U.S. patent application number 11/213904 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-02 for gaming machine, gaming system and gaming terminal device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Aruze Corporation. Invention is credited to Takashi Abe, Kenichi Fujimori, Koichiro Hashimoto, Kentaro Hayashi, Nobukatsu Hiranoya, Hideaki Kishi, Akira Shimizu.
Application Number | 20060046812 11/213904 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35944120 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060046812 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hiranoya; Nobukatsu ; et
al. |
March 2, 2006 |
Gaming machine, gaming system and gaming terminal device
Abstract
There is provided a gaming machine comprising: image display
means for showing an image of an acting body to act in responsive
to an operation by a player; game control means for advancing a
game utilizing the image of the acting body; reading means for
reading identification information of the acting body having been
stored in an object to be read; detection means for outputting a
detection signal indicating that the object to be read is put in a
position where the reading means reads the identification
information; and directive means for directing the reading means to
read the identification information based on the detection
signal.
Inventors: |
Hiranoya; Nobukatsu; (Toyko,
JP) ; Hayashi; Kentaro; (Tokyo, JP) ;
Hashimoto; Koichiro; (Tokyo, JP) ; Shimizu;
Akira; (Tokyo, JP) ; Abe; Takashi; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Fujimori; Kenichi; (Tokyo, JP) ; Kishi;
Hideaki; (Tokyo, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SNIDER & ASSOCIATES
P. O. BOX 27613
WASHINGTON
DC
20038-7613
US
|
Assignee: |
Aruze Corporation
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
35944120 |
Appl. No.: |
11/213904 |
Filed: |
August 30, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/9 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3244 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101; G07F 17/3218 20130101; G07F 17/3211
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/009 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 31, 2004 |
JP |
2004-252777 |
Aug 31, 2004 |
JP |
2004-252954 |
Aug 31, 2004 |
JP |
2004-253132 |
Aug 31, 2004 |
JP |
2004-253161 |
Aug 31, 2004 |
JP |
2004-253170 |
Claims
1. A gaming machine comprising: image display means for showing an
image of an acting body to act in responsive to an operation by a
player; game control means for advancing a game utilizing the image
of the acting body; reading means for reading identification
information of the acting body having been stored in an object to
be read; detection means for outputting a detection signal
indicating that the object to be read is put in a position where
the reading means reads the identification information; and
directive means for directing the reading means to read the
identification information based on the detection signal.
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a
receiving part including a recess formed in a shape corresponding
to an outer shape of the object including a storage device storing
the identification information, the object being inserted in the
recess such that the reading means can read the object, wherein the
detection means comprises a light emitting part and a light
receiving part, which are positioned across an insertion path of
the object to be inserted into the recess such that light emitted
by the light emitting part can be received by the light receiving
part.
3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a
receiving part including a recess formed in a shape corresponding
to an outer shape of the object including a storage device storing
the identification information, wherein the reading means comprises
a light emitting part; a light reflective part; and a light
receiving part; and wherein the light emitting part and the light
reflective part are positioned across an insertion path of the
object to be inserted into the recess such that light emitted by
the light emitting part can be reflected by the light reflective
part; and that the reflected light can be received by the light
receiving part.
4. A gaming system comprising: image display means for showing an
image of an acting body to act in responsive to an operation by a
player; game control means for advancing a game utilizing the image
of the acting body; reading means for reading identification
information of the acting body having been stored in an object to
be read; detection means for outputting a detection signal
indicating that the object to be read is put in a position where
the reading means reads the identification information; and
directive means for directing the reading means to read the
identification information based on the detection signal.
5. A gaming machine comprising a reading unit for reading
identification information stored in an information storage medium
by placing the information storage medium on the reading unit,
wherein the reading unit comprising: a seating part on which the
information storage medium can be placed; a reading part for
reading the identification information stored in the storage medium
being placed on the seating part; a decorative-light irradiating
part for irradiating a decorative light to a position where the
storage medium is placed; and a notification-light indicating part
for notifying a gaming state with the gaming machine by lighting
the notification-light indicating part in responsive to the gaming
state, wherein the decorative-light irradiating part and the
notification-light indicating part have a common light source.
6. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the
decorative-light irradiating part and the notification-light
indicating part are formed by separating light emitting surfaces of
one light transmitting member with a light shielding member.
7. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the light
shielding member is in a dark color.
8. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the light
transmitting member comprises solid transparent resin; and wherein
the light source is positioned with a predetermined distance from
the light transmitting member.
9. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the light
source is capable of emitting light in a plurality of colors such
that the color of the light is changed in responsive to a kind of
the storage device placed on the seating part or a gaming state
with the gaming machine.
10. A gaming machine comprising: image display means for showing an
image of an acting body to act in responsive to an operation by a
player; game control means for advancing a game utilizing the image
of the acting body; reading means for reading identification
information of the acting body having been stored in an object to
be read; and guide means for guiding the object to be read to a
position where the reading means reads the identification
information.
11. The gaming machine according to claim 10, wherein the guide
means comprises an opening formed in a circular shape corresponding
to a bottom portion of the object to be read; a circular open end
portion larger than the circular opening; and a conically inclined
surface extending continuously from the opening to the circular
open end portion.
12. The gaming machine according to claim 11, further comprising a
light source emitting light to the conically inclined surface of
the guide means.
13. The gaming machine according to claim 11, further comprising a
light source emitting light, which penetrates through the conically
inclined surface of the guide means, wherein the guide means
comprises a light transmissive member.
14. A gaming system comprising: image display means for showing an
image of an acting body to act in responsive to an operation by a
player; game control means for advancing a game utilizing the image
of the acting body; reading means for reading identification
information of the acting body having been stored in an object to
be read; and guide means for guiding the object to be read to a
position where the reading means reads the identification
information.
15. A gaming machine comprising: reading means for reading
identification information from an object to be read storing the
identification information such that a game with an image is
advanced based on the identification information having been read
by the reading means; wherein the reading means comprises: a hole
formed as the object to be read is received; a loading part formed
in a flat shape with a loading face on a bottom portion of the
hole; and a circuit board comprising a circuit face on which a
reading circuit being capable of reading the identification
information from the object to be read is formed, and wherein a
distance between the loading face and the circuit face is kept a
predetermined length.
16. The gaming machine according to claim 15, wherein the bottom
portion and the circuit board are positioned close such that the
reading circuit on the circuit board can read the identification
information from the object to be read when the object is placed on
the bottom portion of the hole.
17. The gaming machine according to claim 15, wherein the bottom
portion and the circuit board are directly in contact with each
other.
18. The gaming machine according to claim 15, wherein the bottom
portion and the circuit board are in contact indirectly via a thin
film member.
19. The gaming machine according to claim 15, further comprising a
fixing part being positioned in a position opposite to the bottom
portion of the loading part across the circuit board, the fixing
part being connected to the loading part via a first connecting
member and being connected to the circuit board via second
connecting member.
20. A gaming machine comprising a reading unit for reading
identification information stored in an information storage medium
as the information storage medium is placed on the reading unit,
wherein the reading unit comprises: a seating part on which the
information storage medium can be placed; a reading part for
reading the identification information stored in the information
storage medium being placed on the seating part; and a light
transmitting part comprising a decorative light irradiating part
for irradiating a decorative light on a position where the
information storage medium is placed, the decorative light
irradiating part surrounding the position, wherein the gaming
machine comprises: a light source of the decorative light
irradiated by the decorative light irradiating part; and a light
reflective member being positioned to avoid the decorative light
irradiating part.
21. The gaming machine according to claim 20, wherein the light
source is positioned on one side of the light transmitting member;
and wherein the light reflective member is positioned at a position
opposite to the one side.
22. The gaming machine according to claim 21, further comprising: a
notification-light indicating part for notifying a gaming state
with the gaming machine in responsive to the gaming state, the
notification-light indicating part being formed around the
decorative light irradiating part of the light transmitting part; a
hiding member for hiding the notification-light indicating part,
the hiding member being positioned at a position opposite to the
one side of the light transmitting member, wherein the light
reflective member provided on the hiding member.
23. A gaming machine comprising: an image display device for
showing an image of an acting body to act in responsive to an
operation by a player; a reading device for reading identification
information corresponding to the acting body, the identification
information having been stored in an object to be read; and a
sensor for outputting a detection signal indicating that the object
to be read is put in a position where the reading device reads the
identification information, wherein the reading device reads the
identification information based on the detection signal; and
wherein a game is advanced based on the identification information
by utilizing the image of the acting body.
24. The gaming machine according to claim 23, further comprising a
receiving part including a recess formed in a shape corresponding
to at least a part of an outer shape of the object, the recess to
receive the object to be read such that the identification
information can be read, wherein the sensor comprises a light
emitting part and a light receiving part, and wherein the light
emitting part and the light receiving part are arranged across an
insertion path of the object to be read such that light emitted by
the light emitting part can be received by the light receiving
part.
25. The gaming machine according to claim 23, further comprising a
receiving part including a recess formed in a shape corresponding
to at least a part of an outer shape of the object, the recess to
receive the object to be read such that the identification
information can be read, wherein the sensor comprises a light
emitting part, a light reflective part and a light receiving part,
wherein the light emitting part and the light reflective part are
arranged across an insertion path of the object to be read such
that light emitted by the light emitting part can be reflected by
the light reflective part, and wherein the light receiving part is
configured such that the light receiving part can receive the
reflected light by the reflective part.
26. A gaming machine comprising: an image display device for
showing an image of an acting body to act in responsive to an
operation by a player; a reading device for reading identification
information corresponding to the acting body, the identification
information having been stored in an object to be read; and a guide
member for guiding the object to be read to a position where the
reading device reads the identification information.
27. The gaming machine according to claim 26, wherein the guide
member comprises: an opening formed in a circular shape
corresponding to at least a part of an outer shape of the object to
be read; a circular open end portion larger than the circular
opening; and a conically inclined surface extending continuously
from the opening to the circular open end portion.
28. The gaming machine according to claim 27, further comprising a
light source emitting light from the conically inclined surface of
the guide member, wherein the guide member comprises a light
transmissive member such that the light emitted by the light source
is transmitted through the light transmissive member and is
irradiated from the conically inclined surface.
29. The gaming machine according to claim 23, further comprising: a
seating part on which the object can be placed; a decorative-light
irradiating part for irradiating a decorative light to a position
where the object is placed; and a notification-light indicating
part for notifying a gaming state by lighting the
notification-light indicating part in responsive to the gaming
state, wherein the decorative-light irradiating part and the
notification-light indicating part have a common light source.
30. The gaming machine according to claim 23, further comprising a
guide member for guiding the object to be read to a position where
the reading device reads the identification information.
31. The gaming machine according to claim 23, wherein: the reading
device comprises: a hole formed as the object to be read is
received; a loading part formed in a flat shape with a loading face
on a bottom portion of the hole; and a circuit board comprising a
circuit face on which a reading circuit being capable of reading
the identification information from the object to be read is
formed, and a distance between the loading face and the circuit
face is kept a predetermined length.
32. The gaming machine according to claim 23, further comprising: a
seating part on which the information storage medium can be placed;
a light transmitting part comprising a decorative light irradiating
part for irradiating a decorative light on a position where the
information storage medium is placed, the decorative light
irradiating part surrounding the position, and a light source of
the decorative light irradiated by the decorative light irradiating
part, and a light reflective member being positioned to avoid the
decorative light irradiating part.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefits of
priorities from Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2004-252777,
2004-253161, 2004-253132, 2004-253170, and 2004-252954 filed on
Aug. 31, 2004, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein
by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a gaming machine, a gaming
system and a gaming terminal device enabling a game to proceed with
an image of an acting body such as a character shown in the game.
The present invention also relates to a gaming machine comprising a
reading unit for reading predetermined information stored in an
information storage medium. Further, it relates to a gaming machine
utilizing an object to be read such as a figure with a built-in
recording medium.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] There have been conventionally available gaming machines in
which identification information is read from objects to be read
such as cards, figures and coins with built-in recording media such
as IC chip storing identification information on characters
operated by a player to specify characters used in the game and to
control motions of the characters and display images, thereby
allowing the game to proceed (for example, JP-A-2002-63092,
JP-A-2002-273042, JP-A-2003-340139, Japanese patent No.
2702858).
[0004] Among these, JP-A-2002-63092 discloses a gaming machine, in
which identification information stored in an automobile-shaped toy
is detected by a reading device (reader/writer device) of the
gaming machine and an automobile image based on the identification
information is operated by a player so as to play a driving game.
This gaming machine is designed so that the reading device detects
identification signals from the non-contact IC card, thereby
detecting the identification information when a toy with built-in
non-contact IC card storing identification information is placed at
a predetermined position of the reading device (hereinafter
referred to as "detection position").
[0005] JP-A-2003-340139 discloses a medal game machine being
equipped with a medal mounting for a medal with a built-in IC chip,
on which a medal with a built-in IC chip being constructed
integrally with a figure can be placed. The medal with the IC chip
is placed on this medal mounting such that the authentication is
conducted by reading and writing data between the medal with the
built-in IC chip and the medal game machine.
[0006] It may be required to continuously send electromagnetic wave
in order to detect the identification information whenever the
medal is placed on a detection position. A process for sending the
electromagnetic wave may also be required such that wear and tear
of parts of the reading device may be accelerated due to such
continuous process so as to lower the life time of the parts.
[0007] The medal game machine of JP-2003-340139 has a medal
mounting on which a medal with a built-in IC chip being simply put
together with a figure. Therefore, it is not easy for a player to
find at a glimpse if a reading process between the medal with the
built-in IC chip and the medal game machine is made successfully
when the medal with the built-in IC chip is placed on the medal
mounting.
[0008] Also, a figure integrally constructed with the medal with
the built-in IC chip is simply placed on the medal mounting for the
medal with the built-in IC chip. Therefore, the player may not be
so excited by placing even the figure integrally constructed with
the medal with the built-in IC chip on the medal mounting.
[0009] Therefore, it is conceivable to notify data transfer is
conducted successfully with some notification means and to decorate
the figure placed on the medal mounting for the medal with the
built-in IC chip with decorating means utilizing light. However,
the number of parts will be increased if such notification means
and decorating means are equipped individually.
[0010] For example, it is also conceivable to irradiate decorative
light on the figure. However, many and/or large light sources are
required in order to irradiate the decorative light such that the
player may be so much excited if the figure is illuminated with the
decorative light.
[0011] Further, if the storage medium built in the above figure or
the like is a flat storage medium such as a non-contact IC chip
being capable of transferring data without contact and if the main
face of the storage medium is tilted with the reading face of the
reader to read the data stored in the storage medium, it may be
difficult for the reader to recognize the character data stored in
the storage medium because of weakened signals exchanged with the
storage medium.
[0012] Since it may be needed that the identification information
is read by setting the card or figure on the reader in order to
start the game, the player is required to adjust precisely the
position of the card or figure on the reader and it may be
troublesome for the player. Especially, the player who plays the
fame for the first time may not understand how to start the game
such that this may cause that the amusement of the game is
lowered.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0013] According to the present invention, there is provided a
gaming machine, a gaming system and a gaming terminal device which
are able to alleviate the load of a reading device in association
with reading of the identification information stored in an object
to be read such as a card and a figure.
[0014] There is also provided a gaming machine comprising a reading
unit assembled with a limited number of parts which can let the
gaming machine decorate the storage medium and notify the player
that the reading process is being conducted.
[0015] There are also provided a gaming machine, a gaming system
and a gaming terminal device which make it easier that the way of
reading the identification information stored in the object to be
read such as a card and a figure.
[0016] According to the present invention, there is also provided a
gaming machine which is designed to increase recognition accuracy
in reading from a recording medium.
[0017] In addition, without using a large or strong light source,
there is provided a gaming machine comprising a reading unit
capable of fully decorating an information storage medium such as a
figure.
[0018] According to the present invention, there is provided a
gaming machine comprising: image display means for displaying an
image indicating an acting body to act in responsive to the
operation of a player; game control means which allows the game
utilizing the image to proceed; reading means for reading
identification information from an object to be read storing the
identification information corresponding to the acting body;
detection means for outputting a detection signal which indicates
that the object to be read is placed at a reading position when the
object to be read is placed at the reading position at which the
identification information is read by the reading means; and
directive means for instructing the reading means to read the
identification information on the basis of the detection signal of
the detection means.
[0019] In the gaming machine, the reading means is configured to
read the identification information, when the object to be read is
placed at the reading position.
[0020] The above gaming machine further comprises a receiving part
having a recess with a shape corresponding to an outer shape of the
object to be read including a storage device storing identification
information, wherein the reading means may read the identification
information when the reading means receives the object to be read
at a position in the recess; and wherein the detection means
comprises a light emitting part and a light receiving part arranged
across an approach route of the object to be read toward the recess
such that light emitted from the light emitting part can be
received by the light receiving part.
[0021] In such a configuration, a bottom portion of the object to
be read equipped with a storage device storing the identification
information blocks the light emitted from the light emitting part
halfway in the approaching route of the object toward the recess
such that the detection means can detect that the object to be read
is placed at the reading position by the light being blocked.
[0022] Further, the gaming machine also comprises a receiving part
having a recess with a shape corresponding to an outer shape of the
object to be read equipped with a storage device storing
identification information, wherein the reading means may read the
identification information when the reading means receives the
object to be read at a position in the recess; and wherein the
detection means comprises a light emitting part and a reflective
part arranged in an opposing manner across an approach route of the
object to be read toward the recess and also comprises a light
receiving part arranged in an shooting direction of the reflected
light in relation to the incident light emitted from the light
emitting part, whereby the light receiving part is able to receive
the reflected light.
[0023] In such a configuration, a bottom portion of the object to
be read equipped with a storage device storing the identification
information blocks the light emitted from the light emitting part
halfway in the approaching route of the object toward the recess to
block the reflected light to be received by the light receiving
part, whereby the detection means can detect from non-arrival of
the reflected light at the light receiving part that the object to
be read is placed at the reading position.
[0024] Further, the present invention is related to a gaming system
comprising: image display means for displaying an image indicating
an acting body to act in responsive to the operation of a player;
and game control means for allowing the game using an image to
proceed; reading means for reading identification information from
an object to be read storing the identification information
corresponding to the acting body; detection means for outputting a
detection signal indicating that an object to be read is placed at
a reading position when the object to be read is placed at the
reading position at which the identification information is read by
the reading means; and directive means for instructing the reading
means to read the identification information on the basis of the
detection signal by the detection means.
[0025] Further, the present invention is also related to a gaming
terminal device of a gaming system in which a game using an image
indicating an acting body to act according to the operation by a
player is allowed to proceed, thereby executing the game, the
gaming terminal of the gaming system comprising: reading means for
reading identification information from an object to be read
storing the identification information corresponding to the acting
body; detection means for outputting a detection signal indicating
that the object to be read is placed at a reading position when the
object to be read is placed at the reading position at which the
identification information is read by the reading means, and
directive means for instructing the reading means to read the
identification information on the basis of the detection signal of
the detection means.
[0026] In the gaming system and the gaming terminal device, the
reading means is configured to read the identification information
when the object to be read is placed at the reading position.
[0027] Further, the present invention is related to a gaming
machine comprising: a reading unit for reading identification
information from an information storage medium by placing the
information storage medium in which predetermined identification
information is stored, wherein: the reading unit comprises: a
seating part on which the information storage medium can be placed;
a reading part for reading identification information from the
information storage medium placed on the seating part; a
decorative-light irradiating part for irradiating decorative light
to a position of placing the information storage medium; and a
notification-light indicating part for indicating light according
to a game state of the gaming machine and notifying the game state
of the gaming machine, wherein the decorative-light irradiating
part and the notification light emitting part share a common light
source.
[0028] In addition, the gaming machine may be provided with a
reading unit having a decorative-light irradiating part for
irradiating a decorative light on a position where an information
storage medium is placed when the medium is placed at a seating
part, and a notification-light indicating part for indicating a
game state of the gaming machine by lighting or flashing and
notifying the game state of the gaming machine. Therefore, it is
possible to notify the player that the reading operation is in
progress with the gaming machine and also to decorate the
information storage medium.
[0029] Here, if the decorative-light irradiating part and the
notification-light indicating part are provided separately and a
light source is needed for each part, the number of components (or
parts) is increased. However, the gaming machine according to the
present invention is provided with a light source commonly used in
the decorative-light irradiating part and in the notification light
emitting part, thereby preventing the increase of the number of
light sources and also contributing to a decreased number of
components.
[0030] In this instance, a light outgoing face of a single light
transmitting member is separated by a light shielding member to
give an aspect in which the decorative-light irradiating part and
the notification-light indicating part are formed.
[0031] As described above, the light outgoing face of the single
light transmitting member is separated by the light shielding
member to form the decorative-light irradiating part and the
notification-light indicating part, thereby eliminating the need
for separately providing the decorative-light irradiating part and
the notification-light indicating part. This also contributes to a
decreased number of components.
[0032] The light shielding member may be in a dark color.
[0033] As described above, the dark-color light shielding member is
able to cause light irradiated by the decorative-light irradiating
part and by the notification-light indicating part to be brighter.
Here, the "dark color" in the present invention means a color
emphasizing light contrast such as black or other deep colors.
[0034] In addition, the present invention is also available
according to an aspect in which the light transmitting member is
formed with a solid transparent resin and the light source is
arranged in a predetermined distance from the light transmitting
member.
[0035] If the light transmitting member is made of a solid
transparent resin and the light source is excessively close to the
light transmitting member, the light passing through the light
transmitting member may become like a thin beam. Therefore, the
light from the decorative-light irradiating part is shot to form a
light spot so as to result in a decreased decorative effect. In the
present invention, the light source is arranged in a predetermined
distance apart from the light transmitting member. Therefore, light
emitted from the light source passes inside the light transmitting
member in a diffused state, and light irradiated from the
decorative-light irradiating part is also diffused around a seating
part, thereby enhancing the decorative effect by the decorative
light. Here, to be "transparent" in the present invention means a
state that light transmits, which may include being
translucent.
[0036] Further, the light source is able to emit a plurality of
colors, and colors of the light to be emitted can be changed
according to the kind of an information recording medium placed at
the seating part or according to a game state of the gaming
machine.
[0037] As described above, the player can be more assuredly
notified of the kind of information recording medium and the game
state by making the light source available in the plurality of
colors and changing the colors of light according to the kind of
information recording medium and the game state of the gaming
machine.
[0038] Further, the present invention is related to a gaming
machine comprising: image display means for displaying an image
indicating an acting body to act according to the operation of the
player; game control means for allowing the game using an image to
proceed; reading means for reading identification information from
the object to be read storing the identification information
corresponding to the acting body; and guide means for guiding the
object to be read to a reading position where the identification
information is read by the reading means. This gaming machine is
configured so as to guide the object to be read to the reading
position at which the identification information is read by the
reading means.
[0039] Further, the gaming machine may also be provided wherein the
guide means comprises an opening of a shape which corresponds to a
shape of the bottom portion of the object to be read, an open end
portion larger than the opening, and a conically-inclined face
extending from the open end portion to the opening as the diameter
is reduced. Therefore, the conically-inclined face guides the
object to be read to the reading position.
[0040] In addition, the gaming machine may be configured to
comprise: a light source for emitting light on the
conically-inclined face of the guide means, the guide means being
made of a light transmitting member, and a light source for
transmitting light from the conically-inclined face of the guide
means is additionally provided. Such a design makes it possible
that light from the light source is emitted from the
conically-inclined face of the guide means.
[0041] The present invention is also related to a gaming system
provided with image display means for displaying an image
indicating an acting body to act according to the operation of a
player; game control means for allowing the game using an acting
body image to proceed; reading means for reading identification
information from an object to be read storing the identification
information corresponding to the acting body; and guide means for
guiding the object to be read to a reading position at which the
identification information can be read by the reading means.
[0042] Further, the present invention may be related to a gaming
terminal device of the gaming system in which a game using an
acting body image indicating an acting body to act according to the
operation by a player is allowed to proceed, thereby executing the
game, the gaming terminal device comprising: reading means for
reading identification information from an object to be read
storing the identification information corresponding to the acting
body and guide means for guiding the object to be read to a reading
position at which the identification information is read by the
reading means. The gaming system and the gaming terminal device are
configured to guide the object to be read to the reading position
at which the identification information is read by the reading
means.
[0043] The present invention is related to a gaming machine
provided with reading means for reading identification information
from an object to be read storing the identification information,
the gaming machine allowing an image game to proceed by using the
identification information read by the reading means, wherein the
reading means comprises a hole for receiving the object to be read;
a loading part having a flat bottom of the hole; and a circuit
substrate being arranged to have a circuit face opposite to the
back face of the lading face on which the object to be read is
loaded, the loading face being at the bottom of the hole in the
loading part, the circuit substrate having a reading circuit on the
circuit face such that the reading circuit is capable of reading
the identification information from the object to be read, wherein
a distance between the loading face at the bottom of the hole in
the loading part and the circuit face of the circuit substrate is
kept constant.
[0044] In the gaming machine, a distance between the loading face
of the bottom of the loading part for receiving the object to be
read and the circuit face of the circuit substrate for reading the
identification information from the object to be read is kept
constant. Owing to this, the loading face at the bottom is parallel
with the circuit face of the circuit substrate. If the object to be
read is received so as to be parallel with the loading face at the
bottom of the loading part, a face of the object to be read on the
loading face is also parallel with the circuit face of the circuit
substrate. Thus, the intensity of signals communicated between the
object to be read and the circuit substrate is kept substantially
constant without decaying, thereby making it possible to read the
identification information from the object to be read at a high
recognition accuracy.
[0045] It is also preferable that the bottom of the loading part is
kept in close proximity to the circuit substrate so that the
reading circuit of the circuit substrate is at such a distance that
the identification information can be read from an object to be
read, when the object to be read is placed on the bottom of the
hole of the loading part. In this instance, since there is a
significant improvement in the intensity deviation (or fluctuation)
of the signals communicated between the object to be read loaded at
the bottom of the loading part and the reading circuit of the
circuit substrate, a higher recognition accuracy can be
realized.
[0046] Further, it is preferable that the bottom portion of the
loading part is directly in contact with the circuit substrate. In
this instance, an excellent recognition accuracy can be obtained in
view of the distance between the object to be read and the reading
circuit.
[0047] In addition, it is preferable that the bottom portion of the
loading part is indirectly in contact with the circuit substrate
via a thin film member. In this instance, the thin film member can
a cushion or a buffer between the bottom and the circuit substrate,
or it is possible to print something on the thin film member
according to a predetermined pattern such that printed various
marks or letters may be a marker.
[0048] Further, it is preferable that the gaming machine further
comprises a fixing part which is arranged at a position to face the
bottom portion of the loading part across the circuit substrate,
the fixing part being connected to the loading part with a first
connecting member, the fixing part being connected to the circuit
substrate with a second connecting member. Where the loading part
and the circuit substrate are in close proximity, it is difficult
to firmly fix the loading part with the circuit substrate by using
the first connecting member and the second connecting member.
However, by adopting the fixing part, the loading part can be fixed
with the circuit substrate by using the first connecting member and
the second connecting member, even if the loading part and the
circuit substrate are in close proximity.
[0049] In the present invention, the gaming machine is provided
with a reading unit for reading identification information in a
storage medium by placing the information storage medium storing
predetermined identification information, wherein the reading unit
comprises a seating part on which the information storage medium
can be placed; a reading part for reading the identification
information from the information storage medium placed on the
seating part; and a light transmitting member being arranged around
the seating part and having a decorative-light irradiating part
formed so as to radiate decorative light at a loading location of
the information storage medium, wherein a light source is provided
so as to supply a decorative-light irradiating part irradiating a
decorative light, and wherein a light reflective member is provided
at a position by avoiding the decorative-light irradiating part in
the light transmitting member.
[0050] In the present invention, a decorative-light irradiating
part for irradiating decorative light at a position of placing the
information storage medium is provided. Therefore, since the
information storage medium can be decoratively radiated with
decorative light by placing the medium on a reading part, the mood
of a player is also uplifted. In this instance, the gaming machine
of the present invention is provided with a light reflective member
at a position away from the decorative-light irradiating part in
the light transmitting member where the decorative-light
irradiating part is formed. Since light emitted from a light source
can be irradiated from the decorative-light irradiating part in a
great quantity, it is possible to sufficiently decorate information
storage media such as figures without using a large or an intense
light source.
[0051] Here, in the present invention, "position away from the
decorative-light irradiating part in the light transmitting
member," for example, refers to a side face portion or a bottom
portion if a light transmitting member is in a cylindrical form and
a decorative-light irradiating part is provided on the upper face.
Further, in the following embodiment, a conically-inclined part
(guide part) is formed on the upper face of an approximately
cylindrical light transmitting member, and a decorative-light
irradiating part may be provided to the inclined part. Here, the
"position away from the decorative-light irradiating part in the
light transmitting member" may correspond to the side face or the
bottom face of the guide member, or other surfaces of the upper
face than those on which the guide member is formed.
[0052] In this instance, the light source is arranged on one side
of the light transmitting member and the light reflective member
may be arranged on another side opposite to the one side such that
the reflective member faces the light source.
[0053] Since light sources can be focused on one place by arranging
the light sources on the one side of the light transmitting member,
it is possible to save a space for fixing the light sources and
also facilitate the work for setting the light sources. In this
instance, when the light sources are arranged on one side, there is
a concern that a position opposing the position at which the light
sources are arranged in the light transmitting member becomes dark,
thereby resulting in a decrease in the decorative effect by
decorative light.
[0054] In contrast, in the present invention, a light reflective
member is provided at a position opposite to the position at which
the light sources are arranged in the light transmitting member.
Therefore, it possible to effectively collect light emitted from
the light sources to the decorative-light irradiating part. Thus, a
high decorative effect may be performed.
[0055] An aspect is also available so that a notification-light
indicating part is provided which indicates light according to a
game state of a gaming machine around the decorative-light
irradiating part in the light transmitting member to notify the
game state with the gaming machine, a hiding member is provided
which hides the notification-light indicating part corresponding to
a position opposite to the position at which the light sources are
arranged in the light transmitting member, and the light reflective
member is provided on the hiding member.
[0056] When the light sources are arranged on one side of the light
transmitting member, it becomes difficult for light from the light
sources to reach a position (opposing position) opposite to the
thus arranged position, thereby decreasing the light intensity at
the opposing position. Therefore, when the notification light
irradiating part is formed around the decorative-light irradiating
part, the light intensity will be decreased in the notification
light irradiating part, thus the notification light may be hard to
see.
[0057] However, in the present invention, a hiding member may hide
the notification-light indicating part corresponding to a position
opposite to the position at which the light sources are arranged in
the light transmitting member. The hiding member is able to cover a
part where the light may be released so as to decrease the
intensity of the light on the notification-light indicating part.
Therefore, it may be prevented that the notification light becomes
hard to see.
[0058] The present invention is able to alleviate the load of the
reading means in association with reading of the identification
information stored in the object to be read.
[0059] According to the present invention, it may be possible to
notify a player that reading operation has been performed in the
gaming machine, decorate the information storage medium and also
reduce the number of components.
[0060] According to the present invention, it may be possible to
facilitate the work for reading the identification information
stored in an object to be read according to an acting body image by
the reading means.
[0061] There is also provided a gaming machine with improved
recognition accuracy from a recording medium.
[0062] The gaming machine can sufficiently decorate the information
storage medium such as a figure without using a larger or an
intensified light source.
[0063] Further features of the present invention, its nature, and
various advantages will be more apparent from the accompanying
drawings and the following description of the preferred
embodiment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0064] FIG. 1 shows a system configuration of gaming system
according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a
plurality of gaming machines are provided.
[0065] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a plurality of gaming
machines and a card dispenser.
[0066] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a gaming machine to show an
entire configuration.
[0067] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an authentication unit.
[0068] FIG. 5 is a plan view of an authentication unit.
[0069] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view taken along a VI-VI line
in FIG. 5.
[0070] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a gaming machine to show mainly
an internal configuration.
[0071] FIG. 8 is a block diagram to show an example of an internal
configuration of the image control circuit.
[0072] FIG. 9 is a block diagram to show a shop server.
[0073] FIG. 10 is a block diagram to show a gaming server and a
database server.
[0074] FIG. 11A is an exploded perspective view of a figure
configuration.
[0075] FIG. 11B is a bottom plan view of a figure.
[0076] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a state of a figure
installed in the authentication unit.
[0077] FIG. 13 is a system configuration diagram of a gaming system
including a plurality of gaming terminal devices according to
another embodiment of the present invention.
[0078] FIG. 14 is a block diagram to mainly show an internal
configuration of a gaming terminal device of the gaming system
according to the other embodiment.
[0079] FIG. 15 is a block diagram to mainly show an internal
configuration of a control device of the gaming system according to
the other embodiment.
[0080] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an authentication unit to
show another embodiment of the photo sensor.
[0081] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along a VII-VII line
in FIG. 16.
[0082] FIG. 18 is a flow chart to show gaming procedures from the
game start to the game end with the gaming machine.
[0083] FIG. 19 is a flow chart to show procedures of the game start
processes.
[0084] FIG. 20 is a flow chart to show procedures of character
generation processes.
[0085] FIG. 21 is a sequence chart to show procedure sequences
among a gaming machine, a shop server and a center server.
[0086] FIG. 22 shows a labyrinth image.
[0087] FIG. 23 is a block diagram to mainly show an internal
configuration of a gaming machine.
[0088] FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of an authentication
unit.
[0089] FIG. 25 is a plan view of the authentication unit.
[0090] FIG. 26 is a front view of the authentication unit.
[0091] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a state that a figure is
decoratively illuminated with decorative light.
[0092] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a state that a figure is
installed in an authentication unit.
[0093] FIG. 29 is a plan view of the authentication unit.
[0094] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along a VI-VI line
in FIG. 29.
[0095] FIG. 31 is a block diagram of a gaming machine to show an
internal configuration thereof.
[0096] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a modified authentication
unit.
[0097] FIG. 33 is a flow chart to show procedures of the game start
processes.
[0098] FIG. 34 is a flow chart to show procedures of character
generation processes.
[0099] FIG. 35 is an enlarged view of an authentication unit.
[0100] FIG. 36 is an exploded perspective view of an authentication
unit shown in FIG. 35.
[0101] FIG. 37A is a cross-sectional view taken along a VI-VI line
in FIG. 35.
[0102] FIG. 37B is a cross-sectional view of another kind of
authentication unit.
[0103] FIG. 38 is a flow chart to show procedures of character
generation processes.
[0104] FIG. 39A is a cross-sectional view of another kind of
authentication unit.
[0105] FIG. 39B shows another kind of authentication unit.
[0106] FIG. 39C shows a cross-sectional view of the authentication
unit in FIG. 39B.
[0107] FIG. 40 is a plan view to show a state that light passes
through a light transmissive member.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0108] A gaming machine according to the present invention will be
described below in detail with reference to drawings. However, the
present invention is not limited to the embodiment, and various
modifications and changes in design can be made without departing
from the scope of the present invention.
[0109] A detailed description will be made hereinafter according to
the embodiment of the present invention by referring to the
attached drawings, where like numeral references refer to like
elements. And overlapping description will be omitted.
(General Configuration of Gaming System)
[0110] FIG. 1 is a system block diagram of the gaming system 100
comprising a plurality of gaming machines 1. FIG. 2 is a
perspective view showing a plurality of gaming machines 1 and card
dispensers 6. The gaming system 100 is a gaming system according to
an embodiment of the present invention and provided with a total of
3 units (one unit and two units respectively in two game shops A
and B) of shop servers 2, a plurality of (8 units in the present
embodiment) gaming machines 1 and card dispensers 6 connected
communicably via dedicated lines 3, shop routers 7 set at the game
shops A and B, and a center server group 5 connected to the shop
routers 7 via Internet 4 and communication lines 4a.
[0111] In each game shop A or B, the shop server 2, the gaming
machines 1 and the card dispenser 6 are connected by the dedicated
lines 3 to form an in-shop LAN (Local Area Network), and the
in-shop LAN is connected with Internet 4 via the shop router 7.
[0112] Each gaming machine 1 which constituting the gaming system
100 is a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present
invention and each gaming machine 1 is provided with a machine ID
specific to each machine. This machine ID is provided with a server
ID specific to each shop server 2 and an ID specific to each gaming
machine 1, and, for example, the machine IDs of the gaming machines
1 set in the shop A are A01, A02, A03, etc.
(Configuration of Gaming Machine)
[0113] The gaming machine 1 is a gaming machine according to an
embodiment of the present invention, provided with image display
means for displaying a character image (corresponding to the
"acting body image" in the present invention) indicating a
character (corresponding to the "acting body" in the present
invention) to act according to the operation of a player as a game
image used in a game, and configured so as to perform an image game
in which the character is allowed to conduct motions according to
the operation of the player. In the gaming machine 1 in the present
embodiment, a game (hereinafter referred to as "labyrinth playing
game") is designed to be played, in which while characters move
inside a labyrinth according to the route selected by a player, the
character concerned can play with other characters (player
characters conducting motions according to the selection made by
another player and non-player characters whose motion is conducted
by a gaming machine), vying for an item owned by characters (sacred
gem in the present embodiment), and knocking down the final
character after all the items are collected. The labyrinth playing
game is designed so that scores of each character (called "life" in
the present embodiment) are increased or decreased according to the
playing result and progress of the game and a character that has
lost all the points is to be a loser.
[0114] As shown in FIG. 3, the gaming machine 1 is provided with a
main display 11 comprising a liquid crystal display on the front
face of a cabinet 10 and also provided with a sub display 12
comprising another liquid crystal display on the upper part of the
main display 11. Speakers 13L and 13R for outputting sound to give
an effect of the game are arranged on both right and left sides of
the gaming machine 1.
[0115] The main display 11 is an image display means in the present
invention, and designed so as to display a game image depending on
each stage of the game (for example, labyrinth image 150 and the
like). The sub display 12 is designed so that an image at a
specific stage of the game (for example, opponent image) is
displayed.
[0116] Further, the gaming machine 1 is provided with an operation
panel 14 below the main display 11. It is also provided with an
authentication unit 15 on the left side of the operation panel 14,
and a coin insertion slot 16 for inserting coins necessary for
starting to play a game (playing media such as coins, playing
medals) and a card slot 18 for inserting an ID card 17 on the right
side, in addition to an operation unit 19 equipped with operation
buttons.
[0117] The authentication unit 15 is configured so that a FIG. 40
corresponding to a plurality of characters appearing in the
labyrinth playing game (corresponding to an "object to be read" in
the present invention) can be attached. As described later, the
FIG. 40 is provided with a base portion 41 and a figure main body
42 (referring to FIG. 11A) and the bottom of the base portion 41
serves as a bottom portion 45.
[0118] The authentication unit 15 is fixed firmly on the surface of
the operation panel 14. The authentication unit 15 is configured so
that the FIG. 40 (corresponding to the object to be read) showing a
three-dimensional configuration of a plurality of characters
appearing in a labyrinth playing game performed with the gaming
machine 1 can be attached. The base portion 41 can be fixed and
attached thereon. The configuration of the authentication unit 15
will be described more in detail.
[0119] The authentication unit 15 is a part on which the FIG. 40 to
be described later corresponding to a plurality of characters
appearing in the labyrinth playing game is placed in order to read
a figure ID (identification information) stored in an IC chip 44 of
the FIG. 40.
[0120] The authentication unit 15 is provided with a base fitting
portion 51, an IC chip reader 52 for reading a figure ID stored in
the FIG. 40 (identification information) and a photo sensor 78 for
detecting that the FIG. 40 is placed at a position at which the
figure ID can be read by the IC chip reader 52. The authentication
unit 15 will be described in detail in reference to FIGS. 4 to
6.
[0121] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the authentication unit 15
and FIG. 5 is a plan view of the authentication unit 15, and FIG. 6
is a cross-sectional view taken along a VI-VI line in FIG. 5.
[0122] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the gaming machine 1 to mainly
show an internal configuration. The gaming machine 1 comprises a
plurality of components including a microcomputer 31 as a main
component.
[0123] The base fitting portion 51 is also provided with a guide
member 53 having a guide hole 54 on the internal side, and
comprising a light transmitting member made of transparent urethane
and the like, a support frame 55 for supporting the guide member 53
circumferentially and from below, and a base 56 for fixing the
support frame 55 to the operation panel 14 (referring to FIG. 3)
together with the guide member 53.
[0124] The guide member 53 is formed in an approximately annular
form having the guide hole 54 therein and provided with a
projection 53a on the front side (on the side of the player) and
wide portions 53b and 53b which are made wider toward the back. The
guide member 53 is held as the lower face of the projection 53a is
assembled to the support frame 55 and also as the wide portions 53b
and 53b are held therebetween.
[0125] Further, the guide member 53 is provided with a circular
opening 53d on a base 56 side approaching a guide hole 54 (side
closed with a seat 55a of the support frame 55) and a circular open
end portion 53c on an open side, in which the diameter of the open
end portion 53c is larger than that of the opening 53d, and the
circumferential face between the open end portion 53e and the
opening 53d forms a conically-inclined (or mortar-shaped inclined)
face 53e, with a gradual reduction in diameter of a circle made on
the conically-inclined face from the open end portion 53c toward
the opening 53d. The configuration of the opening 53d corresponds
to that of the bottom portion 45 of the FIG. 40 to be described
later, and the bottom portion 45 can be designed to be inserted
thereinto.
[0126] The support frame 55 is provided with an annular frame
member 55b enclosing a guide member 53, a receiving part 55a
falling into the frame member 55b in a recessed form to hold the
guide member 53 and a cylindrical recess 55f formed with a step
approximately at the center inside the receiving part 55a. An
opening of the recess 55f is a concentric circle with the same
diameter corresponding to the configuration of the opening 53d of
the guide member 53. Further, a bottom of the recess 55f is a
circular flat face corresponding to the opening 53d, and a
circumferential face of the recess 55f is a cylindrical face
corresponding to the opening 53d. Thus, the recess 55f is
constructed in a form which can accommodate the bottom portion 45,
corresponding to an outer shape of the bottom portion 45 of the
FIG. 42.
[0127] An IC chip reader 52 is reading means in the present
invention, provided with an antenna, a radio circuit, etc., on a
convex substrate, and configured to be fixed on the base 56 so that
the antenna can be located approximately at the center of the
bottom of the recess 55f so that a figure ID can be read when the
bottom portion 45 of the FIG. 40 is accommodated into the recess
55f. Further, when the bottom portion 45 is accommodated into the
recess 55f, the position concerned is a reading position in the
present invention. This is because the figure ID can be read by the
IC chip reader 52 at the position concerned.
[0128] The IC chip reader 52 is configured to read the figure ID
from the later described IC chip built in the figure by utilizing
this antenna.
[0129] A photo sensor 78 is detection means of the present
invention, and provided with a light emitting part 59a for emitting
light such as infrared, etc., to a light receiving part 59b and a
light receiving part 59b capable of receiving the light from the
light emitting part 59a. Further, the light emitting part 59a is
provided on the conically-inclined (or mortar-shaped inclined) face
53e on the back side of the guide member 53, and the light
receiving part 59b is provided on the conically-inclined (or
mortar-shaped inclined) face 53e at a position facing the light
emitting part 59a with the opening 53d therebetween. Therefore, the
photo sensor 78 is arranged such that the light emitting part 59a
and the light receiving part 59b are arranged to face each other
across an approaching route (or an insertion path) of the bottom
portion 45 toward a recess 55f therebetween and when the bottom
portion 45 is accommodated into the recess 55f, the FIG. 40 blocks
the light from being received by the light receiving part 59b,
thereby detecting that the FIG. 40 is placed at the reading
position.
[0130] A full color LED 65 is arranged as a light source at a
predetermined clearance D (about 5 mm) on the back of the guide
member 53. Further, a light shielding black sticker 67 is attached
to outer surfaces of the guide member 53 except surfaces covered or
surrounded by the support frame 55 and except the
conically-inclined (or mortar-shaped inclined) face 53e. The full
color LED 65 is supplied with a power source from a driving circuit
(not shown) to emit light to the guide member 53. Then, light
having passed through the guide member 53 is then released from the
conically-inclined (or mortar-shaped inclined) face 53e.
[0131] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the gaming machine 1 to mainly
show an internal configuration. The gaming machine 1 comprises a
plurality of components including a microcomputer 31 as a main
component.
[0132] A microcomputer 31 is provided with a main CPU (Central
Processing Unit) 32, RAM (Random Access Memory) 33 and ROM (Read
Only Memory) 34. The main CPU 32 operates according to programs
stored in the ROM 34 and inputs signals via an I/O port 39 from
each configuration element provided in an operation panel 14, while
inputting and outputting signals with other configuration elements
to control the entire performance of the gaming machine 1. The RAM
33 stores data and programs (application data to be described later
in the present embodiment) used when the main CPU 32 is actuated.
The ROM 34 stores control programs executed by the main CPU 32 and
permanent data.
[0133] Further, the gaming machine 1 is provided with a random
number generator 35, a sampling circuit 36, a clock pulse generator
37 and a frequency divider 38. The random number generator 35 is
actuated according to the instructions of the main CPU 32 to
generate random numbers in a certain range. The sampling circuit 36
extracts any given random numbers from the random numbers generated
by the random number generator 35 according to the instructions of
the main CPU 32, and inputs the thus extracted random numbers to
the main CPU 32. The clock pulse generator 37 generates a reference
clock for actuating the main CPU 32, and the frequency divider 38
inputs to the main CPU 32 signals obtained by dividing the
reference clock by a constant cycle.
[0134] In addition, the gaming machine 1 is provided with a touch
panel 11a, a coin sensor 16a, a card reader 18a, a communication
controller 21 and a communication processor 22, and also provided
with an image control circuit 71, a sound control circuit 72 and
the foregoing authentication unit 15.
[0135] The touch panel 11a is an operation means provided so as to
cover a display screen of the main display 11, detecting a position
of the site touched by the finger of a player and inputting to the
main CPU 32 position signals corresponding to the detected site.
The player uses the touch panel 11a to input an operation for
determining the motion of a character. For example, the touch panel
11a is coated with an electric-conductive substance on the surface
of a rectangular transparent plate, applying voltage from
electrodes arranged on the four corners of the transparent plate
and detecting a slight change in electric current generated by
contact with the finger of the player to detect a site touched by
the finger of the player.
[0136] The coin sensor 16a detects a coin inserted through the coin
insertion slot 16 and outputs to the main CPU 32 detection signals
corresponding to the detection. The card reader 18a reads the card
information such as player ID recorded in the ID card 17 inserted
into the card slot 18 and inputs the thus read card information to
the main CPU 32.
[0137] The communication controller 21 is actuated according to the
instructions of the main CPU 32 to control connection with or
disconnection from a line communicating with the shop server 2. The
communication processor 22 operates according to the instructions
of the communication controller 21 to send and receive data via a
dedicated line 3.
[0138] The image control circuit 71 controls image displays
respectively on the main display 11 and the sub display 12, thereby
displaying various images such as images indicating characters on
the main display 11 and the sub display 12.
[0139] As shown in FIG. 8, the image control circuit 71 is provided
with an image control CPU 71a, a work RAM 71b, a program ROM 71c,
an image ROM 71d, a video RAM 71e and a VDP (Video Display
Processor) 71f. The image control CPU 71a determines images
displayed on the main display 11 and the sub display 12 according
to an image control program previously stored in the program ROM
71c (regarding displays on the main display 11 and the sub display
12) on the basis of parameters set by the microcomputer 31. The
work RAM 71b is constructed as a temporary storage means for the
image control CPU 71a to execute the image control program.
[0140] The program ROM 71c stores the image control program,
various selection tables and the like. The image ROM 71d stores dot
data for forming images. The video RAM 71e is constructed as a
temporary storage means for forming images by the VDP 71f. The VDP
71f has a control RAM 71g, forming images according to displayed
contents of the main display 11 and the sub display 12 determined
by the image control CPU 71a, and outputting the thus formed each
images to the main display 11 and the sub display 12.
[0141] A sound control circuit 72 inputs to speakers 13L and 13R
audio signals for outputting sounds from the speakers 13L and 13R.
Sounds, for example, those for warming up a game at an appropriate
time after start of the game are outputted from the speakers 13L
and 13R.
[0142] The authentication unit 15 is provided with an IC chip
reader 52, a full color LED 65 and the foregoing photo sensor 78.
The IC chip reader 52 reads a figure ID of the FIG. 40 and inputs
it to the main CPU 32. Further, the full color LED 65 emits light
according to the instructions of the main CPU 32. Then, the photo
sensor 78 detects that the FIG. 40 is set at the reading
position.
(Configuration of Shop Server, Card Dispenser and Shop Router)
[0143] As shown in FIG. 9, the shop server 2 is provided with CPU
201, ROM 202, RAM 203, communication processor 204, communication
controller 205 and data storage part 206 storing application data.
Then, the CPU 201 operates while reading and writing data in the
RAM 203 according to programs stored in the ROM 202. The
communication controller 205 allows the communication processor 204
to operate according to the instructions of the CPU 201. The shop
server 2 then sends and receives data via each gaming machine 1 and
the dedicated line 3 respectively set in the game shops A and B,
thereby sending (download) application data to the each gaming
machine 1 and relaying data sent and received among the respective
gaming machines 1 and to and from the center server group 5. The
application data include various data used in executing a labyrinth
playing game played in the gaming machine 1 (image data for the
game) and board data (setting programs for allowing operation
buttons provided in the operation unit 19 to correspond to the
labyrinth playing game).
[0144] The card dispenser 6 is provided with an operation part at
which a player inputs private information and a card issuing means,
and the card issuing means issues a ID card 17 storing the card
information including a player ID specific to each player by
predetermined input operation using the operation part.
[0145] The shop router 7 connects in-shop LANs formed respectively
in the game shops A and B with LANs formed at the center server
group 5 via the communication line 4a and the Internet 4.
(Configuration of Center Server Group)
[0146] The center server group 5 is provided with a plurality of
gaming servers (two gaming servers 101 and 102 in FIG. 1) set
corresponding to each game and the data base server 103, and each
gaming server is connected via the dedicated line 104 to form a
LAN, which is then connected by a router (not shown) to the
Internet 4.
[0147] The gaming server 101 is set for executing a labyrinth
playing game, and as shown in FIG. 10, provided with CPU 301, ROM
302, RAM 303, communication processor 304, communication controller
305 and data storage part 306. In the gaming server 101, the CPU
301 operates while reading and writing data in the RAM 303
according to programs stored in the ROM 302, and the communication
controller 305 allows the communication processor 304 to operate
according to the instructions of the CPU 301.
[0148] The gaming server 101 sends and receives data with each shop
server 2 via the Internet 4, then, receives entry data to be
described later sent from each gaming machine 1, accepts
participation of a player in a labyrinth playing game (entry) and
renews the participation data of the player, determines an opponent
player and sends the result to the data base server 103.
[0149] The gaming server 102 is set for executing another game and
constructed similarly as the gaming server 101, although different
in data and programs stored.
[0150] The data base server 103 is provided with CPU 401, ROM 402,
RAM 403, communication processor 404, communication controller 405
and data storage part 406. Then, in the data base server 103, the
CPU 401 operates while reading and writing data in the RAM 403
according to the program stored in the ROM 402. The communication
controller 405 allows the communication processor 404 to operate
according to the instructions of the CPU 401, sending and receiving
data with each shop server 2 via the Internet 4. The data storage
part 406 stores a player ID, a password used in authenticating a
player, type of game and game data. The player ID is read and sent
by the gaming machine 1 from the ID card 17.
[0151] Further, as described later, the data base server 103 is
designed so that each player sets the FIG. 40 on the authentication
unit 15 used by the player in the gaming machine 1 and allows the
figure ID to be read, by which the figure ID corresponding to said
FIG. 40 is sent from the gaming machine 1. The data base server 103
is provided with an ID management file capable of storing a
plurality of corresponding figure IDs on the basis of one player ID
sent from the gaming machine 1 in the data storage part 406. The ID
management file is to manage a player and a figure used by the
player. The ID management file is used in authentication of a
player and authentication of a figure, which will be described
later.
[0152] The game data include character-specific data featuring each
character such as a character represented by the FIG. 40 with
regard to a plurality of characters appearing in a labyrinth
playing game (information on costumes of each character, costume
colors, defense parameters, attack parameters and character ability
values including attack range and special talents, hereinafter
referred to as "figure information") and data on histories of the
labyrinth playing game by each player. The game data is sent from
the data base server 103 to the gaming machine 1 and used in the
labyrinth playing game.
(Configuration of Figure)
[0153] FIG. 11A is an exploded perspective view showing the
configuration of the FIG. 40, and the FIG. 40 is provided with a
base portion 41 and a figure main body 42 displaying a
three-dimensional configuration of each character appearing in the
labyrinth playing game.
[0154] The base portion 41 is provided with a size corresponding to
the base fitting portion 51 and formed in a hollow thick circular
plate form. The base portion 41 is provided with a bottomed
cylindrical seat main body 43 having a top portion 43a and also
provided with an IC chip 44. A protruding part 43b is provided
approximately at the center of the top portion 43a of the seat main
body 43, and an IC chip 44 is firmly fitted into an open end
portion of the seat main body 43. Further, an annular stopper is
formed in an outer circumference of the open end portion to
construct a bottom portion 45. The IC chip 44 is equivalent to a
storage device of the present invention and stores a figure ID
specific to a character corresponding to the figure main body 42.
In the present embodiment, the figure ID is equivalent to
identification information corresponding to the character. Further,
the bottom portion 45 into which the IC chip 44 is fitted is
equivalent to a part to be read in the present invention.
[0155] The figure main body 42 is provided with a seat portion 46
having a recess 46a corresponding to a protruding part 43b and a
human figure part 47 formed to stand erect on two feet from the
seat portion 46 and representing each character appearing in the
labyrinth playing game, in which the protruding part 43b is fitted
into the recess 46a and fixed to the top portion 43a of the base
portion 41. Here, the FIG. 40 is housed into an approximate 7
cm-across capsule (not shown) and distributed in a dispenser
similar to the card dispenser 6. Since a monster figure is housed
in only some of these capsules, there is a case where the monster
figure may be used when the FIG. 40 is used (figure available mode
to be described later). In addition, a color is slightly changed or
the figure information is modified even in the same characters, by
which specific properties of the character are expressed to elevate
a player's motivation of collecting the figure.
[0156] A player can distinguish the FIG. 40 by the shape of the
figure main body 42 of the FIG. 40, and the gaming machine 1 can
distinguish the figure by the figure ID. The figure ID is designed
to make as unique (specific) a different FIG. 40, thereby
prohibiting multiple registrations of the same figure in the gaming
system 100.
[0157] FIG. 11B is a bottom plan view of a FIG. 40 of another kind
of IC chip. On the bottom portion (or face) 45, a printed-circuit
board 86 with a diameter W (e.g., about 30 mm) is stuck. The
printed-circuit board 86 stores data of each character and is
configured as a sticker. The printed-circuit board 86 is flexible
to some degree and has one sticky face being stuck on the bottom
portion (or face) 45. In other words, the IC chip is mounted on the
base portion 41 in a form of sticker. An illustration of a
character to be used can be printed on a surface of the sticker 86.
In this embodiment, although the diameter of the sticker 86 is
smaller than the bottom portion (or face) 45, the diameter may have
almost the same size as that of the bottom portion (or face)
45.
[0158] A margin of the sticker 86 may have different colors so as
to distinguish the content data of the IC chip by the color.
Further, three kinds of stickers with different parameters
referring to the same character may be prepared such that the same
character may have variations.
[0159] FIG. 39B shows how the FIG. 40 with a figure main body 42 is
installed in the authentication unit 15. FIG. 39C shows a cross
sectional view thereof. The base portion 41 under the figure main
body 42 is accepted in a recess of the authentication unit 15. The
recess has a transmissive portion 82, which may be an opening, on
the bottom such that light can pass through the transmissive
portion 82. Such a portion may be referred to as a camera hole and
under the camera hole an authentication camera may be provided.
Therefore, the printed image on the back side of the base portion
41 can be read directly. In the vicinity of the authentication
camera, an IC chip reader 52 is provided such that the printed
image and data stored in the IC chip can be read at the same
time.
[0160] FIG. 37B shows a cross sectional view of a similar
authentication unit 15. Explanation of the common configuration to
that of the authentication unit 15 in FIG. 6 and so on is omitted.
Another transmissive portion 84 is provided at the seating part 58
as well as the transmissive portion 82 being provided on the upper
part of the IC chip reader 52.
[0161] As described above, the gaming machine 1 of the present
embodiment is provided with a photo sensor 78 on the authentication
unit 15. Since the photo sensor 78 is provided on a
conically-inclined (or mortar-shaped inclined) face 53e so that the
light emitting part 59a faces the light receiving part 59b across
the opening 53d, the base portion 41 of the FIG. 40 blocks light of
the photo sensor 78 as in FIG. 12 showing that the FIG. 40 is
attached to the authentication unit 15 when the bottom portion 45
of the FIG. 40 is attached into the recess 55f. Thereby, the photo
sensor 78 detects that the FIG. 40 is set at a reading position and
outputs detection signals to the main CPU 32. The main CPU 32 to
which the detection signals are input will give instructions to the
IC chip reader 52 to read the figure ID.
[0162] In contrast, since the IC chip reader 52 operates only when
it receives an instruction from the main CPU 32 to read the figure
ID, load is alleviated to prevent wasting and deterioration of
configuration components as compared with a case where a reading
operation is always in progress.
(Operation Procedures of Gaming Machine)
[0163] Next, a description will be made for the operation
procedures of the above-constructed gaming machine 1 by referring
to the flow charts given in FIGS. 18 to 20. In the following
description, a description will be made by referring to one unit
among four units of the gaming machine 1 installed in the shop
A.
[0164] FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing operation procedures for the
game process from the start and completion of the game with the
gaming machine 1. Step is abbreviated as `S` in FIGS. 18 to 20.
[0165] The gaming machine 1 sends a download request for
application data to the shop server 2 when power source is applied
(step 100 to be described later), whereas in response to the
download request by the shop server 2, the application data is sent
to the gaming machine 1 which has sent the download request
(referring to FIG. 21).
[0166] On receipt of the application data, the gaming machine 1
allows the RAM 33 to store the application data. Then, in the
gaming machine 1, when the main CPU 32 reads the application data,
it acts as a game progression control means in the present
invention and allows a labyrinth playing game to proceed according
to the input operation by a player. Each gaming machine 1 is
designed to synchronize with each other via the shop server 2 and
the center server group 5, thereby displaying game images on the
main display 11.
[0167] In this instance, upon starting the game process, each
gaming machine 1 proceeds to the step 1, executing game starting
processes to be described later such as coin inserting, insertion
of ID card, input of password, character authentication generation
process. In the step 2, these machines determine whether
predetermined data is set on the figure available flag to be
described later (set available) by referring to the result of the
game starting process. On the basis of the determination result,
the process is divided into the step 3 or step 4 (step 3 if figure
available flag set is available, and step 4 if not) to conduct
either of the step 3 or 4.
[0168] For example, in the process of the step 3 where the figure
is available, these machines give instructions to the image control
circuit 71, allowing the main display 11 to display a labyrinth
image 150 as shown in FIG. 22 and character images 151 showing
characters acting according to the operation of a player, by which
an image game using these images is conducted by the main CPU 32.
While the image game is in progress, the main CPU 32 may instruct
the driving circuit (not shown) of the full color LED 65 to release
light for elevating presentation effects of the game. For example,
the full color LED 65 is lit at the time of attack by characters
operated by a player or it is lit or flashed when attacked.
[0169] In the step 5 following the step 3, these machines proceed
to the step 6 after the figure available flag is cleared and
display game results such as playing scores (playing results).
Then, in the data base server 103, in order to renew game data,
they conduct a post process in which data showing playing results
are sent via the shop server 2 to the data base server 103 to
complete the process.
[0170] As described above, the gaming machine 1 is designed to play
a labyrinth playing game either in a figure available mode or in a
figure unavailable mode. However, the figure available mode is
designed to be more beneficial in content for a player than the
figure unavailable mode.
(Game Starting Process)
[0171] The game starting process in the step 1 is conducted
according to the flow chart given in FIG. 19. FIG. 9 is a flow
chart showing operation procedures for the game starting process
and FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing operation procedures for the
character authentication generation process.
[0172] Upon starting the game starting process, the main CPU 32
proceeds to the step 61 to conduct a message output process,
instructing the image control circuit 71 to display predetermined
messages on the main display 11 (request for inserting coin,
request for inserting ID card and request for inputting password).
Then, it proceeds to the step 62 and the step 64 to execute the
process.
[0173] In order to start a game, a player inserts in coins from the
coin insertion slot 6, inserts the ID card 17 into the card slot 18
and inputs a password by using the operation unit 19. Then, a
detection signal of the thus inserted coin is input from the coin
sensor 16a to the main CPU 32, and the card information stored in
the ID card 17 is input from the card reader 18a. Further, a
password is input from the operation unit 19, and after all the
information is input and proceeds to the step 63, the main CPU 32
instructs the communication controller 21, thereby actuating the
communication processor 22 to send the read card information and
the input password to the shop server 2.
[0174] In the subsequent step 65, the main CPU 32 waits until a
response signal to be described later is received from the center
server 5, and proceeds to the step 66 on receipt of the response
signal. In the step 66, it distinguishes whether the authentication
is made (the figure ID has been already read and registered),
referring to the availability of the figure and the response
signal, giving instructions for displaying on the main display 11 a
selection screen for selecting any of various selectable
characters. In the subsequent step 67, it waits until the touch
panel 11a is touched and proceeds to the step 68 if touched. In the
step 66, it is determined whether a figure available mode is
selected. In this instance, where a figure available mode is
selected, it proceeds to the step 69. If not, it proceeds to the
step 70. When proceeding to the step 69, it conducts the character
generation process to be described later, setting data of
figure-unavailable character generation instructions (non-figure
character generation instructions) on the entry data to be
described later in the step 70, and proceeds to the subsequent step
71 in either mode. To be more specific, in the step 68, there is a
case where a figure is used for the first time and a case where
another authenticated figure other than the authenticated figure is
used besides the already authenticated figure. In both cases, if a
figure available mode is selected by a player, the main CPU 32
proceeds to the step 69 where the character generation process is
conducted. Further, where a figure is not used from the beginning
or the figure concerned is not used even if the authenticated
figure is available, it proceeds to the step 70 when a figure
unavailable mode is selected by a player.
[0175] Then, when proceeding to the step 69, the main CPU 32 will
conduct the character generation process according to the flow
chart shown in FIG. 20. When starting the process, it proceeds to
the step 81 where a figure setting request message output process
is conducted. In this instance, the main CPU 32 instructs the image
control circuit 71, thereby allowing the main display 11 to display
a setting request message of attaching the FIG. 40 to the
authentication unit 15 and reading the figure ID (for example,
"please set the base of the figure on the authentication unit on
the operation panel. When authentication of the figure is started,
the authentication unit lights brightly and please do not remove
the figure until the light is off."). When a player sets the FIG.
40 on the authentication unit 15 according to the displayed
message, the photo sensor 78 of the authentication unit 15 detects
that the FIG. 40 is set at the reading position and outputs a
detection signal to the main CPU 32.
[0176] In the step 85 the main CPU 32 waits until the detection
signal showing that the FIG. 40 has been set at the reading
position is input, proceeding to the step 86 when the detection
signal is input from the input photo sensor 78.
[0177] In the step 86, the main CPU 32 will act as directive means
in the present invention and instructs the IC chip reader 52 to
read the figure ID.
[0178] The IC chip reader 52 conducts a process for reading the
figure ID from the IC chip 44 only when reading instructions are
received from the main CPU 32 and a controller (not shown)
actuates. For example, these processes are conducted so that an
induction field is induced around an antenna of the IC chip reader
52 and signals necessary for reading the figure ID are sent to the
IC chip 44. The IC chip reader 52 outputs the figure ID read from
the IC chip 44 to the main CPU 32.
[0179] As described above, the gaming machine 1 actuates the IC
chip reader 52 only when a detection signal from the photo sensor
78 for detecting that the FIG. 40 has been set at the reading
position is received and reads the figure ID stored in the IC chip
44. Therefore, load on the IC chip reader 52 is alleviated to
prevent wasting and deterioration of configuration components of
the IC chip reader 52 as compared with a case where the IC chip
reader 52 is always in operation.
[0180] In the step 87, the main CPU 32 waits until the figure ID is
input and proceeds to the step 88 when the figure ID is input from
the IC chip reader 52.
[0181] In the step 88, the character generation instruction data
including the figure ID read by the main CPU 32 is set on the entry
data, and in the subsequent step 89 the predetermined data ("1" in
the present embodiment) is set on a figure available flag showing
that the authentication unit 15 has read the figure ID of the FIG.
40 (setting of figure). The character generation process will be
completed when the step 89 is executed.
[0182] When proceeding to the step 71 (FIG. 19), the main CPU 32
instructs the communication controller, thereby actuating the
communication processor 22 to send the entry data to the shop
server 2. The game starting process will be completed when the step
71 is terminated.
[0183] As described above, the gaming machine 1 is designed to set
the predetermined data on a figure available flag when a figure is
set. Once the figure is set, entry data including the character
generation instruction data is sent via the shop server 2 to the
data base server 103, in the data base server 103 the figure ID is
associated with the thus set player-specific player ID and stored
in the ID management file, and the figure is used to determine
whether the figure is authenticated. Further, since the
determination result on whether the figure is authenticated by the
ID management file is sent as a response signal from the data base
server 103, a player is able to select a character corresponding to
an authenticated figure and play a labyrinth playing game. However,
unless the figure is set, a figure available flag is not set. Thus,
even if the figure has been authenticated, it is necessary to set
the FIG. 40 on the authentication unit 15 to read the figure ID in
playing the labyrinth playing game in a figure available mode. If
set, the figure information corresponding to the read figure ID is
generated in the database server 103, thus making it possible to
play the labyrinth playing game, without repeated setting of the
FIG. 40.
[0184] On the other hand, in the gaming machine 1, the shop server
2 and the center server group 5, the processes are conducted in the
order given in FIG. 21 corresponding to the above process. FIG. 21
is a sequence chart showing the sequence of motions conducted among
the gaming machine 1, the shop server 2 and the center server
5.
[0185] In the gaming machine 1, a download request for application
data is sent to the shop server 2 in the step 100, thereby
downloading the application data, and card information, etc., are
sent in the step 64, as described above. Then, in the center server
group 5, when proceeding to the step 301, the CPU 401 of the data
base server 103 uses the card information and the password sent
from the gaming machine 1 to conduct the authentication process for
determining whether a player and a figure are registered by
referring to the ID management file. Where registered, they are
determined to have been authenticated, and the CPU 401 proceeds to
the step 302 to send a response signal showing the authentication
result to the gaming machine 1. Here, in the database server 103, a
similar authentication process is given to the gaming machines 1
available in eight units at the respective shops of A and B.
[0186] Further, in the gaming machine 1, entry data is sent as
shown in the above step 71. Then, in the center server group 5, it
proceeds to the step 303, and conducts an entry acceptance of
players by using the entry data from each gaming machine 1 in the
gaming server 101. In the subsequent step 304, it uses the figure
IDs (the figure IDs include that of both the figure which is newly
registered but not authenticated and the figure which has been
authenticated and will be authenticated again) corresponding to the
renewal of participation information of the players and character
generation instruction data, thereby registering figures in the ID
management file or renewing the figures and generating or renewing
the figure information. In the subsequent step 305, opponent
players (four in the present embodiment) will be determined.
Further, in the step 306, the data base server 103 extracts game
data of each opponent player, it proceeds to the step 307, and
sends the thus extracted game data to the shop server 2. When the
shop server 2 receives the game data, the data will be sent to each
gaming machine 1.
[0187] In the gaming system 100 of the above-described embodiment,
the gaming machine 1 is provided with a main display 11 (image
display means) and a main CPU 32 which operates as a game
progression control means. However, these devices having such
functions may be provided separately. FIG. 13 is a system block
diagram showing the gaming system 200, which is a modification
example of the gaming system 100, FIG. 14 is a block diagram
showing the internal configuration of the gaming terminal device,
and FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration
of the control device. The gaming system 200 is a gaming system
designed to execute play by allowing an image game using a
character image acting according to the operation of a player to
proceed, as with the gaming system 100, in which the gaming
terminal device 80 equipped with the authentication unit 15, the
control device 90 acting as a game progression control means and
the display device 81 are provided separately.
[0188] As shown in FIG. 13, the gaming system 200 is provided with
a shop server 2 installed at the game shops A and B, a plurality of
gaming terminal devices 80 (eight units in the present embodiment)
and a card dispenser 6 connected communicably via the dedicated
line 3, a control device 90 connected communicably with the shop
server 2 and a display device 81 connected communicably with the
control device. The gaming terminal device 80 is equivalent to a
gaming terminal device in the present invention, similar as the
gaming machine 1 in fundamental configuration but free of the main
display 11 and the sub display 12, and different in that the main
CPU 32 does not operate as a game progression control means.
[0189] As shown in FIG. 15, the control device 90 is provided with
CPU 91, ROM 92, RAM 93, an image control circuit 71 and a
communication processor 95. The CPU 91 is actuated as a game
progression control means of the present invention according to the
program stored in the ROM 92, executing processes necessary for
allowing a game image to proceed. The RAM 93 stores data and
programs used in actuating the CPU 91, and the ROM 92 stores
control programs executed by the CPU 91 and the permanent data. The
communication processor 95 will operate according to the
instructions of the CPU 91, sending to and receiving data from the
shop server 2. The image control circuit 94 is similar in
configuration as the image control circuit 71 of the foregoing
gaming machine 1, controlling the image display by the display
device 81 and allowing the display device 81 to display various
images.
[0190] The display device 81 is provided with a large-size monitor
screen by which a plurality of players can view, and connected to a
plurality of gaming terminal devices 80 via the control device 90
and the shop server 2. The display device 81 is equivalent to an
image display means of the present invention and controlled for the
display image by the control device 90.
[0191] Next, a description will be made for other embodiments of
the photo sensor 78 corresponding to the detection means of the
above embodiment. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the
authentication unit 15 to which the reflective photo sensor 79 is
assembled, and FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view taken along line
XVII to XVII in FIG. 16.
[0192] The reflective photo sensor 79 is provided with a light
emitting part 59c arranged on the circumferential side of the
recess 55f and constructed so as to radiate light toward the
central axis line of a recess 55f, a reflective part 59d arranged
on the circumferential side facing the light emitting part 59c with
the recess 55f therebetween and constructed so as to reflect
incident light Ri from the light emitting part 55f and a light
receiving part 59e arranged at a position corresponding to the
traveling direction of reflected light Rr (lower position adjacent
to the light emitting part 59c in the present embodiment) and
constructed so as to receive the reflected light Rr.
[0193] In order to attain the above configuration of the reflective
photo sensor 79, the light emitting part 59c and the reflective
part 59d are arranged with an approach route of the bottom portion
45 (part to be read) of the FIG. 40 therebetween, the light
receiving part 59e is arranged in the traveling direction of the
reflected light Rr in relation to the incident light Ri emitted
from the light emitting part 59c to the reflective part 59d, and
the light receiving part 59e is able to receive the reflected light
Rr. Therefore, light emitted from the light emitting part 59c of
the photo sensor 59B is blocked by the FIG. 40, bottom portion 45
of which is housed into the recess 55f, and the reflected light Rr
will not arrive at the light receiving part 59b, thereby a fact
that the FIG. 40 is set on the reading position can be
detected.
[0194] The following configuration may also be available: a
reflective part is provided on the FIG. 40, and the reflective
photo sensor is provided with a light emitting part for irradiating
light to the reflective part of the FIG. 40 placed at the reading
position and a light receiving part for receiving the light
reflected at the reflective part, and the FIG. 40 placed at the
reading position is detected when the reflected light is received
at the light receiving part.
[0195] A description has been made so far for the gaming system 100
and the gaming system 200 by referring to the FIG. 40 as an object
to be read. The gaming machine, gaming system and the gaming
terminal device according to the present invention may be
applicable to a case where the object to be read different from the
FIG. 40 is used. For example, a card-shaped game card or a cassette
may be used, on which pictures and patterns corresponding to
characters are printed and store ID information. Further, a
description has been made by referring to the gaming machine 1 by
which a labyrinth playing game can be played. The present invention
may be applicable to a gaming machine by which other image games
can be played, for example, a gaming machine dealing with a game
where a plurality of players appear such as baseball or soccer and
in which figures and cassettes corresponding to each players can be
used to simulate team play.
[0196] The reading means shall not be limited to a non-contact type
IC chip reader but may also include a contact type IC chip reader.
Further, the reading means shall not be limited to a case where
only the figure ID (identification information) is read but may be
configured so that information can be read into recording devices
such as an IC chip, namely, read/write type recording device.
[0197] The detection means shall not be limited to optical sensors
such as transmission sensors, reflection sensors or pressure
sensors, but may include magnetic sensors, mechanical sensors and
the like.
[0198] A position at which the detection means is installed shall
not be limited to a certain part of the guide member but may be
inside the recess, for example, and any position will do as long as
the fact that an object to be read is set at the reading position
can be detected.
[0199] FIG. 23 is a block diagram of the gaming machine 1 mainly
showing the interior configuration. The gaming machine 1 has a
plurality of configuration elements including a main element of a
microcomputer 31. Since the configuration is quite similar to that
in FIG. 7, duplicated explanation will be omitted.
[0200] In addition, the gaming machine 1 comprises a touch panel
11a, a coin sensor 16a, a card reader 18a, a communication
controller 21 and a communication processor 22, and also comprises
an image control circuit 71, a sound control circuit 72 and the
foregoing authentication unit 15. Here, the authentication unit 15
is shown in a box.
[0201] Next, a description will be made for the authentication unit
15 provided in the gaming machine 1. FIG. 24 is an exploded
perspective view of the authentication unit, FIG. 25 is a plain
view of the authentication unit, and FIG. 26 is a front view of the
authentication unit.
[0202] As shown in FIG. 24, the authentication unit 15 of the
present embodiment is provided with a guide member 53 which is used
as a light transmitting member of the present invention. The guide
member 53 is solid and provided with a transparent urethane-made
main body 51 which is a transparent-resin made thick plate. A
tapered guide hole 54 bored in a conical form is provided at the
center of the main body 51. The upper opening area of the guide
hole 54 is larger than the lower opening area and configured to
incline inside, and the lower opening area is approximately equal
to the area of the lower face of the base portion 41 in the FIG.
40. Decorative light is irradiated from the guide hole 54, and the
guide hole 54 is used as a decorative-light irradiating part of the
present invention.
[0203] Further, a projection 53a is formed at the front end of the
guide member 53. The projection 53a is arranged on the front face
of the main body 51 and formed with the main body 51 in an
integrated manner. In addition, a sticker-formed light shielding
member 67 is attached around the guide hole 54 on the upper face of
the main body 51 in the guide member 53.
[0204] The light shielding member 67 is dark (or black) on the
surface. Further, a part outside the light shielding member 67 in
the main body 51 is equivalent to a notification part 75, which is
to be a notification-light indicating part of the present invention
indicated by lighting on or flashing at the notification light.
Therefore, in the guide member 53, the guide hole 54 is separated
from the notification part 75 by the light shielding member 67. At
the notification part 75, light is indicated according to a game
state of the gaming machine 1, thereby notifying a player of the
game state of the gaming machine 1. In this instance, the game
state includes displays of a game in the gaming machine 1 and a
game start process prior to start of the game.
[0205] Further, the light shielding member 67 is pasted on a front
face and an upper face of the projection 53a. A shielding sticker
as the shielding member 67 has a hiding function and a reflective
function. Also, the outer surface is black and a reflective member
of a reflective film in silver is pasted on the interior. And the
shielding sticker prevents light from leaking from the projection
53a, the light being irradiated from the main body 51 of the guide
member 53, and reflects the light toward the main body 51.
[0206] Thus, the light shielding sticker of the light shielding
member 67 covers the projection 53a formed at the leading end of
the notification part 75 of the guide member 53. The light
shielding sticker of the light shielding member reflects incident
light into the projections 53a by the reflective film toward the
main body 51 and release the light from the guide hole 54.
[0207] The authentication unit 15 is also provided with a support
frame 55. The support frame 55 into which a main body 51 in the
guide member 53 is fitted is provided with a frame member 55b
covering the main body 51. A seating part 58 which can be placed by
fitting and attaching the base portion 41 of the FIG. 40 is formed
at the center of the bottom of the frame member 55b. A cylindrical
space slightly larger in diameter than the base portion 41 of the
FIG. 40 is provided on the seating part 58.
[0208] In the seating part 58, the base portion 41 of the FIG. 40
is provided with leeway and can be fitted so as to keep a
predetermined positional relationship of the base portion 41 with
the seating part 58. Further, the depth of the seating part 58 is
designed to be slightly greater than the height of the base portion
41, and the FIG. 40 is prevented from inversion by setting the base
portion 41 at the seating part 58.
[0209] A projection guide member 59 is provided at the front face
of the frame member 55b. The projection guide member 59 is formed
at a position and in a size capable of covering over the sides of
the projection 53a when the main body 51 in the guide member 53 is
fitted into the frame member 55b of the support frame 55.
[0210] Further, an IC chip reader 52 which is a reading part of the
present invention and a base 56 are arranged at the position below
the support frame 55. The IC chip reader 52 is provided with a
substrate 62 which is in a convex form when viewed from the flat
surface and arranged so that the projected convex part is
positioned immediately under the seating part 58 in the support
frame 55 when viewed from the flat surface. An IC chip main body
(not shown) is arranged at the projected part of the substrate 62.
The IC chip main body is seated immediately under the seating part
58 of the support frame 55, thereby assuredly exchanging data with
the IC chip 44 accommodated in the base portion 41 placed on the
seating part 58.
[0211] A base 61 is arranged at a position below the IC chip reader
52. The base 56 is provided with a base main body 63 and a back
plate 64 formed so as to erect upward at the back of the base main
body 63. A full color LED (Light Emitting Diode) 65 is attached to
the front face of the back plate 64 via a LED supporting plate 65a.
The full color LED 65 is a light-emitting diode obtained by packing
light-emitting elements of three primary colors comprising red,
green and blue into one unit and able to emit light of various
colors.
[0212] The authentication unit 15 is formed by assembling the guide
member 53, the support frame 55, the IC chip reader 52 and the base
56. The full color LED 65 is arranged on the back of the main body
51 in the guide member 53 in a state that these members are
assembled. Further, the LED supporting plate 65a is provided with a
spacer 66, and the spacer 66 is arranged between the back plate 64
and the back of the main body 51 in the guide member 53. The full
color LED 65 is arranged in a predetermined distance apart from the
back of the main body 51 in the guide member 53 due to the presence
of the spacer 66.
[0213] Further, in a state that these members are assembled, both
the guide hole 54 in the guide member 53 and the notification part
75 can be visually confirmed by a player from the upper face side
of the frame member 55b in the support frame 55.
[0214] A description will be made for motions and actions of the
gaming machine of the present embodiment having the above-described
configuration mainly by referring to the authentication unit.
[0215] In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a player
inserts a coin from the coin insertion slot 16 and inserts an ID
card 17 into a card slot 18, thereby conducting a game starting
process. The gaming machine 1 includes a figure available mode and
a figure unavailable mode. In the game starting process, the figure
available mode or the figure unavailable mode is selected depending
on whether the FIG. 40 is placed on the authentication unit 15.
[0216] In this instance, the authentication unit 15 irradiates
light of a predetermined color from a full color LED 65 at a stage
of game starting process, thereby inducing a player to set the FIG.
40. When the light of a predetermined color is irradiated from the
full color LED 65, the thus irradiated light enters into the main
body 51 in the guide member 53 from the back side which is an
incident face of the guide member 53. As shown in FIG. 27, the
light which has entered into the main body 51 is emitted from the
guide hole 54 as it is. Further, the notification part 75 is lit
when the light enters into the main body 51.
[0217] In this instance, the main display 11 gives an indication to
a player having the FIG. 40 that the game can be played in a figure
available mode and also gives an indication to set the figure on
the authentication unit 15 when the player desires to play in the
figure available mode. Together with an indication to the main
display 11, light is emitted from the guide hole 54 to light the
notification part 75. Therefore, it is possible to urge a player so
that the FIG. 40 is placed on the authentication unit 15 to make
authentication. Further, a player can be informed of a position of
the seating part 58 which is a seating part for setting the FIG. 40
by emitting light from the guide hole 54. Since the guide hole 54
is provided with an inwardly inclined taper, the player is able to
easily set the FIG. 40 on the seating part 58.
[0218] Thereafter, where the FIG. 40 is not set on the
authentication unit 15 within a predetermined time, a game will be
started in a figure unavailable mode. In contrast, where the FIG.
40 is set, prior to starting the game in a figure available mode,
the authentication unit 15 conducts an authentication operation in
which the IC chip provided in the IC chip reader 52 is used to read
a figure ID stored in the IC chip 44 of the FIG. 40. While the
figure ID is being read, the full color LED 65 emits light of a
color indicating that the authentication is in progress.
[0219] The light emitted from the full color LED 65 enters into the
main body 51 in the guide member 53 and is emitted from the guide
hole 54. In this instance, decorative light which decorates the
FIG. 40 is emitted from the guide hole 54. The thus irradiated
decorative light can provide images in which the FIG. 40 is
arranged in the decorative light, thereby uplifting the mood of a
player when he or she starts to play a game.
[0220] In addition, when light enters into the main body 51, the
light of a color indicated by the full color LED 65 is lit in the
notification part 75. A player can be informed of a fact that the
authentication operation from the FIG. 40 is in progress by the
light lit at the notification part 75. The main display 11
indicates a warning message is given to the player that the FIG. 40
should not be removed from the authentication unit 15 because the
authentication operation is in progress.
[0221] Where the authentication operation has been completed as
described above, a game is started in the gaming machine 1. After
completion of the authentication operation, a player is able to
keep the FIG. 40 set on the authentication unit 15 or remove the
FIG. 40 from the authentication unit 15. In a game in the gaming
machine 1, various sound effects are provided from speakers 13L and
13R in accordance with the progress of the game. Further, various
colored lights are emitted from the full color LED 65 in the
authentication unit 15.
[0222] In this instance, in a state where the FIG. 40 is set on the
authentication unit 15 and when light is emitted from the full
color LED 65, decorative light is emitted from the guide hole 54 in
the guide member 53. The decorative light is irradiated to the FIG.
40, thereby making the FIG. 40 pop up from the light and uplifting
the mood of a player playing with a game to a greater extent.
[0223] A game state varies along with the progress of a game. In
this instance, the game state refers to a state corresponding to
the game such as behavior of a character along with the progress of
the game, change in phase and addition of obtained points. It may
be necessary to notify a player of the game state and urge the
player to conduct a predetermined operation when necessary.
Further, the player is urged to conduct the predetermined operation
when the game is also completed.
[0224] In urging a player to conduct the operation, the full color
LED 65 emits light of a predetermined color, and then the
notification part 75 of the guide member 53 lights or flashes in
the light of the predetermined color. The notification part 55
lights or flashes, thus making it possible to urge a player to
conduct the predetermined operation. When urging the player to
conduct the predetermined operation, the operation procedures are
displayed on the main display 11.
[0225] As described above, the authentication unit 15 is provided
with a guide hole 54 for irradiating the FIG. 40 set on the seating
part 58 and a notification part 75 notifying a predetermined
authentication operation and a game state. The light irradiated
from the guide hole 54 and that lighting or flashing at the
notification part 75 are all emitted from the full color LED 65.
Thus, decorative light is irradiated to allow the notification part
75 in the authentication unit 15 to light. A light source for them
is the full color LED 65 which is commonly used, thereby making it
possible to prevent an increasing number of light sources and
consequently decrease the number of components.
[0226] Since the guide hole 54 in the guide member 53 is separated
from the notification part 75 by a black light shielding member 67,
decorative light irradiated from the guide hole 54 and light
lighting at the notification part 75 can be made bright. In other
words, decorative light irradiated from the guide hole 54 and light
lighting at the notification part 75 can be contrasted.
[0227] Further, since the authentication unit 15 of the present
embodiment is provided with the spacer 66, the full color LED 65 is
arranged at a certain distance apart from the back of the guide
member 53. Light emitted from the full color LED 65 and irradiated
through the guide member 53 from the guide hole 54 and light
lighting at the notification part 75 are not provided in a dotted
form but in a dimly scattered form. Therefore, light emitted from
the guide hole 54 is made more effective in giving light decoration
to the FIG. 40, and the light at the notification part 75 can be
displayed in a form more easily recognized by a player.
[0228] The full color LED 65 is also used as a light source,
therefore, making it possible to easily change the light decorating
the FIG. 40 or that lighting at the notification part 75. In other
words, it is possible to easily change and select the decorative
light according to the content of a game, etc., and also to easily
change the light lighting at the notification part 75 according to
the content of the notification.
[0229] For example, in the above embodiment, the guide hole 54 for
irradiating decorative light and the notification part 75 notifying
by lighting are made of the same material, but these members may be
made of a different material. Further, in the above embodiment, the
full color LED 65 is used as a light source but another light
source may be used. The light source shall not be limited in
position at the back side of the guide member 53 but may be
positioned at another place. Further, in the embodiment, a light
source is provided at a single place but may be provided at plural
places.
[0230] In the above embodiment, the authentication unit 15 is used
as a reading unit, but a reading unit which can simply read data
stored in an information storage medium may be acceptable. Further,
the IC chip reader 52 which reads only information is used as a
reading part in the authentication unit 15, but a reader/writer
which is able to exchange data between an information storage
medium to conduct reading and writing operations may be uses as a
reading part. In the above embodiment, a solid guide member 53 made
with a transparent resin is used as a light transmitting member,
but a hollow member made of a transparent resin or other materials
than the resin may be used as a light transmitting member.
[0231] FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing a state where the FIG.
40 is attached to the authentication unit 15. FIG. 29 is a plain
view of the authentication unit 15, and FIG. 30 is a cross
sectional view taken along line VI-VI given in FIG. 5.
[0232] The base fitting portion 51 is also provided with a guide
member 53 having a guide hole 54 on the internal side, and
comprising light transmitting members made with transparent
urethane and the like, a support frame 55 for supporting a guide
member 53 circumferentially and from below, and a base 56 for
fixing the support frame 55 to the operation panel 14 (referring to
FIG. 3), together with the guide member 53.
[0233] The guide member 53 is guide means of the present invention,
formed in an approximately annular form having the guide hole 54
therein, provided with a projection 53a on the front side (on the
side of a player) and wide portions 53b and 53b which are made
wider on the back. The guide member 53 is retained, with the lower
face of the projection 53a assembled to the support frame 55 and
also with the wide portions 53b and 53b held therebetween.
[0234] Further, the guide member 53 is provided with a circular
opening 53d on a base 56 side approaching a guide hole 54 (side
closed with a seat 55a of the support frame 55) and a circular open
end portion 53c on an open side, in which the diameter of the open
end portion 53c is larger than that of the opening 53d, and the
circumferential face between the open end portion 53e and the
opening 53d forms a conically-inclined (or mortar-shaped inclined)
face 53e, with a gradual reduction in diameter of a circle made on
the conically-inclined face from the open end portion 53c toward
the opening 53d. The configuration of the opening 53d corresponds
to that of the bottom portion 45 of the FIG. 40 to be described
later, and the bottom portion 45 can be configured to be inserted
thereinto.
[0235] The support frame 55 is provided with an annular frame
member 55b enclosing a guide member 53, a receiving part 55a
falling into the frame member 55b in a recessed form to hold the
guide member 53 and a cylindrical recess 55f formed with a step
approximately at the center inside the receiving part 55a. An
opening of the recess 55f is a concentric circle with the same
diameter corresponding to the configuration of the opening 53d of
the guide member 53.
[0236] The IC chip reader 52 is configured to read the figure ID
from the later described IC chip built in the figure by utilizing
this antenna.
[0237] A full color LED 65 is arranged as a light source at a
predetermined clearance D (approximately 5 mm) on the back of the
guide member 53. Further, a light shielding black sticker 67 is
attached to outer surfaces of the guide member 53 except surfaces
covered or surrounded by the support frame 55 and except the
conically-inclined (or mortar-shaped inclined) face 53e. The full
color LED 65 is supplied with a power source from a driving circuit
(not shown) to emit light to the guide member 53. Then, light
having passed through the guide member 53 is then released from the
conically-inclined (or mortar-shaped inclined) face 53e.
[0238] As described above, the authentication unit 15 of the
present embodiment is provided with a guide member 53. Since the
guide member 53 is provided with a conically-inclined (or
mortar-shaped inclined) face 53e which undergoes a gradual
reduction in diameter from the open end portion 53c toward the
opening 53d, inserting the bottom portion 45 of the FIG. 40 from
the open end portion 53C makes it possible that the bottom portion
45 of the FIG. 40 is guided along the conically-inclined (or
mortar-shaped inclined) face 53e and allowed to arrive at the
opening 53d, thereby placing the bottom portion 45 at the bottom of
the recess 55f. The FIG. 40 is guided by the guide member 53 to a
reading position, and a player is therefore able to set easily the
FIG. 40 into the reading position, by which troubles can be reduced
in starting a game using the FIG. 40.
[0239] Further, the guide member 53 is made with a light
transmitting member, and when light is emitted from the full color
LED 65, the light is transmitted from the conically-inclined (or
mortar-shaped inclined) face 53e to which the light shielding
sticker 67 is not attached. Since the mortar-shaped inclined face
53e is in a position enclosing the FIG. 40 set at the reading
position, it is possible to present light in association with the
FIG. 40 which is to be attached on the authentication unit 15.
There are, for example, a case where attention is given to prevent
removal of the FIG. 40 by notifying that authentication of the
figure ID is in progress and a case where the FIG. 40 is presented
during a game.
[0240] FIG. 31 is a block diagram of the gaming machine 1 mainly
showing the interior configuration. The gaming machine 1 has a
plurality of configuration elements including a main element of a
microcomputer 31. Since the configuration is quite similar to that
in FIG. 7, duplicated explanation will be omitted.
[0241] Next, a modified example of the above authentication unit
15, will be explained in reference to FIG. 32. The modified
authentication unit 15 comprises a guide member 53 being made of an
opaque material and a plurality of LEDs 58B, 58B, . . . disposed on
a conically-inclined face 53e of the guide member 53 being made of
an opaque material. The guide member 53 of the opaque material is
identical to the guide member 53 of the transparent material except
such optical property. The plurality of light sources of LEDs 58B,
58B, . . . are arranged with the same interval along the
circumferential direction of the open end portion 53c of the
conically-inclined face 53e and provided so as to enclose the FIG.
40 placed on the authentication unit 15B. Therefore, light may be
presented so that the FIG. 40 is illuminated from below.
[0242] A description has been made so far for the gaming system 100
and the gaming system 200 by referring to the FIG. 40 as an object
to be read. The gaming machine, gaming system and the gaming
terminal device according to the present invention may be
applicable to a case where objects to be read different from the
FIG. 40 are used. For example, card-shaped game cards or cassettes
may be used, on which pictures and patterns corresponding to
characters are printed and store ID information. Further, a
description has been made by referring to the gaming machine 1 by
which a labyrinth playing game can be played. The present invention
may be applicable to a gaming machine by which other image games
can be played, for example, a gaming machine dealing with a game
where a plurality of players appear such as baseball or soccer and
in which figures and cassettes corresponding to each player can be
used to simulate team play.
[0243] The reading means shall not be limited to a non-contact type
IC chip reader but may also include a contact type IC chip reader.
Further, the reading means shall not be limited to a case where
only the figure ID (identification information) is read but may be
constructed so that information can be read into recording devices
such as an IC chip, namely, read/write type recording device. In
addition, the reading means may be installed at any position, as
long as it is able to read in relation to the position of the
recording device storing identification information, and may be
installed on a mortar-shaped inclined face or at other places.
[0244] Further, a shape of the foregoing recording device and that
of the part (for example, base portion) of the object to be read
supporting the recording device may be available in a polygonal
form. In this instance, the guide means may be provided with a
prismoid (configuration obtained by cutting a polygonal pyramid by
a flat face parallel to the bottom face and removing a part having
the apex) guide hole and constructed so that the inclined face is
used to guide the object to be read to the reading position.
[0245] Further, members constructing the guide means may not be
necessarily transparent light-transmitting members as long as the
object to be read is guided to the reading position. In addition,
light transmitting members shall not be limited to transparent
urethanes and may include transparent resins, transparent
reinforced glasses and other light permeable members. In addition,
a light source for emitting light to the guide means shall not be
limited to the full color LED but may include illumination devices
such as a halogen lamp. The light source may be provided not only
at a single place but also at plural places.
[0246] Timing of lighting for emitting light from the light source
shall not be limited to a case where a description was made for the
content of the motions of the foregoing gaming machine. Light may
be lit in the course of reading the figure ID or the authentication
and at an appropriate timing while an image game is in progress
(for example, while attacked by a character operated by a player or
being attacked, when an item is seized or life is elevated or
falls).
(Operation Procedures of Gaming Machine)
[0247] Next, the operation procedures of the above-constructed
gaming machine 1 will be explained in reference to the flow charts
shown in FIGS. 18, 33 and 34. In the following description, one
unit among four units of the gaming machine 1 installed in the shop
A will be explained as an example. FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing
operation procedures of the gaming processes from the game start to
the game end. Here, in FIGS. 18, 34 and 35, "step" will be
abbreviated as "S".
[0248] The gaming machine 1 sends a download request for
application data to the shop server 2 when the power source is
applied (step 100), whereas in response to the download request by
the shop server 2, the application data is sent to the gaming
machine 1 which has sent the download request (referring to FIG.
21).
[0249] On receipt of the application data, the gaming machine 1
lets the RAM 33 store the application data. Then, in the gaming
machine 1, when the main CPU 32 reads the application data, it
serves as a game control means according to the present invention
and lets a labyrinth playing game to proceed according to the input
operation by a player. Each gaming machine 1 is designed to
synchronize with each other via the shop server 2 and the center
server group 5, thereby displaying game images on the main display
11.
[0250] In this instance, upon starting the game process, each
gaming machine 1 proceeds to the step 1, executing game starting
processes to be described later such as coin insertion, ID card
insertion, password input, and character authentication generation
process. In the step 2, it is determined whether predetermined data
is set on the figure available flag to be described later (set
available) by referring to the result of the game starting process.
On the basis of the determination result, the process is divided
into the step 3 or step 4 (step 3 if figure available flag set is
available, and step 4 if not) to conduct either of the step 3 or
4.
[0251] For example, in the process of the step 3 where the figure
is available, these machines give instructions to the image control
circuit 71, allowing the main display 11 to display a labyrinth
image 150 as shown in FIG. 22 and character images 151 showing
characters acting according to the operation of a player, by which
an image game using these images is conducted by the main CPU
32.
[0252] In the step 5 following the step 3, these machines proceed
to the step 6 after the figure available flag is cleared and
display game results such as playing scores (playing results).
Then, in the data base server 103, in order to renew game data,
they conduct a post process in which data showing playing results
are sent via the shop server 2 to the data base server 103 to
complete the process.
(Game Starting Process)
[0253] The game starting process in the step 1 is conducted
according to the flow chart given in FIG. 33. FIG. 33 is a flow
chart showing operation procedures for the game starting process
and FIG. 34 is a flow chart showing operation procedures for the
character generation process.
[0254] The main CPU 32 proceeds to the step 60 when the game
starting process is commenced, and instructs the driving circuit of
the full color LED 65 to develop a single color (for example,
white). In the subsequent step 61, the main CPU 32 conducts a
message output process, instructing the image control circuit 71,
thereby allowing the main display 11 to display predetermined
messages (request for inserting coin, request for inserting ID card
and request for inputting password). Then, it proceeds to the step
62 and the step 63 to execute the process.
[0255] In order to start a game, a player inserts in coins from the
coin insertion slot 6, inserts the ID card 17 into the card slot 18
and inputs a password by using the operation unit 19. Then, a
detection signal of the thus inserted coin is input from the coin
sensor 16a to the main CPU 32, and the card information stored in
the ID card 17 is input from the card reader 18a. Further, a
password is input from the operation unit 19, and after all the
information is input and the program proceeds to the step 63.
[0256] In the step 63, the main CPU 32 instructs the driving
circuit of the full color LED 65 to develop two colors (for
example, red and blue) alternately in place of the foregoing single
color, thereby urging a player to set the FIG. 40 on the
authentication unit 15.
[0257] In the subsequent step 64, the main CPU 32 instructs the
communication controller 21 to actuate the communication processor
22, sending to the center server group 5 the card information read
and the password input via the shop server 2.
[0258] In the subsequent step 65, the main CPU 32 waits until a
response signal to be described later is received from the center
server 5, and proceeds to the step 66 on receipt of the response
signal. In the step 66, it distinguishes whether the authentication
is made (the figure ID has been already read and registered),
referring to the availability of the figure and the response
signal, giving instructions for displaying on the main display 11 a
selection screen for selecting any of various selectable
characters. In the subsequent step 67, it waits until the touch
panel 11a is touched and proceeds to the step 68 if touched. In the
step 66, it is determined whether a figure available mode is
selected. In this instance, where a figure available mode is
selected, it proceeds to the step 69. If not, it proceeds to the
step 70. When proceeding to the step 69, it conducts the character
generation process to be described later, setting data of
figure-unavailable character generation instructions (non-figure
character generation instructions) on the entry data to be
described later in the step 70, and proceeds to the subsequent step
71 in either mode. To be more specific, in the step 68, there is a
case where a figure is used for the first time and a case where
another authenticated figure other than the authenticated figure is
used besides the already authenticated figure. In both cases, if a
figure available mode is selected by a player, the main CPU 32
proceeds to the step 69 where the character generation process is
conducted. Further, where a figure is not used from the beginning
or the figure concerned is not used even if the authenticated
figure is available, it proceeds to the step 70 when a figure
unavailable mode is selected by the player.
[0259] Then, when proceeding to the step 69, the main CPU 32 will
conduct the character generation process according to the flow
chart shown in FIG. 35. When starting the process, it proceeds to
the step 80 where a figure setting request message output process
is conducted. In this instance, the main CPU 32 instructs the image
control circuit 71, thereby allowing the main display 11 to display
a setting request message of attaching the FIG. 40 to the
authentication unit 15 and reading the figure ID (for example,
"please set the base of the figure on the authentication unit on
the operation panel. When authentication of the figure is started,
the authentication unit lights brightly and please do not remove
the figure until the light is off."). In the subsequent step 81,
the program waits until the figure ID is started to be read. When a
player sets the FIG. 40 on the authentication unit 15 according to
the displayed message, the photo sensor 78 of the authentication
unit 15 detects that the FIG. 40 is set at the reading position.
The authentication unit 15 reads the figure ID stored in the IC
chip of the FIG. 40 and the figure ID is inputted to the main CPU
32. Then, the program proceeds to step 82.
[0260] In the step 82, the main CPU 32 instructs the driving
circuit of the full color LED 65 to develop six colors sequentially
and repeatedly in place of the foregoing alternate two-color
development. Such sequential development of light with six
different colors is colorful, easily catching a player's attention
and making it possible to effectively give a reminder that the
figure should not be removed from the authentication unit 15 since
the figure ID is being read.
[0261] In the subsequent step 83, the main CPU 32 determines
whether reading of the figure ID is completed, and if not
completed, allows the full color LED 65 to develop light with six
different colors sequentially and repeatedly. If completed, the
main CPU 32 proceeds to the step 84, instructing the driving
circuit of the full color LED 65 to turn off the light.
[0262] In the step 88, the character generation instruction data
including the figure ID read by the main CPU 32 is set on the entry
data, and in the subsequent step 89 the predetermined data ("1" in
the present embodiment) is set on a figure available flag showing
that the authentication unit 15 has read the figure ID of the FIG.
40 (setting of figure). The character generation process will be
completed when the step 89 is executed.
[0263] When proceeding to the step 71 (FIG. 19), the main CPU 32
instructs the communication controller, thereby actuating the
communication processor 22 to send the entry data to the center
server group 5 via the shop server 2. The game starting process
will be completed when the step 71 is terminated.
[0264] As described above, the gaming machine 1 is designed to set
the predetermined data on a figure available flag when a figure is
set. Once the figure is set, entry data including the character
generation instruction data is sent via the shop server 2 to the
data base server 103, in the data base server 103 the figure ID is
associated with the thus set player-specific player ID and stored
in the ID management file, and the figure is used to determine
whether the figure is authenticated. Further, since the
determination result on whether the figure is authenticated by the
ID management file is sent as a response signal from the data base
server 103, a player is able to select a character corresponding to
an authenticated figure and play a labyrinth playing game. However,
unless the figure is set, a figure available flag is not set. Thus,
even if the figure has been authenticated, it is necessary to set
the FIG. 40 on the authentication unit 15 to read the figure ID in
playing the labyrinth playing game in a figure available mode. If
set, the figure information corresponding to the read figure ID is
generated in the database server 103, thus making it possible to
play the labyrinth playing game, without repeated setting of the
FIG. 40.
[0265] On the other hand, in the gaming machine 1, the shop server
2 and the center server group 5, the processes are conducted in the
order given in FIG. 21 corresponding to the above process. FIG. 21
is explained as described above.
[0266] Here, the authentication unit 15 is described in reference
to FIGS. 35-37A. FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing the
authentication unit 15, and FIG. 36 is an exploded perspective view
of the authentication unit 15. Further, FIG. 37A is cross sectional
view taken along line VI-VI of the authentication unit 15 given in
FIG. 35.
[0267] The authentication unit 15 is provided with an IC chip
reader (circuit substrate) 52 for reading the figure ID of the FIG.
40, a guide member 53 located above the IC chip reader 52 and
having a guide hole 54, a support frame 55 for holding the guide
member 53 laterally and from below, and a base (fixing part) 56
facing the support frame 55 via the IC chip reader 52 and attaching
the support frame 55 holding the IC chip reader 52 and the guide
member 53 to the operation panel 14 (referring to FIG. 3).
[0268] An IC chip reader 52 is substantially even and flat, and
provided with a reading circuit 76 including an antenna 56a and a
control circuit 56b on the upper face (circuit face) 51a. The IC
chip reader 52 is constructed with a square part 69 in which the
control circuit 56b and the like are formed and a projected part 74
which is projected from one side of the square part 69 and in which
the antenna 56a is primarily formed. Then, the reading circuit 76
formed on the IC chip reader 52 reads the figure ID from an IC chip
44 to be described later which is built in the FIG. 40. Further,
the IC chip reader 52 is able to read the figure ID from an IC chip
44 located about 5 cm apart.
[0269] The IC chip reader 52 is placed on a base 56 via four
nut-shaped spacers 77, and the IC chip reader 52 and the substrate
56 are fixed with screws (second connecting member) 61 in
collaboration with the spacer 77 with screw holes 68 made at
positions corresponding to these spacers 77.
[0270] A support frame (loading part) 55 covering over the IC chip
reader 52 is provided with an annular frame member 55b enclosing a
guide member 53, a receiving part 55a for holding the guide member
53 inside the frame member 55b, and a cylindrical recess (hole) 55f
approximately at the center of the receiving part 55a. This recess
55f accommodates a part of the base portion 41 of the FIG. 40. The
bottom portion 58 of the recess 55f is flat both on the upper face
57a and the lower face 57b, and also is a circular flat plate with
an even thickness (several millimeters in thickness). The support
frame 55 is fixed to the base 56 with screws (a first connecting
member) 61a. The IC chip reader 52 and the support frame 55
described above correspond to the reading means of the present
invention.
[0271] When the support frame 55 is fixed to the base 56, as shown
in FIG. 36, the IC chip reader 52 and the support frame 55 are
positioned so that the projected part 74 of the IC chip reader 52
and the bottom portion 58 of the recess 55f of the support frame 55
overlap. Therefore, an antenna 56a formed in the projected part 74
of the IC chip reader 52 is approximately in agreement at the
center with a bottom portion 58 of the recess 55f at which the FIG.
40 is placed. Further, when the support frame 55 is fixed to the
base 56, as shown in FIG. 37A, a face on which the reading circuit
76 of the IC chip reader 52 is formed (circuit face) 51a is allowed
to contact with a lower face 57b of the bottom portion 58 of the
support frame 55. In other words, a distance between the circuit
face 51a of the IC chip reader 52 and the lower face 57b of the
bottom portion 58 of the support frame 55 is kept constant, and a
distance between the circuit face 51a of the IC chip reader 52 and
the lower 57b of the bottom portion 58 of the support frame 55 is
also kept constant. Further, the antenna 56a of the IC chip reader
52 and the bottom portion 58 of the recess 55f at which the FIG. 40
is placed may not be necessarily in agreement with each other in
the center but may be deviated to a predetermined direction,
whenever necessary.
[0272] Then, the support frame 55 and the IC chip reader 52 can be
firmly fixed via the base 56, even in a case where the IC chip
reader 52 is connected to the base 56 with screws 61 and the
support frame 55 is connected to the base 56 by screws 61a, thereby
the IC chip reader 52 comes closer to the support frame 55.
[0273] The guide member 53 is composed of a light transmitting
member such as transparent urethane and being in an approximate
ring shape following the edge of the recess 55f of the support
frame 55. That is, a guide hole 54 whose cross section is circular
is provided approximately at the center of the guide member 53, and
the guide hole 54 undergoes a gradual reduction in diameter as it
comes closer to the support frame 55. Therefore, an inside face 53e
of the guide hole 54 is slanted. A projection 53a is provided on
the front side (on the side of a player) of the guide member 53 and
wide portions 53b and 53b which are made wider on the back. The
guide member 53 is retained, with the lower face of the projection
53a assembled to the support frame 55 with the wide portions 53b
and 53b held therebetween.
[0274] The thus constructed guide member 53 makes it possible that
the bottom portion 45 of the FIG. 40 is guided along an inclined
face 53e inside a guide hole 54 of the guide member 53 and arrives
at the recess 55f, when the base portion 41 of the FIG. 40 is
inserted into the recess 55f of the support frame 55 for setting
the FIG. 40 in the authentication unit 15. Therefore, a player is
able to set easily the FIG. 40 into a reading position of the
authentication unit 15, by which troubles can be reduced in
starting a game in which the FIG. 40 is used.
[0275] A full color LED 65 is placed on the base 56 located at the
back side of the guide member 53 at a predetermined clearance apart
from the guide member 53. Further, a black light shielding sticker
67 is attached to a place which is not enclosed by the support
frame 55 among outer circumferences of the guide member 53.
Therefore, when the full color LED 65 is supplied a power source
(not shown) from a driving circuit to emit light to the guide
member 53, light which has passed through the guide member 53 is
released from the inclined face 53e.
[0276] In this instance, when light is emitted from the full color
LED 65, the light is transmitted from an inclined face 53e to which
a light shielding sticker 67 is not attached. Since the inclined
face 53e is located at a position enclosing the FIG. 40 set in the
reading position, it is possible to make presentation of light in
association with the FIG. 40 to be attached to the authentication
unit 15. Presentations are, for example, a case where attention is
given to prevent removal of the FIG. 40 by notifying that
authentication of the figure ID is in progress and a case where the
FIG. 40 is presented during a game.
[0277] The base portion 41 is a hollow thick circular plate
provided with a size corresponding to a recess 55f of a support
frame 55. The base portion 41 is constructed with a bottomed
cylindrical seat main body 43 having a top portion 43a and an IC
chip 44. A protruding part 43b is provided approximately at the
center of the top portion 43a of the seat main body 43, and an IC
chip 44 is firmly fitted into an opening of the seat main body 43
not to close the opening. The IC chip 44 stores the
character-specific figure ID (identification information)
corresponding to the figure main body 42.
[0278] The figure main body 42 is provided with a seat portion 46
having a recess 46a corresponding to a protruding part 43b and a
human figure part 47 formed to stand erect on two feet from the
seat portion 46 and representing each character appearing in the
labyrinth playing game. The FIG. 40 is assembled by fitting the
protruding part 43b of the base portion 41 into the recess 46a of
the figure main body 42. Here, the FIG. 40 is housed into an
approximate 7 cm-across capsule (not shown) and distributed in a
dispenser similar to the card dispenser 6 in a state that it is
housed in the capsule.
[0279] The FIG. 40 is distinguished by the player from the
appearance of the figure main body 42 and by the gaming machine 1
from the figure ID. The figure ID is designed to make as unique
(specific) a different FIG. 40, thereby prohibiting multiple
registrations of the same figure in the gaming system 100.
[0280] As described above, each player sets his own FIG. 40 on the
authentication unit 15 and Ie the gaming machine read the figure ID
such that the gaming machine 1 sends the figure ID corresponding to
the FIG. 40 to the database server 103.
(Operation Procedures of Gaming Machine)
[0281] Next, the operation procedures of the above-constructed
gaming machine 1 will be explained in reference to FIGS. 18, 19 and
38. In the following description, four gaming machines 1 among
eight gaming machines 1 installed in the shop A are operated by
respective players and the same labyrinth competitive game is
played, by way of example.
[0282] FIG. 18 is a flow chart to show operation procedures of the
game processes from the start to the end. In FIG. 38, step is
abbreviated as `S`. In the following description, one gaming
machine 1 is explained as an example among the gaming machines with
which the four players play.
[0283] The gaming machine 1 sends a download request for
application data to the shop server 2 when the power source is
applied (step 100), whereas in response to the download request by
the shop server 2, the application data is sent to the gaming
machine 1 which has sent the download request (referring to FIG.
21). The other operations may be referred to the flow charts in
FIGS. 18-21 and related descriptions.
(Game Starting Process)
[0284] The game starting process in the step 1 is conducted
according to the flow chart given in FIG. 19. FIG. 19 is a flow
chart showing operation procedures for the game starting process
and FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing operation procedures for the
character generation process. The detail should be referred to
FIGS. 19 and 20 and the above descriptions.
[0285] In FIG. 19, it is determined whether the authentication
(registration) has been completed by referring to response signals
and whether the figure is available or not and it is instructed
that the main display 11 displays a selection screen for selecting
any of various selectable characters. In the subsequent step 67,
the program waits until the touch panel 11a is touched and proceeds
to the step 68 when it is touched. In the step 66, it determines
whether a figure available mode is selected. In this instance, if
the figure available mode is selected, it proceeds to the step 69,
or else it proceeds to the step 70. When it proceeds to the step
69, the character generation process to be described later is
conducted. When it proceeds to step 70, a character generation
instruction without using the figure (non-figure character
generation instruction) is set on the entry data to be described
later. In either case, it proceeds to the subsequent step 71. To be
more specific, in the step 68 there is a case where a figure is
used for the first time and a case where another authenticated
figure other than the authenticated figure is used besides the
already authenticated figure. In both cases, if a figure available
mode is selected by the player, the main CPU 32 proceeds to the
step 69 where the character generation process is conducted.
Further, where a figure is not used from the beginning or the
figure concerned is not used even if the authenticated figure is
available, it proceeds to the step 70 when a figure unavailable
mode is selected by the player.
[0286] Then, when proceeding to the step 69, the main CPU 32 will
conduct the character generation process according to the flow
chart shown in FIG. 20. When starting the process, it proceeds to
the step 80 where a figure setting request message output process
is conducted. In this instance, the main CPU 32 instructs the image
control circuit 71, thereby allowing the main display 11 to display
a setting request message of attaching the FIG. 40 to the
authentication unit 15 and reading the figure ID (for example,
"please set the base of the figure on the authentication unit on
the operation panel. When authentication of the figure is started,
the authentication unit lights brightly and please do not remove
the figure until the light is off."). In the subsequent step 87, it
waits until reading of the figure ID has been completed.
[0287] When a player sets the FIG. 40 on the authentication unit 15
according to the displayed message, the authentication unit 50
reads the FIG. 1D stored in the IC chip 44 of the FIG. 40 and
inputs it to the main CPU 32. Then, the main CPU 32 proceeds to the
step 88, setting character generation instruction data including
the figure ID read by the main CPU 32 on the entry data. In the
subsequent step 89, the predetermined data ("1" in the present
embodiment) is set on a figure available flag showing that the
authentication unit 15 has read the figure ID of the FIG. 40
(setting of figure) and the character generation process will be
completed when the step 89 is executed.
[0288] As described above, the gaming machine 1 is designed to set
the predetermined data on a figure available flag when a figure is
set. Once the figure is set, entry data including the character
generation instruction data is sent via the shop server 2 to the
data base server 103, in the data base server 103 the figure ID is
associated with the thus set player-specific player ID and stored
in the ID management file, and the figure is used to determine
whether the figure is authenticated. Further, since the
determination result on whether the figure is authenticated by the
ID management file is sent as a response signal from the data base
server 103, a player is able to select a character corresponding to
an authenticated figure and play a labyrinth playing game. However,
unless the figure is set, a figure available flag is not set. Thus,
even if the figure has been authenticated, it is necessary to set
the FIG. 40 on the authentication unit 15 to read the figure ID in
playing the labyrinth playing game in a figure available mode. If
set, the figure information corresponding to the read figure ID is
generated in the database server 103, thus making it possible to
play the labyrinth playing game, without repeated setting of the
FIG. 40.
[0289] Referring back to FIG. 19, when proceeding to the step 71,
the main CPU 32 instructs the communication controller 21, thereby
actuating the communication processor 22 to send the entry data to
the shop server 2. The game starting process will be completed when
the step 71 is finished.
[0290] In the gaming machine 1, the shop server 2 and the center
server group 5, the processes are executed in the order given in
FIG. 21 corresponding to the above process. FIG. 21 is a sequence
chart showing the sequence of motions conducted among the gaming
machine 1, the shop server 2 and the center server group 5.
[0291] In the gaming machine 1, a download request for application
data is sent to the shop server 2 in the step 100, thereby
downloading the application data, and card information, etc., are
sent in the step 64, as described above. Then, in the center server
group 5, when proceeding to the step 301, the CPU 401 of the data
base server 103 uses the card information and the password sent
from the gaming machine 1 to conduct the authentication process for
determining whether a player and a figure are registered by
referring to the ID management file. Where registered, they are
determined to have been authenticated, and the CPU 401 proceeds to
the step 302 to send a response signal showing the authentication
result to the gaming machine 1. Here, in the data base server 103,
a similar authentication process is given to the gaming machines 1
available in eight units at the respective shops of A and B.
[0292] Further, in the gaming machine 1, the CPU 401 sends entry
data shown in the above step 71. Then, in the center server group
5, it proceeds to the step 303, and conducts an entry acceptance of
players by using the entry data from each gaming machines 1 in the
gaming server 101. In the subsequent step 304, it uses the figure
IDs (the figure IDs include that of both the figure which is newly
registered but not authenticated and the figure which has been
authenticated and will be authenticated again) corresponding to the
renewal of participation information of the players and character
generation instruction data, thereby registering figures in the ID
management file or renewing the figures and generating or renewing
the figure information. In the subsequent step 305, opponent
players (four in the present embodiment) will be determined.
Further, in the step 306, the data base server 103 extracts game
data of each opponent player, it proceeds to the step 307, and
sends the thus extracted game data to the shop server 2. When the
shop server 2 receives the game data, the data will be sent to each
gaming machine 1.
[0293] As described above in detail, in the gaming machine 1, a
distance between the lower face (opposite face) 57b of the bottom
portion 58 of the recess 55f in the support frame 55 accommodating
the IC chip 44 of the base portion 41 of the FIG. 40 and the
circuit face 51a of the IC chip reader 52 is kept constant, and a
distance between the circuit face 51a of the IC chip reader 52 and
the upper face (placing face) 57a of the bottom portion 58 in the
support frame 55 is also kept constant (referring to FIG. 6). That
is, the lower face 57b of the bottom portion 58 is parallel with
the circuit face 51a of the IC chip reader 52, and the bottom
portion 58 is flat and uniform in thickness. Therefore, the upper
face (placing face) 57a of the bottom portion 58 is also parallel
with the circuit face 51a of the IC chip reader 52. Then, when the
base portion 41 of the FIG. 40 is accommodated into a recess 55f of
the support frame 55, the IC chip 44 forming a lower face of the
base portion 41 is parallel with an upper face 57a of the bottom
portion 58 in the support frame 55, and the IC chip 44 is also
parallel with the circuit face 51a of the IC chip reader 52.
Therefore, a decreased intensity of signals such as figure ID
communicated between the IC chip 44 and the IC chip reader 52 can
be significantly prevented, thereby making it possible to read the
figure ID from the IC chip 44 at a high recognition accuracy.
[0294] Further, the bottom portion 58 of the support frame 55 is in
close proximity to the IC chip reader 52. When the IC chip 44 is
accommodated into the bottom portion 58 of the recess 55f of the
support frame 55, a distance is available in several millimeters
(thickness of the bottom portion 58), which is smaller than a
distance (5 cm) at which the reading circuit 76 of IC chip reader
52 is able to read the figure ID from the IC chip 44, thereby
making it possible to read the figure ID of the IC chip 44 at an
excellent recognition accuracy. In addition, since the lower face
57b of the bottom portion 58 is in direct contact with the circuit
face 51a of the IC chip reader 52, it is possible to read the
figure ID of the IC chip 44 at an excellent recognition
accuracy.
[0295] When the IC chip 44 is accommodated into the bottom portion
58 of the recess 55f in the support frame 55, if the reading
circuit 76 of the IC chip reader 52 is within a range lower than
the distance (5 cm) at which the figure ID can be read from the IC
chip 44, as shown in FIG. 39A, a thin film member 60 may be
inserted between the bottom portion 58 and the IC chip reader 52.
Where the thin film member 60 is a coated resin for a buffer, a
buffering effect can be provided between the bottom portion 58 and
the IC chip reader 52. Further, where the thin film member 60 is a
printed sticker, it may be used as various marks for location and
identification.
[0296] In the gaming machine 1, a description has been made by
referring to the FIG. 40 as an object to be read. In the present
invention, however, another object to be read which is different
from the FIG. 40 may be used. For example, card-shaped game cards
or cassettes may be used, on which pictures and patterns
corresponding to characters are printed and store ID information.
Further, a description has been made by referring to the gaming
machine 1 by which a labyrinth playing game can be played. The
present invention may be, however, applicable to a gaming machine
by which other image games can be played, for example, a gaming
machine dealing with a game where a plurality of players appear
such as baseball or soccer and in which figures and cassettes
corresponding to each players can be used to simulate a team play.
The gaming machine 1 is provided with a main display 11 and a sub
display 12 for displaying game images, however, the main display 11
and the sub display 12 may be separately prepared.
[0297] The reading means shall not be limited to a non-contact type
IC chip reader but may also include a contact type IC chip reader.
Further, the reading means shall not be limited to a case where
only the figure ID (identification information) is read but may be
constructed so that information can be read into recording devices
such as an IC chip, namely, read/write type recording device.
[0298] Next, the configuration of the authentication unit 15 will
be described in reference to FIGS. 24-27 and 40. In FIGS. 24-27 and
40, duplicated explanation may be omitted.
[0299] Further, in a state that these members are assembled, both
the guide hole 54 in the guide member 53 and the notification part
75 can be visually confirmed by a player from the upper face side
of the frame member 55b in the support frame 55.
[0300] The authentication unit 15 is formed by assembling the guide
member 53, the support frame 55, the IC chip reader 52 and the base
56. The full color LED 65 is arranged on the back (as one side) of
the main body 51 in the guide member 53 in a state that these
members are assembled. The projection 53a is located at a position
facing a position at which the full color LED 65 of the guide
member 53 is arranged in relation to the full color LED 65.
[0301] A spacer 66 is provided on a back plate 64 of the base 56,
and the spacer 66 is inserted between the back plate 64 and the
back of the main body 51 in the guide member 53. The full color LED
65 is arranged at a predetermined distance apart from the back of
the main body 51 in the guide member 53 due to the presence of the
spacer 66.
[0302] Further, in a state that these members are assembled, both
the guide hole 54 in the guide member 53 and the notification part
75 can be visually confirmed by a player from the upper face side
of the frame member 55b in the support frame 55.
[0303] A description will be made for operations and actions of the
gaming machine of the present embodiment having the above-described
configuration mainly by referring to the authentication unit.
[0304] In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a player
inserts a coin from the coin insertion slot 16 and inserts an ID
card 17 into a card slot 18, thereby conducting a game starting
process. The gaming machine 1 includes a figure available mode and
a figure unavailable mode. In the game starting process, the figure
available mode or the figure unavailable mode is selected depending
on whether the FIG. 40 is placed on the authentication unit 15.
[0305] In this instance, the authentication unit 15 irradiates
light of a predetermined color from a full color LED 65 at a stage
of game starting process, thereby inducing a player to set the FIG.
40. When the light of a predetermined color is irradiated from the
full color LED 65, the thus irradiated light enters into the main
body 51 in the guide member 53 from the back side which is an
incident face of the guide member 53. The light having entered into
the main body 51 is emitted from the guide hole 54 as it travels.
Further, the notification part 75 is lit when the light enters into
the main body 51.
[0306] In this instance, the main display 11 gives an indication to
a player having the FIG. 40 that the game can be played in a figure
available mode and also gives an indication to set the figure on
the authentication unit 15 when the player desires to play in the
figure available mode. Together with an indication to the main
display 11, light is emitted from the guide hole 54 to light the
notification part 75. Therefore, it is possible to urge a player so
that the FIG. 40 is placed on the authentication unit 15 to make
authentication. Further, a player can be informed of a position of
the seating part 58 which is a seating part for setting the FIG. 40
by emitting light from the guide hole 54. Since the guide hole 54
is provided with an inwardly inclined taper, the player is able to
easily set the FIG. 40 on the seating part 58.
[0307] Thereafter, where the FIG. 40 is not set on the
authentication unit 15 within a predetermined time, a game will be
started in a figure unavailable mode. In contrast, where the FIG.
40 is set, prior to starting the game in a figure available mode,
the authentication unit 15 conducts an authentication operation in
which the IC chip provided in the IC chip reader 52 is used to read
a figure ID stored in the IC chip 44 of the FIG. 40. While the
figure ID is being read, the full color LED 65 emits light of a
color indicating that the authentication is in progress.
[0308] The light emitted from the full color LED 65 enters into the
main body 51 in the guide member 53 and is emitted from the guide
hole 54. In this instance, decorative light which decorates the
FIG. 40 is emitted from the guide hole 54. The thus irradiated
decorative light can provide images in which the FIG. 40 is
arranged in the decorative light, thereby uplifting the mood of a
player when he or she starts to play a game.
[0309] In addition, when light enters into the main body 51, the
light of a color indicated by the full color LED 65 is lit in the
notification part 75. A player can be informed of a fact that the
authentication operation from the FIG. 40 is in progress by the
light lit at the notification part 75. The main display 11
indicates a warning message is given to the player that the FIG. 40
should not be removed from the authentication unit 15 because the
authentication operation is in progress.
[0310] In this instance, in the authentication unit 15 of the
gaming device of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 40, light
L emitted from the full color LED 65 passes through the main body
51 and arrives at the guide hole 54, the projection 53a and the
notification part 75. Light arriving at the guide hole 54 is
irradiated from the guide hole 54 to give decorative light.
Further, the light arriving at the notification part 75 lights at
the notification part 75, thereby notifying a player that the
authentication operation is in progress.
[0311] A light shielding sticker 67 is adhered to the projection
53a. It is designed that no light is emitted from the projection
53a due to the action of the light shielding sticker 67. The
projection 53a is arranged at a position facing a position at which
the full color LED 65 in the main body 51 is arranged. Therefore,
light arriving at the projection 53a is small in light quantity,
and when light is in a state of being irradiated from the
projection 53a, the light becomes weaker. When weak light is
irradiated from the projection 53a, the notification part 75 may
not look so attractive.
[0312] In contrast, in the authentication unit 15 of the present
embodiment, a light shielding sticker 67 is adhered to a projection
53a, and the projection is hidden by the light shielding sticker
53a. Therefore, no light is irradiated from the projection 53a,
resulting in no irradiation of weak light as a whole in the guide
member 53. In other words, lighting of the notification part 75 and
radiation of decorative light from the guide hole 54 can be made
glossy, thereby giving information to a player more accurately and
also uplifting the mood of the player due to the effect of the
decorative light.
[0313] In addition, a silver-colored reflective film is formed
inside the light shielding sticker 67. Light arriving at the light
shielding sticker 67 is not only irradiated from the projection 53a
but also reflected toward the main body 51 due to the action of the
reflective film. Light reflected toward the main body 51 is
irradiated from the guide hole 54 or contributes to lighting at the
notification part 75. Therefore, even where the light emitted from
the full color LED 65 is not great in light quantity, decorative
light irradiated from the guide hole 54 is made great, and the FIG.
40 can be sufficiently decorated without using a large or an
intense light source. In addition, the notification part 75 can be
lit up brightly and a player can be notified of the game state
accurately.
[0314] Where the authentication operation has been completed as
described above, a game is started in the gaming machine 1. After
completion of the authentication operation, a player is able to
keep the FIG. 40 set on the authentication unit 15 or remove the
FIG. 40 from the authentication unit 15. In a game in the gaming
machine 1, various sound effects are provided from speakers 13L and
13R in accordance with the progress of the game. Further, various
colored lights are emitted from the full color LED 65 in the
authentication unit 15.
[0315] In this instance, in a state where the FIG. 40 is set on the
authentication unit 15 and when light is emitted from the full
color LED 65, decorative light is emitted from the guide hole 54 in
the guide member 53. The decorative light is irradiated to the FIG.
40, thereby making the FIG. 40 pop up from the light and uplifting
the mood of a player playing with a game to a greater extent.
[0316] A game state varies along with the progress of the game. In
this instance, the game state refers to a state corresponding to
the game such as behavior of the character along with the progress
of the game, change in phase and addition of obtained points. It
may be necessary to notify the player of the game state and urge
the player to conduct a predetermined operation if necessary.
Further, the player is urged to conduct the predetermined operation
also when the game is completed.
[0317] Since the guide hole 54 in the guide member 53 is separated
from the notification part 75 by a black light shielding member 67,
decorative light irradiated from the guide hole 54 and light
lighting at the notification part 75 can be made bright. In other
words, decorative light irradiated from the guide hole 54 and light
lighting at the notification part 75 can look very beautiful.
[0318] Further, in the authentication unit 15 of the present
embodiment, the full color LED 65 is arranged at a predetermined
distance apart from the back of the guide member 53. Therefore,
light emitted from the full color LED 65 and irradiated through the
guide member 53 from the guide hole 54 and light lighting the
notification part 75 are not provided in a dotted form but in a
dimly scattered form. Therefore, light emitted from the guide hole
54 is made more effective in giving light decoration to the FIG.
40, and the light at the notification part 55 can be indicated in a
form more easily recognized by a player.
[0319] Further, in the above embodiment, the full color LED 65 is
used as a light source. Hence, it is easy to change the light color
of the light decorating the FIG. 40 or lighting up the notification
part 75. Therefore, it could be easy to change or select a
decorative light as appropriate according to the game content and
so on. Likewise, it is also easy to change the light for lighting
up the notification part 75 according to the content of the
notification.
[0320] For example, in the above embodiment, the back of the light
shielding sticker 67 is made silver in color, and a reflective film
is arranged at a position facing the full color LED 65 of the guide
member 53. However, such an aspect is also available in which a
reflective film may be formed at a position at which light in the
guide member 53 is not emitted and a decorative-light irradiating
part is avoided. The thus formed reflective film may increase the
quantity of light irradiated from the guide hole 54.
[0321] Also, in the above embodiment, the guide hole 54 for
irradiating decorative light and the notification part 75 notifying
by lighting are made of the same material, but these members may be
made of different materials. Further, in the above embodiment, the
full color LED 65 is used as a light source but another light
source may be used. The light source shall not be limited in
position at the back side of the guide member 53, but may be
positioned at another place. Further, in the embodiment, a light
source is provided at a single place but may be provided at plural
places.
[0322] In the above embodiment, a card reader is used as a reading
part. However, a reader/writer may be used as the reading part
exchanging data with the information storage medium for reading and
writing. Further, in the above embodiment, the light shielding
sticker 67 used as a light reflective member is placed at a
position facing a position at which the full color LED 65 in the
guide member 53 is arranged. However, the light reflective member
may be arranged at any position as long as the guide hole 54 is
avoided. It may be arranged, for example, at a position on the side
of the guide member 53 other than that at which the guide hole 53
on the upper face of the main body 51 is bored or at the bottom of
the guide member 53. In the above embodiment, the light shielding
sticker 67 functions both as the light reflective member and the
hiding member, but such an aspect may be available in which the
light reflective member is separated from the hiding member.
[0323] In the above embodiment, the authentication unit 15 is used
as a reading unit, but a reading unit which can simply read data
stored in an information storage medium may be employed. Further,
the IC chip reader 52 which reads only information is used as a
reading part in the authentication unit 15, but a reader/writer
which is able to exchange data between an information storage
medium to conduct reading and writing operations may be uses as a
reading part. In the above embodiment, a solid guide member 53 made
of a transparent resin is used as a light transmitting member, but
a hollow member made of a transparent resin or other materials than
the resin may be used as a light transmitting member.
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