U.S. patent application number 11/429280 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-21 for game system and information management apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Aruze Corp.. Invention is credited to Masatsugu Kobayashi.
Application Number | 20060287076 11/429280 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37533384 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060287076 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kobayashi; Masatsugu |
December 21, 2006 |
Game system and information management apparatus
Abstract
To evoke the desire to play in a new player and also to increase
the interest of a current player in a game. A game system includes
a plurality of gaming machines and an information management
apparatus connected thereto, the information management apparatus
including: a selection execution module which carries out a
selection relating to a payout of a cumulative playing value
obtained by adding a prescribed proportion of playing values which
correspond to playing operations on the gaming machines; a
selection probability table storage module which stores a plurality
of selection probabilities relating to the payout of the cumulative
playing value; a central controller which designates a selection
probability stored in the selection probability table storage
module; and a notifying section which carries out a notification
corresponding to the selection probability designated by the
central controller, wherein the central controller, when prescribed
conditions have been fulfilled, designates a selection probability
having a higher win probability of the cumulative playing value
than a current win probability.
Inventors: |
Kobayashi; Masatsugu;
(Koto-ku, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
C. IRVIN MCCLELLAND;OBLON, SPIVAK, MCCLELLAND, MAIER & NEUSTADT, P.C.
1940 DUKE STREET
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Assignee: |
Aruze Corp.
Koto-ku
JP
|
Family ID: |
37533384 |
Appl. No.: |
11/429280 |
Filed: |
May 8, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/26 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3258 20130101; G07F 17/3232 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/026 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 18, 2005 |
JP |
2005-145111 |
Claims
1. A game system comprising a plurality of gaming machines and an
information management apparatus which collects and manages
information concerning the plurality of gaming machines, the
information management apparatus including: a selection section
which carries out a selection relating to a payout of a cumulative
playing value obtained by adding a prescribed proportion of playing
values which correspond to playing operations on the gaming
machines; a storage module which stores a plurality of selection
probabilities relating to the payout of the cumulative playing
value; a control section which designates a selection probability
stored in the storage module; and a notifying section which carries
out a notification corresponding to the selection probability
designated by the control section, wherein the control section,
when prescribed conditions have been fulfilled, designates a
selection probability having a higher win probability of the
cumulative playing value than a current win probability.
2. A game system according to claim 1, wherein the storage module
stores a selection probability used at a normal time to pay out the
cumulative playing value, a selection probability having a higher
win probability of the cumulative playing value than the selection
probability used at the normal time, and contents for which a
notification is raised by the notifying section in accordance with
each of the selection probabilities.
3. A game system according to claim 2, wherein the storage module
stores a plurality of selection probabilities having a higher win
probability of the cumulative playing value than the selection
probability used at the normal time.
4. A game system according to claim 1, wherein the control section,
when the value of the cumulative playing value has exceeded a
predetermined fixed value, designates a selection probability
having a higher win probability of the cumulative playing value
than the current win probability.
5. A game system according to claim 1, wherein the control section,
when a number of players on the plurality of gaming machine falls
below a predetermined fixed number, designates a selection
probability having a higher win probability of the cumulative
playing value than the current win probability.
6. An information management apparatus which collects and manages
information concerning a plurality of gaming machines connected
together via a communication network, comprising: a selection
section which carries out a selection relating to a payout of a
cumulative playing value obtained by adding a prescribed proportion
of playing values which correspond to playing operations on the
gaming machines; a storage module which stores a plurality of
selection probabilities relating to the payout of the cumulative
playing value; a control section which designates a selection
probability stored in the storage module; and a notifying section
which carries out a notification corresponding to the selection
probability designated by the control section, wherein the control
section, when prescribed conditions have been fulfilled, designates
a selection probability having a higher win probability of the
cumulative playing value than a current win probability.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the priority of Japanese Patent
Application No. 2005-145111 filed on May 18, 2005, which is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present invention relates to a game system and
information management apparatus, and more particularly to a game
system and information management apparatus which actualizes a
so-called jackpot function.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] Presently, among the gaming machines installed in a
so-called game center, casino and the like, there are some which
adopt a system which is called a jackpot system. The jackpot system
is a system whereby values such as medals or coins (hereafter
referred to as "playing values") used in the gaming machines are
accumulated in a fixed proportion and, when prescribed conditions
such as the occurrence of a win by selection have been established,
some of the playing values accumulated are paid to any one of the
gaming machines or a player playing on the gaming machine. As the
player can obtain not only a playing value which can be obtained in
a game on the gaming machine but also a playing value which can be
obtained on the jackpot system, the jackpot system has the feature
of further increasing player's willingness to play.
[0006] In such a jackpot system, the system has been proposed
whereby, when the amount of playing values accumulated reaches a
predetermined amount, by granting some kind of privilege to a
player lastly involved in thus reaching the predetermined amount, a
new playability is provided and player's expectations are increased
(for example, refer to Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.
2004-267428). In such a system, the predetermined amount is
predicted by the player, whereby it is expected to attract the
interest of a player other than a player actually playing and evoke
the desire to play.
[0007] However, in the aforementioned existing game system, the
predetermined amount cannot be known unless the player actually
plays, and even in the case of being finally involved in reaching
the predetermined amount, the player cannot always obtain the
playing values accumulated. Therefore, there is the problem that
the existing game has not necessarily led to evoking the desire to
play in a player other than a player actually playing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The invention has been made in view of such a problem, and
an object of the invention is to provide a game system and
information management apparatus which can, as well as evoking the
desire to play in a new player, increase the interest of a current
player in a game.
[0009] The invention is a game system comprising a plurality of
gaming machines and an information management apparatus which
collects and manages information concerning the plurality of gaming
machines, the information management apparatus including: a
selection section which carries out a selection relating to a
payout of a cumulative playing value obtained by adding a
prescribed proportion of playing values which correspond to playing
operations on the gaming machines; a storage module which stores a
plurality of selection probabilities relating to the payout of the
cumulative playing value; a control section which designates a
selection probability stored in the storage module; and a notifying
section which carries out a notification corresponding to the
selection probability designated by the control section, wherein
the control section, when prescribed conditions have been
fulfilled, designates a selection probability having a higher win
probability of the cumulative playing value than a current win
probability.
[0010] According to this configuration, when the prescribed
conditions, such as the condition that the value of the cumulative
playing value exceeds a fixed value, have been fulfilled, the
control section designates a selection probability having a higher
win probability of the cumulative playing value than a current win
probability. In response thereto, the notifying section carries out
the notification corresponding to the selection probability
designated. By this means, as the notification, which corresponds
to the selection probability having a higher cumulative playing
value win probability than the current one, is carried out, it is
possible, through attracting the interest of a new player, to evoke
the desire to play in the new player. Also, by increasing the
probability of being able to obtain the cumulative playing value,
it is possible to attract even the interest of a current player and
also to arouse his or her gambling spirit, thus making it possible
to increase the interest of the current player in a game.
[0011] In the game system, the configuration may be such that the
storage module stores a selection probability used at a normal time
to pay out the cumulative playing value, a selection probability
having a higher win probability of the cumulative playing value
than the selection probability used at the normal time, and
contents for which a notification is raised by the notifying
section in accordance with each of the selection probabilities. In
this case, as the storage module stores a selection probability
used at the normal time and a selection probability having a higher
cumulative playing value win probability than the selection
probability used at the normal time, it is possible for the control
section to easily designate a selection probability used by the
selection section. Also, as the control section can easily specify
the notification contents corresponding to the selection
probability designated by the control section, the notification
corresponding to the selection probability designated by the
control section can be carried out by simple control.
[0012] Also, in the game system, it is preferable that the storage
module stores a plurality of selection probabilities having a
higher win probability of the cumulative playing value than the
selection probability used at the normal time. In this case, by
designating selection probabilities having a higher cumulative
playing value win probability in a gradated manner, it is possible
to increase the cumulative playing value win probability in a
gradated manner. By this means, a new player, whose interest has
not been attracted by only increasing the cumulative playing value
win probability one step, can be prompted to play.
[0013] Furthermore, in the game system, it can be considered that
the control section, when the value of the cumulative playing value
has exceeded a predetermined fixed value, designates a selection
probability having a higher win probability of the cumulative
playing value than the current win probability, or that the control
section, when a number of players on the plurality of gaming
machine falls below a predetermined fixed number, designates a
selection probability having a higher win probability of the
cumulative playing value than the current win probability. By
changing the selection probability in accordance with such an
occasion, it is possible to simplify the control involved in the
change of the selection probability. Also, in the former case, as
the cumulative playing value win probability is increased when the
value of the cumulative playing value has exceeded the fixed value,
by setting the fixed value to be somewhat high, the gambling spirit
of a new player can be aroused, and the effect of evoking the
desire to play in the new player can be further hoped for. In the
latter case, as the cumulative playing value win probability is
increased when the number of players has fallen below the fixed
number, the operating rate of the game system by the players who
have been prompted to play by the increase of the win probability
can be increased.
[0014] Also, the invention is an information management apparatus
which collects and manages information concerning a plurality of
gaming machines connected together via a communication network,
comprising: a selection section which carries out a selection
relating to a payout of a cumulative playing value obtained by
adding a prescribed proportion of playing values which correspond
to playing operations on the gaming machines; a storage module
which stores a plurality of selection probabilities relating to the
payout of the cumulative playing value; a control section which
designates a selection probability stored in the storage module;
and a notifying section which carries out a notification
corresponding to the selection probability designated by the
control section, wherein the control section, when prescribed
conditions have been fulfilled, designates a selection probability
having a higher win probability of the cumulative playing value
than a current win probability.
[0015] According to this configuration, when the prescribed
conditions, such as the condition that the value of the cumulative
playing value exceeds the fixed value, have been fulfilled, the
control section designates a selection probability having a higher
win probability of the cumulative playing value than a current win
probability. In response thereto, the notifying section carries out
the notification corresponding to the selection probability
designated. By this means, as the notification, which corresponds
to the selection probability having a higher cumulative playing
value win probability than the current one, is carried out, it is
possible, through attracting the interest of a new player, to evoke
the desire to play in the new player. Also, by increasing the
probability of being able to obtain the cumulative playing value,
it is possible to attract even the interest of a current player and
also to arouse his or her gambling spirit, thus making it possible
to increase the interest of the current player in a game.
[0016] According to the invention, it is possible to evoke the
desire to play in a new player and also to increase the interest of
a current player in a game.
[0017] Additional objects and advantage of the invention will be
set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be
obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be
realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and
combinations particularly pointed out hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE INVENTION OF THE
DRAWINGS
[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention, and together with the general description given
above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below,
serve to explain the principals of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a game system
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration
example of a management section in a management apparatus of the
game system;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing one example of contents
registered in a selection probability table in a selection
probability table storage module in the management section;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an external
configuration of a slot machine in the game system;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing a control
system of the slot machine; and
[0024] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an operational example
of the game system.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0025] An embodiment of the invention will hereafter be described
in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0026] A game system according to this embodiment is one to which a
progressive system is applied. The progressive system is a system
which includes at least one gaming machine, wherein at least part
of a playing value (hereafter referred to as a "cumulative playing
value"), which can be obtained by cumulatively adding a prescribed
proportion of playing values based on players' playing operations
on the gaming machines, is allotted to any one of the gaming
machines in accordance with prescribed conditions (for example, a
payout condition, a win by selection and the like).
[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the game
system according to the embodiment of the invention. In a game
system 100 according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, slot
machines 1a to 1d, which act as a plurality of (in FIG. 1, four)
gaming machines, and an information management apparatus (hereafter
referred to simply as a "management apparatus") 200, which collects
and manages various information of each of the slot machines la to
id, are connected via a communication network 300.
[0028] The management apparatus 200 comprises a management section
201 and a notifying section 202 connected thereto. The management
section 201 is connected to each of the slot machines la to id via
the communication network 300, enabling two-way communication with
respect to each of the slot machines 1a to 1d. Either a wired or
wireless connection can be provided between the management section
201 and each of the slot machines 1a to 1d.
[0029] The management section 201 manages the game system 100 in
such a way as to actualize the progressive system. That is, the
management section 201, as well as carrying out the addition,
subtraction and the like of the cumulative playing value, carries
out a selection relating to the payout of the cumulative playing
value. Also, the management section 201, as well as causing the
notifying section 202 to carry out a prescribed effect in
accordance with a result of the selection, carries out the payout
of the cumulative playing value to a slot machine 1 which has won.
In addition thereto, the management section 201, as well as causing
the notifying section 202 to notify regarding a probability of
paying out the cumulative playing value (hereafter referred to as a
"cumulative playing value win probability"), increases the
cumulative playing value win probability in the event that the
prescribed conditions have been fulfilled.
[0030] The notifying section 202 includes a display device 203 and
a speaker 204. The display device 203, along with displaying the
value of the cumulative playing value, displays image data
(including character data) for carrying out the prescribed effect
which includes the notification of the cumulative playing value win
probability. For example, the display device 203 displays a message
(for example, a message "chance", "big chance" or the like) which
notifies the player that the cumulative playing value is currently
set to be higher than at a normal time. The speaker 204, along with
outputting background music for a game, outputs a sound effect for
carrying out the prescribed effect which includes the cumulative
playing value win probability. For example, the speaker 204, in the
event that the cumulative playing value win probability is set to
be higher than at the normal time, outputs a sound effect, which is
different from a normal one, for attracting the player's
interest.
[0031] FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram showing a
configuration example of the management section 201. As shown in
FIG. 2, the management section 201 includes a communication
controller 301, a central controller 302, which is connected to the
communication controller 301, a cumulative playing value storage
module 303, which is connected to the central controller 302, a
selection execution module 304, a selection probability table
storage module 305, and a notifying instruction module 306.
[0032] The communication controller 301 executes a communication
protocol for carrying out communication with each slot machine 1.
The central controller 302 carries out the determination, control
and adjustment of operation of each part of the management section
201, as well as the addition, subtraction and the like of the
cumulative playing value. Particularly, the central controller 302,
in a prescribed case, updates the cumulative playing value
selection probability registered in a selection probability table
to be described hereafter. To be specific, in the event that the
prescribed conditions, such as the condition that the cumulative
playing value exceeds a fixed value, have been fulfilled, the
central controller 302, by designating a selection probability
having a higher cumulative playing value win probability than a
current win probability, updates the cumulative playing value
selection probability.
[0033] The cumulative playing value storage module 303 stores the
value of the cumulative playing value. The selection execution
module 304 executes a selection relating to the payout of the
cumulative playing value in accordance with a selection request
from a slot machine 1. At this time, the selection execution module
304 executes a selection of the cumulative playing value using the
selection probability designated by the central controller 302. The
selection probability table storage module 305 stores a table
(hereafter referred to as a "selection probability table") in which
a plurality of the cumulative playing value selection probabilities
is registered.
[0034] The notifying instruction module 306, as well as causing the
notifying section 202 to execute the prescribed effect in a case in
which the notifying instruction module 306 has been notified of the
occurrence of a win of the cumulative playing value, causes the
notifying section 202 to execute the prescribed effect in a case in
which the cumulative playing value win probability has been
increased. In response to such an instruction from the notifying
instruction module 306, the notifying section 202 carries out the
notification, which corresponds to the selection probability
designated by the central controller 302, to the player. The
configuration may be such that the notifying instruction module 306
only instructs each slot machine 1 to execute an effect involved in
the occurrence of the win of the cumulative playing value or an
effect involved in the increase of the cumulative playing value win
probability, and such that a notifying module included in each slot
machine 1 executes such effect processes.
[0035] At this point, a description will be given of the contents
which are registered in the selection probability table. FIG. 3
shows one example of the contents which are registered in the
selection probability table. In FIG. 3, the case is shown in which
three cumulative playing values which the player can obtain exist,
wherein they are displayed as Jackpot 1 (hereafter referred to as
"JP1"), Jackpot 2 (hereafter referred to as "JP2") and Jackpot 3
(hereafter referred to as "JP3"). The quantity of playing values
which can be obtained with each of JP1, JP2 and JP3 is managed in
such a way as to decrease in the order of JP1, JP2 and JP3.
[0036] A selection probability and a notification content to
correspond with three stages, a "normal mode", a "first special
playing mode" and a "second special playing mode", are registered
in the selection probability table. A cumulative playing value
selection probability used at the normal time is registered in the
"normal mode", a cumulative playing value selection probability,
having the cumulative playing value win probability greatly
increased in comparison with that in the "normal mode", is
registered in the "second special playing mode", and a cumulative
playing value selection probability, having the cumulative playing
value win probability set between that in the "normal mode" and
that in the "second special playing mode", is registered in the
"first special playing mode". The selection probability values
corresponding to JP1, JP2, JP3 and MISS are registered in the
selection probability, and display data displayed by the display
device 203 and sound data output by the speaker 204 are registered
in the notification content.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 3, the selection probability (win
probability) of each of JP1, JP2 and JP3 is higher in the "first
special playing mode" than in the "normal mode" and higher in the
"second special playing mode" than in the "first special playing
mode". However, the selection probability of MISS is lower in the
"first special playing mode" than in the "normal mode" and lower in
the "second special playing mode" than in the "first special
playing mode". That is, the probability of the player being able to
obtain the cumulative playing value is set to be higher in the
"first special playing mode" than in the "normal mode" and higher
in the "second special playing mode" than in the "first special
playing mode".
[0038] In the "normal mode", the display data displayed by the
display device 203 is not particularly designated, in which case
the value of the cumulative playing value is displayed on the
display device 203. The background music played at the time of a
base game is designated as the sound data output by the speaker
204. In the "first special playing mode", the message "chance" is
designated as the image data (character data) displayed by the
display device 203, and "sound effect 1" is designated as the sound
data output by the speaker 204. In the "second special playing
mode", the message "big chance" is designated as the image data
(character data) displayed by the display device 203, and "sound
effect 2" is designated as the sound data output by the speaker
204. In "sound effect 2", preferably, the content which raises
player's expectations in comparison with that of "sound effect 1"
is designated. It can be considered that the contents of "sound
effect 1" and "sound effect 2" are distinguished by, for example,
the characteristics of melody and the volume of sound output.
[0039] At this point, a description will be given of a
configuration of the slot machine 1 in the game system 100
according to this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing
an external configuration of the slot machine 1 in the game system
100 according to the embodiment of the invention.
[0040] In FIG. 4, the slot machine 1 includes a cabinet 2 which
forms the whole of the slot machine 1, wherein a lamp 20 is
disposed on the top surface of the cabinet 2. An upper liquid
crystal display 3 is disposed in the upper portion of the front of
the cabinet 2, and a lower liquid crystal display 4 is disposed in
the central portion of the front of the cabinet 2. The upper liquid
crystal display 3 is configured from a generally used liquid
crystal display, and the lower liquid crystal display 4 is
configured from a so-called transparent liquid crystal display.
Four variable display windows 22, 23, 24 and 25 are displayed on
the lower liquid crystal display 4, wherein one activated pay line
is provided in the four variable display windows 22 to 25.
[0041] An operating table 5 is provided, projecting forwards, below
the lower liquid crystal display 4. A CHANGE button 6, a CHASHOUT
button 7 and a HELP button 8 are disposed, in order from the far
left, on such an operating table 5, and a coin insertion slot 9 and
a bill insertion slot 10 are provided on the right of the HELP
button 8. Also, a 1-BET button 11, a SPIN/REPEAT BET button 12, a
3-BET button 13 and a 5-BET button 14 are disposed, in order from
the left, at the front of the operating table 5.
[0042] The CHANGE button 6 is a button for illuminating the lamp
20. The CASHOUT button 7 is a button which is depressed at the end
of the base game whereby, in response to a depression thereof,
coins equivalent to the playing values obtained in the game are
repaid from a coin payout opening 15 into a coin receiving tray 16.
The HELP button 8 is a button which is depressed in the event that
a game operation method etc. is unclear whereby, in response to a
depression thereof, various help information is displayed on the
upper liquid crystal display 3 and the lower liquid crystal display
4.
[0043] A coin sensor 65 is disposed in the coin insertion slot 9
and detects a coin inserted. A bill sensor 66 is disposed in the
bill insertion slot 10 and detects a bill inserted. The 1-BET
button 11 is a button whereby, each time it is depressed, one bet
is placed. The SPIN/REPEAT BET button 12 is a button whereby, in
response to a depression thereof, the varying display of symbols is
started in each of the variable display windows 22 to 25 in the
lower liquid crystal display 4 so as to start the game with the
current number of bets or the previous number of bets.
[0044] The 3-BET button 13 is a button whereby, in response to a
depression thereof, the game is started with three bets. The 5-BET
button 14 is a button whereby, in response to a depression thereof,
the game is started with five bets. As well as the coin payout
opening 15 being formed, the coin receiving tray 16, which receives
the coins paid out from the coin payout opening 15, is provided at
the bottom of the cabinet 2.
[0045] Next, a description will be given, with reference to FIG. 5,
of a configuration relating to a control system of the slot machine
1. FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing the control
system of the slot machine.
[0046] In FIG. 5, the control system of the slot machine 1 is
basically configured around a CPU 50 acting as a control section,
wherein an ROM 51 and an RAM 52 are connected to the CPU 50. The
ROM 51 stores a game control program, to be described hereafter,
various effect programs for carrying out various effects on the
upper liquid crystal display 3 and the lower liquid crystal display
4 as the game progresses, a selection table for selecting each kind
of winning combination, and other various kinds of program, data
table and the like which are necessary for the control of the slot
machine 1. Also, the RAM 52 is a memory for temporarily storing the
various kinds of data calculated by the CPU 50.
[0047] In this embodiment, the programs, data and the like used in
controlling the slot machine 1 are not limited to being previously
stored in the ROM 51 and the RAM 52, but changes can be made as
appropriate. For example, the configuration may be such that the
same programs, data and the like are previously stored in a storage
medium, such as a Compact Flash (registered trademark), and are
downloaded into the ROM 51 and the like from such a storage
medium.
[0048] A clock pulse generator 53, which generates a reference
clock pulse, and a frequency divider 54 are connected to the CPU
50, as are a random number generator 55, which generates a random
number, and a random number sampling circuit 56. The random number
sampled via the random number sampling circuit 56 is used for the
various kinds of selection of the winning combinations etc.
[0049] A SPIN/REPEAT BET switch 58 appended to the SPIN/REPEAT BET
button 12, a 1-BET switch 59 appended to the 1-BET button 11, a
3-BET switch 60 appended to the 3-BET button 13, a 5-BET switch 61
appended to the 5-BET button 14, a CHANGE switch 62 appended to the
CHANGE button 6, a CASHOUT switch 63 appended to the CASHOUT button
7, and a HELP switch 64 appended to the HELP button 8, are each
connected to the CPU 50. Based on the switch signal output by each
switch according to the depression of each button, the CPU 50
carries out control so as to execute the various kinds of operation
corresponding to each button.
[0050] The coin sensor 65 disposed in the coin insertion slot 9 and
the bill sensor 66 disposed in the bill insertion slot 10 are each
connected to the CPU 50. The coin sensor 65 detects the coins
inserted through the coin insertion slot 9, whereby the CPU 50
calculates the number of coins inserted based on the coin detection
signal transmitted from the coin sensor 65. The bill sensor 66
detects the kind and value of the bills inserted through the bill
insertion slot 10, whereby the CPU 50 calculates the number of
coins equivalent to the value of the bills, based on the bill
detection signal transmitted from the bill sensor 66.
[0051] Four stepping motors 68, which rotate respective reels 220
via a motor drive circuit 167, are connected to the CPU 50. When a
motor drive signal is transmitted to the motor drive circuit 167
from the CPU 50, each stepping motor 68 is rotary driven by the
motor drive circuit 167, thereby rotating each reel 220.
[0052] At this time, after the rotation of each reel 220 is
started, the number of drive pulses, which is supplied to each of
the stepping motors 68, is calculated, and the calculated value is
written in a prescribed area of the RAM 52. Also, a reset pulse is
transmitted from each reel 220 for each revolution and is received
by the CPU 50. When the reset pulse is thus received by the CPU 50,
the calculated value written in the RAM 52 is cleared to 0 whereby,
based on the calculated value corresponding to a rotational
position of each reel 220 within one revolution and a symbol table
in which the rotational position of each reel 220 stored in the ROM
51 is related to the symbols formed on the surface of each reel
220, the CPU 50 recognizes the rotational position of the symbols
on each reel 220.
[0053] A position change detection circuit 69 is connected to the
CPU 50. The position change detection circuit 69 detects a change
in the stationary position of the reels 220 after they are
stop-controlled by the motor drive circuit 167. For example, in a
case in which, although a combination of stationary symbols does
not actually fall into a win pattern, the stationary position has
compulsorily been changed by the player in such a way that the
combination of stationary symbols falls into a win pattern, or in a
like case, the position change detection circuit 69 detects such a
change in the stationary position of the reels 220. The position
change detection circuit 69 is configured in such a way that, for
example, by detecting fins attached at prescribed intervals to the
inner portion of each of the reels 220, it can detect a change in
the stationary position of the reels 220.
[0054] A hopper 71 is connected to the CPU 50 via a hopper drive
circuit 70. When a drive signal is transmitted to the hopper drive
circuit 70 from the CPU 50, the hopper 71 pays out a prescribed
number of coins from the coin payout opening 15. Also, a coin
detector 73 is connected to the CPU 50 via a payout completion
signal circuit 72. The coin detector 73 is disposed inside the coin
payout opening 15. In a case in which the prescribed number of
coins is detected to have been paid out from the coin payout
opening 15, a coin payout detection signal is transmitted from the
coin detector 73 to the payout completion signal circuit 72, based
on which the payout completion signal circuit 72 transmits a payout
completion signal to the CPU 50.
[0055] The upper liquid crystal display 3 and the lower liquid
crystal display 4 are connected to the CPU 50 via a liquid crystal
drive circuit 74. A graphic board or the like can be used as the
liquid crystal circuit 74. The upper liquid crystal display 3 and
the lower liquid crystal display 4 may be configured in such a way
as to be controlled by separate liquid crystal circuits.
[0056] LED's 78 are connected to the CPU 50 via an LED drive
circuit 77. A large number of the LED's 78 are distributed on the
front of the slot machine 1 wherein, when various kinds of effect
are carried out, illumination control is carried out by the LED
drive circuit 77 based on a drive signal from the CPU 50. Also, a
sound output circuit 79 and a speaker 80 are connected to the CPU
50, wherein the speaker 80, based on an output signal from the
sound output circuit 79, emits various kinds of sound effect when
the various effects are carried out.
[0057] The lamp 20 is connected to the CPU 50 via a lamp drive
circuit 75. The lamp 20 is disposed on the top surface of the slot
machine 1 (refer to FIG. 4) wherein, when the CHANGE button 6 is
depressed, illumination control is carried out by the lamp drive
circuit 75 based on a drive signal from the CPU 50.
[0058] The transparent touch panel 30 is connected to the CPU 50
via a touch panel drive circuit 67. The transparent touch panel 30,
which is equipped on the screen of the lower liquid crystal display
4, is configured in such a way that it transmits the coordinate
position information of a portion touched by the player via the
touch panel drive circuit 67, and that the CPU 50 can thereby
determine the portion touched.
[0059] A progressive interface (I/F) 81, which is a communication
port for carrying out communication with respect to the management
apparatus 200, is appended to the CPU 50. The CPU 50 is configured
in such a way as to be capable of sending a selection request to
the communication controller 301 (refer to FIG. 2) of the
management apparatus 200, while receiving the notification of the
cumulative playing value, selection result and the like from the
communication controller 301 of the management apparatus 200.
[0060] Next, a description will be given, with reference to FIG. 6,
of an operational example of the game system 100 according to this
embodiment. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an operational
example of the game system 100 according to this embodiment. FIG. 6
shows only one slot machine 1 which carries out communication with
the management apparatus 200. Also, in FIG. 6, the management
apparatus 200 carries out control in accordance with the selection
probability table shown in FIG. 3, and the cumulative playing value
selection probability is set to the "normal mode" before the
sequence shown in FIG. 6 is started.
[0061] FIG. 6 shows the sequence related to the case of updating
the cumulative playing value selection probability in the
management apparatus 200 and carrying out a selection relating to
cumulative playing value payout. The management apparatus 200
carries out a cumulative playing value addition process in response
to an addition request from the slot machine 1, updates the
cumulative playing value selection probability when the prescribed
conditions have been fulfilled, and notifies the player to the
updated content. Also, the management apparatus 200 carries out the
selection relating to cumulative playing value payout in response
to the selection request from the slot machine 1, and thus pays out
the cumulative playing value.
[0062] First, it is supposed that a game is started on the slot
machine 1 and a credit accumulation condition has occurred during
the game (ST601). In the game system 100, each time the credit
accumulation condition occurs from each slot machine 1, the
management apparatus 200 collects and cumulatively adds a fixed
proportion of playing values and, on condition that a win has
occurred, pays out the cumulative playing value obtained as a
result to a specified player. The credit accumulation condition can
be variously selected. For example, the insertion of a coin acting
as the playing value, the operation of a BET button such as the
1-BET button 11 and the like can be considered to be the credit
accumulation condition.
[0063] When the credit accumulation condition has occurred, the
slot machine 1 notifies the management apparatus 200 of a playing
value to be newly added to the current cumulative playing value,
and thereby transmits to the management apparatus 200 the addition
request which requests that the playing value be added to the
cumulative playing value (ST602). Upon reception of this addition
request, the management apparatus 200 carries out the addition
process in which the playing value of which it has been notified by
the slot machine 1 is added to the cumulative playing value already
stored at this point (ST603). At this time, the management
apparatus 200 causes the display device 203 to display the
cumulative playing value obtained by carrying out this addition
process.
[0064] After the addition process has been carried out, it is
supposed that the condition to update the cumulative playing value
selection probability (hereafter referred to as the "selection
probability update condition") has occurred in the management
apparatus 200 (ST604). The selection probability update condition
can be variously selected. For example, the case in which the value
of the cumulative playing value has reached a predetermined fixed
value, the case in which the total number of games performed on the
slot machine 1 connected has reached a predetermined fixed number,
the case in which a selection process has been carried out
regardless of the value of the cumulative playing value and the
total number of games, and in which the update of the cumulative
playing value selection probability has been selected according to
the selection result, or a like case, can be considered to be the
selection probability update condition. Herein, it is supposed that
the selection probability update condition has occurred with the
result that the value of the cumulative playing value has reached
the predetermined fixed value.
[0065] When the selection probability update condition has
occurred, the management apparatus 200 carries out the process of
updating the cumulative playing value selection probability
(hereafter referred to as the "selection probability update
process") (ST605). The selection probability update process is
carried out in accordance with the contents registered in the
selection probability table. That is, in the selection probability
update process, as shown in FIG. 3, the management apparatus 200
switches the mode in use from the "normal mode" to the "first
special playing mode" or the "second special playing mode", and
thereby updates the cumulative playing value selection probability,
thus increasing the cumulative playing value win probability.
[0066] In the selection probability update process, it can be
arbitrarily set whether the mode is to be updated from the "normal
mode" to the "first special playing mode" or to the "second special
playing mode". For example, the mode to be updated from the "normal
mode" may be switched in order between the "first special playing
mode" and the "second special playing mode", or may be switched in
such a way as to be updated to the "second special playing mode" on
condition that it has been updated a fixed number of times from the
"normal mode" to the "first special playing mode".
[0067] After having carried out the selection probability update
process, the management apparatus 200 carries out a process
(hereafter referred to as an "updated information notifying
process") which notifies the player, who plays on the slot machine
1, to the updated information (ST606). The updated information
notifying process is carried out in accordance with the contents
registered in the selection probability table. That is, the
management apparatus 200 causes the notifying section 202 to notify
the player to the notification contents corresponding to the mode
determined in the selection probability update process. For
example, when the mode has been updated from the "normal mode" to
the "first special playing mode", the display device 203 displays
the message "chance", and the speaker 204 outputs "sound effect 1".
Meanwhile, when the mode is updated from the "normal mode" to the
"second special playing mode", the display device 203 displays the
message "big chance", and the speaker 204 outputs "sound effect
2".
[0068] In this way, when the update condition has occurred (ST604),
after the cumulative playing value win probability has been
increased by the selection probability update process (ST605), the
notifying section 202 notifies the player to the message and sound
effect indicating that the cumulative playing value win probability
has been increased by the updated information notifying process
(ST606). By this means, it is possible to attract the interest of a
player who is not currently playing on the slot machine 1 (for
example, a player or the like who is observing the playing status
from the periphery of the game system 100), and also to attract the
interest of a player who is currently playing on the game system
100.
[0069] After the updated information notifying process has been
carried out, it is supposed that a selection condition has occurred
while the game is being performed on the slot machine 1 (ST607).
The selection condition can be variously selected. For example, an
appearance of the win pattern in which specified symbols such as
ALL SEVENS are arranged, an appearance of the win pattern including
a symbol which permits the selection for obtaining the cumulative
playing value, and the like, can be considered to be the selection
condition. The ALL SEVENS refers to a case in which all the symbols
stopped on the activated pay line L are SEVEN symbols.
[0070] When the selection condition has occurred, the slot machine
1 transmits to the management apparatus 200 a selection request
which requests a selection relating to cumulative playing value
payout (ST608). Upon reception of the selection request, the
management apparatus 200 executes the selection (ST609). As such a
selection, for example, the method can be considered by which, in
the event that a random number value generated in response to the
selection request matches a predetermined value, it is determined
as a win, and in the event that the random number value does not
match the predetermined value, it is treated as a miss. However,
another selection method is also acceptable.
[0071] In the event that a win has been determined as a result of
the selection process (ST610), in order to notify the player on the
slot machine 1 that the win has occurred, the management apparatus
200 carries out a win occurrence notifying process which causes the
notifying section 202 to execute a prescribed operation (ST611). As
the win occurrence notifying process, it can be considered to
display the value of the paid-out cumulative playing value in a
flashing form on the display device 203 of the notifying section
202, and also to output sound data such as a fanfare from the
speaker 204 of the notifying section 202.
[0072] Following the win occurrence notifying process, the
management apparatus 200 executes an allotment of the cumulative
playing value. Specifically, the management apparatus 200 notifies
the slot machine 1, which is to be allotted with the cumulative
playing value, that a win has been obtained as the selection result
and of the value of the cumulative playing value to be allotted
(ST612).
[0073] Upon reception of the notification to the effect that the
win has been obtained and of the value of the cumulative playing
value, the slot machine 1 carries out a credit addition process
(ST613). That is, the slot machine 1 adds the value of the
cumulative playing value, of which it has been notified by the
management apparatus 200, to the credit value being stored at the
point when the notification has been received, and stores the
resulting value as a new credit value. That is, the player on the
slot machine 1 receives a payment such as a credit for a so-called
Jackpot win.
[0074] Meanwhile, after having carried out the notification to the
effect that the win has been obtained and of the value of the
cumulative playing value to be allotted, the management apparatus
200, in order to respond to the payout of the cumulative playing
value (ST612 and ST613), carries out a subtraction process which
returns the value of the cumulative playing value to an initial
value (for example, 0, 100 or the like) (ST614).
[0075] After having carried out the subtraction process, the
management apparatus 200 carries out the selection probability
update process again (ST615). In the selection probability update
process in this case, the cumulative playing value selection
probability updated in the selection probability update process of
ST605 is returned from the "first special playing mode" or the
"second special playing mode" to the "normal mode".
[0076] After having carried out the selection probability update
process, the management apparatus 200 carries out the updated
information notifying process again (ST616). In the updated
information notifying process in this case, the updated information
notifying process carried out in ST606 is stopped. By this means,
the cumulative playing value selection probability in the game
system 100 is returned to the initial "normal mode". In this way, a
series of operations in the game system 100 is finished, and the
same processes will be repeated again.
[0077] As described heretofore, according to the game system 100 of
this embodiment, when the prescribed conditions, such as the
condition that the value of the cumulative playing value exceeds
the fixed value, have been fulfilled, the management apparatus 200,
as well as increasing the cumulative playing value win probability,
notifies the player with the message and sound effect indicating
that the cumulative playing value win probability has increased. By
this means, it is possible to attract the interest of a player who
is not currently playing on the slot machine 1, thus making it
possible to evoke the desire to play in a new player. Also, as the
probability of being able to obtain the cumulative playing value
increases, it is possible to attract even the interest of a current
player and also to arouse his or her gambling spirit, thus making
it possible to increase the interest of the current player in the
game.
[0078] Also, in the game system 100 of this embodiment, the
management apparatus 200 maintains a selection probability used at
the normal time to pay out the cumulative playing value, a
selection probability having a higher cumulative playing value win
probability than the selection probability used at the normal time,
and the contents for which a notification is raised by the
notifying section 202 in response to each of the selection
probabilities. Specifically, the management apparatus 200 maintains
a selection probability table having registered therein a selection
probability used at the normal time and a selection probability
having a higher cumulative playing value win probability than the
selection probability used at the normal time, and designates the
notification contents corresponding to a cumulative playing value
registration probability in the selection probability table. By
using this selection probability table, it is possible for the
management apparatus 200 to easily designate a selection
probability to be used at a selection time to pay out the
cumulative playing value. Also, as the notification contents
corresponding to the designated selection probability can easily be
specified, it is possible to carry out the notification
corresponding to the specified selection probability by simple
control.
[0079] Particularly, a plurality of (in this embodiment, two)
selection probabilities having a higher cumulative playing value
win probability than the selection probability used at the normal
time are registered in the selection probability table. By this
means, it is possible to increase the cumulative playing value win
probability in a gradated manner and also to carry out the
notification corresponding to the selection probability changed. By
thus increasing the cumulative playing value win probability in a
gradated manner, a new player, whose interest has not been
attracted by only increasing the win probability one step, can be
prompted to play. Also, as the gambling spirit of a current player
can be further aroused, it is possible to increase the interest of
the current player in the game.
[0080] In the aforementioned embodiment, a description has been
given of the case in which the management apparatus 200 manages
various selection probabilities and the notification contents
corresponding to the selection probabilities using the selection
probability table. However, as for the configuration of managing
such selection probabilities and the notification contents
corresponding to the selection probabilities, the invention is not
limited to the above configuration, but modifications can be made
as appropriate. For example, it is acceptable to use any technique
which can specify the notification contents corresponding to
various modes, such as the normal mode, the first special playing
mode which is more beneficial to the player than the normal mode in
obtaining the cumulative playing value, and the second special
playing mode which is still more beneficial than the first special
playing mode, as designated in the selection probability table.
[0081] Furthermore, in the game system 100 of this embodiment, by
the value of the cumulative playing value reaching the
predetermined fixed value, the selection probability update
condition occurs, thus increasing the cumulative playing value win
probability. By setting the predetermined fixed value to be
somewhat high, it is possible to arouse the gambling spirit of a
new player, so that the effect of evoking the desire to play in the
new player can be further hoped for.
[0082] The aforementioned selection probability update condition is
shown as one example, and modifications can be made as appropriate
in accordance with contents such as the operational status, current
time, installation location or the like of the game system 100. For
example, the configuration may be such that, in the event that the
number of players on a plurality of slot machines 1 falls below a
predetermined fixed number, the selection probability update
condition is caused to occur, thus increasing the cumulative
playing value win probability. In the case of such a modification,
the operating rate of the game system 100 can be increased by a
player who has been prompted to play by the increase of the
cumulative playing value win probability.
[0083] Also, the invention is not limited to the aforementioned
embodiment, but various modifications can be made without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention. As for the size, the
shape and the like shown in the accompanying drawings in the
aforementioned embodiment, the invention is not limited thereto,
but modifications can be made within the range in which the
beneficial effects of the invention are achieved. Any other
modifications can be made and practiced without departing from the
scope of the object of the invention. Modified examples of the
invention will be illustrated hereafter.
[0084] In the aforementioned embodiment, in the selection
probability update process, the setting when the mode is switched
from the "normal mode" to the "first special playing mode" or the
"second special playing mode" is one example. For example, in
consideration of player's interest and the like, modifications can
be made as appropriate. For example, it is acceptable to set in
such a way that the mode is switched not only from the "normal
mode" to either the "first special playing mode" or the "second
special playing mode", but from the "first special playing mode" to
the "second special playing mode".
[0085] Also, it is acceptable to determine by selection which mode
a transition is to be made to in the selection probability update
process. In such a selection, it can be considered to determine
which mode a transition is to be made to in accordance with a
correlation between a random number and a predetermined value.
However, it is acceptable to determine which mode a transition is
to be made to using another method. In that case, the correlation
between the random number and the predetermined value may be set to
be one to one or a plurality to one. Also, instead of using a
random number used in the selection as it is, it is acceptable to
determine the mode which a transition is to be made to in
accordance with the calculated result obtained by subjecting the
random number to a prescribed calculation process.
[0086] Furthermore, it is acceptable to change a mode to which the
mode is switched in accordance with the number of players who are
playing on the game system 100. For example, in a case in which the
occupancy by the players on the slot machines 1 connected is 40% to
60%, the mode is switched to the "first special playing mode",
while in a case in which the occupancy falls below 40%, the mode is
switched to the "second special playing mode". In this way, by
changing a mode to which the mode is switched in accordance with
the number of players, it can also be expected to control the
operating rate of the game system 100.
[0087] Further still, in the aforementioned embodiment, in the
updated information notifying process, the case is shown in which
the notifying section 202 carries out the notification
corresponding to the selection probability updated in the selection
probability update process. However, in consideration of prompting
of a new player to play and the like, the contents of the
notification by the notifying section 202 can be changed as
appropriate. For example, it is acceptable to carry out the
notification corresponding to a cumulative playing value which can
be updated in the next selection probability update process. Also,
it is acceptable, along with this notification, to notify the
player to the condition maintained until the selection probability
is updated (for example, the value of the cumulative playing value
which is maintained until it reaches the fixed value). In a case in
which such a notification is carried out, it is possible to attract
the interest of a new player before the cumulative playing value
win probability is actually increased, thus making it possible to
evoking the desire to play in the new player. In the case of
carrying out such a notification, it is preferable that the
notifying section 202 carries it out at all times.
[0088] The invention is applied to the game system and information
management apparatus which actualizes a so-called jackpot function
whereby, as well as evoking the desire to play in a new player, it
increases the interest of a current player in the game, thus having
industrial applicability.
[0089] Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur
to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its
broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and
representative embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly,
various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit
or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the
appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *