US20080085753A1

US20080085753A1 - Game system including slot machines and control method thereof

Info

Publication number: US20080085753A1
Application number: US11/727,258
Authority: US
Inventors: Kazuo Okada
Original assignee: Aruze Gaming America Inc
Current assignee: Aruze Gaming America Inc
Priority date: 2006-10-10
Filing date: 2007-03-26
Publication date: 2008-04-10
Also published as: AU2007221845A1; JP2008093425A

Abstract

In a game system including slot machines and mobile phones capable of communicating with the slot machines, when credit of the slot machine is purchased using electronic data of the mobile phone and at the time of adjustment when a player performs a predetermined cashout operation, adjustment data in accordance with the number of credits is generated in the slot machine. The adjustment data is transmitted from the slot machine to an external of the slot machine in order to move the adjustment data to the mobile phone.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/850,271, filed on Oct. 10, 2006; the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a game system including slot machines and a control method thereof.
2. Description of Related Art
Recently, a networked system of slot machines is proposed and a computerized game apparatus connected via a network, in particular, a technique having taken security into consideration is disclosed in, for example, WO2003/090886 (PCT/US2003/010969) Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-523668. In addition, along with the spread of electronic money, the case increases in number where payout is made by a financial value stored in a mobile phone.
The present invention provides a slot machine that enhances new convenience by connection between a mobile phone and the slot machine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention is a game system including slot machines, comprising a mobile phone and slot machines capable of communicating with the mobile phone. The slot machine comprises a control panel that receives the operation of a player, and a controller that generates adjustment data based on the current number of credits when the player performs the cashout operation on the control panel, and transmits the adjustment data to an external in order to move the generated adjustment data to the mobile phone.
With the game system including slot machines according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the player performs the cashout operation on the control panel, the adjustment data based on the current number of credits is generated. Then, the generated adjustment data is transmitted in order to return it to the mobile phone.
A second aspect of the present invention is a game system including slot machines, comprising a mobile phone and slot machines capable of communicating with the mobile phone. The slot machine comprises a control panel that receives the input by the operation of a player, and a controller that generates adjustment data of the type input to the control panel by the player based on the current number of credits when the player performs the cashout operation and the operation to input the type of the adjustment data on the control panel, and transmits the adjustment data to an external in order to move the generated adjustment data to the mobile phone.
With the game system including slot machines according to the second aspect of the present invention, when the player performs the cashout operation on the control panel, the adjustment data based on the current number of credits is generated. Then, the generated adjustment data is transmitted in order to return it to the mobile phone. In addition, the type of the adjustment data is made to differ based on the input performed on the control panel by the player.
A third aspect of the present invention is a control method of a game system including slot machines, in which adjustment data is generated based on the current number of credits when a player performs the cashout operation on the slot machine. Then, the adjustment data is transmitted to an external from the slot machine in order to move the generated adjustment data to the mobile phone.
With the control method of a game system including slot machines according to the third aspect of the present invention, the adjustment data is generated based on the current number of credits when the player performs the cashout operation. Then, the generated adjustment data is transmitted in order to return it to the mobile phone.
A fourth aspect of the present invention is a control method of a game system including slot machines, in which adjustment data of the type input to the slot machine by the player is generated based on the current number of credits when the player performs the cashout operation on the slot machine. Then, the adjustment data is transmitted to an external from the slot machine in order to move the generated adjustment data to the mobile phone.
With the control method of a game system including slot machines according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the player performs the cashout operation on the slot machine, the adjustment data is generated based on the current number of credits. Then, the generated adjustment data is transmitted in order to return it to the mobile phone. In addition, the type of the adjustment data is made to differ in accordance with the inputting performed on the slot machine by the player.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing a control method of a game system including slot machines according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a game system including slot machines according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the slot machine shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view showing a display shown in FIG. 3 from the player's side.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the electric configuration of a controller of a slot machine having video reels.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the general configuration of the display shown in FIG. 3 in the state of being viewed from the rear side.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the configuration of the display shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the electric configuration of a controller of a mechanical reel slot machine.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the electric configuration of a display/input controller of the slot machine shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 8.

FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are flow charts showing processing executed by the controller of the slot machine shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an exchange rate table.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a currency selection screen shown in step S4 in FIG. 10A.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an exchange upper limit value input screen shown in step S6 in FIG. 10A.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the number of credits input screen shown in step S9 in FIG. 10A.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing details of adjustment data movement processing shown in FIG. 10B.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a display example of an adjustment data type selection screen.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a game system including slot machines according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing details of adjustment data movement processing according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing details of adjustment data movement processing according to a third embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a control method of a game system including slot machines according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, in the control method of a game system including slot machines in the present invention, first authentication processing is performed (step S100). In this authentication processing, initial checking processing before a base game is started is performed, such as whether or not programs for activating the system function normally, whether there is any alteration of a program or not etc.
Next, the base game is executed (step S200). In the base game, when a start switch 25 to be described later is pressed in a state in which a desired number of credits are bet by inserting coins into a coin insertion slot 22 to be described later, the base game is executed in which scrolling of symbols indicative of a symbol is started and then the symbols come to a stop (rearrangement) (refer to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4).
Next, it is determined whether or not a predetermined cashout operation has been performed by a player (step S300). Specifically, it is determined whether or not a cashout switch 26 to be described later has been turned on. Here, when it is determined that the predetermined cashout operation has not been performed (NO in step S300), processing shifts to step S200.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the predetermined cashout operation has been performed (YES in step S300), payout in accordance with the current number of credits is made. In general, at the time of payout, coins are paid out from a coin payout opening 27 to be described later. In contrast to this, in the present embodiment, payout is made by transmitting electronic data (adjustment data to be described later) to a mobile phone carried by the player, in addition to the payout of coin.
Before payout, first it is determined whether or not there has been a selection operation of the type of adjustment data to be transformed (step S400). Here, the adjustment data includes, for example, data of money, point data of a mileage card, and point data of a specific Internet site. In other words, in the present embodiment, it is possible to transmit to the mobile phone not only data of money but also what can be handled in the same manner as money, even if it is not money, such as points of a mileage card, points of an Internet site, etc., depending on the selection by the player. In step S400, a selection screen is displayed on, for example, the display of the slot machine, on which any of money, mileage points, and specific Internet site points is selected, and when the player selects one of them, it is determined that the result of step S400 is “YES”.
When it is determined that there has not been any selection operation of the type of adjustment data to be transformed (NO in step S400), this processing is repeated until it is determined that there has been a selection operation. On the other hand, when it is determined that there has been a selection operation of the type of adjustment data to be transformed (YES in step S400), adjustment data in accordance with the selected type is generated (step S500).
Next, the generated adjustment data is transmitted (step S600). The transmission is performed in order to return the adjustment data to the mobile phone and the destination is not limited to the mobile phone. In other words, the processing in step S600 includes, not limited to the direct transmission of adjustment data to the mobile phone, the transmission of adjustment data to something other than the mobile phone such that the adjustment data is transmitted to the mobile phone finally.
In this manner described above, the electronic data of the credit of the slot machine obtained from games is returned to the mobile phone and thus the convenience of the player is enhanced.
Next, the configuration of a game system including slot machines according to the first embodiment of the present invention is explained with reference to FIG. 2 to FIG. 9. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the game system including slot machines according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The game system shown in the first embodiment comprises mobile phones 300, slot machines 13, an exchange rate management server 500, and a network 600. In this game system, credits of the slot machine 13 is purchased using the financial value stored in the mobile phone 300 to play a game and after the game is over, the adjustment data in accordance with the number of credits is paid out to the mobile phone 300.
The mobile phone 300 is carried by the player and mounts an IC chip. The IC chip stores financial value data showing the financial value.
The exchange rate management server 500 stores an exchange rate table (refer to FIG. 11). The exchange rate table is transmitted to the slot machine 13 as needed and referred to when the financial value data is exchanged into credit.
The slot machine 13 is a gaming machine with which the player can play the base game. Upon receipt of the financial value from the mobile phone 300 of the player, the slot machine 13 exchanges the financial value into credit.
In addition, the slot machine 13 is connected to the exchange rate management server 500 via the network 600 and receives the data of the exchange rate table from the exchange rate management server 500. Because of this, upon receipt of the financial value from the mobile phone 300 of the player, the slot machine 13 refers to the received exchange rate table and exchanges the financial value into credit.
Further, when the player ends the game, the slot machine 13 generates adjustment data in accordance with the number of credits and transmits this to the mobile phone 300. In this manner described above, in the present embodiment, the purchase of credit and adjustment are all performed through electronic data.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the slot machine 13 shown in FIG. 2. The slot machine 13 comprises a cabinet 20 and a main door 42. The face of the cabinet 20 on the side on which the player is located during games is open. In the cabinet 20, various constituent members including a controller 100 (refer to FIG. 5 and FIG. 8) for electrically controlling the slot machine 13, a hopper 44 (refer to FIG. 5 and FIG. 8) for controlling the insertion, saving, and payout of coins (game media), etc., are provided. The game media are not limited to coins, but there can be medal, token, electronic money, or electronic value information (credit) corresponding thereto.
The main door 42 is a member for covering the inside of the cabinet 20 to prevent it from being exposed to the outside and substantially in the center of the main door 42, a display 30 is provided.
The display 30 displays various images about games including effect images. The player advances games while visually recognizing the various images displayed on the display 30. The display comprises a transparent liquid crystal panel 34 (refer to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7). The transparent liquid crystal panel 34 is capable of switching a part or the whole thereof into transparent/opaque states and capable of displaying various images.
When the slot machine 13 is constituted by video reels, five virtual reels are displayed on the display 30. The video reel is an image of a reel that is displayed on the display 30 instead of the mechanical reel. A plurality of kinds of symbols necessary for the base game include “BONUS”, “WILD”, “TREASURE BOX”, “GOLDEN MASK”, “HOLY CUP”, “COMPASS & MAP”, “SNAKE”, “A”, “K”, “Q”, “J”, and “10”. The transparent liquid crystal panel 34 displays each of these symbols along with images in which the reel seems to rotate.
On the other hand, when the slot machine 13 is constituted by mechanical reels, on the rear side of the display 30, five mechanical reels 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E (refer to FIG. 4 and FIG. 6) on the outer circumferential surface of which a plurality of kinds of symbols are drawn, respectively, are provided rotatably, lining up side by side. The mechanical reels 3A to 3E are constituted as what display a plurality of symbols along with stepping motors 45A, 45B, 45C, 45D, and 45E (refer to FIG. 8), etc. On the outer circumferential surfaces of the mechanical reels 3A to 3E, the above-described plurality of kinds of symbols necessary for the base game are drawn. These various kinds of symbols on the respective mechanical reels 3A to 3E become visible when the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 enters the transparent state.
Below the display 30, a substantially horizontal operation panel 21 is provided. On the right-hand side of the operation panel 21, the coin insertion slot 22 through which coins are inserted into the slot machine 13 is provided. On the other hand, on the left-hand side of the operation panel 21, a BET switch 23 is provided. The BET switch 23 has a function of determining which of lines L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L8, and L9 for giving nine awards to be described later is activated, and a function of selecting the number of coins as the game media to be bet on the line (hereinafter, referred to as “payline”) for giving the activated award. In addition, similarly, on the left-hand side of the operation panel 21, a spin repeat bet switch 24 is provided. The spin repeat bet switch 24 is used to perform the game again without changing the number of coins bet on the above-mentioned payline in the previous game. By press-operating the BET switch 23 or the spin repeat bet spin 24, the number of coins to be bet on the above-mentioned payline is determined in accordance with the operation.
On the above-mentioned operation panel 21, on the left-hand side of the BET switch 23, the start switch 25 that accepts the start operation of the base game by the player for each game is provided. The press operation of either of the start switch 25 and the spin repeat bet switch 24 triggers the start of the game and the rotation of the above-mentioned five mechanical reels 3A to 3E etc. is started.
On the other hand, on the above-mentioned operation panel 21, in the vicinity of the coin insertion slot 22, the cashout switch 26 is provided. When the player press-operates the cashout switch 26, the inserted coins are paid out from the coin payout opening 27 that opens in the lower part of the front of the main door 42. The paid out coins are saved on a coin tray 28. In addition, above the coin tray 28 and on both the sides with the coin payout opening 27 being sandwiched in between, a speaker grill opening 29 is provided. The speaker grill opening 29 is used to propagate the effect sound emitted from a speaker 41 (refer to FIG. 5 and FIG. 8) accommodated in the cabinet 20.
Further, in the slot machine 13 in the present embodiment, a substantially vertical connection part 121 is provided below the operation panel 21. On the right-hand side of the connection part 121, a holder 170 is provided. This holder 170 is configured so that the mobile phone 300 of the player is fixed and is provided with a radio transmission/reception part (transmission part) 171 capable of radio communication with the mobile phone 300 of the player.
When the mobile phone 300 of the player is fixed on the holder 170, the mobile phone 300 of the player and the slot machine 13 is connected via the radio transmission/reception part 171. It is not necessary for the mobile phone 300 of the player to be contacted with the radio transmission/reception part 171 and what is required is only to be fixed while maintaining a predetermined distance at which communication is possible. In addition, the radio transmission/reception part 171 is provided with an IC card reader/writer (not shown) for transmitting/receiving information to/from an IC chip (not shown) mounted on the mobile phone 300 of the player. Communication is performed by means of electromagnetic waves transmitted from the IC card reader/writer.
Further, while the player is fixing the mobile phone 300 on the holder 170, if the cashout switch 26 is press-operated, instead of that coins are paid out from the coin payout opening 27, adjustment data is generated and transmitted to the mobile phone 300 via the transmission/reception part 171.
FIG. 4 is the enlarged front view of the display 30 shown in FIG. 3 when viewed from the player's side. The display 30 of the slot machine 13 comprises a front panel 31 and the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 (refer to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7) provided on the backside of the front panel 31. The front panel 31 includes a transparent display plane 31 a and a picture formation area 31 b in which pictures are formed. The image information displayed on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 provided on the backside of the front panel 31 is visible via the display panel 31 a of the front panel 31. On the other hand, when the area of the above-mentioned transparent liquid crystal panel 34 is in the transparent state, the respective symbols on the five mechanical reels 3A to 3E provided behind the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 are visible via the display plane 31 a. By the way, when the slot machine 13 is constituted by the video reels, it may also be possible to display the image of the reel by bringing the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 into the opaque state or use a mere liquid crystal panel instead of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34.
On the rear side to the left of the display 30, various displays such as a number of payouts display 48, a number of credits display 49, and a number of BETs display 50 are provided. Incidentally, in the picture formation area 31 b of the front panel 31, the part covering the front of the above-mentioned various displays 48 to 50 is transparent and the display contents of the various displays 48 to 50 are visible.
The slot machine 13 has the lines L1 to L9 for giving nine awards as shown in FIG. 4. These lines L1 to L9 for giving each of these awards extend so as to pass through one symbol in each of the mechanical reels 3A to 3E when the rotation of all the mechanical reels 3A to 3E stops or the five video reels stop.
When the above-mentioned BET switch 23 is pressed once, for example, the line L3 for giving a third award, the line L5 for giving a fifth award, and the line L7 for giving a seventh award are activated.
When the above-mentioned BET switch 23 is pressed twice, for example, the line L1 for giving a first award, the line L4 for giving a fourth award, and the line L8 for giving an eighth award are activated in addition to the above-mentioned three lines.
When the above-mentioned BET switch 23 is pressed three times, for example, the line L2 for giving a second award, the line L6 for giving a sixth award, and the line L9 for giving a ninth award are activated in addition to the above-mentioned six lines.
The number of payouts display 48 displays the number of coins to be paid out when a combination for giving an award is established along the payline. The number of credits display 49 displays the number of credits stored in the slot machine 13. The number of BETs display 50 displays the number of BETs. The various displays 48 to 50 are constituted so as to include a seven-segment display, respectively. Alternatively, it may also be possible to display the various displays 48 to 50 on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 in images.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of the controller 100 of the slot machine 13 having video reels. As shown in FIG. 5, the controller 100 (generation part) of the slot machine 13 is constituted by a microcomputer, comprising an interface circuit group 102, an input/output bus 104, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 106, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 108, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 110, a communication interface circuit 111, a random number generator 112, a speaker drive circuit 122, a hopper drive circuit 124, a display drive circuit 128, and a display/input controller 140.
To the interface circuit group 102, the input/output bus 104 is connected and the input/output bus 104 performs input/output of a data signal or an address signal for the CPU 106.
To the interface circuit group 102, the start switch 25 is connected. A start signal output from the start switch 25 is converted into a predetermined signal in the interface circuit group 102 and then is supplied to the input/output bus 104.
To the interface circuit group 102, the BET switch 23, the spin repeat bet switch 24, and the cashout switch 26 are also connected. Each switching signal output from each of these switches 23, 24, and 26 is also supplied to the interface circuit group 102. Then, after converted into a predetermined signal in the interface circuit group 102, it is supplied to the input/output bus 104.
To the interface circuit group 102, a coin sensor 43 is also connected. The coin sensor 43 is a sensor for detecting coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 22. The coin sensor 43 is provided in connection with the coin insertion slot 22. A sensing signal output from the coin sensor 43 is also supplied to the interface circuit group 102. Then, after converted into a predetermined signal in the interface circuit group 102, it is supplied to the input/output bus 104.
To the interface circuit group 102, the radio transmission/reception part 171 is also connected. The radio transmission/reception part 171 is provided on the holder 170 and performs transmission/reception of data with the mobile phone 300 of the player.
To the input/output bus 104, the ROM 108 and the RAM 110 are connected.
The CPU 106 reads the base game program and performs the base game when the start operation of the base game is received by the start switch 25 as a trigger. The basic game program produces a display on the display 30 via the display/input controller 140, which indicates that the scrolling of the symbols of the five video reels is started. Then, by producing a display that indicates that the five reels are caused to come to a stop, the symbols of the five video reels are rearranged. The combination of the symbols having come to a stop is shown on the payline and when the combination is a specific combination that gives an award, coins in accordance with the specific combination that gives the award are paid out. The base game program is programmed so as to cause the CPU 106 to execute the above operations.
In the ROM 108, a control program for totally controlling the slot machine 13, a program for executing routines shown in FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B (hereinafter, referred to as “routine execution program”), initial data for executing the control program, and various data tables used in determination processing are stored. In the routine execution program, the above-mentioned base program etc. are included. The data tables include a table shown in FIG. 11 etc. The RAM 110 temporarily stores a flag, the value of a variable, etc., used in the above-mentioned control program.
To the input/output bus 104, the communication interface circuit 111 is also connected. The communication interface circuit 111 is a circuit for performing communication with the exchange rate management server 500 via the network 600 including the various networks of LAN. In the present embodiment, the CPU 106 receives the exchange rate table (refer to FIG. 11) from the exchange rate management server 500 via the communication interface circuit 111.
To the input/output bus 104, the random number generator 112 for generating a random number is also connected. The random number generator 112 generates a random number included in a certain range of numeric values, for example, “0” to “65535 (two to the sixteenth power−1). Alternatively, it may also be possible to constitute so that a random number is generated by arithmetic processing by the CPU 106.
To the input/output bus 104, the display drive circuit 128 for driving the above-mentioned various displays 48 to 50 is also connected. The CPU 106 controls the operation of the above-mentioned various displays 48 to 50 via the display drive circuit 128 in accordance with the occurrence of a predetermined event.
To the input/output bus 104, the speaker drive circuit 122 for driving the speaker 41 is also connected. The CPU 106 reads sound data stored in the ROM 108 and transmits the read sound data to the speaker drive circuit 122 via the input/output bus 104. Due to this, a predetermined effect sound is emitted from the speaker 41.
To the input/output bus 104, the hopper drive circuit 124 for driving the hopper 44 is also connected. Upon receipt of a cashout signal from the cashout switch 26, the CPU 106 outputs a drive signal to the hopper drive circuit 124 via the input/output bus 104. Due to this, the hopper 44 pays out coins corresponding to the remaining credits at the time when stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110.
To the input/output bus 104, the display/input controller 140 is also connected. The CPU 106 generates an image display command in accordance with the state of the game and the result of the game and outputs the generated image display command to the display/input controller 140 via the input/output bus 104. Upon receipt of the image display command from the CPU 106, the display/input controller 140 generates a drive signal for driving the display 30 based on the input image display command and outputs the generated drive signal to the display 30. Due to this, a predetermined image is displayed on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 of the display 30. The display/input controller 140 transmits the signal received by the touch panel 32 on the display 30 as an input signal to the CPU 106 via the input/output bus 104.
FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are detailed configuration diagram of the display 30 shown in FIG. 3. The display 30 displays a game image relating to the base game. The display panel 30 comprises the front panel 31 comprising the touch panel 32 and a display board 33, the transparent liquid crystal panel 34, a light guide board 35, a reflective film 36, fluorescent lamps, a so-called white light source, 37 a, 37 b and 38 a, 38 b, lamp holders 39 a, 39 b, 39 c, 39 d, 39 e, 39 f, 39 g, and 39 h, and a table carrier package (TCP) mounting an IC for driving a transparent liquid crystal panel. Although not shown schematically in particular in FIG. 6 or FIG. 7, the TCP is constituted by a flexible substrate (not shown) connected to the terminal of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34.
The display 30 is provided on the side before the display areas of the mechanical reels 3A to 3E (on the side before the display plane 31 a) in such a way as to span the mechanical reels 3A to 3E. These mechanical reels 3A to 3E and the display 30 are provided being spaced by predetermined intervals. In the case of the video reel, images of the reel are displayed on the display 30 instead of the mechanical reels 3A to 3E.
The touch panel 32 is constituted by a transparent member. The display board 33 is constituted by a transparent member and on the display board 33, pictures etc. are formed on the positions corresponding to the above-mentioned various displays 48 to 50. In other words, the area in which the pictures etc. on the display board 33 are formed is the picture formation area 31 b in the front panel 31 and on the other hand, the area in which the pictures etc. on the display board 33 are not formed is the display plane 31 a in the front panel 31 (refer to FIG. 4). Alternatively, it may also be possible to use the entire surface of the front panel 31 as the display plane 31 a without forming the picture formation area 31 b in the front panel 31. In this case, what is required is to form no pictures on the display board 33 or to omit the display board 33.
By way of caution, it should be noted that electric circuits for activating the various displays 48 to 50 arranged on the backside of the display board 33 etc. are not shown schematically in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7.
The transparent liquid crystal panel 34 is formed by a transparent substrate, such as a glass plate on which a thin film transistor layer is formed, and a transparent substrate in opposition to this, with liquid crystals being sealed into a gap in between. The display mode of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 is set to normally white. Normally white refers to a mode in which a white display (the light having transmitted to the display plane side is visible to the outside) is produced in a state in which the liquid crystals are not driven. By employing such a transparent liquid crystal panel 34 set to normally white, even if an event occurs where the liquid crystals cannot be driven, the display in which the respective symbols of the respective mechanical reels 3A to 3E are scrolled and the display in which they have come to a stop can be visible and therefore it is possible for the player to continue the game. In other words, even if such an event described above occurs, it is possible to perform the game in which rearrangement of the respective symbols of the respective mechanical reels 3A to 3E is focused on.
The light guide board 35 guides the light from the fluorescent lamps 37 a and 37 b to the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 (that is, to illuminate the transparent liquid crystal panel 34). The light guide board 35 is provided on the backside of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34. The light guide board 35 is constituted by, for example, a transparent member (having a function of guiding light), such as an acryl base resin, having a thickness of about 2 cm.
The reflective film 36 reflects the light guided by the light guide board 35 toward the front side of the light guide board 35. As the reflective film 36, for example, a white polyester film or an aluminum thin film on which a silver evaporated film is formed is used. The reflective film 36 consists of a reflective area 36A and a non-reflective area (transmission area) 36B. The non-reflective area 36B is formed by a transparent material. The non-reflective area 36B is provided in an area including a part covering the front of the mechanical reels 3A to 3E of the front panel 31.
The fluorescent lamps 37 a and 37 b are arranged along the upper end and the lower end of the light guide board 35. Both the ends of the fluorescent lamps 37 a and 37 b are supported by the lamp holders 39 a, 39 b and 39 g, 39 h. The light irradiated from these fluorescent lamps 37 a and 37 b is reflected from the reflective area 36A of the reflective film 36 to irradiate the transparent liquid crystal panel 34. On the other hand, the fluorescent lamps 38 a and 38 b are arranged so as to face the mechanical reels 3A to 3E at the upper position and the lower position on the backside of the reflective film 36. Both the ends of the fluorescent lamps 38 a and 38 b are supported by the lamp holders 39 c, 39 d and 39 e, 39 f. The light that enters the non-reflective area 36B after being emitted from these fluorescent lamps 38 a and 38 b and reflected by the surfaces of the mechanical reels 3A to 3E irradiates the transparent liquid crystal panel 34. As described above, in the display 30, the light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 37 a and 37 b and further reflected by the reflective area 36A of the reflective film 36, and the light having entered the non-reflective area 36B after being emitted from the fluorescent lamps 38 a and 38 b and further reflected by the surfaces of the mechanical reels 3A to 3E irradiate the transparent liquid crystal panel 34. Consequently, the area of the display 30 corresponding to the non-reflective area 36B of the reflective film 36 switches its state between the transparent and opaque states depending on whether or not the liquid crystals are driven. On the other hand, the area of the display 30 corresponding to the non-reflective area 36A of the reflective film 36 remains in the opaque state irrespective of whether or not the liquid crystals are driven.
In the slot machine 13, only a partial area of the display plane of the display 30 is set as an area that switches between the transparent and opaque states, however, it may also be possible to set the entire area of the display screen of the display 30 as an area that switches between the transparent and opaque states. As described above, in order to set the entire area of the display 30 as an area that switches between the transparent and opaque states, all that is required is to turn the entire reflective film 36 into the non-reflective area 36B or to omit the reflective film 36.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the electric configuration of the controller 100 of the slot machine 13 with mechanical reels. As shown in FIG. 8, the controller 100 of the slot machine 13 is constituted by a microcomputer, comprising the interface circuit group 102, the input/output bus 104, the CPU 106, the ROM 108, the RAM 110, the communication interface circuit 111, the random number generator 112, the motor drive circuit 120, the speaker drive circuit 122, the hopper drive circuit 124, the display drive circuit 128, and the display/input controller 140. The configuration is the same as that in the case of the video reels explained in FIG. 5 except for a part, and therefore, only the part that differs from that in the case of the video reel explained in FIG. 5 is explained.
To the interface circuit group 102, a reel position detection circuit 46 is connected. The reel position detection circuit 46 detects the rotation position of each of the mechanical reels 3A to 3E based on the pulse signal from a reel rotation position sensor (not shown) and the detection signal from the reel position detection circuit 46 is also supplied to the interface circuit group 102 and after being converted into a predetermined signal by the interface circuit group 102, is supplied to the input/output bus 104.
The CPU 106 reads the base game program and executes the base game when the start operation of the base game is received from the start switch 25 as a trigger. The base game program starts the scrolling of the reels 3A to 3E by driving each of the stepping motors 45A to 45E to rotate all the mechanical reels 3A to 3E. Then, the base game program rearranges the symbols of the reels 3A to 3E by stopping the drive of each of the stepping motors 45A to 45E to stop the rotation of all the mechanical reels 3A to 3E. The combination of the symbols having come to a stop is shown on the payline and when the combination is a specific one that gives an award, coins in accordance with the specific combination that gives the award are paid out. The base game program is programmed so as to cause the CPU 106 to execute the above operations.
In addition, the CPU 106 also takes control of the second game. Consequently, the CPU 106 transmits a signal to execute the second game if a predetermined condition is met when the symbols of all the mechanical reels 3A to 3E have come to a stop to be displayed.
To the input/output bus 104, the motor drive circuit 120 for driving the stepping motors 45A to 45E is also connected. The CPU 106 controls the operation of the stepping motors 45A to 45E via the motor drive circuit 120 in response to the occurrence of a predetermined event.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the electric configuration of the display/input controller 140 of the slot machine 13 shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 8. The display/input controller 140 of the slot machine 13 is constituted by a sub microcomputer that performs image display processing and takes control of the inputting from the touch panel 32, and the display/input controller 140 comprises an interface circuit 142, an input/output bus 144, a CPU 146, a ROM 148, a RAM 150, a VDP 152, a video RAM 154, an image data ROM 156, a drive circuit 158, and a touch panel control circuit 160.
To the interface circuit 142, the input/output bus 144 is connected. An image display command output from the CPU 106 on the above-mentioned controller 100 side is supplied to the input/output bus 144 via the interface circuit 142. The input/output bus 144 performs the input/output of a data signal or an address signal for the CPU 146.
To the input/output bus 144, the ROM 148 and the RAM 150 are connected. In the ROM 148, a display control program for generating a drive signal to be supplied to the display 30 based on the image display command from the CPU 106 on the above-mentioned controller 100 side is stored. On the other hand, in the RAM 150, flags and values of variables used in the above-mentioned display control program are stored.
To the input/output bus 144, the VDP 152 is also connected. The VDP 152 includes a so-called sprite circuit, a screen circuit, a pallet circuit, etc., and is a processing apparatus capable of performing various processing for displaying images on the display 30. To the VDP 152, the video RAM 154 for storing image data in accordance with the image display command from the CPU 106 on the above-mentioned controller 100 side and the image data ROM 156 storing various image data including the above-mentioned effect image data etc. are connected. Further, to the VDP 152, the drive circuit 158 that outputs a drive signal to drive the display 30 is also connected.
The above-mentioned CPU 146 stores the image data to be displayed on the display 30 in response to the image display command from the CPU 106 on the above-mentioned controller 100 side in the video RAM 154 by reading and executing the display control program stored in the ROM 148. The image display command includes various image display commands including the display command of the above-mentioned effect image etc.
The image data ROM 156 stores various image data including the data of the above-mentioned effect image etc. The touch panel control circuit 160 transmits the signal received by the touch panel 32 on the display panel 30, as an input signal, to the CPU 106 via the input/output bus 144.
The above is the configuration of the game system according to the present embodiment. By the way, the BET switch 23, the spin repeat bet switch 24, the start switch 25, the cashout switch 26, and the touch panel 32 correspond to the control panel of the slot machine 13.
FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are flow charts showing processing executed by the controller 100 of the slot machine 13 shown in FIG. 3. First, the controller 100 including the CPU 106 receives the exchange rate table (refer to FIG. 11) from the exchange rate management server 500 (step S1). Specifically, the controller 100 receives the exchange rate table (refer to FIG. 11) and stores it in the RAM 110.
Here, the exchange rate table is explained. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the exchange rate table. The exchange rate table stores the financial value per credit for each currency type. For example, in the case of “yen”, the financial value necessary for one credit is “100 yen”.
The exchange rate table is stored in the exchange rate management table 500 and the exchange rate changes with time for each currency type. The exchange rate is determined based on the exchange rate that changes in real time. For example, when the financial value per credit is “100 yen” with respect to “yen”, the financial value per credit with respect to “dollar”, “euro”, etc., is determined based on the exchange rate at present in the exchange rate management server 500. Specifically, the exchange rate management server 500 determines that 100 yen corresponds to 0.85 dollars when the dollar-yen exchange rate at present is 117 yen. In this manner, it is possible for the controller 100 to obtain the exchange rate table in which the exchange rate at present is reflected in step S1.
When the financial value per credit of a specific currency type (for example, yen) changes, the controller 100 changes the financial values of other currency types in accordance with this. For example, when a shop in which the slot machine 13 is installed raises one credit from 100 yen to 200 yen, the controller 100 changes the financial values of “dollar”, “euro”, etc., corresponding to “200 yen” based on the exchange rate at present if the contents of the price rise are input into the slot machine 13.
Again, FIG. 10A is referred to. The controller 100 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed after the reception of the exchange rate table (after step S1) (step S2). When it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S2), the processing shifts to step S1. Due to this, it follows that the controller 100 receives the exchange rate table each time a predetermined time elapses. In other words, it follows that the controller 100 receives the exchange rate that changes in real time at each predetermined time and obtains the proper exchange rate table in accordance with the exchange variations.
When it is determined that a predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S2), the controller 100 determines whether or not the mobile phone 300 of the player is fixed on the holder 170 (step S3). Specifically, the controller 100 determines whether or not the distance between the radio transmission/reception part 171 provided on the holder 170 and the mobile phone 300 of the player is equal to or less than a distance at which radio communication is possible. In the present embodiment, if the mobile phone 300 of the player is fixed on the holder 170, the distance between the mobile phone 300 and the slot machine 13 will be equal to or less than a distance at which radio communication is possible.
Here, when it is determined that the mobile phone 300 is not fixed on the holder 170 (NO in step S3), the processing shifts to step S2. On the other hand, when it is determined that the mobile phone 300 is fixed on the holder 170 (YES in step S3), the controller displays the currency selection screen (refer to FIG. 12) on the display 30 (step S4).
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the currency selection screen shown in step S4 in FIG. 10A. The currency selection screen is displayed on the display 30 and the currency type and the financial value per credit are displayed for each currency type stored in the exchange rate table. It is possible for the player to select a currency type of the financial value to be exchanged into credit by press-operating a currency type button 201. In this manner, it is possible for the player to determine which currency to be transformed into credit while viewing the financial value per credit for each currency type displayed on the currency selection screen.
Again, FIG. 10A is referred to. After the currency selection screen is displayed (after step S4), the controller 100 determines whether or not a currency is selected (step S5). Specifically, the controller 100 determines whether or not there has been the press operation of the currency type button 201 provided on the display 30 in the currency selection screen (refer to FIG. 12). When it is determined that no currency has been selected (NO in step S5), the processing is repeated until it is determined that a currency has been selected. When it is determined that a currency has been selected (YES in step S5), the controller 100 displays an exchange upper limit value input screen (refer to FIG. 13) (step S6).
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the exchange upper limit value input screen shown in step S6 in FIG. 10A. The exchange upper limit value input screen is displayed on the display 30 and it is possible for the player to input an exchange upper limit value by press-operating a ten key 202 and determine the exchange upper limit value by press-operating a determination button 204. In addition, it is possible for the player to clear the input exchange upper limit value by press-operating a clear button 203.
Again, FIG. 10A is referred to. After the display of the exchange upper limit value input screen (after step S6), the controller 100 receives the input of the exchange upper limit value (step S7). Specifically, the controller 100 receives the input of the exchange upper limit value when the ten key 202 provided on the display 30 is press-operated in the exchange upper limit value input screen (refer to FIG. 13).
Then, the controller 100 determines whether or not the exchange upper limit value has been determined (step S8). Specifically, the controller 100 determines whether or not there has been the press operation of the determination button 204 provided on the display 30 in the exchange upper limit value input screen (refer to FIG. 13). When it is determined that the exchange upper limit value has not been determined (NO in step S8), the processing shifts to step S7.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the exchange upper limit value has been determined (YES in step S8), the controller 100 stores the input exchange upper limit value in the RAM 110. Then, the controller 100 displays the number of credits input screen (refer to FIG. 14) (step S9).
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the number of credits input screen shown in step S9 in FIG. 10A. The number of credits input screen is displayed on the display 30 and it is possible for the player to input the number of credits by press-operating the ten key 202 and determine the number of credits by press-operating an exchange determination button 205. In addition, it is possible for the player to clear the input number of credits by press-operating the clear button 203.
Again, FIG. 10A is referred to. After the display of the number of credits input screen (after step S9), the controller 100 receives the input of the number of credits (step S10). Specifically, the controller 100 receives the input of the number of credits when the ten key 202 provided on the display 30 is press-operated in the number of credits input screen (refer to FIG. 14).
Then, the controller 100 determines whether or not there has been the press operation of the exchange determination button (step S1). Specifically, the controller 100 determines whether or not there has been the press operation of the exchange determination button 205 provided on the display 30 in the number of credits input screen (refer to FIG. 14).
When it is determined that there has not been the press operation of the exchange determination button (NO in step S11), the processing shifts to step S10. On the other hand, when it is determined that there has been the press operation of the exchange determination button (YES in step S11), the controller 100 stores the number of credits received in step S10 in the RAM 110.
Then, the controller 100 calculates the financial value indicating the amount of money of the number of credits stored in the RAM 110 (step S12). Specifically, the controller 100 transform the number of credits stored in the RAM 110 in step S11 into a financial value by referring to the exchange rate table (refer to FIG. 11) stored in the RAM 110 in step S11. For example, in the exchange rate table shown in FIG. 11, the financial value per credit in the currency type “yen” is 100 yen and therefore if the determined number of credits is “100”, then the financial value will be “10,000 yen”. The controller 100 stores the financial value data indicating the calculated financial value in the RAM 110.
Next, the controller 100 determines whether or not the financial value calculated in step S12 is equal to or less than the exchange upper limit value (FIG. 10B: step S13). Specifically, the controller 100 determines by comparing the financial value data stored in the RAM 110 in step S12 with the transform upper limit value stored in the RAM 110 in step S8. Here, when it is determined that the financial value is not equal to or less than the transform upper limit value (NO in step S13), the processing shifts to step S10.
In addition, when it is determined that the financial value is equal to or less than the transform upper limit value (YES in step S13), the controller 100 makes a transmission request for the financial value data indicating the financial value calculated in step S12 (step S14). At this time, the controller 100 transmits a transmission request signal for the financial value data to the mobile phone 300 of the player via the radio transmission/reception part 171.
Then, the controller 100 receives the financial value data (step S15). In other words, it follow that the controller 100 receives the financial value data for which the transmission request has been made in step S14 from the mobile phone 300 of the player via the radio transmission/reception part 171. After the reception, the controller 100 stores the received financial value data in the RAM 110.
Next, the controller 100 exchanges the received financial value data into the number of credits. Specifically, the controller 100 exchanges the financial value data stored in the RAM 110 in step S15 into the data of the number of credits by referring to the exchange rate table (refer to FIG. 11) stored in the RAM 110 in step S1. For example, in the exchange rate table shown in FIG. 11, the financial value per credit in the currency type “yen” is 100 yen, then, when the financial value data is “10,000 yen”, the data of the number of credits will be “100”. The controller 100 stores the exchanged data of the number of credits in the RAM 110 and adds the exchanged data of the number of credits to the data of the number of credits already stored in the RAM 110 and displays it on the number of credits display 49.
Then, the controller 100 executes the base game (step S17). In the base game, the controller 100 determines whether or not the start switch 25 has been pressed in a state in which the desired number of credits is bet by the insertion of coins into the coin insertion slot etc. When it is determined that the start switch 25 has been pressed, the controller 100 starts scrolling of symbols on which symbols are drawn and then causes the symbols to come to a stop (rearrangement). Then, the controller 100 pays out credits based on the state in which the symbols have come to a stop.
Next, the controller 100 determines whether or not the cashout switch 26 has been turned on (pressed) (step S18). When it is determined that the cashout switch has not been turned on (NO in step S18), the processing shifts to step S17.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the cashout switch 26 has been turned on (YES in step S18), the controller 100 executes adjustment data movement processing (step S19).
By this adjustment data movement processing, adjustment data based on the current number of credits is generated and the adjustment data is transmitted to the mobile phone 300. Then, the processing shown in FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B is repeated until the power supply of the slot machine 13 is turned off.
FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the detail of the adjustment data movement processing shown in FIG. 10B. As shown in FIG. 15, at the time of the adjustment data movement processing, first, the adjustment data type selection screen is displayed (step S20).
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a display example of the adjustment data type selection screen. As shown in FIG. 16, the controller 100 displays the adjustment data type selection screen on the display 30. In the type selection screen, money adjustment buttons 206 a to 206 c for adjusting the current number of credits by money and point adjustment buttons 207 a to 207 d for adjusting the current number of credits by points of a specific company or a specific site are displayed.
Specifically, the money adjustment buttons 206 a to 206 c are the dollar button 206 a, the yen button 206 b, and the euro button 206 c. Below these buttons 206 a to 206 c, the contents of exchange indicating how much money is required to adjust one credit are displayed. In addition, the point adjustment buttons 207 a to 207 d are the first point button 207 a, the second point button 207 b, the third point button 207 c, and the fourth point button 207 d. Below these buttons 207 a to 207 d, the contents of exchange indicating how much money is required to adjust one credit are displayed.
Again, FIG. 15 is referred to. After displaying the adjustment data type selection screen (after step S20), the controller 100 determines whether or not the adjustment data type selection has been completed (step S21). Specifically, the controller 100 determines whether or not any one of the buttons 206 a to 206 c and 207 a to 207 d displayed on the type selection screen has been press-operated.
When it is determined that the adjustment data type selection has not been completed (NO in step S21), the processing shifts to step S20. On the other hand, when it is determined that the adjustment data type selection has been completed (YES in step S21), the controller 100 generates adjustment data in accordance with the selection result (step S22). In other words, the controller 100 generates adjustment data in accordance with the current number of credits and the type selected from the type selection screen. In other words, when the number of credits is “100” and the selected type is “dollar”, the controller 100 generates the adjustment data indicative of “85 dollars”. In addition, specifically, when the number of credits is “100” and the selected type is “mileage point”, the controller 100 generates adjustment data indicative of “100 points”.
Then, the controller 100 transmits the adjustment data to the mobile phone 300 by radio via the radio transmission/reception part 171 (step S23). Due to this, it follows that adjustment is made by electronic data.
In this manner, in the game system including the slot machine 13 according to the first embodiment, when the player performs the predetermined cashout operation on the control panel, adjustment data based on the current number of credits is generated. Then, the generated adjustment data is transmitted in order to return it to the mobile phone.
As described above, since payout in accordance with the number of credits is made by electronic data, it is possible, without using bulky media such as coins, to complete payout only by the mobile phone 300, and enhance convenience.
In addition, when the player performs the predetermined cashout operation on the control panel, the adjustment data of the type selected by the player is generated based on the current number of credits. Then, the generated adjustment data is transmitted in order to return it to the mobile phone.
As described above, the player is made to select the type of the adjustment data (dollar, yen, mileage point, etc.) and the adjustment data in accordance with the selection is moved to the mobile phone 300, and therefore, payout in accordance with the desire of the player is made and the convenience can be enhanced.
In addition, since the adjustment data is transmitted to the mobile phone 300 by radio communication, it is possible to move the adjustment data in a simple method.

Second Embodiment

Next, a game system including slot machines and a control method of a game system including slot machines in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention are explained. The second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment, however, the configuration and the contents of processing are different. What is different from the first embodiment is explained below.
FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the game system including slot machines according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 17, the game system according to the second embodiment comprises an adjustment server 700 connected to the network 600. The adjustment server 700 is configured so as to be capable of downloading adjustment data.
In the present embodiment, adjustment data is not transmitted from the slot machine 13 directly to the mobile phone 300 but moved to the adjustment server 700 from the slot machine 13 via the network 600. It follows that the player accesses the adjustment server 700 after the game is over by utilizing the mobile phone 300 and receives the adjustment data from the adjustment server 700. Because of this, a program is stored in the adjustment server 700, which generates information to cause the mobile phone 300 to access the adjustment server 700 and download the adjustment data based on the received adjustment data.
FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing the detail of the adjustment data movement processing according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18, first, the controller 100 of the slot machine 13 displays the adjustment data type selection screen (refer to FIG. 16) on the display 30 (step S30). Next, the controller 100 generates adjustment data in accordance with the selected type (step S31). Then, the controller 100 transmits the adjustment data to the adjustment server 700 via the communication interface circuit (transmission part) 111 (step S32).
After this, the adjustment server 700 generates a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) from which adjustment data can be downloaded and a password that allows the adjustment data to be downloaded by accessing the URL and inputting the password based on the adjustment data from the slot machine 13 (step S33). Then, the adjustment server 700 transmits the URL and the password to the slot machine 13 (step S34).
Then, the slot machine 13 displays the received URL and password on the display 30 (step S35). Due to this, it is made possible for the player to confirm the displayed URL and password. After this, the player accesses the displayed URL by utilizing the mobile phone 300 and inputs the password (step S36). Then, the download of the adjustment data from the adjustment server 700 to the mobile phone 300 is started (step S37).
Incidentally, the URL generated by the adjustment server 700 may be one for accessing the adjustment server 700 or one for accessing another download-dedicated server. When a download-dedicated server is used, the adjustment data for each player and the password assigned to each player are transmitted from the adjustment server 700 to the download-dedicated server.
In this manner, in the game system including the slot machines 13 according to the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to complete payout only by the mobile phone 300 and enhance the convenience.
In addition, according to the second embodiment, since the download of adjustment data is started by the input of the URL and password, there is no possibility of erroneous transmission of adjustment data to a mobile phone belonging to a person other than the player at the time of radio transmission and it is possible to move the adjustment data without fail to the mobile phone 300 of the player.

Third Embodiment

Next, a game system including slot machines and a control method of a game system including slot machines according to a third embodiment of the present invention are explained. The third embodiment is the same as the second embodiment, however, the contents of processing are different. What is different from the second embodiment is explained below.
In the second embodiment, adjustment data is downloaded by the input of the URL and password. In contrast to this, in the third embodiment, QR code generated by the adjustment server 700 is displayed in the slot machine 13 and the player photographs the QR code by the mobile phone 300 to download the adjustment data.
FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing the detail of adjustment data movement processing according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 19, first, the controller 100 of the slot machine 13 displays the adjustment data type selection screen (refer to FIG. 16) on the display 30 (step S40). Next, the controller 100 generates adjustment data in accordance with the selected type (step S41). Then, the controller 100 transmits the adjustment data to the adjustment server 700 via the communication interface circuit (transmission part) 111 (step S42).
After this, the adjustment server 700 generates QR (Quick Response) by which adjustment data is downloaded by photographing it by the mobile phone based on the adjustment data from the slot machine 13 (step S43). Then, the adjustment server 700 transmits the image information of the QR code to the slot machine 13 (step S44). Incidentally, what is generated by the adjustment server 700 is not limited to the QR code but other image information will be accepted as long as the download of adjustment data is possible by photographing it by the mobile phone 300.
Then, the slot machine 13 displays the received QR code on the display 30 (step S45). Due to this, it is made possible for the player to confirm the displayed QR code. After this, the player photographs the displayed QR code by utilizing the mobile phone 300 (step S46). Then, the download of the adjustment data from the adjustment server 700 to the mobile phone 300 is started (step S47).
In this manner, in the game system including the slot machines 13 according to the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to complete payout only by the mobile phone 300 and enhance the convenience.
In addition, according to the third embodiment, since the download of adjustment data is started by photographing the QR code, there is no possibility of erroneous transmission of adjustment data to a mobile phone belonging to a person other than the player and it is possible to move the adjustment data without fail to the mobile phone 300 of the player. Further, it is possible to omit operations such as inputting of a URL etc. and perform download of adjustment data simply.
The embodiments of the game system according to the present invention are described as above, they are only illustrated as an example, and not limiting the present invention in particular. The specific configuration of each means etc. can be modified in design adequately. In addition, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are just enumerated from most preferable effects that can be obtained from the present invention and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.
For example, it may also be possible to perform the transmission/reception of data between the mobile phone 300 of the player and the slot machine 13 via a mobile phone network (not shown) or to connect the slot machine 13 with the mobile phone 300 of the player by providing an external connection terminal (not shown) to the slot machine 13.
In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments, data is transmitted/received between the slot machine 13 and the mobile phone 300, however, this is not limited and it may also be possible to transmit/receive data between the slot machine 13 and a recording medium, such as an IC card, other than the mobile phone 300.
Further, in the second embodiment, the URL and password are input by the mobile phone 300, however, in addition to the case where the mobile phone 300 is used to input them, it may also be possible to input the URL and password in the slot machine 13 and then transmit adjustment data from the slot machine 13 to the mobile phone 300.

Claims

1. A game system including slot machines, comprising:

a mobile phone; and

a slot machine capable of communicating with the mobile phone,

wherein the slot machine including:

a control panel for receiving the operation of a player; and

a controller for generating adjustment data based on the current number of credits when the player performs a cashout operation on the control panel and at the same time, and transmitting the adjustment data to an external in order to move the generated adjustment data to the mobile phone.

2. The game system including slot machines according to claim 1,

wherein the controller transmits the adjustment data to the mobile phone by radio communication in order to move the adjustment data to the mobile phone.

3. The game system including slot machines according to claim 1, further comprising an adjustment server capable of downloading the adjustment data,

wherein:

the adjustment server generates and transmits to the slot machine a URL from which the adjustment data can be downloaded using the mobile phone and a password that allows the adjustment data to be downloaded by accessing the URL and inputting the password based on the adjustment data received from the controller;

the slot machine includes a display to display an information image thereon; and

the controller of the slot machine generates adjustment data based on the current number of credits when the player performs the cashout operation on the control panel and transmits the adjustment data to the adjustment server, and displays the URL and the password received from the adjustment server on the display.

4. The game system including slot machines according to claim 1, further comprising an adjustment server capable of downloading the adjustment data,

wherein:

the adjustment server generates and transmits to the slot machine an image by which the adjustment data can be downloaded by photographing using the mobile phone based on the adjustment data received from the controller;

the controller of the slot machine transmits the adjustment data to the adjustment server and receives the image by which the adjustment data is downloaded from the adjustment server, and displays it on the display.

5. A game system including slot machines, comprising:

a mobile phone; and

a slot machine capable of communicating with the mobile phone,

wherein the slot machine includes:

a control panel for receiving an input by the operation of a player; and

a controller for generating adjustment data of the type input on the control panel by the player based on the current number of credits when the player performs a cashout operation and an operation to input the type of adjustment data on the control panel, and transmitting the adjustment data to an external in order to move the generated adjustment data to the mobile phone.

6. The game system including slot machines according to claim 5,

7. The game system including slot machines according to claim 5,

further comprising an adjustment server capable of downloading the adjustment data,

wherein:

the controller of the slot machine generates adjustment data of the type input on the control panel by the player based on the current number of credits when the player performs the cashout operation and the operation to input the type of the adjustment data on the control panel and transmits the adjustment data to the adjustment server, and displays the URL and the password received from the adjustment server on the display.

8. The game system including slot machines according to claim 5, further comprising an adjustment server capable of downloading the adjustment data,

wherein:

the adjustment server generates and transmits to the slot machine an image by which the adjustment data is downloaded by photographing using the mobile phone based on the adjustment data received from the controller;

9. A control method of a game system including slot machines, comprising the steps of:

(a) generating adjustment data based on the current number of credits when a player performs a cashout operation on the slot machine; and

(b) transmitting the adjustment data to an external from the slot machine in order to move the generated adjustment data to the mobile phone.

10. The control method of a game system including slot machines according to claim 9, further comprising the step of:

transmitting the adjustment data to the mobile phone by radio communication in order to move the adjustment data from the slot machine to the mobile phone.

11. The control method of a game system including slot machines according to claim 9, further comprising the steps of:

transmitting the adjustment data from the slot machine to an adjustment server capable of downloading the adjustment data;

in the adjustment server, based on the adjustment data received from the slot machine, generating and transmitting to the slot machine a URL from which the adjustment data can be downloaded by a mobile phone and a password that allows the adjustment data to be downloaded by accessing the URL and inputting the password; and

in the slot machine, when the player performs the cashout operation, generating adjustment data based on the current number of credits, transmitting the adjustment data to the adjustment server, and displaying the URL and the password received from the adjustment server on the display.

12. The control method of a game system including slot machines according to claim 9, further comprising the steps of:

transmitting the adjustment data from the slot machine to the adjustment server capable of downloading the adjustment data;

in the adjustment server, based on the adjustment data received from the slot machine, generating and transmitting to the slot machine an image by which the adjustment data can be downloaded by photographing using the mobile phone; and

in the slot machine, when the player performs the cashout operation, generating adjustment data based on the current number of credits, transmitting the adjustment data is transmitted to the adjustment server, receiving the image by which the adjustment data can be downloaded from the adjustment server, and displaying it on the display.

13. A control method of a game system including slot machines, comprising the steps of:

(a) generating adjustment data of a type input to the slot machine by a player based on the current number of credits, when the player performs a cashout operation on the slot machine; and

(b) transmitting the adjustment data to an external from the slot machine in order to move the generated adjustment data to a mobile phone.

14. The control method of a game system including slot machines according to claim 13, further comprising the step of:

15. The control method of a game system including slot machines according to claim 13, further comprising the steps of:

in the adjustment server, based on the adjustment data received from the slot machine, generating and transmitting to the slot machine a URL from which the adjustment data can be downloaded and a password that allows the adjustment data to be downloaded by accessing the URL and inputting the password; and

in the slot machine, when the player performs the cashout operation and the operation to input the type of adjustment data, generating adjustment data of the type input by the player based on the current number of credits and transmitting the generated adjustment data to the adjustment server, and displaying the URL and the password received from the adjustment server on the display.

16. The control method of a game system including slot machines according to claim 13, further comprising the steps of:

in the slot machine, transmitting the adjustment data to the adjustment data server and receiving the image by which the adjustment data can be downloaded from the adjustment server, and displaying it on the display.