Patents by Inventor Kazuo Okada

Kazuo Okada has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20090203450
    Abstract: A message display area 85 of a sub monitor 111 provided in each station 101 displays contents uttered by each player through a microphone 116 provided in each station 101 in an output language of the station 101 in question. The contents displayed on the message display area 85 are outputted as speech from a speaker 117. The speech outputted from speaker 117 is outputted in the output language of the station 101 in question, as well. If the output language differs from the language used by the player when the player makes an utterance through the microphone 116 of the station 101, the setting of the output language is changed to the language used by the player. The setting of the output language is changed by using a language selecting button 88 displayed on the sub monitor 111.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Publication number: 20090203438
    Abstract: A gaming machine outputs a welcome message or a conversation sentence from an output unit to a player in the sounds and characters while sequentially changing the used language types. When the welcome message in a desirable language in a game is outputted, the player inputs, into an input unit, a response message or sentence responding to the welcome message in the sound or characters using the desirable language. Thereafter, the gaming machine outputs, from the output unit, a message or a conversation sentence in the sound or characters to request an approval to execute the game by using the language used in the response message. The player inputs, into the input unit, a message or a response sentence of an approval for the request message in the sound or characters. After the input of the approval message, the gaming machine converses with the player in sounds and characters using the language approved in the approval message.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Kazuo OKADA
  • Publication number: 20090203426
    Abstract: A slot machine 1 of the present invention makes a control so as to: sequentially store the number of game values consumed per unit game; sequentially store the number of game values given per unit game; calculating a difference between the total number of game values given and the total number of game values consumed, as a game value difference; voice-outputting, by the conversation controller 91, an answer 136 corresponding to the game value difference from the speaker 23 in response to a voice input through the microphone 90, when the game value difference reaches a predetermined value; and delete the stored numbers of game values given and consumed, under a predetermined condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Kazuo OKADA
  • Publication number: 20090203443
    Abstract: A gaming machine generates and outputs a reply sentence in accordance with a player voice recognized, executes a first game based on an operation of a player, and executes a second game different from the first game when a result of the first game meets a predetermined condition. When the first game is executed, the gaming machine prohibits an output of the reply sentence. When the second game is executed, the gaming machine outputs the reply sentence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuo OKADA
  • Patent number: 7567244
    Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit for driving a liquid crystal display, capable of improving the quality of an image displayed by preventing an imbalance between the outputs of a pair of amplifiers for positive voltage and negative voltage for AC driving of the liquid crystal panel and transmission of noise from one amplifier to the other amplifier is realized. A driver circuit that generates and outputs dive signals to be applied to signal lines of the liquid crystal panel includes decoder circuits, each of which selects a gray-scale voltage corresponding to image data. It also includes amplifiers for positive voltage which perform impedance conversion of positive voltages selected by the decoder circuits and amplifiers for negative voltage which perform impedance conversion of negative voltages selected by the decoder circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Renesas Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Shinobu Nohtomi, Toshikazu Tachibana, Shinya Suzuki, Kazuo Okada
  • Patent number: 7562872
    Abstract: A gaming machine includes a cabinet, a lower liquid crystal display, a manual adjustment mechanism and liquid storage portions. The lower liquid crystal display is attached to the cabinet. The manual adjustment mechanism adjusts an attachment angle of the lower liquid crystal display with respect to the cabinet, in accordance with a movement of the lower liquid crystal display. The liquid storage portion has liquid and a plurality of inclination indicators. The attachment angle is presented based on a relative positional relation between the liquid and the inclination indicators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Aruze Corp.
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Publication number: 20090111568
    Abstract: A slot machine of the present invention comprises: a symbol display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of symbols; and a controller, the controller programmed to execute the processing of: (A) executing a normal game in which the plurality of symbols are variably displayed and then stop-displayed by the symbol display device after game media have been BET in number equal to or less than a previously set maximum number of BETs, and a payout value is determined according to the stop-displayed symbols or a combination thereof; (B) shifting a mode from a non-insurance mode to an insurance mode on condition that a predetermined number of game media have been inserted; (C) counting the number of normal games played after the mode has been shifted to the insurance mode, in the insurance mode; and (D) paying out a predetermined number of game media and also conducting a free game that is executed even without a game medium BET thereon, when the number of normal games counted in the processing (C) has r
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Publication number: 20090104982
    Abstract: A game system includes plural gaming machine and a common display. Also, the game system has a processor, the processor making image effects of a display of a predetermined gaming machine and image effects of a common display cooperate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Publication number: 20090104983
    Abstract: A game system includes plural gaming machine and a common display. Also, the gaming machine has a controller. The controller communicates with other gaming machines so as to make image effects of each of the displays of the plural gaming machines cooperate if any of the gaming machines meets a predetermined condition. Accordingly, entertainment aspects are enhanced, and it allows attracting the players.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Kazuo OKADA
  • Patent number: 7520812
    Abstract: During a slot machine game, game effects are also displayed on a liquid crystal panel 39d provided in a reel display window unit 39, and thus the liquid crystal panel 39d serves as a new machine component for performing game effects. Therefore, new effects for the game can be performed on the liquid crystal panel 39d, which facilitates maintaining the novelty of game effects. Furthermore, since the reel glass base 39b is black-colored, any light incident on the reel glass base 39b is not easy to be reflected on the liquid crystal panel 39d. Consequently no light incident on the reel glass base 39b is mirrored into the liquid crystal panel 39d.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: ARUZE Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Publication number: 20090098926
    Abstract: With a slot machine, a reel band is wound around a reel and the reel band has plural tabs along a side edge thereof. Each of the tabs has a barcode. A symbol position on a display window is detected by reading the barcode with a barcode reader when spinning of the reel has stopped. And then, it is determined whether or not a winning combination is achieved. Therefore, a symbol position can be detected reliably when the reel has stopped. Furthermore, since the barcode is provided on a side surface of the reel, an installing position of the barcode reader can be arranged flexibly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Publication number: 20090082084
    Abstract: A gaming machine 13 determines a position of a symbol statically displayed corresponding to a random number thus generated, statically displays the video reels 3A to 3E which were rotationally displayed in sequence, in a case where a bonus game is statically displayed, displays an image corresponding to the total number of the bonus symbols statically displayed on the display every time the video reels 3A to 3E are statically displayed. Furthermore, in a case where the total number of the bonus symbols which were statically displayed is a predetermined number, and when the bonus symbol included in a video reel to be statically displayed next is determined to be stopped at a predetermined stop position, displays a predetermined image on the display while the video reel to be statically displayed next is being rotationally displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Kazuo OKADA
  • Publication number: 20090082085
    Abstract: The slot machine 10 according to the present invention executes a game which pays out the amount of credits corresponding to the state of the rearrangement of a plurality of the symbols; switches a mode from a non-insurance mode to an insurance mode based on a predetermined condition; counts the number of games executed after switching to an insurance mode; in a case where the state of the rearrangement of a plurality of symbols matches a predetermined symbol combination, stores in a memory the point to which a predetermined amount of points is cumulatively added; and pay out the amount of credits corresponding to the point stored in a memory when the number of games counted reaches a specified number of games.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Kazuo OKADA
  • Publication number: 20090082093
    Abstract: The gaming machine 10 executes a game which pays out the amount of credits corresponding to a rearrangement state of a plurality of the symbols, switches a mode from a non-insurance mode to an insurance mode based on a predetermined condition, counts the number of games executed after switching to an insurance mode, in a case where a game which paid out more than a predetermined amount of credits has been executed before the number of games counted reaches a specified number of games, the rearrangement state of the plurality of symbols matches a predetermined symbol combination, and alternatively, the specified winning is generated, continues without resetting the insurance mode to which it was switched, and pays out a predetermined amount of credits when the number of games counted reaches a specified number of games.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Kazuo OKADA
  • Publication number: 20090054150
    Abstract: A return is reliably executed to a player who has paid a predetermined amount to a game machine. The timing of this return is determined by lottery, and its result is displayed on the game machine. This thrills the player with expectation of the return, thereby keeping the player long on the same game machine. As the result, it is avoidable that the player waiting for a prize for a long time loses enthusiasm for the game and keeps away from the hall (i.e., a reduction in the number of customers).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: ARUZE Corp.
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Publication number: 20090054128
    Abstract: A slot machine of the present invention comprises: a symbol display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of symbols; and a controller, the controller programmed to execute the processing of: (A) executing a game in which the plurality of symbols are variably displayed and then stop-displayed to the symbol display device after game media are BET in number equal to or less than a previously set maximum number of BETs, and game media are paid out in number according to the stop-displayed symbols or a combination thereof; (B) shifting a mode from a non-insurance mode to an insurance mode on condition that a predetermined number of game media is inserted; (C) counting the number of games played after shifting to the insurance mode, in the insurance mode; (D) paying out a predetermined number of game media when the number of games counted in the processing (C) reaches a specific number; and (E) clearing the number of games counted in the processing (C), when a game is played in which game media are pai
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: Aruze Corp.
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Patent number: 7485039
    Abstract: A gaming machine comprises a cabinet, a decoration panels disposed on the front of the cabinet, display windows provided on the front of the cabinet, a plurality of rotatary reels, each of which has a plurality of symbols on an outer peripheries thereof, a plurality of symbols being visible through the display windows, a light source unit for illuminating said decorate panels from the inside of said cabinet, and a reflection units for guiding the light emitted from the light source unit to illuminate the plurality of symbols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Aruze Corp.
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Publication number: 20090029764
    Abstract: In a collective control of plural game machines placed in the same parlor, it is detected whether there is player change on each game machine and, based on the detection result, the credit cumulative consumption on each game machine is managed player by player. When the credit cumulative consumption of a certain player reaches a predetermined upper limit, payout return is executed to this player. The display status and non-display status of information about the upper limit can be switched depending on the play status. Therefore, the player can perform a game without anxiety while enjoying amusement of the game. As the result, the problem of missing customers is eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: ARUZE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kazuo OKADA
  • Publication number: 20090029760
    Abstract: A slot machine of the present invention comprises: a symbol display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of symbols; an image display device; and a controller, the controller programmed to conduct the processing of: (A) executing a game in which the plurality of symbols are variably displayed and then stop-displayed to the symbol display device after game media are BET in number equal to or less than a previously set maximum number of BETs, and game media are paid out in number according to the plurality of symbols stop-displayed or a combination thereof; (B) shifting a mode from a non-insurance mode to an insurance mode on condition that a predetermined number of game media is inserted; (C) counting the number of games played after shifting to the insurance mode, in the insurance mode; (D) paying out a predetermined number of game media when the number of games counted in the processing (C) reaches a specific number; (E) shifting the mode from the insurance mode to the non-insurance mode, when t
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: Aruze Corp.
    Inventor: Kazuo OKADA
  • Patent number: 7479061
    Abstract: A gaming machine includes: a variable display means for producing variable display of a plurality of symbols; a front display means being provided in front of the variable display means for enabling a player to see symbols on the variable display means through the front display means, the front display means being capable of displaying various images; and a display scaling means for making it possible to scale up or down display on the front display means and/or the variable display means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: ARUZE Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada