WO2014200502A1 - Machine de jeu ayant un système de vérification de fonctionnement physique, et procédé de commande et programme d'ordinateur utilisés dans cette dernière - Google Patents

Machine de jeu ayant un système de vérification de fonctionnement physique, et procédé de commande et programme d'ordinateur utilisés dans cette dernière Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014200502A1
WO2014200502A1 PCT/US2013/045800 US2013045800W WO2014200502A1 WO 2014200502 A1 WO2014200502 A1 WO 2014200502A1 US 2013045800 W US2013045800 W US 2013045800W WO 2014200502 A1 WO2014200502 A1 WO 2014200502A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
game
chance
unit
predetermined
satisfied
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2013/045800
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Tomoaki Hirai
Toru Omoto
Original Assignee
Konami Gaming, Incorporated
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Konami Gaming, Incorporated filed Critical Konami Gaming, Incorporated
Priority to PCT/US2013/045800 priority Critical patent/WO2014200502A1/fr
Publication of WO2014200502A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014200502A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/326—Game play aspects of gaming systems
    • G07F17/3267—Game outcomes which determine the course of the subsequent game, e.g. double or quits, free games, higher payouts, different new games
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/3202—Hardware aspects of a gaming system, e.g. components, construction, architecture thereof
    • G07F17/3204—Player-machine interfaces
    • G07F17/3211—Display means
    • G07F17/3213—Details of moving display elements, e.g. spinning reels, tumbling members

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a game machine etc. including a base game unit that provides a base game, and a physical chance game unit that executes a game of chance if a predetermined provision condition is satisfied in the base game.
  • a game machine that includes one or more base game units that provide base games, and a physical chance game unit that executes a game of chance if a predetermined provision condition in one of these base games is satisfied.
  • a game machine of this type a game machine is known that includes a plurality of station units that provide medal pusher games, a plurality of satellite units that provide bingo games to the station units, and a center unit that provides a roulette game to the satellite units (for example, refer to Patent Document #1).
  • Patent Literature - Patent Document #1 Japanese Patent 4,331,173.
  • a physical chance game mechanism is employed in order to provide a roulette game or the like.
  • this type of physical chance game mechanism there is a requirement to check that it is actually working properly.
  • game machines in which a plurality of base game units provide their base games in mutually different environments. If, for example, this type of game machine employs a physical chance game mechanism, then it is desirable to check the operation of the physical chance game mechanism in the individual characteristic environment of each of the base game units.
  • the game of chance of the physical chance game mechanism is executed when, in one or another of the base games, a predetermined provision condition is satisfied.
  • the objective of the present invention is to provide a game machine etc. that is capable of checking the operation of the physical chance game unit, irrespective of the state of the base game.
  • a game machine of the present invention comprises: at least one base game unit that provides a base game; a physical chance game unit that executes a game of chance if a predetermined provision condition in the base game is satisfied; and a unit control device adapted and configured to control the physical chance game unit so that the game of chance is executed without the predetermined provision condition being satisfied if a predetermined execution condition irrespective of the state of the base game is satisfied.
  • the predetermined execution condition if the predetermined execution condition is satisfied, then the game of chance is executed by the physical chance game unit without the predetermined provision condition being satisfied. Moreover, the predetermined execution condition has no relationship with the state of the base game. In other words, by employing the predetermined execution condition, it is possible to cause the game of chance to be executed by the physical chance game unit, irrespective of the state of the base game. By doing this, it is possible to check the operation of the physical chance game unit irrespective of the state of the base game.
  • a control method of the present invention is applied to a game machine comprising: at least one base game unit that provides a base game; a physical chance game unit that executes a game of chance if a predetermined provision condition in the base game is satisfied, and the control method comprises a unit control step that controls the physical chance game unit so that the game of chance is executed without the predetermined provision condition being satisfied if a predetermined execution condition irrespective of the state of the base game is satisfied.
  • a computer program for a game machine of the present invention is a computer program for a game machine comprising: at least one base game unit that provides a base game; a physical chance game unit that executes a game of chance if a predetermined provision condition in the base game is satisfied, and wherein the computer program for the game machine is configured so as to cause a computer which is incorporated into the game machine to function as a unit control device adapted and configured to control the physical chance game unit so that the game of chance is executed without the predetermined provision condition being satisfied if a predetermined execution condition irrespective of the state of the base game is satisfied. It is possible to actualize a game machine of the present invention by executing the computer program or the control method of the present invention.
  • Fig. 1 is an external appearance diagram of a game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a control system of a game machine.
  • Fig. 3 is an explanatory figure for explaining an example of the chance game process.
  • Fig. 4 is an explanatory figure for explaining an example of the details of this chance game checking process.
  • Fig. 5 is a figure schematically showing the game machine 1 seen from above.
  • Fig. 6 is a figure showing an example of this chance game checking screen.
  • Fig. 7 is a figure showing an example of a flow chart for a chance game checking execution processing routine.
  • Fig. 8 is an explanatory figure for explanation of a variant embodiment of the chance game process.
  • Fig. 1 is an external appearance diagram of a game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the game machine 1 includes a plurality of station units 2 serving as base game units, a center unit 3, and an outer unit 4.
  • the outer unit 4 is positioned so as to surround the center unit 3 and interposed between the respective station units 2 and the center unit 3. Further, a predetermined gap is formed between the outer unit 4 and the center unit 3 in order to prevent the outer unit 4 and the center unit 3 from coming into contact with each other.
  • the plurality of station units 2 are arranged around the center unit 3 in a circumferential form. Incidentally, in Fig. 1 , the three station units 2 are illustrated, but the number of station units 2 may be arbitrary.
  • the station unit 2 provides a slot game serving as a base game in exchange for consumption of coins.
  • the slot game refers to a well-known game in which displays of symbols change according to a lottery result, and a predetermined prize is given when a combination of changed displays of symbols forms a predetermined winning arrangement.
  • the station unit 2 includes a housing 5.
  • the station monitor 6 is provided on a front surface of the housing 5.
  • a game screen GS used to execute a slot game is displayed on the station monitor 6.
  • a liquid crystal display (LCD) device is used as the station monitor 6.
  • a control panel 7 is provided below the station monitor 6.
  • the control panel 7 includes a coin slot 8 and an operation device 9.
  • the operation device 9 includes an operation member such as a button switch for performing various kinds of operations such as a bet operation.
  • a coin-payout opening 10 is provided below the control panel 7.
  • the center unit 3 provides a so-called roulette game (an opportunity of a lottery) when a predetermined provision condition is satisfied on the station unit 2.
  • a predetermined provision condition for example, a condition that is satisfied when specific symbols form a specific arrangement in the slot game is employed as the predetermined provision condition.
  • the predetermined game condition is not limited to this embodiment.
  • a winning arrangement may be used as the specific arrangement.
  • a condition that is satisfied when specific symbols form a winning arrangement may be employed as the predetermined provision condition.
  • the predetermined game condition there may be used various kinds of conditions related to the slot game such as a condition satisfied when a winning arrangement is formed a predetermined number of times or more, or a condition satisfied when a specific winning arrangement is formed. Further, when a game other than the slot game is executed by the station unit 2, various kinds of conditions related to the game may be employed as the predetermined game condition.
  • the center unit 3 includes a chance game unit LU serving as a physical chance game unit.
  • the chance game unit LU includes a roulette game unit RG.
  • the roulette game unit RG is arranged on a rotatable table (not illustrated). Further, the roulette game unit RG includes a center monitor 11, a roulette ring 12 serving as a rotating body, a ball feeding mechanism 13, and a ball guide path 14.
  • the roulette ring 12 is formed so as to have a circular shape. Further, the roulette ring 12 is arranged such that a front side (a side at which the station unit 2 is arranged) is positioned downwardly, a rear side of an opposite side is positioned upwardly, and so the roulette ring 12 is inclined.
  • the roulette ring 12 is arranged below the center monitor 11 so that the rear side, that is, an upper portion of the inclination is hidden by the center monitor 11. Furthermore, a ring drive mechanism 15 (refer to Fig. 2) is provided in the roulette game unit RG. The roulette ring 12 is rotationally driven in a predetermined direction at a predetermined speed by the ring drive mechanism 15, and then stops at an appropriate timing. That is, the roulette ring 12 is arranged so as to be rotatable. Further, the roulette ring 12 is configured to be rotatable in both of a clockwise direction (right-hand rotation) and a counterclockwise direction (left-hand rotation).
  • a plurality of pockets 16 serving as reception sections are provided along an outer circumference. There is a height difference between the pockets 16 due to the inclination. Each pocket 16 is associated with a predetermined prize.
  • the ball feeding mechanism 13 is a mechanism for feeding a ball B serving as a chance gaming medium to the ball guide path 14.
  • the ball B is fed to the ball guide path 14 by the ball feeding mechanism 13.
  • the ball guide path 14 is formed so as to extend along the outer circumference of the roulette ring 12.
  • a guard 14g for limiting a movement of the ball B is provided at an outer circumference side of the ball guide path 14, i.e., the opposite side of the roulette ring 12. The guard 14g limits the movement of the ball B so as to prevent the ball B from being led astray from the ball guide path 14.
  • the ball guide path 14 is formed so that the ball guide path 14 limits a moving range of the ball B fed by the ball feeding mechanism 13 to a certain range and the ball B can be guided to the pocket 16 side of the roulette ring 12. Further, the ball guide path 14 is configured so that a tilt angle toward pocket 16 side is adjustable. And, at an appropriate timing, the ball B is received in any one of pockets 16.
  • a ball detecting sensor (not illustrated) is provided in each pocket 16 so as to be able to detect the pocket 16 into which the ball B has gone.
  • the center monitor 11 includes three monitors 111, 11m, and l lr.
  • the three monitors 111, 11m, and 1 lr are used so as to function as one center monitor.
  • the monitors 111, 11m, and l lr may be collectively referred to as a "center monitor 11.”
  • the center monitor 11 displays an image for making up for the hidden portion of the roulette ring 12. Specifically, as illustrated in Fig. 1, the center monitor
  • the roulette image RI has continuity with the roulette ring 12. While the roulette ring 12 rotates, the roulette image RI corresponding to the roulette ring 12 displayed on the center monitor 11 rotates so as to virtually show the rotation of the roulette ring 12. Similarly, when the roulette ring 12 stops, the roulette image RI displayed on the center monitor 11 also stops. In other words, the center monitor 11 displays a moving image for rendering rotation and stop effects of the hidden portion of the roulette ring 12 using the roulette image RI.
  • the display of the roulette image RI is actualized by simulating an operation of the roulette ring 12, that is, rotation and stop of the roulette ring 12.
  • the roulette ring 12 is arranged so as to be inclined. Therefore, the roulette game unit RG has adequate provision direction for providing the roulette game.
  • provision direction is formed by the incline of the roulette ring 12.
  • the table rotates such that the provision direction of the roulette game unit RG faces a direction of the station unit 2.
  • a direction extending from the center of rotation of the roulette ring 12 toward the lowermost position is used as the provision direction.
  • the table rotates such that the station unit 2 which satisfies the predetermined provision condition is positioned on an extended line in the direction extending from the center of rotation of the roulette ring 12 toward the lowermost position.
  • the center unit 3 starts to provide the station unit 2 with a roulette game.
  • the roulette ring 12 starts to rotate.
  • the rotation direction of the roulette ring 12 is determined at random.
  • the ball B is fed to the ball guide path 14 by the ball feeding mechanism 13.
  • the fed ball B moves along the ball guide path 14. Since the roulette ring 12 is inclined such that the front side is positioned downwardly, the ball guide path 14 is similarly inclined.
  • the fed ball B moves toward the opposite side of the ball feeding mechanism 13 along the ball guide path 14, but the ball B changes its moving direction in the middle of the inclination and so moves to return to the ball feeding mechanism 13 side.
  • the moving range of the ball B converges to the lowermost position of the ball guide path 14, that is, the lowermost position of the roulette ring 12.
  • the ball B goes into any one pockets 16 (mainly, the pocket 16 positioned at the lowermost position at an appropriate timing) of the roulette ring 12 at an appropriate timing.
  • a predetermined prize associated with the pocket 16 into which the ball has gone is given to the player.
  • Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a control system of the game machine 1.
  • the game machine 1 includes a station control unit 20 and a center control unit 30.
  • the station control unit 20 and the center control unit 30 are configured as a computer unit that controls the station unit 2 or the center unit 3.
  • the station control unit 20 and the center control unit 30 are configured as a computer unit that includes a microprocessor and other peripheral devices such as a main storage device necessary for an operation thereof.
  • the station control unit 20 is provided for each station unit 2 as a component of the station unit 2.
  • the center control unit 30 and each station control unit 20 are connected to each other so that transmission and reception of information can be performed therebetween.
  • the station control unit 20 is connected to an external storage device 21.
  • the external storage device 21 for example, there is used a storage medium that retains stored information after power is turned off such as a magnetic storage medium including a hard disk (HD) or the like, an optical storage medium including a digital versatile disc read only memory (DVD-ROM) or the like, or a non-volatile semiconductor memory including an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) or the like.
  • the external storage device 21 stores a game program 22 and game data 23.
  • the game program 22 refers to a program necessary for the station unit 2 to execute the slot game.
  • the game data 23 refers to a variety of data used to execute the game program 22.
  • the game program 22 is appropriately read and executed by the station control unit 20.
  • the game data 23 is appropriately read and referred to by the station control unit 20.
  • the game program 22 includes a variety of program modules necessary for executing a game, but an illustration thereof is not made.
  • the game data 23 further includes a variety of data such as reel data, sound effect data, and dividend data, but an illustration thereof is not made.
  • a slot game providing unit 25 is installed in the station control unit 20.
  • the slot game providing unit 25 executes a process necessary for the station unit 2 to provide a slot game.
  • the slot game providing unit 25 executes various kinds of processes such as a process of changing a display of symbols, a process of generating a random number with a predetermined number of digits, a process of executing a choice of symbols to be displayed after a change using the random number, and a process of determining whether or not a predetermined winning arrangement has been formed based on a plurality of symbols after a change.
  • the slot game providing unit 25 is a logical device actualized by a combination of a microprocessor and software.
  • a random number may be generated by a physical device into which an electronic circuit is incorporated. Further, logical devices or physical devices necessary to implement a slot game are appropriately provided in the station control unit 20, but an illustration thereof is not made.
  • the operation device 9 and the station monitor 6 described above are connected to the station control unit 20.
  • the operation device 9 outputs a signal corresponding to a player's operation to the station control unit 20.
  • the station monitor 6 displays an image corresponding to an image signal output from the station control unit 20.
  • the station control unit 20 executes a game by a predetermined procedure according to the game program 22 with reference to the output signal of the operation device 9.
  • the station control unit 20 causes the game screen GS corresponding to a status of a slot game to be displayed on the station monitor 6.
  • a coin feeding device 26 and a dispensing device 27 as an input device and an output device necessary to execute a slot game are connected to the station control unit 20.
  • the coin feeding device 26 receives a fed coin serving as a consideration for playing a game through the coin slot 8. Then, the coin feeding device 26 outputs a signal corresponding to an amount of fed coins (value of fed coins) to the station control unit 20.
  • the dispensing device 27 pays coins to a player as a dividend of a game according to an instruction from the station control unit 20.
  • a coin is paid through the coin-payout opening 10.
  • a consideration to be received and a dividend for a player are not limited to a coin.
  • a medal, a token, or the like may be used as an alternative currency.
  • an accounting method capable of exchanging a currency value or a game value through an exchange of an electronic currency or other electronic information may be used.
  • an information communication device for mutually exchanging electronic information, a storage medium for storing exchanged information, and the like may be used instead of the coin slot 8 and the coin-payout opening 10.
  • various kinds of devices necessary to execute a slot game can be additionally connected to the station control unit 20, and an illustration thereof is not made.
  • the roulette game unit RG that includes the center monitor 11 and so on described above is connected to the center control unit 30.
  • the chance game unit LU includes the roulette game unit RG described above, table, a leveling machine 17, a rotary drive source 18, and camera 19.
  • the roulette game unit RG including the center monitor 11 described above or the like, the leveling machine 17, the rotary drive source 18, and the camera 19 are connected to the center control unit 30.
  • the ring drive mechanism 15 described above is also provided to the roulette game unit RG. Accordingly, the center monitor 11 , the ball feeding mechanism 13, the ring drive mechanism 15 and so on that are provided to the roulette game unit RG are controlled by the center control unit 30.
  • the ring drive mechanism 15 not only rotationally drives the roulette ring 12, but also stops its rotation (including decelerating it).
  • the starting and stopping (including deceleration) of the rotation of the roulette ring 12, and its direction of rotation are also controlled by the center control unit 30 via the ring drive mechanism 15.
  • the leveling machine 17 is a machine for adjusting the angle of installation of the table described above.
  • the roulette game unit RG is mounted upon the table.
  • the leveling machine 17 is used for adjusting the angle of installation of the roulette game unit RG.
  • the leveling machine 17 is controlled by the center control unit 30.
  • the center control unit 30 controls the leveling machine 17 so that the tilting at any tilted point is cancelled, the roulette game unit RG is disposed horizontally.
  • the rotation drive source 18 is a drive source for rotationally driving the table. In other words, the rotation of the table is controlled by the center control unit 30 via the rotation drive source 18.
  • the center control unit 30 may control the rotation of the table via the rotation drive source 18 so that the provision direction points to the direction of each of the station units 2.
  • the camera 19 is arranged so as to perform photography at the instant that the ball B enters into a pocket 16, in other words at the instant of winning a prize.
  • the timing of photography by the camera 19 and its photographic angle and so on are controlled by the center control unit 30.
  • the result of photography by the camera 19 is outputted to the center control unit 30.
  • the camera 19 may include a right side camera that is arranged to perform photography from the right side of the pocket 16 into which the ball B enters, and a left side camera that is arranged to perform photography from the left side of the pocket 16 into which the ball B enters.
  • the center control unit 30 is connected to an external storage device 31.
  • the external storage device 31 for example, there is used a storage medium that retains stored information after power is turned off such as a magnetic storage medium including a HD or the like, an optical storage medium including a DVD-ROM or the like, or a non- volatile semiconductor memory including a EEPROM or the like.
  • the external storage device 31 stores a center unit program 32 and center unit data 33.
  • the center unit program 32 refers to a program necessary for the center unit 3 to execute the roulette game.
  • the center unit data 33 refers to various kinds of data used to execute the center unit program 32.
  • the center unit data 33 includes various kinds of data such as sound effect data, dividend data, and data for associating each pocket 16 with a predetermined prize.
  • the center unit program 32 is appropriately read and executed by the center control unit 30.
  • the center unit data 33 is appropriately read and referred to by the center control unit 30.
  • the center unit program 32 includes various kinds of program modules necessary to execute a roulette game, but an illustration thereof is not made.
  • a roulette game providing unit 35 is installed in the center control unit 30.
  • the roulette game providing unit 35 executes a process necessary for the center unit 3 to provide the roulette game.
  • the roulette game providing unit 35 executes various kinds of processes such as a process for controlling the leveling machine 17, a process for controlling rotary drive source 18, a process for controlling the ball feeding mechanism 13, a process for controlling the tilt angle of the ball guide path 14, or a process for controlling the ring drive mechanism 15.
  • Fig. 3 is an explanatory figure for explaining an example of the chance game process.
  • the roulette game is implemented via this chance game process.
  • the roulette game is provided, using the chance game based on physical operations such as the roulette ring 12 or the like.
  • the physical operations hereafter, this is described as the chance game operations in some cases
  • the chance game process is a process for implementing chance game operations of various types that are executed by the chance game unit LU in order to provide the roulette game. As illustrated in Fig.
  • the chance game process includes a chance game preparation process and a chance game execution process serving as an execution process.
  • the chance game preparation process is a process of executing preparations for the chance game unit LU to provide the roulette game.
  • the chance game execution process is a process for the chance game unit LU actually to perform the roulette game. And the chance game process is started in order of the chance game preparation process and the chance game execution process.
  • the chance game preparation process includes a leveling process and a table rotation process.
  • the chance game execution process includes a roulette ring setting process, a roulette ring rotation process, a ball feeding mechanism operation process, an angle setting process, a prize awarding process, a ball retrieval process, and a standard position recovery process.
  • the leveling process, the angle setting process, and the standard position recovery process shown by the rightward hatched boxes in the figure are processes for which there is a possibility that they will be performed once each time that the chance game is performed some fixed plural number of times. In other words, they are not limited to being performed every time that the chance game is performed. On the other hand, the other processes are performed each time the chance game is performed.
  • a leveling process is a process for adjusting, with the leveling machine 17, the angle of installation of the table (and, as a result, the angle of installation of the roulette game unit RG) to the horizontal position.
  • adjustment to the horizontal position may be performed on the basis of the output of a sensor (not shown in the figures) that detects the horizontal position.
  • the leveling process is not limited to adjustment to the horizontal position.
  • the adjustment of the angle of installation of the table may be executed based on a predetermined adjustment condition.
  • the predetermined adjustment condition there may be employed an average gaming time of recent performances.
  • the predetermined adjustment condition may be considered as being satisfied and the angle of installation of the table may be adjusted with the leveling mechanism 17, if the average gaming time of the recent performances is greater than some threshold value.
  • the threshold value for example, an expected gaming time in supposed case with horizontally arranged table orientation may be used. In other words, as one example, if there is a possibility that the table is not horizontal and that the roulette ring 12 is at an unintended tilt, then the angle of the table is adjusted so that the average gaming time becomes lower than the threshold value.
  • the predetermined adjustment condition is not limited to being a condition that employs a threshold based upon the average gaming time. It would be acceptable to employ various types of condition as predetermined adjustment conditions for adjustment of the gaming time.
  • a table rotation process (S2), the roulette game unit RG rotates.
  • the table is rotated so that the provision direction of the roulette game unit RG is pointed to the direction of the station unit 2 that satisfies the predetermined provision condition.
  • a roulette ring setting process (S3), settings of various types are executed for the roulette ring 12. As one example, if the roulette ring 12 is built so that it is possible to change the relationship between its pockets 16 and the predetermined prizes, then settings for changing this relationship may be included in these various settings.
  • a structure in which a display unit is provided for displaying a prize over each of the pockets 16 may be employed as a structure for making it possible to change the relationship between the pockets 16 and the predetermined prizes.
  • the relationship between the pockets and the predetermined prizes may be changed by changing the details of the prizes displayed by the display unit.
  • display devices such as liquid crystal displays or the like may be employed as the display units.
  • the roulette ring 12 is built as a multi-layer construction with a layer that includes a display unit and one or more layers that include the pockets 16 that can be separated, and in which these layers can be rotated relatively to one another, thereby changing the relationship between the pockets 16 and the predetermined prizes.
  • settings as to which of the layers are separated, are relatively rotating, are stopped, or are fixed may be included within the various settings.
  • a roulette ring rotation process (S4), the rotation of the roulette ring 12 is started.
  • the rotation direction of the roulette ring 12 is determined randomly.
  • the possibility that this direction of rotation is determined as being clockwise is set to be higher. Accordingly, in this roulette ring rotation process, the roulette ring 12 rotates more often in the clockwise rotational direction.
  • a ball B is introduced by the ball feeding mechanism 13.
  • the ball B starts to move along the ball guide path 14.
  • a door may be provided at an introduction aperture through which the ball B is introduced. In this case, this process includes opening and closing of this door.
  • an angle setting process is a process that is executed when a predetermined elevation condition is satisfied.
  • the tilt angle of the ball guide path 14 is adjusted so that the ball B is guided towards the pockets 16.
  • the predetermined elevation condition if the predetermined elevation condition is satisfied, the tilt angle of the ball guide path 14 is elevated so that the tilting of the ball guide path 14 slopes more towards the pockets 16 (i.e. so that the ball B is guided more towards the side of the pockets 16).
  • the tilting of the ball guide path 14 is controlled so that it becomes easier for the ball B to fall into the pockets 16.
  • the predetermined elevation condition for example, an average gaming time of recent performances may be used.
  • the predetermined elevation condition may be considered as being satisfied and the tilt angle of the ball guide path 14 may be elevated, if the time period from when the ball B is introduced until it falls into one of the pockets 16 is longer than the average gaming time.
  • a prize awarding process (S7), the ball B moves along the ball guide path 14 and enters into one of the pockets 16 at an appropriate timing. Moreover, in this process, sensors in each of the pockets 16 determine into which one of the pockets 16 the ball B has fallen.
  • a ball retrieval process (S8), the ball B is retrieved from the pocket 16 into which it has fallen.
  • the roulette ring 12 is rotated so that the ball B is retrieved by a ball retrieval mechanism (not shown in the figures) that is provided in the portion hidden by the center monitor 11. In other words, in this process, the roulette ring 12 is rotated so that the pocket 16 into which the ball B has fallen is shifted to the portion which is hidden by the center monitor 11.
  • a standard position recovery process (S9) is executed if the angle setting process of the step S6 was previously executed.
  • this standard position recovery process the tilt angle of the ball guide path 14 is lowered so as to be returned to its original angle.
  • the chance game process ends together with the end of the standard position recovery process (if this process is not executed, together with the end of the ball retrieval process).
  • the roulette game is provided by this type of chance game process.
  • the chance game process is implemented via chance game operations of various types performed by the chance game unit LU.
  • operations of mechanisms of various types such as the ball feeding mechanism 13, the ring drive mechanism 15 and so on and physical operations such as the operation of the ball B, the operation of the roulette ring 12 and so on are included in the chance game process.
  • an operation checking mode is provided to the center unit 3 in order to check these operations.
  • This operation checking mode is a mode for performing the chance game process without the predetermined provision condition being satisfied.
  • the chance game process is executed irrespective of the state of the slot game. Accordingly, by the operation checking mode, the chance game process can be executed even if the slot game is not being executed.
  • the operation checking mode is executed if a predetermined execution condition is satisfied.
  • a predetermined actuation upon the center unit 3 may be employed as this predetermined execution condition.
  • the predetermined execution condition may be satisfied if the predetermined actuation is performed upon the center unit 3. Accordingly, as one example, if this predetermined actuation that commands the operation checking mode is performed, then, as the operation checking mode, the chance game process is executed irrespective of the state of the slot game.
  • a chance game checking process is executed.
  • Fig. 4 is an explanatory figure for explaining an example of the details of this chance game checking process.
  • a chance game preparation process and a chance game execution process are executed.
  • chance game processes are executed in order for each of the station units 2.
  • a chance game preparation process and a chance game execution process are executed with one station unit 2 among all of the station units 2.
  • a chance game preparation process and a chance game execution process are executed with next one of the station units 2. This is repeated until the chance game processes have been executed with all of the station units 2.
  • Fig. 5 is a figure schematically showing the game machine 1 when seen from above.
  • the solid arrow in Fig. 5 shows the provision direction S, while the broken arrows show positions of the provision direction S in which it faces towards the directions of the various station units 2.
  • each of the station units 2 is arranged in a different position.
  • the station units 2 have environments that are mutually different.
  • the chance game unit LU creates the environment that is characteristic of each of the station units 2, and provides a roulette game in this characteristic environment.
  • the chance game unit LU operates in the environment that is characteristic of each of the station units 2.
  • the chance game execution process is performed for each of the station units 2 by rotating the table so that the provision direction S points to the direction of each of the station units 2 in order, in other words so that the provision direction S lies at the position of each of the broken arrows successively.
  • a position number is set for each of the station units 2, in order in the clockwise direction (the anticlockwise direction would also be possible) from the first station unit 2a that is positioned at the bottom of the figure to the eighth station unit 2h that is positioned at the right side thereof.
  • the operation checking mode includes two functions: a complete operation checking mode and a partial operation checking mode.
  • the complete operation checking mode is a function for performing the chance game process with all of the station units 2.
  • the partial operation checking mode is a function for performing the chance game process with a portion of the station units 2. Accordingly, "predetermined actuation" includes both actuation to designate the complete operation checking mode and also actuation to designate the partial operation checking mode.
  • actuation to designate the partial operation checking mode includes actuation to designate only certain ones of the station units (the partial designation condition).
  • the chance game checking process is performed with all of the station units 2.
  • the chance game unit LU first performs the chance game execution process while pointing the provision direction S towards the first station unit 2a as the one station unit 2. And then the chance game execution process is performed for each of the station units 2 while changing the position of the provision direction S in order up to the eighth station unit 2h.
  • the complete operation checking mode a check is made as to whether or not the roulette game can be provided in the characteristic environments of all of the station units 2.
  • the partial operation checking mode only some among all of the station units 2 are designated. And the chance game checking process is executed with this portion of the station units 2.
  • the table is rotated so that the provision direction S points to the direction of the first station unit 2a, and then the roulette game is actually provided to the first station unit 2a.
  • the table is rotated so that the provision direction S points, in order, in the directions of these station units 2a and 2b, and the roulette game is actually provided to each of them.
  • the partial operation checking mode it is checked whether or not the roulette game can be provided in the characteristic environments of the portion of the station units 2.
  • the chance game unit LU actually provides the roulette game to each of the station units 2 in its own characteristic environment via the complete operation checking mode or the partial operation checking mode, irrespective of the states of their slot games.
  • the state of progression of the operation checking mode can be checked via a chance game checking screen.
  • Fig. 6 is a figure showing an example of this chance game checking screen.
  • the chance game checking screen 40 includes a portion showing "station 1 " which is the station that is being checked, a portion that shows the results of checking such as "1st result mini jackpot” and so on, and a portion in which the result of photography by the camera 19 is displayed.
  • “Station 1" denotes the first station unit 2a. Accordingly it is shown on this chance game checking screen 40 that the result of the first game of chance (i.e. the result of the roulette game) for the first station unit 2a was "mini jackpot".
  • the fact that the second chance game execution process is currently being performed is shown by "2nd result being obtained".
  • the result of photography by the camera 19 is displayed as a photographic image 41.
  • the result of photography by the right camera 19 is displayed as a right camera photographic image 41R
  • the result of photography by the left camera 19 is displayed as a left camera photographic image 41L.
  • a case is shown in which the chance game execution process is being executed twice for each of the station units 2.
  • the present invention is not limited to this type of embodiment. For example, it would be acceptable for the number of times the chance game execution process is performed for each of the station units 2 to be three times or more, or to be only once.
  • This chance game checking execution processing is processing in order to implement the operation checking mode. Accordingly, for example, chance game checking execution processing is executed in order to implement the chance game checking process.
  • Fig. 7 is a figure showing an example of a flow chart for a chance game checking execution processing routine. Furthermore, the example of Fig. 7 shows the case in which the complete operation checking mode is being executed. In an example, the routine of Fig. 7 is executed by the center control unit 30 via the roulette game providing unit 35. Moreover the routine of Fig. 7 may, for example, be repeated on a predetermined cycle.
  • the center control unit 30 and the station control unit 20 execute various other types of known processing or the like via the roulette game providing unit 35 and the slot game providing unit 25, but detailed explanation thereof is omitted.
  • the roulette game providing unit 35 determines whether or not the predetermined execution condition is satisfied. As described above, in an example, the predetermined execution condition is satisfied if the predetermined actuation is performed. As a result, in an example, it is determined in this step Sl l whether or not the predetermined actuation has been performed. If the result of this determination is negative, in other words if the predetermined execution condition is not satisfied, then the roulette game providing unit 35 skips the subsequent processing, and this time of the routine terminates.
  • step S12 the roulette game providing unit 35 sets a variable N that specifies the position number of the subject station unit 2, to an initial value of 1.
  • position numbers numbers that increase in order from 1 to 8 are used in this example.
  • the position numbers 1 through 8 correspond to the first station unit 2a through the eighth station unit 2h in order.
  • the first station unit 2a through the eighth station unit 2h are designated in order by the value of the variable N.
  • the roulette game providing unit 35 executes the chance game process (i.e. the roulette game) for the station unit 2 that is specified by the position number of the step SI 2.
  • the roulette game providing unit 35 executes the chance game preparation process and the chance game execution process for the subject station unit 2.
  • the roulette game providing unit 35 displays the result of the step S13 on the chance game checking screen 40.
  • the roulette game providing unit 35 determines whether or not the value of the variable N has reached 8.
  • the variable N starts from an initial value of 1, and changes up to 8 in correspondence to the total number of station units 2. Accordingly, when the variable N reaches 8, this means that the processing has been completed for the final eighth station unit 2h. In other words, it is determined in the step S15 whether or not the chance game process has been executed for all of the station units 2.
  • step SI 5 If the result of the determination in the step SI 5 is negative, in other words if the chance game process has not yet been executed for all of the station units 2, then the roulette game providing unit 35 proceeds to a step S16. In this step S16, the roulette game providing unit 35 adds 1 to the variable N, and then returns to the processing of the step S13. And then the processing of the step S13 and subsequent steps is repeated. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in the step S 15 is affirmative, in other words if the chance game process has now been executed for all of the station units 2, then the roulette game providing unit 35 terminates this time of the routine. Due to this, on the basis of the predetermined actuation, the chance game process is executed in order on all of the station units 2. Furthermore, the results thereof are displayed upon the chance game checking screen 40.
  • the position number of the station unit 2 that has been designated may be set as the value of the variable N in the step S12. And, moreover, this number of the station unit 2 that has been designated may be used as the maximum value of the variable N in the step SI 5. Furthermore, if a plurality of the station units 2 are designated as the portion of the station units 2 for which checking is to be performed, then, in the step SI 6, a position number corresponding to a station unit that has been designated and that has not yet been processed may be set. By doing the above, the chance game process can be executed for only those station units 2 that have been designated.
  • the chance game process is executed without the predetermined provision condition being satisfied.
  • the complete operation checking mode and the partial operation checking mode are provided in the operation checking mode.
  • the chance game unit LU provides the roulette game in the specific environment that is characteristic of each of the station units 2. Due to this, it is possible to check the operation of the chance game unit LU in the environment that is characteristic of each of the station units 2.
  • the operation checking mode is executed on the basis of the predetermined actuation of the center unit 3.
  • the center control unit 30 functions as the "unit control device" of the Claims.
  • the present invention is not to be considered as being limited to the embodiment described above; it would be possible to implement changes as appropriate.
  • a predetermined actuation was employed as the predetermined execution condition.
  • the present invention is not limited to this type of embodiment.
  • the predetermined execution condition it would be acceptable to employ a condition that is satisfied during initial installation, relocation, or maintenance of the chance game unit LU. In this case, when it is necessary to check the operation of the chance game unit LU, such as during initial installation or the like, it is possible to check the operation of the chance game unit LU in the characteristic environment of each of the station units 2.
  • the station units 2 were arranged around the periphery of the center unit 3, and the different game of chance environments for the various station units 2 were configured according to the differences in their positions.
  • the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.
  • the characteristic environment of each of the station units 2 it would also be acceptable for the characteristic environment of each of the station units 2 to be configured by various other types of difference, such as differences in the tilt angle of the roulette ring 12, differences in the rotational speed of the roulette ring 12, differences in the angle of installation of the roulette game unit RG, or differences in the tilt angle of the ball guide path 14.
  • Fig. 8 is an explanatory figure for explanation of a variant embodiment of the chance game process.
  • a leveling process (SI) an angle setting process (S6), a roulette ring setting process (S3), a table rotation process (S2), a roulette ring rotation process (S4), a ball feeding mechanism operation process (S5), a prize winning process (S7), a ball retrieval process (S8), and a standard position recovery process (S9) may be executed in order.
  • a slot game was employed as the base game, and the physical chance game unit provided a roulette game.
  • the base game and the game of chance provided by the physical chance game unit are not limited to this type of embodiment.
  • Various types of game and game of chance may be employed as the base game, and as the game of chance provided by the physical chance game unit. Accordingly, in order to correspond to these various types of game, various types of embodiments may be employed as the base game unit and for the physical chance game unit.
  • various types of predetermined execution condition and various characteristic environments for each of the base game units may be employed.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Slot Machines And Peripheral Devices (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une machine de jeu qui est capable de vérifier le fonctionnement de l'unité de jeu de hasard physique, indépendamment de l'état du jeu de base. La machine de jeu (1) comprend : des unités stations (2) qui mettent à disposition un jeu de machine à sous; une unité de jeu de hasard (LU) qui exécute un jeu de hasard physique si une condition de mise à disposition prédéterminée dans le jeu de machine à sous est satisfaite. Et la machine de jeu (1) commande l'unité de jeu de hasard (LU) de telle sorte que le jeu de hasard est exécuté sans que la condition de mise à disposition prédéterminée ne soit satisfaite si une condition d'exécution prédéterminée, quel que soit l'état du jeu de machine à sous, est satisfaite.
PCT/US2013/045800 2013-06-14 2013-06-14 Machine de jeu ayant un système de vérification de fonctionnement physique, et procédé de commande et programme d'ordinateur utilisés dans cette dernière WO2014200502A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2013/045800 WO2014200502A1 (fr) 2013-06-14 2013-06-14 Machine de jeu ayant un système de vérification de fonctionnement physique, et procédé de commande et programme d'ordinateur utilisés dans cette dernière

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2013/045800 WO2014200502A1 (fr) 2013-06-14 2013-06-14 Machine de jeu ayant un système de vérification de fonctionnement physique, et procédé de commande et programme d'ordinateur utilisés dans cette dernière

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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090005149A1 (en) * 2006-02-16 2009-01-01 Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. Game Machine with Physical Lottery Mechanism
US20090176548A1 (en) * 2008-01-04 2009-07-09 Konami Gaming Inc. Secondary roulette game

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090005149A1 (en) * 2006-02-16 2009-01-01 Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. Game Machine with Physical Lottery Mechanism
US20090176548A1 (en) * 2008-01-04 2009-07-09 Konami Gaming Inc. Secondary roulette game

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