US20090253477A1

US20090253477A1 - Gaming Machine Having Questionnaire Function And Control Method Thereof

Info

Publication number: US20090253477A1
Application number: US12/418,194
Authority: US
Inventors: Tatsuya TERANISHI
Original assignee: Aruze Gaming America Inc
Current assignee: Aruze Gaming America Inc
Priority date: 2008-04-03
Filing date: 2009-04-03
Publication date: 2009-10-08

Abstract

A gaming machine of the present invention includes: a controller which executes a process of starting a game while it is triggered that a predetermined condition has been met, a process of counting the number of times of executing the game, and a process of judging whether or not the counted number of times of executing the game has reached a predetermined value; a stocker for stocking a form on which questions to be answered are printed; an ejection device which is capable of ejecting the form stocked in the stocker in a case where it is judged that the number of times of executing the game has reached a predetermined value by the controller; a re-collection device for re-collecting the form that is ejected by the ejection device and in which answers to questions are entered; a reading device which reads the form in which answers to questions are entered and which data-converts the read answer; a memory which stores the data-converted answers by the reading device and plural types of video data and audio data; and a reproduction device which reproduces video data or audio data stored in the memory. The controller executes a process of transfer to a waiting state waiting for re-collection of the form in which answers to questions have been entered, after ejecting the form by the ejection device, a process of associating an answer data-converted from the form re-collected after transfer to the waiting state, with a game history obtained until transfer to the waiting state, and storing the associated answer in the memory, and a process of selecting video data and audio data from the memory in accordance with the answer and game history stored in the memory. The reproduction device reproduces the video data and audio data selected by the controller.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a gaming machine and control method of the gaming machine that has a questionnaire function.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, in gaming facilities in which gaming machines such as slot machines are installed, players can enjoy games by inserting a variety of gaming mediums such as coins and cashes. Each of the gaming machines is designed so as to pay out a payment according to a winning prize (game outcome) that takes place in the progress of a game.
In a casino in which a plurality of slot machines are installed, there is a so called “jackpot” from which, after part of the credit consumed in each of the slot machines has been reserved, if the amount of the reservation reaches a predetermined amount of money, a large amount of payout is made such that a payment is not paid out to any of the slot machines in an ordinary hit (see Published US Patent Application No. 2003/073486, for example). In such slot machines, in the ordinary case, a hit takes place at each of the set probabilities, and players conduct games while anticipating the hit. By means of a lottery other than that of the ordinary hit, which is based upon each of the probabilities set in the slot machines, a jackpot hit will arise on any of the slot machines with a predetermined timing. Further, in order to achieve a large amount of payouts at the time of establishment of “jackpot”, in general, a plurality of casinos are interconnected via a network.
A system in which a host computer and a plurality of gaming machines are connected via a network and the host computer controls generation of a bonus in the gaming machines is disclosed (refer to U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,459, for example). In this system, the host computer integrates the number of coin insertions in each of the gaming machines and integrates part of the number of coin insertions in the plurality of gaming machines as a bonus pool. Further, the host computer imparts a bonus qualification to the gaming machines in which the number of coin insertions has reached a predetermined number. When the value of the bonus pool has reached a predetermined threshold value, the host computer transmits a command to one game machine selected from among the gaming machines to which the bonus qualification has been imparted. In the gaming machine having received the command, a bonus game with high gambling features is performed.
However, information which can be acquired by conventional slot machines or host computer is objective information pertinent to games such as game count, accumulative number of coin insertions, integral values of bonus pool, an accumulative number of payouts, profits and deficits, and return rate, and it has been impossible to obtain subjective information such as what players feel about games. Therefore, the conventional gaming machines entail a problem that: in seeking to obtain the players' impression or evaluation relevant to games performed at slot machines or gaming facilities in which such slot machines are installed, there is a need to make a market research for; and it takes a plenty of time to obtain a result of the research, further resulting in very high human cost.
The present invention has been made in view of the aforementioned circumstance, and aims to provide a gaming machine and a control method of the gaming machine that is capable of connecting the players' actual opinions of advantages or drawbacks of games, etc., which the players felt, within a short time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention is directed to a gaming machine, including: a controller which executes a process of starting a game, as triggered by establishment of a predetermined condition; a reading device which reads a form in which an answer to a question has been written and data-converts the read answer; and a memory, which stores the answer data-converted by the reading device.
According to the abovementioned gaming machine, a game is started where a predetermined condition has been met. Such games include: a base game in which, for example, after gaming mediums are betted, symbols are rearranged on a display device, and then, a payment is made according to a combination of the rearranged symbols; a free game executed without betting a gaming medium; and a common game in which players at gaming machines participate simultaneously. Further, a form in which answers to questions are entered is read, the read sheet is data-converted, and then, the data-converted sheet is stored in a memory.
The questions to be answered contain player's age and gender, impression and evaluation relative to games, and impression and evaluation of gaming facilities on which gaming machines are installed. These questions are printed in advance on entry sheets. By obtaining answers to these questions from players, it is possible to collect, within a short time, information pertinent to players such as players' ages and genders and players' actual opinions of advantages and drawbacks of games, etc., which the players felt, without making a market research for.
A second aspect of the present invention is directed to the gaming machine according to the first aspect, further including: a memory which stores plural types of video data and audio data; and a reproduction device which reproduces video data and audio data selected in response to the stored answer.
According to the abovementioned gaming machine, images and music responsive to players' answers are reproduced, so that different images and music can be reproduced according to the players' ages and genders, making it possible to maintain the interest and concern of the players who continuously perform games.
A third aspect of the present invention is directed to the gaming machine according to the first aspect, further including a communication interface connected to a counting server for counting the answer to the question, wherein the communication interface transmits the answer data-converted by the reading device to the counting server together with identification information for identifying a transmission source.
According to the abovementioned gaming machine, the answers obtained by the gaming machine are counted by means of the counting server. Therefore, it is possible to collect, within a short time, information pertinent to players such as the players' ages and genders and the player's actual opinions of advantages and drawbacks of games, etc., which the players felt, without making a market research for. Further, when answers are transmitted to the counting server, identification information for identifying a transmission source such as ID codes for identifying gaming machines and ID codes for identifying gaming facilities in which the gaming machines are installed is transmitted. Thus, information pertinent to players by gaming facility and by gaming machine and impression and evaluation relevant to games can be collected, and marquee can be improved more remarkably by replacing one gaming machine with another or changing the contents of games, based upon a result of the collection.
A fourth aspect of the present invention is directed to the gaming machine according to the first aspect, wherein: the controller executes a process of counting the number of times of executing the game and a process of judging whether or not the counted number of times of executing the game reaches a predetermined value, and further comprises: a stocker for stocking a form on which questions to be answered are printed; and an ejection device, which is capable of ejecting the form stocked in the stocker in a case where it is judged that the number of times of executing the game reaches a predetermined value by the controller.
According to the abovementioned gaming machine, only in a case where the number of times of executing a game has reached a predetermined value, a form is ejected on which questions to be answered have been printed. Therefore, an answer from a player who has not actually performed a game and an answer from a player who has performed a game a small number of times can be excluded from a counted total number. Consequently, for example, if questions to be answered are printed in advance on a form, the questions being relevant to impression and evaluation of games and impression and evaluation of gaming facilities on which gaming machines are installed, the reliability of answers to these questions is enhanced.
A fifth aspect of the present invention is directed to the gaming machine according to the fourth aspect, further including: a re-collection device for re-collecting the form that is ejected by the ejection device and in which answers to questions are entered, wherein: the reading device reads an answer from the form re-collected by the re-collection device, and data-converts the read answer.
According to the abovementioned constitution, because entry sheets are ejected and re-collected by the same gaming machine, the obtained answers are obtained as gaming machine-specific information.
A sixth aspect of the present invention is directed to the gaming machine according to the fifth aspect, wherein the controller executes a process of setting a waiting state of waiting for re-collection of the form in which answers to questions are entered, after ejecting the form by the ejection device and a process of associating the answer data-converted from the form re-collected after establishing the waiting state, with a game history obtained until the waiting state is established, and then, storing the associated answer in the memory.
With the abovementioned structure, the forms are ejected and re-collected by the same gaming machine, and the answers obtained from the forms and the game history are stored in association with each other, so that the resulting answers are obtained as game machine-specific information. Further, the answers and game history are associated with each other, thus allowing players to keep track of a correlation between information such as the player's age and gender and the impression and evaluation of games and the game history such as the number of times of executing games or acquired prize money.
A seventh aspect of the present invention is directed to the gaming machine according to the sixth aspect, further including: a memory which stores plural types of video data and audio data; and a reproduction device which reproduces video data and audio data selected in response to the stored answer and game history.
According to the abovementioned gaming machine, images and music responsive to the player's answers and game history are reproduced. Therefore, it is possible to reproduce images and music that are different depending upon the player's age and gender, and maintain the interest and concern of the player who is continuously performing a game. Further, if a large number of games are executed, bonus image and bonus music can be reproduced in a case where a large amount of prize money is acquired, for example, making it possible to entertain the player.
An eighth aspect of the present invention is directed to the gaming machine according to the fifth aspect, wherein the re-collection device has: a re-collection box for stocking a form from which an answer can be read, from among the answered entry sheets; and another re-collection box for re-collecting a form from which an answer cannot be read.
According to the abovementioned gaming machine, the form from answers can be read and that from which answers cannot be read are re-collected in a state in which they are sorted out from each other. Therefore, as to the forms from which the answers cannot be read, for example, the answers can be stored in a memory by means of manual entry, and more answers can be collected.
A ninth aspect of the present invention is directed to a gaming machine, including: a controller which executes a process of starting a game, as triggered by establishment of a predetermined condition, a process of counting the number of times of executing the game, and a process of judging whether or not the counted number of times of executing the game has reached a predetermined value; a stocker for stocking a form on which questions to be answered are printed; an ejection device which is capable of ejecting the form stocked in the stocker in a case where it is judged that the number of times of executing the game has reached a predetermined value by the controller; a re-collection device for re-collecting the form that is ejected by the ejection device and in which answers to questions are entered; a reading device which reads the form in which answers to questions are entered and which data-converts the read answer;
a memory which stores the answers data-converted by the reading device and plural types of video data and audio data; and a reproduction device which reproduces video data or audio data stored in the memory, wherein: the controller executes a process of transfer to a waiting state waiting for re-collection of the form in which answers to questions have been entered, after ejecting the form by the ejection device, a process of associating an answer data-converted from the form re-collected after transfer to the waiting state with a game history obtained until transfer to the waiting state, and storing the associated answer in the memory, and a process of selecting video data and audio data from the memory in accordance with the answer and game history stored in the memory, and wherein: the reproduction device reproduces the video data and audio data selected by the controller.
According to the abovementioned gaming machine, a game is started where a predetermined condition has been met. Such games include: a base game in which, after gaming mediums are betted, for example, symbols are rearranged on a display device, and then, a payment is made according to a combination of the rearranged symbols; a free game executed without betting a gaming medium; and a common game in which players at gaming machines participate simultaneously.
In the abovementioned gaming machine, the form in which the answers to questions are entered is read, the read sheet is data-converted, and then, the data-converted sheet is stored in a memory. The questions to be answered contain: player's age and gender, impression and evaluation relative to games; and impression and evaluation of gaming facilities on which gaming machines are installed. These questions are printed in advance on entry sheets. Answers to these questions are obtained from players, thereby making it possible to collect, within a short time, information pertinent to players such as the players' ages and genders and the players' actual opinions of advantages and drawbacks of games etc., which the players felt, without making a market research for.
According to the abovementioned gaming machine, only in a case where the number of times of executing a game has reached a predetermined value, a form is ejected on which questions to be answered have been printed. Therefore, an answer from a player who has not actually performed a game and an answer from a player who has performed a game a small number of times can be excluded from a counted total number. Consequently, for example, if questions to be answered are printed in advance on a form, the questions being relevant to impression and evaluation of games and impression and evaluation of gaming facilities, on which gaming machines are installed, the reliability of answers to these questions is enhanced.
Further, the forms are ejected and re-collected by the same gaming machine, and the answers obtained from the forms and the game history are stored in association with each other, so that the obtained answers are obtained as game machine-specific information. Further, the answers and game history are associated with each other, thus allowing players to keep track of a correlation between information such as the player's age and gender and impression and evaluation of games and the game history such as the number of times of executing games or acquired prize money.
Further, according to the abovementioned gaming machine, images and music responsive to the player's answers and game history are reproduced. Therefore, it is possible to reproduce images and music that are different depending upon the player's age and gender and maintain the interest and concern of the player who is continuously performing a game. Further, if a large number of games are executed, bonus image and bonus music can be reproduced in a case where a large amount of prize money is acquired, for example, making it possible to entertain the player.
A tenth aspect of the present invention is directed to a gaming machine, including: a controller which executes a process of starting a game, as triggered by establishment of a predetermined condition, a process of counting the number of times of executing the game, and a process of judging whether or not the counted number of times of executing the game has reached a predetermined value; a stocker for stocking a form on which questions to be answered are printed; an ejection device which is capable of ejecting the form stocked in the stocker in a case where it is judged that the number of times of executing the game has reached a predetermined value by the controller; a re-collection device for re-collecting the form that is ejected by the ejection device and in which answers to questions are entered; a reading device which reads the form in which answers to questions are entered and which data-converts the read answer; and a memory which stores the answer data-converted by the reading device, wherein:
the re-collection device has: a re-collection box for stocking a form from which an answer can be read, from among the answered entry sheets; and another re-collection box for re-collecting a form from which an answer cannot be read.
According to the abovementioned gaming machine, a game is started where a predetermined condition has been met. Such games include: a base game in which, for example, after gaming mediums are betted, symbols are rearranged on a display device, and then, a payment is made according to a combination of the rearranged symbols; a free game executed without betting a gaming medium; and a common game in which players at gaming machines participate simultaneously.
In the abovementioned gaming machine, a form in which answers to questions are entered is read, the read sheet is data-converted, and then, the data-converted sheet is stored in a memory. Questions to be answered contain a player's age and gender, impression and evaluation relative to games, and impression and evaluation of gaming facilities on which gaming machines are installed, and these questions are printed in advance on entry sheets. Answers to these questions are obtained from players, thereby making it possible to collect, within a short time, information pertinent to players such as the players' ages and genders and the player's actual opinions of advantages and drawbacks of games etc., which the players felt, without making a market research for.
According to the abovementioned gaming machine, only in a case where the number of times of executing a game has reached a predetermined value, a form is ejected on which questions to be answered have been printed. Therefore, an answer from a player who has not actually performed a game and an answer from a player who has performed a game a small number of times can be excluded from a counted total number. Consequently, for example, if questions to be answered are printed in advance on a form, the questions being relevant to impression and evaluation of games and impression and evaluation of gaming facilities, on which gaming machines are installed, the reliability of answers to these questions is enhanced.
Further, according to the abovementioned gaming machine, the form from answers can be read and that from which answers cannot be read are re-collected in a state in which they are sorted out from each other. Therefore, as to the forms from which the answers cannot be read, for example, the answers can be stored in a memory by means of manual entry, and more answers can be collected.
An eleventh aspect of the present invention is directed to a control method of acquiring from a player an answer to a question, comprising the steps of: starting a game while it is triggered that a predetermined condition has been met; reading, by a reading device, a form in which an answer to a question has been entered; data-converting the read answer; and storing the data-converted answer in a memory.
According to the present invention, a game is started where a predetermined condition has been met. Such games include: a base game in which, for example, after gaming mediums are betted, symbols are rearranged on a display device, and then, a payment is made according to a combination of the rearranged symbols; a free game executed without betting a gaming medium; and a common game in which players at gaming machines participate simultaneously.
Further, the form in which the answers to questions are entered is read, the read sheet is data-converted, and then, the data-converted sheet is stored in a memory. The questions to be answered contain player's age and gender, impression and evaluation relative to games, and impression and evaluation of gaming facilities on which gaming machines are installed, and these questions are printed in advance on entry sheets. By obtaining answers to these questions from players, it is possible to collect, within a short time, information pertinent to players such as the players' ages and genders and the players' actual opinions of advantages and drawbacks of games, etc., which the players felt, without making a market research for.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustrative view of a questionnaire screen output by a gaming machine according to the present embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of processing operations of a gaming system according to the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a gaming machine;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of a payout table in the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram depicting an interior configuration of the gaming machine;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a questionnaire sheet ejection mechanism;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing an exemplary questionnaire sheet stocked in the gaming machine;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a detail of a questionnaire re-collecting device;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing a written example of the questionnaire sheet;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram depicting an interior configuration of a counting server;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing procedures for executing main processing at the gaming machine;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing procedures for executing main processing at the gaming machine;

FIG. 13 is a table showing a relationship between players' ages and video data and audio data to be selected;

FIG. 14 is a view showing exemplary images displayed on the upper and lower image display panels in the insurance-off mode.

FIG. 15 is a view showing exemplary images displayed on the upper and lower image display panels in the insurance-off mode.

FIG. 16 is a view showing exemplary images displayed on the upper and lower image display panels in the insurance-on mode.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing procedures for performing games during the insurance-on mode;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing procedures for performing games during the insurance-on mode;

FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing an exemplary counting database included in the counting server;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing procedures for executing single-game processing;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing procedures for determining symbols to be stopped;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing procedures for executing reel rotation control processing;

FIGS. 23A to 23D are illustrative side views of reel rotating operation;

FIG. 24 is a schematic view showing a correlation table between the number of steps and code Nos.; and

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing procedures for performing startup processing.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail referring to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an illustrative view of a questionnaire screen output by a gaming machine according to the present embodiment. In the embodiment, the gaming machine is a slot machine (see FIG. 3). However, the gaming machine may be a so called single gaming machine such as video slot machine or video card game machine, for example, without being limitative to the slot machine. Alternatively, it may be so called multiple gaming machines (multi-terminal gaming machines), which perform games requiring a predetermined time until an outcome is displayed, such as a horserace game, a bingo game, and a lottery.
In the gaming machine 10, coins, bills, or electronic valuable information are employed as gaming mediums. In the present invention, however, medals, tokens, electronic money, or tickets, for example, may be employed as gaming mediums without being limitative thereto in particular. As the abovementioned tickets, for example, bar code-attached tickets, as described later, may be employed without being limitative thereto in particular.
At the gaming machine 10, a game (That generally performed at a slot machine. Hereinafter, referred to as a base game) is performed in which: after gaming mediums equal to or smaller than a predetermined maximum bet number has been betted, a plurality of symbols are displayed in a stopped state after they are variably displayed, by reels 14 (14L, 14C, 14R), as a symbol display device; and a payout amount is determined according to the symbols displayed in a stopped state on the payline L or a combination thereof.
Moreover, an insurance-off mode is transferred to an insurance-on mode on condition that a predetermined number (1, in the embodiment) of gaming mediums has been entered. If the number of times of executing all of the base games performed after transfer to the insurance-on mode (hereinafter, referred to as total game count C) reaches a predetermined number (second predetermined value Th2, for example, 1,000 times), a predetermined number of gaming machines (360 in the embodiment) is paid, and a free game is performed.
The free game is performed even if no gaming mediums are betted. In this game, a plurality of symbols is variably displayed on reels 14, and thereafter, the variably displayed symbols are displayed in a stopped state according to the symbols displayed in a stopped state or a combination thereof. Further, the amount of payment is determined according to the symbols displayed in a stopped state or a combination of the displayed symbols. In other words, the free games, the contents of which are identical to those of base games, are performed even if no gaming medium is betted. The free games may be performed by a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times), or alternatively, may be varied according to the game history of the base game.
The gaming system 100 according to the embodiment performs countdown effect rendering on both of the gaming machines 10 and the common display device 200 until the free game is started, in order to enhance anticipation or excitement of the players relative to the free games. This countdown effect rendering is performed if the number of times of executing base games reaches a specific number of times (a first predetermined value Th1, for example, 990 times).
Specifically, when countdown effect rendering is performed in the gaming machine 10, a countdown effect image (or picture) is displayed on a display device provided at the gaming machine 10 (upper image display panel 33 shown in FIG. 3).
The gaming machine 10 serves to count the number of times of executing the base game. This gaming machine also outputs a questionnaire sheet 39 to the lower image display panel 16 in order to acquire the information pertinent to players per se or evaluation and impression of the contents of games or gaming facilities after the counted number of execution of the base game has reached a predetermined value. While the number of times of executing the base game may be arbitrarily set for outputting the questionnaire sheet 39, in the embodiment, the above predetermined value is set to 1,000 (i.e., second predetermined value Th2) in order to provide questionnaire after a free game has terminated.
On the front face of the lower image display panel 16, a touch panel 69 is provided as an input device of the present invention so as to allow the player to supply various instructions while in the play of a game or to make a selection of whether or not to answer to the questionnaire, by way of the player's operation of depressing the touch panel 69.
In the embodiment, after the number of times of executing the base game has reached the aforementioned first predetermined value, in a case where a free game is performed, the lower image display panel 16 displays an answer request screen A100, as shown in FIG. 1, in order to prompt the player for answer to questionnaire. This answer request screen A100 displays a message prompting a player to fill out answers to a questionnaire, and further, an answer acceptance button A101 and an answer rejection button A102 are arranged which function as operational input sections in the touch panel 69.
When the player depresses the answer acceptance button A101 on the answer request screen A100, the gaming machine 10 outputs the questionnaire sheet 39 as shown in FIG. 1. The figure shows only part of the questionnaire sheet 39, and a detailed description thereof will be given referring to FIGS. 8 and 9. The output questionnaire sheet 39 is written for answer from the player and is re-collected by a gaming machine 10 that is the same as that outputting the questionnaire sheet, and then, data processing of the answer is performed in this gaming machine 10.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of processing operations of a gaming system according to the embodiment. A gaming system 100 according to the embodiment is provided with: a plurality of gaming machines 10; and a counting server 200 connected thereto via a communication line 101. This gaming system 100, which is capable of performing a variety of games, may be constructed in one gaming facility such as bar parlor or casino, or alternatively, may be constructed among a plurality of gaming facilities. The gaming system 100 may be constructed in one gaming facility on a floor-by-floor basis or on a section-by-section basis in the gaming facility.
Gaming machines 10 are assigned unique ID numbers (hereinafter, referred to as gaming machine ID numbers) and gaming facility ID numbers of gaming facilities in which the gaming machines 10 are installed (hereinafter, referred to as gaming facility numbers). The counting server 200 discriminates sources of data sent from each of the gaming machines 10 in accordance with the gaming machine ID numbers and gaming facility numbers. The data that each of the gaming machines 10 transmits to the counting server 200 includes the answers from the players, which were obtained by re-collection of the aforementioned questionnaire sheet 39. If the counting server 200 transmits data to the gaming machine 10 as well, a transmission destination is specified using the gaming machine ID numbers and the gaming facility numbers. In addition to the numbers, characters, signs, numbers, and combinations thereof can be employed as information for identifying the gaming machines and gaming facilities.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing the gaming machine 10. The gaming machine 10 is provided with: a cabinet 11; a top box 12, which is installed at the upper side of the cabinet 11; and a main door 13, which is provided on the front face of the cabinet 11. Three reels 14 (14L, 14C, 14R) are rotatably provided inside of the cabinet 11. A symbol array consisting of 22 pictures (hereinafter, referred to as symbols) are drawn on the outer periphery of each of the reels 14.
A lower image display panel 16 is provided in front of each of the reels 14 at a main door 13. The lower image display panel 16 is provided with a transparent liquid crystal display panel on which a variety of images or effect images, etc., pertinent to games are displayed during the play of the games. A credit amount display section 31 and a payout number display section 32 are provided on the lower image display panel 16. The credit amount display section 31 displays the number of credited coins by way of image. The payout number display section 32 displays, by way of image, the number of coins to be paid out if a predetermined combination of symbols is displayed in a stopped state on a payline L.
On the lower image display panel 16, three display windows 15 (15L, 15C, 15R), which are capable of visually recognizing a rear face of the display panel, are formed, and the symbols drawn on the outer periphery of the reels 14 via the display windows 15 are displayed on a three-by-three symbols basis. On the lower image display panel 16, one payline horizontally crossing the three display windows 15 is formed. The payline L defines a combination of symbols. If a predetermined combination of symbols is displayed in a stopped state on the payline L, coins are paid out, the number of which corresponds to the predetermined combination and the number of inserted coins (BET number).
In the present invention, for example, where a plurality of paylines L horizontally or obliquely crossing the three display windows 15, for example, is formed, the paylines L are activated, the number of which corresponds to that of inserted coins, and then, a predetermined combination of symbols are displayed in a stopped state, coins of which the number corresponds to the predetermined combination may be paid out.
Further, a touch panel 69 is provided on the front face of the lower image display panel 16, so that the player can input a variety of instructions in games or a selection of whether or not answer to questionnaire is performed, by operating the touch panel 69.
A control panel 20 consisting of a plurality of buttons 23 to 27 for entering instructions pertinent to the progress of a game by a player; a coin insertion slot 21 for accepting coins in the cabinet 11; and a bill validator 22, are provided downwardly of the lower image display panel 16.
A SPIN button 23, a CHANGE button 24, a CASHOUT button 25, a 1-BET button 26, and a MAX-BET button 27 are provided on the control panel 20. The SPIN button 23 is for entering an instruction of starting rotation of the reels 14. The change button 24 is intended for use in asking an attendant of the gaming facility for change. The CASHOUT button 25 is intended to enter an instruction for paying out credited coins to the coin tray 18.
The 1-BET button 26 is intended to enter an instruction for betting one of the credited coins on a game. The MAX-BET button 27 is intended to enter an instruction for betting the maximum number of credited coins (50 coins in the embodiment) that can be betted on one game.
In the present invention, insertion of gaming mediums denotes that gaming mediums are consumed. The gaming mediums are consumed where they are betted on a game and where they are consumed to migrate to an insurance-on mode described later. For example, if the coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 21 are directly betted on a game, the coin insertion into the coin insertion slot 21 is equivalent to gaming medium insertion. As in the present invention, however, if coins are temporarily credited after being inserted into the coin insertion slot 21 and if the credited coins are betted by operating the 1-BET button 26 or the MAX-BET button 27, such betting is equivalent to gaming medium insertion.
The bill validator 22 validates legitimacy of bills and accepts the legitimate bills in the cabinet 11. The bill validator 22 may be constituted so as to allow reading of the bar code-attached questionnaire sheet 39 described later. On the lower front face of the main door 13, i.e., downwardly of the control panel 20, a belly glass 34, on which characters or the like of the gaming machine 10 are drawn, is provided.
An upper image display panel 33 is provided on the front face of the top box 12. The upper image display panel 33 is provided with a liquid crystal panel, and, for example, images are displayed which are indicative of an introduction to effect images or the contents of games and an explanation of the rules of the games.
A speaker 29 is provided on the top box 12. A ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a data display 37, and a keypad 38 are provided on the top box 12. The ticket printer 35 prints, on the questionnaire sheet 39 prepared in equipment, the data-encoded bar code such as credit amount, date and time, or ID numbers of gaming machines 10.
The card reader 36 is intended to read and write data from/into a smart card. The smart card is owned by a player, and stores data for identifying a player or data pertinent to a history of games performed by players, for example. The smart card may store data equivalent to coins, bills, or credits. In place of the smart card, further, a magnetic stripe card may be employed. The data display 37 is made up of a fluorescent display or the like, and stores data read by the card reader 36 or data input by a player via the keypad 38, for example. The keypad 38 is intended for entering the instructions or data pertinent to the issuance of tickets.
FIG. 4 is a view for explaining a payout table in the embodiment. “DOUBLE”, “3BAR”, “2BAR”, “1BAR”, and “CHERRY” contained in the payout table indicate types of symbols drawn on each of the reels 14. In addition to the aforementioned symbols, a bonus trigger or any other symbol is drawn as a symbol corresponding to “GIFT BONUS”. “ANY BAR” contained in the payout table indicates “3BAR”, “2BAR”, or “1 BAR”, and “ANY” denotes any symbol.
Combinations of the symbols shown in the payout table denote winning combinations, and the payout number of coins according to a BET number is set for each of the combinations. If a combination of the symbols displayed in a stopped state on each of the reels 14 is that of the bonus triggers of “GIFT BONUS”, a predetermined number of coins are paid out as a jackpot. The numerical values corresponding to “GIFT BONUS” described on the payout table denote expectation values of the coin payout numbers, and are uniform irrespective of the BET numbers. If the number of bets is 1BET, therefore, settings are provided such that a probability of “GIFT BONUS” is low and a large number of coins are paid out. This probability is set according to symbol-weighted data.
Four different types of jackpots “GRAND”, “MAJOR”, “MINOR”, and “MINI” are provided in sequential order from the largest payout number of coins. The lower probabilities of occurrence of these jackpots are set, as a larger payout number of coins is. Further, which one of the jackpots is established is randomly determined using random number values. The expectation values of the coin payout numbers in the jackpots are uniform.
After the 1-BET button 26 or the MAX-BET button 27 has been depressed, when a SPIN button 23 is depressed to start a game, the columns of the symbols drawn on each of the reels 14 are displayed in a scrolled-down manner, together with rotation of each of the reels 14. After an elapse of a predetermined time, these columns of the symbols are displayed in a stopped state on the display window 15, together with rotation stop of each of the reels 14. Further, if a variety of winning combinations are predetermined based upon combinations of the symbols, and a combination of the symbols corresponding to one of these winning combinations is then stopped on a payline L, the payout number of coins corresponding to the winning combination is added to the player-owned credit. When a combination of “GIFT BONUS” bonus triggers is realized, a predetermined payout number is added to the player-owned credit.
The present embodiment describes a case in which a jackpot-based coin payout is made when a combination of bonus triggers is realized. In the present invention, however, a game-playing state, which is established when the combination of the bonus triggers is realized, is not limitative in particular, and games such as a second game and a mystery bonus game can be performed, for example. When a bonus trigger is established, a bar code-attached questionnaire sheet 39 may be issued on which predetermined information was printed.
In the payout table, combinations of the symbols indicated by italics are those in which 180 or more coins are paid out when they are realized in a game performed by MAX-BET. In the game performed by MAX-BET in an insurance-on mode, if any one of these symbol combinations is realized, the insurance-on mode migrates to the insurance-off mode.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram depicting an interior configuration of the gaming machine 10. A gaming board 50 is provided with: a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51 interconnected via an internal bus; a ROM 55 and a boot ROM 52; a card slot 53S corresponding to a memory card 53; and an IC socket 54S corresponding to a GAL (General Array Logic) 54.
The memory card 53 is made up of a nonvolatile memory such as CompactFlash®, and stores game programs and game system programs. The game programs include a stopped-symbol determination program. The stopped-symbol determination program is intended to determine symbols of each of the reels 14, which are displayed in a stopped state on the payline L (code Nos. corresponding to symbols). The above stopped-symbol determination program includes symbol-weighted data corresponding to each of a plurality of payout rates (80%, 84%, 88%, for example). The symbol-weighted data is indicative of a correspondence between code Nos. of symbols (see FIG. 3) and one or a plurality of random number values belonging to a predetermined numeric range (0 to 256). The payout rates are determined based upon the payout rate setting data that is output from the GAL 54, and a lottery is performed based upon the symbol-weighted data corresponding to the payout rates.
In addition, a card slot 53S is constituted to enable removable insertion of the memory card 53, and the card slot is connected to a motherboard 40 by means of an IDE bus. Therefore, the memory card 53 is removed from the card slot 53S, other game programs and game system programs are written into the memory card 53, and the memory card 53 is then inserted into the card slot 53S, thereby making it possible to vary the kinds or contents of the games performed at the gaming machine 10. Further, the memory card 53 storing one group of game programs and game system programs is replaced with that storing another group of game programs and game system programs, thereby making it possible to vary the kinds or contents of the games performed at the gaming machine 10. The game programs include those which are relevant to the operating procedures for performing games. Further, they also include video data or sound data output during the play of a game and video data or sound data for notifying a transfer to the insurance-on mode.
The GAL 54 is a kind of PLD having an OR-fixed arrayed structure. The GAL 54 is provided with pluralities of IN ports and OUT ports. If predetermined items of data are input to the IN port, the corresponding data is output from the OUT port. The data output from the OUT port is equivalent to the above-described payout rate setting data. Further, the IC socket 54S is constituted so that the GAL 54 is removable, and is connected to a motherboard 40 by means of a PCI bus. Therefore, the GAL 54 is removed from the IC socket 54S, the program stored in the GAL 54 is rewritten, and the GAL 54 is then mounted to the IC socket 54S, whereby the payout rate setting data output from the GAL 54 can be varied. Further, the GAL 54 is replaced with the replacement GAL 54, thereby making it possible to vary the payout rate setting data.
The CPU 51, the ROM 55, and the boot ROM 52 that are interconnected via the internal bus are connected to the motherboard 40 via a PCI bus. The PCI bus not only performs signal transmission between the motherboard 40 and the gaming board 50, but also supplies power from the motherboard 40 to the gaming board 50. The ROM 55 stores country identification information and an authentication program. The boot ROM 52 stores a preliminary authentication program and a program (boot code) or the like for the CPU 51 to boot the preliminary authentication program.
The authentication program is a program (falsification check program) for authenticating game programs and game system programs. The authentication program is described along verification and certification of the fact that the game programs and game system programs targeted for authentication capturing processing are not falsified, i.e., along the procedures for authenticating the game programs and game system programs (authentication procedures). The preliminary authentication program is intended to authenticate the authentication program described above. The preliminary authentication program is described along certification of the fact that the authentication program targeted for authentication processing is not falsified, i.e., along the procedures for authenticating the authentication program (authentication procedures).
The motherboard 40 is constituted using a commercially available motherboard (a printed wiring board having basic parts of a personal computer mounted thereon), and is provided with: a main CPU 41; a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42; a RAM (Random Access Memory) 43; and a communication interface 44. The main CPU 41 serves as a processor of the present invention.
The ROM 42 stores the programs and permanent data pertinent to a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or the like, which is made up of memory devices such as a flash memory and executed by the main CPU 41. When the main CPU 41 executes the BIOS, a predetermined process of initializing peripherals is performed, and a process of acquiring the game programs and game system programs stored in the memory card 53 via the gaming board 50 is then started. In the present invention, the contents of the ROM 42 may be rewritable or not.
The RAM 43 stores data and programs used when the main CPU 41 is activated. Further, the RAM 43 can store authentication programs, game programs, and game system programs read via the gaming board 50.
Furthermore, in the RAM 43, three storage areas are provided for storing an answer written in a questionnaire sheet re-collected by a questionnaire re-collecting device 37; data which is indicative of a total game count C; and data which is indicative of the remaining free game count. The remaining free game count is indicative of the remaining counted number of unit free game repeated as a free game.
In the RAM 43, an area for storing an insurance-on mode flag is provided. The insurance-on mode flag is indicative of whether an insurance-on mode or an insurance-off mode is established. The insurance-on mode flag storing area consists of a predetermined bit number of storing areas, for example, and the insurance-on mode flag is set to “ON” or “OFF”, according to the contents of storage in the storing area. The insurance-on mode flag “ON” indicates an insurance-on mode and the insurance-off mode flag “OFF” indicates an insurance-off mode. Further, the RAM 43 stores the data pertinent to credit amounts and coin insertion numbers or payout numbers in one game.
A communication interface 44 is for making communication with the counting server 200 via the communication line 101. The main CPU 41 transmits to the counting server 200 via the communication interface 44 the answers from players that were obtained by re-collection of the questionnaire sheet 39. The counting server 200 counts the answers from the players that were transmitted from the gaming machines 10.
To the motherboard 40, a main body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60 and a door PCB 80, described later, is interconnected by means of a USB. Further, a power unit 45 is connected to the motherboard 40. When power is supplied from the power unit 45 to the motherboard 40, the main CPU 41 of the motherboard 40 is activated. Further, power is supplied to the gaming board 50 via the PCI bus, and the CPU 51 is then activated.
To the main body PCB 60 and the door PCB 80, equipment or devices are connected which generates an input signal input to the main CPU 41 and an operation of which is controlled by means of a control signal output from the main CPU 41. The main CPU 41 executes the game programs and game system programs that were stored in the RAM 43, based upon an input signal which was input to the main CPU 41, thereby performing predetermined computation to store a result thereof to the RAM 43 or transmit a control signal to equipment or devices in a control process relevant to equipment or devices.
A lamp 30, a sub CPU 61, a hopper 66, a coin detecting section 67, a graphic board 68, a speaker 29, a touch panel 69, a bill validator 22, a ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a key switch 38S, and a questionnaire re-collecting device 37 are connected to the main body PCB 60. The lamp 30 lights in a predetermined pattern, based upon a control signal output from the main CPU 41.
A sub CPU 61 controls rotation and stoppage of reels 14 (14L, 14C, 14R). A motor driving circuit 62, which is provided with an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) 63 and a driver 64, is connected to the sub CPU 61. The FPGA 63 is an electronic circuit such as a programmable LSI, and functions as a control circuit of stepping motors 70. The driver 64 functions as a circuit for amplifying pulses input to the stepping motors 70. The stepping motors 70 (70L, 70C, 70R) for rotating the reels 14 are connected to the motor driving circuit 62. Each of the stepping motors 70 is a 1-2 phase-excitation type stepping motor.
In the present invention, the excitation system of the stepping motors is not limitative in particular, and another excitation system such as 2-phase excitation system or 1-phase excitation system, for example, can be employed. A DC motor may be employed in place of the stepping motors. When the DC motor is employed, a deviation counter, a D/A converter, and a servo amplifier are connected to the sub CPU 61 in sequential order, and the DC motor is connected to the servo amplifier. Further, the rotational position of the DC motor is detected by means of a rotary encoder, and data concerning the current rotational position of the DC motor is supplied from the rotary encoder to the deviation counter.
An index detecting circuit 65 and a position change detecting circuit 71 are connected to the sub CPU 61. The index detecting circuit 65 detects the position of the reels 14 in rotation (index described later), and further, is capable of detecting step-out of the reels 14. Rotation and stop control of the reels 14 will be described later in detail, referring to the drawings.
The position change detecting circuit 71 detects a change of a stop position of the reels 14 after rotation of the reels 14 has stopped. For example, the position change detecting circuit 71 detects a change of the stop position of the reels 14 according to a case, etc., in which a player forcibly changes the stop position so as to realize a winning combination of symbols, in spite of the fact that none of the winning symbol combinations is actually realized. The position change detecting circuit 71 is constituted so that the change of the stop position of the reels 14 can be detected by detecting a fin (not shown) mounted to the inside of the reels 14 at predetermined intervals.
The hopper 66 is installed in a cabinet 11, and a predetermined number of coins are paid out from the coin payout opening 19 to the coin tray 18, based upon the control signal output from the main CPU 41. A coin detecting section 67 is provided inside of the coin payout opening 19, and outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41, if it is detected that a predetermined number of coins have been paid out from the coin payout opening 19.
A graphic board 68 controls the images to be displayed on the upper and lower image display panels 33 and 16, based upon the control signal output from the main CPU 41. The number-of-credits display portion 31 on the lower image display panel 16 displays the number of credits stored in the RAM 43. Further, the coin payout number is displayed at the payout number display section 32 of the lower image display panel 16. The graphic board 68 is provided with: a VDP (Video Display Processor), which generates video data, based upon the control signal output from the main CPU 41; and a video RAM, etc., which temporarily stores video data generated by the VDP. The video data employed when the video data is generated by means of the VDP is read from the memory card 53, and is then included in the game programs stored in the RAM 43.
The bill validator 22 validates legitimacy of bills and accepts legitimate bills in the cabinet 11. Upon accepting legitimate bills, the bill validator 22 outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41, based upon the amount of bills. The main CPU 41 stores in the RAM 43 the amount of credits responsive to that of bills transmitted by the input signal.
The ticket printer 35 prints, on the questionnaire sheet 39 stopped in advance in equipment, the amount of credit stored in the RAM 43 and a bar code having encoded data such as date and time and ID numbers of gaming machines 10. This printing is based upon a control signal output from the main CPU 41, and outputs the bar code-attached questionnaire sheet 39. The card reader 36 reads data from a smart card, thereby transmitting the read data to the main CPU 41 or writing data into the smart card. This reading is based upon the control signal from the main CPU 41. The key switch 38S is provided on the keypad 38, and outputs a predetermined input signal to the main CPU 41 when a player operates the keypad 38. The questionnaire re-collecting device 37 is intended to re-collect the questionnaire sheets on which answers were written by the players. This device is provided with: a reader 377 for reading the answered written on the questionnaire sheets; a re-collection box 376 b for stocking the questionnaire sheets on which the answers can be read; and a re-collection box 376 a for stocking the questionnaire sheets on which answers cannot be read.
A control panel 20, a reverter 21S, a coin counter 21C, and a cold cathode-ray tube 81 are connected to the door PCB 80. On the control panel 20, there are provided: a SPIN switch 23S corresponding to a SPIN button 23; a CHANGE switch 23S corresponding to a CHANGE button 24; a CASHOUT switch 25S corresponding to a CASHOUT button 25; a 1-BET switch 26S corresponding to a 1-BET button 26; and a MAX-BET switch 27S corresponding to a MAX-BET button 27. The switches 23S to 27S output input signals to the main CPU 41 when the player operates the corresponding buttons 23 to 27.
The coin counter 21C is provided inside of the coin insertion slot 21, and validates legitimacy of the coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 21 by the player. Those other than the legitimate coins are discharged from the coin payout exit 19. The coin counter 21C also outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 if a legitimate coin is detected.
The reverter 21S is operable based upon the control signal output from the main CPU 41. This reverter distributes, the coins recognized to be legitimate by the coin counter 21C, into a cashbox (not shown) or a hopper 66 which was installed in the gaming machine 10. In other words, if the hopper 66 is filled with coins, the legitimate coins are distributed to the cashbox by means of the reverter 21S. Otherwise, the legitimate coins are distributed to the hopper 66. The cold cathode-ray tube 81 functions as a backlight which is installed at the rear side of the lower and upper image display panels 16 and 33. This backlight illuminates based upon the control signal that was output from the main CPU 41.
FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing an ejection mechanism 350 of the questionnaire sheet 39. The ejection mechanism 350 shown in FIG. 6 is provided with: a stocker 351 for stocking a plurality of questionnaire sheets 39; a lead-in roller 352 for separating the questionnaire sheets 39 stocked in the stocker 351 on a one-by-one sheet basis, and then, leading them into a first conveyance passage 353; a conveyance roller 354 for further leading to a second conveyance passage 355 the questionnaire sheets led to the first conveyance passage 353; and an ejection roller 356 for ejecting the questionnaire sheets 39 led into the second conveyance passage 355 to the outside of the gaming machine 10. Further, the ticket printer 35 is installed at the upper part of the second conveyance passage, and the second conveyance passage 355 can print the bar codes as described above, to the questionnaire sheet 39 in transportation. In the embodiment, after a free game has terminated, rollers 352, 354, 356 are driven by means of a driving source (not shown), thereby recording bar codes into the questionnaire sheet 39 and ejecting the questionnaire sheet 39 having bar codes recorded thereon.
FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing an exemplary questionnaire sheet 39 stocked in the gaming machine 10. The questionnaire sheet 39 shown in FIG. 7 includes a message for asking answers to questionnaires and a message for players to write answers with pen or ballpoint pen. Further, this sheet includes questions Q1 to Q13 to be answered by the players. These questions include: player's gender, age, and occupation; evaluation and satisfaction relevant base game; evaluation relevant to effect images and effect music of a base game; evaluation relevant to free game effect image and effect music; evaluation relevant to game facility; and possibility of revisit. Further, a reading indicator 392 is formed at the upper right corner of the questionnaire sheet 39. This indicator 392 is used to specify the top and bottom of an image, which is read by the reader 377, and the answer entry position.
Needless to say, the information contained in the questionnaire is not limitative to the above, and can be arbitrarily set in gaming facilities and in areas, etc. If all questions cannot be included in one questionnaire sheet 39, they may be separately included in a plurality of questionnaire sheets.
FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a questionnaire re-collection device 37 in detail. The questionnaire re-collecting device 37 is provided with: an intake roller 371 for taking the questionnaire sheets on which answers were written by the players into the gaming machine 10, and then, guiding them to either of the second conveyance passages 375 a and 375 b; a conveyance roller 373 for guiding the questionnaire sheets that were guided to the first conveyance passage 372 to either of the second and third conveyance passages 375 a and 375 b; a re-collection box 376 a for ejecting and stocking unprocessed questionnaire sheets 39 guided to the second conveyance passage 375 a; and a re-collection box 376 b for ejecting and stocking the read questionnaire sheets 39 guided to the third conveyance passage 375 b.
An optical reader 377 for reading answers written in the questionnaire sheets 39 and a controller 378 for controlling switching of a flipper 374 based upon a result of the reading by this reader 377, are provided at the upper side of the first conveyance passage 372. The controller 378 is connected to the main body PCB 60, and the reading result input to the controller 378 is stored in the RAM 43 via the main body PCB 60 and the main CPU 41.
Whether or not to re-collect questionnaire sheets in either of the two re-collection boxes 376 a that are included in the questionnaire re-collection device 37 is judged by means of the controller 378 in accordance with the reading result of the questionnaire sheets 39 by the reader 377. In other words, since, in the embodiment, the upper re-collection box 376 a is used for unprocessed sheets, if the controller 378 judges that the reading by the reader 377 is disabled, a flipper 374 is shown in FIG. 8A to open the second conveyance passage 375 a, and then, guide to the re-collection box 376 a the questionnaire sheets 39 taken in the gaming machines 10. Further, since the lower re-collection box 376 b is used for read sheets, when the controller 378 judges that reading by the reader 377 is enabled, the flipper 374 is shown in FIG. 8B, and a third conveyance passage 375 b is opened. Thereafter, the questionnaire sheets 39 taken in the gaming machine 10 are guided to the re-collection box 376 b.
FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing an entry example of a questionnaire sheet 39. As shown in the figure, the corresponding answered portions are chosen. The controller 378 analyzes images acquired as a reading result, and detects relative positions of answers to the indicator 392 (i.e., positions of the chosen portions). By specifying where on the questionnaire sheets the thus detected positions correspond to, it is possible to judge which answers were selected by the players. The questionnaire sheets 39 are ejected to the outside of the gaming machine 10 by means of the abovementioned ejection mechanism; and therefore, the bar code 391 printed by the ticket printer 35 is attached.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram depicting an interior configuration of a counting server 200. The counting server 200 is provided with: a CPU 203 as a processor; a ROM 204; a RAM 205 as a temporary storage device; a communication interface 201; and a hard disk drive 206. The communication interface 201 is connected to a communication interface 44 of each gaming machine 10 via a communication line 101. The ROM 204 stores system programs or permanent data, etc. for controlling operation of a control device 200. A RAM 205 temporarily stores data received from each gaming machine 10 or another item of data such as computation result. Further, the hard disk drive 206 is provided with an answer database in which answers to questionnaires transmitted from the gaming machines 10 are to be registered.
Hereinafter, operational procedures executed by the gaming machine 10 will be described. FIGS. 11 and 12 are flowcharts showing procedures for executing main processes in the gaming machine 10. First, a startup process is performed in the gaming machine 10 (step S110). The startup processing will be described later in detail. While this main routine is executed, upon receipt of a detection signal output from a coin counter 21C when the coin counter 21C detects the coins inserted into a coin insertion slot 21, the main CPU 41 performs a process of adding the amount of credit stored in the RAM 43 as an interruption process.
Following the startup process, the main CPU 41 of the gaming machine 10 judges whether or not player information is input (step S111). The player identification information is input by reading data for identifying players from a smart card inserted into a card reader 36. When the judgment result is negative (S111: NO), the main CPU 41 controls the routine to transfer to step S116 described later.
When the judgment result is affirmative (S111: YES), this CPU controls the RAM 43 to store the input player identification information (step S112). Further, inquiry to the counting server 200 is made based upon the input player identification information (step S113), and it is then judged whether or not there is an answer already registered in the counting server 200 (step S114). When the judgment result is negative (S114: NO), the main CPU 41 controls the routine to transfer to step S116 described later.
When the judgment result is affirmative (S114: YES), a method of performing game effect rendering is selected in accordance with the past answers (step S115). For example, video data or audio data employed for effect rendering is prepared according to the player's age, and is then selected based upon information pertinent to the corresponding player's age registered in the counting server 200. FIG. 13 is a tabulated sheet showing a relationship between the player's age and video data and audio data to be selected. In the example of FIG. 13, there is shown that, when the player's age is 20s or 30s, video data A and audio data A are reproduced at the time of game effect rendering. Video data and audio data may be prepared for each generation, or alternatively, these items of data reproduced at the time of selection for each of the gaming machines 10 may be randomly determined after they are prepared.
While, in the above example, the effect rendering method was selected by the player's age, it may be selected in accordance with the player's gender or occupation. The above effect rendering method may be selected based upon the player's evaluation or impression or may be selected in accordance with a history of visit to gaming facility (game history). When the evaluation and satisfaction relevant to effect rendering are high, the current effect rendering method can be maintained, or when it is low, the method can be varied. If the frequency of visit to gaming facility is high, video data and audio data commonly used may be varied to special video data and audio data so as to discriminate one player from another.
When it is judged that player identification information is not input at step S111 (S111: NO), when it is judged that there is no answer already registered at step S114 (S114: NO), or when the effect rendering method is selected at step S115, the routine proceeds to step S116 shown in FIG. 11. At step S116, the main CPU 41 judges whether or not the insurance mode flag stored in the RAM 43 is set to “ON”. When it is judged that the insurance mode flag is not set to “ON”, i.e., when it is judged that the flag is set to “OFF” (S116: NO), a process of displaying an insurance-off mode image is performed (step S117). In this processing operation, the main CPU 41 transmits, to a graphic board 68, an instruction for graphically plotting insurance-off mode images. On the graphic board 68, based upon the abovementioned graphic display command, the VDP samples video data from the RAM 43. This VDP decompresses the sampled data to the video RAM. After that, the VDP generates video data for one frame, and then, outputs the video data to the upper and lower image display panels 33 and 16. As a result, the upper and lower image display panels 33 and 16 display the images as shown in FIG. 14, for example.
FIG. 14 is a view showing exemplary images displayed on the upper and lower image display panels in the insurance-off mode. In the figure, reference numerals 15 (15L, 15C, 15R) denote display windows. Reference numeral 31 denotes a credit amount display section. Reference numeral 32 denotes a payout number display section. Uppercase letter L denotes a payline. An image 90 indicating “INSURANCE BET $1.00 TOUCH TO BET” is displayed at the lower right of the lower image display panel 16. The image 90 is intended to request the player to select an insurance-on mode and to insert gaming mediums required to select the mode. A player can enter an instruction for selecting an insurance-on mode, by touching a predetermined site of a touch panel 69 corresponding to a display area of the image 90.
In order to select the insurance-on mode, a predetermined credit amount (1 dollar in the embodiment) is required. Bills or coins equivalent thereto may be inserted in place of the credit amount. If the instruction for selecting the insurance-on mode has not been entered, the insurance-off mode is selected.
An image, which is indicative of “WHAT IS INSURANCE?”, is displayed upwardly of the image 90. The image 91 is intended to enter an instruction for displaying a help image. A player can enter the instruction for displaying the held image, by touching the predetermined site of the touch panel 69 corresponding to the display area of the help image. An image 92, which is indicative of “INSURANCE OFF”, is displayed at the lower part of the upper image display panel 33. The image 92 indicates that the insurance-off mode is established as a game mode.
Following the process at step S117, the main CPU 41 judges whether or not an instruction for displaying a help image has been input (step S118). The instruction for displaying the help image is entered when the player touches the predetermined site of the touch panel 69 corresponding to the display area of the image 91, as described above.
When the instruction for displaying the help image has been input, a process of displaying the help image is performed (step S119). In this process, the main CPU 41 transmits a command for graphically displaying the help image to the graphic board 68. The graphic board 68 performs a process of displaying images on the upper and lower image display panels 33 and 16, based upon the abovementioned graphic display command. As a result, the upper and lower image display panels 33 and 16 display the images as shown in FIG. 15, for example.
FIG. 15 is a view showing exemplary images displayed on the upper and lower image display panels in the insurance-off mode. While the images displayed on the upper and lower image display panels 33 and 16 are substantially identical to those shown in FIG. 14, they are different therefrom in that a help image 93 is displayed at the upper part of the upper image display panel 33. The help image 93 is intended to explain: (a) the number of times of executing a game until a free game (“rescue pay”) is started; and (b) the number of coins (360) paid when the number of times of executing the game has reached a specific value. The help image 93 indicates an explanatory statement of the insurance-on mode. The help image 93 shown in FIG. 15 disappears when a predetermined period of time (10 seconds, for example) has elapsed after displayed.
When the process at step S119 has been executed, or alternatively, when the instruction for displaying the help image at step S118 has not been input, the main CPU 41 judges whether or not an instruction for selecting an insurance-on mode has been entered (step S120). The instruction for selecting the insurance-on mode is entered when the player touches the predetermined site of the touch panel 69 corresponding to the display area of the image 90, as described above.
When the instruction for selecting the insurance-on mode has been input, the main CPU 41 sets the insurance mode flag stored in the RAM 43 to “ON” (step S121). Subsequently, the main CPU 41 performs a process of subtracting a predetermined number (amount of credit equivalent to 1 dollar in the embodiment) from the amount of credit stored in the RAM 43 (step S122).
When it is judged that the insurance mode flag is set to “ON” or when the process at step S122 is executed at step S116, a process of displaying the insurance-on mode image is performed (step S123). In this processing operation, the main CPU 41 transmits a command for graphically drawing the insurance-on mode image to the graphic board 68. On the graphic board 68, based upon the abovementioned graphic display command, the VDP samples video data from the RAM 43 (storage device), and then, decompresses the sampled data to the video RAM. After that, the VDP generates video data for one frame, and then, outputs the video data to the upper and lower image display panels 33 and 16. As a result, the upper and lower image display panels 33 and 16 display the images as shown in FIG. 16, for example.
FIG. 16 is a view showing exemplary images displayed on the upper and lower image display panels in the insurance-on mode. At the lower right of the lower image display panel 16, an image 90 a which is indicative of “INSURANCE IS ONGOING! TOUCH TO SEE HELP” is displayed in place of the image 90 (see FIG. 14). The image 90 a is indicative of the fact that the game mode is the insurance-on mode, and is intended to enter the instruction for displaying the help image. The player can enter the instruction for displaying the help image, by touching the predetermined site of the touch panel 69 corresponding to the display area of the image 90 a. At the lower part of the upper image display panel 33, an image 92 a is displayed which is indicative of a message “INSURANCE IS ONGOING! 1,000 TIMES STILL REMAIN UNTIL FREE GAME IS STARTED”. The image 92 a is indicative of the fact that the game mode is the insurance-on mode.
Following the process at step S123, the main CPU 41 performs a game execution process during the insurance-on mode (step S124). This process will be described later in detail, referring to FIGS. 17 and 18. After the completion of the game execution process during the insurance-on mode, the game count is incremented by 1 (step S125).
If the instruction for selecting the insurance-on mode has not been input at step S120, the main CPU 41 performs the game execution process during the insurance-off mode (step S126). This process is substantially identical to that during the insurance-on mode, except the fact that the process pertinent to counting of the number of games, and thus, a description thereof is omitted. While, in the insurance-off mode, the image 92 is displayed on the upper image display panel 33, and the images 90, 91 are displayed on the lower image display panel 16. When the process at step S125 or S126 has been executed, the routine is then reverted to step S116.
While the embodiment described a case in which the upper and lower image display panels 33 and 16 display the images 90 a, 92 a for notifying a transfer to the insurance-on mode, a sound for notifying the transfer to the insurance-on mode may be output from the speaker 29, in the present invention.
Next, the game execution process during the insurance-on mode read at step S124 in the main routine shown in FIG. 12 will be described. FIGS. 17 and 18 are flowcharts showing procedures for performing the game execution process during the insurance-on mode. First, the main CPU 41, together with the ID number assigned thereto, notifies the current total game count C to a common display device 200, through a communication interface 44 (step S201).
Subsequently, the main CPU 41 judges whether or not the current total game count C is less than the abovementioned first predetermined value Th1 (990 in the embodiment) (step S202). When it is judged that the current total game count C is less than the first predetermined value Th1 (S202: NO), normal effect rendering is performed (step S203). In this process, the main CPU 41 transmits to the graphic board 68 a command for graphically displaying the image selected at step S115 in the main routine. On the graphic board 68, based upon the abovementioned graphics-drawing command, the VDP samples video data from the RAM 43; decompresses the sampled data on the video RAM; generates video data for one frame; and then, outputs the video data to the lower image display panel 16. As a result, the lower image display panel 16 displays a normal effect image. Further, the music selected at step S115 in the main routine is output through a speaker 29. This normal effect is different from the countdown effect rendered when the current game round approaches a free game, and serves as an effect image or music for augmenting a base game.
Next, it is judged whether or not coins are betted (step S204). In this processing operation, the main CPU 41 judges whether or not an input signal output from a 1-BET switch 26S when a 1-BET button 26 is operated or that output from a MAX-BET switch 27S when a MAX-BET button 27 is operated has been received. When it is judged that no coins are betted (S204: NO), the routine reverts to step S204.
When it is judged that coins are betted at step S204 (S204: YES), the main CPU 41 performs processing of subtracting the credit amount stored in the RAM 43, in accordance with the number of betted coins (step S205). If the number of coins to be betted is greater than the credit amount stored in the RAM 43, this CPU does not perform the subtraction processing, and the routine reverts to step S204.
Subsequently, the main CPU 41 executes single-game processing described later (step S206). Procedures for performing the single-game processing will be described later. A game is executed in which, while it is triggered that the SPIN button 23 has been turned ON by the player, rotational control of the reels 14 and processing of determining symbols to be stopped are performed, and a payment is made in accordance with stopped symbols or a combination thereof. After this single-game processing has been completed, the main CPU 41 increments, by 1, the value of total game count C to be stored in the RAM 42 (step S207). After that, the current step reverts to the main routine shown in FIG. 9.
When it is judged that the current total game count C is not smaller than the first predetermined value Th1 (S202: NO), the main CPU 41 judges whether or not the current total game count C is smaller than the second predetermined value Th2 (1,000 in the embodiment) (step S208). When the current game count C is equal to or greater than the predetermined value Th1, or alternatively, when it is smaller than the second predetermined value Th2 (S208: YES), countdown effect rendering is performed (step S209). In this process, the main CPU 41 transmits to the graphic board 68 a command for graphically displaying the image selected at step S115 in the main routine. On the graphic board 68, based upon the abovementioned graphic display command, the VDP samples video data from the RAM 43, and thereafter, decompresses the sampled data to the video RAM. After that, the VDP generates video data for one frame, and then, outputs the video data to the upper image display panel 33. As a result, an image for a countdown effect is displayed on the upper image display panel 33. The music selected at step S115 in the main routine is output through the speaker 29. After that, the routine is reverted to the above step S204, and a base game is then performed.
When it is judged that the current total game count C reached the second predetermined value Th2 at step S208 (S208: NO), the free game as described above is started. Because the total game count has reached the second predetermined value Th2, free-game effect rendering is performed by displaying an image indicating that a predetermined number of coins (360 coins in the embodiment) is paid out as a rescue pay and an image indicating the remaining number of free games (step S210). In this process, the main CPU 41 transmits to the graphic board 68 a command for graphically displaying the image selected at step S115 in the main routine. On the graphic board 68, based upon the above graphic display command, the VDP samples video data from the RAM 43, and then, decompresses the sampled data to the video RAM. After that, the VDP generates video data for one frame, and then, outputs the video data to the upper image display panel 33. As a result, the free game effect image is displayed on the upper image display panel 33. Further, the music selected at step S115 in the main routine is output through the speaker 29.
Next, the single game processing described later is executed (step S211). Procedures for performing the single-game processing will be described later. A game is executed in which, while it is triggered that the SPIN button 23 is turned ON by the player, rotational control of the reels 14 and processing of determining symbols to be stopped are performed, and a payment is made in accordance with stopped symbols or a combination thereof.
The main CPU 41 judges whether or not to terminate a free game, by judging whether or not the number of times of executing the single-game processing at step S211 executed as a free game reached a predetermined number of times (step S212). When the judgment result is negative (S212: NO), the routine is reverted to step S211.
When the judgment result is affirmative (S212: YES), the answer request screen A100 shown in FIG. 1 is displayed on the lower image display panel 16. When the answer acceptance button A101 is depressed on this questionnaire request screen A100, the questionnaire sheets 39 are ejected by means of an ejection mechanism 350 for ejecting them (step S213).
Next, the controller 378 of the questionnaire re-collection device 37 judges whether or not the questionnaire sheets 39 have been inserted into a re-collection port (step S214). Whether or not the questionare sheets 39 have been inserted can be judged according to whether or not a load on the intake roller 371 provided in the vicinity of the re-collection port has been detected. If the questionnaire sheets 39 have not been inserted (S214: NO), the controller waits until the sheets are inserted.
When the judgment result is affirmative (S214: YES), the controller 378 judges whether or not answers can be read from the questionnaire sheets 39 (step S215). When it is judged that the reading is possible, the answers obtained by the image analysis as mentioned above are stored in the RAM 42 (step S216). After that, the stored answers are transmitted to the counting server 200 together with gaming machine ID numbers, gaming facility numbers, player identification information (only when it is input), and date and time of answer (step S217).
FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing an exemplary counting database included in the counting server 200. The counting database shown in FIG. 19 is prepared in the hard disk drive 206 of the counting server, and is constituted so as to be updated upon receipt of answers from the gaming machines 10 and information associated therewith. This counting database stores game machine identification numbers, gaming facility numbers, player identification information, date and time of answer, and answers from players in association with each other. Answers are stored in a state in which those to questions Q1 to Q13 are digitized. For example, “1” is stored if an answer concerning gender is “male” and “2” is stored if it is “female”.
Next, the controller 378 controls the flipper 374, as shown in FIG. 8B, to guide the questionnaire sheets 39 internally taken through the intake roller 371 to a re-collection box 376 b for read sheets, through a third conveyance passage 375 b. In this manner, the internally taken questionnaire sheets 39 are conveyed to the re-collection box 376 b for read sheets, through the third conveyance passage 375 b, and then, the sheets are re-connected by this re-collection box 376 b.
When it is judged that an answer cannot be read from the questionnaire sheets 39 at step S215 (S215: NO), the controller 378 controls the flipper 374, as shown in FIG. 8A, to guide the questionnaire sheets 39 internally taken through the intake roller 371 to the re-collection box 376 a for unprocessed sheets through the second conveyance passage 375 a. The thus taken questionnaire sheets 39 are conveyed to the re-collection box 376 a for unprocessed sheets through the second conveyance passage 375 a, and then, the conveyed sheets are re-collected by this re-collection box 376 a.
When the questionnaire sheets 39 taken in the equipment is re-collected in either of the re-collection boxes 376 a and 376 b, the main CPU 41 clears the total game count C stored in the RAM 42 (step S220). The insurance mode flag is set to OFF (step S221). After that, the current step is reverted to the main routine shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.
Next, single-game processing invoked at steps S206 and S211 in the subroutine shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 will be described. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing procedures for executing single-game processing. First, the main CPU 41 judges whether or not the SPIN button 23 has been turned ON (step S301). In this processing operation, the main CPU 41 judges whether or not the input signal output from the SPIN switch 23S has been received when the SPIN button 23 has been depressed. When it is judged that the SPIN button 23 has not been turned ON (step S310: NO), the routine reverts to step S301. If the SPIN button 23 has not turned ON (for example, if an instruction for terminating a game without turning ON the SPIN button 301 is entered), the main CPU 41 cancels a subtraction result at step S205.
While the present embodiment describes a case of performing processing of subtracting the credit amount before judging whether or not the SPIN button 23 has been turned ON after betting coins, the present invention is not limitative thereto. For example, it may be a routine to perform processing of judging whether or not the SPIN button 23 has been turned ON after coins have been betted, and then, subtracting the credit amount in the case where the judgment result is affirmative.
When it is judged that the SPIN button 23 has been turned ON at step S301 (S301: YES), the main CPU 41 performs stopped-symbol determination processing (step S302). In this stopped-symbol determination process, the main CPU 41 executes the stopped-symbol determination program stored in the RAM 43, thereby determining code No. at the time of stopping each of the reels 14. In this manner, a combination of symbols displayed in a stopped state is determined. A detailed description thereof will be given later.
While the present embodiment describes a case of determining one winning combination from among plural kinds of winning combinations by determining a combination of symbols displayed in a stopped state, for example, in the present invention, it may be a routine to determine one winning combination randomly selected from among plural kinds of winning combinations with the use of random number values, and thereafter, determine the combination of the symbols displayed in a stopped state, based upon the abovementioned winning combination.
Next, the main CPU 41 performs reel rotation control processing (step S303). This processing operation is intended to stop rotation of each reel, so that a combination of specific symbols corresponding to the winning combination determined at step S302 is displayed in a stopped state on the payline L after rotation of all of the reels 14 is started. A detailed description thereof will be given later.
Next, the main CPU 41 judges whether or not a bonus game trigger has been established (step S304). When the judgment result is affirmative (S304: YES), any one jackpot is selected from among four different types of jackpots “GRAND”, “MAJOR”, “MINOR”, and “MINI” with the use of random number values, and a predetermined number of coins for such jackpot are paid out (step S307). When coins are stored, the main CPU 41 performs a process of adding the amount of credit stored in the RAM 43. When coins are paid out, the main CPU 41 transmits a control signal to the hopper 66, and pays out a predetermined number of coins. At that time, a coin detecting section 67 counts the number of coins paid out from the hopper 66, and then, transmits a payout completion signal to the main CPU 41 when the counted value has reached a specified number. In this manner, the main CPU 41 stops driving the hopper 66, and then, terminates coin payout processing.
If no bonus game trigger is established at step S304 (S304: NO), the main CPU 41 judges whether or not a winning combination is realized (step S305). When the judgment result is affirmative (S305: YES), the main CPU 41 pays out coins according to the number of inserted coins and the realized winning combination (step S306). When it is judged that no winning combination is realized at step 305, or alternatively, if the processing at step S306 or S307 is executed, this subroutine is terminated.
Next, the stopped-symbol determination process invoked at step S302 in the subroutine shown in FIG. 20 will be described. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing procedures for determining symbols to be stopped. This process is performed by the main CPU 41 executing the stopped-symbol determination program stored in the RAM 43. First, the main CPU 41 selects the random number values corresponding to each of the three reels 14, from among the numeric range of 0 to 255, by executing the random number generation program included in the stopped-symbol determination program (step S401). The present embodiment describes a case of generating random numbers in a programmable fashion (a case of using so called software random numbers). In the present invention, however, a random number generator is provided, whereby random numbers may be sampled from the random number generator (so called hardware random numbers may be used).
Next, the main CPU 41 (processor) references the symbol-weight data corresponding to the payout rate setting data output from the GAL 54 and stored in the RAM 43 (storage device); and determines code Nos. of the reels 14, based upon the selected three random number values (step S402). The code Nos. of the reels 14 correspond to those of the symbols displayed in a stopped state on the payline L. A reel rotation control process described later is performed based upon code Nos. of the reels.
Next, the reel rotation control process invoked at step S303 in the subroutine shown in FIG. 20 will be described. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing procedures for executing reel rotation control processing. This processing operation is performed between the main CPU 41 and a sub CPU 61.
First, the main CPU 41 transmits to the sub CPU 61 a start signal for storing reel rotation (step S501). Upon the receipt of the start signal from the main CPU 41, the sub CPU 61 performs reel rotation processing (step S502). In this process, the sub CPU 61 supplies pulses to the motor driving circuit 62. The pulses output from the sub CPU 61 are amplified by means of the driver 64, and then, the amplified pulses are supplied to stepping motors 70 (70L, 70C, 70R). As a result, each of the stepping motors 70 rotates, and concurrently, each of the reels 14 (14L, 14C, 14R) rotates. The stepping motors 70 of the 1-2 phase excitation system are 0.9 degrees in stepping angle and 400 in the number of steps per rotation. Therefore, when 400 pulses are supplied to the stepping motors 70, the reels 14 make one rotation.
At the time of starting rotation of the reels 14, the sub CPU 206 supplies pulses, with low frequencies to the motor driving circuit 62, and then, gradually increases the frequencies of the pulses. Concurrently, the rotation speed of each of the reels 14 increases. When a predetermined time has elapsed, the frequencies of the pulses are made uniform. As a result, each of the reels 14 rotates at a constant speed.
Referring now to FIG. 23A to 23D, rotating movement of the reels 14 will be described. These figures are explanatory side views of the rotating movement of the reels 14. As shown in FIG. 23A, a semicircular metal plate 14 a is provided at the side face of each of the reels 14. The metal plate 14 a is rotated with each of the reels 14. Further, 22 symbols are provided on the peripheral face of each of the reels 14. Three of the 22 symbols drawn on the peripheral face of each of the reels 14 can be visually recognized via a display window 15 formed in front of each of the reels 14. In the figure, the heavily-lined arrows indicate the rotational directions of the reels 14. Further, a proximity sensor 65 a is provided laterally of the reels 14. The proximity sensor 65 a is for detecting the metal plate 14 a. The proximity sensor 65 a neither moves nor rotates, even if each of the reels 14 rotates.
FIG. 23A shows a position of the metal plate 14 a when the plate is about to be detected by means of the proximity sensor 65 a (hereinafter, referred to as position A). If the reels 14 rotate when the metal plate 14 a is at position A, the metal plate 14 a moves to the position shown in FIG. 23B. FIG. 23B shows a position of the metal plate 14 a when the plate is detected by means of the proximity sensor 65 a (hereinafter, referred to as position B). If the reels 14 rotate when the metal plate 14 a is at position B, the metal plate 14 a moves to the position shown in FIG. 23C. FIG. 23C shows a position of the metal plate 14 a when the plate is not detected by means of the proximity sensor 65 a (hereinafter, referred to as position C).
If the reels 14 rotate when the metal plate 14 a is set at position C, the metal plate 14 a moves to the position shown in FIG. 23D. The figure shows a position of the metal plate 14 a when the plate is not detected by means of the proximity sensor 65 a (hereinafter, referred to as position D). If the reels 14 further rotate, the metal plate 14 a reverts to the position A. As described above, the plate 14 a is sequentially shifted to positions A, B, C, D, and then, to A, together with rotation of the reels 14.
The proximity sensor 65 a constitutes an index detection circuit 65 (see FIG. 5). Assuming that a state in which the proximity sensor 65 a is detecting the metal plate 14 a is established at “High” and a state in which such detection is not being performed is established at “Low”, when the metal plate 14 a is shifted to the positions C, D, and then, to A, the state of the index detection circuit 65 is established at “Low”. The sub CPU 61 recognizes the rotational position of each of the reels 14 while a rising edge from “Low” to “High” is defined as an index (origin) 1 and a falling edge from “High” to “Low” is defined as an index (origin) 2.
The main CPU 41 executes an effect at the time of reel rotation after transmitting a start signal to the sub CPU 61 at step S40 (step S503). This processing operation is intended to display an image on the lower image display panel 16 or outputs a sound from the speaker 29, over a period (3 seconds, for example) which is defined responsive to a result, etc. of the abovementioned stopped-symbol determination processing.
Next, the main CPU 41 judges whether or not a timing of instructing rotation stop of the reels 14 is established (step S504). The timing of instructing rotation stop of the reels 14 denotes a timing which is precedent by time intervals minimally required to stop rotation of the reels 14. The timing minimally required to stop rotation of the reels 14 is predetermined.
When the judgment result at step S504 is negative (S504: NO), the routine restarts from the same step at which the effect at the time of reel rotation is continuously provided. If the result is affirmative (S504: YES), the main CPU 41 transmits, to the sub CPU 61, code Nos. of the reels which were stored in the RAM 43 (step S505). Upon the receipt of code Nos. of reels from the main CPU 41, the sub CPU 61 converts the code Nos. to the stop positions of reels from index (step Nos.), based upon a correlation table between the number of steps and code Nos. stored in the ROM (not shown) included in the sub CPU 61.
FIG. 24 is a schematic view showing a correlation table between the number of steps and code Nos. For code Nos., the corresponding indexes and the number of steps are associated with each other. Code Nos. correspond to the symbols drawn on the outer periphery of reels 14, and the symbols of code Nos. “00” to “10” correspond to index 1, and those of code Nos. The symbols of code Nos. 11 to 21 correspond to index 2. The number of steps in the correlation table shown in FIG. 24 is equivalent to that in the case where index 1 is defined as a reference. For example, if code No. is “08”, 145 steps from index 1 are equivalent to reel stop positions. Further, if code No. is “12”, 218 steps from index 1 are equivalent to reel stop positions.
Next, the sub CPU 61 executes reel stop processing (step S507). In this processing operation, the sub CPU 61 detects, for each of the reels 14, a rising edge (index 1) from “Low” to “High” in the index detection circuit 65. Then, this sub CPU supplies to the motor driving circuit 62 the pulses which are equivalent to the number of steps converted from code Nos. at step S52, with a timing with which index 1 was detected. After that, the sub CPU stops supplying pulses.
For example, at step S506, if the reel stop position is determined to be 145 steps from index 1, the sub CPU 61 supplies 145 pulses to the motor driving circuit 62 with the timing with which index 1 was detected. After that, this sub CPU stops supplying pulses. Further, at step S52, if the reel stop position is determined to be 21 steps from index 1, the sub CPU 61 supplies 218 pulses to the motor driving circuit 62, with the timing with which index 1 was detected. As a result, the reels 14 stop in accordance with the code Nos. determined at step S402 of FIG. 21, and a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination determined at step S402 of FIG. 21 is displayed in a stopped state. The main CPU 41 terminates effect rendering at the time of reel rotation (step S508). After terminating the processing operations at steps S507 and S508, the main CPU 41 terminates this processing operation.
If the index corresponding to code No. transmitted at step S505 is different from that detected by means of the index detection circuit 65 when rotation of the reels 14 has stopped, step-out of the reels 14 arises. Thus, the main CPU 41 performs processing, for example, of displaying an error message on the lower image display panel 16, and then, cancels a game. For example, this CPU cancels a game, if index 1 is detected by means of the index detection circuit 65 when rotation of the reel 14L has stopped in spite of the fact that the processing of stopping the reel 14L with code No. 12 corresponding to index 2 was performed.
The present embodiment described a case of using mechanical reels 14. However, in the present invention, symbols may be displayed on a display device such as a liquid crystal display device, instead of the mechanical reels 14.
Lastly, startup processing, which is invoked at step S110 in the main routine shown in FIG. 11, will be described. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing procedures for performing startup processing. This process shows procedures for performing an authentication reading process of game programs and game system programs by means of a motherboard 40 and the gaming board 50. A memory card 53 is inserted into a card slot 53S provided in the gaming board 50, and the GAL 54 is mounted to an IC socket 54S.
When a power switch is turned ON (power is supplied) in a power unit 45, the motherboard 40 and the gaming board 50 are started up (steps S1-1, S2-1). When they are started up, individual processing operations are performed, respectively. That is, on the gaming board 50, the CPU 51 reads a preliminary authentication program stored in the boot ROM 52. In accordance with the read preliminary authentication program, this CPU performs preliminary authentication to verify and certify in advance that an authentication program is not falsified, before data capturing in the motherboard 40 (step S2-2). On the other hand, on the motherboard 40, the main CPU 41 executes a BIOS stored in the ROM 42, and then, decomposes in the RAM 43 the compressed data incorporated in the BIOS (step S1-2). After that, the main CPU 41 executes the BIOS decompressed in the RAM 43, and diagnoses and initializes various peripheries (step S1-3).
To the main CPU 41, a ROM 55 of the gaming board 50 is connected via a PCI bus. The main CPU 41 performs processing of reading the authentication program stored in the ROM 55 and storing the read authentication program in the RAM 43 (step S1-4). At this time, the main CPU 41 takes a check sum by means of an ADD SUM system (standard check function) in accordance with the standard BIOS functions, and then, causes the RAM 43 to store the authentication program, while performing verification processing of whether or not storing operation is reliably performed without any mistake.
Next, the main CPU 41 accesses the memory card 53 inserted into the card slot 53S via an IDE bus after verifying what is connected to the IDE bus. Then, this main CPU reads the game programs and the game system programs from the memory card 53. In this case, the main CPU 41 reads, by four bytes, data constituting the game programs and the game system programs. Subsequently, the main CPU 41 performs authentication to verify and certifies that the read game programs and game system programs are not falsified, in accordance with the authentication program stored in the RAM 43 (steps S1-5). When this authentication processing normally terminates, the main CPU 41 causes the RAM 43 to write and store the (authenticated) game programs and game system programs targeted for authentication (steps S1-6). Next, the main CPU 41 provides an access to the GAL 54 mounted to the IC socket 54S via the PCI bus; reads payout rate setting data; and causes the RAM 43 to write and store the data (steps S1-7). Next, the main CPU 41 performs processing of reading country ID information stored in the ROM 55 of the gaming board 50 and causing the RAM 43 to store the read country ID information (steps S1-8).
After performing such startup processing, the main CPU 41 sequentially reads and executes the game programs and game system programs, thereby conducting the abovementioned game.
As described above, in the embodiment, the questionnaire sheet 39 is output which contains questions to be answered relevant to the player's age and gender, impression or evaluation relevant to games, and impression or evaluation of gaming facilities in which the gaming machines 10 are installed. The answers to these questions are obtained from the players, whereby information pertinent to the players such as the players' ages and genders and the players' actual opinions of advantages and drawbacks of games, etc., which the players felt, can be collected in a short time without making any market research for.
Further, transmitting answers to the counting server 200 transmits game machine ID numbers of identifying the gaming machines 10 or information such as gaming facility No. of gaming facility in which the gaming machines 10 are installed. Thus, information pertinent to the players and impression or evaluation relevant to the games can be re-collected for each gaming facility and for each gaming machine 10, and marquee can be enhanced more remarkably by replacing the gaming machines or varying the contents of the games based upon the re-collection result.
Further, the image or music responsible to the player's answer is reproduced at the counting server 200 at the time of starting a game, making it possible to attract the player's interest and concern.
The present embodiment described: a base game in which, after gaming mediums are betted, symbols are rearranged on the display device, and then, a payment is made in accordance with a combination of the rearranged symbols; and a free game executed without betting the gaming mediums. However, the games executed at the gaming machine 10 are not limitative to the base game or free game. A game different from those of the slot machine may be performed. For example, a card game such as poker or any other game such as a shooting game or a martial art game may be performed. At this time, these games may be performed only once, or alternatively, may be repeatedly performed over a plurality of times.
Further, advantageous effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely exemplified as the most preferable effects derived from the present invention. The advantageous effects according to the present invention are not limitative to those described in the embodiments thereof.

Claims

1. A gaming machine, comprising:

a controller which executes a process of starting a game, as triggered by establishment of a predetermined condition;

a reading device which reads a form in which an answer to a question has been filled, and converts the read answer into data; and

a memory which stores the data of the answer converted by the reading device.

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

a memory which stores plural types of video data and audio data; and

a reproduction device which reproduces video data and audio data selected in response to the stored answer.

3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a communication interface connected to a counting server for counting the answer to the question, wherein:

the communication interface transmits the answer data-converted by the reading device to the counting server together with identification information for identifying a transmission source.

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

the controller executes a process of counting the number of times of executing the game and a process of judging whether or not the counted number of times of executing the game reaches a predetermined value, and further comprises:

a stocker for stocking a form on which questions to be answered are printed; and

an ejection device which is capable of ejecting the form stocked in the stocker in a case where it is judged that the number of times of executing the game reaches a predetermined value by the controller.

5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, further comprising a re-collection device for re-collecting the form that is ejected by the ejection device and in which answers to questions are entered, wherein:

the reading device reads an answer from the form re-collected by the re-collection device, and data-converts the read answer.

6. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein:

the controller executes a process of setting a waiting state of waiting for re-collection of the form in which answers to questions are entered, after ejecting the form by the ejection device and a process of associating the answer data-converted from the form re-collected after establishing the waiting state, with a game history obtained until the waiting state is established, and then, storing the associated answer in the memory.

7. The gaming machine according to claim 6, further comprising:

a memory which stores plural types of video data and audio data; and

a reproduction device which reproduces video data and audio data selected in response to the stored answer and game history.

8. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein:

the re-collection device has: a re-collection box for stocking a form from which an answer can be read, from among the answered entry sheets; and another re-collection box for re-collecting a form from which an answer cannot be read.

9. A gaming machine, comprising:

a controller which executes a process of starting a game, as triggered by establishment of a predetermined condition, a process of counting the number of times of executing the game, and a process of judging whether or not the counted number of times of executing the game has reached a predetermined value;

a stocker for stocking a form on which questions to be answered are printed;

an ejection device which is capable of ejecting the form stocked in the stocker in a case where it is judged that the number of times of executing the game has reached a predetermined value by the controller;

a re-collection device for re-collecting the form that is ejected by the ejection device and in which answers to questions are entered;

a reading device which reads the form in which answers to questions are entered and which data-converts the read answer;

a memory which stores the answers data-converted by the reading device and plural types of video data and audio data; and

a reproduction device which reproduces video data or audio data stored in the memory, wherein:

the controller executes a process of transfer to a waiting state waiting for re-collection of the form in which answers to questions have been entered, after ejecting the form by the ejection device, a process of associating an answer data-converted from the form re-collected after transfer to the waiting state with a game history obtained until transfer to the waiting state, and storing the associated answer in the memory, and a process of selecting video data and audio data from the memory in accordance with the answer and game history stored in the memory, and wherein:

the reproduction device reproduces the video data and audio data selected by the controller.

10. A gaming machine, comprising:

a stocker for stocking a form on which questions to be answered are printed;

a reading device which reads the form in which answers to questions are entered and which data-converts the read answer; and

a memory which stores the answer data-converted by the reading device, wherein:

11. A method of acquiring from a player an answer to a question, comprising the steps of:

starting a game while it is triggered that a predetermined condition has been met;

reading, by a reading device, a form in which an answer to a question has been entered;

data-converting the read answer; and

storing the data-converted answer in a memory.