US20060205504A1 - Gaming machine - Google Patents
Gaming machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060205504A1 US20060205504A1 US11/335,675 US33567506A US2006205504A1 US 20060205504 A1 US20060205504 A1 US 20060205504A1 US 33567506 A US33567506 A US 33567506A US 2006205504 A1 US2006205504 A1 US 2006205504A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- control panel
- game
- unit
- cabinet
- processing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F5/00—Roulette games
- A63F5/04—Disc roulettes; Dial roulettes; Teetotums; Dice-tops
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/3202—Hardware aspects of a gaming system, e.g. components, construction, architecture thereof
- G07F17/3216—Construction aspects of a gaming system, e.g. housing, seats, ergonomic aspects
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
- A63F13/20—Input arrangements for video game devices
- A63F13/24—Constructional details thereof, e.g. game controllers with detachable joystick handles
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a gaming machine having a movable control panel.
- a control panel of a gaming machine can be moved so as to be easily used by a player.
- a control panel of a gaming machine is continuously used during a game. Accordingly, a control panel, which is moved to a position where a player can easily use it prior to playing a game, needs to be fixed in order not to hinder a game operation during the game.
- an electric panel of an in-vehicle audio equipment, a key input portion of an automatic cash transaction machine, and an armrest are different from a control panel in that they need not to be fixed. Therefore, application of the aforementioned techniques to a control panel can hinder a game operation, because the control panel is not fixed even during a game.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine having a control panel which can be moved without hindering a game operation.
- a gaming machine comprising a game medium detecting unit, a credit value memory, a storage unit, a game control unit, a plurality of switching unit, a control panel, a cabinet, a movement mechanism, a blocking unit, and an unlocking unit.
- the game medium detecting unit outputs a detection signal upon detection of a game medium which is served as a charge for a game.
- the credit value memory stores a credit value which is calculated out by adding a predetermined value in accordance with a detection signal outputted from the game medium detecting unit and at the same time subtracting a predetermined value when a game is started.
- the storage unit stores a game program.
- the game control unit controls progress of a game based on the game program stored in the storage unit.
- the plurality of switching unit are connected to the game control unit. On the control panel, the plurality of switching unit are arranged.
- the cabinet is mounted with the control panel.
- the movement mechanism enables the control panel to move relative to the cabinet.
- the blocking unit blocks movement of the control panel through the movement mechanism.
- the unlocking unit unlocks the blocking by the blocking unit against movement of the control panel, when a credit value stored in the credit value memory is not less than one and no game is in progress.
- control panel can be moved only when a credit value is not less than one and no game is in progress, and during a game the blocking unit makes the control panel immovable.
- the control panel can be moved into a position desirable for a player without hindering a game operation.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a slot machine according to a first embodiment of a gaming machine of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the slot machine illustrated in FIG. 1 , having its slide table fully housed in a cabinet;
- FIG. 3 is a local sectional view showing the slide table and a slide mechanism that enables the slide table to slide relative to the cabinet;
- FIG. 4 is a local sectional view in a state where the slide table illustrated in FIG. 3 is fully housed in the cabinet;
- FIG. 5 is a plan view of a control panel that is provided on the slide table
- FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a control unit of the slot machine
- FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a liquid-crystal drive circuit of a display
- FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing columns of symbols, which are variably displayed on video reels during a base game
- FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing winning combinations and payout numbers therefor.
- FIG. 10 shows stop areas of five video reels
- FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a main processing which is executed by the slot machine
- FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a starting processing S 11 which is included in the main processing of FIG. 11 ;
- FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a lottery processing S 12 which is included in the main processing of FIG. 11 ;
- FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a base game processing S 13 which is included in the main processing of FIG. 11 ;
- FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a bonus game processing S 15 which is included in the main processing of FIG. 11 ;
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a slot machine according to a second embodiment of a gaming machine of the present invention.
- FIGS. 17 and 18 are side views showing a slide mechanism capable of sliding a control panel relative to a cabinet interlockingly with changing an angle of a main display;
- FIG. 19 is a side view showing a control panel and a main display both placed in a default state
- FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a control unit of the slot machine according to the second embodiment.
- FIG. 21 is a flowchart of a starting processing of the second embodiment
- FIG. 22 is a flowchart of a temporary storage processing S 63 which is included in the starting processing of FIG. 21 ;
- FIG. 23 is a flowchart of an adjustment processing S 64 which is included in the starting processing of FIG. 21 ;
- FIG. 24 is a flowchart of a writing processing S 66 which is included in the starting processing of FIG. 21 .
- the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is one with which a player plays a game in a sit-down condition.
- a sub display 3 is placed in an upper front part of a cabinet 2 .
- a main display 4 is placed on a front panel 20 which locates in a middle front part of the cabinet 2 .
- the sub display 3 and the main display 4 are commonly-used liquid crystal displays.
- the sub display 3 displays information about a game such as a game method, kinds of winning combination and payout numbers therefor, and various effects.
- the sub display 3 has, in its upper left part, a credit number display portion 3 a which displays a credit number.
- the main display 4 displays five video reels 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , and 25 .
- the video reels 21 to 25 are scrolled, and in each of the video reels 21 to 25 various kinds of symbols which will be described later are variably displayed from top to bottom. After a predetermined time period, the scrolling of the video reels 21 to 25 stops, so that each of the video reels 21 to 25 displays three symbols.
- a slot game including a base game and a bonus game which will be detailed later, is played through the video reels 21 to 25 of the main display 4 .
- the video reels 21 to 25 have first stop areas 211 , 221 , 231 , 241 , and 251 , second stop areas 212 , 222 , 232 , 242 and 252 , and third stop areas 213 , 223 , 233 , 243 and 253 .
- the scrolling of the video reels 21 to 25 stops one symbol is displayed in each of the stop areas 211 to 213 , 221 to 223 , 231 to 233 , 241 to 243 , and 251 to 253 .
- a pay line used in the slot game consists of five stop areas including one of the stop areas 211 to 213 , one of the stop areas 221 to 223 , one of the stop areas 231 to 233 , one of the stop areas 241 to 243 , and one of the stop areas 251 to 253 .
- a total of five pay lines are provided, although a description of each pay line will be omitted here.
- a coin insertion slot 9 and a bill insertion slot 10 are provided below the main display 4 .
- a housing space 7 (see FIGS. 3 and 4 ) is formed within the cabinet 2 , and the housing space 7 has its opening 7 a formed in a front face 2 a of the cabinet below the bill insertion slot 10 .
- a slide table 6 can be moved into and out of the opening 7 a of the housing space 7 .
- the front face 2 a of the cabinet and a front face 6 a of the slide table align on the same plane as shown in FIG. 2 .
- a slide mechanism 300 disposed in the housing space 7 is a slide mechanism 300 that enables the slide table 6 to slide along a front-back direction of the cabinet 2 .
- slide mechanism 300 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 .
- the slide mechanism 300 includes a pair of slide rails 321 and a pair of rollers 331 .
- the pair of slide rails 321 are attached to both widthwise ends of a bottom face of the slide table 6 .
- the pair of rollers 331 are engaged with grooves of the slide rails 321 .
- the rollers 331 are pivotally supported on the cabinet 2 . While the slide table 6 is being pulled out of or housed into the housing space 7 , the slide rails 321 having their grooves engaged with the rollers 331 are sliding together with rotation of the rollers 331 .
- the slide rail 321 has a protrusion 321 a at its inner-side end.
- the protrusion 321 a and the roller 331 collide against each other as shown in FIG. 3 . This prevents the slide table 6 from being excessively pulled out of the housing space 7 .
- a lock actuator 351 is fixed in the depth of the housing space 7 .
- a rod 351 a of the lock actuator 351 has its front end secured to a back face of the slide table 6 which is opposite to the front face 6 a thereof.
- the slide table 6 can be slid.
- the rod 351 a is fixed against extension and retraction, the slide table 6 cannot be slid.
- a CPU 50 determines whether or not the rod 351 a of the lock actuator 351 should be brought into the extendable/retractable mode.
- FIG. 5 shows a control panel 5 which is provided on an upper face of the slide table 6 .
- An upper section of the control panel 5 includes a COLLECT button 31 and a GAME RULES button 32 in this order from left to right.
- a middle section of the control panel 5 includes a BET 1 PER LINE button 33 , a BET 2 PER LINE button 34 , a BET 3 PER LINE button 35 , a BET 5 PER LINE button 36 , a BET 8 PER LINE button 37 , and a WIN/START FEATURE button 38 in this order from left to right.
- a lower section of the control panel 5 includes a RED PLAY 1 LINE button 39 , a PLAY 2 LINES button 40 , a PLAY 5 LINES button 41 , a PLAY 20 LINES button 42 , a BLACK PLAY 25 LINES button 43 , and a GAMBLE/RESERVE button 44 in this order from left to right.
- the COLLECT button 31 is pressed when a base game ends.
- COLLECT button 31 When COLLECT button 31 is pressed, coins, the number of which is equivalent to the credit acquired in the game, are paid out through a payout opening 15 into a coin tray 16 .
- the GAME RULES button 32 is pressed when a player does not clearly know how to play a game.
- various help information is displayed on the sub display 3 and/or the main display 4 .
- the BET 1 PER LINE button 33 , the BET 2 PER LINE button 34 , the BET 3 PER LINE button 35 , the BET 5 PER LINE button 36 , and the BET 8 PER LINE button 37 are buttons which, upon one press, increase the bet on each activated line by one, two, three, five, and eight, respectively. Accordingly, by pressing any of these BET buttons 33 to 37 , the bet value bet on each activated line is determined.
- the WIN/START FEATURE button 38 is a button for starting a bonus game and for adding to the credit a payout acquired in a bonus game.
- the RED PLAY 1 LINE button 39 , the PLAY 2 LINES button 40 , the PLAY 5 LINES button 41 , the PLAY 20 LINES button 42 , and the BLACK PLAY 25 LINE button 43 are buttons for setting the number of activated lines at one, two, five, twenty, and twenty-five, respectively. Upon a press of any of these buttons 39 to 43 , a game is started based on the set bet value and the number of activated lines. Thus, the video reels 21 to 25 of the main display 4 start scrolling.
- the RED PLAY 1 LINE button 39 and the BLACK PLAY 25 LINES button 43 are also used for selecting one of red and black in a double down game.
- the double down game means a game which is performed by using a credit value acquired in a bonus game.
- the GAMBLE/RESERVE button 44 is pressed before a player temporarily leaves a seat, or pressed after a bonus game is finished so that a game shifts to a double down game.
- buttons 31 to 44 has a built-in switch (see FIG. 6 ).
- the COLLECT button 31 has a COLLECT switch 45
- the GAME RULES button 32 has a GAME RULES switch 46
- the BET 1 PER LINE button 33 has a 1-BET switch 57
- the BET 2 PER LINE button 34 has a 2-BET switch 58
- the BET 3 PER LINE button 35 has a 3-BET switch 59
- the BET 5 PER LINE button 36 has a 5-BET switch 60
- the BET 8 PER LINE button 37 has a 8-BET switch 61
- the WIN/START FEATURE button 38 has a WIN*START switch 47
- the RED PLAY 1 LINE button 39 has a 1-LINE switch 62
- the PLAY 2 LINES button 40 has a 2-LINES switch 63
- the PLAY 5 LINES button 41 has a 5-LINES switch 64
- a coin sensor 49 is disposed within the cabinet 2 at a position near the coin insertion slot 9 . When a coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot 9 , the coin sensor 49 outputs a coin detection signal to the CPU 50 .
- a bill sensor 67 is disposed within the cabinet 2 at a position near the bill insertion slot 10 . When a bill is inserted into the bill insertion slot 10 , the bill sensor 67 outputs a bill detection signal to the CPU 50 .
- a coin sensor 73 is disposed within the cabinet 2 at a position near the payout opening 15 , so that the coin sensor 73 detects a coin which is being paid out through the payout opening 15 (see FIG. 6 ).
- a column of symbols on a first reel band 101 , a column of symbols on a second reel band 102 , a column of symbols on a third reel band 103 , a column of symbols on a fourth reel band 104 , and a column of symbols on a fifth reel band 105 are variably displayed in the video reels 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , and 25 , respectively.
- the column of symbols on each of the reel bands 101 to 105 includes twelve kinds of symbols, namely, “WILD”, “SHARK”, “FISH”, “PUNK”, “OCTOPUS”, “CRAB”, “WORM”, “A”, “K”, “J”, and “SARDINE”.
- the symbols on the respective reel bands 101 to 105 are arranged differently from one another.
- the characters of “SHARK”, “FISH”, “PUNK”, “OCTOPUS”, “CRAB”, “WORM”, and “SARDINE” refer to symbols of a shark, fish, a man with a guitar, a octopus, a crab, a warm, and a sardine, respectively.
- the characters of “WILD”, “A”, “K”, “Q”, and “J” refer to symbols of corresponding alphabets.
- the “SARDINE” symbol functions also as a scatter symbol for shifting to a bonus game.
- the “WILD” symbol can substitute for any of the “SHARK” symbol, “FISH” symbol, “PUNK” symbol, “OCTOPUS” symbol, “CRAB” symbol, “WORM” symbol, “A” symbol, “K” symbol, “Q” symbol, and “J” symbol, but cannot substitute for the “SARDINE” symbol which functions as the scatter symbol.
- the columns of symbols on the reel bands 101 to 105 are variably displayed in the respective video reels 21 to 25 for a predetermined time period, and then stopped so that each of the video reels 21 to 25 displays three symbols (see FIG. 10 ). If a predetermined combination of predetermined symbols appears on an activated line, a winning is made and a payout number corresponding to the combination is added to the credit value. This is the same as in the conventional slot machines, and therefore a specific description thereof will be omitted here.
- the control unit of the slot machine 1 includes the CPU 50 as a core, and a ROM 51 and a RAM 52 are connected to the CPU 50 .
- the ROM 51 stores, as will be described later, a main processing program, a base game processing program, a bonus game processing program, a first lottery table used for determining which symbols will be stopped in a base game, a second lottery table used for determining which symbols will be stopped in a bonus game, other programs necessary for controlling the slot machine, a data table, a game program, and the like.
- the RAM 52 is a memory for temporarily storing data computed by the CPU 50 , such as a credit value.
- data computed by the CPU 50 such as a credit value.
- a credit equivalent to the amount of inserted coin/bill and a credit acquired as a payout are added to the credit value stored in the RAM 52 , and a bet-out credit is subtracted from the credit value stored in the RAM 52 .
- Data are correspondingly overwritten.
- a clock pulse generating circuit 53 that generates a reference clock pulse
- a frequency divider 54 that generates a random number
- a random number generating circuit 55 that generates a random number
- a random number sampling circuit 56 Connected to the CPU 50 are a clock pulse generating circuit 53 that generates a reference clock pulse, a frequency divider 54 , a random number generating circuit 55 that generates a random number, and a random number sampling circuit 56 .
- a random number sampled by the random number sampling circuit 56 is used in a lottery for a winning combination, etc.
- the coin sensor 49 and the bill sensor 67 Connected to the CPU 50 are the coin sensor 49 and the bill sensor 67 which are disposed near the coin insertion slot 9 and the bill insertion slot 10 , respectively, as described above. Based on a coin detection signal outputted from the coin sensor 49 , the CPU 50 computes the number of coins inserted, and adds to the credit a credit value equivalent to the inserted coin(s). Based on a bill detection signal outputted from the bill sensor 67 , the CPU 50 adds to the credit a credit value equivalent to the inserted bill(s).
- a hopper 71 is connected to the CPU 50 through a hopper drive circuit 70 .
- the CPU 50 outputs a drive signal to the hopper drive circuit 70
- the hopper 71 pays out a predetermined number of coins through the payout opening 15 .
- the coin sensor 73 is also connected to the CPU 50 through a payout completion signal circuit 72 . Based on a coin detection signal outputted from the coin sensor 73 , the payout completion signal circuit 72 counts the number of coins paid out, and outputs a payout completion signal to the CPU 50 when the counts reaches a predetermined value.
- the sub display 3 and the main display 4 are connected to the CPU 50 through a liquid-crystal drive circuit 74 .
- the liquid-crystal drive circuit 74 includes a program ROM 81 , an image ROM 82 , an image control CPU 83 , a work RAM 84 , a VDP (Video Display Processor) 85 , and a video RAM 86 .
- the program ROM 81 stores an image control program and various selection tables relating to displays on the sub display 3 and the main display 4 .
- the image ROM 82 stores dot data for forming images such as columns of symbols on the reel bands 101 to 105 (see FIG.
- the image control CPU 83 determines which image, from the dot data prestored in the image ROM 82 , will be displayed on the sub display 3 and the main display 4 .
- the work RAM 84 is a temporary memory that is used when the image control CPU 83 executes the image control program.
- the VDP 85 forms an image that corresponds to display contents determined by the image control CPU 83 , and displays the image on the sub display 3 or the main display 4 . Thereby, for example, the columns of symbols on the reel bands 101 to 105 are variably displayed in the video reels 21 to 25 of the main display 4 .
- the video RAM 86 functions as a temporary memory that is used when the VDP 85 forms an image.
- a sound output circuit 79 and a speaker 80 are connected to the CPU 50 . Based on an output signal from the sound output circuit 79 , the speaker 80 produces various sound effects in order to present impressions.
- a lock actuator 351 is connected to the CPU 50 through an actuator output circuit 381 .
- code numbers “ 00 ” to “ 29 ” are assigned to the symbols sequentially from top to bottom.
- each code number is associated with one random number.
- Five random numbers each corresponding to each of the video reels 21 to 25 are sampled out by the random number sampling circuit 56 , and symbols associated with these random numbers are determined to be stopped in the second stop areas 212 , 222 , 232 , 242 , and 252 of the respective video reels 21 to 25 .
- symbols which will be stopped on a first pay line consisting of the second stop areas 212 , 222 , 232 , 242 , and 252 of the respective video reels 21 to 25 are determined.
- payout numbers of 10, 320, 2500, and 6000, respectively are given.
- payout numbers of 3, 25, 150, and 1000, respectively are given.
- payout numbers of 2, 5, 10, and 125, respectively are given, and further values obtained by multiplying these payout numbers by a total bet value, i.e., the product of a bet value and the number of activated lines, are added to the credit.
- a total bet value i.e., the product of a bet value and the number of activated lines
- the bonus game means a game which is performed after a base game, and is generally more advantageous to a player. In the bonus game, ten to twenty-five free games are automatically offered without betting any credit.
- the columns of symbols on the reel bands 101 to 105 shown in FIG. 8 are variably displayed in the video reels 21 to 25 .
- the bet value and the number of activated lines which are used at the time of the shift to the bonus game are still employed in the bonus game.
- winning combinations and payout numbers therefor are identical to the above-described ones of the base game.
- the “SHARK” symbol is treated as the “WILD” symbol.
- a shift to the bonus game is again allowed. Thereby, a player can relatively easily acquire a large amount of credit.
- the starting processing is a processing for receiving a coin detection signal from the coin sensor 49 and signals which are outputted from the respective switches upon press of the BET buttons 33 to 37 and the PLAY buttons 39 to 43 of the control panel 5 (see FIG. 5 ).
- Executed in S 12 is a lottery processing for determining which symbols will be stopped in the video reels 21 to 25 , etc. (see FIG. 13 ). If at this time a bonus game is won, the number of free games which can be played in the bonus game is determined to be, for example, one of ten to twenty-five by lottery.
- S 13 a base game processing which will be detailed later (see FIG. 14 ) is executed.
- S 14 whether a bonus game is won or not is determined. To be more specific, if it has been determined in the lottery processing of S 12 that three or more “SARDINE” symbols will be stopped in the stop areas of the video reels 21 to 25 , it is determined that a bonus game is won (S 14 : YES), and the processing proceeds to S 15 . In S 15 , a bonus game processing which will be detailed later (see FIG. 15 ) is executed, and then the main processing ends.
- S 21 whether a predetermined time period, e.g., fifteen seconds has elapsed or not is determined. If it is determined that the predetermined time period has not elapsed (S 21 : NO), the processing skips S 22 and proceeds to S 23 . If it is determined that the predetermined time period has elapsed (S 21 : YES), the processing proceeds to S 22 where a demonstration image is displayed on the sub display 3 and/or the main display 4 , and then proceeds to S 23 .
- a predetermined time period e.g., fifteen seconds has elapsed or not is determined. If it is determined that the predetermined time period has not elapsed (S 21 : NO), the processing skips S 22 and proceeds to S 23 . If it is determined that the predetermined time period has elapsed (S 21 : YES), the processing proceeds to S 22 where a demonstration image is displayed on the sub display 3 and/or the main display 4 , and then proceeds to S 23 .
- a predetermined time period e
- S 23 whether a credit value stored in the RAM 52 is not less than one or not is determined. If it is determined that the credit value is less than one (S 23 : NO), the processings skips S 24 and proceeds to S 25 . If it is determined that the credit value is not less than one (S 23 : YES), the processings proceeds to S 24 .
- the CPU 50 outputs an unlock command to the actuator output circuit 381 , to unlock the rod 351 a of the lock actuator 351 into an extendable/retractable mode.
- the CPU 50 functions as a “unlocking unit”.
- the slide table 6 gets slidable, and a player can place the control panel 5 , which is provided on the upper face of the slide table 6 , into a desired position.
- the CPU 50 outputs a lock command to the actuator output circuit 381 , to lock the rod 351 a of the lock actuator 351 against extension and retraction. Thereby, the slide table 6 gets unslidable.
- a lottery processing is executed to determine which symbols will be stopped in the video reels 21 to 25 , and a winning combination with a payout number therefor.
- This lottery processing S 51 is substantially the same as the lottery processing S 12 of the base game, except that the second lottery table replaces the first lottery table which is used for determining symbols in the lottery processing S 12 .
- the number of free games is newly determined by lottery, to be one of ten to twenty-five for example.
- the number thus determined is added to “the number determined in the lottery processing S 12 ” which is involved in the judgment of S 55 .
- the number of free games which can be played thereafter is twenty-five (20 ⁇ 12+17).
- the control panel 5 is mounted on the slide table 6 which is slidable along a front-back direction of the cabinet 2 by means of the slide mechanism 300 . Thereby, a player smoothly slides the slide table 6 in order to place the control panel 5 mounted on the upper face of the slide table 6 into a desired position.
- the front face 2 a of the cabinet and the front face 6 a of the slide table align on the same plane. This can improve aesthetic appeal of the appearance.
- the front face 6 a of the slide table functions as a door to close the housing space 7 (see FIGS. 3 and 4 ), thus preventing a foreign matter from getting into the housing space 7 .
- a description will be given to a slot machine 501 according to a second embodiment of a gaming machine of the present invention.
- the same members as those of the slot machine 1 described above will be denoted by the common reference numerals, without a specific description thereof.
- a slot machine 501 of the second embodiment has a cabinet 502 a configuration of which is slightly different from that of the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1 ).
- a front panel 520 locates in a middle front part of the cabinet 502 , and has a protective panel 505 that covers a main display 504 .
- a control panel 5 and an armrest 506 are provided below the main display 504 .
- the armrest 506 protrudes frontward from a front face 502 a of the cabinet.
- a coin insertion slot 9 and a bill insertion slot 10 are provided at a right-side part of an upper face of the armrest 506 .
- a control lever 621 , a temporary storage button 622 , and a temporary return button 623 are provided at a left-side part of the upper face of the armrest 506 .
- An insertion slot 624 and a write-in button 625 are provided at a left-side part of a front end-face of the armrest 506 .
- a player can control the control lever 621 , in order to slide the control panel 5 interlockingly with changing an angle of the main display 504 .
- the temporary storage button 622 is a button for temporarily storing in a RAM 52 a position of the control panel 5 and an angle of the main display 504 .
- the temporary return button 623 is a button for adjusting the main display 504 and the control panel 5 respectively to the angle and the position which have been temporarily stored in the RAM 52 by the temporary storage button 622 .
- the insertion slot 624 is a slot into which an ID card of a player is inserted.
- the write-in button 625 is a button for storing into the ID card the position of the control panel 5 and the angle of the main display 504 .
- Each of the control lever 621 and the buttons 622 , 623 , and 625 has a built-in switch (see FIG. 20 ). More specifically, the control lever 621 has a control switch 641 . Based on controlling of the control lever 621 , the control switch 641 outputs a control signal to a CPU 50 through a control switch signal circuit 631 .
- the temporary storage button 622 has a temporary storage switch 643
- the temporary return button 623 has a temporary return switch 644
- the write-in button 625 has a write-in switch 642 . Based on a press of each of the buttons 622 , 623 , and 625 , the corresponding switch outputs a signal to the CPU 50 .
- the CPU 50 controls to execute operations corresponding to the respective buttons.
- a reader/writer 632 is provided near the insertion slot 624 . Through a reader/writer drive circuit 633 , the CPU 50 commands the reader/writer 632 to read or write data out of or into the ID card.
- control lever 621 When the control lever 621 is controlled, the control panel 5 slides and at the same time the angle of the main display 504 changes by means of a movement mechanism 600 (see FIGS. 17 to 19 ).
- the movement mechanism 600 includes a pair of slide rails 614 and a pair of rollers 615 .
- the pair of slide rails 614 are attached to both widthwise ends of a bottom face of the control panel 5 .
- the pair of rollers 615 are engaged with grooves of the slide rails 614 .
- the rollers 615 are pivotally supported on the cabinet 502 . While the control panel 5 is being moved, the slide rails 614 having their grooves engaged with the rollers 615 are sliding together with rotation of the rollers 615 .
- the slide rail 614 has protrusions 614 a and 614 b at its both ends.
- the protrusion 614 a or 614 b collides against the roller 615 , to thereby define a range of movement of the control panel 5 .
- the main display 504 locates on a back side of the protective panel 505 .
- a guide groove 619 is formed in each side face of the main display 504 .
- a protrusion 618 which is fixed to the cabinet 502 is inserted into the guide groove 619 .
- a lower end of the main display 504 is rotatably connected to one end of a link plate 616 with a pivot pin 617 .
- the other end of the link plate 616 is fixed to the control panel 5 .
- a state shown in FIG. 17 shifts to a state shown in FIG. 18 if the control panel 5 slides along a direction arrowed in FIG. 17 toward the back side of the protective panel 505 .
- the control panel 5 , the main display 504 , the link plate 616 , and the pivot pin 617 as positioned in the state of FIG. 17 are illustrated with alternate long and two short dashes lines. Simultaneously with the sliding of the control panel 5 toward the back side of the protective panel 505 , an angle of inclination of the main display 504 becomes smaller with respect to the vertical direction.
- the state shown in FIG. 18 shifts to the state shown in FIG. 17 if the control panel 5 slides away from the protective plate 505 along a direction arrowed in FIG. 18 . Simultaneously with the sliding of the control panel 5 away from the protective panel 505 , the angle of inclination of the main display 504 becomes larger with respect to the vertical direction.
- the movement mechanism 600 further includes an actuator 612 that is provided behind the protective panel 505 and fixed to a surface of the cabinet 502 .
- a rod 612 a of the actuator 612 has its front end secured to the control panel 5 , so that the control panel 5 slides in association with extension and retraction of the rod 612 a.
- the extension and retraction of the rod 612 a of the actuator 612 depends on a positioning of the control lever 621 . More specifically, pushing down the control lever 621 toward the protective panel 505 allows shift from the state shown in FIG. 17 to the state shown in FIG. 18 . At this time, the rod 612 a is retracted so that the control panel 5 slides toward the back side of the protective panel 505 , and simultaneously the main display 504 rises up with its angle getting smaller with respect to the vertical direction.
- Pushing down the control lever 621 away from the protective panel 505 allows shift from the state shown in FIG. 18 to the state shown in FIG. 17 .
- the rod 612 a is extended so that the control panel 5 slides away from the protective panel 505 , and simultaneously the main display 504 lies down with its angle getting larger with respect to the vertical direction.
- control lever 621 Placing the control lever 621 into a vertical state, i.e., into its home position fixes the rod 612 a so that the position of the control panel 5 and the angle of the main display 504 are fixed.
- the actuator 612 is connected to the CPU 50 through an actuator drive circuit 634 .
- the control switch 641 outputs a control signal through the control switch signal circuit 631 to the CPU 50
- the CPU 50 outputs a drive signal to the actuator drive circuit 634 so that the actuator drive circuit 634 outputs a step signal, etc., to the actuator 612 .
- the actuator 612 receives the step signal, etc., and extends or retracts the rod 612 a to a corresponding extent in a corresponding direction. Operation of the actuator 612 is fed back to the actuator drive circuit 634 , or alternatively managed by the actuator drive circuit 634 using a step signal, etc. Thereby, the CPU 50 can monitor the driving of the actuator 612 through the actuator drive circuit 634 .
- the CPU 50 extends or retracts the rod 612 a of the actuator 612 in order to return the control panel 5 and the main display 504 into their default state shown in FIG. 19 .
- the position of the control panel 5 in this state and the angle of the main display 504 in this state will hereinafter be referred to as a default position and a default angle, respectively.
- a main processing executed in the slot machine 501 is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 11 except for a starting processing.
- a starting processing executed in the slot machine 501 will be described with reference to FIG. 21 .
- a command for operation of the movement mechanism 300 by using the control lever 621 is permitted.
- the CPU 50 receives an operation signal transmitted from the operation switch 641 through the operation switch signal circuit 631 .
- the CPU 50 functions as an “unlocking unit”.
- the CPU 50 calculates in which direction and to which extent the rod 612 a of the actuator 612 should extend or retract, and outputs to the actuator drive circuit 634 a drive signal for signaling that the rod 612 a should be extended or retracted based on data thus calculated.
- This extension or retraction of the rod 612 a causes, in an interlocking manner, the control panel 5 to slide and the main display 504 to change in angle.
- S 61 If it is determined in S 61 that the credit value stored in the RAM 52 is less than one (S 61 : NO), whether a predetermined time period, e.g., fifteen seconds has elapsed or not is determined in S 65 . If it is determined that the predetermined time period has not elapsed (S 65 : NO), the processing skips S 66 to S 69 and proceeds to S 70 . If it is determined that the predetermined time period has elapsed (S 65 : YES), a write-in processing is executed in S 66 . The write-in processing will be detailed later.
- a predetermined time period e.g. fifteen seconds has elapsed or not is determined in S 65 . If it is determined that the predetermined time period has not elapsed (S 65 : NO), the processing skips S 66 to S 69 and proceeds to S 70 . If it is determined that the predetermined time period has elapsed (S 65 : YES), a write-in processing is executed in
- a command for operation of the movement mechanism 300 by using the control lever 621 is unpermitted.
- the CPU 50 ignores an operation signal transmitted from the operation switch 641 through the operation switch signal circuit 631 .
- the CPU 50 functions as a “blocking unit”.
- the CPU 50 outputs to the actuator drive circuit 634 no drive signal or alternatively a drive signal for signaling that the rod 612 a of the actuator 612 should be neither extended nor retracted. Under this state, even if a player tries operating the control lever 621 , the rod 612 a of the actuator 612 is kept fixed without extension or retraction, and accordingly the control panel 5 and the main display 504 are also kept fixed. Therefore, the position of the control panel 5 and the angle of the main display 504 cannot be adjusted.
- S 81 whether the temporary storage button 622 is pressed or not is determined. If it is determined that the temporary storage button 622 is not pressed (S 81 : NO), the processing skips S 82 and proceeds to S 83 . If it is determined that the temporary storage button 622 is pressed (S 81 : YES), the processing proceeds to S 82 .
- the position of the control panel 5 and the angle of the main display 504 under the current state are calculated out based on the extent of extension or retraction of the rod 612 a of the actuator 612 , and are stored in the RAM 52 as positioning information.
- S 83 whether the temporary return button 623 is pressed or not is determined. If it is determined that the temporary return button 623 is not pressed (S 83 : NO), S 84 is skipped and the temporary storage processing ends. Then, the processing returns to the starting processing of FIG. 21 , and proceeds to S 64 . If it is determined that the temporary return button 623 is pressed (S 83 : YES), the processing proceeds to S 84 .
- the position of the control panel 5 and the angle of the main display 504 are adjusted based on positioning information stored in the RAM 52 in S 82 .
- the CPU 50 outputs to the actuator drive circuit 634 a drive signal for operating the actuator 612 to make the rod 612 a protrude by a length corresponding to the positioning information stored in the RAM 52 .
- This extension or retraction of the rod 612 a causes, in an interlocking manner, the control panel 5 to slide and the main display 504 to change in angle, so that the control panel 5 and the main display 504 are brought into the same positions as they were when the temporary storage button 622 was pressed.
- S 91 whether an ID card is inserted into the insertion slot 624 or not is determined. If a signal is outputted to the CPU 50 from the reader/writer 632 provided near the insertion slot 624 , it is determined that an ID card is inserted into the insertion slot 624 . If it is determined that an ID card is not inserted into the insertion slot 624 (S 91 : NO), the processing skips subsequent steps which will be described later and exits from the adjustment processing. Then, the processing returns to the starting processing of FIG. 21 , and proceeds to S 70 .
- the position of the control panel 5 and the angle of the main display 504 are adjusted based on positioning information which is stored in the ID card in the later-described write-in processing (see FIG. 24 ).
- the CPU 50 reads, using the reader/writer 632 through a reader/writer control circuit 633 , positioning information stored in the ID card. Then, the CPU 50 operates the actuator 612 through the actuator drive circuit 634 , to make the rod 612 a protrude by a length corresponding to the positioning information stored in the ID card.
- This extension or retraction of the rod 612 a causes, in an interlocking manner, the control panel 5 to slide and the main display 504 to change in angle, so that the control panel 5 and the main display 504 are brought into positions corresponding to data stored in the ID card of a player.
- S 101 whether an ID card is inserted into the insertion slot 624 or not is determined. At this time, similarly to in S 91 , if a signal is outputted to the CPU 50 from the reader/writer 632 provided near the insertion slot 624 , it is determined that an ID card is inserted into the insertion slot 624 . If it is determined that an ID card is inserted into the insertion slot 624 (S 101 : YES), the processing proceeds to S 102 .
- S 102 determined is whether the position of control panel 5 and the angle of the main display 504 under the current state are different from positioning information stored in the ID card.
- the CPU 50 on one hand reads, by means of the reader/writer 632 through the reader/writer control circuit 633 , positioning information stored in the ID card, and on the other hand searches for a protruding length of the rod 612 a of the actuator 612 under the current state by means of the actuator drive circuit 334 . Then, based on the protruding length of the rod 612 a , the CPU obtains data about the position of the control panel 5 and the angle of the main display 504 . The judgment is made using the data thus obtained.
- the processing proceeds to S 103 where a notice “write the position of the control panel 5 and the angle of the main display 504 under the current state into the ID card?” is shown to a player.
- the sub display 3 displays the above notice, and also a notice “For writing, press the write-in button 625 within a predetermined time period, e.g., fifteen seconds”.
- the CPU 50 outputs a drive signal to the reader/writer control circuit 633 to thereby make the reader/writer 632 write into the ID card the position of the control panel 5 and the angle of the main display 504 under the current state.
- the processing exits from the write-in processing, returns to the starting processing of FIG. 21 , and proceeds to S 67 . Then, if, after “zero” is substituted for the variable N in S 69 of FIG. 21 , the processing proceeds to the above-described adjustment processing S 64 (see FIG. 23 ), the NO judgment is made in S 92 and therefore an adjustment based on the positioning information stored in the ID card is performed in S 93 .
- control lever 621 which can be controlled by a player
- the player can relatively easily perform an operation involved in adjustment of the position of the control panel 5 .
- This embodiment provides the movement mechanism 600 capable of sliding the control panel 5 relative to the cabinet 502 interlockingly with changing the angle of the main display 504 .
- the control panel 5 and the main display 504 return to their default state shown in FIG. 19 (S 67 ).
- S 67 the default state shown in FIG. 19
- all the slot machines 501 in which no game is being played have a uniform appearance because positions of their control panels 5 and angles of their main displays are identical. This can improve aesthetic appeal of appearance.
- the demonstration image is displayed on the main display 501 whose angle is in the default state. If the main display 501 under the default state is set at such an angle that a display image can be clearly seen by passers-by, the passers-by can see the demonstration image without difficulty.
- a position of the control panel 5 and an angle of the main display 504 are stored in the RAM 52 (S 81 and S 82 in FIG. 22 ). Thereafter, upon a press of the temporary return button 623 , the position of the control panel 5 and the angle of the main display 504 are adjusted based on the positioning information stored in RAM 52 in S 82 . That is, once a favorite position is stored, readjustment using the control lever 621 is conveniently unnecessary.
- the write-in button 625 is pressed with an ID card being inserted into the insertion slot 624 , the position of the control panel 5 and the angle of the main display 504 under the current state are written into the ID card as positioning information (S 104 and S 105 in FIG. 24 ).
- the ID card having the positioning information thus written therein into the insertion slot 624 again, the same position of the control panel 5 and the same angle of the main display 504 as they were at the time of writing into the card can be reproduced (S 91 to S 93 in FIG. 23 ). Accordingly, the same effect as described above is obtained, that is to say, once a favorite position is stored, readjustment using the control lever 621 is conveniently unnecessary.
- the slot machine 501 of the second embodiment employs the actuator 612 , but other drive sources such as a stepping motor, etc., may be employed instead.
- control panel 5 and the angle of the main display 504 are electrically controlled independently of each other, and are operated interlockingly with each other.
- Positioning information may be stored not in the ID card but in an external terminal, so that adjustment is performed based on the positioning information outputted from the external terminal.
- the position of the control panel 5 and the angle of the main display 504 are calculated out based on the extent of extension or retraction of the rod 612 a .
- these position and angle may be measured by a sensor or the like.
- the adjustment processing may be performed by means of a feedback control using the sensor.
- the notice may not always be shown on the display, but may be audially notified through the speaker 80 or through both the display and the speaker. Alternatively, it may be notified to a player through other media.
- the gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to one for a sitting player, but may be one for standing player.
- a video slot game is played with five reels.
- a video slot game with three or nine reels may also be played.
- the gaming machine of the present invention is applicable not only to slot machine adopting video reels but also to a slot machine adopting mechanical reels, and further may be applicable to a hybrid-type slot machine adopting both video reels and mechanical reels.
- the gaming machine of the present invention may be any machine which offers a game other than a slot game, e.g., a card game, a shooting game, etc.
- the present invention can be applied to an in-aircraft TV or the like which can thereby be changed in angle.
Abstract
A gaming machine has a cabinet which is mounted with a control panel. On the control panel, switching unit connected to a game control unit are arranged. The gaming machine further includes: a movement mechanism which enables the control panel to move relative to the cabinet; a blocking unit which blocks movement of the control panel through the movement mechanism; and an unlocking unit which unlocks the blocking by the blocking unit against movement of the control panel, when a credit value stored in the credit value memory is not less than one and no game is in progress.
Description
- This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Applications No. 2005-013995 and No. 2005-013996 both filed on Jan. 21, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to a gaming machine having a movable control panel.
- 2. Description of Related Art
- For the purpose of providing a player with improved usability, it is desired that a control panel of a gaming machine can be moved so as to be easily used by a player. Known are a technique for opening and closing an electric panel of an in-vehicle audio equipment (see Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 2003-72477), a technique for adjusting an angle of a key input portion of an automatic cash transaction machine (see Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 2002-32833), a technique for moving an armrest (see Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 2000-254349), etc., and it may be possible to apply these technique to a control panel of a gaming machine.
- A control panel of a gaming machine is continuously used during a game. Accordingly, a control panel, which is moved to a position where a player can easily use it prior to playing a game, needs to be fixed in order not to hinder a game operation during the game. However, an electric panel of an in-vehicle audio equipment, a key input portion of an automatic cash transaction machine, and an armrest are different from a control panel in that they need not to be fixed. Therefore, application of the aforementioned techniques to a control panel can hinder a game operation, because the control panel is not fixed even during a game.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine having a control panel which can be moved without hindering a game operation.
- According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine comprising a game medium detecting unit, a credit value memory, a storage unit, a game control unit, a plurality of switching unit, a control panel, a cabinet, a movement mechanism, a blocking unit, and an unlocking unit. The game medium detecting unit outputs a detection signal upon detection of a game medium which is served as a charge for a game. The credit value memory stores a credit value which is calculated out by adding a predetermined value in accordance with a detection signal outputted from the game medium detecting unit and at the same time subtracting a predetermined value when a game is started. The storage unit stores a game program. The game control unit controls progress of a game based on the game program stored in the storage unit. The plurality of switching unit are connected to the game control unit. On the control panel, the plurality of switching unit are arranged. The cabinet is mounted with the control panel. The movement mechanism enables the control panel to move relative to the cabinet. The blocking unit blocks movement of the control panel through the movement mechanism. The unlocking unit unlocks the blocking by the blocking unit against movement of the control panel, when a credit value stored in the credit value memory is not less than one and no game is in progress.
- In this aspect, the control panel can be moved only when a credit value is not less than one and no game is in progress, and during a game the blocking unit makes the control panel immovable. Thus, the control panel can be moved into a position desirable for a player without hindering a game operation.
- Other and further objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear more fully from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a slot machine according to a first embodiment of a gaming machine of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the slot machine illustrated inFIG. 1 , having its slide table fully housed in a cabinet; -
FIG. 3 is a local sectional view showing the slide table and a slide mechanism that enables the slide table to slide relative to the cabinet; -
FIG. 4 is a local sectional view in a state where the slide table illustrated inFIG. 3 is fully housed in the cabinet; -
FIG. 5 is a plan view of a control panel that is provided on the slide table; -
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a control unit of the slot machine; -
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a liquid-crystal drive circuit of a display; -
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing columns of symbols, which are variably displayed on video reels during a base game; -
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing winning combinations and payout numbers therefor; -
FIG. 10 shows stop areas of five video reels; -
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a main processing which is executed by the slot machine; -
FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a starting processing S11 which is included in the main processing ofFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a lottery processing S12 which is included in the main processing ofFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a base game processing S13 which is included in the main processing ofFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a bonus game processing S15 which is included in the main processing ofFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a slot machine according to a second embodiment of a gaming machine of the present invention; -
FIGS. 17 and 18 are side views showing a slide mechanism capable of sliding a control panel relative to a cabinet interlockingly with changing an angle of a main display; -
FIG. 19 is a side view showing a control panel and a main display both placed in a default state; -
FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a control unit of the slot machine according to the second embodiment; -
FIG. 21 is a flowchart of a starting processing of the second embodiment; -
FIG. 22 is a flowchart of a temporary storage processing S63 which is included in the starting processing ofFIG. 21 ; -
FIG. 23 is a flowchart of an adjustment processing S64 which is included in the starting processing ofFIG. 21 ; and -
FIG. 24 is a flowchart of a writing processing S66 which is included in the starting processing ofFIG. 21 . - In the following, some preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
- First will be described a
slot machine 1 according to a first embodiment of a gaming machine of the present invention. - As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , theslot machine 1 of this embodiment is one with which a player plays a game in a sit-down condition. Asub display 3 is placed in an upper front part of acabinet 2. Amain display 4 is placed on afront panel 20 which locates in a middle front part of thecabinet 2. Thesub display 3 and themain display 4 are commonly-used liquid crystal displays. Thesub display 3 displays information about a game such as a game method, kinds of winning combination and payout numbers therefor, and various effects. Thesub display 3 has, in its upper left part, a creditnumber display portion 3 a which displays a credit number. Themain display 4 displays fivevideo reels video reels 21 to 25 are scrolled, and in each of thevideo reels 21 to 25 various kinds of symbols which will be described later are variably displayed from top to bottom. After a predetermined time period, the scrolling of thevideo reels 21 to 25 stops, so that each of thevideo reels 21 to 25 displays three symbols. - In the
slot machine 1, a slot game including a base game and a bonus game, which will be detailed later, is played through thevideo reels 21 to 25 of themain display 4. As shown inFIG. 10 , thevideo reels 21 to 25 havefirst stop areas second stop areas third stop areas video reels 21 to 25 stops, one symbol is displayed in each of thestop areas 211 to 213, 221 to 223, 231 to 233, 241 to 243, and 251 to 253. - A pay line used in the slot game consists of five stop areas including one of the
stop areas 211 to 213, one of thestop areas 221 to 223, one of thestop areas 231 to 233, one of thestop areas 241 to 243, and one of thestop areas 251 to 253. In this embodiment, a total of five pay lines are provided, although a description of each pay line will be omitted here. When specific symbols line up on an activated pay line (hereinafter referred to as an activated line) in a specific manner, a payout is awarded. - Referring again to
FIG. 1 , acoin insertion slot 9 and abill insertion slot 10 are provided below themain display 4. A housing space 7 (seeFIGS. 3 and 4 ) is formed within thecabinet 2, and thehousing space 7 has itsopening 7 a formed in afront face 2 a of the cabinet below thebill insertion slot 10. A slide table 6 can be moved into and out of theopening 7 a of thehousing space 7. When the slide table 6 is fully housed in thehousing space 7, thefront face 2 a of the cabinet and afront face 6 a of the slide table align on the same plane as shown inFIG. 2 . As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 , disposed in thehousing space 7 is aslide mechanism 300 that enables the slide table 6 to slide along a front-back direction of thecabinet 2. - Here, the
slide mechanism 300 will be described with reference toFIGS. 3 and 4 . - The
slide mechanism 300 includes a pair ofslide rails 321 and a pair ofrollers 331. The pair ofslide rails 321 are attached to both widthwise ends of a bottom face of the slide table 6. The pair ofrollers 331 are engaged with grooves of the slide rails 321. Therollers 331 are pivotally supported on thecabinet 2. While the slide table 6 is being pulled out of or housed into thehousing space 7, the slide rails 321 having their grooves engaged with therollers 331 are sliding together with rotation of therollers 331. - The
slide rail 321 has aprotrusion 321 a at its inner-side end. Thus, when the slide table 6 is pulled out, theprotrusion 321 a and theroller 331 collide against each other as shown inFIG. 3 . This prevents the slide table 6 from being excessively pulled out of thehousing space 7. - A
lock actuator 351 is fixed in the depth of thehousing space 7. Arod 351 a of thelock actuator 351 has its front end secured to a back face of the slide table 6 which is opposite to thefront face 6 a thereof. When therod 351 a of thelock actuator 351 is in an extendable/retractable mode, the slide table 6 can be slid. When therod 351 a is fixed against extension and retraction, the slide table 6 cannot be slid. In a later-described starting processing shown inFIG. 12 , aCPU 50 determines whether or not therod 351 a of thelock actuator 351 should be brought into the extendable/retractable mode. -
FIG. 5 shows acontrol panel 5 which is provided on an upper face of the slide table 6. An upper section of thecontrol panel 5 includes aCOLLECT button 31 and a GAME RULESbutton 32 in this order from left to right. A middle section of thecontrol panel 5 includes a BET1PER LINE button 33, a BET2PER LINE button 34, a BET3PER LINE button 35, a BET5PER LINE button 36, a BET8PER LINE button 37, and a WIN/START FEATURE button 38 in this order from left to right. A lower section of thecontrol panel 5 includes a REDPLAY1 LINE button 39, aPLAY2 LINES button 40, aPLAY5 LINES button 41, aPLAY20 LINES button 42, a BLACKPLAY25 LINES button 43, and a GAMBLE/RESERVE button 44 in this order from left to right. - The
COLLECT button 31 is pressed when a base game ends. WhenCOLLECT button 31 is pressed, coins, the number of which is equivalent to the credit acquired in the game, are paid out through apayout opening 15 into acoin tray 16. The GAME RULESbutton 32 is pressed when a player does not clearly know how to play a game. When the GAME RULESbutton 32 is pressed, various help information is displayed on thesub display 3 and/or themain display 4. - The
BET 1PER LINE button 33, the BET2PER LINE button 34, the BET3PER LINE button 35, the BET5PER LINE button 36, and the BET8PER LINE button 37 are buttons which, upon one press, increase the bet on each activated line by one, two, three, five, and eight, respectively. Accordingly, by pressing any of theseBET buttons 33 to 37, the bet value bet on each activated line is determined. - The WIN/
START FEATURE button 38 is a button for starting a bonus game and for adding to the credit a payout acquired in a bonus game. - The RED
PLAY1 LINE button 39, thePLAY2 LINES button 40, thePLAY5 LINES button 41, thePLAY20 LINES button 42, and the BLACKPLAY25 LINE button 43 are buttons for setting the number of activated lines at one, two, five, twenty, and twenty-five, respectively. Upon a press of any of thesebuttons 39 to 43, a game is started based on the set bet value and the number of activated lines. Thus, thevideo reels 21 to 25 of themain display 4 start scrolling. - The RED
PLAY1 LINE button 39 and the BLACKPLAY25 LINES button 43 are also used for selecting one of red and black in a double down game. The double down game means a game which is performed by using a credit value acquired in a bonus game. - The GAMBLE/
RESERVE button 44 is pressed before a player temporarily leaves a seat, or pressed after a bonus game is finished so that a game shifts to a double down game. - Each of these
buttons 31 to 44 has a built-in switch (seeFIG. 6 ). To be more specific, theCOLLECT button 31 has aCOLLECT switch 45, the GAME RULESbutton 32 has a GAME RULES switch 46, the BET1PER LINE button 33 has a 1-BET switch 57, the BET2PER LINE button 34 has a 2-BET switch 58, the BET3PER LINE button 35 has a 3-BET switch 59, the BET5PER LINE button 36 has a 5-BET switch 60, the BET8PER LINE button 37 has a 8-BET switch 61, the WIN/START FEATURE button 38 has a WIN*START switch 47, the REDPLAY1 LINE button 39 has a 1-LINE switch 62, thePLAY2 LINES button 40 has a 2-LINES switch 63, thePLAY5 LINES button 41 has a 5-LINES switch 64, thePLAY20 LINES button 42 has a 20-LINES switch 65, the BLACKPLAY25 LINES button 43 has a 25-LINES switch 66, and the GAMBLE/RESERVE button 44 has a GAMBLE*RESERVE switch 48. Based on a press of each of thebuttons 31 to 44, a corresponding switch outputs a signal to theCPU 50. - A
coin sensor 49 is disposed within thecabinet 2 at a position near thecoin insertion slot 9. When a coin is inserted into thecoin insertion slot 9, thecoin sensor 49 outputs a coin detection signal to theCPU 50. Abill sensor 67 is disposed within thecabinet 2 at a position near thebill insertion slot 10. When a bill is inserted into thebill insertion slot 10, thebill sensor 67 outputs a bill detection signal to theCPU 50. - Referring again to
FIG. 1 , provided in a lower part of thefront face 2 a of thecabinet 2 are thepayout opening 15 and thecoin tray 16 that receives a coin paid out through thepayout opening 15. Acoin sensor 73 is disposed within thecabinet 2 at a position near thepayout opening 15, so that thecoin sensor 73 detects a coin which is being paid out through the payout opening 15 (seeFIG. 6 ). - Next, exemplified symbols which are variably displayed in the
video reels 21 to 25 will be described with reference toFIG. 8 . - A column of symbols on a
first reel band 101, a column of symbols on asecond reel band 102, a column of symbols on athird reel band 103, a column of symbols on afourth reel band 104, and a column of symbols on afifth reel band 105 are variably displayed in thevideo reels reel bands 101 to 105 includes twelve kinds of symbols, namely, “WILD”, “SHARK”, “FISH”, “PUNK”, “OCTOPUS”, “CRAB”, “WORM”, “A”, “K”, “J”, and “SARDINE”. The symbols on therespective reel bands 101 to 105 are arranged differently from one another. - The characters of “SHARK”, “FISH”, “PUNK”, “OCTOPUS”, “CRAB”, “WORM”, and “SARDINE” refer to symbols of a shark, fish, a man with a guitar, a octopus, a crab, a warm, and a sardine, respectively. The characters of “WILD”, “A”, “K”, “Q”, and “J” refer to symbols of corresponding alphabets.
- The “SARDINE” symbol functions also as a scatter symbol for shifting to a bonus game. When three or more “SARDINE” symbols appear in the
stop areas 21 to 25 of the video reels, a shift to a bonus game is allowed regardless of activated lines. The “WILD” symbol can substitute for any of the “SHARK” symbol, “FISH” symbol, “PUNK” symbol, “OCTOPUS” symbol, “CRAB” symbol, “WORM” symbol, “A” symbol, “K” symbol, “Q” symbol, and “J” symbol, but cannot substitute for the “SARDINE” symbol which functions as the scatter symbol. - The columns of symbols on the
reel bands 101 to 105 are variably displayed in therespective video reels 21 to 25 for a predetermined time period, and then stopped so that each of thevideo reels 21 to 25 displays three symbols (seeFIG. 10 ). If a predetermined combination of predetermined symbols appears on an activated line, a winning is made and a payout number corresponding to the combination is added to the credit value. This is the same as in the conventional slot machines, and therefore a specific description thereof will be omitted here. - Next, a control unit of the
slot machine 1 will be described with reference toFIG. 6 . - As shown in
FIG. 6 , the control unit of theslot machine 1 includes theCPU 50 as a core, and aROM 51 and aRAM 52 are connected to theCPU 50. TheROM 51 stores, as will be described later, a main processing program, a base game processing program, a bonus game processing program, a first lottery table used for determining which symbols will be stopped in a base game, a second lottery table used for determining which symbols will be stopped in a bonus game, other programs necessary for controlling the slot machine, a data table, a game program, and the like. - The
RAM 52 is a memory for temporarily storing data computed by theCPU 50, such as a credit value. A credit equivalent to the amount of inserted coin/bill and a credit acquired as a payout are added to the credit value stored in theRAM 52, and a bet-out credit is subtracted from the credit value stored in theRAM 52. Data are correspondingly overwritten. - Connected to the
CPU 50 are a clockpulse generating circuit 53 that generates a reference clock pulse, afrequency divider 54, a randomnumber generating circuit 55 that generates a random number, and a randomnumber sampling circuit 56. A random number sampled by the randomnumber sampling circuit 56 is used in a lottery for a winning combination, etc. - Also connected to the
CPU 50 are the switches that are built in therespective buttons 31 to 44 as described above. Based on signals from the switches, theCPU 50 controls to execute operations corresponding to the respective buttons. - Connected to the
CPU 50 are thecoin sensor 49 and thebill sensor 67 which are disposed near thecoin insertion slot 9 and thebill insertion slot 10, respectively, as described above. Based on a coin detection signal outputted from thecoin sensor 49, theCPU 50 computes the number of coins inserted, and adds to the credit a credit value equivalent to the inserted coin(s). Based on a bill detection signal outputted from thebill sensor 67, theCPU 50 adds to the credit a credit value equivalent to the inserted bill(s). - A
hopper 71 is connected to theCPU 50 through ahopper drive circuit 70. When theCPU 50 outputs a drive signal to thehopper drive circuit 70, thehopper 71 pays out a predetermined number of coins through thepayout opening 15. Thecoin sensor 73 is also connected to theCPU 50 through a payoutcompletion signal circuit 72. Based on a coin detection signal outputted from thecoin sensor 73, the payoutcompletion signal circuit 72 counts the number of coins paid out, and outputs a payout completion signal to theCPU 50 when the counts reaches a predetermined value. - The
sub display 3 and themain display 4 are connected to theCPU 50 through a liquid-crystal drive circuit 74. As shown inFIG. 7 , the liquid-crystal drive circuit 74 includes aprogram ROM 81, animage ROM 82, animage control CPU 83, awork RAM 84, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 85, and avideo RAM 86. Theprogram ROM 81 stores an image control program and various selection tables relating to displays on thesub display 3 and themain display 4. Theimage ROM 82 stores dot data for forming images such as columns of symbols on thereel bands 101 to 105 (seeFIG. 8 ) which are displayed in thevideo reels 21 to 25 of themain display 4, a demonstration image, and the like. Based on a parameter defined by theCPU 50 and in accordance with the image control program prestored in theprogram ROM 81, theimage control CPU 83 determines which image, from the dot data prestored in theimage ROM 82, will be displayed on thesub display 3 and themain display 4. Thework RAM 84 is a temporary memory that is used when theimage control CPU 83 executes the image control program. TheVDP 85 forms an image that corresponds to display contents determined by theimage control CPU 83, and displays the image on thesub display 3 or themain display 4. Thereby, for example, the columns of symbols on thereel bands 101 to 105 are variably displayed in thevideo reels 21 to 25 of themain display 4. Thevideo RAM 86 functions as a temporary memory that is used when theVDP 85 forms an image. - A
sound output circuit 79 and aspeaker 80 are connected to theCPU 50. Based on an output signal from thesound output circuit 79, thespeaker 80 produces various sound effects in order to present impressions. - A
lock actuator 351 is connected to theCPU 50 through anactuator output circuit 381. - Next, winning combinations, a payout number therefor, etc. will be described.
- First, a description will be. given to the first lottery table used for determining which symbols will be stopped in a base game.
- In the columns of symbols on the
respective reel bands 101 to 105, as shown inFIG. 8 , code numbers “00” to “29” are assigned to the symbols sequentially from top to bottom. In the first lottery table, each code number is associated with one random number. Five random numbers each corresponding to each of thevideo reels 21 to 25 are sampled out by the randomnumber sampling circuit 56, and symbols associated with these random numbers are determined to be stopped in thesecond stop areas respective video reels 21 to 25. Thereby determined are symbols which will be stopped on a first pay line consisting of thesecond stop areas respective video reels 21 to 25. When symbols which will be stopped in the second stop areas of therespective video reels 21 to 25 are determined, symbols which will be stopped in the other stop areas are inevitably determined based on the arrangements of symbols in the columns shown inFIG. 8 . - Next, winning combinations and payout numbers therefor in a base game will be described with reference to
FIG. 9 . - When a bet value is one, payout numbers shown in
FIG. 9 are adopted. When a bet value is two or more, values obtained by multiplying the values shown inFIG. 9 by a bet value is added to the credit as payout numbers. With respect to all the symbols except the “SARDINE” symbol, the characters of “xK” (x=2, 3, 4, 5) inFIG. 9 means “a case where the number of this symbol stopped in series from the leftmost on an activated line is x”. With respect to the “SARDINE” symbol, the characters of “xK” (x=2, 3, 4, 5) inFIG. 9 means “a case where the number of this symbol stopped not only on an activated line but also in any stop areas of the video reels is x”. - When the number of “WILD” symbols stopped in series from the leftmost on an activated line is 2, 3, 4, and 5 (in cases of 2 k, 3 k, 4 k, and 5 k of
FIG. 9 ), payout numbers of 10, 320, 2500, and 6000, respectively, are given. When the number of “SHARK” symbol stopped in series from the leftmost on an activated line is 2, 3, 4, and 5, payout numbers of 3, 25, 150, and 1000, respectively, are given. In the same manner, when the number of each of the symbols of “FISH”, “PUNK”, “OCTOPUS”, “CRAB”, “WORM”, “A”, “K”, “Q”, and “J” stopped in series from the leftmost on an activated line is 2, 3, 4, and 5, the payout numbers shown inFIG. 9 are given. - When winning combinations appear on two or more activated lines, a sum total of payouts of the respective winning combinations is added to the credit.
- Unlike the other symbols, when the number of “SARDINE” symbol stopped not only on an activated line but also in the stop areas of the
video reels 21 to 25 is 2, 3, 4, and 5 (in cases of 2 k, 3 k, 4 k, and 5 k ofFIG. 9 ), payout numbers of 2, 5, 10, and 125, respectively are given, and further values obtained by multiplying these payout numbers by a total bet value, i.e., the product of a bet value and the number of activated lines, are added to the credit. At this time, if one or more winning combinations appear in addition to the “SARDINE” symbol(s), the payout number(s) for the winning combination(s) is/are also added to the credit. - When three or more “SARDINE” symbols are stopped in the stop areas of the
video reels 21 to 25, the above-described payout number is given and at the same time shift to a bonus game is allowed. - The bonus game means a game which is performed after a base game, and is generally more advantageous to a player. In the bonus game, ten to twenty-five free games are automatically offered without betting any credit.
- In the bonus game, similarly to in the base game, the columns of symbols on the
reel bands 101 to 105 shown inFIG. 8 are variably displayed in thevideo reels 21 to 25. - The bet value and the number of activated lines which are used at the time of the shift to the bonus game are still employed in the bonus game. In the bonus game, winning combinations and payout numbers therefor are identical to the above-described ones of the base game. However in the bonus game, the “SHARK” symbol is treated as the “WILD” symbol. In addition, when three or more “SARINE” symbols appear in the stop areas of the
video reels 21 to 25, a shift to the bonus game is again allowed. Thereby, a player can relatively easily acquire a large amount of credit. - Next, the main processing executed in the
slot machine 1 will be described with reference toFIG. 11 . First, in a step (hereinafter abbreviated as “S”) 11, a starting processing which will be detailed later (seeFIG. 12 ) is executed. The starting processing is a processing for receiving a coin detection signal from thecoin sensor 49 and signals which are outputted from the respective switches upon press of theBET buttons 33 to 37 and thePLAY buttons 39 to 43 of the control panel 5 (seeFIG. 5 ). - Executed in S12 is a lottery processing for determining which symbols will be stopped in the
video reels 21 to 25, etc. (seeFIG. 13 ). If at this time a bonus game is won, the number of free games which can be played in the bonus game is determined to be, for example, one of ten to twenty-five by lottery. - Then, in S13, a base game processing which will be detailed later (see
FIG. 14 ) is executed. Then, in S14, whether a bonus game is won or not is determined. To be more specific, if it has been determined in the lottery processing of S12 that three or more “SARDINE” symbols will be stopped in the stop areas of thevideo reels 21 to 25, it is determined that a bonus game is won (S14: YES), and the processing proceeds to S15. In S15, a bonus game processing which will be detailed later (seeFIG. 15 ) is executed, and then the main processing ends. If it has been determined in the lottery processing of S12 that three or more “SARDINE” symbols will not be stopped in the stop areas of thevideo reels 21 to 25, it is determined that a bonus game is not won (S14: NO), and the main processing ends without executing the bonus game processing S15. - Next, the starting processing denoted by “S11” in
FIG. 11 will be described with reference toFIG. 12 . - First, in S21, whether a predetermined time period, e.g., fifteen seconds has elapsed or not is determined. If it is determined that the predetermined time period has not elapsed (S21: NO), the processing skips S22 and proceeds to S23. If it is determined that the predetermined time period has elapsed (S21: YES), the processing proceeds to S22 where a demonstration image is displayed on the
sub display 3 and/or themain display 4, and then proceeds to S23. - In S23, whether a credit value stored in the
RAM 52 is not less than one or not is determined. If it is determined that the credit value is less than one (S23: NO), the processings skips S24 and proceeds to S25. If it is determined that the credit value is not less than one (S23: YES), the processings proceeds to S24. - In S24, the
CPU 50 outputs an unlock command to theactuator output circuit 381, to unlock therod 351 a of thelock actuator 351 into an extendable/retractable mode. At this time, theCPU 50 functions as a “unlocking unit”. Thereby, the slide table 6 gets slidable, and a player can place thecontrol panel 5, which is provided on the upper face of the slide table 6, into a desired position. - In S25, whether any of the
BET buttons 33 to 37 of the control panel 5 (seeFIG. 5 ) is pressed or not is determined. If it is determined that none of theBET buttons 33 to 37 is pressed (S25: NO), the processing returns to S21 and repeats the above-described steps. If it is determined that any of theBET buttons 33 to 37 is pressed (S25: YES), the processing proceeds to S26. - In S26, whether any of the
PLAY buttons 39 to 43 of the control panel 5 (seeFIG. 5 ) is pressed or not is determined. If it is determined that none of thePLAY buttons 39 to 43 is pressed (S26: NO), the processing returns to S21 and repeats the above-described steps. If it is determined that any of thePLAY buttons 39 to 43 is pressed (S26: YES), the processing proceeds to S27. - In S27, the
CPU 50 outputs a lock command to theactuator output circuit 381, to lock therod 351 a of thelock actuator 351 against extension and retraction. Thereby, the slide table 6 gets unslidable. - Thereafter, even in the middle of a demo-effect S22, the processing returns to the main processing of
FIG. 11 and proceeds to the lottery processing S12. - Next, the lottery processing denoted by “S12” in
FIG. 11 will be described with reference toFIG. 13 . - First, in S31, which symbols will be stopped in the
video reels 21 to 25 in the base game is determined. In this step, as described above, five random numbers each corresponding to each of thevideo reels 21 to 25 are sampled out by the randomnumber sampling circuit 56, and symbols associated with these random numbers based on the first lottery table are determined to be stopped in the second stop areas of therespective video reels 21 to 25. Symbols which will be stopped in the other stop areas are inevitably determined in accordance with the arrangements of symbols in the columns shown inFIG. 8 . - In S32, a winning combination and a payout number therefor are determined based on the table of
FIG. 9 as described above. Thereafter, the processing returns to the main processing ofFIG. 11 and proceeds to the base game processing S13. - Next, the base game processing denoted by “S13” in
FIG. 11 will be described with reference toFIG. 14 . - First, in S41, scrolling of the
video reels 21 to 25 is started based on a signal transmitted from the switch and received in the starting processing S11 of the main processing ofFIG. 11 . - In S42, the scrolling of the
video reels 21 to 25 is stopped. - In S43, in accordance with the combination of symbols appearing in the
video reels 21 to 25 which have been stopped from scrolling in S42, a credit equivalent to the payout determined in the above-described lottery processing S32 (seeFIG. 13 ) is paid out. Then, the processing returns to the main processing ofFIG. 11 and proceeds to a determination processing S14. - Next, the bonus game processing denoted by “S15” in
FIG. 11 will be described with reference toFIG. 15 . - First, in S51, a lottery processing is executed to determine which symbols will be stopped in the
video reels 21 to 25, and a winning combination with a payout number therefor. This lottery processing S51 is substantially the same as the lottery processing S12 of the base game, except that the second lottery table replaces the first lottery table which is used for determining symbols in the lottery processing S12. - In S52, scrolling of the
video reels 21 to 25 is started. - In S53, the scrolling of the
video reels 21 to 25 is stopped. - In S54, in accordance with the combination of symbols appearing in the
video reels 21 to 25 which have been stopped from scrolling in S53, a credit equivalent to the payout determined in the lottery processing S51 is paid out. - In S55, whether or not the number of free games played reaches the number determined in the lottery processing S12 of the main processing (see
FIG. 11 ) is determined. If it is determined that the number of free games played does not reach the number determined (S55: NO), the processing returns to S51 and repeat the above-described steps. If it is determined that the number of free games played reaches the number determined (S55: YES), the bonus game processing ends. - If a bonus game is won in S51, the number of free games is newly determined by lottery, to be one of ten to twenty-five for example. The number thus determined is added to “the number determined in the lottery processing S12” which is involved in the judgment of S55. For example, when twenty bonus games are allowed and further seventeen bonus games are won in the twelfth game of those twenty bonus games, the number of free games which can be played thereafter is twenty-five (20−12+17).
- If a credit is acquired in the bonus game, a double down game on which this credit is bet is performed after the bonus game, but a specific description thereof will be omitted here.
- In the
slot machine 1 of this embodiment, as described above, only when a credit value is not less than one (inFIG. 12 , S23: YES) and besides no game is in progress, therod 351 a of thelock actuator 351 shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 is unlocked into the extendable/retractable mode (S24), so that the slide table 6 having thecontrol panel 5 mounted thereon becomes movable. If a game is in progress (S26: YES), therod 351 a is locked (S27) and thereby the slide table 6 becomes immovable. Thus, thecontrol panel 5 provided on the slide table 6 can be moved into a position desirable for a player without hindering a game operation. Furthermore, this configuration offers no opportunity for passers-by to make mischief on thecontrol panel 5, for example, to move the control panel. - The
control panel 5 is mounted on the slide table 6 which is slidable along a front-back direction of thecabinet 2 by means of theslide mechanism 300. Thereby, a player smoothly slides the slide table 6 in order to place thecontrol panel 5 mounted on the upper face of the slide table 6 into a desired position. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , when the slide table 6 is fully housed in thehousing space 7, thefront face 2 a of the cabinet and thefront face 6 a of the slide table align on the same plane. This can improve aesthetic appeal of the appearance. Moreover, thefront face 6 a of the slide table functions as a door to close the housing space 7 (seeFIGS. 3 and 4 ), thus preventing a foreign matter from getting into thehousing space 7. - Next, a description will be given to a
slot machine 501 according to a second embodiment of a gaming machine of the present invention. In the following, the same members as those of theslot machine 1 described above will be denoted by the common reference numerals, without a specific description thereof. - As shown in
FIG. 16 , aslot machine 501 of the second embodiment has acabinet 502 a configuration of which is slightly different from that of theslot machine 1 of the first embodiment (seeFIG. 1 ). Afront panel 520 locates in a middle front part of thecabinet 502, and has aprotective panel 505 that covers amain display 504. In addition, acontrol panel 5 and anarmrest 506 are provided below themain display 504. Thearmrest 506 protrudes frontward from afront face 502 a of the cabinet. Acoin insertion slot 9 and abill insertion slot 10 are provided at a right-side part of an upper face of thearmrest 506. - A
control lever 621, atemporary storage button 622, and atemporary return button 623 are provided at a left-side part of the upper face of thearmrest 506. Aninsertion slot 624 and a write-in button 625 are provided at a left-side part of a front end-face of thearmrest 506. - A player can control the
control lever 621, in order to slide thecontrol panel 5 interlockingly with changing an angle of themain display 504. Thetemporary storage button 622 is a button for temporarily storing in a RAM 52 a position of thecontrol panel 5 and an angle of themain display 504. Thetemporary return button 623 is a button for adjusting themain display 504 and thecontrol panel 5 respectively to the angle and the position which have been temporarily stored in theRAM 52 by thetemporary storage button 622. Theinsertion slot 624 is a slot into which an ID card of a player is inserted. The write-in button 625 is a button for storing into the ID card the position of thecontrol panel 5 and the angle of themain display 504. - Each of the
control lever 621 and thebuttons FIG. 20 ). More specifically, thecontrol lever 621 has acontrol switch 641. Based on controlling of thecontrol lever 621, thecontrol switch 641 outputs a control signal to aCPU 50 through a controlswitch signal circuit 631. Thetemporary storage button 622 has atemporary storage switch 643, thetemporary return button 623 has atemporary return switch 644, and the write-in button 625 has a write-in switch 642. Based on a press of each of thebuttons CPU 50. Based on the signal outputted from thebuttons CPU 50 controls to execute operations corresponding to the respective buttons. A reader/writer 632 is provided near theinsertion slot 624. Through a reader/writer drive circuit 633, theCPU 50 commands the reader/writer 632 to read or write data out of or into the ID card. - When the
control lever 621 is controlled, thecontrol panel 5 slides and at the same time the angle of themain display 504 changes by means of a movement mechanism 600 (see FIGS. 17 to 19). - Here, the
movement mechanism 600 will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 19. - The
movement mechanism 600 includes a pair ofslide rails 614 and a pair ofrollers 615. The pair ofslide rails 614 are attached to both widthwise ends of a bottom face of thecontrol panel 5. The pair ofrollers 615 are engaged with grooves of the slide rails 614. Therollers 615 are pivotally supported on thecabinet 502. While thecontrol panel 5 is being moved, the slide rails 614 having their grooves engaged with therollers 615 are sliding together with rotation of therollers 615. - The
slide rail 614 hasprotrusions protrusion roller 615, to thereby define a range of movement of thecontrol panel 5. - The
main display 504 locates on a back side of theprotective panel 505. Aguide groove 619 is formed in each side face of themain display 504. Aprotrusion 618 which is fixed to thecabinet 502 is inserted into theguide groove 619. A lower end of themain display 504 is rotatably connected to one end of alink plate 616 with apivot pin 617. The other end of thelink plate 616 is fixed to thecontrol panel 5. - A state shown in
FIG. 17 shifts to a state shown inFIG. 18 if thecontrol panel 5 slides along a direction arrowed inFIG. 17 toward the back side of theprotective panel 505. InFIG. 18 , thecontrol panel 5, themain display 504, thelink plate 616, and thepivot pin 617 as positioned in the state ofFIG. 17 are illustrated with alternate long and two short dashes lines. Simultaneously with the sliding of thecontrol panel 5 toward the back side of theprotective panel 505, an angle of inclination of themain display 504 becomes smaller with respect to the vertical direction. - On the other hand, the state shown in
FIG. 18 shifts to the state shown inFIG. 17 if thecontrol panel 5 slides away from theprotective plate 505 along a direction arrowed inFIG. 18 . Simultaneously with the sliding of thecontrol panel 5 away from theprotective panel 505, the angle of inclination of themain display 504 becomes larger with respect to the vertical direction. - Like this, the sliding of the
control panel 5 relative to thecabinet 502 and the changing of the angle of themain display 504 with respect to thecabinet 502 are implemented interlockingly. - The
movement mechanism 600 further includes anactuator 612 that is provided behind theprotective panel 505 and fixed to a surface of thecabinet 502. Arod 612 a of theactuator 612 has its front end secured to thecontrol panel 5, so that thecontrol panel 5 slides in association with extension and retraction of therod 612 a. - The extension and retraction of the
rod 612 a of theactuator 612 depends on a positioning of thecontrol lever 621. More specifically, pushing down thecontrol lever 621 toward theprotective panel 505 allows shift from the state shown inFIG. 17 to the state shown inFIG. 18 . At this time, therod 612 a is retracted so that thecontrol panel 5 slides toward the back side of theprotective panel 505, and simultaneously themain display 504 rises up with its angle getting smaller with respect to the vertical direction. - Pushing down the
control lever 621 away from theprotective panel 505 allows shift from the state shown inFIG. 18 to the state shown inFIG. 17 . At this time, therod 612 a is extended so that thecontrol panel 5 slides away from theprotective panel 505, and simultaneously themain display 504 lies down with its angle getting larger with respect to the vertical direction. - Placing the
control lever 621 into a vertical state, i.e., into its home position fixes therod 612 a so that the position of thecontrol panel 5 and the angle of themain display 504 are fixed. - As shown in
FIG. 20 , theactuator 612 is connected to theCPU 50 through anactuator drive circuit 634. When, based on controlling of thecontrol lever 621, thecontrol switch 641 outputs a control signal through the controlswitch signal circuit 631 to theCPU 50, theCPU 50 outputs a drive signal to theactuator drive circuit 634 so that theactuator drive circuit 634 outputs a step signal, etc., to theactuator 612. Theactuator 612 receives the step signal, etc., and extends or retracts therod 612 a to a corresponding extent in a corresponding direction. Operation of theactuator 612 is fed back to theactuator drive circuit 634, or alternatively managed by theactuator drive circuit 634 using a step signal, etc. Thereby, theCPU 50 can monitor the driving of theactuator 612 through theactuator drive circuit 634. - When the slot game ends, the
CPU 50 extends or retracts therod 612 a of theactuator 612 in order to return thecontrol panel 5 and themain display 504 into their default state shown inFIG. 19 . The position of thecontrol panel 5 in this state and the angle of themain display 504 in this state will hereinafter be referred to as a default position and a default angle, respectively. - Next, processings executed in the
slot machine 501 will be described. A main processing executed in theslot machine 501 is the same as that of the first embodiment shown inFIG. 11 except for a starting processing. - A starting processing executed in the
slot machine 501 will be described with reference toFIG. 21 . - First, in S61, whether a credit value stored in the
RAM 52 is not less than one or not is determined. If it is determined that the credit value stored in theRAM 52 is not less than one (S61: YES), the processing proceeds to S62. - In S62, a command for operation of the
movement mechanism 300 by using thecontrol lever 621 is permitted. TheCPU 50 receives an operation signal transmitted from theoperation switch 641 through the operationswitch signal circuit 631. At this time, theCPU 50 functions as an “unlocking unit”. Based on the control signal, theCPU 50 calculates in which direction and to which extent therod 612 a of theactuator 612 should extend or retract, and outputs to the actuator drive circuit 634 a drive signal for signaling that therod 612 a should be extended or retracted based on data thus calculated. This extension or retraction of therod 612 a causes, in an interlocking manner, thecontrol panel 5 to slide and themain display 504 to change in angle. - Then, a temporary storage processing is executed in S63, an adjustment processing is executed in S64, and the processing proceeds to S70. The temporary storage processing and the adjustment processing will be detailed later.
- If it is determined in S61 that the credit value stored in the
RAM 52 is less than one (S61: NO), whether a predetermined time period, e.g., fifteen seconds has elapsed or not is determined in S65. If it is determined that the predetermined time period has not elapsed (S65: NO), the processing skips S66 to S69 and proceeds to S70. If it is determined that the predetermined time period has elapsed (S65: YES), a write-in processing is executed in S66. The write-in processing will be detailed later. - In S67, a return to default is executed. At this time, the
CPU 50 functions as a “returning unit”. TheCPU 50 operates theactuator 612 through theactuator drive circuit 634, to return thecontrol panel 5 and themain display 504 to the default state shown inFIG. 19 . - In S68, a demonstration image is displayed on the
sub display 3 and/or themain display 4. At this time, theCPU 50 functions as an “image control unit”. In S69, “zero” is substituted for a variable N stored in theRAM 52. - In S70, similarly to in S25 of
FIG. 12 , whether any ofBET buttons 33 to 37 of the control panel 5 (seeFIG. 5 ) is pressed or not is determined. If it is determined that none of theBET buttons 33 to 37 is pressed (S70: NO), the processing returns to S61 and repeats the above-described steps. If it is determined that any of theBET buttons 33 to 37 is pressed (S70: YES), the processing proceeds to S71. - In S71, similarly to in S26 of
FIG. 12 , whether any ofPLAY buttons 39 to 43 of the control panel 5 (seeFIG. 5 ) is pressed or not is determined. If it is determined that none of thePLAY buttons 39 to 43 is pressed (S71: NO), the processing returns to S61 and repeats the above-described steps. If it is determined that any of thePLAY buttons 39 to 43 is pressed (S71: YES), the processing proceeds to S72. - In S72, a command for operation of the
movement mechanism 300 by using thecontrol lever 621 is unpermitted. TheCPU 50 ignores an operation signal transmitted from theoperation switch 641 through the operationswitch signal circuit 631. At this time, theCPU 50 functions as a “blocking unit”. TheCPU 50 outputs to theactuator drive circuit 634 no drive signal or alternatively a drive signal for signaling that therod 612 a of theactuator 612 should be neither extended nor retracted. Under this state, even if a player tries operating thecontrol lever 621, therod 612 a of theactuator 612 is kept fixed without extension or retraction, and accordingly thecontrol panel 5 and themain display 504 are also kept fixed. Therefore, the position of thecontrol panel 5 and the angle of themain display 504 cannot be adjusted. - Thereafter, even in the middle of a demo-effect S68, the processing returns to the main processing (see
FIG. 11 ) and proceeds to the lottery processing S12. - Next, the temporary storage processing denoted by “S63” in
FIG. 21 will be described with reference toFIG. 22 . - First, in S81, whether the
temporary storage button 622 is pressed or not is determined. If it is determined that thetemporary storage button 622 is not pressed (S81: NO), the processing skips S82 and proceeds to S83. If it is determined that thetemporary storage button 622 is pressed (S81: YES), the processing proceeds to S82. - In S82, the position of the
control panel 5 and the angle of themain display 504 under the current state are calculated out based on the extent of extension or retraction of therod 612 a of theactuator 612, and are stored in theRAM 52 as positioning information. - In S83, whether the
temporary return button 623 is pressed or not is determined. If it is determined that thetemporary return button 623 is not pressed (S83: NO), S84 is skipped and the temporary storage processing ends. Then, the processing returns to the starting processing ofFIG. 21 , and proceeds to S64. If it is determined that thetemporary return button 623 is pressed (S83: YES), the processing proceeds to S84. - In S84, the position of the
control panel 5 and the angle of themain display 504 are adjusted based on positioning information stored in theRAM 52 in S82. TheCPU 50 outputs to the actuator drive circuit 634 a drive signal for operating theactuator 612 to make therod 612 a protrude by a length corresponding to the positioning information stored in theRAM 52. This extension or retraction of therod 612 a causes, in an interlocking manner, thecontrol panel 5 to slide and themain display 504 to change in angle, so that thecontrol panel 5 and themain display 504 are brought into the same positions as they were when thetemporary storage button 622 was pressed. - Thereafter, the processing exits from the temporary storage processing, returns to the starting processing of
FIG. 21 , and proceeds to S64. - Next, the adjustment processing denoted by “S64” in
FIG. 21 will be described with reference toFIG. 23 . - First, in S91, whether an ID card is inserted into the
insertion slot 624 or not is determined. If a signal is outputted to theCPU 50 from the reader/writer 632 provided near theinsertion slot 624, it is determined that an ID card is inserted into theinsertion slot 624. If it is determined that an ID card is not inserted into the insertion slot 624 (S91: NO), the processing skips subsequent steps which will be described later and exits from the adjustment processing. Then, the processing returns to the starting processing ofFIG. 21 , and proceeds to S70. - If it is determined that an ID card is inserted into the insertion slot 624 (S91: YES), the processing proceeds to S92 where whether the variable N stored in the
RAM 52 is “one” or not is determined. If it is determined that the variable N is not “one” (S92: NO), the processing proceeds to S93. - In S93, the position of the
control panel 5 and the angle of themain display 504 are adjusted based on positioning information which is stored in the ID card in the later-described write-in processing (seeFIG. 24 ). TheCPU 50 reads, using the reader/writer 632 through a reader/writer control circuit 633, positioning information stored in the ID card. Then, theCPU 50 operates theactuator 612 through theactuator drive circuit 634, to make therod 612 a protrude by a length corresponding to the positioning information stored in the ID card. This extension or retraction of therod 612 a causes, in an interlocking manner, thecontrol panel 5 to slide and themain display 504 to change in angle, so that thecontrol panel 5 and themain display 504 are brought into positions corresponding to data stored in the ID card of a player. - In S94, “one” is substituted for the variable N stored in the
RAM 52. That is, “the variable N=one” means that thecontrol panel 5 and thedisplay 504 have been adjusted based on the positioning information stored in the ID card. Then, the processing exits from the adjustment processing, returns to the starting processing ofFIG. 21 , and proceeds to S70. - If it is determined in S92 that the variable N is one (S92: YES), which means that the
control panel 5 and thedisplay 504 have been adjusted based on the positioning information stored in the ID card as described above, the processing exits from the adjustment processing without executing S93 and S94 for the purpose of avoiding repetitive adjustments, then returns to the starting processing ofFIG. 21 , and proceeds to S70. - Next, the write-in processing denoted by “S66” in
FIG. 21 will be described with reference toFIG. 24 . - First, in S101, whether an ID card is inserted into the
insertion slot 624 or not is determined. At this time, similarly to in S91, if a signal is outputted to theCPU 50 from the reader/writer 632 provided near theinsertion slot 624, it is determined that an ID card is inserted into theinsertion slot 624. If it is determined that an ID card is inserted into the insertion slot 624 (S101: YES), the processing proceeds to S102. - In S102, determined is whether the position of
control panel 5 and the angle of themain display 504 under the current state are different from positioning information stored in the ID card. TheCPU 50 on one hand reads, by means of the reader/writer 632 through the reader/writer control circuit 633, positioning information stored in the ID card, and on the other hand searches for a protruding length of therod 612 a of theactuator 612 under the current state by means of the actuator drive circuit 334. Then, based on the protruding length of therod 612 a, the CPU obtains data about the position of thecontrol panel 5 and the angle of themain display 504. The judgment is made using the data thus obtained. - If it is determined at this time that the position of
control panel 5 and the angle of the main display. 504 under the current state are different from the positioning information stored in the ID card (S102: YES), the processing proceeds to S103 where a notice “write the position of thecontrol panel 5 and the angle of themain display 504 under the current state into the ID card?” is shown to a player. Here, thesub display 3 displays the above notice, and also a notice “For writing, press the write-in button 625 within a predetermined time period, e.g., fifteen seconds”. - Subsequently, in S104, whether the write-
in button 625 is pressed within the predetermined time period or not is determined. If it is determined that the write-in button 625 is pressed within the predetermined time period (S104: YES), the processing proceeds to S105. - In S105, the
CPU 50 outputs a drive signal to the reader/writer control circuit 633 to thereby make the reader/writer 632 write into the ID card the position of thecontrol panel 5 and the angle of themain display 504 under the current state. - Then, the processing exits from the write-in processing, returns to the starting processing of
FIG. 21 , and proceeds to S67. Then, if, after “zero” is substituted for the variable N in S69 ofFIG. 21 , the processing proceeds to the above-described adjustment processing S64 (seeFIG. 23 ), the NO judgment is made in S92 and therefore an adjustment based on the positioning information stored in the ID card is performed in S93. - In the write-in processing, if the NO judgment is made in any of S101, S102, and S104, the processing skips the subsequent steps, returns to the starting processing of
FIG. 21 , and proceeds to S67. - In the
slot machine 501 of this embodiment, as described above, only when a credit value is not less than one (inFIG. 21 , S61: YES) and besides no game is in progress, a command for operation of themovement mechanism 300 by using thecontrol lever 621 is permitted (S62), so that thecontrol panel 5 becomes movable. During a game (S71: YES), a command for operation of themovement mechanism 300 by using thecontrol lever 621 is unpermitted (S72), so that thecontrol panel 5 becomes immovable. Thereby, thecontrol panel 5 can be moved into a position desirable for a player without hindering a game operation. - Since the position of the
control panel 5 can be adjusted by means of thecontrol lever 621 which can be controlled by a player, the player can relatively easily perform an operation involved in adjustment of the position of thecontrol panel 5. - This embodiment provides the
movement mechanism 600 capable of sliding thecontrol panel 5 relative to thecabinet 502 interlockingly with changing the angle of themain display 504. Upon elapse of a predetermined time period after a slot game ends, thecontrol panel 5 and themain display 504 return to their default state shown inFIG. 19 (S67). In a gaming place wheremany slot machines 501 are placed, therefore, all theslot machines 501 in which no game is being played have a uniform appearance because positions of theircontrol panels 5 and angles of their main displays are identical. This can improve aesthetic appeal of appearance. - Moreover, in the middle of the demo-effect (S68) which follows the return to default (S67), the demonstration image is displayed on the
main display 501 whose angle is in the default state. If themain display 501 under the default state is set at such an angle that a display image can be clearly seen by passers-by, the passers-by can see the demonstration image without difficulty. - Upon a press of the
temporary storage button 622, a position of thecontrol panel 5 and an angle of themain display 504 are stored in the RAM 52 (S81 and S82 inFIG. 22 ). Thereafter, upon a press of thetemporary return button 623, the position of thecontrol panel 5 and the angle of themain display 504 are adjusted based on the positioning information stored inRAM 52 in S82. That is, once a favorite position is stored, readjustment using thecontrol lever 621 is conveniently unnecessary. - If the write-
in button 625 is pressed with an ID card being inserted into theinsertion slot 624, the position of thecontrol panel 5 and the angle of themain display 504 under the current state are written into the ID card as positioning information (S104 and S105 inFIG. 24 ). By inserting the ID card having the positioning information thus written therein into theinsertion slot 624 again, the same position of thecontrol panel 5 and the same angle of themain display 504 as they were at the time of writing into the card can be reproduced (S91 to S93 inFIG. 23 ). Accordingly, the same effect as described above is obtained, that is to say, once a favorite position is stored, readjustment using thecontrol lever 621 is conveniently unnecessary. - In addition, if it is determined that the position of the
control panel 5 and the angle of themain display 504 under the current state are different from positioning information stored in an ID card, the notice “write the position of thecontrol panel 5 and the angle of themain display 504 under the current state into the ID card?” is shown to a player (S102 and S103 inFIG. 24 ). If the player presses the write-in button 625, the position of thecontrol panel 5 and the angle of themain display 504 under the current state are stored in the ID card as positioning information (S104 and S105). Data stored in the ID card can be overwritten in this manner, and therefore a player can determine the position of thecontrol panel 5 and the angle of themain display 504 depending on his/her preference which may frequently change. - As a driving source of the
movement mechanism 600, theslot machine 501 of the second embodiment employs theactuator 612, but other drive sources such as a stepping motor, etc., may be employed instead. - It is also acceptable that the position of the
control panel 5 and the angle of themain display 504 are electrically controlled independently of each other, and are operated interlockingly with each other. - Positioning information may be stored not in the ID card but in an external terminal, so that adjustment is performed based on the positioning information outputted from the external terminal.
- In S82 of
FIG. 22 and S102 ofFIG. 24 , the position of thecontrol panel 5 and the angle of themain display 504 are calculated out based on the extent of extension or retraction of therod 612 a. However, this is not limitative. For example, these position and angle may be measured by a sensor or the like. In this case, in S84 ofFIG. 22 and S93 ofFIG. 23 , the adjustment processing may be performed by means of a feedback control using the sensor. - In S103, the notice may not always be shown on the display, but may be audially notified through the
speaker 80 or through both the display and the speaker. Alternatively, it may be notified to a player through other media. - In S26 of the starting processing of the first embodiment (see
FIG. 12 ) and in S71 of the starting processing of the second embodiment (seeFIG. 21 ), whether a game is started or not is determined based on the press of thePLAY buttons 39 to 43 of thecontrol panel 5. However, it may be determined based on other input signals. - The gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to one for a sitting player, but may be one for standing player.
- In the gaming machine of the present invention, a video slot game is played with five reels. However, a video slot game with three or nine reels may also be played. In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention is applicable not only to slot machine adopting video reels but also to a slot machine adopting mechanical reels, and further may be applicable to a hybrid-type slot machine adopting both video reels and mechanical reels.
- The gaming machine of the present invention may be any machine which offers a game other than a slot game, e.g., a card game, a shooting game, etc. Besides, the present invention can be applied to an in-aircraft TV or the like which can thereby be changed in angle.
- While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
Claims (8)
1. A gaming machine comprising:
a game medium detecting unit that outputs a detection signal upon detection of a game medium which is served as a charge for a game;
a credit value memory that stores a credit value which is calculated out by adding a predetermined value in accordance with a detection signal outputted from the game medium detecting unit and at the same time subtracting a predetermined value when a game is started;
a storage unit that stores a game program;
a game control unit that controls progress of a game based on the game program stored in the storage unit;
a plurality of switching unit that are connected to the game control unit;
a control panel on which the plurality of switching unit are arranged;
a cabinet that is mounted with the control panel;
a movement mechanism that enables the control panel to move relative to the cabinet;
a blocking unit that blocks movement of the control panel through the movement mechanism; and
an unlocking unit that, when a credit value stored in the credit value memory is not less than one and no game is in progress, unlocks the blocking by the blocking unit against movement of the control panel.
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1 , wherein the movement mechanism enables the control panel to slide.
3. The gaming machine according to claim 2 , wherein:
the cabinet has a housing space that opens in a face of the cabinet confronting a player;
the control panel is mounted on a slide table that can be housed into and pulled out of the housing space; and
when the slide table is housed in the housing space, the face of the cabinet where the housing space opens and an end face of the slide table align on the same plane.
4. The gaming machine according to claim 1 , further comprising an operating unit that can be operated by a player and commands an operation of the movement mechanism, wherein:
the blocking unit unpermits a command for operation of the movement mechanism by using the operating unit; and
the unlocking unit permits a command for operation of the movement mechanism by using the operating unit.
5. The gaming machine according to claim 1 , further comprising:
a display device that is mounted on the cabinet;
an interlocking mechanism that, interlockingly with movement of the control panel relative to the cabinet, can change an angle of the display device with respect to the cabinet;
an image control unit that, when a game ends with a credit value stored in the credit value memory being zero, displays a demonstration image on the display device; and
a returning unit that, when a game ends with a credit value stored in the credit value memory being zero, returns the control panel to a default position through the movement mechanism and returns the display device to a default angle through the interlocking mechanism.
6. The gaming machine according to claim 5 , further comprising:
a reader that reads out positioning information stored in an external memory medium which is inserted into an insertion slot formed in the cabinet; and
an adjustment unit that, based on the positioning information read out by the reader, adjusts a position of the control panel through the movement mechanism and adjusts an angle of the display device through the interlocking mechanism.
7. The gaming machine according to claim 6 , further comprising:
a notice unit that, when a game ends with a credit value stored in the credit value memory being zero and when at least one of the position of the control panel and the angle of the display device is different from the positioning information read out by the reader, shows to a player a notice asking whether any of the position of the control panel and the angle of the display device which is different from the positioning information is to be stored or not;
a writer that writes any of the position of the control panel and the angle of the display device which is different from the positioning information, into the external memory medium which is inserted into the insertion slot; and
a writer-operation commanding unit that can be operated by a player and commands an operation of the writer.
8. The gaming machine according to claim 5 , further comprising:
a memory;
a memory-storage commanding unit that can be operated by a player and commands that a current position of the control panel be stored in the memory as positioning information; and
a mechanism-operation commanding unit that can be operated by a player and commands that the position of the control panel be adjusted through the movement mechanism and the angle of the display device be adjusted through the interlocking unit based on the positioning information stored in the memory.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2005-013995 | 2005-01-21 | ||
JP2005013995A JP2006198218A (en) | 2005-01-21 | 2005-01-21 | Game machine |
JP2005-013996 | 2005-01-21 | ||
JP2005013996A JP2006198219A (en) | 2005-01-21 | 2005-01-21 | Game machine |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20060205504A1 true US20060205504A1 (en) | 2006-09-14 |
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ID=36169071
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/335,675 Abandoned US20060205504A1 (en) | 2005-01-21 | 2006-01-20 | Gaming machine |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20060205504A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1684246A1 (en) |
KR (1) | KR20060085197A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2006200257A1 (en) |
EA (1) | EA009425B1 (en) |
TW (1) | TW200702031A (en) |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20160093142A1 (en) * | 2014-09-26 | 2016-03-31 | Video Gaming Technologies, Inc. | Method and system for a gaming pedestal assembly |
US20190102983A1 (en) * | 2017-09-30 | 2019-04-04 | Everi Games, Inc. | Gaming machine cabinet with multiple panel access structure |
US11587389B2 (en) * | 2020-09-24 | 2023-02-21 | Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. | Lift assembly and mount for a monitor of an electronic gaming machine |
USD981741S1 (en) | 2019-10-09 | 2023-03-28 | Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited | Gaming machine chair |
US11833436B2 (en) | 2021-09-30 | 2023-12-05 | Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. | Door locking assembly for a button deck of an electronic gaming machine |
USD1019785S1 (en) | 2018-08-03 | 2024-03-26 | Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. | Gaming machine |
US11954964B2 (en) | 2021-11-17 | 2024-04-09 | Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. | Electronic gaming machine with access door |
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- 2006-01-19 EP EP06001145A patent/EP1684246A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2006-01-20 US US11/335,675 patent/US20060205504A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2006-01-20 EA EA200600081A patent/EA009425B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2006-01-20 KR KR1020060006145A patent/KR20060085197A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2006-01-20 AU AU2006200257A patent/AU2006200257A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US20030216185A1 (en) * | 2001-10-17 | 2003-11-20 | Varley John A. | Method and system for providing an environment for the delivery of interactive gaming services |
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US20160093142A1 (en) * | 2014-09-26 | 2016-03-31 | Video Gaming Technologies, Inc. | Method and system for a gaming pedestal assembly |
US20190102983A1 (en) * | 2017-09-30 | 2019-04-04 | Everi Games, Inc. | Gaming machine cabinet with multiple panel access structure |
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US11587389B2 (en) * | 2020-09-24 | 2023-02-21 | Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. | Lift assembly and mount for a monitor of an electronic gaming machine |
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US11954964B2 (en) | 2021-11-17 | 2024-04-09 | Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. | Electronic gaming machine with access door |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EA200600081A1 (en) | 2006-08-25 |
EP1684246A1 (en) | 2006-07-26 |
KR20060085197A (en) | 2006-07-26 |
AU2006200257A1 (en) | 2006-08-10 |
EA009425B1 (en) | 2007-12-28 |
TW200702031A (en) | 2007-01-16 |
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Owner name: ARUZE CORP., JAPAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:OKADA, KAZUO;REEL/FRAME:017886/0469 Effective date: 20060303 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
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