Gaming Machine Executing A Progressive Game And Playing Method Thereof

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a gaming machine for playing a progressive game and a playing method thereof.

2. Description of Related Art

On gaming apparatuses installed in casinos, progressive games are played in which a part of the amount of money wagered in unit games is pooled as a jackpot prize. When the jackpot is won in any game machine, the whole amount of the pooled amount is awarded to the player in the game on the game apparatus on which the jackpot has been won.

U.S. Patent Laid-open Application No. 2008/0161105 Specification discloses a game system in which the chance of jackpot to be won is adjusted in accordance to the amount of money wagered on a game.

Such progressive games are played among game apparatuses of the same type of game. This is because, the number of bets required for a unit game varies depending on the type of game, and therefore, when the progressive game is played among game apparatuses of different types of game, the amount of money pooled as the prize for the jackpot varies depending on the type of game, thus resulting in unfairness arising from a difference in the type of game when contesting for the same prize. As a result, there is a limitation on the number of players who can participate in the progressive game, and the real thrill of the progressive game has been compromised.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that produces a high level of entertainment not found in the prior art, and a method for playing the gaming machine.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that produces improved real thrill of the progressive game, and a method for playing the gaming machine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a gaming machine comprising a plurality of game terminals, normal games of a plurality of types which require different numbers of bets for unit games, a special game played independently from the normal games, an input device provided on each game terminal for accepting a first bet made on the normal game and a second bet made on the special game, a memory that stores the accumulated value of the second bets, a dividend awarding device provided on each game terminal for awarding the dividends for the normal game and for the special game, and a controller that is programmed to control the operations through the following processes (a1) through (a4). (a1) When the input devices have accepted the first bet, the normal game is played on the game terminals provided with the input devices; (a2) when the input devices have accepted the second bet, the special game is played on the game terminals provided with the input devices and the amount of the second bet is added to an accumulated value stored in the memory; (a3) the dividend awarding device awards the dividend to the game terminal that has won in the normal game; and (a4) the dividend awarding device awards the special dividend to the game terminal that has won in the special game in accordance to the accumulated value stored in the memory.

According to the constitution described above, the special game is played on the game terminals which have accepted the second bet, and the special dividend is awarded to the game terminal that has won in the special game. On condition that the second bet has been accepted, the special game is played as a progressive game to contest the special dividend among a plurality of game terminals designed to play different types of normal games, and therefore a greater number of players can participate in the progressive game and the real thrill of the progressive game is improved.

The present invention provides a gaming machine comprising a plurality of game terminals, normal games of a plurality of types which require different numbers of bets for unit games, a special game played independently of the normal games, an input device provided on each game terminal for accepting a first bet made on the normal game and a second bet, that require different number of bets depending on the type of the normal game, made on the special game, a memory that stores the accumulated value of the second bets, a dividend awarding device provided on each game terminal for awarding dividends for the normal games and the special game and a controller that is programmed to control the operations through the following processes (b1) through (b4). (b1) When the input devices have accepted the first bet, the normal game is played on the game terminals provided with the input devices; (b2) when the input devices have accepted the second bet, the special game is played on the game terminals provided with the input devices and the amount of the second bet is added to the accumulated value stored in the memory; (b3) the dividend awarding device awards the dividend to the game terminal that has won in the normal game; and (b4) the dividend awarding device awards the special dividend to the game terminal that has won in the special game in accordance to the accumulated value stored in the memory and the number of game terminals that have won.

According to the constitution described above, the special game is played on the game terminals which have accepted the second bet, and the special dividend is awarded to the game terminal that has won in the special game. The special game is played as a progressive game to contest the special dividend among a plurality of game terminals designed to play different types of normal games on condition that the second bet has been accepted, and therefore a greater number of players can participate in the progressive game and the real thrill of the progressive game is improved.

Also because the number of second bets varies depending on the type of the normal game, the total number of second bets which are the price for participating in the progressive game is equalized among the different types of normal games by requiring a larger number of second bets in normal games of which the unit game takes longer time than in normal games of which unit game takes a shorter time. As a result, unfairness arising from the difference in the type of game is eliminated.

The present invention provides a gaming machine comprising a plurality of game terminals, normal games of a plurality of types which require different numbers of bets for unit games, a special game played independently of the normal games, an input device provided on each game terminal for accepting a first bet made on the normal game and a second bet made on the special game, a memory that stores the accumulated value of the second bets, a dividend awarding device provided on each game terminal for awarding dividends for the normal games and the special game and a controller that is programmed to control the operations through the following processes (c1) through (c4). (c1) When the input devices have accepted the first bet, the normal game is played on the game terminals provided with the input devices; (c2) when the input devices have accepted the second bet, the special game in which the odds vary depending on the type of the normal game is played on the game terminals provided with the input devices, and the amount of the second bet is added to the accumulated value stored in the memory; (c3) the dividend awarding device awards the dividend to the game terminal that has won in the normal game; and (c4) the dividend awarding device awards the special dividend, determined in accordance to the accumulated value stored in the memory and the number of game terminals that have won, to the game terminal that has won in the special game.

According to the constitution described above, the special game is played on the game terminals which have accepted the second bet, and the special dividend is awarded to the game terminal that has won in the special game. Since the special game is played as a progressive game to contest the special dividend among a plurality of game terminals designed to play different types of normal games on condition that the second bet has been accepted, a greater number of players can participate in the progressive game and the real thrill of the progressive game is improved.

Also because the chance of winning in the special game varies depending on the type of the normal game, the chance of winning in the special game is made higher for those making a larger total number of second bets which are the price for participating in the progressive game, by making the odds higher in normal games of which unit game takes shorter time than in normal games of which unit game takes longer time, when the number of second bets per unit game is uniform among the different normal games. As a result, unfairness arising from the difference in the type of game is eliminated.

The present invention provides a gaming machine comprising a plurality of game terminals, normal games of a plurality of types which require different numbers of bets for unit games, a special game played independently of the normal games, an input device provided on each game terminal for accepting a first bet made on the normal game and a second bet made on the special game, a memory that stores the accumulated value of the second bets, a dividend awarding device provided on each game terminal for awarding dividends for the normal games and the special game and a controller that is programmed to control the operations through the following processes (d1) through (d4). (d1) When the input devices have accepted the first bet, the normal game is played on the game terminals provided with the input devices; (d2) when the input devices have accepted the second bet, the special game in which the chance to win varies depending on the total number of second bets accepted by the input devices at that time is played on the game terminals provided with the input devices, and the amount of the second bet is added to the accumulated value stored in the memory; (d3) the dividend awarding device awards the dividend to the game terminal that has won in the normal game; and (d4) the dividend awarding device awards the special dividend to the game terminal that has won in the special game in accordance to the accumulated value stored in the memory and the number of game terminals that have won.

According to the constitution described above, the special game is played on the game terminals which have accepted the second bet, and the special dividend is awarded to the game terminal that has won in the special game. Since the special game is played as a progressive game to contest the special dividend among a plurality of game terminals designed to play different types of normal games on condition that the second bet has been accepted, a greater number of players can participate in the progressive game and the real thrill of the progressive game is improved.

Also because the chance of winning in the special game varies depending on the total number of bets made in the second bet accepted up to the present instant, the chance of winning in the special game is made higher for those making a larger total number of second bets which are the price for participating in the progressive game, by making the odds higher in normal games of which unit games have been played in a larger number than in normal games of which unit games have been played in a smaller number when the number of second bets per unit game is uniform among the different normal games. As a result, unfairness arising from the difference in the type of game is eliminated.

The present invention provides a playing method of a gaming machine that executes normal games of a plurality of types which require different numbers of bets for unit games and a special game played independently of the normal games, the playing method of the gaming machine comprises steps of (e1) when input devices have accepted first bet, the normal game is played on game terminals provided with the input devices; (e2) when the input devices have accepted second bet, the special game is played on the game terminals provided with the input devices and the amount of the second bet is accumulated in the memory; (e3) dividend awarding device awards the dividend to the game terminal that has won in the normal game; and (e4) the dividend awarding device awards special dividend to the game terminal that has won in the special game in accordance to the accumulated value stored in the memory.

According to the constitution described above, the special game is played on the game terminals which have accepted the second bet, and the special dividend is awarded to the game terminal that has won in the special game. Since the special game is played as a progressive game to contest the special dividend among a plurality of game terminals designed to play different types of normal games on condition that the second bet has been accepted, a greater number of players can participate in the progressive game and the real thrill of the progressive game is improved.

With the constitution described above, a gaming machine that produces high level of entertainment not found in the prior art, and a method for playing the gaming machine are provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other and further objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear more fully from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the method for playing the gaming machine.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the gaming machine.

FIG. 3 shows a display screen.

FIG. 4 shows a display screen.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the gaming machine.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing electrical connections in the server.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically showing electrical connections in the station.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the processing of a roulette game.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the processing of a black jack game.

FIG. 10 is a diagram explanatory of the total amount of second bet.

FIG. 11 is a diagram explanatory of the chance of winning JP.

FIG. 12 is a diagram explanatory of the chance of winning JP.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Now embodiments of the gaming machine and the method for playing the same according to the present invention will be described.

The gaming machine 1 operates according to a method that comprises, as shown in FIG. 1, a step of executing normal games on game terminals equipped with input devices when the input devices have accepted first bet, a step of executing a special game on the game terminals provided with the input devices and the input devices have accepted second bet and adding the amount of the second bet to the accumulated value stored in a memory, a step of awarding a dividend from a dividend awarding device to a game terminal that has won in the normal game, and a step of awarding a special dividend, determined in accordance to the accumulated value stored in the memory and the number of game terminals that have won, from the dividend awarding device to the game terminal that has won in the special game.

The normal game herein refers to a plurality of types of game such as roulette game and black jack game executed in the game terminal that has accepted the first bet. Number of bets required in the unit game varies depending on the type of the normal game. The normal game is not limited to roulette game and black jack game, and may also be baccarat game or slot machine game. The special game is a progressive game executed on the game terminal that has accepted the second bet independently from the normal games, to contest the special dividend, determined in accordance to the accumulated value of the second bet and the number of game terminals that have won, as the prize for jackpot (JP).

As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming machine 1 whereon the games are played according to the above-mentioned method comprises a plurality of game terminals 101, input devices 102 each provided on each of the game terminals 101 for accepting the first bet made on the normal game and the second bet made on the special game, a memory 104 that stores the accumulated value of the second bets, a dividend awarding device (dividend awarding section 107, special dividend awarding section 109) provided on each game terminal 101 for awarding dividends for the normal games and the special game and a controller 103.

[Game terminal 101]

The game terminal 101 comprises the input device 102 that accepts the first bet and the second bet, a normal game executing section 106 and a special game executing section 108 that are controlled by the controller 103, the dividend awarding section 107 and the special dividend awarding section 109. When the first bet is accepted by the input device 102, the normal game executing section 106 executes the normal game. When the second bet is accepted by the input device 102, the special game executing section 108 executes the special game. The dividend awarding section 107 allots dividends to those winning the normal game. The special dividend awarding section 109 awards the special dividend to the winner of the special game.

[Memory 104]

The memory 104 stores the accumulated amount of second bets accepted by the input device 102.

[Controller 103]

The controller 103 is constituted so as to carry out a first step of executing the normal game on the game terminals 101 equipped with the input devices 102 when the input devices 102 have accepted the first bet, a second step of executing the special game on the game terminals 101 equipped with the input devices 102 when the input devices 102 have accepted the second bet and accumulating the amount of the second bet stored in the memory 104, a third step of awarding the dividend from the dividend awarding section 107 to the game terminal 101 that has won in the normal game, a fourth step of awarding the special dividend from the special dividend awarding section 109 to the game terminal 101 that has won in the special game in accordance to the accumulated value stored in the memory 104 and the number of winning game terminals. Thus the controller 103 comprises a first processing section, a second processing section, a third processing section and a fourth processing section.

The controller 103 has a normal game execution control section 110 that controls the execution of the normal game. When the first bet is accepted by the input device 102, the normal game execution control section 110 controls the normal game executed by the normal game executing section 106 of the game terminal 101. In other words, the controller 103 executes the first step in which the normal game is played on the game terminals 101 equipped with the input device 102, when the input device 102 has accepted the first bet.

The controller 103 also has a special game execution control section 112 that controls the execution of the special game and the storage in the memory 104. When the second bet is accepted by the input device 102, the special game execution control section 112 controls the special game executed by the special game executing section 108 of the game terminal 101, and controls the storage in the memory 104 so that the amount of the second bet is accumulated therein. In other words, when the second bet is accepted by the input device 102, the controller 103 executes the second process in which the special game is played on the game terminals 101 equipped with the input devices 102 and the amount of the second bet is added to the accumulated value stored in the memory 104.

The controller 103 also has a dividend settling section 111 that determines the dividend for the normal game. A dividend awarding section 107 allots the dividend determined by the dividend settling section 111. In other words, the controller 103 executes the third process in which the dividend awarding section 107 allots the dividend to a game terminal 101 that has won in the normal game.

The controller 103 also has a special dividend settling section 113 that determines the special dividend for the special game. A special dividend awarding section awards the special dividend determined by the special dividend settling section 113 in accordance to the accumulated value stored in the memory 104 and the number of winning game terminals. In other words, the controller 103 executes the fourth process in which the special dividend awarding section 109 awards the special dividend, determined in accordance to the accumulated value stored in the memory 104 and the number of winning game terminals, to the game terminal 101 that has won in the special game.

Each functional section of the controller 103 may be embodied in the form of either hardware or software.

[Operation of Controller 103]

Operation of the controller 103 in the above-mentioned constitution will now be described. When the first bet is accepted by the input device 102, the normal game executing section 106 of the game terminal 101 executes the normal game under the control of the normal game execution control section 110. Thus the controller 103 carries out the first step of executing the normal game on the game terminal 101 equipped with the input device 102 when the input device 102 has accepted the first bet.

When the second bet is accepted by the input device 102, the special game executing section 108 of the game terminal 101 executes the special game under the control of the special game execution control section 112, and the storage in the memory 104 is controlled so that the amount of the second bet is accumulated therein. Thus the controller 103 carries out the second process of executing the special game on the game terminal 101 equipped with the input device 102 when the input device 102 has accepted the second bet, and accumulating the amount of the second bet in the memory 104.

In the normal game, the dividend determined by the dividend settling section 111 is awarded by the dividend awarding section 107. Thus the controller 103 carries out the third process of awarding the dividend from the dividend awarding section 107 to the game terminal 101 that has won in the normal game.

In the special game, the special dividend determined by the special dividend settling section 113 in accordance to the accumulated value stored in the memory 104 and the number of winning game terminals is awarded by the special dividend awarding section 109. Thus the controller 103 carries out the fourth process of awarding the special dividend, determined in accordance to the accumulated value stored in the memory 104 and the number of winning game terminals, from the special dividend awarding section 109 to the game terminal 101 that has won in the special game.

As will be apparent from the operations described above, as shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 implements the playing method comprising the step of executing the normal game on the game terminals 101 equipped with the input devices 102 when the input devices 102 have accepted the first bet, the step of executing the special game on the game terminals 101 provided with the input devices 102 when the input device 102 have accepted the second bet, and adding the amount of the second bet to the accumulated value stored in the memory 104, the step of awarding the dividend from the dividend awarding section 107 to a game terminal 101 that has won in the normal game, and the step of awarding the special dividend, that is determined in accordance to the accumulated value stored in the memory 104 and the number of winning game terminals, from the special dividend awarding section 109 to the game terminal 101 that has won in the special game.

According to the method of playing the games described above, the special game (the progressive game) is executed on the game terminals that have accepted the second bet, and the special divided is awarded to a game terminal that has won in the special game. In this way, since the special game is played as the progressive game to contest the special dividend among a plurality of game terminals 101 designed to play different types of normal games on condition that the second bet has been accepted, a greater number of players can participate in the progressive game and the real thrill of the progressive game is improved.

[Normal Game]

An example of the normal game played on the gaming machine 1 according to the playing method will now be described.

[Roulette Game]

When roulette game is executed as the normal game on the game terminal 101, a betting screen 61 including a betting board 60 in table form is displayed on a display 8 provided on the game terminal 101 as shown in FIG. 3. The betting board 60 of table form includes a plurality of betting areas 62. The display 8 has, on the front surface thereof, a translucent touch panel 98 that can be operated by pressing from the outside, that is provided as the input device 102. Accordingly, references to a player pressing the betting area 62 or other portions on the betting screen 61 in the description hereafter means that the player presses various portions corresponding to the betting areas 62 on the touch panel 98.

As shown in FIG. 3, the betting board 60 of table form displayed on the betting screen 61 includes 38 numerals 0, 00, 1 through 36 displayed as a matrix. In addition, special betting areas are also displayed as a matrix for betting game media (chips) by designating an odd number, an even number, color of the number display board (red or black), or a range of numbers (such as from 1 to 12).

Displayed below the betting board 60 of table form are, from left to right in the screen, an outcome history display section 65, a payout button 48, a side bet button 50, unit bet buttons 66, a last payout display section 67 and a number of credits display section 68.

The outcome history display section 65 displays a list of winning numbers in a series of past games of the normal game (a game refers to a series of operations from voting of the first bet by the players, rolling and stopping of a ball to the payout of credit (dividend) according to the winning number). Upon completion of one game, a new set of winning numbers is added on top of the list, so that the winning numbers of up to the past 10 games can be viewed.

The payout button 48 is operated by a player who wants to realize all the credit he or she currently owns in the physical game media to be dispensed from the medal dispensing port 9 to be described later. The side bet button 50 is used to bet the game values (chips) as the second bet in the progressive game.

The unit bet buttons 66 are used to bet the chips in the betting area 62 (on a cell of a number or symbol or on a line separating the cells) selected by the player. The unit bet buttons 66 comprise a 1-bet button 66A operated to bet chips of value 1, a 5-bet button 66B operated to bet chips of value 5, a 10-bet button 66C operated to bet chips of value 10 and a 100-bet button 66D operated to bet chips of value 100.

The last payout display section 67 displays the number of chips wagered by the players in the last game and the number of credits to be paid out. The number of credits to be paid out minus the number of chips wagered is the number of credits which the player has acquired anew.

The number of credits display section 68 displays the number of credits the player currently owns. This number of credits is decremented by the number of chips wagered (one credit for one chip), when the chips are wagered. When the number on which a player has wagered is the winning number and the corresponding credit has been paid out, the number of credits displayed is increased by the number of credits paid out. When the number of credits owned by a player becomes zero, the game is over.

Provided above the betting board 60 of table form is a betting time display section 69. The betting time display section 69 displays the remainder of the betting time left for the player to bet, that is 20 at the start of accepting the bet and is decremented by 1 every one second until the value becomes 0 which means closure of acceptance of bets. When the remainder of betting time becomes 5 seconds, a ball charging device to be described later is triggered to throw a ball onto the wheel.

Installed to the right of the betting time display section 69 is a JP display section 63 that displays the current value of the second bet being accumulated. The accumulated value displayed on the JP display section 63 is the accumulated amount of the second bets made on each of the game terminals 101, and the JP display section 63 shows the same values on all game terminals 101. A player who has won in the special game receives the payout of special dividend determined in accordance to the accumulated value and the number of winning game terminals. The accumulated value is displayed, in addition to the JP display section 63, on an amount of JP display section 15 (refer to FIG. 5) of an electric display section 5 to be described later, as well.

The betting board 60 of table form also shows a cursor 64a that indicates the betting area 62 currently selected by the player, and also a chip mark 64b that shows the number of chips wagered so far and the betting area 62. The number displayed on the chip mark 64b represents the number of chips which have been wagered. For example, the chip mark 64b showing 7 placed on the cell 18 in FIG. 3 shows that seven chips have been wagered on number 18. This form of betting on one number only is called straight betting.

The chip mark 64b showing 1 placed at the cross surrounded by the cells 5, 6, 8 and 9 shows that one chip has been wagered to cover the numbers 5, 6, 8 and 9. This form of betting to cover four numbers is called corner betting.

Other forms of betting include split betting that covers two numbers by placing a chip on a line between two numbers, street betting that covers three numbers (for example, 13, 14, 15) in a row (one vertical line in FIG. 3), five betting that covers five numbers 0, 00, 1, 2, 3 on the line between 00 and 3, line betting that covers six numbers (for example, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18) in two rows (two vertical lines in FIG. 3), column betting that covers 12 numbers by selecting the cell “2 to 1”, and dozen betting that that covers 12 numbers by selecting the cells “1st 12”, “2nd 12” and “3rd 12”.

Further other forms of betting include Red or Black betting that bets on a number shown in red or a number shown in black on the number display board, Odd or Even betting that bets on either an odd number or an even number and Low or High that bets on number not greater 18 or number 19 or greater, by using the six cells at the bottom of the betting board 60 of table form.

Different values of odds are set for the different betting forms described above. The odds herein represent the number of credits to be paid out for one winning chip.

On the betting screen 61 described above, one of the betting areas 62 is operated to decide on the number to bet, before the remainder of betting time displayed on the betting time display section 69 becomes 0. As a result, the cursor 64a moves to the betting area 62 that has been selected by pressing the betting area 62. Then the betting button 66A to 66D is operated to make the first bet, and the number of credits to be wagered is determined. Accordingly the chip mark 64b is displayed.

The number of credits to be wagered is incremented by 1 every time the 1-bet button 66A is pressed. Similarly, the number of credits to be wagered is incremented by 5 every time the 5-bet button 66B is pressed, the number of credits to be wagered is incremented by 10 every time the 10-bet button 66C is pressed, and the number of credits to be wagered is incremented by 50 every time the 50-bet button 66D is pressed, Thus the operation is simplified even when a large amount of credits is wagered.

The second bet is made by operating the side bet button 50 before the remainder of betting time becomes 0.When the second bet has been accepted, the progressive game is played independently from the normal games. The amount of the second bet is accumulated on the value displayed on the JP display section 63.

When the first bet is made on the betting screen 61, a roulette game is played and the winning number is determined as the ball thrown onto the wheel stops after rolling, and the credit (dividend) is paid out according to the winning number.

When the second bet is made on the betting screen 61, the progressive game is played. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the credit (special dividend) is paid out according to the accumulated value and the number of winning game terminals. The predetermined condition is, for example, that the same number is hit consecutively as the winning number.

[Black Jack Game]

When black jack game is played as the normal game on the game terminal 101, a game screen 71 is displayed on the display 8 of the game terminal 101. The display 8 has, on the front surface thereof, a translucent touch panel 98 that can be operated by pressing from the outside provided as the input device 102.

As shown in FIG. 4, displayed below the game screen 71 are, from left to right, the unit bet buttons 76, the side bet button 50 and the payout button 48.

The unit bet buttons 76 are used to bet the game chip in the game. The unit bet buttons 76 comprise a 1-bet button 76A operated to bet a chip of value 1, a 5-bet button 76B operated to bet a chip of value 5, a 10-bet button 76C operated to bet a chip of value 10 and a 100-bet button 76D operated to bet a chip of value 100.

The side bet button 50 is operated to bet the game values (chips) as the second bet in the special game (the progressive game). The payout button 48 is operated by a player who wants to realize all the credits he or she currently owns in the form of physical game media to be dispensed from the medal dispensing port 9 to be described later.

Displayed above the game screen 71 are, from left to right in the screen, the last payout display section 67, the number of credits display section 68, the betting time display section 69 and the JP display section 63. These are the same as those described previously in relation to FIG. 3.

Displayed at the middle of the game screen 71 are pictures of player's cards 72A, 72B, a picture of dealer's card 73, a STAND button 74, a HIT button 75 and the number of bets display section 77.

The pictures of player's cards 72A, 72B represent the types of cards on the player's hand in this game. The picture of dealer's card 73 represents the types of dealer's cards in this game, one card of which shown back side up.

The STAND button 74 is used to play a hand in this game. The HIT button 75 is used to request an additional card.

The number of bets display 77 displays the number of credits wagered in the first bet in this game.

In the game screen 71, in addition to the pictures of player's cards 72A, 72B and the picture of dealer's card 73, count down of the betting period shown in the betting time display 69 is also displayed. The first bet is made by operating the betting button 76A to 76D before the remainder of betting time becomes 0, and the number of credits wagered is determined.

The second bet is made by operating the side bet button 50 before the remainder of betting time becomes 0. When the second bet has been accepted, the progressive game is executed independently from the normal games. The amount of the second bet is added to the accumulated value displayed on the JP display section 63.

When the first bet is made on the game screen 71, black jack game is played and credit (dividend) is paid out in accordance to the outcome of the game.

When the second bet is made on the game screen 71, the progressive game is played and, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, credit (special dividend) is paid out in accordance to the accumulated value and the number of the winning game terminals. The “predetermined condition” here refers to the occurrence of such an event that cards of A are dealt out consecutively.

[Mechanical Constitution of Gaming Machine 1]

Now the mechanical constitution of the gaming machine 1 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 5, the gaming machine 1 comprises a chassis 2 that constitutes a main body, a roulette board 3 installed at substantially the center of the chassis 2 on top thereof, a plurality (12 in this embodiment) of stations 4 installed so as to surround the roulette board 3, an electric display section 5 installed above the chassis 2, a plurality (two in this embodiment) of tables 20 installed apart from the chassis 2 and a plurality (three in this embodiment) of stations 4 installed on the table 20.

The station 4 is the game terminal 101 whereon the normal game such as roulette game or black jack game is played. For example, roulette game is played on the stations 4 installed on the chassis 2, and black jack game is played on the stations 4 installed on the table 20. The station 4 has at least a medal charging port 6 through which game media such as medals are charged, a control section 7 that has a plurality of control buttons used by the player to enter commands, a display 8 for displaying pictures related to the game, a medal dispensing port 9 through which the game media are dispensed and a speaker 10 that delivers music, sound effect, etc.

The display 8 is a liquid crystal display of touch panel type having the touch panel 98 installed as the input device 101 on the front surface thereof. The player makes a choice by pressing an icon displayed on the liquid crystal display. The game proceeds as the player operates the touch panel 98 and the control section 7 while observing the pictures displayed on the display 8.

The medal charging port 6 has a medal sensor (not shown) installed inside thereof, to identify the game media such as medals entered through the medal charging port 6, and count the medals that have been charged. The medal dispensing port 9 has a hopper (not shown) installed inside thereof, to discharge a predetermined number of medals through the medal dispensing port 9.

The server 13 is installed inside of a corner 12 of the chassis 2. The server 13 is connected to each of the stations 4, and progresses the game by sending command signals to the stations thereby controlling the stations 4. As such, the server 13 is installed in the chassis at the corner 12 to avoid tampering by the player, but can be operated by opening a door 14 installed at the corner 12 by means of a key switch.

A liquid crystal display and a keyboard that are not illustrated are connected to the server 13, so that a menu screen and a maintenance screen are shown on the liquid crystal display. The keyboard is an operating means having a plurality of keys, to be operated by maintenance personnel who carries out various settings for the games and maintenance services while observing the menu screen or the maintenance screen.

The electric display section 5 has the amount of JP display section 15 installed thereon for displaying the accumulated value. The amount of JP display section 15 is installed on top of the electric display section 5, so that information displayed thereon can be viewed by all players playing at the stations 4.

The roulette board 3 comprises a wheel 22 rotatably supported in a frame 21 that is secured in the chassis 2, as shown in FIG. 1. The wheel 22 has a number (38 in this embodiment) of recessed number pockets 23 formed on the top surface thereof. The wheel 22 has, on the top surface thereof, a number ring 25 having numerals 0, 00, 1 through 36 inscribed thereon, each located on the outside of the corresponding one of the number pockets 23 in the radial direction. In other words, the wheel 22 has 38 number pockets 23 each being accompanied by one of the numerals 0, 00, 1 through 36.

The frame 21 has a ball charging port 36 formed therein. A ball charging device not shown in the drawing is connected to the ball charging port 36. The ball charging device operates to throw a ball 27 through the ball charging port 36 onto the wheel 22. The roulette board 3 is entirely covered by a semi-spherical cover 28 formed from a transparent acrylic resin (refer to FIG. 5).

Installed below the wheel 22 is a winning number detector 86 (refer to FIG. 7). The winning number detector 86 determines which of the number pockets 23 the ball 27 has fallen in. There is also a ball collector, not shown, installed below the wheel 22. The ball collector recovers the ball 27 from over the wheel 22 after the game.

The frame 21 is gradually inclined inward, and a guide wall 29 is formed at the middle. The guide wall 29 guides the ball 27 to roll against centrifugal force. As the rotating speed decreases and the centrifugal force diminishes, the ball 27 rolls down the inclined surface of the frame 21 and moves inward to ride on the rotating wheel 22. The ball 27 that has rolled onto the wheel 22 rolls over the number ring 25 provided along the periphery of the wheel 22 and falls into one of the number pockets 23. The winning number detector 86 identifies the particular number of the number pockets 23 that corresponds to the number pocket in which the ball 27 has fallen, which is the winning number.

The control section 7 is provided along a side of the display 8 as shown in FIG. 5, and has various buttons including a help button operated by the player.

[Electrical Connection in Gaming Machine 1]

Now the electrical connection in the gaming machine 1 will be described.

[Electrical Connection of Server 13]

As shown in FIG. 6, the gaming machine 1 comprises the server 13 and the plurality of stations 4 connected to the server 13. Control system of the station 4 will be described in detail later.

The server 13 comprises a server control CPU 81 that controls the entire server 13 as arithmetic operation unit and a control unit, a ROM 82, a RAM 83, a timer 84 connected to the server control CPU 81, a liquid crystal display 32 connected via a liquid crystal drive circuit 85 and a keyboard 33.

The server control CPU 81 carries out various processing tasks according to various signals sent from the stations 4, data and programs stored in the ROM 82 and the RAM 83 and, in accordance to the results of the processing, sends various command signals to the stations 4 so as to control the stations 4 and causes the game to proceed.

The ROM 82 is constituted from semiconductor memory or the like, and stores programs that embody the basic functions of the gaming machine 1 and programs for controlling the stations 4.

The RAM 83 temporarily stores betting information for the credits supplied from the stations 4, the outcomes of the normal games and the progressive game determined by the server control CPU 81, values of the second bet accumulated up to the present, results of processes carried out by the server control CPU and other data.

The timer 84 keeps time during the normal game. Time information from the timer 84 is sent to the server control CPU 81, and the server control CPU 81 controls betting period based on the time information from the timer 84.

The server control CPU 81 is connected to the roulette board 3. The server control CPU 81 controls a motor provided in the roulette board 3 so as to launch the ball 27 and turn the wheel 22, and controls the winning number detector 86 that determines the position where the ball 27 has rested on, thereby to determine the number that corresponds to the number pocket 23 where the ball 27 has fallen in as the winning number.

The server control CPU 81 determines, in the case of roulette game, win or lose of the chips that have been wagered according to the winning number obtained in the roulette board 3 and the betting information sent from the stations 4 that execute the roulette game, and calculates the number of credits to be paid out at each station 4.

The server control CPU 81 determines, in the case of black jack game, the winner according to the type of card determined randomly and the betting information sent from the stations 4 that execute the black jack game, and calculates the dividend to be paid out at each station 4.

The server control CPU 81 determines, in the case of progressive game in which special dividend is contested, whether the predetermined condition has been satisfied or not at each station 4, and calculates the number of special dividend to be paid out at each station 4.

Also connected to the server control CPU 81 is the electric display section 5. The server control CPU 81 produces a visual effect of illumination by controlling lighting means such as LED, and displays predetermined letters or the like on the electric display section 5. Moreover, the server control CPU 81 controls the amount of JP display section 15 of the electric display section 5 to display the amount of the second bet that has been accumulated up to the present instant.

[Electrical Connection of Station 4]

Now the constitution of the control system of the station 4 connected to the server 13 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically showing the control system of the station 4 according to this embodiment. The description that follows deals with only one unit of the station 4, as all of the plurality of stations 4 have basically the same constitution.

As shown in FIG. 7, the station 4 comprises a station controller 90 and some peripheral devices. The station controller 90 comprises a station control CPU 91, a ROM 92 and a RAM 93. The ROM 92 is constituted from semiconductor memory or the like, and stores programs that embody the basic functions of the station 4, various programs required for controlling the stations 4, data table, etc. The RAM 93 temporarily stores various data produced by the station control CPU 91 through calculation, number of credits currently owned by each player, betting information of credit of the player, etc.

The station control CPU 91 receives various command signals from the server control CPU 81 and, according to these signals, controls the peripheral devices of the stations 4, so as to manage the normal game and the progressive game to proceed at the stations 4. In other words, the server control CPU 81 and the station control CPU 91 function as the controller 103 mentioned previously.

The station control CPU 91 also controls various operations in accordance to various operation signals that are entered, for example, by pressing the touch panel 98. Specifically, upon input operation by the player, the station control CPU executes various processes according to the data and the programs stored in the ROM 92 and the RAM 93 and, based on the results of the processes, controls the peripheral devices that constitute the station 4 to have the normal game and the progressive game to proceed at the station 4 and sends the outcomes of the games to the server control CPU 81.

Also connected to the station control CPU 91 is the hopper 94. The hopper 94 dispenses the game media such as medals through the medal dispensing port 9 (refer to FIG. 5), in accordance to the command signals from the station control CPU 91.

Also connected to the station control CPU 91 via the liquid crystal drive circuit 95 is the display 8. The liquid crystal drive circuit 95 is constituted from a program ROM, a video ROM, a image control CPU, a work RAM, a VDP (video display processor) and a video RAM. The program ROM stores an image control program for display on the display 8, a variety of selection tables or the like. The video ROM stores, for example, dot data for producing images to be displayed on the display 8. The image control CPU determines, from the dot data stored in the video ROM in advance, the images to be displayed on the display 8 in accordance to parameters that are set in the station control CPU 91 and the image control program stored in the program ROM in advance. The work RAM is provided as a temporary storage means used when executing the image control program by the image control CPU. The VDP produces the image corresponding to the content of display determined by the image control CPU and sends the image signal to the display 8. The video RAM is provided as temporary storage means used when producing the image in the VDP.

The display 8 has the touch panel 98 installed on the front thereof as described previously. Information entered through the touch panel 98 is sent to the station control CPU 91. The player makes betting operation by pressing the touch panel 98, and information on the betting operation is sent to the station control CPU 91. The player's betting information is temporarily stored in the RAM 93, and is further sent to the server control CPU 81 to be stored in a betting information storage area of the RAM 83.

A medal sensor 97 is connected to the station control CPU 91. The medal sensor 97 senses charging of the game medium such as medal in the medal charging port 6 (refer to FIG. 5), calculates the amount of the game media that have been charged, and sends the result to the station control CPU 91, and the station control CPU 91 increases the number of credits owned by the player stored in the RAM 93 in accordance to the signal it has received.

Also connected to the station control CPU 91 is a speaker 10 via an audio output circuit 96. The speaker 10 generates various sound effects when enhancing the entertainment of the game, according to the signal sent from the audio output circuit 96.

[Operation of Gaming Machine 1]

Now the operations carried out in the gaming machine 1 will be described. The station control CPU 91 of the station 4 and the server control CPU 81 of the server 13 cooperate to carry out the gaming processes so as to execute various games. In other words, the server control CPU 81 and the station control CPU 91 function as the controller 103.

[Station-side Process in Roulette Game]

The station control CPU 91 of the station 4 executes station-side roulette game processing routine shown in FIG. 8, when roulette game is played. As shown in FIG. 8, the station control CPU 91 first receives a betting period start signal from the server 13 notifying that the betting period has started (A1). Then the station control CPU commands the display 8 of the station 4 to display the betting screen 61 shown in FIG. 3 (A2), and begins to accept betting by the players (A3). The players participating in the game operate the touch panel 8 to make the first bets by betting their credits on the betting area 62 corresponding to the number they think will win, within the betting period during which betting is accepted (refer to FIG. 3). At this time, the player can also participate in the progressive game to contest the special dividend, by operating the side bet button 50 to make the second bet.

Then the station control CPU 91 receives a betting time end signal from the server 13 notifying that the betting period has expired (A4), and closes the acceptance of betting through operation of the touch panel 98 (A5). Then the station control CPU sends the player's betting information to the server 13 (A6).

Then the station control CPU 91 receives payout information from the server 13 (A7), so as to carry out payout of the credits (A8), and checks to see whether JP awarding signal has been received from the server 13 (A9). When the station control CPU 91 determines that the JP awarding signal has been received (A9, YES), special dividend (prize of JP) is paid out (A10). This routine comes to an end when the station control CPU 91 determines that the JP awarding signal has not been received (A9, NO) or step A10 has been completed.

[Server-Side Process in Roulette Game]

The server control CPU 81 of the server 13 executes server-side roulette game processing routine shown in FIG. 8. First, as shown in FIG. 8, the server control CPU sends the betting time start signal to the stations 4 that execute roulette game (A101), and starts counting of the betting period during which betting by the players is accepted (A102). Then the server control CPU 81 checks whether the remainder of betting time is 5 seconds or not (A103). When the server control CPU 81 determines that the remainder of betting time is not 5 seconds (A103, NO), the server control CPU 81 repeats step A103. When the server control CPU 81 determines that the remainder of betting time is 5 seconds (A103, YES), the ball 27 is thrown onto the wheel 22 (A104), and the server control CPU 81 checks to see whether the betting period has expired or not (A105).

When the server control CPU 81 determines that the betting period has not expired (A105, NO), the server control CPU 81 repeats step A 105 while waiting for the betting period to end. When the server control CPU 81 determines that the betting period has expired (A105, YES), the server control CPU sends the betting time end signal to the stations 4 (A106) while receiving the betting information from the stations 4 and stores it in the RAM 83 (A107).

Then the server control CPU 81 adds the amount of the second bet made at each station 4 to the accumulated value stored in the RAM 83 (A108). Then the server control CPU 81 determines the number pocket 23 where the ball 27 has fallen (A109), and the winner of each station 4 according to the winning number (A110).

Then the server control CPU 81 calculates the amount of dividend to be paid out at the station 4 where the winning bet took place, in accordance to the betting information received from the stations 4 and the winning number that has been determined, and sends the credit payout information to the stations 4 (A111). Then the server control CPU 81 checks whether the predetermined condition for the progressive game has been satisfied or not, that is, whether the special dividend (prize for JP) should be paid out or not (A112). When the server control CPU 81 determines that the special dividend should be paid out (A112: YES), the server control CPU sends JP awarding signal to the relevant station 4 (A113), and resets the accumulated value (A114).

The server control CPU recovers the ball 27 (A115) and ends this routine when the server control CPU 81 determines that the special dividend should not be paid out (A112: NO), or after step A114 has been completed.

[Station-Side Process in Black Jack Game]

The station control CPU 91 of the station 4 that plays black jack game executes station-side black jack game processing routine shown in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 9, the station control CPU 91 first receives card information of the player-side cards and the dealer-side cards (B1), and commands the game screen 71 shown in FIG. 4 to display player-side card images 72A, 72B and dealer-side card image 73 (B2). The players participating in the game operate the touch panel 98 to make the first bets before operating the STAND button 74 (refer to FIG. 4). At this time, the player can also participate in the progressive game to contest the special dividend, by operating the side bet button 50 to make the second bet.

The station control CPU 91 checks whether an additional card has been requested by pressing the HIT button 75 (B3). When the station control CPU 91 determines that an additional card has been requested (B3: YES), the station control CPU 91 sends card request signal to the server 13 (B4) and returns the process to step B1.

When the station control CPU 91 determines that an additional card has not been requested (B3: NO), the station control CPU 91 checks to see whether the STAND button 74 has been pressed to play a hand or not (B5). When the station control CPU 91 determines that the STAND button 74 has not been pressed to play a hand (B5: NO), the station control CPU 91 returns the process to step B3. When the station control CPU 91 determines that the STAND button 74 has been pressed to play a hand (BS: YES), the station control CPU 91 sends the player's betting information at the station 4 to the server 13 (B6).

The station control CPU 91 then receives the payout information from the server 13 (B7), and processes the payout of the credit (dividend) (B8). Then the station control CPU 91 checks whether JP awarding signal from the server 13 has been received or not (B9). When the station control CPU 91 determines that the JP awarding signal has been received (B9: YES), special dividend (prize of JP) is paid out (B10). This routine comes to an end when the station control CPU 91 determines that the JP awarding signal has not been received (B9, NO) or step B10 has been completed.

[Server-Side Process in Black Jack Game]

The server control CPU 81 of the server 13 executes server-side black jack game processing routine shown in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 9, the server control CPU 81 first determines the players' cards and the dealer's cards (B101), and sends the card information to the stations 4 (B102). Then the server control CPU 81 checks to determine whether it has received card request signal from the stations 4 or not (B103). When the server control CPU 81 has determined that the card request signal has been received (B103: YES), the server control CPU 81 returns the process to step B101 and decides to deal an additional card.

When the server control CPU 81 has determined that the card request signal has not been received (B103: NO), the server control CPU 81 checks to see whether it has received the betting information from the stations 4 or not (B104). When the server control CPU 81 determines that the betting information has not been received (B104: NO), the server control CPU 81 returns the process to step B103. When the server control CPU 81 has determined that the betting information has been received (B104: YES), the server control CPU 81 stores the betting information that has been received in the RAM 83, and adds the amount of the second bet made in each station 4 to the accumulated value stored in the RAM 83 (B105). Then the server control CPU 81 determines win or lose according to the type of card (B106).

Then the server control CPU 81 calculates the amount of dividend to be paid out at the station 4 where the winning bet took place, in accordance to the betting information received from the stations 4 and the outcome of the game that has been determined, and sends the credit payout information to the stations 4 (B107). Then the server control CPU 81 checks to see whether the predetermined condition for the progressive game has been satisfied or not, that is, whether the special dividend (prize for JP) should be paid out or not (B108). When the server control CPU 81 determines that the special dividend should be paid out (B108: YES), the server control CPU sends JP awarding signal to the relevant station 4 (B109), and resets the accumulated value (B110).

This routine is terminated when the server control CPU 81 determines that the special dividend should not be paid out in step B108 (B108: NO), or after step B110 has been completed.

The special game (progressive game) is executed in the stations that have accepted the second bet, and the special divided is allotted at the station that has won in the special game as described above. In this way, since the special game is played as the progressive game to contest the special dividend among a plurality of stations 4 designed to play different types of normal games on condition that the second bet has been accepted, a greater number of players can participate in the progressive game and the real thrill of the progressive game is improved.

While any number of second bets may be made in each unit game in the embodiment described above, the number of second bets made in each unit game of the game may vary depending on the type of the normal game. As shown in FIG. 10, total number of bets having been wagered is equalized among the different types of games for the second bet which is the price for participating in the progressive game, by setting the amount of bets of the second bet for each unit game of black jack game to $2 and setting the amount of bets of the second bet for each unit game of roulette game to $1, and setting the amount of bets of the second bet for each unit game of black jack game twice the amount of bets of the second bet for each unit game of roulette game when the time taken by unit game of black jack game is twice as long as the time taken by unit game of roulette game, so that unfairness arising from the difference in the type of game is eliminated.

While the chance of winning in the progressive game (chance of winning JP) may be set arbitrarily among different types of normal game, chance of winning JP may be different depending on the type of normal game. As shown in shown in FIG. 11, a party that has wagered a greater amount in the second bet which is the price for participating in the progressive game is provided with a higher chance of winning the progressive game by setting the current chance of winning JP in the roulette game to 4/1000, setting the current chance of winning JP in the black jack game to 2/1000 and setting the current chance of winning JP in the roulette game twice as high as the current chance of winning JP in the black jack game, when the number of bets in the second bet for each unit game is uniform among the different normal games and the time taken by the unit game of black jack game is twice as long as the time taken by unit game of roulette game, so that unfairness arising from the difference in the type of game is eliminated.

While the chance of winning in the progressive game (chance of winning JP) may be set arbitrarily among different types of normal game, chance of winning JP may be varied depending on the total number of bets that have been accepted for the second bet up to the present instant. As shown in shown in FIG. 12, a party that has wagered a greater amount in the second bet which is the price for participating in the progressive game is given a higher chance of winning the progressive game, by setting the current chance of winning JP in the roulette game in which four games have been done so far to 4/1000, and setting the current chance of winning JP in the black jack game in which three games have been done so far to 3/1000 when the number of bets made in the second bet for each unit game is uniform among the different normal games, so that unfairness arising from the difference in the type of game is eliminated.

The above detailed description focused on the characteristic portions of the present invention for the sake of understanding. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above and can be applied to other embodiments, the scope of applications to be interpreted as wide as possible. Terminology and wording employed in this specification are intended to clarify the description of the present invention, and should not be understood to restrict the interpretation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should be able to easily conceive, from the concept of the invention out forth in this specification, other constitutions, systems and methods that fall within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the description in the claims should be interpreted to encompass equivalent constitutions within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. The abstract is intended to help the Patent Office, public institutions in general and those working in this technical field, who are not familiar with the technical terms of patent law, grasp the technical content and essence of the present invention quickly with brief survey. As such, the abstract should not be understood to limit the scope of the present invention which is defined only by the appended claims. In order to fully appreciate the object and effects of the present invention, it is desired that existing literature be carefully taken into account.

The above detailed description includes the processes executed by computer or on a computer network. The above description and expressions are given for the purpose of helping those skilled in the art most efficiently understand the present invention. In this specification, each step employed to derive one effect and the block having a predetermined function should be understood to be a consistent processing operation. In each step or each block, electric or magnetic signals are transmitted, received, recorded or otherwise processed. In the process of each step or each block, such signals are represented by bits, numerical values, symbols, characters, words, numerical figures, etc., although it should be understood that these are used merely for the convenience of description. The processing operation in each step or each block may be described by an expression resembling that of human action, although the processes described in this specification are basically executed by various apparatuses. Other constitutions required to execute each step or each block will be apparent from the description above.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Gaming Machine Executing A Progressive Game And Playing Method Thereof

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CPC

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