CONTROLLING COMPUTER, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a game machine including a plurality of game units.

Background Art

[0002] There exist game machines including a plurality of game units. As one of the game machines like these, there has been known a game machine that includes a plurality of station units providing a medal pusher game, a plurality of satellite units providing the station units with a bingo game, and a center unit providing the satellite units with a roulette game (for example, see Patent Literature 1).

[0003] Patent Literature 1 : Japanese Patent No. 4331173.

Summary of Invention

Technical Problem

[0004] In the game machine disclosed in Patent Literature 1, the station unit that satisfies a predetermined condition in a medal pusher game is provided with a bingo game through the satellite unit. Similarly, the satellite unit that satisfies a predetermined condition in a bingo game is provided with a roulette game through the center unit. In the game machine like this, usually, a process necessary to provide the bingo game is executed by the satellite unit, and a process necessary to provide the roulette game is executed by the center unit. In other words, processes necessary to provide respective games are serially executed by respective units. For this reason, a time corresponding to the sum of each period of time necessary for respective processes is necessary to provide respective games. Thus, for example, when there are a number of necessary processes or it takes a long time, a time increases until the provision of each game starts.

[0005] In this regard, an object of the present invention is to provide a game machine or the like which is capable of reducing a time necessary until a game is provided.

Solution to Problem

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a game machine of the present invention comprises: a plurality of first game units each of which provides a first game; a plurality of display devices which is provided in the plurality of first game units one by one, and used to provide the first game; a second game unit that provides a first game unit that satisfies a predetermined provision condition with a second game; a moving image deciding device that decides content of a moving image to be displayed in connection with the second game according to each first game unit; and a moving image providing device that causes at least a part of the moving image corresponding to the first game unit that satisfies the predetermined provision condition to be displayed on the display device of the first game unit that satisfies the predetermined provision condition based on a decision result of the moving image deciding device.

[0007] According to the present invention, at least a part of a moving image to be displayed in connection with a second game for a first game unit that satisfies a predetermined provision condition is displayed on the display device of the first game unit. In other words, it is possible to cause the display device of the first game unit to handle a part of a display of the moving image to be displayed in connection with the second game. Thus, a part of the process to be borne by the second game unit to provide the second game can be alleviated. As a result, since the process necessary to provide the second game can be executed in parallel, a time necessary until the second game is provided can be reduced compared to when respective processes are serially executed.

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, a control method of controlling a computer of the present invention is a control method of controlling a computer incorporated into a game machine comprising: a plurality of first game units each of which provides a first game; a plurality of display devices which is provided in the plurality of first game units one by one, and used to provide the first game; a second game unit that provides a first game unit that satisfies a predetermined provision condition with a second game, wherein the control method of controlling the computer comprises the steps: a moving image deciding step that decides content of a moving image to be displayed in connection with the second game according to each first game unit; and a moving image providing step that causes at least a part of the moving image corresponding to the first game unit that satisfies the predetermined provision condition to be displayed on the display device of the first game unit that satisfies the predetermined provision condition based on a decision result of the moving image deciding step.

[0009] 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: a plurality of first game units each of which provides a first game; a plurality of display devices which is provided in the plurality of first game units one by one, and used to provide the first game; a second game unit that provides a first game unit that satisfies a predetermined provision condition with a second game, 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 moving image deciding device that decides content of a moving image to be displayed in connection with the second game according to each first game unit; and a moving image providing device that causes at least a part of the moving image corresponding to the first game unit that satisfies the predetermined provision condition to be displayed on the display device of the first game unit that satisfies the predetermined provision condition based on a decision result of the moving image deciding device. It is possible to actualize a game machine of the present invention by executing the computer program or the control method of controlling a computer of the present invention.

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

[0011] Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of a roulette ring.

[0012] Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a control system of a game machine.

[0013] Fig. 4 is a plane view when a game machine is viewed from the top.

[0014] Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a level lottery moving image.

[0015] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state of a center unit corresponding to a level lottery moving image of Fig. 5.

[0016] Fig. 7A is a diagram illustrating an example of a timetable of processes necessary until a roulette game starts when the processes are serially executed.

[0017] Fig. 7B is a diagram illustrating an example of a timetable of processes executed by a game machine when a roulette game starts.

[0018] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of a bonus game start process routine. [0019] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart of a bonus game start process routine when guidance of content guide unit starts during rotation of a roulette game unit.

[0020] Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a time chart of each process when the routine of Fig. 9 is executed.

Description of Embodiments

[0021] 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, 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.

[0022] For example, the station unit 2 provides a slot game serving as a first game in exchange for consumption of coins serving as a game value. The slot game refers to a well-known game in which displays of symbols change according to a lottery result, and a predetermined privilege 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 serving as a display device 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 bed operation. A coin-payout opening 10 is provided below the control panel 7.

[0023] 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. 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 accommodating a ball is provided on the roulette wheel along the outer circumference of the roulette wheel. And, a privilege 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.

[0024] The center unit 3 includes a roulette game unit RG serving as a second game unit. 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, a ball feeding mechanism 13, and a ball guide path 14. The roulette ring 12 is arranged such that a front side (a side at which the station unit 2 is arranged) of the roulette ring 12 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 of the roulette ring 12, that is, an upper portion of the inclination is hidden by the center monitor 11. The roulette ring 12 is rotationally driven in a predetermined direction at a predetermined speed by a ring drive mechanism (see Fig. 3), and then stops at an appropriate timing. A plurality of pockets 16 serving as an accommodating unit is provided around the roulette ring 12. Each pocket 16 is associated with a predetermined privilege.

[0025] For example, payment of a game value is used as the predetermined privilege. Further, a plurality of payment values may be set as the payment of the game value. In other words, for example, the plurality of pockets 16 is associated with a plurality of payment values having different values (a plurality of privileges), respectively. Furthermore, at lease one of the predetermined privileges includes a jackpot privilege. The jackpot privilege refers to a privilege in which a payment value changes according to the amount of a value expended through each station unit 2. Specifically, a part of a game value expended through each station unit 2 in the past is stored at a predetermined ratio. Then, the stored game value is used for payment of the jackpot privilege. In other words, as the amount of the game value expended by each station unit 2 and a storage time period thereof increase, the payment value of the jackpot privilege increases. For this reason, there are many cases in which the jackpot privilege is higher in payment value than other privileges. Further, for example, a plurality of levels that differ in a degree used for payment of the stored game value is set to the jackpot privileges. In other words, the jackpot privilege has content that differs according to a set level. For example, the plurality of levels is called a big money jackpot, a mini jackpot, and like in descending order of a use degree of the stored game value. A part of the pockets 16 are associated with the jackpot privileges like this.

[0026] Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of the roulette ring 12. As illustrated in Fig. 2, an award display portion 19 is provided above each pocket 16. Each award display portion 19 displays a privilege associated with the pocket 16 therebelow. Each award display portion 19 displays the privilege associated with the pocket 16 positioned therebelow. In the example of Fig. 2, the payment value such as "$200", "$100" is displayed on the award display portion 19 and associated with each pocket 16. Further, a diamond image is displayed on a part of the award display portions 19.

[0027] Specifically, in the example of Fig. 2, images of a diamond are displayed on the four award display portions 19 (however, the two award display portions 19 are hidden by the center monitor 11 and thus not illustrated.) The image of the diamond means the jackpot privilege. In other words, the four pockets 16 positioned below the four award display portions 19 (which may be hereinafter referred to as "JP award display portions 19a") on which the image of the diamond is displayed are associated with the jackpot privileges. Further, a light emitting diode (LED) (not illustrated) is provided in the JP award display portions 19a, respectively, so as to be able to causes the images of the diamond to glitter in a plurality of different colors (a glittering state by an LED may be also hereinafter referred to as "glittering"). And, levels of the jackpot privilege such as the big money jackpot and the mini jackpot are distinguished according to the color glittered from the image of the diamond. In other words, the JP award display portion 19a guides a level (content) of the jackpot privilege associated with each pocket 16 by causing the image of the diamond to glitter in the color corresponding to each of levels of the jackpot privilege. For example, the level of the jackpot privilege set to each JP award display portion 19a is decided by a lottery. Thus, the level of the jackpot privilege differs according to the station unit 2 that satisfies the predetermined provision condition.

[0028] Referring back to Fig. 1, the ball feeding mechanism 13 is a mechanism for feeding a ball B serving as a physical 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 of the roulette ring 12. A ball detecting sensor 17 (see Fig. 3) is provided in each pocket 16 so as to be able to detect the pocket 16 into which the ball B has gone.

[0029] 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 corresponding to the roulette ring 12 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.

[0030] 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. Specifically, when a roulette game starts, the roulette ring 12 starts to rotate. 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 privilege associated with the pocket 16 into which the ball has gone is given to the player.

[0031] Next, a configuration of a control system of the game machine 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a control system of the game machine 1. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the game machine 1 includes a station control unit 20 and a center control unit 30. The station control unit 20 is configured as a computer unit that controls the station unit 2. Specifically, the station control unit 20 is 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.

[0032] Furthermore, 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. [0033] 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.

[0034] As the game program 22 is executed, 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 lottery 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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. [0038] Meanwhile, the center control unit 30 is configured as a computer unit that controls the center unit 3. Specifically, the center control unit 30 is 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 center control unit 30 is connected to a rotary drive mechanism 18 serving as a rotary drive device in addition to the center monitor 11 , the ball feeding mechanism 13, the ring drive mechanism 15, and the ball detecting sensor 17 described above. The rotary drive mechanism 18 is a mechanism that rotationally drives a table on which the roulette game unit RG is arranged and stops the table at a predetermined position. In other words, the rotary drive mechanism 18 causes the roulette game unit RG to perform rotation such that the provision direction faces the direction of each station unit 2, and to stop the rotation at the position at which the provision direction faces a direction of a specific station unit 2. Incidentally, various kinds of devices or mechanisms necessary to provide a roulette game can be additionally connected to the center control unit 30, but an illustration thereof is not made.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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. As one of the various kinds of data like this, the center unit data 33 includes station management data 33a. The station management data 33a refers to data used to manage the position of each station unit 2 or the like. For example, the station management data 33a includes position information of each station unit 2. For example, information of a centric angle from an initial position in the provision direction used as a reference is used as the position information. Alternatively, when a plurality of sensors capable of detecting the positions of the station units 2 are arranged along the outer circumference of the roulette game unit RG, the position of each sensor (or information identifying each sensor) may be used as the position information.

[0041] 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. Similarly, the center unit data 33 further includes various kinds of data such as sound effect data, dividend data, and data for associating each pocket 16 with a predetermined privilege, but an illustration thereof is not made.

[0042] As the center unit program 32 is executed, 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, a process for controlling the ring drive mechanism 15, and a process for controlling the rotary drive mechanism 18.

[0043] Next, the slot game provided by the station unit 2 and the roulette game provided by the center unit 3 will be described with reference to Figs. 4 to 6. As described above, the station unit 2 provides the slot game through the game screen GS. Then, when the predetermined provision condition is satisfied, for example, when specific symbols form a specific arrangement in the slot game, the roulette game is provided through the center unit 3. Further, in order to provide the roulette game, the center unit 3 turns the provision direction to the station unit 2 that satisfies the predetermined provision condition.

[0044] Fig. 4 is an explanatory view for describing an operation in which the center unit 3 turns the provision direction to the station unit 2 that satisfies the predetermined provision condition. More specifically, Fig. 4 is a plane view when the game machine 1 is viewed from the top. Fig. 4, as an example, illustrates a case in which eight station units 2 are arranged around the center unit 3. Further, an arrow represents the provision direction S of the center unit 3. As illustrated in Fig. 4, in this example, the provision direction S extending from the rotation center C of the roulette ring 12 to the lowermost position P faces a direction of a lowermost station unit 2a. An alternate long and short dash line LA of Fig. 4 represents a state in which the roulette game unit RG is rotating. Further, a dashed line DL of Fig. 4 represents a direction extending from the rotation center C toward a left-neighboring station unit 2b, that is, a direction in which the provision direction S faces the left-neighboring station unit 2b. Here, when the predetermined provision condition is satisfied in the left-neighboring station unit 2b of the lowermost station unit 2a, the roulette game unit RG rotates counterclockwise as indicated by the alternate long and short dash line LA. Then, the rotation of the roulette game unit RG stops at the position at which a direction of the dashed line DL facing the left-neighboring station unit 2b matches the provision direction S. As described above, the center unit 3 turns the provision direction S to the station unit 2 that satisfies the predetermined provision condition.

[0045] Further, during the rotation indicated by the alternate long and short dash line LA, a level lottery moving image used to guide the level of the jackpot privilege set to each JP award display portion 19a is displayed on the game screen GS of the station monitor 6. Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the level lottery moving image. As illustrated in Fig. 5, the level lottery moving image LM includes a ring image 121 corresponding to the roulette ring 12. Further, the ring image 121 includes an award image 191 corresponding to each award display portion 19. The award image 191 further includes a JP award image 19al corresponding to each JP award display portion 19a. Further, a diamond image DI corresponding to the image of the diamond displayed on the JP award display portion 19a is arranged on the JP award image 19al. A color corresponding to a glittering color of the JP award display portion 19a is used for the diamond image DI. In other words, the diamond image DI is displayed in the color corresponding to the level of the jackpot privilege.

[0046] As described above, the level of the jackpot privilege set to each JP award display portion 19a is decided by a lottery. The level lottery moving image LM includes an effect corresponding to the lottery. For example, an effect in which a box image hiding the color of the diamond image DI is arranged on each JP award image 19al, and a lottery result is guided such that the box image steadily changes to the diamond image DI may be used as the effect. All the box images may simultaneously change to the diamond images DI of the colors corresponding to respective levels or may change to the diamond image DI one by one. Further, an effect to boost a lottery process such as rotation of a box image may be included. In the example of Fig. 5, three green diamond images Dig indicated by a dot pattern and one red diamond image DIr indicated by a check pattern are displayed on the level lottery moving image LM. For example, the green diamond image Dig is associated with the mini jackpot, and the red diamond image DIr is associated with the big money jackpot. Thus, in the example of Fig. 5, the three JP award images 19al are associated with the mini jackpot, and one JP award image 19al is associated with the big money jackpot.

[0047] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state of the center unit 3 corresponding to the level lottery moving image LM of Fig. 5. In other words, in the example of Fig. 4, this sate corresponds to the state of the center unit 3 at the position at which the direction of the dashed line DL facing the neighboring station unit 2b matches the provision direction S. As illustrated in Fig. 6, the image of the diamond of each the JP award display portion 19a at the position at which the dashed line DL matches the provision direction S glitters in green indicated by a dot pattern or red indicated by a check pattern to correspond to content of the level lottery moving image LM of Fig. 5. Specifically, in the level lottery moving image LM of Fig. 5, the JP award display portion 19a corresponding to the JP award image 19al on which the green diamond image Dig is arranged glitters in green, and the JP award display portion 19a corresponding to the JP award image 19al on which the red diamond image DIr is arranged glitters in red. In other words, the level of the jackpot privilege is guided according to the glittering color of the image of the diamond. In the example of Fig. 6, two of the four JP award display portions 19a are illustrated, but the remaining JP award display portions 19a similarly glitter in color corresponding to the color of the diamond image DI of the example of Fig. 5. In other words, in the example of Fig. 6, the images of the diamond of the three JP award display portions 19a including the two JP award display portions 19a which are not illustrated in the diagram glitter in green, and the image of the diamond of the remaining one JP award display portion 19a glitters in red.

[0048] Further, the roulette image RI corresponding to the roulette ring 12 of the portion hidden by the center monitor 11 is displayed on the center monitor 11. And, the roulette image RI includes images AI of the JP award display portions 19a corresponding to the two JP award display portions 19a which are not illustrated in the diagram. Furthermore, a lottery result is reflected on the images AI of the JP award display portions 19a. In other words, the diamond image DI with the color representing the level of the jackpot privilege is arranged on the image AI of each JP award display portion 19a. Specifically, the green diamond image Dig indicated by the dot pattern is arranged on each of the images AI of the two JP award display portions 19a. These correspond to the glittering color of the two JP award display portions 19a which are not illustrated in the diagram. In other words, in order to make up for the roulette ring 12 of the portion hidden by the center monitor 11, the roulette image RI including the images AI of the two JP award display portions 19a on which the green diamond image Dig is arranged are displayed on the center monitor 11. And, the level of the jackpot privilege of the JP award display portion 19a is guided through the color of the diamond image DI arranged on the corresponding the image AI. As described above, the lottery result to decide the level of the jackpot privilege is guided through the level lottery moving image LM and reflected in the center unit 3. Further, the JP award display portion 19a functions as a content guide unit of the present invention by glittering of the image of the diamond, or the center monitor 11 functions as the content guide unit of the present invention by a display of the roulette image RI including the diamond image DI.

[0049] Further, as described above, the level of each jackpot privilege is decided by the lottery and thus differs according to the station unit 2 that satisfies the predetermined provision condition. Furthermore, for example, a play state such as the amount of consumption of the coin or a play time may be reflected in the lottery for deciding the level of the jackpot privilege. Thus, the content of the level lottery moving image LM differs according to the station unit 2 that satisfies the predetermined provision condition. In other words, the content of the level lottery moving image LM is decided for each station unit 2, and the level lottery moving image LM of the content specific to each station unit 2 is provided through the station monitor 6 of the station unit 2.

[0050] Incidentally, the play state may be reflected in various kinds of elements such as an element affecting the lottery result such as an increase or decrease of a lottery probability of a specific level or an element not affecting the lottery result such as an increase or decrease of a payment value. Further, when the play state is reflected in the element not affecting the lottery result, information of the reflected element may be guided before the lottery. For example, when rotation is made such that the provision direction S faces each station unit 2 in an idling state in which the center unit 3 does not provide a roulette game, an element in which the play state is reflected such as information of the payment value according to the play state of each station unit 2 may be guided through the JP award display portion 19a or the center monitor 11 during the rotation. For example, the guidance may be executed such that an element in which the play state of each station unit 2 is reflected is guided at the position at which the provision direction S faces each station unit 2.

[0051] Next, a timing at which the content of the level lottery moving image LM is reflected in the center unit 3 will be described with reference to Figs. 7A and 7B. The center unit 3 executes a predetermined processes and then starts to provide a roulette game. In other words, the predetermined processes need to be undergone until the roulette game starts. The predetermined processes like this include a process of displaying the level lottery moving image LM and a process of reflecting the content in the center unit 3.

[0052] Fig. 7A is a diagram illustrating an example of a timetable of processes necessary until the roulette game starts when the processes are serially executed. As illustrated in Fig. 7A, the processes necessary until the roulette game starts include a process of executing a "roulette game trigger effect," a process of executing "roulette game unit rotation," a process of executing a "pocket change effect," and a process of executing a "lottery start effect," which are listed in execution time order.

[0053] For example, the roulette game trigger effect includes a notice of information representing that the predetermined provision condition is satisfied and so the roulette game starts. In other words, for example, the roulette game trigger effect is executed for notify of the start of the roulette game. The rotation of the roulette game unit RG is executed to turn the provision direction S to the station unit 2 that satisfies the predetermined provision condition. The pocket change effect is executed to decide the level of the jackpot privilege associated with each JP award display portion 19a and guide the result. The lottery start effect includes a setting change of the roulette game unit RG. Specifically, as one of the lottery start effects, a setting of each JP award display portion 19a and content of the roulette image RI are changed so as to correspond to the level of each jackpot privilege decided by the pocket change effect.

[0054] When the respective processes are serially executed, the respective processes are executed such that a subsequent process starts after a preceding process ends. Thus, the sum of each period of time necessary for the respective processes corresponds to the preparation time necessary until the roulette game starts. In the example of Fig. 7A, each period of time necessary for the respective processes of "roulette game trigger effect," "roulette game unit rotation," "pocket change effect," and "lottery start effect" is "A," "B," "C," and "D" in order. Thus, when the processes are serially executed, a preparation time necessary until a roulette game starts is the sum of the periods, that is, "A + B + C + D." In other words, when the respective processes are serially executed, a time of "A + B + C + D" is necessary until the roulette game starts. [0055] Meanwhile, the game machine 1 provides the level lottery moving image LM through the station unit 2. And, the level of the jackpot privilege associated with each JP award display portion 19a is guided through the level lottery moving image LM. Thus, the level lottery moving image LM can be used as the pocket change effect. In this case, it is possible to cause the station unit 2 side to handle the pocket change effect. In other words, it is possible to decrease the number of the processes executed by the center unit 3.

[0056] Fig. 7B is a diagram illustrating an example of a timetable of another processes executed by the game machine 1 when the roulette game starts. As illustrated in Fig. 7B, the respective processes are executed in parallel through the center unit 3 and the station unit 2. In other words, in the example of Fig. 7B, a subsequent process starts without waiting the end of a preceding process, and a time period in which both of the two processes are being executed is included. More specifically, compared to the example of Fig. 7A, the station unit 2 provides the level lottery moving image LM, and thus the pocket change effect is executed at the station unit 2 side. In this case, while the pocket change effect is being executed at the station unit 2 side, that is, while the level lottery moving image LM is being provided, the center unit 3 can execute rotation of the roulette game unit RG and the lottery start effect in parallel. In other words, before the pocket change effect ends, it is possible to start the process subsequent to the pocket change effect.

[0057] In the example of Fig. 7B, during the pocket change effect process, the process of rotating the roulette game unit RG starts. More specifically, the process of rotating the roulette game unit RG starts at a timing in which "CI" elapses after the pocket change effect starts. In other words, the process of rotating the roulette game unit RG is executed in parallel during the pocket change effect process. Thus, a preparation time necessary until a roulette game starts is "A + B + CI + D." In other words, the preparation time ends a timing which is earlier than the example of Fig. 7 A by a time of C2. As described above, a parallel process of the respective processes using the level lottery moving image LM provided to the station unit 2 side is actualized in the game machine 1.

[0058] Incidentally, the process of rotating the roulette game unit RG may start during the pocket change effect process or may start at the same time as the pocket change effect process. Furthermore, the process of rotating the roulette game unit RG may be start during the roulette game trigger effect process. The process of rotating the roulette game unit RG may start at any time before the pocket change effect process ends. Further, the entire pocket change effect process may not be executed at the station unit 2 side. Part of the pocket change effect process may be executed at the station unit 2 side.

[0059] Next, a bonus game start process to actualize the above-described parallel process will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart of a bonus game start process routine. The routine of Fig. 8 is executed as one of preparations for starting the roulette game before the roulette game starts. The routine of Fig. 8 is actualized by cooperation between the station control unit 20 and the center control unit 30. More specifically, the routine of Fig. 8 is executed by the slot game providing unit 25 of the station control unit 20 and the roulette game providing unit 35 of the center control unit 30. Further, for example, the routine of Fig. 8 is repeatedly executed at a predetermined period. As an example, the routine of Fig. 8 may be executed each time a slot game ends. In Fig. 8, for the sake of simplification, a process in which the slot game providing unit 25 is a main execution entity may be described as the station unit 2, and a process in which the roulette game providing unit 35 is a main execution entity may be described as the center unit 3. Incidentally, besides the routine of Fig. 8, the station control unit 20 and the center control unit 30 execute various kinds of well-known processes in order to provide the slot game or the roulette game, but a detailed description thereof will not be made.

[0060] When the routine of Fig. 8 starts, in step SI 1, for example, the station unit 2 determines whether or not a predetermined provision condition has been satisfied. More specifically, the station unit 2 determines whether or not a result that specific symbols form a specific arrangement has been obtained in the slot game. When the determination result is negative, that is, when it is determined that a result that specific symbols form the specific arrangement has not been obtained, the station unit 2 skips the subsequent process, and then ends the current process.

[0061] However, when the determination result of step SI 1 is positive, that is, when it is determined that a result that specific symbols form a specific arrangement has been obtained, the station unit 2 proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the station unit 2 executes a lottery for deciding the level of the jackpot privilege to be associated with each JP award display portion 19a. For example, the station unit 2 executes the lottery using a random number to be associated with each level. Incidentally, a play state of each player may be reflected in the lottery. A coin consumption state, a condition setting state during a game, or the like may be used as an example of the play state. In other words, a condition specific to each player or a condition specific to each station unit 2 may be reflected in the lottery of step S12. And, a deviation may occur in a probability that each level will be elected in the lottery by the specific condition. In other words, a probability that a specific level will be elected in the lottery may become high. Furthermore, the payment value obtained by the jackpot privilege may change according to the specific condition, for example, may become twice. [0062] Next, in step SI 3, the station unit 2 notifies the center unit 3 of the lottery result of step SI 2. Then, in step S14, the station unit 2 causes the level lottery moving image LM corresponding to the lottery result of step S12 to display on the station monitor 6. The level lottery moving image LM corresponding to the lottery result may be prepared in advance. Alternatively, the level lottery moving image LM corresponding to the lottery result may be generated for each process based on data to express various kinds of images included in the level lottery moving image LM such as the award image 191 and the diamond image DI. When the process of step S14 ends, the station unit 2 ends the current process.

[0063] Meanwhile, when the lottery result is received from the station unit 2, the center unit 3 starts the bonus game start process routine of Fig. 8. Incidentally, when a plurality of station units 2 satisfy the predetermined provision condition, the center unit 3 executes the routine of Fig. 8 for each station unit 2 in reception order of the lottery results.

[0064] When the routine of Fig. 8 starts, in step S21 , the center unit 3 first determines a target station unit 2. More specifically, the station unit 2 that satisfies the predetermined provision condition, that is, the station unit 2 which should face the provision direction S is determined. For example, this determination is executed based on the notice from the station unit 2. In other words, the station unit 2 that has been notified of the lottery result is determined as the target station unit 2. Next, in step S22, the center unit 3 acquires position information of the target station unit 2 from the station management data 33a. Next, in step S23, the center unit 3 causes the roulette game unit RG to start rotation based on the position information acquired in step S22 such that the provision direction S faces a direction of the target station unit 2. More specifically, the center unit 3 controls the rotary drive mechanism 18 such that the roulette game unit RG starts rotation.

[0065] Next, in step S24, the center unit 3 stops the rotation of the roulette game unit RG at the position at which the provision direction S faces the station unit 2 that satisfies the predetermined provision condition. More specifically, the center unit 3 controls the rotary drive mechanism 18 such that rotation of the roulette game unit RG stops at the position at which the provision direction S faces the station unit 2 that satisfies the predetermined provision condition.

[0066] Next, in step S25, the center unit 3 changes a setting of the level of the jackpot privilege associated with the JP award display portion 19a of the roulette ring 12 and the roulette image RI so that the received lottery result can be reflected. More specifically, the setting of each JP award display portion 19a is changed such that each JP award display portion 19a glitters in a color corresponding to the received lottery result. Further, the content of the roulette image RI is changed such that the diamond image DI with the color corresponding to the lottery result is arranged on the image AI of each of JP award display portion 19a in the roulette image RI.

[0067] Next, in step S26, the center unit 3 starts to provide the roulette game and then ends the current process. As a result, guidance of the level of each jackpot privilege through the level lottery moving image LM is executed in parallel with rotation of the roulette game unit RG. More specifically, the level of the jackpot privilege is decided according to the player or the station unit 2 that satisfies the predetermined provision condition, and the result is guided by the station unit 2 through the level lottery moving image LM during the rotation of the roulette game unit RG. Furthermore, after the rotation of the roulette game unit RG stops, a change of the setting of the JP award display portion 19a and a change of the content of the roulette image RI are started so as to reflect that the content of the level lottery moving image LM. Incidentally, a process to provide a roulette game may be actualized by a well-known process.

[0068] As described above, according to this embodiment, the lottery result to decide the content of each jackpot privilege is guided through the level lottery moving image LM displayed on the station monitor 6. Thus, the level lottery moving image LM can be used for the pocket change effect. As a result, the processes necessary to provide the roulette game can be executed in parallel. Accordingly, a time necessary until the roulette game is provided can be reduced, compared to when the processes are serially executed.

[0069] Further, the setting change of the roulette ring 12 or the like is executed after the rotation of the roulette game unit RG stops. In other words, after the predetermined provision direction S faces the station unit 2, the setting change of the roulette ring 12 or the like is executed. Thus, it is possible to show, for example, a change of the roulette ring 12 corresponding to the lottery result guided by the level lottery moving image LM to the player which is to be provided with the roulette game. Accordingly, the effect can be improved, and thus amusement of the roulette game can be improved.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the station control unit 20 functions as a moving image deciding device, a moving image providing device, and a content deciding device according to the present invention by executing the routine of Fig. 8 through the slot game providing unit 25. Further, the center control unit 30 functions as a position determining device and a rotation control device according to the present invention by executing the routine of Fig. 8 through the roulette game providing unit 35.

[0071] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be embodied in an appropriate embodiment. In the above embodiment, the process of executing the lottery start effect, that is, the process of changing a setting of the roulette ring 12 and content of the roulette image RI in order to reflect the content of the level lottery moving image LM starts after the rotation of the roulette game unit RG stops. In other words, the content guide unit starts to guide the content of each jackpot privilege after the rotation of the roulette game unit RG stops. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment like this. For example, the content guide unit may start to guide the content of each jackpot privilege during the rotation of the roulette game unit RG, that is, before the rotation of the roulette game unit RG stops.

[0072] More specifically, a result of the lottery to decide the level of the jackpot privilege of each JP award display portion 19a may be reflected until the center unit 3 turns the provision direction S to the station unit 2 that satisfies the predetermined provision condition. In other words, for example, in the example of Fig. 4, the reflection of the lottery result may be executed up to the position at which the direction of the dashed line DL facing the neighboring station unit 2b matches the provision direction S. That is, a color of each JP award display portion 19a and the roulette image RI may change during the rotation indicated by the alternate long and short dash line LA so that the lottery result is reflected.

[0073] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart of a bonus game start process routine according to a modified embodiment. More specifically, Fig. 9 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a bonus game start process routine when guidance of the content guide unit starts during rotation of the roulette game unit RG. Compared to the routine of Fig. 8, in the routine of Fig. 9, an order of step S24 and step S25 is reversed as illustrated in Fig. 9. Specifically, the process of step S25 is performed before step S24. As a result, guidance of the content guide unit starts during rotation of the roulette game unit RG. Incidentally, in this case, the rotation velocity may be adjusted such that the provision direction S does not reach the position facing the station unit 2 that satisfies the predetermined provision condition until the process of step S25 ends. Alternatively, the roulette game unit RG may rotate at a predetermined rotation velocity regardless of the end of the process of step S25. In this case, depending on the position of the station unit 2 that satisfies the predetermined provision condition, the setting of the roulette ring 12 may be changed after the roulette game unit RG stops.

[0074] Further, Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a time chart of each process when the routine of Fig. 9 is executed. Compared to the time chart of Fig. 7B, in a time chart of Fig. 10, the processes are further executed in parallel at the center unit 3 side as illustrated in Fig. 10. Specifically, the lottery start effect process is executed during the process of executing the rotation of the roulette game unit RG. Thus, in this case, compared to the example of Fig. 7B, a time necessary until the roulette game starts is reduced by a time period in which both the rotation process of the roulette game unit RG and the lottery start effect process are being executed, specifically, a time of "Dl ." In other words, in this case, a time necessary until the roulette game is provided can be further reduced. Particularly, when a process of rotating the roulette game unit RG is included, a time necessary until the roulette game starts is increased to be longer than when the rotation like this is unnecessary. According to the routine of Fig. 9, the provision of the level lottery moving image LM and the change of the setting of the roulette ring are achieved using the rotation time. Thus, the rotation time can be more effectively used. Incidentally, in this case, even if the pocket change effect is not executed at the station unit 2 side, a time necessary until the roulette game is provided can be reduced by the time of "Dl" compared to when the processes are serially executed. Further, in this case, the lottery to decide content of each jackpot privilege may be executed at the center unit 3 side. [0075] Further, in the above embodiment, the roulette game unit RG rotates such that the provision direction S faces each the station unit 2. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment like this. For example, each station unit 2 may move around the center unit 3 such that the provision direction S faces the station unit 2 which satisfies a predetermined condition. In other words, for example, the game machine may be configured such that each station unit 2 can rotate around the center unit 3.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the lottery to decide the level of each jackpot privilege is executed at the station unit 2 side. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment like this. For example, the lottery to decide the level of each jackpot privilege may be executed at the center unit 3 side. In this case, it is possible to provide the level lottery moving image LM on the station unit 2 side by the notifying of the lottery result of the center unit 3 to the station unit 2. Even in this case, it is possible to cause the station unit 2 to handle most of the pocket change effect. Thus, since the respective processes can be executed in parallel, a time necessary until a game is provided can be reduced, similarly to the above embodiment. Further, entirety of the level lottery moving image LM does not need to be provided in the station unit 2. At least a part of the level lottery moving image LM may be provided in the station unit 2.

[0077] Further, the second game provided by the center unit 3 is not limited to the roulette game. For example, a bingo game using a physical lottery mechanism similarly to the roulette game may be employed as the second game. Further, a video game not employing the physical lottery mechanism may be executed as the second game. Furthermore, a game in which the provision direction is not limited may be used as the second game. In other words, a game that does not include the process of performing rotation such that the provision direction faces the station unit 2 which satisfies the predetermined provision condition may be employed as the second game. As this sort of game, for example, a roulette game using a horizontally arranged roulette wheel or a bingo game referable in each direction may be employed. Further, as this sort of game, a video game referable in a predetermined direction may be employed. In this case, for example, it is possible to skip the process of changing the provision direction such as rotation by arranging of the station unit only in the predetermined direction. Furthermore, the second game is not limited to a game using a lottery. In other words, various kinds of games may be employed as the second game.

[0078] Further, in the above embodiment, a moving image necessary before the provision of the second game starts is displayed on the station monitor 6 as a moving image related to the provision of the second game. However, the process handled by the station unit 2 is not limited to the embodiment like this. For example, when a moving image for guiding, for example, a privilege to be given as a result of a roulette game needs to be displayed in connection with the provision of the roulette game, the moving image like this may be displayed on the station monitor 6. In other words, in the above embodiment, a pre-process related to the roulette game (a process before the roulette game is provided) is handled by the station unit 2 side, but a post-process (a process after the roulette game is provided) may be handled by the station unit 2 side. When the roulette game is provided to a plurality of station units 2 in series, the post-process of a previous roulette game may correspond to the pre-process to provide a next roulette game. In other words, the time necessary for the post-process of the previous roulette game may correspond to the time necessary until the next roulette game is provided. Thus, in this case, the time necessary until the next roulette game is provided can be reduced. Thus, the process handled by the station unit 2 side is not limited to the pocket change effect process. The station unit 2 and the center unit 3 may mutually share various kinds of processes which can be executed in parallel.