U.S. patent application number 12/172520 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-30 for gaming machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to ARUZE CORP.. Invention is credited to Hiroyuki NAGANO.
Application Number | 20090191952 12/172520 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40899799 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090191952 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
NAGANO; Hiroyuki |
July 30, 2009 |
Gaming Machine
Abstract
A gaming machine performs an effect using a Morse code.
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: |
40899799 |
Appl. No.: |
12/172520 |
Filed: |
July 14, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61024374 |
Jan 29, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3202 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101; G07F 17/3216 20130101; G07F 17/3227
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/25 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A gaming machine, comprising: a Morse code outputting device
that outputs a Morse code; and a controller operable to: (a) decide
whether or not to give a player an award under a condition where
credits are bet; and (b) allow the Morse code outputting device to
output the Morse code in a case of having decided to give the
player the award.
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein, in the case of
having decided to give the player the award, the controller allows
the Morse code outputting device to output the Morse code telling
that the award will be given to the player.
3. A gaming machine, comprising: a Morse code outputting device
that outputs a Morse code; and a controller operable to: (a) decide
whether or not to give a player a special award of which amount is
larger than an amount of a normal award under a condition where
credits are bet; and (b) allow the Morse code outputting device to
output the Morse code in a case of having decided to give the
player the special award.
4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein, in the case of
having decided to give the player the special award, the controller
allows the Morse code outputting device to output the Morse code
telling that the special award will be given to the player.
5. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the controller:
(c) reserves a part of the bet credits when the credits are bet in
order to pay out the part as the special award; and (d) allows the
Morse code outputting device to output the Morse code in a case
where an amount of the reserved credits has reached a predetermined
amount or more.
6. A gaming machine, comprising: a Morse code outputting device
that outputs a Morse code; a selection switch that is operated by a
player, and is capable of a selection operation for selecting
whether or not to output the Morse code; and a controller operable
to: (a) decide whether or not to give a player an award under a
condition where credits are bet; and (b) allow the Morse code
outputting device to output the Morse code in a case where the
controller has decided to give the player the award and it is
selected by the selection operation that the Morse code will be
outputted.
7. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein, in the case
where the controller has decided to give the player the award and
it is selected by the selection operation that the Morse code will
be outputted, the controller allows the Morse code outputting
device to output the Morse code telling that the award will be
given to the player.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/024,374, filed on Jan. 29,
2008; the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a gaming machine that plays
a game by using a coin, a bill and the like.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In a conventional slot machine, as disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,981,635B1, when a player inserts a game medium such as a
medal, a coin and a bill into an insertion slot of the slot machine
and operates a start lever, a plurality of symbols are scrolled on
a display unit provided on a front surface of a cabinet, and
thereafter, the respective symbols are automatically stopped. When
a combination of the stopped symbols becomes a specific
combination, the player is given various kinds of awards (for
example, transition from a basic game to a bonus game, provision of
coins). In the case of giving the player the award, the
conventional slot machine performs an effect using light and sound
in order to emphasize to the player that the award will be given
thereto. This effect is performed by blinking the light, playing
music, and so on, and becomes gayer as a magnitude of the award to
be given to the player is increased. contents of the effect from
those of the slot machines of the other manufacturers for the
purpose of having the player get to remember the effect concerned.
Once getting to remember the effect, the player can seek out the
slot machine based on the effect performed at various spots in a
game arcade. Hence, the effect remembered by the player has force
to attract customers. For a while from when the slot machine
appeared, the effect itself was fresh to the players. Accordingly,
each manufacturer of the slot machine was able to have the player
get to remember the effect intrinsic to the slot machine of its
own.
[0006] However, nowadays, the player has tended not to feel
freshness to the effect, and has become less likely to express
interest in a new effect even if viewing the new effect.
Accordingly, it has been extremely difficult for a manufacturer as
a newcomer to have the player get to remember an effect intrinsic
to a slot machine of its own. Even for a long-established
manufacturer, a similar problem occurs when the manufacturer
concerned desires to have the player get to remember a new effect.
Accordingly, the player just remembers the effect which the
long-established manufacturer has used since old times.
[0007] Therefore, an effect, which the player expresses interest
in, and eventually, is willing to remember, has been desired to
appear. It is an object of the present invention to provide a
gaming machine capable of performing the effect, which the player
expresses interest in, and eventually, is willing to remember.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] A first aspect of the present invention is a gaming machine,
including: a Morse code outputting device that outputs a Morse
code; and a controller operable to: (a) decide whether or not to
give a player an award under a condition where credits are bet; and
(b) allow the Morse code outputting device to output the Morse code
in a case of having decided to give the player the award.
[0009] The first aspect of the present invention allows the Morse
code outputting device to output the Morse code in the case where
the controller has decided to give the player the award. In such a
way, the first aspect of the present invention can perform a
completely different effect from the conventional effect, and
accordingly, the player is expected to feel interest in the effect,
and eventually, to get to remember the effect. Specifically, the
first aspect of the present invention can perform the effect, which
the player expresses interest in, and eventually, is willing to
remember.
[0010] A second aspect of the present invention is a gaming
machine, including: a Morse code outputting device that outputs a
Morse code; and a controller operable to: (a) decide whether or not
to give a player a special award of which amount is larger than an
amount of a normal award under a condition where credits are bet;
and (b) allow the Morse code outputting device to output the Morse
code in a case of having decided to give the player the special
award.
[0011] The second aspect of the present invention allows the Morse
code outputting device to output the Morse code in the case where
the controller has decided to give the player the special award of
which amount is larger than the amount of the normal award.
Accordingly, the second aspect of the present invention can allow
the effect to impress the player more strongly and to be willingly
remembered by the player more easily than in the case of outputting
the Morse code at the time of giving the player the normal
award.
[0012] A third aspect of the present invention is a gaming machine,
including: a Morse code outputting device that outputs a Morse
code; a selection switch that is operated by a player, and is
capable of a selection operation for selecting whether or not to
output the Morse code; and a controller operable to: (a) decide
whether or not to give a player an award under a condition where
credits are bet; and (b) allow the Morse code outputting device to
output the Morse code in a case where the controller has decided to
give the player the award and it is selected by the selection
operation that the Morse code will be outputted.
[0013] The third aspect of the present invention allows the Morse
code outputting device to output the Morse code in the case where
the controller has decided to give the player the award and it is
selected by the selection operation that the Morse code will be
outputted. In such a way, the third aspect of the present invention
can perform a completely different effect from the conventional
effect, and accordingly, the player is expected to feel interest in
the effect, and eventually, to get to remember the effect.
Specifically, the third aspect of the present invention can perform
the effect, which the player expresses interest in, and eventually,
is willing to remember.
[0014] Furthermore, the third aspect of the present invention can
enable the player to arbitrarily decide whether or not to output
the Morse signal, and accordingly, can perform such an effect that
meets a request of the player.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing by a
gaming machine according to the first embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an
exterior appearance of the gaming machine according to the first
embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of
the gaming machine according to the first embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the processing
by the gaming machine according to the first embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing an example where the gaming
machine according to the first embodiment outputs a Morse code.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an
exterior appearance of a gaming machine according to the first
embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of
the gaming machine according to the second embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing by
the gaming machine according to the second embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT
First Embodiment
[0023] FIG. 1 is a flowchart schematically showing processing by a
gaming machine 14 according to a first embodiment, FIG. 2 is an
exterior appearance view of the gaming machine according to the
first embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a circuit configuration diagram of
the gaming machine according to the first embodiment. A description
will be made below of processing common to the respective
embodiments with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3.
[0024] In Step S1, a controller 40 shown in FIG. 3 stands by until
a BET input is made by a player. In this processing, in the case
where the player inserts coins from a coin insertion slot 29, or
inserts a bill from a bill insertion slot 30, and presses a BET
switch 23 or a MAXBET switch 24, the controller 40 detects the BET
input. The coin insertion slot 29, the bill insertion slot 30, the
BET switch 23 and the MAXBET switch 24 are shown in FIG. 2.
[0025] In Step S2, the controller 40 reserves a part of the bet
coins.
[0026] In Step S3, the controller 40 determines whether or not a
condition is satisfied that the number of reserved coins is a
predetermined value or more. In the case where this condition is
satisfied, the controller 40 proceeds to Step S4, and in the case
where this condition is not satisfied, the controller 40 ends the
processing.
[0027] In Step S4, the controller 40 decides whether or not to
provide the reserved coins. In the case of providing out the
reserved coins, the controller 40 proceeds to Step S5, and in the
case of not providing the reserved coins, the controller 40 ends
the processing.
[0028] In Step S5, the controller 40 outputs a Morse code by using
a speaker 22 and a lamp 52.
[0029] In Step S6, the controller 40 provides the reserved coins.
Thereafter, the controller 40 ends the processing.
[0030] Next, a description will be made of a detailed configuration
of the gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the
exterior appearance of the gaming machine 14 according to the first
embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming machine 14 includes: a
liquid crystal display 21 that displays a variety of images; the
speaker 22; the BET switch 23 for betting one credit (one coin);
the MAXBET switch 24 for betting the maximum number of credits (for
example, three coins); a start switch 35 for starting a game; a
number-of-credits display unit 25 that displays the current number
of credits (the number of inserted coins, which will be described
later); a number-of-BETs display unit 26 that displays the number
of BETs; and a provision switch 27 for providing the coins.
[0031] Moreover, the gaming machine 14 further includes: the coin
insertion slot 29 into which the coins are inserted; a ticket
printer 28 for printing out data such as the number of provided
coins, which is related to a play; the bill insertion slot 30 into
which the bill is inserted; the lamp 52; and a JP (JACKPOT) display
panel 53.
[0032] Furthermore, a provision opening 32 from which the coins are
paid out is provided in a lower portion of the gaming machine 14,
and further, an under tray 33 for accumulating the provided coins
is provided below the provision opening 32.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical
configuration of the controller 40 provided in the gaming machine
14 according to the first embodiment, and electrical configurations
of a variety of instruments connected to the controller 40. The
controller 40 of the gaming machine 14 shown in FIG. 3 is a
microcomputer, and includes: an interface circuit group 102; an
input/output bus 104; a CPU 41; a ROM 42; a RAM 43; a communication
interface circuit 49; a random number generator 48; a speaker
driving circuit 46; a hopper driving circuit 45; a display driving
circuit 47; and a liquid crystal driving circuit 44.
[0034] The interface circuit group 102 is connected to the
input/output bus 104. The input/output bus 104 receives/outputs
data signals or address signals from/to the CPU 41.
[0035] To the interface circuit group 102, there are connected the
BET switch 23, the MAXBET switch 24, the provision switch 27 and
the start switch 35. Then, the respective switching signals
outputted from these respective switches 23, 24, 27 and 35 are
supplied to the interface circuit group 102, are converted into
predetermined signals in the interface circuit group 102, and are
thereafter transmitted to the CPU 41 through the input/output bus
104.
[0036] 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 the coins inserted into the coin insertion
slot 29, and is provided on a coin insertion spot of the coin
insertion slot 29. A detection signal outputted from the coin
detecting sensor 51 is supplied to the interface circuit group 102,
is converted into a predetermined signal by the interface circuit
group 102, and is thereafter transmitted to the CPU 41 through the
input/output bus 104. Moreover, the ticket printer 28 and a bill
capture sensor 50 are connected to the interface circuit group 102.
The controller 40 transmits the data to the ticket printer 28
through the interface circuit group 102, and the ticket printer 28
prints out the data given from the controller 40. The bill capture
sensor 50 is a sensor for detecting the bill inserted into the bill
insertion slot 30, and is provided on a bill insertion spot of the
bill insertion slot 30. A detection signal outputted from the bill
insertion slot 30 is supplied to the interface circuit group 102,
is converted into a predetermined signal by the interface circuit
group 102, and is thereafter transmitted to the CPU 41 through the
input/output bus 104.
[0037] To the input/output bus 104, there are connected the ROM 42
in which a system program is stored, and the RAM 43 for storing a
variety of data (for example, the number of reserved coins, and the
number of inserted coins, which will be described later) Moreover,
to the input/output bus 104, there are connected the random number
generator 48, the communication interface circuit 49, the liquid
crystal driving circuit 44, a touch panel 31, the hopper driving
circuit 45, the speaker driving circuit 46, and the display driving
circuit 47.
[0038] On the occasion where the BET switch 23 or the MAXBET switch
24 is pressed and the start switch 35 is pressed, the CPU 41
executes the game.
[0039] The communication interface circuit 49 is connected to a
hall server and the like, and transmits data on a history of the
plays executed in the gaming machine 14, and the like to the hall
server. Moreover, the communication interface circuit 49 receives a
variety of data transmitted from the hall server.
[0040] The random number generator 48 generates random numbers. The
display driving circuit 47 performs controls to display the number
of inserted coins on the number-of-credits display unit 25, to
display the number of BETs on the number-of-BETs display unit 26,
and to display the number of reserved coins on the JP display panel
53. Moreover, the display driving circuit 47 performs a control to
turn on and off the display lamp 52.
[0041] The speaker driving circuit 46 outputs audio data to the
speaker 22. Specifically, the CPU 41 reads out the audio data
stored in the ROM 42, and transmits the audio data to the speaker
driving circuit 46 through the input/output bus 104. In such a way,
a predetermined effect sound is emitted from the speaker 22.
[0042] The hopper driving circuit 45 outputs a provision signal to
a hopper 101 when the provision switch 27 is pressed. Specifically,
when the provision switch 27 is pressed and the provision signal is
inputted to the CPU 41, the CPU 41 outputs a drive signal to the
hopper driving circuit 45 through the input/output bus 104. In such
a way, the hopper 101 pays out coins equivalent to the number of
inserted coins.
[0043] The liquid crystal driving circuit 44 performs a control to
display the variety of images by the liquid crystal display 21.
Specifically, the CPU 41 creates a signal to instruct the image
display 21 to display the images corresponding to a progress of the
game, and outputs the created signal for such an image display
command to the liquid crystal driving circuit 44 through the
input/output bus 104. Upon receiving the outputted signal for the
image display command from the CPU 41, the liquid crystal driving
circuit 44 creates a drive signal for driving the liquid crystal
display 21 based on the image display command, and outputs the
created drive signal to the liquid crystal display 21. In such a
way, predetermined images are displayed on the liquid crystal
display 21.
[0044] The touch panel 31 is provided on a surface of the liquid
crystal display 21. When the player touches the touch panel 31, an
input signal corresponding to a touched position is inputted to the
liquid crystal driving circuit 44.
[0045] Next, a description will be made of the processing executed
by the gaming machine 14 according to the first embodiment with
reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 4. Note that the controller
40 updates the number of inserted coins simultaneously with the
following processing. The number of inserted coins stands for the
number of coins inserted by the player, and is stored in the RAM
43. An initial value of the number of inserted coins is zero. The
controller 40 updates the number of inserted coins based on a
signal given from the coin detecting sensor 51 or the bill capture
sensor 50.
[0046] In Step S7, the controller 40 shown in FIG. 3 determines
whether or not a condition is satisfied that the number of reserved
coins (initial value thereof is zero) is the predetermined value
(for example, 1000) or more. In the case where this condition is
satisfied, the controller 40 proceeds to Step S8, and in the case
where this condition is not satisfied, the controller 40 proceeds
to Step S9.
[0047] In Step S8, the controller 40 outputs the Morse code to the
speaker 22 and the lamp 52. The speaker 22 acoustically outputs the
Morse code given from the controller 40, and the lamp 52 optically
outputs the Morse code given from the controller 40.
[0048] As will be described later, in the case where the number of
reserved coins reaches the predetermined value or more, a chance
that the reserved coins will be paid out occurs. Accordingly, in
Step S8, the controller 40 outputs a Morse code telling that the
chance that the reserved coins will be paid out has occurred, for
example, outputs a Morse code that means "CHANCE". Here, a
description will be made of a method of outputting the Morse code
by the controller 40 while taking as an example a method of
outputting "JA" as a part of the "JACKPOT".
[0049] The Morse code expresses a word by a combination of dots and
dashes. For example, when each dot is expressed as " ", and each
dash is expressed as "-", "JA" is expressed as " - - - - ". A space
length between the dot and the dash and a space length between the
dot and the dot are equal to a length of one dot, and a space
length between a symbol (alphabet) and a symbol is equal to a
length of three dots.
[0050] The controller 40 outputs a signal of Output level 1 for 0.1
(s), thereby outputting the dot, and outputs the signal of Output
level 1 for 0.3 (s), thereby outputting the dash. In the case of
not outputting either the dot or the dash, the controller 40
outputs a signal of Output level 0.
[0051] Hence, the controller 40 outputs the Morse code that means
"JA" in accordance with a timing chart shown in FIG. 5. For
example, the controller 40 first outputs the signal of Output level
1 for 0.1 (s), and thereafter outputs the signal of Output level 0
for 0.1 (s). Thereafter, the controller 40 outputs the signal of
Output level 1 for 0.3 (s). After 0.3 (s) elapsed since the
controller 40 outputted a Morse code that means "J", the controller
40 outputs a Morse code that means "A".
[0052] The speaker 22 outputs a sound during a period while the
signal of Output level 1 is being given, and the lamp 52 emits
light during the period while the signal of Output level 1 is being
given.
[0053] In Step S9, the controller 40 receives the BET.
Specifically, the controller 40 receives the signals from the BET
switch 23 and the MAXBET switch 24. In Step S10, the controller 40
determines whether or not a condition is satisfied that the signal
is given thereto from the BET switch 23 or the MAXBET switch 24 and
that the number of BETs, which is indicated by such a signal, is
equal to or less than the number of inserted coins. In the case
where this condition is satisfied, the controller 40 proceeds to
Step S1, and in the case where this condition is not satisfied, the
controller 40 returns to Step S7.
[0054] In Step S11, the controller 40 determines whether or not a
condition is satisfied that the number of BETs is 2 or more. In the
case where this condition is satisfied, the controller 40 proceeds
to Step S12, and in the case where this condition is not satisfied,
the controller 40 proceeds to Step S13.
[0055] In Step S12, the controller 40 reserves a part of the bet
coins. Specifically, the controller 40 increases the number of
reserved coins by a predetermined number (for example, "1").
[0056] In Step S13, the controller 40 subtracts the number of BETs
from the number of inserted coins, thereby newly defines (updates)
the number of inserted coins, and executes the game. This game may
be an arbitrary one, and for example, is considered to be a slot
game, a card game, a horse race game, a roulette game, and the
like. The controller 40 pays out the coins, and so on based on the
number of BETs and a result of the game. Note that the number of
coins paid out here is smaller than the number of reserved coins.
Specifically, the coins paid out here become a normal award, and
the reserved coins become a special award.
[0057] In Step S14, the controller 40 determines whether or not a
condition is satisfied that the number of reserved coins is a
predetermined value or more. In the case where this condition is
satisfied, the controller 40 proceeds to Step S15, and in the case
where this condition is not satisfied, the controller 40 ends the
processing. This predetermined value is the same as the
predetermined value of Step S7.
[0058] In Step S15, the controller 40 decides whether or not to pay
out coins equivalent to the number of reserved coins. Specifically,
the controller 40 acquires a random number from the random number
generator 48, then decides to pay out the coins if this random
number is included in a predetermined range, and decides not to pay
out the coins if the random number is not included in the
predetermined range. In the case of having decided to pay out the
coins, the controller 40 proceeds to Step S16, and in the case of
having decided not to pay out the coins, the controller 40 ends the
processing.
[0059] In Step S16, the controller 40 outputs a Morse code telling
that the coins equivalent to the number of reserved coins will be
paid out, for example, a Morse code that means "JACKPOT" and a
Morse code that means "CONGRATULATION", to the speaker 22 and the
lamp 52. The speaker 22 and the lamp 52 output the Morse code in a
similar way to Step S8.
[0060] In Step S17, the controller 40 pays out the coins equivalent
to the number of reserved coins, and resets the number of reserved
coins to zero. Thereafter, the controller 40 ends the
processing.
[0061] From the above, in the case of having decided to pay out the
coins equivalent to the number of reserved coins to the player, the
gaming machine 14 according to the first embodiment allows the
speaker 22 and the lamp 52 to output the Morse code. In such a way,
the gaming machine 14 can perform a completely different effect
from the conventional effect, and accordingly, the player is
expected to feel interest in the effect, and eventually, to get to
remember the effect. Specifically, the gaming machine 14 can
perform the effect, which the player expresses interest in, and
eventually, is willing to remember.
[0062] Moreover, the gaming machine 14 outputs, to the player, the
Morse code telling that the coins equivalent to the number of
reserved coins will be paid out. Accordingly, based on the Morse
code, a player who can understand the Morse code can understand
that the coins equivalent to the number of reserved coins will be
paid out. Hence, the player who can understand the Morse code is
expected to express larger interest in the effect, and eventually,
to get to remember the effect more easily than a player who cannot
understand the Morse code. Specifically, the gaming machine 14 can
have the player who knows the Morse code willing to remember the
effect more effectively than the player who does not know the Morse
code.
[0063] Furthermore, the gaming machine 14 outputs the Morse code in
the case of paying out a larger number of coins than the coins paid
out in Step S13, that is, in the case of paying out the reserved
coins. Accordingly, the gaming machine 14 can allow the effect to
impress the player more strongly and to be willingly remembered by
the player more easily than in the case of outputting the Morse
code at the time of paying out the coins in Step S13.
[0064] Moreover, in the case where the number of reserved coins has
reached the predetermined value or more, the gaming machine 14
outputs the Morse code before the game is started. Specifically,
the gaming machine 14 outputs the Morse code as a demonstration
effect, and accordingly, the player is expected to feel interest in
the demonstration effect, and eventually, to get to remember the
demonstration effect. Specifically, the gaming machine 14 can
perform the demonstration effect, which the player expresses
interest in, and eventually, is willing to remember.
[0065] Furthermore, since the gaming machine 14 outputs, as the
demonstration effect, the Morse code telling that the number of
reserved coins has reached the predetermined value or more, the
player who can understand the Morse code can understand, based on
the Morse code, that the chance that the coins equivalent to the
number of reserved coins will be paid out has come. Hence, the
player who can understand the Morse code is expected to express
larger interest in the demonstration effect, and eventually, to get
to remember the demonstration effect more easily than the player
who cannot understand the Morse code. Specifically, the gaming
machine 14 can have the player who knows the Morse code willing to
remember the demonstration effect more effectively than the player
who does not know the Morse code.
Second Embodiment
[0066] Next, a description will be made of a second embodiment with
reference to FIG. 6 to FIG. 8. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing
an exterior appearance of a gaming machine 14 according to the
second embodiment, FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an internal
configuration of the gaming machine 14, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart
showing a procedure of processing performed by the gaming machine
14. A different point between the gaming machine 14 according to
the second embodiment and the gaming machine 14 according to the
first embodiment is in that the gaming machine 14 according to the
second embodiment includes a selection switch 36. Accordingly, the
description will be made mainly of the different point.
[0067] The selection switch 36 is capable of being pressed by the
player, and outputs a predetermined selection signal to the
controller 40 in the case of being pressed by the player. Every
time when the controller 40 is given the selection signal from the
selection switch 36, the controller 40 switches a state of a Morse
code output flag (this flag is formed in the RAM 43, and an initial
value thereof is off).
[0068] Next, a description will be made of a procedure of
processing performed by the gaming machine 14. In Step S19 to Step
S21, the controller 40 performs similar processing to that of Step
S7 to Step S9, which is shown in FIG. 4.
[0069] In Step S22, the controller 40 determines whether or not a
condition is satisfied that the signal is given thereto from the
BET switch 23 or the MAXBET switch 24, and that the number of BETs,
which is indicated by the signal, is equal to or less than the
number of inserted coins. In the case where this condition is
satisfied, the controller 40 proceeds to Step S23, and in the case
where this condition is not satisfied, the controller 40 returns to
Step S19.
[0070] In Step S23, the controller 40 determines whether or not a
condition that the selection signal has been given thereto from the
selection switch 36 is satisfied. In the case where this condition
is satisfied, the controller 40 proceeds to Step S24, and in the
case where this condition is not satisfied, the controller 40
proceeds to Step S27.
[0071] In Step S24, the controller 40 determines whether or not a
condition that the Morse signal output flag is on is satisfied. In
the case where this condition is satisfied, the controller 40
proceeds to Step S25, and in the case where this condition is not
satisfied, the controller 40 proceeds to Step S26.
[0072] In Step S25, the controller 40 switches off the Morse signal
output flag. Thereafter, the controller 40 proceeds to Step
S27.
[0073] In Step S26, the controller 40 switches on the Morse signal
output flag. Thereafter, the controller 40 proceeds to Step
S27.
[0074] In Step S27 to Step S30, the controller 40 performs similar
processing to that of Step S11 to Step S14, which is shown in FIG.
4.
[0075] In Step S31, the controller 40 decides whether or not to pay
out the coins equivalent to the number of reserved coins.
Specifically, the controller 40 acquires a random number from the
random number generator 48, then decides to pay out the coins if
this random number is included in a predetermined range, and
decides not to pay out the coins if the random number is not
included in the predetermined range. In the case of having decided
to pay out the coins, the controller 40 proceeds to Step S32, and
in the case of having decided not to pay out the coins, the
controller 40 ends the processing.
[0076] In Step S32, the controller 40 determines whether or not a
condition that the Morse code output flag is on is satisfied. In
the case where this condition is satisfied, the controller 40
proceeds to Step S33, and in the case where this condition is not
satisfied, the controller 40 proceeds to Step S34.
[0077] In Step S33, the controller 40 performs similar processing
to that of Step S16 shown in FIG. 4.
[0078] In Step S34, the controller 40 performs a normal effect.
Specifically, the controller 40 allows the speaker 22 to play
large-volume music, and allows the lamp 52 to blink frequently.
Thereafter, the controller 40 ends the processing.
[0079] In Step S35, the controller 40 performs similar processing
to that of Step S17 shown in FIG. 4. Thereafter, the controller 40
ends the processing.
[0080] From the above, in the gaming machine 14 according to the
second embodiment, the player can arbitrarily decide whether or not
to output the Morse signal, and accordingly, such an effect that
meets a request of the player can be performed.
[0081] As above, the description has been made of the embodiments
of the gaming machine according to the present invention. However,
the embodiments merely illustrate specific examples, and do not
limit the present invention. It is possible to perform design
changes as appropriate for specific configurations of the
respective means and the like. For example, the gaming machine 14
may also be adapted to output a Morse code in the case of paying
out the coins in the above-described processing of Step S13 and the
above-described processing of Step S29. The Morse code in this case
may be a Morse code telling that the coins will be paid out, for
example, a Morse code that means "GREAT".
[0082] Moreover, effects described in the embodiments of the
present invention merely list the most suitable effects generated
from the present invention, and the effects by the present
invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of
the present invention.
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