U.S. patent application number 12/504214 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-25 for gaming system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Aruze Gaming America, Inc.. Invention is credited to Kazuo OKADA.
Application Number | 20100048295 12/504214 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41696895 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100048295 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
OKADA; Kazuo |
February 25, 2010 |
GAMING SYSTEM
Abstract
A part of wagers bet in each slot machine is counted by a
counter as a JP count value. Each slot machine can arbitrarily
participate in a JP bonus game "MEGA", "MAJOR" or "MINI".
Therefore, a player can play a slot game with selecting a JP bonus
according to his/her preference. For example, a player who wants to
get a JP bonus with a higher winning probability can participate in
"MINI". A player who wants to get a larger award for larger wagers
can participate in "MEGA".
Inventors: |
OKADA; Kazuo; (Tokyo,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OBLON, SPIVAK, MCCLELLAND MAIER & NEUSTADT, L.L.P.
1940 DUKE STREET
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Assignee: |
Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
LAS VEGAS
NV
|
Family ID: |
41696895 |
Appl. No.: |
12/504214 |
Filed: |
July 16, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61098442 |
Sep 19, 2008 |
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61091844 |
Aug 26, 2008 |
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61091849 |
Aug 26, 2008 |
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61091841 |
Aug 26, 2008 |
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61090970 |
Aug 22, 2008 |
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61090967 |
Aug 22, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/27 ; 463/42;
463/43 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3258 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/27 ; 463/42;
463/43 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A gaming system including a plurality of gaming machines
connected via a network, the system comprising: a main controller
operable, according to a program stored in a memory, to execute
following processings: (a) counting a part of wagers bet at each of
the plurality of gaming machines as a progressive count value, and
(b) setting a progressive bonus with a plurality of ranks each
having a different winning probability and a different award for a
winning; and a plurality of terminal controllers each provided at
each of the plurality of gaming machines and each operable,
according to a program stored in the memory, to execute following
processings: (A) accepting a participation in at least one of the
plurality of ranks of progressive bonus, and (B) determining
whether or not a progressive bonus is to be won at the winning
probability of the participated progressive bonus for each unit
game and providing an award for the participated progressive bonus
in a case where the progressive bonus has been won.
2. The gaming system according to claim 1, wherein the main
controller is operable to vary the winning probability of a
progressive bonus according to the progressive count value.
3. The gaming system according to claim 1, wherein the progressive
bonus is set so that the award is made lower as the winning
probability is higher.
4. A gaming system comprising: a plurality of gaming machines
connected to one another through a network; a counter configured to
count some of a bet amount on a unit game to be executed in each of
the gaming machines as a count value for a progressive bonus shared
by the gaming machines; and a controller configured to (a) every
time the unit game is executed, determine whether or not a payout
condition for providing the progressive bonus is established in any
of the gaming machines executing the unit games, and (b) when
firstly determining that the payout condition is established in one
of the gaming machines and further determining that the payout
condition is established in a different one of the gaming machines
within a predetermined time period from a time point when firstly
making the payout condition establishment determination, determine
detailed distribution for awards from the progressive bonus to the
one gaming machine and the different gaming machine.
5. The gaming system according to claim 4, further comprising: a
memory configured to store therein, as the predetermined time
period, a time necessary for executing one session of the unit
game; and a timer configured to perform time count to be completed
after a lapse of the predetermined time period stored in the
memory, wherein the controller is configured to start the time
count for the predetermined time period from the time point by use
of the timer, and determine the detailed distribution when further
determining that the payout condition is established in the
different one of the gaming machines before the time count by use
of the timer is completed.
6. The gaming system according to claim 5, wherein the controller
is configured to provide the awards from the progressive bonus
respectively to the one gaming machine and the different gaming
machine in accordance with the determined detailed distribution
after the time count by use of the timer is completed, and newly
start determining, every time the unit game is executed, whether or
not the payout condition for providing the progressive bonus is
established in any of the gaming machines executing the unit games,
after the awards from the progressive bonus are provided.
7. The gaming system according to claim 4, wherein the controller
is configured to determine the detailed distribution in accordance
with timings when players of the one gaming machine and the
different gaming machine complete the bonus games executed by the
one gaming machine and the different gaming machine,
respectively.
8. A gaming system comprising: a plurality of gaming machines
connected to one another through a network; a counter configured to
count count values respectively of a plurality of progressive
bonuses, the count values being counted respectively for a
plurality of links that the gaming machines participate in; a
memory configured to store participation conditions respectively
for the links, the participation conditions being set by any of the
gaming machines; and a controller configured to (a) display the
participation conditions respectively for the links stored in the
memory on a display of the gaming machine which makes a request for
participation in any of the links, (b) allow the gaming machine
agreeing with one of the participation conditions displayed on the
display to participate in the link corresponding to the agreed
participation condition, and (c) cause the counter to count the
count value for the progressive bonus corresponding to the link
that the gaming machine participates in, by adding some of a bet
amount on a unit game executed on the gaming machine participating
in the link.
9. The gaming system according to claim 8, wherein the controller
is configured to display a screen for requesting to input the
participation condition on the display of the gaming machine being
a first gaming machine making the request for participation in the
link, and store in the memory the participation condition inputted
at the gaming machine with the screen displayed on the display, as
the participation condition for the link in which the request for
participation is first made by the gaming machine receiving the
input of the participation condition.
10. The gaming system according to claim 8, wherein the controller
comprises: a plurality of individual controllers configured to
manage the links individually; and a comprehensive controller
configured to manage the participation conditions for the links
comprehensively, wherein each of the individual controllers is
configured to: (a) cause the counter to count the count value for
the progressive bonus corresponding to the link managed by the
individual controller, by adding some of a bet amount on a unit
game executed on the gaming machine participating in the link
managed by the individual controller; (b) allow the gaming machine
agreeing with the participation condition of the link managed by
the individual controller to participate in the link managed by the
individual controller; and (c) every time the participation
condition of the link managed by the individual controller is set
by the gaming machine, notify the comprehensive controller of the
set participation condition, and wherein the comprehensive
controller is configured to: every time the set participation
condition of the link is notified by the individual controller,
update and store the notified set participation condition in the
memory, and display the participation conditions respectively for
the links stored in the memory on the display of the gaming machine
which makes the request for participation in any of the links.
11. The gaming system according to claim 8, wherein the controller
is configured to transmit a message received from the gaming
machine to other gaming machines participating in the same link as
the gaming machine being a sender of the message and cause the
other gaming machines to reproduce and output the message, transmit
a message received from the gaming machine making the request for
participation in the link to the gaming machines already
participating in the link in which the gaming machine being a
sender of the message makes the request for participation and cause
the participating gaming machines to reproduce and output the
message, and transmit a message received from the participating
gaming machines to the gaming machine making the request for
participation in the link in which the participating gaming
machines already participate and cause the gaming machine making
the request for participation in the link to reproduce and output
the message.
12. A gaming system including a plurality of gaming machines
connected via a network, the system comprising: a controller
operable, according to a program stored in a memory, to execute
following processings: (A) accepting, upon a game start of each of
the plurality of gaming machines, a participation in one of
existing groups or an initialization of a new group, each of the
existing groups involving a variant participation precondition and
sharing a progressive bonus, (B) setting the participation
precondition automatically according to a playing history of a
concerning gaming machine with the initialization of the new group
upon accepting the initialization, and (C) providing an award
during an execution of a unit game in a case where the progressive
bonus to which the concerning gaming machine belongs has been
awarded.
13. The gaming system according to claim 12, wherein the
participation precondition includes a rank of the progressive
bonus, and the controller is operable to set the rank of the
progressive bonus higher as wagers bet on a unit game is larger in
a case of automatically setting the precondition upon the
initialization of the new group.
14. The gaming system according to claim 12, wherein the controller
outputs a warning when the participation precondition of the group
being currently participated-in becomes unsatisfied.
15. A gaming system, comprising: a plurality of gaming machines
connected via a network; a main controller operable, according to a
program stored in a memory, to execute following processings: (a)
counting a part of wagers bet at each of the plurality of gaming
machines as a progressive count value, (b) setting a progressive
bonus with a plurality of ranks each involving a different winning
probability and a different award for a winning, (c) setting a
threshold of the progressive count value for each of the plurality
of ranks of progressive bonus, (d) determining, in a case where the
progressive count value does not reach the threshold, whether or
not a progressive bonus is to be won at each of the plurality of
gaming machines, and (e) awarding, in a case where the progressive
count value reaches the threshold, a progressive bonus to a
predetermined number of gaming machines each has acquired a
progressive bonus right earlier among all gaming machines each has
acquired a progressive bonus right when receiving a signal
indicating that one gaming machine has acquired a progressive bonus
right and then receiving signals indicating that other gaming
machines each has acquired a progressive bonus right within a
preset time period; and a terminal controller provided at each of
the plurality of gaming machines operable, according to a program
stored in the memory, to execute following processings: (A)
accepting a participation in at least one of the plurality of ranks
of progressive bonus and determining whether or not the
participated progressive bonus is to be won at the winning
probability of the progressive bonus for each unit game, and (B)
providing an award for the participated progressive bonus when the
progressive bonus has been won.
16. The gaming system according to claim 15, wherein the main
controller includes the memory for storing a plurality of
probability tables defining the wining probabilities for the ranks
of progressive bonus, and is operable to shift the probability
table to another with a higher probability at a gaming machine that
had acquired a progressive bonus right but could not win the
progressive bonus.
17. The gaming system according to claim 15, wherein the main
controller is operable to set the preset time period to a time
required for a single unit game.
18. A gaming system, comprising: a plurality of gaming machines
connected via a network; a main controller operable, according to a
program stored in a memory, to execute following processings: (a)
counting a part of wagers bet at each of the plurality of gaming
machines as a progressive count value, (b) setting either a single
winning mode in which a number of winnings for a progressive bonus
is set to one or a multiple winning mode in which the number of
winnings for a progressive bonus is set to one than one, (c)
allowing, in the single winning mode, the progressive bonus to win
in one slot machine that has acquired a progressive bonus right
earliest, and (d) allowing, in the multiple winning mode, until a
first preset number of slot machines have acquired the progressive
bonus right, the progressive bonus to win in the first preset
number of slot machines which have acquired a progressive bonus
right earlier within the number of winnings, then setting a second
preset number by subtracting the first preset number from the
number of winnings when more than the first preset number of slot
machines have acquired the progressive bonus right, and allowing
the progressive bonus to win in the second preset number of slot
machines which have the progressive right earlier; and a terminal
controller provided at each of the plurality of gaming machines
operable, according to a program stored in the memory, to execute
following processings, respectively: (A) determining whether or not
the progressive bonus right is acquired in each unit game, and (B)
providing an award when the progressive bonus right has been
acquired and also the main controller has determined the winning of
the progressive bonus.
19. The gaming system according to claim 18, wherein the terminal
controller transmits time data indicating an acquisition time of a
progressive bonus right to the main controller when acquiring the
progressive bonus right, the time data being included in
progressive bonus right acquisition data, and the main controller
determines how early the acquisition time of the progressive bonus
right is based on the time data included in the progressive bonus
right acquisition data transmitted from each of the plurality of
gaming machines.
20. The gaming system according to claim 18, wherein the main
controller sets the single winning mode or the multiple wining mode
between a time when any terminal controller has awarded a
progressive bonus and a later time when each terminal controller
determines whether or not to award a progressive bonus.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/090,967, filed on
Aug. 22, 2008; U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.
61/091,849 filed on Aug. 26, 2008, U.S. provisional patent
application Ser. No. 61/098,442 filed on Sep. 19, 2008, U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/090,970, filed on Aug.
22, 2008; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/091,841,
filed on Aug. 26, 2008; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Ser. No. 61/091,844, filed on Aug. 26, 2008; the entire contents of
which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a gaming machine that
executes games using game media, such as coins and bills.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] As disclosed in International Patent Application Publication
No. WO99/03078, a conventional gaming machine has a jackpot feature
function with a gaming system in which plural gaming terminals are
linked each other. According to the jackpot feature function, a
feature game is executed when a jackpot bonus has been won and a
random jackpot award is varied according to its result. Other
linked gaming systems are known such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
7,311,598 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,311,604.
[0006] A payout amount is varied only when a progressive bonus such
as a jackpot is won in these conventional gaming systems.
Therefore, a slot machine with a new entertainment feature is
desired to be provided.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A first aspect of the present invention provides a gaming
system that includes a plurality of gaming machines connected via a
network. The system comprises: a main controller operable,
according to a program stored in a memory, to execute following
processings: (a) counting a part of wagers bet at each of the
plurality of gaming machines as a progressive count value, and (b)
setting a progressive bonus with a plurality of ranks each having a
different winning probability and a different award for a winning;
and a plurality of terminal controllers each provided at each of
the plurality of gaming machines and each operable, according to a
program stored in a memory, to execute following processings: (A)
accepting a participation in at least one of the plurality of ranks
of progressive bonus, and (B) determining whether or not a
progressive bonus is to be won at the winning probability of the
participated progressive bonus for each unit game and providing an
award for the participated progressive bonus in a case where the
progressive bonus has been won.
[0008] The above-described first aspect associates with the first
and second embodiments explained later. In addition, the
above-described first aspect may contain or relate-to the subject
matter of a future divisional application or an invention that may
be newly presented or introduced by future amendment. Examples are
shown as follows.
[0009] (I) A gaming system that comprises: a plurality of gaming
machines; and a server connected with each of the plurality of
gaming machines via a network. The server includes: a progressive
bonus counter for counting a part of wagers bet at each of the
plurality of gaming machines as a progressive count value, and a
server controller operable to set a progressive bonus with a
plurality of ranks each having a different winning probability and
a different award for a winning. Each of the plurality of gaming
machines includes a terminal controller operable, according to a
program stored in the memory, to execute following processings: (a)
accepting a participation in at least one of the plurality of ranks
of progressive bonus, and (b) determining whether or not a
progressive bonus is to be won at the winning probability of the
participated progressive bonus for each unit game and providing an
award for the participated progressive bonus in a case where the
progressive bonus has been awarded.
[0010] (II) A gaming system that comprises a plurality of gaming
machines connected via a network. Each of the plurality of gaming
machine includes a controller. A controller in a gaming machine
defined as a main machine is operable, according to a program
stored in a memory, to execute following processings: (a) counting
a part of wagers bet at each of the plurality of gaming machines as
a progressive count value, and (b) setting a progressive bonus with
a plurality of ranks each having a different winning probability
and a different award for a winning. Each controller of the
plurality of gaming machines including the main machine is
operable, according to a program stored in the memory, to execute
following processings: (A) accepting a participation in at least
one of the plurality of ranks of progressive bonus, and (B)
determining whether or not a progressive bonus is to be won at the
winning probability of the participated progressive bonus for each
unit game and providing an award for the participated progressive
bonus in a case where the progressive bonus has been won.
[0011] (III) A control method of a gaming system that comprises:
counting a part of wagers bet at a plurality of gaming machines as
a progressive count value, accepting a participation in at least
one of a plurality of ranks of progressive bonus at each of the
plurality of gaming machines, each of the plurality of ranks having
a different winning probability and a different award for a
winning, and providing an award for the progressive bonus in the
case where the progressive bonus has been won in a unit game
executed at each of the plurality of gaming machines.
[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming
system having a higher entertainment value by diversifying detailed
distribution of awards for a progressive bonus among multiple
gaming machines that are connected to one another through a network
so as to share the progressive bonus in the case of consecutive
establishment of payout conditions for the progressive bonus, and
to provide a controlling method thereof.
[0013] A second aspect of the present invention is a gaming system
comprising: a plurality of gaming machines connected to one another
through a network; a counter configured to count some of a bet
amount on a unit game to be executed in each of the gaming machines
as a count value for a progressive bonus shared by the gaming
machines; and a controller configured to (a) every time the unit
game is executed, determine whether or not a payout condition for
providing the progressive bonus is established in any of the gaming
machines executing the unit games, and (b) when firstly determining
that the payout condition is established in one of the gaming
machines and further determining that the payout condition is
established in a different one of the gaming machines within a
predetermined time period from a time point when firstly making the
payout condition establishment determination, determine detailed
distribution for awards from the progressive bonus to the one
gaming machine and the different gaming machine.
[0014] The above-described second aspect associates with the third
and fourth embodiments explained later. In addition, the
above-described second aspect may contain or relate-to the subject
matter of a future divisional application or an invention that may
be newly presented or introduced by future amendment. Examples are
shown as follows.
[0015] (IV) A gaming system comprising: a server connected through
a network to a plurality of gaming machines, a determination being
made whether or not a payout condition for providing a progressive
bonus is established in each of the plurality of gaming machines
each time a unit game is executed;
[0016] a counter provided in the server and configured to count
some of a bet amount on the unit game to be executed in each of the
gaming machines as a count value for the progressive bonus shared
by the gaming machines; and a controller provided in the server and
configured to, when a determination is firstly made that the payout
condition is established in one of the gaming machines and a
determination is further made that the payout condition is
established in a different one of the gaming machines within a
predetermined time period from a time point when the first
determination is made, determine detailed distribution for awards
from the progressive bonus to the one gaming machine and the
different gaming machine.
[0017] (V) A gaming system comprising: a plurality of gaming
machines connected to one another through a network; and a
controller provided in each of the gaming machines, the controller
configured to (a) every time a unit game is executed in the gaming
machine that the controller belongs to, determine whether or not a
payout condition for providing a progressive bonus is established,
(b) count some of a bet amount on the unit game to be executed in
each of the gaming machines as a count value for the progressive
bonus shared by the gaming machines, when the gaming machine that
the controller belongs to is set as a host machine, and (c) when a
determination is firstly made that the payout condition is
established in one of the gaming machines and a determination is
further made that the payout condition is established in a
different one of the gaming machines within a predetermined time
period from a time point when the first determination is made,
determine detailed distribution for awards from the progressive
bonus to the one gaming machine and the different gaming machine,
when the gaming machine that the controller belongs to is set as
the host machine.
[0018] (VI) A method for controlling a gaming system comprising a
plurality of gaming machines connected to one another through a
network, the method comprising: counting some of a bet amount on a
unit game to be executed in each of the gaming machines as a count
value for a progressive bonus shared by the gaming machines;
determining, every time the unit game is executed, whether or not a
payout condition for providing the progressive bonus is established
in any of the gaming machines executing the unit games; and
determining, when firstly determining that the payout condition is
established in one of the gaming machines and further determining
that the payout condition is established in a different one of the
gaming machines within a predetermined time period from a time
point when firstly making the payout condition establishment
determination, detailed distribution for awards from the
progressive bonus to the one gaming machine and the different
gaming machine.
[0019] An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming
system having more entertaining properties, the gaming system
configured to allow a player of a gaming machine to freely select a
progressive bonus shared by multiple gaming machines that are
connected to one another through a network and a control method
thereof.
[0020] A third aspect of the present invention is a gaming system
comprising: a plurality of gaming machines connected to one another
through a network; a counter configured to count count values
respectively of a plurality of progressive bonuses, the count
values being counted respectively for a plurality of links that the
gaming machines participate in; a memory configured to store
participation conditions respectively for the links, the
participation conditions being set by any of the gaming machines;
and a controller configured to (a) display the participation
conditions respectively for the links stored in the memory on a
display of the gaming machine which makes a request for
participation in any of the links, (b) allow the gaming machine
agreeing with one of the participation conditions displayed on the
display to participate in the link corresponding to the agreed
participation condition, and (c) cause the counter to count the
count value for the progressive bonus corresponding to the link
that the gaming machine participates in, by adding some of a bet
amount on a unit game executed on the gaming machine participating
in the link.
[0021] The above-described third aspect associates with the fifth
to seventh embodiments explained later. In addition, the
above-described third aspect may contain or relate-to the subject
matter of a future divisional application or an invention that may
be newly presented or introduced by future amendment. Examples are
shown as follows.
[0022] (VII) A gaming system comprising: a server to which a
plurality of gaming machines are connected through a network; a
counter provided on the server and configured to count count values
respectively of a plurality of progressive bonuses, the count
values being counted respectively for a plurality of links that the
gaming machines participate in; a memory provided on the server and
configured to store participation conditions respectively for the
links, the participation conditions being set by any of the gaming
machines; and a controller provided on the server and configured to
(a) display the participation conditions respectively for the links
stored in the memory on a display of the gaming machine which makes
a request for participation in any of the links, (b) allow the
gaming machine agreeing with one of the participation conditions
displayed on the display to participate in the link corresponding
to the agreed participation condition, and (c) cause the counter to
count the count value for the progressive bonus corresponding to
the link that the gaming machine participates in, by adding some of
a bet amount on a unit game executed on the gaming machine
participating in the link.
[0023] (VIII) A gaming system comprising: a plurality of gaming
machines connected to one another through a network; a counter
provided on each of the gaming machines and configured to, while
the gaming machine including the counter is set as a host machine,
count count values respectively of a plurality of progressive
bonuses, the count values being counted respectively for a
plurality of links that the gaming machines participate in; a
memory provided on each of the gaming machines and configured to,
while the gaming machine including the memory is set as the host
machine, store participation conditions respectively for the links,
the participation conditions being set by any of the gaming
machines; and a controller provided on each of the gaming machines
and configured to, while the gaming machine including the
controller is set as the host machine, (a) display the
participation conditions respectively for the links stored in the
memory on a display of the gaming machine which makes a request for
participation in any of the links, (b) allow the gaming machine
agreeing with one of the participation conditions displayed on the
display to participate in the link corresponding to the agreed
participation condition, and (c) cause the counter to count the
count value for the progressive bonus corresponding to the link
that the gaming machine participates in, by adding some of a bet
amount on a unit game executed on the gaming machine participating
in the link.
[0024] (IX) A method for controlling a gaming system provided with:
a plurality of gaming machines connected to one another through a
network; a counter configured to count count values respectively of
a plurality of progressive bonuses, the count values being counted
respectively for a plurality of links that the gaming machines
participate in; a memory configured to store participation
conditions respectively for the links, the participation conditions
being set by any of the gaming machines, the method comprising:
displaying the participation conditions respectively for the links
stored in the memory on a display of the gaming machine which makes
a request for participation in any of the links; allowing the
gaming machine agreeing with one of the participation conditions
displayed on the display to participate in the link corresponding
to the agreed participation condition; and causing the counter to
count the count value for the progressive bonus corresponding to
the link that the gaming machine participates in, by adding some of
a bet amount on a unit game executed on the gaming machine
participating in the link.
[0025] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a gaming
system that includes a plurality of gaming machines connected via a
network. The system comprises: a controller operable, according to
a program stored in a memory, to execute following processings: (A)
accepting, upon a game start of each of the plurality of gaming
machines, a participation in one of existing groups or an
initialization of a new group, each of the existing groups
involving a variant participation precondition and sharing a
progressive bonus, (B) setting the participation precondition
automatically according to a playing history of a concerning gaming
machine with the initialization of the new group upon accepting the
initialization, and (C) providing an award during an execution of a
unit game in a case where the progressive bonus to which the
concerning gaming machine belongs has been awarded.
[0026] The above-described fourth aspect associates with the eighth
and ninth embodiments explained later. In addition, the
above-described fourth aspect may contain or relate-to the subject
matter of a future divisional application or an invention that may
be newly presented or introduced by future amendment. Examples are
shown as follows.
[0027] (X) A gaming system that comprises: a plurality of gaming
machines; and a server connected with each of the plurality of
gaming machines via a network. Each of the plurality of gaming
machines includes a terminal controller operable, according to a
program stored in a memory, to execute following processings: (A)
accepting, upon a game start, a participation in one of existing
groups or an initialization of a new group, and (B) providing an
award during an execution of a unit game in a case where a
progressive bonus to which a concerning gaming machine belongs has
been awarded. The server includes a server controller operable,
according to a program stored in the memory, to execute following
processings: (a) classifying the plurality of gaming machines into
a plurality of groups each of which involves a participation
precondition and shares a progressive bonus, (b) counting a part of
wagers bet at each of the plurality of gaming machines as a
progressive count value with respect to each of the plurality of
groups, and (c) initializing the new group with setting the
participation precondition automatically according to a playing
history of a concerning gaming machine with the initialization upon
accepting the initialization of the new group at the plurality of
gaming machines.
[0028] (XI) A gaming system that comprises a plurality of gaming
machines connected via a network. Each of the plurality of gaming
machines includes a terminal controller operable, according to a
program stored in a memory, to execute following processings: (A)
accepting, upon a game start, a participation in one of existing
groups or an initialization of a new group, and (B) providing an
award during an execution of a unit game in a case where a
progressive bonus to which a concerning gaming machine belongs has
been awarded. A terminal controller of a main gaming machine among
the plurality of gaming machines is further operable, according to
a program stored in the memory, to execute following processings:
(a) classifying the plurality of gaming machines into a plurality
of groups each of which involves a participation precondition and
shares a progressive bonus, (b) counting a part of wagers bet at
each of the plurality of gaming machines as a progressive count
value with respect to each of the plurality of groups, and (c)
initializing the new group with setting the participation
precondition automatically according to a playing history of a
concerning gaming machine with the initialization upon accepting
the initialization of the new group at the plurality of gaming
machines.
[0029] (XII) A control method of a gaming system including a
plurality of gaming machines connected via a network. The control
method comprises: accepting, upon a game start at any of the
plurality of gaming machines, a participation in one of existing
groups or an initialization of a new group, each of the existing
groups involving a variant participation precondition and sharing a
progressive bonus, setting the participation precondition
automatically according to a playing history of a concerning gaming
machine with the initialization of the new group upon accepting the
initialization, and providing an award during an execution of a
unit game in a case where the progressive bonus to which the
concerning gaming machine belongs has been awarded.
[0030] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a gaming
system that includes a plurality of gaming machines connected via a
network, a main controller and a terminal controller provided at
each of the plurality of gaming machines. The main controller is
operable, according to a program stored in a memory, to execute
following processings: (a) counting a part of wagers bet at each of
the plurality of gaming machines as a progressive count value, (b)
setting a progressive bonus with a plurality of ranks each
involving a different winning probability and a different award for
a winning, (c) setting a threshold of the progressive count value
for each of the plurality of ranks of progressive bonus, (d)
determining, in a case where the progressive count value does not
reach the threshold, whether or not a progressive bonus is to be
won at each of the plurality of gaming machines, and (e) awarding,
in a case where the progressive count value reaches the threshold,
a progressive bonus to a predetermined number of gaming machines
each has acquired a progressive bonus right earlier among all
gaming machines each has acquired a progressive bonus right when
receiving a signal indicating that one gaming machine has acquired
a progressive bonus right and then receiving signals indicating
that other gaming machines each has acquired a progressive bonus
right within a preset time period. The terminal controller is
operable, according to a program stored in the memory, to execute
following processings: (A) accepting a participation in at least
one of the plurality of ranks of progressive bonus and determining
whether or not the participated progressive bonus is to be won at
the winning probability of the progressive bonus for each unit
game, and (B) providing an award for the participated progressive
bonus when the progressive bonus has been won.
[0031] The above-described fifth aspect associates with the tenth
to twelfth embodiments explained later. In addition, the
above-described fifth aspect may contain or relate-to the subject
matter of a future divisional application or an invention that may
be newly presented or introduced by future amendment. Examples are
shown as follows.
[0032] (XIII) A gaming system that includes a plurality of gaming
machines and a server connected with each of the plurality of
gaming machines via a network. The server includes a progressive
bonus counter for counting a part of wagers bet at each of the
plurality of gaming machines as a progressive count value and a
server controller. The server controller is operable, according to
a program stored in a memory, to execute following processings: (a)
setting a progressive bonus with a plurality of ranks each
involving a different winning probability and a different award for
a winning, (b) setting a threshold of the progressive count value
for each of the plurality of ranks of progressive bonus, (c)
determining, in a case where the progressive count value does not
reach the threshold, whether or not a progressive bonus is to be
won at each of the plurality of gaming machines, and (d) awarding,
in a case where the progressive count value reaches the threshold,
a progressive bonus to a predetermined number of gaming machines
each has acquired a progressive bonus right earlier among all
gaming machines each has acquired a progressive bonus right when
receiving a signal indicating that one gaming machine has acquired
a progressive bonus right and then receiving signals indicating
that other gaming machines each has acquired a progressive bonus
right within a preset time period. Each of the plurality of gaming
machines includes a terminal controller. The terminal controller is
operable, according to a program stored in the memory, to execute
following processings: (A) accepting a participation in at least
one of the plurality of ranks of progressive bonus and determining
whether or not the participated progressive bonus is to be won at
the winning probability of the progressive bonus for each unit
game, and (B) providing an award for the participated progressive
bonus when the progressive bonus has been won.
[0033] (XIV) A gaming system that includes a plurality of gaming
machines connected via a network. Each of the plurality of gaming
machines includes a controller. A controller of a gaming machine
set as a main machine is operable, according to a program stored in
a memory, to execute following processings: (a) counting a part of
wagers bet at each of the plurality of gaming machines as a
progressive count value, (b) setting a progressive bonus with a
plurality of ranks each involving a different winning probability
and a different award for a winning, (c) setting a threshold of the
progressive count value for each of the plurality of ranks of
progressive bonus, (d) determining, in a case where the progressive
count value does not reach the threshold, whether or not a
progressive bonus is to be won at each of the plurality of gaming
machines, and (e) awarding, in a case where the progressive count
value reaches the threshold, a progressive bonus to a predetermined
number of gaming machines each has acquired a progressive bonus
right earlier among all gaming machines each has acquired a
progressive bonus right when receiving a signal indicating that one
gaming machine has acquired a progressive bonus right and then
receiving signals indicating that other gaming machines each has
acquired a progressive bonus right within a preset time period.
Each controller of the plurality of gaming machines including the
main machine is operable, according to a program stored in the
memory, to execute following processings: (A) accepting a
participation in at least one of the plurality of ranks of
progressive bonus and determining whether or not the participated
progressive bonus is to be won at the winning probability of the
progressive bonus for each unit game, and (B) providing an award
for the participated progressive bonus when the progressive bonus
has been won.
[0034] (XV) A control method of a gaming system in which a
plurality of gaming machines is connected each other via a network.
A main controller connected to the network counts a part of wagers
bet at each of the plurality of gaming machines as a progressive
count value, sets a progressive bonus with a plurality of ranks
each involving a different winning probability and a different
award for a winning, sets a threshold of the progressive count
value for each of the plurality of ranks of progressive bonus,
determines, in a case where the progressive count value does not
reach the threshold, whether or not a progressive bonus is to be
won at each of the plurality of gaming machines, and awards, in a
case where the progressive count value reaches the threshold, a
progressive bonus to a predetermined number of gaming machines each
has acquired a progressive bonus right earlier among all gaming
machines each has acquired a progressive bonus right when receiving
a signal indicating that one gaming machine has acquired a
progressive bonus right and then receiving signals indicating that
other gaming machines each has acquired a progressive bonus right
within a preset time period. A terminal controller provided at each
of the plurality of gaming machines accepts a participation in at
least one of the plurality of ranks of progressive bonus and
determining whether or not the participated progressive bonus is to
be won at the winning probability of the progressive bonus for each
unit game, and provides an award for the participated progressive
bonus when the progressive bonus has been won.
[0035] A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a gaming
system that includes a plurality of gaming machines connected via a
network, a main controller and a terminal controller provided at
each of the plurality of gaming machines. The main controller is
operable, according to a program stored in a memory, to execute
following processings: (a) counting a part of wagers bet at each of
the plurality of gaming machines as a progressive count value, (b)
setting either a single winning mode in which a number of winnings
for a progressive bonus is set to one or a multiple winning mode in
which the number of winnings for a progressive bonus is set to one
than one, (c) allowing, in the single winning mode, the progressive
bonus to win in one slot machine that has acquired a progressive
bonus right earliest, and (d) allowing, in the multiple winning
mode, until a first preset number of slot machines have acquired
the progressive bonus right, the progressive bonus to win in the
first preset number of slot machines which have acquired a
progressive bonus right earlier within the number of winnings, then
setting a second preset number by subtracting the first preset
number from the number of winnings when more than the first preset
number of slot machines have acquired the progressive bonus right,
and allowing the progressive bonus to win in the second preset
number of slot machines which have the progressive right earlier.
The terminal controller is operable, according to a program stored
in the memory, to execute following processings, respectively: (A)
determining whether or not the progressive bonus right is acquired
in each unit game, and (B) providing an award when the progressive
bonus right has been acquired and also the main controller has
determined the winning of the progressive bonus.
[0036] The above-described sixth aspect associates with the
thirteenth and fourteenth embodiments explained later. In addition,
the above-described sixth aspect may contain or relate-to the
subject matter of a future divisional application or an invention
that may be newly presented or introduced by future amendment.
Examples are shown as follows.
[0037] (XVI) A gaming system that includes a plurality of gaming
machines and a server connected with each of the plurality of
gaming machines via a network. The server includes a progressive
bonus counter for counting a part of wagers bet at each of the
plurality of gaming machines as a progressive count value and a
server controller. The server controller is operable, according to
a program stored in a memory, to execute following processings: (a)
setting either a single winning mode in which a number of winnings
for a progressive bonus is set to one or a multiple winning mode in
which the number of winnings for a progressive bonus is set to one
than one, (b) allowing, in the single winning mode, the progressive
bonus to win in one slot machine that has acquired a progressive
bonus right earliest, and (c) allowing, in the multiple winning
mode, until a first preset number of slot machines have acquired
the progressive bonus right, the progressive bonus to win in the
first preset number of slot machines which have acquired a
progressive bonus right earlier within the number of winnings, then
setting a second preset number by subtracting the first preset
number from the number of winnings when more than the first preset
number of slot machines have acquired the progressive bonus right,
and allowing the progressive bonus to win in the second preset
number of slot machines which have the progressive right earlier.
Each of the plurality of gaming machines includes a terminal
controller. The terminal controller is operable, according to a
program stored in a memory, to execute following processings: (A)
determining whether or not the progressive bonus right is acquired
in each unit game, and (B) providing an award when the progressive
bonus right has been acquired and also the server controller has
determined the winning of the progressive bonus.
[0038] (XVII) A gaming system that includes a plurality of gaming
machines connected via a network. Each of the plurality of gaming
machines includes a controller. A controller of a gamming machine
set as a main machine is operable, according to a program stored in
a memory, to execute following processings: (a) counting a part of
wagers bet at each of the plurality of gaming machines as a
progressive count value, (b) setting either a single winning mode
in which a number of winnings for a progressive bonus is set to one
or a multiple winning mode in which the number of winnings for a
progressive bonus is set to one than one, (c) allowing, in the
single winning mode, the progressive bonus to win in one slot
machine that has acquired a progressive bonus right earliest, and
(d) allowing, in the multiple winning mode, until a first preset
number of slot machines have acquired the progressive bonus right,
the progressive bonus to win in the first preset number of slot
machines which have acquired a progressive bonus right earlier
within the number of winnings, then setting a second preset number
by subtracting the first preset number from the number of winnings
when more than the first preset number of slot machines have
acquired the progressive bonus right, and allowing the progressive
bonus to win in the second preset number of slot machines which
have the progressive right earlier. Each controller of the
plurality of gaming machines including the main machine is
operable, according to a program stored in the memory, to execute
following processings: (A) determining whether or not the
progressive bonus right is acquired in each unit game, and (B)
providing an award when the progressive bonus right has been
acquired and also the controller of the main machine has determined
the winning of the progressive bonus.
[0039] (VXIII) A control method in which a plurality of gaming
machines is connected each other via a network. A gaming machine
set as a main machine counts a part of wagers bet at each of the
plurality of gaming machines connected each other via a network as
a progressive count value; sets either a single winning mode in
which a number of winnings for a progressive bonus is set to one or
a multiple winning mode in which the number of winnings for a
progressive bonus is set to one than one; allows, in the single
winning mode, the progressive bonus to win in one slot machine that
has acquired a progressive bonus right earliest; and allows, in the
multiple winning mode, until a first preset number of slot machines
have acquired the progressive bonus right, the progressive bonus to
win in the first preset number of slot machines which have acquired
a progressive bonus right earlier within the number of winnings,
then sets a second preset number by subtracting the first preset
number from the number of winnings when more than the first preset
number of slot machines have acquired the progressive bonus right,
and allows the progressive bonus to win in the second preset number
of slot machines which have the progressive right earlier. Each of
the plurality of gaming machines determines whether or not the
progressive bonus right is acquired in each unit game, and provides
an award when the progressive bonus right has been acquired and
also the winning of the progressive bonus has been determined.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a
gaming system according to a first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0041] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing network connections in the
gaming system according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0042] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a
slot machine in the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration
of the slot machine in the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0044] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration
of a host server in the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0045] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration
of a relay controller in the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0046] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a
gaming system according to a second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0047] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing network connections in the
gaming system according to the second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0048] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration
of a main slot machine in the second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0049] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a host server processing in the
first embodiment of the present invention;
[0050] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a slot machine processing in the
first embodiment of the present invention;
[0051] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a symbol-scroll processing in the
first embodiment of the present invention;
[0052] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a JP bonus participation accepting
processing in the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0053] FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a "MINI" probability table setting
processing in the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0054] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a "MAJOR" probability table
setting processing in the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0055] FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a "MEGA" probability table setting
processing in the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0056] FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a main slot machine processing in
the second embodiment of the present invention;
[0057] FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a slot machine processing in the
second embodiment of the present invention;
[0058] FIG. 19 shows "MINI", "MAJOR" and "MEGA" probability
tables;
[0059] FIG. 20 shows a payout table of a slot game executed in the
first and second embodiments of the present invention;
[0060] FIG. 21 shows segmented areas on a display of the slot
machine in the first and second embodiments of the present
invention;
[0061] FIG. 22 shows a JP bonus selection screen displayed on the
display of the slot machine in the first and second embodiments of
the present invention;
[0062] FIG. 23 shows a display example of symbols on the display of
the slot machine in the first and second embodiments of the present
invention;
[0063] FIG. 24 is shows a display example of a main display in the
first embodiment of the present invention;
[0064] FIG. 25A is a flowchart showing an outline of operations and
a controlling method of a slot system according to third and fourth
embodiments of the present invention;
[0065] FIG. 25B is a flowchart showing an outline of operations and
a controlling method of a slot system according to respective
modified examples of the third and fourth embodiments of the
present invention;
[0066] FIG. 26 is an explanatory view showing a network
configuration of the slot system according to the third and fourth
embodiments of the present invention and the modified examples
thereof;
[0067] FIG. 27 is an explanatory view showing a configuration of a
terminal station in the slot system according to the third and
fourth embodiments of the present invention and the modified
examples thereof;
[0068] FIG. 28 is an explanatory view showing a display example on
a main display in the slot system according to the third and fourth
embodiments of the present invention and the modified examples
thereof;
[0069] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a slot machine in the slot
system according to the third embodiment of the present
invention;
[0070] FIG. 30 is an explanatory view of partitioned regions for
displaying symbols on a liquid crystal display of the slot machine
in the slot system according to the third embodiment of the present
invention;
[0071] FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing an electrical
configuration of a controller and connected devices provided in the
slot machine in the slot system according to the third embodiment
of the present invention;
[0072] FIG. 32 is an explanatory view showing an example of a
payout table to be stored in a RAM of the controller provided in
the slot machine in the slot system according to the third
embodiment of the present invention;
[0073] FIG. 33 is a block diagram showing an electrical
configuration of a host server in the slot system according to the
third embodiment of the present invention;
[0074] FIG. 34 is an explanatory view showing an example of a
probability table to be stored in the RAM of the host server in the
slot system according to the third embodiment of the present
invention;
[0075] FIG. 35 is an explanatory view showing an electrical
configuration of a relay controller in the slot system according to
the third embodiment of the present invention;
[0076] FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the
host server in the slot system according to the third embodiment of
the present invention;
[0077] FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the
slot machine in the slot system according to the third embodiment
of the present invention;
[0078] FIG. 38 is another flowchart showing a processing procedure
of the slot machine in the slot system according to the third
embodiment of the present invention;
[0079] FIG. 39 is another flowchart showing a processing procedure
of the slot machine in the slot system according to the third
embodiment of the present invention;
[0080] FIG. 40 is an explanatory view showing a display example of
a JP bonus participation acceptance screen on the liquid crystal
display of the slot machine in the slot system according to the
third embodiment of the present invention;
[0081] FIG. 41 is an explanatory view showing an example of a
rearrangement pattern of symbols on the liquid crystal display of
the slot machine in the slot system according to the third
embodiment of the present invention;
[0082] FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing procedure of the host server
in the slot system according to the modified example of the third
embodiment of the present invention;
[0083] FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the
slot machine in the slot system according to the modified example
of the third embodiment of the present invention;
[0084] FIG. 44 is an explanatory view showing a display example of
a bonus game screen on the liquid crystal display of the slot
machine in the slot system according to the modified example of the
third embodiment of the present invention;
[0085] FIG. 45 is an explanatory view showing another display
example of the bonus game screen on the liquid crystal display of
the slot machine in the slot system according to the modified
example of the third embodiment of the present invention;
[0086] FIG. 46 is an explanatory view showing another display
example of the bonus game screen on the liquid crystal display of
the slot machine in the slot system according to the modified
example of the third embodiment of the present invention;
[0087] FIG. 47 is an explanatory view showing a network
configuration of the slot system according to the fourth embodiment
of the present invention;
[0088] FIG. 48 is a block diagram showing an electrical
configuration of a controller and connected devices provided in the
slot machine in the slot system according to the fourth embodiment
of the present invention;
[0089] FIG. 49 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the
slot machine set as a host machine in the slot system according to
the fourth embodiment of the present invention;
[0090] FIG. 50 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the
slot machine set as a host machine in the slot system according to
the modified example of the fourth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0091] FIG. 51 is a flowchart showing operations of a slot system
according to fifth to seventh embodiments of the present invention
and an outline of control method thereof;
[0092] FIG. 52 is an explanatory view showing a network
configuration of the slot system according to the fifth to seventh
embodiments of the present invention;
[0093] FIG. 53 is an explanatory view showing a configuration of a
terminal station in the slot system according to the fifth to
seventh embodiments of the present invention;
[0094] FIG. 54 is an explanatory view showing a display example on
a main display in the slot system according to the fifth to seventh
embodiments of the present invention;
[0095] FIG. 55 is a perspective view of a slot machine in the slot
system according to the fifth to seventh embodiments of the present
invention;
[0096] FIG. 56 is an explanatory view showing a display example of
a link participation condition display screen on a liquid crystal
display of the slot machine in the slot system according to the
fifth to seventh embodiments of the present invention;
[0097] FIG. 57 is an explanatory view showing partitioned regions
for displaying symbols on the liquid crystal display of the slot
machine in the slot system according to the fifth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0098] FIG. 58 is a block diagram showing an electrical
configuration of a controller and connected devices provided in the
slot machine in the slot system according to the fifth embodiment
of the present invention;
[0099] FIG. 59 is an explanatory view showing an example of a
payout table stored in a RAM of the controller provided in the slot
machine in the slot system according to the fifth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0100] FIG. 60 is a block diagram showing an electrical
configuration of a host server in the slot system according to the
fifth embodiment of the present invention;
[0101] FIG. 61 is an explanatory view showing an example of a
probability table stored in the RAM of the host server in the slot
system according to the fifth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0102] FIG. 62 is an explanatory view showing an electrical
configuration of a relay controller in the slot system according to
the fifth embodiment of the present invention;
[0103] FIG. 63 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the host
server in the slot system according to the fifth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0104] FIG. 64 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the host
server in the slot system according to the fifth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0105] FIG. 65 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the host
server in the slot system according to the fifth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0106] FIG. 66 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the host
server in the slot system according to the fifth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0107] FIG. 67 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the host
server in the slot system according to the fifth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0108] FIG. 68 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the host
server in the slot system according to the fifth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0109] FIG. 69 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the relay
controller in the slot system according to the fifth embodiment of
the present invention;
[0110] FIG. 70 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the relay
controller in the slot system according to the fifth embodiment of
the present invention;
[0111] FIG. 71 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the relay
controller in the slot system according to the fifth embodiment of
the present invention;
[0112] FIG. 72 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the relay
controller in the slot system according to the fifth embodiment of
the present invention;
[0113] FIG. 73 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the relay
controller in the slot system according to the fifth embodiment of
the present invention;
[0114] FIG. 74 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the relay
controller in the slot system according to the fifth embodiment of
the present invention;
[0115] FIG. 75 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the relay
controller in the slot system according to the fifth embodiment of
the present invention;
[0116] FIG. 76 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the slot
machine in the slot system according to the fifth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0117] FIG. 77 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the slot
machine in the slot system according to the fifth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0118] FIG. 78 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the slot
machine in the slot system according to the fifth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0119] FIG. 79 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the slot
machine in the slot system according to the fifth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0120] FIG. 80 is an explanatory view showing a display example of
a link setting input screen on the liquid crystal display of the
slot machine in the slot system according to the fifth to seventh
embodiments of the present invention;
[0121] FIG. 81 is an explanatory view showing an example of a
rearrangement pattern of symbols on the liquid crystal display of
the slot machine in the slot system according to the fifth
embodiment of the present invention;
[0122] FIG. 82 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a host server
in a slot system according to a modified example of the fifth
embodiment of the present invention;
[0123] FIG. 83A is a flowchart showing a procedure of a relay
controller in the slot system according to the modified example of
the fifth embodiment of the present invention;
[0124] FIG. 83B is a flowchart showing a procedure of a relay
controller in the slot system according to the modified example of
the fifth embodiment of the present invention;
[0125] FIG. 84A is a flowchart showing a procedure of a slot
machine in the slot system according to the modified example of the
fifth embodiment of the present invention;
[0126] FIG. 84B is a flowchart showing a procedure of a slot
machine in the slot system according to the modified example of the
fifth embodiment of the present invention;
[0127] FIG. 84C is a flowchart showing a procedure of a slot
machine in the slot system according to the modified example of the
fifth embodiment of the present invention;
[0128] FIG. 85 is an explanatory view showing a display example of
a link participation condition display screen on a liquid crystal
display of the slot machine in the slot system according to the
modified example of the fifth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0129] FIG. 86 is an explanatory view showing a display example of
a chat screen on the liquid crystal display of the slot machine in
the slot system according to the modified example of the fifth
embodiment of the present invention;
[0130] FIG. 87 is a block diagram showing an electrical
configuration of a controller and connected devices provided in the
slot machine in the slot system according to the modified example
of the fifth embodiment of the present invention;
[0131] FIG. 88 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a host server
in the slot system according to the sixth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0132] FIG. 89 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the host
server in the slot system according to the sixth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0133] FIG. 90 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the host
server in the slot system according to the sixth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0134] FIG. 91 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the host
server in the slot system according to the sixth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0135] FIG. 92 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the host
server in the slot system according to the sixth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0136] FIG. 93 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the host
server in the slot system according to the sixth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0137] FIG. 94 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a slot machine
in the slot system according to the sixth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0138] FIG. 95 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the slot
machine in the slot system according to the sixth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0139] FIG. 96 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a host server
in a slot system according to a modified example of the sixth
embodiment of the present invention;
[0140] FIG. 97A is a flowchart showing a procedure of a slot
machine in the slot system according to the modified example of the
sixth embodiment of the present invention;
[0141] FIG. 97B is a flowchart showing a procedure of a slot
machine in the slot system according to the modified example of the
sixth embodiment of the present invention;
[0142] FIG. 98 is an explanatory view showing a network
configuration of the slot system according to the seventh
embodiment of the present invention;
[0143] FIG. 99 is a block diagram showing an electrical
configuration of a controller and connected devices provided in a
slot machine in the slot system according to the seventh embodiment
of the present invention;
[0144] FIG. 100 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a
gaming system according to a eighth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0145] FIG. 101 is a diagram showing network connections in the
gaming system according to the eighth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0146] FIG. 102 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a
slot machine in the eighth embodiment of the present invention;
[0147] FIG. 103 is a block diagram showing an internal
configuration of the slot machine in the eighth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0148] FIG. 104 is a block diagram showing an internal
configuration of a host server in the eighth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0149] FIG. 105 is a block diagram showing an internal
configuration of a relay controller in the eighth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0150] FIG. 106 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a
gaming system according to a ninth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0151] FIG. 107 is a diagram showing network connections in the
gaming system according to the ninth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0152] FIG. 108 is a block diagram showing an internal
configuration of a main slot machine in the ninth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0153] FIG. 109 is a flowchart of a host server processing in the
eighth embodiment of the present invention;
[0154] FIG. 110 is a flowchart of a new-group-setting processing in
the eighth embodiment of the present invention;
[0155] FIG. 111 is a flowchart of a participation-in-existing-group
processing in the eighth embodiment of the present invention;
[0156] FIG. 112 is a flowchart of an exclusion-from-group
processing in the eighth embodiment of the present invention;
[0157] FIG. 113 is a flowchart of a slot machine processing in the
eighth embodiment of the present invention;
[0158] FIG. 114 is a flowchart of a group setting processing in the
eighth embodiment of the present invention;
[0159] FIG. 115 is a flowchart of a symbol-scroll processing in the
eighth embodiment of the present invention;
[0160] FIG. 116 is a flowchart of a payout processing in the eighth
embodiment of the present invention;
[0161] FIG. 117 is a flowchart of a confirming participation
precondition processing in the eighth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0162] FIG. 118 is a flowchart of a main slot machine processing in
a ninth embodiment of the present invention;
[0163] FIG. 119 is a flowchart of a slot machine processing in the
ninth embodiment of the present invention;
[0164] FIG. 120 shows a payout table of a slot game executed in the
eighth and ninth embodiments of the present invention;
[0165] FIG. 121 shows a JP bonus table used in the eighth and ninth
embodiments of the present invention;
[0166] FIG. 122 shows segmented areas on a display of the slot
machine in the eighth and ninth embodiments of the present
invention;
[0167] FIG. 123 shows one display example of symbols on the display
of the slot machine in the eighth and ninth embodiments of the
present invention;
[0168] FIG. 124 shows another display example on the display of the
slot machine in the eighth embodiment of the present invention;
[0169] FIG. 125 shows another display example on the display of the
slot machine in the eighth and ninth embodiments of the present
invention;
[0170] FIG. 126 shows another display example on the display of the
slot machine in the eighth and ninth embodiments of the present
invention;
[0171] FIG. 127 shows another display example on the display of the
slot machine in the eighth and ninth embodiments of the present
invention;
[0172] FIG. 128 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a
gaming system according to a tenth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0173] FIG. 129 is a diagram showing network connections in the
gaming system according to the tenth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0174] FIG. 130 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a
slot machine in the tenth embodiment of the present invention;
[0175] FIG. 131 is a block diagram showing an internal
configuration of the slot machine in the tenth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0176] FIG. 132 is a block diagram showing an internal
configuration of a host server in the tenth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0177] FIG. 133 is a block diagram showing an internal
configuration of a relay controller in the tenth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0178] FIG. 134 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a
gaming system according to a twelfth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0179] FIG. 135 is a diagram showing network connections in the
gaming system according to the twelfth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0180] FIG. 136 is a block diagram showing an internal
configuration of a main slot machine in the twelfth embodiment of
the present invention;
[0181] FIG. 137 is a flowchart of a host server processing in the
tenth embodiment of the present invention;
[0182] FIG. 138 is the flowchart of the host server processing in
the tenth embodiment of the present invention;
[0183] FIG. 139 is a flowchart of a slot machine processing in the
tenth embodiment of the present invention;
[0184] FIG. 140 is a flowchart of a symbol-scroll processing in the
tenth embodiment of the present invention;
[0185] FIG. 141 is a flowchart of a payout processing in the tenth
embodiment of the present invention;
[0186] FIG. 142 is a flowchart of a host server processing in a
eleventh embodiment of the present invention;
[0187] FIG. 143 is the flowchart of the host server processing in
the eleventh embodiment of the present invention;
[0188] FIG. 144 is a flowchart of a main slot machine processing in
the twelfth embodiment of the present invention;
[0189] FIG. 145 is the flowchart of the main slot machine
processing in the twelfth embodiment of the present invention;
[0190] FIG. 146 is a flowchart of a main slot machine processing in
the twelfth embodiment of the present invention;
[0191] FIG. 147 shows probability tables of JP bonuses in the tenth
to twelfth embodiments of the present invention;
[0192] FIG. 148 shows a payout table of a slot game executed in the
tenth to twelfth embodiments of the present invention;
[0193] FIG. 149 shows segmented areas on a display of the slot
machine in the tenth to twelfth embodiments of the present
invention;
[0194] FIG. 150 shows a display example of symbols on the display
of the slot machine in the tenth to twelfth embodiments of the
present invention;
[0195] FIG. 151 is shows a display example of a main display in the
tenth to twelfth embodiments of the present invention;
[0196] FIG. 152 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a
gaming system according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0197] FIG. 153 is a diagram showing network connections in the
gaming system according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0198] FIG. 154 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a
slot machine in the thirteenth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0199] FIG. 155 is a block diagram showing an internal
configuration of the slot machine in the thirteenth embodiment of
the present invention;
[0200] FIG. 156 is a block diagram showing an internal
configuration of a host server in the thirteenth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0201] FIG. 157 is a block diagram showing an internal
configuration of a relay controller in the thirteenth embodiment of
the present invention;
[0202] FIG. 158 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a
gaming system according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0203] FIG. 159 is a diagram showing network connections in the
gaming system according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0204] FIG. 160 is a block diagram showing an internal
configuration of a main slot machine in the fourteenth embodiment
of the present invention;
[0205] FIG. 161 is a flowchart of a host server processing in the
thirteenth embodiment of the present invention;
[0206] FIG. 162 is the flowchart of the host server processing in
the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention;
[0207] FIG. 163 is a flowchart of a slot machine processing in the
thirteenth embodiment of the present invention;
[0208] FIG. 164 is a flowchart of a symbol-scroll processing in the
thirteenth embodiment of the present invention;
[0209] FIG. 165 is a flowchart of a payout processing in the
thirteenth embodiment of the present invention;
[0210] FIG. 166 is a flowchart of a main slot machine processing in
a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention;
[0211] FIG. 167 is the flowchart of the main slot machine
processing in the fourteenth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0212] FIG. 168 is a flowchart of a slot machine processing in the
fourteenth embodiment of the present invention;
[0213] FIG. 169 shows a JP bonus table used in the fourteenth
embodiment of the present invention;
[0214] FIG. 170 shows a payout table of a slot game executed in the
thirteenth and fourteenth embodiments of the present invention;
[0215] FIG. 171 shows segmented areas on a display of the slot
machine in the thirteenth and fourteenth embodiments of the present
invention;
[0216] FIG. 172 shows a JP bonus selection screen displayed on the
display of the slot machine in the fourteenth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0217] FIG. 173 shows a display example of symbols on the display
of the slot machine in the thirteenth and fourteenth embodiments of
the present invention; and
[0218] FIG. 174 is shows a display example of a main display in the
thirteenth and fourteenth embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT
1st and 2nd Embodiments
[0219] In these embodiments, step numbers shown in flow charts may
be redundantly presented in other embodiments, but they are used
independently from the other embodiments.
[0220] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a terminal
station 2 installed in a gaming system according to the present
invention. FIG. 2 shows a diagram of network connections.
Hereinafter, outline of the gaming system according to a first
embodiment of the present invention is explained with reference to
FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0221] As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal stations 2 (three in the
figure) are connected via a network 3 and a host server 1 is
connected to the network 3. In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, each
of the terminal stations 2 includes slot machines 10 (gaming
machine), a relay controller 4, a main display 5 and a count
display 6.
[0222] Each of the slot machines 10 executes slot games for a
player and can participate in one of JP bonuses (progressive
bonuses) linked among the slot machines 10. In the present
embodiment, JP bonuses with three ranks "MEGA", "MAJOR" and "MINI"
are setup and a player at each of the slot machines 10 can
participate in any of the JP bonuses. The JP bonuses "MEGA",
"MAJOR" and "MINI" are setup so that their winning probabilities
and payout amounts due to a winning are differentiated from each
other and they will be explained later in detail. Although an
example is explained in the present embodiment, in which three JP
bonus ranks "MEGA" "MAJOR" and "MINI" are setup, the present
invention is not limited to the three ranks.
[0223] On winning a JP bonus at a slot machine 10, a payout will be
provided according to the JP bonus in which the slot machine 10
participates. For example, when a JP bonus is won at the slot
machine 10 participating in "MINI", a payout amount of "MINI" 1,000
medals are paid out.
[0224] Therefore, it is possible for a player of each of the slot
machines 10 to select any of the JP bonuses from among "MEGA",
"MAJOR" and "MINI" for a slot game execution.
[0225] The relay controller 4 connects with the terminal stations 2
via the network 3. The relay controller 4 transmits a part of
wagers bet at each of the slot machines 10 to the host server 1 as
a JP count value (progressive bonus count value) and receives data
of a JP count total value stored in the host server 1 to display
the count value on the count display 6. The relay controller 4 also
displays a variety of data relating to game progress on the main
display 5. For example, text strings "Now, "MAJOR" bonus is awarded
at No. XX. Congratulations!!" are displayed as shown in FIG. 24
when any one of the slot machines 10 has won a "MAJOR" bonus.
[0226] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an external appearance
of the slot machine 10 in the first embodiment according to the
present invention. Hereinafter, a configuration of the slot machine
10 provided in each of the terminal stations 2 is explained with
reference to FIG. 3.
[0227] As shown in FIG. 3, the slot machine 10 includes a cabinet
11, a top box 12 installed on a top of the cabinet 11 and a main
door 13 provided on a front face of the cabinet 11. The cabinet 11
is has an LCD 16 on its surface facing a player. Various components
including a controller 40 (see FIG. 4) for electrically controlling
the slot machine 10, a hopper 44 (see FIG. 4) for controlling
insertion, storage and payout of medals and so on are provided
within the cabinet 11.
[0228] Although medals are adopted as gaming media used in a slot
game execution in the present embodiment, the gaming media are not
limited to the medals but to coins, tokens, electronic money or
electronic value information (credit) equivalent thereto can be
adopted.
[0229] The main door 13 is installed on the cabinet 11 so as to be
able to open and close and the LCD 16 is provided at almost middle
of the main door 13. A total of fifteen segmented areas q11 to q53
(see FIG. 21) are provided on the LCD 16 in three-row by
five-column matrix and various symbols can be displayed in the
segmented areas q11 to q53. Specifically, symbols displayed in the
segmented areas q11 to q53 start successive switching-over
concurrently after a slot game starting and then stop after a
predetermined time period has elapsed. A payout is provided
according to symbol combination achieved by the symbols in the
segmented areas q11 to q53. For example, a payout is provided when
a predetermined number of scatter symbols appear in the fifteen
segmented areas q11 to q53.
[0230] As shown in FIG. 21, each two-digit suffix attached to the
segmented areas "q" indicates "column" and "row". For example, the
segmented area in the first column and the first row is indicated
by "q11" and the segmented area in the fifth column and the third
row is indicated by "q53".
[0231] A credit display area 49 for displaying a current credit and
a payout display area 48 for displaying a payout amount are
provided on a bottom left area of the LCD 16 as shown in FIG.
3.
[0232] A medal insertion slot 21 into which medals to be used for a
slot game play are inserted and a bill validator 22 for validating
bills and accepting legitimate bills are provided beneath the LCD
16. Various operation switches are provided near the medal
insertion slot 21 and the bill validator 22.
[0233] A payout switch 23, a max-bet switch 24, a bet switch 25, a
spin/repeat-bet switch 26 and a start switch 27 are provided as the
operation switches.
[0234] The bet switch 25 is a switch to determine a credit amount
to be bet on a slot game executed on the LCD 16. As will be
described later, a credit(s) corresponding to one medal is bet each
pressing of the bet switch 25.
[0235] The spin/repeat-bet switch 26 is a switch to bet credits for
a slot game play without changing credit amount bet on the last
game by the bet switch 25.
[0236] The start switch 27 is a switch to start a slot game after a
desired credit amount is bet. A slot game is started on the LCD 16
when the start switch 27 is pressed after a medal insertion into
the medal insertion slot 21 or a credit bet by way of the bet
switch 25.
[0237] The payout switch 23 is a switch to eject a payout as medals
corresponding to credits. The medals for the payout are ejected
from a medal payout opening 19 opened beneath the front face of the
main door 13. The paid out medals are stored on a medal tray
18.
[0238] The max-bet switch 24 is a switch to bet a maximum credit
amount capable of being bet on a single slot game (for example,
credits corresponding to thirty medals) by one operation.
[0239] A foot display 34 is provided at a lower part of the front
face of the main door 13, on which various images relating to a
slot game in the slot machine 10 are displayed. These images
include a character in the slot machine 10 and soon, for
example.
[0240] Lamps 47 are provided on both sides of the foot display 34
and they illuminate according to an illuminating pattern previously
set for a slot game executed at the slot machine 10. The payout
opening 19 from which medals for a payout are ejected and the medal
tray 18 on which the paid out medals are stored are provided
beneath the foot display 34.
[0241] Speakers 29 are provided on side faces of the top box 12 and
an upper display 33 is provided on a front face of the top box 12.
The upper display 33 includes an LCD panel and various images such
as the character images of a slot game are displayed thereon.
[0242] A ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a data display 37 and
a keypad 38 are provided beneath the upper display 33.
[0243] The ticket printer 35 prints a bar code on a ticket and
outputs the ticket as a bar-coded ticket 39, into which data such
as a payout amount, date, and an ID number of the slot machine 10,
are encoded. A player can use the bar-coded ticket 39 to play a
game at another slot machine or can exchange with bills of each
currency at a predetermined area in a gaming arcade (for example, a
casher in a casino).
[0244] A smart cart can be inserted into the card reader 36 and the
card reader 36 reads data from the inserted smart card and writes
data to the smart card. The smart card is carried by a player and
stores data to identify the player and data about a gaming history
of the player. The smart card may store data equivalent to coins,
bills or credits. In addition, a magnetic stripe card may be
adopted instead of the smart card,.
[0245] The data display 37 is composed of a fluorescent display or
the like and displays the data read by the card reader 36 and data
input by a player via the keypad 38, for example.
[0246] The keypad 38 is used for instruction inputs and data inputs
with respect to a ticket issuance or the like.
[0247] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing electrical configuration
of the controller 40 (terminal controller) and various devices
connected to the controller 40 in the slot machine 10 in the
present embodiment. The controller 40 in the slot machine 10 shown
in FIG. 4 is a microcomputer and includes interface circuits 102,
an I/O bus 104, a CPU 106, a ROM 108, a RAM 110, a signal
communication interface circuit 111, a random number generator
(RNG) 112, a speaker drive circuit 122, a hopper drive circuit 124,
a display drive circuit 128 and a display controller 140.
[0248] The interface circuits 102 are connected to the I/O bus 104
and the I/O bus 104 transmits data signals or address signals with
the CPU 106.
[0249] The start switch 27 is connected to the interface circuits
102. A start signal output from the start switch 27 is transmitted
to the CPU 106 via the I/O bus 104 after having been converted into
a predefined signal in the interface circuits 102.
[0250] Further, the bet switch 25, the max-bet switch 24, the
spin/repeat-bet switch 26 and the payout switch 23 are connected to
the interface circuits 102. Each switching signal output from each
of the switches 25, 24, 26 and 23 is supplied to the interface
circuits 102 and transmitted to the CPU 106 via the I/O bus 104
after having been converted into a predefined signal in the
interface circuits 102.
[0251] In addition, a medal sensor 43 is connected to the interface
circuits 102. The medal sensor 43 is a sensor to detect a medal(s)
inserted into the medal insertion slot 21 and is provided at a
medal insertion portion of the medal insertion slot 21. A detection
signal output from the medal sensor 43 is supplied to the interface
circuits 102 and transmitted to the CPU 106 via the I/O bus 104
after having been converted into a predefined signal in the
interface circuits 102.
[0252] The hopper drive circuit 124 is connected to a hopper 44 and
supplies medals to the hopper 44 based on a payout command signal
transmitted from the CPU 106.
[0253] The speaker drive circuit 122 outputs sound data to the
speakers 29 and outputs a predetermined sound from the speakers
29.
[0254] The display drive circuit 128 transmits display data such as
a payout amount and a credit amount to display the display data in
the payout display area 48 and the credit display area 49.
[0255] The display controller 140 outputs display data to be
displayed on the LCD 16. Further, the display controller 140 inputs
an operation signal from a touchscreen 16a provided on a surface of
the LCD 16. A selection screen for selecting one of the three JP
bonus ranks "MEGA", "MAJOR" and "MINI" is displayed on the LCD 16
before a slot game is started as described later (see FIG. 22). On
a player touching the selection screen, the player's operation is
detected by the touchscreen 16a and thus the JP bonus selected by
the player is confirmed.
[0256] The CPU 106 executes a slot game based on the operation
signal from the switches 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27 and the detection
signal from the medal sensor 43, which are connected to the
interface circuits 102. In addition, the CPU 106 outputs a display
command signal to the display controller 140 and controls to scroll
and stop symbols in the segmented areas q11 to q53. The CPU 106
outputs a payout command signal to the hopper drive circuit 124
when a payout is to be provided. Further, the CPU 106 totally
controls the slot machine 10 via the signal communication interface
circuit 111. For example, the CPU 106 transmits a JP count value
generated in the slot machine 10 to the host server 1.
[0257] The ROM 108 stores system programs for various control
processes executed by the CPU 106.
[0258] The RAM 110 stores a variety of data used for the control
execution by the CPU 106. In addition, the RAM 110 stores a payout
table, in which payouts are defined according to symbol
combinations to be stopped in the segmented areas q11 to q53 due to
a slot game execution. FIG. 20 shows an example of a payout table.
For example, it defines that twenty medals will be paid out for one
bet when five "APPLE" symbols have appeared in the fifteen
segmented areas q11 to q53 and that fifteen medals will be paid out
for one bet and when four "APPLE" symbols have appeared.
[0259] Next, configuration of the host server 1 will be explained.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of
the host server 1 and the host server 1 includes a signal
communication I/F 53 for transmitting data with each of the
terminal stations 2 via the network 3, a CPU 52 (server controller,
main controller) that totally controls the host server 1, a ROM 54
that stores the system programs executed by the CPU 52, a RAM 55
that stores data temporarily, a timer 56 and a keyboard 57.
Further, the host server 1 includes a counter 58 that counts a JP
count value bet at the slot machines 10 in each of the terminal
stations 2.
[0260] The CPU 52 executes various processes based on various
signals output from the terminal stations 2 and data and programs
stored in the ROM 54 and the RAM 55. The CPU 52 initiatively
controls the relay controller 4 and the slot machines 10 in each of
the terminal stations 2 by transmitting command signals to the
terminal stations 2 based on the results of the processes.
[0261] Specifically, the CPU 52 receives a part of wagers bet at
the slot machines 10 in each of the terminal stations 2 as JP count
values and executes a process to count the JP count values by the
counter 58. On winning a JP bonus at any of the slot machines 10, a
payout command signal corresponding to the JP bonus is output.
[0262] In addition, the RAM 55 stores probability tables shown in
FIG. 19. Specifically, three probability tables A1, A2 and A3 are
set for "MEGA" in the RAM 55 and the probability table A1 is
selected when the accumulated JP count value counted by the counter
58 does not reach "1,000,000", the probability table A2 is selected
when the accumulated JP count value is between "1,000,000" and
"2,000,000" and the probability table A3 is selected when the
accumulated JP count value exceeds "2,000,000". Therefore, a
winning probability of "MEGA" is set higher as the JP count value
increases.
[0263] Similarly, three probability tables B1, B2 and B3 are set
for "MAJOR" and, the probability table B1 is selected when the
accumulated JP count value does not reach "500,000", the
probability table B2 is selected when the accumulated JP count
value is between "500,000" and "1,000,000" and the probability
table B3 is selected when the accumulated JP count value exceeds
"1,000,000". Therefore, a winning probability of "MAJOR" is set
higher as the JP count value increases similarly to "MEGA".
[0264] In addition, three probability tables C1, C2 and C3 are set
for "MINI" and the probability table C1 is selected when the
accumulated JP count value does not reach "100,000", the
probability table C2 is selected when the accumulated JP count
value is between "100,000" and "200,000" and the probability table
C3 is selected when the accumulated JP count value exceeds
"200,000". Therefore, a winning probability of "MINI" is set higher
as the JP count value increases similarly to "MEGA" and
"MAJOR".
[0265] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration
of the relay controller 4. As shown in FIG. 6, the relay controller
4 includes a CPU 91 that totally controls the relay controller 4, a
signal communication I/F 92 that communicates with the host server
1 via the network 3, an I/F for terminal 93 that communicates with
each of the slot machines 10, a ROM 94 that stores the system
programs executed by the CPU 91 and a RAM 95.
[0266] The CPU 91 transmits some (e.g. 5%) of wagers bet at each of
the slot machines 10 to the host server 1 as a JP count value. In
addition, the CPU 91 displays the accumulated JP count value
transmitted from the host server 1 on the count display 6 and
notifies the accumulated JP count value to each player in the
terminal stations 2. On winning a JP bonus at any of the slot
machines 10, the CPU 91 displays its result on the main display 5
to notify the players in the terminal stations 2 that the JP bonus
has been won (see FIG. 24).
[0267] Next, process procedures in the gaming system according to
the first embodiment of the present invention are explained with
reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. 10 to 16. FIG. 10 is a
flowchart showing process procedures in the host server 1.
[0268] In step S11, the CPU 52 reads the count value stored in the
counter 58 (see FIG. 5). In this case, the count value stored in
the counter 58 is the accumulated value of the JP count value bet
at each of the slot machines 10 in the terminal stations 2.
[0269] In step S12, the CPU 52 sets the three JP bonus ranks
"MEGA", "MAJOR" and "MINI" as ranks of the JP bonuses. The "MEGA"
is set so that its winning probability is made lower but its payout
amount for a winning is made larger, the "MAJOR" is set so that its
winning probability is made higher than the "MEGA" but its payout
amount for a winning is smaller than the "MEGA" and the "MINI" is
set so that its winning probability is made higher than the "MAJOR"
but its payout amount for a winning is made smaller than the
"MAJOR".
[0270] Specifically, the "MEGA" will be won in each unit with the
probability set in the probability table A1-A3 shown in FIG. 19 and
10,000 medals will be paid out on winning a "MEGA" JP bonus. The
"MAJOR" will be won in each unit game with the probability set in
the probability table B1-B3 shown in FIG. 19 and 5,000 medals will
be paid out on winning a "MAJOR" JP bonus. The "MINI" will be won
in each unit game with the probability set in the probability table
C1-C3 shown in FIG. 19 and 1,000 medals will be paid out on winning
a "MINI" JP bonus.
[0271] As described above, the three JP bonus ranks are prepared so
that a player can select one of the JP bonus ranks according to the
player's requirements. For example, a player, who wants to strive
for getting a larger payout amount on winning a JP bonus with a
large number of medals bet for each unit game (a so-called high
roller), can participate in the "MEGA" JP bonus. On the other hand,
a player, who wants to strive for getting a JP bonus with a higher
probability and a smaller number of medals bet for each unit game,
can participate in the "MINI" JP bonus.
[0272] The JP bonus ranks can be varied arbitrarily by an
administrator operating the keyboard 57 (see FIG. 5). For example,
probability tables of the JP bonus, payout amount of medals for a
JP bonus award and so on can be varied arbitrarily.
[0273] In step S13, the CPU 52 increases the accumulated JP count
value stored in the counter 58 based on the JP count value
transmitted from each of the terminal stations 2. Consequently, the
accumulated value of the JP count value bet at each of the slot
machines 10 in the terminal stations 2 is stored in the counter
58.
[0274] In step S14, the CPU 52 sets a probability table, by which
it is determined whether or not a JP bonus is to be awarded, based
on the accumulated JP count value stored in the counter 58. Its
details will be described later with reference to FIGS. 14 to
16.
[0275] In step S15, the CPU 52 transmits probability table data
adopted in step S14 according to each rank of "MEGA", "MAJOR" and
"MINI" to the terminal stations 2 via the signal communication I/F
53 and the network 3. As a result, it is possible to set the
probability table used for each of the JP bonus ranks at this time
in each of the terminal stations 2.
[0276] In step S16, the CPU 52 determines whether or not to receive
winning data of a JP bonus from each of the terminal stations 2. If
the winning data of a JP bonus has not been received, its process
flow returns to step S13.
[0277] On the other hand, if the winning data of a JP bonus has
been received, the CPU 52 transmits, in step S17, a payout command
signal for the JP bonus to a terminal station(s) 2 in which a slot
machine(s) 10 has won the JP bonus. For example, when "MEGA" is won
at a certain slot machine 10, the CPU 52 transmits the command
signal for a 10,000-medal payout to the slot machine 10.
[0278] In step S18, the CPU 52 decreases the count value of the
counter 58. In this process, the count value, 10,000 corresponding
to the number of paid-out medals is subtracted. After that, its
process flow returns to step S13. In this manner, the processes in
the host server 1 are executed.
[0279] Next, the probability table setting processing in step S14
shown in FIG. 10 will be explained with reference to flowcharts
shown in FIGS. 14 to 16 and the probability tables shown in FIG.
19. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing processes to set the "MINI"
probability table.
[0280] In step S111, the CPU 52 determines whether or not the
accumulated JP count value counted by the counter 58 is under
"100,000". If under "100,000", the CPU 52 adopts a probability
table C1 in step S112.
[0281] In step S113, the CPU 52 determines whether or not the JP
count value is "100,000" or more and under "200,000". If "100,000"
or more and under "200,000", the CPU 52 adopts a probability table
C2 in step S114.
[0282] In step S115, the CPU 52 determines whether or not the JP
count value is "200,000" or more. If "200,000" or more, the CPU 52
adopts a probability table C3 in step S116.
[0283] As a result, the probability table is set so that a winning
probability of "MINI" is made higher as the JP count value is
larger.
[0284] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing processes to set a "MAJOR"
probability table. In step S131, the CPU 52 determines whether or
not the JP count value counted by the counter 58 is under
"500,000". Then, if under "500,000", the CPU 52 adopts a
probability table B1 in step S132.
[0285] In step S133, the CPU 52 determines whether or not the JP
count value is "500,000" or more and under "1,000,000". If
"500,000" or more and under "1,000,000", the CPU 52 adopts a
probability table B2 in step S134.
[0286] In step S135, the CPU 52 determines whether or not the JP
count value is "1,000,000" or more. If "1,000,000" or more, the CPU
52 adopts a probability table B3 in step S136.
[0287] As a result, the probability table is set so that a winning
probability of "MAJOR" is made higher as the JP count value is
larger.
[0288] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing processes to set a "MEGA"
probability table. In step S151, the CPU 52 determines whether or
not the JP count value counted by the counter 58 is under
"1,000,000". If under "1,000,000", the CPU 52 adopts a probability
table A1 in step S152.
[0289] In step S153, the CPU 52 determines whether or not the JP
count value is "1,000,000" or more and under "2,000,000". If
"1,000,000" or more and under "2,000,000", the CPU 52 adopts a
probability table A2 in step S154.
[0290] In step S155, the CPU 52 determines whether or not the JP
count value is "2,000,000" or more. If "2,000,000" or more, the CPU
52 adopts a probability table A3 in step S156.
[0291] As a result, the probability table is set so that a winning
probability of "MEGA" is made higher as the JP count value is
larger.
[0292] Next, processes in a slot machine 10 provided in each of the
terminal stations 2 will be explained with reference to a flowchart
shown in FIG. 11.
[0293] In step S31, the CPU 106 executes a processing to accept a
participation in a JP bonus. Its details of the process will be
described later with reference to FIG. 13.
[0294] In step S32, the CPU 106 determines a JP bonus to
participate in. In this process, judged is the JP bonus had been
selected in step S31. Specifically, one of "MEGA", "MAJOR" and
"MINI" is determined as a JP bonus to participate in.
[0295] In step S33, the CPU 106 sets a probability table that
defines a winning probability of the JP bonus to participate in.
Used is the probability table had been determined in step S14 shown
in FIG. 10. For example, when the JP bonus to participate in is
"MEGA" and the count value of the counter 58 in FIG. 5 exceeds
"2,000,000", the probability table A3 shown in FIG. 9 is adopted as
the probability table to be used by this slot machine.
[0296] In step S34, the CPU 106 starts to accept medal insertion.
In this process, it accepts the medal insertion through the medal
insertion slot 21 by a player and the medal sensor 43 detects the
number of inserted medals when medals are inserted.
[0297] In step S35, the CPU 106 adds the credit amount
corresponding to the number of inserted medals and then displays
the credits amount after adding in the credit display area 49.
[0298] In step S36, the CPU 106 determines whether or not credits
has been bet. In this process, the CPU 106 judges whether or not to
have received a signal output from the bet switch 25 on being
pressed, a signal output from the max-bet switch 24 on being
pressed or a signal output from the spin/repeat-bet switch 26 on
being pressed. If it has been determined that credits have not been
bet, its process flow returns to step S34.
[0299] On the other hand, when it has been determined in step S36
that credits has been bet, the CPU 106 advances its process flow to
step S37 to subtract the credit amount had been bet. Consequently,
the credit subtracted by the credit amount therefrom is displayed
in the credit display area 49.
[0300] In step S38, the CPU 106 counts a preset percentage (e.g.
5%) of the credit bet as the JP count value and sends data about
the count value to the host server 1 via the relay controller 4 and
the network 3. When the host server 1 receives the JP count values
set from the slot machines 10, the values are added to the counter
58 by the process in step S13 shown in FIG. 10.
[0301] In step S39, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the start
switch 27 has been pressed. In this process, the CPU 106 judges
whether or not to have received a signal output from the start
switch 27 on being pressed. In step S40, the CPU 106 determines
whether or not a JP bonus is to be awarded when it is determined
that the start switch 27 has been pressed.
[0302] In step S41, the CPU 106 determines whether or not a JP
bonus is won. In step S42, if a JP bonus is won, the CPU 106
transmits the winning data of a JP bonus to the host server 1 via
the relay controller 4 and the network 3.
[0303] In step S43, the CPU 106 executes a symbol scroll
processing. In this scroll processing, executed is a process by
which symbols displayed in each of the segmented areas q11 to q53
on the LCD 16 are successively switched over and then stopped after
a preset time period has been elapsed to display new symbols in
each of the segmented areas q11 to q53. If a winning symbol
combination has appeared in the result of scrolling process, an
award is provided. Details of the scroll processing will be
explained later with reference to FIG. 12.
[0304] In step S44, the CPU 106 executes a payout process. In the
payout process, the predetermined number of medals are paid out
when symbols defined in the payout table as shown in FIG. 20 have
been appeared. If it has been determined that the JP bonus is won
in step S41, medals are paid out according to the JP bonus.
[0305] In this manner, a slot game (unit game) is executed
repeatedly by repeating the processes of steps S34 to S44.
[0306] Next, the processing to accept a participation in a JP bonus
in step S31 shown in FIG. 11 will be explained with reference to a
flowchart shown in FIG. 13.
[0307] In step S51, the CPU 106 displays icons for selection of JP
bonus ranks. In this process, a "MEGA" icon 17a, a "MAJOR" icon
17b, a "MINI" icon 17c and an "OK" icon 17d are displayed on the
LCD 16 for confirmation of a selected JP bonus is displayed as
shown in FIG. 22. Then, the CPU 106 accepts an input of a player's
selection of JP bonus. If a player touches a desired icon, the
selected JP bonus is detected via the touchscreen 16a.
[0308] In step S52, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the
"MEGA" icon has been selected. If the "MEGA" icon has been
selected, the CPU 106 adopts the "MEGA" as a JP bonus in step
S53.
[0309] In step S54, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the
"MAJOR" icon has been selected. If the "MAJOR" icon has been
selected, the CPU 106 adopts the "MAJOR" as a JP bonus in step
S55.
[0310] In step S56, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the
"MINI" icon has been selected. If the "MINI" icon has been
selected, the CPU 106 adopts the "MINI" as a JP bonus in step
S57.
[0311] As a result, it is possible for a player to select a JP
bonus rank at each of the slot machines 10 in the above
processing.
[0312] Next, the symbol scroll processing in step S43 shown in FIG.
11 will be explained with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.
12.
[0313] In step S71, the CPU 106 scrolls symbols displayed in each
of the segmented areas q11 to q53. In step S72, the CPU 106 stops
symbols in each of the segmented areas q11 to q53.
[0314] In step S73, the CPU 106 determines whether or not a winning
combination has been achieved based on the symbols appeared in the
fifteen segmented areas q11 to q53.
[0315] In step S74, the CPU 106 provides a payout according to the
achieved winning combination. For example, if five "BELL" symbols
have appeared as shown in FIG. 23, a winning combination is
achieved and a fifteen-medal payout is provided. In this manner,
the symbol scroll processing is executed.
[0316] As described above, in the gaming machine according to the
first embodiment of the present invention, a player at each of the
slot machines 10 in each of the terminal stations 2 can play a slot
game with selecting a JP bonus among three-ranked JP bonuses.
[0317] As a result, a player who wants to get a JP bonus to provide
a larger payout can select "MEGA". On the other hand, a player who
wants to get a JP bonus with a higher winning probability can
select "MINI". Therefore, a player can select a JP bonus according
to his/her preference.
[0318] In addition, a probability table to determine whether or not
a JP bonus is to be awarded is varied according to the JP count
value. Then, a probability table with a higher winning probability
of a JP bonus is adopted as the JP count value is larger. As a
result, successive JP bonus winnings at many slot machines 10 can
be prevented in the case where the JP count value is small. On the
other hand, a JP bonus will be won with a higher probability in the
case where a JP bonus has hardly been won and the accumulated JP
count value becomes large in order to provide awards to many
players.
[0319] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be
explained. FIG. 8 is a network connection diagram showing a
configuration of the gaming system in the second embodiment. The
terminal stations 2a are connected via the network 3. The gaming
system in the second embodiment is different from the gaming system
in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 in that the host server 1
is not provided.
[0320] FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a terminal station 2a
installed in the gaming system in the second embodiment. In the
gaming system in the second embodiment, the terminal station 2a is
different from the terminal station 2 in the above-mentioned first
embodiment in that provided are one slot machine 10a served as a
main machine and plural slot machines 10b served as slave machines.
A JP bonus rank is preliminarily set in each of the main and slave
slot machines 10a and 10b. For example, three machines are set
exclusively for "MINI", three machines exclusively for "MAJOR" and
four machines exclusively for "MEGA" among the ten slot machines
10a and 10b. As a result, a player can select one with a JP bonus
rank to participate in among the slot machines 10a and 10b.
[0321] Electrical configurations of the slot machines 10a and 10b
will be explained hereinafter. Since each of the slave slot
machines 10b has the same configuration as shown in FIG. 4, its
explanation will be omitted.
[0322] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the electrical
configuration of the main slot machine 10a. As shown in FIG. 9, the
main slot machine 10a is different from the slot machine 10 shown
in FIG. 4 in that a counter 129 is further included. The counter
129 counts the JP count value bet at each of the slot machines 10a
and 10b. Therefore, the accumulated JP count value will be stored
in the counter 129. Then, the controller 40 shown in FIG. 9
executes processing similarly to the host server 1 shown in FIG.
5.
[0323] It may also be possible to configure so that one of the slot
machines in all of the terminal stations 2a is served as the main
slot machine 10a with the functions of the host server 1 in the
first embodiment. Alternatively, it may also be possible to
configure so that one main slot machine 10a is provided in each of
the terminal stations 2a.
[0324] Processing procedures in the main slot machine 10a will be
explained with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 17.
[0325] In step S211, the CPU 106 reads the JP count value stored in
the counter 129. In this case, the count value stored in the
counter 129 is the accumulated JP count value bet at each of the
slot machines 10a and 10b.
[0326] In step S212, the CPU 106 increases the accumulated JP count
value stored in the counter 129 based on the JP count value
transmitted from each of the slave slot machines 10b and the JP
count value made in the main slot machine 10a itself.
[0327] In step S213, the CPU 106 sets a probability table, by which
it is determined whether or not a JP bonus is to be awarded, based
on the accumulated progressive count value stored in the counter
129. Since its details are the same as the processes shown in FIG.
14 to FIG. 16, explanations about them will be omitted. Here in the
second embodiment, each probability table is stored in the RAM 110
of the main slot machine 10a and transmitted to each of the slave
slot machines 10b each time when the probability table is to be
adopted in each of the slave slot machines 10b so as to be used
after being downloaded. It may also be possible to configure so
that each of the slave slot machines 10b stores probability tables
in the RAM 110 to determine whether or not a JP bonus is to be
awarded by selecting an adequate probability table adopted by the
above-mentioned processing.
[0328] Instep S214, the CPU 106 transmits probability table data
adopted in step S213 according to each rank of "MEGA", "MAJOR" and
"MINI" to each of the slot machine 10b via the signal communication
interface circuit 111. As a result, it is possible to set the
probability table used for each of the JP bonus ranks at this time
in each of the slot machines 10b.
[0329] In step S215, the CPU 106 determines whether or not a JP
bonus is won at the slot machine 10a and determines whether or not
to receive winning data of a JP bonus from each of the slot
machines 10b. If a JP bonus has not been won at any of the slot
machines 10a and 10b, its process flow returns to step S212.
[0330] On the other hand, if a JP bonus has been won, the CPU 106
transmits, in step S216, a payout command signal for the JP bonus
to the slot machine(s) 10a or 10b which has got the JP bonus. For
example, when "MEGA" has been won at a certain slot machine 10b,
the CPU 106 sends the command signal for providing a
1,000,000-medal payout to the slot machine 10b.
[0331] In step S217, the CPU 106 decreases the count value of the
counter 129. In this process, the count value, 1,000,000,
corresponding to the number of paid-out medals is subtracted. After
that, its process flow returns to step S212. In this manner, the
processes in the main slot machine 10a are executed.
[0332] Next, processes in each of the slot machines 10a and 10b in
the gaming system in the second embodiment of the present invention
will be explained with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 18.
With respect to the main slot machine 10a, these processes are
executed in addition to the above-mentioned processing shown in
FIG. 17.
[0333] In step S231, the CPU 106 executes a process to accept a
participation in a JP bonus. Since a JP bonus rank is preliminarily
set at each of the slot machines 10a and 10b, the process in step
S231 is a process to accept whether or not to participate in the JP
bonus preliminarily set in the each of the slot machines 10a and
10b. For example, if "MEGA" is preliminarily set in a slot machine
10b, whether or not to participate in "MEGA" is accepted.
[0334] In step S232, the CPU 106 sets a probability table that
defines a winning probability of the JP bonus to participate in. A
probability table is used, which corresponds to the JP bonus had
been determined in step S213 shown in FIG. 17. For example, if the
JP bonus to participate in is "MEGA" and the count value of the
counter 129 shown in FIG. 9 is 2,000,000 or more, a probability
table A3 shown in FIG. 19 is adopted as the probability table to be
used by this slot machine.
[0335] In step S233, the CPU 106 starts to accept medal insertion.
In this process, it accepts the medal insertion through the medal
insertion slot 21 by a player and the medal sensor 43 detects the
number of inserted medals when medals are inserted.
[0336] In step S234, the CPU 106 adds the credit amount
corresponding to the number of inserted medals and then displays
the credit amount in the credit display area 49 after adding.
[0337] In step S235, the CPU 106 determines whether or not credit
has been bet. In this process, the CPU 106 judges whether or not to
have received a signal output from the bet switch 25 on being
pressed, a signal output from the max-bet switch 24 on the max-bet
switch 24 on being pressed or a signal output from the
spin/repeat-bet switch 26 on being pressed. If it has been
determined that credits have not been bet, its process flow returns
to step S233.
[0338] On the other hand, if it has been determined in step S235
that credits has been bet, the CPU 106 advances its process flow to
step S236 to subtract the credit amount had been bet. Consequently,
the credit subtracted by the credit amount is displayed in the
credit display area 49.
[0339] In step S237, the CPU 106 counts a preset percentage (e.g.
5%) of the credit bet as the JP count value and transmits data
about the count value to the main slot machine 10a. When the main
slot machine 10a receives the JP count values transmitted from the
slave slot machines 10b, the values are added to the counter 219 by
the process in step S212 shown in FIG. 17. The JP count value made
at the main slot machine 10a itself is also added to the counter
129.
[0340] In step S238, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the
start switch 27 has been pressed. In this process, the CPU 106
judges whether or not to have received a signal output from the
start switch 27 on being pressed. In step S239, the CPU 106
determines whether or not a JP bonus is to be awarded when it is
determined that the start switch 27 has been pressed.
[0341] In step S240, the CPU 106 determines whether or not a JP
bonus is won. In step S241, if a JP bonus is won, the CPU 106
transmits the data of a JP bonus winning to the main slot machine
10a.
[0342] In step S242, the CPU 106 executes a symbol scroll
processing. In this scroll processing, executed a process by which
symbols displayed in each of the segmented areas q11 to q53 are
successively switched over and then stopped after a preset time
period has been elapsed to display new symbols in each of the
segmented areas q11 to q53. If a winning symbol combination has
appeared in the result of scrolling process, an award is provided.
Since the scroll processing is the same as shown in FIG. 12, its
explanation is omitted.
[0343] In step S243, the CPU 106 executes a payout process. In the
payout process, provided is a payout corresponding to a winning due
to an achievement of the winning symbol combination made by the
symbols had been appeared in the segmented areas q11 to q53. As
described above, the predetermined number of medals are paid out
when symbols defined in the payout table have been appeared.
[0344] In this manner, a slot game (unit game) is executed
repeatedly by repeating the processes of steps S233 to S243.
[0345] As described above, in the gaming system in the second
embodiment of the present invention, one of the three JP bonus
ranks is preliminarily set in the main slot machine 10a and each of
the slave slot machine 10b belonging to each of the terminal
stations 2a. Therefore, a player can select a slot machine 10a or
10b in which a favorite JP bonus rank is preliminarily set.
[0346] Consequently, a player who wants to get a JP bonus to
provide a larger payout can select the slot machine 10a or 10b in
which "MEGA" is preliminarily set. On the other hand, a players who
wants to get a JP bonus with a higher winning probability can
select the slot machine 10a or 10b in which "MINI" is preliminarily
set. As a result, a player can select a JP bonus according to
his/her preference.
[0347] In addition, the probability table to determine whether or
not a JP bonus is to be awarded is varied according to the
accumulated JP count value. Then, a probability table with a higher
winning probability of a JP bonus is adopted as the JP count value
is larger. As a result, successive JP bonus winnings at many slot
machines 10a and 10b can be prevented in the case where the JP
count value is small. On the other hand, a JP bonus will be won
with a higher probability in the case where a JP bonus has hardly
been won and the accumulated JP count value becomes large in order
to provide awards to many players.
3rd and 4th Embodiments
[0348] In these embodiments, step numbers shown in flow charts may
be redundantly presented in other embodiments, but they are used
independently from the other embodiments.
[0349] Now, a gaming (slot) system according to embodiments of the
present invention and a controlling method thereof will be
described with reference to FIG. 25A to FIG. 28.
[0350] FIG. 25A is a flowchart showing an outline of operations and
a controlling method of a slot system according to third and fourth
embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 25B is a flowchart
showing an outline of operations and a controlling method of a slot
system according to respective modified examples of the third and
fourth embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 26 is an
explanatory view showing a network configuration of the slot system
according to the third and fourth embodiments of the present
invention and the modified examples thereof. FIG. 27 is an
explanatory view showing a configuration of a terminal station in
the slot system according to the third and fourth embodiments of
the present invention and the modified examples thereof. FIG. 28 is
an explanatory view showing a display example on a main display in
the slot system according to the third and fourth embodiments of
the present invention and the modified examples thereof.
[0351] In the slot system according to the third and fourth
embodiments and the modified examples thereof as shown in FIG. 26,
multiple (three pieces in the drawing) terminal stations 2 are
connected to one another through a network 3. In the slot system
according to the third embodiment and the modified example thereof,
a host server 1 is also connected to the network 3. Meanwhile, as
shown in FIG. 27, each terminal station 2 includes multiple slot
machines 10 (gaming machines), a relay controller 4, a main display
5, and a count display 6.
[0352] Each of the slot machines 10 is capable of executing a slot
game (a unit game) operated by a player and participating in one or
more of multiple links that are present at the same time. The slot
machines 10 participating in each link share a JP bonus (a
progressive bonus) with one another.
[0353] In this embodiment, links are set for three types of JP
bonuses, namely, "MEGA," "MAJOR" and "MINI." Therefore, the player
of each slot machine 10 can participate in any one of "MEGA,"
"MAJOR" and "MINI."
[0354] The JP bonuses "MEGA," "MAJOR" and "MINI" are set to have
different establishment probabilities and different payout (award)
amounts at the time of establishment from one another. Details will
be described later. Although this embodiment describes the example
of using three ranks of the JP bonuses, namely, "MEGA," "MAJOR" and
"MINI," the present invention is not limited only to the
configuration that includes three types of the JP bonuses.
[0355] When a JP bonus is established in each slot machine 10, a
payout (an award) corresponding to the JP bonus that this slot
machine 10 participates in is provided. For example, when the JP
bonus is established in the slot machine 10 participating in the
"MINI," 1000 medals, the payout amount of the "MINI," are paid out.
A player of each slot machine 10 can play slot games while
participating in any JP bonus link of "MEGA," "MAJOR" and
"MINI."
[0356] The relay controller 4 is connected to the multiple terminal
stations 2 through the network 3. The relay controller 4 transmits
some of a bet (a bet amount) bet on each slot machine 10 to the
host server 1 as a JP count value, receives data on a total JP
count value stored in the host server 1, and displays this count
value on the count display 6. Meanwhile, various data for the
progress of the games are displayed on the main display 5. For
example, if "MAJOR" is established in any of the slot machines 10,
a character string stating "CONGRATULATIONS! A "MAJOR" BONUS IS
ESTABLISHED RIGHT NOW ON MACHINE NO. XX!" is displayed as shown in
FIG. 28, for example.
[0357] As shown in FIG. 25A, in the third and fourth embodiments of
the present invention, first, every time when a slot game is
executed by each slot machine 10, some of a bet (a bet amount) for
the slot game is counted as a resource for the JP bonus (a
progressive bonus value) (Step S1).
[0358] To be more precise, the player can bet a wager on a slot
game by inserting medals or coins, which are cashable credits that
can be converted into cash, into the slot machine 10.
Alternatively, the player can also bet a wager by allocating a
designated amount of restricted credits, which can be used as bets
continuously before being cashed out, to the bet by means of the
player's operation of the slot machine 10.
[0359] In the following description, a unit of the wager that can
be bet by use of the cashable credits or the restricted credits
described above will be referred to as a "credit." For example,
when one medal or coin is inserted into the slot machine 10 by the
player as the wager, this action is equivalent to betting "one
credit" to the wager. Meanwhile, when two restricted credits are
allocated to the wager by the player's operation of the slot
machine 10, this action is equivalent to betting "two credits" to
the wager.
[0360] Next, a determination is made as to whether or not the JP
bonus (any one of "MEGA," "MAJOR" and "MINI") is established in the
slot game executed by each slot machine 10 (Step S2). If the JP
bonus is established (YES in Step S2), a determination is made as
to whether or not time count for a predetermined time period is
proceeding regarding the established type of JP bonus (Step S3).
This predetermined time period may be set equal to a time period
necessary for one slot game, for example.
[0361] If the time count for the predetermined time period is not
proceeding (NO in Step S3) for the established type of JP bonus,
the time count for the predetermined time period is started (Step
S4). If the time count for the predetermined time period is
proceeding (YES in Step S3) for the established type of JP bonus, a
determination is made as to whether or not the time count is
completed (Step S5). When the time count for the predetermined time
period is completed (YES in Step S5), the processing goes to Step
S6 to be described later.
[0362] In Step S6, detailed distribution (contents of distribution)
for the established type of JP bonus is determined. Here, the
detailed distribution of the type of JP bonus is determined for the
following slot machines 10: the slot machine 10 executing a slot
game in which the JP bonus triggering the start of the time count
for the predetermined time period is established; and other slot
machines 10 each executing a slot game in which the same type of JP
bonus is established within the predetermined time period from the
establishment of the above JP bonus.
[0363] The detailed distribution can be determined arbitrarily. For
example, it is possible to allocate a half of the JP bonus to the
slot machine 10 where the JP bonus is established in the first
place and to allocate the other half proportionally to the other
slot machines 10 where the same type of the JP bonus is established
subsequently. Alternatively, it is also possible to allocate the JP
bonus proportionally to all the slot machines 10 where the same
type of the JP bonus is established irrespective of the temporal
order of establishment of the JP bonus.
[0364] If there are no other slot machines 10 executing a slot game
in which the same type of JP bonus is established before the time
count for the predetermined time period is completed, the entire JP
bonus may be allocated to the slot machine 10 executing a slot game
in which the JP bonus is established in the first place.
[0365] Further, it is possible to cause a counter provided in the
host server 1 to perform the counting of the JP bonus in Step S1 as
in a slot system of the third embodiment to be described later, or
to cause a counter provided in each slot machine 10 to perform the
counting as in a slot system of the fourth embodiment to be
described later. When the counter is provided in each of the slot
machines 10, the counter of one of the slot machines 10 that is set
as a host machine may be caused to count the resource for the JP
bonus on behalf of all the slot machines 10.
[0366] Concerning the procedure from Step S2 to Step S6, it is also
possible to cause the host server 1 to perform the procedure or to
cause each slot machine 10 to perform the procedure similarly to
the counting of the JP bonus in Step S1. When the counter is
provided in each of the slot machines 10, the counter of one of the
slot machines 10 that is set as the host machine may be caused to
perform the procedure from Step S2 to Step S6 on behalf of all the
slot machines 10.
[0367] In the third and fourth embodiments of the present
invention, the above-described procedure from Step S1 to Step S6 is
repeated each time the slog game is executed by each slot machine
10.
[0368] Next, as shown in FIG. 25B, in modified examples of the
third and fourth embodiments of the present invention, every time a
slot game is executed by each slot machine 10, some of a bet (a bet
amount) for the slot game is counted as a resource for the JP bonus
(a progressive bonus value) (Step S1).
[0369] Next, a determination is made as to whether or not the JP
bonus (any one of "MEGA," "MAJOR" and "MINI") is established in the
slot game executed by each slot machine 10 (Step S2). If the JP
bonus is not established (NO in Step S2), a determination is made
as to whether or not a bonus game is in progress (Step S2A). If the
bonus game is in progress (YES in Step S2A), the processing goes to
Step S5B to be described later.
[0370] When the JP bonus is established in the slot game executed
by each slot machine 10 (YES in Step S2), a determination is made
as to whether or not time count is proceeding for a predetermined
time period (Step S3). This predetermined time period may be set
equal to the time period necessary for one slot game, for
example.
[0371] If the time count is not proceeding for the predetermined
time period (NO in Step S3) regarding the established type of the
JP bonus (NO in Step S3), time count for the predetermined time
period is started (Step S4) and then the processing goes to Step
S5A to be described later. When time count is proceeding for the
predetermined time period (YES in Step S3) regarding the
established type of the JP bonus, a determination is made as to
whether or not the time count is completed (Step S5).
[0372] If the time count for the predetermined time period is
completed (YES in Step S5), the processing goes to Step S5B. If the
time count for the predetermined time period is not completed (NO
in Step S5), the processing goes to Step S5A.
[0373] Bonus games are started in Step S5A. Thereafter, the
processing goes to Step S5B. In Step S5B, a determination is made
as to whether or not all the started bonus games are completed. If
not completed (NO in Step S5B), Step S5B will be repeated until all
the bonus games are completed. When all the bonus games are
completed (YES in Step S5B), detailed distribution for the type of
JP bonus established in the respective slot machines 10 executing
the bonus games is determined based on the order of completion of
the bonus games (Step S6).
[0374] Here, the detailed distribution of the type of JP bonus is
determined for the following slot machines 10 on the basis of the
order of completion of the bonus games executed by the respective
slot machines 10: the slot machine 10 executing a slot game in
which the JP bonus triggering the start of the time count for the
predetermined time period is established; and other slot machines
10 each executing a slot game in which the same type of JP bonus is
established within the predetermined time period from the
establishment of the above JP bonus.
[0375] The detailed distribution can be determined arbitrarily. For
example, it is possible to allocate a half of the JP bonus to the
slot machine 10 which completes the bonus games in the first place
and to allocate the other half proportionally to the other slot
machines 10 which complete the bonus games subsequently.
Alternatively, it is also possible to allocate the entire JP bonus
to the slot machine 10 which completes the bonus games before the
other slog machines 10 complete the bonus games.
[0376] In the modified examples of the third and fourth embodiments
of the present invention as well, the above-described procedure
from Step S1 to Step S6 are repeated each time the slot game is
executed by each slot machine 10.
[0377] According to the slot systems and the controlling methods of
the third and fourth embodiments, when the JP bonuses are
established one after the other in the multiple slot machines 10 of
the terminal stations 2 connected through the network 3, the JP
bonus is distributed to the slot machines 10 where the JP bonuses
are established within the predetermined time period.
[0378] According to the slot systems and the controlling methods of
the modified examples of the third and fourth embodiments, when the
JP bonuses are established one after the other in the multiple slot
machines 10 of the terminal stations 2 connected through the
network 3, the JP bonus is distributed to the slot machines 10
where the JP bonuses are established within the predetermined time
period on the basis of the order of completion of the bonus games
to be executed by the slot machines 10.
[0379] For this reason, even when time required for recognition of
establishment of the JP bonus varies among the slot machines 10
depending on positions or connection states of the slot machines 10
on the network 3, the JP bonus is distributed to the slot machines
10 in which the establishment of the JP bonus is recognized within
the predetermined time period. In this way, variation is provided
in the payout amount for the progressive bonus, and hence it is
possible to offer the slot machine 10 having an excellent
entertainment value and a controlling method thereof.
[0380] Next, the slot system according to the third embodiment of
the present invention and the controlling method thereof will be
described in detail with reference to FIG. 29 to FIG. 46. As
described previously, the slot system according to the third
embodiment includes the host server 1 shown in FIG. 26.
[0381] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a slot machine in the slot
system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 30 is an explanatory view of partitioned regions for
displaying symbols on a liquid crystal display of the slot machine
in the slot system according to the third embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing an electrical
configuration of a controller and connected devices provided in the
slot machine in the slot system according to the third embodiment
of the present invention. FIG. 32 is an explanatory view showing an
example of a payout table to be stored in a RAM of the controller
provided in the slot machine in the slot system according to the
third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 33 is a block
diagram showing an electrical configuration of the host server in
the slot system according to the third embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 34 is an explanatory view showing an example of a
probability table to be stored in the RAM of the host server in the
slot system according to the third embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 35 is an explanatory view showing an electrical
configuration of the relay controller in the slot system according
to the third embodiment of the present invention.
[0382] As shown in FIG. 29, the slot machine 10 includes a cabinet
11, a top box 12 provided on an upper side of the cabinet 11, and a
main door 13 provided on a front face of the cabinet 11. The
cabinet 11 is provided with a liquid crystal display 16 on a face
opposed to a player. Meanwhile, disposed inside the cabinet 11 are
various constituent members including a controller 40 (see FIG. 31)
configured to electrically control the slot machine 10 and a hopper
44 (see FIG. 31) configured to control insertion, storage, and
payouts of the medals.
[0383] In this embodiment, although medals are mentioned as an
example of game media used for executing the games, the game media
are not limited only to the medals. For example, it is also
possible to use coins, tokens, electronic money, and electronic
value information (credits) corresponding thereto.
[0384] The main door 13 is openably and closably fitted to the
cabinet 11, and the liquid crystal display 16 is provided
substantially in the center of this main door 13. As shown in FIG.
30, the liquid crystal display 16 is provided with fifteen
partitioned regions q11 to q 53 in total defined in three rows by
five columns, and various symbols are displayed in the respective
partitioned regions q11 to q53. Specifically, when a slot game is
initiated, the symbols displayed in the respective partitioned
regions q11 to q53 start scroll display at the same time and are
stopped simultaneously after passage of a predetermined time
period. Then, a payout is provided based on a combination of the
symbols stopped in the respective partitioned regions q11 to q53.
For example, a payout is provided when a predetermined number of
scatter symbols are stopped in the fifteen partitioned regions q11
to q53.
[0385] Here, as shown in FIG. 30, a two-digit suffix attached to
the partitioned region "q" indicates the "column" and the "row."
For example, the portioned region on the first column and the first
row is indicated as "q11" while the partitioned region on the fifth
column and the third row is indicated as "q53."
[0386] Meanwhile, a credit display region 49 for displaying current
credits and a payout amount display region 48 for displaying a
payout amount are provided in a lower left region of the liquid
crystal display 16.
[0387] A medal insertion slot 21 for allowing insertion of medals
used for playing the games and a bill validator 22 configured to
validate appropriate bills and to accept authentic bills are
provided below the liquid crystal display 16. Moreover, various
operation switches are provided near the medal insertion slot 21
and the bill validator 22.
[0388] A payout switch 23, a MAXBET switch 24, a BET switch 25, a
spin repeat BET switch 26, and a start switch 27 are provided as
the operation switches.
[0389] The BET switch 25 is a switch for determining the number of
credits to be bet on the slot game executed on the liquid crystal
display 16. As will be described later, a credit equivalent to one
medal is bet every time the BET switch 25 is pressed.
[0390] The spin repeat BET switch 26 is a switch for executing the
slot game by betting the credits again without changing the amount
of credits bet in the previous game by use of the above-described
BET switch 25.
[0391] The start switch 27 is a switch for starting the slot game
after betting a desired amount of credits. The slot game is started
on the liquid crystal display 16 when this start switch 27 is
pressed after inserting the medals to the medal insertion slot 21
or betting the credits with the BET switch 25.
[0392] The payout switch 23 is a switch for paying out the credited
medals. The medals to be paid out are discharged from a medal
payout opening 19 provided at a lower part on the front face of the
main door 13. The discharged medals are pooled in a medal tray
18.
[0393] The MAXBET switch 24 is a switch for betting the maximum
amount of credits (e.g., credits corresponding to thirty medals)
that the player can bet in one game session in a single
operation.
[0394] A foot display 34 is provided on the lower part of the front
face of the main door 13 and is configured to display various
images related to the games on the slot machine 10. The images
include characters of the slot machine 10, for example.
[0395] Lamps 47 are provided on both sides of the foot display 34
and are configured to emit light on the basis of a preset light
emission pattern for the game executed by the slot machine 10. The
medal payout opening 19 for discharging the payout medals and the
medal tray 18 for storing the paid medals are provided below the
foot display 34.
[0396] A speaker 29 is provided on a side face of the top box 12.
Moreover, an upper display 33 is provided on a front face of the
top box 12. The upper display 33 includes a display panel which
displays various images such as character images that are related
to the slot game.
[0397] A ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a data display 37,
and a keypad 38 are provided on a lower side of the upper display
33.
[0398] The ticket printer 35 is configured to print on a ticket a
bar code encoding data including the amount of payouts, date and
time, an identification number of the slot machine 10, and the like
and to output the ticket as a bar coded ticket 39. A player is able
to allow another slot machine to read the bar coded ticket 39 and
to play games with that slot machine or to exchange the bar coded
ticket 39 with bills in various currencies and the like at a
predetermined location in a gaming facility (such as a cashier in a
casino).
[0399] The card reader 36 allows insertion of a smart card and is
configured to read data out of the inserted smart card and to write
data into the smart card. The smart card is a card carried by the
player, which stores data for identifying the player, data for a
history of games played by the player, and so forth. The smart card
may also be configured to store data for coins, bills or credits.
Alternatively, it is possible to employ a magnetic stripe card
instead of the smart card.
[0400] The data display 37 is made of a fluorescent display, for
example, and is for displaying data read out by the card reader 36
or data inputted with the keypad 38 by the player. The keypad 38 is
for inputting an instruction for ticket issuance and other
data.
[0401] FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing an electrical
configuration of a controller 40 (a terminal controller) provided
in the slot machine 10 of this embodiment and of various devices to
be connected to this controller 40. The controller 40 of the slot
machine 10 shown in FIG. 31 is a microcomputer which includes an
interface circuit group 102, an input-output bus 104, a CPU 106, a
ROM 108, a RAM 110, a communication interface circuit 111, a random
number generator 112, a speaker driving circuit 122, a hopper
driving circuit 124, a display driving circuit 128, and a display
controller 140.
[0402] The interface circuit group 102 is connected to the
input-output bus 104 and this input-output bus 104 inputs and
outputs data signals and address signals to and from the CPU
106.
[0403] The start switch 27 is connected to the interface circuit
group 102. A start signal outputted from this start switch 27 is
converted into a given signal by the interface circuit group 102
and is then transmitted to the CPU 106 through the input-output bus
104.
[0404] Further, the BET switch 25, the MAXBET switch 24, the spin
repeat BET switch 26, and the payout switch 23 are connected to the
interface circuit group 102. Moreover, switching signals outputted
from these switches 25, 24, 26, and 23 are respectively supplied to
the interface circuit group 102, then converted into given signals
by this interface circuit group 102, and then transmitted to the
CPU 106 through the input-output bus 104.
[0405] In addition, a medal sensor 43 is connected to the interface
circuit group 102. The medal sensor 43 is a sensor for detecting
medals inserted to the medal insertion slot 21, and is provided at
a medal insertion region of the medal insertion slot 21. A
detection signal outputted from this medal sensor 43 is supplied to
the interface circuit group 102, then converted into a given signal
by this interface circuit group 102, and then transmitted to the
CPU 106 through the input-output bus 104.
[0406] The hopper driving circuit 124 is connected to the hopper 44
and causes a payout of the medals to the hopper 44, the number of
medals being based on a payout instruction signal transmitted from
the CPU 106.
[0407] The speaker driving circuit 122 outputs sound data to the
speaker 29 to output predetermined sounds from the speaker 29.
[0408] The display driving circuit 128 transmits display data of
the number of payout and the number of credits so as to display the
display data on the payout display region 48 and the credit display
region 49, respectively.
[0409] The display controller 140 outputs display data to be
displayed on the liquid crystal display 16. Further, the display
controller 140 inputs an operation signal by use of a touch panel
16a provided on a surface of the liquid crystal display 16. As will
be described later, a selection screen for selecting one of the
three types of JP bonuses "MEGA," "MAJOR" and "MINI" is displayed
on the liquid crystal display 16 before staring the slot game. When
the player touches this selection screen, the touch panel 16a
detects the player's operation and recognizes the JP bonus selected
by the player.
[0410] The CPU 106 executes the slot game on the basis of operation
signals from the switches 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27 connected to the
interface circuit group 102 and on the basis of a detection signal
from the medal sensor 43. Moreover, the CPU 106 outputs a display
instruction signal to the display controller 140 to control scroll
display and stop display of the symbols in each of the partitioned
regions q11 to q53. When providing a payout, the CPU 106 outputs
the payout instruction signal to the hopper driving circuit 124.
Further, the CPU 106 controls the entire slot machine 10 generally
by transmitting the JP count value generated at the slot machine 10
to the host server 1 through the communication interface circuit
111, for example.
[0411] The ROM 108 stores system programs for various control
processings to be executed by the CPU 106. The RAM 110 stores
various data to be used for execution of control by the CPU 106.
Meanwhile, the RAM 110 stores a payout table that defines payouts
based on combinations of the symbols stopped in the respective
partitioned regions q11 to q53 as a result of executing the slot
game.
[0412] FIG. 32 is a view showing an example of the payout table
which defines a payout of 20 medals for one bet when five "APPLE"
symbols are stopped in the fifteen partitioned regions q11 to q53,
a payout of 15 medals for one bet when four "APPLE" medals are
stopped in the fifteen partitioned regions q11 to q53, and so
forth.
[0413] Next, a configuration of the host server 1 is described.
FIG. 33 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of
the host server 1. The host server 1 includes a communication
interface (I/F) 53 configured to transmit and receive data to and
from each terminal station 2 through the network 3, a CPU 52
configured to control the entire host server 1, a ROM 54 configured
to store system programs executed by the CPU 52, a RAM 55
configured to store data temporarily, a timer 56, and a keyboard
57. Moreover, the host server 1 includes a counter 58 configured to
count the JP count values bet on the slot machines 10 in each
terminal station 2.
[0414] The CPU 52 performs various processings on the basis of
various signals outputted from the respective terminal stations 2
and on the basis of the data and programs stored in the ROM 54 and
the RAM 55, and transmits instruction signals to the respective
terminal stations 2 on the basis of results of the processes.
Accordingly, the CPU 52 proactively controls the relay controllers
4 and the slot machines 10 in the respective terminal stations
2.
[0415] To be more precise, the CPU 52 receives some of the wagers
bet on the slot machines 10 of the respective terminals stations 2
as the JP count values and performs a processing to count these JP
count values with the counter 58. Meanwhile, if a JP bonus is
established in any of the slot machines 10, the CPU 52 outputs a
payout instruction signal for a payout corresponding to this JP
bonus.
[0416] Meanwhile, the RAM 55 stores a probability table shown in
FIG. 34. Specifically, individual probability tables are set for
"MEGA," "MAJOR" and "MINI," respectively. Here, the probability of
establishment of the "MAJOR" is set higher than the probability of
establishment of the "MEGA" while the probability of establishment
of "MINI" is set higher than the probability of establishment of
"MAJOR." Accordingly, concerning the payout amounts, the payout
amount of "MAJOR" is set higher than the payout amount of "MINI"
while the payout amount of "MEGA" is set higher than the payout
amount of "MAJOR."
[0417] To be more precise, "MEGA" has the probability of
establishment equal to 0.03% for each unit game. When the JP bonus
for "MEGA" is established, a payout equivalent to 10,000 medals is
provided. Meanwhile, "MAJOR" has the probability of establishment
equal to 0.1% for each unit game. When the JP bonus for "MAJOR" is
established, a payout equivalent to 5,000 medals is provided.
Meanwhile, "MINI" has the probability of establishment equal to
0.2% for each unit game. When the JP bonus for "MINI" is
established, a payout equivalent to 1,000 medals is provided.
[0418] Therefore, three types of the JP bonuses are set so as to
allow the player to select his or her favorite rank of the JP
bonus. For example, a player who makes a bet of more medals for
each unit game and wishes a higher payout at the time of
establishment of the JP bonus (so-called a high roller)
participates in the "MEGA" JP bonus, and a player who makes a bet
of less medals for each unit game and wishes the higher probability
of the JP bonus participates in the "MINI" JP bonus.
[0419] The rank of the JP bonuses can be changed as needed by an
administrator by operating the keyboard 57 of the host server 1.
For example, the administrator can change the probability table of
the JP bonuses or the numbers of payouts of medals at the time of
establishment of the JP bonuses.
[0420] FIG. 35 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration
of the relay controller 4. As shown in FIG. 35, the relay
controller 4 includes a CPU 91 configured to generally control the
entire relay controller 4, a communication I/F 92 configured to
communicate with the host server 1 through the network 3, terminal
I/Fs 93 configured to communicate with the respective slot machines
10, a ROM 94 configured to store system programs to be executed by
the CPU 91, and a RAM 95.
[0421] The CPU 91 transmits some of (such as 5% of) the wager bet
on each of the slot machines 10 to the host server 1 as the JP
count value. Meanwhile, the CPU 91 displays a total JP count value
transmitted from the host server 1 on a count display 6 and thereby
notifies the total JP count value to the players of the respective
slot machines 10 in the terminal stations 2. Meanwhile, when the JP
bonus is established on any of the slot machines 10, the CPU 91
displays this on a main display 5 and notifies the establishment of
the JP bonus to the players of the respective slot machines 10 in
the terminal stations 2.
[0422] Next, a processing procedure of the slot system according to
the third embodiment of the present invention will be described
with reference to flowcharts shown in FIG. 36 to FIG. 39. FIG. 36
is the flowchart showing a processing procedure of the host server
1.
[0423] In Step S11, the CPU 52 determines whether or not the data
on the JP count values are received from the respective terminal
stations 2. When the data on the JP count values are not received
(NO in Step S11), the processing goes to Step S13. When the data on
the JP count values are received (YES in Step S11), the total JP
count value stored in the counter 58 is counted up based on the
received JP count values (Step S12). Therefore, the counter 58
stores an aggregate value of the JP count values bet on the
respective slot machines 10 in the multiple terminal stations
2.
[0424] In Step S13, the CPU 52 determines whether or not JP bonus
establishment data on any one of "MEGA," "MAJOR" and "MINI" are
received. When the JP bonus establishment data are not received (NO
in Step S13), the processing goes to Step S13A.
[0425] In Step S13A, the CPU 52 determines whether or not a flag F1
in a bonus establishment flag area of the RAM 55 is equal to "1,"
the flag F1 corresponding to any of the JP bonuses of "MEGA,"
"MAJOR" and "MINI" whose establishment data are not received.
[0426] When the bonus establishment flag F1 is not equal to "1" (NO
in Step S13A), the processing returns to Step S11. Meanwhile, when
the bonus establishment flag F1 is equal to "1" in the processing
in Step S13A (YES in Step S13A), the CPU 52 determines whether or
not time count for a predetermined time period in a timer area of
the RAM 55 is completed (Step S18).
[0427] On the other hand, when the JP bonus establishment data are
received (YES in Step S13), the CPU 52 determines, in the
processing in Step S14, whether or not the flag F1 in the bonus
establishment flag area of the RAM 55 is equal to "1," the flag F1
corresponding to any of the JP bonuses of "MEGA," "MAJOR" and
"MINI" whose establishment data are received.
[0428] If the bonus establishment flag F1 is not equal to "1" (NO
in Step S14), the CPU 52 sets the bonus establishment flag F1
corresponding to one JP bonus out of the three types of "MEGA,"
"MAJOR" and "MINI" whose establishment data are received in Step
S13 equal to "1" (Step S15).
[0429] Further, concerning the slot machine 10 where one of the JP
bonuses is established out of "MEGA," "MAJOR" and "MINI" indicated
by the JP bonus establishment data received from the terminal
station 2, the CPU 52 stores information that this slot machine 10
is the first one where the JP bonus has been established, in a
establishment order storage area in the RAM 55 corresponding to the
JP bonus type (Step S16). Thereafter, the CPU 52 starts time count
for the predetermined time period in the timer area provided in the
RAM 55 (Step S17), and then the processing goes to Step S11.
[0430] Here, this predetermined time period may be set equal to the
time period necessary for one slot game, for example. This
predetermined time period may be stored in the ROM 54 as part of a
program or stored in the RAM 55 as rewritable variable data.
[0431] When the bonus establishment flag F1 is equal to "1" in the
processing in Step S14 (YES), the CPU 52 determines whether or not
time count for the predetermined time period in the timer area of
the RAM 55 is completed (Step S18).
[0432] When time count for the predetermined time period is not
completed (NO in Step S18), concerning the slot machine 10 where
one of the JP bonuses is established out of "MEGA," "MAJOR" and
"MINI" indicated in the JP bonus establishment data received from
the terminal station 2, the CPU 52 stores information that the
order of establishment of the JP bonus in this slot machine 10 is
the order where one is added to the latest order stored in the
establishment order storage area in the RAM 55 corresponding to the
JP bonus type (Step S19). Thereafter, the CPU 52 moves the
processing to Step S11.
[0433] On the other hand, when time count for the predetermined
time period is completed in Step S18 (YES), the CPU 52 sets to "0"
the bonus establishment flag of the RAM 55 for the corresponding JP
bonus (Step S20). Then, the CPU 52 determines the detailed
distribution of the established type of the JP bonus depending on
the order of establishment of the JP bonus stored in the
establishment order storage area of the RAM 55 for the
corresponding JP bonus (Step S21).
[0434] Moreover, the CPU 52 transmits payout instruction data for
the JP bonus to the terminal station 2 in which the slot machine 10
subject to distribution of the JP bonus is located (Step S22). For
example, when "MEGA" is established in a certain slot machine 10
and then "MEGA" is additionally established in two more slot
machines 10 within the predetermined time period starting from the
time point of the first establishment, the CPU 52 transmits the
instruction data for causing the proportional payouts of 10,000
medals respectively to the terminal stations 2 in which those three
slot machines 10 are located.
[0435] The detailed distribution of the JP bonus can be arbitrarily
determined. For example, it is possible to allocate a half of the
JP bonus to the slot machine 10 where the JP bonus is established
in the first place and to allocate the other half proportionally to
the other slot machines 10 where the same type of the JP bonus is
established subsequently. Alternatively, it is also possible to
allocate the JP bonus proportionally to all the slot machines 10
where the same type of the JP bonus is established irrespective of
the temporal order of the JP bonus establishment.
[0436] If there are no other slot machines 10 where the same type
of JP bonus is established before the time count for the
predetermined time period is completed, then it is also possible to
allocate the entire JP bonus to the slot machine 10 where the JP
bonus is established in the first place.
[0437] Next, the CPU 52 subtracts the count value in the counter 58
(Step S23). In this processing, the count value 10,000 equivalent
to the number of medals paid out is subtracted. Thereafter, the
processing returns to Step S11. In this way, the processing by the
host server 1 is executed.
[0438] Next, a processing procedure of the slot machine 10 provided
in each of the terminal stations 2 will be described with reference
to flowcharts in FIG. 37 to FIG. 39.
[0439] First, as shown in FIG. 37, the CPU 106 executes a JP bonus
participation acceptance processing in Step S31. Details of this
processing will be described later with reference to FIG. 38.
[0440] In Step S32, the CPU 106 determines the JP bonus to be
participated in. In this process, the JP bonus accepted for
participation in the processing of Step S31 is determined as the JP
bonus to be participated in. Specifically, any one of "MEGA,"
"MAJOR" and "MINI" is determined as the JP bonus subject to
participation.
[0441] In Step S33, the CPU 106 starts acceptance of medal
insertion. In this processing, the CPU 106 accepts insertion of
medals from each medal insertion slot 21 by each player. When
medals are inserted, each medal sensor 43 detects the number of
inserted medals.
[0442] In Step S34, the CPU 106 adds the credits for the number of
medals inserted and then displays the number of credits after the
addition in a credit display area 49.
[0443] In Step S35, the CPU 106 determines whether or not credits
are bet. In this processing, the CPU 106 determines whether or not
any of the following signal is received: a signal to be outputted
from the BET switch 25 when pressing the BET switch 25, a signal to
be outputted from the MAXBET switch 24 when pressing the MAXBET
switch 24, and a signal to be outputted from the spin repeat BET
switch 26 when pressing the spin repeat BET switch 26. When a
determination is made that no credits are bet, the processing
returns to Step S33.
[0444] On the contrary, when a determination is made in Step S35
that credits are bet, the CPU 106 goes to Step S36 and subtracts
the number of bet credits. In this way, the number of credits after
subtraction of the bet credits is displayed in the credit display
area 49.
[0445] In Step S37, the CPU 106 defines a predetermined proportion
(such as 5%) of the bet credits as the JP count value and transmits
the data of this count value to the host server 1 through the relay
controller 4 and the network 3. When the JP count value transmitted
from the slot machine 10 is received by the host server 1, the
value is counted by the counter 58 in the processing in Step S11 of
FIG. 36.
[0446] In Step S38, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the start
switch 27 is pressed. In this processing, the CPU 106 determines
whether or not a signal to be outputted from the start switch 27
when pressing the start switch 27 is received. When a determination
is made that the start switch 27 is pressed, the CPU 106 determines
whether the JP bonus is established or not established in Step
S39.
[0447] In Step S40, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the JP
bonus is established. When the JP bonus is established, the CPU 106
transmits the JP bonus establishment data to the host server 1
through the relay controller 4 and the network 3 in Step S41.
[0448] In Step S42, the CPU 106 executes a game display processing.
In this game display processing, the CPU 106 executes a processing
of scrolling the symbols displayed in the respective partitioned
regions q11 to q53 on the liquid crystal display 16 and then
stopping the symbols after a lapse of a predetermined time period
to display new symbols in the respective partitioned regions q11 to
q53. An award is granted when the symbols that establish a winning
combination are stopped as a result of the game display processing.
Details of this game display processing for granting the award will
be described later with reference to FIG. 39.
[0449] In Step S43, the CPU 106 executes a payout processing. In
the payout processing, a payout of the medals in the predetermined
number is provided when any of the combinations of the symbols set
in the payout table shown in FIG. 32 is displayed. Meanwhile, when
the JP bonus is established in the processing in Step S40, the
medals will be paid out as the JP bonus.
[0450] The number of medals to be provided as the payout for the JP
bonus corresponds to the payout of the JP bonus determined by the
host server 1. The payout of the JP bonus is notified through the
terminal station 2 in the form of the payout instruction data for
the JP bonus, which is transmitted from the CPU 52 of the host
server 1 to the terminal station 2 in Step S22 of FIG. 36.
Accordingly, the payout processing in Step S43 includes a
processing of receiving the payout instruction data for the JP
bonus from the terminal station 2 when the instruction data to the
applicable slot machine 10 are received by the terminal station
2.
[0451] In this way, the slot games (the unit games) will be
repeatedly executed by reiterating the processings from Steps S31
to S43.
[0452] Next, the JP bonus participation acceptance processing shown
in Step S31 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown
in FIG. 38.
[0453] In Step S51, the CPU 106 displays icons for selecting the
respective ranks of the JP bonuses. In this process, as shown in
FIG. 40, respective icons for "MEGA," "MAJOR" and "MINI" are
displayed on the liquid crystal display 16, and a selective input
of the JP bonus by the player is accepted. When the player touches
an icon, the selected JP bonus is detected by the touch panel
16a.
[0454] In Step S52, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the icon
for "MEGA" is selected. When the icon for "MEGA" is selected, the
CPU 106 sets "MEGA" as the JP bonus in Step S53.
[0455] In Step S54, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the icon
for "MAJOR" is selected. When the icon for "MAJOR" is selected, the
CPU 106 sets "MAJOR" as the JP bonus in Step S55.
[0456] In Step S56, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the icon
for "MINI" is selected. When the icon for "MINI" is selected, the
CPU 106 sets "MINI" as the JP bonus in Step S57.
[0457] By performing the above-described processings, the player
playing with each of slot machines 10 can select the desired rank
of the JP bonus.
[0458] Next, the game display processing shown in Step S42 of FIG.
37 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
39.
[0459] In Step S71, the CPU 106 scrolls the symbols displayed in
the respective partitioned regions q11 to q53. Thereafter, in Step
S72, the CPU 106 stops the symbols in the respective partitioned
regions q11 to q53.
[0460] In Step S73, the CPU 106 determines whether or not a winning
combination is established, on the basis of the symbols stopped in
the fifteen partitioned regions q11 to q53.
[0461] In Step S74, the CPU 106 generates an award corresponding to
the established winning combination. For example, when five "BELL"
symbols are stopped as shown in FIG. 41, the winning combination is
established and a payout equivalent to fifteen medals is provided.
In this way, the game display processing is executed.
[0462] As described above, in the slot system according to the
third embodiment of the present invention, when, in a certain slot
machine 10, any of the JP bonuses is established out of "MEGA,"
"MAJOR" and "MINI," the payout for the established type of the JP
bonus is provided, depending on the order of establishment of the
JP bonus, to the slot machine 10 as well as to other slot machines
10 where the same type of the JP bonus is established within the
predetermined time period from the time point of establishment of
the JP bonus.
[0463] For this reason, even when time required for the host server
1 to recognize establishment of the JP bonus varies among the slot
machines 10 depending on positions or connection states of the slot
machines 10 on the network 3, the JP bonus is distributed to all
the slot machines 10 in which the establishment of the JP bonus is
recognized within the predetermined time period by the host server
1. In this way, variation is provided in the payout amount for the
progressive bonus, and hence it is possible to offer the slot
machine 10 having an excellent entertainment value and a
controlling method thereof.
[0464] In the above-described slot system according to the third
embodiment, when, in the certain slot machine 10, any of the JP
bonuses is established out of "MEGA," "MAJOR" and "MINI" and the
same type of the JP bonus is established by other slot machines
within the predetermined time period (such as the predetermined
time period equivalent to a single slot game), the payout for the
established type of the JP bonus respectively is provided to the
slot machines 10 depending on the order of establishment of the JP
bonus.
[0465] Instead, when the JP bonus is established in a certain slot
machine 10, it is also possible to cause the slot machine 10 and
the other slot machines 10 where the JP bonus is established within
the predetermined time period after the establishment of the JP
bonus in the certain slot machine 10 to execute bonus games after
establishment of the JP bonus, and to determine the distribution of
the JP bonus to the respective slot machines 10 depending on the
order of completion of the bonus games.
[0466] Now, a slot system according to a modified example of the
third embodiment of the present invention configured to determine
the distribution of the JP bonus depending on the order of
completion of the bonus games at the time of establishment of the
JP bonus will be described below. FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing a
processing procedure of the host server in the slot system
according to the modified example of the third embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing a processing
procedure of the slot machine in the slot system according to the
modified example of the third embodiment of the present
invention.
[0467] In this modified example, when the CPU 52 of the host server
1 does not receive (NO) any JP bonus establishment data for "MEGA,"
"MAJOR" and "MINI" from the terminal stations 2 in Step S13 in the
processing of FIG. 36 to be executed by the CPU 52 of the host
server 1 in the slot system of the third embodiment, the CPU 52
determines whether or not the JP bonus establishment flag F1 of the
RAM 55 is equal to "1" as shown in FIG. 42 (Step S13A).
[0468] The CPU 52 moves to the processing in Step S11 when the
bonus establishment flag F1 is not equal to "1" (NO in Step S13A)
Meanwhile, the processing goes to Step S19B to be described later
when the bonus establishment flag F1 is equal to "1" (YES in Step
S13A).
[0469] In this modified example, either when the flag F1 in the
bonus establishment flag area of the RAM 55 is set to "1" in Step
S15 in the processing of FIG. 36 to be executed by the CPU 52 of
the host server 1 in the slot system of the third embodiment or
when the determination is made that time count for the
predetermined time period in the timer area of the RAM 55 is
completed (YES) in Step S18, the CPU 52 of the host server 1
transmits bonus game start instruction data to the terminal station
2 which is the sender of the JP bonus establishment data received
in Step S13 (Step S16A, Step S19A) instead of storing the order of
establishment of the JP bonus in the RAM 55 (Step S16, Step
S19).
[0470] Moreover, in this modified example, in Step S19B to take
place when the bonus establishment flag F1 is equal to "1" (YES) in
Step S13A, the CPU 52 determines whether or not all the bonus games
started in the slot machines 10 in which the JP bonus is
established are completed. This determination may be conducted by
determining whether or not bonus game completion instruction data
outputted after completion of the bonus games are received from the
slot machines 10 where the JP bonus is established.
[0471] If any part of the bonus games are not completed (NO in Step
S19B), the CPU 52 moves to the processing in Step S11. When all the
bonus games are completed (YES in Step S19B), the CPU 52 sets to
"0" the bonus establishment flag of the RAM 55 for the
corresponding type of the JP bonus (Step S20), and then determines
the detailed distribution of JP bonus of the type established in
the respective slot machines 10 which execute the bonus games,
depending on the order of completion of the bonus games (Step
S21A).
[0472] The contents of the processings of FIG. 42 to be executed by
the CPU 52 of the host server 1 in this modified example are the
same as the contents of the processings of FIG. 36 to be executed
by the CPU 52 of the host server 1 in the slot system of the third
embodiment except the portions described above.
[0473] In this modified example, when the winning combination is
not established in Step S73 in the processing of FIG. 39 to be
executed by the CPU 106 of the slot machine 10 in the slot system
of the third embodiment, the CPU 106 of the slot machine 10
determines whether or not a JP bonus trigger is established based
on the symbols stopped in the fifteen partitioned regions q11 to
q53 as shown in FIG. 43 (Step S75).
[0474] The game display processing is terminated when the JP bonus
trigger is not established (NO in Step S75). When the JP bonus
trigger is established (YES in Step S75), a determination is made
as to whether or not the bonus game start instruction data
transmitted from the home server 1 to the relevant slot machine 10
is received from the terminal station 2 (Step S76).
[0475] When the bonus game start instruction data are not received
(NO in Step S76), Step S76 is repeated until the data are received.
When the data are received (YES in Step S76), the bonus game is
started (Step S77). The bonus game is displayed on the liquid
crystal display 16 of the slot machine 10. The bonus game is a game
called "Big or Small" for guessing whether a card 17C placed with
its face down as shown in FIG. 44 has a number above (Big) or below
(Small) "7."
[0476] When the player guesses that the card 17C is above "7"
(Big), the player touches a "Big" button 17A displayed on the
liquid crystal display 16. On the contrary, when the player guesses
that the card 17C is below "7" (Small), the player touches a
"Small" button 17B displayed on the liquid crystal display 16. The
touch operations on these buttons 17A and 17B are detected by the
touch panel 16a. The card 17C with its face down is disclosed
thereafter. When the disclosed card 17C matches the guess by the
player, the player wins (WIN) as shown in FIG. 45. If the disclosed
card 17C does not match the guess, the player loses (LOSE) as shown
in FIG. 46. The bonus games are completed when the player wins
three games.
[0477] When the bonus games started in Step S77 are completed by
three winnings in the "Big or Small" games by the player (YES in
Step S78), the CPU 106 transmits the bonus game completion
instruction data to the terminal station 2 (Step S79). Thus the
game display processing is terminated.
[0478] In this way, in the slot system according to the modified
example of the third embodiment of the present invention, when, in
a certain slot machine 10, any of the JP bonuses is established out
of "MEGA," "MAJOR" and "MINI," the bonus games are started with
that slot machine 10. Meanwhile, when the same type of the JP bonus
is established by other slot machines 10 within the predetermined
time period from the point of establishment of the JP bonus 10 on
the first slot machine 10, the bonus games are also started with
the other slot machines 10. Then, the payout for the established
type of the JP bonus are distributed to all the slot machines 10
that started the bonus games, depending on the order of completion
of the bonus games.
[0479] For this reason, even when time required for recognition of
establishment of the JP bonus varies among the slot machines 10
depending on positions or connection states of the slot machines 10
on the network 3, the JP bonus is distributed to all the slot
machines 10 in which the establishment of the JP bonus is
recognized within the predetermined time period by the host server
1. In this way, variation is provided in the payout amount for the
progressive bonus, and hence it is possible to offer the slot
machine 10 having an excellent entertainment value and a
controlling method thereof.
[0480] Moreover, the distribution of the JP bonus is determined
based on the order of completion of the bonus games in the
respective slot machines 10 in which the JP bonus is established.
Accordingly, even when establishment of the JP bonus takes place
later than other slot machines 10, it is still possible to change
(increase) the distribution of the JP bonus by completing the bonus
games earlier. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the
entertainment value as the slot system by allowing the player to
exert his skill to change the distribution of the JP bonus.
[0481] Next, a slot system according to a fourth embodiment of the
present invention and a controlling method thereof will be
described. As described previously, the host server 1 shown in FIG.
26 is omitted in the slot system according to the fourth
embodiment. Therefore, the slot system according to the fourth
embodiment has a configuration as shown in FIG. 47.
[0482] Moreover, in the slot system according to the fourth
embodiment, one of the slot machines 10 in any of the terminal
stations 2 is provided with the functions of the host server 1. For
this reason, in contrast to the configuration of the slot machine
10 in the slot system of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 31, a
counter 129 is added to the slot machine 10 in the slot system
according to the fourth embodiment as shown in FIG. 48. Moreover,
in order to provide the slot machine 10 with the functions of the
host server 1, the probability table for each of the "MEGA,"
"MAJOR" and "MINI" bonuses as shown in FIG. 34 is set in a RAM 110
of the slot machine 10 in the slot system according to the fourth
embodiment.
[0483] In the above-described slot system according to the fourth
embodiment, the CPU 106 in each of the slot machine 10 executes the
processings in accordance with the procedures respectively shown in
the flowcharts in FIG. 37 to FIG. 39. Moreover, in the slot system
according to the fourth embodiment, one of the slot machines 10
that starts the slot game in the first place is set as a host
machine while the rest of the slot machines 10 are set as client
machines. If the player of the slot machine 10 set as the host
machine terminates the games in this slot machine 10 by operating
the payout switch 23 to discharge the medals, for example, another
slot machine 10 which is the second earliest to start the slot
games changes its status from the client machine to the host
machine.
[0484] The slot machine 10 set as the host machine is provided with
the functions as the host server 1 in the slot system according to
the third embodiment. Therefore, the slot machine 10 set as the
host machine further executes a processing in accordance with a
procedure shown in a flowchart of FIG. 49.
[0485] As shown in FIG. 49, the CPU 106 of the slot machine 10 set
as the host machine determines in Step S111 as to whether or not
the data on the JP count values are respectively received from the
terminal stations 2. When the data on the JP count values are not
received (NO in Step S111), the processing goes to Step S113. When
the data on the JP count values are received (YES in Step S111),
the total JP count value stored in the counter 129 is counted up
based on the received JP count values (Step S112). Therefore, the
counter 129 stores the aggregate value of the JP count values bet
on the respective slot machines 10 (including the slot machine 10
functioning as the host machine) in the multiple terminal stations
2.
[0486] In Step S113, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the JP
bonus establishment data on any one of "MEGA," "MAJOR" and "MINI"
are received from each of the terminal stations 2. The JP bonus
establishment data received in this processing also include the JP
bonus establishment data established by the slot machine 10
functioning as the host machine. When the JP bonus establishment
data are not received (NO in Step S113), the processing returns to
Step S111.
[0487] On the other hand, when the JP bonus establishment data are
received (YES in Step S113), the CPU 106 determines in the
processing in Step S114 as to whether or not the flag F1 is set to
"1," the flag F1 being in the bonus establishment flag area of the
RAM 110 and corresponding to any one of the JP bonuses out of
"MEGA," "MAJOR" and "MINI" represented by the received
establishment data.
[0488] If the bonus establishment flag F1 is not "1" (NO in Step
S114), the CPU 106 sets to "1" the flag F1 corresponding to any one
of the JP bonuses out of "MEGA," "MAJOR" and "MINI" represented by
the establishment data received in Step S113 (Step S115).
[0489] Further, concerning the slot machine 10 where one of the JP
bonuses is established out of "MEGA," "MAJOR" and "MINI" indicated
in the JP bonus establishment data received from the terminal
station 2, the CPU 106 stores information that this slot machine 10
is the first one where the JP bonus has been established in the
establishment order storage area in the RAM 55 corresponding to the
JP bonus type (Step S116). Thereafter, the CPU 106 starts time
count for the predetermined time period in the timer area provided
in the RAM 110 (Step S117), and then the processing goes to Step
S111.
[0490] Here, this predetermined time period may be set equal to the
time period necessary for one slot game, for example. This
predetermined time period may be stored in the ROM 108 as part of a
program or stored in the RAM 110 as rewritable variable data.
[0491] When the bonus establishment flag F1 is equal to "1" in the
processing in Step S114 (YES), the CPU 106 determines whether or
not time count for the predetermined time period in the timer area
of the RAM 110 is completed (Step S118).
[0492] When time count for the predetermined time period is not
completed (NO in Step S118), concerning the slot machine 10 where
one of the JP bonuses is established out of "MEGA," "MAJOR" and
"MINI" indicated in the JP bonus establishment data received from
the terminal station 2, the CPU 106 stores information that the
order of establishment of the JP bonus in this slot machine 10 is
the order where one is added to the latest order stored in the
establishment order storage area in the RAM 110 corresponding to
the JP bonus type (Step S119). Thereafter, the CPU 106 moves to the
processing in Step S111.
[0493] On the other hand, when time count for the predetermined
time period is completed in Step S118 (YES), the CPU 106 sets to
"0" the bonus establishment flag of the RAM 110 for the relevant
type of the JP bonus (Step S120). Then, the CPU 106 determines the
detailed distribution of the established type of the JP bonus
depending on the order of establishment of the JP bonus stored in
the establishment order storage area of the RAM 110 for the
corresponding JP bonus (Step S121).
[0494] Moreover, the CPU 106 transmits the payout instruction data
for the JP bonus to the terminal station 2 in which the slot
machine 10 subject to distribution of the JP bonus is located (Step
S122). For example, when "MEGA" is established in a certain slot
machine 10 and then "MEGA" is additionally established in two more
slot machines 10 within the predetermined time period starting from
the time point of the first establishment, the CPU 106 transmits
the instruction data for causing the proportional payouts of 10,000
medals respectively to the terminal stations 2 in which those three
slot machines 10 are located.
[0495] The detailed distribution of the JP bonus can be arbitrarily
determined. For example, it is possible to allocate a half of the
JP bonus to the slot machine 10 where the JP bonus is established
in the first place and to allocate the other half proportionally to
the other slot machines 10 where the same type of the JP bonus is
established subsequently. Alternatively, it is also possible to
allocate the JP bonus proportionally to all the slot machines 10
where the same type of the JP bonus is established irrespective of
the temporal order of the JP bonus establishment.
[0496] If there are no other slot machines 10 where the same type
of JP bonus is established before the time count for the
predetermined time period is completed, then it is also possible to
allocate the entire JP bonus to the slot machine 10 where the JP
bonus is established in the first place.
[0497] Further, if the slot machine 10 functioning as the host
machine is included in the slot machines 10 to be provided with the
payout for the JP bonus, it is also possible to omit transmission
of the payout instruction data for the JP bonus for the slot
machine 10 functioning as the host machine to the terminal station
2 to which the slot machine 10 is connected, and to execute the
processing on the assumption that the payout instruction data for
the JP bonus for the slot machine 10 are received from the terminal
station 2.
[0498] Next, the CPU 106 subtracts the count value in the counter
129 (Step S123). In this process, the count value 10,000 equivalent
to the number of medals paid out is subtracted. Thereafter, the
processing returns to Step S111. In this way, the processing by the
slot machine 10 set as the host machine is executed.
[0499] As described above, in the slot system according to the
fourth embodiment of the present invention, similarly to the slot
system according to the third embodiment, when, in a certain slot
machine 10, any of the JP bonuses is established out of "MEGA,"
"MAJOR" and "MINI," the payout for the established type of the JP
bonus is provided to the slot machine 10 as well as to other slot
machines 10 where the same type of the JP bonus is established
within the predetermined time period from the time point of
establishment of the JP bonus, depending on the order of
establishment of the JP bonus.
[0500] For this reason, even when time required by the slot machine
10 set as the host machine for recognition of establishment of the
JP bonus in the slot machine 10 varies depending on positions or
connection states of the slot machines 10 on the network 3, the JP
bonus is distributed to all the slot machines 10 in which the
establishment of the JP bonus is recognized within the
predetermined time period. In this way, variation is provided in
the payout amount for the progressive bonus, and hence it is
possible to offer the slot machine 10 having an excellent
entertainment value and a controlling method thereof.
[0501] Concerning the above-described slot system of the fourth
embodiment, it is also possible to configure a similar modified
example to the case of the slot system according to the third
embodiment.
[0502] Specifically, when the JP bonus is established in a certain
slot machine 10, it is also possible to cause the slot machine 10
and the other slot machines 10 where the JP bonus is established
within the predetermined time period after the establishment of the
JP bonus in the certain slot machine 10 to execute bonus games
after establishment of the JP bonus, and to determine the
distribution of the JP bonus to the respective slot machines 10
depending on the order of completion of the bonus games.
[0503] Now, a slot system according to a modified example of the
fourth embodiment of the present invention configured to determine
the distribution of the JP bonus depending on the order of
completion of the bonus games at the time of establishment of the
JP bonus will be described below. FIG. 50 is a flowchart showing a
processing procedure of the slot machine set as the host machine in
the slot system according to the modified example of the fourth
embodiment of the present invention.
[0504] In this modified example, the CPU 106 of the slot machine 10
set as the host machine performs a procedure shown in FIG. 50 in
addition to the procedures shown in the flowcharts of FIG. 37, FIG.
38, and FIG. 43 to be executed by the CPU 106 of each of the slot
machines 10 in the slot system according to the modified example of
the third embodiment.
[0505] To be more precise, in Step S211, the CPU 106 determines
whether or not the data on the JP count values are respectively
received from the terminal stations 2. When the data on the JP
count values are not received (NO in Step S211), the processing
goes to Step S213. When the data on the JP count values are
received (YES in Step S211), the total JP count value stored in the
counter 129 is counted up based on the received JP count values
(Step S212). Therefore, the counter 129 stores the aggregate value
of the JP count values bet on the respective slot machines 10 in
the multiple terminal stations 2.
[0506] In Step S213, the CPU 106 determines whether or not JP bonus
establishment data on any one of "MEGA," "MAJOR" and "MINI" are
received from each of the terminal stations 2. The JP bonus
establishment data received in this processing also include the JP
bonus establishment data established by the slot machine 10
functioning as the host machine. When the JP bonus establishment
data are not received (NO in Step S213), a determination is made
whether or not the bonus establishment flag F1 of the RAM 110 is
set to "1" (Step S213A).
[0507] When the bonus establishment flag F1 is not equal to "1" (NO
in Step S213A), the processing goes to Step S211. When the bonus
establishment flag is equal to "1" (YES in Step S213A) the
processing goes to Step S219B to be described later.
[0508] On the other hand, when the JP bonus establishment data are
received (YES in Step S213), the CPU 106 determines in the
processing in Step S214 as to whether or not the flag F1 in the
bonus establishment flag area of the RAM 110 is set to "1," the
flag F1 corresponding to any one of the JP bonuses out of "MEGA,"
"MAJOR" and "MINI" represented by the received establishment
data.
[0509] If the bonus establishment flag F1 is not equal to "1" (NO
in Step S214), the CPU 106 sets to "1" the flag F1 corresponding to
any one of the three types of JP bonuses of "MEGA," "MAJOR" and
"MINI" represented by the establishment data received in Step S213
(Step S215).
[0510] Further, the CPU 106 transmits the bonus game start
instruction data to the terminal station 2 which is the sender of
the JP bonus establishment data received in Step S213 (Step S216A).
Thereafter, the CPU 106 starts time count for the predetermined
time period in the timer area provided in the RAM 110 (Step S217),
and then the processing goes to Step S211.
[0511] Here, this predetermined time period may be set equal to the
time period necessary for one slot game, for example. This
predetermined time period may be stored in the ROM 108 as part of a
program or stored in the RAM 110 as rewritable variable data.
[0512] When the bonus establishment flag F1 is equal to "1" in the
processing in Step S214 (YES), the CPU 106 determines whether or
not time count for the predetermined time period in the timer area
of the RAM 110 is completed (Step S218).
[0513] When time count for the predetermined time period is not
completed (NO in Step S218), the CPU 106 transmits the bonus game
start instruction data to the terminal station 2 which is the
sender of the JP bonus establishment data received in Step S213
(Step S219A). Then, the CPU 106 moves to the processing in Step
S211.
[0514] On the other hand, when time count for the predetermined
time period is completed in Step S218 (YES), the CPU 106 sets, to
"0," the bonus establishment flag of the RAM 110 for the
corresponding JP bonus (Step S220). Then, the CPU 106 determines
the detailed distribution of the JP bonus of the type established
in each of the slot machines 10 which executed the bonus games,
depending on the order of completion of the bonus games (Step
S221A).
[0515] Except the above-described portions, the contents of the
processings, shown in FIG. 50, executed by the CPU 106 of the slot
machine 10 set as the host machine in this modified example are the
same as the contents of the processings, in Step S122 and Step S123
of FIG. 49, executed by the CPU 106 of the slot machine 10 set as
the host machine in the slot system of the fourth embodiment.
[0516] As described above, in the slot system according to the
modified example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention
similarly to the slot system according to the modified example of
the third embodiment, when, in a certain slot machine 10, any of
the JP bonuses is established out of "MEGA," "MAJOR" and "MINI,"
the bonus games are started in that slot machine 10. Moreover,
when, in other slot machines 10, the same type of the JP bonus is
established within the predetermined time period from the time
point of establishment of the JP bonus in the first slot machine
10, the bonus games are also started in those other slot machines
10. Then, the payout for the JP bonus of the established type is
distributed to all the slot machines that started the bonus games
depending on the order of completion of the bonus games.
[0517] For this reason, even when time required by the slot machine
10 set as the host machine for recognition of establishment of the
JP bonus in the slot machine 10 varies depending on a position or a
state of connection of the slot machines 10 on the network 3, the
JP bonus is distributed to all the slot machines 10 in which the
establishment of the JP bonus is recognized within the
predetermined time period. In this way, variation is provided in
the payout amount for the progressive bonus, and hence it is
possible to offer the slot machine 10 having an excellent
entertainment value and a controlling method thereof.
[0518] Moreover, the distribution of the JP bonus is determined
based on the order of completion of the bonus games in the
respective slot machines 10 in which the JP bonus is established.
Accordingly, even when establishment of the JP bonus takes place
later than other slot machines 10, it is still possible to change
(increase) the distribution of the JP bonus by completing the bonus
games earlier. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the
entertainment value as the slot system by allowing the player to
exert his skill to change the distribution of the JP bonus.
[0519] The slot system and the control method of the present
invention have been described above with reference to certain
illustrated embodiments. However, it is to be understood that the
present invention will not be limited only to these embodiments and
that the configurations of the respective constituents can be
replaced by other arbitrary configuration having similar
functions.
[0520] For example, in the above-described embodiments, the liquid
crystal display 16 is configured to have fifteen partitioned
regions q11 to q53 that are defined by five columns and three rows.
However, it is possible to determine, as needed, the number of
columns and rows in the matrix of the partitioned regions that
constitutes the display.
5th to 7th Embodiments
[0521] In these embodiments, step numbers shown in flow charts may
be redundantly presented in other embodiments, but they are used
independently from the other embodiments.
[0522] Now, a gaming (slot) system according to embodiments of the
present invention and a controlling method thereof will be
described with reference to FIG. 51 to FIG. 56.
[0523] FIG. 51 is a flowchart showing an outline of operations and
a controlling method of a slot system according to fifth to seventh
embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 52 is an explanatory
view showing a network configuration of the slot system according
to the fifth to seventh embodiments of the present invention. FIG.
53 is an explanatory view showing a configuration of a terminal
station in the slot system according to the fifth to seventh
embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 54 is an explanatory
view showing a display example on a main display in the slot system
according to the fifth to seventh embodiments of the present
invention. FIG. 55 is a perspective view of a slot machine in the
slot system according to the fifth to seventh embodiments of the
present invention. FIG. 56 is an explanatory view showing a display
example of a link participation condition display screen on a
liquid crystal display of the slot machine in the slot system
according to the fifth to seventh embodiments of the present
invention.
[0524] In the slot system according to the fifth to seventh
embodiments as shown in FIG. 52, multiple (three pieces in the
drawing) terminal stations 2 are connected to one another through a
network 3. In the slot system according to the first and sixth
embodiments, a host server 1 is also connected to the network 3.
Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 53, each terminal station 2 includes
multiple slot machines 10 (gaming machines), a relay controller 4,
a main display 5, and a count display 6.
[0525] Each of the slot machines 10 is capable of executing a slot
game (a unit game) operated by a player and participating in one or
more of multiple links that are present at the same time. The slot
machines 10 participating in each link share a JP bonus (a
progressive bonus) with one another.
[0526] In this embodiment, links are set for three types of JP
bonuses, namely, "MEGA," "MAJOR" and "MINI." Therefore, the player
of each slot machine 10 can participate in any one of "MEGA,"
"MAJOR" and "MINI."
[0527] Multiple links respectively set for various types of JP
bonuses have individual participation conditions. These
participation conditions for the links are stored in a RAM 55 (see
FIG. 60) of a host server 1 in a slot system according to first and
sixth embodiments or stored in a RAM 110 (see FIG. 58) of a slot
machine out of slot machines 10 in a slot system according to a
seventh embodiment. The stored participation conditions for the
links are displayed on a liquid crystal display 16 of the slot
machine shown in FIG. 55 when each slot machine 10 requests its
participation in any of the links.
[0528] The JP bonuses "MEGA," "MAJOR" and "MINI" are set to have
different establishment probabilities and different payout (award)
amounts at the time of establishment from one another. Details will
be described later. Although this embodiment describes the example
of using three ranks of the JP bonuses, namely, "MEGA," "MAJOR" and
"MINI," the present invention is not limited only to the
configuration that includes three types of the JP bonuses.
[0529] When a JP bonus is established in each slot machine 10, a
payout (an award) corresponding to the JP bonus that this slot
machine 10 participates in is provided. For example, when the JP
bonus is established in the slot machine 10 participating in the
"MINI," 1000 medals, the payout amount of the "MINI," are paid
out.
[0530] A player of each slot machine 10 is able to participate in
any link with the JP bonus out of "MEGA," "MAJOR," and "MINI" and
to execute a slot game. When the players of the multiple slot
machines 10 participate in a certain link and any of the JP bonuses
out of "MEGA," "MAJOR," and "MINI" is established among the
multiple slot machines 10 in the link within a predetermined period
(such as a time period required for one session of the slot game),
the number of payout set for the established JP bonus is
distributed to the multiple slot machines 10 that establish the JP
bonus within the predetermined period.
[0531] The relay controller 4 is connected to the multiple terminal
stations 2 through the network 3. The relay controller 4 transmits
some of a bet (a bet amount) bet on each slot machine 10 to the
host server 1 as a JP count value, receives data on a total JP
count value stored in the host server 1, and displays this count
value on the count display 6. Meanwhile, various data for the
progress of the games are displayed on the main display 5. For
example, if "MAJOR" is established in any of the slot machines 10,
a character string stating "CONGRATULATIONS! A "MAJOR" BONUS IS
ESTABLISHED RIGHT NOW ON MACHINE NO. XX!" is displayed as shown in
FIG. 54, for example.
[0532] In the fifth to seventh embodiments of the present
invention, when firstly each slot machine 10 requests its
participation in the link as shown in FIG. 51 (YES in Step S1), the
participation conditions for the links stored in the RAM 55 of the
host server 1 or 110 of one of the slot machines 10 are displayed
on the liquid crystal display 16 of the slot machine 10 that makes
the request (Step S2).
[0533] As shown in a link participation condition display screen in
FIG. 56, for example, the participation conditions for the links
are displayed in a list format on the liquid crystal display 16
together with names of the links, count values (progressive values)
of the JP bonuses shared by the slot machines 10 that participate
in the links, and the number of the participating slot machines 10.
By touching the link name of one of the multiple links displayed on
the liquid crystal display 16 to select the one whose participation
condition the player wants to show agreement with, the player can
actually confirm the agreement with the participation
condition.
[0534] When an agreement with the participation condition of one
link out of the displayed links is made on the slot machine 10
having the display 16 that displays the link participation
condition display screen (YES in Step S3), the slot machine 10
participates in the link having the agreed participation condition
(Step S4).
[0535] After the slot machine 10 participates in the link, some of
a wager (a bet amount) on a slot game is counted, at each time of
execution of the slot game (a unit game) by the slot machine 10, as
a resource (a progressive bonus value) for the JP bonus shared by
the link in which the slot machine 10 participates (Step S5).
[0536] To be more precise, the player can bet a wager on a slot
game by inserting medals or coins, which are cashable credits that
can be converted into cash, into the slot machine 10.
Alternatively, the player can also bet a wager by allocating a
designated amount of restricted credits, which can be used as bets
continuously before being cashed out, to the bet by means of the
player's operation of the slot machine 10.
[0537] In the following description, a unit of the wager that can
be bet by use of the cashable credits or the restricted credits
described above will be referred to as a "credit." For example,
when one medal or coin is inserted into the slot machine 10 by the
player as the wager, this action is equivalent to betting "one
credit" to the wager. Meanwhile, when two restricted credits are
allocated to the wager by the player's operation of the slot
machine 10, this action is equivalent to betting "two credits" to
the wager.
[0538] It is possible to cause a counter provided in the host
server 1 to perform the counting of the JP bonus in Step S5 as in a
slot system of the first and sixth embodiments to be described
later, or to cause a counter provided in each slot machine 10 to
perform the counting as in a slot system of the seventh embodiment
to be described later. When the counter is provided in each of the
slot machines 10, the counter of one of the slot machines 10 that
is set as a host machine may be caused to count the resource for
the JP bonus on behalf of all the slot machines 10.
[0539] Concerning the procedure from Step S1 to Step S4, it is also
possible to cause the host server 1 to perform the procedure or to
cause each slot machine 10 to perform the procedure similarly to
the counting of the JP bonus in Step S5. When the counter is
provided in each of the slot machines 10, the counter of one of the
slot machines 10 that is set as the host machine may be caused to
perform the procedure from Step S1 to Step S4 on behalf of all the
slot machines 10.
[0540] In the fifth to seventh embodiments of the present
invention, the above-described procedure from Step S1 to Step S5 is
repeated.
[0541] According to the slot system and the control method thereof
of the first to seventh embodiment described above, each of the
slot machines 10 of the multiple terminal stations 2 connected
through a network 3 participates in the desired link and shares the
JP bonus with other participants (the players of the slot machines
10) by confirming any of the participation conditions for the links
displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 and then agreeing with
the participation condition.
[0542] For this reason, it is possible to provide the slot machine
10 having an excellent entertaining property with a variety of the
JP bonuses and the control method thereof by allowing each of the
players of the slot machines 10 to select and participate in a
desired link among the links having mutually different
participation conditions.
[0543] Next, the slot system according to the fifth embodiment of
the present invention and the controlling method thereof will be
described in detail with reference to FIG. 57 to FIG. 81 in
addition to FIG. 52 to FIG. 56 already referred above. As described
previously, the slot system according to the fifth embodiment
includes the host server 1 shown in FIG. 52.
[0544] FIG. 57 is an explanatory view of partitioned regions for
displaying symbols on a liquid crystal display of the slot machine
in the slot system according to the fifth embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 58 is a block diagram showing an electrical
configuration of a controller and connected devices provided in the
slot machine in the slot system according to the fifth embodiment
of the present invention. FIG. 59 is an explanatory view showing an
example of a payout table to be stored in a RAM of the controller
provided in the slot machine in the slot system according to the
fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 60 is a block
diagram showing an electrical configuration of the host server in
the slot system according to the fifth embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 61 is an explanatory view showing an example of a
probability table to be stored in the RAM of the host server in the
slot system according to the fifth embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 62 is an explanatory view showing an electrical
configuration of the relay controller in the slot system according
to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[0545] As shown in FIG. 55, the slot machine 10 includes a cabinet
11, a top box 12 provided on an upper side of the cabinet 11, and a
main door 13 provided on a front face of the cabinet 11. The
cabinet 11 is provided with a liquid crystal display 16 on a face
opposed to a player. Meanwhile, disposed inside the cabinet 11 are
various constituent members including a controller 40 (see FIG. 58)
configured to electrically control the slot machine 10 and a hopper
44 (see FIG. 58) configured to control insertion, storage, and
payouts of the medals.
[0546] In this embodiment, although medals are mentioned as an
example of game media used for executing the games, the game media
are not limited only to the medals. For example, it is also
possible to use coins, tokens, electronic money, and electronic
value information (credits) corresponding thereto.
[0547] The main door 13 is openably and closably fitted to the
cabinet 11, and the liquid crystal display 16 is provided
substantially in the center of this main door 13. As shown in FIG.
57, the liquid crystal display 16 is provided with fifteen
partitioned regions q11 to q53 in total defined in three rows by
five columns, and various symbols are displayed in the respective
partitioned regions q11 to q53. Specifically, when a slot game is
initiated, the symbols displayed in the respective partitioned
regions q11 to q53 start scroll display at the same time and are
stopped simultaneously after passage of a predetermined time
period. Then, a payout is provided based on a combination of the
symbols stopped in the respective partitioned regions q11 to q53.
For example, a payout is provided when a predetermined number of
scatter symbols are stopped in the fifteen partitioned regions q11
to q53.
[0548] Here, as shown in FIG. 57, a two-digit suffix attached to
the partitioned region "q" indicates the "column" and the "row."
For example, the portioned region on the first column and the first
row is indicated as "q11" while the partitioned region on the fifth
column and the third row is indicated as "q53."
[0549] Meanwhile, a credit display region 49 for displaying current
credits and a payout amount display region 48 for displaying a
payout amount are provided in a lower left region of the liquid
crystal display 16.
[0550] A medal insertion slot 21 for allowing insertion of medals
used for playing the games and a bill validator 22 configured to
validate appropriate bills and to accept authentic bills are
provided below the liquid crystal display 16. Moreover, various
operation switches are provided near the medal insertion slot 21
and the bill validator 22.
[0551] A payout switch 23, a MAXBET switch 24, a BET switch 25, a
spin repeat BET switch 26, and a start switch 27 are provided as
the operation switches.
[0552] The BET switch 25 is a switch for determining the number of
credits to be bet on the slot game executed on the liquid crystal
display 16. As will be described later, a credit equivalent to one
medal is bet every time the BET switch 25 is pressed.
[0553] The spin repeat BET switch 26 is a switch for executing the
slot game by betting the credits again without changing the amount
of credits bet in the previous game by use of the above-described
BET switch 25.
[0554] The start switch 27 is a switch for starting the slot game
after betting a desired amount of credits. The slot game is started
on the liquid crystal display 16 when this start switch 27 is
pressed after inserting the medals to the medal insertion slot 21
or betting the credits with the BET switch 25.
[0555] The payout switch 23 is a switch for paying out the credited
medals. The medals to be paid out are discharged from a medal
payout opening 19 provided at a lower part on the front face of the
main door 13. The discharged medals are pooled in a medal tray
18.
[0556] The MAXBET switch 24 is a switch for betting the maximum
amount of credits (e.g., credits corresponding to thirty medals)
that the player can bet in one game session in a single
operation.
[0557] A foot display 34 is provided on the lower part of the front
face of the main door 13 and is configured to display various
images related to the games on the slot machine 10. The images
include characters of the slot machine 10, for example.
[0558] Lamps 47 are provided on both sides of the foot display 34
and are configured to emit light on the basis of a preset light
emission pattern for the game executed by the slot machine 10. The
medal payout opening 19 for discharging the payout medals and the
medal tray 18 for storing the paid medals are provided below the
foot display 34.
[0559] A speaker 29 is provided on a side face of the top box 12.
Moreover, an upper display 33 is provided on a front face of the
top box 12. The upper display 33 includes a display panel which
displays various images such as character images that are related
to the slot game.
[0560] A ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a data display 37,
and a keypad 38 are provided on a lower side of the upper display
33.
[0561] The ticket printer 35 is configured to print on a ticket a
bar code encoding data including the amount of payouts, date and
time, an identification number of the slot machine 10, and the like
and to output the ticket as a bar coded ticket 39. A player is able
to allow another slot machine to read the bar coded ticket 39 and
to play games with that slot machine or to exchange the bar coded
ticket 39 with bills in various currencies and the like at a
predetermined location in a gaming facility (such as a cashier in a
casino).
[0562] The card reader 36 allows insertion of a smart card and is
configured to read data out of the inserted smart card and to write
data into the smart card. The smart card is a card carried by the
player, which stores data for identifying the player, data for a
history of games played by the player, and so forth. The smart card
may also be configured to store data for coins, bills or credits.
Alternatively, it is possible to employ a magnetic stripe card
instead of the smart card.
[0563] The data display 37 is made of a fluorescent display, for
example, and is for displaying data read out by the card reader 36
or data inputted with the keypad 38 by the player. The keypad 38 is
for inputting an instruction for ticket issuance and other
data.
[0564] FIG. 58 is a block diagram showing an electrical
configuration of a controller 40 (a terminal controller) provided
in the slot machine 10 of this embodiment and of various devices to
be connected to this controller 40. The controller 40 of the slot
machine 10 shown in FIG. 58 is a microcomputer which includes an
interface circuit group 102, an input-output bus 104, a CPU 106, a
ROM 108, a RAM 110, a communication interface circuit 111, a random
number generator 112, a speaker driving circuit 122, a hopper
driving circuit 124, a display driving circuit 128, and a display
controller 140.
[0565] The interface circuit group 102 is connected to the
input-output bus 104 and this input-output bus 104 inputs and
outputs data signals and address signals to and from the CPU
106.
[0566] The start switch 27 is connected to the interface circuit
group 102. A start signal outputted from this start switch 27 is
converted into a given signal by the interface circuit group 102
and is then transmitted to the CPU 106 through the input-output bus
104.
[0567] Further, the BET switch 25, the MAXBET switch 24, the spin
repeat BET switch 26, and the payout switch 23 are connected to the
interface circuit group 102. Moreover, switching signals outputted
from these switches 25, 24, 26, and 23 are respectively supplied to
the interface circuit group 102, then converted into given signals
by this interface circuit group 102, and then transmitted to the
CPU 106 through the input-output bus 104.
[0568] In addition, a medal sensor 43 is connected to the interface
circuit group 102. The medal sensor 43 is a sensor for detecting
medals inserted to the medal insertion slot 21, and is provided at
a medal insertion region of the medal insertion slot 21. A
detection signal outputted from this medal sensor 43 is supplied to
the interface circuit group 102, then converted into a given signal
by this interface circuit group 102, and then transmitted to the
CPU 106 through the input-output bus 104.
[0569] The hopper driving circuit 124 is connected to the hopper 44
and causes a payout of the medals to the hopper 44, the number of
medals being based on a payout instruction signal transmitted from
the CPU 106.
[0570] The speaker driving circuit 122 outputs sound data to the
speaker 29 to output predetermined sounds from the speaker 29.
[0571] The display driving circuit 128 transmits display data of
the number of payout and the number of credits so as to display the
display data on the payout display region 48 and the credit display
region 49, respectively.
[0572] The display controller 140 outputs display data to be
displayed on the liquid crystal display 16. Further, the display
controller 140 inputs an operation signal by use of a touch panel
16a provided on a surface of the liquid crystal display 16. As will
be described later, a selection screen for selecting one of the
three types of JP bonuses "MEGA," "MAJOR" and "MINI" is displayed
on the liquid crystal display 16 before staring the slot game. When
the player touches this selection screen, the touch panel 16a
detects the player's operation and recognizes the JP bonus selected
by the player.
[0573] The CPU 106 executes the slot game on the basis of operation
signals from the switches 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27 connected to the
interface circuit group 102 and on the basis of a detection signal
from the medal sensor 43. Moreover, the CPU 106 outputs a display
instruction signal to the display controller 140 to control scroll
display and stop display of the symbols in each of the partitioned
regions q11 to q53. When providing a payout, the CPU 106 outputs
the payout instruction signal to the hopper driving circuit 124.
Further, the CPU 106 controls the entire slot machine 10 generally
by transmitting the JP count value generated at the slot machine 10
to the host server 1 through the communication interface circuit
111, for example.
[0574] The ROM 108 stores system programs for various control
processings to be executed by the CPU 106. The RAM 110 stores
various data to be used for execution of control by the CPU 106.
Meanwhile, the RAM 110 stores a payout table that defines payouts
based on combinations of the symbols stopped in the respective
partitioned regions q11 to q53 as a result of executing the slot
game.
[0575] FIG. 59 is a view showing an example of the payout table
which defines a payout of 20 medals for one bet when five "APPLE"
symbols are stopped in the fifteen partitioned regions q11 to q53,
a payout of 15 medals for one bet when four "APPLE" medals are
stopped in the fifteen partitioned regions q11 to q53, and so
forth.
[0576] Next, a configuration of the host server 1 is described.
FIG. 60 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of
the host server 1. The host server 1 includes a communication
interface (I/F) 53 configured to transmit and receive data to and
from each terminal station 2 through the network 3, a CPU 52
configured to control the entire host server 1, a ROM 54 configured
to store system programs executed by the CPU 52, a RAM 55
configured to store data temporarily, a timer 56, and a keyboard
57. Moreover, the host server 1 includes a counter 58 configured to
count the JP count values bet on the slot machines 10 in each
terminal station 2.
[0577] The CPU 52 performs various processings on the basis of
various signals outputted from the respective terminal stations 2
and on the basis of the data and programs stored in the ROM 54 and
the RAM 55, and transmits instruction signals to the respective
terminal stations 2 on the basis of results of the processes.
Accordingly, the CPU 52 proactively controls the relay controllers
4 and the slot machines 10 in the respective terminal stations
2.
[0578] To be more precise, the CPU 52 receives some of the wagers
bet on the slot machines 10 of the respective terminals stations 2
as the JP count values and performs a processing to count these JP
count values with the counter 58. Meanwhile, if a JP bonus is
established in any of the slot machines 10, the CPU 52 outputs a
payout instruction signal for a payout corresponding to this JP
bonus.
[0579] Meanwhile, the RAM 55 stores a probability table shown in
FIG. 61. Specifically, individual probability tables are set for
"MEGA," "MAJOR" and "MINI," respectively. Here, the probability of
establishment of the "MAJOR" is set higher than the probability of
establishment of the "MEGA" while the probability of establishment
of "MINI" is set higher than the probability of establishment of
"MAJOR." Accordingly, concerning the payout amounts, the payout
amount of "MAJOR" is set higher than the payout amount of "MINI"
while the payout amount of "MEGA" is set higher than the payout
amount of "MAJOR."
[0580] To be more precise, "MEGA" has the probability of
establishment equal to 0.03% for each unit game. When the JP bonus
for "MEGA" is established, a payout equivalent to 10,000 medals is
provided. Meanwhile, "MAJOR" has the probability of establishment
equal to 0.1% for each unit game. When the JP bonus for "MAJOR" is
established, a payout equivalent to 5,000 medals is provided.
Meanwhile, "MINI" has the probability of establishment equal to
0.2% for each unit game. When the JP bonus for "MINI" is
established, a payout equivalent to 1,000 medals is provided.
[0581] Therefore, three types of the JP bonuses are set so as to
allow the player to select his or her favorite rank of the JP
bonus. For example, a player who makes a bet of more medals for
each unit game and wishes a higher payout at the time of
establishment of the JP bonus (so-called a high roller)
participates in the "MEGA" JP bonus, and a player who makes a bet
of less medals for each unit game and wishes the higher probability
of the JP bonus participates in the "MINI" JP bonus.
[0582] The rank of the JP bonuses can be changed as needed by an
administrator by operating the keyboard 57 of the host server 1.
For example, the administrator can change the probability table of
the JP bonuses or the numbers of payouts of medals at the time of
establishment of the JP bonuses.
[0583] Meanwhile, among the slot machines 10 being operated to
execute the games by the players, the slot machine 10 that starts
the game earliest is set as a host machine by the host server 1 as
will be described later. The slot machine 10 set as the host
machine can set a new link for each of the JP bonuses of "MEGA,"
"MAJOR," and "MINI." The other slot machines 10 can also
participate in the link thus set. However, in order to participate
in the link, the other slot machines 10 have to satisfy a
predetermined participation condition. The participation condition
can be decided by the slot machine 10 which is set as the host
machine.
[0584] In this embodiment, there are multiple links set in this way
and the JP count value for the JP bonus is shared in each of the
links by the slot machines 10 participating in that link (inclusive
of the slot machine 10 set as the host machine). The links and the
participation conditions for the links, the details and the number
of the slot machines participating in the links, and the JP count
values in the links are stored in a link list data area in the RAM
55.
[0585] FIG. 62 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration
of the relay controller 4. As shown in FIG. 62, the relay
controller 4 includes a CPU 91 configured to generally control the
entire relay controller 4, a communication I/F 92 configured to
communicate with the host server 1 through the network 3, terminal
I/Fs 93 configured to communicate with the respective slot machines
10, a ROM 94 configured to store system programs to be executed by
the CPU 91, and a RAM 95. Further, the relay controller 4 includes
the counter 96 configured to count a JP count value in each of the
links described below.
[0586] When the slot machine 10 set as the host machine exists in
the terminal station 2 itself, the link set by the slot machine 10,
and participation condition determined for the link, and the number
of the slot machines 10 participating in the link are stored in the
RAM 95 of a relay controller 4. Moreover, in this case, the JP
count value in the link stored in the RAM 95 is counted by the
counter 96 of the relay controller 4.
[0587] Next, a processing procedure of the slot system according to
the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described
with reference to flowcharts shown in FIG. 63 to FIG. 68. FIG. 63
is the flowchart showing a processing procedure of the host server
1.
[0588] The CPU 52 of the host server 1 repeatedly executes a game
status confirmation processing in Step S11, link data updating
processing in Step S13, a link participation acceptance processing
in Step S15, a JP count value transmission and reception processing
in Step S17, and a JP bonus establishment data transmission and
reception processing in Step S19.
[0589] In the game status confirmation processing in Step S11, as
shown in FIG. 64, the CPU 52 judges whether or not start data are
received from the relay controller 4 of any of the terminal
stations 2 (Step S11a), the start data notifying that the game is
started on the slot machine 10 by the player. The CPU 52 transfers
the processing to Step S11c when the start data are not received
(NO in Step S11a). When the start data are received (YES in Step
S11a), the CPU 52 determines that the game is started on the slot
machine 10 indicated by identification information in the received
start data and places the slot machine 10 at a tail end of a game
starting order stored in the game starting order storage area in
the RAM 55 (Step S11b). Then, the CPU 52 transfers the processing
to Step S11e.
[0590] In Step S11c, the CPU 52 judges whether or not end data are
received from the relay controller 4 of any of the terminal
stations 2, the end data notifying that the game is ended on the
slot machine 10 by the player. The CPU 52 transfers the processing
to Step S11e when the end data are not received (NO in Step S11c).
When the end data are received (YES in Step S11c), the CPU 52
determines that the game is ended on the slot machine 10 indicated
by identification information in the received end data and deletes
the slot machine 10 from the game starting order in the RAM 55
(Step S11d). Then, the CPU 52 transfers the processing to Step
S11e.
[0591] In Step S11e, the CPU 52 judges whether or not the slot
machine 10 located on the top of the game starting order in the RAM
55 is changed. The CPU 52 terminates the game status confirmation
processing when the slot machine 10 on the top is not changed (NO
in Step S11e). When the slot machine 10 on the top is changed (YES
in Step S11e), the CPU 52, after this change, changes setting by
defining as the host machine the slot machine 10 that is newly
located on the top of the game starting order in the RAM 55 (Step
S11f). Thereafter, the CPU 52 notifies the relay controllers 4 of
the respective terminal stations 2 of the identification
information concerning the slot machine 10 serving as the host
machine after the change of the setting (Step S11g).
[0592] Next, the CPU 52 judges whether or not link management data
are received from the relay controller 4 of the terminal station 2
in which the slot machine having served as the host machine before
the change of the setting is present (Step S11h). The link
management data include: the JP count values for the links set by
the slot machine having served as the host machine before the
change of the setting, the JP count values having been counted by
the counter 96 of the relay controller 4 of the terminal station 2
in which the host machine before the change of the setting is
present; and link data stored in the RAM 95 of the relay controller
4 of the terminal station 2 in which the host machine before the
change of the setting is present. The link data will be described
later.
[0593] When the link management data are not received (NO in Step
S11h), Step S11h is repeated until the link management data are
received. When the link management data are received (YES in Step
S11h), the received link management data are transmitted to the
relay controller 4 of the terminal station 2 in which the slot
machine 10 determined as the host machine after the change of the
setting is present (Step S11i). Thereafter, the CPU 52 terminates
the game status confirmation processing.
[0594] In the link data updating processing in Step S13, as shown
in FIG. 65, the CPU 52 judges whether or not the link data are
received from the relay controller 4 of the terminal station 2 in
which the slot machine 10 set as the host machine is present (Step
S13a). The link data include a link number for identifying the link
set by the slot machine 10 that is set as the host machine, the
participation condition of the link, the details and the number of
the slot machines 10 participating in the link, and the JP count
value in the link.
[0595] The CPU 52 terminates the link data updating processing when
the link data are not received (NO in Step S13a). When the link
data are received (YES in Step S13a), the CPU 52 stores the link
number and the participation condition thereof indicated by the
received link data, the details and the number of the slot machines
10 participating in the link, and the JP count value, in the link
in a link list data area of the RAM 55. If the participation
condition, the details of the participants, the number of
participants, and the JP count value for the same link number have
been already stored in the link list data area of the RAM 55, the
contents of storage in the link list data area are updated with the
contents indicated by the link data received in Step S13a.
Thereafter, the CPU 52 terminates the link data updating
processing.
[0596] In the link participation acceptance processing in Step S15,
as shown in FIG. 66, the CPU 52 judges whether or not link
participation request data are received from the relay controller 4
of any of the terminal stations 2 (Step S15a). When the link
participation request data are not received (NO in Step S15a), the
CPU 52 terminates the link participation acceptance processing.
When the link participation request data are received (YES in Step
S15a), the CPU 52 transmits link list data to the relay controller
4 of the terminal station 2 which is the sender of the request
(Step S15b). Thereafter, the CPU 52 transfers the processing to
Step S15c.
[0597] Here, the link list data include the numbers and the
participation conditions of the respective links stored in the link
list data area of the RAM 55, as well as the details and the number
of the slot machines participating in the links, and the JP count
values for the links.
[0598] In Step S15c, the CPU 52 judges whether or not condition
agreement data for agreeing with the participation condition of a
specific link are received from the relay controller 4 of any of
the terminal stations 2. When the condition agreement data are not
received (NO in Step S15c), the CPU 52 terminates the link
participation acceptance processing. When the condition agreement
data are received (YES in Step S15c), the CPU 52 transmits the
received condition agreement data to the terminal station 2 in
which the slot machine 10 set as the host machine is present (Step
S15d). The condition agreement data include information indicating
the link the participation condition of which is agreed and
identification information of the slot machine 10 which is the
sender of the condition agreement data.
[0599] Meanwhile, the CPU 52 transmits address data to the relay
controller 4 of the terminal station 2 in which the slot machine 10
being the sender of the condition agreement data is present (Step
S15e). The address data include an address on the network 3 of the
relay controller 4 of the terminal station 2 in which the slot
machine 10 set as the host machine is present. The relay controller
4 having this address manages the JP count value and the like of
the JP bonus which is shared by the link indicated by the condition
agreement data. Thereafter, the CPU 52 terminates the link
participation acceptance processing.
[0600] In the JP count value transmission and reception processing
in Step S17, as shown in FIG. 67, the CPU 52 judges whether or not
JP count value data are received from the relay controller 4 of any
of the terminal stations 2 (Step S17a). The JP count value data
include: the JP count value for the JP bonus which represents some
(such as 5%) of the wager bet on each slot machine 10; the
identification information on the slot machine 10 on which the JP
count value is bet as some of the wager; and the address, on the
network 3, of the relay controller 4 that manages the link of the
JP bonus counting that JP count value. This relay controller 4
exists in the terminal station 2 that includes the slot machine 10
set as the host machine.
[0601] The CPU 52 terminates the JP count value transmission and
reception processing when the JP count value data are not received
(NO in Step S17a). When the JP count value data are received (YES
in Step S17a), the CPU 52 transmits the received JP count value
data to the relay controller 4 of the terminal station 2 having the
address indicated by the received JP count value data (Step S17b).
Thereafter, the CPU 52 terminates the JP count value transmission
and reception processing.
[0602] In the JP bonus establishment data transmission and
reception processing in Step S19, as shown in FIG. 68, the CPU 52
judges whether or not JP bonus establishment data are received from
the relay controller 4 of any of the terminal stations 2 (Step
S19a). The JP bonus establishment data include: the identification
information on the slot machine 10 in which the JP bonus is
established; and the address, on the network 3, of the relay
controller 4 that manages the link that the slot machine 10
participates in. This relay controller 4 exists in the terminal
station 2 that includes the slot machine 10 set as the host
machine.
[0603] When the JP bonus establishment data are not received (NO in
Step S19a), the CPU 52 transfers the processing to Step S19c. When
the JP bonus establishment data are received (YES in Step S19a),
the CPU 52 transmits the identification information on the slot
machine 10 indicated by the received JP bonus establishment data to
the relay controller 4 of the terminal station 2 having the address
indicated by the received JP bonus establishment data (Step S19b).
Thereafter, the CPU 52 transfers the processing to Step S19c.
[0604] In Step S19c, the CPU 52 judges whether or not payout
instruction data for the JP bonus are received from the terminal
stations 2 in which the slot machine 10 set as the host machine is
present. The payout instruction data include: the identification
information on the slot machine 10 that executes a payout of the JP
bonus; the address, on the network 3, of the relay controller 4 of
the terminal station 2 in which the slot machine 10 is present; and
information on a payout amount of the JP bonus to be executed by
the slot machine 10.
[0605] When the payout instruction data for the JP bonus are not
received (NO in Step S19c), the CPU 52 terminates the JP bonus
establishment data transmission and reception processing. When the
payout instruction data for the JP bonus are received (YES in Step
S19c), the CPU 52 transmits the received payout instruction data to
the relay controller 4 of the terminal station 2 having the address
indicated by the received payout instruction data (Step S19d). For
example, when the "MEGA" is established by a certain slot machine
10, the CPU 52 transmits the instruction data for providing a
payout of 10,000 medals to the terminal station 2 in which the slot
machine 10 is present. Thereafter, the CPU 52 terminates the JP
bonus establishment data transmission and reception processing.
[0606] Next, a procedure by the relay controller 4 provided in each
terminal station 2 will be described with reference to flowcharts
shown from FIG. 69 to FIG. 75. FIG. 69 is a flowchart showing the
procedure of the relay controller 4 of each terminal station 2.
[0607] The CPU 91 of the relay controller 4 of each terminal
station 2 repeatedly executes a game status notification processing
in Step S21, a link setting processing in Step S22, a link
participation request processing in Step S23, a JP count value
transmission and reception processing in Step S24, a link data
notification processing in Step S25, and a JP bonus establishment
data transmission and reception processing in Step S26.
[0608] In the game status notification processing in Step S21, as
shown in FIG. 70, the CPU 91 judges whether or not there is a slot
machine 10 on which the execution of a slot game, having not
executed for a certain period or longer, is started (Step S21a).
When such a slot machine 10 is not present (NO in Step S21a), the
CPU 91 transfers the processing to Step S21c. When such a slot
machine 10 is present (YES in Step S21a), the CPU 91 transmits
start data to the host server 1 (Step S21b). The start data include
two kinds of data, one of which is identification information on
the slot machine 10 on which the execution of the slot game is
started after the predetermined time period or longer, and data for
notifying that the game is started on the slot machine 10 by the
player. Thereafter, the CPU 91 terminates the game status
notification processing.
[0609] In Step S21c, the CPU 91 judges whether or not there is a
slot machine 10 in the terminal station 2 on which a slot game has
not been executed for the certain period or longer. When such a
slot machine 10 is not present (NO in Step S21c), the CPU 91
transfers the processing to Step S21g. When such a slot machine 10
is present (YES in Step S21c), the CPU 91 transmits end data to the
host server 1 (Step S21d). The end data include identification
information of the slot machine 10 on which the slot game has not
been executed for the certain period or longer and data for
notifying that the game is ended on the slot machine 10 by the
player.
[0610] Next, the CPU 91 judges whether or not the slot machine 10
judged as the one on which the slot game has not been executed for
the certain period or longer is the slot machine 10 that is set as
the host machine (Step S21e). When the slot machine 10 is not the
one set as the host machine (NO in Step S21e), the CPU 91 transfers
the processing to Step S21g. When the slot machine 10 is the one
set as the host machine (YES in Step S21e), the CPU 91 transmits
link management data to the host server 1 (Step S21f). The link
management data include the JP count values for the links counted
by the counter 96 and the link data stored in the link data storage
area of the RAM 95. The link data will be described later.
Thereafter, the CPU 91 transfers the processing to Step S21g.
[0611] In Step S21g, the CPU 91 judges whether or not the
identification information on the slot machine 10 set as the host
machine is received from the host server 1. When the information is
not received (NO in Step S21g), the CPU 91 terminates the game
status notification processing. When the information is received
(YES in Step S21g), the CPU 91 judges whether or not the slot
machine 10 indicated by the received identification information is
present in the terminal station 2 (Step S21h).
[0612] When the slot machine 10 indicated by the received
identification information is not present (NO in Step S21h), the
CPU 91 sets statuses of the slot machines 10 in the terminal
station 2 such that the slot machines 10 are notified that none of
the slot machines 10 is not set as the host machine (Step S21i).
Thereafter, the CPU 91 terminates the game status notification
processing. When the slot machine 10 indicated by the received
identification information is present (YES in Step S21h), the CPU
91 changes the status of only one of the slot machines 10 indicated
by the identification information to notify that the slot machine
10 is set as the host machine (Step S21j). Thereafter, the CPU 91
terminates the game status notification processing.
[0613] In the link setting processing in Step S22, as shown in FIG.
71, the CPU 91 judges whether or not the slot machine 10 determined
to be set as the host machine according to the notification from
the host server 1 is present in the terminal station 2 (Step S22a).
When such a slot machine 10 is not present (NO in Step S22a), the
CPU 91 terminates the link setting processing. When such a slot
machine 10 is present (YES in Step S22a), the CPU 91 judges whether
or not link setting request data are received from the slot machine
set as the host machine (Step S22b). The link setting request data
include a request for setting a new link and information on the
participation condition of that link.
[0614] When the link setting request data are not received (NO in
Step S22b), the CPU 91 terminates the link setting processing. When
the link setting request data are received (YES in Step S22b), the
CPU 91 ensures an area in the RAM 95 to store as the link data the
participation condition of the link indicated by the received link
setting request data together with the link number indicating the
link, the rank ("MEGA," "MAJOR" or "MINI") of the link, the details
and the number of the slot machines 10 participating in the link,
and the JP count value in the link collectively as the link data.
Then, the CPU 91 stores the participation condition of the link
indicated by the received link setting request data and the link
number, in the link data storage area in the RAM 95 thus ensured
(Step S22c). Thereafter, the CPU 91 terminates the link setting
processing. Here, the link number may be automatically numbered by
the CPU 91 upon receipt of the link setting request data in order
to discriminate the link requested for the setting from other
existing links.
[0615] In the link participation request processing in Step S23, as
shown in FIG. 72, the CPU 91 judges whether or not a request for
participation in the link is received from the slot machine 10, in
the terminal station 2, which is not set as the host machine (Step
S23a). When the request is not received (NO in Step S23a), the CPU
91 transfers the processing to Step S23i. When the request is
received (YES in Step S23a), the CPU 91 transmits the link
participation request data to the hosts server 1 (Step S23b). Then,
the CPU 91 judges whether or not the link list data are received
from the host server 1 (Step S23c).
[0616] When the link list data are not received (NO in Step S23c),
the CPU 91 repeats Step S23c until the link list data are received.
Meanwhile, when the link list data are received (YES in Step S23c),
the CPU 91 transmits the received link list data to the slot
machine 10 which has made the request for participation in the link
received in Step S23a (Step S23d).
[0617] Then, the CPU 91 judges whether or not notice of agreement
with the participation condition of the specific link is received,
within a predetermined period, from the slot machine 10 that has
made the request (Step S23e). When the notice is not received
within the predetermined period (NO in Step S23e), the CPU 91
transfers the processing to Step S23i. When the notice is received
within the predetermined period (YES in Step S23e), the CPU 91
transmits the condition agreement data to the host server 1 (Step
S23f).
[0618] Next, the CPU 91 judges whether or not the address data are
received from the host server 1 (Step S23g). When the address data
are not received (NO in Step S23g), the CPU 91 repeats Step S23g
until the data are received. When the address data are received
(YES in Step S23g), the CPU 91 associates the received address data
with the slot machine 10 which has made the request and stores the
data in an address data storage area in the RAM 95 (Step S23h).
Thereafter, the CPU 91 transfers the processing to Step S23i.
[0619] In Step S23i, the CPU 91 judges whether or not the condition
agreement data are received from the host server 1. When the
condition agreement data are not received (NO in Step S23i), the
CPU 91 terminates the link participation request processing. When
the condition agreement data are received (YES in Step S23i), the
CPU 91 allow the slot machine 10, which is the sender of the
received condition agreement data, to participate in the link
indicated in the received condition agreement data (Step S23j). To
be more precise, concerning the link indicated by the received
condition agreement data, the details of the participants and the
number of the participants in the corresponding link stored in the
link data storage area of the RAM 95 are updated with the contents
including the slot machine 10 which is the sender of the received
condition agreement data. Thereafter, the CPU 91 terminates the
link participation request processing.
[0620] In the JP count value transmission and reception processing
in Step S24, as shown in FIG. 73, the CPU 91 judges whether or not
the JP count value data are received from any of the slot machines
10 (Step S24a). The JP count value data include the JP count value
for the JP bonus which represents some (such as 5%) of the wager
bet on the sender slot machine 10.
[0621] When the JP count value data are not received (NO in Step
S24a), the CPU 91 transfers the processing to Step S24c. When the
JP count value data are received (YES in Step S24a), the CPU 91
transmits the received JP count value data to the host server 1
(Step S24b). Here, the JP count value data to be transmitted
include: information indicating the link stored in the link data
storage area of the RAM 95 containing the sender slot machine 10 in
the details of the participants; the address, of the relay
controller 4, based on the address data associated with the sender
slot machine 10 and stored in the address data storage area of the
RAM 95; and the identification information on the sender slot
machine 10. Thereafter, the CPU 91 transfers the processing to Step
S24c.
[0622] In Step S24c, the CPU 91 judges whether or not the JP count
value data are received from the host server 1. When the JP count
value data are not received (NO in Step S24c), the CPU 91
terminates the JP count value transmission and reception
processing. When the JP count value data are received (YES in Step
S24c), the CPU 91 increments the JP count value, counted by the
counter 96, of the link indicated by the received JP count value
data (Step S24d). Then, the CPU 91 updates the JP count value
corresponding to the link in the link data stored in the link data
storage area of the RAM 95 with the incremented JP count value
(Step S24e). Thereafter, the CPU 91 terminates the JP count value
transmission and reception processing.
[0623] In the link data notification processing in Step S25, as
shown in FIG. 74, the CPU 91 judges whether or not the contents of
the link data stored in the link data storage area of the RAM 95
are changed (Step S25a). When the contents are not changed (NO in
Step S25a), the CPU 91 terminates the link data notification
processing. When the contents are changed (YES in Step S25a), the
CPU 91 transmits the changed link data to the host server 1 (Step
S25b). Thereafter, the CPU 91 terminates the link data notification
processing.
[0624] In the JP bonus establishment data transmission and
reception processing in Step S26, as shown in FIG. 75, the CPU 91
judges whether or not the JP bonus establishment data are received
from any of the slot machines 10 (Step S26a). The JP bonus
establishment data includes the identification information on the
slot machine 10 in which the JP bonus is established.
[0625] When the JP bonus establishment data are not received (NO in
Step S26a), the CPU 91 terminates the JP bonus establishment data
transmission and reception processing. When the JP bonus
establishment data are received (YES in Step S26a), the CPU 91
transmits the payout instruction data for the JP bonus to the host
server 1 (Step S26b). The payout instruction data include the
address of the relay controller 4 of the terminal station 2 in
which the slot machine 10 corresponding to the identification
information indicated by the received JP bonus establishment data
is present, and the information on the payout amount of the JP
bonus to be provided by the slot machine 10 corresponding to the
identification information.
[0626] For example, when the link data in the RAM 95 containing the
slot machine 10 where the JP bonus is established has the rank
"MEGA," the CPU 91 transmits the payout instruction data to the
host server 1, the payout instruction data including the address of
the relay controller 4 of the terminal station 2 in which the slot
machine 10 where the JP bonus is established is present and the
information defining the 10,000 medals as the payout amount for the
JP bonus. Thereafter, the CPU 91 terminates the JP bonus
establishment data transmission and reception processing.
[0627] Next, a processing procedure of the slot machine 10 provided
in each of the terminal stations 2 will be described with reference
to flowcharts in FIG. 76 to FIG. 79.
[0628] First, as shown in FIG. 76, the CPU 106 executes a JP bonus
participation acceptance processing in Step S31. Details of this
processing will be described later with reference to FIG. 77.
[0629] Next, the CPU 106 executes a link setting acceptance
processing in Step S32. Details of this processing will be
described later with reference to FIG. 78.
[0630] In Step S33, the CPU 106 starts acceptance of medal
insertion. In this processing, the CPU 106 accepts insertion of
medals from each medal insertion slot 21 by each player. When
medals are inserted, each medal sensor 43 detects the number of
inserted medals.
[0631] In Step S34, the CPU 106 adds the credits for the number of
medals inserted and then displays the number of credits after the
addition in a credit display area 49.
[0632] In Step S35, the CPU 106 determines whether or not credits
are bet. In this processing, the CPU 106 determines whether or not
any of the following signal is received: a signal to be outputted
from the BET switch 25 when pressing the BET switch 25, a signal to
be outputted from the MAXBET switch 24 when pressing the MAXBET
switch 24, and a signal to be outputted from the spin repeat BET
switch 26 when pressing the spin repeat BET switch 26. When a
determination is made that no credits are bet, the processing
returns to Step S33.
[0633] On the contrary, when a determination is made in Step S35
that credits are bet, the CPU 106 goes to Step S36 and subtracts
the number of bet credits. In this way, the number of credits after
subtraction of the bet credits is displayed in the credit display
area 49.
[0634] In Step S37, the CPU 106 defines a predetermined proportion
(such as 5%) of the bet credits as the JP count value and transmits
the data of this count value to the relay controller 4.
[0635] In Step S38, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the start
switch 27 is pressed. In this processing, the CPU 106 determines
whether or not a signal to be outputted from the start switch 27
when pressing the start switch 27 is received. When a determination
is made that the start switch 27 is pressed, the CPU 106 determines
whether the JP bonus is established or not established in Step
S39.
[0636] In Step S40, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the JP
bonus is established. When the JP bonus is established, the CPU 106
transmits the JP bonus establishment data to the relay controller
4.
[0637] In Step S42, the CPU 106 executes a game display processing.
In this game display processing, the CPU 106 executes a processing
of scrolling the symbols displayed in the respective partitioned
regions q11 to q53 on the liquid crystal display 16 and then
stopping the symbols after a lapse of a predetermined time period
to display new symbols in the respective partitioned regions q11 to
q53. An award is granted when the symbols that establish a winning
combination are stopped as a result of the game display processing.
Details of this game display processing for granting the award will
be described later with reference to FIG. 79.
[0638] In Step S43, the CPU 106 executes a payout processing. In
the payout processing, a payout of the medals in the predetermined
number is provided when any of the combinations of the symbols set
in the payout table shown in FIG. 59 is displayed. Meanwhile, when
the JP bonus is established in the processing in Step S40, the
medals will be paid out as the JP bonus.
[0639] The number of medals to be provided as the payout for the JP
bonus corresponds to the payout of the JP bonus determined by the
relay controller 4 of the terminal station 2 in which the slot
machines 10 set as the host machine is present. The payout of the
JP bonus is notified through the terminal station 2 in the form of
the payout instruction data for the JP bonus, which is transmitted
from the CPU 52 of the host server 1 to the terminal station 2 in
Step S19d of FIG. 68. Accordingly, the payout processing in Step
S43 includes a processing of receiving the payout instruction data
for the JP bonus from the terminal station 2 when the instruction
data to the applicable slot machine 10 are received by the terminal
station 2.
[0640] In this way, the slot games (the unit games) will be
repeatedly executed by reiterating the processings from Steps S31
to S43.
[0641] Next, the JP bonus participation acceptance processing shown
in Step S31 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown
in FIG. 77.
[0642] In Step S51, the CPU 106 judges whether or not a request for
participation in the link of the JP bonus is inputted. This
judgment may be executed by means of the touch panel 16a detecting
the player's touch operation of the liquid crystal display 16, for
example. Alternatively, it is also possible to provide a switch
dedicated to the request for participation in the link near the
liquid crystal display 16 and to detect the player's operation of
the switch.
[0643] When the participation request is not inputted (NO in Step
S51), the CPU 106 terminates the JP bonus participation acceptance
processing. When the participation request is inputted (YES in Step
S51), the CPU 106 transmits the link participation request to the
relay controller 4 (Step S52). Thereafter, the CPU 106 judges
whether or not the link list data are received from the host server
1 (Step S53). The link list data are stored in the link list data
area in the RAM 55 of the host server 1. The link list data include
the numbers of the existing links and the participation conditions
for the links, and the details and the numbers of the slot machines
10 participating in the links, and the JP count values in those
links.
[0644] When the link list data are not received (NO in Step S53),
the CPU 106 repeats Step S53 until the data are received. When the
link list data are received (YES in Step S53), the CPU 106 displays
the contents of the received link list data on the liquid crystal
display 16 in the list format as in the link participation
condition display screen shown in FIG. 56 (Step S54). The list to
be displayed includes the count values (the progressive values) for
the JP bonuses shared by the slot machines 10 participating in the
links, and the number of the participating slot machines 10.
[0645] Next, the CPU 106 judges whether or not the participation
condition for any specific link is agreed by the player touching a
portion with the specific link name on in the list displayed on the
liquid crystal display 16, for example (Step S55). When the
participation condition is agreed (YES in Step S55), the CPU 106
transfers the processing to Step S58. When any of the participation
conditions is not agreed (NO in Step S55), the CPU 106 judges
whether or not a certain period has passed after displaying the
link participation condition display screen on the liquid crystal
display 16 (Step S56). When the certain period has not passed yet
(NO in Step S56), the CPU 106 transfers the processing to Step S55.
When the certain period has passed (YES in Step S56), the CPU
terminates the display of the link participation condition display
screen on the liquid crystal display 16 (Step S57). Thereafter, the
CPU 106 terminates the JP bonus participation acceptance
processing.
[0646] In Step S58 to take place when the participation condition
for the specific link is agreed (YES) in Step S55, the CPU 106
transmits a notice of agreement with the participation condition
for the specific link to the relay controller 4. This notice
includes the information on the link the participation condition of
which is agreed and the identification information on the slot
machine 10 which agrees with the participation condition for the
link. Thereafter, the CPU 106 terminates the JP bonus participation
acceptance processing.
[0647] Next, the link setting acceptance processing shown in Step
S32 in FIG. 76 will be described with reference to a flowchart
shown in FIG. 78.
[0648] In Step S61, the CPU 106 judges whether or not the status
notified by the relay controller 4 represents that the slot machine
10 is the host machine. When the status does not represent the host
machine (NO in Step S61), the CPU 106 terminates the link setting
acceptance processing. When the status represents the host machine
(YES in Step S61), the CPU 106 judges whether or not there is an
input of a request for setting the link (Step S62). This judgment
may be executed by means of the touch panel 16a detecting the
player's touch operation of the liquid crystal display 16, for
example. Alternatively, it is also possible to provide a switch
dedicated to the request for setting the link near the liquid
crystal display 16 and to detect the player's operation of the
switch.
[0649] When the request for setting the link is not inputted (NO in
Step S62), the CPU 106 terminates the link setting acceptance
processing. When the request for setting the link is inputted (YES
in Step S62), the CPU 106 displays a link setting input screen on
the liquid crystal display 16 (Step S63).
[0650] As shown in FIG. 80, for example, the link setting input
screen includes respective option buttons for the ranks ("MINI,"
"MAJOR," and "MEGA") of the JP bonus to be shared by participants
in the newly set link and for the participation conditions ("LOW,"
"MEDIUM" and "HIGH"), as well as respective buttons for "OK" and
"CANCEL." After selecting one of the options for the rank and one
of the options for the participation conditions by touching the
applicable buttons, the touch operation of the "OK" button makes it
possible to fix the link setting request with the rank and the
participation condition selected by then. When the "CANCEL" button
is touched, the link setting request is not executed. Here, when
any of the participation conditions "MEDIUM" and "HIGH" that have a
play zone restriction is selected, a screen for inputting the
concrete play zone may be displayed on the liquid crystal display
16.
[0651] Then, the CPU 106 judges which one of the "OK" button and
the "CANCEL" button on the link setting input screen is touched
(Step S64). When the "CANCEL" button is touched, the CPU 106
transfers the processing to Step S66. When the "OK" button is
touched, the CPU 106 transmits the link setting request data to the
relay controller 4, the link setting request data requesting the
setting of the link corresponding to the rank and the participation
condition selected on the link setting input screen (Step S65).
Thereafter, the CPU 106 transfers the processing to Step S66.
[0652] In Step S66, the CPU 106 terminates the display of the link
setting input screen on the liquid crystal display 16. Thereafter,
the CPU 106 terminates the link setting acceptance processing.
[0653] Next, the game display processing shown in Step S42 in FIG.
76 will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.
79.
[0654] In Step S71, the CPU 106 displays the scrolling symbols on
the partitioned regions q11 to q53. Then, in Step S72, the CPU 106
stops the symbols in the partitioned regions q11 to q53.
[0655] In Step S73, the CPU 106 judges whether or not a winning
combination is established based on the symbols stopped
respectively in the fifteen partitioned regions q11 to q53.
[0656] In Step S74, the CPU 106 generates an award corresponding to
the established winning combination. For example, when five "BELL"
symbols are stopped as shown in FIG. 81, the winning combination is
established and a payout equivalent to fifteen medals is provided.
In this way, a game display processing is executed.
[0657] As described above, in the slot system according to the
fifth embodiment of the present invention, when a certain slot
machine 10 requests its participation in the JP bonus link, the
list of the links, the participation conditions for the links and
so forth shown in the link list data from the host server 1 is
displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 of the certain slot
machine 10. Then, when the agreement with the participation
condition for one of the links in the displayed list is inputted by
means of the touching operation on the liquid crystal display 16 or
the like, the slot machine 10 participates in the link of the
agreed participation condition. Some of credits bet on the slot
games on the slot machine 10 after participating in the link is
counted as the JP count value for the JP bonus of the link that the
slot machine 10 participates in.
[0658] Accordingly, the player of the slot machine 10 can
participate in the desired link among the multiple links sharing
the JP bonuses after confirming the participation conditions, the
number of the participants, the current JP count value, and the
like by way of the display of the link list on the liquid crystal
display 16. In this way, it is possible to provide the slot system
having more entertaining properties and the control method thereof,
which have a variety of JP bonuses.
[0659] Here, it is also possible to apply a configuration to allow
the players on the slot machine 10 not set as the host machine and
other slot machines 10 already participating in the link targeted
for the request to perform chat (conversations) either by voice or
display when the slot machine 10 not set as the host machine
accepts the request for participation in the link of the JP
bonus.
[0660] Now, a slot system according to a modified example of the
fifth embodiment of the present invention having such a
configuration will be described below. FIG. 82 is a flowchart
showing a procedure of a host server in the slot system according
to the modified example of the fifth embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 83A and FIG. 83B are flowcharts showing procedures
of a relay controller in the slot system according to the modified
example of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 84A
to FIG. 84C are flowcharts showing procedures of a slot machine in
the slot system according to the modified example of the fifth
embodiment of the present invention.
[0661] In this modified example, when the condition agreement data
for agreeing with the participation condition of the specific link
are not received (NO) in Step S15c of the link participation
acceptance processing in FIG. 66 executed by the CPU 52 of the host
server 1 in the slot system of the fifth embodiment, the CPU 52 of
the host server 1 transfers the processing to Step S15f shown in
FIG. 82. In this Step S15f, the CPU 52 judges whether or not chat
start request data are received from the relay controller 4 of any
of the terminal stations 2. The chat start request data include
information indicating the link targeted for the chat. When the
chat start request data are not received (NO in Step S15f), the CPU
52 transfers the processing to Step S15c. When the chat start
request data are received (YES in Step S15f), the CPU 52 transmits
chat start data to all the relay controllers 4 (Step S15g).
Thereafter, the CPU 52 transfers the processing to Step S15h.
[0662] The chat start data are instruction data for causing a line
to be formed, the line being used to transmit and receive chat
(conversation) data mutually between the slot machine 10
participating in the link targeted for the chat indicated by the
chat start request data received in Step S15f and the slot machine
10 which makes the link participation request data received in Step
S15a. The chat start data include the identification information on
the slot machines 10 targeted for transmission and reception of the
chat data. The identification information on the slot machines 10
that is already participating in the link targeted for the chat and
that is other than the slot machine 10 which makes the
participation request data can be specified by use of the link data
stored in the link list area of the RAM 55.
[0663] In Step S15h, the CPU 52 judges whether or not chat end
request data are received from the relay controller 4 of any of the
terminal stations 2. As similar to the chat start request data, the
chat end request data also include the information on the link
targeted for the chat. When the chat end request data are not
received (NO in Step S15h), the CPU 52 repeats Step S15h until the
data are received. When the data are received (YES in Step S15h),
the CPU 52 transmits chat end data to the relay controllers 4 (Step
S15i). Thereafter, the CPU 52 terminates the link participation
acceptance processing.
[0664] The chat end data are instruction data for causing the line
to be dismissed, the line being used to transmit and receive the
chat (conversation) data formed in accordance with the instruction
in the chat start data. As similar to the chat start data, the chat
end data also include the identification information on the slot
machines 10 targeted for transmission and reception of the chat
data.
[0665] Except for the portions described above, the contents of the
link participation acceptance processing in FIG. 82 executed by the
CPU 52 of the host server 1 in this modified example are the same
as the contents of the link participation acceptance processing in
FIG. 66 executed by the CPU 52 of the host server 1 in the slot
system of the fifth embodiment.
[0666] Moreover, in this modified example, in Step S23d of the link
participation processing in FIG. 72 executed by the CPU 91 of the
relay controller in the slot system of the fifth embodiment, the
CPU 91 transmits the received link list data to the slot machine 10
which has made the request for participation in the link received
in Step S23a, and then the CPU 91 of the relay controller 4
transfers the processing to Step S23e1 shown in FIG. 83A. In this
Step S23e1, the CPU 91 judges whether or not a notice of agreement
with the participation condition of the specific link is received
from the slot machine 10 which makes the request. When the request
is received (YES in Step S23e1), the CPU 91 transmits the condition
agreement data to the host server 1 (Step S23f) and then transfers
the processing to Step S23g.
[0667] On the contrary, in Step S23e1, when the notice of agreement
with the participation condition of the specific link is not
received from the slot machine 10 which makes the request (NO), the
CPU 91 judges whether or not a predetermined period has passed
after transmitting the link list data to the slot machine 10 which
makes the request in Step S23d (Step S23k) as shown in FIG. 83B.
When the predetermined period has passed (YES in Step S23k), the
CPU 91 transfers the processing to Step S23i in FIG. 83A. When the
predetermined period has not passed yet (NO in Step S23k), the CPU
91 judges whether or not a chat start notice is received from the
slot machine 10 which makes the request (Step S231).
[0668] When the chat start notice is not received (NO in Step
S231), the CPU 91 transfers the processing to Step S23p. When the
chat start notice is received (YES in Step S231), the CPU 91
transmits the chat start request data to the host server 1 (Step
S23m). The chat start request data includes the information
indicating the link targeted for the chat which is contained in the
chat start notice.
[0669] Next, the CPU 91 judges whether or not a chat end notice is
received from the slot machine 10 which makes the request (Step
S23n). When the chat end notice is not received (NO in Step S23n),
the CPU 91 repeats Step S23n until the notice is received. When the
notice is received (YES in Step S23n), the CPU 91 transmits the
chat end request data to the host server 1 (Step S23o). The chat
end request data include the information indicating the link
targeted for the chat included in the chat end notice. Thereafter,
the CPU 91 transfers the processing to the above-described Step
S23e1 in FIG. 83A.
[0670] In Step 23p to which the CPU 91 transfers the processing
when the chat start notice is not received (NO in Step S231), the
CPU 91 judges whether or not a chat start data is received from the
host server 1. When the chat start data is not received (NO in Step
S23p), the CPU 91 transfers the processing to Step S23e1 in FIG.
83A. When the chat start data is received (YES in Step S23p), the
CPU 91 transmits a chat start notification data to the slot
machines 10 having the identification information included in the
chat start data as a target for transmission and reception of the
chat data (Step S23q).
[0671] Next, the CPU 91 judges whether or not a chat end data is
received from the host server 1 (Step S23r). When the chat end data
is not received (NO in Step S23r), the CPU 91 repeats Step S23r
until the chat end data is received. When the chat end data is
received (YES in Step S23r), the CPU 91 transmits a chat end
notification data to the slot machines 10 having the identification
information included in the chat end data as a target for
transmission and reception of the chat data (Step S23s).
Thereafter, the CPU 91 transfers the processing to the
above-described Step S23e1 in FIG. 83A.
[0672] Except for the portions described above, the contents of the
link participation request processing in FIG. 83A and FIG. 83B
executed by the CPU 91 of the relay controller 4 in this modified
example are the same as the contents of the link participation
request processing in FIG. 72 executed by the CPU 91 of the relay
controller 4 in the slot system of the fifth embodiment.
[0673] Furthermore, in this modified example, when the request for
participation in the link of the JP bonus is not inputted (NO) as
shown in FIG. 84A in Step S51 of the JP bonus participation
acceptance processing in FIG. 77 executed by the CPU 106 of the
slot machine 10 in the slot system of the fifth embodiment, the CPU
106 of the slot machine 10 transfers the processing to Step S51A
shown in FIG. 84B. In Step S51A, the CPU 106 judges whether or not
the chat start request data are received from the host server 1.
When the chat start request data are received (YES in Step S51A),
the CPU 106 perform pop-up display of a chat screen shown in FIG.
86 on the liquid crystal display 16 in a smaller size than the
screen of the liquid crystal display 16 (Step S51B). Thereafter,
the CPU 106 terminates the JP bonus participation acceptance
processing.
[0674] On the contrary, when the chat start request data are not
received (NO) from the host server 1 in Step S51A, the CPU 106
judges whether or not the chat end request data are received from
the host server 1 (Step S51C). When the chat end request data are
received (YES in Step S51C), the CPU 106 terminates the pop-up
display of the chat screen in FIG. 86 on the liquid crystal display
16 (Step S51D). Thereafter, the CPU 106 terminates the JP bonus
participation acceptance processing.
[0675] In addition, in this modified example, when the certain
period has not been passed (NO) after displaying the link
participation condition display screen on the liquid crystal
display 16 as shown in FIG. 84A in Step S56 of the JP bonus
participation acceptance processing in FIG. 77 executed by the CPU
106 of the slot machine 10 in the slot system of the fifth
embodiment, the CPU 106 of the slot machine 10 transfers the
processing to Step S56A shown in FIG. 84C. In Step S56A, the CPU
106 judges whether or not a "chat ON" button is operated in a state
where the portion with the specific link name on is touched by the
player in the link participation condition display screen shown in
FIG. 85.
[0676] When the "chat ON" button is not operated (NO in Step S56A),
the CPU 106 transfers the processing to Step S55 in FIG. 84A. When
the "chat ON" button is operated (YES in Step S56A), the CPU 106
changes the display on the liquid crystal display 16 to the chat
screen shown in FIG. 86 (Step S56B). Then, the CPU 106 transmits a
chat start notice to the relay controller 4 (Step S56C).
[0677] Next, in Step S56D, the CPU 106 judges whether or not a
"chat OFF" button on the chat screen is operated. When the "chat
OFF" button is not operated (NO in Step S56D), the CPU 106 repeats
Step S56D until the button is operated. When the button is operated
(YES in Step S56D), the CPU 106 changes the display on the liquid
crystal display 16 to the link participation condition display
screen shown in FIG. 85 (Step S56E). Then, the CPU 106 transmits a
chat end notice to the relay controller 4 (Step S56F). Thereafter,
the CPU 106 transfers the processing to Step S55 in FIG. 84A.
[0678] Except for the portions described above, the contents of the
JP bonus participation acceptance processing in FIG. 84A to FIG.
84C executed by the CPU 106 of the slot machine 10 in this modified
example are the same as the contents of the JP bonus participation
acceptance processing in FIG. 77 executed by the CPU 106 of the
slot machine 10 in the slot system of the fifth embodiment.
[0679] In this modified example, the slot machine 10 is provided
with a microphone 28 and a voice analysis circuit 126 as shown in
FIG. 87. The microphone 28 outputs a signal corresponding to a
voice spoken by the player of the slot machine 10 to the voice
analysis circuit 126. The voice analysis circuit 126 analyzes the
voice signal inputted from the microphone 28 and converts the
signal into character data, and then outputs the character data to
the CPU 106 through the input-output bus 104. The slot machine 10
and other slot machines 10 participating in the link for the chat
exchange the character data inputted to their respective CPUs 106
therebetween via the relay controllers 4 and the host server 1
while the chat transmission and reception line is established.
[0680] In the slot system according to the modified example of the
fifth embodiment, as the above-described processing operations are
further executed by the CPUs 52, 91, and 106 of the host server 1,
each relay controller 4, and each slot machine 10, each slot
machine 10 can utilize the chat function when the request for
participation in the link is inputted. That is, as the "chat ON"
button on the link participation condition display screen in FIG.
85 to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 is operated in
a state where the specific link is selected by the touch operation
at the portion with the specific link name on, it is possible to
chat with other slot machines 10 already participating in the
specific link thus selected. In this chat, the voice of the
conversation spoken by the player of the slot machine 10 is
converted into the character data and displayed on the chat screen
shown in FIG. 86.
[0681] For this reason, when the player of a certain slot machine
10 wishes to participate in a specific link, it is possible to
obtain from other players useful information for judging whether or
not it is appropriate to participate in the specific link by
talking with the players of other slot machines 10 already
participating in the link. In this way, it is possible to provide a
slot system having more excellent properties and a control method
thereof by offering more comfort in selecting a desired link for
participation out of multiple links.
[0682] Note that the above-described slot system according to the
fifth embodiment is configured to consolidate management of
multiple participation conditions for the links with use of the
host server 1 and to manage the JP count values for the JP bonuses
shared by the links by use of the relay controller 4 of the
terminal station 2 in which the slot machine 10 in operation that
was the very first to start the games is present, among the relay
controllers 4 of the terminal stations 2.
[0683] Nevertheless, it is also possible to consolidate management
of the JP count values for the JP bonuses corresponding to the
links by use of the host server 1 together with the participation
conditions for the links. Now, a slot system and a control method
thereof according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention
having such a configuration will be described below. In the slot
system according to the sixth embodiment, the relay controller 4 of
each of the terminal stations 2 does not perform the processing
operations shown in the flowcharts from FIG. 69 to FIG. 75 unlike
the slot system of the fifth embodiment. In the slot system
according to the sixth embodiment, the relay controller 4 is simply
configured to relay the signals transmitted and received between
the host server 1 and the respective slot machines 10.
[0684] Moreover, in the slot system according to the sixth
embodiment, the procedure of processing operations shown in
flowcharts from FIG. 88 to FIG. 93 are executed by the CPU 52 of
the host server 1.
[0685] First, as shown in FIG. 88, the CPU 52 of the host server 1
repeatedly executes a game status confirmation processing in Step
S111, a link setting acceptance processing in Step S113, a link
participation acceptance processing in Step S115, a JP count value
reception processing in Step S117, and a JP bonus establishment
data reception processing in Step S119.
[0686] Now, in the game status confirmation processing in Step
S111, as shown in FIG. 89, the CPU 52 judges whether or not there
is a slot machine 10 on which a slot game that has not been
executed for a certain period or longer is executed (Step S111a)
When such a slot machine 10 is not present (NO in Step S111a), the
CPU 52 transfers the processing to Step S111c. When such a slot
machine 10 is present (YES in Step S111a), the CPU 52 determines
that the game is started on the slot machine 10 and places the slot
machine 10 at the tail end of the game starting order stored in the
game starting order storage area in the RAM 55 (Step S111b). Then,
the CPU 52 transfers the processing to Step S111e.
[0687] In Step S111c, the CPU 52 judges whether or not there is a
slot machine 10 on which a slot game has not been executed for the
certain period or longer. When such a slot machine 10 is not
present (NO in Step S111c), the CPU 52 transfers the processing to
Step S111e. When such a slot machine 10 is present (YES in Step
S111c), the CPU 52 determines that the game is ended on the slot
machine 10 and deletes the slot machine 10 from the game starting
order in the RAM 55 (Step S111d). Then, the CPU 52 transfers the
processing to Step S111e.
[0688] In Step S111e, the CPU 52 judges whether or not the slot
machine 10 located on the top of the game starting order in the RAM
55 is changed. When the slot machine 10 on the top is not changed
(NO in Step S111e), the CPU 52 terminates the game status
confirmation processing. When the slot machine 10 on the top is
changed (YES in Step S111e), the CPU 52, after this change, changes
setting by defining as the host machine the slot machine 10 that is
newly located on the top of the game starting order in the RAM 55
(Step S111f). Thereafter, the CPU 52 notifies the slot machine 10
determined as the host machine after the change of the setting, of
the status of being set as the host machine, and notifies the other
slot machines 10 of the status of not being set as the host machine
(Step S111g). Thereafter, the CPU 52 terminates the game status
confirmation processing.
[0689] Next, in the link setting acceptance processing in Step
S113, as shown in FIG. 90, the CPU 52 judges whether or not the
link setting request data are received from the slot machine 10 set
as the host machine (Step S113a). The link setting request data
include the request for setting a new link and the information on
the participation condition of that link.
[0690] When the link setting request data are not received (NO in
Step S113a), the CPU 52 terminates the link setting acceptance
processing. When the link setting request data are received (YES in
Step S113a), the CPU 52 ensures the area in the RAM 55 to store as
the link data the participation condition of the link indicated by
the received link setting request data together with the link
number indicating the link, the rank ("MEGA," "MAJOR" or "MINI") of
the link, the details and the number of the slot machines 10
participating in the link, and the JP count value in the link
collectively as the link data. Then, the CPU 52 stores the
participation condition of the link indicated by the received link
setting request data and the link number, in the link list data
area in the RAM 55 thus ensured (Step S113b). Thereafter, the CPU
52 terminates the link setting acceptance processing. Here, the
link number may be automatically numbered by the CPU 52 upon
receipt of the link setting request data in order to discriminate
the link requested for the setting from other existing links.
[0691] Next, in the link participation acceptance processing in
Step S115, as shown in FIG. 91, the CPU 52 judges whether or not
the link participation request data are received from any of the
slot machines 10 not set as the host machine (Step S115a). When the
link participation request data are not received (NO in Step
S115a), the CPU 52 terminates the link participation acceptance
processing. When the link participation request data are received
(YES in Step S115a), the CPU 52 transmits the link list data to the
slot machine 10 which is the sender of the link participation
request data (Step S115b). Thereafter, the CPU 52 transfers the
processing to Step S115c.
[0692] Here, the link list data include the numbers and the
participation conditions of the respective links stored in the link
list data area of the RAM 55, as well as the details and the number
of the slot machines participating in the links, and the JP count
values for the links.
[0693] In Step S115c, the CPU 52 judges whether or not the
condition agreement data for agreeing with the participation
condition of a specific link are received from the slot machine 10
which is the sender of the link participation request data. The
condition agreement data include the information indicating the
link the participation condition of which is agreed and the
identification information of the slot machine 10 which is the
sender of the condition agreement data. When the condition
agreement data are not received (NO in Step S115c), the CPU 52
terminates the link participation acceptance processing. When the
condition agreement data are received (YES in Step S115c), the CPU
52 allows the slot machine 10 being the sender of the received
condition agreement data to participate in the link indicated in
the received condition agreement data (Step S115d) To be more
precise, concerning the link indicated by the received condition
agreement data, the details of the participants and the number of
the participants in the corresponding link stored in the link list
data area of the RAM 55 are updated with the contents including the
slot machine 10 which is the sender of the received condition
agreement data. Thereafter, the CPU 52 terminates the link
participation acceptance processing.
[0694] In the JP count value reception processing in Step S117, as
shown in FIG. 92, the CPU 52 judges whether or not JP count value
data are received from any of the slot machines 10 (Step S117a).
The JP count value data include the JP count value for the JP bonus
which represents some (such as 5%) of the wager bet on the slot
machine 10 which is the sender of the data.
[0695] When the JP count value data are not received (NO in Step
S117a), the CPU 52 terminates the JP count value reception
processing. When the JP count value data are received (YES in Step
S117a), the CPU 52 increments the JP count value, counted by the
counter 96, of the link that the slot machine 10 being the sender
of the JP count value data participates in (Step S117b). The link
that the slot machine 10 being the sender of the JP count value
data participates in can be specified by use of the link data
stored in the link list area of the RAM 55. Then, the CPU 52
updates the JP count value corresponding to the link in the link
data stored in the link list data area of the RAM 55 with the
incremented JP count value (Step S117c). Thereafter, the CPU 52
terminates the JP count value reception processing.
[0696] Then, finally in the JP bonus establishment data reception
processing in Step S119, as shown in FIG. 93, the CPU 52 judges
whether or not JP bonus establishment data are received from any of
the slot machines 10 (Step S119a).
[0697] When the JP bonus establishment data are not received (NO in
Step S119a), the CPU 52 terminates the JP bonus establishment data
reception processing. When the JP bonus establishment data are
received (YES in Step S119a), the CPU 52 transmits the payout
instruction data for the JP bonus to the slot machine 10 which is
the sender of the JP bonus establishment data. The payout
instruction data include the information on the payout amount of
the JP bonus to be executed by the slot machine 10 being the
sender.
[0698] For example, when the rank is set to "MEGA" in the link data
of the RAM 55 containing the slot machine 10 where the JP bonus is
established as information for the details of the participants, the
payout instruction data containing the information defining a
payout of 10,000 medals as the payout amount for the JP bonus are
transmitted to the slot machine 10 being the sender. Thereafter,
the CPU 52 terminates the JP bonus establishment data reception
processing.
[0699] In addition, in the slot system according to the sixth
embodiment, the contents of the JP bonus participation acceptance
processing shown in Step S31 and the contents of the link setting
acceptance processing shown in Step S32 in FIG. 76, which are both
executed by the CPU 106 of each of the slot machines 10, are
partially changed from the contents shown in FIG. 77 and FIG. 78 to
the contents shown in FIG. 94 and FIG. 95, respectively.
[0700] First, in the JP bonus participation acceptance processing
shown in Step S31 in FIG. 76, as shown in the flowchart in FIG. 94,
the CPU 106 transmits the link participation request to the host
server 1 (Step S52A) when the request for participation in the link
of the JP bonus is inputted (YES) in Step S51. Meanwhile, when the
participation condition of the specific link is agreed (YES) in
Step S55, the CPU 106 transmits the notice of agreement with the
participation condition of the specific link to the host server 1.
This notice includes the information indicating the link targeted
for agreement with the participation condition. Thereafter, the CPU
106 terminates the JP bonus participation acceptance
processing.
[0701] Except for the portions described above, the contents of the
JP bonus participation acceptance processing in FIG. 94 executed by
the CPU 106 of the slot machine 10 in the sixth embodiment are the
same as the contents of the JP bonus participation acceptance
processing in FIG. 77 executed by the CPU 106 of the slot machine
10 in the slot system of the fifth embodiment.
[0702] Next, in the link setting acceptance processing shown in
Step S32 in FIG. 76, as shown in the flowchart in FIG. 95, when the
"OK" button on the link setting input screen is touched, the CPU
106 transmits the link setting request data to the host server 1,
the link setting request data being used for requesting the setting
of the link having the rank and the participation condition
selected on the link setting input screen (Step S65A). Thereafter,
the CPU 106 transfers the processing to Step S66.
[0703] Except for the portions described above, the contents of the
link setting acceptance processing in FIG. 95 executed by the CPU
106 of the slot machine 10 in the sixth embodiment are the same as
the contents of the link setting acceptance processing in FIG. 78
executed by the CPU 106 of the slot machine 10 in the slot system
of the fifth embodiment.
[0704] As described above, in the slot system according to the
sixth embodiment of the present invention, when a certain slot
machine 10 requests its participation in the link of the JP bonus,
the list including the links, the participation conditions for the
links, and so forth indicated in the link list data transmitted
from the host server 1 is displayed on the liquid crystal display
16 of the slot machine as similar to the slot system according to
the fifth embodiment. Then, the agreement with the participation
condition of one of the links in the displayed list is inputted by
means of the touch operation on the liquid crystal display 16 or
the like, the slot machine 10 participates in the link having the
agreed participation condition. Some of credits bet on the slot
games on the slot machine after participation in the link is
counted as the JP count value for the JP bonus of the link that the
slot machine 10 participates in.
[0705] For this reason, the player of the slot machine 10 is able
to participate in a desired link among the multiple links that
share the JP bonuses after confirming the participation condition,
the number of the participants, the current JP count values and
other factors by way of the display of the link list on the liquid
crystal display 16. In this way, it is possible to provide the slot
system having more excellent properties with a variety of JP
bonuses and the control method thereof.
[0706] In the above-described slot system of the sixth embodiment,
it is also possible to apply a modified example similar to the slot
system according to the fifth embodiment.
[0707] Specifically, it is also possible to apply a configuration
to allow the players on the slot machine 10 not set as the host
machine and other slot machines 10 already participating in the
link targeted for the request to perform chat (conversations)
either by voice or display when accepting the request for
participation in the link of the JP bonus from the slot machine 10
which is not set as the host machine.
[0708] Now, a slot system according to a modified example of the
sixth embodiment of the present invention with addition of the chat
function will be described below. FIG. 96 is a flowchart showing a
procedure of a host server in the slot system according to the
modified example of the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 97A and FIG. 97B are flowcharts showing procedures of the slot
machine in the slot system according to the modified example of the
sixth embodiment of the present invention.
[0709] In this modified example, when the condition agreement data
for agreeing with the participation condition of the specific link
are not received (NO) in Step S115c of the link participation
acceptance processing in FIG. 91 executed by the CPU 52 of the host
server 1 in the slot system of the sixth embodiment, the CPU 52 of
the host server 1 transfers the processing to Step S115f shown in
FIG. 96. In this Step S115f, the CPU 52 judges whether or not the
chat start request data are received from the slot machine 10 which
is the sender of the link participation request data. The chat
start request data include the information indicating the link
targeted for the chat. When the chat start request data are not
received (NO in Step S115f), the CPU 52 transfers the processing to
Step S115c. When the chat start request data are received (YES in
Step S115f), the CPU 52 transmits the chat start data to the slot
machines 10 participating in the link targeted for the chat (Step
S115g). Thereafter, the CPU 52 transfers the processing to Step
S115h.
[0710] The chat start data are the instruction data for causing a
line to be formed, the line being used to transmit and receive the
chat (conversation) data mutually between the slot machine 10
participating in the link targeted for the chat indicated by the
chat start request data received in Step S115f and the slot machine
10 which makes the link participation request data received in Step
S115a. The chat start data include the identification information
on the slot machines 10 targeted for transmission and reception of
the chat data. The identification information on the slot machines
10 that is already participating in the link targeted for the chat
and that is other than the slot machine 10 which makes the
participation request data can be specified by use of the link data
stored in the link list area of the RAM 55.
[0711] In Step S115h, the CPU 52 judges whether or not the chat end
request data are received from the slot machine 10 which is the
sender of the link participation request data. As similar to the
chat start request data, the chat end request data also include the
information on the link targeted for the chat. When the chat end
request data are not received (NO in Step S115h), the CPU 52
repeats Step S115h until the data are received. When the data are
received (YES in Step S115h), the CPU 52 transmits the chat end
data to all the slot machines 10 participating in the link targeted
for the chat (Step S115i). Thereafter, the CPU 52 terminates the
link participation acceptance processing.
[0712] The chat end data are the instruction data for causing the
line to be dismissed, the line being used to transmit and receive
the chat (conversation) data formed in accordance with the
instruction in the chat start data. As similar to the chat start
data, the chat end data also include the identification information
on the slot machines 10 targeted for transmission and reception of
the chat data.
[0713] Except for the portions described above, the contents of the
link participation acceptance processing in FIG. 96 executed by the
CPU 52 of the host server 1 in this modified example are the same
as the contents of the link participation acceptance processing in
FIG. 82 executed by the CPU 52 of the host server 1 in the slot
system of the sixth embodiment.
[0714] Meanwhile, in this modified example, when the certain period
has not been passed (NO) after displaying the link participation
condition display screen on the liquid crystal display 16 as shown
in FIG. 97A in Step S56 of the JP bonus participation acceptance
processing in FIG. 84A executed by the CPU 106 of the slot machine
10 in the slot system of the sixth embodiment, the CPU 106 of the
slot machine 10 transfers the processing to Step S56A shown in FIG.
97B. In this Step S56A, the CPU 106 judges whether or not the "chat
ON" button is operated in the state where the portion with the
specific link name on is touched by the player in the link
participation condition display screen shown in FIG. 85.
[0715] When the "chat ON" button is not operated (NO in Step S56A),
the CPU 106 transfers the processing to Step S55 in FIG. 97A. When
the "chat ON" button is operated (YES in Step S56A), the CPU 106
changes the display on the liquid crystal display 16 to the chat
screen shown in FIG. 86 (Step S56B). Then, the CPU 106 transmits
the chat start notice to the host server 1 (Step S56C1).
[0716] Next, in Step S56D, the CPU 106 judges whether or not the
"chat OFF" button on the chat screen is operated. When the "chat
OFF" button is not operated (NO in Step S56D), the CPU 106 repeats
Step S56D until the button is operated. When the button is operated
(YES in Step S56D), the CPU 106 changes the display on the liquid
crystal display 16 to the link participation condition display
screen shown in FIG. 85 (Step S56E). Then, the CPU 106 transmits
the chat end notice to the host server 1 (Step S56F1). Thereafter,
the CPU 106 transfers the processing to Step S55 in FIG. 97A.
[0717] Except for the portions described above, the contents of the
JP bonus participation acceptance processing in FIG. 97A to FIG.
97C executed by the CPU 106 of the slot machine 10 in this modified
example are the same as the contents of the JP bonus participation
acceptance processing in FIG. 84A to FIG. 84C executed by the CPU
106 of the slot machine 10 in the slot system of the sixth
embodiment.
[0718] Moreover, in this modified example, when the request for
participation in the link of the JP bonus is not inputted (NO) in
Step S51 in FIG. 97A, the procedure starting from Step S51A in FIG.
84B is executed.
[0719] Further, in this modified example as well, the slot machine
10 is provided with the microphone 28 and the voice analysis
circuit 126 as shown in FIG. 87 similarly to the modified example
of the fifth embodiment. The microphone 28 outputs a signal
corresponding to a voice spoken by the player of the slot machine
10 to the voice analysis circuit 126. The voice analysis circuit
126 analyzes the voice signal inputted from the microphone 28 and
converts the signal into character data, and then outputs the
character data to the CPU 106 through the input-output bus 104. The
slot machine 10 and other slot machines 10 participating in the
link for the chat exchange the character data inputted to their
respective CPUs 106 therebetween via the relay controllers 4 and
the host server 1 while the chat transmission and reception line is
established.
[0720] In this way, according to the slot system of the modified
example of the sixth embodiment as well, each slot machine 10 can
utilize the chat function when the request for participation in the
link is inputted as similar to the slot system of the modified
example of the fifth embodiment. That is, as the "chat ON" button
on the link participation condition display screen in FIG. 85 to be
displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 is operated in a state
where the specific link is selected by the touch operation at the
portion with the specific link name on, it is possible to chat with
other slot machines 10 already participating in the specific link
thus selected. In this chat, the voice of the conversation spoken
by the player of the slot machine 10 is converted into the
character data and displayed on the chat screen shown in FIG.
86.
[0721] For this reason, when the player of a certain slot machine
10 wishes to participate in a specific link, it is possible to
obtain from other players useful information for judging whether or
not it is appropriate to participate in the specific link by
talking with the players of other slot machines 10 already
participating in the link. In this way, it is possible to provide a
slot system having more excellent properties and a control method
thereof by offering more comfort in selecting a desired link for
participation out of multiple links.
[0722] Next, a slot system and a control method thereof according
to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described.
As described previously, the host server 1 as shown in FIG. 52 is
omitted in the slot system according to the seventh embodiment.
Therefore, the slot system according to the seventh embodiment has
the configuration shown in FIG. 98.
[0723] Moreover, in the slot system according to the seventh
embodiment, the functions of the host server 1 is imparted to one
of the slot machine 10 that belongs to any of the terminal stations
2. For this reason, a counter 129 is added to the slot machine 10
in the slot system according to the seventh embodiment as shown in
FIG. 99 as compared to the configuration of the slot machine 10 in
the slot system of the fifth embodiment as shown in FIG. 58.
Moreover, in order to impart the functions of the host server 1 to
the slot machine 10, the probability tables for "MEGA," "MAJOR,"
and "MINI" as shown in FIG. 61 are set in the RAM 110 of the slot
machine 10 in the slot system according to the seventh
embodiment.
[0724] In the above-described slot system according to the seventh
embodiment, the CPU 106 of each of the slot machines 10 executes
the procedures shown in the flowcharts in FIG. 76, FIG. 94, FIG.
95, and FIG. 79 in the same manner as in the slot system according
to the sixth embodiment. Moreover, in the slot system according to
the seventh embodiment, the first slot machine 10 that starts the
slot game is set as the host machine while the rest of the slot
machines 10 are set as client machines. When the player of the slot
machine 10 set as the host machine ends the games on this slot
machine 10 by operating the payout switch 23 to discharge the
medals, for example, the setting of the second slot machine 10 that
starts the slot game is changed from the client machine to the host
machine.
[0725] The functions equivalent to the host server 1 in the slot
system according to the sixth embodiment are added to the slot
machine 10 set as the host machine. Therefore, the procedures shown
in the flowcharts from FIG. 88 to FIG. 93 that are executed by the
CPU 52 of the host server 1 in the slot system according to the
sixth embodiment are further executed by the CPU 106 of the slot
machine 10 set as the host machine. Here, the areas provided in the
RAM 55 of the host server 1 are provided in the RAM 110 of the slot
machine 10 set as the host machine in the slot system according to
the seventh embodiment.
[0726] Moreover, the various kinds of data and the like transmitted
from the slot machines other than the one set as the host machine
to the host server 1 in the slot system of the sixth embodiment are
entirely transmitted to the slot machine 10 set as the host machine
in the slot system of the seventh embodiment.
[0727] In the slot system according to the seventh embodiment of
the present invention configured as described above, when a certain
slot machine 10 requests its participation in the link of the JP
bonus, the list including the links, the participation conditions
for the links, and the like indicated on the link list data sent
from the slot machine set as the host machine is displayed on the
liquid crystal display 16 of the slot machine 10. Thereafter, when
the agreement with the participation condition of one of the links
in the displayed list is inputted by means of the touch operation
of the liquid crystal display 16, for example, the slot machine 10
participates in the link having the agreed participation condition.
Some of the credits bet on the slot games on that slot machine 10
after participating in the link is counted as the JP count value
for the JP bonus of the link that the slot machine 10 participates
in.
[0728] For this reason, the player of the slot machine 10 can
participate in the desired link among the multiple links sharing
the JP bonuses after confirming the participation condition, the
number of the participants, the current JP count value, and the
like by way of the display of the link list on the liquid crystal
display 16. In this way, it is possible to provide the slot system
having more entertaining properties and the control method thereof,
which have a variety of JP bonuses.
[0729] Here, in the slot system according to the seventh embodiment
described above, it is also possible to apply a configuration with
a similar modified example to those in the slot systems according
to the first and sixth embodiments.
[0730] Specifically, it is also possible to allow the players on
that slot machine 10 and other slot machines 10 already
participating in the link targeted for the request to perform chat
(conversations) either by voice or display when accepting the
request for participation in the link of the JP bonus from the slot
machine 10 not set as the host machine 10.
[0731] Here, in the slot system according to the modified example
of the seventh embodiment of the present invention with addition of
the chat function, the JP bonus participation acceptance processing
shown in FIG. 94 out of the processing operations executed by the
CPU 106 of each of the slot machines 10 in the slot system of the
sixth embodiment is changed to the contents shown in FIG. 97A, FIG.
84B, and FIG. 97B, which are executed by the CPU 106 of each of the
slot machines 10 in the slot system of the modified example of the
sixth embodiment.
[0732] In addition, in the slot system according to the modified
example of the seventh embodiment of the present invention with
addition of the chat function, the link participation acceptance
processing shown in FIG. 91 out of the processing operations
executed by the CPU 106 of the slot machine 10 set as the host
machine in the slot system of the sixth embodiment is changed to
the contents shown in FIG. 96.
[0733] In the slot system according to the modified example of the
seventh embodiment of the present invention having the
above-described configuration, each slot machine 10 can utilize the
chat function similarly to the slot systems according to the
modified examples of the first and sixth embodiments when the
request for participation in the link is inputted. That is, as the
"chat ON" button on the link participation condition display screen
in FIG. 85 displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 is operated
in a state where the specific link is selected by the touch
operation at the portion with the specific link name on, it is
possible to chat with other slot machines 10 already participating
in the specific link thus selected. In this chat, the voice of the
conversation spoken by the player of the slot machine 10 is
converted into the character data and displayed on the chat screen
shown in FIG. 86.
[0734] For this reason, when the player of a certain slot machine
10 wishes to participate in a specific link, it is possible to
obtain from other players useful information for judging whether or
not it is appropriate to participate in the specific link by
talking with the players of other slot machines 10 already
participating in the link. In this way, it is possible to provide a
slot system having more excellent properties and a control method
thereof by offering more comfort in selecting a desired link for
participation out of multiple links.
[0735] The slot system and the control method of the present
invention have been described above with reference to certain
illustrated embodiments. However, it is to be understood that the
present invention will not be limited only to these embodiments and
that the configurations of the respective constituents can be
replaced by other arbitrary configuration having similar
functions.
[0736] For example, in the above-described embodiments, the liquid
crystal display 16 is configured to have fifteen partitioned
regions q11 to q53 that are defined by five columns and three rows.
However, it is possible to determine, as needed, the number of
columns and rows in the matrix of the partitioned regions that
constitutes the display.
8th and 9th Embodiments
[0737] In these embodiments, step numbers shown in flow charts may
be redundantly presented in other embodiments, but they are used
independently from the other embodiments.
[0738] FIG. 100 is a diagram showing a configuration of a terminal
station 2 installed in a gaming system according to the present
invention. FIG. 101 shows a diagram of network connections.
Hereinafter, outline of the gaming system according to a eighth
embodiment of the present invention is explained with reference to
FIGS. 100 and 101.
[0739] As shown in FIG. 101, the terminal stations 2 (three in the
figure) are connected via a network 3 and a host server 1 is
connected to the network 3. In addition, as shown in FIG. 100, each
of the terminal stations 2 includes slot machines 10 (gaming
machine), a relay controller 4, a main display 5 and a count
display 6.
[0740] Each of the slot machines 10 executes slot games for a
player and can participate in one of JP bonuses (progressive
bonuses) linked among the slot machines 10. In the present
embodiment, JP bonuses with three ranks "MEGA", "MAJOR" and "MINI"
are setup and a player at each of the slot machines 10 can
participate in any of the JP bonuses. The JP bonuses "MEGA",
"MAJOR" and "MINI" are setup so that their winning probabilities
and payout amounts due to a winning are differentiated from each
other and they will be explained later in detail. Although an
example is explained in the present embodiment, in which three JP
bonus ranks "MEGA" "MAJOR" and "MINI" are setup, the present
invention is not limited to the three ranks.
[0741] On winning a JP bonus at a slot machine 10, a payout will be
provided according to the JP bonus in which the slot machine 10
participates. For example, when a JP bonus is won at the slot
machine 10 participating in "MINI", a payout amount of "MINI" 1,000
medals are paid out.
[0742] Therefore, it is possible for a player of each of the slot
machines 10 to select any of the JP bonuses from among "MEGA",
"MAJOR" and "MINI" for a slot game execution.
[0743] The relay controller 4 connects with the terminal stations 2
via the network 3. The relay controller 4 transmits a part of
wagers bet at each of the slot machines 10 to the host server 1 as
a JP count value and receives data of a JP count total value stored
in the host server 1 to display the JP count value on the count
display 6. The relay controller 4 also displays a variety of data
relating to game progress on the main display 5. For example, text
strings "Now, "MAJOR" bonus is awarded at No. XX.
Congratulations!!" are displayed as shown in FIG. 124 when any one
of the slot machines 10 has won a "MAJOR" bonus.
[0744] FIG. 102 is a perspective view showing an external
appearance of the slot machine 10 in the eighth embodiment
according to the present invention. Hereinafter, a configuration of
the slot machine 10 provided in each of the terminal stations 2 is
explained with reference to FIG. 102.
[0745] As shown in FIG. 102, the slot machine 10 includes a cabinet
11, a top box 12 installed on a top of the cabinet 11 and a main
door 13 provided on a front face of the cabinet 11. The cabinet 11
is has an LCD 16 on its surface facing a player. Various components
including a controller 40 (see FIG. 103) for electrically
controlling the slot machine 10, a hopper 44 (see FIG. 103) for
controlling insertion, storage and payout of medals and so on are
provided within the cabinet 11.
[0746] Although medals are adopted as gaming media used in a slot
game execution in the present embodiment, the gaming media are not
limited to the medals but to coins, tokens, electronic money or
electronic value information (credit) equivalent thereto can be
adopted.
[0747] The main door 13 is installed on the cabinet 11 so as to be
able to open and close and the LCD 16 is provided at almost middle
of the main door 13. A total of fifteen segmented areas q11 to q53
(see FIG. 122) are provided on the LCD 16 in three-row by
five-column matrix and various symbols can be displayed in the
segmented areas q11 to q53. Specifically, symbols displayed in the
segmented areas q11 to q53 start successive switching-over
concurrently after a slot game starting and then stop after a
predetermined time period has elapsed. A payout is provided
according to symbol combination achieved by the symbols in the
segmented areas q11 to q53. For example, a payout is provided when
a predetermined number of scatter symbols appear in the fifteen
segmented areas q11 to q53.
[0748] As shown in FIG. 122, each two-digit suffix attached to the
segmented areas "q" indicates "column" and "row". For example, the
segmented area in the first column and the first row is indicated
by "q11" and the segmented area in the fifth column and the third
row is indicated by "q53".
[0749] A credit display area 49 for displaying a current credit and
a payout display area 48 for displaying a payout amount are
provided on a bottom left area of the LCD 16 as shown in FIG.
102.
[0750] A medal insertion slot 21 into which medals to be used for a
slot game play are inserted and a bill validator 22 for validating
bills and accepting legitimate bills are provided beneath the LCD
16. Various operation switches are provided near the medal
insertion slot 21 and the bill validator 22.
[0751] A payout switch 23, a max-bet switch 24, a bet switch 25, a
spin/repeat-bet switch 26 and a start switch 27 are provided as the
operation switches.
[0752] The bet switch 25 is a switch to determine a credit amount
to be bet on a slot game executed on the LCD 16. As will be
described later, a credit(s) corresponding to one medal is bet each
pressing of the bet switch 25.
[0753] The spin/repeat-bet switch 26 is a switch to bet credits for
a slot game play without changing credit amount bet on the last
game by the bet switch 25.
[0754] The start switch 27 is a switch to start a slot game after a
desired credit amount is bet. A slot game is started on the LCD
16when the start switch 27 is pressed after a medal insertion into
the medal insertion slot 21 or a credit bet by way of the bet
switch 25.
[0755] The payout switch 23 is a switch to eject a payout as medals
corresponding to credits. The medals for the payout are ejected
from a medal payout opening 19 opened beneath the front face of the
main door 13. The paid out medals are stored on a medal tray
18.
[0756] The max-bet switch 24 is a switch to bet a maximum credit
amount capable of being bet on a single slot game (for example,
credits corresponding to thirty medals) by one operation.
[0757] A foot display 34 is provided at a lower part of the front
face of the main door 13, on which various images relating to a
slot game in the slot machine 10 are displayed. These images
include a character in the slot machine 10 and soon, for
example.
[0758] Lamps 47 are provided on both sides of the foot display 34
and they illuminate according to an illuminating pattern previously
set for a slot game executed at the slot machine 10. The payout
opening 19 from which medals for a payout are ejected and the medal
tray 18 on which the paid out medals are stored are provided
beneath the foot display 34.
[0759] Speakers 29 are provided on side faces of the top box 12 and
an upper display 33 is provided on a front face of the top box 12.
The upper display 33 includes an LCD panel and various images such
as the character images of a slot game are displayed thereon.
[0760] A ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a data display 37 and
a keypad 38 are provided beneath the upper display 33.
[0761] The ticket printer 35 prints a bar code on a ticket and
outputs the ticket as a bar-coded ticket 39, into which data such
as a payout amount, date, and an ID number of the slot machine 10,
are encoded. A player can use the bar-coded ticket 39 to play a
game at another slot machine or can exchange with bills of each
currency at a predetermined area in a gaming arcade (for example, a
casher in a casino).
[0762] A smart cart can be inserted into the card reader 36 and the
card reader 36 reads data from the inserted smart card and writes
data to the smart card. The smart card is carried by a player and
stores data to identify the player and data about a gaming history
of the player. The smart card may store data equivalent to coins,
bills or credits. In addition, a magnetic stripe card may be
adopted instead of the smart card,.
[0763] The data display 37 is composed of a fluorescent display or
the like and displays the data read by the card reader 36 and data
input by a player via the keypad 38, for example.
[0764] The keypad 38 is used for instruction inputs and data inputs
with respect to a ticket issuance or the like.
[0765] FIG. 103 is a block diagram showing electrical configuration
of the controller 40 (terminal controller) and various devices
connected to the controller 40 in the slot machine 10 in the
present embodiment. The controller 40 in the slot machine 10 shown
in FIG. 103 is a microcomputer and includes interface circuits 102,
an I/O bus 104, a CPU 106, a ROM 108, a RAM 110, a signal
communication interface circuit 111, a random number generator
(RNG) 112, a speaker drive circuit 122, a hopper drive circuit 124,
a display drive circuit 128 and a display controller 140.
[0766] The interface circuits 102 are connected to the I/O bus 104
and the I/O bus 104 transmits data signals or address signals with
the CPU 106.
[0767] The start switch 27 is connected to the interface circuits
102. A start signal output from the start switch 27 is transmitted
to the CPU 106 via the I/O bus 104 after having been converted into
a predefined signal in the interface circuits 102.
[0768] Further, the bet switch 25, the max-bet switch 24, the
spin/repeat-bet switch 26 and the payout switch 23 are connected to
the interface circuits 102. Each switching signal output from each
of the switches 25, 24, 26 and 23 is supplied to the interface
circuits 102 and transmitted to the CPU 106 via the I/O bus 104
after having been converted into a predefined signal in the
interface circuits 102.
[0769] In addition, a medal sensor 43 is connected to the interface
circuits 102. The medal sensor 43 is a sensor to detect a medal(s)
inserted into the medal insertion slot 21 and is provided at a
medal insertion portion of the medal insertion slot 21. A detection
signal output from the medal sensor 43 is supplied to the interface
circuits 102 and transmitted to the CPU 106 via the I/O bus 104
after having been converted into a predefined signal in the
interface circuits 102.
[0770] The hopper drive circuit 124 is connected to a hopper 44 and
supplies medals to the hopper 44 based on a payout command signal
transmitted from the CPU 106.
[0771] The speaker drive circuit 122 outputs sound data to the
speakers 29 and outputs a predetermined sound from the speakers
29.
[0772] The display drive circuit 128 transmits display data such as
a payout amount and a credit amount to display the display data in
the payout display area 48 and the credit display area 49.
[0773] The display controller 140 outputs display data to be
displayed on the LCD 16. Further, the display controller 140 inputs
an operation signal from a touchscreen 16a provided on a surface of
the LCD 16. Icons of "Setting New Group " and "Participating in
Existing Group" are displayed on the LCD 16 before a slot game is
started as described later (see FIG. 126). On a player touching
this selection screen, the player's operation is detected by the
touchscreen 16a and thus the icon selected by the player is
confirmed.
[0774] The CPU 106 executes a slot game based on the operation
signal from the switches 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27 and the detection
signal from the medal sensor 43, which are connected to the
interface circuits 102. In addition, the CPU 106 outputs a display
command signal to the display controller 140 and controls to scroll
and stop symbols in the segmented areas q11 to q53. The CPU 106
outputs a payout command signal to the hopper drive circuit 124
when a payout is to be provided. Further, the CPU 106 totally
controls the slot machine 10 via the signal communication interface
circuit 111. For example, the CPU 106 transmits a JP count value
generated in the slot machine 10 to the host server 1.
[0775] The ROM 108 stores system programs for various control
processes executed by the CPU 106.
[0776] The RAM 110 stores a variety of data used for the control
execution by the CPU 106. In addition, the RAM 110 stores a payout
table, in which payouts are defined according to symbol
combinations to be stopped in the segmented areas q11 to q53 due to
a slot game execution. FIG. 120 shows an example of a payout table.
For example, it defines that twenty medals will be paid out for one
bet when five "APPLE" symbols have appeared in the fifteen
segmented areas q11 to q53 and that fifteen medals will be paid out
for one bet and when four "APPLE" symbols have appeared.
[0777] Next, configuration of the host server 1 will be explained.
FIG. 104 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of
the host server 1 and the host server 1 includes a signal
communication I/F 53 for transmitting data with each of the
terminal stations 2 via the network 3, a CPU 52 that totally
controls the host server 1, a ROM 54 that stores the system
programs executed by the CPU 52, a RAM 55 that stores data
temporarily, a timer 56 and a keyboard 57. Further, the host server
1 includes a counter 58 that counts a JP count value bet at the
slot machines 10 in each of the terminal stations 2.
[0778] The CPU 52 executes various processes based on various
signals output from the terminal stations 2 and data and programs
stored in the ROM 54 and the RAM 55. The CPU 52 initiatively
controls the relay controller 4 and the slot machines 10 in each of
the terminal stations 2 by transmitting command signals to the
terminal stations 2 based on the results of the processes.
[0779] Specifically, the CPU 52 receives a part of wagers bet at
the slot machines 10 in each of the terminal stations 2 as JP count
values and executes a process to count the JP count values by the
counter 58. At this time, the JP count values are counted
separately for each of after-mentioned groups. On winning a JP
bonus at any of the slot machines 10, a payout command signal
corresponding to the JP bonus is output.
[0780] In addition, the RAM 55 stores a JP bonus table in which a
winning probability and a payout amount for a winning are defined
for each of the JP bonus ranks as shown in FIG. 121. Specifically,
it is defined that a winning probability of "MEGA" is 0.01% and
10,000 medals will be paid out for its winning. And it is defined
that a winning probability of "MAJOR" is 0.05% and 5,000 medals
will be paid out for its winning. Further it is defined that a
winning probability of "MINI" is 0.1% and 1,000 medals will be paid
out for its winning.
[0781] FIG. 105 is a block diagram showing an internal
configuration of the relay controller 4. As shown in FIG. 105, the
relay controller 4 includes a CPU 91 that totally controls the
relay controller 4, a signal communication I/F 92 that communicates
with the host server 1 via the network 3, an I/F for terminal 93
that communicates with each of the slot machines 10, a ROM 94 that
stores the system programs executed by the CPU 91 and a RAM 95.
[0782] The CPU 91 transmits some (e.g. 5%) of wagers bet at each of
the slot machines 10 to the host server 1 as a JP count value. In
addition, the CPU 91 displays the total JP count value transmitted
from the host server 1 on the count display 6 and notifies the
total JP count value to each player in the terminal stations 2. On
awarding a JP bonus at any of the slot machines 10, the CPU 91
displays its result on the main display 5 to notify the players in
the terminal stations 2 that the JP bonus has been won.
[0783] Next, process procedures in the gaming system according to
the eighth embodiment of the present invention will be explained.
FIG. 109 is a flowchart showing process procedures in the host
server 1.
[0784] In step S11, the CPU 52 (see FIG. 104) executes a
new-group-setting processing. In this processing, on the new group
setting request signal being received, a new group is set with a
participation precondition according to a playing history of a slot
machine 10 that has sent a new group setting request signal. Its
details will be described later.
[0785] In step S12, the CPU 52 executes a
participation-in-existing-group processing. In this processing,
each slot machine 10 that has sent a request signal for
participation is allowed to participate in an existing group in
which a player desires to participate on the request signal for
participation in an existing group being received. Its details will
be described later.
[0786] In step S13, the CPU 52 executes an exclusion-from-group
processing. In this processing, a slot machine 10 that has sent a
participation precondition unmatch signal is excluded from the
group in which the slot machine 10 is participating on the
participation precondition unmatch signal being received. Its
details will be described later.
[0787] In step S14, the CPU 52 reads the accumulated JP count
values of the groups stored in the counter 58 (see FIG. 104) to add
the JP count value sent from each of the slot machines 10 in the
terminal stations 2 per each of the groups. For example, the JP
count value generated by the slot machines 10 participating in a
group A is increased in the counter of the group A. As a result,
each accumulated JP count value of the groups is stored in the
counter 58.
[0788] In step S15, the CPU 52 determines whether or not winning
data of a JP bonus has been received from any of the terminal
stations 2. If the winning data of the JP bonus has not been
received, the processing is terminated.
[0789] On the other hand, if the winning data of the JP bonus has
been received, the CPU 52 sends, in step S16, a JP bonus payout
command signal to the slot machine 10 which has won the JP bonus.
For example, when "MEGA" has been won at a certain slot machine 10,
the CPU 52 sends the command signal for providing a 10,000-medal
payout to the slot machine 10.
[0790] In step S17, the CPU 52 decreases the accumulated JP count
value in the counter 58. In this process, the JP count value,
10,000 corresponding to the number of paid-out medals, is
subtracted. After that, the processing is terminated. In this
manner, the processes in the host server 1 are executed.
[0791] Next, the new-group-setting processing shown in step S11 in
FIG. 109 is explained with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.
110.
[0792] In step S31, the CPU 52 determines whether or not to receive
a new group setting request signal from any of the slot machines
10. Here, the new group setting request signal is a signal to be
transmitted on setting a new group at any of the slot machines 10.
Its details will be described later.
[0793] In step S32, the CPU 52 reads a past history data of the
slot machine 10 that has sent the setting request signal after
receiving the new group setting request signal. Specifically, the
CPU 52 reads the history data such as credits amounts for the past
ten slot games at the slot machine 10.
[0794] In step S33, the CPU 52 sets a participation precondition of
a new group according to the history data. A minimum bet amount for
one game, a JP bonus rank ("MEGA", "MAJOR" or "MINI") and so on are
set as the participation precondition. In this processing, the
minimum bet amount for one game will be set high and the JP bonus
rank is set high in the case where a credit amount per game has
been large in the past ten slot games.
[0795] In step S34, the CPU 52 stores the participation
precondition set in the above processing in the RAM 55. In this
manner, the new-group-setting processing is executed.
[0796] Next, the participation-in-existing-group processing shown
in step S12 in FIG. 109 is explained with reference to a flowchart
shown in FIG. 111.
[0797] In step S51, the CPU 52 determines whether or not to receive
a request signal for participation in an existing group from any of
the slot machines 10. Here, the request signal for participation in
an existing group is a signal to be transmitted in the case where
any of the slot machines 10 desires to participate in an existing
group already registered in the host server 1. Its details will be
described later.
[0798] In step S52, the CPU 52 reads the participation precondition
data of the group stored in the RAM 55 to confirm constituents in
the group and the participation precondition of the group after
receiving the request signal for participation in an existing
group. For example, the participation precondition of the "group A"
includes that "a minimum bet amount for one game is ten or more
medals, that a JP bonus rank is MAJOR" and so on.
[0799] In step S53, the CPU 52 transmits the participation
precondition of each group read in the above processing to the slot
machine 10 that has transmitted the participation request signal.
As a result, a list including the constituents and the precondition
of the group is supplied to the slot machine 10 that has
transmitted the participation request signal.
[0800] In step S54, the CPU 52 determines whether or not to receive
a participation confirmation data. After that, in step S55, the CPU
52 allows concerning slot machines 10 to participate in each
desired existing group after receiving the participation
confirmation data. In this manner, the
participation-in-existing-group processing is executed.
[0801] Next, the exclusion-from-group processing shown in step S13
in FIG. 109 is explained with reference to a flowchart shown in
FIG. 112.
[0802] In step S71, the CPU 52 determines whether or not to receive
a participation precondition unmatch signal from any of the slot
machines 10. Here, the participation precondition unmatch signal is
a signal to be transmitted in the case where a slot machine 10
participating in an existing group becomes not longer matched with
the participation precondition of the existing group. Its details
will be described later.
[0803] In step S72, the CPU 52 executes the exclusion processing to
exclude a slot machine 10 that has sent a participation
precondition unmatch signal from the group in which the slot
machine 10 has participated after receiving the participation
precondition unmatch signal. After that, the processing is
terminated.
[0804] Next, processes in a slot machine 10 provided in each of the
terminal stations 2 will be explained with reference to a flowchart
shown in FIG. 113.
[0805] In step S111, the CPU 106 (see FIG. 103) of the slot machine
10 executes a group setting processing. In the group setting
processing, executed is one of setting of a new group or
participating in an existing group. A participation precondition,
such as a minimum bet amount on one game and a JP bonus rank
("MEGA", "MAJOR" or "MINI") in the slot machine 10, is set in this
processing. Its details will be described later.
[0806] In step S112, the CPU 106 starts to accept medal insertion.
In this process, the CPU 106 accepts the medal insertion through
the medal insertion slot 21 by a player and the medal sensor 43
detects the number of inserted medals when medals are inserted.
[0807] In step S113, the CPU 106 adds the credit amount
corresponding to the number of inserted medals and then displays
the credits amount after adding in the credit display area 49.
[0808] In step S114, the CPU 106 determines whether or not credits
have been bet. In this process, the CPU 106 judges whether or not
received has been a signal output on the bet switch 25 being
pressed, a signal output on the max-bet switch 24 being pressed or
a signal output on the spin/repeat-bet switch 26 being pressed. If
it has been determined that credits have not been bet, its process
flow returns to step S112.
[0809] On the other hand, if it has been determined in step S114
that credits has been bet, the CPU 106 advances its process flow to
step S115 to subtract the credit amount had been bet. Consequently,
the credit subtracted by the credit amount therefrom is displayed
in the credit display area 49.
[0810] In step S116, the CPU 106 counts a preset percentage (e.g.
5%) of the credit bet as the JP count value and sends data about
the JP count value to the host server 1 via the relay controller 4
and the network 3. When the host server 1 receives the JP count
values sent from the slot machines 10, the values are added to the
counter 58 by the process in step S14 shown in FIG. 109.
[0811] In step S117, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the
start switch 27 has been pressed. In this process, the CPU 106
judges whether or not a signal output on the start switch 27 being
pressed has been received. In step S118, the CPU 106 determines
whether or not a JP bonus is to be awarded when it is determined
that the start switch 27 has been pressed.
[0812] In step S119, the CPU 106 determines whether or not it has
been determined that a JP bonus will be won. If a JP bonus is won,
the CPU 106 sends the winning data of the JP bonus to the host
server 1 via the relay controller 4 and the network 3 in step
S120.
[0813] In step S121, the CPU 106 executes a symbol scroll
processing. In this scroll processing, executed is a process by
which symbols displayed in each of the segmented areas q11 to q53
on the LCD 16 are successively switched over and then stopped after
a preset time period has been elapsed to display new symbols in
each of the segmented areas q11 to q53. If a winning symbol
combination has appeared in the result of scrolling process, an
award is provided. Details of the scroll processing will be
explained later with reference to FIG. 115.
[0814] In step S122, the CPU 106 executes a payout processing. In
the payout processing, the predetermined number of medals will be
paid out in the case where symbols defined in the payout table as
shown in FIG. 120 have been appeared. Details of the payout
processing will be explained later with reference to FIG. 116.
[0815] In step S123, the CPU 106 executes a participation
precondition confirmation processing. In this processing, it is
determined whether or not a slot machine 10 meets a participation
precondition of a group in which the slot machine 10 is
participating. Its details will be described later with reference
to FIG. 117.
[0816] In this manner, by repeating the processes of steps S112 to
S123, the slot game (unit game) is executed repeatedly.
[0817] Next, the group setting processing in step S111 shown in
FIG. 113 will be explained with reference to a flowchart shown in
FIG. 114.
[0818] In step S131, the CPU 106 confirms that which has been
selected by a player, setting of a new group or participating in an
existing group. For example, icons of "Setting Of New Group" and
"Participation In Existing Group" are displayed on the LCD 16 as
shown in FIG. 126 and the player's touch onto one of the icons is
detected by the touchscreen 16a in this process.
[0819] If participating in an existing group is selected, the CPU
106 sends a request signal for the participation in an existing
group in step S132. This participation request signal is received
by the host server 1. Then, the host server 1 sends the
participation precondition signal in the above-mentioned processes
in steps S52 and S53 shown in FIG. 111. The participation
precondition signal is received by the slot machine 10.
[0820] In step S133, the CPU 106 displays the received
participation precondition on the LCD 16. For example, the "Group
A" icon is displayed and text strings "Bet Amount On One Game: 10
Or More" and "JP Bonus: MAJOR" are further displayed as the
participation precondition of the group A as shown in FIG. 127 in
this process.
[0821] Then, the CPU 106 determines participation or
non-participation in the group A by detecting whether or not a
player has touched the "Group A" icon via the touchscreen 16a in
step S134. In addition, an icon of a next group is displayed on a
"Next" icon shown in FIG. 127 being touched. Therefore, the player
can select a desired group while each participation precondition of
groups is being displayed on the LCD 16.
[0822] If an input for participation is detected, the CPU 106 sends
the participation confirmation data to the host server 1 in step
S135. As a result, the player can participate in the selected group
(e.g. the group A). In this manner, the processing for
participating in an existing group is executed.
[0823] On the other hand, if setting of a new group is selected in
step S131, the CPU 106 sends anew group setting request signal to
the host server 1 in step S136. The host server 1 receives the new
group setting request signal and then registers a new group with a
participation precondition being set according to the
above-mentioned processes of steps S32 to S34 shown in FIG.
110.
[0824] Next, the symbol scroll processing in step S121 shown in
FIG. 113 will be explained with reference to a flowchart shown in
FIG. 115.
[0825] In step S151, the CPU 106 scrolls symbols displayed in each
of the segmented areas q11 to q53. In step S152, the CPU 106 stops
symbols in each of the segmented areas q11 to q53.
[0826] In step S153, the CPU 106 determines whether or not a
winning combination has been achieved based on the symbols appeared
in the fifteen segmented areas q11 to q53.
[0827] In step S154, the CPU 106 provides an award according to the
achieved winning combination. For example, if five "BELL" symbols
have appeared as shown in FIG. 123, a winning combination is
achieved and a fifteen-medal payout is provided. In this manner,
the symbol scroll processing is executed.
[0828] Next, the payout processing in step S122 shown in FIG. 113
will be explained with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.
116.
[0829] In step S171, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the JP
bonus payout command has been received. In this process, the
command is regarded as being received by the slot machine 10 in the
case where the JP bonus payout command is output from the host
server 1 in step S16 shown in FIG. 109.
[0830] In step S172, the CPU 106 payouts credits corresponding to
the JP bonus on receiving the JP bonus payout command.
[0831] In step S173, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the
award has been prized in step S154 shown in FIG. 115. In step S174,
the CPU 106 payouts credits corresponding to the award when the
award has been prized. In this manner, the payout processing is
executed.
[0832] Next, the participation precondition confirmation processing
in step S123 shown in FIG. 113 will be explained with reference to
a flowchart shown in FIG. 117.
[0833] In step S191, the CPU 106 determines whether or not a credit
amount had been bet is under the minimum bet amount defined in the
participation precondition of the currently participating group.
For example, if the minimum credit amount is "ten", the CPU 106
determines whether the bet amount is under-ten or ten-or-more. If
the bet amount is equal-to or more-than the minimum bet mount, the
CPU 106 sets a count value T of the counter set in the RAM 110 to
T=0 in step S197 and then terminates the processing.
[0834] If the bet amount is under the minimum bet amount, the CPU
106 increments the count value T in step S192. In step S193, the
CPU 106 determines whether or not the count value T is "seven" or
more. If the count value is "seven" or more, the CPU 106 outputs a
warning. For example, text strings "Your Bet Amount Is Under
Prescript Amount!!" and "Please Bet 10 Or More Credits!!" are
displayed on the LCD 16 as shown in FIG. 125 to notify the player
that the bet amount does not meet the participation
precondition.
[0835] In step S195, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the
count value is "ten" or more. If the count value is "ten" or more,
that is, if the participation precondition of the group has not
been met during the past ten successive games, the CPU 106 sends
the participation precondition unmatch signal to the host server 1
in step S196.
[0836] When receiving the participation precondition unmatch
signal, the host server 1 excludes the unmatch slot machine 10 from
the group in step S72 shown in FIG. 112. In this manner, the slot
machine 10 that does not meet the participation precondition is
excluded from the group.
[0837] As described above, in the gaming machine according to the
eighth embodiment of the present invention, a player at each of the
slot machines 10 in the terminal stations 2 can participate, at a
game start, in an arbitrary group with a participation precondition
being defined, such as a minimum bet amount and a JP bonus rank.
Therefore, a player, who wants to strive for getting a larger
payout amount on winning a JP bonus with a large bet amount on one
game (a so-called high roller), can select a group with a higher
minimum bet amount and a higher JP bonus rank (e.g. "MEGA") to
participate in.
[0838] On the other hand, a player, who wants to play games for a
long period with limited money with a smaller bet amount, can
select a group with a lower minimum bet amount and a lower JP bonus
rank (e.g. "MINI") to participate in. Further, in the case where
there is no existing group with a participation precondition a
player desires, or where a player desires to set a new group with
the player's playing style, a participation precondition of a new
group can be automatically set based on the player's history data
by selecting a new group setting.
[0839] As described above, with the gaming system according to the
present invention, it is possible for a player to select
participation in an existing group or a new group setting.
Therefore, the player can play slot games in an environment
suitable to the player's playing style.
[0840] In addition, if a slot machine 10 no longer meets the
participation precondition of the group after the slot machine 10
participated in an arbitrary group and has played slot games, a
warning is output to the slot machine 10. If the participation
precondition is not made satisfied nonetheless, the slot machine 10
is excluded from the group. Therefore, only players who meet the
participation precondition can participate in each group at all
times.
[0841] Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be
explained. FIG. 107 is a network connection diagram showing a
configuration of the gaming system in the ninth embodiment. The
terminal stations 2a are connected via the network 3. The gaming
system in the ninth embodiment is different from the gaming system
in the eighth embodiment shown in FIG. 101 in that the host server
1 is not provided.
[0842] FIG. 106 is a configuration diagram of a terminal station 2a
installed in the gaming system in the ninth embodiment. In the
gaming system in the ninth embodiment, the terminal station 2a is
different from the terminal station 2 in the above-mentioned eighth
embodiment in that provided are only one slot machine 10a served as
a main machine and plural slot machines 10b served as slave
machines. A JP bonus rank is preliminarily set in each of the main
and slave slot machines 10a and 10b. For example, three machines
are set exclusively for "MINI", three machines exclusively for
"MAJOR" and four machines exclusively for "MEGA" among the ten slot
machines 10a and 10b. As a result, a player can select one with a
JP bonus rank to participate in among the slot machines 10a and
10b.
[0843] Electrical configurations of the slot machines 10a and 10b
will be explained hereinafter. Since each of the slave slot
machines 10b has the same configuration as shown in FIG. 103, its
explanation will be omitted.
[0844] FIG. 108 is a block diagram showing the electrical
configuration of the main slot machine 10a. As shown in FIG. 108,
the main slot machine 10a is different from the slot machine 10
shown in FIG. 103 in that a counter 129 is further included. The
counter 129 counts the JP count value bet at each of the slot
machines 10a and 10b. Therefore, accumulated value of the JP count
will be stored in the counter 129. Then, the controller 40 shown in
FIG. 108 executes processing similarly to the host server 1 shown
in FIG. 104.
[0845] It may also be possible to configure so that one of the slot
machines in all of the terminal stations 2a is served as the main
slot machine 10a with the functions of the host server 1 in the
eighth embodiment. Alternatively, it may also be possible to
configure so that one main slot machine 10a is provided in each of
the terminal stations 2a.
[0846] Processing procedures in the main slot machine 10a will be
explained with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 118.
[0847] In step S211, the CPU 106 (FIG. 108) provided in the main
slot machine 10a executes a new-group-setting processing. In this
processing, on a new group setting request signal being received, a
new group is set by a slot machine 10 that has sent the new group
setting request signal. Since this processing is the same as that
in FIG. 110 described above, its explanation is omitted.
[0848] In step S212, the CPU 106 executes a participation-in
-existing-group processing. In this processing, each slot machine
10a or 10b that has sent a request signal for participation is
allowed to participate in a desired existing group on the request
signal for participation in an existing group being received. Since
this processing is the same as that in FIG. 111 described above,
its explanation is omitted.
[0849] In step S213, the CPU 106 executes an exclusion-from group
processing. In this processing, each slot machine 10a or 10b that
has sent a participation precondition unmatch signal is excluded
from its group on the participation precondition unmatch signal
being received. Since this processing is the same as that in FIG.
112 described above, its explanation is omitted.
[0850] In step S214, the CPU 106 reads the accumulated JP count
value stored in the counter 129 (see FIG. 108) to add the JP count
value sent from each of the slot machines 10a and 10b. Therefore,
the JP count value stored in the counter 129 is the accumulated
value of the JP count value bet at each of the slot machines 10a
and 10b.
[0851] In step S215, the CPU 106 determines whether or not winning
data of a JP bonus has been received from any of the slot machines
10a and 10b. If the winning data of a JP bonus has not been
received, the processing is terminated.
[0852] On the other hand, if the winning data of a JP bonus has
been received, the CPU 106 sends, in step S216, a JP bonus payout
command signal to the slot machine 10a or 10b which has won the JP
bonus. For example, when "MEGA" has been won at a certain slot
machine 10b, the CPU 106 sends the command signal for providing a
10,000-medal payout to the slot machine 10b.
[0853] In step S217, the CPU 106 decreases the accumulated JP count
value in the counter 129. In this processing, the JP count value,
10,000 corresponding to the number of paid-out medals is
subtracted. After that, the processing is terminated. In this
manner, the processes in the main slot machine 10a are
executed.
[0854] Next, process procedures in each of the slot machines 10a
and 10b including the main machine will be explained with reference
to a flowchart shown in FIG. 119.
[0855] In step S231, the CPU 106 of the slot machine 10a or 10b
executes a group setting processing. In the group setting
processing, executed is one of setting of a new group or
participating in an existing group. A participation precondition,
such as a minimum bet amount on one game and a JP bonus rank
("MEGA", "MAJOR" or "MINI") in the slot machine 10a or 10b, is set
in this processing. Since its detailed process procedure is the
same as that in FIG. 114 described above, its explanation is
omitted.
[0856] In step S232, the CPU 106 starts to accept medal insertion.
In this process, the CPU 106 accepts the medal insertion through
the medal insertion slot 21 by a player and the medal sensor 43
detects the number of inserted medals when medals are inserted.
[0857] In step S233, the CPU 106 adds the credit amount
corresponding to the number of inserted medals and then displays
the credit amount after adding in the credit display area 49.
[0858] In step S234, the CPU 106 determines whether or not credits
have been bet. In this process, the CPU 106 judges whether or not
received has been a signal output on the bet switch 25 being
pressed, a signal output on the MAX-BET switch 24 being pressed or
a signal output on the spin/repeat-BET switch 26 being pressed. If
it has been determined that credits have not been bet, the CPU 106
returns its process flow step S232.
[0859] On the other hand, if it has been determined in step S234
that credits have been bet, the CPU 106 advances its process flow
to step S235 to subtract the credit amount had been bet.
Consequently, the credit subtracted by the credit amount therefrom
is displayed in the credit display area 49.
[0860] In step S236, the CPU 106 counts a preset percentage (e.g.
5%) of the credit bet as the JP count value and sends data about
the JP count value to the main slot machine 10a. The JP count value
received by the slot machine 10a is accumulated into the counter
129 in step S214 shown in FIG. 118.
[0861] In step S237, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the
start switch 27 has been pressed. In this process, the CPU 106
judges whether or not a signal output on the start switch 27 being
pressed has been received. In step S238, the CPU 106 determines
whether or not a JP bonus is to be awarded when it is determined
that the start switch 27 has been pressed.
[0862] In step S239, the CPU 106 determines whether or not a JP
bonus is won. If a JP bonus is won, the CPU 106 sends the winning
data of the JP bonus to the main slot machine 10a in step S240.
[0863] In step S241, the CPU 106 executes a symbol scroll
processing. In this scroll processing, executed is a process by
which symbols displayed in each of the segmented areas q11 to q53
on the LCD 16 are successively switched over and then stopped after
a preset time period has been elapsed to display new symbols in
each of the segmented areas q11 to q53. If a winning symbol
combination has appeared in the result of scrolling process, an
award is provided. Since details of the scroll processing are the
same as those in FIG. 115, their explanation is omitted.
[0864] In step S242, the CPU 106 executes a payout processing. In
the payout processing, the predetermined number of medals will be
paid out in the case where symbols defined in the payout table as
shown in FIG. 120 have been appeared. Since details of the payout
processing are the same as those in FIG. 116, their explanation is
omitted.
[0865] In step S243, the CPU 106 executes a participation
precondition confirmation processing. In this processing, it is
determined whether or not a slot machine 10a or 10b meets a
participation precondition of a group in which the slot machine 10a
or 10b is participating. Since its details are the same as those in
FIG. 117, their explanation is omitted.
[0866] In this manner, by repeating the processes of steps S232 to
S243, the slot game (unit game) is executed repeatedly at each of
the slot machines 10a and 10b.
[0867] As described above, in the gaming machine according to the
ninth embodiment of the present invention, a player at each of the
slot machines 10a and 10b can participate, at a game start, in an
arbitrary group with a participation precondition being defined,
such as a minimum bet amount and a JP bonus rank. Therefore, a
player, who wants to strive for getting a larger payout amount on
winning a JP bonus with a large bet amount on one game (a so-called
high roller), can select a group with a higher minimum bet amount
and a higher JP bonus rank (e.g. "MEGA") to participate in.
[0868] On the other hand, a player, who wants to play games for a
long period with limited money with a smaller bet amount, can
select a group with a lower minimum bet amount and a lower JP bonus
rank (e.g. "MINI") to participate in. Further, in the case where
there is no existing group with a participation precondition a
player desires, or where a player desires to set a new group with
the player's playing style, a participation precondition of a new
group can be automatically set based on the player's history data
by selecting a new group setting.
[0869] As described above, with the gaming system according to the
present invention, it is possible for a player to select
participation in an existing group or a new group setting.
Therefore, the player can play slot games in an environment
suitable to the player's playing style.
[0870] In addition, if a slot machine 10a or 10b no longer meets
the participation precondition of the group after the slot machine
10a or 10b participated in an arbitrary group and has played slot
games, a warning is output to the slot machine 10a or 10b. If the
participation precondition is not made satisfied nonetheless, the
slot machine 10a or 10b is excluded from the group. Therefore, only
players who meet the participation precondition can participate in
each group at all times.
10th to 12th Embodiments
[0871] In these embodiments, step numbers shown in flow charts may
be redundantly presented in other embodiments, but they are used
independently from the other embodiments.
[0872] FIG. 128 is a diagram showing a configuration of a terminal
station 2 installed in a gaming system according to the present
invention. FIG. 129 shows a diagram of network connections.
Hereinafter, outline of the gaming system according to a tenth
embodiment of the present invention is explained with reference to
FIGS. 128 and 129.
[0873] As shown in FIG. 129, the terminal stations 2 (three in the
figure) are connected via a network 3 and a host server 1 is
connected to the network 3. In addition, as shown in FIG. 128, each
of the terminal stations 2 includes slot machines 10 (gaming
machine), a relay controller 4, a main display 5 and a count
display 6.
[0874] In each of the slot machines 10, a process to determine
whether or not a JP bonus is to be won is executed at an execution
of a slot game. A predetermined amount of payout, such as 1,000
medals, will be provided of payout when a JP bonus is won.
[0875] The relay controller 4 connects with the terminal stations 2
via the network 3. The relay controller 4 transmits a part of
wagers bet at each of the slot machines 10 to the host server 1 as
a JP count value and receives data of a JP count total value stored
in the host server 1 to display the count value on the count
display 6. The relay controller 4 also displays a variety of data
relating to game progress on the main display 5. For example, text
strings "Now, "MAJOR" bonus is awarded at No. XX.
Congratulations!!" are displayed as shown in FIG. 151 when any one
of the slot machines 10 has won a JP bonus.
[0876] FIG. 130 is a perspective view showing an external
appearance of the slot machine 10 in the tenth embodiment according
to the present invention. Hereinafter, a configuration of the slot
machine 10 provided in each of the terminal stations 2 is explained
with reference to FIG. 130.
[0877] As shown in FIG. 130, the slot machine 10 includes a cabinet
11, a top box 12 installed on a top of the cabinet 11 and a main
door 13 provided on a front face of the cabinet 11. The cabinet 11
is has an LCD 16 on its surface facing a player. Various components
including a controller 40 (see FIG. 131) for electrically
controlling the slot machine 10, a hopper 44 (see FIG. 131) for
controlling insertion, storage and payout of medals and so on are
provided within the cabinet 11.
[0878] Although medals are adopted as gaming media used in a slot
game execution in the present embodiment, the gaming media are not
limited to the medals but to coins, tokens, electronic money or
electronic value information (credit) equivalent thereto can be
adopted.
[0879] The main door 13 is installed on the cabinet 11 so as to be
able to open and close and the LCD 16 is provided at almost middle
of the main door 13. A total of fifteen segmented areas q11 to q53
(see FIG. 149) are provided on the LCD 16 in three-row by
five-column matrix and various symbols can be displayed in the
segmented areas q11 to q53. Specifically, symbols displayed in the
segmented areas q11 to q53 start successive switching-over
concurrently after a slot game starting and then stop after a
predetermined time period has elapsed. A payout is provided
according to symbol combination achieved by the symbols in the
segmented areas q11 to q53. For example, a payout is provided when
a predetermined number of scatter symbols appear in the fifteen
segmented areas q11 to q53.
[0880] As shown in FIG. 149, each two-digit suffix attached to the
segmented areas "q" indicates "column" and "row". For example, the
segmented area in the first column and the first row is indicated
by "q11" and the segmented area in the fifth column and the third
row is indicated by "q53".
[0881] A credit display area 49 for displaying a current credit and
a payout display area 48 for displaying a payout amount are
provided on a bottom left area of the LCD 16 as shown in FIG.
130.
[0882] A medal insertion slot 21 into which medals to be used for a
slot game play are inserted and a bill validator 22 for validating
bills and accepting legitimate bills are provided beneath the LCD
16. Various operation switches are provided near the medal
insertion slot 21 and the bill validator 22.
[0883] A payout switch 23, a max-bet switch 24, a bet switch 25, a
spin/repeat-bet switch 26 and a start switch 27 are provided as the
operation switches.
[0884] The bet switch 25 is a switch to determine a credit amount
to be bet on a slot game executed on the LCD 16. As will be
described later, a credit(s) corresponding to one medal is bet each
pressing of the bet switch 25.
[0885] The spin/repeat-bet switch 26 is a switch to bet credits for
a slot game play without changing credit amount bet on the last
game by the bet switch 25.
[0886] The start switch 27 is a switch to start a slot game after a
desired credit amount is bet. A slot game is started on the LCD
16when the start switch 27 is pressed after a medal insertion into
the medal insertion slot 21 or a credit bet by way of the bet
switch 25.
[0887] The payout switch 23 is a switch to eject a payout as medals
corresponding to credits. The medals for the payout are ejected
from a medal payout opening 19 opened beneath the front face of the
main door 13. The paid out medals are stored on a medal tray
18.
[0888] The max-bet switch 24 is a switch to bet a maximum credit
amount capable of being bet on a single slot game (for example,
credits corresponding to thirty medals) by one operation.
[0889] A foot display 34 is provided at a lower part of the front
face of the main door 13, on which various images relating to a
slot game in the slot machine 10 are displayed. These images
include a character in the slot machine 10 and soon, for
example.
[0890] Lamps 47 are provided on both sides of the foot display 34
and they illuminate according to an illuminating pattern previously
set for a slot game executed at the slot machine 10. The payout
opening 19 from which medals for a payout are ejected and the medal
tray 18 on which the paid out medals are stored are provided
beneath the foot display 34.
[0891] Speakers 29 are provided on side faces of the top box 12 and
an upper display 33 is provided on a front face of the top box 12.
The upper display 33 includes an LCD panel and various images such
as the character images of a slot game are displayed thereon.
[0892] A ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a data display 37 and
a keypad 38 are provided beneath the upper display 33.
[0893] The ticket printer 35 prints a bar code on a ticket and
outputs the ticket as a bar-coded ticket 39, into which data such
as a payout amount, date, and an ID number of the slot machine 10,
are encoded. A player can use the bar-coded ticket 39 to play a
game at another slot machine or can exchange with bills of each
currency at a predetermined area in a gaming arcade (for example, a
casher in a casino).
[0894] A smart cart can be inserted into the card reader 36 and the
card reader 36 reads data from the inserted smart card and writes
data to the smart card. The smart card is carried by a player and
stores data to identify the player and data about a gaming history
of the player. The smart card may store data equivalent to coins,
bills or credits. In addition, a magnetic stripe card may be
adopted instead of the smart card,.
[0895] The data display 37 is composed of a fluorescent display or
the like and displays the data read by the card reader 36 and data
input by a player via the keypad 38, for example.
[0896] The keypad 38 is used for instruction inputs and data inputs
with respect to a ticket issuance or the like.
[0897] FIG. 131 is a block diagram showing electrical configuration
of the controller 40 (terminal controller) and various devices
connected to the controller 40 in the slot machine 10 in the
present embodiment. The controller 40 in the slot machine 10 shown
in FIG. 131 is a microcomputer and includes interface circuits 102,
an I/O bus 104, a CPU 106, a ROM 108, a RAM 110, a signal
communication interface circuit 111, a random number generator
(RNG) 112, a speaker drive circuit 122, a hopper drive circuit 124,
a display drive circuit 128 and a display controller 140.
[0898] The interface circuits 102 are connected to the I/O bus 104
and the I/O bus 104 transmits data signals or address signals with
the CPU 106.
[0899] The start switch 27 is connected to the interface circuits
102. A start signal output from the start switch 27 is transmitted
to the CPU 106 via the I/O bus 104 after having been converted into
a predefined signal in the interface circuits 102.
[0900] Further, the bet switch 25, the max-bet switch 24, the
spin/repeat-bet switch 26 and the payout switch 23 are connected to
the interface circuits 102. Each switching signal output from each
of the switches 25, 24, 26 and 23 is supplied to the interface
circuits 102 and transmitted to the CPU 106 via the I/O bus 104
after having been converted into a predefined signal in the
interface circuits 102.
[0901] In addition, a medal sensor 43 is connected to the interface
circuits 102. The medal sensor 43 is a sensor to detect a medal (s)
inserted into the medal insertion slot 21 and is provided at a
medal insertion portion of the medal insertion slot 21. A detection
signal output from the medal sensor 43 is supplied to the interface
circuits 102 and transmitted to the CPU 106 via the I/O bus 104
after having been converted into a predefined signal in the
interface circuits 102.
[0902] The hopper drive circuit 124 is connected to a hopper 44 and
supplies medals to the hopper 44 based on a payout command signal
transmitted from the CPU 106.
[0903] The speaker drive circuit 122 outputs sound data to the
speakers 29 and outputs a predetermined sound from the speakers
29.
[0904] The display drive circuit 128 transmits display data such as
a payout amount and a credit amount to display the display data in
the payout display area 48 and the credit display area 49.
[0905] The display controller 140 outputs display data to be
displayed on the LCD 16. Further, the display controller 140 inputs
an operation signal from a touchscreen 16a provided on a surface of
the LCD 16.
[0906] The CPU 106 executes a slot game based on the operation
signal from the switches 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27 and the detection
signal from the medal sensor 43, which are connected to the
interface circuits 102. In addition, the CPU 106 outputs a display
command signal to the display controller 140 and controls to scroll
and stop symbols in the segmented areas q11 to q53. The CPU 106
outputs a payout command signal to the hopper drive circuit 124
when a payout is to be provided. Further, the CPU 106 totally
controls the slot machine 10 via the signal communication interface
circuit 111. For example, the CPU 106 transmits a JP count value
generated in the slot machine 10 to the host server 1.
[0907] The ROM 108 stores system programs for various control
processes executed by the CPU 106.
[0908] The RAM 110 stores a variety of data used for the control
execution by the CPU 106. In addition, the RAM 110 stores a payout
table, in which payouts are defined according to symbol
combinations to be stopped in the segmented areas q11 to q53 due to
a slot game execution. FIG. 148 shows an example of a payout table.
For example, it defines that twenty medals will be paid out for one
bet when five "APPLE" symbols have appeared in the fifteen
segmented areas q11 to q53 and that fifteen medals will be paid out
for one bet and when four "APPLE" symbols have appeared.
[0909] Next, configuration of the host server 1 will be explained.
FIG. 132 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of
the host server 1 and the host server 1 includes a signal
communication I/F 53 for transmitting data with each of the
terminal stations 2 via the network 3, a CPU 52 that totally
controls the host server 1, a ROM 54 that stores the system
programs executed by the CPU 52, a RAM 55 that stores data
temporarily, a timer 56 and a keyboard 57. Further, the host server
1 includes a counter 58 that counts a JP count value bet at the
slot machines 10 in each of the terminal stations 2.
[0910] The CPU 52 executes various processes based on various
signals output from the terminal stations 2 and data and programs
stored in the ROM 54 and the RAM 55. The CPU 52 initiatively
controls the relay controller 4 and the slot machines 10 in each of
the terminal stations 2 by transmitting command signals to the
terminal stations 2 based on the results of the processes.
[0911] Specifically, the CPU 52 receives a part of wagers bet at
the slot machines 10 in each of the terminal stations 2 as JP count
values and executes a process to count the JP count values by the
counter 58. On winning a JP bonus at any of the slot machines 10, a
payout command signal corresponding to the JP bonus is output.
[0912] In addition, the RAM 55 stores JP probability tables in
which winning probabilities of JP bonuses are defined as shown in
FIG. 147. Specifically, five JP probability tables C1 to C5 are
stored in the present embodiment and one of them is selected
arbitrarily to determine whether or not to award a JP bonus.
[0913] FIG. 133 is a block diagram showing an internal
configuration of the relay controller 4. As shown in FIG. 133, the
relay controller 4 includes a CPU 91 that totally controls the
relay controller 4, a signal communication I/F 92 that communicates
with the host server 1 via the network 3, an I/F for terminal 93
that communicates with each of the slot machines 10, a ROM 94 that
stores the system programs executed by the CPU 91 and a RAM 95.
[0914] The CPU 91 transmits some (e.g. 5%) of wagers bet at each of
the slot machines 10 to the host server 1 as a JP count value. In
addition, the CPU 91 displays the total JP count value transmitted
from the host server 1 on the count display 6 and notifies the
accumulated JP count value to each player in the terminal stations
2. On winning a JP bonus at any of the slot machines 10, the CPU 91
displays its result on the main display 5 to notify the players in
the terminal stations 2 that the JP bonus has been won.
[0915] Next, process procedures in the gaming system according to
the tenth embodiment of the present invention are explained. FIGS.
137 and 138 are a flowchart showing process procedures in the host
server 1.
[0916] In step S11, the CPU 52 (see FIG. 132) reads the JP count
value stored in the counter 58. In this case, the JP count value
stored in the counter 58 is an accumulation of the JP count value
bet at each of the slot machines 10 in the terminal stations 2.
[0917] In step S12, the CPU 52 increases the JP count value stored
in the counter 58 based on the JP count value transmitted from each
of the terminal stations 2.
[0918] In step S13, the CPU 52 determines whether or not the JP
count value stored in the counter 58 has reached a predetermined
threshold (for example, 5,000). Then, if the JP count value is
under the threshold, the CPU 52 advances its process flow to step
S14. Alternatively, if the JP count value is equal-to or more-than
the threshold, its process flow is advanced to step S19 shown in
FIG. 138.
[0919] In step S14, the CPU 52 sets a JP probability table for
determining whether or not to win a JP bonus to C1. Here, the JP
probability tables are shown in the above-mentioned FIG. 147 and a
winning probability of a JP bonus is defined as 0.001% in the JP
probability table C1.
[0920] In step S15, the CPU 52 transmits data of the JP probability
table C1 set in step S14 to the slot machines 10 in each of the
terminal stations 2.
[0921] In step S16, the CPU 52 determines whether or not JP bonus
right acquisition data have been received. In this process, it is
determined whether or not a JP bonus right has been acquired based
on the JP probability table C1 at each of the slot machines 10 and
also it is determined whether or not data indicating acquisition of
the JP bonus right have been received from the concerning slot
machines 10.
[0922] In step S17, the CPU 52 transmits JP bonus winning data to
all of the slot machines 10 each of which has acquired a JP bonus
right when it has received the JP bonus right acquisition data. As
a result, the JP bonus is won and a payout corresponding to the JP
bonus is provided at all of the slot machines 10 each of which has
acquired the JP bonus right.
[0923] In step S18, the CPU 52 decreases the JP count value by the
payout due to the JP bonus winning to stores its result in the
counter 58.
[0924] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S13 that the
JP count value is equal-to or more-than the threshold, the CPU 52
randomly sets the allowable number N of JP bonus winnings in step
S19 shown in FIG. 138.
[0925] In step S20, the CPU 52 randomly sets a JP probability table
from among C2 to C5. As shown in FIG. 147, a JP bonus winning
probability is set to 0.01% in a JP probability table C2, a JP
bonus winning probability is set to 0.02% in a JP probability table
C3, a JP bonus winning probability is set to 0.05% in a JP
probability table C4 and a JP bonus winning probability is set to
0.1% in a JP probability table C5. As described above, the JP
probability tables are defined so that the JP bonus winning
probability is made higher in order of C5, C4, C3, C2 and C1.
[0926] In step S21, the CPU 52 transmits data of the JP probability
table set in step S20 to each of the slot machines 10.
[0927] In step S22, the CPU 52 determines whether or not the JP
bonus right acquisition data have been received from any of the
slot machines 10. In this process, it is determined whether or not
an acquisition right for a JP bonus has been given based on the JP
probability table (any of C2 to C5) at each of the slot machines 10
and also it is determined whether or not data indicating
acquisition of a JP bonus right have been received from the
concerning slot machines 10.
[0928] In step S23, the CPU 52 activates a timer to be set in the
RAM 55 to start counting an elapsed time t from the time of
receiving the JP bonus right acquisition data if it has received
the JP bonus right acquisition data.
[0929] In step S24, the CPU 52 determines whether or not the
elapsed time t has reached a preset time T. For example, the preset
time T is a time required for one slot game execution at a slot
machine 10.
[0930] In step S25, the CPU 52 recognizes the number M of the slot
machines 10 each of which has acquired a JP bonus right during the
preset time T when the elapsed time t has reached the preset time
T.
[0931] In step S26, the CPU 52 determines whether or not M>N
based on M recognized in step S25 and N set in step S19. In other
words, the CPU 52 determines whether or not the number of the slot
machines 10 each of which has acquired a JP bonus right during the
preset time T exceeds the allowable number N of JP bonus winnings.
If M>N, the CPU 52 advances its process flow to step S27.
Alternatively, if M.ltoreq.N, its process flow is advanced to step
S28.
[0932] In step S27, the CPU 52 transmits JP bonus winning data to N
number of the slot machines each of which has acquired a JP bonus
right earlier among M number of the slot machines 10. Here, the
meaning of "has acquired a JP bonus right earlier" is not that
"receiving time of the host server 1 is earlier" but that "actual
time when each of the slot machines 10 acquires a JP bonus right is
earlier". Therefore, even if it takes time for the host server 1 to
receive JP bonus acquisition data form a slot machine 10 that is
placed far apart from the host server 1 and has acquired a JP bonus
right, the slot machine 10 that has acquired a JP bonus right
earlier can win a JP bonus preferentially irrespective of time
required for signal communication.
[0933] In step S28, the CPU 52 transmits JP bonus winning data to
all of the M number of the slot machines 10. In other words, the
CPU 52 transmits the JP bonus winning data to all of the M number
of the slot machines 10 in the case where the M number of the slot
machines 10 each of which has acquired a JP bonus right during the
preset time T does not reach the allowable number N of JP bonus
winnings.
[0934] In step S29, the CPU 52 decreases the JP count value by a
payout due to a JP bonus winning to stores its result in the
counter 58. In this manner, the process procedures by the host
server 1 are executed.
[0935] Next, process procedures in each of the slot machines 10
will be explained with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.
139.
[0936] In step S51, the CPU 106 (see FIG. 131) of the slot machine
10 receives the JP probability table transmitted from the host
server 1. In this process, the CPU 106 receives the JP probability
table transmitted from the host server 1 in step S15 shown in FIG.
137 or in step S21 shown in FIG. 138 to store the JP probability
table in the RAM 110.
[0937] In step S52, the CPU 106 starts to accept medal insertion.
In this process, it accepts the medal insertion through the medal
insertion slot 21 by a player and the medal sensor 43 detects the
number of inserted medals when medals are inserted.
[0938] In step S53, the CPU 106 adds the credit amount
corresponding to the number of inserted medals and then displays
the credits amount after adding in the credit display area 49.
[0939] In step S54, the CPU 106 determines whether or not credits
has been bet. In this process, the CPU 106 judges whether or not to
have received a signal output from the bet switch 25 on being
pressed, a signal output from the max-bet switch 24 on being
pressed or a signal output from the spin/repeat-bet switch 26 on
being pressed. If it has been determined that credits have not been
bet, its process flow returns to step S52.
[0940] On the other hand, when it has been determined in step S54
that credits has been bet, the CPU 106 advances its process flow to
step S55 to subtract the credit amount had been bet. Consequently,
the credit subtracted by the credit amount therefrom is displayed
in the credit display area 49.
[0941] In step S56, the CPU 106 counts a preset percentage (e.g.
5%) of the credit bet as the JP count value and sends data about
the count value to the host server 1 via the relay controller 4 and
the network 3. When the host server 1 receives the JP count values
set from the slot machines 10, the values are added to the counter
58 by the process in step S12 shown in FIG. 137.
[0942] In step S57, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the start
switch 27 has been pressed. In this process, the CPU 106 judges
whether or not to have received a signal output from the start
switch 27 on being pressed. In step S58, the CPU 106 determines
whether or not to acquire a JP bonus right when it is determined
that the start switch 27 has been pressed. This determination
process is executed based on the JP probability table received in
step S51.
[0943] In step S59, the CPU 106 determines whether or not it has
been determined that the JP bonus right has been acquired. In step
S60, the CPU 106 transmits the right acquisition data to the host
server 1 via the relay controller 4 and the network 3 when the JP
bonus right has been acquired.
[0944] In step S61, the CPU 106 executes a symbol scroll
processing. In this scroll processing, executed is a process by
which symbols displayed in each of the segmented areas q11 to q53
on the LCD 16 are successively switched over and then stopped after
a preset time period has been elapsed to display new symbols in
each of the segmented areas q11 to q53. If a winning symbol
combination has appeared in the result of scrolling process, an
award is provided. Details of the scroll processing will be
explained later with reference to FIG. 140.
[0945] In step S62, the CPU 106 executes a payout processing. In
the payout processing, the predetermined number of medals are paid
out when symbols defined in the payout table as shown in FIG. 148
have been appeared. Details of the payout processing will be
explained later with reference to FIG. 141.
[0946] In this manner, a slot game (unit game) is executed
repeatedly by repeating the processes of steps S52 to S62.
[0947] Next, the symbol scroll processing in step S61 shown in FIG.
139 will be explained with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.
140.
[0948] In step S71, the CPU 106 scrolls symbols displayed in each
of the segmented areas q11 to q53. In step S72, the CPU 106 stops
symbols in each of the segmented areas q11 to q53.
[0949] In step S73, the CPU 106 determines whether or not a winning
combination has been achieved based on the symbols appeared in the
fifteen segmented areas q11 to q53.
[0950] In step S74, the CPU 106 prizes an award according to the
achieved winning combination. For example, if five "BELL" symbols
have appeared as shown in FIG. 150, a winning combination is
achieved and a fifteen-medal payout is provided. In this manner,
the symbol scroll processing is executed.
[0951] Next, the payout processing in step S62 shown in FIG. 139
will be explained with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.
141.
[0952] In step S91, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the JP
bonus winning data has been received. In this process, the data is
regarded as being received by the slot machine 10 in the case where
the JP bonus winning data is output from the host server 1 in step
S17 shown in FIG. 137 or step S27 or S28 shown in FIG. 138.
[0953] In step S92, the CPU 106 payouts credits corresponding to
the JP bonus on receiving the JP bonus winning data.
[0954] In step S93, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the award
has been prized in step S74 shown in FIG. 140. In step S94, the CPU
106 payouts credits corresponding to the award when the award has
been prized. In this manner, the payout processing is executed.
[0955] As described above, with the tenth embodiment according to
the present invention, the allowable number N of JP bonus winnings
is set when the JP count value becomes equal-to or more-than the
predetermined threshold in the gaming system. Further, M and N are
compared when a JP bonus right is acquired at M number of the slot
machines 10 during the preset time T. If M.ltoreq.N, a JP bonus
will be awarded to all of the M number of the slot machines 10. If
M>N, a JP bonus will be awarded to N number of the slot machines
each of which has acquired a JP bonus right earlier and no JP bonus
will be awarded to the other (M-N) numbers of the slot machines
10.
[0956] As a result, a JP bonus can be awarded to all of the slot
machines 10 fairly irrespective of time required for transmitting
the JP bonus acquisition right to the host server 1.
[0957] Next, a eleventh embodiment of the present invention will be
explained. Process procedures by the host server 1 in the eleventh
embodiment are different from those in the above-mentioned tenth
embodiment. Hereinafter, the process procedures by the host server
1 in the eleventh embodiment will be explained with reference to
FIGS. 142 and 143.
[0958] In step S103 shown in FIG. 142, the CPU 52 (see FIG. 132)
reads the JP count value stored in the counter 58. In this case,
the JP count value stored in the counter 58 is an accumulation of
the JP count value bet at each of the slot machines 10 in the
terminal stations 2.
[0959] In step S104, the CPU 52 increases the JP count value stored
in the counter 58 based on the JP count value transmitted from each
of the terminal stations 2.
[0960] In step S105, the CPU 52 determines whether or not the JP
count value stored in the counter 58 has reached a predetermined
threshold (for example, 5,000). Then, if the JP count value is
under the threshold, the CPU 52 advances its process flow to step
S106. Alternatively, if the JP count value is equal-to or more-than
the threshold, its process flow is advanced to step S111 shown in
FIG. 143.
[0961] In step S106, the CPU 52 sets a JP probability table for
determining whether or not to win a JP bonus to C1. Here, the JP
probability tables are shown in the above-mentioned FIG. 147 and a
winning probability of a JP bonus is defined as 0.001% in the JP
probability table C1.
[0962] In step S107, the CPU 52 transmits data of the JP
probability table C1 set in step S106 to the slot machines 10 in
each of the terminal stations 2.
[0963] In step S108, the CPU 52 determines whether or not JP bonus
right acquisition data have been received. In this process, it is
determined whether or not a JP bonus right has been acquired based
on the JP probability table C1 at each of the slot machines 10 and
also it is determined whether or not data indicating acquisition of
the JP bonus right have been received from the concerning slot
machines 10.
[0964] In step S109, the CPU 52 transmits JP bonus winning data to
all of the slot machines 10 each of which has acquired a JP bonus
right when it has received the JP bonus right acquisition data. As
a result, the JP bonus is won and a payout corresponding to the JP
bonus is provided at all of the slot machines 10 each of which has
acquired the JP bonus rights.
[0965] In step S110, the CPU 52 decreases the JP count value by the
payout due to the JP bonus winning to stores its result in the
counter 58.
[0966] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S105 that the
JP count value is equal-to or more-than the threshold, its process
flow is advanced to step S111 shown in FIG. 143.
[0967] In step S111, the CPU 52 randomly sets the allowable number
N of JP bonus winnings.
[0968] In step S112, the CPU 52 randomly sets a JP probability
table from among C2 to C5. As shown in FIG. 147, a JP bonus winning
probability is set to 0.01% in a JP probability table C2, a JP
bonus winning probability is set to 0.02% in a JP probability table
C3, a JP bonus winning probability is set to 0.05% in a JP
probability table C4 and a JP bonus winning probability is set to
0.1% in a JP probability table C5. As described above, the JP
probability tables are defined so that the JP bonus winning
probability is made higher in order of C5, C4, C3, C2 and C1.
[0969] In step S113, the CPU 52 transmits data of the JP
probability table set in step S12 to each of the slot machines 10.
However, the CPU 52 transmits a JP probability table one rank
higher to the slot machines 10 to which a probability shift flag
"F" is set. Here, the probability shift flag "F" is a flag given to
the slot machines 10 each of which won no JP bonus despite having
acquired a JP bonus right. Its details will be explained later. In
addition, the phrase "JP bonus one rank higher" means C3 in the
case where the JP probability table set in step S112 is C2, which
is one rank higher than C2. Similarly, C4 is set instead of C3 or
C5 is set instead of C4. In the case of C5, C5 is stayed as it
is.
[0970] In step S114, the CPU 52 determines whether or not the JP
bonus right acquisition data have been received from any of the
slot machines 10. In this process, it is determined whether or not
an acquisition right for a JP bonus has been given based on the JP
probability table (any of C2 to C5) at each of the slot machines 10
and also it is determined whether or not data indicating
acquisition of a JP bonus right have been received from the
concerning slot machines 10.
[0971] In step S115, the CPU 52 activates a timer to be set in the
RAM 55 to start counting an elapsed time t from the time of
receiving the JP bonus right acquisition data if it has received
the JP bonus right acquisition data.
[0972] In step S116, the CPU 52 determines whether or not the
elapsed time t has reached a preset time T. For example, the preset
time T is a time required for one slot game execution at a slot
machine 10.
[0973] In step S117, the CPU 52 recognizes the number M of the slot
machines 10 each of which has acquired a JP bonus right during the
preset time T when the elapsed time t has reached the preset time
T.
[0974] In step S118, the CPU 52 determines whether or not M>N
based on M recognized in step S117 and N set in step S111. In other
words, the CPU 52 determines whether or not the number of the slot
machines 10 each of which has acquired a JP bonus right during the
preset time T exceeds the allowable number N of JP bonus winnings.
If M>N, the CPU 52 advances its process flow to step S119.
Alternatively, if M.ltoreq.N, its process flow is advanced to step
S121.
[0975] In step S119, the CPU 52 transmits JP bonus winning data to
N number of the slot machines each of which has acquired a JP bonus
right earlier among M number of the slot machines 10. Here, the
meaning of "has acquired a JP bonus right earlier" is not that
"receiving time of the host server 1 is earlier" but that "actual
time when each of the slot machines 10 acquires a JP bonus right is
earlier". Therefore, even if it takes time for the host server 1 to
receive JP bonus acquisition data form a slot machine 10 that is
placed far apart from the host server 1 and has acquired a JP bonus
right, the slot machine 10 that has acquired a JP bonus right
earlier can win a JP bonus preferentially irrespective of time
required for signal communication.
[0976] In step S120, the probability shift flag "F" is set to each
of the (M-N) number of the slot machines 10 to which the JP bonus
winning data weren't transmitted in step S119. In other words, the
probability shift flag "F" is set to each of the slot machines 10
that acquired a JP bonus right but failed to enter the allowable
number M of winnings. Data on the probability shift flag "F" are
stored in the RAM 55.
[0977] In step S121, the CPU 52 transmits JP bonus winning data to
all of the M number of the slot machines 10. In other words, the
CPU 52 transmits the JP bonus winning data to all of the M number
of the slot machines 10 in the case where the M number of the slot
machines 10 each of which has acquired a JP bonus right during the
preset time T does not reach the allowable number N of JP bonus
winnings.
[0978] In step S122, the CPU 52 determines whether or not a slot
machine(s) 10 to which the JP bonus winning data have been
transmitted exists among the slot machines 10 to each of which the
probability shift flag "F" is being set.
[0979] In step S123, if the slot machine(s) 10 to which the JP
bonus winning data have been transmitted exists, the CPU 52 resets
the probability shift flag "F" being set to the slot machine(s)
10.
[0980] In step S124, the CPU 52 decreases the JP count value by a
payout due to a JP bonus winning to stores its result in the
counter 58. In this manner, the process procedures by the host
server 1 are executed.
[0981] As described above, with the eleventh embodiment, the
allowable number N of JP bonus winnings is set when the JP count
value becomes equal-to or more-than the predetermined threshold in
the gaming system. Further, M and N are compared when a JP bonus
right is acquired at M number of the slot machines 10 during the
preset time T. If M.ltoreq.N, a JP bonus will be awarded to all of
the M number of the slot machines 10. If M>N, a JP bonus will be
awarded to N number of the slot machines each of which has acquired
a JP bonus right earlier and no JP bonus will be awarded to the
other (M-N) numbers of the slot machines 10.
[0982] As a result, a JP bonus can be awarded to all of the slot
machines 10 fairly irrespective of time required for transmitting
the JP bonus acquisition right to the host server 1.
[0983] In addition, a JP probability table one rank higher is set
to a slot machine(s) 10 that acquired a JP bonus right but couldn't
win a JP bonus by setting the probability shift flag "F". As a
result, expectation for winning a JP bonus can be made higher
because it is determined with a higher probability whether or not a
JP bonus is to be won.
[0984] Next, a twelfth embodiment of the present invention will be
explained. FIG. 135 is a network connection diagram showing a
configuration of the gaming system in the twelfth embodiment. The
terminal stations 2a are connected via the network 3. The gaming
system in the eleventh embodiment is different from the gaming
system in the tenth embodiment shown in FIG. 129 in that the host
server 1 is not provided.
[0985] FIG. 134 is a configuration diagram of a terminal station 2a
installed in the gaming system in the twelfth embodiment. In the
gaming system in the twelfth embodiment, the terminal station 2a is
different from the terminal station 2 in the above-mentioned tenth
embodiment in that provided are one slot machine 10a served as a
main machine and plural slot machines 10b served as slave
machines.
[0986] Electrical configurations of the slot machines 10a and 10b
will be explained hereinafter. Since each of the slave slot
machines 10b has the same configuration as shown in FIG. 131, its
explanation will be omitted.
[0987] FIG. 136 is a block diagram showing the electrical
configuration of the main slot machine 10a. As shown in FIG. 136,
the main slot machine 10a is different from the slot machine 10
shown in FIG. 131 in that a counter 129 is further included. The
counter 129 counts the JP count value bet at each of the slot
machines 10a and 10b. Therefore, the accumulated JP count value
will be stored in the counter 129. Then, the controller 40 shown in
FIG. 136 executes processing similarly to the host server 1 shown
in FIG. 132.
[0988] In addition, the JP probability tables shown in FIG. 147 are
stored in the RAM 110 shown in FIG. 131 and the RAM 110 shown in
FIG. 136.
[0989] It may also be possible to configure so that one of the slot
machines in all of the terminal stations 2a is served as the main
slot machine 10a with the functions of the host server 1 in the
tenth embodiment. Alternatively, it may also be possible to
configure so that one main slot machine 10a is provided in each of
the terminal stations 2a.
[0990] Processing procedures in the main slot machine 10a will be
explained with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 144.
[0991] In step S151, the CPU 106 (see FIG. 136) of the main slot
machine 10a reads the JP count value stored in the counter 129. In
this case, the JP count value stored in the counter 129 is the
accumulated JP count value bet at each of the slot machines 10a and
10b.
[0992] In step S152, the CPU 106 increases the JP count value
stored in the counter 129 based on the JP count value transmitted
from each of the slot machines 10a and 10b.
[0993] In step S153, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the JP
count value stored in the counter 129 has reached a predetermined
threshold (for example, 5,000). Then, if the JP count value is
under the threshold, the CPU 52 advances its process flow to step
S154. Alternatively, if the JP count value is equal-to or more-than
the threshold, its process flow is advanced to step S159 shown in
FIG. 145.
[0994] In step S154, the CPU 106 selects C1 from among JP
probability tables set for determining whether or not to win a JP
bonus to C1.
[0995] In step S155, the CPU 106 transmits selection data of the JP
probability table C1 selected in step S154 to the slot machines 10a
and 10b. As explained later, each of the slot machines 10a and 10b
will read out data of C1 from among the stored JP probability
tables after receiving the selection data.
[0996] In step S156, the CPU 106 determines whether or not JP bonus
right acquisition data have been received. In this process, it is
determined whether or not a JP bonus right has been acquired based
on the JP probability table C1 at each of the slot machines 10a and
10b and also it is determined whether or not data indicating
acquisition of the JP bonus right have been received from the
concerning slot machines 10a and 10b.
[0997] In step S157, the CPU 106 transmits JP bonus winning data to
all of the slot machines 10a and 10b each of which has acquired a
JP bonus right when it has received the JP bonus right acquisition
data. As a result, the JP bonus is won and a payout corresponding
to the JP bonus is provided at all of the slot machines 10a and 10b
each of which has acquired the JP bonus right.
[0998] In step S158, the CPU 106 decreases the JP count value by
the payout due to the JP bonus winning to stores its result in the
counter 129.
[0999] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S153 that the
JP count value is equal-to or more-than the threshold, the CPU 106
randomly sets the allowable number N of JP bonus winnings in step
S159 shown in FIG. 145.
[1000] In step S160, the CPU 106 randomly selects a JP probability
table from among C2 to C5. As shown in FIG. 147, a JP bonus winning
probability is set to 0.01% in a JP probability table C2, a JP
bonus winning probability is set to 0.02% in a JP probability table
C3, a JP bonus winning probability is set to 0.05% in a JP
probability table C4 and a JP bonus winning probability is set to
0.1% in a JP probability table C5. As described above, the JP
probability tables are defined so that the JP bonus winning
probability is made higher in order of C5, C4, C3, C2 and C1.
[1001] In step S161, the CPU 106 transmits selection data of the JP
probability table data selected in step S160 to each of the slot
machines 10a and 10b. As explained later, each of the slot machines
10a and 10b will read out any of the stored JP probability tables
C2 to C5 after receiving the selection data.
[1002] In step S162, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the JP
bonus right acquisition data have been received from any of the
slot machines 10a and 10b. In this process, it is determined
whether or not an acquisition right for a JP bonus has been given
based on the JP probability table (any of C2 to C5) at each of the
slot machines 10a and 10b and also it is determined whether or not
data indicating acquisition of a JP bonus right have been received
from the concerning slot machines 10a and 10b.
[1003] In step S163, the CPU 106 activates a timer to be set in the
RAM 55 to start counting an elapsed time t from the time of
receiving the JP bonus right acquisition data if it has received
the JP bonus right acquisition data.
[1004] In step S164, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the
elapsed time t has reached a preset time T. For example, the preset
time T is a time required for one slot game execution at a slot
machine 10a or 10b.
[1005] In step S165, the CPU 106 recognizes the number M of the
slot machines 10a and 10b each of which has acquired a JP bonus
right during the preset time T when the elapsed time t has reached
the preset time T.
[1006] In step S1666, the CPU 106 determines whether or not M>N
based on M recognized in step S165 and N set in step S159. In other
words, the CPU 52 determines whether or not the number of the slot
machines 10a and 10b each of which has acquired a JP bonus right
during the preset time T exceeds the allowable number N of JP bonus
winnings. If M>N, the CPU 106 advances its process flow to step
S167. Alternatively, if M.ltoreq.N, its process flow is advanced to
step S168.
[1007] In step S167, the CPU 106 transmits JP bonus winning data to
N number of the slot machines each of which has acquired a JP bonus
right earlier among M number of the slot machines 10a and 10b.
Therefore, even if it takes time for the main slot machine 10a to
receive JP bonus acquisition data form a slot machine 10b that is
placed far apart from the main slot machine 10a and has acquired a
JP bonus right, the slot machine 10b or 10a that has acquired a JP
bonus right earlier can win a JP bonus preferentially irrespective
of time required for signal communication.
[1008] In step S168, the CPU 106 transmits JP bonus winning data to
all of the M number of the slot machines 10a and 10b. In other
words, the JP bonus winning data are transmitted to all of the M
number of the slot machines 10a and 10b in the case where the M
number of the slot machines 10a and 10b each of which has acquired
a JP bonus right during the preset time T does not reach the
allowable number N of JP bonus winnings.
[1009] In step S169, the CPU 106 decreases the JP count value by a
payout due to a JP bonus winning to stores its result in the
counter 129. In this manner, the process procedures by the main
slot machine 10a are executed.
[1010] Next, process procedures in each of the slot machines 10a
and 10b including the main machine will be explained with reference
to a flowchart shown in FIG. 146.
[1011] In step S211, the CPU 106 (see FIG. 131) of the slot machine
10a or 10b receives the JP probability table selection data
transmitted from the main slot machine 10a. In this process, the
CPU 106 receives the JP probability table selection data
transmitted from the main slot machine 10a in step S155 shown in
FIG. 144 or in step S161 shown in FIG. 145.
[1012] In step S212, the CPU 106 reads out a JP probability table
from the RAM 110 based on the selection data to set the JP
probability table. For example, the CPU 106 reads out a JP
probability table C2 from the RAM 110 to make it usable when
receiving the selection data indicating C2.
[1013] In step S213, the CPU 106 starts to accept medal insertion.
In this process, it accepts the medal insertion through the medal
insertion slot 21 by a player and the medal sensor 43 detects the
number of inserted medals when medals are inserted.
[1014] In step S214, the CPU 106 adds the credit amount
corresponding to the number of inserted medals and then displays
the credits amount after adding in the credit display area 49.
[1015] In step S215, the CPU 106 determines whether or not credits
has been bet. In this process, the CPU 106 judges whether or not to
have received a signal output from the bet switch 25 on being
pressed, a signal output from the max-bet switch 24 on being
pressed or a signal output from the spin/repeat-bet switch 26 on
being pressed. If it has been determined that credits have not been
bet, its process flow returns to step S213.
[1016] On the other hand, when it has been determined in step S215
that credits has been bet, the CPU 106 advances its process flow to
step S216 to subtract the credit amount had been bet. Consequently,
the credit subtracted by the credit amount therefrom is displayed
in the credit display area 49.
[1017] In step S217, the CPU 106 counts a preset percentage (e.g.
5%) of the credit bet as the JP count value and sends data about
the count value to the main slot machine 10a. When the main slot
machine 10a receives the JP count values set from the slot machines
10a and 10b, the values are added to the counter 129 by the process
in step S152 shown in FIG. 144.
[1018] In step S218, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the
start switch 27 has been pressed. In this process, the CPU 106
judges whether or not to have received a signal output from the
start switch 27 on being pressed. In step S219, the CPU 106
determines whether or not to acquire a JP bonus right when it is
determined that the start switch 27 has been pressed. This
determination process is executed based on the JP probability table
set in step S212.
[1019] In step S220, the CPU 106 determines whether or not it has
been determined that the JP bonus right has been acquired. In step
S221, the CPU 106 transmits the right acquisition data to the main
slot machine 10a when the JP bonus right has been acquired.
[1020] In step S222, the CPU 106 executes a symbol scroll
processing. In this scroll processing, executed is a process by
which symbols displayed in each of the segmented areas q11 to q53
on the LCD 16 are successively switched over and then stopped after
a preset time period has been elapsed to display new symbols in
each of the segmented areas q11 to q53. If a winning symbol
combination has appeared in the result of scrolling process, an
award is provided. Detailed explanations of the scroll processing
are the same as those in the processing shown in FIG. 140.
[1021] In step S223, the CPU 106 executes a payout processing. In
the payout processing, the predetermined number of medals are paid
out when symbols defined in the payout table as shown in FIG. 148
have been appeared. Detailed explanations of the payout processing
are the same as those in the processing shown in FIG. 141.
[1022] In this manner, a slot game (unit game) is executed
repeatedly by repeating the processes of steps S213 to S223.
[1023] As described above, with the twelfth embodiment according to
the present invention, the allowable number N of JP bonus winnings
is set when the JP count value becomes equal-to or more-than the
predetermined threshold in the gaming system. Further, M and N are
compared when a JP bonus right is acquired at M number of the slot
machines 10a and 10b during the preset time T. If M.ltoreq.N, a JP
bonus will be awarded to all of the M number of the slot machines
10a and 10b. If M>N, a JP bonus will be awarded to N number of
the slot machines 10a and 10b each of which has acquired a JP bonus
right earlier and no JP bonus will be awarded to the other (M-N)
numbers of the slot machines 10a and 10b.
[1024] As a result, a JP bonus can be awarded to all of the slot
machines 10a and 10b fairly irrespective of time required for
transmitting the JP bonus acquisition right to the main slot
machine 10a.
13th and 14th Embodiments
[1025] In these embodiments, step numbers shown in flow charts may
be redundantly presented in other embodiments, but they are used
independently from the other embodiments.
[1026] FIG. 152 is a diagram showing a configuration of a terminal
station 2 installed in a gaming system according to the present
invention. FIG. 153 shows a diagram of network connections.
Hereinafter, outline of the gaming system according to a thirteenth
embodiment of the present invention is explained with reference to
FIGS. 152 and 153.
[1027] As shown in FIG. 153, the terminal stations 2 (three in the
figure) are connected via a network 3 and a host server 1 is
connected to the network 3. In addition, as shown in FIG. 152, each
of the terminal stations 2 includes slot machines 10 (gaming
machine), a relay controller 4, a main display 5 and a count
display 6.
[1028] In each of the slot machines 10, a process to determine
whether or not a JP bonus is to be awarded is executed at an
execution of a slot game. A predetermined amount of payout, such as
1,000 medals, will be provided of payout when a JP bonus is
won.
[1029] The relay controller 4 connects with the terminal stations 2
via the network 3. The relay controller 4 transmits a part of
wagers bet at each of the slot machines 10 to the host server 1 as
a JP count value and receives data of a JP count total value stored
in the host server 1 to display the count value on the count
display 6. The relay controller 4 also displays a variety of data
relating to game progress on the main display 5. For example, text
strings "Now, "MAJOR" bonus is awarded at No. XX.
Congratulations!!" are displayed as shown in FIG. 174 when any one
of the slot machines 10 has won a JP bonus.
[1030] FIG. 154 is a perspective view showing an external
appearance of the slot machine 10 in the thirteenth embodiment
according to the present invention. Hereinafter, a configuration of
the slot machine 10 provided in each of the terminal stations 2 is
explained with reference to FIG. 154.
[1031] As shown in FIG. 154, the slot machine 10 includes a cabinet
11, a top box 12 installed on a top of the cabinet 11 and a main
door 13 provided on a front face of the cabinet 11. The cabinet 11
is has an LCD 16 on its surface facing a player. Various components
including a controller 40 (see FIG. 155) for electrically
controlling the slot machine 10, a hopper 44 (see FIG. 155) for
controlling insertion, storage and payout of medals and so on are
provided within the cabinet 11.
[1032] Although medals are adopted as gaming media used in a slot
game execution in the present embodiment, the gaming media are not
limited to the medals but to coins, tokens, electronic money or
electronic value information (credit) equivalent thereto can be
adopted.
[1033] The main door 13 is installed on the cabinet 11 so as to be
able to open and close and the LCD 16 is provided at almost middle
of the main door 13. A total of fifteen segmented areas q11 to q53
(see FIG. 171) are provided on the LCD 16 in three-row by
five-column matrix and various symbols can be displayed in the
segmented areas q11 to q53. Specifically, symbols displayed in the
segmented areas q11 to q53 start successive switching-over
concurrently after a slot game starting and then stop after a
predetermined time period has elapsed. A payout is provided
according to symbol combination achieved by the symbols in the
segmented areas q11 to q53. For example, a payout is provided when
a predetermined number of scatter symbols appear in the fifteen
segmented areas q11 to q53.
[1034] As shown in FIG. 171, each two-digit suffix attached to the
segmented areas "q" indicates "column" and "row". For example, the
segmented area in the first column and the first row is indicated
by "q11" and the segmented area in the fifth column and the third
row is indicated by "q53".
[1035] A credit display area 49 for displaying a current credit and
a payout display area 48 for displaying a payout amount are
provided on a bottom left area of the LCD 16 as shown in FIG.
154.
[1036] A medal insertion slot 21 into which medals to be used for a
slot game play are inserted and a bill validator 22 for validating
bills and accepting legitimate bills are provided beneath the LCD
16. Various operation switches are provided near the medal
insertion slot 21 and the bill validator 22.
[1037] A payout switch 23, a max-bet switch 24, a bet switch 25, a
spin/repeat-bet switch 26 and a start switch 27 are provided as the
operation switches.
[1038] The bet switch 25 is a switch to determine a credit amount
to be bet on a slot game executed on the LCD 16. As will be
described later, a credit(s) corresponding to one medal is bet each
pressing of the bet switch 25.
[1039] The spin/repeat-bet switch 26 is a switch to bet credits for
a slot game play without changing credit amount bet on the last
game by the bet switch 25.
[1040] The start switch 27 is a switch to start a slot game after a
desired credit amount is bet. A slot game is started on the LCD
16when the start switch 27 is pressed after a medal insertion into
the medal insertion slot 21 or a credit bet by way of the bet
switch 25.
[1041] The payout switch 23 is a switch to eject a payout as medals
corresponding to credits. The medals for the payout are ejected
from a medal payout opening 19 opened beneath the front face of the
main door 13. The paid out medals are stored on a medal tray
18.
[1042] The max-bet switch 24 is a switch to bet a maximum credit
amount capable of being bet on a single slot game (for example,
credits corresponding to thirty medals) by one operation.
[1043] A foot display 34 is provided at a lower part of the front
face of the main door 13, on which various images relating to a
slot game in the slot machine 10 are displayed. These images
include a character in the slot machine 10 and soon, for
example.
[1044] Lamps 47 are provided on both sides of the foot display 34
and they illuminate according to an illuminating pattern previously
set for a slot game executed at the slot machine 10. The payout
opening 19 from which medals for a payout are ejected and the medal
tray 18 on which the paid out medals are stored are provided
beneath the foot display 34.
[1045] Speakers 29 are provided on side faces of the top box 12 and
an upper display 33 is provided on a front face of the top box 12.
The upper display 33 includes an LCD panel and various images such
as the character images of a slot game are displayed thereon.
[1046] A ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a data display 37 and
a keypad 38 are provided beneath the upper display 33.
[1047] The ticket printer 35 prints a bar code on a ticket and
outputs the ticket as a bar-coded ticket 39, into which data such
as a payout amount, date, and an ID number of the slot machine 10,
are encoded. A player can use the bar-coded ticket 39 to play a
game at another slot machine or can exchange with bills of each
currency at a predetermined area in a gaming arcade (for example, a
casher in a casino).
[1048] A smart cart can be inserted into the card reader 36 and the
card reader 36 reads data from the inserted smart card and writes
data to the smart card. The smart card is carried by a player and
stores data to identify the player and data about a gaming history
of the player. The smart card may store data equivalent to coins,
bills or credits. In addition, a magnetic stripe card may be
adopted instead of the smart card,.
[1049] The data display 37 is composed of a fluorescent display or
the like and displays the data read by the card reader 36 and data
input by a player via the keypad 38, for example.
[1050] The keypad 38 is used for instruction inputs and data inputs
with respect to a ticket issuance or the like.
[1051] FIG. 155 is a block diagram showing electrical configuration
of the controller 40 (terminal controller) and various devices
connected to the controller 40 in the slot machine 10 in the
present embodiment. The controller 40 in the slot machine 10 shown
in FIG. 155 is a microcomputer and includes interface circuits 102,
an I/O bus 104, a CPU 106, a ROM 108, a RAM 110, a signal
communication interface circuit 111, a random number generator
(RNG) 112, a speaker drive circuit 122, a hopper drive circuit 124,
a display drive circuit 128 and a display controller 140.
[1052] The interface circuits 102 are connected to the I/O bus 104
and the I/O bus 104 transmits data signals or address signals with
the CPU 106.
[1053] The start switch 27 is connected to the interface circuits
102. A start signal output from the start switch 27 is transmitted
to the CPU 106 via the I/O bus 104 after having been converted into
a predefined signal in the interface circuits 102.
[1054] Further, the bet switch 25, the max-bet switch 24, the
spin/repeat-bet switch 26 and the payout switch 23 are connected to
the interface circuits 102. Each switching signal output from each
of the switches 25, 24, 26 and 23 is supplied to the interface
circuits 102 and transmitted to the CPU 106 via the I/O bus 104
after having been converted into a predefined signal in the
interface circuits 102.
[1055] In addition, a medal sensor 43 is connected to the interface
circuits 102. The medal sensor 43 is a sensor to detect a medal(s)
inserted into the medal insertion slot 21 and is provided at a
medal insertion portion of the medal insertion slot 21. A detection
signal output from the medal sensor 43 is supplied to the interface
circuits 102 and transmitted to the CPU 106 via the I/O bus 104
after having been converted into a predefined signal in the
interface circuits 102.
[1056] The hopper drive circuit 124 is connected to a hopper 44 and
supplies medals to the hopper 44 based on a payout command signal
transmitted from the CPU 106.
[1057] The speaker drive circuit 122 outputs sound data to the
speakers 29 and outputs a predetermined sound from the speakers
29.
[1058] The display drive circuit 128 transmits display data such as
a payout amount and a credit amount to display the display data in
the payout display area 48 and the credit display area 49.
[1059] The display controller 140 outputs display data to be
displayed on the LCD 16. Further, the display controller 140 inputs
an operation signal from a touchscreen 16a provided on a surface of
the LCD 16.
[1060] The CPU 106 executes a slot game based on the operation
signal from the switches 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27 and the detection
signal from the medal sensor 43, which are connected to the
interface circuits 102. In addition, the CPU 106 outputs a display
command signal to the display controller 140 and controls to scroll
and stop symbols in the segmented areas q11 to q53. The CPU 106
outputs a payout command signal to the hopper drive circuit 124
when a payout is to be provided. Further, the CPU 106 totally
controls the slot machine 10 via the signal communication interface
circuit 111. For example, the CPU 106 transmits a JP count value
generated in the slot machine 10 to the host server 1.
[1061] The ROM 108 stores system programs for various control
processes executed by the CPU 106.
[1062] The RAM 110 stores a variety of data used for the control
execution by the CPU 106. In addition, the RAM 110 stores a payout
table, in which payouts are defined according to symbol
combinations to be stopped in the segmented areas q11 to q53 due to
a slot game execution. FIG. 170 shows an example of a payout table.
For example, it defines that twenty medals will be paid out for one
bet when five "APPLE" symbols have appeared in the fifteen
segmented areas q11 to q53 and that fifteen medals will be paid out
for one bet and when four "APPLE" symbols have appeared.
[1063] Next, configuration of the host server 1 will be explained.
FIG. 156 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of
the host server 1 and the host server 1 includes a signal
communication I/F 53 for transmitting data with each of the
terminal stations 2 via the network 3, a CPU 52 that totally
controls the host server 1, a ROM 54 that stores the system
programs executed by the CPU 52, a RAM 55 that stores data
temporarily, a timer 56 and a keyboard 57. Further, the host server
1 includes a counter 58 that counts a JP count value bet at the
slot machines 10 in each of the terminal stations 2.
[1064] The CPU 52 executes various processes based on various
signals output from the terminal stations 2 and data and programs
stored in the ROM 54 and the RAM 55. The CPU 52 initiatively
controls the relay controller 4 and the slot machines 10 in each of
the terminal stations 2 by transmitting command signals to the
terminal stations 2 based on the results of the processes.
[1065] Specifically, the CPU 52 receives a part of wagers bet at
the slot machines 10 in each of the terminal stations 2 as JP count
values and executes a process to count the JP count values by the
counter 58. On winning a JP bonus at any of the slot machines 10, a
payout command signal corresponding to the JP bonus is output.
[1066] In addition, the RAM 55 stores JP probability tables in
which winning probabilities of JP bonuses are defined. For example,
a JP bonus probability is set to 0.01%. This JP bonus probability
can be changed arbitrarily through operation of the keyboard 57 by
an administrator of the host server 1.
[1067] FIG. 157 is a block diagram showing an internal
configuration of the relay controller 4. As shown in FIG. 157, the
relay controller 4 includes a CPU 91 that totally controls the
relay controller 4, a signal communication I/F 92 that communicates
with the host server 1 via the network 3, an I/F for terminal 93
that communicates with each of the slot machines 10, a ROM 94 that
stores the system programs executed by the CPU 91 and a RAM 95.
[1068] The CPU 91 transmits some (e.g. 5%) of wagers bet at each of
the slot machines 10 to the host server 1 as a JP count value. In
addition, the CPU 91 displays the total JP count value transmitted
from the host server 1 on the count display 6 and notifies the
accumulated JP count value to each player in the terminal stations
2. On winning a JP bonus at any of the slot machines 10, the CPU 91
displays its result on the main display 5 to notify the players in
the terminal stations 2 that the JP bonus has been won.
[1069] Next, process procedures in the gaming system according to
the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention are explained.
FIGS. 161 and 162 are a flowchart showing process procedures in the
host server 1.
[1070] In step S11, the CPU 52 (see FIG. 156) reads the JP count
value stored in the counter 58. In this case, the JP count value
stored in the counter 58 is an accumulation of the JP count value
bet at each of the slot machines 10 in the terminal stations 2.
[1071] In step S12, the CPU 52 increases the JP count value stored
in the counter 58 based on the JP count value transmitted from each
of the terminal stations 2.
[1072] In step S13, the CPU 52 randomly selects one of a single
winning mode in which the JP bonus will be won at only one slot
machine 10 and a multiple winning mode in which the JP bonus will
be won at plural slot machines 10. This process is executed on
system activation or after a JP bonus winning at any of the slot
machines 10. The CPU 52 advances its process flow to step S14 if
the single winning mode has been selected or advances it to step
S21 shown in FIG. 162 if the multiple winning mode has been
selected.
[1073] In step S14, the CPU 52 determines whether or not the JP
bonus right acquisition data have been received. In this process,
the data are received when any of the slot machines 10 has acquired
the JP bonus right. Note that right acquisition time data are
included in the JP bonus right acquisition data transmitted from
each of the slot machines 10. Therefore, the CPU 52 can recognize
the time when the JP bonus right has been acquired on receiving the
JP bonus right acquisition data.
[1074] In step S15, the CPU 52 activates a timer to be set in the
RAM 55 to start counting an elapsed time t from the time of
receiving the JP bonus right acquisition data if it has received
the JP bonus right acquisition data.
[1075] In step S16, the CPU 52 determines whether or not the
elapsed time t has reached a preset time T. For example, the preset
time T is a time required for one slot game execution at a slot
machine 10.
[1076] In step S17, the CPU 52 recognizes all of the slot machines
10 each of which has acquired a JP bonus right during the preset
time T when the elapsed time t has reached the preset time T.
[1077] In step S18, the CPU 52 reads the JP bonus right acquisition
data transmitted from each of the slot machines 10 recognized in
step S17 and further reads the time data included in the JP bonus
right acquisition data.
[1078] In step S19, the CPU 52 determines the slot machine 10 that
has acquired the JP bonus right acquisition data earliest based on
the time data included in the JP bonus right acquisition data to
transmit a JP winning data to the earliest slot machine 10. The JP
winning data are not transmitted to other slot machines 10.
Therefore, when the single winning mode has been selected, the JP
winning data are transmitted to only one slot machine 10 that has
acquired the JP bonus right acquisition data earliest.
[1079] In step S20, the CPU 52 decreases the JP count value by the
payout due to the JP bonus winning to stores its result in the
counter 58.
[1080] On the other hand, if the multiple winning mode has been
selected in step S13, the CPU 52 randomly sets the number N1 of JP
bonus winnings in step S21.
[1081] In step S22, the CPU 52 determines whether or not the JP
bonus right acquisition data have been received. In this process,
the data are received when any of the slot machines 10 has acquired
the JP bonus right.
[1082] In step S23, the CPU 52 determines whether or not the number
of acquisition times of the JP bonus right is N2 (a first preset
number). Here, N2<N1, for example, N1=10 and N2=5. If it has not
reached N2, the CPU 52 transmits the JP winning data to the slot
machine 10 that has sent the JP bonus right acquisition data in
step 31. Therefore, the JP winning data will be transmitted to the
slot machines 10 each of which has acquired the JP bonus right
until the total number of the slot machines 10 each of which has
acquired the JP bonus right reaches N2. In this case, the JP bonus
will be won immediately at the slot machine 10 that has acquired
the JP bonus right and the predetermined number of medals are
provided due to the JP bonus winning.
[1083] In step S24, the CPU 52 activates a timer to be set in the
RAM 55 to start counting an elapsed time t from the time of
receiving the JP bonus right acquisition data when the total number
of the slot machines 10 each of which has acquired the JP bonus
right becomes equal-to or more-than N2.
[1084] In step S25, the CPU 52 determines whether or not the
elapsed time t has reached a preset time T. For example, the preset
time T is a time required for one slot game execution at a slot
machine 10.
[1085] In step S26, the CPU 52 recognizes the number N3 of the slot
machines 10 each of which has acquired a JP bonus right during the
preset time T when the elapsed time t has reached the preset time
T.
[1086] In step S27, the CPU 52 determines whether or not N3>N4
based on N3 recognized in step S26 and N4 (=N1-N2: a second preset
number). In other words, the CPU 52 determines whether or not the
number of the slot machines 10 each of which has acquired a JP
bonus right during the preset time T exceeds the number N4 (=N1-N2)
of remaining JP bonus winnings. If N3>N4, the CPU 52 advances
its process flow to step S28. Alternatively, if N3.ltoreq.N4, its
process flow is advanced to step S30.
[1087] In step S28, the CPU 52 reads the JP bonus right acquisition
data transmitted from the N3 number of slot machines 10 and further
reads the time data included in the JP bonus right acquisition
data.
[1088] In step S29, the CPU 52 transmits the JP winning data to the
N4 number of slot machines 10 each of which has have acquired the
JP bonus right earlier based on the time data read in step S28. As
a result, the JP bonus is won only at the N4 number of the slot
machines 10 each of which has acquired the JP bonus right
earlier.
[1089] In step S30, the CPU 52 transmits the JP bonus winning data
to all of the N3 number of the slot machines 10 each of which has
acquired the JP bonus right. As a result, the JP bonus is won at
all of the N3 number of the slot machines 10 each of which has
acquired the JP bonus right during the preset time T.
[1090] As described above, the JP bonus winning data are
transmitted to the slot machines 10 each of which has acquired the
JP bonus right until the total number of the slot machines 10 each
of which has acquired the JP bonus right reaches N2. Therefore, the
JP bonus is won at the N2 number of the slot machines 10. After the
total number of the slot machines 10 each of which has acquired the
JP bonus right has reached N2, the number N3 of all the slot
machines 10 each of which has acquired the JP bonus right during
the preset time T is recognized. If the number N3 is equal-to or
less-than the number N4 (=N1-N2) of the remaining JP winnings, the
JP bonus winning data are transmitted to all the N3 number of the
slot machines 10. If N3 is above N4, the JP bonus winning data are
transmitted to the N4 number of the slot machines 10 each of which
has acquired the JP bonus right earlier based on the time data
included in the JP bonus right acquisition data transmitted from
the N3 number of the slot machines 10.
[1091] In step S32, the CPU 52 decreases the JP count value by a
payout due to a JP bonus winning to stores its result in the
counter 58. In this manner, the process procedures by the host
server 1 are executed.
[1092] Next, process procedures in each of the slot machines 10
will be explained with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.
163.
[1093] In step S51, the CPU 106 (see FIG. 155) starts to accept
medal insertion. In this process, it accepts the medal insertion
through the medal insertion slot 21 by a player and the medal
sensor 43 detects the number of inserted medals when medals are
inserted.
[1094] In step S52, the CPU 106 adds the credit amount
corresponding to the number of inserted medals and then displays
the credits amount after adding in the credit display area 49.
[1095] In step S53, the CPU 106 determines whether or not credits
has been bet. In this process, the CPU 106 judges whether or not to
have received a signal output from the bet switch 25 on being
pressed, a signal output from the max-bet switch 24 on being
pressed or a signal output from the spin/repeat-bet switch 26 on
being pressed. If it has been determined that credits have not been
bet, its process flow returns to step S51.
[1096] On the other hand, when it has been determined in step S53
that credits has been bet, the CPU 106 advances its process flow to
step S54 to subtract the credit amount had been bet. Consequently,
the credit subtracted by the credit amount therefrom is displayed
in the credit display area 49.
[1097] In step S55, the CPU 106 counts a preset percentage (e.g.
5%) of the credit bet as the JP count value and sends data about
the count value to the host server 1 via the relay controller 4 and
the network 3. When the host server 1 receives the JP count values
set from the slot machines 10, the values are added to the counter
58 by the process in step S12 shown in FIG. 161.
[1098] In step S56, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the start
switch 27 has been pressed. In this process, the CPU 106 judges
whether or not to have received a signal output from the start
switch 27 on being pressed. In step S57, the CPU 106 determines
whether or not to acquire a JP bonus right when it is determined
that the start switch 27 has been pressed.
[1099] In step S58, the CPU 106 determines whether or not it has
been determined that the JP bonus right has been acquired. In step
S59, the CPU 106 transmits the right acquisition data to the host
server 1 via the relay controller 4 and the network 3 when the JP
bonus right has been acquired.
[1100] In step S60, the CPU 106 executes a symbol scroll
processing. In this scroll processing, executed is a process by
which symbols displayed in each of the segmented areas q11 to q53
on the LCD 16 are successively switched over and then stopped after
a preset time period has been elapsed to display new symbols in
each of the segmented areas q11 to q53. If a winning symbol
combination has appeared in the result of scrolling process, an
award is provided. Details of the scroll processing will be
explained later with reference to FIG. 164.
[1101] In step S61, the CPU 106 executes a payout processing. In
the payout processing, the predetermined number of medals are paid
out when symbols defined in the payout table as shown in FIG. 170
have been appeared. Details of the payout processing will be
explained later with reference to FIG. 165.
[1102] In this manner, a slot game (unit game) is executed
repeatedly by repeating the processes of steps S51 to S61.
[1103] Next, the symbol scroll processing in step S60 shown in FIG.
163 will be explained with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.
164.
[1104] In step S71, the CPU 106 scrolls symbols displayed in each
of the segmented areas q11 to q53. In step S72, the CPU 106 stops
symbols in each of the segmented areas q11 to q53.
[1105] In step S73, the CPU 106 determines whether or not a winning
combination has been achieved based on the symbols appeared in the
fifteen segmented areas q11 to q53.
[1106] In step S74, the CPU 106 prizes an award according to the
achieved winning combination. For example, if five "BELL" symbols
have appeared as shown in FIG. 173, a winning combination is
achieved and a fifteen-medal payout is provided. In this manner,
the symbol scroll processing is executed.
[1107] Next, the payout processing in step S61 shown in FIG. 163
will be explained with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.
165.
[1108] In step S91, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the JP
bonus winning data has been received. In this process, the data is
regarded as being received by the slot machine 10 in the case where
the JP bonus winning data is output from the host server 1 in step
S19 shown in FIG. 161 or step S29 or S31 shown in FIG. 162.
[1109] In step S92, the CPU 106 payouts medals or credits
corresponding to the JP bonus on receiving the JP bonus winning
data.
[1110] In step S93, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the award
has been prized in step S74 shown in FIG. 164. In step S94, the CPU
106 payouts medals or credits corresponding to the award when the
award has been prized. In this manner, the payout processing is
executed.
[1111] As described above, with the thirteenth embodiment according
to the present invention, one of the single winning mode in which a
JP bonus is won at only one slot machine 10 and the multiple
winning mode in which a JP bonus is won at plural slot machines 10
is randomly set for following game executions on a system
activation or after a payout for a JP bonus.
[1112] In the case where the single winning mode has been set, if
the host server 1 has received the first JP bonus right acquisition
data and then receives the JP bonus right acquisition data
transmitted from other slot machines 10 during the preset time T
from the first reception, a JP bonus will be awarded to the slot
machine 10 that has acquired the JP bonus right earliest among all
the slot machines 10 each of which has sent the JP bonus right
acquisition data. In other words, the JP bonus is awarded to not
the slot machine 10 of which the JP bonus right acquisition data
has been received by the host server 1 first but the slot machine
10 that has acquired the JP bonus right earliest. Therefore, a JP
bonus can be awarded preferentially to the slot machine 10 that has
acquired the JP bonus right earliest and thereby fairness can be
maintained irrespective of its installation location or its signal
communication speed.
[1113] On the other hand, in the case where the multiple winning
mode has been set, if the number of the slot machines 10 each of
which has acquired the JP bonus right is under N2, a JP bonus will
be awarded to all of the N2 number of the slot machines 10.
Therefore, it doesn't have to take a long time to award a JP bonus
and a JP bonus can be awarded immediately.
[1114] If the number of the JP bonus right acquisition data
received by the host server 1 is equal-to or more-than N2, the host
server 1 has received the N2-th JP bonus right acquisition data and
then recognizes the number N3 of the receiving JP bonus right
acquisition data transmitted from other slot machines 10 during the
preset time T from the N2-th reception. If N3 is equal-to or
less-than the number N4 (=N1-N2) of remaining JP bonus winnings, a
JP bonus will be awarded at all of the N3 number of the slot
machines 10.
[1115] If N3 is above N4, a JP bonus is awarded to the N3 number of
the slot machines 10 that have acquired the JP bonus right earlier
among all the slot machines 10 each of which has sent the JP bonus
right acquisition data during the preset time T. Therefore, a JP
bonus can be awarded preferentially to the slot machines 10 that
have acquired the JP bonus right earlier even though there are
differences on their signal communication speed among the slot
machines 10 and thereby fairness can be maintained irrespective of
each installation location or each signal communication speed of
each of the slot machines 10.
[1116] Next, a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention will
be explained. FIG. 159 is a network connection diagram showing a
configuration of the gaming system in the fourteenth embodiment.
The terminal stations 2a are connected via the network 3. The
gaming system in the fourteenth embodiment is different from the
gaming system in the thirteenth embodiment shown in FIG. 153 in
that the host server 1 is not provided.
[1117] FIG. 158 is a configuration diagram of a terminal station 2a
installed in the gaming system in the fourteenth embodiment. In the
gaming system in the fourteenth embodiment, the terminal station 2a
is different from the terminal station 2 in the above-mentioned
thirteenth embodiment in that provided are one slot machine 10a
served as a main machine and plural slot machines 10b served as
slave machines.
[1118] In the gaming system according to the fourteenth embodiment,
a JP bonus rank can be set arbitrarily at each of the slot machines
10a and 10b. Specifically, JP bonuses with three ranks "MEGA",
"MAJOR" and "MINI" are preliminarily setup and a player at each of
the slot machines 10a and 10b can select a desired JP bonus among
the JP bonuses with three ranks. Here, as listed in JP bonus tables
shown in FIG. 169, The "MINI" is set with a 0.1% winning
probability and a 1,000 payout amount on winning. The "MAJOR" is
set with a 0.05% winning probability and a 5,000 payout amount on a
winning. The "MEGA" is set with a 0.01% winning probability and a
10,000 payout amount on a winning. Therefore, a player can play
slot games by selecting a desired JP bonus.
[1119] In addition, a JP bonus rank can be preliminarily set per
each of the slot machines 10a and 10b. For example, three "MINI",
three "MAJOR" and four "MEGA" are set among total ten slot machines
10a and 10b of one slot machine 10a and nine slot machines 10b. In
this case, a player can play slot games by selecting a slot machine
10a or 10b to which a desired JP bonus has been set.
[1120] Electrical configurations of the slot machines 10a and 10b
will be explained hereinafter. Since each of the slave slot
machines 10b has the same configuration as shown in FIG. 155, its
explanation will be omitted.
[1121] FIG. 160 is a block diagram showing the electrical
configuration of the main slot machine 10a. As shown in FIG. 160,
the main slot machine 10a is different from the slot machine 10
shown in FIG. 155 in that a counter 129 is further included. The
counter 129 counts the JP count value bet at each of the slot
machines 10a and 10b. Therefore, the accumulated JP count value
will be stored in the counter 129. Then, the controller 40 shown in
FIG. 160 executes processing similarly to the host server 1 shown
in FIG. 156.
[1122] In addition, the JP bonus tables shown in FIG. 169 are
stored in the RAM 110 shown in FIG. 155 and the RAM 110 shown in
FIG. 160.
[1123] It may also be possible to configure so that one of the slot
machines in all of the terminal stations 2a is served as the main
slot machine 10a with the functions of the host server 1 in the
thirteenth embodiment. Alternatively, it may also be possible to
configure so that one main slot machine 10a is provided in each of
the terminal stations 2a.
[1124] Next, processing procedures in the gaming system according
to the fourteenth embodiment will be explained. FIGS. 166 and 167
are a flow chart showing process procedures in the main slot
machine 10a.
[1125] In step S111, the CPU 106 reads the JP count value stored in
the counter 129. In this case, the JP count value stored in the
counter 129 is the accumulated JP count value bet at each of the
slot machines 10a and 10b in the terminal stations 2a.
[1126] In step S112, the CPU 106 increases the JP count value
stored in the counter 129 based on the JP count value transmitted
from each of the terminal stations 2a.
[1127] In step S113, the CPU 106 randomly selects, per each of the
bonus ranks, one of the single winning mode in which a JP bonus
will be won at only one slot machine 10b (or 10a) and the multiple
winning mode in which a JP bonus will be won at plural slot
machines 10a and 10b.
[1128] In other words, the single winning mode or the multiple
winning mode is determined per each of the JP bonuses "MINI",
"MAJOR" AND "MEGA". This process is executed a system activation or
after a JP bonus winning at any of the slot machines 10a and 10b.
The CPU 106 advances its process flow to step S114 if the single
winning mode has been selected or advances it to step S121 shown in
FIG. 167 if the multiple winning mode has been selected. Note that,
processes in steps S114 to S120 and processes in steps S121 to S132
are executed per each of the JP bonuses "MINI", "MAJOR" AND
"MEGA".
[1129] In step S114, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the JP
bonus right acquisition data have been received. In this process,
the data are received when any of the slot machines 10a and 10b has
acquired the JP bonus right. Note that right acquisition time data
are included in the JP bonus right acquisition data transmitted
from each of the slot machines 10a and 10b. Therefore, the CPU 106
can recognize the time when the JP bonus right has been acquired on
receiving the JP bonus right acquisition data.
[1130] In step S115, the CPU 106 activates a timer to be set in the
RAM 110 to start counting an elapsed time t from the time of
receiving the JP bonus right acquisition data if it has received
the JP bonus right acquisition data.
[1131] In step S116, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the
elapsed time t has reached a preset time T. For example, the preset
time T is a time required for one slot game execution at a slot
machine 10.
[1132] In step S117, the CPU 106 recognizes all of the slot
machines 10a and 10b each of which has acquired a JP bonus right
during the preset time T when the elapsed time t has reached the
preset time T.
[1133] In step S118, the CPU 106 reads the JP bonus right
acquisition data transmitted from each of the slot machines 10a and
10b recognized in step S117 and further reads the time data
included in the JP bonus right acquisition data.
[1134] In step S119, the CPU 106 determines the slot machine 10a or
10b that has acquired the JP bonus right acquisition data earliest
based on the time data included in the JP bonus right acquisition
data to transmit a JP winning data to the earliest slot machine 10a
or 10b. The JP winning data are not transmitted to other slot
machines 10a and 10b. Therefore, when the single winning mode has
been selected, the JP winning data are transmitted to only one slot
machine 10a or 10b that has acquired the JP bonus right acquisition
data earliest.
[1135] In step S120, the CPU 106 decreases the JP count value by
the payout due to the JP bonus winning to stores its result in the
counter 129.
[1136] On the other hand, if the multiple winning mode has been
selected in step S113, the CPU 106 randomly sets the number N1 of
JP bonus winnings in step S121.
[1137] In step S122, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the JP
bonus right acquisition data have been received. In this process,
the data are received when any of the slot machines 10a and 10b has
acquired the JP bonus right.
[1138] In step S123, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the
number of acquisition times of the JP bonus right is N2. Here,
N2<N1, for example, N1=10 and N2=5. If it has not reached N2,
the CPU 106 transmits the JP winning data to the slot machine 10a
or 10b that has sent the JP bonus right acquisition data in step
131. Therefore, the JP winning data will be transmitted to the slot
machines 10a and 10b each of which has acquired the JP bonus right
until the total number of the slot machines 10a and 10b each of
which has acquired the JP bonus right reaches N2. In this case, the
JP bonus will be won immediately at the slot machine 10 that has
acquired the JP bonus right and the predetermined number of medals
are provided due to the JP bonus winning.
[1139] In step S124, the CPU 106 activates a timer to be set in the
RAM 110 to start counting an elapsed time t from the time of
receiving the JP bonus right acquisition data when the total number
of the slot machines 10a and 10b each of which has acquired the JP
bonus right becomes equal-to or more-than N2.
[1140] In step S125, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the
elapsed time t has reached a preset time T. For example, the preset
time T is a time required for one slot game execution at a slot
machine 10a or 10b.
[1141] In step S126, the CPU 106 recognizes the number N3 of the
slot machines 10a and 10b each of which has acquired a JP bonus
right during the preset time T when the elapsed time t has reached
the preset time T.
[1142] In step S127, the CPU 106 determines whether or not N3>N4
based on N3 recognized in step S126 and N4 (=N1-N2). In other
words, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the number of the slot
machines 10a and 10b each of which has acquired a JP bonus right
during the preset time T exceeds the number N4 (=N1-N2) of
remaining JP bonus winnings. If N3>N4, the CPU 106 advances its
process flow to step S128. Alternatively, if N3.ltoreq.N4, its
process flow is advanced to step S130.
[1143] In step S128, the CPU 106 reads the JP bonus right
acquisition data transmitted from the N3 number of slot machines
10a and 10b and further reads the time data included in the JP
bonus right acquisition data.
[1144] In step S129, the CPU 106 transmits the JP winning data to
the N4 number of slot machines 10a and 10b each of which has have
acquired the JP bonus right earlier based on the time data read in
step S128.
[1145] In step S130, the CPU 106 transmits the JP bonus winning
data to all of the N3 number of the slot machines 10 each of which
has acquired the JP bonus right.
[1146] As described above, the JP bonus winning data are
transmitted to the slot machines 10a and 10b each of which has
acquired the JP bonus right until the total number of the slot
machines 10a and 10b each of which has acquired the JP bonus right
reaches N2. Therefore, the JP bonus is won at the N2 number of the
slot machines 10a and 10b. After the total number of the slot
machines 10a and 10b each of which has acquired the JP bonus right
has reached N2, the number N3 of all the slot machines 10a and 10b
each of which has acquired the JP bonus right during the preset
time T is recognized. If the number N3 is equal-to or less-than the
number N4 (=N1-N2) of the remaining JP winnings, the JP bonus
winning data are transmitted to all the N3 number of the slot
machines 10a and 10b. If N3 is above N4, the JP bonus winning data
are transmitted to the N4 number of the slot machines 10a and 10b
each of which has acquired the JP bonus right earlier based on the
time data included in the JP bonus right acquisition data
transmitted from the N3 number of the slot machines 10a and
10b.
[1147] In step S132, the CPU 106 decreases the JP count value by a
payout due to a JP bonus winning to stores its result in the
counter 129. In this manner, the process procedures by the main
slot machine 10a are executed.
[1148] Next, process procedures in each of the slot machines 10a
and 10b will be explained with reference to a flowchart shown in
FIG. 168.
[1149] In step S151, the CPU 106 (see FIG. 160) recognizes a JP
bonus rank. In each of the slot machines 10a and 10b, a "MEGA" icon
17a, a "MAJOR" icon 17b and a "MINI" icon 17c are displayed as
shown in FIG. 172 on starting a slot game play. When any of them is
touched, the touchscreen 16a detects it to recognize a selected
icon. When an "OK" icon 17d is touched next, the selected JP bonus
is set. Alternatively, if a JP bonus "MINI", "MAJOR" or "MEGA" is
preliminarily set to each of the slot machines 10a and 10b, this
rank is recognized.
[1150] In step S152, the CPU 106 (see FIG. 160) starts to accept
medal insertion. In this process, it accepts the medal insertion
through the medal insertion slot 21 by a player and the medal
sensor 43 detects the number of inserted medals when medals are
inserted.
[1151] In step S153, the CPU 106 adds the credit amount
corresponding to the number of inserted medals and then displays
the credits amount after adding in the credit display area 49.
[1152] In step S154, the CPU 106 determines whether or not credits
has been bet. In this process, the CPU 106 judges whether or not to
have received a signal output from the bet switch 25 on being
pressed, a signal output from the max-bet switch 24 on being
pressed or a signal output from the spin/repeat-bet switch 26 on
being pressed. If it has been determined that credits have not been
bet, its process flow returns to step S152.
[1153] On the other hand, when it has been determined in step S154
that credits has been bet, the CPU 106 advances its process flow to
step S155 to subtract the credit amount had been bet. Consequently,
the credit subtracted by the credit amount therefrom is displayed
in the credit display area 49.
[1154] In step S156, the CPU 106 counts a preset percentage (e.g.
5%) of the credit bet as the JP count value and sends data about
the count value to the main slot machine 10a. When the main slot
machine 10a receives the JP count values set from the slot machines
10a and 10b, the values are added to the counter 129 by the process
in step S112 shown in FIG. 166.
[1155] In step S157, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the
start switch 27 has been pressed. In this process, the CPU 106
judges whether or not to have received a signal output from the
start switch 27 on being pressed. In step S158, the CPU 106
determines whether or not to acquire a JP bonus right when it is
determined that the start switch 27 has been pressed.
[1156] In step S159, the CPU 106 determines whether or not it has
been determined that the JP bonus right has been acquired. In step
S160, the CPU 106 transmits the right acquisition data including
the time data to the main slot machine 10a when the JP bonus right
has been acquired.
[1157] In step S161, the CPU 106 executes a symbol scroll
processing. In this scroll processing, executed is a process by
which symbols displayed in each of the segmented areas q11 to q53
on the LCD 16 are successively switched over and then stopped after
a preset time period has been elapsed to display new symbols in
each of the segmented areas q11 to q53. If a winning symbol
combination has appeared in the result of scrolling process, an
award is provided. Since details of the scroll processing are the
same as those shown in FIG. 165, their explanations will be
omitted.
[1158] In step S162, the CPU 106 executes a payout processing. In
the payout processing, the predetermined number of medals are paid
out when symbols defined in the payout table as shown in FIG. 170
have been appeared. Since details of the payout processing are the
same as those shown in FIG. 165, their explanations will be
omitted.
[1159] In this manner, a slot game (unit game) is executed
repeatedly by repeating the processes of steps S152 to S162.
[1160] As described above, with the fourteenth embodiment according
to the present invention, one of the single winning mode in which a
JP bonus is won at only one slot machine 10a or 10b and the
multiple winning mode in which a JP bonus is won at plural slot
machines 10a and 10b is randomly set for following game executions
on a system activation or after a payout for a JP bonus.
[1161] In the case where the single winning mode has been set, if
the main slot machine 10a has received the first JP bonus right
acquisition data and then receives the JP bonus right acquisition
data transmitted from other slot machines 10a and 10b during the
preset time T from the first reception, a JP bonus will be awarded
to the slot machine 10b (or 10a) that has acquired the JP bonus
right earliest among all the slot machines 10a and 10b each of
which has sent the JP bonus right acquisition data. In other words,
the JP bonus is awarded to not the slot machine 10 of which the JP
bonus right acquisition data has been received by the main slot
machine 10a first but the slot machine 10b (or 10a) that has
acquired the JP bonus right earliest. Therefore, a JP bonus can be
awarded preferentially to the slot machine 10a or 10b that has
acquired the JP bonus right earliest and thereby fairness can be
maintained irrespective of its installation location or its signal
communication speed.
[1162] On the other hand, in the case where the multiple winning
mode has been set, if the number of the slot machines 10a and 10b
each of which has acquired the JP bonus right is under N2, a JP
bonus will be awarded to all of the N2 number of the slot machines
10a and 10b. Therefore, it doesn't have to take a long time to
award a JP bonus and a JP bonus can be awarded immediately.
[1163] If the number of the JP bonus right acquisition data
received by the main slot machine 10a is equal-to or more-than N2,
the main slot machine 10a has received the N2-th JP bonus right
acquisition data and then recognizes the number N3 of the receiving
JP bonus right acquisition data transmitted from other slot
machines 10a and 10b during the preset time T from the N2-th
reception. If N3 is equal-to or less-than the number N4 (=N1-N2) of
remaining JP bonus winnings, a JP bonus will be awarded at all of
the N3 number of the slot machines 10a and 10b.
[1164] If N3 is above N4, a JP bonus is awarded to the N3 number of
the slot machines 10a and 10b that have acquired the JP bonus right
earlier among all the slot machines 10a and 10b each of which has
sent the JP bonus right acquisition data during the preset time T.
Therefore, a JP bonus can be awarded preferentially to the slot
machines 10a and 10b that have acquired the JP bonus right earlier
even though there are differences on their signal communication
speed among the slot machines 10a and 10b and thereby fairness can
be maintained irrespective of each installation location or each
signal communication speed of the slot machines 10a or 10b.
[1165] Although the gaming systems according to the embodiments of
the present invention have been described as above, they are only
presented as specific examples, without particularly limiting the
present invention. Specific arrangements of respective units may be
changed in design as appropriate. In addition, the effects set
forth in the embodiments of the present invention are merely an
enumeration of the most preferred effect which occurs from the
present invention, and the effects by the present invention is not
limited to those set forth in the embodiments of the present
invention.
[1166] In addition, in the detailed description above, the
characteristic portions are mainly described in order to make the
present invention easily understandable. The present invention is
not limited to the embodiments described in the detailed
description above, and can be applied to the other embodiments, and
its range of application is wide. Also, the terms and the
terminology used in the present specification are used only for the
purpose of explaining the present invention precisely, and not used
for the purpose of limiting the interpretation of the present
invention. Also, for those skilled in the art, it should be easy to
contemplate other configurations, systems, methods, etc., that are
contained in the concept of the present invention, from the content
of the invention described in the present specification.
Consequently, the description of the scope of claims should be
construed as containing equivalent configurations within a range of
not deviating from a range of the technical ideas of the present
invention. Also, the purpose of the abstract is to make it possible
for the patent office, the general public organizations, and
technicians and the like who belong to the present technical field
and who are not thoroughly familiar with patent and law terms or
specialized terms, to quickly judge the technical content and its
essence of the present application by a simple search.
Consequently, the abstract is not intended to limit the scope of
the invention which should be evaluated by the description of the
scope of claims. Also, in order to sufficiently understand the
purpose of the present invention and the effects specific to the
present invention, they should preferably be interpreted by
sufficiently referring to the documents and the like that are
already disclosed in public.
[1167] Also, the detailed description above contains the processing
to be executed by a computer. The explanations and expressions in
the above are described for the purpose of facilitating the most
efficient understanding by those skilled in the art. In the present
specification, each step used in deriving one result should be
understood as a processing without a self-contradiction. Also, at
each step, transmission and reception, recording, etc., of electric
or magnetic signals will be carried out. In the processing at each
step, such signals are expressed by bits, values, symbols, letters,
terms, numbers, etc., but it should be noted that they are used
simply because they are convenient for the purpose of explanation.
Also, there are cases where the processing at each step is
described by an expression common to the human behavior, but the
processing described in the present specification is to be executed
by various devices in principle. Also, the other configuration
required in carrying out each step will be obvious from the above
description.
* * * * *