WO2014193360A1

WO2014193360A1 - Game machine that varies factors of entertainment sound, and control method and computer program used therein

Info

Publication number: WO2014193360A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/043082
Authority: WO
Inventors: Norikazu MIURA; Tomoaki Hirai; Toru Omoto
Original assignee: Konami Gaming, Incorporated
Priority date: 2013-05-29
Filing date: 2013-05-29
Publication date: 2014-12-04

Abstract

Provided is a game machine which can prevent music that is repeatedly replayed during execution of a game of chance whose period is not reliably determined from becoming boring. A game machine (1) performs a game of chance while repeatedly replaying a piece of music of a predetermined length, and includes a roulette game unit (RG) that performs a game of chance by employing a physical movement of a ball (B) as the game of chance. And, the game machine (1) changes factors of the piece of music of predetermined length that is being repeatedly replayed, so that a plurality of factors that make up said piece of music of predetermined length start to change in order along with the lapse of time while the game of chance is performed by roulette game unit (RG).

Description

GAME MACHINE THAT VARIES FACTORS OF ENTERTAINMENT

SOUND,

AND CONTROL METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM USED THEREIN

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a game machine or the like that repeatedly replays a piece of music of a predetermined length while performing a game of chance.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Game machines are per se known that provide games in which chance events are involved. As one game of this type, a game machine is per se known that provides a roulette game that employs the movement of a ball as a chance gaming medium (for example, refer to Patent Document #1).

[0003] Patent Document # 1 : Japanese Patent 4, 331, 173.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0004] In many cases, during execution of a game of chance, music is replayed in order to enliven the game. And it is often the case that, in the case of a game of chance for which the time taken is fixedly determined, music data is prepared having a length that matches this game time interval. However if, as in Patent Document #1, a chance game is being executed that employs the movement of a physical chance medium, then the game time interval is not reliably determined, and the game time period is different each time the chance game is executed. Due to this, in many cases, enough music data is prepared to cover a long period of playing the music that is to be replayed in order to enliven the game; or, in order to reduce the amount of data, it is configured so as to replay a piece of music of predetermined length repeatedly. And, in order to replay the piece of music repeatedly in this manner without imparting any sense of discomfort, it is often the case that an infinitely rising scale is employed as the piece of music of predetermined length. This infinitely rising scale (which is a technique that utilizes an auditory illusion) is music using a rising scale (modulation), and for example, means a musical effect like sounds without limit without interruption. In other words, by using an infinitely rising scale, that is music in which a piece of music (including sound effects) of a predetermined length is repeatedly replayed (loop replaying) so as to continue to rise without limit and without interruption. However, when executing a physical game of chance such as a roulette game, sometimes it may happen that this repeated replaying of the music (loop replaying) undesirably becomes quite long. In this case, there is a possibility that, by simply replaying a piece of music using an infinitely rising scale, the anticipation and the excitement of the game will be reduced, rather than being enhanced. On the other hand, if loop replaying is not employed, but rather an infinitely rising scale is provided that is sufficiently long to cover the game time period which is not reliably determined, then the necessary increase of data capacity may become excessive.

[0005] Thus, the object of the present invention is to provide a game machine or the like, which can prevent music that is repeatedly replayed during execution of a game of chance whose period is not reliably determined from becoming boring.

MEANS FOR SOLUTION

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a game machine of the present invention is a game machine that performs a game of chance while repeatedly replaying a piece of music of a predetermined length, and comprises: a physical chance mechanism that performs the game of chance by employing a physical movement of a chance gaming medium as said game of chance; and a factor change device adapted and configured to change factors of said piece of music of predetermined length that is being repeatedly replayed, so that a plurality of factors that make up said piece of music of predetermined length start to change in order along with the lapse of time while the game of chance is performed by said physical chance mechanism.

[0007] According to the present invention, along with the passage of time, a plurality of factors that make up the predetermined piece of music that is being repeatedly replayed start to change in order. In other words, changes take place in the piece of music that is being repeatedly replayed along with the passage of time. Due to this, it is possible to prevent the music that is repeatedly replayed during execution of a game of chance whose period is not reliably determined from becoming boring. Moreover it is possible to avoid increase of the data capacity, since it is not necessary to prepare a long piece of music that is sufficiently long for the gaming time which is not reliably determined.

[0008] Further, in order to solve the above problems, a control method of the present invention is applied to a game machine that performs a game of chance while repeatedly replaying a piece of music of a predetermined length, and that comprises a physical chance mechanism that performs the game of chance by employing a physical movement of a chance gaming medium as said game of chance, and wherein the control method comprises a factor change step that changes factors of said piece of music of predetermined length that is being repeatedly replayed, so that a plurality of factors that make up said piece of music of predetermined length start to change in order along with the lapse of time while the game of chance is performed by said physical chance mechanism. [0009] Further, in order to solve the above problems, a computer program for a game machine of the present invention is a computer program for a game machine that performs a game of chance while a piece of music of predetermined length is repeatedly replayed and that comprises a physical chance mechanism that performs the game of chance by employing a physical movement of a chance gaming medium as said game of chance, and wherein the computer program for the game machine is configured so as to cause a computer which is incorporated into the game machine to function as a factor change device adapted and configured to change factors of said piece of music of predetermined length that is being repeatedly replayed, so that a plurality of factors that make up said piece of music of predetermined length start to change in order along with the lapse of time while the game of chance is performed by said physical chance mechanism. It is possible to actualize a game machine of the present invention by executing the computer program or the control method of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] Fig. 1 is an external appearance diagram of a game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a control system of a game machine.

[0012] Fig. 3 is an explanatory figure for description of a summary of this sound presentation.

[0013] Fig. 4 is a figure illustrating an example of a flow chart for the volume increase processing routine.

[0014] Fig. 5 is a figure illustrating an example of a flow chart for the instrumental part addition processing routine. [0015] Fig. 6 is a figure showing an example of a flow chart for the pitch raising processing routine.

[0016] Fig. 7 is a figure showing an example of a flow chart for the tempo quickening processing routine.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Hereinafter, a game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is an external appearance diagram of a game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in Fig. 1 , the game machine 1 includes a plurality of station units 2 serving as a first game unit, a center unit 3 serving as a second game unit, and an outer unit 4. The outer unit 4 is positioned so as to surround the center unit 3 and interposed between the respective station units 2 and the center unit 3. Further, a predetermined gap is formed between the outer unit 4 and the center unit 3 in order to prevent the outer unit 4 and the center unit 3 from coming into contact with each other. The plurality of station units 2 are arranged around the center unit 3 in a circumferential form. Incidentally, in Fig. 1 , the three station units 2 are illustrated, but the number of station units 2 may be arbitrary.

[0018] For example, the station unit 2 provides a slot game serving as a first game in exchange for consumption of coins. The slot game refers to a well-known game in which displays of symbols change according to a lottery result, and a predetermined prize is given when a combination of changed displays of symbols forms a predetermined winning arrangement. The station unit 2 includes a housing 5. The station monitor 6 is provided on a front surface of the housing 5. A game screen GS used to execute a slot game is displayed on the station monitor 6. For example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) device is used as the station monitor 6. A control panel 7 is provided below the station monitor 6. The control panel 7 includes a coin slot 8 and an operation device 9. For example, the operation device 9 includes an operation member such as a button switch for performing various kinds of operations such as a bet operation. A coin-payout opening 10 is provided below the control panel 7.

[0019] Meanwhile, the center unit 3 provides a so-called roulette game (an opportunity of a lottery) serving as a second game when a predetermined provision condition is satisfied on the station unit 2. The roulette game refers to a well-known game that executes a lottery using a circular roulette wheel and a ball that rotationally moves along the outer circumference of the roulette wheel. For example, a condition that is satisfied when specific symbols form a specific arrangement in the slot game is employed as the predetermined provision condition. Incidentally, the predetermined game condition is not limited to this embodiment. For example, a winning arrangement may be used as the specific arrangement. In other words, a condition that is satisfied when specific symbols form a winning arrangement may be employed as the predetermined provision condition. Alternatively, as the predetermined game condition, there may be used various kinds of conditions related to the slot game such as a condition satisfied when a winning arrangement is formed a predetermined number of times or more, or a condition satisfied when a specific winning arrangement is formed. Further, when a game other than the slot game is executed by the station unit 2, various kinds of conditions related to the game may be employed as the predetermined game condition.

[0020] The center unit 3 includes a roulette game unit RG serving as a physical chance mechanism. The roulette game unit RG is arranged on a rotatable table (not illustrated). Further, the roulette game unit RG includes a center monitor 11 , a roulette ring 12 serving as a rotating body, a ball feeding mechanism 13, and a ball guide path 14. The roulette ring 12 is formed so as to have a circular shape. Further, the roulette ring 12 is arranged such that a front side (a side at which the station unit 2 is arranged) is positioned downwardly, a rear side of an opposite side is positioned upwardly, and so the roulette ring 12 is inclined. Further, the roulette ring 12 is arranged below the center monitor 11 so that the rear side, that is, an upper portion of the inclination is hidden by the center monitor 11. Furthermore, a ring drive mechanism 15 serving as a rotation braking device and a drive device (refer to Fig. 2) is provided in the roulette game unit RG. The roulette ring 12 is rotationally driven in a predetermined direction at a predetermined speed by the ring drive mechanism 15, and then stops at an appropriate timing. That is, the roulette ring 12 is arranged so as to be rotatable. Further, the roulette ring 12 is configured to be rotatable in both of a clockwise direction (right-hand rotation) and a counterclockwise direction (left-hand rotation). Around the roulette ring 12, a plurality of pockets 16 serving as a reception section are provided along an outer circumference. There is a height difference between the pockets 16 due to the inclination. Each pocket 16 is associated with a predetermined prize.

[0021] The ball feeding mechanism 13 is a mechanism for feeding a ball B serving as a chance gaming medium to the ball guide path 14. In other words, the ball B is fed to the ball guide path 14 by the ball feeding mechanism 13. The ball guide path 14 is formed so as to extend along the outer circumference of the roulette ring 12. A guard 14g for limiting a movement of the ball B is provided at an outer circumference side of the ball guide path 14, i.e., the opposite side of the roulette ring 12. The guard 14g limits the movement of the ball B so as to prevent the ball B from being led astray from the ball guide path 14. In other words, the ball guide path 14 is formed so that the ball guide path 14 limits a moving range of the ball B fed by the ball feeding mechanism 13 to a certain range and the ball B can be guided to the pocket 16 side of the roulette ring 12. And, at an appropriate timing, the ball B is received in any one of pockets 16. A ball detecting sensor (not illustrated) is provided in each pocket 16 so as to be able to detect the pocket 16 into which the ball B has gone. Each pocket is employed as a chance game candidate, and the game of chance is executed through receiving of the ball B in each pocket 16. And, a prize is provided corresponding to a pocket into which a ball has gotten.

[0022] Meanwhile, the center monitor 11 includes three monitors 111, 11m, and l lr. The three monitors 111, 11m, and 1 lr are used so as to function as one center monitor. Here, when the three monitors 111, 11m, and l lr need not be distinguished from one another, the monitors 111, 11m, and l lr may be collectively referred to as a "center monitor 11." The center monitor 11 displays an image for making up for the hidden portion of the roulette ring 12. Specifically, as illustrated in Fig. 1, the center monitor

11 displays a roulette image RI corresponding to the hidden portion of the roulette ring

12 such that the roulette image RI has continuity with the roulette ring 12. While the roulette ring 12 rotates, the roulette image RI corresponding to the roulette ring 12 displayed on the center monitor 11 rotates so as to virtually show the rotation of the roulette ring 12. Similarly, when the roulette ring 12 stops, the roulette image RI displayed on the center monitor 11 also stops. In other words, the center monitor 11 displays a moving image for rendering rotation and stop effects of the hidden portion of the roulette ring 12 using the roulette image RI. The display of the roulette image RI is actualized by simulating an operation of the roulette ring 12, that is, rotation and stop of the roulette ring 12. [0023] When any station unit 2 satisfies a predetermined provision condition, the table rotates such that a provision direction of the roulette game unit RG faces a direction of the station unit 2. A direction extending from the center of rotation of the roulette ring 12 toward the lowermost position is used as the provision direction. In other words, the table rotates such that the station unit 2 which satisfies the predetermined provision condition is positioned on an extended line in the direction extending from the center of rotation of the roulette ring 12 toward the lowermost position. Then, the center unit 3 starts to provide the station unit 2 with a roulette game.

[0024] Specifically, when the roulette game starts, the roulette ring 12 starts to rotate. The rotation direction of the roulette ring 12 is determined at random. Further, the ball B is fed to the ball guide path 14 by the ball feeding mechanism 13. The fed ball B moves along the ball guide path 14. Since the roulette ring 12 is inclined such that the front side is positioned downwardly, the ball guide path 14 is similarly inclined. Thus, the fed ball B moves toward the opposite side of the ball feeding mechanism 13 along the ball guide path 14, but the ball B changes its moving direction in the middle of the inclination and so moves to return to the ball feeding mechanism 13 side. After this movement is repeated several times, the moving range of the ball B converges to the lowermost position of the ball guide path 14, that is, the lowermost position of the roulette ring 12. Then, the ball B goes into any one pockets 16 (mainly, the pocket 16 positioned at the lowermost position at an appropriate timing) of the roulette ring 12 at an appropriate timing. A predetermined prize associated with the pocket 16 into which the ball has gone is given to the player.

[0025] Next, a configuration of a control system of the game machine 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a control system of the game machine 1. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the game machine 1 includes a station control unit 20 and a center control unit 30. The station control unit 20 and the center control unit 30 are configured as a computer unit that controls the station unit 2 or the center unit 3. Specifically, the station control unit 20 and the center control unit 30 are configured as a computer unit that includes a microprocessor and other peripheral devices such as a main storage device necessary for an operation thereof. The station control unit 20 is provided for each station unit 2 as a component of the station unit 2. The center control unit 30 and each station control unit 20 are connected to each other so that transmission and reception of information can be performed therebetween.

[0026] The station control unit 20 is connected to an external storage device 21. As the external storage device 21, for example, there is used a storage medium that retains stored information after power is turned off such as a magnetic storage medium including a hard disk (HD) or the like, an optical storage medium including a digital versatile disc read only memory (DVD-ROM) or the like, or a non-volatile semiconductor memory including an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) or the like. The external storage device 21 stores a game program 22 and game data 23. The game program 22 refers to a program necessary for the station unit 2 to execute the slot game. The game data 23 refers to a variety of data used to execute the game program 22. The game program 22 is appropriately read and executed by the station control unit 20. The game data 23 is appropriately read and referred to by the station control unit 20. Incidentally, the game program 22 includes a variety of program modules necessary for executing a game, but an illustration thereof is not made. Similarly, the game data 23 further includes a variety of data such as reel data, sound effect data, and dividend data, but an illustration thereof is not made. [0027] By the execution of the game program 22, a slot game providing unit 25 is installed in the station control unit 20. The slot game providing unit 25 executes a process necessary for the station unit 2 to provide a slot game. For example, the slot game providing unit 25 executes various kinds of processes such as a process of changing a display of symbols, a process of generating a random number with a predetermined number of digits, a process of executing a choice of symbols to be displayed after a change using the random number, and a process of determining whether or not a predetermined winning arrangement has been formed based on a plurality of symbols after a change. The slot game providing unit 25 is a logical device actualized by a combination of a microprocessor and software. Incidentally, a random number may be generated by a physical device into which an electronic circuit is incorporated. Further, logical devices or physical devices necessary to implement a slot game are appropriately provided in the station control unit 20, but an illustration thereof is not made.

[0028] Further, the operation device 9 and the station monitor 6 described above are connected to the station control unit 20. The operation device 9 outputs a signal corresponding to a player's operation to the station control unit 20. The station monitor 6 displays an image corresponding to an image signal output from the station control unit 20. The station control unit 20 executes a game by a predetermined procedure according to the game program 22 with reference to the output signal of the operation device 9. Thus, the station control unit 20 causes the game screen GS corresponding to a status of a slot game to be displayed on the station monitor 6.

[0029] Further, a coin feeding device 26 and a dispensing device 27 as an input device and an output device necessary to execute a slot game are connected to the station control unit 20. The coin feeding device 26 receives a fed coin serving as a consideration for playing a game through the coin slot 8. Then, the coin feeding device 26 outputs a signal corresponding to an amount of fed coins (value of fed coins) to the station control unit 20.

[0030] The dispensing device 27 pays coins to a player as a dividend of a game according to an instruction from the station control unit 20. A coin is paid through the coin-payout opening 10. Incidentally, a consideration to be received and a dividend for a player are not limited to a coin. For example, a medal, a token, or the like may be used as an alternative currency. Alternatively, an accounting method capable of exchanging a currency value or a game value through an exchange of an electronic currency or other electronic information may be used. In this case, an information communication device for mutually exchanging electronic information, a storage medium for storing exchanged information, and the like may be used instead of the coin slot 8 and the coin-payout opening 10. Further, various kinds of devices necessary to execute a slot game can be additionally connected to the station control unit 20, and an illustration thereof is not made.

[0031] On the other hand, the roulette game unit RG that includes the center monitor 11 and so on described above is connected to the center control unit 30. Moreover, the ring drive mechanism 15 described above is also provided to the roulette game unit RG. Accordingly, the center monitor 11, the ball feeding mechanism 13, the ring drive mechanism 15 and so on that are provided to the roulette game unit RG are controlled by the center control unit 30. Moreover, as described above, the ring drive mechanism 15 not only rotationally drives the roulette ring 12, but also stops its rotation (including decelerating it). As a result, for example, the starting and stopping (including deceleration) of the rotation of the roulette ring 12, and its direction of rotation, are also controlled by the center control unit 30 via the ring drive mechanism 15. Incidentally, it should be understood that while various types of device and mechanism and so on that are required for providing the roulette game are provided as connected to the center control unit 30, such as, to mention just one, a rotational driving mechanism and so on for rotationally driving the table upon which the roulette game unit RG is disposed in order to make its predetermined direction of provision and the position of one or another of the station units 2 coincide, these arrangements are not shown in the drawings.

[0032] Further, the center control unit 30 is connected to an external storage device 31. As the external storage device 31, for example, there is used a storage medium that retains stored information after power is turned off such as a magnetic storage medium including a HD or the like, an optical storage medium including a DVD-ROM or the like, or a non- volatile semiconductor memory including a EEPROM or the like. The external storage device 31 stores a center unit program 32 and center unit data 33. The center unit program 32 refers to a program necessary for the center unit 3 to execute the roulette game. The center unit data 33 refers to various kinds of data used to execute the center unit program 32. The center unit data 33 includes various kinds of data such as sound effect data, dividend data, and data for associating each pocket 16 with a predetermined prize. The center unit program 32 is appropriately read and executed by the center control unit 30. The center unit data 33 is appropriately read and referred to by the center control unit 30. Incidentally, the center unit program 32 includes various kinds of program modules necessary to execute a roulette game, but an illustration thereof is not made.

[0033] By the execution of the center unit program 32, a roulette game providing unit 35 is installed in the center control unit 30. The roulette game providing unit 35 executes a process necessary for the center unit 3 to provide the roulette game. For example, the roulette game providing unit 35 executes various kinds of processes such as a process for controlling the ball feeding mechanism 13, or a process for controlling the ring drive mechanism 15.

[0034] Next, the roulette game will be further explained. As described above, the roulette game is supplied via the center unit 3. Moreover, when the roulette game is supplied, the roulette game unit RG rotates so that the provision direction faces in the direction of that one of the station units 2 that satisfies a predetermined provision condition. Thereafter, the roulette ring 12 is rotated, and a ball B is introduced by the ball feeding mechanism 13 and falls into one of the pockets 16 at an appropriate timing. In the following, in some cases, the time period taken from when the ball B is introduced until it falls into one of the pockets 16 is termed the "gaming time". The roulette game unit RG is controlled so that the gaming time does not become too long. In concrete terms, the rotation of the roulette ring 12 starts to decelerate at the time point that a predetermined time period has elapsed from when the ball B was introduced. In other words, the ring drive mechanism 15 decelerates the rotation of the roulette ring 12. Incidentally, it should be understood that control of the gaming time is not to be considered as being limited to control of the deceleration of the rotation. For example, it would also be acceptable to arrange to change the angle of tilt of the roulette ring 12 or the angle of tilt of the ball guide path 14. Moreover, the predetermined time period may, for example, be set on the basis of the average gaming time in the past, so that it is kept within the average gaming time.

[0035] Furthermore, along with introduction of the ball B, the center unit 3 adds sound presentation to the roulette game. This sound presentation is provided in order to enliven the roulette game. The details of this sound presentation will now be explained with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is an explanatory figure for description of a summary of this sound presentation. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the presentation interval SP in which sound presentation is performed includes a first presentation interval SP1 and a second presentation interval SP2.

[0036] The first presentation interval SP1 corresponds to the interval from when the ball B is introduced until the rotation of the roulette ring 12 is decelerated, in other words corresponds to the interval from when the ball B is introduced until a predetermined time period has elapsed. In this first presentation interval SP1 , there are used intra music and infinitely rising music serving as a piece of music of predetermined length. In concrete terms, in this first presentation interval SP1 , first, a flow of intra music is started along with the introduction of the ball B. Thereafter, after a fixed interval has elapsed, the intra music starts to fade out (i.e. its sound level is gradually reduced). On the other hand, along with the start of the fading out of the intra music, a flow of infinitely rising music starts so as to fade in (i.e. its sound level is gradually increased). As one example, this infinitely rising music may be actualized using an infinitely rising scale. In concrete terms, such infinitely rising music is actualized by a source of sound of predetermined length being loop replayed (i.e. being repeatedly replayed) without interruption for example using an infinitely rising scale, so that it continues to rise without limit. The sound level of this infinitely rising music rises until it arrives at a fixed level (as one example, the level when the intra music started). Thereafter, the level of the infinitely rising music is kept at this level until the rotation of the roulette ring 12 starts its deceleration.

[0037] And the second presentation interval SP2 corresponds to the interval from when the deceleration of the roulette ring 12 starts until the ball B is received in (i.e. falls into) one of the pockets 16. In other words, the presentation interval SP transitions to the second presentation interval if, even though a predetermined time period has elapsed from when the ball B was introduced, the ball B has not yet fallen into one of the pockets (i.e. if the gaming time is not yet ended). In this second presentation interval SP2, a plurality of factors that make up the infinitely rising music start to change along with the lapse of time in order, one at a time. In concrete terms, along with the start of deceleration of the roulette ring 12, first, the volume of the infinitely rising music starts to increase. In other words, as one of the plurality of factors that make up the infinitely rising music, the volume changes so as gradually to become higher. Next, at the time point that a predetermined time period has elapsed from when the volume started to rise, the number of instrumental sounds in the infinitely rising music starts to increase. In other words, as one of the plurality of factors that make up the infinitely rising music, instrumental sounds (i.e. musical instrument parts) are sequentially added to the infinitely rising music, so that the number of instrumental sounds that are included in the infinitely rising music changes so as to increase gradually. Next, at the time point that a predetermined time period has elapsed from when the number of instrumental sounds started to increase, the music interval (i.e. the pitch) of the infinitely rising music starts to rise. In other words, as one of the plurality of factors that make up the infinitely rising music, the pitch is changed so as to rise gradually. Subsequently, at the time point that a predetermined time period has elapsed from when the pitch started to rise, the tempo (i.e. the speed) of the infinitely rising music starts to rise. In other words, as one of the plurality of factors that make up the infinitely rising music, the tempo changes so as gradually to become quicker.

[0038] Changing of the factors that make up the infinitely rising music, in other words changing of its volume, of its number of instrumental sounds (including additions thereto), of its pitch (i.e. music interval), and of its tempo (i.e. of its speed), is continued until the ball B falls into one of the pockets. In other words, increasing of the volume, addition of instrumental sounds, rising of the pitch, and quickening of the tempo continue until the ball B falls into one of the pockets. As one example, change of each of these factors may be performed linearly on the basis of the gaming time in the past. In other words, each of these factors may increase at a constant rate along with the passage of time. Furthermore, for example, the timing of the ending of linear changing, in other words the end timing of change of each of the factors, may be set on the basis of the records of actual gaming time in the past, so that change of each of the factors continues until, at least, the end timing of the average gaming time. In other words, as one example, the interval over which each of the factors changes may be set so as to include the end timing of the average gaming time. Alternatively, for example, it would also be acceptable to set, as the end timing of linear changing, a timing that corresponds to the longest period of gaming time in the past, or a timing that is even slower than that. If this is done, then, in almost all cases, change of each of the factors will continue until the ball falls into one of the pockets. Yet further, for example, it would also be acceptable to set a timing that corresponds to the average gaming time as the end timing of linear changing. In this case, change of each of the factors will continue until at least the average gaming time. Incidentally, it should be understood that, in this case, it would also be acceptable to arrange to stop changing of each of the factors after the average gaming time. In other words it would be acceptable, subsequently to the average gaming time, to maintain the state of each factor as it is at the average gaming time.

[0039] The presentation interval SP that includes the first presentation interval SP1 and the second presentation interval SP2 in this manner is defined by the sound presentation. Furthermore, in the first presentation interval SP1, infinitely rising music is faded in instead of the intra music, so that a first upsurge of emotion is evoked in the player that is directed towards the ball falling into a pocket. Yet further, if the gaming time does not terminate in the first presentation interval SP1, then the second presentation interval SP2 is started. And, in this second presentation interval SP2, the plurality of factors that make up the infinitely rising music start to change sequentially one at a time, along with the passage of time. For example, the volume may start to increase as the second presentation interval SP2 is started, and thereafter, sequentially in order, changing of the number of instrument sounds to increase starts, changing of the pitch to rise starts, and changing of the tempo to rise starts. In other words, these changes are added to the loop of infinitely rising music that is of predetermined length. Due to this, a second upsurge of emotion is evoked in the player in this second presentation interval SP2 as well, again being directed towards the ball falling into a pocket. This type of two-stage evocation is actualized by this sound presentation. And, upon the ball B falling into one of the pockets 16, the prize that corresponds to that pocket 16 in which the ball B is held is awarded to the station unit 2 that satisfies the predetermined provision condition. This is one example of the type of roulette game that the center unit 3 provides.

[0040] Next, the volume increase processing, the instrumental part addition processing, the pitch raising processing, and the tempo quickening processing will be explained. These processing operations are executed in order to implement the sound presentation described above, and in particular to implement the second presentation interval SP2. In concrete terms: the volume increase processing is executed in order to impart change to the infinitely rising music for increasing its volume; the instrumental part addition processing is executed in order to impart change for adding musical instrument sounds; the pitch raising processing is executed in order to impart change for raising the pitch; and the tempo quickening processing is executed in order to impart change for quickening the tempo. Moreover, as one example, these processing operations are executed by the center control unit 30 via the roulette game providing unit 35. Incidentally, it should be understood that while, apart from these processing operations, the center control unit 30 also executes various types of known processing and so on required in order to provide the roulette game, detailed explanation thereof will be omitted. In a similar manner, although, for example via the slot game providing unit 25, the station control unit 20 also executes various types of known processing and so on required in order to provide the slot game, detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

[0041] Fig. 4 is a figure illustrating an example of a flow chart for the volume increase processing routine. For example, the routine of Fig. 4 is repeated on a predetermined cycle after the ball B has been introduced. When the routine of Fig. 4 starts, in a first step S 11 , the roulette game providing unit 35 determines whether or not deceleration of the rotation of the roulette ring 12 has started. Deceleration of the rotation of the roulette ring 12 is performed if, after the ball B has been introduced and at the time point that a predetermined time period has elapsed, the ball B has not yet fallen into any one of the pockets 16. Accordingly, in this step S 11 , it would also be acceptable to determine whether or not the predetermined time period has elapsed after the ball B has been introduced. If the result of the determination in this step SI 1 is negative, in other words if deceleration has not yet started, then the subsequent processing is skipped and this cycle of this routine terminates.

[0042] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in the step Sl l is affirmative, in other words if deceleration has already started, then the roulette game providing unit 35 proceeds to a step S12. In this step S12, the roulette game providing unit 35 determines whether or not volume increase of the infinitely rising music has already started. If the result of this determination is affirmative, in other words if volume elevation has already started, then the roulette game providing unit 35 skips the subsequent processing and this cycle of this routine terminates.

[0043] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in the step S 12 is negative, in other words if volume elevation has not yet started, then the roulette game providing unit 35 proceeds to a step S13. In this step S13, the roulette game providing unit 35 starts the increase of the volume of the infinitely rising music, and then this cycle of the routine terminates. Due to this, changing by increase of the volume of the infinitely rising music starts along with the starting of the deceleration of the rotation of the roulette ring 21 (i.e. when the predetermined time period has elapsed after introduction of the ball B).

[0044] Fig. 5 is a figure illustrating an example of a flow chart for the instrumental part addition processing routine. For example, the routine of Fig. 5 is repeated on a predetermined cycle after volume increase has started. When the routine of Fig. 5 starts, in a first step S21, the roulette game providing unit 35 determines whether or not a predetermined time period has elapsed from when deceleration of the rotation of the roulette ring 12 started. Moreover, as described above, increase of the volume is started along with the starting of the deceleration of the rotation of the roulette ring 12. Accordingly, in this step S21 , it would also be acceptable to determine whether or not the predetermined time period has elapsed from the start of volume increase. If the result of the determination in this step S21 is negative, in other words if the predetermined time period has not yet elapsed from the start of deceleration, then the roulette game providing unit 35 skips the subsequent processing, and this cycle of this routine terminates. [0045] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in the step S21 is affirmative, in other words if the predetermined time period has already elapsed from when deceleration started, then the roulette game providing unit 35 proceeds to a step S22. In this step S22, the roulette game providing unit 35 determines whether or not already addition of instrumental sounds (i.e. parts) has started. If the result of this determination is affirmative, in other words if addition of instrumental sounds has already started, then the roulette game providing unit 35 skips the subsequent processing and this cycle of this routine terminates.

[0046] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in the step S22 is negative, in other words if addition of instrumental sounds has not yet started, then the roulette game providing unit 35 proceeds to a step S23. In this step S23, the roulette game providing unit 35 starts to add instrumental sounds to the infinitely rising music. In concrete terms, change is imparted to the infinitely rising music by increasing the number of instrumental sounds sequentially along with the passage of time. When the processing of the step S23 terminates, the roulette game providing unit 35 ends this cycle of the routine. Due to this, changing by addition of musical instrument sounds to the infinitely rising music starts along with the elapsing of the predetermined time period from the start of volume increase. This addition of instrumental sounds may, for example, be implemented by a method such as the following. First, there is employed same length multi-track audio data which is recording each of a plurality of instrumental sounds. This multi-track audio data is used in such a manner that the sounds of all the tracks other than the base track are silenced at the start of replay (i.e., so that only the sound of the base track is heard). And, in the step S23, the roulette game providing unit 35 cancels the silencing of the sound of one of the other tracks, so that its sound is replayed (i.e. is heard) while being matched to the audio volume, pitch, and speed of the base track. And subsequently, in a similar manner, the roulette game providing unit 35 adds the plurality of instrumental sounds sequentially one at a time along with the passage of time by cancelling the silencing of the sound of one track at a time each time loop replay is performed. This is one example of how addition of instrumental sounds may be implemented.

[0047] Fig. 6 is a figure showing an example of a flow chart for the pitch raising processing routine. For example, the routine of Fig. 6 is repeated on a predetermined cycle after musical instrument sound addition has started. When the routine of Fig. 6 starts, in a first step S31, the roulette game providing unit 35 determines whether or not a predetermined time period has elapsed from the start of addition of musical instrument sounds. If the result of the determination in this step S31 is negative, in other words if the predetermined time period has not yet elapsed from the starting of addition of musical instrument sounds, then the roulette game providing unit 35 skips the subsequent processing, and this cycle of this routine terminates.

[0048] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in the step S31 is affirmative, in other words if the predetermined time period has already elapsed from the time point that musical instrument sound addition was started, then the roulette game providing unit 35 proceeds to a step S32. In this step S32, the roulette game providing unit 35 determines whether or not raising of the pitch of the infinitely rising music has already started. If the result of this determination is affirmative, in other words if pitch raising has already started, then the roulette game providing unit 35 skips the subsequent processing and this cycle of this routine terminates.

[0049] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in the step S32 is negative, in other words if raising of the pitch has not yet started, then the roulette game providing unit 35 proceeds to a step S33. In this step S33, the roulette game providing unit 35 starts the raising of the pitch of the infinitely rising music, and then this cycle of the routine terminates. Due to this, changing by raising the pitch of the infinitely rising music starts along with the elapsing of the predetermined time period from the starting of addition of musical instrument sounds.

[0050] Fig. 7 is a figure showing an example of a flow chart for the tempo quickening processing routine. For example, the routine of Fig. 7 is repeated on a predetermined cycle after pitch raising has started. When the routine of Fig. 7 starts, in a first step S41, the roulette game providing unit 35 determines whether or not a predetermined time period has elapsed from the start of pitch raising. If the result of the determination in this step S41 is negative, in other words if the predetermined time period has not yet elapsed from the starting of pitch raising, then the roulette game providing unit 35 skips the subsequent processing, and this cycle of this routine terminates.

[0051] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in the step S41 is affirmative, in other words if the predetermined time period has already elapsed from when raising of the pitch was started, then the roulette game providing unit 35 proceeds to a step S42. In this step S42, the roulette game providing unit 35 determines whether or not quickening of the tempo of the infinitely rising music has already started. If the result of this determination is affirmative, in other words if quickening of the tempo has already started, then the roulette game providing unit 35 skips the subsequent processing and this cycle of this routine terminates.

[0052] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in the step S42 is negative, in other words if quickening of the tempo has not yet started, then the roulette game providing unit 35 proceeds to a step S43. In this step S43, the roulette game providing unit 35 starts the quickening of the tempo of the infinitely rising music, and then this cycle of the routine terminates. Due to this, changing by quickening of the tempo of the infinitely rising music starts along with the elapsing of the predetermined time period from the start of raising of the pitch. Furthermore, by the routines of Figs. 4 through 7 being sequentially executed, there is implemented the second presentation interval SP2 in which the various factors that make up the infinitely rising music start to change one at a time in order along with the passage of time.

[0053] As has been explained above, according to this embodiment, sound presentation is performed during provision of the roulette game, in other words during the physical chance game that employs the ball B. Moreover, the presentation interval SP in which this sound presentation is executed includes the first presentation interval SP1 and the second presentation interval SP2. And the infinitely rising music is replayed during the first presentation interval SP1. Due to this, it becomes possible to stimulate the expectations of the player.

[0054] Furthermore, if the game of chance does not end during the first presentation interval SP1 , then the system transitions to the second presentation interval SP2. In this second presentation interval SP2, the various factors that make up the infinitely rising music start to change one at a time in order, along with the passage of time. In more concrete terms, change to increase the volume of the infinitely rising music, change to add more instrumental sounds to it, change to raise its pitch, and change to quicken its tempo, are successively imposed upon the infinitely rising music. Furthermore, these changes are continued until the end of the gaming time. Accordingly, by implementing these changes, it is possible to suppress the boredom that might otherwise arise due to repetition of the infinitely rising music. As a result, it is possible further to stimulate the expectations of the player along with the passage of time, even during the second presentation interval. Due to these facts, it is possible to enhance the level of interest provoked by the game.

[0055] Furthermore, by changing the various factors along with the passage of time, it is possible to use infinitely rising music that is repeatedly replayed during the second presentation interval SP2 as well, in a similar manner to the case during the first presentation interval SP1. Accordingly, it is not necessary to prepare music of length sufficient to correspond to the gaming time, which is not reliably determined. Due to this, as compared to the case when this type of music is prepared, it is possible to keep down increase of the data capacity such as the amount of music data for providing the sound presentation, and so on.

[0056] In the embodiment described above, by sequentially executing the routines of Figs. 4 through 7 via the roulette game providing unit 35, the center control unit 30 serves as an example of the "factor change device" of the Claims.

[0057] The present invention is not to be considered as being limited to the embodiment described above; it may be implemented in any appropriate manner. In the embodiment described above, for the factors other than audio volume, change is started on the basis of conditions related to time. In other words, for the factors other than audio sound level, the factor whose change started one previously is taken as a reference, and change is started after a predetermined time period has elapsed from the start of that previous change. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, if deceleration of the roulette ring 12 is performed a plurality of times, in other words if the ring drive mechanism 15 decelerates the roulette ring 12 repeatedly a plurality of times, then it would be acceptable to make the timing of starting of change of each of the factors and the timing of each episode of deceleration correspond to one another. In other words, it would acceptable for the change of each factor to be started at the timing of each deceleration episode. Moreover, the change starting format in which the starting of changing of each factor is taken as a reference, and the start of the change of each factor is set to the time point at which a predetermined time period has elapsed from the start of change of the previous factor, is also not to be considered as being limitative. For example, it would also be acceptable to arrange to start the changes for all of the factors sequentially, taking the start timing of deceleration of the roulette ring 12 as a reference. In other words, it would be acceptable to employ time interval conditions for the timings for starting the change of the various factors, thus taking the timing of starting of deceleration of the roulette ring 12 as a common reference.

[0058] In the embodiments described above, the timing of starting of deceleration of the roulette ring 12, in other words the timing at which the ring drive mechanism starts the deceleration of the rotation of the roulette ring 12, is employed as the starting timing at which the changing of the first of the various factors is started. However, the first starting timing is not to be considered as being limited to this embodiment. For example, as the starting timing at which change of the first factor starts, there may be employed the timing at which a predetermined interval has elapsed (rather than the timing of deceleration of the roulette ring 12). In other words it would be acceptable to employ, as the starting timing, not the timing of deceleration of the rotation of the roulette ring 12, but rather a condition related to time that simply takes elapsed time as a reference.

[0059] In the embodiment described above, volume, number of instrumental sounds, pitch (i.e. music interval), and tempo (i.e. speed) are employed as the factors that make up the infinitely rising music. However, the factors are not to be considered as being limited to these. Factors of various other types that make up the infinitely rising music may be employed as the factors to be the subjects of change.

[0060] In the embodiment described above, the roulette ring was arranged as being tilted, so that a difference in elevation was created between the various pockets 16. However, the configuration of the roulette ring 12 is not limited to this type of embodiment. For example, it would also be acceptable to arrange the roulette ring 12 horizontally. Moreover, the game of chance that is provided by a physical chance mechanism is not limited to being a roulette game. The physical chance mechanism may perform games of chance of various types whose gaming times are not reliably fixed.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A game machine that performs a game of chance while repeatedly replaying a piece of music of a predetermined length, comprising:

a physical chance mechanism that performs the game of chance by employing a physical movement of a chance gaming medium as said game of chance; and

a factor change device adapted and configured to change factors of said piece of music of predetermined length that is being repeatedly replayed, so that a plurality of factors that make up said piece of music of predetermined length start to change in order along with the lapse of time while the game of chance is performed by said physical chance mechanism.

2. A game machine according to Claim 1, wherein said factor change device changes the factors so that the changes of the factors continues until predetermined timings.

3. A game machine according to Claim 2, wherein said predetermined timings are set on the basis of actual gaming times of said physical chance mechanism in the past, so that the changes of the factors continues until said game of chance ends.

4. A game machine according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of audio volume, number of instrumental sounds, a music interval, and speed is included in said plurality of factors that make up said piece of music of predetermined length.

5. A game machine according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein:

said physical chance mechanism comprises a rotating body provided around its external circumference with a plurality of reception sections for receiving said chance gaming medium and disposed so as to be rotatable, and a rotation braking device that decelerates and stops the rotation of said rotating body, and employs each of said plurality of reception sections as a chance game candidate and wherein said physical chance mechanism is configured so as to execute the game of chance through receiving of said chance gaming medium to said reception sections; and

said factor change device employs the timing at which said rotation braking device starts deceleration of the rotation of said rotating body as starting timing for said changing, and starts change of at least one of said plurality of factors along with the starting of said deceleration, so that the plurality of factors that make up said piece of music of predetermined length starts to change in order.

6. A game machine according to Claim 5, wherein, if said rotation braking device performs deceleration of said rotation a plurality of times, said factor change device starts changing said factors in order along with the passage of time by changing each of the factors so that the timings of the decelerations and the starting timings of the changes of the factors correspond to one another.

7. A game machine according to Claim 5 or Claim 6, wherein:

said physical chance mechanism further comprises a drive device that rotationally drives said rotating body; and

said rotating body is disposed in a tilted arrangement, so that a difference in elevation is created between said plurality of reception sections.

8. A game machine according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, further comprising: a first game unit that provides a first game; and

a second game unit that comprises said physical chance mechanism, and that provides a second game employing said game of chance when a predetermined provision condition is satisfied by said first game unit.

9. A control method that is applied to a game machine that performs a game of chance while repeatedly replaying a piece of music of a predetermined length, and that comprises a physical chance mechanism that performs the game of chance by employing a physical movement of a chance gaming medium as said game of chance, and wherein

the control method comprises a factor change step that changes factors of said piece of music of predetermined length that is being repeatedly replayed, so that a plurality of factors that make up said piece of music of predetermined length start to change in order along with the lapse of time while the game of chance is performed by said physical chance mechanism.

10. A computer program for a game machine that performs a game of chance while a piece of music of predetermined length is repeatedly replayed and that comprises a physical chance mechanism that performs the game of chance by employing a physical movement of a chance gaming medium as said game of chance, and wherein

the computer program for the game machine is configured so as to cause a computer which is incorporated into the game machine to function as a factor change device adapted and configured to change factors of said piece of music of predetermined length that is being repeatedly replayed, so that a plurality of factors that make up said piece of music of predetermined length start to change in order along with the lapse of time while the game of chance is performed by said physical chance mechanism.