U.S. patent application number 09/783096 was filed with the patent office on 2001-08-16 for game system.
Invention is credited to Kusuda, Kazuhiro.
Application Number | 20010014619 09/783096 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 18561202 |
Filed Date | 2001-08-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010014619 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kusuda, Kazuhiro |
August 16, 2001 |
Game system
Abstract
A running model whose running ability changes in accordance with
a given environment is caused to run on a field. The field includes
two types of tracks (12, 13), and hence the running model runs
differently on the tracks (12, 13) depending on the current running
ability, thereby providing the running model with variable factors
of the running ability.
Inventors: |
Kusuda, Kazuhiro; (Tokyo,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SUGHRUE, MION, ZINN, MACPEAK & SEAS, PLLC
2100 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington
DC
20037
US
|
Family ID: |
18561202 |
Appl. No.: |
09/783096 |
Filed: |
February 15, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/6 ;
273/138.1; 273/138.2; 273/139; 273/237; 273/246; 463/1; 463/16;
463/25; 463/29; 700/90; 700/91; 700/92 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 9/143 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/6 ; 463/1;
463/16; 463/25; 463/29; 700/90; 700/91; 700/92; 273/246; 273/237;
273/138.1; 273/138.2; 273/139 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 15, 2000 |
JP |
P2000-037291 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A game system, comprising: a racing field formed on a
predetermined board; and a running model, to which an inherent
ability parameter varying in accordance with a given environment is
assigned, caused to run a race on the racing field, wherein the
racing field comprises a plurality of field regions in which the
running model runs based on a current ability parameter, in
accordance with the respective field regions.
2. The game system of claim 1, wherein one of the field regions is
a region maintained so that the running model performs steady
running in which a current ability parameter of the running model
is maximized, and the other one of the field regions is a region
formed so as to obstruct the steady running.
3. The game system of claim 1, wherein one of the field regions is
a flat region maintained not to obstruct the running of the running
model, and the other one of the field regions is a region in which
obstacles are arranged on part of a track on which the running
model runs.
4. The game system of claim 1, wherein one of the field regions is
a region simulating a turf course, and the other one of the field
regions is a region simulating a dirt course in which soil is
exposed.
5. The game system of claim 1, wherein a passageway is formed
between the plurality of field regions so that the running model
can enter and exit, and the same running model can run on races on
the plurality of field regions.
6. The game system of claim 5, wherein the plurality of field
regions form concentric racing courses.
7. The game system of claim 1, further comprising a game value
adding device which adds a game value in accordance with a result
of the race.
8. A game system, comprising: a racing field formed on a
predetermined board; and a running model, to which an inherent
ability parameter varying in accordance with a given environment is
assigned, caused to run a race on the racing field, wherein the
racing field comprises a plurality of field regions which provide
the running model with variable factors of the ability parameter,
the variable factors differing in accordance with running of the
running model in the respective field regions.
9. The game system of claim 8, wherein one of the field regions is
a region maintained so that the running model performs steady
running in which a current ability parameter of the running model
is maximized, and the other one of the field regions is a region
formed so as to obstruct the steady running.
10. The game system of claim 8, wherein one of the field regions is
a flat region maintained not to obstruct the running of the running
model, and the other one of the field regions is a region in which
obstacles are arranged on part of a track on which the running
model runs.
11. The game system of claim 8, wherein one of the field regions is
a region simulating a turf course, and the other one of the field
regions is a region simulating a dirt course in which soil is
exposed.
12. The game system of claim 8, wherein a passageway is formed
between the plurality of field regions so that the running model
can enter and exit, and the same running model can run on races on
the plurality of field regions.
13. The game system of claim 12, wherein the plurality of field
regions form concentric racing courses.
14. The game system of claim 8, further comprising a game value
adding device which adds a game value in accordance with a result
of the race.
15. A game system, comprising: a racing field formed on a
predetermined board; and a plurality of running models, to each of
which an inherent ability parameter varying in accordance with a
given environment is assigned, caused to run a race on the racing
field, wherein the racing field comprises a plurality of field
regions in which each of the running models runs based on a current
ability parameter in accordance with the respective field regions,
whereby each of the running models is provided with variable
factors of the ability parameter, the variable factors differing in
accordance with running of each of the running models.
16. The game system of claim 15, wherein one of the field regions
is a region maintained so that the running model performs steady
running in which a current ability parameter of the running model
is maximized, and the other one of the field regions is a region
formed so as to obstruct the steady running.
17. The game system of claim 15, wherein one of the field regions
is a flat region maintained not to obstruct the running of the
running model, and the other one of the field regions is a region
in which obstacles are arranged on part of a track on which the
running model runs.
18. The game system of claim 15, wherein one of the field regions
is a region simulating a turf course, and the other one of the
field regions is a region simulating a dirt course in which soil is
exposed.
19. The game system of claim 15, wherein a passageway is formed
between the plurality of field regions so that the running model
can enter and exit, and the same running model can run on races on
the plurality of field regions.
20. The game system of claim 19, wherein the plurality of field
regions form concentric racing courses.
21. The game system of claim 15, further comprising a game value
adding device which adds a game value in accordance with a result
of the race.
22. A game system for holding a race by causing a running image, to
which an inherent ability parameter whose value varies in
accordance with a given environment is assigned, to run a race on
an electronically-formed racing field image, wherein the racing
field comprises a plurality of field regions in which the result of
processing the current ability parameter using processes differing
in accordance with the respective regions is reflected, the field
regions providing the running image with variable factors of the
ability parameter, the variable factors differing in accordance
with running of the running image, and wherein one of the field
regions is a region simulating a turf course, the other one of the
field regions is a region simulating a dirt course in which soil is
exposed, in which the condition of the turf in the region
simulating the turf course and the condition of the soil in the
region simulating the dirt course can be adjusted.
23. The game system of claim 22, further comprising a game value
adding device which adds a game value in accordance with a result
of the race.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to game systems for holding a
racing game, such as a horse racing game, in which a plurality of
players get together and use running objects to participate in the
same race. More particularly, the present invention relates to a
game system for progressing a race in accordance with ability
parameters of running objects while changing the running parameters
of the running objects.
[0003] The present application is based on Japanese Patent
Application No. 2000-037291, which is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Concerning arcade game systems installed at game centers and
the like, there are horse racing game systems simulating actual
horse racing, cycle racing game systems simulating cycle racing,
and track-and-field game systems simulating various track-and-field
events and the like. In these types of game systems, a ring field
(which may occasionally be referred to as a track) is formed on a
board of a game machine, and a plurality of running models are
caused to run on the field. The running models compete with one
another in order of arrival, and a player wins if the player
correctly predicts a set of finishing places.
[0006] Recently, there are game systems in which the running models
not only run on a predetermined course on the field in a
predetermined direction, but also run on an arbitrary course on the
field (Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. Hei. 10-94675 or
the like). However, in the arcade game systems, there is no game
which amuses a player by determining the relationship between
operations by the player and field conditions, varying ability
parameters of a running model in accordance with the determination
result, and reflecting the varied ability parameters in a race.
[0007] Unlike consumer games targeted for general game machines,
arcade game systems in general are provided with game supplies and
facilities which appeal to player's preferences, making complete
devices to attract the player's attention. If such game systems can
implement a new game by taking into consideration the foregoing
interruption factors, variable factors of the ability parameters,
and field conditions, the new game can appeal to the player more
strongly, and hence the arcade is expected to be stimulated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In view of the above circumstances, it is an object of the
present invention to provide a game system capable of implementing
a new racing game in which interruption factors, variable factors
of ability parameters, and field conditions are taken into
consideration.
[0009] To solve the foregoing problems, according to a first aspect
of the present invention, there is provided a game system which
comprises a racing field formed on a predetermined board, and a
running model, to which an inherent ability parameter varying in
accordance with a given environment is assigned, caused to run a
race on the racing field, wherein the racing field comprises a
plurality of field regions in which the running model runs based on
a current ability parameter, in accordance with the respective
field regions.
[0010] The phrase "given environment" includes, for example, a
training environment, a running environment, and the like. The
phrase "the running model runs based on the current ability
parameter, in accordance with the respective regions" means that,
for example, in a particular region, importance is given not to a
stamina parameter among running parameters, but is given to a speed
parameter. The reverse is applied to another region.
[0011] To solve the foregoing problems, according to a second
aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game system
which comprises a racing field formed on a predetermined board, and
a running model, to which an inherent ability parameter varying in
accordance with a given environment is assigned, caused to run a
race on the racing field, wherein the racing field comprises a
plurality of field regions which provide the running model with
variable factors of the ability parameter, the variable factors
differing in accordance with running of the running model in the
respective field regions. With this arrangement, a player can
confirm the contents of the ability parameter inherent in the
running model, which varies in accordance with the running regions,
thus enhancing the player's interest in the game.
[0012] To solve the foregoing problems, according to a third aspect
of the present invention, there is provided a game system which
comprises a racing field formed on a predetermined board, and a
plurality of running models, to each of which an inherent ability
parameter varying in accordance with a given environment is
assigned, caused to run a race on the racing field, wherein the
racing field comprises a plurality of field regions in which each
of the running models runs based on a current ability parameter in
accordance with the respective field regions, whereby each of the
running models is provided with variable factors of the ability
parameter, the variable factors differing in accordance with
running of each of the running models.
[0013] In the foregoing game systems, the field regions can include
the following sets of:
[0014] (1) A region maintained so that the running model performs
the steady running in which the current ability parameter of the
running model is maximized and a region formed so as to obstruct
the steady running;
[0015] (2) A flat region maintained not to obstruct the running of
the running model and a region in which obstacles are arranged on
part of a track on which the running model runs; and/or
[0016] (3) A region simulating a turf course and a region
simulating a dirt course in which soil is exposed.
[0017] A passageway may be formed between the fields so that the
running model can enter and exit, and the same running model can
run on races on the plurality of field regions. Generally in this
type of game system, a filed region or field regions are determined
in advance, and the type of running model is determined in advance
for each field region. In the game system of the present invention,
only a single type of running model is necessary to use a plurality
of field regions, and hence operating costs are reduced.
Furthermore, a player can confirm the ability parameter of each
running model by actually causing the running model to run on a
plurality of fields, thus increasing pleasure in playing the
game.
[0018] The present invention also provides a game system for
forming a field using an electronical device, instead of
mechanically constructing a field. The game system is a system for
causing a running image, to which an inherent ability parameter
whose value varies in accordance with a given environment is
assigned, to run a race on an electronically-formed racing field
image. The racing field includes a plurality of field regions in
which the result of processing the current ability parameter using
processes differing in accordance with the respective regions is
reflected. The field regions provide the running image with
variable factors of the ability parameter, the variable factors
differing in accordance with the running. One of the field regions
is a region simulating a turf course, and another one of the field
regions is a region simulating a dirt course in which soil is
exposed. The condition of the turf in the region simulating the
turf course and the condition of the soil in the region simulating
the dirt course can be adjusted.
[0019] Preferably, each game system of the present invention may
further include a game value adding device which adds a game value
in accordance with the result of the race.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a game system to
which the present invention is applied;
[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a race selection screen
among screens displayed according to the present embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a bet screen among the
screens displayed according to the present embodiment; and
[0023] FIG. 4 is a functional diagram of a game progress control
device according to the present embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] An embodiment in which a game system of the present
invention is applied to a horse racing game system is described
below.
[0025] In the horse racing game system, the running ability of a
racehorse, which is an example of a running model, is fostered in
accordance with player's intentions. The running ability of the
fostered racehorse is competed against the running abilities of
other racehorses. The player is given a game value in accordance
with the competition result.
[0026] A racehorse is a model having therein a control device for
moving a running mechanism thereof. The internal control device is
driven by a wireless signal transmitted from a game progress
control device provided at the system side, thereby enabling the
racehorse to run a race on a predetermined course.
[0027] Inherent ability parameters are assigned in advance to each
racehorse, and the running ability changes in accordance with the
ability parameters. The ability parameters include a group of
multidimensional parameters including parameters indicating
functions, such as a stamina parameter and a speed parameter, and
parameters (numeric values) indicating arbitrary characteristics,
such as weight, running ability, character, and the like. Each of
these parameters changes in accordance with a given environment.
Concerning variable factors, there are an adjusting environment, a
running environment, and the like. Although a player raises a
racehorse selected by the player (changes the ability parameters of
the racehorse), the player is initially not aware of how the
racehorse will grow up. The player enjoys the growth process while
giving various environments to the racehorse.
[0028] When the player wants to interrupt the raising of the
racehorse, raising information at the time of interruption is
updated as occasion calls by reading a dedicated card-type
recording medium (hereinafter referred to as an "entry card") and
by linking the information with a player ID. When the player
resumes the game, the most-recent raising information recorded in
the card-type recording medium is used, and the raising from the
interrupted point onward is continued.
[0029] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a game machine
implementing the foregoing game.
[0030] A game machine 1 includes a racing field 10 provided
substantially at the central part, a plurality of stations 20
provided so as to surround the field 10, a board 30 for displaying
odds, race results, and other guidance information, and a speaker
system 40 for outputting voices such as race running announcements
and the like. In addition, the game machine 1 further includes the
game progress control device (not shown) for controlling race
development. The game progress control device is described
hereinafter.
[0031] The field 10 is provided with two types of tracks 12 and 13,
which include a starting gate 11. By running a plurality of
racehorses on the tracks 12 and 13, races are held. The tracks 12
and 13 cause each of the racehorses to run in a manner in which the
results of processing the current ability parameters using
different processes are reflected. At the same time, variable
factors of the ability parameters, which differ in accordance with
the running, are provided for each of the racehorses.
[0032] In the present embodiment, as shown in the drawing, the
tracks 12 and 13 are concentrically formed. The outer track 12 is a
track simulating a turf course (hereinafter referred to as a "turf
track"), and the inner track 13 is a track simulating a dirt course
in which soil is exposed (hereinafter referred to as a "dirt
track").
[0033] In the case of actual horse racing, a turf course is
generally maintained so that a horse can run a race while exerting
its maximum running ability at that time. Since soil
characteristics such as viscosity change in accordance with the
climate, a dirt course is not maintained in a manner similar to the
turf course. However, there are horses which can exert their
abilities in a more efficient manner when running on the dirt
course. In addition, when a horse runs only on the turf course, a
burden is put on the horse's legs, which may cause injuries. When a
horse runs only on the turf course, only a minimal effect may be
produced on the training of the horse's body. In such cases, the
horse is occasionally caused to run on the dirt course to train its
body, and then the horse is again caused to run on the turf
course.
[0034] Following the actual horse racing, in the present
embodiment, the turf track 12 and the dirt track 13 are provided
concentrically in the same field. Accordingly, the tracks 12 and 13
can provide different variable factors of the ability parameters of
each racehorse. A player confirms the running conditions of a
racehorse and determines whether the player's horse is suitable for
the turf track or the dirt track. It is also possible to realize a
game pattern in which the player initially causes a racehorse to
run on the dirt track 13 to train its body and subsequently causes
the racehorse to compete with other horses on the turf track
12.
[0035] A passageway is formed between the tracks 12 and 13 so that
racehorses can enter and exit between the tracks 12 and 13. A
single type of racehorse can participate in races held on two
tracks. In conventional and general horse racing game systems, when
there are two types of tracks, it is necessary to prepare two types
of racehorses because the structure of a racehorse is uniquely
determined according to the type of track. In the present
embodiment, only a single type of racehorse is necessary, and hence
operating costs are reduced.
[0036] Each of the stations 20 includes a display 21 for displaying
various screens changing in accordance with the progress of the
horse racing game and a touch panel 22 provided on a display
surface of the display 21. When the player touches a predetermined
position on the game screen displayed on the display 21 in
accordance with instructions on the game screen, the touch panel 22
detects the touched position. This enables the player to enter
corresponding data.
[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a race selection screen
among the screens displayed on the display 21. The race selection
screen enables the player to select a race in which the player
wants a player's racehorse to participate. The names of races are
displayed in a region 201 at the upper right-hand side of the race
selection screen. In this example, information such as a prize and
racing qualifications are displayed for each race. A list of
racehorses already owned by the player is displayed in a region 202
at the lower side of the race selection screen. In this drawing,
eight horses owned by the player are displayed. For each horse, sex
(male or female), age, acquired prizes, and condition are
displayed, and the player can easily read general information on
each horse. A region 203 on the right of the region 202 displays,
according to each of the races displayed in the region 201,
messages such as "eligible" indicating that the corresponding horse
can participate in that race, "unqualified" indicating that the
corresponding horse is not qualified to run that race, and "closed"
indicating that the registration for that race has already been
closed. In this way, the player can easily understand whether each
horse is eligible for what race.
[0038] Detailed information on the currently-selected horse is
displayed in a region 204 above the region 202. In this example,
the appearance of the horse, dam's name, sire's name, damsire's
name, growth type, distance aptitude, past record, speed parameter,
and stamina parameter are displayed.
[0039] In this example, between the regions 201 and 203, messages
indicating whether the currently-selected horse displayed in the
region 204 is eligible for a particular race are displayed based on
the messages displayed in the region 203. Concerning a race for
which the horse is eligible, the number to be paid in a bet by the
player is displayed. For example, in FIG. 2, the race on the
farthest left has already been closed, and hence the horse cannot
be registered for that race. Concerning the race at second from the
left, the horse can be registered for that race by paying a bet of
10. Concerning the remaining five races, the horse can be
registered for the respective races by paying a bet of 5.
[0040] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a bet screen displayed on
the display 21. The bet screen is a screen referred to when the
player purchases a ticket for a race. In a region 301 at the upper
left-hand side of the bet screen, the name of a race, prizes, a
place where that race is held, and a racing distance are displayed.
At the upper right-hand side of the bet screen, a region 302 is
provided displaying information such as the names of horses running
the race, jockeys, and the like. At the lower side of the bet
screen, a region 303 is provided displaying odds on each ticket.
The region 303 displays odds on various types of tickets including
quinella, win, box, and the like.
[0041] Referring back to FIG. 1, each of the stations 20 is further
provided with a medal insertion hole 23 into which the player
inserts medals, a medal ejection hole 24 from which medals are paid
off in accordance with the game result, and a card insertion slot
25 into which the entry card is inserted.
[0042] The game progress control device included in the game
machine 1 is described next.
[0043] The game progress control device controls (and monitors)
movements of racehorses using wireless signals and manages
information concerning players participating in the game and
racehorses raised by each of the players.
[0044] FIG. 4 is a diagram of the functional structure of the game
progress control device.
[0045] The game progress control device of the present embodiment
is implemented by a computer with a data recording region and a
wireless communication unit 65. An operating system of the computer
reads and executes a predetermined program, thereby forming
functional blocks, namely, a main controller 61, a station
controller 62, a racehorse data manager 63, and a player data
manger 64.
[0046] The main controller 61 controls the mechanical operation of
the game machine 1 and the overall movement of each racehorse, and
performs overall information management concerning game progress.
For example, the main controller 61 performs arithmetic processing
such as odds computation in accordance with the number of bets made
by players.
[0047] The station controller 62 separately controls the operation
of each of the stations 20. The racehorse data manager 63 manages
information concerning racehorses appearing in the game progress,
stables, jockeys, and the like. The player data manager 64 is a
type of database system for storing raising information according
to each player, which includes racehorse's raising conditions
entered by the player and setting information required for the game
progressing, as "player data" inherent in the player, while linking
the player data with a player ID.
[0048] In the station controller 62, the current date information
is automatically updated under the management of the station
controller 62. When the entry card is inserted into the card
insertion slot 25, it is determined whether date information
recorded in the card matches the date information in the station
controller 62 or not. When the two pieces of date information match
each other, the player data can be retrieved from the player data
manager 64 via the main controller 61. This efficiently avoids the
occurrence of problem of "passing off" by a third person other than
the player in which the third person obtains the player ID, passes
off as the player, and abuses the player data.
[0049] The operation of the horse racing game system with the
foregoing arrangement is described next.
[0050] In the horse racing game system, an entry card is issued at
an arcade for maintaining and managing the system. The entry card
can be used only in the arcade.
[0051] In other words, an entry gate with an entry-card
reader/writer is installed at an information counter at the arcade
or the like. A new entry card is issued for a new player. In doing
so, personal information (such as player ID) of the player is
registered. When the player exits from the arcade, the player
returns the entry card to the information counter or the like. When
the player makes a second visit to the arcade, the player receives
the entry card that the player previously used from the information
counter or the like.
[0052] When the same player re-enters the arcade to play the horse
racing game system, the entry card is inserted into a medium
storage device at the entry gate by a staff at the information
counter or by the player. At the entry gate, the validity of using
the inserted entry card is determined. This is determined whether
the player inherent information registered by the player when the
entry card was issued matches inherent information identified on
that day. When the player ID is registered as the inherent
information, and when the ID entered via the touch panel 22 matches
the registered player ID, it is determined that the validity of the
entry card is verified. Subsequent to the verification of the
validity, the current date information is recorded in the recording
region in the entry card, and then the entry card is returned to
the player. When the validity is not verified, error processing is
performed, and the entry card is ejected.
[0053] The player carries the entry card in which the date
information is recorded and sits opposite the desired station 20.
The player inserts the entry card into the card insertion slot 25
of the station 20. The current date information is set in the game
machine 1. When it is determined that the set current date
information matches the date information recorded in the entry
card, the player data is read from the player data manager 64,
thereby forming an environment enabling the station 20 to play
(again) the game.
[0054] While the game is being played, a region for switching the
mode among various game playing modes for the station 20 is
reserved in the screen of the display 21, as indicated by button
images displayed on the right in FIG. 2. The mode is switched among
these modes by the player selecting a desired button image
displayed on the display 21, and hence a screen corresponding to
the selected mode is displayed on the display 21.
[0055] Although the player can participate in a race only using a
ticket-purchase mode, in this example, the player selects a
horse-raising mode ("raise" button). Based on the information under
the management of the racehorse data manager 63, the player pays
the predetermined number of medals to purchase a horse from among a
plurality of horse candidates. The player raises the horse and
participates in a race using the raised horse in the
ticket-purchase mode.
[0056] When the horse is purchased by the player, the game machine
1 displays a stable selection screen on the display 21. The stable
selection screen displays three types of stable selection buttons,
including a normal stable, a stamina stable, and a speed stable. If
the player selects the stamina stable, the horse will become a
long-distance horse; if the player selects the speed stable, the
horse will become a short-distance horse; and if the player selects
the normal stable, the horse will become an average horse which is
not raised to be either the long-distance type nor the
short-distance type (the corresponding ability parameters are
changed). After the stable has been selected, a horse's name
selection screen is displayed on the display 21. Once the horse's
name is selected by the player from among a plurality of horses'
names, the selected horse's name is audio-output when the horse
runs a race and when a running commentary of the race is given.
[0057] When the foregoing selections have been performed, various
pieces of information on the horse selected by the player are
automatically stored as part of the player data in the player data
manager 64. If information on the same horse is included under the
same player ID, the contents of the information are updated.
[0058] After the foregoing selections are completed, the
ticket-purchase mode is activated.
[0059] In this mode, betting by the player, which is shown in FIG.
3, is performed. Concerning the betting, the player purchases a
ticket for the horse owned by the player and enjoys a race. On the
bet screen displayed on the display 21, a region for displaying
race names is formed. By operating buttons formed in the region,
the player selects the race. Once the race is selected, the player
can select a jockey who is to ride the registered horse, which will
not be described in the present description.
[0060] The player can select a training process based on the
player's intentions within the period from the start of the betting
to the start of the subsequent betting. Specifically, the player
can train the horse by paying medals for the training, in addition
to the betting for the race. In general, the larger the number of
medals, the more improved the running ability of the horse becomes
after being trained. The probability of the horse winning in the
race is thereby increased. In doing so, the player can foster the
running ability of the horse by putting money for the horse, and
hence the player can appreciate the joy of raising the horse to be
a stronger racehorse. The training is forcedly terminated at the
start of the subsequent betting. The number by which the horse can
be trained is limited for each race. It is impossible to ignore the
passage of time, which can be assumed by the cycle of races, and
hence the horse cannot be rapidly improved. This ensures the
reality of the speed at which the horse is improved.
[0061] When the game is terminated (or interrupted) by the player,
information concerning the abilities of the horse that has been
trained and raised up until that time is stored as part of the
player data in the player data manager 64. If the information on
the same horse is already stored under the same player ID, the
contents of the information are updated. Subsequently, the entry
card is ejected, and the processing for the player is
terminated.
[0062] According to the present embodiment, two types of tracks,
namely, the turf track 12 and the dirt track 13, are provided. The
track is arbitrarily selected from among these tracks, and the
horse runs a race on the selected track. While enjoying the race
based on the current running ability of the horse owned by the
player, the player can improve a specific ability or use that
ability at arbitrary time. This considerably enhances enjoyment
compared with the conventional type of game system.
[0063] Since the raising information given by the player is under
the management of the game machine 1 (player data manager 64),
which is the site of the game, the raising information is protected
from being altered by the player or by a third person. However, if
the security is sufficiently ensured by the entry card, the raising
information can be stored in the entry card. In this case, the
raising information in the entry card can be used to continue with
the game, and hence there is an advantage in that the game machine
to be used in continuing with the game is not limited to a
particular one. Accordingly, the player can continue with the game
for fun at a different place where the game machine is
installed.
[0064] In the above example, two types of tracks, namely, the turf
track 12 and the dirt track 13, are provided on the field 10.
Alternatively, it is possible to use a set of a track maintained so
as to cause each racehorse to run at a steady pace in which the
current ability parameters are maximized and a track formed to
obstruct the steady-pace running. It is also possible to use a set
of a flat track maintained not to obstruct the running of each
racehorse and a steeplechase track on which obstacles are arranged
on part of the track.
[0065] In the present embodiment, it is assumed that there is only
one game machine 1. When there is a plurality of game machines, and
when each game machine is independent, the player cannot continue
with the game unless the player always uses the same game machine.
In order to solve this problem, a plurality of game machines can be
interconnected via a communication system, and player data are
transmitted between one another. Accordingly, the player can
continue with the game by using any one of the game machines.
[0066] Although the present embodiment describes the case in which
the game machine 1 is mechanically constructed, the present
invention is also applicable to a case in which the game machine is
electronically formed. For example, the turf track 12 and the dirt
track 13 can be formed on the field 10 by image processing using
holography. Since the turf track 12 and the dirt track 13 are
electronically formed, the turf conditions (depth, hardness,
roughness, and the like) of the turf track 12 and the soil
conditions (viscosity and the like) of the dirt track 13 can be
arbitrarily adjusted. This is expected to further enhance the
enjoyment of the game.
[0067] The present invention is applicable not only to the horse
racing game, but also to other games with interruption, such as
games in which a player finds enjoyment in tuning up a racing car
or improving the abilities of a cycle racer. In the description,
the word "raising" encompasses the concept of time-series
improvement of the running ability of an object appearing in a game
with interruption or the concept of controlling the running
ability. The phrase "raising information" can be interrupted as
game information including a game record of this type of game.
[0068] As is obvious from the foregoing description, according to
the present invention, a racing field is formed by including a
plurality of field regions so that a running model runs a race
based on the current ability parameters, in accordance with the
respective regions. In doing so, the running model is provided with
variable factors of the ability parameters, which are made
different according to the running. It is thus advantageous in that
a player can enjoy a process of changing the ability parameters of
the running model.
* * * * *