 49.
[0106] The unit BET buttons are provided for a player to select the
number of chips to be bet on bet areas 57, 58, 59, 60A, 60B, 61,
62, 63 (above a combination of the designs of the dice and a summed
number of the pips of the dice displayed on the numbered display
plates 25) in the table-type betting board 51, indicated by the
player. The unit BET buttons include a 1 BET button 52A, a 5 BET
button 52B, a 10 BET button 52C and a 50 BET button 52D. A player
first pushes the screen with a finger, thereby indicating a bet
area, on which a bet is made, with a cursor 65. At this state, when
the player pushes the 1 BET button 52A, the player bets a chip in a
unit of one piece (whenever the 1 BET button 52A is pushed with a
finger, the bet-number is increased in an order of
"1".cndot."2".cndot."3" . . . ). In addition, when the player
pushes the 5 BET button 52B, the player bets chips in a unit of
five pieces (whenever the 5 BET button 52B is pushed with a finger,
the bet-number is increased in an order of
"5".cndot."10".cndot."15" . . . ). In addition, when the player
pushes the 10 BET button 52C, the player bets chips in a unit of
ten pieces (whenever the 10 BET button 52C is pushed with a finger,
the bet-number is increased in an order of
"10".cndot."20".cndot."30" . . . ). Furthermore, In addition, when
the player pushes the 50 BET button 52D, the player can bet chips
in a unit of 50 pieces (whenever the 50 BET button 52D is pushed
with a finger, the bet-number is increased in an order of
"50".cndot."100".cndot."150" . . . ). Accordingly, even when many
chips are bet, an operation thereof can be simplified.
[0107] In addition, the cashout result indicator 53 displays the
number of chips bet by a player in a previous game and the cashout
credit-number. Here, the subtraction of the bet-number from the
cashout credit-number results in a credit-number that is newly
obtained by a player in a previous game.
[0108] Furthermore, the credit-number indicator 54 displays the
number of credits possessed by a current player. When a chip is
bet, the credit-number is decreased in proportional to the
bet-number (one credit for one bet). In addition, when a win is
determined for the chip bet and the cashout of credits is
performed, the credit-number is increased as the cashout-number. In
the mean time, when the credit-number possessed by a player is 0,
the game is over.
[0109] In addition, the BET timer count 55 displays a remaining
time for which a player can make a bet. After a bet time is
started, a number of the count is gradually decreased. When the
number becomes "0", a time for which a bet can be made in a current
game is over. In addition, when the BET timer count 55 reaches a
specific number (10, in this embodiment), the rotation shaft
provided to the wheel 22 is rotated in a high speed by the rotation
device, so that the ball 27 received in the numbered pocket 23 is
introduced to the inside of the frame 21 and the cover member 28
from the numbered pocket 23.
[0110] In addition, a cursor 65 showing the bet area 72 selected by
a player is displayed on the table-type betting board 60.
Additionally, a chip mark 66 showing the number of chips that are
bet up to now and the bet area is displayed and the number shown on
the chip mark 66 indicates the number of chips bet. For example, as
shown in FIG. 5, the chip mark 66 of "7", which is put on a
combination of "1" and "2" of the dices shown in the cursor 65,
indicates that 7 chips are bet on a combination of "1" and "2" as
win numbers. Like this, the method of making a bet on a combination
of two numbers is a bet-type referred to as a "Pair Match".
[0111] When a player wants to make a general bet in the BET screen
50 structured as described above, the player indicates a bet area
57, 58, 59, 60A, 66B, 61, 62, 63 to be bet on the screen and
directly pushes it with a finger. As a result, the cursor 65 is
moved to the bet area indicated. Then, when the respective unit
buttons (1 BET button 52A, 5 BET button 52B, 10 BET button 52C, 50
BET button 52D) of the unit BET buttons are pushed, the chips as
the unit number are bet on the bet area indicated. For example,
when the 10 BET button 52C is pushed four times, the 5 BET button
52B is pushed one time and the 1 BET button 52A is pushed three
times, 48 chips can be bet.
[0112] The BET decision button 47 is a button that is pushed when a
bet is decided after a bet operation is made through the image
display device 8. Then, a bet is decided. In addition, when a bet
is made on the bet area corresponding to the number indicated on
the numbered plate 23 into which the ball 3 is received in the
roulette unit 3 during a game, a win is determined. When a win is
determined, the credits calculated on the basis of the number of
chips bet and the payout odds relating to the bet area that wins
are added to the credits that are possessed by a player. In the
mean time, the bet operation will be specifically described
later.
[0113] The cashout button 48 is a button that is typically pushed
when a game is over. When the cashout button 48 is pushed, the
medals (typically, one medal per one credit) relating to the
credits, which are acquired through a game and the like and are
currently possessed by a player, are cashed out from the medal
payout slot 8. The help button 49 is a button that is pushed when
an operation method of a game is unclear. When the help button 49
is pushed, a help screen that displays a variety of information on
the image display device 8 is immediately displayed.
[0114] (Bet-Type and Payout Odds Corresponding to the Bet-Type)
[0115] In the followings, the bet-type and the payout odds
corresponding to the bet-type will be described with reference to
FIGS. 6 and 9. As shown in FIG. 6, the chip mark 66 of "7", which
is put on a grid of a combination of "1" and "2" of a dice,
indicates that 7 chips are bet on a combination of "1" and "2" as
win numbers. Like this, the method of making a bet on a combination
of two numbers displayed in the bet area 58 is a bet-type referred
to as a "Pair Match". Regarding this, the payout odds is 5:1, as
shown in FIG. 9. For example, for a case where a bet is made on a
"Pair Match" of "3 and 5", when three balls 27 roll on the wheel 22
and at least two balls become 3 and 5, a win is determined. When
the win numbers become 4, 3 and 5, five times of the chips bet are
paid out. For the "Pair Match", a victory prize is paid out only
for one combination. In other words, when the win numbers become 3,
5 and 5, a victory prize is paid out for one combination. To the
contrary, for a case where a bet is made on two or more "pair
matches", when a win number is determined for the corresponding
bet, a victory prize is paid out for each of the combinations.
[0116] In addition, there is a "Numbers Bet" in which a bet is made
on one number displayed on the bet area 57. In this bet-type, the
payout odds is changed depending on how many the win numbers bet
conform to the three win numbers. When one of the three win numbers
conforms to, the payout odds is 1:1, as shown in FIG. 9. When two
of the three win numbers conform to, the payout odds is 2:1. When
all conform to, the payout odds is 10:1. For example, for a case
where a bet is made on the number of 4, when only one of the three
win numbers is 4, the chip bet on the number of 4 is paid out in a
ratio of 1:1. In addition, when two of the three win numbers are 4,
the chip bet on the number of 4 is paid out in a ratio of 2:1. In
addition, when all the three win numbers are 4, the chip bet on the
number of 4 is paid out in a ratio of 10:1.
[0117] In addition, there is a "Specific Total" in which a bet is
made on a summed number of the three win numbers displayed on the
bet area 59. In this bet-type, when a sum of the three win numbers
is 3 or 18, it means a defeat. The two numbers have no bet area on
the table. The respective results show different payout odds, as
shown in FIG. 9. For example, for 4 or 17, the payout odds is 60:1.
For 5 or 16, the payout odds is 30:1. For 6 or 16, the payout odds
is 18:1. For 7 or 14, the payout odds is 12:1. For 8 or 13, the
payout odds is 8:1. For 9 or 12, the payout odds is 7:1. For 10 or
11, the payout odds is 6:1.
[0118] In addition, there is a "Specific Double" in which a bet is
made on two same win numbers of three win numbers displayed on the
bet area 61. In this bet-type, the payout odds is 10:1, as shown in
FIG. 9. In addition, when all of the three win numbers are same and
a player bets on the win number, it is also considered as a
"specific double".
[0119] In addition, there is a "Specific Triple" in which a bet is
made on three same win numbers displayed on the bet area 62. In
this bet-type, the payout odds is 180:1, which is a high payout, as
shown in FIG. 8.
[0120] In addition, there is an "Any Triple" in which a bet is made
on three same win numbers displayed on the bet area 63. In this
bet-type, the payout odds is 30:1, as shown in FIG. 8.
[0121] In addition, there is a "Small Bet" (bet area 60A) and a
"Big Bet" (bet area 60B) in which a bet is made on a range of a
summed number of three win numbers displayed on the bet areas 60A,
60B. In this bet-type, the payout odds is always 1:1, as shown in
FIG. 9. In the "Big Bet", a bet is made on a sum 11 to 17 of the
win numbers, and in the "Small Bet", a bet is made on a sum 4 to 10
of the win numbers. When a combination of the win numbers is "Any
Triple" for a bet of "Big Bet" or "Small Bet", a defeat is made
without a payout.
[0122] (Process Operations)
[0123] In the followings, an operation will be described, based on
a game execution process program that is performed in the server by
the server control CPU 81 and a game execution process program that
is performed in the station by the station control CPU 91, in the
gaming machine 1. In the mean time, each program shown in flow
charts of FIGS. 10, 11 and 13 is stored in the ROM 82 or RAM 83
provided to the server 13, or the ROM 92 or RAM 83 provided to the
station 4, and is executed by the server control CPU 81 or station
control CPU 91.
[0124] (Operation 1 of a Control System of the Server: Game
Execution Process)
[0125] In the followings, a game execution process that is
performed in the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference
to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a game execution process
program of the gaming machine 1. In the mean time, it is assumed
that a same process is executed in the three roulette units 3.
[0126] As the participation button 69 of any station 4 is pushed, a
game execution process is executed in the gaming machine 1 and a
bet time for which a player can make a bet on the bet areas 57, 58,
59, 60A, 60B, 61, 62, 63 is started (A1). When a bet time is
started, a number is decreased, as time goes by, in the electric
light indicator 5 and the BET timer count 55 indicating the
remaining time for which a player can make a bet. A player who
takes part in a game can bet a chip on the bet areas 57, 58, 59,
60A, 60B, 61, 62, 63 that the player expects, until the number in
the electric light indicator 5 and the BET timer count 55 becomes
"0" (refer to FIG. 6).
[0127] Then, it is determined whether a predetermined time has
elapsed (A2), after the bet time is started (A1). When it is
determined that a predetermined time has not elapsed (A2, NO), the
step of A2 is repeated until a predetermined time has elapsed. In
the mean time, when a predetermined time has elapsed (A2, YES), a
wheel rotating process is executed (A3). In other words, the
rotation shaft provided to the wheel 22 is rotated in a high speed
by the rotation device, so that the ball 27 received in the
numbered pocket 23 is introduced to the inside of the frame 21 and
the cover member 28 from the numbered pocket 23.
[0128] Then, it is determined whether the bet time is over (A4)
Here, the bet time is displayed by the electric light indicator 5
and the BET timer count 55, and the number thereof is decreased as
time goes by, after the bet time is started (A1). When the bet time
becomes "0", the bet time in the current game is over. In the mean
time, the bet time is set in such a manner that the bet time is
over while the ball 27 is introduced in the three roulette units 3
in the step of A3 and is rolled along the frame 21 that is bonded
to the cover member 28 without a step.
[0129] Here, before the bet time is over (A4, NO), the bet is
continuously received until the bet time is over. In the mean time,
when the bet time is over (A4, YES), a bet end signal is outputted
to the station control units 90 of all the stations 4, an image
notifying that the bet time is over is displayed on the image
display devices 8 of the stations 4 and a bet operation on the
touch panel 56 is prohibited. After outputting the bet end signal
to all the stations 4, the server control CPU 81 determines whether
the bet information (the bet area indicated and the number of chips
bet on the bet area indicated) of the player is received (A5) When
the bet information is not received, the step of A5 is repeated and
a wait state is made (A5, NO). In the mean time, when the bet
information is received (A5, YES), a bet information receiving
process is performed which stores the received bet information into
the RAM 83 (A6). Here, when a bet is not made on a bet area in the
station 4, the information showing that a bet area is not indicated
and the information showing that the number of chips bet is "0" are
received, as the bet information.
[0130] Then, a display number determining process that will be
described later is executed (A7). This is a process of displaying
one of "1" to "6" on the numbered display plates 25 with a design
showing the numbers of the pips of a dice, by a lottery. Thereby,
the numbered pockets 23 display the design showing the pips of a
dice, which indicates one of "1" to "6" of the numbered display
plates 25.
[0131] The ball 27, which is introduced in each roulette unit 3 in
the step of A3, rolls on the wheel 22 along the frame 21 that is
bonded to the cover member 28 without a step. Then, when the
centrifugal force is decreased as the rotation speed of the balls
27 is lowered, the balls 27 are rolled down along the inclined
surface of the frame 21, are moved to the inside and reach the
wheel 22 being rotated. The balls 27 roll along the wheel 22, pass
over the numbered display plates 25 at the periphery of the wheel
22 being further rotated and then are received in some of the
numbered pockets 23. Then, the number (one of "1" to "6"), which is
indicated by the design displayed on the numbered display plate 25
corresponding to the numbered pocket 23 having the ball 27 received
therein, is handled as a win number.
[0132] Continuously, a win number determining process is executed.
In this process, after the balls 27 are received in the numbered
pockets 23, the server control CPU 81 drives the win number
determining device 86, thereby determining the numbered pockets 23
into which the three balls 27 are received in the three roulette
units 3 (A8). The numbers indicated by the numbered display plates
25 of the numbered pockets 23 having the balls received therein are
stored, as win numbers, in the RAM 83.
[0133] Furthermore, the bet information of each station 4 stored in
the step of A6 and the win numbers stored in the step of A8 are
read out (A9). Then, based on the bet information and the win
numbers, it is determined whether the chips bet in each of the
stations 4 win or not (A10). When a win is made (A10, YES), the
server control CPU 81 executes each payout calculating process
(A11). In the payout calculating process, the win chips are
recognized for each station 4, and a sum of payouts of the credits
to be paid out to each station 4 is calculated using the payout
odds table (refer to FIG. 9) showing the payout odds (credit-number
to be paid out per one chip) for each bet area 57, 58, 59, 60A,
60B, 61, 62, 63 stored in the ROM 82. In the mean time, when it is
determined that the chips bet in each station 4 do not win (A10,
NO), the process proceeds to a step of A12.
[0134] After that, it is executed a game result transmit process of
transmitting to all the stations 4 the payout information of the
credits based on the payout calculating process in the step of A11
and the information about a change in the display of the BET screen
50, which is accompanied with the determination of the win number
(A12). The credit data corresponding to the payout amount is
transmitted from the server 13 to the station control unit 90 of
the station 4 for which a win is made. The credit data is added to
the RAM 93 of the corresponding station 4.
[0135] Here, the ball 27 received in the numbered pocket 23 will be
again introduced on the wheel 22 in a game after next. Then, the
process returns to the step of A1 and proceeds to a next game.
[0136] According to the above structure, when the ball 27 is
received in any one of the numbered pockets 23 having the
identification numbers of 1 to 6 displayed thereon on the wheel, it
is possible to display a pip image of a dice corresponding to the
win number detected by the win determining device 86 on the image
display device 8. When any one win number of 1 to 6 detected by the
win determining device 86 conforms to the bet area bet on in the
station 4, it is possible to award a payout, based on odds defined
for the conforming bet area and the credit placed as a bet.
Thereby, a player familiar with a roulette game may play a
conventional game using a dice with a sense same as the roulette
game. In addition, a game arcade may easily enable a player of a
roulette game to take part in a game using a dice.
[0137] (Operation 2 of the Control System of the Server: Display
Number Determining Process)
[0138] In the followings, a display number determining process that
is executed during the game execution process of FIG. 10 will be
described with reference to FIG. 11. In the mean time, FIG. 11 is a
flow chart of a display number determining process program in the
gaming machine 1.
[0139] When the display number determining process of A7 is
executed in the above game execution process, the server control
CPU 81 reads out the display number lottery table (refer to FIG.
12) stored in the ROM 82 (B1). Then, based on the display number
lottery table read out, one display number of "1" to "6"
represented by the pips of a dice is extracted and determined in a
probability of 1/6 (B2). Meantime, in this embodiment, a
probability (display number determination probability) that one
display number of "1" to "6" will be displayed on the respective
numbered display plates 25 is set as 1/6 for all the numbered
display plates. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For
example, the probability may be arbitrarily set or randomly
changed. The display numbers determined in the step of B2 are
displayed on the numbered display plates 25 of the numbered pockets
23 (B3). Thus, the display number determining process is ended.
[0140] Thereby, it is possible to randomly display the
identification numbers of 1 to 6 on the numbered display plates 25.
Thereby, when a main game is executed, it is possible to provide a
player with a pleasure that the player does not know which
identification number will be displayed on the numbered display
plates 25
[0141] (Operation 1 of the Control System of the Station: Game
Execution Process that is Performed in the Station)
[0142] A game execution process that is performed in the station 4
will be described with reference to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a flow
chart of a game execution process program of the station. The
program shown in the flow chart is stored in the ROM 92 or RAM 93
provided to the station 4 and is executed by the station control
CPU 91.
[0143] First, when a player pushes the participation button 68, the
station control CPU 91 enables the image display device 8 to
display a BET screen 50. Then, a game execution process is executed
in the station 4.
[0144] When the BET screen 50 is displayed, it is started a bet
time for which a player can make a bet on any bet area 57, 58, 59,
60A, 60B, 61, 62, 63 through the touch panel 56 on the BET screen
50 (C1). When the bet time is started, a number is decreased, as
time goes by, on the BET timer count 55 that displays a remaining
time for which the player can make a bet. The player who takes part
in a game can bet a chip on the bet area 57, 58, 59, 60A, 60B, 61,
62, 63 that the player expects until the number in the BET timer
count 55 becomes "0" (during the bet time) (refer to FIG. 6). In
other words, a chip betting process by the BET screen 50 is
performed (C2). In the mean time, the chip betting process by the
BET screen 50 will be specifically described later.
[0145] Continuously, it is determined whether the bet time is over
or not (C3). Here, the bet time is displayed on the BET timer count
55, and the number is decreased as time goes by, after the bet time
is started (C1). When the number becomes "0", the bet time in the
current game is over. Before the bet time is over (C3, NO), a bet
is continuously received until the bet time is over. Meantime, when
the bet time is over (C3, YES), a result of the bet information
(the "bet area indicated" and the "bet-number indicated") made in
the bet process of C2 is transmitted to the server control CPU 81
of the server 13 (C4). Meanwhile, as described above, the server
control CPU 81 of the gaming machine 1 stores the bet information
transmitted in the step of C4 in the RAM 83 through the bet
information receiving process (refer to A6 of FIG. 10). In
addition, the bet information transmitted to the server control CPU
81 is stored in the RAM 93 in the bet process of C2.
[0146] After that, in the gaming machine 1, a game is started on
the wheel 22, and the win number relating to the drop of the ball
27 is detected by the win number determining device 86. Then, it is
determined whether the payout information of the credits based on
the payout calculating process in the step of A11 and the
information (data of a game result) about a change in the display
of the BET screen 50, which is accompanied with the determination
of the win number, are received (C5). When they are not received
(C5, NO), a reception wait state is made. In the mean time, when
they are received (C5, YES), a game result receiving process is
executed which stores the data of a game result, which is received,
in the RAM 93.
[0147] Continuously, based on the game result data received in the
step of C5, the pip images of dices corresponding to the three win
numbers detected by the win number detection devices of the three
roulette units 3 are displayed on the image display device 3 (C7).
To be more specific, as shown in FIG. 1, a series of operations
that three dices are shot and rolled and the pips corresponding to
the win numbers are stopped with facing upward are displayed as
images on the image display device 8.
[0148] Thereby, it is possible to display a win number as a pip
image of a dice, so that it is possible to provide a player with a
new effect.
[0149] Furthermore, a game result, which is accompanied with the
determination of the win number, is displayed on the image display
device 8 (C8). To be more specific, as shown in FIG. 1, a win bet
area is turned on.
[0150] In addition, based on the game result data received in the
step of C5, the payout process of credits is carried out and the
credits that a player currently possesses are added (C8). Then, the
credit-number stored in the credit-number memory area of the RAM 93
is changed, and the cashout result indicator 53 that shows earnings
and expenses of a previous game displayed on the image display
device 8 and the credit-number indicator 54 that shows the current
credit-number are updated. In addition, the a player can know the
credit-number that is currently possessed and the like by checking
the cashout result indicator 53 and the credit-number indicator 54.
After the above processes are over, the game execution process
program that is performed in the station 4 is ended.
[0151] (Operation 2 of the Control System of the Station: Bet
Process)
[0152] Continuously, the bet process by the BET screen (refer to
FIG. 6) in the step of C2 will be described. Each program that
executes the bet process on the BET screen 50 is stored in the ROM
92 or RAM 93 provided to the station 4 and is executed by the
station control CPI 91.
[0153] First, the BET screen 50 displays the table-type betting
board 51 displaying the bet areas 57, 58, 59, 60A, 60B, 61, 62, 63
and a player bets a chip, based on the table-type betting board
51.
[0154] A bet-number of chips to be bet is set in the bet area
selected. When a player pushes each unit button (1 BET button 52A,
5 BET button 52B, 10 BET button 52C, 50 BET button 52D) of the unit
BET buttons, the chips as the unit number are bet on the bet area
indicated. On the table-type betting board 51, a chip mark 66
showing the number of chips bet up to now and the bet area is
displayed and the bet-number of chips is displayed by the number
shown on the chip mark 66 (refer to FIG. 6). In the mean time, the
bet information by the process (the "bet area indicated", the
"bet-number indicated") is stored in the bet information memory
area of the RAM 93 at all times.
[0155] Then, the station control CPU 91 determines whether the BET
decision button 47 is pushed. The BET decision button 47 is a
button that is pushed when a series of bet operations are
decided.
[0156] When the BET decision button 47 is pushed, abet is decided.
After the bet is decided, a bet operation cannot be performed until
a next game is started. In addition, after the bet is decided, when
a bet is made on the bet area corresponding to the number indicated
on the numbered display plates 25 corresponding to the numbered
pockets 23 having the three balls 27 received therein, in the wheel
22 on which a game is started, a win is made. When a win is made,
the credits relating to the number of chips bet are added to the
credits that are currently possessed by a player.
[0157] When the BET decision button 47 is not pushed, it is
continuously determined whether the bet time is over or not. The
bet time is displayed by the BET timer count 55 provided at the
lower part of the BET screen 50. The BET timer count 55 is a count
that displays a remaining time for which a player can make a bet,
and the number thereof is gradually decreased after a game is
started. When the number becomes "0", the bet time is over.
[0158] When the bet time is not over, i.e., the number of the BET
timer count 55 is not "0", a bet process can be again made. By
repeating the corresponding process, a bet process can be performed
for several positions of the table-type betting board 51.
[0159] In the mean time, when the bet time is over, a bet is
decided by the current bet situation. When the bet is decided, the
bet process program by the BET screen 50 is ended and the process
returns to the main process program of the station 4. In the mean
time, when the bet is decided, a bet operation cannot be performed
until a next game is started.
[0160] According to the above structure, since the gaming machine 1
having the three wheels is used, it is possible to apply the gaming
machine of the invention to a game using three dices. In addition,
it is possible to randomly display the identification numbers of 1
to 6 on the numbered display plates 26. Thereby, when a main game
is executed, it is possible to provide a player with a pleasure
that the player does not know which identification number will be
displayed on the numbered display plates 25. In addition, a player
familiar with a roulette game may play a conventional game using a
dice with a sense same as the roulette game. In addition, a game
arcade may easily enable a player of a roulette game to take part
in a game using a dice.
[0161] Although the above descriptions have been provided with
regard to the characteristic parts so as to understand the
invention more easily, the invention is not limited to the
embodiment as described above and can be applied to the other
embodiments and the applicable scope should be construed as broadly
as possible. Furthermore, the terms and phraseology used in the
specification have been used to correctly illustrate the invention,
not to limit it. In addition, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that the other structures, systems, methods and
the like included in the spirit of the invention can be easily
derived from the spirit of the invention described in the
specification. Accordingly, it should be considered that the
invention covers equivalent structures thereof without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the
following claims. Further, the abstract is provided so that an
intellectual property office and a general public institution or
one skilled in the art who is not familiar with patent and legal or
professional terminology can quickly analyze the technical features
and essences of the invention through a simple investigation.
Accordingly, the abstract is not intended to limit the scope of the
invention that should be evaluated by the claims. In addition, it
is required to sufficiently refer to the documents that have been
already disclosed, so as to fully understand the objects and
effects of the invention.
[0162] The above descriptions include a process that is executed on
a computer or computer network. The above descriptions and
expressions have been provided so that the one skilled in the art
can understand the invention most effectively. In the
specification, the respective steps used to induce one result or
blocks having a predetermined processing function should be
understood as a process having no self-contradiction. In addition,
the electrical or magnetic signal is transmitted/received and
written in the respective steps or blocks. Although the processes
in the respective steps or blocks embody the signal as a bit,
value, symbol character, term, number and the like, it should be
noted that these have been used for the convenience of
descriptions. Further, although the processes in the respective
steps or blocks have been often described as an expression common
to a human action, the process described in the specification is
executed by a variety of devices in principle. In addition, the
other structures necessary for the respective steps or blocks are
apparent from the above descriptions.
* * * * *