Patent Publication Number: US-2007123335-A1

Title: Game effecting system and gaming server

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
      This application is based upon the Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-121365, filed on Apr. 19, 2005, the entire content of which is incorporated by reference herein.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The present invention relates to a game effecting system having a gaming machine, an indoor effecting device and a gaming server, and also relates to the gaming server constituting the game effecting system.  
      2. Description of the Related Art  
      A variety of slot machines have been known as a gaming machine that pays out game media (e.g. medals, coins) in correspondence with a winning combination in a game. Note that the game media (game medium) will be hereinafter referred to as coins (coin). In these slot machines, there is a slot machine that allows a player to play not only a base slot game adopting symbols on variable display (sometimes called “scroll display”) in a base gaming mode but also a special game profitable to the player in a special gaming mode. For example, a so-called “free game” performed without inserting coins into the machine automatically is representative of such a special game in the special gaming mode. In the slot machine of this kind, conventionally, a transition from the base gaming mode to the special gaming mode has been performed at random on the basis of a result of lottery performed with respect to each slot machine (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-open 2002-537874 (Japanese translation of PCT international application Laid-open 2000-584971)).  
      Meanwhile, in a game arcade having a plurality of slot machines (sometimes called “casino” or “hall”), there is often performed an indoor effect where the atmosphere of the whole game arcade is warmed up by activating a lighting device, a sound device or a visual monitor, such as a liquid crystal display.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      In the game arcade having the slot machines, however, the indoor effect is independent of the gaming modes of the slot machines at gaming. Therefore, even if a slot machine produces an effect (mise-en-scene) corresponding to the gaming mode in order to enhance a gaming will, the slot machine&#39;s effect is not effective as far as the indoor effect of the game arcade where the slot machine is arranged does not correspond to the effect produced by the slot machine. That is, in order to enhance a gaming will with increased effect of the slot machine, it is desirable to enhance the effect of the whole game arcade while allowing the effect of the gaming machine to correspond to the indoor effect.  
      An object of the present invention is to provide a game effecting system and a gaming server, both of which can make the effect of a gaming machine correspond to the indoor effect thereby enhancing a gaming will.  
      In order to attain the above object, an aspect of the present invention provides a game effecting system comprising: a gaming machine capable of changing its gaming mode from a base gaming mode to a special gaming mode when a transition condition is occurred in the base gaming mode; an indoor effecting device including a lighting function, a sound function, an image-displaying function, and other indoor effecting function; and a gaming server, connected to both the gaming machine and the indoor effecting device, that includes a processor programmed to operate the gaming machine and the indoor effecting device to: determine whether a starting condition for a special effect different from a base effect performed in the indoor effecting device is realized or not; allow the gaming machine to change the transition condition from a base transition condition to a high-probability transition condition that is easy to make a transition to the special gaming mode in comparison with the base transition condition; and allow the indoor effecting device to change an effect pattern representing a situation of an indoor effect performed by the indoor effecting device from a base effect pattern corresponding to the base effect to a special effect pattern corresponding to the special effect, wherein when the starting condition is satisfied, the processor changes the transition condition of the gaming machine to the high-probability transition condition and changes the effect pattern of the indoor effecting device to the special effect pattern. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a structural diagram of a casino effecting system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing an overall structure of a slot machine in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram of the slot machine, showing its inside structure mainly;  
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram showing one example of an inside Structure of an image control circuit;  
       FIG. 5  is a sequence chart showing the operational sequences of a store server, the slot machine and an indoor effecting device;  
       FIG. 6  is a flow chart showing the operational procedure of a casino effecting process executed in a main process of the store server;  
       FIG. 7  is a flow chart showing the operational procedure of an event generating process executed in the store server;  
       FIG. 8  is a flow chart showing the operational procedure of an event ending process executed in the store server;  
       FIG. 9  is a flow chart showing the operational procedure of an intervention process executed in the slot machine;  
       FIG. 10  is a flow chart showing the operational procedure of a main process from a game start to a game end in the slot machine;  
       FIG. 11  is a flow chart showing the operational procedure of a high-probability shift condition gaming process;  
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the schematic interior of a game arcade centering on a stage, showing one condition before performing an event;  
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the schematic interior of the game arcade centering on the stage, showing another condition during performing of the event; and  
       FIG. 14A  is a view explaining an effect pattern in a lighting device;  FIG. 14B  is a view explaining an effect pattern in a sound device; and  FIG. 14C  is a view explaining an effect pattern in an image display device. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
      An embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Note that throughout drawings, identical elements are indicated with the same reference numerals, respectively and their overlapping description are eliminated.  
      [Overall Constitution of Casino Effecting System] 
       FIG. 1  is a system structural diagram showing a casino effecting system  100  corresponding to a game effecting system of an embodiment of the present invention. The casino effecting system  100  comprises a store server  20 , a plurality of slot machines  1 , for example, twenty slot machines  1 , a lighting device  21 , a sound device  22  and an image display device  23 . In this embodiment, the store server  20  corresponds to a gaming server of the invention, while each of the slot machines  1  corresponds to a gaming machine of the invention. Additionally, each of the lighting device  21 , the sound device  22  and the image display device  23  corresponds to an indoor (in-casino) effecting device of the invention. The casino effecting system  100  further includes an operating device  25  and a stage device  24  both communicated with and connected to the store server  20  through a privately leased line  26 . The operating device  25  corresponds to operating unit of the present invention. The slot machines  1  and the indoor effecting devices (i.e. the lighting device  21 , the sound device  22  and the image display device  23 ) are installed in an indoor-type game facility. This indoor-type game facility will be referred to as “game arcade”, hereinafter. The game arcade has a built-in stage A on which a variety of events are performed as described later.  FIGS. 12 and 13  are perspective views showing the schematic interior of the game arcade where the stage A is centered. In these figures,  FIG. 12  shows one condition before an event is performed. While,  FIG. 13  shows another condition in the course of performing an event.  
      In the casino effecting system  100 , if the operating device  25  is operated by an operator (e.g. arcade manager, owner in the game arcade), then an event is held (or generated) on the stage A. In each of the slot machines  1 , . . . ,  1 , simultaneously, its transition condition changes into a high-probability transition condition. Note that the terminology “transition condition” means a condition to change a machine&#39;s gaming mode from a base gaming mode to a special gaming mode. Additionally, it should be noted that the machine&#39;s gaming modes becomes easy to change into the special gaming mode under the above high-probability transition condition.  
      In the casino effecting system  100 , with the opening (generation) of event, it is carried out to change the situation of indoor effect, which is effected by the lighting device  21 , the sound device  22  and the image display device  23 , from a base effect to a special effect in association with the opening (generation) of event. Additionally, according to the casino effecting system  100  of the embodiment, it is performed to open curtains  24   b,    24   c  of the stage device  24  in accordance with the starting of event, making the event on the stage A visible to players in the game arcade. In this way, according to the casino effecting system  100 , the effect by the indoor effecting devices (e.g. the lighting device  21 ) is specialized in accordance with the starting of event. On the other hand, more slot machines than those in case of no event are subjected to the special gaming mode, producing a different effect from that in the base gaming mode. That is, the casino effecting system  100  of the embodiment is constructed so as to enhance the effect of the whole game arcade due to the synergy effect between the first effect (by the indoor effecting devices) and the second effect (by the change in the slot machines  10 ). The constituents of the casino effecting system  100  will be described below.  
      (Store Server)  
      As shown in  FIG. 1 , the store server  20  comprises a CPU  201 , a ROM  202 , a RAM  203 , a communication processing unit  204  and a communication control unit  205 . According to programs stored in the ROM  202 , the CPU  201  operates while reading and writing data from and to the RAM  203 . On the other hand, the communication control unit  205  operates the communication processing unit  204  in accordance with commands from the CPU  201 . The store server  20  transmits and receives data to and from the respective slot machines  1 , the lighting device  21 , the sound device  22 , the image display device  23 , the stage device  24  and the operating device  25  through the privately leased line  26 . Additionally, the store server  20  receives special-effect starting information from the operating device  25 , which will be described in detail later. Further, the store server  20  sends a special effect signal to each of the indoor effecting devices (i.e. the lighting device  21 , the sound device  22  and the image display device  23 ) and a high-probability transition signal to each of the slot machines  1 . Still further, the store server  20  can send a curtain-opening signal to allow the stage device  24  to open the stage A and a curtain-closing signal to allow the stage device  24  to close the stage A.  
      (Lighting Device)  
      The lighting device  21  has a lighting control unit  21 a and a plurality of lamps  21   b,    21   b,  . . . and  21   b.  The lighting device  21  is provided with a lighting function as one of indoor effecting functions, forming a constituent of the indoor effecting devices.  
      The lighting control unit  21   a  includes a lighting control CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a communication control unit, a communication processing unit, a lamp driving unit for lighting on and off the lamps  21   b  and so on (all not shown). Based on effect pattern data stored in the ROM (i.e. base lighting-effect pattern data and special lighting-effect pattern data), the lighting control CPU controls the operation of the lamp driving unit to perform tuning-on/off of the lamps  21   b,  . . . ,  21   b  and their lighting control (i.e. control to change their optical power). In this embodiment, the driving pattern of the lamps  21   b,  . . . ,  21   b,  which is controlled on the effect pattern data stored in the ROM (i.e. the base lighting-effect pattern data and the special lighting-effect pattern data), corresponds to the effect pattern of the present invention. In detail, the driving pattern of the lamps  21   b  controlled on the base lighting-effect pattern data corresponds to the base effect of the invention, while the driving pattern of the lamps  21   b  controlled on the special lighting-effect pattern data corresponds to the special effect of the invention. The communication control unit drives the communication processing unit in compliance with indications from the lighting control CPU to perform data transmission/receiving (mainly, “special effect signal”) against the store server  20 .  
      (Sound Device)  
      The sound device  22  has a sound control unit  22   a  and a plurality of speakers  22   b,    22   b,  . . . and  22   b.  The sound device  22  is provided with an acoustic function as one of the indoor effecting functions, forming a constituent of the indoor effecting devices. The sound control unit  22   a  includes a sound control CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a data reading unit for reading out musical data etc. from a memory medium (e.g. CD) Memorizing the musical data etc., a communication control unit, a communication processing unit, an amplifier for outputting music, sound and other effect sounds through the speakers  22   b  and so on (all not shown in the figure). Based on effect pattern data stored in the ROM (i.e. base sound-effect pattern data and special sound-effect pattern data), the sound control CPU controls the operation of the sound device  22 , so that sound signals amplified by the amplifier are outputted to the speakers  22   b,  . . . ,  22   b,  performing the music, the sound and the other effect sounds. In this embodiment, the output pattern of the speakers  22   b,  . . . ,  22   b  controlled on the effect pattern data stored in the ROM (i.e. the base sound-effect pattern data and the special sound-effect pattern data) corresponds to the effect pattern of the present invention. In detail, the output pattern of the speakers  22   b  controlled on the base sound-effect pattern data corresponds to the base effect, while the output pattern of the speakers  22   b  controlled on the special sound-effect pattern data corresponds to the special effect. The communication control unit operates the communication processing unit in compliance with indications from the sound control CPU to perform data transmission/receiving (mainly, “special effect signals”) against the store server  20 .  
      (Image Display Device)  
      The image display device  23  includes an image control unit  23   a  and a display  23   b,  such as liquid crystal display unit, CKR and organic ELT. The image display device  23  is provided with an image display function, forming a constituent of the indoor effecting devices.  
      The image control unit  23   a  includes an image control CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a communication control unit, a communication processing unit, a VDP (Video Display Processor) and so on (all not shown in the figure). Based on effect pattern data (i.e. base display-effect pattern data and special display-effect pattern data) stored in the ROM, the image control CPU determines an image to be displayed on the display  23   b.  The VDP forms an image corresponding to a display content determined by the image control CPU, while it allows the display  23   b  to display the so-determined image. In this embodiment, the image determined on the basis of the effect pattern data stored in the ROM (i.e. the base display-effect pattern data and the special display-effect pattern data) correspond to the effect pattern of the present invention. Further, the displaying of an image determined on the base display-effect pattern data corresponds to the base effect, while the displaying of an image determined on the special display-effect pattern data corresponds to the special effect. The communication control unit operates the communication processing unit in compliance with indications from the image control CPU to perform data transmission/receiving (mainly, “special effect signals”) against the store server  20 .  
      (Stage Device)  
      As shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the stage device  24  comprises a rail  24   f  arranged along the stage A, a pair of electric hooks  24   e,    24   d  and a plurality of driven hooks  24   g,    24   g,  . . . ,  24   g  all movable along the rail  24   f,  the above-mentioned curtains  24   b,    24   c  whose upper edges are engaged with (or hooked on) the electric hooks  24   e,    24   d  and the driven hooks  24   g,    24   g,  . . .  24   g  and each of which has a size (width and height) capable of covering the stage A and an opening/closing driving unit  24   a  for moving the electric hooks  24   e,    24   d  to open and close the curtains  24   b,    24   c.  In the embodiment, the electric hooks  24   e,    24   d  and the driven hooks  24   g,    24   g,  . . . ,  24   g  correspond to movable hooks of the invention, while the curtains  24   b,    24   c  correspond to a curtain of the invention.  
      Respective rollers arc attached to the electric hooks  24   e,    24   d  and the driven hooks  24   g,    24   g,  . . . ,  24   g.  The rail  24   f  is provided with a guide part which supports these rollers movably in rolling motion to guide the movement of the rollers. Each of the electric hooks  24   e,    24   d  includes a main body containing a drive motor, a roller fixed to a drive shaft of the drive motor and a hook part for hooking the curtain  24   b  (or the curtain  24   c ). By rotating the rollers of the electric hooks  24   c,    24   d  in normal or reverse rotation on acceptance of a command from the opening/closing driving unit  24   a,  the electric-hooks  24   c,    24   d  can move close to and apart from each other. Each of the driven hook  24   g  has a roller movably supported in rolling motion by the rail  24   f  and a hook part for hooking the curtain  24   b  (or the curtain  24   c ). These driven hooks  24   g,    24   g,  . . . ,  24   g  are arranged in a line along the longitudinal direction of the rail  24   f.  The curtains  24   b,    24   c  are formed by heavy cloths capable of obstructing players&#39; field of vision and also formed with shapes and dimensions allowing an area from the rail  24   f  up to the stage A to be covered. The opening/closing driving unit  24   a  includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a communication control unit, a communication processing unit and so on (all not shown in the figure). In operation, the opening/closing driving unit  24   a  controls the drive of the electric hooks  24   e,    24   d  on the basis of both “curtain-opening signal” and “curtain-closing signal” outputted from the store server  20 . The opening/closing driving unit  24   a  moves the electric hooks  24   e,    24   d  in directions to separate them from mach other in order to open the curtains  24   b,    24   c  and in direction to approach each other in order to close the curtains  24   b,    24   c.    
      (Operating Device)  
      The operating device  25  includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a communication control unit, a communication processing unit, an operating unit to be operated by an operator (e.g. arcade manager, worker, etc.) and so on. In this operating device  25 , when the operating unit is manipulated by the operator, the CPU allows the communication control unit to operate the communication processing unit, thereby sending a signal (i.e. special-effect starting information) corresponding to the operator&#39;s manipulation to the store server  20 .  
      (Overall Structure of Slot Machine)  
      Next, the slot machine  1  will be described with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 . In the embodiment, the slot machine  1  is formed by a coin-insertion type gaming machine that requires a player&#39;s inserting of a game medium (or game media), for example, coin(s), game coin(s), etc. in order to start a game. In this slot machine  1 , a base “variable-display” game is started by a player&#39;s inserting of the game medium and a player&#39;s predetermined manipulating for game start. Note that the base “variable-display” game will be referred to as “base game” after. After starting the game, if a predetermined transition condition is realized in the base game, then a special game profitable to a player begins. In the embodiment, it is defined that a gaming mode to perform the base game corresponds to the base gaming mode, while another gaming mode to perform the special game as a result of transition from the base gaming mode corresponds to the special gaming mode. In this embodiment, the special game indicates a free game where the variable-display game can be started without inserting the game medium newly. We now describe the structure of the slot machine  1 .  
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing the whole structure of the slot machine  1 . The slot machine  1  is constructed so as to perform a variable-display game (also referred to as “slot game”) using a variable display image of a plurality of symbols.  
      The slot machine  1  has a main display  5  arranged on a front surface of a casing  5  to have a liquid crystal display device. Additionally, the slot machine  1  is provided, above the main display  5 , with a sub-display  4  having a liquid crystal display device.  
      The main display  5  includes nine variable display portions  3   a,    3   b,    3   c,    3   d,    3   e,    3   f,    3   g,    3   h  and  3   i  arranged in three lines vertically and horizontally each. On each of the variable display portions  3   a - 3   i  of the main display  5 , there is displayed a variable display image as if a plurality of symbols were moving from top down (i.e. a reel image displayed as if a mechanical reel were rotating) in both the base gaming mode and the special gaming mode. As the slot machine  1  has nine variable display portions  3   a - 3   i,  as shown in  FIG. 2 , there are realized a total of eight activated paylines consisting of six alignments (in three lines vertically and horizontally each) plus two alignments on two diagonal lines.  
      The sub-display  4  displays an effect image in the base gaming mode (i.e. base-effect image), an effect image in the special gaming mode (i.e. special-effect image), an explanation image about game contents and so on.  
      The slot machine  1  is provided, below the main display  5 , with a substantially-level operating panel  11 . On the operating panel  11 , there are a coin insertion slot  6 , a bill insertion slot  7 , a spin switch  8 , an 1-BET (betting) switch  9  and a maximum-BET switch  10 .  
      The coin insertion slot  6  is provided for a player to insert a coin for playing a game and includes a coin detection sensor  6   a  (see  FIG. 3 ) for outputting a signal representing the insertion of a coin. Similarly, the bill insertion slot  7  is provided for a player to insert a bill and includes a bill detection sensor  7   a  (see  FIG. 3 ) for outputting a signal representing the insertion of a bill. The spin switch  8  is provided for a player to perform an operation for starting displaying of the variable display image, namely, starting the game. By operating the 1-BET switch  9  one time, a player can accomplish a setting of betting one coin against the game. While, by operating the maximum-BET switch  10  one time, a player can accomplish a setting of betting the maximum number of coins that the player can bet in one game-play.  
      Further, the slot machine  1  is provided, at the bottom of the casing  2 , with a coin payout opening  13  and a coin receiving portion  14  for accommodating payout coins. Speakers  12 L,  12 R are also provided on left and right sides of the coin payout opening  13 , respectively.  
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram of the slot machine  1 , showing its interior structure mainly. The slot machine  1  comprises a plurality of constituents with a focus on a microcomputer  31 .  
      The microcomputer  31  comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit)  32 , a RAM (Random Access Memory)  33  and a ROM (Read Only Memory)  34 . The CPU  32  operates in accordance with programs memorized in the ROM  34  to carry out operation control of the slot machine  1  as a whole by inputting signals from respective parts of the control panel  11  (see  FIG. 2 ) and also outputting/inputting signals to and from the other constituents through an I/O port  39 . The RAM  33  stores data and programs that are used when the CPU  33  operates. For instance, after starting the game, the RAM  33  temporarily stores a random number sampled by a sampling circuit  36  mentioned later. While, the ROM  34  stores execution programs for the CPU  32  and permanent data.  
      Additionally, the slot machine  1  includes a random number generator  35 , the above sampling circuit  36 , a clockpulse generating circuit  37  and a divider  38 . The random number generator  35  operates in accordance with instruction of the CPU  32  to extract an optional random number out of random numbers generated by the random number generator  35  and further outputs the so-extracted random number into the CPU  32 . The clockpulse generating circuit  37  generates reference clock for operating the CPU  32 . The divider  38  outputs signals obtained by dividing the reference clock by a constant cycle, into the CPU  32 .  
      Further, the slot machine  1  includes a touch panel  56 , a hopper driving circuit  63 , a hopper  64 , a payout complete signal circuit  65  and a coin detecting unit  66 . Again, the slot machine  1  includes an image control circuit  71 , a sound control circuit  72 , a communication control unit  51  and a communication processing unit  52 .  
      The touch panel  56  is arranged so as to cover a display screen of the main display  5  and detects a position of a portion that a player have touched through a finger and outputs a positional signal corresponding to the so-detected position into the CPU  32 . According to the control by the CPU  32 , the hopper driving circuit  63  drives the hopper  64 . Then, the hopper  64  performs a payout operation of coins by a winning, that is, a payout of coins to the coin receiving portion  14  via the coin payout opening  13 . The coin detecting unit  66  counts the number of coins paid out by the hopper  64  and informs the payout complete signal circuit  65  of data of the number of coins paid out. The payout complete signal circuit  65  inputs the data of the number of payout coins from the coin detecting unit  66  and outputs a signal informing the completion of payout when the inputted number of the payout coins reaches a preset number of coins to the CPU  32 .  
      The image control circuit  71  controls respective image display operations of the main display  5  and the sub-display  4 . That is, the image control circuit  71  allows the main display  5  to display a variable display image of a plurality of symbols and also allows the sub-display  4  to display the base effect image and the special effect image.  
      As shown in  FIG. 4 , the image control circuit  71  comprises an image control CPU  71   a,  a work RAM  71   b,  a program ROM  71   c,  an image ROM  71   d,  a video RAM  71   e  and a VDP (Video Display Processor)  71   f.    
      Based on parameters realized in the microcomputer  31 , the image control CPU  71   a  determines images to be displayed on the main display  5  (the variable-display image, a stopping symbol image displayed at a standstill of the variable display) and images to be displayed on the sub-display  4 , in accordance with the image control programs (about the display operations of the main display  5  and the sub-display  4 ) previously stored in the program ROM  71   c.    
      The work RAM  71   b  is constructed as temporary storing unit used when the image control CPU  71   a  carries out the image control program. The program ROM  71   c  memorizes the image control program, various selecting tables and so on. The image ROM  71   d  memorizes dot data for forming an image. In this embodiment, the dot data contains symbol image data representing respective symbols used in the base game and the free game, the base effect image data and so on. The video RAM  71   e  is constructed as temporary storing unit used when an image is formed by the VDP  71   f.  The VDP  71   f  includes a control RAM  71   g,  forms images corresponding to the display contents for the main display  5  and the sub-display  4  determined by the image control CPU  71   a  and allows the main display  5  and the sub-display  4  to display the so-formed images.  
      The sound control circuit  72  generates voice signals to the speakers  12 L,  12 R in order to output sound therethrough. The speakers  121 ,  12 R outputs, for example, sounds for warming up the game before starting the game and at appropriate times during the game play and different effect sounds in the base gaming mode and the special gaming mode.  
      The communication control unit  51  operates the communication processing unit  52  in compliance with the indications from the CPU  32 , performs data transmission/receiving against the store server  20  through the privately leased line  26  and receives the high-probability transition signal and the base transition signal from the store server  20 , which will be described in detail later.  
      (Operating Sequence in Casino Effecting System)  
       FIG. 5  is a sequence chart showing the operating sequence of the store server  20 , the slot machine  1  and the indoor effecting devices (the lighting device  21 , the sound device  22 , the image display device  23 , the stage device  24 ) forming the casino effecting system  100 .  
      When an event is held (or generated) on the stage A, an operator (e.g. arcade manager, owner, etc.) operates the operating device  25  (see  FIG. 1 ) in order to start the special effect corresponding to the opening of event, causing the operating device  25  to output the special-effect starting information to the store server  20 . Inputting the special-effect starting information, the store server  20  carries out an event generating process (step S 2 ) mentioned later, transmits a special effect signal T 1  to the respective indoor effecting devices  21 ,  22  and  23 , transmits a high-probability transition signal T 2  to the respective slot machines  1  and further transmits a curtain-opening signal T 3  to the stage device  24 . Additionally, when it is determined that the event ending condition is realized in a later-mentioned event ending process (step S 3 ), the store server  20  transmits a base effect signal T 4  to the indoor effecting devices  21 ,  22  and  23 , transmits a base transition signal T 5  to the respective slot machines  1  and further transmits a curtain-dosing signal T 6  to the stage device  24 ,  
      When each of the indoor effecting devices  21 ,  22 ,  23  receives the special effect signal T 1 , a routine goes to step S 101 . At step S 101 , each of the lighting control unit  21   a,  the sound control unit  22   a  and the image control unit  23   a  (referred to as “respective control units” after) sets “9” in each special effect flag. This special effect flag constitutes a determination element whether the event is being performed or not).  
      At next step S 102 , it is executed to determine whether or not “9” is set in the special effect flag for the respective control units. If “9” is not set in the special effect flag, it is determined that the event is not held and the routine goes to step S 103 . At step S 103 , the base effect based on the base effect pattern is carried out. At this step, the respective control units perform the drive control of the lamps  21   b,  the output control of the speakers  22   b  and the image control of the display  23   b  with reference to the base effect pattern data (i.e. the base lighting-effect pattern data, the base sound-effect pattern data and the base display-effect pattern data). On the other hand, if “9” is set in the special effect flag, the routine goes to step S 104  on determination that the even is now being held. At step S 104 , the effect pattern data on reference is changed from the base effect pattern data to the special effect pattern data and additionally, the special effect based on the special effect pattern data is carried out. At this step, the respective control units perform the drive control of the lamps  21   b,  the output control of the speakers  22   b  and the image control of the display  23   b  with reference to the special effect pattern data (i.e. the special lighting-effect pattern data, the special sound-effect pattern data and the special display-effect pattern data).  
      Based on the base lighting-effect pattern data memorized in the ROM, for example, the lighting control unit  21   a  of the lighting device  21  at the base effect pattern lights on the lamps  21   b,    21   b,  . . . , intermittently as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 14 A, keeping the lighting state (lighting power, lighting colors) of the whole game arcade at an uneventful constant state. Then, when receiving the special effect signal T 1 , the lighting control unit  21   a  changes the effect pattern data on reference from the base lighting-effect pattern data to the special lighting-effect pattern data and turns on and off the lamps  21   b,    21   b,  . . . , partially on the basis of the special lighting-effect pattern data after changing as shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 A, allowing the other lamps  21   b,    21   b  as spotlights to illuminate against the stage A.  
      Based on the base sound effect pattern data memorized in the ROM, the sound control unit  22   a  of the sound device  21  at the base effect pattern outputs a “BGM (Back Ground Music) A” consisting of soft and slow tracks through the speakers  22   b,    22   b,  . . . , as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 14 A. Then, when receiving the special effect signal T 1 , the sound control unit  22   a  changes the effect pattern data on reference from the base sound-effect pattern data to the special sound-effect pattern data and outputs another “BGM B” consisting of up temp and megavolume tracks through the speakers  22   b,    22   b,  . . . , on the basis of the special sound-effect pattern data after changing as shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 A.  
      Based on the base display-effect pattern data memorized in the ROM, the image control unit  23   a  of the image display device  23  at the base effect pattern allows the display  23   b  to display a simple background image (e.g. game arcade logos, landscape image such as river and mountains) as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 14 A. Then, when receiving the special effect signal T 1 , the display control unit  23   a  changes the effect pattern data on reference from the base display-effect pattern data to the special display-effect pattern data and allows the display  23   b  to display a character image of “Big Chance” on the basis of the special display-effect pattern data after changing as shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 A.  
      Furthermore, when receiving the base effect signal T 4 , the respective indoor effecting devices  21 ,  22 ,  23  go to step S 105  where the respective control units clear up the special effect flags, respectively.  
      While, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the stage device  24  carries out a curtain-opening operation when receiving the curtain-opening signal T 3  and carries out a curtain-closing operation when receiving the curtain-closing signal T 6 . On receipt of the curtain-opening signal T 3 , the opening/closing driving unit  24   a  of the stage device  24  moves the electric hooks  24   d,    24   e  in directions to depart from each other, causing the curtains  24   b,    24   c  to be opened as shown in  FIG. 5 . At this time, on the stage A, there is held an event where a beauty (e.g. female in flamboyant and sweet costumes) B appears while holding up a sign having “Chance Tune” and additionally, a spotlight is directed to the beauty B. On the other hand, when receiving the curtain-closing signal T 6 , the opening/closing driving unit  24   a  moves the electric hooks  24   d,    24   e  in directions to approach each other, causing the curtains  24   b,    24   c  to be closed (see  FIG. 12 ).  
      Further, when receiving the high-probability transition signal T 2 , the slot machine  1  changes the transition condition from the base transition condition to the high-probability transition condition. Consequently, the gaming mode of the slot machine  1  becomes easy to make the transition to the special gaming mode. That is, a great number of slot machines  1  in comparison with the number of slot machines before starting the event are brought into the special gaming mode, so that different effect from the effect in the base gaming mode occurs in places of the game arcade. While, when the slot machine  1  receives the base transition signal T 5 , the CPU  32  changes the transition condition from the base transition condition to the high-probability transition condition.  
      (Operation of Store Server)  
      The operational procedure of the store server  20  constituting the casino effecting system  100  will be described with reference to  FIGS. 6, 7  and  8 . In the figures,  FIG. 6  is a flow chart showing the operational procedure of a casino effecting process executed in a main process of the store server  20 .  FIG. 7  is a flow chart showing the operational procedure of an event generating process executed in the store server  20 , while  FIG. 8  is a flow chart showing the operational procedure of an event ending process executed in the store server  20 .  
      When turning on power, the store server  20  carries out a main process (routine) of managing the gaming mediums, such as coins, which have been used in the respective slot machines  1  and their gaming modes and also a casino effecting process built in the main process.  
      The casino effecting process is executed at predetermined intervals (e.g.  1  sec.). With an execution of the casino effecting process, the CPU  210  carries out the processes (i.e. initializing process, event generating process, event ending process) at steps S 1  to S 3  of  FIG. 6 , in succession.  
      At step S 2 , the event generating process is executed as mentioned above. When the event generating process is started, the routine goes to step S 21  where the CPU  201  operates as starting-condition determining unit of the present invention and determines whether the starting condition for the special effect is realized or not, as shown in  FIG. 7 . At step S 21 , if it is determined that the starting condition for the special effect is realized, the CPU  201  changes the indoor effecting operations performed by the respective indoor effecting devices  21 ,  22 ,  23  to the special effect and carries out the processes at steps  22  to  25  in order to alter the transition condition for the slot machines  1  to the high-probability transition condition, in sequence. While, if it is determined that the starting condition for the special effect is not realized, the event generating process is ended. In this embodiment, when the special effect starting information is outputted from the operating device  25 , it is determined that the starting condition for the special effect is effected. On the contrary, if not, it is determined that the starting condition for the special effect is not effected. At step S 22 , the CPU  201  sets “9” in an event starting flag as an element for determining whether or not the event is now being held or not element. Note that “9” represents that the event is not being held. Additionally, the CPU  201  sets a predetermined time (e.g. 600 sec.) for an event ending timer and the routine goes to step S 23 .  
      At step S 23 , the CPU  201  operates as effect-pattern controlling unit of the present invention. Here, in order to change the effect patterns representing the indoor effecting states realized by the indoor effecting devices  21 ,  22 ,  23  from the base effect patterns to the special effect patterns, the CPU  201  operates the communication processing unit  204  and outputs the special effect signals to the indoor effecting devices  21 ,  22 ,  23 . Then, the routine goes to step S 24 .  
      At step S 24 , the CPU  201  operates as transition-condition controlling unit of the present invention. Here, in order to change the transition condition for the slot machines  1  (i.e. condition to shift the gaming mode from the base gaming mode to the special gaming mode) to the high-probability transition condition, which is easy to become the special gaming mode in comparison with the base transition condition, the CPU  201  operates the communication processing unit  204  and outputs the high-probability transition signals to the slot machines  1 . Then, the routine goes to step S 25 .  
      At step S 25 , the CPU  201  operates as opening/closing controlling unit of the present invention. Here, in order to make the stage device  24  open the curtains of the stage A, the CPU  201  allows the communication processing unit  204  to transmit the curtain-opening signal to the opening/closing driving unit  24   a  of the stage device  24  and thereafter, the CPU  201  finishes the event generating process.  
      The event ending process is started on completion of the event generating process, as shown in  FIG. 6 . In  FIG. 8 , at step S 31 , the CPU  201  operates as determining unit configured to determine whether the event is now being held or not. If “9” representing the event in session is set in the event starting flag, then the routine goes to step S 32  If “9” is not set in the event starting flag, then the event ending process is ended on determination that the event is not being held.  
      At next step S 32 , the CPU  201  operates as ending-condition determining unit configured to determine whether the event ending condition is realized or not. If it is determined that the event ending condition is effected, then the routine goes to step S 33 . While, if it is determined that the event ending condition is not realized, the event ending process is completed. In this embodiment, if an event ending timer indicates “0 sec”, it is determined that the event ending condition is realized. On the contrary, if not it is determined that event ending condition is not realized.  
      At step S 33 , the CPU  210  operates as the opening/closing controlling unit Here, in order for the stage device  24  to close the stage A, the communication processing unit  204  is operated to transmit the curtain-closing signal to the opening/closing driving unit  24   a  and thereafter, the routine goes to step S 34 .  
      At step S 34 , the CPU  201  operates as effect-pattern controlling unit of the present invention. Here, in order to change the effect patterns representing the indoor effecting states realized by the indoor effecting devices  21 ,  22 ,  23  from the special effect patterns corresponding to the special effect to the base effect patterns, the CPU  201  operates the communication processing unit  204  and outputs the base effect signals to the indoor effecting devices  21 ,  22 ,  23 .  
      At step S 35 , the CPU  201  operates as the transition-condition controlling unit of the present invention. Here, in order to change the transition condition for the slot machines  1  from the high-probability transition condition to the base transition condition, the CPU  201  allows the communication processing unit  204  to transmit the base transition signals to the slot machines  1 .  
      At next step S 36 , the CPU  201  clears “9” in the event starting flag and successively, the event ending process is ended.  
      (Operation of Slot Machine)  
      In the slot machine  1 , the CPU  32  caries out the main process while operating as gaming-progress controlling unit. In the main process, the CPU  32  controls the progress of a variable display game that is started in the base gaming mode by using a game medium, such as coin and game coin, and further controls the progress of a free game that requires no game medium in the special gaming mode. Also, the CPU  32  carries out an interrupt process to the main process when receiving the high-probability transition signal or the base transition signal from the store server  20 . Now, we first explain the interrupt process and thereafter explain the main process.  
      Starting the interrupt process on receipt of the high-probability transition signal or the base transition signal, the routine goes to step S 71  where the CPU  32  prohibits the other interruptions and once evacuates an active program in the main process, which is stored in a memory area (register). At next step S 72 , the CPU  32  determines whether a transition signal on receipt is the high-probability transition signal or not. If it is the high-probability transition signal, then the routine goes to step S 73  to set “8” representing the high-probability transition condition in a transition condition flag and subsequently, the routine goes to step S 75 . While, if receiving a base transition signal, then the routine goes to step S 74  to clear up the transition condition flag and successively, the routine goes to step S 75 . At step S 75 , the CPU  32  restores the above memory area (resister) for the so-evacuated program and resumes the main process from the point of interruption (evacuation) on completion of the intervention process. That is, due to the above-mentioned intervention process, when the event is being held, “8” is set in the transition condition flag. While, when the event is not being held, “8” is not set in the transition condition flag. Therefore, by determining whether the transition condition flag has “8” set therein or not, it becomes possible to determine whether it is in the high-probability game at present or not.  
      The operational procedure of the main process will be described with reference to flow charts of  FIGS. 10 and 11 .  FIG. 10  is a flow chart showing the operational procedure (respective operation blocks) of the main process from a starting of game to an end of game in the slot machine  1 .  
      Corresponding to a starting of the main process, the routine goes to step S 51  to start a start reception process that requires a player to operate the slot machine  1  for the starting of game. At next step S 52 , it is executed to determine whether “8” is set in the transition condition flag or not. If not, then the routine goes to step S 53  where the CPU  32  performs a “base transition condition” gaming operation where a transition condition from the base gaming mode to the special gaming mode is identical to the base transition condition and thereafter, the main process is ended. While, if the determination at step S 52  is Yes, that is, case that “8” representing the high-probability transition condition is set in the transition condition flag, then the CPU  32  operates as transition condition changing unit and the routine goes to step S 54 . At step S 54 , the transition condition is changed from the base transition condition to the high-probability transition condition. Then, the CPU  32  performs a “high-probability transition condition” gaming operation and thereafter, the main process is ended. It is noted that the base transition condition gaming operation is similar to the high-probability transition condition gaming operation. In the high-probability transition condition gaming operation, however, its transition probability of changing from the base gaming mode to the special gaming mode is realized so as to be higher than that in the base transition condition gaming operation. Hereinafter, the high-probability transition condition gaming operation will be described with reference to the flow chart of  FIG. 11 .  
      (High-Probability Transition Condition Gaming Process)  
      When starting the high-probability transition condition gaming operation, the routine goes to step S 61  where a lottery operation is carried out. The lottery operation comprises a stopping-symbol determining process, a winning-and-losing determining process and a winning-mode determining process, which are performed in this order. In the stopping-symbol determining process, the CPU  32  first allows the random number generator  35  to generate random numbers within a certain range. Next, the CPU  32  samples an optional random number out of the so-generated random numbers and further acquires symbols corresponding to the sampled random number with reference to a not-shown symbol determination table (i.e. table memorizing both symbol code numbers and random numbers, in association) and a stop table (i.e. table memorizing both symbol code numbers and stopping symbols, in association). The so-acquired symbols are utilized as the stopping symbols to be displayed on the variable display portions  3   a - 3   i.    
      In the wining-and-losing determining process, the CPU  32  determines a player&#39;s winning or losing the game with reference to a winning determination table (i.e. table that symbol patterns are registered so as to allow a discrimination of either winning symbol patterns or losing symbol patterns in association with the combinations of symbol code numbers). If it is determined that a player is winning the game, then the CPU  32  performs the winning-mode determining process to acquire a dividend (payout) corresponding to the winning combination with reference to a combination table where various dividends are registered in association with the winning symbol patterns (winning combinations).  
      At next step S 62 , a base gaming operation is carried out in order to perform the base game in the base gaming mode. In the base gaming mode, the CPU  32  carries out a variable displaying (i.e. scroll displaying) of symbols on the variable display portions  3   a  to  3   i  of the main display  5  and a stopping display of stopping symbols determined in the stopping-symbol determining process. In case of a winning, the CPU  32  performs a payout of coins etc. corresponding to the dividend acquired in the winning-mode determining process. Additionally, the CPU  32  allows the sub-display  4  to display a gaming effect representing the base gaming mode, for example, simple displaying of a logo image of the game arcade and allows the speakers  12 L,  12 R to output sounds, such as “Go!” and “Fight!”.  
      At next step S 63 , the CPU  32  operates as transition advisability determining unit configured to determine the advisability of transition condition for the special gaming mode (for example, unit configured to determine whether a special symbol has been determined as the stopping symbol or not). If the transition condition is realized, then the routine goes to step S 64  where a free game operation is carried out. Note that the probability of establishing the transition condition in the high-probability transition condition gaming operation is preset higher than that in the base transition condition gaming operation.  
      In the special gaming mode, there is executed a special game profitable to a player. According to the embodiment, the free game operation where a predetermined number of variable-displaying games (so-called “slot game”) are carried out without requiring any game medium and subsequently, the main process is ended. In the free game operation, a lottery operation similar to the lottery operation at step S 61  is carried out. This lottery operation comprises a stopping-symbol determining process, a winning-and-losing determining process and a winning-mode determining process, as well. After that, the scroll operation similar to the base game operation at step S 62  is performed. That is, the CPU  32  carries out a variable displaying of symbols on the variable display portions  3   a  to  3   i  of the main display  5  and a stopping display of stopping symbols determined in the stopping-symbol determining process. In connection, the CPU  32  performs a payout of coins etc. corresponding to the dividend acquired in the winning-mode determining process. Note that in the free game operation, the CPU  32  performs the lottery operation and the scroll operation by a number of times equal to the number of free games.  
      Here, the CPU  32  allows the sub-display  4  to display a gaming effect representing the special gaming mode, for example, displaying of character images, such as “Free Game Chance!” and “Big Bonus!” and allows the speakers  12 L,  12 R to output sounds, such as “Lucky!” and “Excellent!”.  
      Thus, according to the casino effecting system  100 , it is possible to make the indoor effect performed by the indoor effecting devices  21 ,  22  and  23  correspond to the effect performed by the slot machine  1 , warming up the atmosphere of the whole game arcade due to a synergy effect between these effects and allowing the effect at the game arcade to be enhanced exponentially with player&#39;s improved passion for gambling,  
      Additionally, the indoor effect is changed to the special effect at a timing (e.g. timing of indicating to hold an event or timing just after an event has been held) and the transition condition in the slot machine  1  can be altered to the high-probability transition condition. Therefore, it is possible to accomplish the effect in the special-gaming mode by the slot machine  1  and the indoor effect by the indoor effecting devices  21 ,  22  and  23  in conjunction with the opening of an event, allowing the effect in the game arcade to be enhanced furthermore.  
      Again, when the indoor effect by the indoor effecting devices  21 ,  22  and  23  is changed to the special effect, the gaming mode in the slot machines  1  become easy to be changed to the special gaming mode. That is, since this appearance of the special effect allows a player to expect the transition for the special gaming mode, it becomes possible to enhance a player&#39;s motivation to play a game in accordance with the opening of an event.  
      As mentioned above, the casino effecting system  100  is provided with the operating device  25  that can output the information about the starting of special effect corresponding to an operator&#39;s artificial manipulation. Thus, at an optional timing (e.g. time when a number of players more than one hundred come into the game arcade, a predetermined time (e.g. 8 p.m.)), the operator can start an event, allow the stage device  24  to open the stage A with the starting of the event, allow the indoor effecting devices  21 ,  22  and  23  to perform the special effect and change the transition condition of the slot machines  1  to the high-probability transition condition. Thus, it becomes possible to allow the casino effecting system  100  to correspond to an event held by an owner of the game arcade, its manager, etc. freely.  
      In the casino effecting system  100 , as mentioned above, the store server  20  manages whether the event ending condition is realized or not. Thus, on completion of the event, the store server  20  sends the indoor effect mode performed by the indoor effecting devices  21 ,  22 ,  23  to the base effect mode and also sends the transition condition in the slot machines  1  to the base transition condition. Therefore, respective alterations in both the effect and the transition condition between the event and the other situations are carried out all at once, producing variation and enhancing the effect of presentment.  
      The game effecting system of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. As for the gaming machine forming the game effecting system, the slot machine  1  of the embodiment may be replaced by a gaming machine adopting images of playing cards in a card game and a gaming machine adopting images of mah-jong pieces in a mah-jong game. Alternatively, it may be replaced by a slot machine equipped with a plurality of mechanical reels.  
      In the game effecting system and the gaming server of the present invention, it may be realized in a manner that the starting condition of the special effect comes into effect at a special time (e.g. 9 p.m.) or on special day and time (e.g. on Saturday, 1 p.m.). Alternatively, it may be realized that the starting condition of the special effect comes into effect when any one of players acquires an accumulated dividend in a jackpot game. Note that the jackpot game is a game where a predetermined percentage of bets are added as an accumulated dividend. If any one of players gets a special winning combination in the jackpot game, then the winner is supplied with the accumulated dividend in addition to a dividend corresponding to the winning combination.  
      In the above-mentioned embodiment, the CPU  201  of the store server  20  operates as the ending-condition determining unit to determine the ending of an event with a passage of predetermined time since the starting of the event. In the modification, on condition of providing the operating device  25  that outputs the event-ending information in correspondence with an operator&#39;s manipulation, the CPU  201  of the store server  20  may operate as the ending-condition determining unit when the event-ending information is inputted by the operator.  
      In the above-mentioned embodiment, with the ending of an event, the CPU  201  of the store server  20  changes the effect pattern of the indoor effecting devices  21 ,  22 ,  23  (from the special effect pattern to the base pattern) and also changes the transition condition of the slot machines  1  all at once (from the high-probability transition condition to the base transition condition). In the modification, the change from the high-probability transition condition to the base transition condition may be accomplished with respect to each slot machine  1  independently. For example, a modification may be made in that if the base gaming mode is altered to the special gaming mode as a result that the base transition condition has changed to the high-probability transition condition due to the occurrence of an event, the CPU  32  of the slot machine  1  operates as transition condition changing unit to change the transition condition from the high-probability transition condition to the base transition condition. Alternatively, another modification may be made in that if the number of gaming media, which have been paid out in sequential games to the alteration for the high-probability transition condition with the occurrence of an event, exceeds a predetermined number, the CPU  32  of the slot machine  1  operates as the transition condition changing unit to change the transition condition from the high-probability transition condition to the base transition condition.