U.S. patent application number 11/907344 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-08 for gaming machine, playing method thereof and gaming system.
Invention is credited to Yukinori Inamura.
Application Number | 20080108416 11/907344 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39360338 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080108416 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Inamura; Yukinori |
May 8, 2008 |
Gaming machine, playing method thereof and gaming system
Abstract
When a wager relating to an amount of money of a part of game
media consumed every unit game in each gaming machine reaches a
predetermined amount, a bonus game start signal is received from a
host computer. Each gaming machine executes a bonus game and a
predetermined amount of wager is distributed based on a result of
the bonus game, so that an incentive signal determining an
incentive, which is awarded to each gaming machine, is received
from the host computer, thereby awarding an incentive.
Inventors: |
Inamura; Yukinori; (Tokyo,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ARENT FOX LLP
1050 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W.
SUITE 400
WASHINGTON
DC
20036
US
|
Family ID: |
39360338 |
Appl. No.: |
11/907344 |
Filed: |
October 11, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3276 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/020 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 24, 2006 |
JP |
2006-288376 |
Claims
1. A gaming machine comprising: a display that arranges a plurality
of symbols; a communication device that is connected to a host
computer in a data communication manner; and a game controller
programmed to operate as described in steps of (a).about.(h),
wherein the game controller is programmed: (a) to consume a game
medium to execute a unit game; (b) to rearrange the symbols every
unit game; (c) to award a prize based on a relation of the symbols
rearranged; (d) to receive a bonus game start signal from the host
computer through the communication device when a predetermined
condition is fulfilled; (e) to execute a bonus game programmed in
the host computer so that each gaming machine competes with each
other; (f) to transmit a result of the bonus game to the host
computer through the communication device; (g) to receive an
incentive signal about an incentive from the host computer through
the communication device, the incentive signal determining the
incentive that is awarded to each gaming machine, based on the
result of the bonus game in each gaming machine; and (h) to award
an incentive relating to the incentive signal.
2. A gaming machine comprising: a display that arranges a plurality
of symbols; a communication device that is connected to a host
computer in a data communication manner; and a game controller
programmed to operate as described in steps of (a).about.(i),
wherein the game controller is programmed: (a) to consume game
media to execute a unit game; (b) to rearrange the symbols every
unit game; (c) to award a prize based on a relation of the symbols
rearranged; (d) to transmit a wager signal to the host computer
through the communication device, the wager signal relating to an
amount of money of a part of the game media consumed in the unit
game; (e) to receive a bonus game start signal from the host
computer through the communication device when a total amount of
summed wager relating to the wager signal transmitted to the host
computer reaches a predetermined amount; (f) to execute a bonus
game programmed in the host computer so that each gaming machine
competes with each other; (g) to transmit a result of the bonus
game to the host computer through the communication device; (h) to
receive an incentive signal about an incentive from the host
computer through the communication device, the incentive signal
determining the incentive that is awarded to each gaming machine by
distributing the predetermined amount of wager, based on the result
of the bonus game in each gaming machine; and (i) to award an
incentive relating to the incentive signal.
3. A gaming machine comprising: a display that arranges a plurality
of symbols and displays an image; a communication device that is
connected to a host computer in a data communication manner; and a
game controller programmed to operate as described in steps of
(a).about.(h), wherein the game controller is programmed: (a) to
consume a game medium to execute a unit game; (b) to rearrange the
symbols every unit game; (c) to award a prize based on a relation
of the symbols rearranged; (d) to receive a bonus game start signal
from the host computer through the communication device when a
predetermined condition is fulfilled; (e) to execute a bonus game
programmed in the host computer so that each gaming machine
competes with each other on an image displayed in each display; (f)
to transmit a result of the bonus game to the host computer; (g) to
receive an incentive signal about an incentive from the host
computer through the communication device, the incentive signal
determining the incentive that is awarded to each gaming machine,
based on the result of the bonus game in each gaming machine; and
(h) to award an incentive relating to the incentive, signal.
4. A gaming machine comprising: a display that arranges a plurality
of symbols and displays an image; a communication device that is
connected to a host computer in a data communication manner; and a
game controller programmed to operate as described in steps of
(a).about.(i), wherein the game controller is programmed: (a) to
consume game media to execute a unit game; (b) to rearrange the
symbols every unit game; (c) to award a prize based on a relation
of the symbols rearranged; (d) to transmit a wager signal to the
host computer through the communication device, the wager signal
relating to an amount of money of a part of the game media consumed
in the unit game; (e) to receive a bonus game start signal from the
host computer through the communication device when a total amount
of summed wager relating to the wager signal transmitted to the
host computer reaches a predetermined amount; (f) to execute a
bonus game programmed in the host computer so that each gaming
machine competes with each other on an image displayed in each
display; (g) to transmit a result of the bonus game to the host
computer through the communication device; (h) to receive an
incentive signal about an incentive from the host computer through
the communication device, the incentive signal determining the
incentive that is awarded to each gaming machine by distributing
the predetermined amount of wager, based on the result of the bonus
game in each gaming machine; and (i) to award an incentive relating
to the incentive signal.
5. A playing method of a gaming machine that arranges a plurality
of symbols in a display and is connected to a host computer through
a communication device in a data communication manner, the method
comprising the steps of: (a) consuming a game medium to execute a
unit game; (b) rearranging the symbols every unit game; (c)
awarding a prize based on a relation of the symbols rearranged; (d)
receiving a bonus game start signal from the host computer when a
predetermined condition is fulfilled; (e) executing a bonus game
programmed in the host computer so that each gaming machine
competes with each other; (f) transmitting a result of the bonus
game to the host computer; (g) receiving an incentive signal about
an incentive from the host computer through the communication
device, the incentive signal determining the incentive that is
awarded to each gaming machine, based on the result of the bonus
game in each gaming machine; and (h) awarding an incentive relating
to the incentive signal.
6. A playing method of a gaming machine that arranges a plurality
of symbols in a display and is connected to a host computer through
a communication device in a data communication manner, the method
comprising the steps of: (a) consuming game media to execute a unit
game; (b) rearranging the symbols every unit game; (c) awarding a
prize based on a relation of the symbols rearranged; (d)
transmitting a wager signal to the host computer through the
communication device, the wager signal relating to an amount of
money of a part of the game media consumed in the unit game; (e)
receiving a bonus game start signal from the host computer through
the communication device when a total amount of summed wager
relating to the wager signal transmitted to the host computer
reaches a predetermined amount; (f) executing a bonus game
programmed in the host computer so that each gaming machine
competes with each other; (g) transmitting a result of the bonus
game to the host computer through the communication device; (h)
receiving an incentive signal about an incentive from the host
computer through the communication device, the incentive signal
determining the incentive that is awarded to each gaming machine by
distributing the predetermined amount of wager, based on the result
of the bonus game in each gaming machine; and (i) awarding an
incentive relating to the incentive signal.
7. A playing method of a gaming machine that arranges a plurality
of symbols in a display and is connected to a host computer through
a communication device in a data communication manner, the method
comprising the steps of: (a) consuming a game medium to execute a
unit game; (b) rearranging the symbols every unit game; (c)
awarding a prize based on a relation of the symbols rearranged; (d)
receiving a bonus game start signal from the host computer through
the communication device when a predetermined condition is
fulfilled; (e) executing a bonus game programmed in the host
computer so that each gaming machine competes with each other on an
image displayed in each display; (f) transmitting a result of the
bonus game to the host computer; (g) receiving an incentive signal
about an incentive from the host computer through the communication
device, the incentive signal determining the incentive that is
awarded to each gaming machine, based on the result of the bonus
game in each gaming machine; and (h) awarding an incentive relating
to the incentive signal.
8. A playing method of a gaming machine that arranges a plurality
of symbols in a display and is connected to a host computer through
a communication device in a data communication manner, the method
comprising the steps of: (a) consuming game media to execute a unit
game; (b) rearranging the symbols every unit game; (c) awarding a
prize based on a relation of the symbols rearranged; (d)
transmitting a wager signal to the host computer through the
communication device, the wager signal relating to an amount of
money of a part of the game media consumed in the unit game; (e)
receiving a bonus game start signal from the host computer through
the communication device when a total amount of summed wager
relating to the wager signal transmitted to the host computer
reaches a predetermined amount; (f) executing a bonus game
programmed in the host computer so that each gaming machine
competes with each other on an image displayed in each display; (g)
transmitting a result of the bonus game to the host computer
through the communication device; (h) receiving an incentive signal
about an incentive from the host computer through the communication
device, the incentive signal determining the incentive that is
awarded to each gaming machine by distributing the predetermined
amount of wager, based on the result of the bonus game in each
gaming machine; and (i) awarding an incentive relating to the
incentive signal.
9. A gaming system comprising the gaming machine according to any
one of claims 1 to 4 and a host computer that is connected to the
gaming machine in a data communication manner.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims all benefits of Japanese
Patent Application No. 2006-288376 filed on Oct. 24, 2006 in the
Japan Patent Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to a gaming machine, a playing method
thereof and a gaming system.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] In a conventional gaming machine, when a player inserts a
game medium such as coin or bill into an insertion slot of the
gaming machine and pushes a spin button, symbols are
scroll-displayed in a display mounted on a front of a cabinet and
the symbols are then stopped automatically.
[0006] In such gaming machine, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
6,604,999 B2 or U.S. Patent No. 2002065124A1, for example, when the
symbols stopped on a winning line constitute a predetermined
combination, the predetermined number of game media are paid out.
In addition, when a certain symbol referred to as scatter symbol is
displayed on the display, the predetermined number of game media
are paid out in accordance with the number of scatter symbols
displayed, irrespective of the winning line. A plurality of the
gaming machines are equipped in an arcade such as casino. U.S. Pat.
No. 6,988,267B2 discloses a system that connects the gaming
machines in a network manner to transmit an image to each of the
gaming machines from a central system.
[0007] However, the gaming machine disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
6,604,999B2 or 2002065124A1, awards a win, i.e., pays out the game
media depending on a combination of the symbols on a payline or the
number of the scatter symbols displayed in the display, and is only
an apparatus for executing such a game. In addition, according to
U.S. Pat. No. 6,988,267B2, the gaming machines are connected in a
network manner, so that an image is transmitted to each gaming
machine. However, it is substantially same as those disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,999B2 or 2002065124A1, in that a game is
executed in a relation of player-to-gaming machine. Therefore, the
player cannot secure a win from the other gaming machines, except
the gaming machine with which the player plays the game.
[0008] The invention provides a gaming machine having a new
entertainment characteristic, a playing method thereof and a gaming
system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A gaming machine of the invention comprises a display that
arranges a plurality of symbols; a communication device that is
connected to a host computer in a data communication manner; and a
game controller programmed to operate as described in steps of
(a).about.(h). The game controller is programmed (a) to consume a
game medium to execute a unit game; (b) to rearrange the symbols
every unit game; (c) to award a prize based on a relation of the
symbols rearranged; (d) to receive a bonus game start signal from
the host computer through the communication device when a
predetermined condition is fulfilled; (e) to execute a bonus game
programmed in the host computer so that each gaming machine
competes with each other; (f) to transmit a result of the bonus
game to the host computer through the communication device; (g) to
receive an incentive signal about an incentive from the host
computer through the communication device, the incentive signal
determining the incentive that is awarded to each gaming machine,
based on the result of the bonus game in each gaming machine; and
(h) to award an incentive relating to the incentive signal.
[0010] According to the above structure, when a predetermined
condition is fulfilled, a bonus game start signal is received from
a host computer and a bonus game is executed so that each gaming
machine competes with each other. A result of the bonus game is
transmitted to the host computer and an incentive signal relating
to an incentive is received from the host computer, so that an
incentive relating to the incentive signal is awarded. Thereby, a
player is provided with a new game having a chance to secure an
incentive, from the gaming machines in addition to the gaming
machine with which the player plays a game. As a result, the player
is enabled to have a more interest or concern in or about the
gaming machine.
[0011] In addition, a gaming machine of the invention comprises a
display that arranges a plurality of symbols; a communication
device that is connected to a host computer in a data communication
manner; and a game controller programmed to operate as described in
steps of (a).about.(i). The game controller is programmed (a) to
consume game media to execute a unit game; (b) to rearrange the
symbols every unit game; (c) to award a prize based on a relation
of the symbols rearranged; (d) to transmit a wager signal to the
host computer through the communication device, the wager signal
relating to an amount of money of a part of the game media consumed
in the unit game; (e) to receive a bonus game start signal from the
host computer through the communication device when a total amount
of summed wager relating to the wager signal transmitted to the
host computer reaches a predetermined amount; (f) to execute a
bonus game programmed in the host computer so that each gaming
machine competes with each other; (g) to transmit a result of the
bonus game to the host computer through the communication device;
(h) to receive an incentive signal about an incentive from the host
computer through the communication device, the incentive signal
determining the incentive that is awarded to each gaming machine by
distributing the predetermined amount of wager, based on the result
of the bonus game in each gaming machine; and (i) to award an
incentive relating to the incentive signal.
[0012] According to the above structure, when a wager signal
relating to an amount of money of a part of game media consumed in
a unit game is transmitted to a host computer and a total amount of
summed wager relating to the wager signal transmitted to the host
computer reaches a predetermined amount, a bonus game start signal
is received from the host computer and a bonus game is executed so
that each gaming machine competes with each other. A result of the
bonus game is transmitted to the host computer and an incentive
signal relating to an incentive having the predetermined amount of
wager distributed is received from the host computer, so that an
incentive relating to the incentive signal is awarded. Thereby, a
player is provided with a new game having a chance to secure an
incentive, from the gaming machines in addition to the gaming
machine with which the player plays a game. As a result, the player
is enabled to have a more interest or concern in or about the
gaming machine.
[0013] In addition, a gaming machine of the invention comprises a
display that arranges a plurality of symbols and displays an image;
a communication device that is connected to a host computer in a
data communication manner; and a game controller programmed to
operate as described in steps of (a).about.(h). The game controller
is programmed (a) to consume a game medium to execute a unit game;
(b) to rearrange the symbols every unit game; (c) to award a prize
based on a relation of the symbols rearranged; (d) to receive a
bonus game start signal from the host computer through the
communication device when a predetermined condition is fulfilled;
(e) to execute a bonus game programmed in the host computer so that
each gaming machine competes with each other on an image displayed
in each display; (f) to transmit a result of the bonus game to the
host computer; (g) to receive an incentive signal about an
incentive from the host computer through the communication device,
the incentive signal determining the incentive that is awarded to
each gaming machine, based on the result of the bonus game in each
gaming machine; and (h) to award an incentive relating to the
incentive signal.
[0014] According to the above structure, when a predetermined
condition is fulfilled, a bonus game start signal is received from
a host computer and a bonus game is executed so that each gaming
machine competes with each other on an image displayed in each
display. A result of the bonus game is transmitted to the host
computer and an incentive signal relating to an incentive is
received from the host computer, so that an incentive relating to
the incentive signal is awarded. Thereby, a player can see an image
of the competition with the other gaming machines, so that the
player has a more interest or concern about the gaming machine. In
addition, the player is provided with a new game having a chance to
secure an incentive, from the gaming machines in addition to the
gaming machine with which the player plays a game. As a result, the
player is enabled to have a more interest or concern in or about
the gaming machine.
[0015] In addition, a gaming machine of the invention comprises a
display that arranges a plurality of symbols and displays an image;
a communication device that is connected to a host computer in a
data communication manner; and a game controller programmed to
operate as described in steps of (a).about.(i). The game controller
is programmed (a) to consume game media to execute a unit game; (b)
to rearrange the symbols every unit game; (c) to award a prize
based on a relation of the symbols rearranged; (d) to transmit a
wager signal to the host computer through the communication device,
the wager signal relating to an amount of money of a part of the
game media consumed in the unit game; (e) to receive a bonus game
start signal from the host computer through the communication
device when a total amount of summed wager relating to the wager
signal transmitted to the host computer reaches a predetermined
amount; (f) to execute a bonus game programmed in the host computer
so that each gaming machine competes with each other on an image
displayed in each display; (g) to transmit a result of the bonus
game to the host computer through the communication device; (h) to
receive an incentive signal about an incentive from the host
computer through the communication device, the incentive signal
determining the incentive that is awarded to each gaming machine by
distributing the predetermined amount of wager, based on the result
of the bonus game in each gaming machine; and (i) to award an
incentive relating to the incentive signal.
[0016] According to the above structure, when a wager signal
relating to an amount of money of a part of game media consumed in
a unit game is transmitted to a host computer and a total amount of
summed wager relating to the wager signal transmitted to the host
computer reaches a predetermined amount, a bonus game start signal
is received from the host computer and a bonus game is executed so
that each gaming machine competes with each other on an image
displayed in each display. A result of the bonus game is
transmitted to the host computer and an incentive signal relating
to an incentive having the predetermined amount of wager
distributed is received from the host computer, so that an
incentive relating to the incentive signal is awarded. Thereby, a
player can see an image of the competition with the other gaming
machines, so that the player has a more interest or concern about
the gaming machine. In addition, the player is provided with a new
game having a chance to secure an incentive, from the gaming
machines in addition to the gaming machine with which the player
plays a game. As a result, the player is enabled to have a more
interest or concern in or about the gaming machine.
[0017] According to the invention, there is provided a playing
method of a gaming machine that arranges a plurality of symbols in
a display and is connected to a host computer through a
communication device in a data communication manner, which method
comprises the steps of: (a) consuming a game medium to execute a
unit game; (b) rearranging the symbols every unit game; (c)
awarding a prize based on a relation of the symbols rearranged; (d)
receiving a bonus game start signal from the host computer when a
predetermined condition is fulfilled; (e) executing a bonus game
programmed in the host computer so that each gaming machine
competes with each other; (f) transmitting a result of the bonus
game to the host computer; (g) receiving an incentive signal about
an incentive from the host computer through the communication
device, the incentive signal determining the incentive that is
awarded to each gaming machine, based on the result of the bonus
game in each gaming machine; and (h) awarding an incentive relating
to the incentive signal.
[0018] According to the above structure, when a predetermined
condition is fulfilled, a bonus game start signal is received from
a host computer and a bonus game is executed so that each gaming
machine competes with each other. A result of the bonus game is
transmitted to the host computer and an incentive signal relating
to an incentive is received from the host computer, so that an
incentive relating to the incentive signal is awarded. Thereby, a
player is provided with a new game having a chance to secure an
incentive, from the gaming machines in addition to the gaming
machine with which the player plays a game. As a result, the player
is enabled to have a more interest or concern in or about the
gaming machine.
[0019] In addition, according to the invention, there is provided a
playing method of a gaming machine that arranges a plurality of
symbols in a display and is connected to a host computer through a
communication device in a data communication manner, which method
comprises the steps of (a) consuming game media to execute a unit
game; (b) rearranging the symbols every unit game; (c) awarding a
prize based on a relation of the symbols rearranged; (d)
transmitting a wager signal to the host computer through the
communication device, the wager signal relating to an amount of
money of a part of the game media consumed in the unit game; (e)
receiving a bonus game start signal from the host computer through
the communication device when a total amount of summed wager
relating to the wager signal transmitted to the host computer
reaches a predetermined amount; (f) executing a bonus game
programmed in the host computer so that each gaming machine
competes with each other; (g) transmitting a result of the bonus
game to the host computer through the communication device; (h)
receiving an incentive signal about an incentive from the host
computer through the communication device, the incentive signal
determining the incentive that is awarded to each gaming machine by
distributing the predetermined amount of wager, based on the result
of the bonus game in each gaming machine; and (i) awarding an
incentive relating to the incentive signal.
[0020] According to the above structure, when a wager signal
relating to an amount of money of a part of game media consumed in
a unit game is transmitted to a host computer and a total amount of
summed wager relating to the wager signal transmitted to the host
computer reaches a predetermined amount, a bonus game start signal
is received from the host computer and a bonus game is executed so
that each gaming machine competes with each other. A result of the
bonus game is transmitted to the host computer and an incentive
signal relating to an incentive having the predetermined amount of
wager distributed is received from the host computer, so that an
incentive relating to the incentive signal is awarded. Thereby, a
player is provided with a new game having a chance to secure an
incentive, from the gaming machines in addition to the gaming
machine with which the player plays a game. As a result, the player
is enabled to have a more interest or concern in or about the
gaming machine.
[0021] In addition, according to the invention, there is provided a
playing method of a gaming machine that arranges a plurality of
symbols in a display and is connected to a host computer through a
communication device in a data communication manner, which method
comprises the steps of: (a) consuming a game medium to execute a
unit game; (b) rearranging the symbols every unit game; (c)
awarding a prize based on a relation of the symbols rearranged; (d)
receiving a bonus game start signal from the host computer through
the communication device when a predetermined condition is
fulfilled; (e) executing a bonus game programmed in the host
computer so that each gaming machine competes with each other on an
image displayed in each display; (f) transmitting a result of the
bonus game to the host computer; (g) receiving an incentive signal
about an incentive from the host computer through the communication
device, the incentive signal determining the incentive that is
awarded to each gaming machine, based on the result of the bonus
game in each gaming machine; and (h) awarding an incentive relating
to the incentive signal.
[0022] According to the above structure, when a predetermined
condition is fulfilled, a bonus game start signal is received from
a host computer and a bonus game is executed so that each gaming
machine competes with each other on an image displayed in each
display. A result of the bonus game is transmitted to the host
computer and an incentive signal relating to an incentive is
received from the host computer, so that an incentive relating to
the incentive signal is awarded. Thereby, a player can see an image
of the competition with the other gaming machines, so that the
player has a more interest or concern about the gaming machine. In
addition, the player is provided with a new game having a chance to
secure an incentive, from the gaming machines in addition to the
gaming machine with which the player plays a game. As a result, the
player is enabled to have a more interest or concern in or about
the gaming machine.
[0023] In addition, according to the invention, there is provided a
playing method of a gaming machine that arranges a plurality of
symbols in a display and is connected to a host computer through a
communication device in a data communication manner, which method
comprises the steps of (a) consuming game media to execute a unit
game; (b) rearranging the symbols every unit game; (c) awarding a
prize based on a relation of the symbols rearranged; (d)
transmitting a wager signal to the host computer through the
communication device, the wager signal relating to an amount of
money of a part of the game media consumed in the unit game; (e)
receiving a bonus game start signal from the host computer through
the communication device when a total amount of summed wager
relating to the wager signal transmitted to the host computer
reaches a predetermined amount; (f) executing a bonus game
programmed in the host computer so that each gaming machine
competes with each other on an image displayed in each display; (g)
transmitting a result of the bonus game to the host computer
through the communication device; (h) receiving an incentive signal
about an incentive from the host computer through the communication
device, the incentive signal determining the incentive that is
awarded to each gaming machine by distributing the predetermined
amount of wager, based on the result of the bonus game in each
gaming machine; and (i) awarding an incentive relating to the
incentive signal.
[0024] According to the above structure, when a wager signal
relating to an amount of money of a part of game media consumed in
a unit game is transmitted to a host computer and a total amount of
summed wager relating to the wager signal transmitted to the host
computer reaches a predetermined amount, a bonus game start signal
is received from the host computer and a bonus game is executed so
that each gaming machine competes with each other on an image
displayed in each display. A result of the bonus game is
transmitted to the host computer and an incentive signal relating
to an incentive having the predetermined amount of wager
distributed is received from the host computer, so that an
incentive relating to the incentive signal is awarded. Thereby, a
player can see an image of the competition with the other gaming
machines, so that the player has a more interest or concern about
the gaming machine. In addition, the player is provided with a new
game having a chance to secure an incentive, from the gaming
machines in addition to the gaming machine with which the player
plays a game. As a result, the player is enabled to have a more
interest or concern in or about the gaming machine.
[0025] A gaming system of the invention comprises any gaming
machine described above and a host computer that is connected to
the gaming machine in a data communication manner.
[0026] According to the above structure, when a wager signal
relating to an amount of money of a part of game media consumed in
a unit game is transmitted to a host computer and a total amount of
summed wager relating to the wager signal transmitted to the host
computer reaches a predetermined amount, a bonus game start signal
is received from the host computer and a bonus game is executed so
that each gaming machine competes with each other on an image
displayed in each display. A result of the bonus game is
transmitted to the host computer and an incentive signal relating
to an incentive having the predetermined amount of wager
distributed is received from the host computer, so that an
incentive relating to the incentive signal is awarded. Thereby, a
player can see an image of the competition with the other gaming
machines, so that the player has a more interest or concern about
the gaming machine. In addition, the player is provided with a new
game having a chance to secure an incentive, from the gaming
machines in addition to the gaming machine with which the player
plays a game. As a result, the player is enabled to have a more
interest or concern in or about the gaming machine.
[0027] According to the above structures, it is provided a gaming
machine having an entertainment characteristic, which is not
provided to the prior art, and a playing method thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] Other and further objects, features and advantages of the
invention will appear more fully from the following description
taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a playing method of a gaming machine;
[0030] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a gaming machine;
[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates a display screen;
[0032] FIG. 4 shows symbols and code numbers thereof;
[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates a relation of gaming machines and a host
computer;
[0034] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an external appearance
of a gaming machine;
[0035] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of a
gaming machine;
[0036] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of a
host computer;
[0037] FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing processes of a gaming machine
and a host computer;
[0038] FIG. 10 a flow chart of a game executing process;
[0039] FIG. 11 is a flow chart of a bonus game executing
process;
[0040] FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a total wager amount calculating
process; and
[0041] FIG. 13 is a flow chart of a bonus game process.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0042] It will be described embodiments of a gaming machine, a
playing method thereof and a gaming system according to the
invention.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 1, a gaming machine 10 executes a playing
method comprising a step of consuming game media to execute a unit
game in which symbols 180 are arranged in a display and
transmitting a wager signal to a host computer 200, the wager
signal relating to an amount of money of a part of the game media
consumed in the unit game; a step of receiving a bonus game start
signal when a total amount of summed wager relating to the wager
signal reaches a predetermined amount, and executing a bonus game
in which it competes with the other gaming machines 10; and a step
of awarding an incentive, based on a result of the bonus game.
[0044] In addition, the gaming machine 10 executes a playing method
comprising the steps of rearranging the symbols 180 every unit
game, and awarding a prize, based on a relation of the symbols 180
rearranged.
[0045] Herein, the "arrangement" means a state in which the symbols
180 are allowed to be visible with naked eyes of an exterior
player. In other words, in FIG. 3(a), the symbols 180 are under
state of being displayed in the display windows 15L, 15C, 15R. In
the mean time, the "rearrangement" means arranging the symbols 180
again after dismissing the arrangement of the symbols 180.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming machine executing the above
playing method is provided with a display unit 101 (display), a
communication unit (communication device) 150 and a controller 100.
The display unit 101 is configured to arrange the symbols 180.
[0047] (Display Unit 101)
[0048] The display unit 101 may be a mechanical structure with a
reel device for arranging the symbols 180 by rotation of a reel or
electrical structure with a video reel on which an image is
displayed for arranging the symbols. Further, the display unit 101
may be a structure of combining a mechanical structure (reel) and
an electrical structure (video reel). The electrical structure may
include a liquid crystal device, a CRT (cathode-ray tube), a plasma
display and the like. A detailed structure of the display unit 101
will be described later.
[0049] (Communication Unit 150)
[0050] The communication unit 150 enables a data signal to be
transmitted/received between the controller 100 and the host
computer 200.
[0051] (Controller 100)
[0052] The controller 100 is structured to execute a first process
of consuming a game medium to execute a unit game, a second process
of rearranging the symbols 180 every unit game, a third process of
awarding a prize based on a relation of the symbols 180 rearranged,
a fourth process of receiving a bonus game start signal from the
host computer 200, a fifth process of executing a bonus game
programmed in the host computer 200, a sixth process of
transmitting a result of the bonus game to the host computer 200, a
seventh process of receiving an incentive signal from the host
computer 200, and a eighth process of awarding an incentive
relating to the incentive signal. In other words, the controller
100 has a first processing unit, a second processing unit, a third
processing unit, a fourth processing unit, a fifth processing unit,
a sixth processing unit, a seventh processing unit and a eighth
processing unit.
[0053] In addition, the controller 100 is structured to execute a
ninth process of transmitting to the host computer 200 a wager
signal about an amount of money of a part of the game media
consumed in the unit game. In other words, the controller 100 has a
ninth processing unit, in addition to the first to eight processing
units.
[0054] The controller 100 comprises a symbol memory 108 for storing
all symbols and a display symbol memory 107 for storing the symbols
in the symbol memory 108 as a display symbol. The display symbol
memory 107 can be accessed by a display control unit 102. The
display control unit 102 reads out the symbol in the display symbol
memory 107 under control of a game executing unit 110 and displays
the symbols in a display unit 101. A detailed display state will be
described later.
[0055] In addition, the controller 100 comprises a wager
calculating unit 115 that calculates a wager about a part of the
game media consumed every unit game, a wager signal transmit unit
116 that transmits to the host computer 200 a wager signal relating
to the wager calculated by the wager calculating unit 115, a bonus
game start signal receiving unit 117 that receives a bonus game
start signal from the host computer 200 and a bonus game executing
unit 119 that executes a bonus game, based on the bonus game start
signal received from the host computer 200. The display unit 101
displays an image of a bonus game in which a gaming machine
competes with the other gaming machines, under control of the bonus
game executing unit 119. A detailed display state will be described
later.
[0056] In addition, the controller 100 comprises a game result
signal transmit unit 118 that transmits a result of the bonus game,
an incentive signal receiving unit 120 that receives from the host
computer 200 an incentive signal relating to an incentive to be
awarded on the basis of a result of the bonus game, and an
incentive award unit 121 that awards an incentive based on an
incentive signal received by the incentive signal receiving unit
120.
[0057] Further, the controller 100 is connected to a game start
unit 109. The game start unit 109 has a function of outputting a
game start signal in accordance with an operation of a player. The
controller 100 comprises a game executing unit 110 for rearranging
the symbols 180 with a game start signal, as trigger, from the game
start unit 109, a combination prize determining unit 111 for
determining a prize determined by a combination of the symbols 180
rearranged in a unit game, and a prize award unit 113 for awarding
the respective prizes determined in the combination prize
determining unit 111.
[0058] In the mean time, each block of the controller 100 may be
structured with a hardware or software, as required.
[0059] (Host Computer 200)
[0060] As shown in FIG. 2, the host computer 200 comprises a wager
signal receiving unit 211 that receives a wager signal from the
wager signal transmit unit 116 of the controller 100, a total wager
amount calculating unit 212 that sums up the wager signal received
from the wager signal receiving unit 211 to calculate a total
amount, a bonus game start determining unit 213 that determines a
start of a bonus game when a total amount of wager calculated by
the total wager amount calculating unit 212 reaches a predetermined
amount, and a bonus game start signal transmit unit 214 that
transmits a bonus game start signal to the controller 100 when the
bonus game start determining unit 213 determines a start of a bonus
game.
[0061] In addition, the host computer 200 comprises a game result
signal receiving unit 215 that receives a game result signal from
the game result signal transmit unit 118 of the controller 100, an
incentive determining unit 216 that determines an incentive based
on a game result received by the game result signal receiving unit
215 and an incentive signal transmit unit 217 that transmits an
incentive determined by the incentive determining unit 216 to the
controller 100.
[0062] Like this, when a total amount of summed wager relating to
an amount of money of a part of the game media consumed in the unit
game reaches a predetermined amount, each gaming machine executes a
bonus game in which it competes with the other gaming machines on
an image displayed in each display, and is provided with an
incentive based on a result thereof. Thereby, it is possible to
enable to a player to see an image of the competition with the
other gaming machines, so that the player has a more interest or
concern in or about the gaming machine.
[0063] In addition, since it is possible to provide a new game in
which an incentive chance may be provided based on the game media
consumed in the unit game of the gaming machines with which the
player does not play a game as well as the gaming machine with
which the player plays a game, the player has a more interest or
concern in or about the gaming machine.
[0064] (Operation of the Controller 100)
[0065] Hereinafter, the operation of the controller 100 will be
described. First, the symbols 180 are arranged in a 3 columns/3
rows matrix type in the display unit 101. When the game executing
unit 110 executes a unit game by an operation of the game start
unit 109 (first process), the symbols 180 are rearranged (second
process). At this time, a prize is awarded based on the symbols 180
rearranged (third process). In addition, a wager relating to an
amount of money of a part of the game media consumed in the unit
game is calculated and a wager signal is transmitted to the host
computer 200 (ninth process).
[0066] A bonus game start signal is received from the host computer
200 (fourth process) to execute a bonus game programmed in the host
computer 200 (fifth process).
[0067] Then, a result of the bonus game is transmitted to the host
computer 200 (sixth process) and an incentive signal is received
from the host computer 200 (seventh process). Then, an incentive
relating to the incentive signal is awarded (eighth process).
[0068] As can be seen from the above operation, the gaming machine
10, as also shown in FIG. 1, realizes a playing method of consuming
the game media to execute a unit game in which the symbols 180 are
displayed in the display, transmitting to the host computer 200 a
wager signal relating to an amount of money of a part of the game
media consumed in the unit game, receiving a bonus game signal to
execute a bonus game in which the gaming machine competes with the
other gaming machines when the total amount of the summed wager
relating to the wager signal reaches a predetermined of amount, and
awarding an incentive based on a result of the bonus game. In
addition, the gaming machine 10 realizes a playing method of
rearranging the symbols 180 every slot unit game and awarding a
prize based on a relation of the symbols 180 rearranged.
[0069] (Display State)
[0070] It will be specifically described an example of a display
state of the display unit 101, with respect to the operation
processes of the gaming machine 10 and the playing method. In the
mean time, as shown in FIG. 3(a), the display state will be
described with reference to a structure in which the display unit
101 arranges the symbols in a mechanical reel manner.
[0071] As shown in FIG. 3(a), the display unit 101 has display
windows 15L, 15C, 15R as an arrangement area for arranging the
symbols 180 in the unit game. The display windows 15L, 15C, 15R are
arranged in a central part of the display unit 101. In the display
windows 15L, 15C, 15R, reels 14L, 14C, 14R, on which symbol columns
consisting of the symbols 180 are depicted, rotation-displayed. In
addition, each of the display windows 15L, 15C, 15R is divided into
upper, center and lower stages 15a, 15b, 15c. Each of the symbols
is stopped (arranged) in the respective stages 15a, 15b, 15c. For
example, in FIG. 3, "PLUM" is stopped in the upper stage 15a of the
display window 15L, "ORANGE" is stopped in the center stage 15b of
the display window 15L and "PLUM" is stopped in the lower stage 15c
of the display window 15L. As a result, the display windows 15L,
15C, 15R display a symbol matrix consisting of 3 columns and 3
rows. In the mean time, the symbol matrix is not limited to 3
columns/3 rows.
[0072] In addition, a payline L is provided to horizontally
traverse the center stages 15b of each of the display windows 15L,
15C, 15R. The payline L is provided to determine a combination of
the symbols 180. In other words, when the symbols 180 are arranged
on and out of the payline L, a combination is determined only for
the symbols 180 rearranged on the payline L. As a determination of
the combination, when a winning combination is made, a process of
paying out a coin based on the winning combination is carried out,
for example.
[0073] In the mean time, in this embodiment, the payline L is
provided and a process is carried out which pays out a coin when
the symbols stopped on the payline L constitute a predetermined
combination, for example. However, a process may be carried out
which pays out a coin when the predetermined number of symbols
referred to as scatter symbol is displayed in the display unit 101,
irrespective of the payline L.
[0074] In addition, as shown in FIG. 3(b), in the bonus game, the
display unit 101 displays an image depicting that a player of the
gaming machine plays a running game. When a bonus game is executed,
the players of the respective gaming machines repeatedly hit a spin
button 23 to perform a running game, thereby competing with each
other. Then, an incentive is awarded to each gaming machine 10,
depending on ranks of the competition result.
[0075] Further, the bonus game is not particularly limited as long
as the players of the respective gaming machines compete with each
other. For example, when there are two gaming machines for
performing the bonus game, a fight game may be possible. In
addition, a game for putting a glass bead and a trump game may be
exemplified as a bonus game.
[0076] (Symbol, Combination and the Like)
[0077] As shown in FIG. 4, in a unit game, 22 symbols constituting
a symbol column are depicted on each outer periphery of the left
reel 14L, the center reel 14C and the right reel 15R. The symbols
constituting the respective columns of symbols are given with one
code number of 0.about.21. Each of the columns of symbols is
constituted with a combination of symbols of "JACKPOT 7," "BLUE 7,"
"BELL," "CHERRY," "STRAWBERRY," "PLUM," "ORANGE" and "APPLE."
[0078] The three successive symbols in the columns of symbols are
displayed (arranged) in the upper, center and lower stages 15a,
15b, 15c of the respective display windows 15L, 15C, 15R,
respectively, thereby constituting a symbol matrix of 3 columns/3
rows. When a 1-BET button 26 or MAX-BET button 27 is pushed and
then a spin button 23 is pushed to start a game, the symbol columns
depicted on the respective reels 14 are scroll-displayed in a
downward direction in the display windows 15 as the reels 14 are
rotated. After a predetermined time period has lapsed, the symbols
are stopped (rearranged) in the display windows 15 as the rotation
of the reels 14 is stopped.
[0079] In addition, various winning combinations are predetermined
with regard to the respective symbols. The winning combination is a
combination that a combination of symbols stopped on the payline L
becomes an advantageous state to the player. The advantageous state
is a state in which a coin is paid out in accordance with the
winning combination, the prize-number of coins is added to the game
media, a bonus game is started, and the like.
[0080] Specifically, when a combination of "APPLE" symbol is
stopped on the payline L, a bonus is triggered and a gaming state
is shifted to a free game from a unit game. In addition, when a
symbol of "CHERRY" is stopped on the payline L, 20 coins (game
medium) are paid out per one bet. When a symbol of "PLUM" is
stopped on the payline L, 5 coins are paid out per one bet.
[0081] In the mean time, a free game is a gaming state that is more
advantageous than a unit game. The free game is a gaming state
allowing a player to play a game for a predetermined number of
times, without betting a coin. The free game is not particularly
limited as long as it is a gaming state advantageous to the player,
i.e., it is more advantageous than the unit game. For example, the
free game may include a state in which it is possible to obtain
more game media than the unit game, a state in which it is possible
to obtain a game medium in a higher probability than in the unit
game, a state in which the game media are less consumed than in the
unit game, and the like.
[0082] (Mechanical Structure of the Gaming Machine 10)
[0083] In the followings, it will be described an example of the
gaming machine structured in a mechanical and electrical
manner.
[0084] As shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of the gaming machines 10
are provided in a game arcade. Each of the gaming machines 10 is
connected to the host computer through an internet communication
network 300, in a communication manner.
[0085] The gaming machine 10 executes a unit game by using a game
medium. The game medium is a coin, bill or electronic negotiable
information corresponding to them. Meanwhile, in the invention, the
game medium is not particularly limited. For example, a medal,
token, electronic money, ticket and the like can be used. The
ticket is not particularly limited and may be a ticket with a
barcode which will be described later.
[0086] As shown in FIG. 6, The gaming machine 10 comprises a
cabinet 11, a top box 12 provided to an upper part of the cabinet
11 and a main door 13 provided to a front of the cabinet 11. Three
reels 14 (14L, 14C, 14R) are provided to be rotatable in the
cabinet 11. The symbol columns consisting of 22 symbols are
depicted on the outer peripheries of the respective reels 14.
[0087] A lower image display panel 16 is provided to the front of
the reels 14 in the main door 13. The lower image display panel 16
has a transparent liquid crystal panel for display the various
information and displays the various information or effect images
relating to a game during the game.
[0088] At a center of the lower image display panel 16 are formed
three display windows 15 (15L, 15C, 15R) enabling the back surface
thereof to be seen. Three symbols depicted on the outer peripheries
of the reels 14 are displayed through the respective display
windows 15. One activated payline L that horizontally traverses the
three display windows 15 is displayed in the lower image display
panel 16. The payline L is set to horizontally traverse the center
stages 15b of the display windows 15L, 15C, 15R. In addition, in
this embodiment, the payline L horizontally traverses the center
states 15b of the display windows 15L, 15C, 15R. However, the
payline L may traverse the other stages of the display windows 15L,
15C, 15R. For example, the payline L may traverse the upper stages
15a or lower stages 15c of the display windows 15L, 15C, 15R. In
addition, the payline L may traverse the lower stage 15c of the
display window 15L, the center stage 15b of the display window 15C
and the upper stage 15a of the display window 15R. Further, the
payline L may 2 or more. When two or more paylines L are provided,
all paylines L may be activated, and the number of paylines L
relating to a predetermined condition such as bet-number of coins
may be activated.
[0089] In addition, in this embodiment, the reels 14 having the
symbols depicted on the outer peripheries thereof are rotated and
stopped, thereby displaying the symbols beyond the display windows
15. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the
symbols of 3 columns/3 rows may be displayed as an image using the
lower image display panel 16.
[0090] In the mean time, a game medium display unit and a
prize-number display unit may be displayed in the lower image
display panel 16. The game medium display unit displays a total
number that the gaming machine 10 can pay out to a player (which
will be referred to as total game medium-number). The prize-number
display unit displays the number of coins to be paid out when a
combination of symbols stopped on the payline L is a winning
combination.
[0091] A touch panel 69 is provided to a front surface of the lower
image display panel 16. The touch panel 69 has several contact
points in a matrix form of longitudinal and transverse directions
and allows position information, which indicates longitudinal and
transverse positions of the pressed contact points, to be outputted
as a command signal. In the mean time, the touch panel 69 may be a
touch panel adopted in a mobile terminal or ATM of a bank.
[0092] A control panel 20, a coin receiving slot 21 and a bill
validator 22 are provided below the lower image display panel 16.
The control panel 20 is provided with several buttons 23.about.27.
The buttons 23.about.27 allow instructions, which are related to a
game progress by a player, to be inputted. The coin receiving slot
21 enables a coin to be received in the cabinet 11.
[0093] The control panel 20 is provided with a spin button 23, a
change button 24, a cash out button 25, a 1-BET button 26 and a
MAX-BET button 27. The spin button 23 is a button for inputting an
instruction to start the rotation of the reels 14. The change
button 24 is a button to be used when a player asks a staff in the
game arcade for exchange of money. The cash out button 25 is a
button for inputting an instruction to pay out the coins of total
game medium-number into a coin tray 18.
[0094] The 1-BET button 26 is a button for inputting an instruction
to bet one coin, among coins of the total game medium-number, per
one game. The MAX-BET button 27 is a button for inputting an
instruction to bet maximum coins (for example, 50 coins), among
coins of the total game medium-number, per one game.
[0095] The bill validator 22 validates whether bill is normal or
not and receives the normal bill into the cabinet 11. In addition,
the bill validator 22 can read a ticket 39 having a barcode which
will be described later. When the bill validator 22 reads the
ticket 39 having a barcode, it outputs a reading signal relating to
the read content to a main CPU 41.
[0096] A belly glass 34 is provided to a lower frontal surface of
the main door 13, i.e., below the control panel 20. A character of
the gaming machine 10 and the like are drawn on the belly glass 34.
An upper image display panel 33 is mounted to a front of the top
box 12. The upper image display panel 33 has a liquid crystal panel
and displays, for example, an effect image and an image indicating
an introduction of a game content and an explanation of a game
rule.
[0097] To the top box 12 is mounted a speaker 29 for outputting
voice. A ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a data displayer 37
and a keypad 38 are provided below the upper image display panel
33. The ticket printer 35 prints a barcode having data encoded
thereto, such as game medium-number, date and time, identification
number of the gaming machine 10 and the like, onto a ticket,
thereby outputting the ticket 39 having the barcode. The player can
play a game in another gaming machine with the ticket 39 having a
barcode and exchange the ticket 39 having a barcode with bill in a
change booth of the game arcade.
[0098] The card reader 36 reads and writes the data from and into a
smart card. The smart card is a card carried by a player, into
which data for identifying the player and data relating to a game
history of the player are memorized.
[0099] The data displayer 37 consists of a fluorescent display and
the like, and displays the data read by the card reader 36 and the
data inputted by the player through the keypad 38. The keypad 38
inputs instructions or data relating to a ticket issue.
[0100] (Electrical Structure of the Gaming Machine 10)
[0101] A control unit having the controller 100 shown in FIG. 2 is
mounted in the cabinet 11. As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit
comprises a motherboard 40, a main body PCB (Printed Circuit Board)
60, a gaming board 50, a sub CPU 61, a door PCB 80, and various
switches and sensors.
[0102] The gaming board 50 is provided with a CPU (Central
Processing Unit) 51, a ROM 55 and a boot ROM 52 which are connected
to each other by an internal bus, a card slot 53S corresponding to
a memory card 53 and an IC socket 54S corresponding to a GAL
(Generic Array Logic) 54.
[0103] The memory card 53 stores a game program and a game system
program therein. The game program includes a bonus program. The
bonus program is a program that receives a bonus game start signal
from the host computer 200, thereby executing a bonus game.
[0104] Further, the memory card 53 stores various data used for the
game program and the game system program. Specifically, the data
representing a relation between the symbols 180 to be displayed in
the display windows 15L, 15C, 15R and the code numbers is stored in
a data table form shown in FIG. 4. In the mean time, these data are
transmitted to a RAM 43 of the motherboard 40 when executing the
game program.
[0105] In addition, the card slot 53S is structured to insert and
remove the memory card 53 and connected to the motherboard 40
through an IDE bus. Accordingly, it is possible to change a type or
content of a game to be executed in the gaming machine, by removing
the memory card 53 from the card slot 53S, writing another game
program and game system program in the memory card 53 and inserting
the memory card 53 into the card slot 53S.
[0106] The game program includes a program relating to a game
progress and a program for shifting a gaming state into a free
game.
[0107] The GAL 54 is provided with several input and output ports.
When the data is inputted into the input ports, the GAL 54 outputs
data corresponding to the inputted data from the output ports.
[0108] The IC socket 54S is structured to attach and detach the GAL
54. The IC socket 54S is connected to the motherboard 40 through a
PCI bus. Accordingly, it is possible to change the data for setting
a prize rate which is outputted from the GAL 54, by detaching the
GAL 54 from the IC socket 54S, rewriting the program stored in the
GAL 54 and then attaching the GAL 54 to the IC socket 54S.
[0109] The CPU 51, the ROM 55 and the boot ROM 52, which are
connected to each other by the internal bus, are connected to the
motherboard 40 through the PCI bus. The PCI bus carries out a
signal transfer between the motherboard 40 and the gaming board 50
and supplies power to the gaming board 50 from the motherboard 40.
The ROM 55 stores nation identification information and an
authentication program. The boot ROM 52 stores a preliminary
authentication program and a program (boot code) enabling the CPU
51 to execute the preliminary authentication program.
[0110] The authentication program is a program (falsification check
program) for authenticating the game program and the game system
program. The authentication program is a program for confirming and
verifying that the game program and the game system program are not
falsified. In other words, the authentication program is described
in accordance with a procedure for authenticating the game program
and the game system program. The preliminary authentication program
is a program for authenticating the authentication program. The
preliminary authentication program is described in accordance with
a procedure for verifying that the authentication to be
authenticated is not falsified, i.e., for authenticating the
authentication program.
[0111] The motherboard 40 is provided with a main CPU 41
(controller), a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, a RAM (Random Access
Memory) 43 and a communication interface 44.
[0112] The main CPU 41 has functions of a controller for
controlling the whole gaming machine 10. In particular, the main
CPU 41 carries out a control for outputting a command signal
enabling the sub CPU 61 to rotate the reels 14 when the spin button
23 is pushed after the game medium is bet, a control for
determining symbols to be stopped after the reels 14 are rotated
and a control for stopping the determined symbols in the display
windows 15L, 15C, 15R.
[0113] In other words, the main CPU 41 has functions of an
arrangement controller for selecting and determining arrangement
symbols with regard to a symbol matrix from the plural types of
symbols so as to rearrange them, as a new symbol matrix after
scrolling the plural symbols to be displayed in the lower image
display panel 16, and executing an arrangement control which will
be stopped at the determined symbol matrix from the scroll
state.
[0114] In addition, the main CPU 41 has functions of the controller
100 executing a first process of consuming a game medium to execute
a unit game, a second process of rearranging the symbols 180 every
unit game, a third process of awarding a prize based on the symbols
180 rearranged, a fourth process of receiving a bonus game start
signal from the host computer 200, a fifth process of executing a
bonus game programmed in the host computer 200, a sixth process of
transmitting a result of the bonus game to the host computer 200, a
seventh process of receiving an incentive signal from the host
computer 200, a eighth process of awarding an incentive relating to
the incentive signal and a ninth process of transmitting a wager
signal relating to an amount of money of a part of the game media
consumed in the unit game.
[0115] The ROM 42 stores a program such as BIOS (Basis Input/Output
System) executed by the main CPU 41, and data that is permanently
used. When the BIOS is executed by the main CPU 41, each of
peripheral devices is initialized and the game program and the game
system program stored in the memory card 53 are read out through
the gaming board 50.
[0116] The RAM 43 stores the data or program that is used when the
CPU main 41 carries out a process. For example, in the RAM 43, the
symbol memory 108 and the display symbol memory 107 shown in FIG. 2
are provided in a data area form. The data area of the symbol
memory 108 stores the symbols 180 in the data table form shown in
FIG. 4. The data area of the display symbol memory 107 stores the
symbol matrix including the symbols in rearranging.
[0117] The communication interface 44 is provided to communicate
with the host computer 200 and the like through the internet
communication network 300, which are mounted at the inside or
outside of the game arcade. In addition, the motherboard 40 is
connected to the main body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60 and the
door PCB 80 through a USB (Universal Serial Bus). Further, the
motherboard 40 is connected to a power unit 45. When power is
supplied to the motherboard 40 from the power unit 45, the main CPU
41 of the motherboard 40 is operated and the power is supplied to
the gaming board 50 through the PCI bus, so that the CPU 51 is also
operated.
[0118] The main body PCB 60 and the door PCB 80 are connected to a
device or apparatus for producing an input signal that will be
inputted to the main CPU 41, and a device or apparatus which is
controlled by the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41.
The main CPU 41 executes the game program and the game system
program stored in the RAM 43, based on the input signal inputted to
the main CPU 41 to carry out an arithmetic process, thereby storing
a result thereof in the RAM 43 or transmitting a control signal to
each device or apparatus to control it.
[0119] The main body PCB 60 is connected with a lamp 30, the sub
CPU 61, a hopper 66, a coin sensor 67, a graphic board 68, the
speaker 29, the touch panel 69, the bill validator 22, the ticket
printer 35, the card reader 36, a key switch 38S and the data
displayer 37.
[0120] The lights-on and out of the lamp 30 is controlled, based on
a control signal outputted from the main CPU 41. The sub CPU 61
controls the rotation and stopping of the reels 14 (14L, 14C, 14R).
The sub CPU 61 is connected with a motor driving circuit 62 having
a FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) 63 and a driver 64. The FPGA
63 is an electronic circuit such as programmable LSI and serves as
a control circuit of stepping motors 70. The driver 64 serves as an
amplifying circuit of a pulse to be inputted to the stepping motors
70. The motor driving circuit 62 is connected with the stepping
motors 70 (70L, 70C, 70R) for rotating the reels 14. The stepping
motors 70 are the stepping motors of 1-2 phase excitation
manner.
[0121] In the invention, the excitation manner of the stepping
motor is not particularly limited. For example, 2 phase excitation
manner, 1 phase excitation manner may be adopted. In addition, a DC
motor may be adopted instead of the stepping motor. When a DC motor
is adopted, the sub CPU 61 is sequentially connected with a
deviation counter, a D/A converter and a servo amplifier, so that
the DC motor is connected to the servo motor. In addition, a
rotation position of the DC motor is detected by a rotary encoder
and a current rotation position of the DC motor is supplied as data
to the deviation counter from the rotary encoder.
[0122] In addition, the sub CPU 61 is connected with an index
detection circuit 65 and a position change detection circuit 71.
The index detection circuit 65 detects the positions (index) of the
reels 14 being rotated and can detect the loss of synchronism of
the reels 14.
[0123] The position change detection circuit 71 detects a change in
the stop positions of the reels 14 after the rotation of the reels
14 is stopped. For example, the position change detection circuit
71 detects a change in the stop positions of the reels 14, which is
related to a case where the stop positions are changed to make a
combination of the symbols which will forcibly be a winning
combination by a player even though the combination of the symbols
is actually not a winning combination. The position change
detection circuit 71 detects, for example fins (not shown) mounted
at a predetermined distance in the reels 14, thereby detecting a
change of the stop positions of the reels 14.
[0124] The hopper 66 is mounted in the cabinet 11 and pays out
predetermined number of coins to the coin tray 18 from the coin
prize slot 19, based on the control signal outputted from the main
CPU 41. The coin sensor 67 is mounted in the coin prize slot 19 and
outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when it detects that the
predetermined number of coins are paid out from the coin prize slot
19.
[0125] The graphic board 68 controls an image display in the upper
image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16, based
on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41. In addition,
the graphic board 68 is provided with a VDP (Video Display
Processor) for producing image data on the basis of the control
signal outputted from the main CPU 41, a video RAM for temporarily
storing the image data produced by the VDP, and the like.
Meanwhile, the image data, which is used when the VDP produces the
image data, is included in the game program that is read out from
the memory card 53 and stored in the RAM 43.
[0126] The bill validator 22 reads an image of the bill and
accommodates the normal bill in the cabinet 11. In addition, in
accommodating the normal bill, the bill validator 22 outputs an
input signal to the main CPU 41, based on an amount of the bill.
The main CPU 41 stores a game medium-number, which corresponds to
the amount of the bill transmitted by the input signal, in the RAM
43.
[0127] The ticket printer 35 prints a barcode having data encoded
thereto, such as game medium-number stored in the RAM 43, date and
time, identification number of the gaming machine 10 and the like,
on a ticket, based on the control signal outputted from the main
CPU 41, thereby outputting the ticket 39 having the barcode.
[0128] The card reader 36 reads the data from the smart card to
transmit it to the main CPU 41, and writes the data into the smart
card, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41.
The key switch 38S is mounted to the keypad 38, and outputs an
input signal to the main CPU 41 when the player manipulates the
keypad 38. The data displayer 37 displays the data which is read by
the card reader 36 or the data which the player inputs through the
keypad 38, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU
41.
[0129] The door PCB 80 is connected with the control panel 20, a
reverter 21S, a coin counter 21C and a cold cathode tube 81. The
control panel 20 is provided with a spin switch 23S corresponding
to the spin button 23, a change switch 24S corresponding to the
change button 24, a cash out switch 25S corresponding to the cash
out button 25, a 1-BET switch 26S corresponding to the 1-BET button
26 and a MAX-BET switch 27S corresponding to the MAX-BET button 27.
Each of the switches 23S.about.27S outputs an input signal to the
main CPU 41 when each of the corresponding buttons 23.about.27 is
pushed by a player.
[0130] The coin counter 21C is mounted in the coin receiving slot
21 and validates whether a coin, which is inserted in the coin
receiving slot 21 by the player, is normal or not. A coin except
the normal coin is discharged from the coin prize slot 19. In
addition, the coin counter 21C outputs an input signal to the main
CPU 41 when it detects a normal coin.
[0131] The reverter 21S is operated on the basis of the control
signal outputted from the main CPU 41 and distributes a coin, which
is recognized as a normal coin by the coin counter 21C, to a cash
box (not shown) or the hopper 66 mounted in the gaming machine 10.
In other words, when the hopper 66 is fully filled with the coins,
the normal coin is distributed into the cash box by the reverter
21S. In the mean time, when the hopper 66 is not fully filled with
the coins, the normal coin is distributed into the hopper 66. The
cold cathode tube 81 functions as a backlight mounted to rear sides
of the lower image display panel 16 and the upper image display
panel 33 and is turned on, based on the control signal outputted
from the main CPU 41.
[0132] (Electrical Structure of the Host Computer 200)
[0133] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an internal structure of
the host computer 200 according to an embodiment of the invention.
The host computer 200 comprises a CPU 201 as a processor, a ROM
202, a RAM 203 as a temporary memory device, a communication
interface 204 and a hard disk drive 205.
[0134] The CPU 201 executes a wager calculating process and a bonus
game process, which will be described later. The CPU sums up the
wager signals received from the respective gaming machines 10,
thereby calculating a total sum. When the total sum of the wager
reaches a predetermined amount (for example, $1,000), the CPU
determines a bonus game start. In addition, based on a game result
of the bonus game of each gaming machine 10, the CPU distributes a
predetermined amount of wager, thereby determining an incentive
(for example, the first rank: $500, the second rank: $300, the
third rank: $200).
[0135] The communication interface 204 is connected with the
communication interface 44 of each gaming machine 10 through the
internet communication network 300. The RAM 203 temporarily stores
the data of a result of the bonus game received from each gaming
machine 10, or data of an incentive to be transmitted to each
gaming machine 10, for example. In addition, the ROM 202 stores,
for example the system program for controlling an operation of the
controller or permanent data. Further, the hard disk drive 205
stores, as a wager, a part of the game media consumed by the gaming
machine 10 every unit game.
[0136] (Processing Operations of the Gaming Machine 10 and the Host
Computer 200)
[0137] In the followings, the processes, which are carried out in
the gaming machine 10 and the host computer 200, will be described
with reference to FIG. 9. The gaming machine 10 carries out a unit
game executing process and a bonus game executing process as the
main CPU 41 reads out and executes the game program. In the host
computer 200, the CPU 201 carries out a total wager amount
calculating process and a bonus game executing process.
[0138] (Unit Game Executing Process)
[0139] The main CPU 41 of the gaming machine 10 periodically
carries out a unit game executing process shown in FIG. 10. First,
it is determined whether a coin is bet (A1). In this process, it is
determined whether it is received an input signal from the 1-BET
switch 26S as the 1-BET button 26 is pushed and whether it is
received an input signal from the MAX-BET switch 27S as the MAX-BET
button 27 is pushed. When the coin is not bet (A1, NO), the step of
A1 is re-executed and it is under standby state until a coin is
bet.
[0140] In the mean time, when the coin is bet (A1, YES), the game
medium-number stored in the RAM 43 is subtracted, correspondingly
to the number of coins bet (A2). Meanwhile, when the number of
coins bet is larger than the game medium-number stored in the RAM
43, it is not carried out the process of subtracting the game
medium-number and the step of A2 is re-executed. In addition, when
the number of coins bet is above the upper limit (50 pieces in this
embodiment) which can be bet per one game, it is not carried out
the process of subtracting the game medium-number and a step of A3
is carried out.
[0141] Then, it is determined whether the spin button 23 is ON or
not (A3). When the spin button 23 is not ON (A3, NO), the process
is returned to the step of A1. Meanwhile, when the spin button is
not ON (for example, an instruction to terminate the game is
inputted while the spin button 23 is not ON), the subtraction
result in the step of A2 is cancelled.
[0142] In the mean time, when the spin button 23 is ON (A3, YES), a
symbol determining process is executed (A4). In other words, a stop
symbol determining program stored in the RAM 43 is executed, so
that a symbol matrix including the three symbols 180 to be stopped
on the payline L is determined. Thereby, a combination of the
symbols to be stopped on the payline L is determined.
[0143] Then, a reel rotation control process is executed and the
reels 14L, 14C, 14R are rotated, so that the symbols 180 of the
display windows 15L, 15C, 15R are scroll-displayed as shown in FIG.
3(a) (A5). Meanwhile, the reel rotation control process is to stop
(rearrange) the combination determined in the step of A4 on the
payline L after the reels 14L, 14C, 14R are scrolled in the arrow
direction.
[0144] Then, it is determined whether a winning is made, i.e., a
combination of the symbols 180 stopped on the payline L is a
winning combination (A6). When the combination is a winning
combination (A6, YES), a prize is awarded (A7). In other words, it
is calculated a prize-number of the coins based on a win of the
winning combination. When the coins to be paid out are stored, a
predetermined number of the game medium is added to the game
medium-number stored in the RAM 43. In the mean time, when the
coins are paid out, a control signal is transmitted to the hopper
66, so that a predetermined number of the coins are paid out.
[0145] Then, it is determined whether a free game trigger is made
as a winning combination (A8). In other words, it is determined
whether a combination of "APPLE" is arranged on the payline L. When
it is determined that a free game trigger is made (A8, YES), a free
game process is executed (A9).
[0146] In the step of A6, when the combination is not a winning
combination (A6, NO), or when it is determined that a free game
trigger is not made (A8, NO), a wager is calculated in accordance
with the number of coins bet (A). A wager signal relating to the
wager is transmitted to the host computer 200 (A11), so that this
routine is ended.
[0147] (Bonus Game Executing Process)
[0148] In addition, the main CPU 41 of the gaming machine 10
periodically carries out a bonus game executing process shown in
FIG. 11. First, it is determined whether a bonus game start signal
is received from the host computer 200 (B1). When the bonus game
start signal is received (B1, YES), it is determined whether a
bonus game is executed or not (B2). When a bonus game is executed
(B2, YES), a confirmation result of executing the bonus game is
transmitted to the host computer 200 (B3). Then, the bonus game is
executed (B4). When the bonus game is ended (B5, YES), a result of
the bonus game is transmitted to the host computer 200 (B6).
[0149] Then, it is determined whether an incentive signal is
received from the host computer 200 (B7). When an incentive signal
is received from the host computer 200 (B7, YES), an incentive is
awarded, based on the incentive signal (B8). In other words, the
coins relating to the incentive is paid out and this routine is
ended.
[0150] (Total Wager Amount Calculating Process)
[0151] First, the CPU 201 of the host computer 200 periodically
carries out a total wager amount calculating process shown in FIG.
12. Specifically, it is determined whether a wager signal is
received from each gaming machine 10 (C1). When a wager signal is
not received (C1, NO), the step of C1 is re-executed and it is
under standby state until a wager signal is received. When a wager
signal is received (C1, YES), the water relating to the wager
signal is summed (C2). Then, when the total amount of the summed
wager reaches a predetermined amount (for example, $100) (C3, YES),
a bonus game start trigger is made to be ON (C4), the total amount
of wager is reset, i.e., made to be $0 (C5), and this routine is
ended.
[0152] (Bonus Game Process)
[0153] In addition, the CPU 201 of the host computer 200
periodically carries out a bonus game process shown in FIG. 13.
First, it is determined whether a bonus game start trigger is ON
(D1). When a bonus game start trigger is not ON (D1, NO), the step
of D1 is re-executed and it is under standby state until the bonus
game start trigger becomes ON. When the bonus game start trigger is
ON (D1, YES), a bonus game start signal is transmitted to each
gaming machine 10 (D2). Then, a confirmation result is secured
which shows whether each gaming machine 10 executes a bonus game
(D3). When the confirmation results of all the gaming machines 10
are obtained (D3, YES), a result of the bonus game is obtained from
the gaming machine 10 having executed the bonus game (D4). When the
results of the bonus game are obtained from the gaming machines 10
having executed the bonus game (D4, YES), a predetermined amount of
wager is distributed based on the results of the bonus game, so
that an incentive to be awarded to each gaming machine is
determined (D5). An incentive signal relating to an incentive
determined by the step of D5 is transmitted to each gaming machine
10 (D6), so that the bonus game start trigger is made to be OFF
(D7) and this routine is ended.
[0154] Like this, when the total amount of summed wager relating to
an amount of money relating to a part of the game media consumed in
the unit game by each gaming machine 10 reaches a predetermined
amount, the player carries out the bonus game programmed so that
the gaming machine competes with the other gaming machines 10 on an
image displayed in the respective display units 101, and is
provided with an incentive, based on the result thereof. Thereby,
the player can see an image of the competition with the other
gaming machines, so that the player has a more interest or concern
about the gaming machine. In addition, the player is provided with
a new game having a chance to secure an incentive, based on the
game media consumed in the unit game, from even the gaming machines
with which the player does not play a game. As a result, the player
is enabled to have a more interest or concern in or about the
gaming machine.
[0155] Although the above descriptions have been provided with
regard to the characteristic parts so as to understand the
invention more easily, the invention is not limited to the
embodiments as described above and can be applied to the other
embodiments and the applicable scope should be construed as broadly
as possible. Furthermore, the terms and phraseology used in the
specification have been used to correctly illustrate the invention,
not to limit it. In addition, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that the other structures, systems, methods and
the like included in the spirit of the invention can be derived
from the spirit of the invention described in the specification.
Accordingly, it should be considered that the invention covers
equivalent structures thereof without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. Further,
the abstract is provided so that an intellectual property office
and a general public institution or one skilled in the art who is
not familiar with patent and legal or professional terminology can
quickly analyze the technical features and essences of the
invention through a simple investigation. Accordingly, the abstract
is not intended to limit the scope of the invention that should be
evaluated by the claims. In addition, it is required to
sufficiently refer to the documents that have been already
disclosed, so as to fully understand the objects and effects of the
invention.
[0156] The above descriptions include a process that is executed on
a computer or computer network. The above descriptions and
expressions have been provided so that the one skilled in the art
can understand the invention most effectively. In the
specification, the respective steps used to induce one result or
blocks having a predetermined processing function should be
understood as a process having no self-contradiction. In addition,
the electrical or magnetic signal is transmitted/received and
written in the respective steps or blocks. Although the processes
in the respective steps or blocks embody the signal as a bit,
value, symbol character, term, number and the like, it should be
noted that these have been used for the convenience of
descriptions. Further, although the processes in the respective
steps or blocks have been often described as an expression common
to a human action, the process described in the specification is
executed by a variety of devices in principle. In addition, the
other structures necessary for the respective steps or blocks are
apparent from the above descriptions.
* * * * *