US20090181744A1

US20090181744A1 - Gaming Machine Which Can Receive Regular Payout And Bonus Payout By One Bet Operation And Game Method

Info

Publication number: US20090181744A1
Application number: US12/101,626
Authority: US
Inventors: Kazumasa Yoshizawa
Original assignee: Aruze Corp
Current assignee: Universal Entertainment Corp
Priority date: 2008-01-14
Filing date: 2008-04-11
Publication date: 2009-07-16
Also published as: JP2009165809A

Abstract

A bet which may cause a regular payout to be given to a player is received, and at the same time a bet which may cause a bonus payout which is given to the player separately from the regular payout to be given together with the regular payout is received. By receiving a bet on a game result based on values of several dice cast, a craps game for determining win or loss of the player is executed. At least the regular payout is given in accordance with a bet made by the player who has won the craps game.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 61/020,808, filed on Jan. 14, 2008.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a gaming machine which executes a craps game in such a manner that a regular payout and a bonus payout can be received by one bet operation, and also to a gaming method.
2. Description of Related Art
Conventionally, some of gamine machines which executes a craps game give a bonus payout in addition to a regular payout which is given to a player who has won a craps game. To be more specific, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,100,919 discloses that a bonus bet region indicating a bet region for a bonus payout is provided in a craps table. In this structure, in a case where a player hopes to bet on a regular payout, a bet is made on a region other than the bonus bet region. In this case, when the player wins a game, he/she is given a regular payout. On the other hand, in a case where a player hopes to bet on a regular payout and a bonus payout, a bet is made on the bonus bet region and on the region other than the bonus bet region, respectively.
An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine which, unlike the above-described prior art, enables a bet to be made on both of a regular payout and a bonus payout by one bet operation without making a bet on the regular payout and on the bonus payout, respectively.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A gaming machine of the present invention comprises: a craps game in which a bet on a game result based on values of a plurality of dice cast (a sum of the values, a combination of the values) is received to thereby determine win or loss of a player; a regular payout which is given to the player who has won the craps game; a bonus payout which is given to the player separately from the regular payout; a regular payout receiving button for receiving the bet which may cause the regular payout to be given; and a bonus payout receiving button for receiving the bet which may cause the regular payout and the bonus payout to be given.
In the above structure, when the player hopes that the regular payout will be given when the game result of the craps game is win, the regular payout receiving button which may cause the regular payout to be given is operated, whereas when the player hopes that the bonus payout in addition to the regular payout will be given when the game result of the craps game is win, the bonus payout receiving button which may cause both of the regular payout and the bonus payout to be given is operated. Accordingly, even when the player hopes for both of the regular payout and the bonus payout, he/she can make a bet by one bet operation, in the same manner as when making a bet operation for the regular payout. As a result, the player can participate in a game with the same sense as when making a bet operation for the regular payout, instead of special feeling of betting on the bonus payout.
A gaming machine of the present invention comprises: a craps game in which a bet on a game result based on values of a plurality of dice cast (a sum of the values, a combination of the values) is received to thereby determine win or loss of a player; a regular payout which is given to the player who has won the craps game; a bonus payout which is given to the player separately from the regular payout; a regular payout receiving button for receiving the bet which may cause the regular payout to be given; and a bonus payout receiving button for receiving the bet which may cause the regular payout and the bonus payout to be given. The gaming machine further comprises: one or more terminal devices each including the regular payout receiving button and the bonus payout receiving button, which receives the bet and gives a payout; a display device (which may be provided on each terminal device, or on a common large-screen display) which displays thereon an image data item (including a still-image data item, a moving-image data item) relating to the craps game; and a controller which is programmed to operate in the steps of (a1) giving the regular payout in each terminal device based on the game result and a game value bet by the regular payout receiving button, and (a2) giving a bonus payout in each terminal device based on the game result and a bet made by the bonus payout receiving button.
In the above structure, when the player hopes that the regular payout will be given when the game result of the craps game is win, the regular payout receiving button which may cause the regular payout to be given is operated, whereas when the player hopes that the bonus payout in addition to the regular payout will be given when the game result of the craps game is win, the bonus payout receiving button which may cause both of the regular payout and the bonus payout to be given is operated. Accordingly, even when the player hopes for both of the regular payout and the bonus payout, he/she can make a bet by one bet operation, in the same manner as when making a bet operation for the regular payout. As a result, the player can participate in a game with the same sense as when making a bet operation for the regular payout, instead of special feeling of betting on the bonus payout.
In the above structure, moreover, a video game which is the same as an actual craps game can be played while the image data item relating to the craps game is being displayed on the display device. Therefore, the number of staffs necessary for the craps game can be reduced.
A gaming machine of the present invention comprises: a craps game in which a bet on a game result based on values of a plurality of dice cast (a sum of the values, a combination of the values) is received to thereby determine win or loss of a player; a regular payout which is given to the player who has won the craps game; a bonus payout which is given to the player separately from the regular payout; a regular payout receiving button for receiving the bet which may cause the regular payout to be given; and a bonus payout receiving button for receiving the bet which may cause the regular payout and the bonus payout to be given. The gaming machine further comprises: one or more terminal devices each including the regular payout receiving button and the bonus payout receiving button, which receives the bet and gives a payout; a display device (which may be provided on each terminal device, or on a common large-screen display) which displays thereon an image data item (including a still-image data item, a moving-image data item) relating to the craps game; and a controller which is programmed to operate in the steps of (b1) giving the regular payout in each terminal device based on the game result and a game value bet by the regular payout receiving button, (b2) determining a bonus payout scale by random selection, in a case where the bonus payout is given based on the game result and a bet made by the bonus payout receiving button, and (b3) giving a bonus payout corresponding to the bonus payout scale in each terminal device.
In the above structure, when the player hopes that the regular payout will be given when the game result of the craps game is win, the regular payout receiving button which may cause the regular payout to be given is operated, whereas when the player hopes that the bonus payout in addition to the regular payout will be given when the game result of the craps game is win, the bonus payout receiving button which may cause both of the regular payout and the bonus payout to be given is operated. Accordingly, even when the player hopes for both of the regular payout and the bonus payout, he/she can make a bet by one bet operation, in the same manner as when making a bet operation for the regular payout. As a result, the player can participate in a game with the same sense as when making a bet operation for the regular payout, instead of special feeling of betting on the bonus payout.
In the above structure, moreover, a video game which is the same as an actual craps game can be played while the image data item relating to the craps game is being displayed on the display device. Therefore, the number of staffs necessary for the craps game can be reduced. Further, in a case where the bonus payout is given, the bonus payout scale is determined by random selection, and then a bonus payout corresponding to the bonus payout scale thus determined is given in each terminal device. Therefore, player's expectations in a case where the bonus payout is given can be increased.
A gaming machine of the present invention comprises: a craps game in which a bet on a game result based on values of a plurality of dice cast (a sum of the values, a combination of the values) is received to thereby determine win or loss of a player; a regular payout which is given to the player who has won the craps game; a bonus payout which is given to the player separately from the regular payout; a regular payout receiving button for receiving the bet which may cause the regular payout to be given; and a bonus payout receiving button for receiving the bet which may cause the regular payout and the bonus payout to be given. The gaming machine further comprises: a plurality of terminal devices each including the regular payout receiving button and the bonus payout receiving button, which receives the bet and gives a payout; a terminal display device which is provided in each terminal device, and displays thereon at least an image data item (including a still-image data item, a moving-image data item) relating to the bet; a terminal touch panel having translucency, which is provided on a front-face side of the terminal display device so as to receive a pressing operation from outside; a game display device which is disposed visibly from each terminal device, and displays thereon an image data item (including a still-image data item, a moving-image data item) relating to the craps game; and a controller which is programmed to operate in the steps of (c1) displaying on the terminal display device an image data item of each of the regular payout receiving button and the bonus payout receiving button, (c2) receiving a bet on a display region of the regular payout receiving button and the bonus payout receiving button which corresponds to a pressed portion of the touch panel, (c3) giving the regular payout in each terminal device based on the game result and a game value bet by the regular payout receiving button, and (c4) giving the bonus payout based on the game result and a bet made by the bonus payout receiving button.
In the above structure, when the player hopes that the regular payout will be given when the game result of the craps game is win, the regular payout receiving button which may cause the regular payout to be given is operated, whereas when the player hopes that the bonus payout in addition to the regular payout will be given when the game result of the craps game is win, the bonus payout receiving button which may cause both of the regular payout and the bonus payout to be given is operated. Accordingly, even when the player hopes for both of the regular payout and the bonus payout, he/she can make a bet by one bet operation, in the same manner as when making a bet operation for the regular payout. As a result, the player can participate in a game with the same sense as when making a bet operation for the regular payout, instead of special feeling of betting on the bonus payout.
In the above structure, moreover, a video game which is the same as an actual craps game can be played while the image data item relating to the craps game is being displayed on the display device. Therefore, the number of staffs necessary for the craps game can be reduced. Further, by the plurality of terminal devices, a plurality of persons are allowed to simultaneously participate in the craps game. As a result, the players can participate in the game more with the same sense as when they play an actual craps game.
A gaming machine of the present invention comprises: a craps game in which a bet on a game result based on values of a plurality of dice cast (a sum of the values, a combination of the values) is received to thereby determine win or loss of a player; a regular payout which is given to the player who has won the craps game; a bonus payout which is given to the player separately from the regular payout; a regular payout receiving button for receiving the bet which may cause the regular payout to be given; and a bonus payout receiving button for receiving the bet which may cause the regular payout and the bonus payout to be given. The gaming machine further comprises: a plurality of terminal devices each including the regular payout receiving button and the bonus payout receiving button, which receives the bet and gives a payout; a terminal display device which is provided in each terminal device, and displays thereon at least an image data item (including a still-image data item, a moving-image data item) relating to the bet; a terminal touch panel having translucency, which is provided on a front-face side of the terminal display device so as to receive a pressing operation from outside; a game display device which is disposed visibly from each terminal device, and displays thereon an image data item (including a still-image data item, a moving-image data item) relating to the craps game; and a controller which is programmed to operate in the steps of (d1) displaying on the terminal display device an image data item of each of the regular payout receiving button and the bonus payout receiving button, (d2) receiving a bet on a display region of the regular payout receiving button and the bonus payout receiving button which corresponds to a pressed portion of the touch panel, (d3) giving the regular payout in each terminal device based on the game result and a game value bet by the regular payout receiving button, (d4) giving the bonus payout based on the game result and a bet made by the bonus payout receiving button, and (d5) making display on the game display device so as to specify the terminal device in which at least the regular payout is given.
In the above structure, when the player hopes that the regular payout will be given when the game result of the craps game is win, the regular payout receiving button which may cause the regular payout to be given is operated, whereas when the player hopes that the bonus payout in addition to the regular payout will be given when the game result of the craps game is win, the bonus payout receiving button which may cause both of the regular payout and the bonus payout to be given is operated. Accordingly, even when the player hopes for both of the regular payout and the bonus payout, he/she can make a bet by one bet operation, in the same manner as when making a bet operation for the regular payout. As a result, the player can participate in a game with the same sense as when making a bet operation for the regular payout, instead of special feeling of betting on the bonus payout.
In the above structure, moreover, a video game which is the same as an actual craps game can be played while the image data item relating to the craps game is being displayed on the display device. Therefore, the number of staffs necessary for the craps game can be reduced. Further, by the plurality of terminal devices, a plurality of persons are allowed to simultaneously participate in the craps game. In addition, the craps game is image-displayed on the game display device which is disposed visibly from each terminal device. This enables the players to participate in the game still more with the same sense as when they play an actual craps game. Besides, display is made on the game display device so as to specify a terminal device in which at least the regular payout is given. Therefore, other players and the gallery are notified of a player who has won the game.
A game method of the present invention comprises the steps of: receiving a bet which may cause a regular payout to be given to a player; receiving the bet which may cause a bonus payout which is given to a player separately from the regular payout to be given together with the regular payout; receiving a bet on a game result based on values of a plurality of dice cast (a sum of the values, a combination of the values) to thereby execute a craps game for determining win or loss of a player; and giving at least the regular payout in accordance with a bet made by the player who has won the craps game.
In the above structure, even when the player hopes for both of the regular payout and the bonus payout, he/she can make a bet by one bet operation, in the same manner as when making a bet operation for the regular payout. Therefore, the player can participate in a game with the same sense as when making a bet operation for the regular payout, instead of special feeling of betting on the bonus payout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing an operation condition of a gaming machine;

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

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a craps table;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing a control system of a server;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing a control system of a station;

FIG. 6 is a view showing an electrical outline of the craps table;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing detection of value of a die;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing a station management table;

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing an initial screen of a terminal device;

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing a process of a regular bet in the terminal device;

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing a process of a bet with bonus in the terminal device;

FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing a bonus change game;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a station-side game processing routine;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a bet operation receiving processing routine; and

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a server-side processing routine.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 15. A gaming machine is structured so as to execute a craps game in such a manner that a regular payout and a bonus payout can be received by one bet operation. That is, the gaming machine includes a craps game in which a bet on a game result based on values of dice cast is received to thereby determine win or loss of a player, a regular payout which is given to a player who has won the craps game, a bonus payout which is given to a player separately from the regular payout, a regular payout receiving button for receiving a bet which may cause the regular payout to be given, and a bonus payout receiving button for receiving a bet which may cause the regular payout and the bonus payout to be given.
To be specific, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a gaming machine 101 includes terminal devices 103 each of which receives a bet at least used in a craps game and gives a payout. In this way, the gaming machine 101 allows several persons to simultaneously participate in a game such as a craps game by the terminal devices 103. Therefore, players can participate in a game as if they are actually playing on a multiplayer type gaming machine. Here, there may be a single terminal device 103.
The gaming machine 101 includes a terminal display device 104 which is provided on each terminal 103 and displays thereon image data relating to the craps game, a terminal touch panel 50 having translucency which is provided on a front-face side of the terminal display device 104 so as to receive a pressing operation from outside, and a gaming machine main body 102 which is disposed visibly from each terminal device 103.
Each terminal device 103 has a regular payout receiving button 105 for receiving a bet which may cause the regular payout to be given, and a bonus payout receiving button 106 for receiving a bet which may cause the regular payout and the bonus payout to be given. The buttons 105 and 106 are implemented by a combination of the terminal display device 104 and the terminal touch panel 50. That is, the terminal display device 104 displays thereon image data of the regular payout receiving button and image data of the bonus payout receiving button, respectively, and the terminal touch panel 50 can detect a press on a display region of each of the buttons. Thereby, the regular payout receiving button 105 and the bonus payout receiving button 106 are virtually provided. Here, the buttons 105 and 106 may not be virtual buttons displayed on the terminal display device 104, but may be real buttons.
The gaming machine 101 also includes the gaming machine main body 102 (craps table 3) which executes a craps game. The gaming machine main body 102 is positioned so as to be visible from each terminal device 103. The gaming machine main body 102 includes a game display device 107 which displays thereon image data relating to a craps game, and a main body touch panel 108. The game display device 107 displays thereon image data relating to a craps game, so that a video game which is the same as an actual craps game is executed. Thereby, the game display device 107 can reduce the number of staffs necessary for a craps game.
The main body touch panel 108 is provided so as to cover an entire face of the game display device 107. Display image of a game screen or the like which is displayed on the game display device 107 transmit through the main body touch panel 108. The main body touch panel 108 can detect position data of a placed object such as a die 500.
The game display device 107 further includes a controller 110. The controller 110 is programmed to operate in the steps of (a1) giving a regular payout in each terminal device 103 based on a game result of a craps game and a game value bet by the regular payout receiving button 105, and (a2) giving a bonus payout in each terminal device 103 based on a game result of a craps game and a bet made by the bonus payout receiving button 106.
By the controller 110 having the above-described structure, when a player hopes that a regular payout will be given when a game result of a craps game is win, the regular payout receiving button 105 which may cause a regular payout to be given is operated, whereas when a player hopes that a bonus payout in addition to a regular payout will be given when a game result of a craps game is win, the bonus payout receiving button 106 which may cause both of a regular payout and a bonus payout to be given is operated. Accordingly, even when a player hopes for both of a regular payout and a bonus payout, he/she can make a bet by one bet operation, in the same manner as when making a bet operation for a regular payout. As a result, the player can participate in a game with the same sense as when making a bet operation for a regular payout, instead of special feeling of betting on a bonus payout.
Here, the “gaming machine 101” may be either of a single-player type machine and a multiplayer type machine. Examples of the multiplayer type machine include machines (Grade-1 gaming machines) which execute not only a craps game of this embodiment but also a roulette game, a horse-racing game, a boat-racing game, a bike-racing game, and the like which presuppose participation of several players. Besides, it is also possible that gaming machines for a craps game, a slot game, or the like which presupposes participation of a single player are data-communicably connected to each other so that a multiplayer type system is built as a whole.
The “bet operation” means an operation necessary for a player to bet on one regular payout or bonus payout. For example, in a craps game, the bet operation means a series of operation including designating contents of payout (such as a regular payout or a bonus payout) by pressing the regular payout receiving button 105 or the like, and then designating various bet regions such as “PASS LINE”. The “gaming machine main body 102” may execute any of a mechanically-operated game, an electrically operated game, and a game operated in mechanical and electrical ways in combination, as long as the gaming machine main body 102 executes a multiplayer type game. Examples of the mechanically-operated game include a game using dice 500 and a craps table 3 which are actually provided. Examples of the electrically-operated game include such a game that images of the dice 500 and the craps table 3 are screen-displayed on a display device such as a liquid crystal display and virtually operated.
The “terminal device 103” may be a terminal device (station 4) dedicated to a game, or may be an information processing device such as a general-purpose personal computer, as long as the terminal device 103 is so structured as to receive a bet used for a game and to give a payout. The “image data” may be either of still-image data and moving-image data. Contents of the image data are a terminal device 103 number, a bet area, and the like. The “terminal display device 104” may be provided on each terminal device 103, or on a large-screen display shared by all the terminal devices 103. Specific examples of the display device 104 include a liquid crystal display device, a CRT (cathode-ray tube) device, a plasma display device, and the like.
Various storage devices such as a hard disk device, a memory, and the like may be adopted for a “bet memory 121”, a “game result memory 122”, and a “payout rate memory 123”, as long as the bet memory 121, the game result memory 122, and the payout rate memory 123 store data therein. In addition, the memories 121, 122, and 123 may be provided in each terminal device 103, or may be shared by several terminal devices 103.
A “game result” is a state where a win may occur when a unit game of a craps game is executed. In this embodiment, the “game result” may be sometimes called a “game execution result”. For example, in a craps game, the game result is value of a die which appears after the each die 500 is rolled on the craps table 3, a combination of die values, a sum of the value of the dice, and the like. In a slot game, the game result is a stopping mode of rearranged symbols.
A “unit game” means a series of operations from a start of bet reception until a state where a win may occur. For example, during a unit game of a craps game, there are one bet time for receiving a bet, one game time from rolling the dice 500 until stopping the dice 500, and one payout time for performing a payout processing to give a payout.
A “game value” includes a medal, a coin, a game ball, coin money, paper money, a magnetic card, and the like. A “regular payout” is a payout which is paid out based on a game result and a game value bet. For example, in a craps game, the regular payout is a payout determined based on a payout rate which is set for each of various bet types such as “PASS LINE”, “Don't PASS LINE”, and the like which are sectioned in bet regions on the craps table 3, and a game value which is a bet number bet on a bet region. The payout rate may differ between when a bet is made on a regular payout alone and when a bet with a bonus payout is made. For example, in a case where a bet with a bonus payout is made, a payout rate for a regular payout may be lowered by a payout rate commensurate with the bonus payout.
A “bonus payout” means a bonus which is paid out regardless of a game value bet. A jackpot may serve as a bonus payout. Here, the “jackpot” means accumulating a part of a game value bet, and giving a whole or a part of game values thus accumulated when a win occurs. A relationship between the bonus payout and the regular payout may be an “inherent type bet”, that is, an “odds-changing bet”. The “odds-changing bet” is such a bet method that, when a bet for a bonus payout is made, odds of the regular payout decreases but on the other hand the bonus payout can be added to the regular payout.
The gaming machine 101 having the above-described structure executes a game method including the steps of receiving a bet which may cause a regular payout to be given to a player, receiving the bet which may cause a bonus payout which is given to a player separately from the regular payout to be given together with the regular payout, receiving a bet on a game result based on values of dice cast to thereby execute a craps game for determining win or loss of a player, and giving at least the regular payout in accordance with a bet made by the player who has won the craps game.
In this way, even when a player hopes for both of a regular payout and a bonus payout, he/she can make a bet by one bet operation, in the same manner as when making a bet operation for a regular payout. As a result, the player can participate in a game with the same sense as when making a bet operation for a regular payout, instead of special feeling of betting on a bonus payout.
The controller 110 of the gaming machine 101 is programmed to operate in the steps of (b1) giving a regular payout in each terminal device 103 based on a game result and a game value bet by the regular payout receiving button 105, (b2) determining a bonus payout scale by random selection, in a case where a bonus payout is given based on a game result and a bet made by the bonus payout receiving button 106, and (b3) giving a bonus payout corresponding to the bonus payout scale in each terminal device 103.
In the gaming machine 101, therefore, in a case where a bonus payout is given, the bonus payout scale is determined by random selection, and then a bonus payout corresponding to the bonus payout scale is given in each terminal device 103. Therefore, player's expectations in a case where a bonus payout is given can be increased.
The controller 110 of the gaming machine 101 is programmed to operate in the steps of (c1) displaying on the terminal display device 104 image data of the regular payout receiving button 105 and the bonus payout receiving button 106, (c2) receiving a bet on a display region of the regular payout receiving button 105 and the bonus payout receiving button 106 which corresponds to a pressed portion of the terminal touch panel 50, (c3) giving a regular payout in each terminal device 103 based on a game result and a game value bet by the regular payout receiving button 105, and (c4) giving a bonus payout based on a game result and a bet made by the bonus payout receiving button 106.
The controller 110 of the gaming machine 101 is programmed to operate in the steps of (d1) displaying on the terminal display device 104 image data of the regular payout receiving button 105 and the bonus payout receiving button 106, (d2) receiving a bet on a display region of the regular payout receiving button 105 and the bonus payout receiving button 106 which corresponds to a pressed portion of the terminal touch panel 50, (d3) giving a regular payout in each terminal device 103 based on a game result and a game value bet by the regular payout receiving button 105, (d4) giving a bonus payout based on a game result and a bet made by the bonus payout receiving button 106, and (d5) making display on the game display device 107 so as to specify a terminal device in which at least the regular payout is given.
Therefore, in the gaming machine 101, further, a craps game is image-displayed on the game display device 107 positioned visibly from the respective terminal devices 103 which allow several persons to simultaneously participate in the craps game. As a result, the players can participate in the game more with the same sense as when they play an actual craps game. In the gaming machine 101, in addition, display is made on the game display device 107 so as to specify a terminal device in which at least the regular payout is given. Therefore, other players and the gallery are notified of a player who has won the game.
[Structure of Controller 110]
A specific structure of the controller 110 will be described using a functional block. The controller 110 includes a bet memory 121, a game result memory 122, a payout rate memory 123, a regular payout giving section 124, a bonus payout giving section 125, a bet receiving section 126, and a payout terminal notifying section 127.
The bet memory 121 is connected to the bet receiving section 126, and temporarily stores therein bet information such as a bet type received by the bet receiving section 126. The bet memory 121 is able to output bet information at least to the regular payout giving section 124, the bonus payout giving section 125, the bet receiving section 126, and the payout terminal notifying section 127.
The game result memory 122 stores therein a game result of a craps game executed in the gaming machine main body 102, at least temporarily until a next unit game is started. The payout rate memory 123 stores therein a bet type and a payout rate which are used for regular payout calculation. The game result memory 122 and the payout rate memory 123 are able to output data to the regular payout giving section 124. The regular payout giving section 124 has a function to determine a regular payout based on data from the game result memory 122 and the payout rate memory 123 and on a bet type, a payout rate, and the like of each winning terminal device 103, and also has a function to give the regular payout in each terminal device 103.
The bonus payout giving section 125 has a function to select a bonus payout scale at random, and a function to give a bonus payout corresponding to the bonus payout scale to a terminal device 103 which has won the bet. Here, the random selection of the bonus payout scale may be executed for every terminal device 103 which has won a bonus payout bet, or may be executed collectively for all terminal devices 103 which have won bonus payout bets.
The bet receiving section 126 has a function to receive a bet operation on the regular payout receiving button 105 and the bonus payout receiving button 106 based on a touch panel signal which is outputted from the terminal device 103, and at the same time receiving bet information such as a terminal number, a bet type, and a bet amount of each terminal device 103 in which the bet operation has been made. The payout terminal notifying section 127 has a function to display, on the game display device 107 of the gaming machine main body 102, win-notification information for notifying all the players and all the gallery of a player who has won the game.
Each of the above-described blocks of the controller 110 may be formed of hardware, or may be formed of software if necessary.
[Operation of Controller 110]
With the above-described structure, operations of a game controller 100 will be described. First, an operation in a bet time is performed. On the terminal display device 104 of the terminal device 103, a part of the bet region of a craps game, an image of the regular payout receiving button 105, and an image of the bonus payout receiving button 106 are displayed. When the touch panel 50 is pressed, the regular payout receiving button 105, the bonus payout receiving button 106, or the like corresponding to a pressed portion is activated. When the regular payout receiving button 105 is activated, bet information such as a bet type, e.g., “PASS LINE”, and a bet amount (game value), in addition to terminal data such as a terminal number of the terminal device 103, is captured in the bet receiving section 126 of the controller 110. Then, the bet information is stored in the bet memory 121.
When the bonus payout receiving button 106 is activated, bet information indicating a bonus payout, in addition to bet information such as a bet type, e.g., “PASS LINE”, and a bet amount (game value) and terminal data such as a terminal number of the terminal device 103, is captured in the bet receiving section 126 of the controller 110. Then, the bet information is stored in the bet memory 121.
When the bet time ends, then a game time starts. In a game time, as shown in FIG. 1, a staff 900 hand two dice 500 to a player of each terminal device 103. The player casts the dice 500 thereby playing a craps game. It may also be possible that images of the dice 500 are displayed on the game display device 107, and that the dice 500 are virtually cast in accordance with a cast command in each terminal device 103.
Then, values of the cast dice 500 are read, and stored in the game result memory 122 as a game result. Here, a value of each die 500 may be read by a staff such as the stickman 900, or may be automatically read by an automatic reader which will be described later. After the game result, which is the values of the stopped dice 500, is stored, win or loss of the game in each terminal device 103 is determined in the regular payout giving section 124 based on the game result and the bet information stored in the bet memory 121. In the bonus payout giving section 125, win or loss of the game in each terminal device 103 is determined based on the game result and the bet information. The determination of win or loss is performed for every terminal data of the terminal device 103.
Next, a payout time starts. In the regular payout giving section 124, a terminal number of the terminal device 103 which has won the game is obtained from the bet memory 121. At the same time, the payout rate associated with the bet type is obtained from the payout rate memory 123. Then, a regular payout is calculated based on the bet information of each terminal device 103 which is stored in the bet memory 121. At this time, in the terminal device 103 which has bet on a bonus payout, a regular payout is determined based on a payout rate associated with the bonus payout. On the other hand, when a bet has been made only on a regular payout, a regular payout is determined based on a payout rate associated with a regular payout. Then, in a terminal device 103 corresponding to the terminal number, a regular payout is paid out. Further, a bonus payout is also paid out in a terminal device 103 which has bet on a bonus payout.
[Mechanical Structure: General Structure]
A specific description will be given to when the above-described gaming machine 101 is applied to a craps game machine 1 (hereinafter referred to as a gaming machine 1). A gaming machine 1 includes a craps table 3 which is a gaming machine main body, an annular support cabinet 2 which is disposed around the craps table 3, and several stations 4 which are provided on the support cabinet 2.
The craps table 3 is disposed on an inner circumference side of the support cabinet 2. The station 4, which corresponds to the terminal device 103 of FIG. 2, is disposed around the craps table 3. More specifically, at least twelve stations 4 are disposed so as to surround the craps table 3. The station 4 is a bet section for receiving a bet operation made by a player, and at the same time a payout section for paying out medals. The bet operation means that a player who predicts a game result such as a sum or a combination of values of the dice 500 in a craps game, makes a bet on a bet region corresponding to the game result he/she predicted.
The gaming machine 1 also includes a server 13. The server 13 corresponds to the controller 110 of FIG. 2. The server 13 is provided in a safekeeping room of the support cabinet 2. The safekeeping room of the support cabinet 2 is made openable and closable by a door member 14 with an authentication key. In a normal state, the door member 14 is locked, for the purpose of preventing a player from operating the server 13. When operating the sever 13, the authentication key is operated, so that a corner door 14 is opened. Thereby, various settings for the craps table 3 and the stations 4 can be made by operating the server 13 from the outside of the support cabinet 2.
The gaming machine 1 may include a JP amount display positioned so as to be visible from players of all the stations 4. The JP amount display displays thereon an amount of jackpot (JP) which is a bonus payout. Here, the craps table 3 deducts 0.5% from a credit bet on a bonus payout among a credit bet in a craps game using a later-described BET screen in all of the twelve stations 4. In addition, the craps table 3 accumulates credits thus deducted, and stores the accumulated credits as a jackpot. When a bonus payout is hit, a jackpot credit is paid out to a predetermined station 4. Here, the term “hitting” means that a win is made.
[Mechanical Structure: Craps Table 3]
A structure of the craps table 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the craps table 3 of this embodiment. The craps table 3 has a game display device 107 and a main body touch panel 108. The game display device 107 is formed by a display device such as a liquid crystal display, a plasma display device, or the like. The game display device 107 may be formed by a single large-screen display device, or may be formed by a combination of display devices having middle-size and small-size screens.
A display surface 107 a of the game display device 107 has an oval shape so as to follow an inner circumferential surface of the support cabinet 2. The display surface 107 a is disposed horizontally. On the display surface 107 a, image data relating to the craps game can be displayed and non-displayed. More specifically, various bet regions 300 used in the craps game, such as “PASS LINE” and “Don't PASS LINE”, are displayed in a sectioned manner. In addition, a win announce picture 301, a win announce line 302, and a die position picture 303 which are shown in FIG. 1 can be displayed. The bet regions 300 may be printed on a transparent member such as a glass plate or an acrylic plate provided on the display surface 107 a.
On the display surface 107 a of the game display device 107 described above, a main body touch panel 108 is provided so as to cover the whole of the display surface 107 a. The main body touch panel 108 detects a pressed condition by a weight of a die 500, and thus can detect a position of the die 500.
The craps table 3 further includes a die value detection device 200 shown in FIG. 5. The die value detection device 200 is a device for detecting a value of a die 500. The die value detection device 200 has an antenna 212 for receiving a die signal which is outputted from a die 500. The antenna 212 is disposed below the display surface 107 a of the game display device 107. Details of the die value detection device 200 will be described later.
[Mechanical Structure: Server 13]
As shown in FIG. 1, the server 13 is installed in a space which opens on a wall surface of the support cabinet 2. The server 13 is connected to each station 4. The server 13 transmits a command signal to each station 4, thereby initiatively controlling each station 4 and advancing the game. The server 13 performs not only controls concerning a game in the gaming machine 1 but also maintenance for the gaming machine 1.
As shown in FIG. 4, a liquid crystal display 32 and a keyboard 33 are provided in the server 13. The liquid crystal display 32 displays thereon a menu screen (not shown) and a maintenance screen (not shown). The keyboard 33 is an operation means on which several keys are provided. In addition to various settings in the gaming machine 1, a maintenance operation can be performed by a keeper operating the keyboard 33 while the menu screen or the maintenance screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32.
[Mechanical Structure: Station 4]
As shown in FIG. 1, the station 4 has a medal insertion slot 6, a controller 7, and an image display device 8 (terminal display device 104). The medal insertion slot 6 is used to insert money or a game medium which is used for a game, such as a chip and a medal. The controller 7 includes operation parts such as control buttons. The operation parts are used for a player to input a predetermined command. The image display device 8 displays thereon an image concerning a game, and has a bet region which receives a bet operation made by the player. Thereby, the image display device 8 allows the player to operate the terminal touch panel 50 of the image display device 8, the controller 7, and the like, while showing an image to the player.
The controller 7 is disposed on a side of the image display device 8. The controller 7 has buttons which are operation by the player. To be more specific, as shown in FIG. 6, the controller 7 has a BET fix button 47, a CASHOUT button 48, and a HELP button 49. The BET fix button 47, the CASHOUT button 48, and the HELP button 49 are disposed sequentially from a left side when seen from a player opposed to the station 4.
The BET fix button 47 is a button which is pressed when a bet is fixed after a bet operation is made by the image display device 8 which will be described later. Then, when the bet is fixed and moreover a game result on the craps table 3 has been won during a game, it is a win. When the win is made, a credit corresponding to the number of chips bet is added to a credit currently held by a player. Details of the bet operation will be described later.
The CASHOUT button 48 is a button which is normally pressed when a game ends. When the CASHOUT button 48 is pressed, medals corresponding to the credit (normally, one medal corresponds to one credit) held by the player which is acquired by the game and the like are paid out from a medal payout opening 9. The HELP button 49 is a button which is pressed when how to operate a game, and the like are unclear. When the HELP button 49 is pressed, a help screen showing various operation information is immediately displayed on the image display device 8.
The image display device 8 is a so-called touch panel type liquid crystal display which has the touch panel 50 mounted on its front face. By pressing an icon displayed on a liquid crystal screen using a finger or the like, the icon can be selected. Details of the display screen displayed on the image display device 8 will be described later.
Each station 4 has a medal payout opening 9 and a speaker 10. The medal payout opening 9 is provided on a side face of the cabinet 2. The speaker 10 is built in the image display device 8 at an upper right portion thereof. The speaker 10 is used to output music, effect sounds, and the like concerning a craps game. A medal sensor (not shown) is provided within the medal insertion slot 6. The medal sensor discriminates a medal inserted into the medal insertion slot 6, and counts the number of medals inserted. The medal payout opening 9 is connected to a hopper (not shown). The hopper pays out a predetermined number of medals from the medal payout opening 9.
[Electrical Structure: Server 13]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing a control system of the gaming machine 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the gaming machine 1 has a server 13 and several stations 4 (twelve stations 4 in this embodiment) which are connected to the server 13. The server 13 is connected to the craps table 3. Details of a control system of the station 4 will be described later.
The server 13 includes a server control CPU 81, a ROM 82, a RAM 83, a timer 84, a liquid crystal display 32, and a keyboard 33. The server control CPU 81 functions as a computing device and a control device which control the whole of the sever 13. The timer 84 is connected to the server control CPU 81. The liquid crystal display 32 is connected to the server control CPU 81 through a liquid crystal drive circuit 85.
The server control CPU 81 executes various processings based on an input signal supplied from each station 4, and data and programs stored in the ROM 82 and the RAM 83. The server control CPU 81 transmits a command signal to the station 4 based on a result of execution of various processings, to thereby initiatively control each station 4 and advance the game. Further, the server control CPU 81 transmits and receives various data to and from the craps table 3, to thereby detect values and positions of the each die 500 on the craps table 3, and at the same time control an image display on the game display device 107.
The ROM 82 is formed of a semiconductor memory for example. The ROM 82 stores therein a program for implementing basic functions of the gaming machine 1, a payout rate for a craps game (a credit value to be paid out for one chip when a win is made), a program for initiatively controlling each station 4, and the like.
The RAM 83 temporarily stores therein chip-bet information which is supplied from each station, a game result such as a value of a die 500, a JP amount accumulated until now, data concerning a result of processing which is executed by the server control CPU 81, and the like.
Further, the server control CPU 81 is connected to the timer 84 which measures the time. Time information of the timer 84 is transmitted to the server control CPU 81. The server control CPU 81 is used to perform time management for a unit game based on the time information of the timer 84.
The ROM 82 has a payout credit storage area in which a payout rate concerning a craps game is stored. Data of a bet type and a payout rate are stored in the payout credit storage area. The RAM 83 also has a bet information storage area in which bet information of a player who is currently playing a game is stored. In the bet information storage area, data such as bet information, bonus candidate, and the like are stored in the form of a station management table shown in FIG. 12. Details of the station management table will be described later. The RAM 83 also has a die value storage area in which values of the dice 500 determined by a die value detection device 214 is stored, a JP accumulation storage area in which an amount of pooling of 0.5% of credit values is stored, and the like. Here, the bet information is information concerning a bet made by use of the station 4, such as a bet area 72 designated in a bonus payout receiving section 404, the number of chips bet (bet number), and a bet type.
[Electrical Structure: Station 4]
Next, a control system of the station 4 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing a control system of the station 4 of this embodiment. The twelve stations 4 basically have the same structures. Therefore, one station 4 will be described as an example.
The station 4 is made up of a station controller 90 and some peripheral devices. The station controller 90 includes a station control CPU 91, a ROM 92, and a RAM 93. The ROM 92 is formed of a semiconductor memory or the like, for example. The ROM 92 stores therein a program for implementing basic functions of the station 4, other various programs necessary for controlling the station 4, a data table, and the like. The RAM 93 is a memory for temporarily storing therein various data computed by the station control CPU 91, a credit value currently held by a player (reserved in the station 4), a state of betting chips by the player, and the like.
The station control CPU 91 is connected respectively to the BET fix button 47, the CASHOUT button 48, and the HELP button 49 which are provided on the controller 7. Based on an operation signal outputted when each button is pressed or the like, the station control CPU 91 performs a control to execute various corresponding operations. To be more specific, based on an input signal which is supplied from the controller 7 upon a player's operation being inputted, and data and programs stored in the ROM 92 and the RAM 93, the station control CPU 91 executes various processings, and transmits a result of the processings to the server control CPU 81 described above. On the other hand, the station control CPU 91 receives a command signal from the server control CPU 81, control the peripheral devices which form the station 4, and advances a roulette game in the station 4. Moreover, depending on contents of processings, the station control CPU 91 executes various processings based on an input signal which is supplied from the controller 7 upon a player's operation being inputted, and data and programs stored in the ROM 92 and the RAM 93, controls the peripheral devices of the station 4 based on a result thereof, and advances a roulette game in the station 4. A hopper 94 is connected to the station control CPU 91. The hopper 94 pays out a predetermined number of medals from the medal payout opening 9, based on a command signal from the station control CPU 91. In addition, the image display device 8 is connected to the station control CPU 91 through a liquid crystal drive circuit 95. In this respect, the liquid crystal drive circuit 95 is made up of a program ROM, an image ROM, an image control CPU, a work RAM, a VDP (Video Display Processor), a video RAM, and the like. In the program ROM, an image control program and various selection tables concerning a display on the image display device 8 are stored.
In the image ROM, for example, dot data for forming an image to be displayed on the image display device 8 is stored. The image control CPU determines an image to be displayed on the image display device 8 from dot data which are prestored in the image ROM, based on a parameter set by the station control CPU 91 and in accordance with the image control program which is prestored in the program ROM. The work RAM is a temporary storage means which is used when the image control CPU executes the image control program. The VDP forms an image corresponding to display contents which are determined by the image control CPU, and outputs it to the image display device 8. The video RAM is a temporary storage means which is used when the VDP forms an image.
The touch panel 50 is mounted on the front face of the image display device 8. Operation information of the touch panel 50 is transmitted to the station control CPU 91. By the touch panel 50, the player performs a chip bet operation. More specifically, in selecting a bet area 72, operating the regular payout receiving button 105 and the bonus payout receiving button 106, and the like, the touch panel 50 is operated, and information thereof is transmitted to the station control CPU 91. Based on the information, current bet information of the player is continually stored in the RAM 93. The bet information is further transmitted to the server control CPU 81, and stored in the bet information storage area of the RAM 83.
A sound output circuit 96 and a speaker 10 are connected to the station control CPU 91. Based on an output signal from the sound output circuit 96, the speaker 10 generates various effect sounds when making various presentations.
A medal sensor 97 is connected to the station control CPU 91. The medal sensor 97 detects medals which are inserted from the medal insertion slot 6, calculates the medals inserted, and transmits a calculation result to the station control CPU 91. Based on a signal transmitted, the station control CPU 91 increases a credit value held by the player which is stored in the RAM 93.
[Electrical Structure: Craps Table 3]
Next, an electrical structure of the craps table 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the craps table 3 includes a game display device 107, a main body touch panel 108, and a craps table control board 350. The craps table control board 350 has a craps table control CPU 351, a ROM 352, and a RAM 353. The ROM 352 and the RAM 353 are connected so as to be accessible from the craps table control CPU 351. In the ROM 352, various programs such as a control routine for controlling the craps table 3 are stored. In the RAM 353, various data such as data indicating a value of the each die 500 are temporarily stored.
Also, the craps table control CPU 351 is accessibly connected to the server 13, and connected to a liquid crystal drive circuit 354 and a game start button 355. The liquid crystal drive circuit 354 displays various image data on the game display device 107. More specifically, a win announce picture 301, a win announce line 302, a die position picture 303, and the like are displayed. The game start button 355 is positioned so as to be operated by a staff 900 who is a “Stickman”. The game start button 355 is operated when switching from the bet time to the game time in the craps game. Therefore, by the game start button 355, an interval of the bet time can be adjusted in accordance with intention of the staff 900 who comprehends a game state.
[Electrical Structure: Die Position Detection Device 600 of Craps Table 3]
The craps table control CPU 351 is accessibly connected to a die position detection device 600 and a die value detection device 200. The die position detection device 600 is connected to the main body touch panel 108 so as to receive position data. The die position detection device 600 sections the main body touch panel 108 into a matrix of detection regions, and determines a position of the die 500 based on a relationship between position data and the detection region. Thereby, the craps table control board 350 displays the die position picture 303 on the game display device 107 which corresponds to the sectioned region including a stopping position of the each die 500, so that the players and the gallery easily recognize the stopping position of the each die 500. Here, the die position picture 303 may change its color, or may emit light.
[Electrical Structure: Die Value Detection Device 200 of Craps Table 3]
As shown in FIG. 17, the die value detection device 200 is provided with a die value control circuit 214 being mounted on a circuit board. The die value control circuit 214 has an information processor 219 which forms a main part of the control circuit 214. The information processor 219 has a RAM 216, a ROM 215, an input/output 217, and a CPU 218. The RAM 216 serves to temporarily and readably store therein various data requiring updating, such as control information, game information, IC tag information, and the like, in the die value control circuit 214. Here, the control information means all data necessary for control, such as protocol information of a communicator 217. The IC tag information includes information identifying an identification number of the each die 500 and a value of the each die 500. The ROM 215 stores therein various programs and data not requiring updating. The input/output 217 is able to input and output data with the craps table control CPU 351.
The die value control circuit 214 has a modem 222. The modem 222 serves to modulate and demodulate data in data communication with the dice 500. That is, the modem 222 demodulates data to be inputted to the information processor 219, and modulates data to be outputted from the information processor 219. The modem 222 is connected to an antenna 212. The antenna 212 is provided below the game display device 107 shown in FIG. 1. It may also be possible that several antennas 212 are provided at regular intervals around and below the game display device 107. The antenna 212 transmits and receives modulated data to and from an IC tag 601 of the each die 500, via radio waves. In addition, by the radio waves, the antenna 212 supplies electric power to the IC tag 601.
[Structure of Die 500]
The each die 500 has an external member 501 of cubic shape. Values of a die, 1 to 6 are put on six faces of the external member 501. An accommodation is formed within the external member 501. The accommodation 502 has a sealed structure. In the accommodation 502, liquid 505 such as water, oil, and the like is accommodated, and in addition a floating member 503 having smaller buoyancy than the liquid 505 is movably accommodated.
The external member 501 has floating member sensors 504 each of which is provided at a position corresponding to each of the six faces. The floating member sensor 504 has its detection face exposed to the accommodation 502, so that it outputs a die value signal upon contact with the floating member 503. The die value signal is a data signal including a value of a die. The value of a die differs depending on a position of each floating member sensor 504. The floating member sensor 504 is disposed in such a manner that a value in the die value signal therefrom coincides with the value of the die 500. Consequently, the each die 500 can output a die value signal including a value identical to the value of the die 500, using buoyancy of the floating member 503.
The floating member sensor 504 is connected to the IC tag 601. The IC tag 601 is embedded in the external member 501. The IC tag 601 includes an antenna 603, a power supply control circuit 604, a modem circuit 605, a CPU 606, and a memory 607. The antenna 603 transmits and receives data with the antenna 212 of the die value detection device 200. The power supply control circuit 604 is connected to the antenna 603. The modem circuit 605 is connected to the antenna 603. The CPU 606 is connected to the modem circuit 605. The memory 607 is connected to the CPU 606.
The power supply control circuit 604 converts a radio wave, which has been received by the antenna 603, into electric power by electromagnetic induction, and uses the electric power as power for driving the IC tag 601. The modem circuit 605 has the same function as that of the modem 222 of the die value detection device 200. The modem circuit 605 modulates and demodulates data. The memory 607 rewritably stores therein a communication program for allowing data communication with the die value detection device 200, and various data such as IC tag information indicating a value of the each die 500. The CPU 606 executes the communication program and the like, thereby data-communicating the IC tag information and the like with the die value detection device 200.
[Data Table]
Next, a station management table shown in FIG. 8 will be described. The station management table corresponds to the bet memory 121 shown in FIG. 2. Data of the station management table are stored in the RAM 83 of the server 13 shown in FIG. 5. The station management table includes a station field, a bet information field including a bet type field and a bet number field, and a bonus candidate field. In the station field, data of a machine number which is unique to each station 4 are stored. In the bet information field, data of a bet type such as the “PASS LINE” and the “Don't PASS LINE” are stored. In the bet number field, the number which has been bet, such as “20”, is stored. In the bonus candidate field, data indicating whether the station 4 is a candidate for a bonus payout or not are stored. The value “1” in the bonus candidate field indicates that the station 4 is set as a candidate, and the value “0” in the bonus candidate field indicates that the station 4 is not set as a candidate.
Therefore, it is shown that, in the station 4 having the machine number “1” for example, a bet type is “Don't PASS LINE”, a bet number on this bet type is 24, and the station 4 is a candidate “1”. It is shown that, in the station 4 having the machine number “2” for example, a bet type is “PASS LINE”, a bet number on this bet type is 15, and the station 4 is a non-candidate “0”.
[Bet Reception Screen]
Next, a display state of the image display device 8 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12. FIG. 9 is a bet reception screen immediately after the bet time. More specifically, on the display screen of the image display device 8, a bet indicator 401 and a credit indicator 402 are disposed at a lower right portion when seen from the player. The bet indicator 401 indicates a bet amount which is a game value bet in a current unit game. The credit indicator 402 indicates a credit amount which is a game value acquired until now.
A regular payout receiver 403 and a bonus payout receiver 404 are disposed on a left side of the indicators 401 and 402. The regular payout receiver 403 is disposed on a lower left portion of the screen. The regular payout receiver 403 has six buttons 403 a which function as the regular payout receiving button 105 shown in FIG. 2. Bet amounts of 1 dollar, 5 dollars, 10 dollars, 50 dollars, 100 dollars, and 500 dollars are put on the respective buttons 403 a. Thus, the regular payout receiver 403 informs a player that a bet amount put on each button 403 a can be bet by pressing the button 403 a. When the button 403 a is pressed, a set value “1” or “0” in the bonus candidate field of the station management table shown in FIG. 8 is maintained.
A bonus payout receiver 404 is disposed above the regular payout receiver 403. The bonus payout receiver 404 has the same button arrangement as that of the regular payout receiver 403. That is, the bonus payout receiver 404 has six buttons 404a which function as the bonus payout receiving button 106 shown in FIG. 2. Bet amounts of 1 dollar, 5 dollars, 10 dollars, 50 dollars, 100 dollars, and 500 dollars are put on the respective buttons 404 a. In addition, the bonus payout receiver 404 has an indication “WITH BONUS” under the buttons 404 a. The bonus payout receiver 404 informs a player that, by pressing each button 404 a, a bet amount put on the button 404 a can be bet and at the same time a bonus which is a bonus payout can be bet. When the button 404 a is pressed, a set value in the bonus candidate field of the station management table shown in FIG. 8 is set to “1”.
Above the bonus payout receiver 404, a clear button 405, a Roll button 406, and a bonus chance screen 407 are disposed in this order from a lower side to an upper side. The clear button 405 has a function for cancelling all the bets in the current unit game. The Roll button 406 has a function for fixing one bet operation. On the bonus chance screen 407, a screen for executing a bonus chance game is displayed. More specifically, the bonus chance screen 407 displays two dice 408 and 409, and displays a game process for determining a bonus amount (bonus payout scale) based on values of the dice 408 and 409.
A bet region screen 411 is disposed on a right side of the bonus chance screen 407 which executes the bonus chance game as described above. The bet region screen 411 is formed so as to simulate a part of the bet region 300 on the craps table shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. That is, the bet region screen 411 has bet regions sectioned into various bet types such as “PASS LINE” and “Don't PASS LINE”, like the craps table 3. By pressing a bet type within the bet region, the bet type can be selected.
A help screen 410 is disposed above the bet region screen 411 and the bonus chance screen 407. The help screen 410 extends over a whole width of the image display device 8. On the help screen 410, information for smoothing a game progress, such as a description of rules, a state of game progress, is displayed to the player. The help screen 410 may be used as a screen for communication between players, or a television screen.
[Regular Bet Screen]
FIG. 10 shows an operation process for betting on a regular payout. First, the button 403 a of the regular payout receiver 403 is pressed by a player. For example, 50 dollars are selected as a bet amount for the regular payout. Then, a bet type which is sectioned in the bet region of the bet region screen 411 is pressed. For example, “PASS LINE” is selected as a bet type.
When the player determines that a bet made through the above-mentioned series of bet operations is incorrect, he/she presses again the button 403 a or 404 a of the regular payout receiver 403 or the bonus payout receiver 404, respectively. As a result, the series of bet operations made so far is cleared, and a new bet amount is set. When the player determines that a bet made through the above-mentioned series of bet operations is correct, then he/she presses the roll button 406. In this way, the series of bet operations for betting 50 dollars for the regular payout on “PASS LINE” is fixed.
[Bet-With-Bonus Screen]
FIG. 11 shows an operation process for making a bet with bonus. First, the button 404 a of the bonus payout receiver 404 is pressed by a player. For example, 1 dollar is selected as a bet amount for the regular payout with bonus. Then, a bet type which is sectioned in the bet region of the bet region screen 411 is pressed. For example, “PASS LINE” is selected as a bet type. When the player determines that a bet made through the above-mentioned series of bet operations is correct, then he/she presses the roll button 406. In this way, the series of bet operations for betting 1 dollar for the regular payout with bonus on “PASS LINE” is fixed.
[Bonus Chance Game Screen]
FIG. 12 shows a state where a bonus chance game is executed. In the bonus chance game, dice 408 and 409 are prepared a designation of “max” is indicated on one face of each of the dice 408 and 409, and circles showing “1” to “5” are indicated on the other five faces thereof. Whether a bonus will be given or not is determined based on a combination of values of these dice 408 and 409.
More specifically, the bonus chance game has the steps of casting and rolling two dice 408 and 409, randomly selecting a value of each of the dice 408 and 409, stopping each of the dice 408 and 409 in such a manner that the selected values appear, paying out a maximum scale of bonus amount as a super jackpot when the values of both of the dice 408 and 409 are “max”, shifting a game to a next stage which is a medium-jackpot bonus chance game when the values of both of the dice 408 and 409 are the same values except “max”, paying out a middle scale of bonus amount which has been randomly selected in the medium-jackpot bonus game, and determining that the game is lost when the values of both of the dice 408 and 409 are different from each other.
[Processing Operation]
Next, operations in the gaming machine 1 will be described based on a server-side game processing program which is executed by the server control CPU 81, a station-side game processing program which is executed by the station control CPU 91 of the station 4, and the like. Programs shown by flowcharts described below are stored in the ROM 82 and RAM 83 of the server 13, or the ROM 92 and the RAM 93 of the station 4, and executed by the server control CPU 81 or the station control CPU 91.
[Station-side Game Processing]
A station-side game processing will be described with reference to FIG. 13. First, whether a player has inserted a medal or money or not is determined based on a detection signal of the medal sensor 97 shown in FIG. 5 (S1). When a medal or money has not been inserted (S1: NO), this routine ends, and a stand-by state continues by repeating the step S1.
When a medal or money has been inserted (S1: YES), credit data corresponding to the number of medals or money inserted are recorded in the RAM 93, so that a credit is added. Then, a medal detection signal indicating that a medal or money has been inserted is transmitted to the server 13 (S2).
Then, the bet reception screen shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the image display device 8 of the station 4, and a bet operation receiving processing which allows a player to make a bet is executed (S3). Thereby, during a bet time in which a bet can be received, the player who participates in the game can select any one or both of bet operations for a regular payout and for a regular payout with bonus. Details of the bet operation reception screen will be described later.
The player may join a game in the middle of the bet time. In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, twelve persons at the maximum can play the game. In a case where the current game is played in succession to the previous game, reception of a bet operation starts immediately after the previous game ends.
Then, whether a game is started or not will be determined (S4). That is, whether the staff 900 has operated the game start button 355 or not is determined. While the staff 900 does not operate the game start button 355, it is not determined that a game is started (S4: NO), and the step S3 is repeated. As a result, the bet operation receiving processing is maintained.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, when it is determined that a game starts because the staff 900 has operated the game start button 355 (S4: YES), the bet time ends, and an indication that reception of the bet operation ends is displayed on the help screen 410 shown in FIG. 9 (S5). Then, a bet information signal including contents of the bet operation is transmitted to the server 13, and the bet information is stored in the form of the station management table shown in FIG. 8.
The staff 900 operates the game start button 355, and sequentially collects the two dice 500 existing on the craps table 3. The staff 900 hands several dice 500 including these dice 500 to a predetermined player, to make the player select two dice 500. When the player casts the two dice 500 onto the craps table 3, a craps game is played. When the server 13 recognizes win or loss in each station 4 in accordance with a game result based on values of the dice 500, a win/loss notification signal which is outputted from the server 13 is received, and a win/loss presentation is performed by displaying “WIN”, “TOO BAD”, or the like on the image display device 8 (S7).
Further, a payout result signal is received from the server 13. When the payout result signal includes the bonus candidate, a bonus chance game is executed. That is, the payout result signal includes a result of a bonus chance game, super jackpot, medium jackpot, and loss, and also includes data about a bonus amount. In the bonus chance game, a game presentation is executed based on the data included in the payout result signal.
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, two dice 408 and 409 are rolled in the bonus chance screen 407. Values of dice 408 and 409 are exposed in accordance with a result included in the payout result signal (super jackpot, medium jackpot, and loss). When the result is a super jackpot, the values of the dice 408 and 409 are “max”. When the result is a loss, the value of the dice 408 and 409 are different from each other. When the result is a medium jackpot, the values of the dice 408 and 409 are the same values except “max”. In a case of the medium jackpot, the dice 408 and 409 starts to be rolled again, and are stopped in such a manner that values associated with a bonus amount for the medium jackpot appear. A relationship between the bonus amount for the medium jackpot and values of the dice 408 and 409 may be such that the values of the dice 408 and 409 increase as the bonus amount becomes larger.
Then, a credit is paid out. More specifically, credit data for the regular payout or the bonus payout are respectively stored in the RAM 93. When the CASHOUT button 48 is pressed, medals corresponding to the current credit value stored in the RAM 93 (normally, one credit corresponds to one medal) are paid back from the medal payout opening 9 (S9). Then, this routine ends, and bet reception in a next unit game is started again.
[Bet Operation Receiving Processing]
A bet operation receiving processing which is executed in the station-side game processing mentioned above will be described in detail with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 14. First, the buttons 403 a and 404 a of the regular payout receiver 403 and the bonus payout receiver 404, which can be bet-operated based on the current credit, are highlighted (A1). This enables the player to easily distinguish bet- operable buttons 403 a and 404 a.
Then, whether the bet- operable button 403 a and 404 a is pressed or not is determined (A2). When it is not pressed (A2: NO), this routine ends. When it is pressed (A2: YES), then whether it is the button 404 a with bonus or not is determined (A3). When it is the button 404 a with bonus (A3: YES), “BET With Bonus” is displayed as shown in FIG. 11 (A4). Then, a bet type selected by a player's operation is acquired (A5), and this routine ends. When the button 403 a which is not with bonus (A3: NO), “Regular BET” is displayed as shown in FIG. 10 (A6), and this routine ends.
[Server-Side Game Processing]
A server-side game processing will be described with reference to FIG. 15. First, whether a game is started or not is determined (B1). That is, whether the staff 900 has operated the game start button 355 or not is determined. While the staff 900 does not operate the game start button 355, it is not determined that a game is started (B1: NO), and therefore this routine ends. When it is determined that a game is started (B1: YES), contents of the bet in each station 4 are registered like the station management table shown in FIG. 8.
Then, values of dice 500 casted on the craps table 3 by the player are acquired (B2). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, when the player casts the dice 500, the dice 500 roll on the craps table 3. When the dice 500 stop, the floating member 503 rises within the dice 500 due to buoyancy, and comes into contact with the floating member sensor 504. The floating member sensor 504 thus contacted by the floating member 503 outputs a die value signal to the IC tag 601. The die value signal includes a value identical to the value of the each die 500.
When the die value signal is inputted, the IC tag 601 modulates the die value signal, and transmits it from the antenna 603. The die value signal is received by the antenna 212 of the die value detection device 200, and thereby captured into the die value control circuit 214. In the die value control circuit 214, a value of the each die 500 is acquired based on the die value signal. Then, the each value of the each dice 500 are outputted to the craps table control CPU 351, and subsequently forwarded to the server 13. Thereby, the each value of the each die 500 casted by the player is acquired.
When the values of two dice 500 are acquired in this way, win or loss is determined based on a game result which is a combination or a sum of these die values, and bet information in each station 4 (B4).
Subsequently, a die position which is a position where the each die 500 casted by the player stops is acquired (B5). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, when the player casts the dice 500 on the craps table 3, the dice 500 roll and bounce on the craps table 3, and finally stop. Consequently, the dice 500 keep pressing the main body touch panel 108 of the craps table 3 due to their own weight. Therefore, position data of the each die 500 is continuously outputted from the main body touch panel 108 to the die position detection device 500.
When the same position data are inputted for not shorter than a predetermined time period, the die position detection device 600 determines that the dice 500 stop, and checks and identifies to which of the several detection regions sectioned in a matrix, the position data correspond. The region thus identified is, as a die position, outputted to the craps table control CPU 351.
Then, a display notifying a winning station 4 is performed (B6). That is, the die position picture 303 is displayed on the game display device 107 so as to overlap the region corresponding to the die position. This enables the player to easily recognize the stopping position of the each die 500. The win announce line 302 is displayed so as to extend from the die position picture 303 toward the winning station 4. Therefore, a player of the station 4 indicated by the win announce line 302 can recognize that he/she has won the game. The win announce line 302 also enables defeated players and the gallery to recognize the player of the winning station 4.
Then, by emphasizing the win announce line 302 toward the station 4 which has won the bet with bonus, it is notified that a bonus is also acquired (B7). In each station 4 which has acquired the bonus, a bonus chance game is played, to randomly select a bonus type (B8). That is, as shown in FIG. 12, a bonus type such as loss, super jackpot, or medium jackpot is determined. Then, a payout calculation processing is executed to determine an amount of the regular payout or the bonus payout corresponding to the bonus type in each station 4 (B9). Thereafter, a payout result signal is transmitted to each station 4 (B10).
In the detailed description provided above, characteristic parts have mainly been described in order that the present invention can be understood more easily. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment shown in the detailed description provided above, and may be applied to other embodiments. The scope of application of the present invention should be construed as broadly as possible. Terms and phraseologies adopted in the present specification are for correctly illustrating the present invention, not for limiting. It would be easy for those skilled in the art to derive, from the spirit of the invention described in the present specification, other structures, systems, methods and the like which are included in the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, it should be considered that claims cover equivalent structures, too, without departing from the technical idea of the present invention. An object of the abstract is to enable an intellectual property office, general public institutions, persons belonging to the art but not familiar with patent, legal terms, or technical terms to quickly understand technical contents and essences of the present invention through a simple research. Therefore, the abstract is not intended to limit the scope of the invention that should be evaluated by the claims. In addition, it is desirable to sufficiently refer to already-disclosed documents and the like, in order to fully understand the objects and effects of the present invention.
The detailed description provided above includes a processing which is executed on a computer or a computer network. The descriptions and expressions provided above are given for the purpose of allowing those skilled in the art to understand the invention most effectively. In the specification, respective steps used to induce one result, or blocks having a predetermined processing function should be understood as a processing having no self-contradiction. In addition, in each step or block, an electrical or magnetic signal is transmitted/received, recorded, and the like. In a processing in each step or block, such a signal is embodied in the form of a bit, a value, a symbol, a character, a term, a number, and the like. However, it should be noted that they have been used simply because they are convenient for explanations. A processing in each step or block has sometimes been described using an expression which is common to a human behavior. However, in principle, the processing described in the specification is executed by a variety of devices. In addition, other structures necessary for each step or block are apparent from the above description.

Claims

1. A gaming machine comprising:

a craps game in which a bet on a game result based on values of a plurality of dice cast is received to thereby determine win or loss of a player;

a regular payout which is given to the player who has won the craps game;

a bonus payout which is given to the player separately from the regular payout;

a regular payout receiving button for receiving the bet which may cause the regular payout to be given; and

a bonus payout receiving button for receiving the bet which may cause the regular payout and the bonus payout to be given.

2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, comprising:

one or more terminal devices each including the regular payout receiving button and the bonus payout receiving button, which receives the bet and gives a payout;

a display device which displays thereon an image data item relating to the craps game; and

a controller which is programmed to operate in the steps of

(a1) giving the regular payout in each terminal device based on the game result and a game value bet by the regular payout receiving button, and

(a2) giving a bonus payout in each terminal device based on the game result and a bet made by the bonus payout receiving button.

3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, comprising:

a controller which is programmed to operate in the steps of

(b1) giving the regular payout in each terminal device based on the game result and a game value bet by the regular payout receiving button,

(b2) determining a bonus payout scale by random selection, in a case where the bonus payout is given based on the game result and a bet made by the bonus payout receiving button, and

(b3) giving a bonus payout corresponding to the bonus payout scale in each terminal device.

4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, comprising:

a plurality of terminal devices each including the regular payout receiving button and the bonus payout receiving button, which receives the bet and gives a payout;

a terminal display device which is provided in each terminal device, and displays thereon at least an image data item relating to the bet;

a terminal touch panel having translucency, which is provided on a front-face side of the terminal display device so as to receive a pressing operation from outside;

a game display device which is disposed visibly from each terminal device, and displays thereon an image data item relating to the craps game; and

a controller which is programmed to operate in the steps of

(c1) displaying on the terminal display device an image data item of each of the regular payout receiving button and the bonus payout receiving button,

(c2) receiving a bet on a display region of the regular payout receiving button and the bonus payout receiving button which corresponds to a pressed portion of the touch panel,

(c3) giving the regular payout in each terminal device based on the game result and a game value bet by the regular payout receiving button, and

(c4) giving the bonus payout based on the game result and a bet made by the bonus payout receiving button.

5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, comprising:

a terminal display device which is provided in each terminal device, and displays thereon at least an image data item (including a still-image data item, a moving-image data item) relating to the bet;

a game display device which is disposed visibly from each terminal device, and displays thereon an image data item (including a still-image data item, a moving-image data item) relating to the craps game; and

a controller which is programmed to operate in the steps of

(d1) displaying on the terminal display device an image data item of each of the regular payout receiving button and the bonus payout receiving button,

(d2) receiving a bet on a display region of the regular payout receiving button and the bonus payout receiving button which corresponds to a pressed portion of the touch panel,

(d3) giving the regular payout in each terminal device based on the game result and a game value bet by the regular payout receiving button,

(d4) giving the bonus payout based on the game result and a bet made by the bonus payout receiving button, and

(d5) making display on the game display device so as to specify the terminal device in which at least the regular payout is given.

6. A game method comprising the steps of:

receiving a bet which may cause a regular payout to be given to a player;

receiving the bet which may cause a bonus payout which is given to a player separately from the regular payout to be given together with the regular payout;

receiving a bet on a game result based on values of a plurality of dice cast (a sum of the values, a combination of the values) to thereby execute a craps game for determining win or loss of a player; and

giving at least the regular payout in accordance with a bet made by the player who has won the craps game.