WO2014105035A1

WO2014105035A1 - Game machine

Info

Publication number: WO2014105035A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/071955
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tomoaki Hirai; Toru Omoto; Masao Mizoguchi
Original assignee: Konami Gaming, Incorporated
Priority date: 2012-12-28
Filing date: 2012-12-28
Publication date: 2014-07-03

Abstract

Provided is a game machine capable of providing an image in which a part of a roulette wheel is emphasized as a photographing result. A game machine (1) provides a roulette game through a roulette game unit (RG) that uses a roulette ring (12) including a plurality of pockets (16) disposed in a direction along an outer circumference and a ball (B), and selects a privilege such that the ball (B) moving along the outer circumference of the roulette ring (12) enters the pocket (16) of the rotating the roulette ring (12). And, the game machine (1) includes a camera 19 that is arranged such that a photographing direction (SD) is inclined in a rotational direction when viewed from an axis line of a rotational center (CL) of the roulette ring (12), and photographs the pocket 16 in a predetermined range (PR).

Description

GAME MACHINE

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a game machine that provides a roulette game.

Background Art

[0002] There exist game machines providing a roulette game. 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 : JP 4331173 B 1.

Summary of Invention

Technical Problem

[0004] In the game machine disclosed in Patent Literature 1, a roulette ring with a plurality of pockets disposed along an outer circumference thereof is used as a roulette wheel. And, a ball moves so as to turn along the outer circumference of the roulette ring, and a privilege is given according to a pocket in which a ball is accommodated. As described above, in the roulette game, a roulette wheel is generally horizontally arranged, and a ball moves so as to turn around the roulette wheel. And, probabilities that a ball will be accommodated in the pockets of the roulette wheel are theoretically all equal. Thus, each player has to look at the whole roulette wheel. Similarly, for example, when a game result of a roulette wheel, that is, a lottery result is photographed by a camera or the like, since a pocket in which a ball is accommodated is hardly specified, a camera or the like is typically arranged so that all pockets fall within a photographing range. Thus, it is difficult to provide an image in which a specific portion is emphasized as a photographing result.

[0005] In this regard, an object of the present invention is to provide a game machine capable of providing an image in which a part of a roulette wheel is emphasized as a photographing result.

Solution to Problem

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a game machine of the present invention is a game machine providing a roulette game through a roulette mechanism that uses a roulette wheel having a plurality of choices disposed in a direction along an outer circumference and a selection medium whose position with respect to each choice is relatively displaced in a rotational direction, and selects any one of the plurality of choices based on a positional relation between each choice and the selection medium when the relative displacement in the rotational direction occurring between each choice and the selection medium stops, wherein the game machine comprises: at least a photographing device adapted and configured to be arranged such that a photographing direction is inclined in the rotational direction of the relative displacement when viewed from an axis line of a rotational center of the relative displacement, and photograph at least a part of the plurality of choices.

[0007] According to the present invention, a photographing device is obliquely arranged so that at least a part of a plurality of choices is photographed. For this reason, the photographing device can photograph an image in which a photographing direction is biased toward at least a part of choices. In other words, the photographing device can provide an image in which at least a part of choices are more emphasized than the other choices by the bias of the photographing direction. Thus, it is possible to provide an image in which a part of a roulette wheel is emphasized as a photographing result of the photographing device.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0008] Fig. 1 is an external appearance diagram of a game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Fig. 2 is an external appearance diagram of a game machine viewed from behind.

[0010] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a center unit when obliquely viewed.

[0011] Fig. 4 is an enlarged view illustrating a portion in which two cameras of Fig. 2 are disposed.

[0012] Fig. 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a control system of a game machine.

[0013] Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram for describing a relation between a roulette ring and a photographing direction of a camera.

[0014] Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram for describing a role of a first camera.

[0015] Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram for describing a role of a second camera.

[0016] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a guide screen displayed on a background monitor.

[0017] Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a camera deciding process routine.

[0018] Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating a simplified example of the flow from a start of a roulette game to an end thereof. 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 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 first game-side 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 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 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.

[0022] The center unit 3 includes a roulette game unit RG serving as a roulette mechanism. The roulette game unit RG is arranged on a rotatable table (not illustrated). Further, the roulette game unit RG includes a center monitor 11, a roulette ring 12 serving as a roulette wheel, 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. The roulette ring 12 is rotationally driven in a predetermined direction at a predetermined speed by a ring drive mechanism (not illustrated), and then stops at an appropriate timing. Further, the roulette ring 12 is configured to be rotatable in both of a clockwise direction (right-hand rotation) and a counterclockwise direction (left-hand rotation). Around the roulette ring 12, a plurality of pockets 16 serving as a choice and an accommodating unit 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 privilege.

[0023] The ball feeding mechanism 13 is a mechanism for feeding a ball B serving as a selection medium and 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 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 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.

[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. 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 privilege associated with the pocket 16 into which the ball has gone is given to the player.

[0026] Fig. 2 is an external appearance diagram of a game machine viewed from behind. As illustrated in Fig. 2, a background monitor MO serving as a roulette-side display device is provided on the background side of the roulette game unit RG. Specifically, the background monitor MO is arranged on the side opposite to the ball guide path 14 with the roulette ring 12 interposed therebetween. In other words, the background monitor MO is disposed on the side opposite to the side on which the pocket 16 of the roulette ring 12 or the like is disposed. For example, the background monitor MO is used to guide a lottery status to the player who hardly views the lottery result of the roulette ring 12.

[0027] The center unit 3 will be further described with reference to Figs. 3 and 4. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the center unit 3 when obliquely viewed. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the center unit 3 is provided with an inside limiting member 18 serving as a limiting member and two cameras 19 serving as a photographing device. The inside limiting member 18 is disposed on the inside of the ball guide path 14, that is, the roulette ring 12 side (the side opposite to the guard 14g) of the ball guide path 14. The inside limiting member 18 limits a movement of the ball B to the roulette ring 12 side. More specifically, the inside limiting member 18 includes a first limiting unit 18a and a second limiting unit 18b. The first limiting unit 18a and the second limiting unit 18b are arranged so as to be apart from each other by a distance of a predetermined range PR at the pocket 16 side of the roulette ring 12 based on the lowest position of the inclination of the roulette ring 12. As a result, a movement to the roulette ring 12 side is not limited between the first limiting unit 18a and the second limiting unit 18b, that is, within the predetermined range PR. In other words, the inside limiting member 18 is disposed to limit the pocket 16 in which the ball B is accommodated to each pocket 16 positioned in the predetermined range PR.

[0028] The camera 19 is configured to photograph a moving image. Further, the two cameras 19 are arranged in the rotational direction of the roulette ring 12 to be apart from each other by a predetermined interval so as to be able to photograph each pocket 16 positioned within the predetermined range PR in the inclination direction. More specifically, the two cameras 19 are arranged on the guard 14g so as to be apart from each other by a predetermined interval while forming a distance corresponding to a distance between the first limiting unit 18a and the second limiting unit 18b. And, the photographing directions of both the cameras 19R and 19L are inclined such that the first camera 19R serving as the first photographing device positioned on the right side in Fig. 3 photographs each pocket 16 in the predetermined range PR from the right side, and the second camera 19L serving as the second photographing device positioned on the left side photographs the pockets 16 in the predetermined range PR from the left side. The photographing results of the two cameras 19 are provided to the players through a background monitor MO.

[0029] Fig. 4 is an enlarged view illustrating a portion in which the two cameras 19 of Fig. 3 are disposed. As illustrated in Fig. 4, the first camera 19R is arranged so as to correspond to an end portion AE of the first limiting unit 18a, and the second camera 19L is arranged so as to correspond to an end portion BE of the second limiting unit 18b. In other words, the two cameras 19 are arranged so as to be apart from each other by a predetermined interval based on the lowest position of the roulette ring 12, that is, the lowest position LP of the ball guide path 14, similarly to the first limiting unit 18a and the second limiting unit 18b. Further, in order to photograph the three pockets 16 positioned in the predetermined range PR, as the photographing direction, the first camera 19R is directed in not the center direction of the roulette ring 12 but a direction slightly inclined to the lowest position LP side from the center direction, that is, the direction slightly inclined to the left side from the center direction. Similarly, in order to photograph the three pockets 16 in the predetermined range PR, as the photographing direction, the second camera 19L is directed in a direction slightly inclined to the right side from the center direction. The photographing directions of the two cameras 19 will be further described later.

[0030] Next, a configuration of a control system of the game machine 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a control system of the game machine 1. As illustrated in Fig. 5, 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] Meanwhile, the roulette game unit RG including the above-described center monitor 11 and the like is connected to the center control unit 30. Thus, the center monitor 11, the ball feeding mechanism 13, the ring drive mechanism, and the like which are included in the roulette game unit RG are controlled by the center control unit 30. As a result, for example, the rotation, the stop, and the rotational direction of the roulette ring 12 are also controlled by the center control unit 30.

[0037] Furthermore, the cameras 19 (including the first camera 19R and the second camera 19L) and the background monitor MO are connected to the center control unit 30. An operation of a photographing timing of the camera 19 or the like is controlled by the center control unit 30. Further, the photographing result of the camera 19 is output to the center control unit 30. Similarly, the background monitor MO is also controlled by the center control unit 30. For example, the center control unit 30 causes a guide screen 40 using the photographing results of the two cameras 19 to be displayed on the background monitor MO by outputting signals corresponding to the photographing results acquired from the two cameras 19 to the background monitor MO. Incidentally, various devices or mechanisms necessary to provide a roulette game such as a rotary drive mechanism to rotationally drive a table on which the roulette game unit RG is arranged in order to match a predetermined provision direction with the position of each station unit 2 may be connected to the center control unit 30, but an illustration thereof is not provided.

[0038] 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 privilege. 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.

[0039] 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 displaying images on the background monitor MO, a process for controlling the ball feeding mechanism 13, or a process for controlling the ring drive mechanism. [0040] Next, the photographing directions and division of roles of the two cameras 19 will be described with reference to Figs. 6 to 9. Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram for describing a relation between the roulette ring 12 and the photographing direction of the camera 19. More specifically, Fig. 6 schematically illustrates the roulette ring 12 and the two cameras 19 which are viewed from the top in a direction of an axis line of the rotational center of the roulette ring 12. As illustrated in Fig. 6, when the two cameras 19 are viewed from the top in a direction of an axis line of a rotational center CL of the roulette ring 12, the two cameras 19 are arranged with a provision direction S, which is interposed therebetween, extending from the rotational center CL toward to the lowest position. Meanwhile, the predetermined range PR in which the ball B is guided to the pocket 16 is defined such that the lowest position of the inclination, that is, the provision direction S is positioned at the center. In other words, the two cameras 19 are not arranged in front of the predetermined range PR. For this reason, both of the photographing directions SD of the two cameras 19 are inclined in the rotational direction of the roulette ring 12, that is, toward an outer circumference OL side (a trajectory side of rotation of the pocket 16) of the roulette ring 12 with respect to the radial direction facing the rotational center CL of the roulette ring 12 in order to photograph the predetermined range PR. As a result, the photographing directions SD of the two cameras 19 extend to cross the provision direction S. Thus, the rotational center CL is not positioned on an extension of the photographing direction SD. In other words, the two cameras 19 are arranged such that the photographing directions SD are inclined in order to photograph the predetermined range PR in the inclination direction.

[0041] In the example of Fig. 6, the photographing direction SD1 of the first camera 19R is set such that a part of the predetermined range PR including the lowest position of the inclination falls within a photographing range RR. More specifically, the first camera 19R is arranged so as to photograph a right-side range including the lowest position of the inclination in the predetermined range PR. Meanwhile, the photographing direction SD2 of the second camera 19L is set such that a part of the predetermined range PR including the lowest position of the inclination falls within a photographing range LR. More specifically, the second camera 19L is arranged so as to photograph a left-side range including the lowest position of the inclination in the predetermined range PR. In other words, the two cameras 19 perform photographing to include the lowest position of the inclination as a common photographing range and share a part of the predetermined range PR.

[0042] The two cameras 19 photograph the predetermined range PR while performing division of roles according to the rotational direction of the roulette ring 12. Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram for describing a role of the first camera 19R. As illustrated in Fig. 7, when the roulette ring 12 performs left-hand rotation (rotation in a counterclockwise direction), the first camera 19R photographs the predetermined range PR. When the roulette ring 12 performs left-hand rotation, the ball B is likely to enter the pockets 16 on the right side in the predetermined range PR due to influence of rotation of the roulette ring 12. For this reason, the first camera 19R having the right-side range of the predetermined range PR as the photographing range RR is used. Meanwhile, Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram for describing a role of the second camera 19L. As illustrated in Fig. 8, when the roulette ring 12 performs right-hand rotation (rotation in a clockwise direction), the second camera 19L photographs the predetermined range PR. When the roulette ring 12 performs right- hand rotation, the ball B is likely to enter the pockets 16 on the left side in the predetermined range PR due to influence of rotation of the roulette ring 12. For this reason, the second camera 19L having the left-side range of the predetermined range PR as the photographing range LR is used. Incidentally, the division of roles of the two cameras 19 is not limited to the presence or absence of photographing according to the rotational direction. For example, the division of roles may be performed in connection with provision of the photographing result to the background monitor MO. In other words, the photographing result used for a display of the background monitor MO may be switched between the cameras 19L and 19R according to the rotational direction. In this case, the two cameras 19 may photograph the predetermined range PR regardless of the rotational direction.

[0043] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a guide screen displayed on the background monitor MO. Further, Fig. 9 illustrates an example of a guide screen when the roulette ring 12 performs left-hand rotation. In this case, an image obtained by photographing the predetermined range PR obliquely in the right direction, that is, an image photographed by the first camera 19R is used as the guide screen 40 as illustrated in Fig. 9. More specifically, the guide screen 40 includes a ring image 121 corresponding to the roulette ring 12 and a ball image BI corresponding to the ball B. Further, since the photographing result of the first camera 19R is used, rotation of the roulette ring 12 that approaches from the rear to the front side is expressed by the ring image 121. The ball B is likely to enter the pocket 16 positioned at the lowest position of the inclination of the roulette ring 12. Thus, the pocket 16 moving toward the lowest position is the pockets 16 which the ball B is likely to enter. The pocket 16 which the ball B is likely to enter is expressed on the guide screen 40 through the ring image 121 such that the pocket 16 gradually becomes bigger from the rear side toward the front side. As a result, in case of the left-hand rotation, the ring image 121 is expressed such that the right portion of the predetermined range PR in which the ball B is likely to enter becomes bigger. [0044] Next, the camera deciding process will be described. The camera deciding process is executed to decide the camera 19 that is to photograph the predetermined range PR (or the camera 19 whose photographing result is to be used for a display of the guide screen 40). For example, the camera deciding process is executed through the roulette game providing unit 35 by the center control unit 30. Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a camera deciding process routine. For example, the routine of Fig. 10 is executed each time the rotational direction of the roulette ring 12 is decided. Further, for example, the rotational direction of the roulette ring 12 is decided by a lottery before the roulette game starts each time the roulette game is provided. Incidentally, the station control unit 20 and the center control unit 30 execute various kinds of known processes in order to provide the slot game or the roulette game in addition to the routine of Fig. 10, but a detailed description will not be made.

[0045] When the routine of Fig. 10 starts, in step SI 1 , the roulette game providing unit 35 first acquires the rotational direction of the roulette ring 12 used by the current roulette game. For example, the rotational direction is decided by a lottery with the provision of the roulette game as described above. In other words, for example, the roulette game providing unit 35 acquires the lottery result. Next, in step S12, the roulette game providing unit 35 decides the camera 19 that is to execute photographing from the two cameras 19. Specifically, as the camera 19 that is to execute photographing, the roulette game providing unit 35 decides the first camera 19R when the rotational direction acquired in step Sl l is the left-hand rotation, but decides the second camera 19L when the rotational direction acquired in step Sl l is the right-hand rotation. And, when the process of step S12 ends, the roulette game providing unit 35 ends the current routine. As a result, the camera 19 that is to execute photographing is switched according to the rotational direction. Incidentally, in step S12 of the routine of Fig. 10, the camera 19 that is to be used as photographing result for a display of the guide screen 40 may be decided rather than the camera 19 that is to execute photographing.

[0046] Next, a photographing start timing and a photographing end timing of each camera 19 will be described. Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating a simplified example of the flow from the start of the roulette game to the end thereof. As illustrated in Fig. 11 , during a period of time from the start of the roulette game to the end thereof, steps such as game start step, ball feeding step, ball in step, and game end step are performed. For example, four timings "A" to "D" may be employed as photographing start timing in steps described above. Specifically, as a timing "A", that is, game start step, for example, a rendering start timing with the start of the roulette game may be employed. For example, a display for notifying of the start of the roulette game such as "roulette game start" may be employed as this rendering. As a timing "B", that is, a timing between game start step and ball feeding step, for example, a timing in which a predetermined time elapses after the rendering starts with the start of the roulette game may be employed. As a timing "C", that is, as ball feeding step, for example, a timing at which the ball feeding mechanism 13 feeds the ball B to the ball guide path 14 may be employed. As a timing "D", that is, a timing between ball feeding step and ball in step, for example, a timing in which a predetermined time elapses after the ball feeding mechanism 13 feeds the ball B may be employed.

[0047] Meanwhile, for example, four timings "E" to "H" may be employed as the photographing end timing. Specifically, a timing "E", that is, as pocket in step, for example, a timing in which the ball B is accommodated in the pocket 16 (a ball detecting sensor in the pocket 16 detects the ball B) may be employed. As a timing "F\ that is, a timing between pocket in step and game end step, for example, a timing in which a predetermined time elapses after the ball B enters the pocket 16 may be employed. As a timing "G", that is, a game end timing, for example, an end rendering start timing with the end of the roulette game may be employed. For example, as this end rendering, a result of the roulette game, that is, a display for notifying of a privilege corresponding to the pocket 16 selected by the ball B may be employed. As a timing "H", a timing after game end step may be employed. As this timing, for example, a timing in which a predetermined time elapses after the end rendering may be employed. For example, the above-mentioned timings may be employed as the photographing start timing and the photographing end timing of each camera 19. As a result, the process until the ball B enters the pocket 16 is appropriately photographed.

[0048] As described above, according to this embodiment, the rotational center CL of the roulette ring 12 is not positioned on an extension in the photographing direction SD, but the cameras 19 are arranged such that the radial direction (for example, the provision direction S) of the roulette ring 12 crosses the photographing direction SD. In other words, the camera 19 is arranged to be inclined in the inclination direction. More specifically, the photographing direction SD of the camera 19 is inclined in a circumferential direction (to the outer circumference side) such that the pockets 16 positioned within the predetermined range PR rather than the whole roulette ring 12 is photographed. Generally, in order to photograph the whole roulette ring 12, the photographing direction of the camera is directed in the center direction such that the whole roulette ring 12 falls within the photographing range in a balanced manner. Meanwhile, as described above, according to this embodiment, the photographing direction SD of the camera 19 is inclined to focus on a part of the roulette ring 12. Thus, since the photographing result obtained by photographing some of the pockets 16 can be acquired, an image in which some pockets 16 are emphasized can be acquired.

[0049] Further, the roulette ring 12 is obliquely arranged so as to have a height difference. Thus, the moving range of the ball B can be limited to the lower side of the inclination. As a result, the pockets 16 which the ball B enters can be limited to the pockets 16 positioned at the lower side. Furthermore, the inside limiting member 18 is disposed on the ball guide path 14. Thus, the pockets 16 which the ball B enters can be further limited to the pockets 16 within the predetermined range PR at the lower side. In other words, a range in which the ball B enters the pocket 16 can be limited to the predetermined range PR which is a part of the moving range of the ball B. And, the camera 19 performs photographing focusing on the predetermined range PR so as to emphasize the predetermined range PR. In other words, the photographing result in which a range in which the ball B enters the pocket 16, that is, a winning range is emphasized can be acquired through the camera 19. Thus, an image in which the winning range in which the player is highly interested is emphasized as the photographing result can be provided to the player through the background monitor MO.

[0050] The rotation of the roulette ring 12 may be controlled such that the ball B is positioned at the lowest portion of the roulette ring 12 after the ball B enters the pocket 16 and so winning is made. Through control of the rotation of the roulette ring 12, even when the pocket 16 which the ball B has entered moves to a range outside the photographing range (outside the predetermined range PR) of the cameras 19R and 19L photographing the ball B shortly after the ball B has entered the pocket 16, the pocket 16 which the ball B has entered can be repositioned to the lowest portion of the roulette ring 12 (the center of the predetermined range PR). As a result, content of the winning can be reliably provided to each player who is viewing the background monitor MO.

[0051] Furthermore, the background monitor MO is disposed on the background side. Since the roulette ring 12 is inclined, a movement of the ball B is not viewed on the side opposite to the ball guide path 14 side with the roulette ring 12 interposed between the two sides. In other words, a dead angle at which a movement of the ball B is not viewed occurs by the roulette ring 12. However, according to this embodiment, a movement of the ball B, particularly, a movement of the ball B in a range having a high winning possibility can be provided to the player at the dead angle side through the background monitor MO.

[0052] Further, the photographed image to be provided to the background monitor MO is switched between the photographed image of the first camera 19R and the photographed image of the second camera 19L according to the rotational direction of the roulette ring 12. As described above, a range that needs to be further emphasized in the predetermined range PR changes according to the rotational direction. For example, the range that needs to be further emphasized in the predetermined range PR is the right-side range of the predetermined range in the case of the left-hand rotation and is the left-side range in the case of the right-hand rotation of the predetermined range. According to this embodiment, the photographing direction and the photographing range are switched according to the rotational direction, and thus an image in which the predetermined range PR is emphasized can be more effectively photographed. Further, in this image, the pocket 16 having the winning possibility is effectively photographed as described above. Thus, through this image switching, more powerful rendering can be provided.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the center control unit 30 functions as a rotational direction acquiring device and a photographing result providing device according to the present invention by executing the routine of Fig. 10 through the roulette game providing unit 35.

[0054] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be embodied in an appropriate embodiment. In the above embodiment, the roulette ring 12 is obliquely arranged such that there is a height difference between the pockets 16. However, the arrangement of the roulette ring 12 is not limited to this example. For example, the roulette ring 12 may be horizontally arranged. For example, in this case, a range in which the ball B enters the pocket 16, that is, the winning range may be limited to a predetermined range by the inside limiting member 18.

[0055] In the above embodiment, the roulette game unit RG using a movement of both the roulette ring 12 and the ball B may be employed as a roulette mechanism. However, the roulette mechanism is not limited to this embodiment. For example, a selecting member that is fixed to a predetermined position and does not move may be used instead of the ball B. Further, in this case, a choice disposed in the roulette wheel is not limited to the pocket 16. For example, a plurality of privilege display units formed so as to delimit the outer circumference of the roulette wheel for each privilege may be used as a choice. And, the roulette wheel may rotate with respect to the fixed selecting member, and a privilege corresponding to the privilege display unit in which the selecting member is located may be given when the rotation stops. In this case, the winning range in the range in which each choice rotationally moves is limited to the position at which the selecting member is arranged. In other words, even when the inclination or the inside limiting member 18 is not provided, an entering range can be limited to a specific range. In this case, the selecting member functions as a selection medium. In other words, various kinds of embodiments may be employed as the selection medium as long as the position of roulette wheel with respect to a plurality of choices is relatively displaced in the rotational direction.

[0056] Furthermore, the roulette wheel may not rotate. For example, when the privilege display unit is actualized by a display device such as a monitor, the roulette wheel may not move, and content of a privilege displayed on the display device may change so as to render a rotation effect. In other words, various kinds of embodiments may be employed as the roulette wheel and the selection medium as long as a relative displacement in the rotational direction occurs between each choice of the roulette wheel and the selection medium.

[0057] In the above embodiment, as the photographed image to be displayed on the background monitor MO, the photographing result of the first camera 19R is provided in the case of the left-hand rotation, and the photographing result of the second camera 19L is provided in the case of the right-hand rotation. However, a relation between the rotational direction and the camera 19 to be used is not limited to this embodiment. For example, contrary to the above embodiment, the photographing result of the first camera 19R may be used in the case of the right-hand rotation, and the photographing result of the second camera 19L may be used in the case of the left- hand rotation.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the photographing result of the camera 19 is provided to the background monitor MO. However, the provision destination of the photographing result of the camera 19 is not limited to the background monitor MO. For example, when a display device is provided on a side surface of the roulette game unit RG, the side display may be used as the provision destination of the photographing result of the camera 19. In other words, the guide screen 40 may be displayed on the side display. Further, for example, the station monitor 6 may be employed as the provision destination of the photographing result of the camera 19. In other words, the guide screen 40 may be displayed on the station monitor 6. In this case, the selection result can be more appropriately guided to the player of each station monitor 6 positioned at the dead angle. Furthermore, the provision destination of the photographing result of the camera 19 is not limited to the game machine 1. For example, the photographing result of the camera 19 may be provided to a display device other than the display device included in the game machine 1. For example, when the game machine 1 is arranged in a predetermined facility, the photographing result of the camera 19 may be displayed on a display device or the like of another game machine arranged in the facility. Alternatively, a large-scale monitor arranged in a facility to be shared by the players may be used as the provision destination of the photographing result of the camera 19. In other words, the guide screen 40 may be provided to other players in the facility, and the selection result of the game machine 1 may be widely guided. As a result, since it is possible to attract the interest of the players of other game machines, it is possible to induce the players to the game machine 1.

Claims

Claims What is claimed is:

1. A game machine providing a roulette game through a roulette mechanism that uses a roulette wheel having a plurality of choices disposed in a direction along an outer circumference and a selection medium whose position with respect to each choice is relatively displaced in a rotational direction, and selects any one of the plurality of choices based on a positional relation between each choice and the selection medium when the relative displacement in the rotational direction occurring between each choice and the selection medium stops, wherein the game machine comprises:

at least a photographing device adapted and configured to be arranged such that a photographing direction is inclined in the rotational direction of the relative displacement when viewed from an axis line of a rotational center of the relative displacement, and photograph at least a part of the plurality of choices.

2. The game machine according to claim 1 ,

wherein the photographing device includes a first photographing device and a second photographing device adapted and configured to be arranged to be apart from each other by a predetermined interval in the rotational direction such that a common photographing range is included as the at least a part, and

the roulette mechanism is configured such that the relative displacement occurs in both a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction as the rotational direction.

3. The game machine according to claim 2, further comprising:

a rotational direction acquiring device adapted and configured to acquire the rotational direction in which the relative displacement occurs; and a photographing result providing device adapted and configured to provide, as a photographed image to be displayed on a display device, a photographing result of the first photographing device when the rotational direction is the counterclockwise direction and a photographing result of the second photographing device when the rotational direction is the clockwise direction, based on an acquisition result of the rotational direction acquiring device.

4. The game machine according to claim 2 or 3,

wherein the roulette mechanism is configured such that any one of the plurality of choices is selected in a specific range of a displacement range of the relative displacement, and

the first photographing device and the second photographing device are arranged such that the specific range is included in the common photographing range.

5. The game machine according to claim 4,

wherein a portable physical medium is used as the selection medium, a roulette ring with circular shape is used as the roulette wheel,

a plurality of accommodating units that accommodate the physical medium is provided in the roulette ring as the plurality of choices,

the roulette mechanism is provided with a guide path which extends along the outer circumference of the roulette wheel so as to guide the physical medium to a side of the plurality of accommodating units,

the relative displacement in the rotational direction occurs between each accommodating unit and the physical medium due to a movement of the physical medium on the outer circumference of the roulette ring along the guide path and a rotation of the roulette ring in the rotational direction,

a limiting member that limits the accommodating unit in which the physical medium is accommodated to the accommodating units positioned in a predetermined range of a moving path of the physical medium is provided on the guide path, and the roulette mechanism employs the predetermined range as the specific range by being configured so as to select any one of the plurality of choices in the predetermined range through the limiting member.

6. The game machine according to claim 4,

the roulette ring is obliquely arranged such that there is a height difference between the accommodating units in order to limit the accommodating unit in which the physical medium is accommodated to the accommodating units positioned in a predetermined range of a moving path of the physical medium, and

the roulette mechanism employs the predetermined range as the specific range by being configured so as to select any one of the plurality of choices in the predetermined range due to the height difference.

7. The game machine according to claim 6, wherein the guide path is further provided with a limiting member to limit the accommodating unit in which the physical medium is accommodated to the accommodating units positioned in the predetermined range.

8. The game machine according to any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising at least a roulette-side display device that displays a guide screen guiding a selected choice based on photographed images of the first photographing device and the second photographing device,

wherein the roulette-side display device is arranged so as to display the guide screen at a side opposite to the guide path side on which the guide path is disposed with the roulette ring interposed therebetween.

9. The game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: a first game unit that provides a first game providing an opportunity to play the roulette game; and

a second game unit that provides the roulette game as a second game when a predetermined provision condition is satisfied in the first game,

wherein the first game unit is provided with a first game-side display device that displays a game screen related to the first game, and

the first game-side display device further displays a guide screen guiding a selected choice based on the photographed image of the photographing device.