AU2009201297A1 - Gaming system having large display and plural gaming machines - Google Patents

Gaming system having large display and plural gaming machines Download PDF

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Publication number
AU2009201297A1
AU2009201297A1 AU2009201297A AU2009201297A AU2009201297A1 AU 2009201297 A1 AU2009201297 A1 AU 2009201297A1 AU 2009201297 A AU2009201297 A AU 2009201297A AU 2009201297 A AU2009201297 A AU 2009201297A AU 2009201297 A1 AU2009201297 A1 AU 2009201297A1
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Australia
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common
supporting member
image display
display
pedestal
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Abandoned
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AU2009201297A
Inventor
Hiroyuki Nagano
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Universal Entertainment Corp
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Universal Entertainment Corp
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Priority claimed from US12/144,240 external-priority patent/US8388453B2/en
Priority claimed from US12/145,124 external-priority patent/US8328619B2/en
Priority claimed from US12/180,812 external-priority patent/US8758145B2/en
Priority claimed from US12/180,732 external-priority patent/US9105147B2/en
Priority claimed from US12/183,408 external-priority patent/US8323089B2/en
Application filed by Universal Entertainment Corp filed Critical Universal Entertainment Corp
Publication of AU2009201297A1 publication Critical patent/AU2009201297A1/en
Assigned to UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION reassignment UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION Alteration of Name(s) of Applicant(s) under S113 Assignors: ARUZE CORP.
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Description

Australian Patents Act 1990 - Regulation 3.2 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title Gaming system having large display and plural gaming machines The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: P/00/0 1 I C I1 o a CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 5 [0001] This application claims benefit of priority based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/042,041 filed on April 3, 2008, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/042,051 filed on April 3, 2008, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 10 61/042,058 filed on April 3, 2008, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/042,065 filed on April 3, 2008, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/042,074 filed on April 3, 2008, US Patent Application No.12/144,240 filed on June 23, 2008, US Patent Application No.12/145, 124 filed on June 24, 2008, 15 US Patent Application No.12/180,732 filed on July 28, 2008, US Patent Application No.12/180,812 filed on July 28, 2008, and US Patent Application No.12/183, 408 filed on July 31, 2008. The contents of this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 20 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to a gaming system having 25 a large display and plural gaming machines. DISCUSSION OF THE BACKGROUND [0003] Conventionally, there exists a gaming system in which a 30 plurality of gaming machines are linked to a control device by network, as disclosed in: U.S. Patent No. 6068553, U.S. Patent No. 6210275, U.S. Patent No. 6224484, US 2005/0079911-Al, US 2005/0119044-Al, US 2006/0205468-Al, US 2005/0187014-Al, and US 2006/0073897-Al. In such gaming systems, a control device 35 pools part of game media which have been inserted in respective 2 gaming machines, and pays out the pooled game media to gaming machines in which winning of progressive jackpots has occurred. Among these gaming systems, there are gaming systems adapted to display the amount of pooled game media to a common display. 5 [0004] In cases where such gaming systems are installed in casino halls and the like, there is a need for connection of aplurality of gaming machines to a control device through a network, installation of a display on a wall, works for preventing the 10 network wirings from being exposed to cause disfigurement, and the like. Further, there has been a problem as seen in the case that once gaming systems have been constructed, there arises a need for works every time the position of the display is required to be changed due to change of the layout. 15 Further, since the position of the display is limited to places where a device for securing the display can be provided, the installation places of the gaming system are restricted in cases where the display is to be provided on a wall. Further, in cases where the display is to be hanged from a ceiling, it 20 is dangerous when the ceiling is high. As described above, there have been restrictions on the places at which gaming systems are installed. Further, in cases where the display is provided on a wall, there has been a possibility of changes of the wall color due 25 to heat generation from the display. [0005] The present invention is made in view of the aforementioned problems and aims at providing a gaming system capable of eliminating the necessity of works in change of the 30 installation and the layout, eliminating the restriction on the installation place, and suppressing the change of wall colors due to heat generation from a display. [0006] The contents of U.S. Patent No. 6068553, U.S. Patent No. 35 6210275, U.S. Patent No. 6224484, US 2005/0079911-Al, US 3 2005/0119044-Al, US 2006/0205468-Al, US 2005/0187014-Al, and US 2006/0073897-Al are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 5 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007) A firs: aspect of the present invention provides a gaming system having the following configuration. Namely, the gaming system comprises: a plurality of 10 gaming machines, each including an image display and an input device for input and being capable of executing an independent game; a control device; a single pedestal including a housing space that houses the control device therein, a bottom surface portion for installing the pedestal on a floor surface, and an 15 installation surface for installing the plurality of gaming machines at positions facing to the bottom surface portion; a supporting member that is provided such that a first end of the supporting member is supported by the pedestal and a second end of the supporting member is oriented upwardly; a common image 20 display being supported at a position above the upper surfaces of the gaming machines by the second end side of the supporting member, including a screen with a larger size than that of the image display, and being controlled by the control device; and communication cables for communication between the plurality 25 of gaming machines and the control device. [0008] According to the gaming system, the plurality of gaming machines, the control device and the common image display constitute a single module. This configuration eliminates the 30 necessity of connection of the plurality of gaming machines to the control device through a network, installation of the common image display on a wall, works for preventing the network wirings frombeing exposed to cause disfigurement, and the like, and also eliminates the necessity of works in changing the 35 installation and the layout. Further, the gaming system can 4 be installed even at a place having no walls in the vicinity thereof and a place having a high ceiling. This eliminates the restriction on the place at which the gaming system is installed. 5 Further, since there is no need for installing the common image display on a wall, the change of wall colors due to heat generated from the common image display can be suppressed. (0009] Further, the above-mentioned gaming system desirably has 10 the following configuration. Namely, the control device comprises a processor, and the processor is programmed to execute the processing of (A) executing a normal game in the respective gaming machines connected through the communication cables, (B) determining 15 whether or not to execute a common game which is simultaneously executed in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, (C) determining for each of the gaming machines whether or not a normal game in execution has ended, when determining in the processing (B) that a common game is 20 to be executed, (D) canceling, when determining in the processing (C) that the normal game in execution has ended in any of the gaming machines, start of a new normal game in this gaming machine, (E) determining whether or not the normal game in execution has ended in all the gaming machines connected 25 through the communication cables, (F) executing a common game in all the gaining machines connected through the communication cables, when determining in the processing (E) that the normal game in execution has ended in all the gaming machines, and (G) displaying to the common image display a result of the common 30 game executed in the processing (F). [00101 According to the gaming system, normal games are executed in the respective gaming machines connected to the control device through the communication cables and, when it is 35 determined that a common game which is simultaneously executed 5 in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables is to be executed, start of a new normal game in the respective gaming machines is cancelled. Then, when it is determined that the normal game in execution has ended in all 5 the gaming machines, a common game is executed in all the gaming machines connected through the communication lines. Since riot only a normal game but also a common game, which is simultaneously executed in all the slpt machines connected through the communication cables, is executed, it is possible 10 to cause variations in games, thereby reducing the tendency of games to bore players even when games are executed for a long time. [0011] Further, the above-mentioned gaming system desirably has 15 the following configuration. Namely, each of the gaming machines comprises a controller, and the control device includes a processor, the controller programmed to execute the processing of (a) executing a normal game, the processor programmed to execute 20 the processing of (A) determining whether or not to execute a common game which is simultaneously executed in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, and (B) transmitting a game cancel signal to all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, when determining 25 in the processing (A) that a common game is to be executed, the controller programmed to execute the processing of (b) determining whether or not the game cancel signal has been received from the control device through the communication cable, (c) canceling start of a new normal game, when 30 determining in the processing (b) that the game cancel signal has been received, and (d) transmitting a normal-game-ended signal to the control device through the communication cable, after having executed the processing (c), the processor programmed to execute the processing of (C) determining through 35 the communication cables whether or not the normal-game-ended 6 signal has been received from all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, (D) executing a common game when determining in the processing (C) that the normal-game-ended signal has been received, and (E) displaying 5 to the common image display a result of the common game executed in the processing (D). [0012] According to the gaming system, when the control device determines to execute a common game which is simultaneously 10 executed in all the gaming machines connected thereto through the communication cables, the control device transmits a game cancel signal to all the gaming machines connected thereto through the communication lines. Upon receipt of the game cancel signal, each gaming machine cancels start of a new normal 15 game and transmits a normal-game-ended signal to the control device. Then, the control device executes a common game, when normal-game-ended signal has been received from all the gaming machines. Since not only a normal game but also a common game, which 20 is simultaneously executed in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, is executed, it is possible to cause variations in games, thereby reducing the tendency of games to bore players even when games are executed for a long time. 25 Further, normal games are executed by the respective gaming machines, which can reduce the load on the processor included in the control device. [0013] A second aspect of the present invention provides a gaming 30 system having the following configuration. Namely, the gaming system comprises: a plurality of gaming machines, each including an image display and an input device for input and being capable of executing an independent game; a control device; a single pedestal including a housing 35 space that houses the control device therein, a hollow space 7 provided with an opening which communicates with external air, a bottom surface portion for installing the pedestal on a floor surface, and an installation surface for installing the plurality of gaming machines at positions facing to the bottom 5 surface portion; a supporting member having a flow channel therein that communicates with openings provided at respective ends of the supporting member, the supporting member being provided such that a first end of the supporting member is supported by the pedestal and a second end of the supporting 10 member is oriented upwardly so as to allow the flow channel to communicate through the opening with the hollow space included in the pedestal; a common image display having an internal space inside thereof, having an opening communicated with external air at an upper portion of the internal space, being supported 15 at a position above the upper surfaces of the gaming machines by the second end side of the supporting member so as to allow the internal space to communicate with the flow channel included in the supporting member through the opening provided on the second end side of the supporting member, including a screen 20 with a larger size than that of the image display, and being controlled by the control device; and communication cables for communication between the plurality of gaming machines and the control device. [0014] 25 According to the gaming system, the plurality of gaming machines, the control device and the common image display constitute a single module. This configuration eliminates the necessity of connection of the plurality of gaming machines to the control device through a network, installation of the common 30 image display on a wall, works for preventing the network wirings frombeing exposed to cause disfigurement, and the like, and also eliminates the necessity of works in changing the installation and the layout. Further, the gaming system can be installed even at a place having no walls in the vicinity 35 thereof and a place having a high ceiling. This eliminates the 8 restriction on the place at which the gaming system is installed. Further, since there is no need for installing the common image display on a wall, the change of wall colors due to heat 5 generated from the common image display can be suppressed. Further, the common image display is supported by the supporting member having a flow channel therein that communicates with openings provided at respective ends of the supporting member. Further, the flow channel communicates 10 with the hollow space included in the pedestal and the internal space included in the common image display. The hollow space and the internal space are both provided with openings which communicate with external air. The air within the internal space is heated by heat generated from the common image display, 15 and the heated air is ejected through the openings provided at an upper portion of the internal space, by natural convection. Due to this natural convection, the air flowed into the openings provided in the hollow space included in the pedestal passes through the flow channel included in the supporting member, 20 flows into the internal space included in the common image display, cools the heat-generating common image display, and flows out from the openings provided at an upper portion of the internal space. The airflow caused by this natural convection can suppress the heat generation from the common image display. 25 [0015] A third aspect of the present invention provides a gaming system having the following configuration. Namely, the gaming system comprises: a single pedestal including a hollow space provided with an opening which 30 communicates with external air, a bottom surface portion for installing the pedestal on a floor surface, and an installation surface for installing the plurality of gaming machines at positions facing to the bottom surface portion; a supporting member having a flow channel therein that communicates with 35 openings provided at respective ends of the supporting member, 9 the supporting member being provided such that a first end of the supporting member is supported by the pedestal and a second end of the supporting member is oriented upwardly so as to allow the flow channel to communicate through the opening with the 5 hollow space included in the pedestal; and a common image display having an internal space inside thereof, having an opening communicated with external air at an upper portion of the internal space, and being supported at a position above the upper surfaces of the gaming machines by the second end side 10 of the supporting member in a manner allowing the internal space to communicate with the flow channel included in the supporting member through the opening provided on the second end side of the supporting member. [0016] 15 According to the gaming system, the common image display is supported by the supporting member having a flow channel therein that communicates with openings provided at respective ends of the supporting member. Further, the flow channel communicates with the hollow space included in the pedestal and 20 the internal space included in the common image display. The hollow space and the internal space are both provided with openings which communicate with external air. The air within the internal space is heated by heat generated from the common image display, and the heated air is ejected through the 25 openings provided at an upper portion of the internal space, by natural convection. Due to this natural convection, the air flowed into the openings provided in the hollow space included in the pedestal passes through the flow channel included in the supporting member, flows into the internal space included in 30 the common image display, cools the heat-generating common image display, and flows out from the openings provided at an upper portion of the internal space. The airflow caused by this natural convection can suppress the heat generation from the common image display. 35 [0017] 10 A 4th aspect of the present invention provides a gaming system having the following configuration. Namely, the gaming system comprises: a plurality of gaming machines, each including an image display and an input 5 device for input and being capable of executing an independent game; a control device; a single pedestal including a housing space that houses the control device therein, a bottom surface portion for installing the pedestal on a floor surface, and an installation surface for installing the plurality of gaming 10 machines at positions facing to the bottom surface portion; a supporting member that is provided such that a first end of the supporting member is supported by the pedestal and a second end of the supporting member is oriented upwardly; a common image display having an internal space inside thereof, having 15 openings communicated with external air respectively at an upper portion and a bottom portion of the internal space, being supported at a position above the upper surfaces of the gaming machines by the second end side of the supporting member, including a screen with a larger size than that of the image 20 display, and being controlled by the control device; and communication cables for communication between the plurality of gaming machines and the control device. [0018] According to the gaming system, the plurality of gaming 25 machines, the control device and the common image display constitute a single module. This configuration eliminates the necessity of connection of the plurality of gaming machines to the control device through a network, installation of the common image display on a wall, works for preventing the network 30 wirings frombeing exposed to cause disfigurement, and the like, and also eliminates the necessity of works in changing the installation and the layout. Further, the gaming system can be installed even at a place having no walls in the vicinity thereof and a place having a high ceiling. This eliminates the 35 restriction on the place at which the gaming system is 11 installed. Further, since there is no need for installing the common image display on a wall, the change of wall colors due to heat generated from the common image display can be suppressed. 5 Further, the openings which communicate with external air are respectively provided at the upper portion and the bottom portion of the internal space included in the common image display; therefore, this configuration causes the air within the internal space, which has been heated by the heat-generating 10 common image display, to be ejected from the openings provided at the upper portion of the internal space due to natural convection, and causes external air to flow into the internal space through the openings provided at the bottom portion of the internal space. Due to the airflow caused by this natural 15 convection, the heat-generating common image display can be cooled. [0019] Further, the above-mentioned gaming system desirably has the following configuration. 20 Namely, the control device comprises a processor, and the processor is programmed to execute the processing of (A) executing a normal game in the respective gaming machines connected through the communication cables, (B) determining whether or not to execute a common game which is simultaneously 25 executed in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, (C) determining for each of the gaming machines whether or not a normal game in execution has ended, when determining in the processing (B) that a common game is to be executed, (D) canceling, when determining in the 30 processing (C) that the normal game in execution has ended in any of the gaming machines, start of a new normal game in this gaming machine, (E) determining whether or not the normal game in execution has ended in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, (F) executing a common game 35 in all the gaming machines connected through the communication 12 cables, when determining in the processing (E) that the normal game in execution has ended in all the gaming machines, and (G) displaying to the common image display a result of the common game executed in the processing (F). 5 [0020] According to the gaming system, normal games are executed in the respective gaming machines connected to the control device through the communication cables and, when it is determined that a common game which is simultaneously executed 10 in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables is to be executed, start of a new normal game in the respective gaming machines is cancelled. Then, when it is determined that the normal game in execution has ended in all the gaming machines, a common game is executed in all the gaming 15 machines connected through the communication lines. Since not only a normal game but also a common game, which is simultaneously executed in all the slot machines connected through the communication cables, is executed, it is possible to cause variations in games, thereby reducing the tendency of 20 games to bore players even when games are executed for a long time. [0021] Further, the above-mentioned gaming system desirably has the following configuration. 25 Namely, each of the gaming machines comprises a controller, and the control device includes a processor, the controller programmed to execute the processing of (a) executing a normal game, the processor programmed to execute the processing of (A) determining whether or not to execute a 30 common game which is simultaneously executed in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, and (B) transmitting a game cancel signal to all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, when determining in the processing (A) that a common game is to be executed, the 35 controller programmed to execute the processing of (b) 13 determining whether or not the game cancel signal has been received from the control device through the communication cable, (c) canceling start of a new normal game, when determining in the processing (b) that the game cancel signal 5 has been received, and (d) transmitting a normal-game-ended signal to the control device through the communication cable, after having executed the processing (c), the processor programmed to execute the processing of (C) determining through the communication cables whether or not the normal-game-ended 10 signal has been received from all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, (D) executing a common game when determining in the processing (C) that the normal-game-ended signal has been received, and (E) displaying to the common image display a result of the common game executed 15 in the processing (D). [0022] According to the gaming system, when the control device determines to execute a common game which is simultaneously executed in all the gaming machines connected thereto through 20 the communication cables, the control device transmits a game cancel signal to all the gaming machines connected thereto through the communication lines. Upon receipt of the game cancel signal, each gaming machine cancels start of a new normal game and transmits a normal-game-ended signal to the control 25 device. Then, the control device executes a common game, when normal-game-ended signal has been received from all the gaming machines. Since not only a normal game but also a common game, which is simultaneously executed in all the gaming machines connected 30 through the communication cables, is executed, it is possible to cause variations in games, thereby reducing the tendency of games to bore players even when games are executed for a long time. Further, normal games are executed by the respective 35 gaming machines, which can reduce the load on the processor 14 included in the control device. [0023] A 5th aspect of the present invention provides a gaming system having the following configuration. 5 Namely, the gaming system comprises: a plurality of gaming machines, each including an image display and an input device for input and being capable of executing an independent game; a control device; a single pedestal including a housing space that houses the control device therein, a hollow space 10 provided with an opening which communicates with external air, a bottom surface portion for installing the pedestal on a floor surface, and an installation surface for installing the plurality of gaming machines at positions facing to the bottom surface portion; a supporting member having a flow channel 15 therein that communicates with openings provided at respective ends of the supporting member, the supporting member being provided such that a first end of the supporting member is supported by the pedestal and a second end of the supporting member is oriented upwardly so as to allow the flow channel to 20 communicate through the opening with the hollow space included in the pedestal; a common image display having an internal space inside thereof, having an opening communicated with external air at an upper portion of the internal space, having an opening at a bottom portion of the internal space, being supported at 25 a position above the upper surfaces of the gaming machines by the second end side of the supporting member so as to allow the internal space to communicate with the flow channel included in the supporting member through the opening provided at the bottom portion of the internal space and the opening provided 30 on the second end side of the supporting member, including a screen with a larger size than that of the image display, and being controlled by the control device; and communication cables for communication between the plurality of gaming machines and the control device. 35 [0024] 15 According to the gaming system, the plurality of gaming machines, the control device and the common image display constitute a single module. This configuration eliminates the necessity of connection of the plurality of gaming machines to 5 the control device through a network, installation of the common image display on a wall, works for preventing the network wirings frombeing exposed to cause disfigurement, and the like, and also eliminates the necessity of works in changing the installation and the layout. Further, the gaming system can 10 be installed even at a place having no walls in the vicinity thereof and a place having a high ceiling. This eliminates the restriction on the place at which the gaming system is installed. Further, since there is no need for installing the common 15 image display on a wall, the change of wall colors due to heat generated from the common image display can be suppressed. Further, the common image display is supported by the supporting member having a flow channel therein that communicates with openings provided at respective ends of the 20 supporting member. Further, the flow channel communicates with the hollow space included in the pedestal. Moreover, the flow channel included in the supporting member is communicated with the internal space included in the common image display, through the opening provided at the bottom portion of the 25 internal space included in the common image display and the opening provided in the supporting member. The air within the internal space is heated by heat generated from the common image display, and the heated air is ejected through the openings provided at an upper portion of 30 the internal space, by natural convection. Due to this natural convection, the air flowed into the openings provided in the hollow space included in the pedestal passes through the flow channel included in the supporting member, flows into the internal space included in the common image display through the 35 opening provided at the bottom portion of the internal space, 16 cools the heat-generating common image display, and flows out from the openings provided at an upper portion of the internal space. The airflow caused by this natural convection can suppress the heat generation from the common image display. 5 Also, due to the provision of the opening at the bottom portion of the internal space, it is possible to efficiently suppress the heat generation from the common image display. [0025] Further, the gaming system desirably has the following 10 configuration. Namely, a control board controlling the common image display is provided within the internal space included in the common image display, and a CPU housing member is provided so as to cover a CPU included in this control board, and the CPU 15 housing member has an opening at an upper portion and a bottom portion thereof, and a CPU fan is provided within the CPU housing member. [0026] According to the gaming system, the CPU housing member 20 is provided so as to cover the CPU included in the control board provided within the internal space. The CPU housing member has openings provided at the upper portion and the bottom portion thereof, and the CPU fan is provided within the CPU housing member. Accordingly, the rotating CPU fan can forcibly 25 circulate air. Further, since the CPU fan is provided within the CPU housing member provided so as to cover the CPU, it is possible to efficiently cool the CPU that is one of the main causes of the heat generation from the common image display. [0027] 30 Further, the gaming system desirably has the following configuration. Namely, a fan that transfers air upwardly is provided within said flow channel included in said supporting member. [0028] 35 According to the gaming system, since the fan that 17 transfers air upwardly is provided within the flow channel included in the supporting member, it is possible to forcibly transfer the air upwardly, the air having flowed into the openings provided in the hollow space included in the pedestal. 5 This can efficiently suppress the heat generation from the common image display. [0029] A 6th aspect of the present invention provides a gaming system having the following configuration. 10 Namely, the gaming system comprises: a plurality of gaming machines, each including an image display and an input device for input and being capable of executing an independent game; a control device; a single pedestal including a housing space that houses the control device therein, a bottom surface 15 portion for installing the pedestal on a floor surface, a leg portion provided at the bottom surface of the bottom surface portion for supporting the bottom surface portion at a position where the bottom surface portion floats from the floor surface, an installation surface for installing the plurality of gaming 20 machines at positions facing to the bottom surface portion, and a hollow space that communicates with external air through an opening provided in the bottom surface portion; a supporting member having a flow channel communicated with an opening provided at each end, and being provided such that a first end 25 of the supporting member is supported by the pedestal and a second end of the supporting member is oriented upwardly so as to allow the flow channel to communicate with the hollow space included in the pedestal through the opening; a common image display being supported at a position above the upper surfaces 30 of the gaming machines by the second end side of the supporting member, including a screen with a larger size than that of the image display, and being controlled by the control device; and communication cables for communication between the plurality of gaming machines and the control device, wherein the common 35 image display has an internal space provided inside thereof, 18 the internal space is provided with an opening communicated with external air at the upper portion and/or the back surface thereof, and the bottom portion of the internal space is provided with an opening which receives the supporting member, 5 the internal space is provided with a control board which controls the common image display, and a board housing member is provided so as to cover the control board, and the board housing member has a CPU fan inside thereof, the board housing member has an opening provided at the upper portion and the 10 bottom portion thereof, and the space within the board housing member is communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting member through the opening provided at the bottom portion of the board housing member and the opening provided on the second end side of the supporting member. 15 [0030] According to the gaming system, the plurality of gaming machines, the control device and the common image display constitute a single module. This configuration eliminates the necessity of connection of the plurality of gaming machines to 20 the control device through a network, installation of the common image display on a wall, works for preventing the network wirings frombeing exposed to cause disfigurement, and the like, and also eliminates the necessity of works in changing the installation and the layout. Further, the gaming system can 25 be installed even at a place having no walls in the vicinity thereof and a place having a high ceiling. This eliminates the restriction on the place at which the gaming system is installed. Further, since there is no need for installing the common 30 image display on a wall, the change of wall colors due to heat generated from the common image display can be suppressed. Further, the common image display has the board housing member provided in such a way as to cover the control board provided in the internal space, and the board housing member 35 has an opening at the upper portion and the bottom portion 19 thereof. The common image display is supported by the supporting member having a flow channel therein that communicates with the openings provided at the respective ends of the supporting member. Further, the flow channel is 5 communicated with the hollow space included in the pedestal. Furthermore, the flow channel included in the supporting member is communicated with the space within the board housing member included in the common image display, through the opening provided at the bottom portion of the board housing member 10 included in the common image display and the opening provided in the supporting member. The air within the internal space is heated by heat generated from the common image display, and the heated air is ejected through the openings provided at the upper portion 15 and/or the back surface of the internal space, by natural convection. Due to this natural convection, the air flowed into the openings provided in the hollow space included in the pedestal passes through the flow channel included in the supporting member, flows into the board housing member included 20 in the common image display through the opening provided at the bottom portion of the board housing member, and cools the heat-generating control board. Then, the air is ejected to the internal space through the openings provided at the upper portion of the board housing member and then is ejected 25 therefrom through the openings provided at the upper portion and/or the back surface of the internal space. The airflow caused by this natural convection can suppress the heat generation from the common image display. As described above, the flow channel included in the supporting member is 30 communicated with the space within the board housing member included in the common image display, which can efficiently cool the control board. Further, the CPU fan is provided within the board housing member. Accordingly, the rotating CPU fan can forcibly 35 circulate the air. Furthermore, since the CPU fan is provided 20 within the board housing member, it is possible to efficiently cool the control board, which is one of the main causes of the heat generation from the common image display. Moreover, the bottom surface portion is supported by the 5 leg portions provided on the bottom surface of the bottom surface portion of the pedestal at a state where the bottom surface portion is floated from the floor surface, which can cause air around the floor surface, on which cold air remains, to flow into the hollow space through the openings provided at 10 the bottom surface portion. [0031] Further, the above-mentioned gaming system desirably has the following configuration. Namely, an inner wall surface of the opening provided at 15 the bottom portion of the board housing member is provided thereon with a sealing member for having this inner wall surface intimately attached to the outer wall surface of the opening provided on the second end side of the supporting member, and the sealing member allows the space within the board housing 20 member to communicate with the flow channel included in the supporting member, with no gap interposed therebetween. [0032] According to the gaming system, the sealing member allows the space within the board housing member to communicate with 25 the flow channel included in the supporting member, with no gap interposed therebetween. Therefore, the air flowed into the openings provided in the hollow space included in the pedestal surely flows into the space within the board housing member through the flow channel included in the supporting member, 30 thereby more efficiently cooling the control board. [0033] Further, the gaming system desirably has the following configuration. Namely, the gaming system further comprises: a 35 common-image-display power supply cable that supplies electric 21 power to the common image display; and a common-image-display communication cable for communication between the control device and the common image display, wherein the common-image-display power supply cable and the 5 common-image-display communication cable are introduced into the board housing member, through the flow channel included in the supporting member. [0034] According to the gaming system, the common-image-display 10 power supply cable and the common-image-display communication cable are introduced into the board housing member, through the flow channel included in the supporting member. This can prevent disfigurement due to exposure of wirings. Further, the air flowed into the opening provided in the hollow space 15 included in the pedestal can cool the heat-generating power supply cable. [0035] Further, the gaming system desirably has the following configuration. 20 Namely, a fan that transfers air upwardly is provided within said flow channel included in said supporting member. [0036] According to the gaming system, since the fan that transfers air upwardly is provided within the flow channel 25 included in the supporting member, it is possible to forcibly transfer the air upwardly, the air having flowed into the openings provided in the hollow space included in the pedestal. This can efficiently suppress the heat generation from the common image display. 30 [0037] Further, the above-mentioned gaming system desirably has the following configuration. Namely, the control device comprises a processor, and the processor is programmed to execute the processing of (A) 35 executing a normal game in the respective gaming machines 22 connected through the communication cables, (B) determining whether or not to execute a common game which is simultaneously executed in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, (C) determining for each of the gaming 5 machines whether or not a normal game in execution has ended, when determining in the processing (B) that a common game is to be executed, (D) canceling, when determining in the processing (C) that the normal game in execution has ended in any of the gaming machines, start of a new normal game in this 10 gaming machine, (E) determining whether or not the normal game in execution has ended in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, (F) executing a common game in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, when determining in the processing (E) that the normal 15 game in execution has ended in all the gaming machines, and (G) displaying to the common image display a result of the common game executed in the processing (F). [0038] According to the gaming system, normal games are executed 20 in the respective gaming machines connected to the control device through the communication cables and, when it is determined that a common game which is simultaneously executed in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables is to be executed, start of a new normal game in the 25 respective gaming machines is cancelled. Then, when it is determined that the normal game in execution has ended in all the gaming machines, a common game is executed in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables. Since not only a normal game but also a common game, which 30 is simultaneously executed in all the slot machines connected through the communication cables, is executed, it is possible to cause variations in games, thereby reducing the tendency of games to bore players even when games are executed for a long time. 35 [0039] 23 Further, the above-mentioned gaming system desirably has the following configuration. Namely, each of the gaming machines comprises a controller, and the control device includes a processor, the 5 controller programmed to execute the processing of (a) executing a normal game, the processor programmed to execute the processing of (A) determining whether or not to execute a common game which is simultaneously executed in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, and (B) 10 transmitting a game cancel signal to all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, when determining in the processing (A) that a common game is to be executed, the controller programmed to execute the processing of (b) determining whether or not the game cancel signal has been 15 received from the control device through the communication cable, (c) canceling start of a new normal game, when determining in the processing (b) that the game cancel signal has been received, and (d) transmitting a normal-game-ended signal to the control device through the communication cable, 20 after having executed the processing (c), the processor programmed to execute the processing of (C) determining through the communication cables whether or not the normal-game-ended signal has been received from all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, (D) executing a common game 25 when determining in the processing (C) that the normal-game-ended signal has been received, and (E) displaying to the common image display a result of the common game executed in the processing (D). [0040] 30 According to the gaming system, when the control device determines to execute a common game which is simultaneously executed in all the gaming machines connected thereto through the communication cables, the control device transmits a game cancel signal to all the gaming machines connected thereto 35 through the communication cables. Upon receipt of the game 24 cancel signal, each gaming machine cancels start of a new normal game and transmits a normal-game-ended signal to the control device. Then, the control device executes a common game, when normal-game-ended signal has been received from all the gaming 5 machines. Since not only a normal game but also a common game, which is simultaneously executed in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, is executed, it is possible to cause variations in games, thereby reducing the tendency of 10 games to bore players even when games are executed for a long time. Further, normal games are executed by the respective gaming machines, which can reduce the load on the processor included in the control device. 15 [0041] A 7th aspect of the present invention provides a gaming system having the following configuration. Namely, the gaming system comprises: a plurality of gaming machines, each including an image display and an input 20 device for input and being capable of executing an independent game; a control device; a single pedestal including a housing space that houses the control device therein, a bottom surface portion for installing the pedestal on a floor surface, and an installation surface for installing the plurality of gaming 25 machines at positions facing to the bottom surface portion; a supporting member that is provided such that a first end of the supporting member is supported by the pedestal and a second end of the supporting member is oriented upwardly; a common image display being supported at a position above the upper surfaces 30 of the gaming machines by the second end side of the supporting member, including a screen with a larger size than that of the image display, and being controlled by the control device; a secondary supporting member that is provided in the common image display and formed so as to extend toward the side of the common 35 image display; a display board secured by a holding member 25 provided in the secondary supporting member so as to be positioned on the side of the common image display; and communication cables for communication between the plurality of gaming machines and the control device. 5 [00421 According to the gaming system, the plurality of gaming machines, the control device and the common image display constitute a single module. This configuration eliminates the necessity of connection of the plurality of gaming machines to 10 the control device through a network, installation of the common image display on a wall, works for preventing the network wirings from being exposed to cause disfigurement, and the like, and also eliminates the necessity of works in changing the installation and the layout. Further, the gaming system can 15 be installed even at a place having no walls in the vicinity thereof and a place having a high ceiling. This eliminates the restriction on the place at which the gaming system is installed. Further, since there is no need for installing the common 20 image display on a wall, the change of wall colors due to heat generated from the common image display can be suppressed. Further, the secondary supporting member formed so as to extend toward the side of the common image display is provided in the common image display, and the display board is secured 25 by the holding member provided. in the secondary supporting member so as to be positioned on the side of the common image display. Accordingly, even when the plurality of gaming machines, the common image display and the control device constitute a single module, it is possible to provide places 30 at which the display boards, such as decoration panels conventionally provided in gaming machines, are installed. [0043] Further, the above-mentioned gaming system desirably has the following configuration. 35 Namely, the display board is removably secured by the 26 holding member. [0044] According to the gaming system, the display board is removably secured by the holding member. Therefore, 5 replacement of the display board is facilitated. [0045] A 8th aspect of the present invention provides a gaming system having the following configuration. Namely, the gaming system comprises: a plurality of 10 gaming machines, each including an image display and an input device for input and being capable of executing an independent game; a control device; a single pedestal including a housing space that houses the control device therein, a bottom surface portion for installing the pedestal on a floor surface, and an 15 installation surface for installing the plurality of gaming machines at positions facing to the bottom surface portion; a supporting member that is provided such that a first end of the supporting member is supported by the pedestal and a second end of the supporting member is oriented upwardly; a common image 20 display being supported at a position above the upper surfaces of the gaming machines by the second end side of the supporting member, including a screen with a larger size than that of the image display, and being controlled by the control device; a secondary supporting member that is provided in the common image 25 display and formed so as to extend toward the side of the common image display; a common compact image display, which is secured by a holding member provided in the secondary supporting member so as to be positioned on the side of the common image display, and has a screen with a size smaller than that of a screen 30 included in the common image display; and communication cables for communication between the plurality of gaming machines and the control device. [0046] According to the gaming system, the plurality of gaming 35 machines, the control device and the common image display 27 constitute a single module. This configuration eliminates the necessity of connection of the plurality of gaming machines to the control device through a network, installation of the common image display on a wall, works for preventing the network 5 wirings frombeing exposed to cause disfigurement, and the like, and also eliminates the necessity of works in changing the installation and the layout. Further, the gaming system can be installed even at a place having no walls in the vicinity thereof and a place having a high ceiling. This eliminates the 10 restriction on the place at which the gaming system is installed. Further, since there is no need for installing the common image display on a wall, the change of wall colors due to heat generated from the common image display can be suppressed. 15 Further, the secondary supporting member formed so as to extend toward the side of the common image display is provided in the common image display, and the common compact image display is secured by the holding member provided in the secondary supporting member so as to be positioned on the side 20 of the common image display. Accordingly, for example, displaying images, which introduce the game contents and explain game rules, to the common compact image display enables provision of a variety of information to the player. [0047] 25 Further, the gaming system desirably has the following configuration. Namely, the gaming system further comprises: a common-compact-image-display power supply cable that supplies electric power to the common compact image display; and a 30 common-compact-image-display communication cable for communication between the control device and the common compact image display, wherein the supporting member has a flow channel therein that communicates with openings provided at the respective ends of the supporting member, and the flow channel 35 is communicated with the housing space included in the pedestal 28 through the opening, the common image display has an internal space inside thereof, and the internal space is communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting member through the opening provided on the second end side of the supporting 5 member, the secondary supporting member has, inside thereof, a secondary flow channel extending from a common-image-display side opening provided on a surface that contacts with the common image display to at least a holding-member side opening provided at the periphery of the holding member, and the secondary flow 10 channel is communicated with the internal space included in the common image display through the common-image-display side opening, the common compact image display is controlled by the control device, and the common-compact-image-display power supply cable and the common-compact-image-display 15 communication cable are introduced into the common compact image display through the flow channel included in the supporting member and through the secondary flow channel included in the secondary supporting member. [0048] 20 According to the gaming system, the common image display is supported by the supporting member having a flow channel therein that communicates with openings provided at the respective ends of the supporting member. Further, the flow channel is communicated with the housing space included in the 25 pedestal and the internal space included in the common image display. Further, the secondary supporting member has, inside thereof, the secondary flow channel extending from the common-image-display side opening provided on a surface that contacts with the common image display to at least the 30 holding-member side opening provided at the periphery of the holding member, and the secondary flow channel is communicated with the internal space included in the common image display through the common-image-display side opening. Furthermore, the common-compact-image-display power supply cable and the 35 common-compact-image-display communication cable are 29 introduced into the common compact image display through the flow channel included in the supporting member and through the secondary flow channel included in the secondary supporting member. This can prevent disfigurement due to exposure of 5 wirings. [0049) A 9th aspect of the present invention provides a gaming system having the following configuration. Namely, the gaming system comprises: a plurality of 10 gaming machines, each including an image display and an input device for input and being capable of executing an independent game; a control device; a single pedestal including a housing space that houses the control device therein, a bottom surface portion for installing the pedestal on a floor surface, and an 15 installation surface for installing the plurality of gaming machines at positions facing to the bottom surface portion; a supporting member that is provided such that a first end of the supporting member is supported by the pedestal and a second end of the supporting member is oriented upwardly; a common image 20 display being supported at a position above the upper surfaces of the gaming machines by the second end side of the supporting member, including a screen with a larger size than that of the image display, and being controlled by the control device; a secondary supporting member, which is provided in the common 25 image display and formed so as to be positioned on the side of the common image display; a transparent resin board, which is secured by a holding member provided in the secondary supporting member so as to be positioned on the side of the common image display, and has a size smaller than that of a screen included 30 in the common image display; and communication cables for communication between the plurality of gaming machines and the control device. [0050] According to the gaming system, the plurality of gaming 35 machines, the control device and the common image display 30 constitute a single module. This configuration eliminates the necessity of connection of the plurality of gaming machines to the control device through a network, installation of the common image display on a wall, works for preventing the network 5 wirings from being exposed to cause disfigurement, and the like, and also eliminates the necessity of works in changing the installation and the layout. Further, the gaming system can be installed even at a place having no walls in the vicinity thereof and a place having a high ceiling. This eliminates the 10 restriction on the place at which the gaming system is installed. Further, since there is no need for installing the common image display on a wall, the change of wall colors due to heat generated from the common image display can be suppressed. 15 Further, the secondary supporting member formed so as to extend toward the side of the common image display is provided in the common image display, and the transparent resin board is secured by the holding member provided in the secondary supporting member so as to be positioned on the side of the common 20 image display. Accordingly, for example, drawing pictures relating to introduction of the game contents, the game and the like on the surface of the transparent resin board enables provision of a variety of information to the players. [0051] 25 Further, the gaming system desirably has the following configuration. Namely, the gaming system further comprises: a light-source-control-device power supply cable that supplies electric power to a light source control device included in the 30 secondary supporting member, wherein the secondary supporting member has a light source introducing light into the inside of the transparent resin board, and the light source control device controlling the light source, the supporting member has a flow channel therein that communicates with openings provided at the 35 respective ends of the supporting member, and the flow channel 31 is communicated with the housing space included in the pedestal through the opening, the common image display has an internal space inside thereof, and the internal space is communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting member through 5 the opening provided on the second end side of the supporting member, the secondary supporting member has, inside thereof, a secondary flow channel extending from a common-image-display side opening provided on a surface that contacts with the common image display to at least a holding-member side opening provided 10 at the periphery of the holding member, and the secondary flow channel is communicated with the internal space included in the common image display through the common-image-display side opening, and the light-source-control-device power supply cable is introduced into the light source control device through 15 the flow channel included in the supporting member and the secondary flow channel included in the secondary supporting member. [00521 According to the gaming system, since the secondary 20 supporting member has the light source that introduces light into the inside of the transparent resin board, light can be introduced into the inside of the transparent resin board. Also, the common image display is supported by the supporting member having a flow channel therein that 25 communicates with openings provided at the respective ends of the supporting member. Further, the flow channel is communicated with the housing space included in the pedestal and the internal space included in the common image display. Further, the secondary supporting member has, inside thereof, 30 the secondary flow channel extending from the common-image-display side opening provided on a surface that contacts with the common image display to at least the holding-member side opening provided at the periphery of the holding member, and the secondary flow channel is communicated 35 with the internal space included in the common image display 32 through the common-image-display side opening. Furthermore, the light-source-control power supply cable that supplies electric light to the light source control device is introduced into the light source control device through the flow channel 5 included in the supporting member and through the secondary flow channel included in the secondary supporting member. This can prevent disfigurement due to exposure of wirings. [0053] Further, the above-mentioned gaming system desirably has 10 the following configuration. Namely, the control device comprises a processor, and the processor is programmed to execute the processing of (A) executing a normal game in the respective gaming machines connected through the communication cables, (B) determining 15 whether or not to execute a common game which is simultaneously executed in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, (C) determining for each of the gaming machines whether or not a normal game in execution has ended, when determining in the processing (B) that a common game is 20 to be executed, (D) canceling, when determining in the processing (C) that the normal game in execution has ended in any of the gaming machines, start of a new normal game in this gaming machine, (E) determining whether or not the normal game in execution has ended in all the gaming machines connected 25 through the communication cables, (F) executing a common game in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, when determining in the processing (E) that the normal game in execution has ended in all the gaming machines, and (G) displaying to the common image display a result of the common 30 game executed in the processing (F). [0054] According to the gaming system, normal games are executed in the respective gaming machines connected to the control device through the communication cables and, when it is 35 determined that a common game which is simultaneously executed 33 in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables is to be executed, start of a new normal game in the respective gaming machines is cancelled. Then, when it is determined that the normal game in execution has ended in all 5 the gaming machines, a common game is executed in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables. Since not only a normal game but also a common game, which is simultaneously executed in all the slot machines connected through the communication cables, is executed, it is possible 10 to cause variations in games, thereby reducing the tendency of games to bore players even when games are executed for a long time. [0055] Further, the above-mentioned gaming system desirably has 15 the following configuration. Namely, each of the gaming machines comprises a controller, and the control device includes a processor, the controller programmed to execute the processing of (a) executing a normal game, the processor programmed to execute 20 the processing of (A) determining whether or not to execute a common game which is simultaneously executed in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, and (B) transmitting a game cancel signal to all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, when determining 25 in the processing (A) that a common game is to be executed, the controller programmed to execute the processing of (b) determining whether or not the game cancel signal has been received from the control device through the communication cable, (c) canceling start of a new normal game, when 30 determining in the processing (b) that the game cancel signal has been received, and (d) transmitting a normal-game-ended signal to the control device through the communication cable, after having executed the processing (c) , the processor programmed to execute the processing of (C) determining through 35 the communication cables whether or not the normal-game-ended 34 signal has been received from all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, (D) executing a common game when determining in the processing (C) that the normal-game-ended signal has been received, and (E) displaying 5 to the common image display a result of the common game executed in the processing (D). [0056] According to the gaming system, when the control device determines to execute a common game which is simultaneously 10 executed in all the gaming machines connected thereto through the communication cables, the control device transmits a game cancel signal to all the gaming machines connected thereto through the communication cables. Upon receipt of the game cancel signal, each gaming machine cancels start of a new normal 15 game and transmits a normal-game-ended signal to the control device. Then, the control device executes a common game, when normal-game-ended signal has been received from all the gaming machines. Since not only a normal game but also a common game, which 20 is simultaneously executed in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, is executed, it is possible to cause variations in games, thereby reducing the tendency of games to bore players even when games are executed for a long time. 25 Further, normal games are executed by the respective gaming machines, which can reduce the load on the processor included in the control device. [0057] A 10th aspect of the present invention provides a gaming 30 system having the following configuration. Namely, the gaming system comprises: a plurality of gaming machines, each including an image display provided with a flat display panel portion therein and an input device for input and being capable of executing an independent game; a 35 control device; a single pedestal including a housing space that 35 houses the control device therein, a bottom surface portion for installing the pedestal on a floor surface, and an installation surface for installing the plurality of gaming machines at positions facing to the bottom surface portion; a supporting 5 member that is provided such that a first end of the supporting member is supported by the pedestal and a second end of the supporting member is oriented upwardly; a common image display having a common-image-display cabinet provided with an opening over substantially the entire front surface thereof, and a 10 common flat display panel portion that is provided in the opening and has a size larger than that of the flat display panel portion, allowing the common flat display panel portion to rotate upwardly and downwardly with respect to the floor surface with a hinge as a shaft by having an upper end of the common 15 flat display panel portion mounted on an upper end of a front surface of the common-image-display cabinet via the hinge, being supported at a position above the upper surfaces of the gaming machines by the second end side of the supporting member, and being controlled by the control device; and communication 20 cables for communication between the plurality of gaming machines and the control device. [0058] According to the gaming system, the plurality of gaming machines, the control device and the common image display 25 constitute a single module. This configuration eliminates the necessity of connection of the plurality of gaming machines to the control device through a network, installation of the common image display on a wall, works for preventing the network wirings frombeing exposed to cause disfigurement, and the like, 30 and also eliminates the necessity of works in changing the installation and the layout. Further, the gaming system can be installed even at a place having no walls in the vicinity thereof and a place having a high ceiling. This eliminates the restriction on the place at which the gaming system is 35 installed.
36 Further, since there is no need for installing the common image display on a wall, the change of wall colors due to heat generated from the common image display can be suppressed. Further, the upper end of the common flat display panel 5 portion is mounted on the upper end of the front surface of the common-image-display cabinet via the hinge and, therefore, the common flat display panel portion can rotate upwardly and downwardly with respect to the floor surface, with the hinge as a shaft. Since the common flat display panel portion can 10 rotate upwardly with respect to the floor surface, it is possible to perform maintenance of the common image display in front of the common image display, thereby facilitating maintenance of the common image display. [0059] 15 Further, the above-mentioned gaming system desirably has the following configuration. Namely, the common-image-display cabinet comprises a holding bar that is provided rotatablly in a forward direction of the common-image-display cabinet, with a first end of the 20 holding bar as the center, in such a way that the holding bar projects forward from the common-image-display cabinet, and the common flat display panel portion is provided, in the back surface thereof, with an engagement depressed portion with which a second end of the holding bar is engaged, so that the 25 common flat display panel portion is held at rest after being rotated upwardly or downwardly with respect to the floor surface with the hinge as a shaft. [0060] According to the gaming system, the common-image-display 30 cabinet includes a holding bar provided rotatably in the forward direction with the first end of the holding bar as the center, in such a way that the holding bar projects forward from the common-image-display cabinet, and the engagement depressed portion provided in the back surface of the common flat display 35 panel portion is engaged with the second end of the holding bar, 37 so that the common flat display panel portion can be held at rest after being rotated upwardly or downwardly with respect to the floor surface with the hinge as a shaft. [0061] 5 Further, the above-mentioned gaming system desirably has the following configuration. Namely, the control device comprises a processor, and the processor is programmed to execute the processing of (A) executing a normal game in the respective gaming machines 10 connected through the communication cables, (B) determining whether or not to execute a common game which is simultaneously executed in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, (C) determining for each of the gaming machines whether or not a normal game in execution has ended, 15 when determining in the processing (B) that a common game is to be executed, (D) canceling, when determining in the processing (C) that the normal game in execution has ended in any of the gaming machines, start of a new normal game in this gaming machine, (E) determining whether or not the normal game 20 in execution has ended in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, (F) executing a common game in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, when determining in the processing (E) that the normal game in execution has ended in all the gaming machines, and (G) 25 displaying to the common image display a result of the common game executed in the processing (F). (0062] According to the gaming system, normal games are executed in the respective gaming machines connected to the control 30 device through the communication cables and, when it is determined that a common game which is simultaneously executed in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables is to be executed, start of a new normal game in the respective gaming machines is cancelled. Then, when it is 35 determined that the normal game in execution has ended in all 38 the gaming machines, a common game is executed in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables. Since not only a normal game but also a common game, which is simultaneously executed in all the slot machines connected 5 through the communication cables, is executed, it is possible to cause variations in games, thereby reducing the tendency of games to bore players even when games are executed for a long time. [0063] 10 Further, the above-mentioned gaming system desirably has the following configuration. Namely, each of the gaming machines comprises a controller, and the control device includes a processor, the controller programmed to execute the processing of (a) 15 executing a normal game, the processor programmed to execute the processing of (A) determining whether or not to execute a common game which is simultaneously executed in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, and (B) transmitting a game cancel signal to all the gaming machines 20 connected through the communication cables, when determining in the processing (A) that a common game is to be executed, the controller programmed to execute the processing of (b) determining whether or not the game cancel signal has been received from the control device through the communication 25 cable, (c) canceling start of a new normal game, when determining in the processing (b) that the game cancel signal has been received, and (d) transmitting a normal-game-ended signal to the control device through the communication cable, after having executed the processing (c) , the processor 30 programmed to execute the processing of (C) determining through the communication cables whether or not the normal-game-ended signal has been received from all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, (D) executing a common game when determining in the processing (C) that the 35 normal-game-ended signal has been received, and (E) displaying 39 to the common image display a result of the common game executed in the processing (D). [0064] According to the gaming system, when the control device 5 determines to execute a common game which is simultaneously executed in all the gaming machines connected thereto through the communication cables, the control device transmits a game cancel signal to all the gaming machines connected thereto through the communication cables. Upon receipt of the game 10 cancel signal, each gaming machine cancels start of a new normal game and transmits a normal-game-ended signal to the control device. Then, the control device executes a common game, when normal-game-ended signal has been received from all the gaming machines. 15 Since not only a normal game but also a common game, which is simultaneously executed in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, is executed, it is possible to cause variations in games, thereby reducing the tendency of games to bore players even when games are executed for a long 20 time. Further, normal games are executed by the respective gaming machines, which can reduce the load on the processor included in the control device. 25 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state where a common image display, supporting members and a pedestal according to an embodiment are being coupled to one 30 another. Fig. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a gaming system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating 35 a state where slot machines are removed from the gaming system 40 illustrated in Fig. 2. Fig. 4A is a perspective view schematically illustrating the pedestal included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 2. 5 Fig. 4B is a perspective view schematically illustrating the state of the inside of the pedestal included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 2. Fig. SA is a perspective view schematically illustrating a supporting member included in the gaming system illustrated 10 in Fig. 2. Fig. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the supporting member illustrated in Fig. 5A, taken along the line A-A. Fig. 6A is a perspective view schematically illustrating the common image display included in the gaming system 15 illustrated in Fig. 2. Fig. 6B is a perspective view schematically illustrating a bottom surface of the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 2. Fig. 6C is a perspective view schematically illustrating 20 aback surface of the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 2. Fig. 7 is a perspective view schematically showing the slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 25 Fig. 8 is a view illustrating an exemplary image displayed to the lower image display panel. Fig. 9 is a view illustrating symbols which are displayed in respective display blocks, and the code Nos. of the respective symbols. 30 Fig. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the slot machine illustrated in Fig. 7. Fig. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a control device provided in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 2. 35 Fig. 12 is a flowchart illustrating procedure of 41 activation processing executed in the slot machines. Fig. L3 is a view illustrating peripheral device initialization processing executed in the slot machines. Fig. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of 5 activation processing executed in the control device. Fig. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of main processing which is executed in the slot machines. Fig. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of normal-game execution processing executed by the slot machines. 10 Fig. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of symbol determination processing executed in the slot machines. Fig. 18 is a view illustrating the relationship between a plurality of types of prizes and numbers of payouts. Fig. 19A is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of game 15 execution processing executed in the control device. Fig. 19B is a flowchart illustrating the subroutine of the game execution processing executed in the control device. Fig. 20 is a view illustrating an exemplary display screen displayed to the common image display included in the gaming 20 system illustrated in Fig. 2. Fig. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of common-game execution processing executed in the slot machines. Fig. 22A is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of common-game execution processing executed in the control 25 device. Fig. 22B is a flowchart illustrating the subroutine of the common-game execution processing executed in the control device. Fig. 23A is a view illustrating an exemplary display 30 screen displayed to the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 2. Fig. 23B is a view illustrating an exemplary display screen displayed to the common image display. Fig. 23C is a view illustrating an exemplary display 35 screen displayed to the common image display.
42 Fig. 23D is a view illustrating an exemplary display screen displayed to the common image display. Fig. 24 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state where a common image display, supporting members and 5 a pedestal according to a second embodiment are being coupled to one another. Fig. 25 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a gaming system according to the second embodiment. Fig. 26 is a perspective view schematically illustrating 10 a state where slot machines are removed from the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 25. Fig. 27A is a perspective view schematically illustrating the pedestal included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 25. 15 Fig. 27B is a perspective view schematically illustrating the state of the inside of the pedestal included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 25. Fig. 28A is a perspective view schematically illustrating a supporting member included in the gaming system illustrated 20 in Fig. 25. Fig. 28B is a cross-sectional view of the supporting member illustrated in Fig. 28A, taken along the line A-A. Fig. 28C is a cross-sectional view of the supporting member illustrated in Fig. 28A, taken along the line B-B. 25 Fig. 29Ais a perspective view schematically illustrating the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 25. Fig. 29B is a perspective view schematically illustrating a bottom surface of the common image display included in the 30 gaming system illustrated in Fig. 25. Fig. 29C is a perspective view schematically illustrating a back surface of the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 25. Fig. 29D is a perspective view schematically illustrating 35 a common-image-display-panel control board included in the 43 common image display provided in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 25. Fig. 30 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state where a common image display, supporting members and 5 a pedestal according to a third embodiment are being coupled to one another. Fig. 31 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a gaming system according to the third embodiment. Fig. 32 is a perspective view schematically illustrating 10 a state where slot machines are removed from the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 31. Fig. 33Ais aperspective view schematically illustrating the pedestal included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 31. 15 Fig. 33B is a perspective view schematically illustrating the state of the inside of the pedestal included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 31. Fig. 34Ais aperspective view schematically illustrating a supporting member included in the gaming system illustrated 20 in Fig. 31. Fig. 34B is a cross-sectional view of the supporting member illustrated in Fig. 34A, taken along the line A-A. Fig. 34C is a cross-sectional view of the supporting member illustrated in Fig. 34A, taken along the line B-B. 25 Fig. 35A is a perspective view schematically illustrating the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 31. Fig. 35B is a perspective view schematically illustrating a bottom surface of the common image display included in the 30 gaming system illustrated in Fig. 31. Fig. 35C is a perspective view schematically illustrating a back surface of the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 31. Fig. 35D is a perspective view schematically illustrating 35 a state where a common-image-display back surface side cabinet 44 is removed from the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 31. Fig. 35E is a perspective view schematically illustrating a board housing member included in the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 31. 5 Fig. 35F is a perspective view schematically illustrating the state of the inside of the board housing member included in the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 31. Fig. 35G is a perspective view schematically illustrating 10 a common-image-display-panel control board included in the common image display provided in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 31. Fig. 35H is a cross-sectional view of the bottom portion of the board housing member included in the common image display 15 included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 31. Fig. 36A is a perspective view schematically illustrating a common image display and a secondary supporting member according to a fourth embodiment. Fig. 36B is a perspective view schematically illustrating 20 the common image display and the secondary supporting member according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 37 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a gaming system according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 38 is a perspective view schematically illustrating 25 a state where slot machines are removed from the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 37. Fig. 39A is a perspective view schematically illustrating the pedestal included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 37. 30 Fig. 39B is a perspective view schematically illustrating the state of the inside of the pedestal included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 37. Fig. 40A is a perspective view schematically illustrating a supporting member included in the gaming system illustrated 35 in Fig. 37.
45 Fig. 40B is a cross-sectional view of the supporting member illustrated in Fig. 40A, taken along the line A-A. Fig. 40C is a cross-sectional view of the supporting member illustrated in Fig. 40A, taken along the line B-B. 5 Fig. 41A is a perspective view schematically illustrating the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 37. Fig. 41B is a perspective view schematically illustrating a bottom surface of the common image display included in the 10 gaming system illustrated in Fig. 37. Fig. 41C is a perspective view schematically illustrating a back surface of the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 37. Fig. 41Dis a perspective view schematically illustrating 15 a state where a common-image-display back surface side cabinet is removed from the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 37. Fig. 41E is a perspective view schematically illustrating a board housing member included in the common image display illustrated in Fig. 41A. 20 Fig. 41F is a perspective view schematically illustrating the state of the inside of the board housing member included in the common image display illustrated in Fig. 41A. Fig. 41G is a perspective view schematically illustrating a common-image-display-panel control board included in the 25 common image display illustrated in Fig. 41A. Fig. 41H is a cross-sectional view of the bottom portion of the board housing member included in the common image display illustrated in Fig. 41A. Fig. 42 is a perspective view schematically illustrating 30 a state where the common image display, the supporting members and the pedestal according to the fourth embodiment are being coupled to one another. Fig. 43 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the secondary supporting member illustrated in Fig. 36A. 35 Fig. 44Ais aperspective view schematically illustrating 46 a bottom surface of the common compact image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 37. Fig. 44B is a cross-sectional view of a protruding member included in the common compact image display illustrated in Fig. 5 44A. Fig. 44C is a cross-sectional view of a holding-member depressed portion included in the secondary supporting member illustrated in Fig. 43. Fig. 44D is a cross-sectional view of a bottom surface 10 of a holding-member depressed portion included in the secondary supporting member illustrated in Fig. 43. Fig. 45Ais a perspective view schematically illustrating the common image display and the secondary supporting member according to a fifth embodiment. 15 Fig. 45B is a perspective view schematically illustrating the common image display and the secondary supporting member according to the fifth embodiment. Fig. 46 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the secondary supporting member illustrated in Fig. 45A. 20 Fig. 47Ais a perspective view schematically illustrating a bottom surface of a transparent acrylic board included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 37. Fig. 47B is a cross-sectional view of the protruding member included in the transparent acrylic board illustrated 25 in Fig. 47A. Fig. 47C is a cross-sectional view of a holding-member depressed portion included in the secondary supporting member illustrated in Fig. 46. Fig. 47D is a cross-sectional view of a bottom surface 30 of a holding-member depressed portion included in the secondary supporting member illustrated in Fig. 46. Fig. 48 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state where a common image display panel included in a common image display according to a sixth embodiment is held at rest 35 by a holding bar after being rotated.
47 Fig. 49 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a gaming system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 50 is a perspective view schematically illustrating 5 a state where slot machines are removed from the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 49. Fig. 51A is a perspective view schematically illustrating the pedestal included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 49. 10 Fig. 51B is a perspective view schematically illustrating the state of the inside of the pedestal included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 49. Fig. 52A is a perspective view schematically illustrating a supporting member included in the gaming system illustrated 15 in Fig. 49. Fig. 52B is a cross-sectional view of the supporting member illustrated in Fig. 52A, taken along the line A-A. Fig. 52C is a cross-sectional view of the supporting member illustrated in Fig. 52A, taken along the line B-B. 20 Fig. 53Ais a perspective view schematically illustrating the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 49. Fig. 53B is a perspective view schematically illustrating a bottom surface of the common image display included in the 25 gaming system illustrated in Fig. 49. Fig. 53C is a perspective view schematically illustrating a back surface of the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 49. Fig. 53D is a perspective view schematically illustrating 30 a state where a common-image-display back surface side cabinet is removed from the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 49. Fig. 53E is a perspective view schematically illustrating a board housing member included in the common image display illustrated in Fig. 53A. 35 Fig. 53Fis aperspective view schematically illustrating 48 the state of the inside of the board housing member included in the common image display illustrated in Fig. 53A. Fig. 53G is a perspective view schematically illustrating a common-image-display-panel control board included in the 5 common image display illustrated in Fig. 53A. Fig. 53H is a cross-sectional view of the bottom portion of the board housing member included in the common image display illustrated in Fig. 53A. Fig. 531 is a view schematically illustrating the hinge 10 included in the common image display illustrated in Fig. 53A. Fig. 53J is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where a common image display panel and a common-image-display cabinet included in the common image display illustrated in Fig. 53A are coupled to each other via the hinge. 15 Fig. 53K is a view schematically illustrating the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 49. Fig. 53L is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state where the common image display panel is removed from 20 the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 49. Fig. 53M is a view schematically illustrating the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 49. 25 Fig. 53Nis aperspective view schematically illustrating a state where the common image display panel is removed from the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 49. Fig. 530 is aperspective view schematically illustrating 30 a state where the common image display panel is removed from the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 49. Fig. 53P is a side view schematically illustrating a holding bar included in the common image display illustrated 35 in Fig. 53A.
49 Fig. 53Q is a side view schematically illustrating a holding bar and a holding-bar securing member included in the common image display illustrated in Fig. 53A. Fig. 53R is a view schematically illustrating the back 5 surface of the common image display panel included in the common image display illustrated in Fig. 53A. Fig. 54 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state where the common image display, the supporting members and the pedestal according to the sixth embodiment are being 10 coupled to one another. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS [0065] 15 [First Embodiment] Embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. It is to be noted that, in the following embodiment, there will be described a case where gaming machines are slot machines. 20 Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state where a common image display, supporting members and a pedestal according to an embodiment are being coupled to one another. The pedestal 6 has a horizontally-long rectangular 25 parallelepiped shape, and an installation surface 204, which is the upper surface, is provided with rectangular-shaped pedestal upper surface openings 201 (a pedestal upper surface opening 201a and a pedestal upper surface opening 201b) which are arranged laterally at predetermined intervals. 30 Supporting members 8 each has a longitudinally-long rectangular parallelepiped shape, has supporting-member opening protrusions 150 having rectangular parallelepiped shapes which are provided at the respective ends, and has a flow channel therein that communicates with the openings included 35 in the respective supporting-member opening protrusions 150 50 provided at the respective ends. The common image display 2 includes a common-image-display cabinet 2a including a common image display panel 310 (see Fig. 6A) , and a common-image-display back 5 surface side cabinet 2b including a common-image-display-panel control board 306. Also, the common image display 2 may be structured such that the common-image-display cabinet 2a and the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b are formed integrally with each other, without separating the 10 common-image-display cabinet 2a and the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b from each other. In a bottom surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, there are provided common-image-display bottom openings 301 (a common-image-display bottom opening 301a and a 15 common-image-display bottom opening 301b) arranged laterally at predetermined intervals. [0066] The pedestal upper surface opening 201a provided in the installation surface 204 included in the pedestal 6 receives 20 the supporting-member opening protrusion 150d provided on the lower end side of the supporting member 8a, which causes the supporting member 8a to be secured to the pedestal 6 and also causes the hollow space included in the pedestal 6 to be communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting 25 member 8a. It is to be noted that the flow channel included in the supporting member 8a is in communication with the respective openings included in the supporting-member opening protrusions 150b and 150d provided at the respective ends of the supporting member 8a (not illustrated) . Similarly, the 30 pedestal upper surface opening 201b provided in the installation surface 204 included in the pedestal 6 receives the supporting-member opening protrusion 150c provided on the lower end side of the supporting member 8b, which causes the supporting member 8b to be secured to the pedestal 6 and also 35 causes the hollow space included in the pedestal 6 to be 51 communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting member 8b. It is to be noted that the flow channel included in the supporting member 8b is in communication with the respective openings included in the supporting-member opening 5 protrusions 150a and 150c provided at the respective ends of the supporting member 8b (not illustrated). [0067] The common-image-display bottom opening 301a provided in the bottom surface of the common-image-display back surface 10 side cabinet 2b receives the supporting-member opening protrusion 150b provided on the upper end side of the supporting member 8a, which causes the supporting member 8a to support the common image display 2 and also causes the internal space included in the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 15 2b to be communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting member 8a. Similarly, the common-image-display bottom opening 301b provided in the bottom surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b receives the supporting-member opening protrusion 150a provided on the upper 20 end side cf the supporting member 8b, which causes the supporting member 8b to support the common image display 2 and also causes the internal space included in the common- image-display back surface side cabinet 2b to be communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting 25 member 8b. [0068] The air within the internal space is heated by heat generated from the common-image-display-panel control board 306 provided within the common-image-display back surface side 30 cabinet 2b. The heated air is ejected through a plurality of common-image-display upper openings 300 (see Fig. 6A) provided in an upper surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, by natural convection. Due to this natural convection, the air flowed into pedestal bottom surface 35 openings 202 and pedestal back surface openings 208 (see Fig.
52 4B) , which are provided in the pedestal 6 and communicated with external air, passes through the flow channels included in the supporting members 8, flows into the internal space included in the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, cools 5 the heat-generating common-image-display-panel control board 306, and flows out from the plurality of common-image-display upper openings 300 (see Fig. 6A) provided in the upper surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b. [0069] 10 Fig. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the gaming system 1 includes: the pedestal 6; three slot machines 10 installed on the pedestal 15 6; the common image display 2 supported by the supporting members 8 (see Fig. 3) provided on the pedestal 6 such that the common image display 2 is positioned above the upper surfaces of the slot machines 10; common compact image displays 3 (a common compact image display 3a, a common compact image display 20 3b, a common compact image display 3c, and a common compact image display 3d) which are installed on secondary supporting members 5 (a secondary supporting member 5a and a secondary supporting member 5b) respectively extending leftward and rightward from the common image display 2; and a control device 200 (see Fig. 25 11). [0070] The pedestal 6 has leg portions 9 (a leg portion 9a, a leg portion 9b, and a leg portion 9c) provided on the lower side thereof and, also has a hollow space provided inside thereof. 30 In the hollow space included in the pedestal 6, there is provided a control-device housing portion 203 (see Fig. 4B) in which the control device 200 is housed (not illustrated). Further, in the hollow space included in the pedestal 6, there are plate-shaped pedestal supporting members 7 (a pedestal 35 supporting member 7a, a pedestal supporting member 7b and a 53 pedestal supporting member 7c) provided perpendicularly to a bottom surface of the pedestal 6, which enhances the strength of the pedestal 6. [0071] 5 It is to be noted that, the slot machines 10, the common image display 2 and the common compact image displays 3 are connected to the control device 200 such that they can communicate with the control device 200, through communication cables placed in the hollow space included in the pedestal 6, 10 the flow channels included in the supporting members 8, and the spaces provided within the secondary supporting members 5. The flow channels included in the supporting members 8 form airflow paths and also form arrangement paths for having the communication cables arranged therein. 15 [0072] Fig. 3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state where the slot machines are removed from the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 2. The common image display 2 is supported by the supporting 20 members 8 (the supporting member 8a and the supporting member 8b) which are supported at their lower ends by the pedestal 6. The supporting members 8 which support the common image display 2 are provided on the back surface side of the slot machines 10, which enables installation of the common image display 2 25 without causing disfigurement. [0073] Fig. 4A is a perspective view schematically illustrating the pedestal included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 2. 30 The pedestal 6 has a horizontally-long rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the installation surface 204 thereof is provided, on the back side, with the rectangular-shaped pedestal upper surface openings 201 (the pedestal upper surface opening 201a and the pedestal upper surface opening 201b) 35 arranged laterally at predetermined intervals. The pedestal 54 upper surface openings 201 are openings for receiving the supporting-member opening protrusions 150 (see Fig. 5A) included in the supporting members 8. [0074] 5 Fig. 4B is a perspective view schematically illustrating the state of the inside of the pedestal included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 2. At substantially the center of the inside of the pedestal, there is provided the control-device housing portion 203 in 10 which the control device 200 is housed. Thepedestal supporting member 7c is provided on the front face side of the control-device housing portion 203, and the pedestal supporting member 7a and the pedestal supporting member 7b are provided on the lateral face side of the control-device housing portion 15 203; therefore, the control-device housing portion 203 is invisible from the outside. Further, the plate-shaped pedestal supporting members 7 support the installation surface 204, thereby forming a hollow space within the pedestal. Further, the pedestal supporting member 7a and the pedestal 20 supporting member 7b have angular-U shapes, which further enhances the strength of the pedestal 6. The control-device housing portion 203 corresponds to the housing space according to the present invention. [0075] 25 Just under the pedestal upper surface opening 201a provided in the installation surface 204, a rectangular-shaped pedestal bottom surface opening 202a which communicates with external air is provided in the pedestal bottom surface portion 205. Further, in a pedestal back surface 207, there is provided 30 near the pedestal bottom surface opening 202a a rectangular-shaped pedestal back surface opening 208a which communicates with external air. Accordingly, the air flowed into the hollow space included in the pedestal 6 through the pedestal bottom surface opening 202a and the pedestal back 35 surface opening 208a can easily flow into the flow channel 55 included in the supporting member 8 through the pedestal upper surface opening 201a. Further, with respect to the pedestal upper surface opening 201b, similarly to with respect to the pedestal upper surface opening 201a, a rectangular-shaped 5 pedestal bottom opening 202b (not illustrated) which communicates with external air is provided in the pedestal bottom surface portion 205, and a rectangular-shaped pedestal back surface opening 208b which communicates with external air is provided in the pedestal back surface 207 (not illustrated). 10 It is to be noted that the pedestal bottom surface portion 205 is supported by the leg portions 9 (the leg portion 9a, the leg portion 9b and the leg portion 9c) and, therefore, is provided at a state where it is floated from the floor surface. Further, while, in the present embodiment, there has been 15 described a case where the pedestal bottom surface openings 202 (the pedestal bottom surface opening 202a and the pedestal bottom surface opening 202b (not illustrated)) have rectangular shapes, the shapes of the pedestal bottom surface openings are not particularly limited and may be circular shapes. 20 Further, while, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the pedestal back surface openings 208 (the pedestal back surface opening 208a and the pedestal back surface opening 208b (not illustrated)) have rectangular shapes, the shapes of the pedestal back surface openings are not 25 particularly limited and may be circular shapes. [0076] Fig. 5A is a perspective view schematically illustrating a supporting member included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 2. 30 The supporting member 8 has a longitudinally-long rectangular parallelepiped shape and has the supporting-member opening protrusions 150 having rectangular parallelepiped shapes which are provided at the respective ends of the supporting member 8 (one on the lower end side is not 35 illustrated) . Further, the supporting-member opening 56 protrusions 150 are open inside thereof, and the supporting member 8 is provided, inside thereof, with a flow channel which is in communication with the openings included in the respective supporting-member opening protrusions 150 provided at the 5 respective ends of the supporting member 8 (not illustrated) [0077] Fig. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the supporting member illustrated in Fig. 5A, taken along the line A-A. As illustrated in Fig. 5B, there is a hollow portion 10 inside the supporting member 8. The hollow portion forms the flow channel that is in communication with the openings of the supporting-member opening protrusions 150 provided at the respective ends of the supporting member 8. [0078) 15 Fig. 6A is a perspective view schematically illustrating the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 2. The common image display 2 includes the common-image-display cabinet 2a and the common-image-display 20 back surface side cabinet 2b. The common image display panel 310 is provided in an opening provided over substantially the entire front surface of the common-image-display cabinet 2a. In the upper surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, there are provided the plurality of 25 circular-shaped common-image-display upper openings 300. [0079] The common image display panel 310 is not particularly limited, so long as it is a panel capable of displaying images thereto. The common image display panel 310 can be, for example, 30 a liquid crystal panel, a plasma panel, an organic electroluminescence panel or the like. [0080] Fig. 6B is a perspective view schematically illustrating a bottom surface of the common image display included in the 35 gaming system illustrated in Fig. 2.
57 In the bottom surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, there are provided the common-image-display bottom openings 301 (the common-image-display bottom opening 301a and the 5 common-image-display bottom opening 301b) arranged laterally at predetermined intervals. Further, in the bottom surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, there are provided a plurality of circular-shaped common-image-display bottom openings 301c, between the 10 common-image-display bottom opening 301a and the common-image-display bottom opening 301b. The common-image-display bottom opening 301a and the common-image-display bottom opening 301b are openings which receive the supporting-member opening protrusions 150 included 15 in the supporting members 8. [0081] Fig. 6C is a perspective view schematically illustrating a back surface of the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 2. 20 At an upper portion of the back surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, there are provided a plurality of circular-shaped common-image-display back surface openings 304. Since the common-image-display back surface openings 304 are provided at the upper portion of 25 the back surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, the heated air within the common image display 2 can be efficiently ejected. [0082] Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating 30 a state where the common image display, the supporting members and the pedestal according to an embodiment are being coupled to one another. The pedestal upper surface opening 201a provided in the installation surface 204 receives the supporting-member 35 opening protrusion 150d provided on the lower end side of the 58 supporting member Ba, which causes the supporting member 8a to be secured to the pedestal 6 and also causes the hollow space included in the pedestal 6 to be communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting member 8a. Similarly, the 5 pedestal upper surface opening 201b provided in the installation surface 204 receives the supporting-member opening protrusion 150c provided on the lower end side of the supporting member 8b, which causes the supporting member 8b to be secured to the pedestal 6 and also causes the hollow space 10 included in the pedestal 6 to be communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting member 8b. [0083) The common-image-display bottom opening 301a provided in the bottom surface of the common-image-display back surface 15 side cabinet 2b receives the supporting-member opening protrusion 150b provided on the upper end side of the supporting member 8a, which causes the supporting member 8a to support the common image display 2 and also causes the internal space included in the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 20 2b to be communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting member 8a. Similarly, the common-image-display bottom opening 301b provided in the bottom surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b receives the supporting-member opening protrusion 150a provided on the upper 25 end side of the supporting member 8b, which causes the supporting member 8b to support the common image display 2 and also causes the internal space included in the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b to be communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting 30 member 8b. [0084) The common-image-display-panel control board 306 provided within the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b generates heat, thereby heating air. The heated air 35 is ejected through the plurality of common-image-display upper 59 openings 30C (see Fig. 6A) provided in the upper surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, by natural convection. Due to this natural convection, the air flowed into the pedestal bottom surface openings 202 and the pedestal back 5 surface openings 208, which are provided in the pedestal 6 and communicated with external air, passes through the flow channels included in the supporting members 8, flows into the internal space included in the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, cools the heat-generating 10 common-image-display-panel control board 306, and flows out through the plurality of common-image-display upper openings 300 (see Fig. 6A) provided in the upper surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b. It is to be noted that, when the common image display 2, 15 the supporting members 8 and the pedestal 6 are coupled to one another, it is possible to use securing members such as screws, an adhesive agent or the like. Further, the thickness of the installation surface 204, the thickness of the bottom surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, and 20 the length of the supporting-member opening protrusions 150 can be properly designed as required. [0085] In the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the pedestal upper surface openings 201 (the pedestal 25 upper surface opening 201a and the pedestal upper surface opening 201b) and the common-image-display bottom openings 301 (the common-image-display bottom opening 301a and the common-image-display bottom opening 301b) have a rectangular shape. However, the shapes of the pedestal upper surface 30 openings and the common-image-display bottom openings are not particularly limited, so long as the shapes conform to the shapes of the supporting-member opening protrusions. For example, when the supporting-member opening protrusions have circular cylindrical shapes, the pedestal upper surface 35 openings and the common-image-display bottom openings may have 60 circular shapes. [0086) Fig. 7 is a perspective view schematically showing a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 5 In the slot machine 10, a coin, a bill, or electronic valuable information corresponding to those is used as a game medium. However, in the present invention, the game medium is not particularly limited. Examples of the game medium may include a medal, a token, electronic money and a ticket. It 10 is to be noted that the ticket is not particularly limited, and examples thereof may include a ticket with a barcode as described later. [0087] The slot machine 10 comprises a cabinet 11, a top box 12 15 installed on the upper side of the cabinet 11, and a main door 13 provided at the front face of the cabinet 11. [0088] On the main door 13, a lower image display panel 16 as a display is provided. 20 The lower image display panel 16 includes a transparent liquid crystal panel, and displays 15 display blocks 150 in 5 columns and 3 rows. A single symbol is displayed in each display block 150. [0089] 25 Further, a number-of-credits display portion 31 and a number-of-payouts display portion 32 are provided in the lower image display panel 16. The number-of-credits display portion 31 displays an image indicative of the number of coins being credited. The number-of-payouts display portion 32 displays 30 an image indicative of the number of coins to be paid out. [0090] Moreover, although not shown, a touch panel 69 is provided at the front face of the lower image display panel 16. A player can operate the touch panel 69 to input a variety of commands. 35 [0091] 61 Below the lower image display panel 16, there are provided a control panel 20 including a plurality of buttons 23 to 27 and 110A to 110C with each of which a command according to game progress is inputted by the player, a coin receiving slot 21 5 through which a coin is accepted into the cabinet 11, and a bill validator 22. [0092] The control panel 20 is provided with a spin button 23, a change button 24, a CASHOUT button 25, a 1-BET button 26 and 10 a maximum BET button 27. The spin button 23 is used for inputting a command to start scroll of the symbols. The change button 24 is used for making a request of staff in the recreation facility for exchange. The CASHOUT button 25 is used for inputting a command to pay out credited coins to a coin tray 15 18. [0093] The 1-BET button 26 is used for inputting a command to bet one coin on a game out of credited coins. The maximum BET button 27 is used for inputting a command to bet the maximum 20 number of coins that can be bet on one game (50 coins in the present embodiment) out of credited coins. [0094] A right selection button 110A, a center selection button 110B and a left selection button 110C are used for selecting 25 a right card, a center card and a left card, respectively, during a common game. [00951 The bill validator 22 not only discriminates a regular bill from a false bill, but also accepts the regular bill into 30 the cabinet 11. It is to be noted that the bill validator 22 may be configured so as to be capable of reading a later-described ticket 39 with a barcode. At the lower front of the main door 13, namely, below the control panel 20, there is provided a belly glass 34 on which a character or the like 35 of the slot machine 10 is drawn.
62 [0096] Also, speakers 29 are provided on either side of the top box 12. Further, on the front face of the top box 12, there are provided a ticketprinter 35, acardreader 36, a data display 5 37, and a key pad 38. The ticket printer 35 prints on a ticket a barcode as coded data of the number of credits, a date, an identification number of the slot machine 10, and the like, and outputs the ticket as the ticket 39 with a barcode. The player can make another slot machine read the ticket 39 with a barcode 10 to play a game thereon, or exchange the ticket 39 with a barcode with a bill or the like at a predetermined place in the recreation facility (e.g. a cashier in a casino). [0097] The card reader 36 reads data from a smart card and writes 15 data into the smart card. The smart card is a card owned by the player, and for example, data for identifying the player and data concerning a history of games played by the player are stored therein. Data corresponding toa coin, a bill or a credit may be stored in the smart card. Further, a magnetic stripe 20 card maybe adopted in place of the smart card. The data display 37 includes a fluorescent display and the like, and displays, for example, data read by the card reader 36 or data inputted by the player via the key pad 38. The key pad 38 is used for inputting a command and data concerning issuing of a ticket, 25 and the like. [0098] Fig. 8 is a view illustrating an exemplary image displayed to the lower image display panel. Fig. 8 illustrates an image which is displayed when 30 symbols are rearranged during the execution of normal games. Symbols are scrolled along the respective columns of the display blocks 150 and then rearranged. Based on the types and the numbers of the symbols displayed in the display blocks 150 at this time, payout of coins is conducted. 35 [0099] 63 Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where 15 symbols in total are displayed along 3 rows and 5 columns. However, display of symbols according to the present invention is not limited to display along 3 rows 5 and 5 columns. Further, while, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where symbols are scrolled along the respective columns, symbols may be scroll-displayed in each block. Further, although not illustrated, various types of 10 images relating to effects, in addition to images as described above, are displayed to the lower image display panel 16. [0100] Fig. 9 is a view illustrating the symbols to be displayed in the respective display blocks and the code Nos. of the 15 respective symbols. As illustrated in Fig. 9, arrays of 22 symbols having code Nos. of "00" to "21" in total are scrolled in the respective display blocks 150. Each of the arrays of symbols is constituted by a combination of symbols of "JACKPOT 7", "BLUE 20 7", "BELL", "CHERRY", "STRAWBERRY", "PLUM", "ORANGE" and "APPLE". These symbols are all scatter symbols and, based on the number of symbols displayed in the display blocks 150 at the time of rearrangement, payout of coins is conducted. [0101] 25 Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the slot machine shown in Fig. 7. A gaming board 50 is provided with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a ROM 55, and a boot ROM 52 which are interconnected to one another by an internal bus, a card slot 30 53S corresponding to a memory card 53, and an IC socket 54S corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 54. [0102] The memory card 53 includes a nonvolatile memory such as CompactFlash (registered trade mark) , and stores a game program. 35 The game program includes a symbol determination program. The 64 symbol determination program is a program for determining symbols (code Nos. corresponding to the symbols) to be rearranged to the display blocks 150. [0103] S Further, the card slot 53S is configured so as to allow the memory card 53 to be inserted thereinto or removed therefrom, and is connected to the mother board 40 by an IDE bus. Therefore, the type and contents of a game played on the slot machine 10 can be changed by removing the memory card 53 from the card slot 10 53S, writing another game program into the memory card 53, and inserting the memory card 53 into the card slot 53S. The game program includes a program according to progress of the game. Further, the game program includes image data and sound data to be outputted during the game. 15 [0104] The CPU 51, the ROM 55 and the boot ROM 52 interconnected to one another by an internal bus are connected to the mother board 40 through the PCI bus. The PCI bus not only conducts signal transmission between the mother board 40 and the gaming 20 board 50, but also supplies power from the mother board 40 to the gaming board 50. [0105] The mother board 40 is configured using a commercially available general-purpose mother board (a print wiring board 25 on which fundamental components of a personal computer are mounted), and provided with a main CPU 41, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 43, and a communication interface 44. Themotherboard 40 corresponds to the controller of the present invention. 30 [0106] The ROM 42 is comprised of a memory device such as a flash memory, and stores a program such as a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) executed by the main CPU 41, and permanent data. When the BIOS is executed by the main CPU 41, processing for 35 initializing a predetermined peripheral device is conducted, 65 concurrently with start of processing for loading the game program stored in the memory card 53 via the gaming board 50. It is to be noted that, in the present invention, the ROM 42 may or may not be data rewritable one. 5 [0107] The RAM 43 stores data and a program to be used at the time of operation of the main CPU 41. Further, the RAM 43 is capable of storing a game program. [0108] 10 Further, the RAM 43 stores data such as a normal-game-start cancel flag, the symbol determination program, code Nos. of symbol arrays, the number of credits, the number of inserted coins and the number of payouts in one game, and the like. 15 [0109] Moreover, the mother board 40 is connected with a later-described body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60 and a door PCB 80 through respective USBs. Further, the mother board 40 is connected with a power supply unit 45 and a communication 20 interface 44. [0110] The body PCB 60 and the door PCB 80 are connected with an instrument and a device that generate an input signal to be inputted into the main CPU 41 and an instrument and a device 25 operations of which are controlled by a control signal outputted from the main CPU 41. The main CPU 41 executes the game program stored in the RAM 43 based on the input signal inputted into the main CPU 41, and thereby executes the predetermined arithmetic processing, stores the result thereof into the RAM 30 43, or transmits a control signal to each instrument and device as processing for controlling each instrument and device. [0111] The body PCB 60 is connected with a hopper 66, a coin detecting portion 67, a graphic board 68, the speakers 29, the 35 touch panel 69, the bill validator 22, the ticket printer 35, 66 the card reader 36, a key switch 38S and the data display 37. [0112] The hopper 66 is installed inside the cabinet 11, and pays out a predetermined number of coins from the coin payout exit 5 19 to the coin tray 18, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41. The coin detecting portion 67 is provided inside the coin payout exit 19, and outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 in the case of detecting payout of the predetermined number of coins from the coin payout exit 19. 10 [0113] The graphic board 68 controls image display to the lower image display panel 16, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41. To each of the display blocks 150 of the lower image display panel 16, a scrolled or stopped symbol is 15 displayed. The number of credits stored in the RAM 43 is displayed to a number-of-credits display portion 31 of the lower image display panel 16. Further, the number of coin-outs is displayed to a number-of-payouts display portion 32 of the lower image display panel 16. 20 The graphic board 68 comprises a VDP (Video Display Processor) generating image data based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41, a video RAM temporarily storing image data generated by the VDP, and the like. It is to be noted that image data used in generation of the image data by the VDP 25 is included in the game program read from the memory card 53 and stored into the RAM 43. [0114] The bill validator 22 not only discriminates a regular bill from a false bill, but also accepts the regular bill into 30 the cabinet 11. Upon acceptance of the regular bill, the bill validator 22 outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 based on a face amount of the bill. The main CPU 41 stores in the RAM 43 the number of credits corresponding to the face amount of the bill transmitted with the input signal. 35 [0115) 67 Based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41, the ticket printer 35 prints on a ticket a barcode as coded data of the number of credits stored in the RAM 43, a date, and an identification number of the slot machine 10, and the like, 5 and outputs the ticket as the ticket 39 with a barcode. The card reader 36 reads data from the smart card and transmits the read data to the main CPU 41, and writes data onto the smart card based on the control signal from the main CPU 41. The key switch 38S is provided on the key pad 38, and outputs a 10 predetermined input signal to the main CPU 41 when the key pad 38 is operated by the player. The data display 37 displays data read by the card reader 36 and data inputted by the player via the key pad 38, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41. 15 [01161 The door PCB 80 is connected with a control panel 20, a reverter 21S, a coin counter 21C, and a cold cathode tube 81. The control panel 20 is provided with a spin switch 23S corresponding to the spin button 23, a change switch 24S 20 corresponding to the change button 24, a CASHOUT switch 25S corresponding to the CASHOUT button 25, a 1-BET switch 26S corresponding to the 1-BET button 26, the maximum BET switch 27S corresponding to the maximum BET button 27, a right selection switch 110AS corresponding to the right selection 25 button 110A, a center selection switch 11OBS corresponding to the center selection button 110C, and a left selection switch 110CS corresponding to the left selection button 110C. Each of the switches 23S to 27S and 110AS to 110CS outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when each of the buttons 23 to 27 and 30 110A to 110C corresponding thereto is operated by the player. [0117] The coin counter 21C is provided inside the coin receiving slot 21, and discriminates a regular coin from a false coin inserted into the coin receiving slot 21 by the player. Coins 35 other than the regular coin are discharged from the coin payout 68 exit 19. Further, the coin counter 21C outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 in detection of the regular coin. [0118] The reverter 21S operates based on the control signal 5 outputted from the main CPU 41, and distributes a coin recognized as the regular coin by the coin counter 21C into a cash box (not shown) or the hopper 66, which are disposed in the slot machine 10. Namely, when the hopper 66 is filled with coins, the regular coin is distributed into the cash box by the 10 reverter 21S. On the other hand, when the hopper 66 is not filled with coins, the regular coin is distributed into the hopper 66. The cold cathode tube 81 functions as a back light installed on the rear face side of the lower image display panel 16, and is lit up based on the control signal outputted from 15 the main CPU 41. [0119] Fig. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the control device provided in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 2. 20 The control device 200 is provided with the CPU 501 as a processor, a ROM 502, a RAM 503, a communication interface 504, a hard disk drive 505, and a timer 506. The communication interface 504 is connected with the slot machines 10, the common image display 2, and the common compact image displays 3 (the 25 common compact image display 3a, the common compact image display 3b, the common compact image display 3c, and the common compact image display 3d), via communication cables. [0120] The ROM 502 stores: a system program for controlling 30 operations of the control device 200; permanent data; and the like. The ROM 502 stores data indicative of a predetermined value and data indicative of a predetermined time. The ROM 502 stores dot data for use in forming images to 35 be displayed. to the common image display 2, and dot data for 69 use in displaying card images 313 and card images 316. [0121] The RAM 503 temporarily stores data such as data received from each of the slot machines 10, and data on a calculation 5 result. The RAM 503 stores a cumulative number T of games, a cumulative value S, a carry-over value R and a deposit value U. [0122] 10 Further, the CPU 501 controls display of images to the common compact image displays 3. To the common compact image displays 3, for example, images showing introduction of game contents and explanation of a game rule are displayed under control of the CPU 501. 15 [0123] Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure of activation processing executed in the slot machine. This activation processing is the processing conducted by the mother board 40 and the gaming board 50. It should be noted that the memory 20 card 53 is inserted into the card slot 53S in the gaming board 50, and the GAL 54 is mounted onto the IC socket 54S. [0124] First, when a power switch is turned on (power is turned on) in the power supply unit 45, the mother board 40 and the 25 gamingboard50are activated (steps 51-1, S2-1) . In activation of the mother board 40 and the gaming board 50, different processing is individually executed in parallel. Namely, in the gaming board 50, the CPU 51 reads the auxiliary authentication program stored in the boot ROM 52, and conducts 30 auxiliary authentication according to the read auxiliary authentication program, to previously check and prove that the authentication program is not falsified before loading the program to the mother board 40 (step S2-2) . Meanwhile, in the mother board 40, the main CPU 41 executes the BIOS stored in 35 the ROM 42, and expands compressed data which is incorporated 70 in the BIOS into the RAM 43 (step Sl-2) . The main CPU 41 then executes the BIOS expanded into the RAM 43 to diagnose and initialize a variety of peripheral devices (step S1-3). The processing of step S1-3 will be specifically described later 5 with reference to drawings. [0125] Since the ROM 55 of the gaming board 50 is connected to the main CPU 41 via the PCI bus, the main CPU 41 reads the authentication program stored in the ROM 55, and stores the read 10 authentication program into the RAM 43 (step 51-4) . At this time, according to the standard BIOS function of BIOS, the main CPU 41 takes a checksum by ADDSUM system (normal checking system) and stores the authentication program into the RAM 43, while conducting processing for confirming whether or not the 15 storage is certainly conducted. [0126] Next, after confirming what is connected to the IDE bus, the main CPU 41 accesses, via the IDE bus, the memory card 53 inserted in the card slot 53S, to read a game program and a game 20 system program from the memory card 53. In this case, the main CPU 41 reads data constituting the game program and the game system program by 4 bytes at a time. Subsequently, the main CPU 41 conducts authentication to check and prove that the read game program and game system program have not been falsified, 25 following the authentication program stored in the RAM 43 (step S1-5). When this authentication processing is normally completed, the main CPU 41 writes and stores the game program and the game system program, which have been the authentication targets (which have been authenticated) , into the RAM 43 (step 30 S1-6) . Next, the main CPU 41 accesses via the PCI bus the GAL 54 mounted on the IC socket 54S, reads payout ratio setting data from the GAL 54, and writes and stores the data into the RAM 43 (step S1-7) . Subsequently, the main CPU 41 conducts processing for reading country identification information 35 stored in the ROM 55 of the gaming board 50 via the PCI bus, 71 and writes and stores the read country identification information into the RAM 43 (step S1-8). [0127] After conducting the above-mentioned processing, the 5 main CPU 41 sequentially reads and executes the game program and the game system program, thereby executes the main processing. [0128] Fig. 13 is a view showing peripheral-device 10 initialization processing executed in the slot machines. First, the main CPU 41 diagnoses and initializes the display (step S3-2). In this processing, the main CPU 41 transmits a request signal to the graphic board 68. Then, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not to have received a 15 predetermined response signal and conducts clearance of a predetermined storage area, and the like. [0129] Next, the main CPU 41 diagnoses and initializes various types of input devices (step S3-3) . In this processing, the 20 main CPU 41 transmits request signals to the input devices such as the spin switch 23S, the change switch 24S, the CASHOUT switch 25S, the 1-BET switch 26S, the maximum BET switch 27S, the right selection switch 110AS, the center selection switch 110BS, the left selection switch 110CS and the touch panel 11, and then 25 determines whether or not to have received predetermined response signals. [0130) Subsequently, the main CPU 41 diagnoses and initializes other peripheral devices connected to the main CPU 41 (step 30 S3-4). Then the present subroutine is terminated. [0131] Fig. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of activation processing conducted in the control device. First, when the power switch is turned on (the power is 35 turned on) in the power supply unit, a mother board (not shown) 72 is activated (step S4-1). In the mother board, the CPU 501 executes a BIOS stored in the ROM 502 so as to expand compressed data incorporated in the BIOS into the RAM 503 (step S4-2) . Then, the CPU 501 5 executes the BIOS expanded into the RAM 503, and then, diagnoses and initializes various types of peripheral devices such as the common image display 2 and the common compact image displays 3 (step S4-3). [0132] 10 Next, the CPU 501 executes initialization processing of each slot machine. In this processing, the CPU 501 establishes a network connection between the control device 200 and each slot machine 10, and diagnoses if the network functions properly. 15 [0133] After the above-described processing, the CPU 501 controls progress of the game executed in the plurality of the slot machines 10 by reading and executing a game control program. 20 [0134] Fig. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of main processing executed in the slot machines. At first, the main CPU 41 executes normal-game execution processing (stepS10). In this processing, after coins are BET, 25 the main CPU 41 rearranges symbols in the lower image display panel 16 by being triggered by turn-on of the spin button 23, and pays out coins when the main CPU 41 determines that a prize has been established. The normal-game execution processing will be described in more detail later with reference to the 30 drawings. The main CPU 41 transmits a game-executed signal to the control device 200 (step Sll). [0135] The main CPU 41 determines whether or not a normal-game-start cancel flag is set (step S12) . When the main 35 CPU 41 determines that a normal-game-start cancel flag is not 73 set, the main CPU 41 returns the processing to step S10. On the other hand, when the main CPU 41 determines that a normal-game-start cancel flag is set, the main CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S13. 5 [0136] The main CPU 41 determines whether or not to have received a common-game start signal from the control device 200 (step S13) . When the main CPU 41 determines to have not received a common-game start signal from the control device 200, the main 10 CPU 41 returns the processing to step S13. On the other hand, when the main CPU 41 determines to have received a common-game start signal from the control device 200, the main CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S14. (0137] 15 The main CPU 41 executes common-game execution processing (step S14) . The common game is a game which is simultaneously executed in all the slot machines 10 connected to the control device 200 through the communication cables. The common-game executionprocessing will be described inmore detail laterwith 20 reference to the drawings. [0138] The main CPU 41 clears the normal-game-start cancel flag (step S15) . After the processing of step 15 is executed, the processing is returned to step S10. 25 [0139] Fig. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of the normal-game execution processing executed in the slot machines. The processing is processing called and executed in step S10 of the subroutine illustrated in Fig. 15. 30 First, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a coin has been BET (step S100) . In this processing, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not to have received an input signal that is outputted from the 1-BET switch 26S when the 1-BET button 26 is operated, or an input signal that is outputted from a 35 maximum BET switch 27S when the maximum BET button 27 is operated.
74 When the main CPU 41 determines that the coin has not been BET, the processing is returned to step S100. [0140] On the other hand, when determining that the coin has been 5 BET in step S100, the main CPU 41 conducts processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM 43 according to the number of coins BET (step S101) . It is to be noted that, when the number of coins BET is larger than the number of credits stored in the RAM 43, the main CPU 41 does not conduct 10 the processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM 43, and the processing is returned to step S100. Further, when the number of coins BET exceeds the upper limit of the number of coins that can be BET in one game (50 coins in the present embodiment) , the main CPU 41 does 15 not conduct the processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM 43, and the processing is proceeded to step S102. [0141] Next, the main CPU 41 determines in step S102 whether or 20 not the spin button 23 has been turned ON. In this processing, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not to have received an input signal that is outputted from the spin switch 23S when the spin button 23 is pressed. When the main CPU 41 determines that the spin button 23 25 has not been turned ON, the processing is returned to step S100. It is to be noted that, when the spin button 23 is not turned ON (e.g. when the spin button 23 is not turned ON and a command to end the game is inputted) , the main CPU 41 cancels a subtraction result in step S101. 30 Meanwhile, when determining in step 3102 that the spin button 23 has been turned ON, the main CPU 41 shifts the processing to step 3103. [0142] Next, in step S103, the main CPU 41 executes symbol 35 determination processing. In this symbol determination 75 processing, the main CPU 41 executes the symbol determination program stored in the RAM 43 to determine the code Nos. in stopping of the symbols. It is to be noted that the processing in step S103 will be described in more detail later with 5 reference to the drawings. [0143] Next, in step S104, the main CPU 41 executes scroll-display control processing. This processing is processing for controlling the display 10 in such a way as to rearrange the symbols determined in step S103, after start of scrolling of symbols. [0144] In step S105, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a prize has been established. When the main CPU 41 determines 15 that aprize has been established, the main CPU 41 pays out coins, in step S106, based on the number of inserted coins and the types and the numbers of the symbols displayed in the display blocks 150. Here, the case where a prize has been established is a case where three or more symbols of the same type have been 20 displayed in the display blocks 150. [0145] When the main CPU 41 determines in step S105 that no prize has been established or when the processing in step S106 has been executed, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not to have 25 received a game cancel signal from the control device 200 (step 5107) . When the main CPU 41 determines to have received no game cancel signal, the main CPU 41 ends the present subroutine. On the other hand, when the main CPU 41 determines to have received a game cancel signal, the main CPU 41 sets a normal-game-start 30 cancel flag (step S108). Then, the main CPU 41 transmits a normal-game-ended signal to the control device 200 (step S109) [0146] Fig. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of the symbol determination processing executed in the slot machines. 35 This is the processing called and executed in step S103 76 of the subroutine illustrated in Fig. 16. The processing is processing conducted by the main CPU 41 executing the symbol determination program stored in the RAM 43. 5 First, the main CPU 41 executes a random number generation program included in the symbol determination program, to select random numbers corresponding to the respective symbol arrays, out of the numbers falling in the numeric range of 0 to 255 (step S200) . In the present embodiment, the case of generating random 10 numbers on the program (the case of using a so-called software random number) is described. However, in the present invention, a random number generator may be provided and random numbers may be extracted from the random number generator (a so-called hardware random number may be used). 15 [0147] Next, the main CPU 41 determines code Nos. (see Fig. 9) for the respective arrays of symbols, based on the selected five random numbers (step S201) . The code Nos. for the arrays of symbols correspond to the code Nos. of symbols to be rearranged 20 in the display blocks 150 in the second row, out of the display blocks 150 placed in the three rows. The main CPU 41 determines a prize by determining the code Nos. for the respective arrays of symbols. Then, the main CPU 41 stores in the RAM 43 the determined code Nos. for the respective arrays of symbols. 25 [0148) Here, there will be described prizes based on symbols according to the present embodiment. Fig. 18 is a view illustrating the relationship between the plurality of types of prizes and numbers of payouts. 30 When three or more symbols of any type are stop-displayed in the display blocks 150, coins in number illustrated in Fig. 18 are paid. out. For example, when three symbols of "CHERRY" are stop-displayed in the display blocks 150, two coins are paid 35 out. When four symbols of "CHERRY" are stop-displayed in the 77 display blocks 150, four coins are paid out. Further, when six or more symbols of "CHERRY" are stop-displayed in the display blocks 150, 2 x (n - 2) coins are paid out, wherein n is the number of symbols of "CHERRY" stop-displayed in the display 5 blocks 150. However, for any type of the symbols, when three or more symbols are not stop-displayed in the display blocks 150, the game results in losing; thus, payout of coins is not performed. [0149] 10 Fig. 19A is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of game execution processing which is executed in the control device. At first, the CPU 501 determines whether or not to have received a game-executed signal from any of the slot machines 10 (step S300) . When the CPU 501 determines to have received 15 no game-executed signal, the CPU 501 returns the processing to step S300. On the other hand, when the CPU 501 determines to have received a game-executed signal, the CPU 501 shifts the processing to step S301. [0150] 20 The CPU 501 adds 1 to the cumulative number T of games stored in the RAM 503 and stores the numerical value resulted from the addition, as a new cumulative number T of games, in the RAM 503 (step S301). [0151] 25 The CPU 501 multiplies the cumulative number T of games stored in the RAM 503 by 5 and stores the resultant value, as a cumulative value S, in the RAM 503 (step S302) . The CPU 501 adds the carry-over value R stored in the RAM 503 to the cumulative value S stored in the RAM 503 in step S302 and stores 30 the value resulted from the addition as a deposit value U in the RAM 503 (step S303) . Then, the CPU 501 displays to the common image display 2 the deposit value U stored in the RAM 503 in step S303 (step S304) . Fig. 20 illustrates an exemplary display screen displayed to the common image display 2. 35 [0152] 78 Fig. 20 is a view illustrating an exemplary display screen displayed to the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 2. As a result of the processing in step S304, there is 5 displayed to the common image display 2 a deposit-value display image 312 indicating that the current deposit value U is 325 coins. [0153] Returning to Fig. 19B, the CPU 501 determines whether or 10 not the cumulative number T of games has reached a predetermined value (step S305) . When the CPU 501 determines that the cumulative number T of games has not reached the predetermined value, the CPU 501 ends the present subroutine. On the other hand, when the CPU 501 determines that the cumulative number 15 T of games has reached the predetermined value, the CPU 501 shifts the processing to step S306. [0154] The CPU 501 transmits a game cancel signal to each slot machine 10 (step S306). The CPU 501 receives a 20 normal-game-ended signal from each slot machine 10 (step S307) [0155] The CPU 501 determines whether or not to have received normal-game-ended signals from all the slot machines 10 (step S308). When the CPU 501 determines to have not received 25 normal-game-ended signals from all the slot machines 10, the CPU 501 returns the processing to step S307. On the other hand, when the CPU 501 determines to have received normal-game-ended signals from all the slot machines 10, the CPU 501 shifts the processing to step S309. 30 [0156) The CPU 501 transmits a common-game start signal to each slot machine 10 (step S309) The CPU 501 executes common-game execution processing (step 3310) . The common game is a game which is simultaneously executed in all the slot machines 10 35 connected to the control device 200 through the communication 79 cables. The common-game execution processing will be described in more detail later with reference to the drawings. [0157] While, in the present embodiment, there has been 5 described a case where the cumulative value S is obtained by multiplying the cumulative number T of games by 5, the numerical value by which the cumulative number T of games is multiplied is not particularly limited and may be, for example, 10. Also, the game-executed signal transmitted from each slot machine 10 10 may include the amount of betted game media, and the control device 200 may count the cumulative value of game media based on the amount of game media transmitted from each slot machine 10 and determine a certain proportion of the counted cumulative value of game media as the cumulative value S. 15 [0158] Fig. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of the common-game execution processing which is executed in the slot machines. This processing is processing which is called and 20 executed in step S14 of the subroutine illustrated in Fig. 15. At first, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not any of the right selection button llDA, the center selection button 110B and the left selection button 110C has been pressed (step S400) . In this processing, the main CPU 41 determines whether 25 or not to have received an input signal outputted from the right selection switch 110AS when the right selection button 110A is pressed, an input signal outputted from the center selection switch 11OBS when the center selection button 110B is pressed, or an input signal outputted from the left selection switch 30 110CS when the left selection button 110C is pressed. When the main CPU 41 determines that any of the buttons has not been pressed, the main CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S401. [0159] The main CPU 41 determines whether or not to have received 35 a common-game end signal (step S401) . When the main CPU 41 80 determines to have received no common-game end signal, the main CPU 41 returns the processing to step S400. On the other hand, when the main CPU 41 determines to have received a common-game end signal, the main CPU 41 ends the present subroutine. 5 (0160] When the main CPU 41 determines in step S400 that a button has been pressed, the main CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S402. The main CPU 41 transmits a card selection signal to the control device 200 (step S402). The card selection signal 10 includes information about the type of the pressed selection button 110. Namely, when the right selection button 110A has been pressed, the card selection signal includes information showing that the pressed selection button 110 is the right selection button 110A. 15 [0161] The main CPU 41 determines whether or not to have received a payout signal (step S403) . When the main CPU 41 determines to have received no payout signal, the main CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S405. 20 [0162] The main CPU 41 determines whether or not to have received a common-game end signal (step S405). When the main CPU 41 determines to have received no common-game end signal, the main CPU 41 returns the processing to step S403. On the other hand, 25 when the main CPU 41 determines to have received a common-game end signal, the main CPU 41 ends the present subroutine. [0163] When the main CPU 41 determines in step S403 to have received a payout signal, the main CPU 41 shifts the processing 30 to step S404. The main CPU 41 pays out coins based on the payout signal (step S404). [0164] Fig. 22A is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of the common-game execution processing executed in the control 35 device.
81 This processing is processing called and executed in step S310 in the subroutine illustrated in Fig. 19B. At first, in step S500, the CPU 501 displays card images face down to the common image display 2. Fig. 23A illustrates 5 exemplary card images displayed to the common image display 2. [0165] Fig. 23A is a view illustrating an exemplary display screen displayed to the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 2. 10 In Fig. 23A, there are displayed a card image 313A, a card image 313B, and a card image 313C. The player is enabled to select one of the card images 313 displayed to the common image display 2, by pressing any of the right selection button 110A, the center selection button 110B and the left selection button 15 110C. Namely, when the right selection button 110A is pressed, the card image 313C is selected. When the center selection button 110B is pressed, the card image 313B is selected. When the left selection button 110C is pressed, the card image 313A is selected. 20 [0166] Returning to Fig. 22A, the CPU 501 accepts a card selection input, in step S501. In this processing, the CPU 501 accepts a card selection signal from each slot machine 10. Further, the CPU 501 starts measurement of the elapsed time, 25 with a timer 506. [0167] Next, the CPU 501 determines whether or not the elapsed time measured by the timer 506 has reached the predetermined time (step S502) . When the CPU 501 determines that the elapsed 30 time has not reached the predetermined time, the CPU 501 returns the processing to step S501. On the other hand, when the CPU 501 determines that the elapsed time has reached the predetermined time, the CPU 501 shifts the processing to step 5503. 35 [0168] 82 The CPU 501 displays card images face up to the common image display 2 (step 5503) . Fig. 23B illustrates exemplary card images displayed to the common image display 2. [0169] 5 Fig. 23B is a view illustrating an exemplary display screen displayed to the common image display. In Fig. 23B, there are displayed a card image 316A, a card image 316B, and a card image 316C. In the card image 316B, a circular pattern is displayed. The player who has selected the 10 card image 316B having the circular pattern displayed therein wins. [0170] Returning to Fig. 22B, the CPU 501 determines whether or not there is a slot machine 10 in which winning has occurred 15 (step S504) . In this processing, the CPU 501 determines whether or not there is a slot machine 10 in which winning has occurred, based on the card selection signals received from the respective slot machines 10 and on the card images 316 displayed to the common image display 2 in step S503. When the CPU 501 determines 20 that there is no slot machine 10 in which winning has occurred, the CPU 501 returns the processing to step 5505. [0171] The CPU 501 updates the carry-over value R stored in the RAM 503 (step S505) . In this processing, the CPU 501 adds the 25 carry-over value R stored in the RAM 503 to the cumulative value S stored in the RAM 503, and stores the value resulted from the addition as a new carry-over value R, in the RAM 503. [0172] When the CPU 501 determines in step S504 that there is 30 a slot machine 10 in which winning has occurred, the CPU 501 shifts the processing to step S506. The CPU 501 transmits a payout signal to the slot machine 10 in which winning has occurred (step S506) . The payout signal includes information about the value of a payout to be offered in the slot machine 35 10. It is to be noted that, when winning has occurred in a 83 plurality of slot machines 10, the deposit value U stored in the RAM 503 is divided by the number of the slot machines 10 in which winning has occurred, and a payout of the resultant value is offered in each of the slot machines 10. Further, when 5 winning has occurred in a single slot machine 10, a payout of the deposit value U stored in the RAM 503 is offered therein. [0173] The CPU 501 clears the cumulative value S, the carry-over value R and the deposit value U stored in the RAM 503 (step S507) 10 [01741 The CPU 501 displays an image indicative of the result to the common image display 2 (step S508) . Fig. 23C and Fig. 23D illustrate exemplary images indicative of results which are displayed to the common image display 2. 15 [01751 Fig. 23C is a view illustrating an exemplary display screen displayed to the common image display. In Fig. 23C, there is displayed a winning image 317 indicating that there is a slot machine 10 in which winning has 20 occurred. Fig. 23D is a view illustrating an exemplary display screen displayed to the common image display. In Fig. 23D, there is displayed a losing image 318 indicating that there is no slot machine 10 in which winning 25 has occurred. As a result of the processing in step S508, the result of the common game is displayed to the common image display 2, as illustrated in Fig. 23C and Fig. 23D. [0176] 30 Returning to Fig. 22B, the CPU 501 clears the cumulative number T of games stored in the RAM 503 (step S509) . The CPU 501 transmits a common-game end signal to each slot machine 10 (step S510). [0177] 35 As described above, according to the gaming system 1 84 relating to the present embodiment, the plurality of slot machines 10, the control device 200, and the common image display 2 constitute a single module. This eliminates the necessity of connection of the plurality of slot machines 10 5 to the control device 200 through a network, installation of the common image display 2 on a wall, works for preventing the network wirings from being exposed to cause disfigurement, and the like, and also eliminates the necessity of works in changing the installation and the layout. Further, since the gaming 10 system 1 can be installed even at a place having no walls in the vicinity thereof and a place having a high ceiling, the restriction on the installation place of the gaming system 1 is eliminated. Further, since there is no need for installing the common 15 image display 2 on a wall, the change of wall colors due to heat generated from the common image display 2 is suppressed. Further, the common image display 2 is supported by the supporting members 8 having the flow channel therein that communicates with openings provided at the respective ends of 20 each of the supporting members 8. Further, the flow channel is communicated to the hollow space included in the pedestal 6 and the internal space included in the common image display 2. The hollow space and the internal space are respectively provided with openings which communicate with external air. 25 The air within the internal space is heated by heat generated from the common image display 2, and the heated air is ejected through the openings provided at an upper portion of the internal space, by natural convection. Due to this natural convection, the air flowed into the openings provided in the 30 hollow space included in the pedestal 6 passes through the flow channels included in the supporting members 8, flows into the internal space included in the common image display 2, cools the heat-generating common image display 2, and flows out through the openings provided at an upper portion of the 35 internal space. The airflow caused by this natural convection 85 can suppress the heat generation by the common image display 2. [0178] According to the gaming system 1, when the control device 5 200 determines to execute a common game which is simultaneously executed in all the slot machines 10 connected thereto through the communication cables, the control device 200 transmits game cancel signals to all the slot machines 10 connected thereto through the communication lines. Upon receipt of the game 10 cancel signal, each slot machine 10 cancels start of a new normal game and transmits a normal-game-ended signal to the control device 200. Then, the control device 200 executes a common game, when the control device 200 receives normal-game-ended signals from all the slot machines 10. 15 Since not only a normal game but also a common game, which is simultaneously executed in all the slot machines 10 connected through the communication cables, is executed, it is possible to cause variations in games, thereby reducing the tendency of games to bore players even when games are executed for a long 20 time. Further, normal games are executed in the respective slot machines 10, which can reduce the load on the CPU 501 included in the control device 200. [0179] 25 While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the gaming machines are the slot machines 10, the gaming machines in the present invention are not particularly limited so long as they are gaming machines capable of executing independent games; for example, the gaming 30 machines may be card game machines. [0180] While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the number of gaming machines is 3, the number of gaming machines in the present invention is not 35 particularly limited so long as it is more than one; for example, 86 the number of gaming machines may be 5. [0181] While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the common game is a card game, the common 5 game in the present invention is not particularly limited so long as they are games which are simultaneously executed in all the gaming machines connected through communication cables; for example, the common games may be horse race games. [01821 10 While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the main CPU 41 included in each slot machine 10 executes normal games, a processor included in the control device may execute normal games in the respective gaming machines connected through the communication cables. With 15 this structure, when the processor has determined to execute a common game, the processor determines whether or not normal games in execution have ended in the respective gaming machines. When the processor determines that normal games in execution have ended in the gaming machines, the processor cancels start 20 of new normal games in these gaming machines. When the processor determines that normal games in execution have ended in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, the processor executes a common game in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables. In the 25 case of this structure, the processor may be constituted by a plurality of CPUs. [0183] While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where symbols rearranged in the display blocks 30 150 are all scatter symbols, the symbols in the present invention are not limited to scatter symbols. For example, a pay line may be provided and a prize may be established or a point value may be offered, when a certain combination of a plurality of symbols is rearranged along the pay line. Also, 35 for example, symbols which cause winning based on the pay line 87 may be combined with scatter symbols. [0184] While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the slot machines 10 are video slot 5 machines, the gaming machines in the present invention may be mechanical slot machines provided with reels. [0185] [Second Embodiment] It is to be noted that, in the following description, the 10 constituent elements as same as those of the gaming system 1 according to the aforementioned embodiment will be provided with the same numerals. Further, the description will be omitted with regard to a part in the following embodiment to which the description of 15 the aforementioned embodiment is applicable. Fig. 24 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state where a common image display, supporting members and a pedestal according to a second embodiment are being coupled to one another. 20 The pedestal 6 has a horizontally-long rectangular parallelepiped shape, and an installation surface 204, which is the upper surface, is provided with rectangular-shaped pedestal upper surface openings 201 (a pedestal upper surface opening 201a and a pedestal upper surface opening 201b) which 25 are arranged laterally at predetermined intervals. Supporting members 8 each has a longitudinally-long rectangular parallelepiped shape, has supporting-member opening protrusions 150 having rectangular parallelepiped shapes which are provided at the respective ends, and has a flow 30 channel therein that communicates with the openings included in the respective supporting-member opening protrusions 150 provided at the respective ends. Moreover, a fan 155 transferring air upwardly is provided within the flow channel included in each of the supporting members 8 (see Fig. 28C) . 35 The common image display 2 includes a 88 common-image-display cabinet 2a including a common image display panel 310 (see Fig. 29A), and a common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b including a common-image-display-panel control board 306 that controls the 5 common image display 2. Also, the common image display 2 may be structured such that the common-image-display cabinet 2a and the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b are formed integrally with each other, without separating the common-image-display cabinet 2a and the common-image-display 10 back surface side cabinet 2b from each other. In a bottom surface of the common-image-display tack surface side cabinet 2b, there are provided common-image-display bottom openings 301 (a common-image-display bottom opening 301a and a common-image-display bottom opening 301b) arranged laterally 15 at predetermined intervals. The common-image-display-panel control board 306 included in the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b is provided with a CPU (not illustrated), and is provided with a CPU housing member 307 having a rectangular 20 parallelepiped shape in such a way as to cover the CPU. The CPU housing member 307 is hollow inside thereof, has rectangular-shaped CPU-housing-member openings 309 (a CPU-housing-member opening 309a and a CPU-housing-member opening 309b) at the upper portion and the bottom portion 25 thereof, and is opened over substantially the entire face thereof that abuts with the common-image-display-panel control board 306 (see Fig. 29D). Further, within the CPU housing member 307, there is provided a CPU fan 308 that transfers air flowed into the CPU-housing-member opening portion 309a, toward 30 the CPU-housing-member opening portion 309b (see Fig. 29D). [0186] The pedestal upper surface opening 201a provided in the installation surface 204 included in the pedestal 6 receives the supporting-member opening protrusion 150d provided on the 35 lower end side of the supporting member 8a, which causes the 89 supporting member 8a to be secured to the pedestal 6 and also causes the hollow space included in the pedestal 6 to be communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting member 8a. It is to be noted that the flow channel included 5 in the supporting member 8a is in communication with the respective openings included in the supporting-member opening protrusions 150b and 150d provided at the respective ends of the supporting member 8a (not illustrated) . Similarly, the pedestal upper surface opening 201b provided in the 10 installation surface 204 included in the pedestal 6 receives the supporting-member opening protrusion 150c provided on the lower end side of the supporting member 8b, which causes the supporting member 8b to be secured to the pedestal 6 and also causes the hollow space included in the pedestal 6 to be 15 communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting member 8b. It is to be noted that the flow channel included in the supporting member 8b is in communication with the respective openings included in the supporting-member opening protrusions 150a and 150c provided at the respective ends of 20 the supporting member 8b (not illustrated). [0187] The common-image-display bottom opening 301a provided in the bottom surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b receives the supporting-member opening 25 protrusion 150b provided on the upper end side of the supporting member 8a, which causes the supporting member 8a to support the common image display 2 and also causes the internal space included in the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b to be communicated with the flow channel included in the 30 supporting member 8a. Similarly, the common-image-display bottom opening 301b provided in the bottom surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b receives the supporting-member opening protrusion 150a provided on the upper end side of the supporting member 8b, which causes the 35 supporting member 8b to support the common image display 2 and 90 also causes the internal space included in the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b to be communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting member 8b. 5 [0188] The air flowed into pedestal bottom surface openings 202 and pedestal back surface openings 208 (see Fig. 27B), which are provided in the pedestal 6 and communicated with external air, is transferred upwardly within the flow channels included 10 in the supporting members 8 by fans 155 (see Fig. 28C) provided within the flow channels included in the supporting members 8, flows into the internal space included in the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, cools the heat-generating common-image-display-panel control board 306, 15 and flows out from the plurality of common-image-display upper openings 300 (see Fig. 29A) provided in the upper surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b. Further, the air transferred by the fans 155 (see Fig. 28C) provided within the flow channels included in the 20 supporting members 8 is flowed into the CPU housing member 307 through the CPU-housing-member opening 309a by the CPU fan 308 provided within the CPU housing member 307, thereby cooling the heat-generating CPU. Thereafter, the air is ejected therefrom through the CPU-housing-member opening 309b (see Fig. 29D). 25 [0189] Fig. 25 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a gaming system according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 25, the gaming system 1 includes: the pedestal 6; three slot machines 10 installed on the pedestal 30 6; the common image display 2 supported by the supporting members 8 (see Fig. 26) provided on the pedestal 6 such that the common image display 2 is positioned above the upper surfaces of the slot machines 10; common compact image displays 3 (a common compact image display 3a, a common compact image 35 display 3b, a common compact image display 3c, and a common 91 compact image display 3d) which are installed on secondary supporting members 5 (a secondary supporting member 5a and a secondary supporting member 5b) respectively extending leftward and rightward from the common image display 2; and a 5 control device 200 (see Fig. 11). [0190] The pedestal 6 has leg portions 9 (a leg portion 9a, a leg portion 9b, and a leg portion 9c) provided on the lower side thereof and, also has a hollow space provided inside thereof. 10 In the hollow space included in the pedestal 6, there is provided a control-device housing portion 203 (see Fig. 27B) in which the control device 200 is housed (not illustrated). Further, in the hollow space included in the pedestal 6, there are plate-shaped pedestal supporting members 7 (a pedestal 15 supporting member 7a, a pedestal supporting member 7b and a pedestal supporting member 7c) provided perpendicularly to a bottom surface of the pedestal 6, which enhances the strength of the pedestal 6. [0191] 20 It is to be noted that, the slot machines 10, the common image display 2 and the common compact image displays 3 are connected to the control device 200 such that they can communicate with the control device 200, through communication cables placed in the hollow space included in the pedestal 6, 25 the flow channels included in the supporting members 8, and the spaces provided within the secondary supporting members 5. The flow channels included in the supporting members 8 form airflow paths and also form arrangement paths for having the communication cables arranged therein. 30 (0192] Fig. 26 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state where the slot machines are removed from the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 25. The common image display 2 is supported by the supporting 35 members 8 (the supporting member 8a and the supporting member 92 8b) which are supported at their lower ends by the pedestal 6. The supporting members 8 which support the common image display 2 are provided on the back surface side of the slot machines 10, which enables installation of the common image display 2 5 without causing disfigurement. [0193] Fig. 27Ais a perspective view schematically illustrating the pedestal included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 25. 10 The pedestal 6 has a horizontally-long rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the installation surface 204 thereof is provided, on the back side, with the rectangular-shaped pedestal upper surface openings 201 (the pedestal upper surface opening 201a and the pedestal upper surface opening 201b) 15 arranged laterally at predetermined intervals. The pedestal upper surface openings 201 are openings for receiving the supporting-member opening protrusions 150 (see Fig. 28A) included in the supporting members 8. [0194] 20 Fig. 27B is a perspective view schematically illustrating the state of the inside of the pedestal included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 25. At substantially the center of the inside of the pedestal, there is provided the control-device housing portion 203 in 25 which the control device 200 is housed. The pedestal supporting member 7c is provided on the front face side of the control-device housing portion 203, and the pedestal supporting member 7a and the pedestal supporting member 7b are provided on the lateral face side of the control-device housing portion 30 203; therefore, the control-device housing portion 203 is invisible from the outside. Further, the plate-shaped pedestal supporting members 7 support the installation surface 204, thereby forming a hollow space within the pedestal. Further, the pedestal supporting member 7a and the pedestal 35 supporting member 7b have angular-U shapes, which further 93 enhances the strength of the pedestal 6. The control-device housing portion 203 corresponds to the housing space according to the present invention. [0195] 5 Just under the pedestal upper surface opening 201a provided in the installation surface 204, a rectangular-shaped pedestal bottom surface opening 202a which communicates with external air is provided in the pedestal bottom surface portion 205. Further, in a pedestal back surface 207, there is provided 10 near the pedestal bottom surface opening 202a a rectangular-shaped pedestal back surface opening 208a which communicates with external air. Accordingly, the air flowed into the hollow space included in the pedestal 6 through the pedestal bottom surface opening 202a and the pedestal back 15 surface opening 208a can easily flow into the flow channel included in the supporting member 8 through the pedestal upper surface opening 201a. Further, with respect to the pedestal upper surface opening 201b, similarly to with respect to the pedestal upper surface opening 201a, a rectangular-shaped 20 pedestal bottom opening 202b which communicates with external air is provided in the pedestal bottom surface portion 205, and a rectangular-shaped pedestal back surface opening 208b which communicates with external air is provided in the pedestal back surface 207 (not illustrated) . It is to be noted that the 25 pedestal bottom surface portion 205 is supported by the leg portions 9 (the leg portion 9a, the leg portion 9b and the leg portion 9c) and, therefore, is provided at a state where it is floated from the floor surface. Further, while, in the present embodiment, there has been 30 described a case where the pedestal bottom surface openings 202 (the pedestal bottom surface opening 202a and the pedestal bottom surface opening 202b) have rectangular shapes, the shapes of the pedestal bottom surface openings are not particularly limited and may be circular shapes. 35 Further, while, in the present embodiment, there has been 94 described a case where the pedestal back surface openings 208 (the pedestal back surface opening 208a and the pedestal back surface opening 208b) have rectangular shapes, the shapes of the pedestal back surface openings are not particularly limited 5 and may be circular shapes. [0196] Fig. 28A is a perspective view schematically illustrating a supporting member included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 25. 10 The supporting member 8 has a longitudinally-long rectangular parallelepiped shape and has the supporting-member opening protrusions 150 having rectangular parallelepiped shapes which are provided at the respective ends of the supporting member 8 (one on the lower end side is not 15 illustrated) . Further, the supporting-member opening protrusions 150 are open inside thereof, and the supporting member 8 is provided, inside thereof, with a flow channel which is in communication with the openings included in the respective supporting-member opening protrusions 150 provided at the 20 respective ends of the supporting member 8 (not illustrated) (0197] Fig. 28B is a cross-sectional view of the supporting member illustrated in Fig. 28A, taken along the line A-A. As illustrated in Fig. 28B, there is a hollow portion 25 inside the supporting member 8. The hollow portion forms the flow channel that is in communication with the openings of the supporting-member opening protrusions 150 provided at the respective ends of the supporting member 8. [0198] 30 Fig. 28C is a cross-sectional view of the supporting member illustrated in Fig. 28A, taken along the line B-B. As illustrated in Fig. 28C, at substantially the center of the hollow portion forming the flow channel, there is provided a fan mounting frame 156 formed to be hollow inside 35 thereof, and there is further provided the fan 155 inside of 95 the fan mounting frame 156. It is to be noted that the hollow portions that exist outside the fan mounting frame 156 form arrangement paths for having communication cables arranged therein. 5 Since the fan 155 is provided at a portion near the upper end of the supporting member 8, it is possible to efficiently make the air within the flow channel flow into the internal space included in :he common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b. 10 [0199] While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where a single fan 155 is provided within the flow channel included in the supporting member 8, the number of fans to be provided within the flow channel included in the 15 supporting member 8 is not particularly limited, and may be more than one. For example, in cases where fans are provided on the upper end side and the lower end side of the supporting member, it is possible to cause the air flowed into the pedestal bottom surface openings 202 and the pedestal back surface openings 208 20 (see Fig. 27B), which are provided in the pedestal 6 and communicated with external air, to efficiently flow into the internal space included in the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b. (0200) 25 Fig. 29A is a perspective view schematically illustrating the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 25. The common image display 2 includes the common-image-display cabinet 2a and the common-image-display 30 back surface side cabinet 2b. The common image display panel 310 is provided in an opening provided over substantially the entire front surface of the common-image-display cabinet 2a. In the upper surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, there are provided the plurality of 35 circular-shaped common-image-display upper openings 300.
96 [0201] The common image display panel 310 is not particularly limited, so long as it is a panel capable of displaying images thereto. The common image display panel 310 can be, for example, 5 a liquid crystal panel, a plasma panel, an organic electroluminescence panel or the like. [0202] Fig. 29B is a perspective view schematically illustrating a bottom surface of the common image display included in the 10 gaming system illustrated in Fig. 25. In the bottom surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, there are provided the common-image-display bottom openings 301 (the common-image-display bottom opening 301a and the 15 common-image-display bottom opening 301b) arranged laterally at predetermined intervals. Further, in the bottom surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, there are provided a plurality of circular-shaped common-image-display bottom openings 301c, between the 20 common-image-display bottom opening 301a and the common-image-display bottom opening 301b. The common-image-display bottom opening 301a and the common-image-display bottom opening 301b are openings which receive the supporting-member opening protrusions 150 included 25 in the supporting members 8. [0203] Fig. 29C is a perspective view schematically illustrating a back surface of the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 25. 30 At an upper portion of the back surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, there are provided a plurality of circular-shaped common-image-display back surface openings 304. Since the common-image-display back surface openings 304 are provided at the upper portion of 35 the back surface of the common-image-display back surface side 97 cabinet 2b, the heated air within the common image display 2 can be efficiently ejected. [0204] Fig. 29D is a perspective view schematically illustrating 5 the common-image-display-panel control board included in the common image display provided in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 25. The common-image-display-panel control board 306 has the CPU (not illustrated) provided on the left side thereof, and 10 has the CPU housing member 307 with a rectangular parallelepiped shape provided in such away as to cover the CPU. The CPUhousing member 307, which is hollow inside thereof, has the rectangular-shaped CPU-housing-member openings 309 (the CPU-housing-member opening 309a and the CPU-housing-member 15 opening 309b) provided at the upper portion thereof (the back side in Fig. 29D) and at the bottom portion thereof (the front side in Fig. 29D) , and is opened over substantially the entire face thereof that abuts with the common-image-display-panel control board 306. Further, within the CPU housing member 307, 20 there is provided the CPU fan 308 that transfers the air flowed into the CPU-housing-member opening 309a, toward the CPU-housing-member opening 309b. Further, in Fig. 29D, members for providing the CPU fan 308 and the like are not illustrated, for ease of description. 25 It is to be noted that, the material of the CPU housing member 307 is not particularly limited, but is preferably a metal with a high thermal conductance, such as aluminum and copper. [02051 30 While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the CPU housing member 307 has outer surfaces with flat shapes, the shapes of the outer surfaces of the CPU housing member are not particularly limited, and may be shapes which make the surface area of the outer surfaces of 35 the CPU housing member large; for example, the CPU housing 98 member may be provided with a plurality of protrusions on its outer surfaces. [0206] Fig. 24 is a perspective view schematically illustrating 5 a state where the common image display, the supporting members and the pedestal according to the second embodiment. The pedestal upper surface opening 201a provided in the installation surface 204 included in the pedestal 6 receives the supporting-member opening protrusion 150d provided on the 10 lower end side of the supporting member 8a, which causes the supporting member 8a to be secured to the pedestal 6 and also causes the hollow space included in the pedestal 6 to be communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting member 8a. It is to be noted that the flow channel included 15 in the supporting member 8a is communicated with openings respectively provided in the supporting-member opening protrusions 150b and 150d provided at the respective ends of the supporting member 8a (not illustrated) . Similarly, the pedestal upper surface opening 201b provided in the 20 installation surface 204 receives the supporting-member opening protrusion 150c provided on the lower end side of the supporting member 8b, which causes the supporting member 8b to be secured to the pedestal 6 and also causes the hollow space included in the pedestal 6 to be communicated with the flow 25 channel included in the supporting member 8b. It is to be noted that the flow channel included in the supporting member 8b is communicated with openings respectively provided in the supporting-member opening protrusions 150a and 150c provided at the respective ends of the supporting member 8b (not 30 illustrated). [0207] The common-image-display bottom opening 301a provided in the bottom surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b receives the supporting-member opening 35 protrusion 150b provided on the upper end side of the supporting 99 member 8a, which causes the supporting member 8a to support the common image display 2 and also causes the internal space included in the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b to be communicated with the flow channel included in the 5 supporting member 8a. Similarly, the common-image-display bottom opening 301b provided in the bottom surface of the common- image-di splay back surface side cabinet 2b receives the supporting-member opening protrusion 150a provided on the upper end side of the supporting member 8b, which causes the 10 supporting member 8b to support the common image display 2 and also causes the internal space included in the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b to be communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting member 8b. 15 [0208] The air flowed into the pedestal bottom surface openings 202 and the pedestal back surface openings 208 (see Fig. 27B), which are provided in the pedestal 6 and communicated with external air, is transferred upwardly within the flow channels 20 included in the supporting members 8 by the fans 155 (see Fig. 28C) provided within the flow channels included in the supporting members 8, flows into the internal space included in the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, cools the heat-generating common-image-display-panel control board 25 306, and flows out through the plurality of common-image-display upper openings 300 (see Fig. 29A) provided in the upper surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b. Further, the air transferred by the fans 155 (see Fig. 30 28C) provided within the flow channels included in the supporting members 8 is flowed into the CPU housing member 307 through the CPU-housing-member opening 309a by the CPU fan 308 provided within the CPU housing member 307, thereby cooling the heat-generating CPU. Thereafter, the air is ejected therefrom 35 through the CPU housing member opening 309b (see Fig. 29D).
100 It is to be noted that, when the common image display 2, the supporting members 8 and the pedestal 6 are coupled to one another, it is possible to use securing members such as screws, an adhesive agent or the like. Further, the thickness of the 5 installation surface 204, the thickness of the bottom surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, and the length of the supporting-member opening protrusions 150 can be properly designed as required. [0209] 10 In the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the pedestal upper surface openings 201 (the pedestal upper surface opening 201a and the pedestal upper surface opening 201b) and the common-image-display bottom openings 301 (the common-image-display bottom opening 301a and the 15 common-image-display bottom opening 301b) have rectangular shapes. However, the shapes of the pedestal upper surface openings and the common-image-display bottom openings are not particularly limited, so long as the shapes conform to the shapes of the supporting-member opening protrusions. For 20 example, when the supporting-member opening protrusions have circular cylindrical shapes, the pedestal upper surface openings and the common-image-display bottom openings may have circular shapes. [0210] 25 As described above, according to the gaming system 1 relating to the present embodiment, the plurality of slot machines 10, the control device 200, and the common image display 2 constitute a single module. This eliminates the necessity of connection of the plurality of slot machines 10 30 to the control device 200 through a network, installation of the common image display 2 on a wall, works for preventing the network wirings from being exposed to cause disfigurement, and the like, and also eliminates the necessity of works in changing the installation and the layout. Further, since the gaming 35 system 1 can be installed even at a place having no walls in 101 the vicinity thereof and a place having a high ceiling, the restriction on the installation place of the gaming system 1 is eliminated. Further, since there is no need for installing the common 5 image display 2 on a wall, the change of wall colors due to heat generated from the common image display 2 is suppressed. Further, the common image display 2 is supported by the supporting members 8 having the flow channel therein that communicates with openings provided at the respective ends of 10 each of the supporting members 8. Further, the flow channel is communicated to the hollow space included in the pedestal 6. Moreover, the flow channels included in the supporting members 8 are communicated with the internal space included in the common image display 2, through the openings provided at 15 the bottom portion of the internal space included in the common image display 2 and the openings provided in the supporting members 8. [0211] The CPU housing member 307 is provided so as to cover the 20 CPU included in the common-image-display-panel control board 306 provided within the internal space. The CPU housing member 307 has openings provided at the upper portion and the bottom portion thereof, and the CPU fan 308 is provided within the CPU housing member 307. Accordingly, the rotating CPU fan 308 can 25 forcibly circulate air. Further, since the CPU fan 308 is provided within the CPU housing member 307 provided so as to cover the CPU, it is possible to efficiently cool the CPU that is one of the main causes of the heat generation from the common image display 2. 30 [0212] since the fans 155 that transfer air upwardly are provided within the flow channels included in the supporting members 8, it is possible to forcibly transfer the air upwardly, the air having flowed into the pedestal bottom surface openings 202 and 35 the pedestal back surface openings 208, which are provided in 102 the pedestal 6 and communicated with external air. This can efficiently suppress the heat generation from the common image display 2. [0213] 5 While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the gaming machines are the slot machines 10, the gaming machines in the present invention are not particularly limited so long as they are gaming machines capable of executing independent games; for example, the gaming 10 machines may be card game machines. [0214] While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the number of gaming machines is 3, the number of gaming machines in the present invention is not 15 particularly limited so long as it is more than one; for example, the number of gaming machines may be 5. [0215] While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the common game is a card game, the common 20 game in the present invention is not particularly limited so long as they are games which are simultaneously executed in all the gaming machines connected through communication cables; for example, the common games may be horse race games. [0216] 25 While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the main CPU 41 included in each slot machine 10 executes normal games, a processor included in the control device may execute normal games in the respective gaming machines connected through the communication cables. With 30 this structure, when the processor has determined to execute a common game, the processor determines whether or not normal games in execution have ended in the respective gaming machines. When the processor determines that normal games in execution have ended in the gaming machines, the processor cancels start 35 of new normal games in these gaming machines. When the 103 processor determines that normal games in execution have ended in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, the processor executes a common game in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables. In the 5 case of this structure, the processor may be constituted by a plurality of CPUs. [0217] While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where symbols rearranged in the display blocks 10 150 are all scatter symbols, the symbols in the present invention are not limited to scatter symbols. For example, a pay line may be provided and a prize may be established or a point value may be offered, when a certain combination of a plurality of symbols is rearranged along the pay line. Also, 15 for example, symbols which cause winning based on the pay line may be combined with scatter symbols. [0218] While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a. case where the slot machines 10 are video slot 20 machines, the gaming machines in the present invention may be mechanical slot machines provided with reels. [0219] [Third Embodiment] It is to be noted that, in the following description, the 25 constituent elements as same as those of the gaming system 1 according to the aforementioned embodiment will be provided with the same numerals. Further, the description will be omitted with regard to a part in the following embodiment to which the description of 30 the aforementioned embodiment is applicable. Fig. 30 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state where a common image display, supporting members and a pedestal according to a third embodiment are being coupled to one another. 35 A pedestal 6 has a horizontally-long rectangular 104 parallelepiped shape, and an installation surface 204, which is the upper surface, is provided with rectangular-shaped pedestal upper surface openings 201 (a pedestal upper surface opening 201a and a pedestal upper surface opening 201b) which 5 are arranged laterally at predetermined intervals. Supporting members 8 each has a longitudinally-long rectangular parallelepiped shape, has supporting-member opening protrusions 150 having rectangular parallelepiped shapes which are provided at the respective ends, and has a flow 10 channel therein that communicates with the openings included in the respective supporting-member opening protrusions 150 provided at the respective ends. Moreover, a fan 155 transferring air upwardly is provided within the flow channel included in each of the supporting members 8 (see Fig. 34C). 15 The common image display 2 includes a common-image-display cabinet 2a including a common image display panel 310 (see Fig. 35A), and a common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b including a board housing member 302 provided so as to cover a common-image-display-panel 20 control board 306 (see Fig. 35G) that controls the common image display 2. Also, the common image display 2 may be structured such that the common-image-display cabinet 2a and the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b are formed integrally with each other, without separating the 25 common-image-display cabinet 2a and the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b from each other. In a bottom surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, there are provided common-image-display bottom openings 301 (a common-image-display bottom opening 301a and a 30 common-image-display bottom opening 301b) having rectangular shapes in different sizes, arranged laterally at predetermined intervals. The common-image-display bottom opening 301a has the approximately same size as the size of the supporting member 8. 35 The board housing member 302 is hollow inside thereof.
105 At the upper portion of the board housing member 302, there are provided rectangular-shaped board-housing-member upper openings 303 (a board-housing-member upper opening 303a, a board-housing-member upper opening 303b, a 5 board-housing-member upper opening 303c and a board-housing-member upper opening 303d) arranged laterally at predetermined intervals. Further, a rectangular-shaped board-housing-member bottom opening 305 is provided at a portion in the bottom portion of the board housing member 302, 10 the portion positioned at the upper portion with respect to the common-image-display bottom opening 301a. [0220] The pedestal upper surface opening 201a provided in the installation surface 204 included in the pedestal 6 receives 15 the supporting-member opening protrusion 150d provided on the lower end side of the supporting member 8a, which causes the supporting member 8a to be secured to the pedestal 6 and also causes the hollow space included in the pedestal 6 to be communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting 20 member 8a. It is to be noted that the flow channel included in the supporting member 8a is in communication with the respective openings included in the supporting-member opening protrusions 150b and 150d provided at the respective ends of the supporting member 8a (not illustrated) . Similarly, the 25 pedestal upper surface opening 201b provided in the installation surface 204 included in the pedestal 6 receives the supporting-member opening protrusion 150c provided on the lower end side of the supporting member 8b, which causes the supporting member 8b to be secured to the pedestal 6 and also 30 causes the hollow space included in the pedestal 6 to be communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting member 8b. It is to be noted that the flow channel included in the supporting member 8b is in communication with the respective openings included in the supporting-member opening 35 protrusions 150a and 150c provided at the respective ends of 106 the supporting member 8b (not illustrated). [0221] The common-image-display bottom opening 301a provided in the bottom surface of the common-image-display back surface 5 side cabinet 2b receives the supporting member Ba and, the board-housing-member bottom opening 305 provided at the bottom portion of the board housing member 302 receives the supporting-member opening protrusion 150b provided on the upper end side of the supporting member Ba, which causes the 10 supporting member 8a to support the board housing member 302 included in the common image display 2 and also causes the space inside the board housing member 302 to be communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting member 8a. Meanwhile, the common-image-display bottom opening 301b provided in the 15 bottom surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b receives the supporting-member opening protrusion 150a provided on the upper end side of the supporting member 8b, which causes the supporting member 8b to support the common image display 2 and also causes the internal space included in 20 the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b to be communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting member 8b. [0222] The air flowed into pedestal bottom surface openings 202 25 (see Fig. 33B) which are provided in the pedestal 6 and communicated with external air is transferred upwardly within the flow channel included in the supporting member 8a by a fan 155 (see Fig. 34C) provided within the flow channel included in the supporting member 8a, flows into the space within the 30 board supporting member 302, cools the heat-generating common-image-display-panel control board 306 (see Fig. 35G), flows out from the board-housing-member upper openings 303 provided at the upper portion of the board housing member 302, and flows out from the plurality of common-image-display upper 35 openings 300 (see Fig. 35A) provided in the upper surface of 107 the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b. Further, the air flowed into the pedestal bottom surface openings 202 (see Fig. 33B) which are provided in the pedestal 6 and communicated with external air is transferred upwardly 5 through the flow channel included in the supporting member 8b by a fan 155 (see Fig. 34C) provided within the flow channel included in the supporting member 8b, flows into the internal space included in the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, cools the board housing member 302 from the outside 10 thereof, and flows out through the plurality of common-image-display upper openings 300 (see Fig. 35A) provided in the upper surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b. [0223] 15 Fig. 31 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a gaming system according to the third embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 31, the gaming system 1 includes: the pedestal 6; three slot machines 10 installed on the pedestal 6; the common image display 2 supported by the supporting 20 members 8 (see Fig. 32) provided on the pedestal 6 such that the common image display 2 is positioned above the upper surfaces of the slot machines 10; common compact image displays 3 (a common compact image display 3a, a common compact image display 3b, a common compact image display 3c, and a common 25 compact image display 3d) which are installed on secondary supporting members 5 (a secondary supporting member 5a and a secondary supporting member 5b) respectively extending leftward and rightward from the common image display 2; and a control device 200 (see Fig. 11). 30 [0224] The pedestal 6 has leg portions 9 (a leg portion 9a, a leg portion 9b, and a leg portion 9c) provided on the lower side thereof and, also has a hollow space provided inside thereof. In the hollow space included in the pedestal 6, there is provided 35 a control-device housing portion 203 (see Fig. 33B) in which 108 the control device 200 is housed (not illustrated) Further, in the hollow space included in the pedestal 6, there are plate-shaped pedestal supporting members 7 (a pedestal supporting member 7a, a pedestal supporting member 7b and a 5 pedestal supporting member 7c) provided perpendicularly to a bottom surface of the pedestal 6, which enhances the strength of the pedestal 6. [0225] It is to be noted that, the slot machines 10, the common 10 image display 2 and the common compact image displays 3 are connected to the control device 200 such that they can communicate with the control device 200, through communication cables placed in the hollow space included in the pedestal 6, the flow channels included in the supporting members 8, and the 15 spaces provided within the secondary supporting members 5. The flow channels included in the supporting members 8 form airflow paths and also form arrangement paths for arranging the communication cables such as common-image-display communication cables and common-image-display power supply 20 cables therein. [0226] Fig. 32 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state where the slot machines are removed from the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 31. 25 The common image display 2 is supported by the supporting members 8 (the supporting member 8a and the supporting member 8b) which are supported at their lower ends by the pedestal 6. The supporting members 8 which support the common image display 2 are provided on the back surface side of the slot machines 30 10, which enables installation of the common image display 2 without causing disfigurement. [0227] Fig. 33A is a perspective view schematically illustrating the pedestal included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 35 31.
109 The pedestal 6 has a horizontally-long rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the installation surface 204 thereof is provided, on the back side, with the rectangular-shaped pedestal upper surface openings 201 (the pedestal upper surface 5 opening 201a and the pedestal upper surface opening 201b) arranged laterally at predetermined intervals. The pedestal upper surface openings 201 are openings for receiving the supporting-member opening protrusions 150 (see Fig. 34A) included in the supporting members 8. 10 [0228] Fig. 33B is a perspective view schematically illustrating the state of the inside of the pedestal included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 31. At substantially the center of the inside of the pedestal, 15 there is provided the control-device housing portion 203 in which the control device 200 is housed. The pedestal supporting member 7c is provided on the front face side of the control-device housingportion 203, and the pedestal supporting member 7a and the pedestal supporting member 7b are provided 20 on the lateral face side of the control-device housing portion 203; therefore, the control-device housing portion 203 is invisible from the outside. Further, the plate-shaped pedestal supporting members 7 support the installation surface 204, thereby forming a hollow space within the pedestal. 25 Further, the pedestal supporting member 7a and the pedestal supporting member 7b have angular-U shapes, which further enhances the strength of the pedestal 6. The control-device housing portion 203 corresponds to the housing space according to the present invention. 30 [02291 Just under the pedestal upper surface opening 201a provided in the installation surface 204, a rectangular-shaped pedestal bottom surface opening 202a which communicates with external air is provided in the pedestal bottom surface portion 35 205. Accordingly, the air flowed into the hollow space included 110 in the pedestal 6 through the pedestal bottom surface opening 202a can easily flow into the flow channel included in the supporting member 8 through the pedestal upper surface opening 201a. Further, with respect to the pedestal upper surface 5 opening 201b, similarly to with respect to the pedestal upper surface opening 201a, a rectangular-shaped pedestal bottom opening 202b which communicates with external air is provided in the pedestal bottom surface portion 205 (not illustrated) . It is to be noted that the pedestal bottom surface portion 205 10 is supported by the leg portions 9 (the leg portion 9a, the leg portion 9b and the leg portion 9c) and, therefore, is provided at a state where it is floated from the floor surface. Further, while, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the pedestal bottom surface openings 202 15 (the pedestal bottom surface opening 202a and the pedestal bottom surface opening 202b) have rectangular shapes, the shapes of the pedestal bottom surface openings are not particularly limited and may be circular shapes. [0230] 20 Fig. 34Ais a perspective view schematically illustrating a supporting member included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 31. The supporting member 8 has a longitudinally-long rectangular parallelepiped shape and has the supporting-member 25 opening protrusions 150 having rectangular parallelepiped shapes which are provided at the respective ends of the supporting member 8 (one on the lower end side is not illustrated) . Further, the supporting-member opening protrusions 150 are open inside thereof, and the supporting 30 member 8 is provided, inside thereof, with a flow channel which is in communication with the openings included in the respective supporting-member opening protrusions 150 provided at the respective ends of the supporting member 8 (not illustrated) [0231] 35 Fig. 34B is a cross-sectional view of the supporting 111 member illustrated in Fig. 34A, taken along the line A-A. As illustrated in Fig. 34B, there is a hollow portion inside the supporting member 8. The hollow portion forms the flow channel that is in communication with the openings of the 5 supporting-member opening protrusions 150 provided at the respective ends of the supporting member 8. [0232] Fig. 34C is a cross-sectional view of the supporting member illustrated in Fig. 34A, taken along the line B-B. 10 As illustrated in Fig. 34C, at substantially the center of the hollow portion forming the flow channel, there is provided a fan mounting frame 156 formed to be hollow inside thereof, and there is further provided the fan 155 inside of the fan mounting frame 156. 15 It is to be noted that the hollow portions that exist outside the fan mounting frame 156 form arrangement paths for arranging communication cables such as common-image-display communication cables and common-image display power supply cables therein. 20 Since the fan 155 is provided at a portion near the upper end of the supporting member 8, it is possible to efficiently make the air within the flow channel flow into the internal space included in the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b. 25 [0233] While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where a single fan 155 is provided within the flow channel included in the supporting member 8, the number of fans to be provided within the flow channel included in the 30 supporting member 8 is not particularly limited, and may be more than one. For example, in cases where fans are provided on the upper end side and the lower end side of the supporting member, it is possible to cause the air flowed into the pedestal bottom surface openings 202 (see Fig. 33B) which are provided in the 35 pedestal 6 and communicated with external air to efficiently 112 flow into the space within the board housing member 302 and the internal space included in the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b. [0234] 5 Fig. 35Ais a perspective view schematically illustrating the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 31. The common image display 2 includes the common-image-display cabinet 2a and the common-image-display 10 back surface side cabinet 2b. The common image display panel 310 is provided in an opening provided over substantially the entire front surface of the common-image-display cabinet 2a. In the upper surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, there are provided the plurality of 15 circular-shaped common-image-display upper openings 300. [0235] The common image display panel 310 is not particularly limited, so long as it is a panel capable of displaying images thereto. The common image display panel 310 can be, for example, 20 a liquid crystal panel, a plasma panel, an organic electroluminescence panel or the like. [0236] Fig. 35B is a perspective view schematically illustrating a bottom surface of the common image display included in the 25 gaming system illustrated in Fig. 31. In the bottom surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, there are provided the common-image-display bottom openings 301 (the common-image-display bottom opening 301a and the 30 common-image-display bottom opening 301b) having rectangular shapes in different sizes, arranged laterally at predetermined intervals. The common-image-display bottom opening 301a is provided straddling the common image display cabinet 2a and the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b. Further, 35 in the bottom surface of the common-image-display back surface 113 side cabinet 2b, there are provided a plurality of circular-shaped common-image-display bottom openings 301c, between the common-image-display bottom opening 301a and the common-image-display bottom opening 301b. 5 The common-image-display bottom opening 301a is an opening which receives the supporting member 8. The common-image-display bottom opening 301b is an opening which receives the supporting-member opening protrusion 150 included in the supporting member 8. 10 [0237] Fig. 35C is a perspective view schematically illustrating a back surface of the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 31. At an upper portion of the back surface of the 15 common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, there are provided a plurality of circular-shaped common-image-display back surface openings 304. Since the common-image-display back surface openings 304 are provided at the upper portion of the back surface of the common-image-display back surface side 20 cabinet 2b, the heated air within the common image display 2 can be efficiently ejected. [0238] Fig. 35D is aperspective view schematically illustrating a state where the common-image-display back surface side 25 cabinet is removed from the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 31. The board housing member 302 provided on the right side of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b (see Fig. 30) is hollow inside thereof. At the upper portion of the 30 board housing member 302, there are provided the rectangular-shaped board-housing-member upper openings 303 (the board-housing-member upper opening 303a, the board-housing-member opening 303b, the board-housing-member upper opening 303c and the board-housing-member upper opening 35 303d) arranged laterally at predetermined intervals.
114 It is to be noted that the material of the board housing member 302 is not particularly limited, but is preferably a metal with a high thermal conductance, such as aluminum and copper. 5 [0239] While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the board housing member 302 has outer surfaces with flat shapes, the shapes of the outer surfaces of the board housing member are not particularly limited, and may 10 be shapes which make the surface area of the outer surfaces of the board housing member large; for example, the board housing member may be provided with a plurality of protrusions on its outer surfaces. [0240] 15 Fig. 35E is a perspective view schematically illustrating the board housing member included in the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 31. The board housing member 302 has the rectangular-shaped board-housing-member bottom opening 305 provided at the bottom 20 portion thereof (the front side in Fig. 35E). The board-housing-member bottom opening 305 is provided at a portion which is positioned at the upper portion with respect to the common- image-di splay bottom opening 301a provided in the bottom surface of the common-image-display back surface side 25 cabinet 2b (see Fig. 30). [0241] Fig. 35Fis a perspective view schematically illustrating the state of the inside of the board housing member included in the common image display included in the gaming system 30 illustrated in Fig. 31. Within the board housing member 302, there is provided the common-image-display-panel control board 306 which controls the common image display 2. [02421 35 Fig. 35G is a perspective view schematically illustrating 115 the common-image-display-panel control board included in the common image display provided in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 31. The common-image-display-panel control board 306 has a 5 CPU (not illustrated) provided on the left side thereof, and has a CPU housing member 307 with a rectangular parallelepiped shape provided in such away as to cover the CPU. The CPU housing member 307, which is hollow inside thereof, has rectangular-shaped CPU-housing-member openings 309 10 (CPU-housing-member opening 309a and CPU-housing-member opening 309b) provided at the upper portion thereof (the back side in Fig. 35G) and at the bottom portion thereof (the front side in Fig. 35G), and is opened over substantially the entire face thereof that abuts with the common-image-display-panel 15 control board 306. Further, within the CPU housing member 307, there is provided a CPU fan 308 that transfers the air flowed into the CPU-housing-member opening 309a, toward the CPU-housing-member opening 309b. Further, in Fig. 35G, members for providing the CPU fan 308 and the like are not 20 illustrated, for ease of description. It is to be noted that, the material of the CPU housing member 307 is not particularly limited, but is preferably a metal with a high thermal conductance, such as aluminum and copper. 25 [0243] The air transferred by the fans 155 (see Fig. 34C) provided within the flow channels included in the supporting members 8 is flowed into the CPU housing member 307 through the CPU-housing-member opening 309a by the CPU fan 308 provided 30 within the CPU housing member 307, thereby cooling the heat-generating CPU. Thereafter, the air is ejected through the CPU housing member opening 309b. [0244] While, in the present embodiment, there has been 35 described a case where the CPU housing member 307 has outer 116 surfaces with flat shapes, the shapes of the outer surfaces of the CPU housing member are not particularly limited in the present invention, and may be shapes which make the surface area of the outer surfaces of the CPU housing member large; for 5 example, the CPU housing member may be provided with a plurality of protrusions on its outer surfaces. [0245] Fig. 35H is a cross-sectional view of the bottom portion of the board housing member included in the common image display 10 included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 31. A sealing member 311 made of an elastic material is attached to the entire periphery of the inner wall surface of the board-housing-member bottom opening 305 provided in the bottom portion of the board housing member 302. 15 With the sealing member 311, the inner wall surface of the board-housing-member bottom opening 305 is intimately attached to the outer wall surface of the supporting-member opening protrusion 150b provided in the supporting member 8a, which causes the space within the board housing member 302 to 20 be communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting member 8a, with no gap interposed therebetween (see Fig. 30) . It is to be noted that the material of the sealing member 311 is not particularly limited so long as it is an elastic material. Examples of the material of the sealing member 311 25 may include foam sponge and rubber. [0246] Fig. 30 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state where the common image display, the supporting members and the pedestal according to the third embodiment. 30 The pedestal upper surface opening 201a provided in the installation surface 204 included in the pedestal 6 receives the supporting-member opening protrusion 150d provided on the lower end side of the supporting member Ba, which causes the supporting member Ba to be secured to the pedestal 6 and also 35 causes the hollow space included in the pedestal 6 to be 117 communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting member 8a. It is to be noted that the flow channel included in the supporting member 8a is communicated with openings respectively provided in the supporting-member opening 5 protrusions 150b and 150d provided at the respective ends of the supporting member 8a (not illustrated) . Similarly, the pedestal upper surface opening 201b provided in the installation surface 204 receives the supporting-member opening protrusion 150c provided on the lower end side of the 10 supporting member 8b, which causes the supporting member 8b to be secured to the pedestal 6 and also causes the hollow space included in the pedestal 6 to be communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting member 8b. It is to be noted that the flow channel included in the supporting member 8b is 15 communicated with openings respectively provided in the supporting-member opening protrusions 150a and 150c provided at the respective ends of the supporting member 8b (not illustrated). [0247] 20 The common-image-display bottom opening 301a provided in the bottom surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b receives the supporting member 8a and, the board-housing-member bottom opening 305 provided at the bottom portion of the board housing member 302 receives the 25 supporting-member opening protrusion 150b provided on the upper end side of the supporting member 8a, which causes the supporting member 8a to support the board housing member 302 included in the common image display 2 and also causes the space within the board housing member 302 to be communicated with the 30 flow channel included in the supporting member 8a. Meanwhile, the common-image-display bottom opening 301b provided in the bottom surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b receives the supporting-member opening protrusion 150a provided on the upper end side of the supporting member 35 8b, which causes the supporting member 8b to support the common 118 image display 2 and also causes the internal space included in the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b to be communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting member 8b. 5 [0248] The air flowed into the pedestal bottom surface openings 202 (see Fig. 33B) which are provided in the pedestal 6 and communicated with external air is transferred upwardly within the flow channel included in the supporting member 8a by the 10 fan 155 (see Fig. 34C) provided within the flow channel included in the supporting member 8a, flows into the space within the board housing member 302, cools the heat-generating common-image-display-panel control board 306 (see Fig. 35G), flows out through the board-housing-member upper openings 303 15 provided at the upper portion of the board housing member 302, and flows out through the plurality of common-image-display upper openings 300 (see Fig. 35A) provided in the upper surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b. Further, the air flowed into the pedestal bottom surface 20 openings 202 (see Fig. 33B) which are provided in the pedestal 6 and communicated with external air is transferred upwardly through the flow channel included in the supporting member 8b by the fan 155 (see Fig. 34C) provided within the flow channel included in the supporting member 8b, flows into the internal 25 space included in the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, cools the board housing member 302 from the outside thereof, and flows out through the plurality of common-image-display upper openings 300 (see Fig. 35A) provided in the upper surface of the common-image-display back surface 30 side cabinet 2b. It is to be noted that, when the common image display 2, the supporting members 8 and the pedestal 6 are coupled to one another, it is possible to use securing members such as screws, an adhesive agent or the like. Further, the thickness of the 35 installation surface 204, the thickness of the bottom surface 119 of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, and the length of the supporting-member opening protrusions 150 can be properly designed as required. [0249] 5 In the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the pedestal upper surface openings 201 (the pedestal upper surface opening 201a and the pedestal upper surface opening 201b) , the common-image-display bottom opening 301b and the board-housing-member bottom opening 305 have rectangular 10 shapes. However, the shapes of the pedestal upper surface openings, the common-image-display bottom opening and the board-housing-member bottom opening are not particularly limited, so long as the shapes conform to the shapes of the supporting-member opening protrusions 150. For example, when 15 the supporting-member opening protrusions have circular cylindrical shapes, the pedestal upper surface openings, the common-image-display bottom opening and the board-housing-member bottom opening may have circular shapes. [0250] 20 As described above, according to the gaming system 1 relating to the present embodiment, the plurality of slot machines 10, the control device 200, and the common image display 2 constitute a single module. This eliminates the necessity of connection of the plurality of slot machines 10 25 to the control device 200 through a network, installation of the common image display 2 on a wall, works for preventing the network wirings from being exposed to cause disfigurement, and the like, and also eliminates the necessity of works in changing the installation and the layout. Further, since the gaming 30 system 1 can be installed even at a place having no walls in the vicinity thereof and a place having a high ceiling, the restriction on the installation place of the gaming system 1 is eliminated. Further, since there is no need for installing the common 35 image display 2 on a wall, the change of wall colors due to heat 120 generated from the common image display 2 is suppressed. With the sealing member 311, the inner wall surface of the board-housing-member bottom opening 305 is intimately attached to the outer wall surface of the supporting-member 5 opening protrusion 150b provided in the supporting member 8a, which causes the space within the board housing member 302 to be communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting member 8a, with no gap interposed therebetween. Therefore, the air flowed into the pedestal bottom openings 202 which are 10 provided in the pedestal 6 and communicated with external air flows into the space within the board housing member 302 through the flow channel included in the supporting member 8a, thereby efficiently cooling the common-image-display-panel control board 306. 15 Also, since the fans 155 that transfer air upwardly are provided within the flow channels included in the supporting members 8, it is possible to forcibly transfer the air upwardly, the air having flowed into the pedestal bottom surface openings 202, which are provided in the pedestal 6 and communicated with 20 external air. This can efficiently suppress the heat generation from the common image display 2. Further, the bottom surface portion 205 is supported by the leg portions 9 provided on the bottom surface of the bottom surface portion 205 of the pedestal 6 at a state where the bottom 25 surface portion 205 is floated from the floor surface, which can cause air around the floor surface, on which cold air remains, to flow into the hollow space through the pedestal bottom surface openings 202 provided in the bottom surface portion 205. Further, a common-image-display power supply cable and 30 a common-image-display communication cable are introduced into the board housing member 302, through the flow channels included in the supporting members 8. This can prevent disfigurement due to exposure of wirings. Further, this can cool the heat-generating power supply cable, due to the air flowed into 35 the openings provided in the hollow space included in the 121 pedestal. [0251] While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the CPU fan 308 is provided within the 5 CPU housing member 307, only the CPU fan may be provided without the CPU housing member provided, in the present invention. [0252] While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the gaming machines are the slot machines 10 10, the gaming machines in the present invention are not particularly limited so long as they are gaming machines capable of executing independent games; for example, the gaming machines may be card game machines. [0253] 15 While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a. case where the number of gaming machines is 3, the number of gaming machines in the present invention is not particularly limited so long as it is more than one; for example, the number of gaming machines may be 5. 20 [0254] While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the common game is a card game, the common game in the present invention is not particularly limited so long as they are games which are simultaneously executed in all 25 the gaming machines connected through communication cables; for example, the common games may be horse race games. [0255] While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the main CPU 41 included in each slot 30 machine 10 executes normal games, a processor included in the control device may execute normal games in the respective gaming machines connected through the communication cables. With this structure, when the processor has determined to execute a common game, the processor determines whether or not normal 35 games in execution have ended in the respective gamingmachines.
122 When the processor determines that normal games in execution have ended in the gaming machines, the processor cancels start of new normal games in these gaming machines. When the processor determines that normal games in execution have ended S in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, the processor executes a common game in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables. In the case of this structure, the processor may be constituted by a plurality of CPUs. 10 [0256] While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where symbols rearranged in the display blocks 150 are all scatter symbols, the symbols in the present invention are not limited to scatter symbols. For example, a 15 pay line may be provided and a prize may be established or a point value may be offered, when a certain combination of a plurality of symbols is rearranged along the pay line. Also, for example, symbols which cause winning based on the pay line may be combined with scatter symbols. 20 [0257] While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the slot machines 10 are video slot machines, the gaming machines in the present invention may be mechanical slot machines provided with reels. 25 [0258] [Fourth Embodiment] It is to be noted that, in the following description, the constituent elements as same as those of the gaming system 1 according to the aforementioned embodiment will be provided 30 with the same numerals. Further, the description will be omitted with regard to a part in the following embodiment to which the description of the aforementioned embodiment is applicable. Fig. 36A is a perspective view schematically illustrating 35 a common image display and a secondary supporting member 123 according to a fourth embodiment. A common image display 2 includes a common-image-display cabinet 2a including a common image display panel 310, and a common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b including a 5 board housing member 302 (see Fig. 41D) provided so as to cover a common-image-display-panel control board 306 (see Fig. 41G) that controls the common image display 2. Also, the common image display 2 may be structured such that the common-image-display cabinet 2a and the common-image-display 10 back surface side cabinet 2b are formed integrally with each other, without separating the common-image-display cabinet 2a and the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b from each other. On a right side surface of the common image display 2, 15 there is provided a secondary supporting member 5b with a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The secondary supporting member 5b is formed so as to extend toward the side of the common image display 2, and is formed so as to further extend toward the side of the common image display at a different angle. The 20 secondary supporting member Sb has holding-member depressed portions 323 with rectangular parallelepiped shapes provided in the upper surface thereof and the bottom surface thereof (one in the bottom face is not illustrated) . On a back surface of the secondary supporting member Sb, a supporting-plate securing 25 member 4b with a rectangular parallelepiped shape is provided such that the supporting-plate securing member 4b intersects approximately orthogonally with the secondary supporting member Sb (see Fig. 36B) . On a front surface of the supporting-plate securing member 4b, there are provided 30 supporting plates 320 (a supporting plate 320a and a supporting plate 320b) with rectangular-plate shapes. The supporting plate 320a is provided such that the lower end portion of the supporting plate 320a contacts with the upper surface of the secondary supporting member 5b, while the supporting plate 320b 35 is provided such that the upper end portion of the supporting 124 plate 320b contacts with the bottom surface of the secondary supporting member 5b. [0259] A holding member 325 (see Fig. 44C) which is provided in 5 the holding-member depressed portion 323 provided in the upper surface of the secondary supporting member 5b holds a protruding plate 322 (see Fig. 44A) provided on a bottom surface of a common compact image display 3c, which causes the common compact image display 3c to be secured to the upper side of the secondary 10 supporting member 5b (see Fig. 37) . Further, the supporting plate 320a supports the common compact image display 3c from the back surface side. A holding member 325 (see Fig. 44C) which is provided in the holding-member depressed portion 323 provided in the bottom 15 surface of the secondary supporting member 5b holds a protruding plate 322 (see Fig. 44A) provided on an upper surface of a common compact image display 3d, which causes the common compact image display 3d to be secured to the lower side of the secondary supporting member 5b (see Fig. 37) . Further, the supporting 20 plate 320b supports the common compact image display 3d from the back surface side. [0260] The secondary supporting member 5b formed so as to extend toward the side of the common image display 2 is provided in 25 the common image display 2, and the common compact image display 3c and the common compact image display 3d are secured by the holding members 325 provided in the secondary supporting member 5b so as to be positioned on the side of the common image display 2. Accordingly, even when the plurality of slot machines 10, 30 the common image display 2 and a control device 200 constitute a single module, it is possible to provide places at which common compact image displays 3, which correspond to display boards having been conventionally provided in slot machines 10, are installed. 35 It is to be noted that, although not illustrated in Fig.
125 36A, on a left side surface of the common image display 2, similarly to on the right side surface of the common image display 2, there are provided a secondary supporting member Sa, a supporting-plate securing member 4a and two supporting plates 5 320 for securing a common compact image display 3a and a common compact image display 3b (see Fig. 37). [0261] Fig. 36B is a perspective view schematically illustrating the common image display and the secondary supporting member 10 according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 36B is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state where the supporting plates 320 (the supporting plate 320a and the supporting plate 320b) are removed from Fig. 36A. On the back surface of the secondary supporting member 15 5b, the supporting-plate securing member 4b with a rectangular parallelepiped shape is provided such that the supporting-plate securing member 4b intersects approximately orthogonally with the secondary supporting member Sb. [0262] 20 Fig. 37 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a gaming system according to the fourth embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 37, the gaming system 1 includes: a pedestal 6; three slot machines 10 installed on the pedestal 6; the common image display 2 supported by the supporting 25 members 8 (see Fig. 38) provided on the pedestal 6 such that the common image display 2 is positioned above the upper surfaces of the slot machines 10; common compact image displays 3 (a common compact image display 3a, a common compact image display 3b, a common compact image display 3c, and a common 30 compact image display 3d) which are installed on secondary supporting members 5 (a secondary supporting member 5a and a secondary supporting member 5b) respectively extending leftward and rightward from the common image display 2; and a control device 200 (see Fig. 14). 35 [0263] 126 The pedestal 6 has leg portions 9 (a leg portion 9a, a leg portion 9b, and a leg portion 9c) provided on the lower side thereof and, also has a hollow space provided inside thereof. In the hollow space included in the pedestal 6, there is provided 5 a control-device housing portion 203 (see Fig. 39B) in which the control device 200 is housed (not illustrated) . Further, in the hollow space included in the pedestal 6, there are plate-shaped pedestal supporting members 7 (a pedestal supporting member 7a, a pedestal supporting member 7b and a 10 pedestal supporting member 7c) provided perpendicularly to a bottom surface of the pedestal 6, which enhances the strength of the pedestal 6. [0264] It is to be noted that, the slot machines 10, the common 15 image display 2 and the common compact image displays 3 are connected to the control device 200 such that they can communicate with the control device 200, through communication cables placed in the hollow space included in the pedestal 6, the flow channels included in the supporting members 8, and 20 secondary flow channels 327 (see Fig. 43) included in the secondary supporting members 5. The flow channels included in the supporting members 8 form airflow paths and also form arrangement paths for arranging the cables such as common-compact-image-display power supply 25 cables and common-compact-image-display communication cables therein. The secondary flow channels 327 (see Fig. 43) included in the secondary supporting members 5 form arrangement paths for arranging cables therein such as 30 common-compact-image-display power supply cables and common-compact-image-display communication cables. [0265] Fig. 38 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state where the slot machines are removed from the gaming 35 system illustrated in Fig. 37.
127 The common image display 2 is supported by the supporting members 8 (the supporting member 8a and the supporting member 8b) which are supported at their lower ends by the pedestal 6. The supporting members 8 which support the common image display 5 2 are provided on the back surface side of the slot machines 10, which enables installation of the common image display 2 without causing disfigurement. [0266] Fig. 39Ais aperspective view schematically illustrating 10 the pedestal included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 37. The pedestal 6 has a horizontally-long rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the installation surface 204 thereof is provided, on the back side, with the rectangular-shaped 15 pedestal upper surface openings 201 (the pedestal upper surface opening 201a and the pedestal upper surface opening 201b) arranged laterally at predetermined intervals. The pedestal upper surface openings 201 are openings for receiving the supporting-member opening protrusions 150 (see Fig. 40A) 20 included in the supporting members 8. [0267] Fig. 39B is a perspective view schematically illustrating the state of the inside of the pedestal included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 37. 25 At substantially the center of the inside of the pedestal, there is provided the control-device housing portion 203 in which the control device 200 is housed. The pedestal supporting member 7c is provided on the front face side of the control-device housing portion 203, and the pedestal supporting 30 member 7a and the pedestal supporting member 7b are provided on the lateral face side of the control-device housing portion 203; therefore, the control-device housing portion 203 is invisible from the outside. Further, the plate-shaped pedestal supporting members 7 support the installation surface 35 204, thereby forming a hollow space within the pedestal.
128 Further, the pedestal supporting member 7a and the pedestal supporting member 7b have angular-U shapes, which further enhances the strength of the pedestal 6. The control-device housing portion 203 corresponds to the 5 housing space according to the present invention. [0268] Just under the pedestal upper surface opening 201a provided in the installation surface 204, a rectangular-shaped pedestal bottom surface opening 202a which communicates with 10 external air is provided in the pedestal bottom surface portion 205. Accordingly, the air flowed into the hollow space included in the pedestal 6 through the pedestal bottom surface opening 202a can easily flow into the flow channel included in the supporting member 8 through the pedestal upper surface opening 15 201a. Further, with respect to the pedestal upper surface opening 201b, similarly to with respect to the pedestal upper surface opening 201a, a rectangular-shaped pedestal bottom opening 202b which communicates with external air is provided in the pedestal bottom surface portion 205 (not illustrated). 20 It is to be noted that the pedestal bottom surface portion 205 is supported by the leg portions 9 (the leg portion 9a, the leg portion 9b and the leg portion 9c) and, therefore, is provided at a state where it is floated from the floor surface. Further, while, in the present embodiment, there has been 25 described a case where the pedestal bottom surface openings 202 (the pedestal bottom surface opening 202a and the pedestal bottom surface opening 202b) have rectangular shapes, the shapes of the pedestal bottom surface openings are not particularly limited and may be circular shapes. 30 [0269] The control-device housing portion 203 is provided with openings (not illustrated), so that the space in the control-device housing portion 203 is communicated with the hollow space included in the pedestal 6. The openings provided 35 in the control-device housing portion 203 are provided for 129 passing, therethrough, cables such as the common-compact-image-display communication cables. The cables pulled out from the control-device housing portion 203 to the outside thereof through the openings provided in the 5 control-device housing portion 203 are passed through the pedestal upper surface openings 201 and the flow channels included in the supporting members 8, and are introduced into the internal space included in the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b. Further, the cables are passed through 10 common-image-display side openings 328 and the secondary flow channels 327 (see Fig. 43) included in the secondary supporting members 5, and are introduced into the common compact image displays. [0270] 15 Fig. 40Ais a perspective view schematically illustrating a supporting member included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 37. The supporting member 8 has a longitudinally-long rectangular parallelepiped shape and has the supporting-member 20 opening protrusions 150 having rectangular parallelepiped shapes which are provided at the respective ends of the supporting member 8 (one on the lower end side is not illustrated.) . Further, the supporting-member opening protrusions 150 are open inside thereof, and the supporting 25 member 8 is provided, inside thereof, with a flow channel which is in communication with the openings included in the respective supporting-member opening protrusions 150 provided at the respective ends of the supporting member 8 (not illustrated) [0271] 30 Fig. 40B is a cross-sectional view of the supporting member illustrated in Fig. 40A, taken along the line A-A. As illustrated in Fig. 40B, there is a hollow portion inside the supporting member 8. The hollow portion forms the flow channel that is in communication with the openings of the 35 supporting-member opening protrusions 150 provided at the 130 respective ends of the supporting member 8. [0272] Fig. 40C is a cross-sectional view of the supporting member illustrated in Fig. 40A, taken along the line B-B. 5 As illustrated in Fig. 40C, at substantially the center of the hollow portion forming the flow channel, there is provided a fan mounting frame 156 formed to be hollow inside thereof, and there is further provided the fan 155 inside of the fan mounting frame 156. As just described, the fan 155 that 10 transfers the air upwardly is provided within the flow channel included in the supporting member 8. It is to be noted that the hollow portions that exist outside the fan mounting frame 156 form arrangement paths for arranging cables therein such as common-compact-image-display 15 power supply cables and the common-compact-image-display communication cables. Since the fan 155 is provided at a portion near the upper end of the supporting member 8, it is possible to efficiently make the air within the flow channel flow into the internal space 20 included in the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b. [0273] While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where a single fan 155 is provided within the 25 flow channel included in the supporting member 8, the number of fans to be provided within the flow channel included in the supporting member 8 is not particularly limited, and may be more than one. For example, in cases where fans are provided on the upper end side and the lower end side of the supporting member, 30 it is possible to cause the air flowed into the pedestal bottom surface openings 202 (see Fig. 39B) which are provided in the pedestal 6 and communicated with external air to efficiently flow into the space within the board housing member 302 and the internal space included in the common-image-display back 35 surface side cabinet 2b.
131 [02741 Fig. 41Ais a perspective view schematically illustrating the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 37. 5 The common image display 2 includes the common-image-display cabinet 2a and the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b. The common image display panel 310 is provided in an opening provided over substantially the entire front surface of the common-image-display cabinet 2a. 10 In the upper surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, there are provided the plurality of circular-shaped common-image-display upper openings 300. [0275] The common image display panel 310 is not particularly 15 limited, so long as it is a panel capable of displaying images thereto. The common image display panel 310 can be, for example, a liquid crystal panel, a plasma panel, an organic electroluminescence panel or the like. [0276] 20 Fig. 41B is a perspective view schematically illustrating a bottom surface of the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 37. In the bottom surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, there are provided the 25 common-image-display bottom openings 301 (the common-image-display bottom opening 301a and the common-image-display bottom opening 301b) having rectangular shapes in different sizes, arranged laterally at predetermined intervals. The common-image-display bottom opening 301a is 30 provided straddling the common image display cabinet 2a and the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b. Further, in the bottom surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, there are provided a plurality of circular-shaped common-image-display bottom openings 301c, 35 between the common-image-display bottom opening 301a and the 132 common-image-display bottom opening 301b. The common-image-display bottom opening 301a is an opening which receives the supporting member 8. The common-image-display bottom opening 301b is an opening which 5 receives the supporting-member opening protrusion 150 included in the supporting member 8. [0277] Fig. 41C is a perspective view schematically illustrating a back surface of the common image display included in the gaming 10 system illustrated in Fig. 37. At an upper portion of the back surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, there are provided a plurality of circular-shaped common-image-display back surface openings 304. Since the common-image-display 15 back surface openings 304 are provided at the upper portion of the back surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, the heated air within the common image display 2 can be efficiently ejected. [0278] 20 Fig. 41D is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state where the common-image-display back surface side cabinet is removed from the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 37. The board housing member 302 provided on the right side 25 of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b (see Fig. 42) is hollow inside thereof. At the upper portion of the board housing member 302, there are provided rectangular-shaped board-housing-member upper openings 303 (board-housing-member upper opening 303a, board-housing-member opening 303b, 30 board-housing-member upper opening 303c and board-housing-member upper opening 303d) arranged laterally at predetermined intervals. It is to be noted that the material of the board housing member 302 is not particularly limited, but is preferably a 35 metal with a high thermal conductance, such as aluminum and 133 copper. [0279] While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the board housing member 302 has outer 5 surfaces with flat shapes, the shapes of the outer surfaces of the board housing member are not particularly limited, and may be shapes which make the surface area of the outer surfaces of the board housing member large; for example, the board housing member may be provided with a plurality of protrusions on its 10 outer surfaces. [0280] Fig. 41E is aperspective view schematically illustrating the board housing member included in the common image display illustrated in Fig. 41A. 15 The board housing member 302 has a rectangular-shaped board-housing-member bottom opening 305 provided at the bottom portion thereof (the front side in Fig. 41E). The board-housing-member bottom opening 305 is provided at a portion which is positioned at the upper portion with respect 20 to the common-image-display bottom opening 301a provided in the bottom surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b (see Fig. 42). [0281] Fig. 41F is a perspective view schematically illustrating 25 the state of the inside of the board housing member included in the common image display illustrated in Fig. 41A. Within the board housing member 302, there is provided the common-image-display-panel control board 306 which controls the common image display 7. 30 [0282] Fig. 41G is a perspective view schematically illustrating the common-image-display-panel control board included in the common image display illustrated in Fig. 41A. The common-image-display-panel control board 306 has a 35 CPU (not illustrated) provided on the left side thereof, and 134 has a CPU housing member 307 with a rectangular parallelepiped shape provided in such away as to cover the CPU. The CPU housing member 307, which is hollow inside thereof, has rectangular-shaped CPU-housing-member openings 309 5 (CPU-housing-member opening 309a and CPU-housing-member opening 309b) provided at the upper portion thereof (the back side in Fig. 41G) and at the bottom portion thereof (the front side in Fig. 41G), and is opened over substantially the entire face thereof that abuts with the common-image-display-panel 10 control board 306. Further, within the CPU housing member 307, there is provided a CPU fan 308 that transfers the air flowed into the CPU-housing-member opening 309a, toward the CPU-housing-member opening 309b. Further, in Fig. 41G, members for providing the CPU fan 308 and the like are not 15 illustrated, for ease of description. It is to be noted that, the material of the CPU housing member 307 is not particularly limited, but is preferably a metal with a high thermal conductance, such as aluminum and copper. 20 [0283] The air transferred by the fans 155 (see Fig. 40C) provided within the flow channels included in the supporting members 8 is flowed into the CPU housing member 307 through the CPU-housing-member opening 309a by the CPU fan 308 provided 25 within the CPU housing member 307, thereby cooling the heat-generating CPU. Thereafter, the air is ejected through the CPU housing member opening 309b. [0284] While, in the present embodiment, there has been 30 described a case where the CPU housing member 307 has outer surfaces with flat shapes, the shapes of the outer surfaces of the CPU housing member are not particularly limited in the present invention, and may be shapes which make the surface area of the outer surfaces of the CPU housing member large; for 35 example, the CPU housing member may be provided with a plurality 135 of protrusions on its outer surfaces. [0285] Fig. 41H is a cross-sectional view of the bottom portion of the board housing member included in the common image display 5 illustrated in Fig. 41A. A sealing member 311 made of an elastic material is attached to the entire periphery of the inner wall surface of the board-housing-member bottom opening 305 provided in the bottom portion of the board housing member 302. 10 With the sealing member 311, the inner wall surface of the board-housing-member bottom opening 305 is intimately attached to the outer wall surface of the supporting-member opening protrusion 150b provided in the supporting member 8a, which causes the space within the board housing member 302 to 15 be communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting member 8a, with no gap interposed therebetween (see Fig. 42) . It is to be noted that the material of the sealing member 311 is not particularly limited so long as it is an elastic material. Examples of the material of the sealing member 311 20 may include foam sponge and rubber. [0286] Fig. 42 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state where the common image display, the supporting members and the pedestal according to the fourth embodiment are being 25 coupled to one another. The pedestal upper surface opening 201a provided in the installation surface 204 included in the pedestal 6 receives the supporting-member opening protrusion 150d provided on the lower end side of the supporting member 8a, which causes the 30 supporting member 8a to be secured to the pedestal 6 and also causes the hollow space included in the pedestal 6 to be communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting member 8a. It is to be noted that the flow channel included in the supporting member 8a is communicated with openings 35 respectively provided in the supporting-member opening 136 protrusions 150b and 150d provided at the respective ends of the supporting member 8a (not illustrated) . Similarly, the pedestal upper surface opening 201b provided in the installation surface 204 receives the supporting-member 5 opening protrusion 150c provided on the lower end side of the supporting member 8b, which causes the supporting member 8b to be secured to the pedestal 6 and also causes the hollow space included in the pedestal 6 to be communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting member 8b. It is to be noted 10 that the flow channel included in the supporting member 8b is communicated with openings respectively provided in the supporting-member opening protrusions 150a and 150c provided at the respective ends of the supporting member 8b (not illustrated). 15 [0287] The common-image-display bottom opening 301a provided in the bottom surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b receives the supporting member 8a and, the board-housing-member bottom opening 305 provided at the bottom 20 portion of the board housing member 302 receives the supporting-member opening protrusion 150b provided on the upper end side of the supporting member 8a, which causes the supporting member Ba to support the board housing member 302 included in the common image display 2 and also causes the space 25 within the board housing member 302 to be communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting member 8a. It is to be noted that the common-image-display bottom opening 301a has an approximately same size as that of the supporting member 8. Meanwhile, the common-image-display bottom opening 301b 30 provided in the bottom surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b receives the supporting-member opening protrusion 150a provided on the upper end side of the supporting member 8b, which causes the supporting member 8b to support the common image display 2 and also causes the internal space 35 included in the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 137 2b to be communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting member 8b. [0288] The air flowed into the pedestal bottom surface openings 5 202 (see Fig. 39B) which are provided in the pedestal 6 and communicated with external air is transferred upwardly within the flow channel included in the supporting member 8a by the fan 155 (see Fig. 40C) providedwithin the flow channel included in the supporting member 8a, flows into the space within the 10 board housing member 302, cools the heat-generating common-image-display-panel control board 306 (see Fig. 41G), flows out through the board-housing-member upper openings 303 provided at the upper portion of the board housing member 302, and flows out through the plurality of common-image-display 15 upper openings 300 (see Fig. 41A) provided in the upper surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b. Further, the air flowed into the space within the board housing member 302 is flowed into the CPU housing member 307 through the CPU-housing-member opening 309a by the CPU fan 308 provided 20 within the CPUhousingmember 307, and cools the heat-generating CPU. Thereafter, the air is ejected therefrom through the CPU-housing-member opening 309b, is ejected through the board-housing-member upper openings 303 provided at the upper portion of the board housing member 302 and then is ejected 25 through the plurality of common-image-display upper openings 300 (see Fig. 41A) provided in the upper surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b. Further, the air flowed into the pedestal bottom surface openings 202 (see Fig. 39B) which are provided in the pedestal 30 6 and communicated with external air is transferred upwardly through the flow channel included in the supporting member 8b by the fan 155 (see Fig. 40C) provided within the flow channel included in the supporting member 8b, flows into the internal space included in the common-image-display back surface side 35 cabinet 2b, cools the board housing member 302 from the outside 138 thereof, and flows out through the plurality of common-image-display upper openings 300 (see Fig. 41A) provided in the upper surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b. 5 It is to be noted that, when the common image display 2, the supporting members 8 and the pedestal 6 are coupled to one another, it is possible to use securing members such as screws, an adhesive agent or the like. Further, the thickness of the installation surface 204, the thickness of the bottom surface 10 of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, and the length of the supporting-member opening protrusions 150 can be properly designed as required. [0289] In the present embodiment, there has been described a case 15 where the pedestal upper surface openings 201 (the pedestal upper surface opening 201a and the pedestal upper surface opening 201b) , the common-image-display bottom opening 301b and the board-housing-member bottom opening 305 have rectangular shapes. However, the shapes of the pedestal upper surface 20 openings, the common-image-display bottom opening and the board-housing-member bottom opening are not particularly limited, so long as the shapes conform to the shapes of the supporting-member opening protrusions 150. For example, when the supporting-member opening protrusions have circular 25 cylindrical shapes, the pedestal upper surface openings, the common-image-display bottom opening and the board-housing-member bottom opening may have circular shapes. [0290] Fig. 43 is a perspective view schematically illustrating 30 the secondary supporting member illustrated in Fig. 36A. The secondary supporting member 5b has, inside thereof, an L-shaped secondary flow channel 327 which extends from the rectangular-shaped common-image-display side opening 328 provided in the surface that contacts with the common image 35 display 2 to a rectangular-shaped holding-member side opening 139 326 provided in a bottom surface of the holding-member depressed portion 323 with a rectangular parallelepiped shape provided in the upper surface of the secondary supporting member Sb. Further, the secondary supporting member 5b has, inside 5 thereof, an L-shaped secondary flow channel 327 which extends from the rectangular-shaped common-image-display side opening 328 provided in the surface that contacts with the common image display 2 to a rectangular-shaped holding-member side opening 326 provided in the bottom surface of the holding-member 10 depressed portion 323 with a rectangular parallelepiped shape provided in the bottom surface of the secondary supporting member 5b (not illustrated). The secondary supporting member Sb is provided, inside thereof, with two secondary flow channels 327, which are the 15 secondary flow channel 327 extending to the holding-member side opening 326 provided in the bottom surface of the holding-member depressed portion 323 provided in the upper surface of the secondary supporting member Sb and the secondary flow channel 327 extending to the holding-member side opening 326 provided 20 in the bottom surface of the holding-member depressed portion 323 provided in the bottom surface of the secondary supporting member 5b. The secondary flow channels 327 form arrangement paths for arranging cables therein such as the common-compact-image 25 display power supply cables and the common-compact-image display communication cables. It is to be noted that the secondary flow channels 327 are communicated with the internal space included in the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, through the 30 common-image-display side openings 328. [0291] While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the two L-shaped secondary flow channels 327 are provided, the shapes of the secondary flow channels are 35 not particularly limited; for example, it is also possible to 140 provide a single T-shaped secondary flow channel which extends from the common-image-display side opening to both the holding-member side opening provided on the upper surface side of the secondary supporting member and the holding-member side 5 opening provided on the bottom surface side of the secondary supporting member. [0292] While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the common-image-display side openings 10 328 and the holding-member side openings 326 have rectangular shapes, the shapes of the common-image-display side openings 328 and the holding-member side openings 326 are not particularly limited and may be, for example, circular shapes. [0293] 15 Fig. 44A is a perspective view schematically illustrating a bottom surface of a common compact image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 37. On a bottom surface of the common compact image display 3c, at a position which is substantially the center of the bottom 20 surface and closer to the back surface, there is provided a protruding member 321 with a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protruding member 321 is hollow inside thereof and is opened substantially over the entire bottom surface thereof (the front side in Fig. 44A) . At the center of the inside of the protruding 25 member 321, a rectangular-plate shaped protruding plate 322 is provided substantially in parallel with the side surfaces of the protruding member 321 including the long sides thereof. Similarly, on a bottom surface of the common compact image display 3a, there are provided the protruding member 321 and 30 the protruding plate 322. Similarly, on the upper surfaces of the common compact image display 3b and the common compact image display 3d, there are provided the protruding member 321 and the protruding plate 322. 35 [0294] 141 Fig. 44B is a cross-sectional view of the protruding member included in the common compact image display illustrated in Fig. 44A. At the center of the inside of the protruding member 321, 5 the rectangular-plate shaped protruding plate 322 is provided substantially in parallel with the side surfaces of the protruding member 321 including the long sides thereof. [0295] Fig. 44C is a cross-sectional view of a holding-member 10 depressed portion included in the secondary supporting member illustrated in Fig. 43. In the holding-member depressed portion 323, there is provided the holding member 325. The holding member 325 is provided with rectangular-plate shaped holding plates 324 (a 15 holding plate 324a and a holding plate 324b), substantially in parallel with the side surfaces of the holding-member depressed portion 323 including the long sides thereof. The surfaces of the holding plates 324 which are faced to the side surfaces of the holding member 325 including the long sides thereof are 20 mounted on the side surfaces of the holding member 325 including the long sides thereof, via spring members (not illustrated) . Accordingly, due to the actions of the spring members, the holding plate 324a and the holding plate 324b are forced to come into contact with each other. 25 The protruding plate 322 included in the common compact image display 3 is sandwiched between the holding plate 324a and the holding plate 324b, which causes the common compact image display 3 to be removably secured to the secondary supporting member 5. 30 [0296) Fig. 44D is a cross-sectional view of a bottom surface of a holding-member depressed portion included in the secondary supporting member illustrated in Fig. 43. In the bottom surface of the holding-member depressed 35 portion 323, there is provided the holding-member side opening 142 326 through which cables such as the common-compact-image display power supply cables and the common-compact-image display communication cables are introduced into the common small-sized image display device 3. 5 [0297] As described above, according to the gaming system 1 relating to the fourth embodiment, the plurality of slot machines 10, the control device 200, and the common image display 2 constitute a single module. This eliminates the 10 necessity of connection of the plurality of slot machines 10 to the control device 200 through a network, installation of the common image display 2 on a wall, works for preventing the network wirings from being exposed to cause disfigurement, and the like, and also eliminates the necessity of works in changing 15 the installation and the layout. Further, since the gaming system 1 can be installed even at a place having no walls in the vicinity thereof and a place having a high ceiling, the restriction on the installation place of the gaming system 1 is eliminated. 20 Further, since there is no need for installing the common image display 2 on a wall, the change of wall colors due to heat generated from the common image display 2 is suppressed. Also, the secondary supporting members 5 formed so as to extend toward the sides of the common image display 2 are 25 provided in the common image display 2, and the common compact image displays 3 are secured by the holding members 325 provided in the secondary supporting members 5 so as to be positioned on the side of the common image display 2. Accordingly, even when a plurality of slot machines 10, the common image display 30 2 and the control device 200 constitute a single module, it is possible to provide places at which the common compact image displays 3, which correspond to display boards having been conventionally provided in slot machines 10, are installed. Further, for example, displaying images that introduce the game 35 contents and explains the game rules to the common compact image 143 displays 3 enables provision of a variety of information to players. Further, the protruding plate 322 included in each common compact image display 3 is sandwiched between the holding plate 5 324a and the holding plate 324b, which causes the common compact image display 3 to be removably secured to the secondary supporting member 5. This facilitates attachment or removal of the common compact image displays 3. Furthermore, the common-compact-image-display power 10 supply cables and the common-compact-image-display communication cables are introduced into the common compact image displays 3, through the flow channels included in the supporting members 8 and through the secondary flow channels 327 included in the secondary supporting members 5. This can 15 prevent disfigurement due to exposure of wirings. [0298] While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the CPU fan 308 is provided within the CPU housing member 307, only the CPU fan may be provided without 20 the CPU housing member provided, in the present invention. [0299] While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the gaming machines are the slot machines 10, the gaming machines in the present invention are not 25 particularly limited so long as they are gaming machines capable of executing independent games; for example, the gaming machines may be card game machines. [0300] While, in the present embodiment, there has been 30 described a case where the number of gaming machines is 3, the number of gaming machines in the present invention is not particularly limited so long as it is more than one; for example, the number of gaming machines may be 5. [0301) 35 While, in the present embodiment, there has been 144 described a case where the common game is a card game, the common game in the present invention is not particularly limited so long as they are games which are simultaneously executed in all the gaming machines connected through communication cables; for 5 example, the common games may be horse race games. [0302] While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the main CPU 41 included in each slot machine 10 executes normal games, a processor included in the 10 control device may execute normal games in the respective gaming machines connected through the communication cables. With this structure, when the processor has determined to execute a common game, the processor determines whether or not normal games in execution have ended in the respective gaming machines. 15 When the processor determines that normal games in execution have ended in the gaming machines, the processor cancels start of new normal games in these gaming machines. When the processor determines that normal games in execution have ended in all the gaming machines connected through the communication 20 cables, the processor executes a common game in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables. In the case of this structure, the processor may be constituted by a plurality of CPUs. [0303] 25 While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where symbols rearranged in the display blocks 150 are all scatter symbols, the symbols in the present invention are not limited to scatter symbols. For example, a pay line may be provided and a prize may be established or a 30 point value may be offered, when a certain combination of a plurality of symbols is rearranged along the pay line. Also, for example, symbols which cause winning based on the pay line may be combined with scatter symbols. [0304] 35 While, in the present embodiment, there has been 145 described a case where the slot machines 10 are video slot machines, the gaming machines in the present invention may be mechanical slot machines provided with reels. [0305] 5 [Fifth Embodiment] In the fourth embodiment, there has been described a case where the display boards are common compact image displays 3. In the present fifth embodiment, there will be described a case where the display boards are transparent acrylic boards. The 10 other structures of the fifth embodiment are substantially the same as those of the fourth embodiment and, therefore, only characteristic portions of the fifth embodiment will be described hereinafter. [0306] 15 Fig. 45A is a perspective view schematically illustrating a common image display and a secondary supporting member according to the fifth embodiment. The common image display 2 includes a common-image-display cabinet 2a including a common image 20 display panel 310, and a common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b including a board housing member 302 (see Fig. 41D) provided so as to cover a common-image-display-panel control board 306 (see Fig. 41G) that controls the common image display 2. 25 On a right side surface of the common image display 2, there is provided a secondary supporting member Sb with a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The secondary supporting member 5b is formed so as to extend toward the side of the common image display 2, and is formed so as to further extend toward 30 the side of the common image display at a different angle. The secondary supporting member 5b has holding-member depressed portions 323 with a rectangular parallelepiped shape provided in the upper surface thereof and the bottom surface thereof (one in the bottom face is not illustrated) . LED illumination lamps 35 329 (a LED illumination lamp 329a and a LED illumination lamp 146 329b) with rectangular parallelepiped shapes are respectively provided on the upper surface and the bottom surface of the secondary supporting member 5b, at positions beside the holding-member depressed portions 323. On a back surface of 5 the secondary supporting member 5b, a supporting-plate securing member 4b with a rectangular parallelepiped shape is provided such that the supporting-plate securing member 4b intersects approximately orthogonally with the secondary supporting member 5b (see Fig. 45B) . On a front surface of the 10 supporting-plate securing member 4b, there are provided supporting plates 320 (a supporting plate 320a and a supporting plate 320b) with rectangular-plate shapes. The supporting plate 320a is provided such that the lower end portion of the supporting plate 320a contacts with the upper surface of the 15 secondary supporting member 5b, while the supporting plate 320b is provided such that the upper end portion of the supporting plate 320b contacts with the bottom surface of the secondary supporting member 5b. [0307) 20 A holding member 325 (see Fig. 47C) which is provided in the holding-member depressed portion 323 provided in the upper surface of the secondary supporting member 5b holds a protruding plate 322 (see Fig. 47A) provided on a bottom surface of a transparent acrylic board 331, which causes the transparent 25 acrylicboard 331 tobe secured to the upper side of the secondary supporting member 5b (see Fig. 37) . Further, the supporting plate 320a supports the transparent acrylic board 331 from the back surface side. Moreover, the LED illumination lamp 329a is introduced into the inside of the transparent acrylic board 30 331 through rectangular-shaped LED illumination opening 332 (see Fig. 47A) provided on the bottom surface of the transparent acrylic board 331, and introduces light into the inside of the transparent acrylic board 331 from the lateral side. A holding member 325 (see Fig. 47C) which is provided in 35 the holding-member depressed portion 323 provided in the bottom 147 surface of the secondary supporting member 5b holds a protruding plate 322 (see Fig. 47A) provided on an upper surface of a transparent acrylic board 331, which causes the transparent acrylic board 331 to be secured to the lower side of the secondary 5 supporting member 5b (see Fig. 37) . Further, the supporting plate 320b supports the transparent acrylic board 331 from the back surface side. Moreover, the LED illumination lamp 329b is introduced into the inside of the transparent acrylic board 331 through rectangular-shaped LED illumination opening 332 10 (see Fig. 47A) provided on the upper surface of the transparent acrylic board 331, and introduces light into the inside of the transparent acrylic board 331 from the lateral side. The LED illumination lamps correspond to the light source in the present invention. 15 [0308] The secondary supporting member 5b formed so as to extend toward the side of the common image display 2 is provided in the common image display 2, and the two transparent acrylic boards 331 are secured by the holding members 325 provided in 20 the secondary supporting member 5b so as to be positioned on the side of the common image display 2. Accordingly, even when the plurality of slot machines 10, the common image display 2 and a control device 200 constitute a single module, it is possible to provide places at which the transparent acrylic 25 boards 331, which correspond to display boards having been conventionally provided in slot machines 10, are installed. It is to be noted that, although not illustrated in Fig. 45A, on a left side surface of the common image display 2, similarly to on the right side surface of the common image 30 display 2, there are provided a secondary supporting member 5a, a supporting-plate securing member 4a and two supporting plates 320 for securing the two transparent acrylic boards 331. [0309] Fig. 45B is a'perspective view schematically illustrating 35 the common image display and the secondary supporting member 148 according tc the fifth embodiment. Fig. 45B is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state where the supporting plates 320 (the supporting plate 320a and the supporting plate 320b) are removed from Fig. 45A. 5 On the back surface of the secondary supporting member 5b, the supporting-plate securing member 4b with a rectangular parallelepiped shape is provided such that the supporting-plate securing member 4b intersects approximately orthogonally with the secondary supporting member Sb. 10 [0310] Fig. 46 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the secondary supporting member illustrated in Fig. 45A. The secondary supporting member 5b has, inside thereof, an L-shaped secondary flow channel 327 which extends from the 15 rectangular-shaped common-image-display side opening 328 provided in the surface that contacts with the common image display 2 to a rectangular-shaped holding-member side opening 326 provided in a bottom surface of the holding-member depressed portion 323 with a rectangular parallelepiped shape provided 20 in the upper surface of the secondary supporting member 5b. The secondary supporting member 5b has, inside thereof, a light-source-control-device housing space 334 that houses a light source control device 336 controlling the LED illumination lamp 329a, under the LED illumination lamp 329a 25 provided on the secondary supporting member 5b. Moreover, the secondary supporting member 5b has a light-source-control-device secondary flow channel 335 therein that communicates with the light-source-control-device housing space 334 and the 30 secondary flow channel 327. Further, the secondary supporting member 5b has, inside thereof, an L-shaped secondary flow channel 327 which extends from the rectangular-shaped common-image-display side opening 328 provided in the surface that contacts with the common image 35 display 2 to a rectangular-shaped holding-member side opening 149 326 provided in the bottom surface of the holding-member depressed portion 323 with a rectangular parallelepiped shape provided in the bottom surface of the secondary supporting member 5b (not illustrated) The secondary supporting member 5 5b has, inside thereof, a light-source-control-device housing space 334 that houses a light source control device 336 controlling the LED illumination lamp 329b, under the LED illumination lamp 329b (see Fig. 45A) provided on the secondary supporting member 5b (not illustrated) . Moreover, the 10 secondary supporting member Sb has a light-source-control-device secondary flow channel 335 therein that communicates with the light-source-control-device housing space 334 and the secondary flow channel 327 (not illustrated). 15 The secondary supporting member 5b are provided, inside thereof, with two secondary flow channels 327, which are the secondary flow channel 327 extending to the holding-member side opening 326 provided in the bottom surface of the holding-member depressed portion 323 provided in the upper surface of the 20 secondary supporting member 5b and the secondary flow channel 327 extending to the holding-member side opening 326 provided in the bottom surface of the holding-member depressed portion 323 provided in the bottom surface of the secondary supporting member 5b. 25 The secondary flow channels 327 and the light-source-control-device secondary flow channels 335 form arrangement paths for arranging cables therein such as the light-source-control-device power supply cables. The light-source-control-device power supply cables are 30 introduced into the inside of the light-source-control device 336 through the light-source-control-device secondary flow channels 335. It is to be noted that the secondary flow channels 327 are communicated with the internal space included in the 35 common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, through the 150 common-image-display side openings 328. The LED illumination lamp 329a is provided with a plurality of LEDs 333. [03111 5 While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the two L-shaped secondary flow channels 327 are provided, the shaped of the secondary flow channels are not particularly limited; for example, it is also possible to provide a single T-shaped secondary flow channel which extends 10 from the common-image-display side opening to both the holding-member side opening provided on the upper surface side of the secondary supporting member and the holding-member side opening provided on the bottom surface side of the secondary supporting member. 15 [0312] While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the common-image-display side openings 328 and the holding-member side openings 326 have rectangular shapes, the shapes of the common-image-display side openings 20 328 and the holding-member side openings 326 are not particularly limited and may be, for example, circular shapes. [0313] Fig. 47Ais a perspective view schematically illustrating a bottom surface of the transparent acrylic board included in 25 the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 37. On a bottom surface of the transparent acrylic board 331, at a position which is substantially the center of the bottom surface and closer to the back surface, there is provided a protruding member 321 with a rectangular parallelepiped shape. 30 The protruding member 321 is hollow inside thereof and is opened substantially over the entire bottom surface thereof (the front side in Fig. 47A) . At the center of the inside of the protruding member 321, a rectangular-plate shaped protruding plate 322 is provided substantially in parallel with the side surfaces of 35 the protruding member 321 including the long sides thereof.
151 In the bottom surface of the transparent acrylic board 331, on the left side thereof, there is provided a rectangular-shaped LED-illumination-lamp opening 332. The LED-illumination-lamp opening 332 is an opening which receives 5 the LED illumination lamp 329 provided in the secondary supporting member 5. Similarly, in the upper surface of the transparent acrylic board 331 secured to the lower side of the secondary supporting member 5, there are provided a protruding member 321, 10 a protruding plate 322 and a LED-illumination-lamp opening 332. [0314] Fig. 47B is a cross-sectional view of the protruding member included in the transparent acrylic board illustrated in Fig. 47A. 15 At the center of the inside of the protruding member 321, the rectangular-plate shaped protruding plate 322 is provided substantially in parallel with the side surfaces of the protruding member 321 including the long sides thereof. [0315] 20 Fig. 47C is a cross-sectional view of a holding-member depressed portion included in the secondary supporting member illustrated in Fig. 46. In the holding-member depressed portion 323, there is provided the holding member 325. The holding member 325 is 25 provided with rectangular-plate shaped holding plates 324 (a holding plate 324a and a holding plate 324b), substantially in parallel with the side surfaces of the holding-member depressed portion 323 including the long sides thereof. The surfaces of the holding plates 324 which are faced to the side surfaces of 30 the holding member 325 including the long sides thereof are mounted on the side surfaces of the holding member 325 including the long sides thereof, through spring members (not illustrated). Accordingly, due to the actions of the spring members, the holding plate 324a and the holding plate 324b are 35 forced to come into contact with each other.
152 The protruding plate 322 included in the transparent acrylic board 331 is sandwiched between the holding plate 324a and the holding plate 324b, which causes the transparent acrylic board 331 to be removably secured to the secondary supporting 5 member 5. [0316] Fig. 47D is a cross-sectional view of a bottom surface of a holding-member depressed portion included in the secondary supporting member illustrated in Fig. 46. 10 [0317] As described above, according to the gaming system 1 relating to the fifth embodiment, the plurality of slot machines 10, the control device 200, and the common image display 2 constitute a single module. This eliminates the necessity of 15 connection of the plurality of slot machines 10 to the control device 200 through a network, installation of the common image display 2 on a wall, works for preventing the network wirings from being exposed to cause disfigurement, and the like, and also eliminates the necessity of works in changing the 20 installation and the layout. Further, since the gaming system 1 can be installed even at a place having no walls in the vicinity thereof and a place having a high ceiling, the restriction on the installation place of the gaming system 1 is eliminated. Further, since there is no need for installing the common 25 image display 2 on a wall, the change of wall colors due to heat generated from the common image display 2 is suppressed. The secondary supporting members 5 formed so as to extend toward the side of the common image display 2 is provided in the common image display 2, and the transparent acrylic boards 30 331 are secured by the holding members 325 provided in the secondary supporting members 5 so as to be positioned on the side of the common image display 2. Accordingly, even when a plurality of slot machines 10, the common image display 2 and the control device 200 constitute a single module, it is 35 possible to provide places at which the transparent acrylic 153 boards 331, which correspond to display boards having been conventionally provided in slot machines 10, are installed. Further, for example, displaying images that introduce the game contents and explains the game rules to the transparent acrylic 5 boards 331 enables provision of a variety of information to players. Further, the protruding plate 322 included in each transparent acrylic board 331 is sandwiched between the holding plate 324a and the holding plate 324b, which causes the 10 transparent acrylic boards 331 to be removably secured to the secondary supporting member 5. This facilitates attachment or removal of the transparent acrylic board 331. Further, the cables such as light-source-control-device power supply cables are introduced into the inside of the light 15 source control device 336, through the flow channels included in the supporting members 8, through the secondary flow channels 327 included in the secondary supporting members 5 and through the light-source-control-device secondary flow channels 335 included in the secondary supporting members 5. This can 20 prevent disfigurement due to exposure of wirings. [0318] While, in the fifth embodiment, there has been described a case where the transparent resin boards are the transparent acrylic boards 331, it is also possible to employ, as the 25 transparent resin boards, transparent resin boards made of a polystyrene resin, an ABS resin or the like. [0319] [Sixth Embodiment] It is to be noted that, in the following description, the 30 constituent elements as same as those of the gaming system 1 according to the aforementioned embodiment will be provided with the same numerals. Further, the description will be omitted with regard to a part in the following embodiment to which the description of 35 the aforementioned embodiment is applicable.
154 Fig. 48 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state where a common image display panel included in a common image display according to a sixth embodiment is held at rest by a holding bar after being rotated. 5 A common image display 2 includes a common-image-display cabinet 2a including a common image display panel 310, and a common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b including a board housing member 302 (see Fig. 53D) provided so as to cover a common-image-display-panel control board 306 (see Fig. 53G) 10 that controls the common image display 2. Also, the common image display 2 may be structured such that the common-image-display cabinet 2a and the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b are formed integrally with each other, without separating the common-image-display cabinet 2a 15 and the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b from each other. The upper end of the common image display panel 310 is mounted on the upper end of the front surface of the common-image-display cabinet 2a, via a hinge 314 (Fig. 53J) 20 In Fig. 48, after being rotated upwardly with respect to the floor surface with the hinge 314 as a shaft, the common image display panel 310 is held at rest by holding bars 316 provided near the ends of the upper surface of the bottom portion of the common-image-display cabinet 2a. This enables performing 25 maintenance of the common image display 2 in front of the common image display 2, thereby facilitating maintenance of the common image display 2. The common image display panel 310 corresponds to a common flat display panel portion in the present invention. 30 [0320] Fig. 49 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a gaming system according to the sixth embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 49, the gaming system 1 includes: a pedestal 6; three slot machines 10 installed on the pedestal 35 6; the common image display 2 supported by supporting members 155 8 (see Fig. 3) provided on the pedestal 6 such that the common image display 2 is positioned above the upper surfaces of the slot machines 10; common compact image displays 3 (a common compact image display 3a, a common compact image display 3b, 5 a common compact image display 3c, and a common compact image display 3d) which are installed on secondary supporting members 5 (a secondary supporting member Sa and a secondary supporting member 5b) respectively extending leftward and rightward from the common image display 2; and a control device 200 (see Fig. 10 50). [0321] The pedestal 6 has leg portions 9 (a leg portion 9a, a leg portion 9b, and a leg portion 9c) provided on the lower side thereof and, also has a hollow space provided inside thereof. 15 In the hollow space included in the pedestal 6, there is provided a control-device housing portion 203 (see Fig. 51B) in which the control device 200 is housed (not illustrated). Further, in the hollow space included in the pedestal 6, there are plate-shaped pedestal supporting members 7 (a pedestal 20 supporting member 7a, a pedestal supporting member 7b and a pedestal supporting member 7c) provided perpendicularly to a bottom surface of the pedestal 6, which enhances the strength of the pedestal 6. [0322] 25 It is to be noted that, the slot machines 10, the common image display 2 and the common compact image displays 3 are connected to the control device 200 such that they can communicate with the control device 200, through communication cables placed in the hollow space included in the pedestal 6, 30 the flow channels included in the supporting members 8, and the hollow space provided within the secondary supporting members 5. The flow channels included in the supporting members 8 form airflow paths and also form arrangement paths for arranging 35 communication cables therein.
156 [0323] Fig. 50 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state where the slot machines are removed from the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 49. 5 The common image display 2 is supported by the supporting members 8 (the supporting member 8a and the supporting member 8b) which are supported at their lower ends by the pedestal 6. The supporting members 8 which support the common image display 2 are provided on the back surface side of the slot machines 10 10, which enables installation of the common image display 2 without causing disfigurement. [0324] Fig. 51A is a perspective view schematically illustrating the pedestal included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 15 49. The pedestal 6 has a horizontally-long rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the installation surface 204 thereof is provided, on the back side, with the rectangular-shaped pedestal upper surface openings 201 (the pedestal upper surface 20 opening 201a and the pedestal upper surface opening 201b) arranged laterally at predetermined intervals. The pedestal upper surface openings 201 are openings for receiving the supporting-member opening protrusions 150 (see Fig. 52A) included in the supporting members 8. 25 [0325] Fig. 51B is a perspective view schematically illustrating the state of the inside of the pedestal included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 49. At substantially the center of the inside of the pedestal, 30 there is provided the control-device housing portion 203 in which the control device 200 is housed. The pedestal supporting member 7c is provided on the front face side of the control-device housing portion 203, and the pedestal supporting member 7a and the pedestal supporting member 7b are provided 35 on the lateral face side of the control-device housing portion 157 203; therefore, the control-device housing portion 203 is invisible from the outside. Further, the plate-shaped pedestal supporting members 7 support the installation surface 204, thereby forming a hollow space within the pedestal. 5 Further, the pedestal supporting member 7a and the pedestal supporting member 7b have angular-U shapes, which further enhances the strength of the pedestal 6. The control-device housing portion 203 corresponds to the housing space according to the present invention. 10 [0326] Just under the pedestal upper surface opening 201a provided in the installation surface 204, a rectangular-shaped pedestal bottom surface opening 202a which communicates with external air is provided in the pedestal bottom surface portion 15 205. Accordingly, the air flowed into the hollow space included in the pedestal 6 through the pedestal bottom surface opening 202a can easily flow into the flow channel included in the supporting member 8 through the pedestal upper surface opening 201a. Further, with respect to the pedestal upper surface 20 opening 201b, similarly to with respect to the pedestal upper surface opening 201a, a rectangular-shaped pedestal bottom opening 202b which communicates with external air is provided in the pedestal bottom surface portion 205 (not illustrated) . It is to be noted that the pedestal bottom surface portion 205 25 is supported by the leg portions 9 (the leg portion 9a, the leg portion 9b and the leg portion 9c) and, therefore, is provided at a state where it is floated from the floor surface. Further, while, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the pedestal bottom surface openings 202 30 (the pedestal bottom surface opening 202a and the pedestal bottom surface opening 202b) have rectangular shapes, the shapes of the pedestal bottom surface openings are not particularly limited and may be circular shapes. [0327) 35 Fig. 52A is a perspective view schematically illustrating 158 a supporting member included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 49. The supporting member 8 has a longitudinally-long rectangular parallelepiped shape and has the supporting-member 5 opening protrusions 150 having rectangular parallelepiped shapes which are provided at the respective ends of the supporting member 8 (one on the lower end side is not illustrated). Further, the supporting-member opening protrusions 150 are open inside thereof, and the supporting 10 member 8 is provided, inside thereof, with a flow channel which is in communication with the openings included in the respective supporting-member opening protrusions 150 provided at the respective ends of the supporting member 8 (not illustrated) . [0328] 15 Fig. 52B is a cross-sectional view of the supporting member illustrated in Fig. 52A, taken along the line A-A. As illustrated in Fig. 52B, there is a hollow portion inside the supporting member 8. The hollow portion forms the flow channel that is in communication with the openings of the 20 supporting-member opening protrusions 150 provided at the respective ends of the supporting member 8. [0329] Fig. 52C is a cross-sectional view of the supporting member illustrated in Fig. 52A, taken along the line B-B. 25 As illustrated in Fig. 52C, at substantially the center of the hollow portion forming the flow channel, there is provided a fan mounting frame 156 formed to be hollow inside thereof, and there is further provided the fan 155 inside of the fan mounting frame 156. As just described, the fan 155 that 30 transfers the air upwardly is provided within the flow channel included in the supporting member 8. It is to be noted that the hollow portions that exist outside the fan mounting frame 156 form arrangement paths for arranging communication cables therein. 35 Since the fan 155 is provided at a portion near the upper 159 end of the supporting member 8, it is possible to efficiently make the air within the flow channel flow into the space within the board housing member 302 and the internal space included in the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b. 5 [0330] While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where a single fan 155 is provided within the flow channel included in the supporting member 8, the number of fans to be provided within the flow channel included in the 10 supporting member 8 is not particularly limited, and may be more than one. For example, in cases where fans are provided on the upper end side and the lower end side of the supporting member, it is possible to cause the air flowed into the pedestal bottom surface openings 202 (see Fig. SB) which are provided in the 15 pedestal 6 and communicated with external air to efficiently flow into the space within the board housing member 302 and the internal space included in the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b. (0331] 20 Fig. 53Ais a perspective view schematically illustrating the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 49. The common image display 2 includes the common-image-display cabinet 2a and the common-image-display 25 back surface side cabinet 2b. The common image display panel 310 is provided in an opening provided over substantially the entire front surface of the common-image-display cabinet 2a. In the upper surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, there are provided the plurality of 30 circular-shaped common-image-display upper openings 300. [0332] The common image display panel 310 is not particularly limited, so long as it is a panel capable of displaying images thereto. The common image display panel 310 can be, for example, 35 a liquid crystal panel, a plasma panel, an organic 160 electroluminescence panel or the like. [0333] Fig. 53B is a perspective view schematically illustrating a bottom surface of the common image display included in the 5 gaming system illustrated in Fig. 49. In the bottom surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, there are provided the common-image-display bottom openings 301 (the common-image-display bottom opening 301a and the 10 common-image-display bottom opening 301b) having rectangular shapes in different sizes, arranged laterally at predetermined intervals. The common-image-display bottom opening 301a is provided straddling the common image display cabinet 2a and the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b. Further, 15 in the bottom surface of the conrmon-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, there are provided a plurality of circular-shaped common-image-display bottom openings 301c, between the common-image-display bottom opening 301a and the common-image-display bottom opening 301b. 20 The common-image-display bottom opening 301a is an opening which receives the supporting member 8. The common-image-display bottom opening 301b is an opening which receives the supporting-member opening protrusion 150 included in the supporting member 8. 25 [0334] Fig. 53C is a perspective view schematically illustrating a back surface of the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 49. At an upper portion of the back surface of the 30 common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, there are provided a plurality of circular-shaped common-image-display back surface openings 304. Since the common-image-display back surface openings 304 are provided at the upper portion of the back surface of the common-image-display back surface side 35 cabinet 2b, the heated air within the common image display 2 161 can be efficiently ejected. [0335] Fig. 53D is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state where the common-image-display back surface side 5 cabinet is removed from the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 49. The board housing member 302 provided on the right side of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b (see Fig. 54) is hollow inside thereof. At the upper portion of the 10 board housing member 302, there are provided rectangular-shaped board-housing-member upper openings 303 (board-housing-member upper opening 303a, board-housing-member opening 303b, board-housing-member upper opening 303c and board-housing-member upper opening 303d) arranged laterally at 15 predetermined intervals. Further, a space is provided between the common-image-display cabinet 2a and the board housing member 302. It is to be noted that the material of the board housing member 302 is not particularly limited, but is preferably a 20 metal with a high thermal conductance, such as aluminum and copper. [0336] While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the board housing member 302 has outer 25 surfaces with flat shapes, the shapes of the outer surfaces of the board housing member are not particularly limited, and may be shapes which make the surface area of the outer surfaces of the board housing member large; for example, the board housing member may be provided with a plurality of protrusions on its 30 outer surfaces. [0337] Fig. 53E is a perspective view schematically illustrating the board housing member included in the common image display illustrated in Fig. 53A. 35 The board housing member 302 has a rectangular-shaped 162 board-housing-member bottom opening 305 provided at the bottom portion thereof (the front side in Fig. 53E) . The board-housing-member bottom opening 305 is provided at a portion which is positioned at the upper portion with respect 5 to the common-image-display bottom opening 301a provided in the bottom surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b (see Fig. 54). [0338] Fig. 53F is a perspective view schematically illustrating 10 the state of the inside of the board housing member included in the common image display illustrated in Fig. 53A. Within the board housing member 302, there is provided the common-image-display-panel control board 306 which controls the common image display 7. 15 [0339] Fig. 53G is a perspective view schematically illustrating the common-image-display-panel control board included in the common image display illustrated in Fig. 53A. The common-image-display-panel control board 306 has a 20 CPU (not illustrated) provided on the left side thereof, and has a CPU housing member 307 with a rectangular parallelepiped shape provided in such away as to cover the CPU. The CPU housing member 307, which is hollow inside thereof, has rectangular-shaped CPU-housing-member openings 309 25 (CPU-housing-member opening 309a and CPU-housing-member opening 309b) provided at the upper portion thereof (the back side in Fig. 53G) and at the bottom portion thereof (the front side in Fig. 53G), and is opened over substantially the entire face thereof that abuts with the common-image-display-panel 30 control board 306. Further, within the CPU housing member 307, there is provided a CPU fan 308 that transfers the air flowed into the CPU-housing-member opening 309a, toward the CPU-housing-member opening 309b. Further, in Fig. 53G, members for providing the CPU fan 308 and the like are not 35 illustrated, for ease of description.
163 It is to be noted that, the material of the CPU housing member 307 is not particularly limited, but is preferably a metal with a high thermal conductance, such as aluminum and copper. 5 [0340] While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the CPU housing member 307 has outer surfaces with flat shapes, the shapes of the outer surfaces of the CPU housing member are not particularly limited in the 10 present invention, and may be shapes which make the surface area of the outer surfaces of the CPU housing member large; for example, the CPU housing member may be provided with a plurality of protrusions on its outer surfaces. [0341] 15 Fig. 53H is a cross-sectional view of the bottom portion of the board housing member included in the common image display illustrated in Fig. 53A. A sealing member 311 made of an elastic material is attached to the entire periphery of the inner wall surface of 20 the board-housing-member bottom opening 305 provided in the bottom portion of the board housing member 302. With the sealing member 311, the inner wall surface of the board-housing-member bottom opening 305 is intimately attached to the outer wall surface of the supporting-member 25 opening protrusion 150b provided in the supporting member Ba, which causes the space within the board housing member 302 to be communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting member 8a, with no gap interposed therebetween (see Fig. 54) . It is to be noted that the material of the sealing member 30 311 is not particularly limited so long as it is an elastic material. Examples of the material of the sealing member 311 may include foam sponge and rubber. [0342] Fig. 531 is a view schematically illustrating the hinge 35 included in the common image display illustrated in Fig. 53A.
164 The hinge 314 includes a hinge constituent member 336a and a hinge constituent member 336b, and the hinge constituent member 336a and the hinge constituent member 336b are rotatable with the hinge axis as the center. 5 [0343] Fig. 53J is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the common image display panel and the common-image-display cabinet included in the common image display illustrated in Fig. 53A are coupled to each other, via 10 the hinge. The upper end of the common image display panel 310 is mounted on the upper end of the front surface of the common image display cabinet 2a, via the hinge 314. This allows the common image display panel 310 to rotate upwardly and downwardly with 15 respect to the floor surface with the hinge 314 as a shaft. (0344] Fig. 53K is a view schematically illustrating the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 49. 20 There is illustrated a state where the common image display panel 310 has been rotated upwardly with respect to the floor surface with the hinge 314 as a shaft. [0345] Fig. 53L is a perspective view schematically illustrating 25 a state where the common image display panel is removed from the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 49. The common image display cabinet 2a is provided with an opening over substantially the entire back surface thereof, and 30 a sheet metal 312 is removably provided in the opening. Further, the method for mounting the sheet metal 312 on the common-image-display cabinet 2a is not particularly limited so long as the sheet metal 312 is made removable and, for example, the sheet metal 312 can be mounted thereon using securing 35 members, such as screws.
165 Further, the material of the sheet metal 312 is not particularly limited, but is preferably a metal with a high thermal conductance, such as aluminum and copper. The sheet metal 312 made of a material with a high thermal conductance 5 is provided between the common-image-display-panel control board 306 and the common image display panel 310 and, therefore, the sheet metal 312 absorbs heat generated from the common-image-display-panel control board 306, thereby suppressing the influence of the heat generation from the 10 common-image-display-panel control board 306 on the common image display panel 310. Further, although the holding bars 316 are not illustrated in Fig. 53L, the holding bars 316 will be described in detail later with reference to the drawings. [0346) 15 Fig. 53M is a view schematically illustrating the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 49. Fig. 53M is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state where the common image display panel 310 and the sheet 20 metal 312 are removed from the common image display 2. On the back surface of the sheet metal 312 (see Fig. 53L), there is provided the board housing member 302 provided in such a way as to cover the common-image-display-panel control board 306 (see Fig. 53G) which controls the common image display 2. A 25 board-housing-member front surface 153, the surface of the board housing member 302 facing to the common-image-display cabinet 2a, is removable. By removing the board-housing-member front surface 153, the common-image-display-panel control board 306 (see Fig. 53G) is 30 exposed. It is to be noted that the method for mounting the board-housing-member front surface 153 on the board housing member 302 is not particularly limited, so long as the board-housing-member front surface 153 is made removable; for 35 example, the board-housing-member front surface 153 can be 166 mounted on the board housing member 302 using securing members, such as screws. [0347] Fig. 53N is a perspective view schematically illustrating 5 a state where the common image display panel is removed from the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 49. Fig. 530 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state where the common image display panel is removed from 10 the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated in Fig. 49. Near ends of the upper surface of the bottom portion of the common-image-display cabinet 2a, there are provided respective holding-bar securing members 315. Further, the 15 respective holding-bar securing members 315 allow the holding bars 316 to rotate in the forward direction of the common-image-display cabinet 2a, with the first ends of the holding bards 316 as the center, in such a way that the holding bars 316 project forward from the common-image-display cabinet 20 2a. In Fig. 53N, the holding bars 316 are at rest in a state where the second ends of the holding bars 316 are upwardly oriented. The holding bars 316 are placed on the back surface side of the common image display panel 310 in a state illustrated 25 in Fig. 53N, except during maintenance of the common image display 2. In Fig. 530, there is illustrated a state where the holding bars 316 have been rotated with the first ends thereof as the center such that the second ends of the holding bars 316 30 are oriented in a diagonally forward direction with respect to the common-image-display cabinet 2a. As described above, the holding bars 316 are provided rotatably in the forward direction of the common-image-display cabinet 2a, with the first ends of the holding bars 316 as the center, in such a way that the holding 35 bars 316 project forward from the common-image-display cabinet 167 2a. [0348] Fig. 53P is a side view schematically illustrating a holding bar included in the common image display illustrated 5 in Fig. 53A. The holding bar 316 is provided, on the first end side thereof, with a circular-shaped holding-bar opening 317 which penetrates through the holding bar 316. The holding-bar opening 317 has a diameter larger than the diameter of a 10 securing-member coupling member 318 (see Fig. 53Q). [0349] Fig. 33Q is a side view schematically illustrating a holding bar and a holding-bar securing member included in the common image display illustrated in Fig. 53A. 15 The holding-bar securing member 315 includes two half-circular securing members 319 with half-circular shapes (only one of them is illustrated) and the securing-member coupling member 318 with a circular cylindrical shape which couples substantially-center portions of the two half-circular 20 securing members 319 to each other. The securing-member coupling member 318 is inserted into the holding-bar opening 317, so that the holding bar 316 is provided rotatably with the securing-member coupling member 318 as the center, by the holding-bar securing member 315. 25 It is to be noted that installation of the holding-bar securing members 315 on the common-image-display cabinet 2a can be attained by using securing members such as screws, an adhesive agent, or the like. Further, the lengths of the holding bars 316 can be 30 properly designed as required. [0350] Fig. 53R is a view schematically illustrating the back surface of the common image display panel included in the common image display illustrated in Fig. 53A. 35 In the back surface of the common image display panel 310, 168 there are provided a plurality of engagement depressed portions 313 (an engagement depressed portion 313a, an engagement depressed portion 313b, an engagement depressed portion 313c, an engagement depressed portion 313d, an engagement depressed 5 portion 313e, and an engagement depressed portion 313f) which are depressed portions with circular cylindrical shapes. The second ends of the holding bars 316 are engaged with the engagement depressed portions 313, so that the common image display panel 310 is held at rest, after being rotated upwardly 10 or downwardly with respect to the floor surface with the hinge 314 as a shaft. [0351] Fig. 54 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state where the common image display, the supporting members 15 and the pedestal according to the sixth embodiment are being coupled to one another. The pedestal upper surface opening 201a provided in the installation surface 204 included in the pedestal 6 receives the supporting-member opening protrusion 150d provided on the 20 lower end side of the supporting member 8a, which causes the supporting member 8a to be secured to the pedestal 6 and also causes the hollow space included in the pedestal 6 to be communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting member 8a. It is to be noted that the flow channel included 25 in the supporting member 8a is communicated with openings respectively provided in the supporting-member opening protrusions 150b and 150d provided at the respective ends of the supporting member 8a (not illustrated) . Similarly, the pedestal upper surface opening 201b provided in the 30 installation surface 204 receives the supporting-member opening protrusion 150c provided on the lower end side of the supporting member 8b, which causes the supporting member 8b to be secured to the pedestal 6 and also causes the hollow space included in the pedestal 6 to be communicated with the flow 35 channel included in the supporting member 8b. It is to be noted 169 that the flow channel included in the supporting member 8b is communicated with openings respectively provided in the supporting-member opening protrusions 150a and 150c provided at the respective ends of the supporting member 8b (not 5 illustrated). [0352] The common-image-display bottom opening 301a provided in the bottom surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b receives the supporting member 8a and, the 10 board-housing-member bottom opening 305 provided at the bottom portion of the board housing member 302 receives the supporting-member opening protrusion 150b provided on the upper end side of the supporting member 8a, which causes the supporting member 8a to support the board housing member 302 15 included in the common image display 2 and also causes the space within the board housing member 302 to be communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting member 8a. It is to be noted that the common-image-display bottom opening 301a has an approximately same size as that of the supporting member 8. 20 Meanwhile, the common-image-display bottom opening 301b provided in -he bottom surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b receives the supporting-member opening protrusion 1 50a provided on the upper end side of the supporting member 8b, which causes the supporting member 8b to support the 25 common image display 2 and also causes the internal space included in the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b to be communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting member 8b. [0353] 30 The air flowed into the pedestal bottom surface openings 202 (see Fig. 51B) which are provided in the pedestal 6 and communicated with external air is transferred upwardly within the flow channel included in the supporting member 8a by the fan 155 (see Fig. 52C) provided within the flow channel included 35 in the supporting member Ba, flows into the space within the 170 board housing member 302, cools the heat-generating common-image-display-panel control board 306 (see Fig. 53G), flows out through the board-housing-member upper openings 303 provided at the upper portion of the board housing member 302, 5 and flows out through the plurality of common-image-display upper openings 300 (see Fig. 53A) provided in the upper surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b. Further, the air flowed into the space within the board housing member 302 is flowed into the CPU housing member 307 through 10 the CPU-housing-member opening 309a by the CPU fan 308 provided within the CPU housing member 307, and cools the heat-generating CPU. Thereafter, the air is ejected therefrom through the CPU-housing-member opening 309b, is ejected through the board-housing-member upper openings 303 provided at the upper 15 portion of the board housing member 302 and then is ejected through the plurality of common-image-display upper openings 300 (see Fig. 53A) provided in the upper surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b. Further, the air flowed into the pedestal bottom surface 20 openings 202 (see Fig. SB) which are provided in the pedestal 6 and communicated with external air is transferred upwardly through the flow channel included in the supporting member 8b by the fan 155 (see Fig. 52C) provided within the flow channel included in the supporting member 8b, flows into the internal 25 space included in the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, cools the board housing member 302 from the outside thereof, and flows out through the plurality of common-image-display upper openings 300 (see Fig. 53A) provided in the upper surface of the common-image-display back surface 30 side cabinet 2b. It is to be noted that, when the common image display 2, the supporting members 8 and the pedestal 6 are coupled to one another, it is possible to use securing members such as screws, an adhesive agent or the like. Further, the thickness of the 35 installation surface 204, the thickness of the bottom surface 171 of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet 2b, and the length of the supporting-member opening protrusions 150 can be properly designed as required. [0354] 5 In the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the pedestal upper surface openings 201 (the pedestal upper surface opening 201a and the pedestal upper surface opening 201b) , the common-image-display bottom opening 301b and the board-housing-member bottom opening 305 have rectangular 10 shapes. However, the shapes of the pedestal upper surface openings, the common-image-display bottom opening and the board-housing-member bottom opening are not particularly limited, so long as the shapes conform to the shapes of the supporting-member opening protrusions 150. For example, when 15 the supporting-member opening protrusions have circular cylindrical shapes, the pedestal upper surface openings, the common-image-display bottom opening and the board-housing-member bottom opening may have circular shapes. [0355] 20 As described above, according to the gaming system 1 relating to the present embodiment, the plurality of slot machines 10, the control device 200, and the common image display 2 constitute a single module. This eliminates the necessity of connection of the plurality of slot machines 10 25 to the control device 200 through a network, installation of the common image display 2 on a wall, works for preventing the network wirings from being exposed to cause disfigurement, and the like, and also eliminates the necessity of works in changing the installation and the layout. Further, since the gaming 30 system 1 can be installed even at a place having no walls in the vicinity thereof and a place having a high ceiling, the restriction on the installation place of the gaming system 1 is eliminated. Further, since there is no need for installing the common 35 image display 2 on a wall, the change of wall colors due to heat 172 generated from the common image display 2 is suppressed. The upper end of the common image display panel 310 is mounted on the upper end of the front surface of the common-image-display cabinet 2a, via the hinge 314. The 5 holding bars 316 provided near the ends of the upper surface of the bottcm portion of the common-image-display cabinet 2a hold the common image display panel 310 at a state where the common image display panel 310 is at rest after being rotated upwardly with respect to the floor surface with the hinge 314 10 as a shaft. This enables performing maintenance of the common image display 2 in front of the common image display 2, thereby facilitating maintenance of the common image display 2. (0356) While, in the present embodiment, there has been 15 described a case where the CPU fan 308 is provided within the CPU housing member 307, only the CPU fan may be provided without the CPU housing member provided, in the present invention. [0357] While, in the present embodiment, there has been 20 described a case where the gaming machines are the slot machines 10, the gaming machines in the present invention are not particularly limited so long as they are gaming machines capable of executing independent games; for example, the gaming machines may be card game machines. 25 [0358] While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the number of gaming machines is 3, the number of gaming machines in the present invention is not particularly limited so long as it is more than one; for example, 30 the number of gaming machines may be 5. [0359] While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the common game is a card game, the common game in the present invention is not particularly limited so 35 long as they are games which are simultaneously executed in all 173 the gaming machines connected through communication cables; for example, the common games may be horse race games. [0360) While, in the present embodiment, there has been 5 described a case where the main CPU 41 included in each slot machine 10 executes normal games, a processor included in the control device may execute normal games in the respective gaming machines connected through the communication cables. With this structure, when the processor has determined to execute 10 a common game, the processor determines whether or not normal games in execution have ended in the respective gaming machines. When the processor determines that normal games in execution have ended in the gaming machines, the processor cancels start of new normal games in these gaming machines. When the 15 processor determines that normal games in execution have ended in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, the processor executes a common game in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables. In the case of this structure, the processor may be constituted by a 20 plurality of CPUs. [0361] While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where symbols rearranged in the display blocks 150 are all scatter symbols, the symbols in the present 25 invention are not limited to scatter symbols. For example, a pay line may be provided and a prize may be established or a point value may be offered, when a certain combination of a plurality of symbols is rearranged along the pay line. Also, for example, symbols which cause winning based on the pay line 30 may be combined with scatter symbols. [0362] While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the slot machines 10 are video slot machines, the gaming machines in the present invention may be 35 mechanical slot machines provided with reels.
174 [0363] Although the present invention has been described with reference to embodiments thereof, these embodiments merely illustrate specific examples, not restrict the present 5 invention. The specific structures of respective means and the like can be designed and changed as required. Furthermore, there have been merely described most preferable effects of the present invention, as the effects of the present invention, in the embodiments of the present invention. The effects of the 10 present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. [0364] Further, in the aforementioned detailed description, characteristic portions have been mainly described, for ease 15 of understanding the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the aforementioned detailed description, but can be also applied to other embodiments over a wider range of applications. Further, the terms and phrases used in the present specification 20 have been used for clearly describing the present invention, not for limiting the interpretation of the present invention. Further, those skilled in the art will easily conceive other structures, systems, methods and the like which are included in the concept of the present invention, from the concept of 25 the present invention described in the present specification. Accordingly, the description of the claims is intended to include equivalent structures that fall within the technical scope of the invention. Further, the abstract aims at enabling engineers and the like who belong to the present technical field 30 but are not familiar with the patent office and public institutions, the patent, law terms and technical terms to immediately understand the technical content and the essence of the present application through brief studies. Accordingly, the abstract is not intended to restrict the scope of the 35 invention which should be evaluated from the description of the 175 claims. It is desirable that literatures and the like which have been already disclosed are sufficiently studied and understood, in order to sufficiently understand the objects of the present invention and the specific effects of the present 5 invention. [0365] In the aforementioned detailed description, there has been described processing to be executed by computers. The aforementioned description and expressions have been described 10 for the sake of enabling those skilled in the art to understand the present invention most effectively. In the present specification, each step for deriving a single result should be understood to be self-consistent processing. Further, each step includes transmission, reception, recording and the like 15 of electric or magnetic signals. Although, in the processing at each step, such signals have been expressed as bits, values, symbols, characters, terms, numerical characters and the like, it should be noticed that they have been merely used for convenience of description. Further, although the processing 20 at each step was described using expressions common to human behaviors in some cases, the processes described in the present specification are to be executed by various types of devices, in principle. Further, other structures required for conducting each step will be apparent from the aforementioned 25 description. The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates. Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise , and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Claims (20)

1. A gaming system comprising: 5 a plurality of gaming machines, each including an image display and an input device for input and being capable of executing an independent game; a control device; a single pedestal including a housing space that houses 10 said control device therein, a bottom surface portion for installing the pedestal on a floor surface, and an installation surface for installing said plurality of gaming machines at positions facing to said bottom surface portion; a supporting member that is provided such that a first 15 end of the supporting member is supported by said pedestal and a second end of the supporting member is oriented upwardly; a common image display being supported at a position above the upper surfaces of said gaming machines by said second end side of said supporting member, 20 including a screen with a larger size than that of said image display, and being controlled by said control device; and communication cables for communication between said plurality of gaming machines and said control device. 25
2. The gaming system according to claim 1, wherein said control device comprises a processor, and said processor is programmed to execute the processing 30 of (A) executing a normal game in the respective gaming machines connected through said communication cables, (B) determining whether or not to execute a common game which is simultaneously executed in all the gaming machines 35 connected through said communication cables, 177 (C) determining for each of the gaming machines whether or not a normal game in execution has ended, when determining in said processing (B) that a common game is to be executed, (D) canceling, when determining in said processing (C) 5 that the normal game in execution has ended in any of the gaming machines, start of a new normal game in this gaming machine, (E) determining whether or not the normal game in execution has ended in all the gaming machines connected through said communication cables, 10 (F) executing a common game in all the gaming machines connected through said communication cables, when determining in said processing (E) that the normal game in execution has ended in all the gaming machines, and (G) displaying to said common image display a result of 15 the common game executed in said processing (F).
3. The gaming system according to claim 1, wherein each of said gaming machines comprises a controller, and 20 said control device includes a processor, said controller programmed to execute the processing of (a) executing a normal game, said processor programmed to execute the processing of (A) determining whether or not to execute a common game 25 which is simultaneously executed in all the gaming machines connected through said communication cables, and (B) transmitting a game cancel signal to all the gaming machines connected through said communication cables, when determining in said processing (A) that a common game is to be 30 executed, said controller programmed to execute the processing of (b) determining whether or not the game cancel signal has been received from said control device through said communication cable, 35 (c) canceling start of a new normal game, when determining 178 in said processing (b) that the game cancel signal has been received, and (d) transmitting a normal-game-ended signal to said control device through said communication cable, after having 5 executed said processing (c), said processor programmed to execute the processing of (C) determining through said communication cables whether or not said normal-game-ended signal has been received from all the gaming machines connected through the 10 communication cables, (D) executing a common game when determining in said processing (C) that said normal-game-ended signal has been received, and (E) displaying to said common image display a result of 15 the common game executed in said processing (D).
4. The gaming system according to claim 1, further comprising: a secondary supporting member that is provided in said 20 common image display and formed so as to extend toward the side of said common image display; and a display board secured by a holding member provided in said secondary supporting member so as to be positioned on the side of said common image display. 25
5. The gaming system according to claim 4, wherein said display board is removably secured by said holding member. 30
6. The gaming system according to claim 1, further comprising: a secondary supporting member that is provided in said common image display and formed so as to extend toward the side 35 of said common image display; and 179 a common compact image display, which is secured by a holding member provided in said secondary supporting member so as to be positioned on the side of said common image display, and has a screen with a size smaller than that of a screen 5 included in said common image display.
7. The gaming system according to claim 6, further comprising: a common-compact-image-display power supply cable that 10 supplies electric power to said common compact image display; and a comnon-compact-image-display communication cable for communication between said control device and said common compact image display, 15 wherein said supporting member has a flow channel therein that communicates with openings provided at the respective ends of the supporting member, and said flow channel is communicated with said housing space included in said pedestal through the 20 opening, said common image display has an internal space inside thereof, and said internal space is communicated with said flow channel included in said supporting member through said opening provided on said second end side of said supporting member, 25 said secondary supporting member has, inside thereof, a secondary flow channel extending from a common-image-display side opening provided on a surface that contacts with said common image display to at least a holding-member side opening provided at the periphery of said holding member, and said 30 secondary flow channel is communicated with said internal space included in said common image display through said common-image-display side opening, said common compact image display is controlled by said control device, and 35 said common-compact-image-display power supply cable and 180 said common-compact-image-display communication cable are introduced into said common compact image display through said flow channel included in said supporting member and through said secondary flow channel included in said secondary supporting 5 member.
8. The gaming system according to claim 1, further comprising: a secondary supporting member, which is provided in said 10 common image display and formed so as to be positioned on the side of said common image display; and a transparent resin board, which is secured by a holding member provided in said secondary supporting member so as to be positioned on the side of said common image display, and has 15 a size smaller than that of a screen included in said common image display.
9. The gaming system according to claim 8, further comprising 20 a light-source-control-device power supply cable that supplies electric power to a light source control device included in said secondary supporting member, wherein said secondary supporting member has 25 a light source introducing light into the inside of said transparent resin board, and said light source control device controlling said light source, said supporting member has a flow channel therein that 30 communicates with openings provided at the respective ends of the supporting member, and said flow channel is communicated with said housing space included in said pedestal through the opening, said common image display has an internal space inside 35 thereof, and said internal space is communicated with said flow 181 channel included in said supporting member through said opening provided on said second end side of said supporting member, said secondary supporting member has, inside thereof, a secondary flow channel extending from a common-image-display 5 side opening provided on a surface that contacts with said common image display to at least a holding-member side opening provided at the periphery of said holding member, and said secondary flow channel is communicated with said internal space included in said common image display through said 10 common-image-display side opening, and said -ight-source-control-device power supply cable is introduced into said light source control device through said flow channel included in said supporting member and said secondary flow channel included in said secondary supporting 15 member.
10. The gaming system according to claim 1, wherein said image display has a flat display panel portion, 20 said common image display has a common-image-display cabinet provided with an opening over substantially the entire front surface thereof, and a common flat display panel portion that is provided in said opening and has a size larger than that of said flat display panel portion, 25 allowing said common flat display panel portion to rotate upwardly and downwardly with respect to the floor surface with a hinge as a shaft by having an upper end of said common flat display panel portion mounted on an upper end of a front surface of said common-image-display cabinet via said hinge. 30
11. The gaming system according to claim 10, wherein said common-image-display cabinet comprises a holding bar that is provided rotatablly in a forward direction of said 35 common-image-display cabinet, with a first end of said holding 182 bar as the center, in such a way that said holding bar projects forward from said common-image-display cabinet, and said common flat display panel portion is provided, in the back surface thereof, with an engagement depressed portion 5 with which a second end of said holding bar is engaged, so that said common flat display panel portion is held at rest after being rotated upwardly or downwardly with respect to the floor surface with said hinge as a shaft. 10
12. A gaming system comprising: a plurality of gaming machines, each including an image display and an input device for input and being capable of executing an independent game; a control device; 15 a single pedestal including a housing space that houses said control device therein, a hollow space provided with an opening which communicates with external air, a bottom surface portion for installing the pedestal on a floor surface, and an installation surface for installing said plurality of gaming 20 machines at positions facing to said bottom surface portion; a supporting member having a flow channel therein that communicates with openings provided at respective ends of said supporting member, said supporting member being provided such that a first end of the supporting member is supported by said 25 pedestal and a second end of the supporting member is oriented upwardly so as to allow said flow channel to communicate through the opening with said hollow space included in said pedestal; a common image display having an internal space inside thereof, 30 having an opening communicated with external air at an upper portion of said internal space, being supported at a position above the upper surfaces of said gaming machines by said second end side of said supporting member so as to allow said internal space to 35 communicate with said flow channel included in said supporting 183 member through the opening provided on said second end side of said supporting member, including a screen with a larger size than that of said image display, and 5 being controlled by said control device; and communication cables for communication between said plurality of gaming machines and said control device.
13. A gaming system comprising: 10 a single pedestal including a hollow space provided with an opening which communicates with external air, a bottom surface portion for installing the pedestal on a floor surface, and an installation surface for installing said plurality of gaming machines at positions facing to said bottom surface 15 portion; a supporting member having a flow channel therein that communicates with openings provided at respective ends of said supporting member, said supporting member being provided such that a first end of the supporting member is supported by said 20 pedestal and a second end of the supporting member is oriented upwardly so as to allow said flow channel to communicate through the opening with said hollow space included in said pedestal; and a common image display having an internal space inside 25 thereof, having an opening communicated with external air at an upper portion of said internal space, and being supported at a position above the upper surfaces of said gaming machines by said second end side of said supporting 30 member in a manner allowing said internal space to communicate with said flow channel included in said supporting member through the opening provided on said second end side of said supporting member. 35
14. A gaming system comprising: 184 a plurality of gaming machines, each including an image display and an input device for input and being capable of executing an independent game; a control device; 5 a single pedestal including a housing space that houses said control device therein, a bottom surface portion for installing the pedestal on a floor surface, and an installation surface for installing said plurality of gaming machines at positions facing to said bottom surface portion; 10 a supporting member that is provided such that a first end of the supporting member is supported by said pedestal and a second end of the supporting member is oriented upwardly; a common image display having an internal space inside thereof, 15 having openings communicated with external air respectively at an upper portion and a bottom portion of said internal space, being supported at a position above the upper surfaces of said gaming machines by said second end side of said 20 supporting member, including a screen with a larger size than that of said image display, and being controlled by said control device; and communication cables for communication between said 25 plurality of gaming machines and said control device.
15. A gaming system comprising: a plurality of gaming machines, each including an image display and an input device for input and being capable of 30 executing an independent game; a control device; a single pedestal including a housing space that houses said control device therein, a hollow space provided with an opening which communicates with external air, a bottom surface 35 portion for installing the pedestal on a floor surface, and an 185 installation surface for installing said plurality of gaming machines at positions facing to said bottom surface portion; a supporting member having a flow channel therein that communicates with openings provided at respective ends of said 5 supporting member, said supporting member being provided such that a first end of the supporting member is supported by said pedestal and a second end of the supporting member is oriented upwardly so as to allow said flow channel to communicate through the opening with said hollow space included in said pedestal; 10 a common image display having an internal space inside thereof, having an opening communicated with external air at an upper portion of said internal space, having an opening at a bottom portion of said internal 15 space, being supported at a position above the upper surfaces of said gaming machines by said second end side of said supporting member so as to allow said internal space to communicate with said flow channel included in said supporting 20 member through said opening provided at said bottom portion of said internal space and the opening provided on said second end side of said supporting member, including a screen with a larger size than that of said image display, and 25 being controlled by said control device; and communication cables for communication between said plurality of gaming machines and said control device.
16. The gaming system according to claim 15, 30 wherein a control board controlling said common image display is provided within said internal space included in said common image display, and a CPU housing member is provided so as to cover a CPU included in this control board, and 35 said CPU housing member has an opening at an upper portion 186 and a bottom portion thereof, and a CPU fan is provided within said CPU housing member.
17. The gaming system according to claim 15, 5 wherein a fan -hat transfers air upwardly is provided within said flow channel included in said supporting member.
18. A gaming system comprising: 10 a plurality of gaming machines, each including an image display and an input device for input and being capable of executing an independent game; a control device; a single pedestal including a housing space that houses 15 said control device therein, a bottom surface portion for installing the pedestal on a floor surface, a leg portion provided at the bottom surface of said bottom surface portion for supporting said bottom surface portion at a position where said bottom surface portion floats from said floor surface, an 20 installation surface for installing said plurality of gaming machines at positions facing to said bottom surface portion, and a hollow space that communicates with external air through an opening provided in said bottom surface portion; a supporting member having a flow channel communicated 25 with an opening provided at each end, and being provided such that a first end of the supporting member is supported by said pedestal and a second end of the supporting member is oriented upwardly so as to allow said flow channel to communicate with said hollow space included in said pedestal through the opening; 30 a common image display being supported at a position above the upper surfaces of said gaming machines by said second end side of said supporting member, including a screen with a larger size than that of said image display, and 35 being controlled by said control device; and 187 communication cables for communication between said plurality of gaming machines and said control device, wherein said common image display has an internal space provided 5 inside thereof, said internal space is provided with an opening communicated with external air at the upper portion and/or the back surface thereof, and the bottom portion of said internal space is provided with an opening which receives said supporting member, 10 said internal space is provided with a control boardwhich controls said common image display, and a board housing member is provided so as to cover the control board, and said board housing member has a CPU fan inside thereof, said board housing member has an opening provided at the upper 15 portion and the bottom portion thereof, and the space within said board housing member is communicated with said flow channel included in said supporting member through said opening provided at said bottom portion of said board housing member and said opening provided on said second end side of said 20 supporting member.
19. The gaming system according to claim 18, wherein an inner wall surface of said opening provided at said 25 bottom portion of said board housing member is provided thereon with a sealing member for having this inner wall surface intimately attached to the outer wall surface of said opening provided on said second end side of said supporting member, and said sealing member allows the space within said board 30 housing member to communicate with said flow channel included in said supporting member, with no gap interposed therebetween.
20. The gaming system according to claim 18, further comprising: 35 a common-image-display power supply cable that supplies 188 electric power to said common image display; and a common-image-display communication cable for communication between said control device and said common image display, 5 wherein said common-image-display power supply cable and said common-image-display communication cable are introduced into said board housing member, through said flow channel included in said supporting member.
AU2009201297A 2008-04-03 2009-04-03 Gaming system having large display and plural gaming machines Abandoned AU2009201297A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (20)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US4205108P 2008-04-03 2008-04-03
US4205808P 2008-04-03 2008-04-03
US4206508P 2008-04-03 2008-04-03
US4204108P 2008-04-03 2008-04-03
US4207408P 2008-04-03 2008-04-03
US61/042,074 2008-04-03
US61/042,065 2008-04-03
US61/042,041 2008-04-03
US61/042,051 2008-04-03
US61/042,058 2008-04-03
US12/144,240 US8388453B2 (en) 2008-04-03 2008-06-23 Gaming system having large display and plural gaming machines
US12/144,240 2008-06-23
US12/145,124 US8328619B2 (en) 2008-04-03 2008-06-24 Gaming system having large display and plural gaming machines
US12/145,124 2008-06-24
US12/180,812 US8758145B2 (en) 2008-04-03 2008-07-28 Gaming system having large display and plural gaming machines
US12/180,732 2008-07-28
US12/180,732 US9105147B2 (en) 2008-04-03 2008-07-28 Gaming system having large display and plural gaming machines
US12/180,812 2008-07-28
US12/183,408 US8323089B2 (en) 2008-04-03 2008-07-31 Gaming system having large display and plural gaming machines
US12/183,408 2008-07-31

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