Gaming system having large display and plural gaming machines

The gaming system of the present invention comprises: a common image display having a common-image-display cabinet provided with an opening over substantially the entire front surface thereof, and a common flat display panel portion that is provided in the opening, and allowing the common flat display panel portion to rotate upwardly and downwardly with respect to the floor surface with a hinge as a shaft by having an upper end of the common flat display panel portion mounted on an upper end of a front surface of the common-image-display cabinet via the hinge.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a gaming system having a large display and plural gaming machines.

2. Discussion of the Background

Conventionally, there exists a gaming system in which a plurality of gaming machines are linked to a control device by network, as disclosed in: U.S. Pat. No. 6,068,553, U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,275, U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,484, US 2005/0079911-A1, US 2005/0119044-A1, US 2006/0205468-A1, US 2005/0187014-A1, and US 2006/0073897-A1. In such gaming systems, a control device pools part of game media which have been inserted in respective gaming machines, and pays out the pooled game media to gaming machines in which winning of progressive jackpots has occurred. Among these gaming systems, there are gaming systems adapted to display the amount of pooled game media to a common display.

In cases where such gaming systems are installed in casino halls and the like, there is a need for connection of a plurality of gaming machines to a control device through a network, installation of a display on a wall, works for preventing the network wirings from being exposed to cause disfigurement, and the like. Further, there has been a problem as seen in the case that once gaming systems have been constructed, there arises a need for works every time the position of the display is required to be changed due to change of the layout.

Further, since the position of the display is limited to places where a device for securing the display can be provided, the installation places of the gaming system are restricted in cases where the display is to be provided on a wall. Further, in cases where the display is to be hanged from a ceiling, it is dangerous when the ceiling is high. As described above, there have been restrictions on the places at which gaming systems are installed.

Further, in cases where the display is provided on a wall, there has been a possibility of changes of the wall color due to heat generation from the display.

In order to overcome the aforementioned problems, making a plurality of gaming machines, a common display and a control device form a single module has been conceived. However, in performing maintenance of the common display, it is necessary to perform maintenance of the common display at the back-surface side at which a control board for the display and the like are provided. Therefore, even when the gaming system is constituted by a single module, in a case where a wall or other gaming machines exist around the back surface of the installed gaming system, there arises a need for moving the gaming system itself or moving other gaming machines installed around the back surface of the gaming system, in performing maintenance of the common display. As described above, even when the gaming system is constituted by a single module, there has been induced a new problem of having difficulty in performing maintenance of the common display, depending on the place at which the gaming system is installed.

The present invention is made in view of the aforementioned problems, and aims at providing a gaming system which makes it possible to easily perform maintenance of a common display.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention provides a gaming system having the following configuration.

Namely, the gaming system comprises: a plurality of gaming machines, each including an image display provided with a flat display panel portion therein and an input device for input and being capable of executing an independent game; a control device; a single pedestal including a housing space that houses the control device therein, a bottom surface portion for installing the pedestal on a floor surface, and an installation surface for installing the plurality of gaming machines at positions facing to the bottom surface portion; a supporting member that is provided such that a first end of the supporting member is supported by the pedestal and a second end of the supporting member is oriented upwardly; a common image display having a common-image-display cabinet provided with an opening over substantially the entire front surface thereof, and a common flat display panel portion that is provided in the opening and has a size larger than that of the flat display panel portion, allowing the common flat display panel portion to rotate upwardly and downwardly with respect to the floor surface with a hinge as a shaft by having an upper end of the common flat display panel portion mounted on an upper end of a front surface of the common-image-display cabinet via the hinge, being supported at a position above the upper surfaces of the gaming machines by the second end side of the supporting member, and being controlled by the control device; and communication cables for communication between the plurality of gaming machines and the control device.

According to the gaming system, the plurality of gaming machines, the control device and the common image display constitute a single module. This configuration eliminates the necessity of connection of the plurality of gaming machines to the control device through a network, installation of the common image display on a wall, works for preventing the network wirings from being exposed to cause disfigurement, and the like, and also eliminates the necessity of works in changing the installation and the layout. Further, the gaming system can be installed even at a place having no walls in the vicinity thereof and a place having a high ceiling. This eliminates the restriction on the place at which the gaming system is installed.

Further, since there is no need for installing the common image display on a wall, the change of wall colors due to heat generated from the common image display can be suppressed.

Further, the upper end of the common flat display panel portion is mounted on the upper end of the front surface of the common-image-display cabinet via the hinge and, therefore, the common flat display panel portion can rotate upwardly and downwardly with respect to the floor surface, with the hinge as a shaft. Since the common flat display panel portion can rotate upwardly with respect to the floor surface, it is possible to perform maintenance of the common image display in front of the common image display, thereby facilitating maintenance of the common image display.

Further, the above-mentioned gaming system desirably has the following configuration.

Namely, the common-image-display cabinet comprises a holding bar that is provided rotatably in a forward direction of the common-image-display cabinet, with a first end of the holding bar as the center, in such a way that the holding bar projects forward from the common-image-display cabinet, and the common flat display panel portion is provided, in the back surface thereof, with an engagement depressed portion with which a second end of the holding bar is engaged, so that the common flat display panel portion is held at rest after being rotated upwardly or downwardly with respect to the floor surface with the hinge as a shaft.

According to the gaming system, the common-image-display cabinet includes a holding bar provided rotatably in the forward direction with the first end of the holding bar as the center, in such a way that the holding bar projects forward from the common-image-display cabinet, and the engagement depressed portion provided in the back surface of the common flat display panel portion is engaged with the second end of the holding bar, so that the common flat display panel portion can be held at rest after being rotated upwardly or downwardly with respect to the floor surface with the hinge as a shaft.

Further, the above-mentioned gaming system desirably has the following configuration.

Namely, the control device comprises a processor, and the processor is programmed to execute the processing of (A) executing a normal game in the respective gaming machines connected through the communication cables, (B) determining whether or not to execute a common game which is simultaneously executed in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, (C) determining for each of the gaming machines whether or not a normal game in execution has ended, when determining in the processing (B) that a common game is to be executed, (D) canceling, when determining in the processing (C) that the normal game in execution has ended in any of the gaming machines, start of a new normal game in this gaming machine, (E) determining whether or not the normal game in execution has ended in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, (F) executing a common game in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, when determining in the processing (E) that the normal game in execution has ended in all the gaming machines, and (G) displaying to the common image display a result of the common game executed in the processing (F).

According to the gaming system, normal games are executed in the respective gaming machines connected to the control device through the communication cables and, when it is determined that a common game which is simultaneously executed in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables is to be executed, start of a new normal game in the respective gaming machines is cancelled. Then, when it is determined that the normal game in execution has ended in all the gaming machines, a common game is executed in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables.

Since not only a normal game but also a common game, which is simultaneously executed in all the slot machines connected through the communication cables, is executed, it is possible to cause variations in games, thereby reducing the tendency of games to bore players even when games are executed for a long time.

Further, the above-mentioned gaming system desirably has the following configuration.

Namely, each of the gaming machines comprises a controller, and the control device includes a processor, the controller programmed to execute the processing of (a) executing a normal game, the processor programmed to execute the processing of (A) determining whether or not to execute a common game which is simultaneously executed in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, and (B) transmitting a game cancel signal to all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, when determining in the processing (A) that a common game is to be executed, the controller programmed to execute the processing of (b) determining whether or not the game cancel signal has been received from the control device through the communication cable, (c) canceling start of a new normal game, when determining in the processing (b) that the game cancel signal has been received, and (d) transmitting a normal-game-ended signal to the control device through the communication cable, after having executed the processing (c), the processor programmed to execute the processing of (C) determining through the communication cables whether or not the normal-game-ended signal has been received from all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, (D) executing a common game when determining in the processing (C) that the normal-game-ended signal has been received, and (E) displaying to the common image display a result of the common game executed in the processing (D).

According to the gaming system, when the control device determines to execute a common game which is simultaneously executed in all the gaming machines connected thereto through the communication cables, the control device transmits a game cancel signal to all the gaming machines connected thereto through the communication cables. Upon receipt of the game cancel signal, each gaming machine cancels start of a new normal game and transmits a normal-game-ended signal to the control device. Then, the control device executes a common game, when normal-game-ended signal has been received from all the gaming machines.

Since not only a normal game but also a common game, which is simultaneously executed in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, is executed, it is possible to cause variations in games, thereby reducing the tendency of games to bore players even when games are executed for a long time.

Further, normal games are executed by the respective gaming machines, which can reduce the load on the processor included in the control device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. It is to be noted that, in the following embodiment, there will be described a case where gaming machines are slot machines.

FIG. 1is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state where a common image display panel included in a common image display according to an embodiment is held at rest by a holding bar, after being rotated.

A common image display2includes a common-image-display cabinet2aincluding a common image display panel310, and a common-image-display back surface side cabinet2bincluding a board housing member302(seeFIG. 6D) provided so as to cover a common-image-display-panel control board306(seeFIG. 6G) that controls the common image display2. Also, the common image display2may be structured such that the common-image-display cabinet2aand the common-image-display back surface side cabinet2bare formed integrally with each other, without separating the common-image-display cabinet2aand the common-image-display back surface side cabinet2bfrom each other.

The upper end of the common image display panel310is mounted on the upper end of the front surface of the common-image-display cabinet2a,via a hinge314(FIG. 6J). InFIG. 1, after being rotated upwardly with respect to the floor surface with the hinge314as a shaft, the common image display panel310is held at rest by holding bars316provided near the ends of the upper surface of the bottom portion of the common-image-display cabinet2a.This enables performing maintenance of the common image display2in front of the common image display2, thereby facilitating maintenance of the common image display2.

The common image display panel310corresponds to a common flat display panel portion in the present invention.

FIG. 2is a perspective view schematically illustrating a gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, the gaming system1includes: a pedestal6; three slot machines10installed on the pedestal6; the common image display2supported by supporting members8(seeFIG. 3) provided on the pedestal6such that the common image display2is positioned above the upper surfaces of the slot machines10; common compact image displays3(a common compact image display3a,a common compact image display3b,a common compact image display3c,and a common compact image display3d) which are installed on secondary supporting members5(a secondary supporting member5aand a secondary supporting member5b) respectively extending leftward and rightward from the common image display2; and a control device200(seeFIG. 12).

The pedestal6has leg portions9(a leg portion9a,a leg portion9b,and a leg portion9c) provided on the lower side thereof and, also has a hollow space provided inside thereof. In the hollow space included in the pedestal6, there is provided a control-device housing portion203(seeFIG. 4B) in which the control device200is housed (not illustrated). Further, in the hollow space included in the pedestal6, there are plate-shaped pedestal supporting members7(a pedestal supporting member7a,a pedestal supporting member7band a pedestal supporting member7c) provided perpendicularly to a bottom surface of the pedestal6, which enhances the strength of the pedestal6.

It is to be noted that, the slot machines10, the common image display2and the common compact image displays3are connected to the control device200such that they can communicate with the control device200, through communication cables placed in the hollow space included in the pedestal6, the flow channels included in the supporting members8, and the hollow space provided within the secondary supporting members5.

The flow channels included in the supporting members8form airflow paths and also form arrangement paths for arranging communication cables therein.

FIG. 3is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state where the slot machines are removed from the gaming system illustrated inFIG. 2.

The common image display2is supported by the supporting members8(the supporting member8aand the supporting member8b) which are supported at their lower ends by the pedestal6. The supporting members8which support the common image display2are provided on the back surface side of the slot machines10, which enables installation of the common image display2without causing disfigurement.

FIG. 4Ais a perspective view schematically illustrating the pedestal included in the gaming system illustrated inFIG. 2.

The pedestal6has a horizontally-long rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the installation surface204thereof is provided, on the back side, with the rectangular-shaped pedestal upper surface openings201(the pedestal upper surface opening201aand the pedestal upper surface opening201b) arranged laterally at predetermined intervals. The pedestal upper surface openings201are openings for receiving the supporting-member opening protrusions150(seeFIG. 5A) included in the supporting members8.

FIG. 4Bis a perspective view schematically illustrating the state of the inside of the pedestal included in the gaming system illustrated inFIG. 2.

At substantially the center of the inside of the pedestal, there is provided the control-device housing portion203in which the control device200is housed. The pedestal supporting member7cis provided on the front face side of the control-device housing portion203, and the pedestal supporting member7aand the pedestal supporting member7bare provided on the lateral face side of the control-device housing portion203; therefore, the control-device housing portion203is invisible from the outside. Further, the plate-shaped pedestal supporting members7support the installation surface204, thereby forming a hollow space within the pedestal. Further, the pedestal supporting member7aand the pedestal supporting member7bhave angular-U shapes, which further enhances the strength of the pedestal6.

The control-device housing portion203corresponds to the housing space according to the present invention.

Just under the pedestal upper surface opening201aprovided in the installation surface204, a rectangular-shaped pedestal bottom surface opening202awhich communicates with external air is provided in the pedestal bottom surface portion205. Accordingly, the air flowed into the hollow space included in the pedestal6through the pedestal bottom surface opening202acan easily flow into the flow channel included in the supporting member8through the pedestal upper surface opening201a.Further, with respect to the pedestal upper surface opening201b,similarly to with respect to the pedestal upper surface opening201a,a rectangular-shaped pedestal bottom opening202bwhich communicates with external air is provided in the pedestal bottom surface portion205(not illustrated) It is to be noted that the pedestal bottom surface portion205is supported by the leg portions9(the leg portion9a,the leg portion9band the leg portion9c) and, therefore, is provided at a state where it is floated from the floor surface.

Further, while, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the pedestal bottom surface openings202(the pedestal bottom surface opening202aand the pedestal bottom surface opening202b) have rectangular shapes, the shapes of the pedestal bottom surface openings are not particularly limited and may be circular shapes.

FIG. 5Ais a perspective view schematically illustrating a supporting member included in the gaming system illustrated inFIG. 2.

The supporting member8has a longitudinally-long rectangular parallelepiped shape and has the supporting-member opening protrusions150having rectangular parallelepiped shapes which are provided at the respective ends of the supporting member8(one on the lower end side is not illustrated). Further, the supporting-member opening protrusions150are open inside thereof, and the supporting member8is provided, inside thereof, with a flow channel which is in communication with the openings included in the respective supporting-member opening protrusions150provided at the respective ends of the supporting member8(not illustrated)

FIG. 5Bis a cross-sectional view of the supporting member illustrated inFIG. 5A, taken along the line A-A.

As illustrated inFIG. 5B, there is a hollow portion inside the supporting member8. The hollow portion forms the flow channel that is in communication with the openings of the supporting-member opening protrusions150provided at the respective ends of the supporting member8.

FIG. 5Cis a cross-sectional view of the supporting member illustrated inFIG. 5A, taken along the line B-B.

As illustrated inFIG. 5C, at substantially the center of the hollow portion forming the flow channel, there is provided a fan mounting frame156formed to be hollow inside thereof, and there is further provided the fan155inside of the fan mounting frame156. As just described, the fan155that transfers the air upwardly is provided within the flow channel included in the supporting member8.

It is to be noted that the hollow portions that exist outside the fan mounting frame156form arrangement paths for arranging communication cables therein.

Since the fan155is provided at a portion near the upper end of the supporting member8, it is possible to efficiently make the air within the flow channel flow into the space within the board housing member302and the internal space included in the common-image-display back surface side cabinet2b.

While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where a single fan155is provided within the flow channel included in the supporting member8, the number of fans to be provided within the flow channel included in the supporting member8is not particularly limited, and may be more than one. For example, in cases where fans are provided on the upper end side and the lower end side of the supporting member, it is possible to cause the air flowed into the pedestal bottom surface openings202(seeFIG. 4B) which are provided in the pedestal6and communicated with external air to efficiently flow into the space within the board housing member302and the internal space included in the common-image-display back surface side cabinet2b.

FIG. 6Ais a perspective view schematically illustrating the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated inFIG. 2.

The common image display2includes the common-image-display cabinet2aand the common-image-display back surface side cabinet2b.The common image display panel310is provided in an opening provided over substantially the entire front surface of the common-image-display cabinet2a.In the upper surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet2b,there are provided the plurality of circular-shaped common-image-display upper openings300.

The common image display panel310is not particularly limited, so long as it is a panel capable of displaying images thereto. The common image display panel310can be, for example, a liquid crystal panel, a plasma panel, an organic electroluminescence panel or the like.

FIG. 6Bis a perspective view schematically illustrating a bottom surface of the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated inFIG. 2.

In the bottom surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet2b,there are provided the common-image-display bottom openings301(the common-image-display bottom opening301aand the common-image-display bottom opening301b) having rectangular shapes in different sizes, arranged laterally at predetermined intervals. The common-image-display bottom opening301ais provided straddling the common image display cabinet2aand the common-image-display back surface side cabinet2b.Further, in the bottom surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet2b,there are provided a plurality of circular-shaped common-image-display bottom openings301c,between the common-image-display bottom opening301aand the common-image-display bottom opening301b.

The common-image-display bottom opening301ais an opening which receives the supporting member8. The common-image-display bottom opening301bis an opening which receives the supporting-member opening protrusion150included in the supporting member8.

FIG. 6Cis a perspective view schematically illustrating a back surface of the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated inFIG. 2.

At an upper portion of the back surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet2b,there are provided a plurality of circular-shaped common-image-display back surface openings304. Since the common-image-display back surface openings304are provided at the upper portion of the back surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet2b,the heated air within the common image display2can be efficiently ejected.

FIG. 6Dis a perspective view schematically illustrating a state where the common-image-display back surface side cabinet is removed from the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated inFIG. 2.

The board housing member302provided on the right side of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet2b(seeFIG. 7) is hollow inside thereof. At the upper portion of the board housing member302, there are provided rectangular-shaped board-housing-member upper openings303(board-housing-member upper opening303a,board-housing-member opening303b,board-housing-member upper opening303cand board-housing-member upper opening303d) arranged laterally at predetermined intervals. Further, a space is provided between the common-image-display cabinet2aand the board housing member302.

It is to be noted that the material of the board housing member302is not particularly limited, but is preferably a metal with a high thermal conductance, such as aluminum and copper.

While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the board housing member302has outer surfaces with flat shapes, the shapes of the outer surfaces of the board housing member are not particularly limited, and may be shapes which make the surface area of the outer surfaces of the board housing member large; for example, the board housing member may be provided with a plurality of protrusions on its outer surfaces.

FIG. 6Eis a perspective view schematically illustrating the board housing member included in the common image display illustrated inFIG. 6A.

The board housing member302has a rectangular-shaped board-housing-member bottom opening305provided at the bottom portion thereof (the front side inFIG. 6E). The board-housing-member bottom opening305is provided at a portion which is positioned at the upper portion with respect to the common-image-display bottom opening301aprovided in the bottom surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet2b(seeFIG. 7).

FIG. 6Fis a perspective view schematically illustrating the state of the inside of the board housing member included in the common image display illustrated inFIG. 6A.

Within the board housing member302, there is provided the common-image-display-panel control board306which controls the common image display7.

FIG. 6Gis a perspective view schematically illustrating the common-image-display-panel control board included in the common image display illustrated inFIG. 6A.

The common-image-display-panel control board306has a CPU (not illustrated) provided on the left side thereof, and has a CPU housing member307with a rectangular parallelepiped shape provided in such a way as to cover the CPU. The CPU housing member307, which is hollow inside thereof, has rectangular-shaped CPU-housing-member openings309(CPU-housing-member opening309aand CPU-housing-member opening309b) provided at the upper portion thereof (the back side inFIG. 6G) and at the bottom portion thereof (the front side inFIG. 6G), and is opened over substantially the entire face thereof that abuts with the common-image-display-panel control board306. Further, within the CPU housing member307, there is provided a CPU fan308that transfers the air flowed into the CPU-housing-member opening309a,toward the CPU-housing-member opening309b.Further, inFIG. 6G, members for providing the CPU fan308and the like are not illustrated, for ease of description.

It is to be noted that, the material of the CPU housing member307is not particularly limited, but is preferably a metal with a high thermal conductance, such as aluminum and copper.

While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the CPU housing member307has outer surfaces with flat shapes, the shapes of the outer surfaces of the CPU housing member are not particularly limited in the present invention, and may be shapes which make the surface area of the outer surfaces of the CPU housing member large; for example, the CPU housing member may be provided with a plurality of protrusions on its outer surfaces.

FIG. 6His a cross-sectional view of the bottom portion of the board housing member included in the common image display illustrated inFIG. 6A.

A sealing member311made of an elastic material is attached to the entire periphery of the inner wall surface of the board-housing-member bottom opening305provided in the bottom portion of the board housing member302.

With the sealing member311, the inner wall surface of the board-housing-member bottom opening305is intimately attached to the outer wall surface of the supporting-member opening protrusion150bprovided in the supporting member8a,which causes the space within the board housing member302to be communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting member8a,with no gap interposed therebetween (seeFIG. 7).

It is to be noted that the material of the sealing member311is not particularly limited so long as it is an elastic material. Examples of the material of the sealing member311may include foam sponge and rubber.

FIG. 6Iis a view schematically illustrating the hinge included in the common image display illustrated inFIG. 6A.

The hinge314includes a hinge constituent member336aand a hinge constituent member336b,and the hinge constituent member336aand the hinge constituent member336bare rotatable with the hinge axis as the center.

FIG. 6Jis a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the common image display panel and the common-image-display cabinet included in the common image display illustrated inFIG. 6Aare coupled to each other, via the hinge.

The upper end of the common image display panel310is mounted on the upper end of the front surface of the common image display cabinet2a,via the hinge314. This allows the common image display panel310to rotate upwardly and downwardly with respect to the floor surface with the hinge314as a shaft.

FIG. 6Kis a view schematically illustrating the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated inFIG. 2.

There is illustrated a state where the common image display panel310has been rotated upwardly with respect to the floor surface with the hinge314as a shaft.

FIG. 6Lis a perspective view schematically illustrating a state where the common image display panel is removed from the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated inFIG. 2.

The common image display cabinet2ais provided with an opening over substantially the entire back surface thereof, and a sheet metal312is removably provided in the opening.

Further, the method for mounting the sheet metal312on the common-image-display cabinet2ais not particularly limited so long as the sheet metal312is made removable and, for example, the sheet metal312can be mounted thereon using securing members, such as screws.

Further, the material of the sheet metal312is not particularly limited, but is preferably a metal with a high thermal conductance, such as aluminum and copper. The sheet metal312made of a material with a high thermal conductance is provided between the common-image-display-panel control board306and the common image display panel310and, therefore, the sheet metal312absorbs heat generated from the common-image-display-panel control board306, thereby suppressing the influence of the heat generation from the common-image-display-panel control board306on the common image display panel310. Further, although the holding bars316are not illustrated inFIG. 6L, the holding bars316will be described in detail later with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 6Mis a view schematically illustrating the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated inFIG. 2.

FIG. 6Mis a perspective view schematically illustrating a state where the common image display panel310and the sheet metal312are removed from the common image display2. On the back surface of the sheet metal312(seeFIG. 6L), there is provided the board housing member302provided in such a way as to cover the common-image-display-panel control board306(seeFIG. 6G) which controls the common image display2. A board-housing-member front surface153, the surface of the board housing member302facing to the common-image-display cabinet2a,is removable. By removing the board-housing-member front surface153, the common-image-display-panel control board306(seeFIG. 6G) is exposed.

It is to be noted that the method for mounting the board-housing-member front surface153on the board housing member302is not particularly limited, so long as the board-housing-member front surface153is made removable; for example, the board-housing-member front surface153can be mounted on the board housing member302using securing members, such as screws.

FIG. 6Nis a perspective view schematically illustrating a state where the common image display panel is removed from the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated inFIG. 2.

FIG. 6Ois a perspective view schematically illustrating a state where the common image display panel is removed from the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated inFIG. 2.

Near ends of the upper surface of the bottom portion of the common-image-display cabinet2a,there are provided respective holding-bar securing members315. Further, the respective holding-bar securing members315allow the holding bars316to rotate in the forward direction of the common-image-display cabinet2a,with the first ends of the holding bards316as the center, in such a way that the holding bars316project forward from the common-image-display cabinet2a.

InFIG. 6N, the holding bars316are at rest in a state where the second ends of the holding bars316are upwardly oriented. The holding bars316are placed on the back surface side of the common image display panel310in a state illustrated inFIG. 6N, except during maintenance of the common image display2.

InFIG. 6O, there is illustrated a state where the holding bars316have been rotated with the first ends thereof as the center such that the second ends of the holding bars316are oriented in a diagonally forward direction with respect to the common-image-display cabinet2a.As described above, the holding bars316are provided rotatably in the forward direction of the common-image-display cabinet2a,with the first ends of the holding bars316as the center, in such away that the holding bars316project forward from the common-image-display cabinet2a.

FIG. 6Pis a side view schematically illustrating a holding bar included in the common image display illustrated inFIG. 6A.

The holding bar316is provided, on the first end side thereof, with a circular-shaped holding-bar opening317which penetrates through the holding bar316. The holding-bar opening317has a diameter larger than the diameter of a securing-member coupling member318(seeFIG. 6Q).

FIG. 6Qis a side view schematically illustrating a holding bar and a holding-bar securing member included in the common image display illustrated inFIG. 6A.

The holding-bar securing member315includes two half-circular securing members319with half-circular shapes (only one of them is illustrated) and the securing-member coupling member318with a circular cylindrical shape which couples substantially-center portions of the two half-circular securing members319to each other. The securing-member coupling member318is inserted into the holding-bar opening317, so that the holding bar316is provided rotatably with the securing-member coupling member318as the center, by the holding-bar securing member315.

It is to be noted that installation of the holding-bar securing members315on the common-image-display cabinet2acan be attained by using securing members such as screws, an adhesive agent, or the like.

Further, the lengths of the holding bars316can be properly designed as required.

FIG. 6Ris a view schematically illustrating the back surface of the common image display panel included in the common image display illustrated inFIG. 6A.

In the back surface of the common image display panel310, there are provided a plurality of engagement depressed portions313(an engagement depressed portion313a,an engagement depressed portion313b,an engagement depressed portion313c,an engagement depressed portion313d,an engagement depressed portion313e,and an engagement depressed portion313f) which are depressed portions with circular cylindrical shapes. The second ends of the holding bars316are engaged with the engagement depressed portions313, so that the common image display panel310is held at rest, after being rotated upwardly or downwardly with respect to the floor surface with the hinge314as a shaft.

FIG. 7is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state where the common image display, the supporting members and the pedestal according to an embodiment are being coupled to one another.

The pedestal upper surface opening201aprovided in the installation surface204included in the pedestal6receives the supporting-member opening protrusion150dprovided on the lower end side of the supporting member8a,which causes the supporting member8ato be secured to the pedestal6and also causes the hollow space included in the pedestal6to be communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting member8a.It is to be noted that the flow channel included in the supporting member8ais communicated with openings respectively provided in the supporting-member opening protrusions150band150dprovided at the respective ends of the supporting member8a(not illustrated). Similarly, the pedestal upper surface opening201bprovided in the installation surface204receives the supporting-member opening protrusion150cprovided on the lower end side of the supporting member8b,which causes the supporting member8bto be secured to the pedestal6and also causes the hollow space included in the pedestal6to be communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting member8b.It is to be noted that the flow channel included in the supporting member8bis communicated with openings respectively provided in the supporting-member opening protrusions150aand150cprovided at the respective ends of the supporting member8b(not illustrated).

The common-image-display bottom opening301aprovided in the bottom surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet2breceives the supporting member8aand, the board-housing-member bottom opening305provided at the bottom portion of the board housing member302receives the supporting-member opening protrusion150bprovided on the upper end side of the supporting member8a,which causes the supporting member8ato support the board housing member302included in the common image display2and also causes the space within the board housing member302to be communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting member8a.It is to be noted that the common-image-display bottom opening301ahas an approximately same size as that of the supporting member8. Meanwhile, the common-image-display bottom opening301bprovided in the bottom surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet2breceives the supporting-member opening protrusion150aprovided on the upper end side of the supporting member8b,which causes the supporting member8bto support the common image display2and also causes the internal space included in the common-image-display back surface side cabinet2bto be communicated with the flow channel included in the supporting member8b.

The air flowed into the pedestal bottom surface openings202(seeFIG. 4B) which are provided in the pedestal6and communicated with external air is transferred upwardly within the flow channel included in the supporting member8aby the fan155(seeFIG. 5C) provided within the flow channel included in the supporting member8a,flows into the space within the board housing member302, cools the heat-generating common-image-display-panel control board306(seeFIG. 6G), flows out through the board-housing-member upper openings303provided at the upper portion of the board housing member302, and flows out through the plurality of common-image-display upper openings300(seeFIG. 6A) provided in the upper surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet2b.Further, the air flowed into the space within the board housing member302is flowed into the CPU housing member307through the CPU-housing-member opening309aby the CPU fan308provided within the CPU housing member307, and cools the heat-generating CPU. Thereafter, the air is ejected therefrom through the CPU-housing-member opening309b,is ejected through the board-housing-member upper openings303provided at the upper portion of the board housing member302and then is ejected through the plurality of common-image-display upper openings300(seeFIG. 6A) provided in the upper surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet2b.

Further, the air flowed into the pedestal bottom surface openings202(seeFIG. 4B) which are provided in the pedestal6and communicated with external air is transferred upwardly through the flow channel included in the supporting member8bby the fan155(seeFIG. 5C) provided within the flow channel included in the supporting member8b,flows into the internal space included in the common-image-display back surface side cabinet2b,cools the board housing member302from the outside thereof, and flows out through the plurality of common-image-display upper openings300(seeFIG. 6A) provided in the upper surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet2b.

It is to be noted that, when the common image display2, the supporting members8and the pedestal6are coupled to one another, it is possible to use securing members such as screws, an adhesive agent or the like. Further, the thickness of the installation surface204, the thickness of the bottom surface of the common-image-display back surface side cabinet2b,and the length of the supporting-member opening protrusions150can be properly designed as required.

In the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the pedestal upper surface openings201(the pedestal upper surface opening201aand the pedestal upper surface opening201b), the common-image-display bottom opening301band the board-housing-member bottom opening305have rectangular shapes. However, the shapes of the pedestal upper surface openings, the common-image-display bottom opening and the board-housing-member bottom opening are not particularly limited, so long as the shapes conform to the shapes of the supporting-member opening protrusions150. For example, when the supporting-member opening protrusions have circular cylindrical shapes, the pedestal upper surface openings, the common-image-display bottom opening and the board-housing-member bottom opening may have circular shapes.

FIG. 8is a perspective view schematically showing a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the slot machine10, a coin, a bill, or electronic valuable information corresponding to those is used as a game medium. However, in the present invention, the game medium is not particularly limited. Examples of the game medium may include a medal, a token, electronic money and a ticket. It is to be noted that the ticket is not particularly limited, and examples thereof may include a ticket with a barcode as described later.

The slot machine10comprises a cabinet11, a top box12installed on the upper side of the cabinet11, and a main door13provided at the front face of the cabinet11.

On the main door13, a lower image display panel16as a display is provided.

The lower image display panel16includes a transparent liquid crystal panel, and displays 15 display blocks150in 5 columns and 3 rows. A single symbol is displayed in each display block150.

Further, a number-of-credits display portion31and a number-of-payouts display portion32are provided in the lower image display panel16. The number-of-credits display portion31displays an image indicative of the number of coins being credited. The number-of-payouts display portion32displays an image indicative of the number of coins to be paid out.

Moreover, although not shown, a touch panel69is provided at the front face of the lower image display panel16. A player can operate the touch panel69to input a variety of commands.

Below the lower image display panel16, there are provided a control panel20including a plurality of buttons23to27and110A to110C with each of which a command according to game progress is inputted by the player, a coin receiving slot21through which a coin is accepted into the cabinet11, and a bill validator22.

The control panel20is provided with a spin button23, a change button24, a CASHOUT button25, a 1-BET button26and a maximum BET button27. The spin button23is used for inputting a command to start scroll of the symbols. The change button24is used for making a request of staff in the recreation facility for exchange. The CASHOUT button25is used for inputting a command to pay out credited coins to a coin tray18.

The 1-BET button26is used for inputting a command to bet one coin on a game out of credited coins. The maximum BET button27is used for inputting a command to bet the maximum number of coins that can be bet on one game (50 coins in the present embodiment) out of credited coins.

A right selection button110A, a center selection button110B and a left selection button110C are used for selecting a right card, a center card and a left card, respectively, during a common game.

The bill validator22not only discriminates a regular bill from a false bill, but also accepts the regular bill into the cabinet11. It is to be noted that the bill validator22may be configured so as to be capable of reading a later-described ticket39with a barcode. At the lower front of the main door13, namely, below the control panel20, there is provided a belly glass34on which a character or the like of the slot machine10is drawn.

Also, speakers29are provided on either side of the top box12. Further, on the front face of the top box12, there are provided a ticket printer35, a card reader36, a data display37, and a key pad38. The ticket printer35prints on a ticket a barcode as coded data of the number of credits, a date, an identification number of the slot machine10, and the like, and outputs the ticket as the ticket39with a barcode. The player can make another slot machine read the ticket39with a barcode to play a game thereon, or exchange the ticket39with a barcode with a bill or the like at a predetermined place in the recreation facility (e.g. a cashier in a casino).

The card reader36reads data from a smart card and writes data into the smart card. The smart card is a card owned by the player, and for example, data for identifying the player and data concerning a history of games played by the player are stored therein. Data corresponding to a coin, a bill or a credit may be stored in the smart card. Further, a magnetic stripe card maybe adopted in place of the smart card. The data display37includes a fluorescent display and the like, and displays, for example, data read by the card reader36or data inputted by the player via the key pad38. The key pad38is used for inputting a command and data concerning issuing of a ticket, and the like.

FIG. 9is a view illustrating an exemplary image displayed to the lower image display panel.

FIG. 9illustrates an image which is displayed when symbols are rearranged during the execution of normal games.

Symbols are scrolled along the respective columns of the display blocks150and then rearranged. Based on the types and the numbers of the symbols displayed in the display blocks150at this time, payout of coins is conducted.

Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where 15 symbols in total are displayed along 3 rows and 5 columns. However, display of symbols according to the present invention is not limited to display along 3 rows and 5 columns. Further, while, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where symbols are scrolled along the respective columns, symbols may be scroll-displayed in each block.

Further, although not illustrated, various types of images relating to effects, in addition to images as described above, are displayed to the lower image display panel16.

FIG. 10is a view illustrating the symbols to be displayed in the respective display blocks and the code Nos. of the respective symbols.

As illustrated inFIG. 10, arrays of 22 symbols having code Nos. of “00” to “21” in total are scrolled in the respective display blocks150. Each of the arrays of symbols is constituted by a combination of symbols of “JACKPOT 7”, “BLUE 7”, “BELL”, “CHERRY”, “STRAWBERRY”, “PLUM”, “ORANGE” and “APPLE”. These symbols are all scatter symbols and, based on the number of symbols displayed in the display blocks150at the time of rearrangement, payout of coins is conducted.

FIG. 11is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the slot machine shown inFIG. 8.

A gaming board50is provided with a CPU (Central Processing Unit)51, a ROM55, and a boot ROM52which are interconnected to one another by an internal bus, a card slot53S corresponding to a memory card53, and an IC socket54S corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic)54.

The memory card53includes a nonvolatile memory such as CompactFlash (registered trademark), and stores a game program. The game program includes a symbol determination program. The symbol determination program is a program for determining symbols (code Nos. corresponding to the symbols) to be rearranged to the display blocks150.

Further, the card slot53S is configured so as to allow the memory card53to be inserted thereinto or removed therefrom, and is connected to the mother board40by an IDE bus. Therefore, the type and contents of a game played on the slot machine10can be changed by removing the memory card53from the card slot53S, writing another game program into the memory card53, and inserting the memory card53into the card slot53S. The game program includes a program according to progress of the game. Further, the game program includes image data and sound data to be outputted during the game.

The CPU51, the ROM55and the boot ROM52interconnected to one another by an internal bus are connected to the mother board40through the PCI bus. The PCI bus not only conducts signal transmission between the mother board40and the gaming board50, but also supplies power from the mother board40to the gaming board50.

The mother board40is configured using a commercially available general-purpose mother board (a print wiring board on which fundamental components of a personal computer are mounted), and provided with a main CPU41, a ROM (Read Only Memory)42, a RAM (Random Access Memory)43, and a communication interface44. The mother board40corresponds to the controller of the present invention.

The ROM42is comprised of a memory device such as a flash memory, and stores a program such as a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) executed by the main CPU41, and permanent data. When the BIOS is executed by the main CPU41, processing for initializing a predetermined peripheral device is conducted, concurrently with start of processing for loading the game program stored in the memory card53via the gaming board50. It is to be noted that, in the present invention, the ROM42may or may not be data rewritable one.

The RAM43stores data and a program to be used at the time of operation of the main CPU41. Further, the RAM43is capable of storing a game program.

Further, the RAM43stores data such as a normal-game-start cancel flag, the symbol determination program, code Nos. of symbol arrays, the number of credits, the number of inserted coins and the number of payouts in one game, and the like.

Moreover, the mother board40is connected with a later-described body PCB (Printed Circuit Board)60and a door PCB80through respective USBs. Further, the mother board40is connected with a power supply unit45and a communication interface44.

The body PCB60and the door PCB80are connected with an instrument and a device that generate an input signal to be inputted into the main CPU41and an instrument and a device operations of which are controlled by a control signal outputted from the main CPU41. The main CPU41executes the game program stored in the RAM43based on the input signal inputted into the main CPU41, and thereby executes the predetermined arithmetic processing, stores the result thereof into the RAM43, or transmits a control signal to each instrument and device as processing for controlling each instrument and device.

The body PCB60is connected with a hopper66, a coin detecting portion67, a graphic board68, the speakers29, the touch panel69, the bill validator22, the ticket printer35, the card reader36, a key switch38S and the data display37.

The hopper66is installed inside the cabinet11, and pays out a predetermined number of coins from the coin payout exit19to the coin tray18, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU41. The coin detecting portion67is provided inside the coin payout exit19, and outputs an input signal to the main CPU41in the case of detecting payout of the predetermined number of coins from the coin payout exit19.

The graphic board68controls image display to the lower image display panel16, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU41. To each of the display blocks150of the lower image display panel16, a scrolled or stopped symbol is displayed. The number of credits stored in the RAM43is displayed to a number-of-credits display portion31of the lower image display panel16. Further, the number of coin-outs is displayed to a number-of-payouts display portion32of the lower image display panel16.

The graphic board68comprises a VDP (Video Display Processor) generating image data based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU41, a video RAM temporarily storing image data generated by the VDP, and the like. It is to be noted that image data used in generation of the image data by the VDP is included in the game program read from the memory card53and stored into the RAM43.

The bill validator22not only discriminates a regular bill from a false bill, but also accepts the regular bill into the cabinet11. Upon acceptance of the regular bill, the bill validator22outputs an input signal to the main CPU41based on a face amount of the bill. The main CPU41stores in the PAM43the number of credits corresponding to the face amount of the bill transmitted with the input signal.

Based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU41, the ticket printer35prints on a ticket a barcode as coded data of the number of credits stored in the PAM43, a date, and an identification number of the slot machine10, and the like, and outputs the ticket as the ticket39with a barcode. The card reader36reads data from the smart card and transmits the read data to the main CPU41, and writes data onto the smart card based on the control signal from the main CPU41. The key switch38S is provided on the key pad38, and outputs a predetermined input signal to the main CPU41when the key pad38is operated by the player. The data display37displays data read by the card reader36and data inputted by the player via the key pad38, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU41.

The door PCB80is connected with a control panel20, a reverter21S, a coin counter21C, and a cold cathode tube81. The control panel20is provided with a spin switch23S corresponding to the spin button23, a change switch24S corresponding to the change button24, a CASHOUT switch25S corresponding to the CASHOUT button25, a 1-BET switch26S corresponding to the 1-BET button26, the maximum BET switch27S corresponding to the maximum BET button27, a right selection switch110S corresponding to the right selection button110A, a center selection switch110BS corresponding to the center selection button110C, and a left selection switch110CS corresponding to the left selection button110C. Each of the switches23S to27S and110AS to110CS outputs an input signal to the main CPU41when each of the buttons23to27and110A to110C corresponding thereto is operated by the player.

The coin counter21C is provided inside the coin receiving slot21, and discriminates a regular coin from a false coin inserted into the coin receiving slot21by the player. Coins other than the regular coin are discharged from the coin payout exit19. Further, the coin counter21C outputs an input signal to the main CPU41in detection of the regular coin.

The reverter21S operates based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU41, and distributes a coin recognized as the regular coin by the coin counter21C into a cash box (not shown) or the hopper66, which are disposed in the slot machine10. Namely, when the hopper66is filled with coins, the regular coin is distributed into the cash box by the reverter21S. On the other hand, when the hopper66is not filled with coins, the regular coin is distributed into the hopper66. The cold cathode tube81functions as a back light installed on the rear face side of the lower image display panel16, and is lit up based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU41.

FIG. 12is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the control device provided in the gaming system illustrated inFIG. 2.

The control device200is provided with the CPU501as a processor, a ROM502, a RAM503, a communication interface504, a hard disk drive505, and a timer506. The communication interface504is connected with the slot machines10, the common image display2, and the common compact image displays3(the common compact image display3a,the common compact image display3b,the common compact image display3c,and the common compact image display3d), via communication cables.

The ROM502stores: a system program for controlling operations of the control device200; permanent data; and the like.

The ROM502stores data indicative of a predetermined value and data indicative of a predetermined time.

The ROM502stores dot data for use in forming images to be displayed to the common image display2, and dot data for use in displaying card images313and card images316.

The RAM503temporarily stores data such as data received from each of the slot machines10, and data on a calculation result.

The RAM503stores a cumulative number T of games, a cumulative value S, a carry-over value R and a deposit value U.

Further, the CPU501controls display of images to the common compact image displays3. To the common compact image displays3, for example, images showing introduction of game contents and explanation of a game rule are displayed under control of the CPU501.

FIG. 13is a flowchart showing a procedure of activation processing executed in the slot machine. This activation processing is the processing conducted by the mother board40and the gaming board50. It should be noted that the memory card53is inserted into the card slot53S in the gaming board50, and the GAL54is mounted onto the IC socket54S.

First, when a power switch is turned on (power is turned on) in the power supply unit45, the mother board40and the gaming board50are activated (steps S1-1, S2-1). In activation of the mother board40and the gaming board50, different processing is individually executed in parallel. Namely, in the gaming board50, the CPU51reads the auxiliary authentication program stored in the boot ROM52, and conducts auxiliary authentication according to the read auxiliary authentication program, to previously check and prove that the authentication program is not falsified before loading the program to the mother board40(step S2-2). Meanwhile, in the mother board40, the main CPU41executes the BIOS stored in the ROM42, and expands compressed data which is incorporated in the BIOS into the RAM43(step S1-2). The main CPU41then executes the BIOS expanded into the RAM43to diagnose and initialize a variety of peripheral devices (step S1-3). The processing of step S1-3will be specifically described later with reference to drawings.

Since the ROM55of the gaming board50is connected to the main CPU41via the PCI bus, the main CPU41reads the authentication program stored in the ROM55, and stores the read authentication program into the RAM43(step S1-4). At this time, according to the standard BIOS function of BIOS, the main CPU41takes a checksum by ADDSUM system (normal checking system) and stores the authentication program into the RAM43, while conducting processing for confirming whether or not the storage is certainly conducted.

Next, after confirming what is connected to the IDE bus, the main CPU41accesses, via the IDE bus, the memory card53inserted in the card slot53S, to read a game program and a game system program from the memory card53. In this case, the main CPU41reads data constituting the game program and the game system program by 4 bytes at a time. Subsequently, the main CPU41conducts authentication to check and prove that the read game program and game system program have not been falsified, following the authentication program stored in the RAM43(step S1-5). When this authentication processing is normally completed, the main CPU41writes and stores the game program and the game system program, which have been the authentication targets (which have been authenticated), into the RAM43(step S1-6). Next, the main CPU41accesses via the PCI bus the GAL54mounted on the IC socket54S, reads payout ratio setting data from the GAL54, and writes and stores the data into the RAM43(step S1-7). Subsequently, the main CPU41conducts processing for reading country identification information stored in the ROM55of the gaming board50via the PCI bus, and writes and stores the read country identification information into the RAM43(step S1-8).

After conducting the above-mentioned processing, the main CPU41sequentially reads and executes the game program and the game system program, thereby executes the main processing.

FIG. 14is a view showing peripheral-device initialization processing executed in the slot machines.

First, the main CPU41diagnoses and initializes the display (step S3-2). In this processing, the main CPU41transmits a request signal to the graphic board68. Then, the main CPU41determines whether or not to have received a predetermined response signal and conducts clearance of a predetermined storage area, and the like.

Next, the main CPU41diagnoses and initializes various types of input devices (step S3-3). In this processing, the main CPU41transmits request signals to the input devices such as the spin switch23S, the change switch24S, the CASHOUT switch25S, the 1-BET switch26S, the maximum BET switch27S, the right selection switch110AS, the center selection switch110BS, the left selection switch110CS and the touch panel11, and then determines whether or not to have received predetermined response signals.

Subsequently, the main CPU41diagnoses and initializes other peripheral devices connected to the main CPU41(step S3-4). Then the present subroutine is terminated.

FIG. 15is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of activation processing conducted in the control device.

First, when the power switch is turned on (the power is turned on) in the power supply unit, a mother board (not shown) is activated (step S4-1).

In the mother board, the CPU501executes a BIOS stored in the ROM502so as to expand compressed data incorporated in the BIOS into the RAM503(step S4-2). Then, the CPU501executes the BIOS expanded into the RAM503, and then, diagnoses and initializes various types of peripheral devices such as the common image display2and the common compact image displays3(step S4-3).

Next, the CPU501executes initialization processing of each slot machine. In this processing, the CPU501establishes a network connection between the control device200and each slot machine10, and diagnoses if the network functions properly.

After the above-described processing, the CPU501controls progress of the game executed in the plurality of the slot machines10by reading and executing a game control program.

FIG. 16is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of main processing executed in the slot machines.

At first, the main CPU41executes normal-game execution processing (step S10). In this processing, after coins are BET, the main CPU41rearranges symbols in the lower image display panel16by being triggered by turn-on of the spin button23, and pays out coins when the main CPU41determines that a prize has been established. The normal-game execution processing will be described in more detail later with reference to the drawings. The main CPU41transmits a game-executed signal to the control device200(step S11).

The main CPU41determines whether or not a normal-game-start cancel flag is set (step S12). When the main CPU41determines that a normal-game-start cancel flag is not set, the main CPU41returns the processing to step S10. On the other hand, when the main CPU41determines that a normal-game-start cancel flag is set, the main CPU41shifts the processing to step S13.

The main CPU41determines whether or not to have received a common-game start signal from the control device200(step S13). When the main CPU41determines to have not received a common-game start signal from the control device200, the main CPU41returns the processing to step S13. On the other hand, when the main CPU41determines to have received a common-game start signal from the control device200, the main CPU41shifts the processing to step S14.

The main CPU41executes common-game execution processing (step S14). The common game is a game which is simultaneously executed in all the slot machines10connected to the control device200through the communication cables. The common-game execution processing will be described in more detail later with reference to the drawings.

The main CPU41clears the normal-game-start cancel flag (step S15). After the processing of step15is executed, the processing is returned to step S10.

FIG. 17is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of the normal-game execution processing executed in the slot machines.

The processing is processing called and executed in step S10of the subroutine illustrated inFIG. 16.

First, the main CPU41determines whether or not a coin has been BET (step S100). In this processing, the main CPU41determines whether or not to have received an input signal that is outputted from the 1-BET switch26S when the 1-BET button26is operated, or an input signal that is outputted from a maximum BET switch27S when the maximum BET button27is operated. When the main CPU41determines that the coin has not been BET, the processing is returned to step S100.

On the other hand, when determining that the coin has been BET in step S100, the main CPU41conducts processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM43according to the number of coins BET (step S101). It is to be noted that, when the number of coins BET is larger than the number of credits stored in the RAM43, the main CPU41does not conduct the processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM43, and the processing is returned to step S100. Further, when the number of coins BET exceeds the upper limit of the number of coins that can be BET in one game (50 coins in the present embodiment), the main CPU41does not conduct the processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM43, and the processing is proceeded to step S102.

Next, the main CPU41determines in step S102whether or not the spin button23has been turned ON. In this processing, the main CPU41determines whether or not to have received an input signal that is outputted from the spin switch23S when the spin button23is pressed.

When the main CPU41determines that the spin button23has not been turned ON, the processing is returned to step S100.

It is to be noted that, when the spin button23is not turned ON (e.g. when the spin button23is not turned ON and a command to end the game is inputted), the main CPU41cancels a subtraction result in step S101.

Meanwhile, when determining in step S102that the spin button23has been turned ON, the main CPU41shifts the processing to step S103.

Next, in step S103, the main CPU41executes symbol determination processing. In this symbol determination processing, the main CPU41executes the symbol determination program stored in the RAM43to determine the code Nos. in stopping of the symbols. It is to be noted that the processing in step S103will be described in more detail later with reference to the drawings.

Next, in step S104, the main CPU41executes scroll-display control processing.

This processing is processing for controlling the display in such a way as to rearrange the symbols determined in step S103, after start of scrolling of symbols.

In step S105, the main CPU41determines whether or not a prize has been established. When the main CPU41determines that a prize has been established, the main CPU41pays out coins, in step S106, based on the number of inserted coins and the types and the numbers of the symbols displayed in the display blocks150. Here, the case where a prize has been established is a case where three or more symbols of the same type have been displayed in the display blocks150.

When the main CPU41determines in step S105that no prize has been established or when the processing in step S106has been executed, the main CPU41determines whether or not to have received a game cancel signal from the control device200(step S107). When the main CPU41determines to have received no game cancel signal, the main CPU41ends the present subroutine. On the other hand, when the main CPU41determines to have received a game cancel signal, the main CPU41sets a normal-game-start cancel flag (step S108). Then, the main CPU41transmits a normal-game-ended signal to the control device200(step S109)

FIG. 18is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of the symbol determination processing executed in the slot machines.

This is the processing called and executed in step S103of the subroutine illustrated inFIG. 17.

The processing is processing conducted by the main CPU41executing the symbol determination program stored in the RAM43.

First, the main CPU41executes a random number generation program included in the symbol determination program, to select random numbers corresponding to the respective symbol arrays, out of the numbers falling in the numeric range of 0 to 255 (step S200). In the present embodiment, the case of generating random numbers on the program (the case of using a so-called software random number) is described. However, in the present invention, a random number generator may be provided and random numbers may be extracted from the random number generator (a so-called hardware random number may be used).

Next, the main CPU41determines code Nos. (seeFIG. 10) for the respective arrays of symbols, based on the selected five random numbers (step S201). The code Nos. for the arrays of symbols correspond to the code Nos. of symbols to be rearranged in the display blocks150in the second row, out of the display blocks150placed in the three rows. The main CPU41determines a prize by determining the code Nos. for the respective arrays of symbols. Then, the main CPU41stores in the RAM43the determined code Nos. for the respective arrays of symbols.

Here, there will be described prizes based on symbols according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 19is a view illustrating the relationship between the plurality of types of prizes and numbers of payouts.

When three or more symbols of any type are stop-displayed in the display blocks150, coins in number illustrated inFIG. 19are paid out.

For example, when three symbols of “CHERRY” are stop-displayed in the display blocks150, two coins are paid out. When four symbols of “CHERRY” are stop-displayed in the display blocks150, four coins are paid out. Further, when six or more symbols of “CHERRY” are stop-displayed in the display blocks150, 2×(n−2) coins are paid out, wherein n is the number of symbols of “CHERRY” stop-displayed in the display blocks150. However, for any type of the symbols, when three or more symbols are not stop-displayed in the display blocks150, the game results in losing; thus, payout of coins is not performed.

FIG. 20Ais a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of game execution processing which is executed in the control device.

At first, the CPU501determines whether or not to have received a game-executed signal from any of the slot machines10(step S300). When the CPU501determines to have received no game-executed signal, the CPU501returns the processing to step S300. On the other hand, when the CPU501determines to have received a game-executed signal, the CPU501shifts the processing to step S301.

The CPU501adds 1 to the cumulative number T of games stored in the RAM503and stores the numerical value resulted from the addition, as a new cumulative number T of games, in the RAM503(step S301).

The CPU501multiplies the cumulative number T of games stored in the RAM503by 5 and stores the resultant value, as a cumulative value S, in the RAM503(step S302). The CPU501adds the carry-over value R stored in the RAM503to the cumulative value S stored in the RAM503in step S302and stores the value resulted from the addition as a deposit value U in the RAM503(step S303). Then, the CPU501displays to the common image display2the deposit value U stored in the RAM503in step S303(step S304).FIG. 21illustrates an exemplary display screen displayed to the common image display2.

FIG. 21is a view illustrating an exemplary display screen displayed to the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated inFIG. 2.

As a result of the processing in step S304, there is displayed to the common image display2a deposit-value display image312indicating that the current deposit value U is 325 coins.

Returning toFIG. 20B, the CPU501determines whether or not the cumulative number T of games has reached a predetermined value (step S305). When the CPU501determines that the cumulative number T of games has not reached the predetermined value, the CPU501ends the present subroutine. On the other hand, when the CPU501determines that the cumulative number T of games has reached the predetermined value, the CPU501shifts the processing to step5306.

The CPU501transmits a game cancel signal to each slot machine10(step S306). The CPU501receives a normal-game-ended signal from each slot machine10(step S307)

The CPU501determines whether or not to have received normal-game-ended signals from all the slot machines10(step S308). When the CPU501determines to have not received normal-game-ended signals from all the slot machines10, the CPU501returns the processing to step S307. On the other hand, when the CPU501determines to have received normal-game-ended signals from all the slot machines10, the CPU501shifts the processing to step S309.

The CPU501transmits a common-game start signal to each slot machine10(step S309). The CPU501executes common-game execution processing (step S310). The common game is a game which is simultaneously executed in all the slot machines10connected to the control device200through the communication cables. The common-game execution processing will be described in more detail later with reference to the drawings.

While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the cumulative value S is obtained by multiplying the cumulative number T of games by 5, the numerical value by which the cumulative number T of games is multiplied is not particularly limited and may be, for example, 10. Also, the game-executed signal transmitted from each slot machine10may include the amount of betted game media, and the control device200may count the cumulative value of game media based on the amount of game media transmitted from each slot machine10and determine a certain proportion of the counted cumulative value of game media as the cumulative value S.

FIG. 22is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of the common-game execution processing which is executed in the slot machines.

This processing is processing which is called and executed in step S14of the subroutine illustrated inFIG. 16.

At first, the main CPU41determines whether or not any of the right selection button110A, the center selection button110B and the left selection button110C has been pressed (step S400). In this processing, the main CPU41determines whether or not to have received an input signal outputted from the right selection switch110AS when the right selection button110A is pressed, an input signal outputted from the center selection switch110BS when the center selection button110B is pressed, or an input signal outputted from the left selection switch110CS when the left selection button110C is pressed. When the main CPU41determines that any of the buttons has not been pressed, the main CPU41shifts the processing to step S401.

The main CPU41determines whether or not to have received a common-game end signal (step S401). When the main CPU41determines to have received no common-game end signal, the main CPU41returns the processing to step S400. On the other hand, when the main CPU41determines to have received a common-game end signal, the main CPU41ends the present subroutine.

When the main CPU41determines in step S400that a button has been pressed, the main CPU41shifts the processing to step S402. The main CPU41transmits a card selection signal to the control device200(step S402). The card selection signal includes information about the type of the pressed selection button110. Namely, when the right selection button110A has been pressed, the card selection signal includes information showing that the pressed selection button110is the right selection button110A.

The main CPU41determines whether or not to have received a payout signal (step S403). When the main CPU41determines to have received no payout signal, the main CPU41shifts the processing to step S405.

The main CPU41determines whether or not to have received a common-game end signal (step S405). When the main CPU41determines to have received no common-game end signal, the main CPU41returns the processing to step S403. On the other hand, when the main CPU41determines to have received a common-game end signal, the main CPU41ends the present subroutine.

When the main CPU41determines in step S403to have received a payout signal, the main CPU41shifts the processing to step S404. The main CPU41pays out coins based on the payout signal (step S404).

FIG. 23Ais a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of the common-game execution processing executed in the control device.

This processing is processing called and executed in step S310in the subroutine illustrated inFIG. 20B.

At first, in step S500, the CPU501displays card images face down to the common image display2.FIG. 24Aillustrates exemplary card images displayed to the common image display2.

FIG. 24Ais a view illustrating an exemplary display screen displayed to the common image display included in the gaming system illustrated inFIG. 2.

InFIG. 24A, there are displayed a card image313A, a card image313B, and a card image313C. The player is enabled to select one of the card images313displayed to the common image display2, by pressing any of the right selection button110A, the center selection button110B and the left selection button110C. Namely, when the right selection button110A is pressed, the card image313C is selected. When the center selection button110B is pressed, the card image313B is selected. When the left selection button110C is pressed, the card image313A is selected.

Returning toFIG. 23A, the CPU501accepts a card selection input, in step S501. In this processing, the CPU501accepts a card selection signal from each slot machine10. Further, the CPU501starts measurement of the elapsed time, with a timer506.

Next, the CPU501determines whether or not the elapsed time measured by the timer506has reached the predetermined time (step S502). When the CPU501determines that the elapsed time has not reached the predetermined time, the CPU501returns the processing to step S501. On the other hand, when the CPU501determines that the elapsed time has reached the predetermined time, the CPU501shifts the processing to step S503.

The CPU501displays card images face up to the common image display2(step S503).FIG. 24Billustrates exemplary card images displayed to the common image display2.

FIG. 24Bis a view illustrating an exemplary display screen displayed to the common image display.

InFIG. 24B, there are displayed a card image316A, a card image316B, and a card image316C. In the card image316B, a circular pattern is displayed. The player who has selected the card image316B having the circular pattern displayed therein wins.

Returning toFIG. 23B, the CPU501determines whether or not there is a slot machine10in which winning has occurred (step S504). In this processing, the CPU501determines whether or not there is a slot machine10in which winning has occurred, based on the card selection signals received from the respective slot machines10and on the card images316displayed to the common image display2in step S503. When the CPU501determines that there is no slot machine10in which winning has occurred, the CPU501returns the processing to step S505.

The CPU501updates the carry-over value R stored in the RAM503(step S505). In this processing, the CPU501adds the carry-over value R stored in the RAM503to the cumulative value S stored in the RAM503, and stores the value resulted from the addition as a new carry-over value R, in the RAM503.

When the CPU501determines in step S504that there is a slot machine10in which winning has occurred, the CPU501shifts the processing to step S506. The CPU501transmits a payout signal to the slot machine10in which winning has occurred (step S506). The payout signal includes information about the value of a payout to be offered in the slot machine10. It is to be noted that, when winning has occurred in a plurality of slot machines10, the deposit value U stored in the RAM503is divided by the number of the slot machines10in which winning has occurred, and a payout of the resultant value is offered in each of the slot machines10. Further, when winning has occurred in a single slot machine10, a payout of the deposit value U stored in the RAM503is offered therein.

The CPU501clears the cumulative value S, the carry-over value R and the deposit value U stored in the RAM503(step S507)

The CPU501displays an image indicative of the result to the common image display2(step S508).FIG. 24CandFIG. 24Dillustrate exemplary images indicative of results which are displayed to the common image display2.

FIG. 24Cis a view illustrating an exemplary display screen displayed to the common image display.

InFIG. 24C, there is displayed a winning image317indicating that there is a slot machine10in which winning has occurred.

FIG. 24Dis a view illustrating an exemplary display screen displayed to the common image display.

InFIG. 24D, there is displayed a losing image318indicating that there is no slot machine10in which winning has occurred.

As a result of the processing in step S508, the result of the common game is displayed to the common image display2, as illustrated inFIG. 24CandFIG. 24D.

Returning toFIG. 23B, the CPU501clears the cumulative number T of games stored in the RAM503(step S509). The CPU501transmits a common-game end signal to each slot machine10(step S510).

As described above, according to the gaming system1relating to the present embodiment, the plurality of slot machines10, the control device200, and the common image display2constitute a single module. This eliminates the necessity of connection of the plurality of slot machines10to the control device200through a network, installation of the common image display2on a wall, works for preventing the network wirings from being exposed to cause disfigurement, and the like, and also eliminates the necessity of works in changing the installation and the layout. Further, since the gaming system1can be installed even at a place having no walls in the vicinity thereof and a place having a high ceiling, the restriction on the installation place of the gaming system1is eliminated.

Further, since there is no need for installing the common image display2on a wall, the change of wall colors due to heat generated from the common image display2is suppressed.

The upper end of the common image display panel310is mounted on the upper end of the front surface of the common-image-display cabinet2a,via the hinge314. The holding bars316provided near the ends of the upper surface of the bottom portion of the common-image-display cabinet2ahold the common image display panel310at a state where the common image display panel310is at rest after being rotated upwardly with respect to the floor surface with the hinge314as a shaft. This enables performing maintenance of the common image display2in front of the common image display2, thereby facilitating maintenance of the common image display2.

While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the CPU fan308is provided within the CPU housing member307, only the CPU fan may be provided without the CPU housing member provided, in the present invention.

While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the gaming machines are the slot machines10, the gaming machines in the present invention are not particularly limited so long as they are gaming machines capable of executing independent games; for example, the gaming machines may be card game machines.

While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the number of gaming machines is 3, the number of gaming machines in the present invention is not particularly limited so long as it is more than one; for example, the number of gaming machines may be 5.

While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the common game is a card game, the common game in the present invention is not particularly limited so long as they are games which are simultaneously executed in all the gaming machines connected through communication cables; for example, the common games may be horse race games.

While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the main CPU41included in each slot machine10executes normal games, a processor included in the control device may execute normal games in the respective gaming machines connected through the communication cables. With this structure, when the processor has determined to execute a common game, the processor determines whether or not normal games in execution have ended in the respective gaming machines. When the processor determines that normal games in execution have ended in the gaming machines, the processor cancels start of new normal games in these gaming machines. When the processor determines that normal games in execution have ended in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables, the processor executes a common game in all the gaming machines connected through the communication cables. In the case of this structure, the processor may be constituted by a plurality of CPUs.

While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where symbols rearranged in the display blocks150are all scatter symbols, the symbols in the present invention are not limited to scatter symbols. For example, a pay line may be provided and a prize may be established or a point value may be offered, when a certain combination of a plurality of symbols is rearranged along the pay line. Also, for example, symbols which cause winning based on the pay line may be combined with scatter symbols.

While, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the slot machines10are video slot machines, the gaming machines in the present invention may be mechanical slot machines provided with reels.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to embodiments thereof, these embodiments merely illustrate specific examples, not restrict the present invention. The specific structures of respective means and the like can be designed and changed as required. Furthermore, there have been merely described most preferable effects of the present invention, as the effects of the present invention, in the embodiments of the present invention. The effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.

Further, in the aforementioned detailed description, characteristic portions have been mainly described, for ease of understanding the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the aforementioned detailed description, but can be also applied to other embodiments over a wider range of applications. Further, the terms and phrases used in the present specification have been used for clearly describing the present invention, not for limiting the interpretation of the present invention. Further, those skilled in the art will easily conceive other structures, systems, methods and the like which are included in the concept of the present invention, from the concept of the present invention described in the present specification. Accordingly, the description of the claims is intended to include equivalent structures that fall within the technical scope of the invention. Further, the abstract aims at enabling engineers and the like who belong to the present technical field but are not familiar with the patent office and public institutions, the patent, law terms and technical terms to immediately understand the technical content and the essence of the present application through brief studies. Accordingly, the abstract is not intended to restrict the scope of the invention which should be evaluated from the description of the claims. It is desirable that literatures and the like which have been already disclosed are sufficiently studied and understood, in order to sufficiently understand the objects of the present invention and the specific effects of the present invention.

In the aforementioned detailed description, there has been described processing to be executed by computers. The aforementioned description and expressions have been described for the sake of enabling those skilled in the art to understand the present invention most effectively. In the present specification, each step for deriving a single result should be understood to be self-consistent processing. Further, each step includes transmission, reception, recording and the like of electric or magnetic signals. Although, in the processing at each step, such signals have been expressed as bits, values, symbols, characters, terms, numerical characters and the like, it should be noticed that they have been merely used for convenience of description. Further, although the processing at each step was described using expressions common to human behaviors in some cases, the processes described in the present specification are to be executed by various types of devices, in principle. Further, other structures required for conducting each step will be apparent from the aforementioned description.