US20070060279A1 - Gaming machine, game control method and game system - Google Patents

Abstract

A gaming machine according to the present invention comprises output means capable of outputting an image or a sound, winning combination determination means for determining a winning combination by a lottery, means for generating a first special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player when the determined winning combination is a special winning combination, means for, when the number of games reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with the number of games, generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player and which is the same type as, or a different type from the first special game state, and means for notifying by outputting an image or a sound with the output means, after the number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is smaller by a predetermined value than the set value, a counting value which shows the required number of games to reach the set value, each time a game is played.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application claims benefit of priority based on PCT/JP2005/015816 filed on Aug. 30, 2005. The contents of this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention
• The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine in which a game is conducted using a game media (game valuable) such as a coin and the like, a game control method for the gaming machine, and a game system comprising the gaming machine and a control device.
• 2. Discussion of the Background
• Conventionally, in a facility in which gaming machines such as a slot machine are installed, a game is played by inserting various kinds of game media such as a coin, cash and the like into a gaming machine. Each gaming machine pays out a dividend to a player according to a prize wining state (a result of playing the game) generated while the game is in progress.
• In a casino where plural slot machines are installed, a credit spent in each slot machine is partly reserved and in a case where the reservation reaches a predetermined amount, one of the slot machines provides a so-called “jackpot” paying out a big amount, which is not paid out in an ordinary hit (JP-A 2003-117053). In such slot machines, a hit in each machine usually occurs on a preset probability and a player advances a game with expectation of the hit to be encountered. One of the slot machines has a chance to hit a jackpot at a timing in a lottery different from a common lottery in which a hit based on the above-mentioned probability is set in the slot machines. Generally, plural casinos are interconnected in a network in order to increase a payout amount in a jackpot.
• Furthermore, a system has been available in which a host computer and plural gaming machines are interconnected on a network and the generating of a bonus in the gaming machines is controlled by the host computer (U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,459). In this system, not only is the number of coins inserted into each gaming machine added up, but part of a total number of inserted coins in the plural gaming machines are separately added up as a bonus pool. The host computer gives a bonus qualification to a gaming machine in which the number of inserted coins reaches a predetermined number. The host computer transmits a command to one gaming machine selected from gaming machines having bonus qualification, when a value of the bonus pool reaches a predetermined threshold value. The gaming machine which received the command is enabled to play a bonus game high in gambling characteristic.
• In a slot machine described in JP-A2003-117053, however, it is a player who plays a game in a gaming machine selected in a lottery that enjoys a profit from a jackpot. Hence, there has arisen a case where a player having spent many coins cannot enjoy a jackpot at all, but another player who has just started the game acquires a jackpot profit.
• In the system described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,459 as well, a chance to acquire the profit of a bonus game is one of gaming machines in which a total number of inserted coins reaches a predetermined number. A chance to acquire the profit of a bonus game is not always given to a player having spent many coins. Therefore, in the system described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,459, there has arisen a case where a player having spent many coins cannot secure the profit of a bonus game and another player who has just started the game acquires a bonus game profit, in a similar way to that in a slot machine described in JP-A 2003-117053.
• In the system described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,459, part of the number of inserted coins in each of plural gaming machines is added up as a bonus pool. Hence, in a case where an operation rate of the gaming machines in the system is low, a player, who has spent many of coins, has had a possibility not to be rewarded by the profit of a bonus game since the value of the bonus pool does not reaches a predetermined threshold value. Moreover, since the bonus game in the system described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,459 is high in gambling characteristic, there has arisen a case where the profit of the bonus game cannot be acquired sufficiently by a player, even when he is given a chance capable of acquiring the profit.
• If such circumstances occur, a player who has spent many coins may feel unpleasant against the game, build up distrust thereto, or lose interest in or a concern on the game.
• The contents of JP-A2003-117053 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,459 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention has been made in light of the above-mentioned problems and it is an object of the present invention to provide: a gaming machine capable of preventing a player who has spent many of the game media such as coins from feeling unpleasant against a game, building up a distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game; a game control method related to the gaming machine; and a gaming machine system equipped with the gaming machine and a control device.
• In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides the following configuration:
• (1) A gaming machine comprising:
• output means capable of outputting an image or a sound;
• winning combination determination means for determining a winning combination by a lottery;
• means for generating a first special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player when the determined winning combination is a special winning combination;
• means for, when the number of games accumulatively counted each time a game is played reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with the number of games, generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player and which is the same type as, or a different type from the first special game state; and
• means for notifying by outputting an image or a sound with the output means, after the number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is smaller by a predetermined value than the set value, a counting value which shows the required number of games to reach the set value, each time a game is played.
• According to the configuration (1), when the number of games reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with the number of games (for example, “2000”), the second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player and which is the same type as, or a different type from the first special game state is generated. Hence, even if the first special game state is not generated for a long period leading to the spending of many of the game media, the second special game state is generated as long as the game is played such that the number of games reaches the set value and thus a player can make profit for playing the game.
• Further, after the number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement (for example, “450”) which is smaller by a predetermined value (for example, “50”) than the set value (for example, “500”), a counting value which shows the required number of games to reach the set value is provided, by outputting an image or a sound with the output means, each time a game is played. Therefore, a player can recognize how many more games are required to be played for generating the second special game state, by a countdown being performed with the image or the sound for each single game (1 game). As a result, an impression can be made on the player that a return is carried out as a result of playing the game such that the number of games reaches the set value, and it can also prevent a situation that the player cannot get any return from occurring.
• Therefore, it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of the game media from feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (2) A gaming machine connected through a communication line to a control device which counts the number of games accumulatively for every gaming machine of plural gaming machines, comprising:
• output means capable of outputting an image or a sound;
• winning combination determination means for determining a winning combination by a lottery;
• means for generating a first special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player when the determined winning combination is a special winning combination;
• means for transmitting identification information of the gaming machine to the control device through the communication line each time a game is played;
• means for receiving a command signal transmitted from the control device when the number of games counted accumulatively by the control device based on the identification information of the gaming machine reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with the number of games;
• means for generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player and which is the same type as, or a different type from the first special game state, based on the command signal;
• means for receiving, after the number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is smaller by a predetermined value than the set value, a preliminary announcement command signal transmitted from the control device each time a game is played; and
• means for notifying, based on the preliminary announcement command signal, a counting value which shows the required number of games to reach the set value, by outputting an image or a sound with the output means.
• According to the configuration (2), the second special game state is generated by the receiving of a command signal transmitted from the control device when the number of games counted in the control device reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with the number of games. Further, when a preliminary announcement command signal which is transmitted from the control device is received each time a game is played, after the number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is smaller by a predetermined value than the set value, a counting value which shows the required number of games to reach the set value is notified by outputting an image or a sound with the output means. Therefore, it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of the game media from feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (3) A gaming machine comprising:
• output means capable of outputting an image or a sound;
• winning combination determination means for determining a winning combination by a lottery;
• means for generating a first special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player when the determined winning combination is a special winning combination;
• means for counting accumulatively the number of games each time a game is played;
• means for determining whether or not the number of games has reached a set value that is an object of comparison with the number of games;
• means for generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player and which is the same type as, or a different type from the first special game state, when the number of games is determined to have reached the set value; and
• means for notifying by outputting an image or a sound with the output means, after the number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is smaller by a predetermined value than the set value, a counting value which shows the required number of games to reach the set value, each time a game is played.
• According to the configuration (3), the number of games is counted accumulatively each time a game is played. Moreover, it is determined whether or not the number of games reaches the set value, and when it is determined that the number of games has reached the set value, the second special game state is generated. Further, after the number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is smaller by a predetermined value than the set value, a counting value which shows the required number of games to reach the set value is notified, each time a game is played, by outputting an image or a sound with the output means. Therefore, it can be prevented from for a player who has spent many of the game media from feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (4) The gaming machine according to the configurations (1) or (3), further comprising:
• means for setting the number of games to a predetermined number when the first special game state is generated.
• According to the configuration (4), since the number of games is set to a predetermined number (for example, “0”) when the first special game state is generated, it can be prevented for a player who has obtained a profit by the generated first special game state from obtaining an excessive return.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (5) The gaming machine according to the configuration (4), wherein
• the means for generating the second special game state generates a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player, and in which a degree of advantage corresponding to the set value is determined when the number of games accumulatively counted each time a game is played reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with the number of games, and that is selected from plural candidate values stepwise determined in advance; and
• the means for notifying the counting value notifies information about the stage of the set value related to the concerned notification, by including the information in the content of notification.
• According to the configuration (5), when the number of games accumulatively counted each time a game is played reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with the number of games which is selected from plural candidate values stepwise determined in advance (for example, “500”, “1000” and “2000”), the second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player and in which a determined degree of advantage corresponding to the set value is generated. After the number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement, information about the stage of the set value related to the concerned notification (for example, information indicating that the stage of the set value related to the notification is a stage based on a set value of “500”) is notified together with the counting value, each time a game is played, by including the information in the content of notification.
• Further, when the first special game state is generated, the number of games is set to a predetermined number (for example, “0”). Accordingly, for example, when it is notified by countdown that the second special game state to be generated is low in the degree of advantage corresponding to the set value, even if a first special game state is generated before the second special game state, the player will hardly be exasperated. However, when the first special game state is generated before the second special game state at the time when it is notified by countdown that the second special game state to be generated is high in the degree of advantage corresponding to the set value, this will significantly exasperate the player since the countdown will be restarted. Thus, it is possible to induce changeful psychological states.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (6) The gaming machine according to the configuration (4),
• wherein
• the means for generating the second special game state generates a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player, and in which a degree of advantage corresponding to the set value is determined when the number of games accumulatively counted each time a game is played reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with the number of games, and that is selected from plural candidate values stepwise determined in advance; and
• the means for notifying the counting value notifies, after the number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is smaller by a predetermined value than the set value, and which the predetermined value is larger with larger the set value, a counting value each time a game is played.
• According to the configuration (6), for example, when the second special game state to be generated is high in the degree of advantage, the countdown for the notifying thereof is started at an early stage, thereby causing the player to be amused by the countdown for a longer time until the second special game state which is high in the degree of advantage is generated. For example, the player can wish that the first special game state will not be generated.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (7) The gaming machine according to any of the configurations (1) to (3),
• wherein
• the means for generating the second special game state generates, when the number of games accumulatively counted each time a game is played reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with the number of games, and that is selected from plural candidate values stepwise determined in advance, a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player, and in which a larger degree of advantage is determined with the number of games reaching a larger set value.
• According to the configuration (7), since a larger profit can be made in the second special game state with larger number of games, a profit matching the number of games played by the player can be given to the player in the second special game state. Therefore, it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of the game media from feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (8) The gaming machine according to any of the configurations (1) to (3),
• wherein
• reception means that can accept for one game an insertion of game media up to a predetermined upper limit value is provided, and the means for generating the second special game state generates a second special game state in a case where the number of inserted game media for the game played by the player is equal to the upper limit when the number of games reaches the set value.
• According to the configuration (8), a player can be urged to insert the game media up to the upper limit, thereby enabling a facility such as a casino to increase its profit.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (9) A control device connected with plural gaming machines through a communication line comprising:
• means for receiving identification information of the gaming machine from the gaming machine through the communication line, each time a game is played;
• means for accumulatively counting the number of games, based on the identification information of the gaming machine;
• means for receiving from the gaming machine through the communication line, when the first special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player is generated, a reset signal which shows that the first special game state has been generated;
• means for setting the number of games to a predetermined number when receiving the reset signal;
• means for transmitting, when the number of games reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with the number of games, a command signal for generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player, and in which a degree of advantage corresponding to the set value is determined; and
• means for transmitting a preliminary announcement command signal so that the gaming machine can notify, after the number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is smaller by a predetermined value than the set value, a counting value which shows the required number of games to reach the set value, each time a game is played.
• According to the configuration (9), each time a game is played, the gaming machine identification information is received from the gaming machine through the communication line and accumulatively counts the number of games based on the received identification information. Further, when the number of games reaches the set value that is an object of comparison with the number of games, transmitted is a command signal for generating the second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player, and in which a degree of advantage corresponding to the set value is determined, and the second special game state is thereafter generated in the gaming machine. Hence, even if the first special game state is not generated for a long period leading to the spending of many of the game media, the second special game state is generated as long as the game is played such that the number of games reaches the set value and thus a player can make profit for playing the game.
• Further, after the number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement (for example, “450”) which is smaller by a predetermined value (for example, “50”) than the set value (for example, “500”), a preliminary announcement command signal for causing the gaming machine to provide a notification of a counting value which shows the required number of games to reach the set value is transmitted each time a game is played, and the gaming machine thereafter provides a notification based on the transmitted preliminary announcement command signal. Therefore, a player can recognize how many more games are required to be played for generating the second special game state, by a countdown for each single game (1 game) As a result, an impression can be made on the player that a return is carried out as a result of playing the game such that the number of games reaches the set value, and it can also prevent a situation that the player cannot get any return from occurring.
• Further, when the first special game state which is a game state advantageous to the player has been generated, on receiving from the gaming machine through the communication line a reset signal showing that the first special game state has been generated, since the number of games is set to a predetermined value (for example, “0”), it can be prevented for a player who has obtained a profit by the generated first special game state from obtaining an excessive return.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (10) A gaming machine equipped with a processing device, a storage device and an image or sound output device, wherein
• the processing device executes:
• a processing determining one winning combination selected from plural winning combinations determined in advance by executing a lottery program stored in the storage device;
• a processing reading from the storage device a program for generating a first special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player when the determined winning combination is a special winning combination, and executing the program;
• a processing reading from the storage device a program for generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player and which is the same type as, or a different type from the first special game state when the number of games counted accumulatively each time a game is played reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with the number of games, and executing the program; and
• a processing reading from the storage device, after the number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is smaller by a predetermined value than the set value, notification data for notifying a counting value which shows the required number of games to reach the set value, and outputting an image or a sound with the output device based on the notification data, each time a game is played.
• According to the configuration (10), the second special game state is generated when the number of games reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with the number of games. Further, after the number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is smaller by a predetermined value than the set value, the gaming machine outputs an image or a sound with the output device, based on notification data for notifying a counting value which shows the required number of games to reach the set value, each time a game is played. Therefore, it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of the game media from feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (11) A gaming machine equipped with a processing device, a storage device and an image or sound output device, and connected through a communication line to a control device which counts the number of games accumulatively for every gaming machine of plural gaming machines, wherein
• the processing device executes:
• a processing determining one winning combination selected from plural winning combinations determined in advance by executing a lottery program stored in the storage device;
• a processing reading from the storage device a program for generating a first special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player when the determined winning combination is a special winning combination, and executing the program;
• a processing transmitting identification information on a gaming machine stored in the storage device to the control device through the communication line each time a game is played;
• a processing receiving a command signal transmitted from the control device when the number of games counted accumulatively by the control device based on the identification information on the gaming machine reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with the number of games;
• a processing reading from the storage device, based on the command signal, a program for generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player and which is the same type as, or a different type from the first special game state, and executing the program;
• a processing receiving, after the number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is smaller by a predetermined value than the set value, a preliminary announcement command signal transmitted from the control device each time a game is played; and
• a processing reading from the storage device, based on the preliminary announcement command signal, notification data for notifying a counting value which shows the required number of games to reach the set value, and outputting an image or a sound with the output device based on the notification data.
• According to the configuration (11), the second special game state is generated by the receiving of a command signal transmitted from the control device when the number of games counted in the control device reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with the number of games. Further, when a preliminary announcement command signal which is transmitted from the control device is received each time a game is played, after the number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is smaller by a predetermined value than the set value, a counting value which shows the required number of games to reach the set value is notified by outputting an image or a sound with the output means. Therefore, it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of the game media from feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (12) A gaming machine equipped with a processing device, a storage device and an image or sound output device, wherein
• the processing device executes:
• a processing determining one winning combination selected from plural winning combinations determined in advance by executing a lottery program stored in the storage device;
• a processing reading from the storage device a program for generating a first special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player when the determined winning combination is a special winning combination, and executing the program;
• a processing counting the number of games accumulatively each time a game is played;
• a processing determining whether or not the number of games has reached a set value that is an object of comparison with the number of games;
• a processing reading from the storage device, when the number of games is determined to have reached the set value, a program for generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player and which is the same type as, or a different type from the first special game state, and executing the program; and
• a processing reading from the storage device, after the number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is smaller by a predetermined value than the set value, notification data for notifying a counting value which shows the required number of games to reach the set value, and outputting an image or a sound with the output device based on the notification data, each time a game is played.
• According to the configuration (12), the number of games is counted accumulatively each time a game is played. Moreover, it is determined whether or not the number of games has reached the set value and if it is determined that the number of games has reached the set value, the second special game state is generated. Further, after the number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is smaller by a predetermined value than the set value, a counting value which shows the required number of games to reach the set value is notified, each time a game is played, by outputting an image or a sound with the output means. Therefore, it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of the game media from feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (13) The gaming machine according to the configurations (10) or (12),
• wherein
• the processing device executes a processing setting the number of games to a predetermined number when the first special game state is generated.
• According to the configuration (13), since the number of games is set to a predetermined number when the first special game state is generated, it can be prevented for a player who has obtained a profit by the generated first special game state from obtaining an excessive return.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (14) The gaming machine according the configuration (13),
• wherein
• the processing device executes:
• a processing reading from the storage device, when the number of games accumulatively counted each time a game is played reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with the number of games, and that is selected from plural candidate values stepwise determined in advance, a program for generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player, and in which a degree of advantage corresponding to the set value is determined, and executing the program; and a processing reading from the storage device notification data for notifying information about the stage of the set value related to the concerned notification by including the information in the content of notification, and outputting an image or a sound with the output means based on the notification data.
• According to the configuration (14), when the number of games accumulatively counted each time a game is played reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with the number of games which is selected from plural candidate values stepwise determined in advance, the second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player and in which a determined degree of advantage corresponding to the set value is generated. After the number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement, information about the stage of the set value related to the concerned notification is notified together with the counting value, each time a game is played, by including the information in the content of notification.
• Further, when the first special game state is generated, the number of games is set to a predetermined number). Accordingly, when it is notified by countdown that the second special game state to be generated is low in the degree of advantage corresponding to the set value, even if a first special game state is generated before the second special game state, the player will hardly be exasperated. However, when the first special game state is generated before the second special game state at the time when it is notified by countdown that the second special game state to be generated is high in the degree of advantage corresponding to the set value, this will significantly exasperate the player since the countdown will be restarted. Thus, it is possible to induce changeful psychological states.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (15) The gaming machine according to the configuration (13),
• wherein
• the processing device executes:
• a processing reading from the storage device, when the number of games accumulatively counted each time a game is played reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with the number of games, and that is selected from plural candidate values stepwise determined in advance, a program for generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player, and in which a degree of advantage corresponding to the set value is determined, and executing the program; and
• a processing reading from the storage device, after the number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is smaller by a predetermined value than the set value, and which the predetermined value is larger with larger the set value, notification data for notifying a counting value, and outputting an image or a sound with the output device based on the notification data, each time a game is played.
• According to the configuration (15), for example, when the second special game state to be generated is high in the degree of advantage, the countdown for the notifying thereof is started at an early stage, thereby causing the player to be amused by the countdown for a longer time until the second special game state which is high in the degree of advantage is generated. For example, the player can wish that the first special game state will not be generated.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (16) The gaming machine according to any of the configurations (10) to (12),
• wherein
• the processing device executes a program for generating, when the number of games accumulatively counted each time a game is played reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with the number of games, and that is selected from plural candidate values stepwise determined in advance, a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player, and in which a larger degree of advantage is determined with the number of games reaching a larger set value.
• According to the configuration (16), since a larger profit can be made in the second special game state with larger number of games, a profit matching the number of games played by the player can be given to the player in the second special game state. Therefore, it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of the game media from feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (17) The gaming machine according to any of the configurations (10) to (12),
• wherein
• the processing device executes a program for generating the second special game state when the number of games reaches the set value in a case where the number of inserted game media for a game played by the player is the upper limit value of the number of game media to be inserted for one game.
• According to the configuration (17), a player can be urged to insert the game media up to the upper limit, thereby enabling a facility such as a casino to increase its profit.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (18) A control device provided with a processing device and connected with plural gaming machines through a communication line, wherein
• the processing device executes:
• a processing receiving identification information of the gaming machine from the plural gaming machines through the communication line, each time a game is played;
• a processing accumulatively counting the number of games, based on the identification information of the gaming machine;
• a processing receiving from the plural gaming machines through the communication line, when the first special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player is generated, a reset signal which shows that the first special game state has been generated;
• a processing setting the number of games to a predetermined number when receiving the reset signal;
• a processing transmitting, when the number of games reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with the number of games, a command signal for generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player, and in which a degree of advantage corresponding to the set value is determined; and
• a processing transmitting a preliminary announcement command signal so that the plural gaming machines can notify, after the number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is smaller by a predetermined value than the set value, a counting value which shows the required number of games to reach the set value, each time a game is played.
• According to the configuration (18), each time a game is played, the gaming machine identification information is received from the gaming machine through the communication line and the number of games is accumulatively counted based on the received identification information. Further, when the number of games reaches the set value that is an object of comparison with the number of games, transmitted is a command signal for generating the second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player, and in which a degree of advantage corresponding to the set value is determined, and the second special game state is thereafter generated in the gaming machine. Hence, even if the first special game state is not generated for a long period leading to the spending of many of the game media, the second special game state is generated as long as the game is played such that the number of games reaches the set value and thus a player can make profit for playing the game.
• Further, after the number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement (for example, “450”) which is smaller by a predetermined value (for example, “50”) than the set value (for example, “500”), a preliminary announcement command signal for causing the gaming machine to provide a notification of a counting value which shows the required number of games to reach the set value is transmitted each time a game is played, and the gaming machine thereafter provides a notification based on the transmitted preliminary announcement command signal. Therefore, a player can recognize how many more games are required to be played for generating the second special game state, by a countdown for each single game (1 game) As a result, an impression can be made on the player that a return is carried out as a result of playing the game such that the number of games reaches the set value, and it can also prevent a situation that the player cannot get any return from occurring.
• Further, when the first special game state which is a game state advantageous to the player has been generated, on receiving from the gaming machine through the communication line a reset signal showing that the first special game state has been generated, since the number of games is set to a predetermined value (for example, “0”), it can be prevented for a player who has obtained a profit by the generated first special game state from obtaining an excessive return.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (19) A gaming machine comprising:
• output means capable of outputting an image or a sound;
• winning combination determination means for determining a winning combination by a lottery;
• means for generating a first special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player when the determined winning combination is a special winning combination;
• means for, when a payment balance in terms of the game media becomes equal to or less than a set value that is an object of comparison with the payment balance in terms of the game media, generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player and which is the same type as, or a different type from the first special game state; and
• means for notifying by outputting an image or a sound with, the output means, after the payment balance in terms of the game media has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is greater by a predetermined value than the set value, a counting value which shows the required number of game media for causing the payment balance in terms of the game media to become equal to or less than the set value, each time a game is played.
• According to the configuration (19), when the payment balance in terms of the game media becomes equal to or less than a set value that is an object of comparison with the payment balance in terms of the game media (for example, “−500”), the second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player and which is the same type as, or a different type from the first special game state is generated. Therefore, if many of the game media are spent and a payment balance in terms of the game media is equal to or less than the set value, the second special game state is generated and thus the player can earn a profit for playing the game.
• Further, after the payment balance in terms of the game media has reached a set value for preliminary announcement (for example, “−450”) which is greater by a predetermined value (for example, “50”) than the set value (for example, “−500”), a counting value which shows the required number of game media for causing the payment balance in terms of the game media to become equal to or less than the set value is provided, by outputting an image or a sound with the output means, each time a game is played. Therefore, a player can recognize how many more game media are required to be consumed for generating the second special game state, by a countdown being performed with the image or the sound for each single game (1 game). As a result, an impression can be made on the player that a return is carried out as a result of playing the game such that the payment balance in terms of the game media is equal to or less than the set value, and it can also prevent a situation that the player cannot get any return from occurring.
• Therefore, it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of the game media from feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (20) A gaming machine connected through a communication line to a control device which counts the payment balance in terms of the game media accumulatively for every gaming machine of plural gaming machines, comprising:
• output means capable of outputting an image or a sound;
• winning combination determination means for determining a winning combination by a lottery;
• means for generating a first special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player when the determined winning combination is a special winning combination;
• means for transmitting a payment balance in terms of the game media in a game played by a player together with an identification information of the gaming machine to the control device through the communication line each time a game is played;
• means for receiving a command signal transmitted from the control device when the payment balance in terms of the game media counted accumulatively by the control device based on the identification information of the gaming machine and the payment balance in terms of the game media in a game played by the player is equal to or less than a set value that is an object of comparison with the payment balance in terms of the game media;
• means for generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player and which is the same type as, or a different type from the first special game state, based on the command signal;
• means for receiving, after the payment balance in terms of the game media has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is greater by a predetermined value than the set value, a preliminary announcement command signal transmitted from the control device each time a game is played; and
• means for notifying, based on the preliminary announcement command signal, a counting value which shows the required number of game media for causing the payment balance in terms of the game media to become equal to or less than the set value, by outputting an image or a sound with the output means.
• According to the configuration (20), the second special game state is generated by the receiving of a command signal transmitted from the control device when the payment balance in terms of the game media counted by the control device becomes equal to or less than a set value that is an object of comparison with the payment balance in terms of the game media. Further, when a preliminary announcement command signal which is transmitted from the control device is received each time a game is played, after the payment balance in terms of the game media has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is greater by a predetermined value than the set value, a counting value which shows the required number of game media for causing the payment balance in terms of the game media to become equal to or less than the set value is notified by outputting an image or a sound with the output means. Therefore, it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of the game media from feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (21) A gaming machine comprising:
• output means capable of outputting an image or a sound;
• winning combination determination means for determining a winning combination by a lottery;
• means for generating a first special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player when the determined winning combination is a special winning combination;
• means for counting a payment balance in terms of the game media accumulatively each time a game is played;
• means for determining whether or not the payment balance in terms of the game media has become equal to or less than a set value that is an object of comparison with the payment balance in terms of the game media;
• means for generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player and which is the same type as, or a different type from the first special game state, when the payment balance in terms of the game media is determined to have become equal to or less than the set value; and
• means for notifying by outputting an image or a sound with the output means, after the payment balance in terms of the game media has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is greater by a predetermined value than the set value, a counting value which shows the required number of game media for causing the payment balance in terms of the game media to become equal to or less than the set value, each time a game is played.
• According to the configuration (21), the payment balance in terms of the game media is counted accumulatively each time a game is played. Moreover, it is determined whether or not the payment balance in terms of the game media is equal to or less than the set value, and when it is determined that the payment balance in terms of the game media is equal to or less than the set value, the second special game state is generated. Further, after the payment balance in terms of the game media has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is greater by a predetermined value than the set value, a counting value which shows the number of game media required for causing the payment balance in terms of the game media to become equal to or less than the set value is notified, each time a game is played, by outputting an image or a sound with the output means. Therefore, it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of the game media from feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (22) The gaming machine according to the configurations (19) or (21), further comprising:
• means for setting the payment balance in terms of the game media to a predetermined number when the first special game state is generated.
• According to the configuration (22), since the payment balance in terms of the game media is set to a predetermined value (for example, “0”) when the first special game state is generated, it can be prevented for a player who has obtained a profit by the generated first special game state from obtaining an excessive return.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (23) The gaming machine according to the configuration (22), wherein
• the means for generating the second special game state generates a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player, and in which a degree of advantage corresponding to the set value is determined when the payment balance in terms of the game media becomes equal to or less than a set value that is an object of comparison with the payment balance in terms of the game media, and that is selected from plural candidate values stepwise determined in advance; and
• the means for notifying the counting value notifies information about the stage of the set value related to the concerned notification, by including the information in the content of notification.
• According to the configuration (23), when the payment balance in terms of the game media becomes equal to or less than a set value that is an object of comparison with the payment balance in terms of the game media, the second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player and in which a determined degree of advantage corresponding to the set value is generated. After the payment balance in terms of the game media has reached a set value for preliminary announcement, information about the stage of the set value related to the concerned notification (for example, information indicating that the stage of the set value related to the notification is a stage based on a set value of “−500”) is notified together with the counting value, each time a game is played, by including the information in the content of notification.
• Further, when the first special game state is generated, the number of games is set to a predetermined number (for example, “0”). Accordingly, when it is notified by countdown that the second special game state to be generated is low in the degree of advantage corresponding to the set value, even if a first special game state is generated before the second special game state, the player will hardly be exasperated. However, when the first special game state is generated before the second special game state at the time when it is notified by countdown that the second special game state to be generated is high in the degree of advantage corresponding to the set value, this will significantly exasperate the player since the countdown will be restarted. Thus, it is possible to induce changeful psychological states.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (24) The gaming machine according to the configuration (22), wherein
• the means for generating the second special game state generates a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player, and in which a degree of advantage corresponding to the set value is determined when the payment balance in terms of the game media becomes equal to or less than a set value that is an object of comparison with the payment balance in terms of the game media, and that is selected from plural candidate values stepwise determined in advance; and
• the means for notifying the counting value notifies, after the payment balance in terms of the game media has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is greater by a predetermined value than the set value, and which the predetermined value is larger with smaller the set value, a counting value each time a game is played.
• According to the configuration (24), for example, when the second special game state to be generated is high in the degree of advantage, the countdown for the notifying thereof is started at an early stage, thereby causing the player to be amused by the countdown for a longer time until the second special game state which is high in the degree of advantage is generated. For example, the player can wish that the first special game state will not be generated.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (25) The gaming machine according to any of the configurations (19) to (21),
• wherein
• the means for generating the second special game state generates, when the payment balance in terms of the game media reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with the payment balance in terms of the game media, and that is selected from plural candidate values stepwise determined in advance, a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player, and in which a larger degree of advantage is determined with the payment balance in terms of the game media reaching a smaller set value.
• According to the configuration (25), since a larger profit can be made in the second special game state with a lower payment balance in terms of the game media, a profit supplementing a loss of a player can be given to the player in the second special game state. Therefore, it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of the game media from feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (26) The gaming machine according to any of the configurations (19) to (21), wherein reception means that can accept for one game an insertion of game media up to a predetermined upper limit value is provided, and the means for generating the second special game state generates a second special game state in a case where the number of inserted game media for the game played is at the upper limit value when the payment balance in terms of the game media is equal to or less than the set value.
• According to the configuration (26), a player can be urged to insert the game media up to the upper limit, thereby enabling increase in profit in a facility such as a casino.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (27) A control device connected with plural gaming machines through a communication line comprising:
• means for receiving a payment balance in terms of the game media in a game played by a player together with identification information of the gaming machine from the gaming machine through the communication line, each time a game is played;
• means for accumulatively counting the payment balance in terms of the game media, based on the identification information of the gaming machine and the payment balance in terms of the game media in a game played by the player;
• means for receiving from the gaming machine through the communication line, when the first special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player is generated, a reset signal which shows that the first special game state has been generated;
• means for setting the payment balance in terms of the game media to a predetermined number when receiving the reset signal;
• means for transmitting, when the payment balance in terms of the game media becomes equal to or less than a set value that is an object of comparison with the payment balance in terms of the game media, a command signal for generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player, and in which a degree of advantage corresponding to the set value is determined; and
• means for transmitting a preliminary announcement command signal so that the gaming machine can notify, after a payment balance in terms of the game media has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is greater by a predetermined value than the set value, a counting value which shows the required number of game media for causing the payment balance in terms of the game media to become equal to or less than the set value, each time a game is played.
• According to the configuration (27), the payment balance in terms of the game media in a game played by a player together with identification information of the gaming machine is received from the gaming machine through the communication line, each time a game is played, and the payment balance in terms of the game media is accumulatively counted, based on the identification information of the gaming machine and the payment balance in terms of the game media in a game played by the player. Further, when the payment balance in terms of the game media becomes equal to or less than a set value that is an object of comparison with the payment balance in terms of the game media, transmitted is a command signal for generating the second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player, and in which a degree of advantage corresponding to the set value is determined, and the second special game state is thereafter generated in the gaming machine. Hence, even if the first special game state is not generated for a long period leading to the spending of many of the game media, the second special game state is generated as long as the game is played such that the payment balance in terms of the game media becomes equal to or less than the set value and thus a player can make profit for playing the game.
• Further, after the payment balance in terms of the game media has reached a set value for preliminary announcement (for example, “−450”) which is greater by a predetermined value (for example, “50”) than the set value (for example, “−500”), a preliminary announcement command signal for causing the gaming machine to provide a notification of a counting value which shows the required number of game media for causing the payment balance in terms of the game media to become equal to or less than the set value is transmitted each time a game is played, and the gaming machine thereafter provides a notification based on the transmitted preliminary announcement command signal. Therefore, a player can recognize how many more game media are required to be consumed for generating the second special game state, by a countdown being performed for each single game (1 game). As a result, an impression can be made on the player that a return is carried out as a result of playing the game such that the payment balance in terms of the game media is equal to or less than the set value, and it can also prevent a situation that the player cannot get any return from occurring.
• Further, when the first special game state which is a game state advantageous to the player has been generated, on receiving from the gaming machine through the communication line a reset signal showing that the first special game state has been generated, since the number of games is set to a predetermined value (for example, “0”), it can be prevented for a player who has obtained a profit by the generated first special game state from obtaining an excessive return.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (28) A gaming machine equipped with a processing device, a storage device and an image or sound output device,
• wherein
• the processing device executes:
• a processing determining one winning combination selected from plural winning combinations determined in advance by executing a lottery program stored in the storage device;
• a processing reading from the storage device the program for generating a first special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player when the determined winning combination is a special winning combination, and executing the program;
• a processing reading from the storage device a program for generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player and which is the same type as, or a different type from the first special game state when the payment balance in terms of the game media counted accumulatively each time a game is played becomes equal to or less than a set value that is an object of comparison with the payment balance in terms of the game media, and executing the program; and
• a processing reading from the storage device, after the payment balance in terms of the game media has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is greater by a predetermined value than the set value, notification data for notifying a counting value which shows the required number of game media for causing the payment balance in terms of the game media to become equal to or less than the set value, and outputting an image or a sound with the output device based on the notification data, each time a game is played.
• According to the configuration (28), the second special game state is generated when the payment balance in terms of the game media becomes equal to or less than a set value (for example, “−500”) that is an object of comparison with the number of games. Further, after the payment balance in terms of the game media has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is greater by a predetermined value than the set value, the gaming machine outputs an image or a sound with the output device, based on notification data for notifying a counting value which shows the required number of game media for causing the payment balance in terms of the game media to become equal to or less than the set value, each time a game is played. Therefore, it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of the game media from feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (29) A gaming machine equipped with a processing device, a storage device and an image or sound output device, and connected through a communication line to a control device which counts the payment balance in terms of the game media accumulatively for every gaming machine of plural gaming machines,
• wherein
• the processing device executes:
• a processing determining one winning combination selected from plural winning combinations determined in advance by executing a lottery program stored in the storage device;
• a processing reading from the storage device a program for generating a first special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player when the determined winning combination is a special winning combination, and executing the program;
• a processing transmitting the number of inserted game media and the number of payout game media in the game played by a player together with an identification information on the gaming machine which are stored in the storage device to the control device through the communication line each time a game is played;
• a processing receiving a command signal transmitted from the control device when the payment balance in terms of the game media counted accumulatively by the control device based on the identification information on the gaming machine, the number of inserted game media and the number of payment media in the game played by a player reaches a value equal to or less than a set value that is an object of comparison with the payment balance in terms of the game media;
• a processing reading from the storage device, based on the command signal, a program for generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player and which is the same type as, or a different type from the first special game state, and executing the program;
• a processing receiving, after the payment balance in terms of the game media has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is greater by a predetermined value than the set value, a preliminary announcement command signal transmitted from the control device each time a game is played; and
• a processing reading from the storage device, based on the preliminary announcement command signal, notification data for notifying a counting value which shows the required number of game media for causing the payment balance in terms of the game media to become equal to or less than the set value, and outputting an image or a sound with the output device based on the notification data.
• According to the configuration (29), the second special game state is generated by the receiving of a command signal transmitted from the control device when the payment balance in terms of the game media counted by the control device becomes equal to or less than a set value that is an object of comparison with the payment balance in terms of the game media. Further, when a preliminary announcement command signal which is transmitted from the control device is received each time a game is played, after the payment balance in terms of the game media has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is greater by a predetermined value than the set value, a counting value which shows the required number of game media for causing the payment balance in terms of the game media to become equal to or less than the set value is notified by outputting an image or a sound with the output means. Therefore, it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of the game media from feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (30) A gaming machine equipped with a processing device, a storage device and an image or sound output device,
• wherein
• the processing device executes:
• a processing determining one winning combination selected from plural winning combinations determined in advance by executing a lottery program stored in the storage device;
• a processing reading from the storage device a program for generating a first special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player when the determined winning combination is a special winning combination, and executing the program;
• a processing counting a payment balance in terms of the game media accumulatively each time a game is played;
• a processing determining whether or not the payment balance in terms of the game media has become equal to or less than a set value that is an object of comparison with the payment balance in terms of the game media;
• a processing reading from the storage device, when the payment balance in terms of the game media is determined to have become equal to or less than the set value, a program for generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player and which is the same type as, or a different type from the first special game state, and executing the program; and
• a processing reading from the storage device, after the payment balance in terms of the game media has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is greater by a predetermined value than the set value, notification data for notifying a counting value which shows the required number of game media for causing the payment balance in terms of the game media to become equal to or less than the set value, and outputting an image or a sound with the output device based on the notification data, each time a game is played.
• According to the configuration (30), the payment balance of the game media is counted accumulatively counted each time a game is played. Moreover, it is determined whether or not the payment balance in terms of the game media is equal to or less than the set value and if it is determined that the payment balance in terms of the game media is equal to or less than the set value, the second special game state is generated. Further, after the payment balance in terms of the game media has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is greater by a predetermined value than the set value, a counting value which shows the number of game media required for causing the payment balance in terms of the game media to become equal to or less than the set value is notified, each time a game is played, by outputting an image or a sound with the output means. Therefore, it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of the game media from feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (31) The gaming machine according to the configurations (28) or (30),
• wherein
• the processing device executes a processing setting the payment balance in terms of the game media to a predetermined number when the first special game state is generated.
• According to the configuration (31), since the payment balance in terms of the game media is set to a predetermined value when the first special game state is generated, it can be prevented for a player who has obtained a profit by the generated first special game state from obtaining an excessive return.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (32) The gaming machine according the configuration (31),
• wherein
• the processing device executes:
• a processing reading from the storage device, when the payment balance in terms of the game media becomes equal to or less than a set value that is an object of comparison with the payment balance in terms of the game media, and that is selected from plural candidate values stepwise determined in advance, a program for generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player, and in which a degree of advantage corresponding to the set value is determined, and executing the program; and
• a processing reading from the storage device notification data for notifying information about the stage of the set value related to the concerned notification by including the information in the content of notification, and outputting an image or a sound with the output means based on the notification data.
• According to the configuration (32), when the payment balance in terms of the game media becomes equal to or less than a set value that is an object of comparison with the payment balance in terms of the game media, the second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player and in which a determined degree of advantage corresponding to the set value is generated. After the payment balance in terms of the game media has reached a set value for preliminary announcement, information about the stage of the set value related to the concerned notification (for example, information indicating that the stage of the set value related to the notification is a stage based on a set value of “−500”) is notified together with the counting value, each time a game is played, by including the information in the content of notification.
• Further, when the first special game state is generated, the number of games is set to a predetermined number (for example, “0”). Accordingly, when it is notified by countdown that the second special game state to be generated is low in the degree of advantage corresponding to the set value, even if a first special game state is generated before the second special game state, the player will hardly be exasperated. However, when the first special game state is generated before the second special game state at the time when it is notified by countdown that the second special game state to be generated is high in the degree of advantage corresponding to the set value, this will significantly exasperate the player since the countdown will be restarted. Thus, it is possible to induce changeful psychological states.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (33) The gaming machine according the configuration (31),
• wherein
• the processing device executes:
• a processing reading from the storage device, when the payment balance in terms of the game media becomes equal to or less than a set value that is an object of comparison with the payment balance in terms of the game media, and that is selected from plural candidate values stepwise determined in advance, a program for generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player, and in which a degree of advantage corresponding to the set value is determined, and executing the program; and
• a processing reading from the storage device, after the payment balance in terms of the game media has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is greater by a predetermined value than the set value, and which the predetermined value is larger with smaller the set value, notification data for notifying a counting value, and outputting an image or a sound with the output device based on the notification data, each time a game is played.
• According to the configuration (33), for example, when the second special game state to be generated is high in the degree of advantage, the countdown for the notifying thereof is started at an early stage, thereby causing the player to be amused by the countdown for a longer time until the second special game state which is high in the degree of advantage is generated. For example, the player can wish that the first special game state will not be generated.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (34) The gaming machine according to any of the configurations (28) to (30),
• wherein
• the processing device executes a program for generating, when the payment balance in terms of the game media reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with the payment balance in terms of the game media, and that is selected from plural candidate values stepwise determined in advance, a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player, and in which a larger degree of advantage is determined with the payment balance in terms of the game media reaching a smaller set value.
• According to the configuration (34), since a larger profit can be made in the second special game state with a lower payment balance in terms of the game media, a profit supplementing a loss of a player can be given to the player in the second special game state. Therefore, it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of the game media from feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (35) The gaming machine according to any of the configurations (28) to (30), wherein the processing device executes a program for generating the second special game state when the payment balance in terms of the game media is equal to or less than the set value in a case where the number of inserted game media for a game played by the player is the upper limit value of the number of inserted game media to be inserted for one game.
• According to the configuration (35), a player can be urged to insert game media up to the upper limit, thereby enabling increase in profit in a facility such as a casino.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (36) A control device provided with a processing device and connected with plural gaming machines through a communication line, wherein
• the processing device executes:
• a processing for receiving a payment balance in terms of the game media in a game played by a player together with identification information of the gaming machine from the gaming machine through the communication line, each time a game is played;
• a processing for accumulatively counting the payment balance in terms of the game media, based on the identification information of the gaming machine and the payment balance in terms of the game media in a game played by the player;
• a processing for receiving from the gaming machine through the communication line, when the first special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player is generated, a reset signal which shows that the first special game state has been generated;
• a processing for setting the payment balance in terms of the game media to a predetermined number when receiving the reset signal;
• a processing for transmitting, when the payment balance in terms of the game media reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with the payment balance in terms of the game media, a command signal for generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player, and in which a degree of advantage corresponding to the set value is determined; and
• a processing for transmitting a preliminary announcement command signal so that the gaming machine can notify, after a payment balance in terms of the game media has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is greater by a predetermined value than the set value, a counting value which shows the required number of game media for causing the payment balance in terms of the game media to become equal to or less than the set value, each time a game is played.
• According to the configuration (36), the payment balance in terms of the game media in a game played by a player together with identification information of the gaming machine is received from the gaming machine through the communication line, each time a game is played, and the payment balance in terms of the game media is accumulatively counted, based on the identification information of the gaming machine and the payment balance in terms of the game media in a game played by the player. Further, when the payment balance in terms of the game media becomes equal to or less than a set value that is an object of comparison with the payment balance in terms of the game media, transmitted is a command signal for generating the second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player, and in which a degree of advantage corresponding to the set value is determined, and the second special game state is thereafter generated in the gaming machine. Hence, even if the first special game state is not generated for a long period leading to the spending of many of the game media, the second special game state is generated as long as the game is played such that the payment balance in terms of the game media becomes equal to or less than the set value and thus a player can make profit for playing the game.
• Further, after the payment balance in terms of the game media has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is greater by a predetermined value than the set value, a preliminary announcement command signal for causing the gaming machine to provide a notification of a counting value which shows the required number of game media for causing the payment balance in terms of the game media to become equal to or less than the set value is transmitted each time a game is played, and the gaming machine thereafter provides a notification based on the transmitted preliminary announcement command signal. Therefore, a player can recognize how many more game media are required to be consumed for generating the second special game state, by a countdown being performed for each single game (1 game). As a result, an impression can be made on the player that a return is carried out as a result of playing the game such that the payment balance in terms of the game media is equal to or less than the set value, and it can also prevent a situation that the player cannot get any return from occurring.
• Further, when the first special game state which is a game state advantageous to the player has been generated, on receiving from the gaming machine through the communication line a reset signal showing that the first special game state has been generated, since the number of games is set to a predetermined value (for example, “0”), it can be prevented for a player who has obtained a profit by the generated first special game state from obtaining an excessive return.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (37) A gaming machine comprising:
• means for giving a profit to a player according to the number of games played by the player; and
• means for notifying to the player that the profits according to the number of games will be given, by performing a countdown with an image or a sound, each time a game is played.
• According to the configuration (37), a profit according to the number of games is given. Further, provided to the player, by performing a countdown with an image or a sound each time a game is played, is a notification that the profits according to the number of games will be given. Therefore, it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of the game media from feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (38) A gaming machine comprising:
• means for giving a profit to a player according to the payment balance in terms of the game media of the player; and
• means for notifying to the player that the profits according to the payment balance in terms of the game media will be given, by performing a countdown with an image or a sound, each time a game is played.
• According to the configuration (38), a profit according to the payment balance in terms of the game media is given. Further, provided to the player, by performing a countdown with an image or a sound each time a game is played, is a notification that the profits according to payment balance in terms of the game media will be given. Therefore, it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of the game media from feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (39) A game control method comprising:
• a step for giving a profit to a player according to the number of games played by the player; and
• a step for notifying to the player that the profits according to the number of games will be given, by performing a countdown with an image or a sound, each time a game is played.
• According to the configuration (39), a profit according to the number of games is given. Further, provided to the player, by performing a countdown with an image or a sound each time a game is played, is a notification that the profits according to the number of games will be given. Therefore, it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of the game media from feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (40) A game control method comprising:
• a step for giving a profit to a player according to the payment balance in terms of the game media of the player; and
• a step for notifying to the player that the profits according to the payment balance in terms of the game media will be given, by performing a countdown with an image or a sound, each time a game is played.
• According to the configuration (40), a profit according to the payment balance in terms of the game media is given. Further, provided to the player, by performing a countdown with an image or a sound each time a game is played, is a notification that the profits according to payment balance in terms of the game media will be given. Therefore, it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of the game media from feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (41) A game system equipped with a gaming machine and a control device, wherein
• the control device includes:
• means for transmitting a signal to the gaming machine according to the number of games played in the gaming machine by a player,
• and the gaming machine includes:
• means for giving profit according to the number of games based on the signal received from the control device; and
• means for notifying to the player that the profits according to the number of games will be given, by performing a countdown with an image or a sound, each time a game is played.
• According to the configuration (41), a stepwise different profit according to the number of games is given. Further, provided to the player, by performing a countdown with an image or a sound each time a game is played, is a notification that the profits according to the number of games will be given. Therefore, it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of the game media from feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.
• The present invention provides the following configuration:
• (42) A game system equipped with a gaming machine and a control device,
• wherein
• the control device includes:
• means for transmitting a signal to the gaming machine according to a payment balance in terms of the game media of a player in the gaming machine, and
• the gaming machine includes:
• means for giving profit according to the payment balance in terms of the game media based on the signal received from the control device; and
• means for notifying to the player that the profits according to the payment balance in terms of the game media will be given, by performing a countdown with an image or a sound, each time a game is played.
• According to the configuration (42), a profit according to the payment balance in terms of the game media is given. Further, provided to the player, by performing a countdown with an image or a sound each time a game is played, is a notification that the profits according to payment balance in terms of the game media will be given. Therefore, it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of the game media from feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.
• As a result, according to the present invention, it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of the game media from feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the entire construction of a game system according to one embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the symbol sequence depicted on the outer circumferential surface of each reel;
• FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal construction of the gaming machine shown inFIG. 2;
• FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the internal construction of a control device according to one embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 6 is a figure schematically showing an example of correspondence table between a gaming machine identification number and a game history;
• FIG. 7 is a figure schematically showing an example of correspondence table between a set value and the number of payouts;
• FIG. 8 is a figure schematically showing another example of correspondence table between a set value and the number of payouts;
• FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure in an authentication reading processing for a game program and a game system program executed by a mother board and a gaming board shown inFIG. 4;
• FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a game mode selection processing;
• FIGS. 11A and 11B are figures showing an image displayed on the lower image display panel when a game mode selection processing is executed;
• FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a game execution processing;
• FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a lottery processing;
• FIG. 14 is a figure describing a relationship among winning combinations of plural kinds, establishment possibility of each winning combination and the number of coin-out in the present embodiment;
• FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a reel rotating control processing;
• FIGS. 16A to16D are side views for describing a rotating operation of the reel;
• FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a correspondence table between the number of steps and the code No.;
• FIG. 18 is flowchart showing a subroutine of a bonus game processing;
• FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a return mode processing;
• FIG. 20 is a figure showing an example of image displayed on the lower image display panel when a game state shifts to the return mode (when the second special game state is generated);
• FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a counting processing;
• FIGS. 22A and 22B are figures showing examples of images displayed on the lower image display panel during games after the number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement;
• FIG. 23 is a figure schematically showing another example of correspondence table between a gaming machine identification number and a game history;
• FIG. 24 is a figure schematically showing yet another example of correspondence table between a set value and the number of payouts;
• FIG. 25 is a figure schematically showing another example of correspondence table between a set value and the number of payouts;
• FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing another subroutine of a counting processing;
• FIGS. 27A and 27C are figures showing examples of images displayed on the lower image display panel during games after the number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement; and
• FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing another example of a subroutine of a game execution processing.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
• FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the entire construction of a game system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• Agame system100 includes:plural gaming machines10; and acontrol device200 connected to thegaming machines10 through apredetermined communication line101. Such agame system100 may be constructed in one recreation facility capable of playing various kinds of games such as a bar, a casino and the like, or between plural recreation facilities. When the game system is constructed in one recreation facility, thegame system100 may be constructed on each floor or section of the recreation facility. Thecommunication line101 is not particularly limited, and may be wired or wireless, and either a dedicated line or a switched line can be used.
• In the embodiment, thegaming machine10 is a slot machine. In the present invention, however, a gaming machine is not limited to a slot machine, and for example, a so-called single gaming machine such as a video slot machine, a video card gaming machine and the like may be adopted, and a so-called mass game (multi-terminal gaming machine) such as a racing game, a bingo game, a public lottery and the like, which is a game that takes a predetermined time for a result to be displayed, may also be adopted.
• In thegaming machine10, a coin, a note or an electronic valuable information corresponding thereto is used as a game media. In the present invention, however, the game media is not particularly limited, and for example, a medal, a token, an electronic money and a ticket can be used. The ticket is not particularly limited and may include, for example, a ticket with a bar code as described later, and of the like tickets.
• Thecontrol device200 controlsplural gaming machines10. Especially, in the present embodiment, thecontrol device200 controls a transition to a return mode in each of thegaming machines10. The return mode corresponds to the second special game state in the present invention and many coins are paid out in the return mode. Thecontrol device200 may be a device which controls the return rate by controlling the transition to the return mode. In such a construction, thecontrol device200 may be a device which controls the return rates of each of thegaming machines10 individually, or a device which controls the return rate across allgaming machines10 collectively.
• In the present embodiment, thecontrol device200 controls preliminary announcements of the transition to return mode in each of thegaming machines10. In the present invention, a preliminary announcement is provided by notifying a counting value indicative of the required number of games for causing the transition to the return mode. In the present invention, a preliminary announcement is not configured to be preliminary announced such that the game mode will necessarily shift to the return mode as announced by the preliminary announcement, but such that there is a possibility therefor to shift to the return mode. In the present embodiment, described is a case where, when a preliminary announcement is provided, the game mode will necessarily shift to the return mode as announced by the preliminary announcement.
• Thecontrol device200 may further function as a so-called hole server which is installed in a recreation facility havingplural gaming machines10, or as a server which collectively controls plural recreation facilities. Moreover, everygaming machine10 has its own identification number, and the source of data transmitted to thecontrol device200 from each of thegaming machines10 is distinguished therein by their identification numbers. The identification number is also used to designate a transmission destination of data transmitted to thegaming machine10 from thecontrol device200.
• The identification number of a gaming machine corresponds to the identification information on a gaming machine of the present invention. The identification information on a gaming machine of the present invention is not particularly limited, and examples thereof may include: a letter, a symbol, a figure, a combination thereof, and the like.
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• Thegaming machine10 includes: acabinet11; atop box12 placed on the upper side of thecabinet11; and amain door13 provided at the front face of thecabinet11. Inside thecabinet11, three reels14 (14L,14C and14R) are rotatably installed. Twenty two designs (hereinafter, also referred to as symbols) are depicted as symbol sequences on the outer circumferential surface of each of thereels14.
• A lowerimage display panel16 is provided over thereels14 in themain door13. The lowerimage display panel16 is provided with a transparent liquid crystal panel, and various kinds of information, representation image and the like associated with the game are displayed while the game is played. The lowerimage display panel16 is an output device for an image and functions also as output means capable of outputting an image.
• A number-of-credits display section31 and a number-of-payouts display section32 are formed on the lowerimage display panel16. The number of credited coins is displayed as an image on the number-of-credits display section31. The number of coins to be paid out is shown as an image on the number-of-payouts display section32, when a combination of symbols stop displayed on a winning line L is a predetermined combination.
• Three display windows15 (15L,15C and15R), the back faces of which are visually recognizable, are formed on the lowerimage display panel16, and through each of thedisplay windows15, three of the symbols depicted on the outer circumferential surface of each of thereels14 are displayed. One winning line L traversing horizontally the threedisplay windows15 is formed on the lowerimage display panel16. The winning line L defines a combination of symbols. When a combination of symbols stop displayed on the winning line L is a predetermined combination, the number of coins corresponding to the combination and the number of inserted coins (the number of BETs) is paid out.
• Moreover, in the present invention, for example, when: plural winning lines L which traverse horizontally or obliquely the threedisplay windows15 are formed; the winning lines L, the number thereof which becomes effective set to be dependent on the number of coin-in, become effective; and a combination of symbols stop displayed on the winning line L which became effective is a predetermined combination, the number of coins corresponding to the stop-displayed combination may be paid out.
• Atouch panel69, which is not shown in the figure, is provided on the front face of the lowerimage display panel16 and the player can input various kinds of commands by operating thetouch panel69.
• Provided below the lowerimage display panel16 are: acontrol panel20 constituting ofplural buttons23 to27 which are input by the player, commands associated with progress of the game; acoin receiving slot21 accepting coins into thecabinet11; and anote identifier22.
• Thecontrol panel20 is provided with: aspin button23; achange button24; aCASHOUT button25; a 1-BET button26; and amaximum BET button27. Thespin button23 is used for inputting a command to start the rotating of thereels14. Thechange button24 is used in a case where a player requests an attendant of a recreation facility to exchange money. TheCASHOUT button25 is used for inputting a command to pay out credited coins to acoin tray18.
• The 1-BET button26 is used for inputting a command to bet one coin of the credited coins. Themaximum BET button27 is used for inputting a command to bet the maximum number of coins that can be bet on one game (50 coins in the present embodiment) of the credited coins.
• In the present invention, insertion of a game media means that a game media is bet on a game. For example, when coins inserted into thecoin receiving slot21 are directly bet on a game, insertion of coins into thecoin receiving slot21 corresponds to insertion of a game media. However, when coins inserted into thecoin receiving slot21 are temporarily credited, and the credited coins are bet on a game by operating the 1-BET button26 or themaximum BET button27, as in the present embodiment, the bet of the credited coins on the game corresponds to insertion of a game media.
• Thenote identifier22 is used not only for discriminating a false note from a true note but also for accepting the true note into thecabinet11. Thenote identifier22 may be configured such that aticket39 with a bar code which will be described later can be read. Abelly glass34 on which characters and the like of thegaming machine10 are depicted is provided on the front face of the lower portion of themain door13, that is, below thecontrol panel20.
• An upperimage display panel33 is provided at the front face of atop box12. The upperimage display panel33 is provided with a liquid crystal panel and, for example, an image to introduce the contents of the game or explain a game rule is displayed thereto. Although the lowerimage display panel16 is an image output device and functions also as the output means of an image in the present embodiment, in the present invention, the upperimage display panel33 may also be an image output device, which functions also as the output means of an image.
• Aspeaker29 is provided in thetop box12. Thespeaker29 is a sound output device and functions as output means capable of outputting a sound. Aticket printer35, acard reader36, adata display37 and akey pad38 are provided beneath the upperimage display panel33. Theticket printer35 prints on a ticket a bar code in which data such as the number of credits, date, time, identification number of thegaming machine10 and of the like data are encoded, and outputs theticket39 with a bar code. A player can make theticket39 with a bar code to be read by a second gaming machine and play a game in the second gaming machine, or exchange in a predetermined place (for example, at a cashier in the casino) of a recreation facility theticket39 with a bar code to notes.
• Thecard reader36 is used for reading data from a smart card and writing data onto a smart card. The smart card is a card to be carried by a player, and for example, data to identify a player and data concerning a history of a game played by a player are stored thereon. Data corresponding to a coin, a note or a credit may also be stored on the smart card. As an alternative of a smart card, a magnetic stripe card may be adopted. The data display37 is a fluorescent display and the like, and it is used, for example, to display data read by thecard reader36 and data input by a player from thekey pad38. Thekey pad38 is used for inputting a command or data to issue a ticket and the like.
• FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the symbol sequence depicted on the outer circumferential surface of each reel.
• Twenty two symbols each are depicted on the outer circumferential surface of theleft reel14L, themiddle reel14 C and theright reel14 R. A sequence of the symbols depicted on the outer circumferential surface of each of thereels14 is different from one another. The sequences of the symbols are combinations of the following symbols: “JACKPOT 7”, “BLUE 7”, “BELL”, “CHERRY”, “STRAWBERRY”, “PLUM”, “ORANGE” and “APPLE”.
• When the same three symbols of one of the symbols of “JACKPOT 7”, “BLUE 7”, “BELL”, “CHERRY”, “STRAWBERRY”, “PLUM”and “ORANGE” are stop displayed on the winning line L, a predetermined number of credits is added to the account of the player as a credit owned by the player (seeFIG. 14). As for “CHERRY” and “ORANGE”, even if one or two of one of the symbols are stop displayed, a predetermined number of credits are added to the account of the player as credits owned by the player according to the number of the symbols stop displayed (seeFIG. 14).
• The symbol sequence “APPLE” is a bonus game trigger (a symbol to transit to a bonus game). When three of the “APPLE” are stop displayed on the winning line L, a game state shifts to a bonus game. The bonus game corresponds to the first special game state. In the present embodiment, a bonus game is a free game (a game in which a predetermined number thereof can be played without inserting coins for BET).
• In the present invention, the first special game state is not particularly limited as far as it is a game state advantageous to the player. A game state that is advantageous to the player is not particularly limited as far as it is more advantageous than an ordinary game state (a game state other than the first special game state or the second special game state) and examples thereof include: a state where more of the game media can be earned than in an ordinary game state, a state where the game media can be earned on a probability higher than in an ordinary game state, a state where the number of the game media spent by a player is less than in an ordinary game state and of the like state. More specifically, examples of the first special game state include a free game, a second game, a mystery bonus and the like.
• The sequence of symbols depicted on each of thereels14 are, when thespin button23 is pressed after the 1-BET button or themaximum BET button27 is pressed to start a game, scroll displayed by scrolling downwards in thedisplay windows15 during the rotating of thereels14, and after a predetermined time elapses, the rotating of thereels14 comes to a stop, and thus the sequence of symbols are stop displayed in thedisplay windows15. Various kinds of winning combinations (seeFIG. 14) are predetermined based on combinations of symbols and when a combination of symbols corresponding to a winning combination stops on the winning line L, the number of payout coins corresponding to the winning combination is added to credits owned by the player. When a bonus game trigger has been established, a bonus game is generated.
• When a return mode flag which will be described later has been set to the state “ON”, a game state shifts to a return mode after the symbols are stop displayed as described above. When a bonus game has been generated, the game state shifts to the return mode after the bonus game is over. The return mode corresponds to the second special game state. In the present embodiment, if a game state shifts to the return mode, a predetermined payout number of coins are paid out. In the present embodiment, the payout number of coins in the return mode is set according to a set value described later.
• In the present invention, the second special game state is not particularly limited as far as it is a game state advantageous to the player. Examples of such a game state include: a state where more of the game media can be earned than in an ordinary game state, a state where the game media can be earned on a probability higher than in an ordinary game state, a state where the number of the game media spent by a player is less than in an ordinary game state and of the like state. More specifically, examples of the second game state include a free game, a second game, a mystery bonus game and the like.
• In the present invention, the second special game state may be a game state of the same kind as the first special game state, or a game state of a kind different from the first game state as in the present embodiment. When the second special game state is made to be a game state different from the first special game state, games can be high in versatility, which can enhance a sense of expectation for the second special game state. Moreover, a game state of the second special game state may be an exclusive game state generated only when the second special game state occurs. In such a situation, a sense of expectation for the second special game state can be further enhanced.
• FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal construction of the gaming machine shown inFIG. 2.
• Agaming board50 includes: CPU (Central Processing Unit)51,ROM55 andboot ROM52 which are interconnected to one another by an internal bus; acard slot53S which accepts amemory card53; anIC socket54S which accepts GAL (Generic Array Logic)54.
• Thememory card53 is constituted of non-volatile memories such as CompactFlash (registered trademark) and stores a game program and a game system program. The game program contains a lottery program. The lottery program is a program for determining symbols (code Nos. corresponding to the symbols) on each of thereels14 which are to be stop displayed on the winning line L. The lottery program contains one or more of symbol weighting determination data, each corresponding to respective plural kinds of payout rates (for example, 80%, 84% and 88%). The symbol weighting determination data is data showing a correspondence relationship between a code No. (seeFIG. 3) of each symbol and one or plural random number values from a predetermined numerical value range (0 to 255), for each of the threereels14. A payout rate is determined based on data for setting a payout rate output from theGAL54, and the lottery is executed based on symbol weighting determination data corresponding to the payout rate.
• Thecard slot53S is configured so that thememory card53 can be inserted therein or drawn out therefrom, and connected to amother board40 through IDE bus. Therefore, a kind or contents of a game played in thegaming machine10 can be changed by drawing out thememory card53 from thecard slot53S, writing a different game program and game system program thereon, and inserting thememory card53 into thecard slot53S thereafter. Moreover, a kind or contents of a game played in thegaming machine10 can also be changed by changing amemory card53 on which a game program and a game system program are stored to adifferent memory card53 on which a different game program and game system program are stored. The game program includes a program related to progress in a game; a program for generating the first special game state; a program for generating the second special game state; and a program for providing a preliminary announcement. The game program further includes: image data and sound data output while a game is played and image data and sound data used as notification data.
• GAL54 is one kind of PLD having an OR fixed array structure.GAL54 is equipped with a plurality of an input port and an output port and when a predetermined data is input to the input port, data corresponding to the input data is output from the output port. The data output from the output port is the above-mentioned data for setting a payout rate.
• TheIC socket54S is configured such thatGAL54 can be mounted thereto or demounted therefrom, and connected to themother board40 through PCI bus. Therefore, data for setting a payout rate output fromGAL54 can be changed by drawing outGAL54 from theIC socket54S, rewriting a program stored onGAL54, mountingGAL54 is to theIC socket54S thereafter. Moreover, data for setting a payout rate can also be changed by changingGAL54 to adifferent GAL54.
• CPU51,ROM55 andboot ROM52 interconnected to each other by the internal bus are connected to themother board40 by PCI bus. The PCI bus not only conducts signal transmission between themother board40 and thegaming board50, but also supplies electric power to thegaming board50 from themother board40.ROM55 stores country identification information and an authentication program therein.Boot ROM52 stores a preliminary authentication program, a program forCPU51 to activate the preliminary authentication program (a boot code) and the like therein.
• The authentication program is a program to authenticate a game program and a game system program (an alteration check program). The authentication program is stated along a procedure for confirmation and certification that the game program and the game system program that are objects of an authentication capture processing are not altered, that is, a procedure for conducting authentication of the game program and the game system program (an authentication procedure). The preliminary authentication program is a program for authenticating the above-mentioned authentication program. The preliminary authentication program is stated along a procedure for certification that an authentication program that is an object of an authentication processing is not altered, that is, a procedure for authenticating the authentication program (an authentication procedure).
• Themother board40 is constructed with a general-purpose mother board commercially available (a printed circuit board on which basic parts of a personal computer are mounted) and includes: amain CPU41; ROM (Read Only Memory)42; RAM (Random Access Memory)43 and acommunication interface44. Themain CPU41 is the processing device of the present invention.
• ROM42 is constituted of a memory device such as a flash memory and stores thereon a program such as BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) executed by themain CPU41 and permanent data. When BIOS is executed by themain CPU41, not only is an initialization processing for predetermined peripheral devices conducted, but a capture processing for the game program and the game system program stored on thememory card53 is also started via thegaming board50. In the present invention, contents ofROM42 may be rewritable or not rewritable.
• RAM43 stores data and a program used at the time of operation of themain CPU41.RAM43 can store the authentication program read through thegaming board50 together with the game program and the game system program.RAM43 is the storage device of the present invention.
• RAM43 is provided with a storage region for a return mode flag. The return mode flag is a flag to be referred to when a game state is to be selected whether it should be shifted to a return mode corresponding to the second special game state or not. The storage region of the return mode flag is constituted of a storage region with, for example, a predetermined number of bits and the return mode flag is turned “ON” or “OFF” according to storage contents in the storage region. If the return mode flag is set to the state “ON”, the game state thereafter shifts to the return mode without fail.RAM43 further stores data on the number of credits, the number of coin-in or coin-out for one game, and the like.
• Thecommunication interface44 is used to communicate with thecontrol device200 through thecommunication line101. Themain CPU41 transmits the number of coin-in and the number of coin-out together with the gaming machine identification number of thegaming machine10 to thecontrol device200 each time a game is played. The number of games, an accumulative number of coin-in and an accumulative number of coin-out is made to be associated with each gaming machine identification number, and stored in thecontrol device200. In thecontrol device200, a set value that is an object of comparison with the number of games is preliminary determined with respect to each gaming machine identification number, and when the number of games of onegaming machine10 reaches a set value determined for thatgaming machine10, a return command signal is transmitted from thecontrol device200. When themain CPU41 receives the return command signal through thecommunication interface44, the return mode flag is set to the state “ON”.
• Further, in thecontrol device200, after the number of games played in acertain gaming machine10 has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is smaller by a predetermined value than the set value, thecontrol device200 transmits a preliminary announcement command signal to thegaming machine10, each time a game is played. On receiving the preliminary announcement command signal through thecommunication interface44, themain CPU41 executes processing related to preliminary announcements, such as processing for outputting an image or sound related to preliminary announcements.
• Both a body PCB (Printed Circuit Board)60 and adoor PCB80 which will be described later are connected to themother board40 by USB. Apower supply unit45 is also connected to themother board40. When electric power is supplied from thepower supply unit45 to themother board40, not only is themain CPU41 of themother board40 activated, butCPU51 is also activated from electric power supplied through the PCI bus to thegaming board50.
• Equipment and devices which generate input signals to be input to themain CPU41, and equipment and devices of which operations are controlled by a control signal output from themain CPU41 are connected to thebody PCB60 and thedoor PCB80. Themain CPU41 executes a game program and a game system program stored inRAM43 based of an input signal input to themain CPU41, and thereby performs a predetermined computational processing, stores results of thereof intoRAM43 and transmits a control signal to each equipment and device as a control processing for each of the equipment and devices.
• Alamp30, asub CPU61, ahopper66, acoin detecting section67, agraphic board68, aspeaker29 as an output device, atouch panel69, anote identifier22, aticket printer35, acard reader36, akey switch38S and adata display37 are connected to thebody PCB60. Thelamp30 is lit up in a predetermined pattern based on a control signal output from themain CPU41.
• Thesub CPU61 controls the rotation and stopping of the reels14 (14L,14C and14R). Amotor driving circuit62 equipped with FPGA (Field Programmable Gate array)63 and adriver64 is connected to thesub CPU61.FPGA63 is an electronic circuit such as LSI capable of programming and works as a control circuit of a steppingmotor70. Thedriver64 works as an amplifier circuit of a pulse to be input to the steppingmotor70. The stepping motors70 (70L,70C and70R) which rotate each of thereels14, are connected to themotor driving circuit62. The steppingmotor70 is a 1-2 phase excitation type stepping motor.
• In the present invention, an exciting type of the stepping motor is not particularly limited, and for example, a motor of a 2 or 1 phase excitation type can be adopted. A DC motor may be adopted instead of a stepping motor. When a DC motor is adopted, a deviation counter, a D/A converter and a servo amplifier are sequentially connected to thesub CPU61 in this order and the DC motor is connected to the servo amplifier. A rotational position of the DC motor is detected by a rotary encoder and a current rotational position of the DC motor is supplied as data from the rotary encoder to the deviation counter.
• Anindex detecting circuit65 and a positionchange detecting circuit71 are connected to thesub CPU61. Theindex detecting circuit65 is used for detecting positions (indexes described later) of the rotatingreels14 and can also detect an out-of-order state of thereels14. As for the control of the rotating and stopping of thereels14, detailed description will be given later by making reference to the figures.
• The positionchange detecting circuit71 detects a change of stoppage positions of thereels14 after the stopping of the rotating of thereels14. The positionchange detecting circuit71 detects the change of stoppage positions of thereels14, for example, in a case where the stoppage position is changed by force by a player as if the combination of symbols was in a wining state, despite the fact that the combination of symbols is not actually in a wining state, and of the like cases. The positionchange detecting circuit71 is configured to be capable of detecting the change of stoppage position of thereel14 by, for example, detecting fins (not shown in the figure) attached with a predetermined space on the inner side of thereel14.
• Thehopper66 is installed in thecabinet11 and pays out a predetermined number of coins from acoin payout exit19 to acoin tray18 based on a control signal output from themain CPU41. Acoin detecting section67 is installed inside thecoin payout exit19 and when detecting that a predetermined number of coins has been paid out from thecoin payout exit19, outputs an input signal to themain CPU41.
• Thegraphic board68 controls, based on a control signal output from themain CPU41, image displays on the upperimage display panel33 and the lowerimage display panel16 as an output device. The number of credits stored inRAM43 is displayed on the number-of-credits display section31 of the lowerimage display panel16. The number of coin-out is displayed on the number-of-payouts display section31 of the lowerimage display panel16.
• Thegraphic board68 is equipped with VDP (Video Display Processor) which generates image data based on a control signal output from themain CPU41 and a video RAM which temporarily stores image data generated by VDP, and of the like equipments. Note that image data used in generating image data with VDP is read from thememory card53 and contained in a game program stored inRAM43.
• Thenote identifier22 not only discriminates a true note from a false note, but also accepts the true note into thecabinet11. Thenote identifier22, when accepting a true note, outputs an input signal to themain CPU41 based on a face amount of the note. Themain CPU41 stores the number of credits corresponding to the amount of the note transmitted with the input signal.
• Theticket printer35, based on a control signal output from themain CPU41, prints on a ticket a bar code obtained by encoding data such as the number of credits, date and time, the identification number of thegaming machine10, and of the like data stored inRAM43, and outputs theticket39 with a bar code.
• Thecard reader36 transmits to themain CPU41 data read from the smart card and writes data onto the smart card based on a control signal from themain CPU41. Thekey switch38S is provided on thekeypad38, and when thekeypad38 is operated by a player, outputs a predetermined input signal to themain CPU41. The data display37 displays, based on a control signal output from themain CPU41, data read by thecard reader36 and data input by a player through thekey pad38.
• Thecontrol panel20, areverter21S, acoin counter21C and acold cathode tube81 are connected to thedoor PCB80. Thecontrol panel20 is provided with a spin switch23scorresponding to thespin button23, achange switch24S corresponding to thechange button24, aCASHOUT switch25S corresponding to theCASHOUT button25, a 1-BET switch26S corresponding to the 1-BET button26, and amaximum BET switch27S corresponding to themaximum BET button27. When thebuttons23 to27 are operated by a player, each of theswitches23S to27S corresponding thereto outputs input signals to themain CPU41.
• Thecoin counter21C is installed inside thecoin receiving slot21, and discriminates whether a coin inserted by a player into thecoin receiving slot21 is true or false. Coins other than the true ones are discharged from thecoin payout exit19. Thecoin counter21C also outputs an input signal to themain CPU41 when a true coin is detected.
• Thereverter21S operates based on a control signal output from themain CPU41 and distributes coins recognized by thecoin counter21C as true coins into a cash box (not shown in the figure) or thehopper66, which are disposed in thegaming machine10. In other words, when thehopper66 is filled with coins, true coins are distributed into the cash box. On the other hand, when thehopper66 is not filled with coins, true coins are distributed into thehopper66. Thecold cathode tube81 works as a backlight installed on the back face sides of the lowerimage display panel16 and the upperimage display panel33 and is lit up based on a control signal output from themain CPU41.
• FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the internal construction of a control device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• Acontrol device200 includes:CPU201 as a processing device;ROM202;RAM203 as a temporary storage device; acommunication interface204; and ahard disc drive205. Thecommunication interface204 is connected to thecommunication interface44 of thegaming machine10 through thecommunication line101.ROM202 stores a system program for controlling operations of the control device, a permanent data, and the like.RAM203 temporarily stores data received from each of thegaming machines10 and data such as results of the computational operation. Moreover, a game history of agaming machine10 is stored in thehard disc drive205, by being associated with the gaming machine identification number of each of thegaming machines10.
• FIG. 6 is a figure schematically showing an example of correspondence table between a gaming machine identification number and a game history.
• Each of the gaming machine identification numbers correspond to a game history based on the number of games, an accumulative number of coin-in, an accumulative number of coin-out, a payment balance in terms of the coins and a return rate of coin-out.
• Further, each of the gaming machine identification numbers is made to correspond to a set value (600) that is an object of comparison with the number of games and a set value for preliminary announcement (550) which is smaller by a predetermined value (50) than the set value (600).
• Further, in the present invention, the set values, the values and the numbers of the set value for preliminary announcement are not particularly limited and may be properly defined. Also, it is possible to collectively define a set value forplural gaming machines10, instead of individually defining the set values for each of thegaming machines10. Further, it is possible to collectively define a set value for preliminary announcement forplural gaming machines10, instead of individually defining the set value for preliminary announcements for each of thegaming machines10.
• Further, each of the gaming machine identification numbers are made to correspond to a counting value indicative of the required number of games to reach the set value.
• Thegaming machine10 with a gaming machine identification number of “001” corresponds to a counting value of “50” since the set value is “600” and the number of games is “550”. Thegaming machine10 with a gaming machine identification number of “002” corresponds to a counting value of “30” since the set value is “600” and the number of games is “570”. Thegaming machine10 with a gaming machine identification number of “003” corresponds to a counting value of “10” since the set value is “600” and the number of games is “590”.
• WhenCPU201 receives the number of coin-in, the number of coin-out and the gaming machine identification number from thegaming machine10 through thecommunication interface204, a game history corresponding to the gaming machine identification number is updated. More specifically, 1 is added to the number of games, the number of coins inserted is added to the accumulative number of coin-in and the number of coins paid out is added to the accumulative number of coin-out. Furthermore, a payment balance in terms of the coins and a return rate are calculated based on the accumulative number of coin-in and the accumulative number of coin-out. Further, the counting value is calculated, based on the number of games and the set value. WhenCPU201 determines that the number of games updated has reached a set value,CPU201 sends to thegaming machine10, a return command signal indicative of the set value and the number of coins to be paid out.
• Further, whenCPU201 determines that the updated number of games has reached the set value for preliminary announcement, theCPU201 thereafter transmits to thegaming machine10, a preliminary announcement command signal for providing a preliminary announcement of the transition to the return mode, based on the counting value, each time a game is played.
• Further, when theCPU201 determines that it has received a number-of-games reset signal from thegaming machine10, it sets the number of games to “0” (a predetermined number). TheCPU201 functions as means for receiving a reset signal indicative of the generating of a bonus game and also functions as means for setting the number of games to “0”, on receiving the reset signal. Further, the processing for receiving a reset signal and the processing for setting the number of games to “0” are performed with a predetermined timing separately from a counting processing which will be described later (seeFIG. 21).
• FIG. 7 is a figure schematically showing an example of correspondence table between a set value and the number of payouts.
• The number of coin-out “1000” in the return mode is assigned at a set value of “600”. Note that the correspondence table shown inFIG. 7 is stored on thehard disc drive205 as data. It is not necessary for the number of coin-out set to correspond to a set value to be constantly the same, and for example, the number of coin-out set to correspond to a set value may be changeable according to a game history and the like.
• FIG. 8 is a figure schematically showing another example of correspondence table between a set value and the number of payouts.
• At a set value “600”, “(−payment balance)×50% (provided that the number of coin-out=1000 if a payment balance ≧0)” is set as the number of coin-out in the return mode. Hence, if a payment balance is “−2000” when the number of games reaches 600, the number of coin-out is 1000, and if a payment balance is “−4000”, the number of coin-out is 2000.
• Next, description will be given of a processing performed in thegaming machine10.
• FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure in an authentication reading processing for a game program and a game system program executed by a mother board and a gaming board shown inFIG. 4. Note that thememory card53 is inserted into thecard slot53S on thegaming board50 andGAL54 is mounted to theIC socket54S.
• When a power supply switch is turned on in thepower supply unit45, themother board40 and thegaming board50 are activated (steps S1-1 and S2-1). When themother board40 and thegaming board50 are activated, separate processing are performed at the same time. That is, in thegaming board50,CPU51 reads a preliminary authentication program stored in theboot ROM52 and performs the preliminary authentication which in advance, prior to capturing the authentication program into themother board40, confirms or certificates that the program is not altered according to the read preliminary authentication program (step S2-2). On the other hand, in themother board40, themain CPU41 executes BIOS stored inROM42 to expand onRAM43 compressed data incorporated in BIOS (step S1-2). Then, themain CPU41 executes BIOS expanded onRAM43 to perform diagnosis on and initialization of various kinds of the peripheral devices (step S1-3).
• Then, sinceROM55 on thegaming board50 is connected to themain CPU41 through PCI bus, themain CPU41 not only performs reading of the authentication program stored inROM55, but also stores the read authentication program into RAM43 (step S1-4). On this occasion, themain CPU41 takes a checksum according to ADDSUM method (a standard check function) with the help of the function of a standard BIOS of BIOS, and by performing a confirmation processing for whether or not storage is conducted without error, stores the authentication program intoRAM43.
• Then, after confirming what is connected to the IDE bus, themain CPU41 accesses thememory card53 inserted into thecard slot53S through the IDE bus, and conducts reading of the game program and the game system program from thememory card53. In this case, themain CPU41 reads4 bites at a time of data constituting the game program and the game system program. Next, themain CPU41 authenticates by confirming and certifying according to the authentication program stored inRAM43, that the read game program and game system program has not been altered (step S1-5). When the authentication processing is normally completed, themain CPU41 writes and stores inRAM43 the game program and the game system program that have been an object of authentication (have been authenticated) (steps S1 to S6). Then,main CPU41 accesses through the PCI bus toGAL54 mounted to theIC socket54S, reads data for setting a payout rate fromGAL54 and writes and stores the data in RAM43 (step S1-7). Then, themain CPU41 not only reads through the PCI bus country identification information stored inROM55 on thegaming board50, but also stores the read country identification information into RAM43 (step S1-8).
• After the processing is over, themain CPU41 sequentially reads and executes the game program and the game system program to such that a game is progressed.
• After the processing shown inFIG. 9 is over, themain CPU41 performs a game mode selection processing.
• FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a game mode selection processing.
• Themain CPU41 conducts a processing for adding credits stored inRAM43 as an interrupt processing when it receives a detection signal output from thecoin counter21C in a case where thecoin counter21C detects a coin inserted into thecoin receiving slot21 while executing the subroutine.
• FIGS. 11A and 11B are figures showing an image displayed on the lower image display panel when a game mode selection processing is executed.
• To begin with, themain CPU41 conducts a processing to display on the lowerimage display panel16 an image for requesting to the player selection of a game mode (step S3) In this processing, themain CPU41 transmits a depiction command for the game mode selection image to thegraphic board68. On the graphic board, VDP extracts image data fromRAM43 and expands the data on the video RAM to produce image data for one frame and to output the image data to the lowerimage display panel16, based on the depiction command. As a result, for example, an image as shown inFIG. 11A is displayed on the lowerside display panel16.
• FIG. 11A is a figure showing an example of game mode selection image displayed on the lower image display panel. In the figure, numerical reference15 (15L,15C and15R) indicates display windows. An image showing “Select a mode !!” is displayed in the upper portion of the lowerimage display panel16. The image is an image for requesting a player to select a game mode. Moreover, images showing “INSURANCE” and “NO INSURANCE” are displayed in the lower portion of the lowerimage display panel16. The images are images indicating game mode options and the player touches a predetermined site of thetouch panel69 corresponding to a display region of the image, and is thereby enabled to input a command for selecting a game mode.
• The option “INSURANCE” corresponds to the with-insurance mode. A predetermined number of credits (for example, number of credits equivalent to 1 dollar) is required for selecting the with-insurance mode. As an alternative of the number of credits, a note or a coin equivalent to the number of credits may be directly inserted. In a case where the with-insurance mode has been selected, when the number of games reaches a set value (for example, 600) without a bonus game being generated, the return mode flag is set to the state “ON” and a game state shifts to the return mode. In the payout return mode, the player can receive payout of coins corresponding to the set value. In other words, in the with-insurance mode, a game can be played in a state where an insurance is carried for compensating all or part of a loss arising in a case where no bonus game has arisen for a long time. On the other hand, an option “NO INSURANCE” corresponds to the without-insurance mode. In a case where the without-insurance mode has been selected, the return mode flag is not set to the state of “ON” and a game state does not shift to the payout return mode even if no bonus game has arisen for a long time after the without-insurance mode is selected.
• After the processing in step S3, themain CPU41 determines whether the with-insurance mode has been selected or not (step S4). In a case where it is determined that the with-insurance mode has been selected, the main CPU conducts a processing for subtracting a predetermined number of credit from the number of credits stored in RAM43 (step S5). Thereafter, the game execution processing in the with-insurance mode is conducted (step S6).
• While detailed description of the above-mentioned processing will be given later by making reference toFIG. 12, when played in the with-insurance mode, an image showing “INSURED” is displayed in the upper left of the lowerimage display panel16, as shown inFIG. 11B. The image is an image showing that a game mode is in the with-insurance mode.
• On the other hand, in the case where, in step S4, it is determined that the without-insurance mode has been selected, themain CPU41 conducts the game execution processing in the without-insurance mode (step S7). Since this processing is a processing almost the same as the game execution processing in the with-insurance mode (seeFIG. 12) except that neither a processing related to transition to the return mode nor a processing related to counting of the number of games is conducted, description thereof is omitted here. When the processing in step S6 or S7 has been executed, the process is returned to step S3 thereafter.
• FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a game execution processing in the with-insurance mode that is called and executed in step S6 of the subroutine shown inFIG. 10.
• In the game execution processing, themain CPU41 at first determines whether or not a coin is BET (step S10). In the processing, themain CPU41 determines whether an input signal output from the 1-BET switch26S or themaximum BET switch27S has been received or not when the 1-BET button26 or themaximum BET button27 is operated, respectively. If it is determined that a coin has not been BET, the process returns to step S10.
• On the other hand, if it is determined in step S10 that a coin is BET, themain CPU41 conducts a processing for subtracting the number of credits stored inRAM43 according to the number of BET coins (step S11). In a case where the number of BET coins is more than the number of credits stored inRAM43, the process returns to step S10 without conducting subtraction on the number of credits stored inRAM43. In a case where the number of BET coins exceeds the upper limit (50 coins in the present embodiment) up to which a BET is possible in one game, the process advances to step S12 without conducting a processing for subtracting the number of BET coins from the number of credits stored inRAM43.
• Then, themain CPU41 determines whether thespin button23 has been turned ON or not (step S12). In the processing, the main CPU41 d determines, when thespin button23 is pressed, whether an input signal output from thespin switch23S has been received or not.
• If it is determined that thespin button23 has not been turned ON, the process returns to step S10. Note that in a case where the spin button has not been turned ON (for example, in a case where a command of terminating a game has been input without turning ON the spin button), themain CPU41 cancels a result of the subtracting processing in step S11.
• In the present embodiment, description will be given of a case in which: after a coin is BET (step S10), a processing for conducting subtraction on the number of credits (step S11) is conducted prior to the determination on whether the spin button has been turned ON or not (step S12). However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, a processing for subtraction on the number of credits (step S11) may be conducted after a coin is BET (step S10), determined whether thespin button23 has been turned ON or not (step S12), and when determined that thespin button23 has been turned ON (YES in step S12).
• Meanwhile, in step S12 ofFIG. 12, if it is determined that thespin button23 has been turned ON therein, themain CPU41 conducts a lottery processing (step S13). In the lottery processing, the main CPU41 (processing device) executes a lottery program stored in RAM43 (storage device) to thereby determine a code No. of the stoppedreels14. Thus, a combination of symbols stop displayed is determined. Detailed description of the processing will be given later by making reference toFIGS. 13 and 14. When the processing in step S13 is executed, themain CPU41 works as winning combination determination means for determining a winning combination by a lottery. In the present embodiment, description will be given of a case where a combination of symbols stop displayed is determined, and one winning combination of plural winning combinations is determined thereafter. However, in the present invention, one winning combination selected from plural winning combinations may at first be determined by a lottery, and the combination of symbols to be stop displayed may be determined thereafter, based on the determined winning combination.
• Then, themain CPU41 conducts a reel rotating control processing (step S14). The processing is a processing which, after all of thereels14 starts to rotate, stops the rotating of each of thereels14 such that a combination of symbol sequences corresponding to the winning combination determined in step S13 is stop displayed on the winning line L. Detailed description of the processing will be given later by making reference to FIGS.15 to17.
• Then, themain CPU41 determines whether a bonus game trigger has been established or not, that is whether “APPLE” is stop displayed in thedisplay window15 or not (step S15) If it is determined that the bonus game trigger has been established, the main CPU41 (processing device) reads a program for conducting a bonus game from RAM43 (storage device) to execute a bonus game processing (step S16). Here, the first special game state is generated. Detailed description of the bonus game processing will be given later by making reference toFIG. 18. When the processing in step S16 is executed, themain CPU41 functions as means for generating the first special game state.
• On the other hand, if it is determined that the bonus game trigger has not been established, themain CPU41 determines whether a winning combination has been established or not (step S17). If it is determined that a winning combination has been established, themain CPU41 conducts payout of a coin corresponding to the number of coin-in and the winning combination (step S18).
• In a case where coins are reserved, themain CPU41 conducts a processing to add the coins to the number of credits stored inRAM43. On the other hand, in a case where payout of a coin is conducted, themain CPU41 transmits a control signal to thehopper66 and conducts payout of a predetermined number of coins. In that situation, thecoin detecting section67 counts the number of coins paid out from thehopper66 and when the number of counts reaches a designated number, transmits a payout completion signal to themain CPU41. Thus, themain CPU41 stops the driving of thehopper66 to terminate the coin payout processing.
• When the processing in step S16 or S18 is executed, or when it is determined that no winning combination has been established (that a winning combination has failed to be established) in step S17, themain CPU41 determines whether the return mode flag stored inRAM43 is set to the state “ON” (step S19) or not. If it is determined that the return mode flag has been set to the state “ON”, the main CPU41 (processing device) reads from RAM43 (storage device) a program for shifting a game state to the return mode, executes the return mode processing, to thus shift a game state to the return mode (step S20). Here, the second special game state has been generated. Detailed description will be given of the payout return mode processing later usingFIG. 19. Themain CPU41, when executing the processing in step S20, functions as means for generating the second special game state.
• If the processing in step S20 has been executed, or if it is determined that the return mode flag has not been set to the state “ON” in step S19, themain CPU41 determines whether the bonus game (step S16) has been executed or not or whether a game state has shifted to the return mode (step S20) or not (step S21).
• If it is determined that a bonus game has not been executed, or that a game state has not shifted to the payout return mode, themain CPU41 executes a counting processing (step S22).
• The counting processing is a processing conducted between thegaming machine10 and thecontrol device200. The number of coin-in and the number of coin-out for one game together with the gaming machine identification number are transmitted to thecontrol device200. In thecontrol device200, the number of games, an accumulative number of coin-in, an accumulative number of coin-out, the counting value and the like are updated with respect to each gaming machine identification number.
• When the number of games reaches the set value for preliminary announcement, a preliminary announcement command signal indicative of the counting value is thereafter transmitted from thecontrol device200 to thegaming machine10, each time a game is played. On receiving the preliminary announcement command signal, themain CPU41 executes processing related to the preliminary announcement, such as processing for outputting an image or a sound indicative of the counting value.
• When the number of games reaches the set value, a return command signal indicative of the set value and the number of coin-out is transmitted from thecontrol device200 to thegaming machine10. On receiving the return command signal, themain CPU41 sets the return mode flag to “ON”. The counting processing will later be described in detail usingFIG. 21. After executing the processing in step S22, themain CPU41 returns the processing to step S10 and games are played in the with-insurance mode thereafter.
• On the other hand, when it is determined that a bonus game has been executed or a game state has shifted to the payout return mode, the present subroutine is completed and the process returns to the processing shown inFIG. 10. As a result, a player can once again select whether a game is to be played by the with-insurance mode or the without-insurance mode.
• FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a lottery processing called and executed in step S13 of the subroutine shown inFIG. 12. The processing is a processing conducted by executing a lottery program stored inRAM43 with themain CPU41. Themain CPU41 executes a random number generating program included in the lottery program, and a random number value from the numerical value range of 0 to 255 is selected thereby such that each of the selected random number values correspond to each of the three reels14 (step S31). In the present embodiment, description will be given of a case where random numbers are generated on a program (a case where so-called software random numbers are used). In the present invention, however, a random number generator may be used, and random numbers may be extracted therefrom (so-called hardware random numbers may be used).
• After the random number values are selected, the main CPU41 (processing device) refers to symbol weighting determination data corresponding to payout rate setting data which is output fromGAL54 and stored inRAM43, and determines, based on the selected three random number values, code Nos. (seeFIG. 3) for each of the reels14 (step S32). The code Nos. of thereels14 correspond to code Nos. of the symbols stop displayed on the winning line L. Themain CPU41 determines code Nos. of thereels14 to thereby determine a winning combination. For example, in a case where code Nos. of thereels14 are determined “00”, “00” and “00”, it means that themain CPU41 determined a winning combination as “JACKPOT”. Based on the code Nos. determined for each of the reels, a reel rotating control processing which will be described later is conducted. On this occasion, themain CPU41 functions as winning combination determination means.
• Here, description of a winning combination in the present embodiment will be given.
• FIG. 14 is a figure describing a relationship among winning combinations of plural kinds, establishment possibility of each winning combination and the number of coin-out in the present embodiment. The establishment possibilities of each of the winning combinations shown inFIG. 14 are of a case where a payout rate is set to 88% in a game other than a bonus game. The establishment possibilities shown in the figure show possibilities of the establishment of each of the shown winning combinations in such a case that code Nos. of each of thereels14 are determined based on the selected three random number values by referring to a symbol weighting determination data. In other words, the random number values are not made to correspond to each of the winning combinations.
• An establishment possibility of a bonus game trigger is 0.5%. If a player hits the bonus game trigger, three “APPLE” symbols are stop displayed on the winning line L and a bonus game is generated. In the bonus game, executed is a free game of which the number of games is determined by a lottery.
• An establishment possibility of “JACKPOT 7” is 0.5%. If the winning combination has been established, three “JACKPOT 7” symbols are stop displayed on the winning line L, and 30 coins per one coin-in are paid out. The lower the establishment possibility of the winning combination is, the higher the number of coin-out is set. When a combination of symbols stop displayed is not hitting any of the winning combinations shown inFIG. 14, this is a failure, and there is no coin-out.
• FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a reel rotating control processing called and executed in step S15 of the subroutine shown inFIG. 12. This processing is a processing conducted between themain CPU41 and thesub CPU61.
• Themain CPU41 transmits to the sub CPU61 a start signal that starts the rotating of reels (step S40). Thesub CPU61 conducts a reel rotating processing when it receives the start signal from the main CPU41 (step S51). In the processing, thesub CPU61 supplies a pulse to themotor driving circuit62. The pulse output from thesub CPU61 is amplified by thedriver64 and supplied to each of the stepping motors70 (70L,70C and70R). As a result, the steppingmotors70 rotate, thereby making the reels14 (14L,14C and14R) to rotate. A steppingmotor70 is a 1-2 phase excitation type stepping motor which has a step angle of 0.9 degree and requires the number of steps of 400 for one rotation. Hence, if 400 pulses are supplied to the steppingmotor70, thereels14 rotate once.
• When thereels14 start to rotate, thesub CPU61 supplies to themotor driving circuit62 pulses at a lower frequency, and the pulse frequency is gradually raised. A rotational speed of thereels14 is thereby increased. When a predetermined time elapses, the pulse frequency is controlled to be constant. As a result, thereels14 rotate at a constant speed.
• Here, description of a rotational operation of thereels14 will be given, by usingFIG. 16.
• FIGS. 16A to16D are side views for describing a rotating operation of areel14.
• As shown inFIG. 16A, asemicircular metal plate14ais attached to the side surface of areel14. Themetal plate14arotates together with thereel14. Twenty two symbols (seeFIG. 3) are depicted on the circumferential surface of thereel14. Three symbols of the twenty two symbols depicted on the circumferential surface of thereel14 can be visually recognizable through thedisplay window15 formed in front of thereel14. The arrow mark of a heavy line in the figure indicates a rotating direction of thereel14. Aproximity sensor65ais provided on the side of thereel14. Theproximity sensor65ais used to detect themetal plate14a. Theproximity sensor65adoes not rotate nor move even if thereel14 rotates.
• FIG. 16A shows a position of themeal plate14awhen themetal plate14astarts being detected by theproximity sensor65a(hereinafter also referred to as a position A). If thereel14 rotates when themetal plate14ais at the position A, themetal plate14amoves to a position shown inFIG. 16B.FIG. 16B shows a position of themetal plate14awhen themetal plate14ais being detected by theproximity sensor65a(hereinafter also referred to as a position B). If thereel14 rotates when themetal plate14ais at the position B, themetal plate14amoves to a position shown inFIG. 16C.FIG. 16C shows a position of themetal plate14awhen themetal plate14awill no longer be detected by theproximity sensor65a(hereinafter also referred to as a position C).
• If thereel14 rotates when themetal plate14ais at the position C, themetal plate14amoves to a position shown inFIG. 16D.FIG. 16D shows a position of themetal plate14awhen themetal plate14ais not detected by theproximity sensor65a(hereinafter also referred to as a position D). If thereel14 further rotates, a position of themetal plate14areturns to the position A. As described above, together with the rotating of thereel14, themetal plate14achanges its position in the order from the position A, to the position B, to the position C, to the position D, to the position A and so forth.
• Theproximity sensor65aconstitutes an index detecting circuit65 (seeFIG. 3). When it is referred to as “High” at a state where theproximity sensor65adetects themetal plate14a, and as “Low” at a state where theproximity sensor65adoes not detect themetal plate14a, a state of theindex detecting circuit65 is “High” during the period when themetal plate14amoves from the position A to the position B and to the position C, and a state of theindex detecting circuit65 is “Low” during the period when themetal plate14amoves from the position C to the position D and to the position A. Thesub CPU61 assigns a rise from “Low” to “High” as an index (origin)1 and a fall from “High” to “Low” as an index (origin)2 to thereby recognize the rotating position of thereel14.
• Themain CPU40, after transmitting in step40 a start signal to thesub CPU61, executes representation to be executed while the reels are rotating (step S41). The process is a processing which conducts display of an image on the lowerimage display panel16 and output of a sound from thespeaker29 over a period (for example, 3 seconds) determined according to a result and the like of the lottery processing (step S13 inFIG. 12).
• Then, themain CPU40 determines whether it is the timing at which a command is to be issued so as to stop the rotating of thereel14, or not (step S42).
• The timing at which a command is issued so as to stop rotation of areel14 is a timing before the time when the representation to be executed while the reels are rotating is terminated, which is an interval having the minimum time necessary for stopping the rotating of thereel14. Note that the minimum time necessary for stopping the rotating of thereel14 is determined in advance.
• If it is determined in step S42 that it is not the timing at which the command to stop the rotating of thereel14 is to be issued, the process returns to the processing in step S42 and the representation to be executed while the reels are rotating continues to be conducted. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S42 that it is the timing at which the command to stop the rotating of thereel14 is to be issued, themain CPU41 transmits to the sub CPU61 a code No. of the reel which is stored in RAM43 (step S43). When thesub CPU61 receives a code No. of the reel from themain CPU41, the code No. is converted to a stopping position of the reel (the number of steps) from an index, based on a correspondence table between the number or steps and the code Nos. stored in ROM (not shown in the figure) included in the sub CPU61 (step S52).
• FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a correspondence table between the number of steps and the code No. Each of the code Nos. are related to an index and the number of steps.
• Each code No. corresponds to the symbols depicted on the circumferential surfaces of the reels14 (seeFIG. 3) and symbols of code Nos. “00” to “10” correspond to theindex1. Moreover, symbols of code Nos. “11” to “21” correspond to theindex2. The number of steps in the correspondence table shown inFIG. 17 is the number of steps with theindex1 as a reference. For example, if a code No. is “08”, a stopping position of the reel is at145 steps from theindex1. If a code No. is “12”, a stopping position of the reel is at218 steps from theindex1.
• Then, thesub CPU61 executes a reel stopping processing (step S53). In the processing, thesub CPU61 detects a rise in theindex detecting circuit65 from “Low” to “High” (the index1) on each of thereels14, and supplies to themotor driving circuit65 pulses corresponding to the number of steps which were converted in step S52 from a code No. at a timing at which theindex1 is detected, and supply of pulses is ceased thereafter.
• For example, when, in step S52, the stopping positions of the reels are determined to be145 steps from theindex1, thesub CPU61supplies145 pulses to themotor driving circuit65 at a timing at which theindex1 is detected, and the supply of pulses is terminated thereafter. Furthermore, when, instep S52, the stopping positions of the reels are determined to be218 steps from theindex1, thesub CPU61supplies218 pulses to themotor driving circuit65 at a timing at which theindex1 is detected. As a result, thereels14 stop at the code No. determined instep32 ofFIG. 13 and the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination determined in step S32 ofFIG. 13 is stop displayed on the winning line L. On the other hand, themain CPU41 terminates the representation to be executed while the reels are rotating. After the processing in steps S44 and S53 are over, the present reel rotating control processing is completed.
• Moreover, when an index corresponding to the code No. transmitted in step S43 is different from an index detected by theindex detecting circuit65 when the rotating of thereels14 stop, this means that an out-of-order state occurred on thereels14; therefore, themain CPU41 conducts a processing for displaying an error message on the lowerimage display panel16 to temporarily stop a game.
• For example, in a case where, even though a processing for stopping thereel14L was executed at the code No. 12 corresponding to theindex2, theindex1 is detected by theindex detecting circuit65 when the rotating of thereel14L stops, the game is temporarily stopped.
• FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a bonus game processing called and executed in step S16 of the subroutine shown inFIG. 12. In the bonus game processing, firstly, themain CPU41 determines a number T of bonus games from 10 to 25 games, based on a random number value obtained by executing a random number generation program included in a lottery program stored in RAM43 (step S60). Themain CPU41 stores as data intoRAM43 the number of games of the determined bonus games.
• Next, themain CPU41 conducts a lottery processing (step S61) and a reel rotating control processing (step S63). The processing in step S61 is a processing almost the same as the processing described usingFIG. 13. The processing in step S63 is a processing almost the same as the processing described usingFIG. 15. Since descriptions of these processing have already been given, descriptions thereof are omitted herein.
• Then, themain CPU41 determines whether a bonus game trigger has been established or not, that is, whether three “APPLE” are stop displayed in thedisplay windows15 or not (step S64). If it is determined that the bonus game trigger has been established, the number t of additional games of the bonus game is determined in a lottery (step S65) and the determined number t of additional games is added to the number T of games of the bonus game (step S66). Thus, when a bonus game is hit during the bonus game, a remaining number of bonus games increases. More specifically, for example, in a case where a game state shifts to 20 bonus games for the first time, and hits 17 bonus games upon conducting 12 of the bonus games, another 25 bonus games (20 bonus games−12 bonus games+17 bonus games) are to be conducted.
• If a bonus game trigger has not been established, themain CPU41 determines whether a winning combination has been established or not (step S67). If it is determined that the winning combination has been established, themain CPU41 conducts payout of coins corresponding to the number of coin-in and the winning combination (step S68). Since the processing is similar to the processing in step S18 and description thereof has already been given, the description of the present processing is omitted herein.
• In a case where the processing in step S66 or S68 has been executed, or if it is determined in step S67 that any winning combination has not been established (if it is determined that a failure has occurred), themain CPU41 reads the number T of bonus games stored inRAM43, and one bonus game is subtracted from the read number T of bonus games. The number T of bonus games after the subtraction is again stored into RAM43 (step S69).
• Then, themain CPU41 determines whether the number T of bonus games reaches the number of games determined in step S60 or not (step S70). More specifically, it is determined whether the number T of games stored inRAM43 has become 0 or not, and if the number T of games is not 0, that is, if it is determined that the number of bonus games played does not reach the number of games which were determined in step S60, the process returns to step S61 and the above-mentioned processing is repeated. On the other hand, if the number T of games is 0, that is, if it is determined that the number T of games has reached the number of games which were determined in step S60, a number-of-games reset signal is transmitted to the control device200 (step S71), and the present subroutine is completed thereafter. The number-of-games reset signal includes the gaming machine identification information of thegaming machine10, andCPU201 of thecontrol device200, when receiving the number-of-games reset signal, resets to 0 the number of games of which is stored in thehard disc drive205 by being made to correspond to the gaming machine identification information included in the number-of-games reset signal. At this time,CPU201 functions as means for receiving the number-of-games reset signal indicative of the generating of a bonus game. It Further functions as means for setting the number of games to a predetermined number (0), on receiving the number-of-games reset signal.
• FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a return mode processing called and executed in step S20 of the subroutine shown inFIG. 12.
• Firstly, the main CPU41 (processing device) extracts image data corresponding to a set value from image data as notification data which is stored in RAM43 (storage device), conducts, based on the image data, a processing for displaying an image corresponding to a set value on the lower image display panel16 (output device), and notifies the transition to the return mode by an image (step S80). The set value is transmitted as data to thegaming machine10 from thecontrol device200 and stored inRAM43 by step S22 ofFIG. 12. Image data for notifying the transition to the payout return mode is read from thememory card53 and included in a game program stored intoRAM43. In the game program, as image data for notifying the transition to the payout return mode, included are a plurality of image data which are made to correspond to the set values.
• Themain CPU41 determines the image to be displayed on the lowerimage display panel16, based on the set value stored inRAM43. Themain CPU41 transmits to the graphic board68 a depiction command based on the result determined. In thegraphic mode68, VDP extracts fromRAM43 image data corresponding to the set value, expands the data on the video RAM, produces image data for one frame and outputs the image data to the lowerimage display panel16. As a result, for example, images as shown inFIG. 20 is displayed on the lowerimage display panel16.
• FIG. 20 is a figure showing an example of image displayed on the lower image display panel when a game state shifts to the return mode (when the second special game state is generated). Numerical reference15 (15L,15C and15R) in the figure indicate display windows. An image shown inFIG. 20 is an image displayed on the lowerimage display panel16 when a game state shifts to the return mode. On the lowerimage display panel16, an image showing “BONUS !!”, together with two images showing fireworks are displayed. An image showing “TIME OFPLAY 600” is also displayed in the lower portion of the lowerimage display panel16. This image is an image showing that the number of games reached 600).
• Then, the main CPU41 (processing device) extracts from sound data as data for notification stored in RAM43 (storage device), sound data corresponding to a set value, and based on the sound data, outputs from the speaker29 (output device) a sound corresponding to the set value, to thereby notify transition to the return mode with a sound (step S81).
• The sound data for notifying transition to the return mode is included in a game program read from thememory card53 and stored inRAM43. In the game program, sound data of plural kinds which are made to correspond to the set values are included as sound data which notifies that the game state has shifted to the return mode.
• Themain CPU41 determines the sound output from thespeaker29, based on the set value stored inRAM43. Themain CPU41 extracts a sound data fromRAM43, based on the result determined, and converts the sound data to a sound signal to supply the signal to thespeaker29. As a result, thespeaker29 outputs sound indicative of the generating of the return mode.
• Then, themain CPU41 conducts payout of the number of coins determined according to a set value (step S82). The number of coins in the return mode is included in the return command signal as data transmitted to thegaming machine10 from thecontrol device200 in step S22 ofFIG. 12. The number of coin-out in the return mode is stored as data inRAM43 of thegaming machine10 which received the return command signal.
• In a case where coins are reserved, themain CPU41 conducts a processing for adding the number of credits stored inRAM43. On the other hand, in a case where the coins are to be paid out, themain CPU41 transmits a control signal to thehopper66 to conduct a predetermined number of coin-out. In the payout of coins, thecoin detecting section67 counts the number of coins paid out from thehopper66 and when the number of counts reaches a designated number, and transmits a payout completion signal to themain CPU41. Themain CPU41 thereby ceases the driving of thehopper66 to end the coin-out processing, sets the return mode flag to the state “OFF” (step S83) thereafter, and thus the present subroutine is completed.
• FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a counting processing called and executed in step S22 of the subroutine shown inFIG. 12.
• The processing is a processing conducted between themain CPU41 of agaming machine10 andCPU201 of thecontrol device200. Here, a set value “600” is set to each of the plural gaming machines10 (seeFIG. 6).
• To begin with, themain CPU41 transmits by thecommunication interface44 the number of coin-in and the number of coin-out stored inRAM43 together with the gaming machine identification number to thecontrol device200 through the communication line101 (step S90). The number of coin-in and the number of coin-out transmitted to thecontrol device200 from thegaming machine10 are those of the game concerned.
• The processing in step S90 is a processing in which the main CPU41 (processing device) transmits the identification information of thegaming machine10 stored in the main RAM43 (storage device) to thecontrol device200 through thecommunication line101, each time a game is played. When the processing in step S90 is executed, themain CPU41 functions as means for transmitting the identification information of thegaming machine10 to thecontrol device200 through thecommunication line101.
• On the other hand, theCPU201 of thecontrol device200, when receiving from thegaming machine10 the number of coin-in, the number of coin-out and the gaming machine identification number through thecommunication line101 by thecommunication interface204, updates the number of games, the accumulative number of coin-in, the accumulative number of coin-out and the counting value corresponding to the received gaming machine identification number (step S100), by choosing the data, which are made to correspond to each of the gaming machine identification numbers, of the number of games, the accumulative number of coin-in, the accumulative number of coin-out, and the counting values stored in the hard disc drive205 (seeFIG. 6). During this processing, theCPU201 functions as means for receiving identification information of the gaming machine from thegaming machine10. TheCPU201 further functions as means for accumulatively counting the number of games, based on the identification information of the gaming machine.
• Then,CPU201 determined whether or not the number of games after the updating is equal to or greater than the set value for preliminary announcement (step S140). If it is determined that the number of games after the updating is not equal to or greater than the set value for preliminary announcement, it transfers the processing to step S101.
• On the other hand, when it is determined in step S140 that the updated number of games is equal to or greater than the set value for preliminary announcement, theCPU201 transmits to thegaming machine10 by thecommunication interface204, and through the communication line101 a set value for preliminary announcement indicative of the counting value (step S141). During this processing, theCPU201 functions as means for transmitting a preliminary announcement command signal for causing thegaming machine10 to notify the counting value, each time a game is played after the number of games reached the set value for preliminary announcement.
• On receiving the preliminary announcement command signal transmitted from thecontrol device200 in step S141, themain CPU41 of thegaming machine10 executes a processing for extracting image data corresponding to the counting value out of image data which is stored as notification data in theRAM43 and displaying an image corresponding to the counting value on the lowerimage display panel16, based on the extracted image data, to provide a preliminary announcement that the game mode will shift to the return mode when the number of games designated by the counting value is played (step S132). The counting value is transmitted as data from thecontrol device200 to thegaming machine10 and then stored in theRAM43, through step S141. The image data for notifying the counting value is included in the game program, which has been read from thememory card53 and stored in theRAM43. This game program includes, as image data for notifying the counting values, plural types of image data made to correspond to counting values. In step S132, themain CPU41 functions as means for receiving a preliminary announcement command signal transmitted from thecontrol device200.
• Themain CPU41 determines the image to be displayed on the lowerimage display panel16, based on the counting value stored in theRAM43. Themain CPU41 transmits a depiction command based on the result of the determination to thegraphic board68. On the graphic board, VDP extracts image data corresponding to the counting value fromRAM43 and expands the data on the video RAM to produce image data for one frame and to output the image data to the lowerimage display panel16, based on the depiction command. As a result, for example, images as shown inFIGS. 22A and 22B are displayed on the lowerimage display panel16.
• FIGS. 22A and 22B are figures showing examples of images displayed on the lower image display panel during games after the number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement. In the figure, numerical reference15 (15L,15C and15R) indicates display windows.
• InFIG. 22A, an image showing “BONUS CHANCE!” is displayed on the lowerimage display panel16. Further, an image indicating “50 MORE PLAYS” is displayed at the lower portion of the lowerimage display panel16. This image is an image for providing a preliminary announcement that the game mode will shift to the return mode after 50 more games are played, and also is an image displayed when a preliminary announcement command signal indicative of a counting value of 50 has been received.
• FIG. 22B is a figure showing an example of image displayed on the lower image display panel during the next game to the game in which the image illustrated inFIG. 22A is displayed.
• InFIG. 22B, an image showing “BONUS CHANCE!” is displayed on the lowerimage display panel16. Further, an image indicating “49 MORE PLAYS” is displayed at the lower portion of the lowerimage display panel16. This image is an image for providing a preliminary announcement that the game mode will shift to the return mode after 49 more games are played, and also is an image displayed when a preliminary announcement command signal indicative of a counting value of 49 has been received.
• As described above, in thegaming machine10, after the number of games reaches the set value for preliminary announcement, the counting value is displayed on the lowerimage display panel16 each time a game is played. Namely, by the performing of a countdown each time a game is played, it is notified that the game mode will shift to the return mode, to provide the player with a preliminary announcement. When executing the processing in step S132, themain CPU41 functions as means for notifying the counting value by outputting an image to the lowerimage display panel16 of which is an output means, each time a game is played, after the number of games reaches the set value for preliminary announcement.
• Next, the main CPU41 (processing device) executes a processing for extracting sound data corresponding to the counting value out of the sound data as notification data stored in the RAM43 (storage device) and outputting sound corresponding to the counting value from the speaker29 (output device) based on the extracted sound data to provide a preliminary announcement that the game mode will shift to the return mode after the number of games indicated by the counting value are played (step S133). In step S133, when the counting value is in the range of 31 to 50, the counting value is notified by sound. Further, in addition to the notification of the counting value with sound, when the counting value becomes equal to or less than 30, the sound effect which is output in conjunction with the rotating of the reels is changed to a sound effect specific to counting values of 30 or less. Thus, in the case where the notification of the counting value is provided each time a game is played, and further when the counting value satisfies a predetermined condition such as the counting value becoming equal to or less than a predetermined value (30), expectations can be risen by adding acoustic change to the notification of the counting value.
• The sound data for notifying the counting value is included in the game program which is read from thememory card53 and stored in theRAM53. This game program includes, as sound data for notifying the counting value, plural types of sound data which are made to correspond to the counting value.
• Themain CPU41 determines sound to be output from thespeaker29, based on the counting value stored in theRAM43. Then, themain CPU41 extracts sound data from theRAM43 based on the determined result, then converts the extracted sound data to sound signal and supplies it to thespeaker29. As a result, thespeaker29 outputs sound notifying the counting value. When executing the processing in step S133, themain CPU41 functions as means for notifying the counting value by outputting sound to thespeaker29 which is an output means, each time a game is played, after the number of games reaches the set value for preliminary announcement.
• On the other hand, when the number of games has not reached the set value for preliminary announcement (NO in step S140) or after the processing in step S141, theCPU201 of thecontrol device200 determines whether or not the updated number of games has reached the set value (step S101). When it is determined that the updated number of games has not reached the set value, the present subroutine is completed.
• On the other hand, when it is determined in step S101 that the updated number of games has reached the set value, theCPU201 transmits, by thecommunication interface204, through thecommunication line101, to thegaming machine10 in which the number of games has reached the set value, a return command signal indicative of the set value and the number of payout (step S103). During this processing, theCPU201 functions as, when the number of games reaches the set value, means for transmitting a command signal for transition to the return mode.
• Then, theCPU201 resets to 0 the number of games stored in thehard disk drive205 which is made to correspond to the gaming machine identification number of the concerned gaming machine10 (step S104). Then, the present processing is terminated.
• On receiving the return command signal in step S103, transmitted from thecontrol device200, themain CPU41 of thegaming machine10 sets the return mode flag to “ON” (step S91). The processing in step S91 is a processing for receiving a command signal transmitted from thecontrol device200, when the number of games accumulatively counted by thecontrol device200 based on the identification information of thegaming machine10, reaches the set value that is an object of comparison with the number of games. In step S91, themain CPU41 functions as means for receiving the command signal transmitted from thecontrol device200. Thereafter, themain CPU41 stores in theRAM43, data indicative of the set value and the number of payout included in the return command signal (step S92). Then, the present processing is terminated.
• In the present embodiment, there has been described the case where thecontrol device200 transmits a return command signal indicative of the set value and the number of payout (step S103). However, in the present invention, the return command signal (command signal) is not particularly limited and may be any signal which shows that the second special game state has been generated. In the case where thecontrol device200 transmits a return command signal which is not indicative of the number of payout, data indicative of the number of payout may be stored in advance in thegaming machine10.
• In the present embodiment, description has been given of a case where a game state shifts to the return mode when the number of games reaches a set value (seeFIG. 21). The present invention is, however, not limited to this example. For example, in a case where the number of inserted game media for a game played by the player is at the upper limit value that can be accepted in one game when the number of games reaches the set value, the second special game state may be generated (the game state shifts to the return mode). This is because in such a case, a player can be urged to insert game media up to the upper limit and a facility such as a casino and the like can increase a profit.
• Moreover, in a case where the second special game state is generated when the number of inserted game media is at the upper limit value, the second special game state may be generated not when the number of games reaches the set value, but when the number of inserted game media is at the upper limit value for a game played by a player when the number of games in which insertion of game media is conducted to the upper limit value reaches a set value. This is because, in such a case, it can be prevented from a small number of game media to be inserted in a game, thereby leading to a fact that the second special game state is generated by the spending of only a small number of game media in total.
• A gaming machine10 according to the present embodiment includes: the main CPU41 (processing device); RAM43 (storage device); the lower image display panel16 (output device); and the speaker29 (output device), is a gaming machine10 connected through the communication line101 to the control device200 which accumulatively counts the number of games in each gaming machine10 of plural gaming machines10, and wherein the main CPU41 executes: a processing determining one winning combination selected from plural winning combinations determined in advance by executing a lottery program stored in RAM43 (seeFIG. 13); a processing reading from RAM43 a program for generating a bonus game (the first special game state) when the determined winning combination is a special winning combination, “bonus game trigger”, and executing the program (seeFIG. 18); a processing transmitting through the communication line to the control device200 the identification information of the gaming machine10 stored in RAM43 each time a game is played (step S90 inFIG. 21); a processing for receiving a command signal transmitted from the control device when the number of games accumulatively counted, based on the identification information of the gaming machine, by the control device200 reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with the number of games, and that is selected from plural candidate values stepwise determined in advance (step S91 inFIG. 21); a processing reading from RAM43 a program for performing transition to the return mode (the generating of the second special game state) based on the command signal, and executing the program (seeFIG. 19); a processing receiving a preliminary announcement command signal transmitted from the control device200 each time a game is played after the number of games reaches a set value for preliminary announcement which is smaller by a predetermined value than the set value (step S132 inFIG. 21); and a processing reading from RAM43 notification data for notifying a counting value indicative of the number of games required to reach the set value, and executing a processing to output an image on the lower image display panel16 and output a sound from the speaker29, based on the notification data (seeFIG. 21).
• A gaming machine10 is connected through the communication line101 to the control device200 which accumulatively counts the number of games for each gaming machine10 of plural gaming machines10 wherein: provided are output means (for example, the lower image display panel and the speaker29) capable of outputting an image or a sound; winning combination determination means (for example, the main CPU41) for determining a winning combination by lottery; means (for example, the main CPU41) for generating a bonus game (the first special game state) when the determined winning combination is a special winning combination, “bonus game trigger”; means (for example, the main CPU41) for transmitting the identification information of the gaming machine10 through the communication line101 to the control device200 each time a game runs; means (for example, the main CPU41) for receiving a command signal transmitted from the control device200 when the number of games accumulatively counted by the control device200 based on the identification information of the gaming machine reaches a set value selected from plural candidate values stepwise determined in advance; means (for example, the main CPU41) for generating the second special game state based on the command signal; means (for example, the main CPU41) for receiving a preliminary announcement command signal transmitted from the control device200 each time a game is played, after the number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is smaller by a predetermined value than the set value;
• and means (for example, the main CPU41) for notifying a counting value indicative of the number of games required to reach the set value, by outputting an image or a sound with the output means.
• Thegaming machine10 makes the transition to the return mode, on receiving a command signal which is transmitted from thecontrol device200 when the number of games which is counted by thecontrol device200 reaches a set value which is a value to be compared with the number of games. Accordingly, even when the player has consumed a great number of coins without generating the first special game state for a long time, the player can cause the transition to the return mode and can obtain the advantage thereof by keeping playing games until the number of played game reaches the set value.
• According to thegaming machine10, a game state shifts to the return mode by receiving a command signal transmitted from thecontrol device200 when the number of games counted in thecontrol device200 reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with the number of games. Hence, even in a case where many coins are spent without the generating of the first special game state for a long period, the game state shifts to the return mode if the game is played until the number of games reaches a set value, and a player can earn a profit from the game.
• After the number of games reaches the set value for preliminary announcement (for example, “550”) which is smaller by a predetermined value (for example, “50”) than the set value (for example, “600”), thegaming machine10 notifies a counting value indicative of the required number of games to reach the set value by outputting an image to the lowerimage display panel16 and outputting sound from thespeaker29, each time a game is played. Therefore, a player can recognize how many more games are required to be played for generating the second special game state, by a countdown being performed with the image or the sound for each single game (1 game). As a result, an impression can be made on the player that a return is carried out as a result of playing the game such that the number of games reaches the set value, and it can also prevent a situation that the player cannot get any return from occurring.
• Therefore, it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of game media from feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.
• The control device200 according to the present embodiment is a control device which is provided with a CPU201 (processing device) and is connected to plural gaming machines10 through the communication line101, wherein the CPU201 executes a processing receiving identification information of the gaming machine from a gaming machine10 through the communication line101, each time a game is played therein (seeFIG. 21), a processing accumulatively counting the number of games, based on the identification information of the gaming machines (see step S100 inFIG. 21), a processing receiving from the gaming machine10 through the communication line101 a reset signal which shows that the bonus game (first special game state) has been generated when a bonus game (first special game state) is generated, a processing setting the number of games to “0” (a predetermined number) when receiving the reset signal, a processing transmitting, when the number of games reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with the number of games, a command signal for generating the second special game state (see step S103 inFIG. 21), and a processing transmitting a preliminary announcement command signal so that the gaming machine10 can notify, after the number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is smaller by a predetermined value than the set value, a counting value which shows the required number of games to reach the set value, each time a game is played (step S141 inFIG. 21).
• Further, the control device200 is a control device200 connected with plural gaming machines10 through a communication line101 comprising: means (for example, the CPU201) for receiving identification information of the gaming machine from the gaming machine10 through the communication line101, each time a game is played; means (for example, the CPU201) for accumulatively counting the number of games, based on the identification information of the gaming machine; means (for example, the CPU201) for receiving from the gaming machine10 through the communication line101, when a bonus game (first special game state) is generated, a reset signal which shows that the bonus game has been generated; means (for example, the CPU201) for setting the number of games to “0” (a predetermined number), when receiving the reset signal; means (for example, the CPU201) for transmitting, when the number of games reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with the number of games, a command signal for generating a second special game state; and means (for example, the CPU201) for transmitting a preliminary announcement command signal so that the gaming machine10 can notify, after the number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is smaller by a predetermined value than the set value, of a counting value which shows the required number of games to reach the set value, each time a game is played.
• Thecontrol device200, each time a game is played, receives the gaming machine identification information from agaming machine10 through thecommunication line101 and, accumulatively counts the number of games based on the received identification information. When the number of games reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with the number of games, transmitted is a command signal for generating the second special game state and the second special game state is thereafter generated in thegaming machine10. Hence, even if a bonus game (the first special game state) is not generated for a long period leading to the spending of many of coins, the second special game state is generated as long as the game is played such that the number of games reaches the set value and thus a player can make profit for playing the game.
• Thegaming machine10 according to the present embodiment is connected to thecontrol device200 through thecommunication line101, and by thecontrol device200, the number of games in thegaming machine10 is counted, and determination is made on whether or not the number of games has reached the set value for preliminary announcement. Thegaming machine10 is not required to use a network and may be standalone.
• A standalone gaming machine10 according to the present invention includes: the main CPU41 (processing device), RAM43 (storage device), the lower image display panel16 (output device) and the speaker29 (output device), wherein the main CPU41 executes: a processing determining one winning combination selected from plural winning combination determined in advance by executing a lottery program stored in RAM43; a processing reading from RAM43 a program for generating a bonus game (the first special game state) when the determined winning combination is a special winning combination, “bonus game trigger”, and executing the program; a processing accumulatively counting the number of games each time a game is played; a processing selecting a set value from plural candidate values stepwise determined in advance; a processing determining whether the number of games reaches a set value or not; a processing reading from RAM43 a program for executing transition to the return mode (the generating of the second special game state) when it is determined that the number of games has reached the set value, and executing the program; and a processing reading from RAM43, after the number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is smaller by a predetermined value than the set value, notification data for notifying a counting value which shows the required number of games to reach the set value, and conducting output of an image to the lower image display panel16 or output of a sound from the speaker29, based on the notification data, each time a game is played.
• The gaming machine10 includes: output means (for example, the lower image display panel16 and the speaker29) capable of outputting an image or a sound; winning combination determination means (for example, the main CPU41) for determining a winning combination by a lottery; means (for example, the main CPU41) for generating a bonus game when the determined winning combination is a special winning combination, “bonus game trigger”; means (for example, the main CPU41) for accumulatively counting the number of games each time a game is played; means (for example, the main CPU41) for selecting a set value from plural candidate values stepwise determined in advance; means (for example, main CPU41) for determining whether the number of games reaches a set value or not; means (for example, the main CPU41) for conducting transition to the return mode (the generating of the second special game state) when the number of games is determined to have reached a set value; and means (for example, the main CPU41) for notifying, after the number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is smaller by a predetermined value than the set value, notification data for notifying a counting value which shows the required number of games to reach the set value, and conducting output of an image to the lower image display panel16 or output of a sound from the speaker29, based on the notification data, each time a game is played.
• Thegaming machine10 may further be provided with means (for example, the main CPU41) for setting the number of games to a predetermined value when the first special game state is generated. With thisgaming machine10, since the number of games is set to a predetermined number (for example, “0”) when the bonus game is generated, it can be prevented for a player who has obtained a profit by the generated bonus game from obtaining an excessive return.
• Further, although thegaming machine10 according to the present embodiment provides a preliminary announcement of (notifies with countdown) the transition to the return mode (that the second special game state is generated), each time a game is played after the number of games has reached the set value for preliminary announcement, the present invention is not limited to this example. Thegaming machine10 according to the present invention may provide a preliminary announcement of the transition to the return mode (that the second special game state is generated), each time a game is played after the payment balance in terms of coins has reached the set value for preliminary announcement.
• Such a gaming machine10 includes: the main CPU41 (processing device); RAM43 (storage device), the lower image display panel16 (output device); and the speaker29 (output device), and is connected through the communication line101 to the control device200 which accumulatively counts the payment balance in terms of coins in each gaming machine10 of plural gaming machines10, and wherein the main CPU41 executes: a processing determining one winning combination selected from plural winning combinations determined in advance by executing a lottery program stored in RAM43; a processing reading from RAM43 a program for generating a bonus game (the first special game state) when the determined winning combination is a special winning combination, “bonus game trigger”, and executing the program; a processing transmitting through the communication line101 to the control device200 the number of coin-in and the number of coin-out in one game which is stored in RAM43, together with the identification information of the gaming machine10, each time a game is played; a processing receiving a command signal transmitted from the control device200 when, a payment balance in terms of coins accumulatively counted by the control device200 based on the identification information of the gaming machine10, the number of coin-in and the number of coin-out in the game reaches a value equal to or less than a set value selected from plural candidate values stepwise determined in advance; a processing reading from RAM43, based on the command signal, a program for conducting transition to the return mode (the generating of the second special game state), and executing the program; a processing receiving, after the payment balance in terms of the game media has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is greater by a predetermined value than the set value, a preliminary announcement command signal transmitted from the control device200 each time a game is played; and a processing reading from RAM43, based on the preliminary announcement command signal, notification data for notifying a counting value which shows the required number of game media for causing the payment balance in terms of the game media to become equal to or less than the set value, and conducting output of an image to the lower image display panel16 or output of a sound from the speaker29 based on the notification data.
• The gaming machine10 includes: an output means (for example, the lower image display panel16 and the speaker29) capable of outputting an image or a sound; winning combination determination means (for example, the main CPU41) for determining a winning combination by a lottery; means (for example, the main CPU41) for generating a bonus game (the first special game state) when the determined winning combination is a special winning combination, “bonus game trigger”; means (for example, the main CPU41) for transmitting through the communication line101 to the control device200 a payment balance in terms of coins in a game played, together with the identification information of the gaming machine10, each time a game is played; means (for example, the main CPU41) for receiving a command signal transmitted from the control device200 when the payment balance in terms of coins accumulatively counted by the control device200 based on the identification information of the gaming machine10 and the payment balance in terms of coins in the game played reaches a set value selected from plural candidate values stepwise determined in advance; means (for example, the main CPU41) for conducting transition to the return mode (the generating of the second special game state), based on the command signal; means (for example, the main CPU41) for receiving, after the payment balance in terms of the game media has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is greater by a predetermined value than the set value, a preliminary announcement command signal transmitted from the control device200 each time a game is played; and means (for example, the main CPU41) for notifying, based on the preliminary announcement command signal, a counting value which shows the required number of game media for causing the payment balance in terms of the game media to become equal to or less than the set value, and conducting output of an image to the lower image display panel16, or output of a sound from the speaker29.
• According to such agaming machine10, the game state shifts to the return mode, by the receiving of a command signal which is transmitted from thecontrol device200 when the payment balance in terms of coins counted by thecontrol device200 becomes equal to or less than a set value that is an object of comparison with the payment balance in terms of coins. Further, when a preliminary announcement command signal, which is transmitted from thecontrol device200 each time a game is played, after the payment balance in terms of the game media has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is greater by a predetermined value than the set value, thegaming machine10 notifies a counting value which shows the required number of game media for causing the payment balance in terms of the game media to become equal to or less than the set value, by outputting an image to the lowerimage display panel16 or outputting a sound from thespeaker29. Therefore, it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of game media from feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.
• The above-mentionedgaming machine10 is connected to thecontrol device200 through thecommunication line101, and by thecontrol device200, the payment balance in terms of coins in thegaming machine10 is counted, and determination is made on whether or not the payment balance in terms of coins has reached the set value for preliminary announcement. Thegaming machine10 is not required to use a network and may be standalone.
• Such a gaming machine10 includes: the main CPU41 (processing device); RAM43 (storage device); the lower image display panel16 (output device); and the speaker29 (output device), wherein the main CPU41 executes: a processing determining one winning combination selected from plural winning combinations determined in advance by executing a lottery program stored in RAM43; a processing reading from RAM43 a program for generating a bonus game (the first special game state) when the determined winning combination is a special winning combination, “bonus game trigger”, and executing the program; a processing accumulatively counting a payment balance in terms of game media each time a game is played; a processing selecting a set value that is an object of comparison with a payment balance in terms of game media, from plural candidate values stepwise determined in advance; a processing determining whether a payment balance in terms of game media is equal to or less than a set value or not; a processing reading from RAM43 a program for conducting transition to the return mode (the generating of the second special game state) when it is determined that a payment balance in terms of game media is equal to or less than a set value, and executing the program; and a processing reading from RAM43, after the payment balance in terms of the game media has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is greater by a predetermined value than the set value, notification data for notifying a counting value which shows the required number of game media for causing the payment balance in terms of the game media to become equal to or less than the set value, and conducting output of an image to the lower image display panel16 or output of a sound from the speaker29 based on the notification data, each time a game is played.
• This gaming machine10 includes: output means (for example, the lower image display panel16 or the speaker29) capable of outputting an image or a sound; winning combination determination means (for example, the main CPU41) for determining a winning combination by a lottery; means (for example, the main CPU41) for generating a bonus game (the first special game state) when the determined winning combination is a special winning combination, “bonus game trigger”; means (for example, the main CPU41) for accumulatively counting a payment balance in terms of game media, each time a game is played; means (for example, the main CPU41) for selecting a set value from plural candidate values stepwise determined in advance; means (for example, the main CPU41) for determining whether a payment balance in terms of game media is equal to or less than a set value or not; means (for example, the main CPU41) for conducting transition to the return mode (the generating of the second special game state) when it is determined that the payment balance in terms of game media is equal to or less than a set value; and means (for example, the main CPU41) for notifying that, after the payment balance in terms of the game media has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is greater by a predetermined value than the set value, notification data for notifying a counting value which shows the required number of game media for causing the payment balance in terms of the game media to become equal to or less than the set value, and conducting output of an image to the lower image display panel16 or output of a sound from the speaker29 based on the notification data, each time a game is played.
• In the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the set values for all thegaming machines10 are defined as “600”. However, in the present invention, different set values may be defined for each of thegaming machines10 and, for example, the set values may be selected from plural candidate values stepwise determined in advance. When the above-mentioned embodiment is applied to thegaming machines10, for example, FIGS.23 to25 may be utilized as alternatives of the correspondence tables illustrated in FIGS.6 to8, and the processing illustrated inFIG. 26 may be executed instead of the processing inFIG. 21. Furthermore, description of images displayed on the lower image display panel during games after the number of games has reached the set value for preliminary announcement, when the above-mentioned embodiment is applied to thegaming machines10, will be given by usingFIG. 27.
• FIG. 23 is a figure schematically showing another example of correspondence table between a gaming machine identification number and a game history.
• Each of the gaming machine identification numbers correspond to a game history based on the number of games, an accumulative number of coin-in, an accumulative number of coin-out, a payment balance in terms of the coins and a return rate of coin-out.
• Further, a set value that is an object of comparison with the number of games is defined for each of the gaming machine identification numbers.
• These set values are selected from plural candidate values “600”, “1200”and “2400”, stepwise determined in advance.
• Further, a set value for preliminary announcement which is smaller by a predetermined value than the set value is defined for each of the gaming machine identification numbers. When the set value is “600”, the set value for preliminary announcement is “550” which is smaller than the set value “600” by a predetermined value “50”. When the set value is “1200”, the set value for preliminary announcement is “1125” which is smaller than the set value “1200” by a predetermined value “75”. When the set value is “2400”, the set value for preliminary announcement is “2300” which is smaller than the set value “2400” by a predetermined value “100”. Thus, the set value for preliminary announcement is defined depending on the selected set value. As described above, the set value for preliminary announcement is defined such that the predetermined value is larger with a larger set value.
• For thegaming machine10 with a gaming machine identification number of “001”, defined are a set value of “600”and a set value for preliminary announcement of “550”. For thegaming machine10 with a gaming machine identification number of “002”, defined are a set value of “1200” and a set value for preliminary announcement of “1125”. For thegaming machine10 with a gaming machine identification number of “003”, defined are a set value of “2400” and a set value for preliminary announcement of “2300”.
• Further, each of the gaming machine identification numbers are made to correspond to a counting value indicative of the required number of games to reach the set value.
• Thegaming machine10 with a gaming machine identification number of “001” corresponds to a counting value of “50” since the set value is “600” and the number of games is “550”. Thegaming machine10 with a gaming machine identification number of “002” corresponds to a counting value of “70” since the set value is “1200” and the number of games is “1130”. Thegaming machine10 with a gaming machine identification number of “003” corresponds to a counting value of “100” since the set value is “2400” and the number of games is “2300”.
• FIG. 24 is a figure schematically showing yet another example of correspondence table between a set value and the number of payouts;
• The number of coin-out “1000” in the return mode is assigned at a set value of “600”. The number of coin-out “2000” in the return mode is assigned at a set value of “1200”. The number of coin-out “4000” in the return mode is assigned at a set value of “2400”. Since, in the present embodiment, the number of coin-out in the payout return mode is larger the larger a set value is, a profit matching the number of games played by a player is given to the player in the return mode. Therefore, it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of the game media from feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game. Note that the correspondence table shown inFIG. 24 is stored on thehard disc drive205 as data.
• It is not necessary for the number of coin-out set to correspond to a set value to be constantly the same, and for example, the number of coin-out set to correspond to a set value may be changeable according to a game history and the like.
• FIG. 25 is a figure schematically showing another example of correspondence table between a set value and the number of payouts.
• At a set value “600”, “(−payment balance)×50% (provided that the number of coin-out=1000 if a payment balance≧0)”is set as the number of coin-out in the return mode. Hence, if a payment balance is “−2000” when the number of games reaches 600, the number of coin-out is 1000, and if a payment balance is “−4000”, the number of coin-out is 2000. At a set value “1200”, “(−if payment balance)×60% (provided that the number of coin-out=2000 if payment balance≧0)” is set as the number of coin-out in the return mode. At a set value “2400”, “(−payment balance)×70% (provided that the number of coin-out=4000 if payment balance≧0)” is set as the number of coin-out in the return mode.
• FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing another subroutine of a counting processing. In the flowchart shown inFIG. 26, the same numerical references are assigned to steps which conduct processing similar to those in the flowchart shown inFIG. 21.
• Here, one set value selected from plural candidate values “600”, “1200” and “2400” stepwise determined in advance is set to each of the plural gaming machines10 (seeFIG. 23).
• After the processing in step S100, step S140 and step S141, theCPU201 of thecontrol device200 determines whether or not the updated number of games has reached the set value (step S101) When it is determined that the updated number of games has not reached the set value, the present subroutine is completed.
• On the other hand, if it is determined in step S101 that the number of games after the updating has reached the set value,CPU201 determines the number of coin-out corresponding to the set value, based on a correspondence table (seeFIG. 24) between the set value and the number of coin-out stored in the hard disc drive205 (step S102).
• Then,CPU201 transmits through thecommunication line101 by thecommunication interface204 to thegaming machine10 in which the number of games has reached the set value, a return command signal showing the set value and the number of payout coins (step S103). Thereafter,CPU201 resets to 0 the number of games stored in thehard disc drive205 which are made to correspond to the gaming machine identification number of the gaming machine10 (step S104). In succession thereto,CPU201 selects a new set value by lottery and the selected set value is stored in thehard disc drive205, being made to correspond to the gaming machine identification number of the concerned gaming machine10 (step S105).
• Themain CPU41 of thegaming machine10, when receiving the return command signal transmitted from thecontrol device200 in step S103, sets the return mode flag to the state “ON” (step S91). The processing in step S91 is a processing for receiving a command signal transmitted from thecontrol device200 when the number of games accumulatively counted by thecontrol device200 based on the identification information of thegaming machine10 reaches a set value selected from plural candidate values stepwise determined in advance. Themain CPU41 thereafter stores intoRAM43 data showing the set value and the number of payout coins, included in the return command signal (step S92). Thereafter, the present processing is terminated. Since the other processing are processing similar to those described inFIG. 21, descriptions thereof are omitted here.
• FIGS. 27A to27C are figures showing examples of images displayed on the lower image display panel during games after the number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement. In the figure, numerical reference15 (15L,15C and15R) indicates display windows.
• InFIG. 27A, an image showing “BONUS CHANCE!” is displayed on the lowerimage display panel16. Further, image indicating “50 MORE PLAYS” and “TO 600 PLAY” are displayed at the lower portion of the lowerimage display panel16. This image is an image for providing a preliminary announcement that the game mode will shift to the return mode based on 600 games after 50 more games are played, and also is an image displayed when a preliminary announcement command signal indicative of a counting value of 50 has been received.
• FIG. 27B is a figure showing an example of image displayed on the lower image display panel during the next game to the game in which the image illustrated inFIG. 27A is displayed.
• InFIG. 27B, an image showing “BONUS CHANCE!” is displayed on the lowerimage display panel16. Further, image indicating “49 MORE PLAYS” and “TO 600 PLAY” are displayed at the lower portion of the lowerimage display panel16. This image is an image for providing a preliminary announcement that the game mode will shift to the return mode based on 600 games after 49 more games are played, and also is an image displayed when a preliminary announcement command signal indicative of a counting value of 49 has been received.
• InFIG. 27C, an image showing “BONUS CHANCE!” is displayed on the lowerimage display panel16. Further, image indicating “100 MORE PLAYS” and “TO 2400 PLAY” are displayed at the lower portion of the lowerimage display panel16. This image is an image for providing a preliminary announcement that the game mode will shift to the return mode based on 2400 games after 100 more games are played, and also is an image displayed when a preliminary announcement command signal indicative of a counting value of 100 has been received.
• As described above, when a preliminary announcement of the transition to the return mode is provided based on a set value of “600”, the countdown notification is started with a counting value of 50, while in the case when a preliminary announcement of the transition to the return mode based on a set value of “2400” which is higher in the degree of advantage than the return mode based on a set value of “600”, the countdown notification is started with a counting value of 100, thereby causing the player to be amused by the countdown for a longer time until the game state shifts to the return mode which is high in the degree of advantage. For example, the player can wish that a bonus game (the first special game state) will not be generated to make the countdown to be reset.
• Further, after the number of games has reached the set value for preliminary announcement, information about the stage of the set value related to the concerned notification (“TO 600 PLAY”, “TO 2400 PLAY” and the like) is notified together with the counting value, each time a game is played, by including the information in the content of notification. Accordingly, when it is notified by countdown that the game mode will shift to the return mode based on the set value “600” (that the second special game state to be generated is low in the degree of advantage corresponding to the set value), even if a bonus game (the first special game state) is generated before the transition to the return mode (before the second special game state), the player will hardly be exasperated. However, when a bonus game is generated before the transition to the return mode at the time when it is notified by countdown that the game mode will shift to the return mode based on a set value of “2400” (that the second special game state to be generated is high in the degree of advantage corresponding to the set value), this will significantly exasperate the player since the countdown will be restarted. Thus, it is possible to induce changeful psychological states.
• In the present embodiment, there has been described a case where, after the number of games has reached the set value for preliminary announcement, a preliminary announcement command signal is received, each time a game is played. However, the present invention is not limited to such a case. For example, the gaming machine may receive a preliminary announcement command signal indicative of a counting value only at the time of the game at which the number of games reaches the set value for preliminary announcement. With this configuration, the number of games may be counted by the gaming machine10 (the main CPU41), after receiving a preliminary announcement command signal, and an image or a sound corresponding to the counting value may be output thereby.
• In the present embodiment, description has been given of a case where a game state shifts to the return mode when the return mode flag has been set to the state “ON”, without other conditions being established thereafter. The present invention is, however, not limited to this example and, for example, a game state may shift to the return mode when a predetermined condition has been met after the return mode flag is set to the state “ON”. In such a case, the predetermined condition for transition to the return mode is not particularly limited, and may include, for example, establishment of a bonus game trigger, stop display of a predetermined combination of symbols, and of the like conditions.
• In the present embodiment, description has been given of a case where a game state shifts to the return mode when the return mode flag is set to the state “ON”, regardless of the combination of symbols stop displayed thereafter. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, a combination of symbols corresponding to the transition to the return mode may be set in advance and a game state may shift to the return mode after the symbols are stop displayed in that winning combination.
• In the present embodiment, description has been given of a case where symbols are stop displayed (step S14 inFIG. 12), a processing is conducted based on the stop displayed combination of symbols (steps S15 to S20 inFIG. 12), and the number of games is counted (step S22 inFIG. 12) thereafter. In the present invention, however, no specific limitation is placed on a timing at which counting of the number of games is conducted. For example, the timing may be a timing at which BET of a coin is conducted (after step S10 or S11 inFIG. 12) or a timing at which the spin button is turned ON (after step S12 inFIG. 12). The number of games may be counted at a predetermined timing that is in the period from the time when display of a change in symbol is started, to the time when symbol sequences are stop displayed, and a processing based on the stop displayed combination of symbols has been conducted (for example, a timing at which symbol sequences are stop displayed). Note that a timing at which a payment balance in terms of game media can be the same as described above.
• In the present embodiment, description has been given of agaming machine10 in which in a case where a special winning combination, “bonus game trigger”, has been established (step S15 inFIG. 12) in the period from the time when the return mode flag is set to the state “ON” (step S22 inFIG. 12), to the time when transition to the return mode is conducted (step S20 inFIG. 12), transitions to the return mode is further conducted after the bonus game is generated (step S16 inFIG. 12). That is, a gaming machine according to the present embodiment generates the first special game state based on the a special winning combination, and further generates the second special game state, in a case where the special winning combination is established in the period from the time when the number of games reaches a set value, to the time when the second special game state is generated.
• However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, in a case where a special winning combination is established in the period from the time when the number of games reaches a set value, to the time when the second special game state is generated, only the first special game state may be generated. In a case where the above embodiment is adopted, a player can earn a profit in the first special game state or the second special game state without fail when a game is played until the number of games reaches the set value. The above embodiment is one of the embodiments of the present invention. In a case where the above embodiment is adopted for thegaming machine10, for example, the following processing has only to be conducted instead of the processing shown inFIG. 12.
• FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing another example of a subroutine of a game execution processing. In the flowchart shown inFIG. 28, the same numerical references are assigned to steps which conduct processing similar to those in the flowchart shown inFIG. 12.
• After the processing in steps S10 to S14 are executed, themain CPU41 determines whether a bonus game trigger has been established or not (step S15) and if it is determined that the bonus game trigger has been established, a bonus game processing is executed (step S16). Then, it is determined whether a return mode flag is set to the state “ON” or not (step S25) and if the return mode flag is set to “ON”, the return mode flag is set to the state “OFF” (step S26). The processing in step S21 is performed thereafter and thus the present subroutine is completed. Since the other processing are processing similar to those described inFIG. 12, descriptions thereof are omitted here. In the subroutine shown inFIG. 28, after a coins is BET (step S10), in a case where it is determined whether thespin button23 has been turned ON or not (step S12), and if it is determined that the spin button has been turned ON (YES in step S12), a processing for subtracting the number of credits (step S11) may be conducted, as in the subroutine shown inFIG. 12.
• A more specific description of the processing shown inFIG. 28 will be given here with a case where a set value is 600. In a case where, in step S22, the number of games reaches 600 and a return mode flag has been established, if a bonus game trigger has been established (step S15) in the 601st game, the bonus game is generated (step S16) but transition to the return mode is not performed (steps S25 and S26). On the other hand, in a case where a bonus game trigger has not been established in the 601st game run, transition to the return mode is conducted (steps S19 and S20).
• Hence, in a case where the processing shown inFIG. 28 is performed, a bonus game is generated or transition to the return mode is performed without fail, when the number of games reaches a set value.
• In the present invention, in a case where a special winning combination has been established in the period from the time when the number of games reaches a set value, to the time when the second special game state is generated, only the second special game state may be generated, or alternatively, either the first special game state or the second special game state may be generated depending on a game situation and the like.
• An embodiment similar to the above-mentioned embodiment can also be adopted in a case where the second special game state is generated according to a payment balance in terms of game media. In other words, in a case where a special winning combination has been established in the period from the time when a payment balance in terms of game media is equal to or less than a set value, to the time when the second special game state is generated, only the first special game state may be generated, only the second special game state may be generated, or either the first special game state or the second special game state may be generated depending on a game situation and the like.
• Although this will be a repetition, in the return mode as the second special game state, a return situation to a player may be simply as such that a predetermined number of game media is paid out when the number of games reaches a set value (seeFIG. 21). It may alternatively be a situation that when the number of games reaches a set value, the return mode as the second special game state, allowing a player to have a privilege in a similar manner to the first special game state such as a free game, a second game, a mystery game and the like, can be set, and a predetermined number of game media is paid out by one of the above-mentioned game mode.
• In the aforementioned embodiment, both embodiments are exemplified. Both embodiments correspond to the second special game state in the present invention.
• A timing at which a predetermined number of game media is paid out is not limited to such a timing at which one game is completed and symbol sequences are stop displayed as in the mystery game described above, and for example, game media may be immediately paid out when the number of games reaches a set value.
• Moreover, a method for paying out a predetermined number of game media is also not particularly limited, and for example, coins may be actually paid out, the number of credits may be increased, or a ticket such as a ticket with a bar code may be issued.
• However, in order to be able to discriminate and recognize whether a player is paid out by an ordinary game or a bonus game (the first special game state), or by the return mode (the second special game state), it is necessary to perform the following way. That is, in a case where coins are actually paid out in mystery bonus of the return mode (the second special game state), the timing for payout is required to be different from those of an ordinary game and bonus game (the first special game state) Moreover, it is required that payout in an ordinary game and a bonus game (the first special game state) is performed with actual coins and payout in the return mode (the second special game state) is performed with a ticket described above. With such an embodiment adopted, payout in an ordinary game and a bonus game (the first special game state), and payout in the return mode (the second special game state) can be discriminated from each other.
• Although the embodiment according to the present invention has been described, the description presents only some of the specific examples, and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way and specific constructions of each means and the like can be properly changed in terms of design. Besides, the effects described in the embodiment of the present invention are only the most preferable effects generated from the present invention and effects to be caused by the present invention is not limited to those described in the embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (21)

1. A gaming machine comprising:

output means capable of outputting an image or a sound;

winning combination determination means for determining a winning combination by a lottery;

means for generating a first special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player when the determined winning combination is a special winning combination;

means for, when the number of games accumulatively counted each time a game is played reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with said number of games, generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player and which is the same type as, or a different type from the first special game state; and

means for notifying by outputting an image or a sound with said output means, after said number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is smaller by a predetermined value than said set value, a counting value which shows the required number of games to reach said set value, each time a game is played.

2. A gaming machine connected through a communication line to a control device which counts the number of games accumulatively for every gaming machine of plural gaming machines, comprising:

output means capable of outputting an image or a sound;

winning combination determination means for determining a winning combination by a lottery;

means for generating a first special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player when the determined winning combination is a special winning combination;

means for transmitting identification information of the gaming machine to said control device through said communication line each time a game is played;

means for receiving a command signal transmitted from said control device when said number of games counted accumulatively by said control device based on said identification information of the gaming machine reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with said number of games;

means for generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player and which is the same type as, or a different type from the first special game state, based on said command signal;

means for receiving, after said number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is smaller by a predetermined value than said set value, a preliminary announcement command signal transmitted from said control device each time a game is played; and

means for notifying, based on said preliminary announcement command signal, a counting value which shows the required number of games to reach said set value, by outputting an image or a sound with said output means.

3. A gaming machine comprising:

output means capable of outputting an image or a sound;

winning combination determination means for determining a winning combination by a lottery;

means for generating a first special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player when the determined winning combination is a special winning combination;

means for counting accumulatively the number of games each time a game is played;

means for determining whether or not said number of games has reached a set value that is an object of comparison with said number of games;

means for generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player and which is the same type as, or a different type from the first special game state, when said number of games is determined to have reached said set value; and

means for notifying by outputting an image or a sound with said output means, after said number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is smaller by a predetermined value than said set value, a counting value which shows the required number of games to reach said set value, each time a game is played.

4. The gaming machine according toclaim 1,

further comprising:

means for setting said number of games to a predetermined number when said first special game state is generated.

5. The gaming machine according toclaim 4,

wherein

said means for generating said second special game state generates a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player, and in which a degree of advantage corresponding to said set value is determined when the number of games accumulatively counted each time a game is played reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with said number of games, and that is selected from plural candidate values stepwise determined in advance; and

said means for notifying said counting value notifies information about the stage of the set value related to the concerned notification, by including the information in the content of notification.

6. The gaming machine according toclaim 4,

wherein

said means for generating said second special game state generates a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player, and in which a degree of advantage corresponding to said set value is determined when the number of games accumulatively counted each time a game is played reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with said number of games, and that is selected from plural candidate values stepwise determined in advance; and

said means for notifying said counting value notifies, after said number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is smaller by a predetermined value than said set value, and which said predetermined value is larger with larger said set value, a counting value each time a game is played.

7. The gaming machine according toclaim 1,

wherein

said means for generating said second special game state generates, when the number of games accumulatively counted each time a game is played reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with said number of games, and that is selected from plural candidate values stepwise determined in advance, a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player, and in which a larger degree of advantage is determined with said number of games reaching a larger set value.

8. The gaming machine according toclaim 1,

wherein

reception means that can accept for one game an insertion of game media up to a predetermined upper limit value is provided, and said means for generating said second special game state generates a second special game state in a case where the number of inserted game media for the game played by the player is equal to said upper limit when said number of games reaches said set value.

9. A control device connected with plural gaming machines through a communication line comprising:

means for receiving identification information of the gaming machine from said gaming machine through said communication line, each time a game is played;

means for accumulatively counting the number of games, based on said identification information of the gaming machine;

means for receiving from said gaming machine through said communication line, when the first special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player is generated, a reset signal which shows that the first special game state has been generated;

means for setting said number of games to a predetermined number when receiving said reset signal;

means for transmitting, when said number of games reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with said number of games, a command signal for generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player, and in which a degree of advantage corresponding to said set value is determined; and

means for transmitting a preliminary announcement command signal so that said gaming machine can notify, after said number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is smaller by a predetermined value than said set value, a counting value which shows the required number of games to reach said set value, each time a game is played.

10. A gaming machine equipped with a processing device, a storage device and an image or sound output device, wherein

said processing device executes:

a processing determining one winning combination selected from plural winning combinations determined in advance by executing a lottery program stored in said storage device;

a processing reading from said storage device a program for generating a first special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player when the determined winning combination is a special winning combination, and executing said program;

a processing reading from said storage device a program for generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player and which is the same type as, or a different type from the first special game state when the number of games counted accumulatively each time a game is played reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with said number of games, and executing said program; and

a processing reading from said storage device, after said number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is smaller by a predetermined value than said set value, notification data for notifying a counting value which shows the required number of games to reach said set value, and outputting an image or a sound with said output device based on said notification data, each time a game is played.

11. A gaming machine equipped with a processing device, a storage device and an image or sound output device, and connected through a communication line to a control device which counts the number of games accumulatively for every gaming machine of plural gaming machines, wherein

said processing device executes:

a processing determining one winning combination selected from plural winning combinations determined in advance by executing a lottery program stored in said storage device;

a processing reading from said storage device a program for generating a first special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player when the determined winning combination is a special winning combination, and executing said program;

a processing transmitting identification information on a gaming machine stored in said storage device to said control device through said communication line each time a game is played;

a processing receiving a command signal transmitted from said control device when said number of games counted accumulatively by said control device based on said identification information on the gaming machine reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with said number of games;

a processing reading from said storage device, based on said command signal, a program for generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player and which is the same type as, or a different type from the first special game state, and executing said program;

a processing receiving, after said number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is smaller by a predetermined value than said set value, a preliminary announcement command signal transmitted from said control device each time a game is played; and

a processing reading from said storage device, based on said preliminary announcement command signal, notification data for notifying a counting value which shows the required number of games to reach said set value, and outputting an image or a sound with said output device based on said notification data.

12. A gaming machine equipped with a processing device, a storage device and an image or sound output device, wherein

said processing device executes:

a processing determining one winning combination selected from plural winning combinations determined in advance by executing a lottery program stored in said storage device;

a processing reading from said storage device a program for generating a first special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player when the determined winning combination is a special winning combination, and executing said program;

a processing counting the number of games accumulatively each time a game is played;

a processing determining whether or not said number of games has reached a set value that is an object of comparison with said number of games;

a processing reading from said storage device, when said number of games is determined to have reached said set value, a program for generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player and which is the same type as, or a different type from the first special game state, and executing said program; and

a processing reading from said storage device, after said number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is smaller by a predetermined value than said set value, notification data for notifying a counting value which shows the required number of games to reach said set value, and outputting an image or a sound with said output device based on said notification data, each time a game is played.

13. The gaming machine according toclaim 10,

wherein

said processing device executes a processing setting said number of games to a predetermined number when said first special game state is generated.

14. The gaming machine according toclaim 13,

wherein

said processing device executes:

a processing reading from said storage device, when the number of games accumulatively counted each time a game is played reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with said number of games, and that is selected from plural candidate values stepwise determined in advance, a program for generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player, and in which a degree of advantage corresponding to said set value is determined, and executing said program; and

a processing reading from said storage device notification data for notifying information about the stage of the set value related to the concerned notification by including the information in the content of notification, and outputting an image or a sound with said output means based on said notification data.

15. The gaming machine according toclaim 13,

wherein

said processing device executes:

a processing reading from said storage device, when the number of games accumulatively counted each time a game is played reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with said number of games, and that is selected from plural candidate values stepwise determined in advance, a program for generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player, and in which a degree of advantage corresponding to said set value is determined, and executing said program; and

a processing reading from said storage device, after said number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is smaller by a predetermined value than said set value, and which said predetermined value is larger with larger said set value, notification data for notifying a counting value, and outputting an image or a sound with said output device based on said notification data, each time a game is played.

16. The gaming machine according toclaim 10,

wherein

said processing device executes a program for generating, when the number of games accumulatively counted each time a game is played reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with said number of games, and that is selected from plural candidate values stepwise determined in advance, a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player, and in which a larger degree of advantage is determined with said number of games reaching a larger set value.

17. The gaming machine according toclaim 10,

wherein

said processing device executes a program for generating said second special game state when said number of games reaches said set value in a case where the number of inserted game media for a game played by the player is the upper limit value of the number of game media to be inserted for one game.

18. A control device provided with a processing device and connected with plural gaming machines through a communication line, wherein

said processing device executes:

a processing receiving identification information of the gaming machine from said plural gaming machines through said communication line, each time a game is played;

a processing accumulatively counting the number of games, based on said identification information of the gaming machine;

a processing receiving from said plural gaming machines through said communication line, when the first special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player is generated, a reset signal which shows that the first special game state has been generated;

a processing setting said number of games to a predetermined number when receiving said reset signal;

a processing transmitting, when said number of games reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with said number of games, a command signal for generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player, and in which a degree of advantage corresponding to said set value is determined; and

a processing transmitting a preliminary announcement command signal so that said plural gaming machines can notify, after said number of games has reached a set value for preliminary announcement which is smaller by a predetermined value than said set value, a counting value which shows the required number of games to reach said set value, each time a game is played.

19. A gaming machine comprising:

means for giving a profit to a player according to the number of games played by the player; and

means for notifying to the player that said profits according to said number of games will be given, by performing a countdown with an image or a sound, each time a game is played.

20. A game control method comprising:

a step for giving a profit to a player according to the number of games played by the player; and

a step for notifying to the player that said profits according to said number of games will be given, by performing a countdown with an image or a sound, each time a game is played.

21. A game system equipped with a gaming machine and a control device, wherein

said control device includes:

means for transmitting a signal to said gaming machine according to the number of games played in said gaming machine by a player,

and said gaming machine includes:

means for giving profit according to said number of games based on said signal received from said control device; and

means for notifying to the player that said profits according to said number of games will be given, by performing a countdown with an image or a sound, each time a game is played.

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