WO2014193365A1

WO2014193365A1 - Game machine with fallback prize awarding system, and control method and computer program used therein

Info

Publication number: WO2014193365A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/043100
Authority: WO
Inventors: Masao Mizoguchi; 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 with fallback prize awarding system. A game machine (1) includes: station units (2) that provide a roulette game; a center unit (3) that provides an award opportunity to be awarded a predetermined prize, if a predetermined provision condition in the roulette game is satisfied. And, the game machine (1) provides the details of the predetermined prize to the station units (2) so that the predetermined prize is awarded via the station units (2) when the predetermined prize is to be awarded upon the award opportunity, and provides the details of the predetermined prize to some other destination of supply, so that the predetermined prize is awarded via the other destination of supply, instead of via a station unit (2), if it is determined that the station unit (2) cannot award the predetermined prize on the basis of the predetermined determination condition.

Description

GAME MACHINE WITH FALLBACK PRIZE AWARDING SYSTEM, AND CONTROL METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM USED THEREIN

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a game machine or the like that includes a first game unit that provides a game and a second game unit that provides an award opportunity to be awarded a predetermined prize if a predetermined provision condition in this game is satisfied.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] There is a type of game machine that includes a first game unit that provides a game, and a second game unit that provides an award opportunity to be awarded a predetermined prize, if a predetermined provision condition in this game is satisfied. As one such game machine, a game machine is per se known including a slot machine that transmits a second game start signal when a "BONUS" combination of symbols stops at a winning line in a basic game, and a second game apparatus that is a separate unit from this slot machine and that provides a roulette game upon receipt of this second game start signal, and in which the slot machine functions as the first game unit while the second game apparatus functions as the second game unit, (for example, refer to Patent Document #1).

[0003] Patent Document # 1 : Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication 2008 36396. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0004] With a game machine such as that of Patent Document #1 , a roulette game may be provided to a plurality of slot machines via a single second game apparatus. In other words, the second game apparatus may be employed in common by a plurality of slot machines. Furthermore, a game machine also is per se known in which a second game unit of this type provides a game to each of several first game units in order. In this type of case, each time the game supplied to one of the first game units terminates, the second game unit then provides the game to the next one in order of the first game units. Moreover, it is often the case that the second game unit provides a game in which a prize is awarded to the first game unit. In this case, it is often the case that the prize is awarded via the first game unit. And it is often the case that the game of the second game unit terminates after the prize has been awarded via the first game unit. Accordingly it can sometimes happen that, if for example a fault or the like takes place with one of the first game units so that it cannot award the prize, then the game of the second game unit does not terminate, so that a hitch occurs in the provision of the game to the next one of the first game units, and this is undesirable. Moreover the player of this first game unit is forced to wait until the fundamental reason such as a fault or the like that has caused awarding of the prize to have become impossible is canceled, and this is also undesirable.

[0005] Thus, the object of the present invention is to provide a game machine and so on that, if it is not possible for one of the first game units to award a prize, is capable of awarding the prize that should be awarded via the first game unit by some other method. MEANS FOR SOLUTION

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a game machine of the present invention comprises: at least one first game unit that provides a trigger game; a second game unit that provides an award opportunity to be awarded a predetermined prize, if a predetermined provision condition in said trigger game is satisfied; and a prize provision device adapted and configured to, when said predetermined prize is to be awarded upon said award opportunity, provide the details of said predetermined prize to said first game unit, so that said predetermined prize is awarded via said first game unit; and wherein, if it is determined that said first game unit cannot award said predetermined prize on the basis of the predetermined determination condition, then said prize provision device provides the details of said predetermined prize to some other destination of supply, so that said predetermined prize is awarded via said other destination of supply, instead of via said first game unit.

[0007] According to the present invention, if it is determined that it is not possible for the first game unit to award the predetermined prize on the basis of the predetermined determination condition, then the details of the predetermined prize are provided to the other destination of supply. And the predetermined prize is awarded via this other destination of supply. In other words, if the first game unit is not capable of awarding the prize, then it is possible to award the prize that cannot be awarded via the first game unit by a different method via the other destination of supply. Due to this, if for example it is not possible for the first game unit to provide the predetermined prize, then it is possible to shorten the time interval over which the player is required to wait, such as the waiting time until recovery from the fault is successful, or the like. [0008] Further, in order to solve the above problems, a control method of the present invention is applied to a game machine comprising at least one first game unit that provides a trigger game, and a second game unit that provides an award opportunity to be awarded a predetermined prize if a predetermined provision condition in said trigger game is satisfied, wherein the control method comprises a prize provision step that, when said predetermined prize is to be awarded upon said award opportunity, provides the details of said predetermined prize to said first game unit, so that said predetermined prize is awarded via said first game unit; and said prize provision step further includes a step that, if it is determined that said first game unit cannot award said predetermined prize on the basis of the predetermined determination condition, provides the details of said predetermined prize to some other destination of supply, so that said predetermined prize is awarded via said other destination of supply, instead of via said first game unit.

[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 comprising at least one first game unit that provides a trigger game and a second game unit that provides an award opportunity to be awarded a predetermined prize if a predetermined provision condition in said trigger game is satisfied, 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 prize provision device adapted and configured to, when said predetermined prize is to be awarded upon said award opportunity, provide the details of said predetermined prize to said first game unit, so that said predetermined prize is awarded via said first game unit; and the computer program for the game machine is further configured so as to cause the prize provision device as a device adapted and configured to, if it is determined that said first game unit cannot award said predetermined prize on the basis of the predetermined determination condition, provide said predetermined prize to some other destination of supply, so that said predetermined prize is awarded via said other destination of supply, instead of via said first game unit. 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 explaining the flow when the roulette game is being provided during normal conditions.

[0013] Fig. 4 is an explanatory figure for explaining the case when the special payment service is executed.

[0014] Fig. 5 is an explanatory figure for explaining the flow after the special payment service in the example of Fig. 4 has been provided.

[0015] Fig. 6 is an explanatory figure for explaining one example of such a notification screen.

[0016] Fig. 7 is a figure showing examples of flow charts for prize provision processing routines.

[0017] Fig. 8 is a figure showing examples of flow charts of the center unit side following Fig. 7.

[0018] Fig. 9 is a figure showing examples of flow charts of a station unit side following Fig. 7. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0019] 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.

[0020] For example, the station unit 2 provides a slot game serving as a trigger 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.

[0021] Meanwhile, the center unit 3 provides a so-called roulette game (an opportunity of a lottery) serving as an award opportunity when a predetermined provision condition is satisfied on the station unit 2. In other words, an opportunity to play a roulette game is given through the slot game. 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. Typically, a plurality of pockets for receiving a ball is provided on the roulette wheel along the outer circumference of the roulette wheel. Each pocket is employed as a chance game candidate, and the game of chance is executed through receiving of the ball B to each pocket 16. And, a prize is provided corresponding to a pocket into which a ball has gotten. Further, 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. [0022] The center unit 3 includes a roulette game unit RG. The roulette game unit RG is arranged on a rotatable table (not illustrated). Further, the roulette game unit RG includes a center monitor 11 serving as a display apparatus, a roulette ring 12, 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 (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 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.

[0023] The ball feeding mechanism 13 is a mechanism for feeding a ball B 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. 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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. [0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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. [0036] Next, a case in which trouble has occurred with one of the station units 2 during provision of the roulette game will be explained. As described above, the roulette game is provided to a station unit 2 that has satisfied a predetermined provision condition. Moreover, the roulette game is provided via the center unit 3. In other words, the roulette game is provided via the unit that is physically separate from the station units 2. Furthermore, as one example, the predetermined provision condition may be satisfied when specific symbols in the slot game line up in a specific arrangement. In other words, the roulette game is used as one of the prizes in the slot game. As a result, the roulette game is provided as a portion of the slot game. For this, the prize in the roulette game is awarded via the station unit 2 that satisfies the predetermined provision condition. And the roulette game and the slot game terminate after this awarding of the prize has been performed.

[0037] On the other hand since, as described above, the roulette game is provided via a unit that is physically separate from the station unit 2, there is a possibility that trouble may occur with the station unit 2 during provision of the roulette game. In this case, the center unit 3 cannot end the roulette game, since it is not possible for the station unit 2 to perform awarding of the prize. Now, the center unit 3 is utilized by a plurality of the station units 2. And, while the roulette game unit RG is rotated, the center unit 3 provides the roulette game sequentially in order to each of the station units 2 that satisfies the predetermined provision condition. Accordingly, the center unit 3 ought to provide the roulette game continuously to all of the station units 2 other than the one in which the trouble has occurred. In this type of case, the center unit 3 provides a special payment service in order to provide the roulette game continually to the other station units 2. [0038] This special payment service will now be explained with reference to Figs. 3 through 6. Fig. 3 is an explanatory figure for explaining the flow when the roulette game is being provided during normal conditions. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the plurality of station units 2 is connected to the single center unit 3. Moreover, the roulette game is provided via the center unit 3 in order to each of the station units 2 that has satisfied the predetermined provision condition. The example of Fig. 3 shows a case in which six station units 2 are connected to the single center unit 3. Moreover, the situation is shown in which the first station unit 2a at the upper right has satisfied the predetermined provision condition. In this case, the center unit 3 provides the roulette game to the first station unit 2a. Moreover, in the roulette game, as one example of a predetermined prize, a cash payment is provided according to the details of the prize (i.e., the prize corresponds to the pocket 16 in which the ball B is held).

[0039] Fig. 4 is an explanatory figure for explaining the case when the special payment service is executed. The example of Fig. 4 shows a case in which trouble has occurred with the first station unit 2a while the roulette game was being provided. In this case, the first station unit 2a is not able to perform the payment that ought to be awarded as a prize for the roulette game. In this type of case, the center unit 3 provides the special payment service, as illustrated in Fig. 4. As this special payment service, for example, the service may be provided of the payment being made via a person in charge (i.e. an attendant). The game machine 1 is, for example, set up in a predetermined establishment. As one example, the term "person in charge" may mean the manager of this predetermined establishment. Moreover, in this case, a guidance announcement that instructs provision of the special payment service may be included in the special payment service. As one example, the guidance announcement may be provided via the center monitor 11. In other words, the special payment service is a service for performing payment in the roulette game, instead of the first station unit 2a which should perform the payment essentially.

[0040] Fig. 5 is an explanatory figure for explaining the flow after the special payment service in the example of Fig. 4 has been provided. The example of Fig. 5 shows a case in which, after the first station unit 2a, the second station unit 2b has satisfied the predetermined provision condition. In this case, as illustrated in Fig. 5, after having provided the special payment service, the center unit 3 provides the roulette game to the second station unit 2b. In other words, by providing the special payment service, the center unit 3 terminates provision of the roulette game to the first station unit 2a. In this manner, by providing the special payment service instead of making payment with the station unit 2a upon which the trouble has occurred, the center unit 3 continues provision of the roulette game to the other station units 2. On the other hand, the first station unit 2a waits until it recovers from the trouble. And if, after such recovery, the special payment service is already being provided instead of payment by the first station unit 2a, then, in order to be able to provide the next slot game, the first station unit 2a terminates the slot game which was being provided when the trouble occurred, even though the first station unit 2a has not itself performed payment.

[0041] As one example, the guidance announcement may be provided via a notification screen. Fig. 6 is an explanatory figure for explaining one example of such a notification screen. As illustrated in Fig. 6, as one example, a notification screen NS may be displayed upon the center monitor 11. This notification screen NS includes a prizewinning notification image WI and an announcement image NI. The prizewinning notification image WI is an image for notifying a prize that has been won and the value of the prize. Therefore, the prizewinning notification image WI includes information announcing that a prize that has been won and information about the value of the prize. Moreover, the announcement image NI is an image for notifying the provision of the special payment service. The announcement image NI includes a command section Nil and a payment information section NI2. The command section Nil is used for specifying an action that the player should perform. And the payment information section NI2 is used for specifying information about the value of the prize that has been won and that should be paid to the player as the result of the roulette game.

[0042] In the example of Fig. 6, a prizewinning notification image NI is displayed upon the center monitor 11 in which "WIN!" is included as prizewinning information and "$20" is included as prize value information. In a similar manner, an announcement image NI is displayed in which the command section Nil gives the instruction "CALL ATTENDANT", while the payment information section NI2 provides the prize value information "$20.00 WON". Moreover, the payment information section Nil is also used for providing the information "Station #1 Disconnected" that specifies the state of the first station unit 2a. As one example, the guidance announcement may be provided via this type of notification screen NS. Moreover, via this type of guidance announcement, the special payment service is implemented by the person in charge performing payment in the roulette game.

[0043] Next, the processing for prize provision will be explained. This prize provision processing is executed in order to provide a payment as the prize in the roulette game (i.e. as its result). Figs. 7 through 9 are figures showing examples of flow charts for prize provision processing routines. The routines of Figs. 7 through 9 may, for example, be executed by the center control unit 30 and by a station control unit 20. In more concrete terms, the center control unit 30 executes each of the routines of Figs. 7 through 9 via the roulette game providing unit 35, while the station control unit 20 executes them via the slot game providing unit 25. Moreover, the routines of Figs. 7 through 9 are executed repeatedly upon a predetermined cycle. Incidentally, it should be understood that in Figs. 7 through 9, for simplicity, in some cases, the main processing executed by the roulette game providing unit 35 is explained as being performed by the center unit 3, and the main processing executed by the slot game providing unit 25 is explained as being performed by the station unit 2. Moreover, in order for the center control unit 30 and the station control unit 20 to provide a roulette game and a slot game, for example, apart from the routines of Figs. 7 through 9, these units also execute various other types of per se known processing and so on, but the detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

[0044] When the routine of Fig. 7 starts, in a step SI 1 , the station unit 2 determines whether or not, for example, the result of the slot game has satisfied the predetermined provision condition. If the result of this determination is negative, in other words if the predetermined provision condition is not satisfied, then the subsequent processing is skipped, and this cycle of the routine terminates (refer to Fig. 9). In this case, no processing is executed by the center unit 3.

[0045] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in the step Sl l is affirmative, in other words if the predetermined provision condition is satisfied, then the station unit 2 proceeds to the step SI 2. In this step S12, the station unit 2 requests the center unit 3 to provide a roulette game. And, upon receipt of this roulette game request from the station unit 2, the center unit 3 starts the prize provision processing routine of Fig. 7.

[0046] And when the routine of Fig. 7 starts, in a step S21 , the center unit 3 provides a roulette game to the station unit 2 that requested provision of a roulette game. This provision of a roulette game may include rotation of the roulette game unit RG, rotation and stopping of the roulette ring 12, introduction (i.e. feeding) of a ball B, and so on.

[0047] Next, in a step S22, the center unit 3 transmits the result of the roulette game (including details of any prize) to the station unit 2, and then the flow of control proceeds to the step S23 of Fig. 8. In this step S23, the center unit 3 determines whether or not the transmission of the result of the step S22 has been completed. In other words, the center unit 3 determines whether or not the station unit 2 has received the result of the roulette game. If the station unit 2 is in a trouble state, then the station unit 2 will not have received the transmission of the step S22. On the other hand, if there is no trouble with the station unit 2, in other words in the case of a normal situation, the station unit 2 will have been able to receive the transmission of the step S22.

[0048] If the result of the determination in the step S23 is negative, in other words if the transmission of the step S22 has been completed, then the center unit 3 proceeds to a step S24. In this step S24, the center unit 3 determines whether or not the present time point is within an interval in which transmission is possible. This time interval over which transmission is possible is, for example, measured from the first time that transmission of the step S22 is performed. If the result of this determination is affirmative, in other words if the present time point is within the interval in which transmission is possible, then the flow of control returns to the step S23, and the processing of the step S23 is executed again. As a result, due to the processing of the steps S23 and S24, it is determined whether or not the station unit 2 is in a trouble state (one example of such a state is a state in which it cannot award a prize such as a payment or the like). In more concrete terms, if within the transmission possible time interval it has been possible to provide the result of the roulette game (including the details of any prize) to the station unit 2, then it is determined that the station unit 2 is not in a trouble state (i.e. that it can award the prize).

[0049] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in the step S24 is negative, in other words if the present time point is outside the interval in which transmission is possible, then the center unit 3 proceeds to a step S25. In this case, it is not possible to provide the result of the roulette game to the station unit 2 within the interval in which transmission is possible. Accordingly, it is determined that the station unit 2 is in a trouble state (in which it cannot award the prize). And in the step S25 the center unit 3 provides the special payment service. In concrete terms, as one example, the center unit 3 may display the notification screen NS upon the center monitor 11. In other words, if it is determined that the station unit 2 is in a trouble state, then the result of the roulette game is provided to the center unit 3, so that the prize in the roulette game may be paid via the center unit 3. In this case, the center unit 3 serves as an example of the "other destination of supply" of the Claims.

[0050] Next in a step S26, the center unit 3 determines whether or not payment has been completed. This determination is executed, for example, on the basis of operation by the person in charge. In other words, for example, it may be determined that the payment has been completed if a predetermined operation that shows that payment has been completed by the person in charge is performed. On the other hand, if the predetermined operation has not been performed, then it is determined that the payment has not been completed. If the result of the determination in the step S26 is affirmative, in other words if payment has been completed, then the center unit 3 terminates this cycle of the routine. Due to this, instead of the payment being made from the station unit 2, the payment in the roulette game is performed by the person in charge. Accordingly the roulette game is still completed even if a trouble occurs in the station unit 2, and the provision of the roulette game to the next one of the station units 2 by the center unit 3 is continued.

[0051] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in the step S26 is negative, in other words if the payment has not been completed, then the center unit 3 executes the step S26 again. In other words, the processing of the step S26 is repeatedly executed until an affirmative result is obtained in the step S26. Due to this, the center unit 3 maintains the state in which the notification screen NS is being displayed upon the center monitor 11 , in other words maintains the waiting state, until an affirmative result is obtained in the step S26.

[0052] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in the step S23 is affirmative, in other words if the transmission of the step S22 has been completed, then the center unit 3 skips the subsequent processing, and terminates this cycle of the routine. Meanwhile, the station unit 2 proceeds to the processing of the step S 13 of Fig. 9. In this step S13, the station unit 2 receives the result of the roulette game from the center unit 3. This result of the roulette game includes information specifying the details of the prize and information specifying whether or not the special payment service should be provided, in other words whether or not payment to the player should be performed. Incidentally, it should be understood that the processing of this step S 13 may also be executed on the basis of a request from the station unit 2, in a case corresponding to after the execution timing exceeds the interval in which transmission is possible due to a trouble or the like, in other words after the center unit 3 has provided the special payment service.

[0053] Next in a step S 14 the station unit 2 determines whether or not payment of the prize in the roulette game has already been performed, in other words whether or not the special payment service has already been provided by the center unit 3. If the result of this determination is affirmative, in other words if payment of the prize in the roulette game has already been performed, then the subsequent processing is skipped, and this cycle of the routine terminates.

[0054] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in the step S 14 is negative, in other words if payment has not yet been performed, then the station unit 2 proceeds to a step SI 5. In this step SI 5, the station unit 2 performs payment on the basis of the result of the roulette game that has been acquired in the step S13 (which includes details of the prize), and then this cycle of the routine terminates. Due to this, payment on the basis of the result of the roulette game (i.e. awarding of the prize) is performed by the station unit 2. Furthermore, by executing the routine of Figs. 7 through 9, the station unit 2 determines whether or not it is possible to perform payment, and, if it is possible for the station unit 2 to perform payment, then payment is performed from the station unit 2, whereas if it is not possible for the station unit 2 to perform payment, then the special payment service is executed via the center unit 3, instead of performing payment from the station unit 2. Due to this, it is possible to perform payment for the roulette game, even when due to trouble the station unit 2 is not capable of performing this payment. Moreover, even if trouble occurs with one or more of the station units 3, still the provision of the roulette game to the other station units 2 is continued.

[0055] As has been explained above, according to this embodiment, if the station unit 2 is not able to perform payment for the roulette game, then the center unit 3 provides the special payment service. And, in this special payment service, the payment for the roulette game is made by the person in charge, via the center unit 3. In other words, it is possible to award the payment that should have been awarded via the station unit 2, by a different method, i.e. via the center unit 3. Because this is done, the player of the station unit 2 need not wait for recovery from the trouble. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the time period during which the player must wait.

[0056] Furthermore, the roulette game is ended when payment in the roulette game has been performed via the special payment service, in a similar manner to the case of payment by the station unit 2. As a result, even when one of the station units 2 cannot be used due to trouble or the like, still the center unit 3 is able to continue providing the roulette game to the other station units 2. Due to this, it is possible to prevent trouble with one of the station units 2 from exerting an influence upon the other station units 2. Moreover, when the station unit 2 has recovered from its trouble, it is determined whether or not provision of the special payment service has already been completed. And, if provision of the special payment service has already been completed, then the station unit 2 does not perform payment for the roulette game, and the slot game that was being provided when the trouble occurred is terminated. Due to this, it is possible to prevent performing double payment for the roulette game. As a result, it is possible to provide the next slot game at an earlier stage.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the center control unit 30 serves as an example of the "prize provision device" and the "screen providing device" of the Claims by executing the routine of Figs. 7 and 8 via the roulette game providing unit 35. Furthermore, the station control unit 20 serves as an example of the "game ending device" of the Claims by executing the routine of Figs. 7 and 9 via the slot game providing unit 25.

[0058] The present invention is not to be considered as being limited to the embodiment described above; it could also be implemented in other appropriate ways. For example, in the embodiment described above, the special payment service is announced via the notification screen NS. However, the guidance announcement for the special payment service is not limited to this type of format. For example, it would also be acceptable for the special payment service to be announced by audio. Moreover, the guidance announcement is not limited to the format of being provided by the center unit 3. For example, the notification screen NS could also be displayed by another one of the station units 2. Furthermore, if a large sized monitor or the like is set up within the game establishment, then the guidance announcement could also be provided via this large sized monitor. Or, alternatively, if a display device is provided for the use of the person in charge, then the guidance announcement could also be displayed upon this display device.

[0059] In the embodiment described above, for the special payment service, a format is used in which the notification screen NS is employed in order to cause a person in charge to perform payment. However, the special payment service is not to be considered as being limited to this type of format. For example, for the special payment service, it would also be acceptable to employ a format in which the center unit 3 issues a ticket that corresponds to the amount to be paid. Or alternatively, for the special payment service, a format could be used in which a credit corresponding to the amount to be paid is remitted to the bank account of the player. Yet further, if a storage medium (such as an IC card or the like) is available upon which a balance in cash or the like can be stored, then it would be possible to employ a format for the special payment service in which payment is made onto this storage medium by increasing the balance thereupon, or the like.

[0060] In the embodiment described above, the details of the prize in the roulette game are provided to the center unit 3, the special payment service is provided on the basis of these details, and thus the prize is awarded via the center unit 3. However, the way in which the prize in the roulette game is given is not limited to this format described above of being awarded via the center unit 3. For this reason, when the station unit 2 is not able to award the prize, the destination of supply for the details of the prize is not limited to being the center unit 3. For example, in order to award the prize via a large sized monitor, a display device for the use of the person in charge, a bank account, or a storage medium or the like as in the examples described above, it would also be acceptable to provide the details of the prize via these devices. In other words it would be appropriate to employ various types of destination of supply as the destination of supply for the details of the prize, if the destination of supply is other than that station unit 2 upon which the trouble has occurred.

[0061] In the embodiment described above, it is determined that the station unit 2 is not able to award the prize if the station unit 2 is not able to perform reception within the time interval in which transmission is possible, in other words if the center unit 3 is not able to provide the result of the roulette game to the station unit 2 within the time interval in which transmission is possible. That is, whether or not it is possible for transmission to be performed within the predetermined time period, i.e. within the so-called time interval in which transmission is possible, is taken as being as the predetermined determination condition for determining whether or not the station unit 2 is able to award the prize. However, the predetermined determination condition is not limited to being this type of condition related to a time interval. For example if a station unit 2 is configured, when it cannot award a prize, so as to be capable of transmitting a predetermined signal to the center unit 3 (either automatic transmission or manual transmission would be acceptable), then it would be possible to employ the presence or absence of this signal as the predetermined determination condition.

[0062] In the embodiment described above, a slot game is employed as the trigger game, while a roulette game is employed as the opportunity that is awarded. However, the trigger game and the opportunity that is awarded are not limited to this type of embodiment. Games of various types may be employed as the trigger game and as the opportunity that is awarded. Accordingly, various types of first game unit and second game unit may also be employed for providing these games of various types.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A game machine, comprising:

at least one first game unit that provides a trigger game;

a second game unit that provides an award opportunity to be awarded a predetermined prize, if a predetermined provision condition in said trigger game is satisfied; and

a prize provision device adapted and configured to, when said predetermined prize is to be awarded upon said award opportunity, provide the details of said predetermined prize to said first game unit, so that said predetermined prize is awarded via said first game unit; and wherein,

if it is determined that said first game unit cannot award said predetermined prize on the basis of the predetermined determination condition, then said prize provision device provides the details of said predetermined prize to some other destination of supply, so that said predetermined prize is awarded via said other destination of supply, instead of via said first game unit.

2. A game machine according to Claim 1 , wherein said prize provision device employs said second game unit as said other destination of supply, and provides the details of said predetermined prize to said second game unit, so that said predetermined prize is awarded via said second game unit, instead of via said first game unit.

3. A game machine according to Claim 2, wherein there are further provided to said second game unit a display apparatus that displays a notification screen for notifying the details of said predetermined prize, and a screen providing device adapted and configured to, when said details of said predetermined prize are provided, cause said notification screen to be displayed upon said display device on the basis of said details of said predetermined prize.

4. A game machine according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein:

when said predetermined prize is awarded upon said award opportunity, said trigger game is configured so as to terminate after said first game unit has awarded said predetermined prize; and

a game ending device is provided to said first game unit that terminates said trigger game when said details of said predetermined prize have been provided to said other destination of supply, even though said first game unit has not awarded said predetermined prize.

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

a predetermined time period is employed as said predetermined determination condition; and

said first game unit is determined as that it is not possible to award said predetermined prize, if said prize provision device is not able to provide said details of said predetermined prize to said first game unit within said predetermined time period.

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

a plurality of first game units are provided as said at least one first game unit; and

when predetermined provision conditions in said trigger games are satisfied, said second game unit sequentially provides said award opportunity to said first game units that are providing the trigger games in which said predetermined conditions are satisfied, in the order in which said predetermined conditions have been satisfied.

7. A control method that is applied to a game machine comprising at least one first game unit that provides a trigger game, and a second game unit that provides an award opportunity to be awarded a predetermined prize if a predetermined provision condition in said trigger game is satisfied, wherein

the control method comprises a prize provision step that, when said predetermined prize is to be awarded upon said award opportunity, provides the details of said predetermined prize to said first game unit, so that said predetermined prize is awarded via said first game unit; and

said prize provision step further includes a step that, if it is determined that said first game unit cannot award said predetermined prize on the basis of the predetermined determination condition, provides the details of said predetermined prize to some other destination of supply, so that said predetermined prize is awarded via said other destination of supply, instead of via said first game unit.

8. A computer program for a game machine comprising at least one first game unit that provides a trigger game and a second game unit that provides an award opportunity to be awarded a predetermined prize if a predetermined provision condition in said trigger game is satisfied, 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 prize provision device adapted and configured to, when said predetermined prize is to be awarded upon said award opportunity, provide the details of said predetermined prize to said first game unit, so that said predetermined prize is awarded via said first game unit; and

the computer program for the game machine is further configured so as to cause the prize provision device as a device adapted and configured to, if it is determined that said first game unit cannot award said predetermined prize on the basis of the predetermined determination condition, provide said predetermined prize to some other destination of supply, so that said predetermined prize is awarded via said other destination of supply, instead of via said first game unit.