U.S. patent application number 13/146844 was filed with the patent office on 2011-11-24 for game system and game control method.
This patent application is currently assigned to Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Doing Business as Sega Corporation. Invention is credited to Yasushi Watanabe.
Application Number | 20110287841 13/146844 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42395356 |
Filed Date | 2011-11-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110287841 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Watanabe; Yasushi |
November 24, 2011 |
GAME SYSTEM AND GAME CONTROL METHOD
Abstract
A game system is provided where a main game and a second game
can be executed, and a player can actively participate in a play.
In a game system where a main unit SV is connected to a plurality
of game machines GM in which a play is conducted using a medal in a
usual play, the main unit SV provides a second game which can be
conducted in common at the plurality of game machines GM 1-GM 4. A
token which is a play medium different from the metal is required
for participating in the second game. The token is given when
winning a lottery based on bet number information for each play in
the game machines GM.
Inventors: |
Watanabe; Yasushi; (Tokyo,
JP) |
Assignee: |
Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Doing
Business as Sega Corporation
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
42395356 |
Appl. No.: |
13/146844 |
Filed: |
December 18, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
December 18, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2009/071177 |
371 Date: |
July 28, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/329 20130101;
G07F 17/34 20130101; G07F 17/3267 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/42 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 30, 2009 |
JP |
2009-020867 |
Claims
1. A central control device that is connectable to a plurality of
play devices in which a play can be executed by using a
predetermined play medium, and provides to the plurality of play
devices a second play different from the play, the central control
device comprising: play media usage number information reception
means for receiving play media usage number information with
respect to the play from each of the plurality of play devices; and
specific play media lottery means for executing a lottery on
whether or not to give a specific play medium required when
participating in the second play, based on the play media usage
number information received by the play media usage number
information reception means.
2. The central control device according to claim 1, wherein the
specific play media lottery means holds the lottery with lottery
tables of different winning rates in accordance with a number of
the play media based on the play media usage number
information.
3. The central control device according to claim 1, wherein the
specific play media lottery means holds the lottery only by a
predetermined number of times for a number of the play media used
based on the play media usage number information.
4. The central control device according to claim 1, wherein the
play media usage number information reception means receives, as
the play media usage number information, betting amount information
with respect to the play from each of the plurality of play
devices, and the specific play media lottery means executes a
lottery on whether or not to give a specific play medium required
when participating in the second play, based on the betting amount
information received by the play media usage number information
reception means.
5. The central control device according to claim 1, wherein the
play media usage number information reception means receives, as
the play media usage number information, insertion information of
the play medium with respect to the play from each of the plurality
of play devices, and the specific play media lottery means executes
a lottery on whether or not to give a specific play medium required
for participating in the second play, based on the insertion number
information received by the play media usage number information
reception means.
6. The central control device according to claim 1, further
comprising: a specific play media storage means for storing that
the specific play medium is given, when winning the lottery by the
specific play media lottery means; and a specific play medium
giving informing means for informing, when giving of the specific
play medium is stored in the specific play media storage means,
that the giving of the specific play medium is stored in the
specific play media storage means.
7. The central control device according to claim 1, further
comprising a second play control means for starting/executing the
second play at predetermined intervals.
8. The central control device according to claim 1, wherein the
play media usage number information reception means receives the
play media usage number information with respect to the play from
the plurality of play devices after converting a value of one play
medium used in each of the plurality of play devices into a
common.
9. A game system comprising a plurality of game devices in which a
game can be executed each time using a predetermined play medium,
and a central control device that is connected to the plurality of
game devices and provides a second game common to the plurality of
game devices, the game device including play media usage number
transmission means for transmitting play media usage number
information to the central control device, and the central control
device including play media usage number information reception
means for receiving the play media usage number information
transmitted from the play media usage number transmission means;
specific play media lottery means for executing a lottery on
whether or not to give a specific play medium required when
participating in the second game, based on the play media usage
number information; and specific play media storage means for
storing that the specific play medium is given, when winning the
lottery by the specific play media lottery means.
10. The game system according to claim 9, wherein the central
control device further includes second game control means for
starting/executing the second game at predetermined intervals.
11. The game system according to claim 9, wherein the central
control device further includes second game privilege giving means
for giving, when a win is obtained as a result of the second game,
the play medium used in the game device as a privilege for the
win.
12. The game system according to claim 9, wherein the play media
usage number information reception means receives play media usage
number information with respect to the play from the plurality of
game devices after converting a value of one play medium used in
each of the plurality of game devices into a common.
13. A control method of a game system where a plurality of game
devices, in which a game can be executed each time using a
predetermined play medium, are connected to a central control
device that is connected to the plurality of game devices and
provides a second game common to the plurality of game devices, the
control method comprising: play media usage number obtaining step
for obtaining play media usage number information used to an
execution of a game in each of the plurality of game devices;
specific play media lottery step for executing a lottery on whether
or not to give a specific play medium required when participating
in the second game, based on the play media usage number
information obtained by the play media usage number obtaining step;
and specific play media storage step for storing that the specific
play medium is given, when winning the lottery in the specific play
media lottery step.
14. The control method of the game system according to claim 13,
wherein the play media usage number information obtaining step
further includes play media value conversion step for play media
usage number information with respect to the play from the
plurality of game devices, and converting a value of one play
medium used in each of the plurality of game devices into a common.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a control device which is
connectable to a plurality of game devices for a game in which a
play medium is paid out according to a result of the game, and
which provides a common game (a second game) to the plurality of
game devices, and relates to a game system to which these are
connected.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Conventionally, in a game system having this kind of control
device, while a player (a game player) is playing a 1st game (a
main game) at each game device (hereinafter referred to as "a game
machine"), at a predetermined timing, a 2nd game (a second game) in
which respective players playing at a plurality of game machines
can participate at the same time is executed. In this manner, the
second game different from the game which serves as the main game
can be played at the same game device. Hence, it is possible to
provide a game with which a player is not easily bored compared
with a game in which a play is conducted only with one main
game.
[0003] For example, in a game system of PLT1, when a player wins a
right to shift to a second game, this right is temporarily stocked.
Additionally, since the player, who is playing at the game machine,
is informed of the stocked right. Accordingly, the player can have
a willingness to actively participate in the second game.
[0004] Further, a game system of PLT2 enables each player to
participate in a second game using a credit won in a main game.
CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
[0005] PLT1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No.
2008-49133 [0006] PLT2: United States Patent Application
Publication No. 2005/218590
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0007] However, in the conventional technologies (PLT1 and PLT2),
it is necessary to allot an appreciable extent of a total amount of
play media paid back to the player to a payback by the second game,
so as to make the second game attractive for the player. However,
it is necessary to keep the amount of medals paid back by the first
game to be low, and the consumption of play media becomes high
compared with a game without a second game as described above.
Therefore, as a result, it becomes a game which easily consumes the
play media equal to or more than the play media inwardly acceptable
for the player until the second game is generated, resulting in a
reduction of enjoyment of a main game.
[0008] Additionally, in the conventional technologies, there is a
possibility that the ability to pull in more customers decreases,
due to the psychology of the player that it may take time until the
next second game is started immediately after a high dividend is
paid out, or immediately after the second game ends.
[0009] Furthermore, in the conventional technologies, in order to
participate in the second game, it is necessary that the first game
is being played immediately before the start of the second game.
However, the player cannot know in advance when the second game
will be held, since the holding time of the second game is
irregular. Therefore, it is necessary for the player to keep
playing of the first game, so that the player can participate in
the second game whenever the second game is held. Moreover, in such
a game machine, it is necessary to separately provide a means for
determining whether or not the player is continuously conducting
the play, and a cumbersome processing is required.
[0010] Additionally, in a case where the right to shift to the
second game is stocked as in the above-mentioned PLT1, the player
can use the stocked right to shift to the second game. However,
after the second game is executed, a state occurs where the right
that has been stocked till then is consumed. Thus, there is a
trigger that the player stops playing of the main game at that
time.
[0011] Further, in the game system where the credit won in the main
game is used to participate in the second game as in the
above-mentioned PLT2, a betting amount in the second game depends
on credits won in each main game. Therefore, when the betting
amount in each main game is greatly different from each other, the
differences in winning credits won as the results of the main games
naturally become great among the players. In this manner, there is
a possibility that the players feel unfairness, since the betting
amount in the second game is greatly different for each of the
players.
[0012] Furthermore, some conventional technologies include a game
system in which the amount of credits paid back in a second game is
decided by considering the betting amount in a main game
immediately before the second game is started. In such a game
system, naturally, it becomes easier for a player, who plays the
main game with a large amount of number of betting credits, to win
a large amount of credits also in the second game. On the other
hand, a player with a small betting amount can only obtain the
number of credits that is not necessarily attractive for the
player. Hence, there is a possibility that the motivation for
participating in a play is reduced.
[0013] The present invention has been made to solve these
conventional problems, and an object is to provide a game system
where a main game and a second game can be executed, and a player
can actively participate in a play.
Solution to Problem
[0014] The present invention is a central control device that is
connectable to a plurality of play devices in which a play can be
executed by using a predetermined play medium, and provides to the
plurality of play devices a second play different from the play,
the central control device including: play media usage number
information reception means for receiving play media usage number
information with respect to the play from each of the plurality of
play devices; and specific play media lottery means for executing a
lottery on whether or not to give a specific play medium required
when participating in the second play, based on the play media
usage number information received by the play media usage number
information reception means.
[0015] According to the present invention, the specific play medium
which is different from the predetermined play medium used in a
usual play (each play conducted at each play device) is required
for participating in the second play. Additionally, as for the
giving of the specific play medium, a lottery is held based on the
usage number information of predetermined play media used (bet,
inserted) in the usual play. With such a configuration, even when a
plurality of players conduct the second play together, they can
conduct the second play by betting the specific play media having
the same value. Therefore, it is possible to provide a play which
does not cause a feeling of unfairness among the players
simultaneously participating in the second play.
[0016] In the present invention, the specific play media lottery
means holds the lottery with lottery tables of different winning
rates in accordance with a number of the play media based on the
play media usage number information.
[0017] According to the present invention, the winning probability
of the lottery of giving the specific play medium changes, in
accordance with the betting amount at the time when the player
conducts the play at the play device. For example, when the winning
probability is set high if the betting amount is large, and the
winning probability is low if the betting amount is small, it is
possible to increase the probability of giving the specific play
medium if the betting amount is increased. Therefore, even in a
case where players conduct plays at the play devices with the
different betting amounts or the different settings, it is possible
to provide a play which does not cause a feeling of unfairness
among the players.
[0018] In the present invention, the specific play media lottery
means holds the lottery only by a predetermined number of times for
a number of the play media used based on the play media usage
number information.
[0019] According to the present invention, the lottery of giving
the specific play medium is held only by the predetermined number
of times in accordance with the betting amount when the player
conducts the play at the play device. For example, when the number
of times of lottery is increased if the betting amount is large,
and the number of times of lottery is decreased if the betting
amount is small, it is possible to increase the probability of
giving the specific play medium if the betting amount is increased.
Therefore, even in a case where the players conduct plays at the
play devices with the different betting amounts or the different
settings, it is possible to provide a play which does not cause a
feeling of unfairness among the players.
[0020] In the present invention, the play media usage number
information reception means receives, as the play media usage
number information, betting amount information with respect to the
play from each of the plurality of play devices, and the specific
play media lottery means executes a lottery on whether or not to
give a specific play medium required when participating in the
second play, based on the betting amount information received by
the play media usage number information reception means.
[0021] According to the present invention, as for the giving of the
specific play medium, a lottery is held based on the betting amount
information of the predetermined play medium bet in the usual play.
With such a configuration, even when a plurality of players conduct
the second play together, they can conduct the second play by
betting the specific play media having the same value. Therefore,
it is possible to provide a play which does not cause a feeling of
unfairness among the players simultaneously participating in the
second game.
[0022] In the present invention, the play media usage number
information reception means receives, as the play media usage
number information, insertion information of the play medium with
respect to the play from each of the plurality of play devices, and
the specific play media lottery means executes a lottery on whether
or not to give a specific play medium required for participating in
the second play, based on the insertion number information received
by the play media usage number information reception means.
[0023] According to the present invention, as for the giving of the
specific play medium, a lottery is held based on the inserted
number information on the predetermined play media inserted in the
usual play. With such a configuration, even when a plurality of
players conduct the second play together, they can conduct the
second play by betting the specific play media having the same
value. Therefore, it is possible to provide a play which does not
cause a feeling of unfairness among the players simultaneously
participating in the second game.
[0024] In the present invention, a specific play media storage
means for storing that the specific play medium is given, when
winning the lottery by the specific play media lottery means; and a
specific play medium giving informing means for informing, when
giving of the specific play medium is stored in the specific play
media storage means, that the giving of the specific play medium is
stored in the specific play media storage means are further
provided.
[0025] According to the present invention, the central control
device stores that the specific play medium is given, and also
informs the player that the specific play medium is given. As a
result, it is possible to inform the player of the acquisition of
the specific play medium, and to positively motivate the player to
participate in the second play.
[0026] In the present invention, a second play control means for
starting/executing the second play at predetermined intervals is
further provided.
[0027] According to the present invention, the second play which
can be enjoyed in common at a plurality of play devices is
started/executed at the predetermined intervals. That is, by
periodically holding the second play, there is no possibility that
the player consumes the play media more than expected by
continuously playing the main game at the game device until the
second game is held, or possibility that the motivation for playing
is decreased because the player worries about the probability that
the second game may not be conducted in the worst case, since the
player does not know when the 2nd game (the second play) will be
held as in a conventional manner. Therefore, it is possible to
actively involve the player in participating in the main game.
[0028] In the present invention, the play media usage number
information reception means receives the play media usage number
information with respect to the play from the plurality of play
devices after converting a value of one play medium used in each of
the plurality of play devices into a common.
[0029] According to the present invention, when the values of the
play media are different for the plurality of play devices, the
values are converted (adjusted) into common values and then are
received as the play media usage number information. The values of
the play media being different means that, for example, "ten play
media are required when conducting a play once in a play device 1,
and one play medium is required when conducting a play once in a
play device 2", or that, even in a case where the same play medium
is used, the values are different for the play devices, such as
"one play medium has a value by which ten times of play can be
conducted in the play device 1, and one play medium has only a
value by which play can be conducted once in the play device 2".
Therefore, even in a case where the values of one play medium are
different among the plurality of play devices, an equal lottery can
be held after converting these different values into common, when
holding the lottery of the specific play media, and unfairness is
not caused among the players.
[0030] A game system of the present invention includes a plurality
of game devices in which a game can be executed each time using a
predetermined play medium, and a central control device that is
connected to the plurality of game devices and provides a second
game common to the plurality of game devices, the game device
including play media usage number transmission means for
transmitting play media usage number information to the central
control device, and the central control device including play media
usage number information reception means for receiving the play
media usage number information transmitted from the play media
usage number transmission means; specific play media lottery means
for executing a lottery on whether or not to give a specific play
medium required when participating in the second game, based on the
play media usage number information; and specific play media
storage means for storing that the specific play medium is given,
when winning the lottery by the specific play media lottery
means.
[0031] According to the present invention, the specific play medium
which is different from the predetermined play medium used in a
usual play (each play conducted at each play device) is required
for participating in the second play. Additionally, as for the
giving of the specific play medium, a lottery is held based on the
usage number information (the information on the betting amount,
the information the inserted number, etc.) of predetermined play
media bet in the usual play. With such a configuration, even when a
plurality of players conduct the second play together, they can
conduct the second play by betting the specific play media having
the same value. Therefore, it is possible to provide a play which
does not cause a feeling of unfairness among the players
simultaneously participating in the second play. Further, the
central control device stores that the specific play medium is
given, and the player is also informed that the specific play
medium is given. As a result, it is possible for the player to know
the acquisition of the specific play medium, and to have a
motivation for participating in the second play.
[0032] In the game system of the present invention, the central
control device further includes second game control means for
starting/executing the second game at predetermined intervals.
[0033] According to the present invention, the second play which
can be enjoyed in common at a plurality of play devices is
started/executed at the predetermined intervals. That is, by
periodically holding the second play, there is no possibility that
the player consumes the play media more than expected by
continuously playing the main game at the game device until the
second game is held, or possibility that the motivation for playing
is decreased because the player worries about the probability that
the second game may not be conducted in the worst case, since the
player does not know when the 2nd game (the second game) will be
held as in a conventional manner. Therefore, it is possible to
actively involve the player in participating in the main game.
[0034] In the game system of the present invention, the central
control device further includes second game privilege giving means
for giving, when a win is obtained as a result of the second game,
the play medium used in the game device as a privilege for the
win.
[0035] According to the game system of the present invention, the
specific play medium is required for participating in the second
game, while the play medium given when winning the second game is
the predetermined play medium used in the usual play. Therefore,
the player can enjoy the main game and the second game smoothly,
since it is not necessary for the player to convert the specific
play media given into the predetermined play media (realization)
for using them in the usual play. Therefore, in the game system
where the main game and the second game can be executed, it is
possible to positively involve the players in participating in the
plays.
[0036] In the game system of the present invention, the play media
usage number information reception means receives play media usage
number information with respect to the play from the plurality of
game devices after converting a value of one play medium used in
each of the plurality of game devices into a common.
[0037] According to the game system of the present invention, when
the values of the play media are different for the plurality of
play devices, the values are converted (adjusted) into common
values, and then are received as the play media usage number
information. The values of the play media being different means
that, for example, "ten play media are required when conducting a
play once in the play device 1, and one play medium is required
when conducting a play once in the play device 2", or that, even in
a case where the same play medium is used, the values are different
for the play devices, such as "one play medium has a value by which
ten times of play can be conducted in the play device 1, and one
play medium has only a value by which play can be conducted once in
the play device 2". Therefore, even in a case where the value of
one play medium is different among the plurality of play devices,
an equal lottery can be held after converting these different
values into common, when holding the lottery of the specific play
media, and unfairness is not caused among the players.
[0038] A control method of a game system according to the present
invention is a control method of a game system where a plurality of
game devices, in which a game can be executed each time using a
predetermined play medium, are connected to a central control
device that is connected to the plurality of game devices and
provides a second game common to the plurality of game devices, the
control method including: play media usage number obtaining step
for obtaining play media usage number information used to an
execution of a game in each of the plurality of game devices;
specific play media lottery step for executing a lottery on whether
or not to give a specific play medium required when participating
in the second game, based on the play media usage number
information obtained by the play media usage number obtaining step;
and specific play media storage step for storing that the specific
play medium is given, when winning the lottery in the specific play
media lottery step.
[0039] According to the control method of the game system of the
present invention, the usage number information (the information on
the betting amount, the information of the inserted number, etc.)
of the predetermined play media bet in the usual play is obtained,
and the lottery of giving of the specific play medium is held based
on the usage number information obtained on this occasion.
Additionally, when the specific play medium is given, the giving of
the specific play medium is stored. With such a configuration, even
when a plurality of players conduct the second game together, they
can conduct the second game by betting the specific play media
having the same value. Therefore, it is possible to provide a play
which does not cause a feeling of unfairness among the players
simultaneously participating in the second game. As a result, the
player can know the acquisition of the specific play medium, and
can have a motivation for participating in the second game.
[0040] In the control method of game system according to the
present invention, the play media usage number information
obtaining step further includes play media value conversion step
for play media usage number information with respect to the play
from the plurality of game devices, and converting a value of one
play medium used in each of the plurality of game devices into a
common.
[0041] According to the control system of the game system of the
present invention, when the values of the play media are different
for the plurality of play devices, the play media usage number
obtaining step further includes the play media value conversion
step for converting (adjusting) the values into common values. The
values of the play media being different means that, for example,
"ten play media are required when conducting a play once in the
play device 1, and one play medium is required when conducting a
play once in the play device 2", or that, even in a case where the
same play medium is used, the values are different for the play
devices, such as "one play medium has a value by which ten times of
play can be conducted in the play device 1, and one play medium has
only a value by which play can be conducted once in the play device
2". Therefore, even in a case where the value of one play medium is
different among the plurality of play devices, an equal lottery can
be held after converting these different values into common, when
holding the lottery of the specific play media, and unfairness is
not caused among the players.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0042] According to the present invention, it is possible to
provide a main game which does not damage the charms of a game that
can be originally obtained, in a game system where a main game and
a second game can be executed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0043] FIG. 1 is a figure illustrating an embodiment of a game
system according to the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an external
appearance of a game device (a first game housing) GM of FIG.
1.
[0045] FIG. 3 is an explanatory drawing illustrating symbol rows
used in the game device GM of FIG. 1.
[0046] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the game device GM of
FIG. 1.
[0047] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a control program of the
game device GM of FIG. 1.
[0048] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an external
appearance of a main unit (a second game housing) SV of FIG. 1.
[0049] FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically illustrating control
in the main unit SV of FIG. 1.
[0050] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating control in a first game
housing part.
[0051] FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating control of a second game
control part.
[0052] FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating token lottery
processing.
[0053] FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating second game execution
processing.
[0054] FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a token lottery by a
token lottery part.
[0055] FIG. 13 is a figure illustrating an image of a roulette game
displayed on a second game monitor of the main unit SV.
[0056] FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating processing of a
roulette game performed by a second game executing part.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0057] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a game system according to the
present invention will be described with reference to the
drawings.
[0058] FIG. 1 is an explanatory drawing illustrating an embodiment
of a game system according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a
perspective view illustrating an external appearance of a game
device (a first game housing) GM of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is an
explanatory drawing illustrating symbol rows used in the game
device GM of FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a block diagram which functionally
illustrates the game device GM of FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 is a flow
chart illustrating a main processing program in the game device of
FIG. 1.
[0059] As illustrated in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, a game
system is constructed where a main unit (a second game housing) SV
is connected to a plurality of different game devices (hereinafter
referred to as "the game machines") GM 1, GM 2, GM 3 and GM 4 (It
is not limited to four devices.) through a network NW. In addition,
it can be a gaming machine, or a play machine or the like, a main
purpose of which is betting, though it is referred to as the game
device or the game machine in the present embodiment.
[0060] Additionally, the game machines GM 1-GM 4 correspond to play
devices in the present embodiment, and the main unit SV corresponds
to a central control device in the present embodiment.
[0061] The game machines GM 1-GM 4 include a cabinet 2 which forms
the entirety thereof, as illustrated in FIG. 2 (the GM 1 is
illustrated as an example in this figure). A JP informing lamp 11
(a second display part), which is formed by a revolving light for
informing a player of information related to a 2nd game (also
referred to as a second game, and will be described in details
later), is provided on a top part of the cabinet 2. The jackpot
informing lamp 11 is lit for a short time period when the game
device GM can participate in a jackpot lottery, so that the status
of the jackpot lottery can be visibly confirmed.
[0062] A main monitor 3 (a first indicator) is arranged at an
equipment front panel 6 provided in a front center part of the
cabinet 2. Moreover, a sub-monitor 4 (a second indicator) is
arranged at a front upper part of the cabinet 2. The main monitor 3
and the sub-monitor 4 are formed by liquid crystal displays used
widely in general.
[0063] As illustrated in FIG. 2, on the main monitor 3, a credit is
displayed, and three variable display parts 21, 22 and 23 are also
displayed. It should be noted the credit in the present embodiment
represents a virtual play medium such as electronic data, and
indicates a concept of a unit value of betting in a play machine.
On each of the variable display parts 21-23, various symbols
described later are variably displayed while scrolling from an
upper direction toward a lower direction (hereinafter also referred
to as "the scrolling display"). Then, the various symbols are
stopped and displayed. In this manner, a slot game, which is an
original game of the game machine GM, is executed.
[0064] Moreover, as illustrated in the figure, usually, the
sub-monitor 4 displays a list of dividend of each prize of the slot
game in the game machine GM, and displays the status of play of the
second game when the second game is executed in the main unit SV,
details of which will be described later. Hereinafter, a game
executed in the game machine GM is referred to as a main game (a
first game).
[0065] As described above, in the game machine GM according to the
present embodiment, usually, the slot game (a usual game and a
bonus game), which is the main game, is conducted with video reels
realized by scrolling displaying symbol rows 31-33 described later
(see FIG. 3) from the upper direction toward the lower direction,
on the respective variable display parts 21-23 of the main monitor
3. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the symbol rows 31-33
scrolling displayed are stopped and displayed with a predetermined
combination of symbols. Then, in this slot game (the usual game and
the bonus game), a credit is given when the symbols which are
stopped and displayed on a valid winning line L (indicated by a
dotted line in FIG. 2) on each of the variable display parts 21-23
are a predetermined combination, and the player progresses the play
by using the symbol rows displayed and various operation
buttons.
[0066] Additionally, an operating table 5 projecting toward a front
side is provided below the main monitor 3. As illustrated in FIG.
2, the operating table 5 is provided with a C/P (credit/payout)
button 12, a BET (bet) button 13, a MAXBET (max bet) button 14, a
repeat bet (REPEAT BET) button 15, and a start button 16 are
arranged in this order from the left. A medal insertion slot 9 is
provided to the right side of the start button 16.
[0067] The C/P button 12 is a button which is usually pressed when
ending the play, and a credit that the player currently possesses
is paid out as medals corresponding to the credit value thereof.
Therefore, the medals are paid out to the player from a hopper 17
(see FIG. 4) through a medal payout port 7, when the C/P button 12
is pressed. In addition, when the C/P button 12 is not pressed, a
medal(s) which is to be given as the privilege as a result of the
play is automatically carried forward as the credit, and is stored
in a medal storage part 140 (see FIG. 4).
[0068] Further, the BET button 13 is a button which is operated
when betting the credited medal(s). Here, each time the BET button
13 is pressed once, the number of bets is incremented by one with
respect to the valid winning line L. In addition, only the number
of bets is decremented by one from the credit that the player
currently possesses. In a slot machine 1 according to the present
embodiment, it is possible to conduct a game by setting the number
of bets from "1" to "10" with respect to the valid winning line
L.
[0069] The MAXBET button 14 is a button which is operated when
betting the credited medals by the maximum number of bets (ten bets
in the present embodiment) with respect to the valid winning line
L. Here, when the MAXBET button 14 is pressed in a case where the
credit that the player currently possesses is ten or more, the
number of bets with respect to the valid winning line L is set to
"10". Additionally, in a case where the credit that the player
currently possesses is ten or less, the number of bets with respect
to the valid winning line is set to be the number of credits
possessed.
[0070] Further, the repeat bet button 15 is a button which is
operated when starting a game in the game machine GM based on a
current number of bets or a previous number of bets. Therefore,
when the repeat bet button 15 is pressed, variable display of each
of the symbols is started on each of the variable display parts
21-23 of the main monitor 3, in a state where betting is made as
many credits as the previous number of bets to the valid winning
line.
[0071] The start button 16 is a button which is operated when
starting a game in the game device GM 1, based on the number of
bets which is bet by the BET button 13 and the MAXBET button 14.
Therefore, when the start button 16 is pressed, variable display of
each of the symbols is started on each of the variable display
parts 21-23 of the main monitor 3.
[0072] In addition, a start switch 124 (see FIG. 4) is built into
the start button 16. When the start button 16 is pressed, a switch
signal from the start switch 124 is output to a CPU 101 (see FIG.
4).
[0073] Moreover, at a lower part of the cabinet 2, the medal payout
port 7 is formed, and a medal receiving part 8 which receives the
medals paid out from the medal payout port 7 is provided. In
addition, a medal detection sensor (not shown) is arranged inside
the medal payout port 7, and the number of medals paid out from the
medal payout port 7 is detected by the medal detection sensor.
[0074] Next, a description will be given of each of the symbol rows
31-33 which are scrolling displayed, and are stopped and displayed
on the variable display parts 21-23 of the main monitor 3. FIG. 3
is a pattern diagram illustrating each of the symbol rows displayed
on the variable display parts 21-23 according to the present
embodiment.
[0075] The symbol rows shown on the main monitor 3, which are
scrolling displayed and are stopped and displayed, are three rows
in total. The symbol row 31 is a symbol row variably displayed on
the variable display part 21, the symbol row 32 is a symbol row
variably displayed on the variable display part 22, and the symbol
row 33 is a symbol row variably displayed on the variable display
part 23. Additionally, the usual game and the bonus game described
later are conducted by using each of the symbol rows 31-33.
[0076] Both of the symbol rows 31 and 33 include the same symbol
arrangement. Each of these symbol rows includes a arbitrary
combination of eleven symbols, i.e., a plum 34, a woman 35, a
cherry 36, a watermelon 37, a seven 38, a BAR 39, a bell 40, an
apple 42, a star 43, a joker 44, and a blank (an area where a
symbol does not exist) 41.
[0077] Moreover, the symbol row 32 includes a combination of the
plum 34, the woman 35, the cherry 36, the watermelon 37, the seven
38, the BAR 39, the bell 40, the apple 42, the star 43, the joker
44, and the blank (the area where the symbol does not exist) 41,
which is similar to the symbol rows 31 and 33, but the arrangement
of the symbols is different.
[0078] Additionally, when each of the symbol rows 31-33 scrolled on
each of the variable display parts 21-23 is stopped and displayed,
three symbols are stopped and displayed on the respective variable
display parts 21-23. The symbols stopped and displayed on this
occasion are preliminarily decided based on the result of an
internal lottery described later, and display of the main monitor 3
is controlled based on the result.
[0079] Further, various prizes are preliminarily set based on a
plurality of kinds of combination of each of the symbols. When a
combination of the symbols corresponding to a prize stops on the
valid winning line L, the credit is incremented according to the
prize. When the same kinds of symbols all stop on the valid winning
line, a combination of the symbols corresponding to a prize is
completed, and payout of medals corresponding to the prize, or the
like, is carried out. The payout number of medals according to main
prizes are decided respectively as follows: one thousand coins for
the seven 38; five hundred medals for the woman 35; five hundred
medals for the BAR 39; one hundred medals for the star 43; fifty
medals for the watermelon 37; thirty medals for the apple 42;
twenty medals for the bell 40; fifteen medals for the plum 34; and
five medals for the cherry 36. In addition, the payout number of
these medals may be increased in proportion to the number of
bets.
[0080] Among the combinations of the symbols corresponding to the
prizes, when the jokers 44 are stopped and displayed on the valid
winning line L, a privilege to shift to the bonus game described
later is given. The bonus game is a game which is conducted after
the usual game is conducted when a predetermined specific prize is
whether or not. Generally, the bonus game is a game which is more
advantageous for the player than the usual game. In the present
embodiment, the game machine GM includes the usual game and the
bonus game as the play contents. In the present embodiment, when
shifting to the bonus game is made, the game is automatically
conducted continuously for 10-20 games in accordance with a lottery
result at the time of shifting to the bonus game, without betting
the credit or the like (a so-called free game).
[0081] Moreover, in the present embodiment, a slot game is executed
as the main game in the game machines GM 2-GM 4, as in the game
machine GM 1, though it is not illustrated in detail in the
figures. In addition, contents of the slot game in the game
machines GM 1-GM 4, for example, types of various kinds of symbols
or a configuration thereof, or a dividend of each of the prizes or
the like, may be different in each of the game machines GM 1-GM 4.
In addition, the content of game in the game machines GM 1-GM 4 is
not limited to the slot game, and may be a card game, a horseracing
game, a racing game, a pusher game, a bingo game or the like.
Furthermore, each of the game machines GM 1-GM 4 may be configured
with the above-mentioned different contents of game, for example,
the game machine GM 1 may be configured with the slot game, the
game machine GM 2 may be configured with the card game, . . . , the
game machine GM 4 may be configured with the horseracing game.
Additionally, the main game is not limited to a game which is
conducted only by the game machine GM, and may be a game that all
or a part of the game machines GM 1-GM 4 execute the play
together.
[0082] FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically illustrating control
of the game machine GM. The game machine GM 1 is provided with a
first game machine side control part 100 which is formed by
including the CPU 101 is as a main portion, and executes various
processing. A ROM 102 and a RAM 103 are connected to the CPU 101.
The ROM 102 stores a control program for usual game processing,
bonus game processing and the like described later, and other
various data tables which are necessary for the control of the game
machine GM, such as a lottery table for holding a lottery of
symbols which are stopped and displayed in the usual game and the
bonus game. Moreover, the RAM 103 is a memory which temporarily
stores various data calculated by the CPU 101.
[0083] A clock pulse generation means 110 for generating a standard
clock pulse and a frequency divider 111 are connected to the CPU
101, and a random number generator 112 which generates a random
number and a random number sampling means 113 are connected to the
CPU 101. A random number sampled through the random number sampling
means 113 is used for various lotteries of prizes and the like.
Furthermore, a C/P switch 120 attached to the C/P button 12, a BET
switch 121 attached to the BET button 13, a MAXBET switch 122
attached to the MAXBET button 14, and a repeat bet switch 123
attached to the repeat bet button 15 are connected to the CPU 101,
respectively. The CPU 101 performs control to execute various
corresponding operations based on switch signals output from each
of the switches, when each of the buttons is pressed or the
like.
[0084] Moreover, a medal sensor 125 arranged at the medal insertion
slot 9 is connected to the CPU 101. The medal sensor 125 detects a
medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 9, and the CPU 101
calculates the number of medals inserted in the medal insertion
slot 9 by the player, based on a medal detection signal that is
output from the medal sensor 125.
[0085] Moreover, the hopper 17 is connected to the CPU 101 through
a hopper drive means 130. When a driving signal is output from the
CPU 101 to the hopper drive means 130, the hopper 17 pays out a
predetermined number of medals from the medal payout port 7.
[0086] Moreover, the medal storage part 140 and a medal detection
part 141 are connected to the CPU 101 through a payout complete
signal means 131. Here, the medal storage part 140 is a means for
storing, as a credit, a medal inserted from the medal insertion
slot 9 and a medal given as a privilege, and can store the medals
as the credit until a predetermined maximum allowable number of
medals is reached. On the other hand, the medal detection part 141
is a means for counting medals paid out from the hopper 10.
[0087] Additionally, in a case where a medal is given as a
privilege, when the payout complete signal means 131 detects that
the medal is stored as a credit, or payout of the medal from the
hopper 10 is completed through the medal storage part 140 or the
medal detection part 141, the payout complete signal means 131
outputs a corresponding payout complete signal to the CPU 101.
Furthermore, in a case where payout of the medal stored as the
credit is performed, when the payout complete signal means 131
detects that the payout of the medal stored as the credit from the
hopper 10 is completed through the medal storage part 140 or the
medal detection part 141, the payout complete signal means 131
outputs a corresponding payout complete signal to the CPU 101.
[0088] Moreover, the main monitor 3 and the sub-monitor 4 are
connected to the CPU 101 through a liquid crystal drive means 132,
and the main monitor 3 and the sub-monitor 4 are controlled by the
CPU 101.
[0089] In addition, a speaker 10 is connected to the CPU 101
through a speaker drive means 133. When various kinds of
performance are conducted based on an output signal from the
speaker drive means 133, the speaker 10 generates various sound
effects.
[0090] Further, a first game machine side communication part 134 is
connected to the CPU 101. The first game machine side communication
part 134 is a device which converts and transmits to outside a
signal to be transmitted from the game machine GM into a signal in
a transmittable form according to a communication format of a phone
line, a LAN cable or the like, receives and converts an incoming
signal into a signal in a form readable by the game machine GM.
Further, the first game machine side communication part 134 is
wirelessly connected to the network NW, and is connected to a
server communication part of the main unit SV, which is described
later, through the network NW.
[0091] It should be note that the first game machine side
communication part 134 corresponds to a betting amount information
transmission means in the present embodiment.
[0092] Next, the control program carried out in the game machine GM
will be explained based on FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a flow chart of the
control program of the game machine GM. It should be noted that
this control program is stored in the ROM 102 provided in the game
machine GM, and is executed by the CPU 101.
(Step S1)
[0093] First, start reception processing is carried out in step 1.
The start reception processing is processing which receives an
execution start of a slot game using a credit. Therefore, in the
start reception processing, determination is performed as to
whether or not a credit exists.
[0094] The number of credits increases by inserting a medal from
the medal insertion slot 9 and winning in the slot game and a
roulette game, and decreases by betting in the slot game (the main
game). That is, when the credit is 0, the processing is on standby
at the start reception processing, until the credit increases by
insertion of a medal.
[0095] When a credit exists, the CPU 101 receives switch signals
that are output from the BET switch 121, the MAXBET switch 122, the
repeat bet switch 123, and the start switch 124, based on an
operation of the BET button 13, an operation of the MAXBET button
14, an operation of the repeat bet button 15, and an operation of
the start button 16, respectively. Additionally, upon reception of
the switch signal that is output from the repeat bet switch 123 or
the start switch 124, a game is started with the number of bets
that is set by the player or the number of bets the same as the
last time.
(Step S2)
[0096] When the start reception processing of step S1 is performed,
the CPU 101 transmits betting number information to the main unit
SV. Here, the betting number information refers to the number of
credits that the player bets to start a play in the game machine
GM. In other words, it means information of the number of credits
which is bet to start the play in the game machine GM, and, as a
result, is subtracted from the credits possessed before the start
of the play.
[0097] In addition, in a case where there is a game which directly
uses the medal, such as a pusher game, in the game machines GM 1-GM
4, "play media (medal) insertion number information" is transmitted
instead of the information on the betting number information. Here,
if it is a game that starts a play immediately after insertion of a
play medium such as a medal, the play media insertion number
information indicates information which represents the number of
the play media. On the other hand, if it is a game where the play
medium is used at the time when an operation means, such as a start
button or an insertion button, is operated after insertion of the
play medium, the play media insertion number information indicates
operating information of the operation means, which serves as a
trigger for using the play medium. In the present embodiment, play
media usage number information includes the betting number
information and the play media insertion number information.
(Step S3)
[0098] When the start reception processing of step S1 is performed,
various lottery processing is carried out based on the switch
signals that are output from the BET switch 121, the MAXBET switch
122, the repeat bet switch 123, and the start switch 124.
Specifically, a lottery of the prize in the usual game carried out
by using the variable display parts 21-23 is carried out by using a
random number value sampled by the random number sampling means 113
and a predetermined lottery table, and symbols which are stopped
and displayed are decided. Additionally, a prize and a dividend
thereof are determined based on the combination of symbols which
are stopped and displayed on the valid winning line L.
(Step S4)
[0099] In the usual game processing, the variable display of the
symbol rows 31-33 is started on the variable display parts 21-23,
and after a predetermined time period has elapsed, the symbols are
stopped and displayed based on a lottery result of the lottery
processing of the above-described step S3. Further, the credit
corresponding to a predetermined dividend is paid out, based on the
combination of the symbols which are stopped and displayed on the
valid winning line L.
(Step S5)
[0100] In the above-described step S4, when the combination of the
symbols which are stopped and displayed on the valid winning line L
is the predetermined combination (here, the jokers 44), the bonus
game is started. The CPU 101 determines whether or not the jokers
44 are arranged on the valid winning line L.
(Step S6)
[0101] In the above-described step S5, the bonus game processing is
carried out when it is determined that the bonus game is won. In
this bonus game processing, the CPU 101 continuously varies, and
stops and displays the symbol rows 31-33, for the number of times
of game that is set by the lottery, without consuming the credit,
and pays out the credit corresponding to a dividend (a so-called
free game).
[0102] On the other hand, in the above-described step S5, the CPU
101 ends the control program, when it is determined that the bonus
game is not won.
(Step S7)
[0103] When any one of the prizes is whether or not in the
above-described step S4 or step S6, and a medal is paid out, the
CPU 101 transmits credit information to the main unit SV.
[0104] It should be noted that, in the game machine GM according to
the present embodiment, it is possible to participate in the second
game at the main unit SV, even while the slot game is being
executed.
[0105] Next, the main unit SV will be explained with reference to
FIG. 6 to FIG. 8. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the main unit SV
includes a cabinet 200 which forms the entirety. JP informing lamps
201, which are formed by revolving lights for informing the player
of information of the lottery status related to the JP, are
provided on a top part of the cabinet 200. When the game machine GM
exists which wins the jackpot in the second game, the JP informing
lamps 201 are lit.
[0106] A second game display monitor 202 and side LEDs 203 are
provided on a front face of the cabinet 200. The second game
display monitor 202 is formed by a liquid crystal display widely
used in general. In addition, a roulette game, which is the second
game, and the amount of money of won in the roulette game are
displayed on the second game display monitor 202.
[0107] A main unit part 300, a first game housing part 400, and a
second game executing part 500 are provided inside the main unit
SV. Each of these is formed by a substrate provided with a CPU and
the like. FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the
inside of the main unit SV.
[0108] The main unit part 300 is divided into a single housing
control part and a second game control part 320. A communication
part 311, a bookkeeping part 312, a wager determination part 313,
and a token lottery part 314 are provided in the single housing
control part 310.
[0109] The communication part 311 transmits and receives betting
amount information and denomination information to and from each of
the control parts 400 and 500 through the main unit control part
300. It should be noted that the communication part 311 corresponds
to betting amount information receiving means and to play media
usage number information reception means in the present
embodiment.
[0110] The bookkeeping part 312 has a role to record the number of
medals inserted by the player, the number of medals paid out, the
number of times of play, and the operation result such as operating
time, and to display, on the monitors 3, 4 and the like of the game
machine GM 1 according to a request of an administrator of the game
machine GM and the main unit SV.
[0111] The wager determination part 313 obtains, for each game, the
betting number information of the credit that is bet by the player
in the game machine GM. Additionally, the number of times of token
lottery (described in details later) is automatically calculated
based on the denomination information and the betting number
information obtained. Further, in the present embodiment, the game
machine GM determines, for each game, the betting number
information of the credit. However, the game machine GM may
determine the total number of bets of the credit for a
predetermined number of times of game. The same applies to a token
lottery (described in details later). The token lottery may be
collectively performed by adding up the wager for a predetermined
number of times of game in the game machine GM.
[0112] The token lottery part 314 holds a lottery on whether or not
to give a token to the player, based on the amount of bets
determined by the wager determination part 313. A lottery is held
for the token for each game according to the amount of bet. The
token is a play medium different from the medal that is inserted
into the game machine GM, and the credit that is bet for each game
by the player. In addition, the token may be the one which is
actually paid out to the player as a play medium other than the
medal, and may be the one which is stored in the game machine GM or
the main unit SV as data or the like, but not be paid out to the
player as a tangible entity, such as a medal or currency. Further,
when there is a possessed token when the player ends the play, it
can be converted into medals. When the possessed token is converted
into medals, the possessed token may be directly converted into
medals, or the possessed token may be temporarily converted into
the credit of the main game, and the credit may be converted into
medals. It should be noted that the token corresponds to a specific
play medium in the present embodiment. Moreover, the token lottery
part 314 corresponds to specific play media lottery means in the
present embodiment.
[0113] Moreover, the second game control part 320 is provided with
a timer part 321, a communication part 322, and an image output
part 323. The timer part 321 measures the timing of an opening
performance and the timing of a game start in the second game. In
the present embodiment, the second game is started/executed at
fifteen-minute intervals. The communication part 322 transmits and
receives various kinds of information in the second game to and
from the second game executing part 500. The image output part 323
outputs various image data in the second game to the second game
display monitor 202.
[0114] The first game housing part 400 is provided with a second
game monitor display control part 401, a medal reception/payout
control part 402, a communication part 403, a token number storage
part 404, and a token number display part 405. The second game
monitor display control part 401 performs control for displaying
various kinds of performance in the second game on the second game
display monitor 202. The medal reception/payout control part 402
controls the betting and the payout in the game machines GM. It
should be noted that the medal reception/payout control part 402
corresponds to second game privilege giving means in the present
embodiment. The communication part 403 transmits and receives
various kinds of information to and from the main unit part 300 and
the game machines GM. It should be noted that the communication
part 403 corresponds to betting amount information reception means
and play media usage number information reception means in the
present embodiment. When winning a lottery by the token lottery
part 314, the token number storage part 404 stores the token number
thereof. In a case where the token is already obtained, and further
the token lottery is won, the token amount that is won and the
current token amount are added up and stored. It should be noted
that the token number storage part 404 corresponds to a specific
play media storage means in the present embodiment. When some token
amount is stored in the token number storage part 404, the token
number display part 405 displays the possessed token amount (This
display may be made in the game machine GM, or may be made by
providing a display part to the main unit SV. Additionally, another
display device may be provided in the vicinity of the game machine
GM for displaying the token amount). It should be noted that the
token number display part 405 corresponds to a specific play media
giving informing means in the present embodiment.
[0115] Additionally, the first game housing part 400 includes the
same structure as the game machine GM, which is described in FIG.
2, so as to function as a game machine (a game machine in which the
main game can be conducted), in a case where the main unit SV
further functions in a stand-alone manner (a detailed description
and an illustration are omitted, since they are already described
in FIG. 2).
[0116] The second game executing part 500 is provided with a second
game control part 510 and a communication part 520. The second game
control part 510 is further divided into a timer part 511 and a
game performing part 512. The timer part 511 measures the timing of
the opening performance and the timing of the game start in the
second game, as in the timer part 321. However, since the function
of the timer part 511 is the same as that of the timer part 321,
the timer part 511 may be omitted. The game performing part 512
carries out control from the start to the end of the second game.
The communication part 520 transmits and receives various kinds of
information to and from the main unit part 300.
[0117] Next, control in the first game housing part 400 will be
explained with reference to FIG. 8.
(Step S110)(Step S120)
[0118] When the main game is conducted in the game machine GM, the
betting amount information is transmitted, for each game, to the
first game housing part 400, as already explained in FIG. 5.
Additionally, the first game housing part 400 receives the betting
amount information (wager information) and the denomination
information ("wager information/denomination information"). In
addition, the "denomination information" will be described
later.
[0119] When the betting amount information is received, token
lottery processing is executed (step S120). That is, when a game in
the game machine GM is conducted, the token lottery processing is
carried out. This token lottery processing will be described
later.
[0120] In addition, as mentioned above, even when there is a game
that directly uses a medal, such as the pusher game, in the game
machines GM 1-GM 4, the same as described above, the first game
housing part 400 receives the medal usage number information and
the denomination information ("medal usage number
information/denomination information").
(Step S130) (Step S140)
[0121] When the token lottery processing is carried out in the
above-described step S120, or it is determined that the betting
amount information from the game machine GM is not received in the
above-described step S110, it is determined whether or not second
game starting information is received.
[0122] When the second game starting information is received,
second game execution processing is carried out (Step S140).
[0123] On the other hand, in the above-described step S130, when it
is determined that the second game starting information is not
received, the processing ends.
[0124] As described above, in the above-described step S130, it is
determined whether or not the second game starting information is
received in the first game housing part 400. The starting
information on the second game is transmitted from the second game
control part 320 in the main unit part 300 to the first game
housing part 400. Specifically, the timer part 321 of the second
game control part 320 measures a predetermined time period (as
described above, fifteen minutes), and transmits information on the
start/execution of the second game to the first game housing part
400, every time the predetermined time period has elapsed. Here,
control in the second game control part 320 will be explained with
reference to FIG. 9.
(Step S131)
[0125] The second game control part 320 determines whether or not
the predetermined time period (fifteen minutes) has elapsed in the
timer part 321. The determination is repeated until the
predetermined time period has elapsed.
(Step S132)
[0126] In the above-described step S131, when it is determined that
the predetermined time period has elapsed, the second game control
part 320 transmits the second game starting information to the
first game housing part 400.
(Step S133) (Step S134)
[0127] When the second game starting information is transmitted in
the above-described step S132, the second game control part 320
resets the timer count of the timer part 321 (step S133), and
actuates the timer part 321 again to start the timer count (step
S134).
[0128] In this manner, the second game control part 320 manages the
start/execution of the second game, and controls to execute the
second game in the game machines GM 1-GM 4 at the predetermined
time intervals (fifteen minutes). As a result, players who play
different games mutually at normal time can participate in the
second game together. Therefore, it is possible to provide the
characteristics of a game, such as a sense of unity and competitive
spirit, which cannot be obtained from the main game. Moreover, a
player who plays the main game can clearly recognize a time when
the second game is started next. Therefore, the limitation is not
imposed on the player that the main game must be continued without
rest in order to participate in the second game. As a result, the
player can continue the play with free pace. Moreover, since the
next start time of the second game is clear, there is no
possibility of decreasing the ability to pull in more customers,
even immediately after a high dividend payout is performed or
immediately after the end of the second game.
[0129] Next, the token lottery processing in the above-described
step S120 will be explained with reference to FIG. 10.
(Step S121)
[0130] In the token lottery processing, first, token lottery
request processing is carried out. In the token lottery request
processing, information for holding the token lottery is
transmitted from the first game housing part 400 to the main unit
part 300. Additionally, the token lottery is held by the token
lottery part 314 of the main unit part 300.
[0131] Further, when the token lottery is held by the token lottery
part 314, information on whether or not a win is obtained is
transmitted from the main unit part 300 to the first game housing
part 400.
[0132] Then, when the token lottery information on whether or not a
win is obtained transmitted from the main unit part 300 is received
in the first game housing part 400, the token lottery request
processing ends.
(Step S122) (Step S123)
[0133] When winning the token lottery in the above-described step
S121, token is paid out (step S123). As described above, the token
may be actually paid out to the player as the play medium which is
different from the medals, or may be stored, as data or the like,
in the game machine GM or the main unit SV without actually paid
out to the player.
[0134] Next, the second game execution processing in the
above-described step S140 will be explained with reference to FIG.
11.
(Step S141)
[0135] First, it is determined whether or not there is a token that
the player possesses. Here, the processing end when it is
determined that there is no token that the player possesses.
(Step S142) (Step S143)
[0136] On the other hand, in the above-described step S141, when it
is determined that there is a token that the player possesses,
betting to the second game is accepted for a certain period of
time. When the betting to the second game is closed, it is
determined whether or not there is a bet to the second game (step
S143). Here, the processing ends when it is determined that there
is no bet to the second game.
(Step S200)
[0137] In step S143, when it is determined that there is a bet to
the second game, information for conducting the second game is
transmitted from the first game housing part 400 to the second game
control part 320 of the main unit part 300. Additionally, the
second game control part 320 controls the second game executing
part 500 to start the second game.
[0138] Further, when the second game is conducted by the second
game executing part 500, information on the result thereof is
transmitted from the second game executing part 500 to the first
game housing part 400 via the main unit part 300 (the second game
control part 320). In addition, the second game control part 320
and the second game executing part 500 correspond to second game
control means in the present embodiment.
(Step S144)
[0139] When operation processing of the second game executing part
in the above-described step S200 ends, thereafter, the first game
housing part 400 receives the result information on the second game
transmitted from the main unit part 300 (the second game control
part 320).
(Step S145)
[0140] In addition, it is determined whether or not the result
information on the second game is a win in the second game (step
S145).
(Step S146)
[0141] In the above-described step S145, when it is determined that
a win is obtained in the second game, credit information
corresponding to the winning result is transmitted to the game
machine GM.
[0142] On the other hand, in the above-described step S145, when it
is determined that a win is not obtained in the second game, the
processing ends.
[0143] Here, the token lottery by the token lottery part 314 of the
main unit part 300 will be explained with reference to FIG. 12.
[0144] The token lottery is carried out based on the wager
information and the denomination information (credit unit price
information) in the game machine GM, as already explained. Among
these, the denomination information defines a value, i.e., how many
medals correspond to one credit in the first game, and is set to
one (i.e., one credit=one medal) in the present embodiment. In
addition, a plurality of settings can be provided in advance for
the denomination information. For example, by preparing a plurality
of settings, such as Setting 1 "one credit=one medal", Setting 2
"one hundred credit=one medal" and the like, even when each of the
game machines GM 1-GM 4 is a game machine with different
denominations, the second game can be played together after holding
the token lottery without contradiction.
[0145] That is, the credit unit price information is converted from
the wager information in the game machine GM, based on a credit
conversion table which sets in advance the value of a medal used in
the game machine GM, i.e., how much credit corresponds to the value
of the medal (tables which are divided for respective plurality of
settings, such as the above-described Setting 1 and Setting 2). In
other words, it further includes, as a component, credit unit price
conversion means (play media value conversion means, play media
value conversion step) for converting the value of the medal (the
play medium) used in the game machine GM (the game device) based on
a predetermined conversion table.
[0146] Here, the denomination information will be explained more
specifically, taking a case where currency can be used in the game
machines GM 1 and GM 2 as an example. In the game machine GM 1, one
hundred-yen (about one dollar) is set to be one credit. On the
other hand, in the game machine GM 2, one yen (about one cent) is
set to be one credit. In such a case, there is one hundred times of
difference in the value of one credit between the game machines GM
1 and GM 2. As a result, the potential values of token are
obviously different among the players, when lottery is held based
only on the betting information in each of the game machines GM 1
and GM 2. Under such circumstances, when the second game, which is
a game to be played together, is played, unfairness obviously
occurs among the game players. However, as mentioned above, the
credit unit prices between the game machines GM 1 and GM 2 can be
adjusted by setting the denomination information and holding the
token lottery based on the betting information and the denomination
information in the present embodiment. In addition, when the credit
unit prices are constant among the game machines GM 1-GM 4, it is
also possible to omit the use of the denomination information.
(Step S301) (Step S302)
[0147] Here, "t" represents the betting information, i.e., the
number of times of holding the token lottery which is automatically
calculated from the denomination information and the number of
credits bet in the main game. For example, in a case where token
lottery is held once every time one medal is bet, when one credit
is set to correspond to one medal, the token lottery is held once
every time there is a one-credit bet, while when one credit is set
to correspond to one hundred medals, the token lottery is held once
every time there is a one-hundred-credit bet. Here, a description
will be given by taking a case as an example where the token
lottery is held once every time one credit is bet, and when t=10,
i.e. when ten credits are bet in the main game. For example, the
token lottery is held with a winning probability of 1/250 in the
present embodiment.
(Step S303)
[0148] When winning the token lottery in the above-described step
S302, one token is paid out. Additionally, the token amount is
stored in the token number storage part 404, and further the player
is informed of the token amount possessed by displaying the number
of possessed tokens on the display part 405. On the other hand,
when not winning the token lottery, the payout of the token is not
performed, and the processing proceeds to step S304.
(Step S304) (Step S305)
[0149] Unless the token is paid out in the above-described step
S303, or the token lottery is won in step S302, t is decremented by
1 (step S304).
[0150] Additionally, the processing from the above-described step
S302 to step S304 is repeated until t=0 is satisfied.
[0151] In this manner, in the token lottery, the number of times of
token lottery corresponding to the denomination and the number of
credits bet are held. Therefore, when the denomination and the
number of credits bet are increased, the probability of winning the
token lottery is also increased for the corresponding amount.
[0152] In addition, the winning probability of the token lottery
may be changed in accordance with the denomination and the number
of credits bet. For example, a plurality of lottery tables are
prepared for the token lottery in accordance with the denomination
and the number of credits bet, and the lottery table is selected
depending on the denomination and the number of credits bet by the
player. It is assumed that, when the denomination and the number of
credits bet are high, the lottery table having a high winning
probability is selected. According to this configuration, when the
denomination and the number of credits bet are increased, the
probability of winning the token lottery is increased for the
corresponding amount.
[0153] Additionally, the above-mentioned embodiment is merely one
example of the token lottery. For example, it is possible to apply
a lottery method where, when t=10, a lottery is held once with the
winning probability (probability of 1/25 in the above-mentioned
example) ten times that of the case when t=1.
[0154] In this manner, in the present embodiment, the token lottery
is held based on the number of credits each player bets in a play
of the main game. Therefore, even among the players having the
different numbers of credits bet to the play of the main game, the
winning probability of the token to be obtained is 1/250 with
respect to one credit. Thus, the value of one token each possesses
is the same. With such a configuration, even when a plurality of
players play the second game together, they can conduct a play of
the second game by betting the tokens having the same value.
Therefore, it is possible to provide a play which does not cause a
feeling of unfairness among the players simultaneously
participating in the second game.
[0155] Moreover, in the present embodiment, in a case where there
is a difference among the denomination (the credit unit price) of
the game machines GM 1-GM 4 in the play of the main game, an
adjustment of the number of times of token lottery (or an
adjustment of the winning probability) is performed based on the
number of credits and the denomination information. Therefore, the
betting amount required in theory for obtaining one token becomes
equal, even among the game machines GM 1-GM 4 with the different
denomination (credit unit price) and the different numbers of
credits bet to the play of the main game. With such a
configuration, even when a plurality of players, who conduct plays
at the game machines GM 1-GM 4 with different denomination (credit
unit price), play the common second game, they can conduct the play
of the second game by betting the tokens having the same value.
Therefore, it is possible to provide a play which does not cause a
feeling of unfairness among the players simultaneously
participating in the second game.
[0156] Next, a roulette game, which is conducted as the second
game, will be explained with reference to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14. FIG.
13 is a figure illustrating an image of a roulette game displayed
on the second game monitor of the main unit SV. FIG. 14 is a flow
chart illustrating processing of the roulette game performed by the
second game executing part 500. In addition, this processing is
stored in a proper ROM (not illustrated) provided in the main unit
SV, and is executed by a CPU (not illustrated) provided in the main
unit SV.
(Step S401) (Step S402)
[0157] First, bet reception processing is performed in step 401.
This bet reception processing is processing of receiving
participation in the second game by using a token. Therefore, in
the bet reception processing, it is first determined whether or not
a token is possessed. Additionally, the bet reception processing
loops until a predetermined time period has elapsed (step
S402).
[0158] In the present embodiment, when there is a token that the
player possesses, the player can perform an operation of betting of
the possessed token from the game machine GM, by an operation
similar to that in the main game. In addition, operation means
dedicated to the second game may be separately provided in the
vicinity of the game machine GM, and the operation may be accepted
from the operation means during the second game.
[0159] That is, when there is a possessed token, the main unit SV
(specifically, the second game control part 320) receives switch
signals that are output from the BET switch 121, the MAXBET switch
122, and the start switch 124, based on an operation of the BET
button 13, an operation of the MAXBET button 14, and an operation
of the start button 16, respectively. Further, upon reception of
the switch signal that is output from the start switch 124, the
game is started with the number of bets set.
[0160] In addition, in a case where the player does not possess
token, information is transmitted for displaying, on the
sub-monitor 4, that there is no eligibility for participation in
the second game. Moreover, in a case where the player does not
participate in the second game even when the player possesses the
token (does not bet), information is transmitted for displaying, on
the sub-monitor 4, that the player is not participating in the
second game.
[0161] Additionally, in the second game, as illustrated in FIG. 13,
at a roulette 1 where pictures of horses from No. 1 to No. 12 are
drawn, which horse wins (wins a prize) is anticipated. On this
occasion, when the player possesses a plurality of tokens, the
tokens can be bet to a plurality of horses, or the plurality of
tokens can be bet to one horse.
(Step S403)
[0162] In the above-described step S402, when a bet reception
period ends, the second game executing part 500 starts rotations of
all roulettes 1, 2 and 3.
[0163] Here, in FIG. 13, the roulette 1 represents an outmost
roulette where the horses to which numbers from 1 to 12 are
attached are drawn, and the roulette 2 represents a second outmost
roulette where characters from $10 to $60 are drawn. Additionally,
the roulette 3 represents a roulette which is located in a second
from a center, and on which characters from $70 to $500 are drawn.
Moreover, there are frames where characters "ADVANCE" are drawn in
the roulette 2 and the roulette 3. When the "ADVANCE" is hit, there
is a privilege that the next roulette lottery can be obtained.
Further, though characters "WIN $1000" are drawn in the center, it
is not a roulette and does not rotate.
[0164] In addition, when the rotations of the roulettes are
stopped, the result stopped in a frame where "1" of the roulette 1
is stopped in FIG. 13 becomes the result of the second game.
Additionally, the same applies to the roulette 2 and the roulette 3
(both of the roulettes 2 and 3 stopped at "ADVANCE" in this
figure). That is, the example of FIG. 13 represents that a player
who bets a token to the horse "No. 1" wins $1000.
(Step S404) (Step S405)
[0165] In the above-described step S403, when the roulettes 1, 2
and 3 starts to rotate, the second game executing part 500 first
stops the rotation of the roulette 1 after a predetermined time
period had elapsed step S404), and further stops the rotation of
the roulette 2 after a predetermined time period has elapsed (step
S405). In addition, the predetermined time period until the
rotation of the roulette 1 is stopped may be the same as or
different from the predetermined time period until the rotation of
the roulette 2 is stopped.
(Step S406)
[0166] In the above-described step S405, when the rotation of the
roulette 2 is stopped, it is determined whether or not prize money
is determined.
(Step S407)
[0167] In the above-described step S406, when a winning result is
determined, the first game housing part 300 pays out credits
corresponding to the winning result to the player (to the game
machine GM at which the player is playing).
(Step S408)
[0168] On the other hand, in the above-described step S406, when it
is determined that the winning result is not determined, the second
game executing part 500 stops the rotation of the roulette 3.
(Step S409)
[0169] In the above-described step S408, when the rotation of the
roulette 3 is stopped, it is determined whether or not the winning
result is determined.
(Step S410)
[0170] Also in the above-described step S409, when it is determined
that the winning result is not determined yet, i.e., when the
winning result is not determined in any of the roulettes 1, 2 and
3, the credits corresponding to $1000 are paid out as the maximum
winning result.
[0171] On the other hand, in the above-described step S409, when
the winning result is determined, the credits corresponding to the
winning result are paid out in step S407.
[0172] In addition, in the present embodiment, as for the internal
components of the main unit SV, the main unit part 300, the first
game housing part 400, and the second game executing part 500 are
separated and explained as the separate components, but this is not
the limitation. For example, the main unit part 300 may include
both the functions of the first game housing part 400 and the
second game executing part 500. The first game housing part 400 may
include the functions of the main unit part 300. It is possible to
apply various modifications of the configurations.
[0173] In addition, a medal payout unit (the above-described hopper
drive means 130 and hopper 17) can be provided to the main unit SV,
though it is not illustrated in detail in the figures. According to
such a configuration, when a player hits a jackpot in the second
game, the number of medals corresponding to the jackpot can be
added as the credit to the game machine GM, or the number of medals
corresponding to the jackpot can be received at the main unit
SV.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0174] Although the above-mentioned embodiments relate to a game in
which a medal is used as a play medium, needless to say, the
present invention can be applied to an arbitrary game system
including a plurality of game devices in which a coin, a bill, or
currency or the like is used as a play medium.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0175] SV Main unit (Central control device) [0176] GM 1-GM 4 Game
device (Play device) [0177] 134 First game machine side
communication part (Betting amount information transmitting means)
[0178] 311 Communication part (Betting amount information reception
means, Play media usage number information reception means) [0179]
314 Token lottery part (Specific play media lottery means) [0180]
320 Second game control part (Second play control means, Second
game control means) [0181] 402 Medal reception/payout control part
(Second game privilege giving means) [0182] 403 Communication part
(Betting amount information reception means, Play media usage
number information reception means) [0183] 404 Token number storage
part (Specific play media storage means) [0184] 405 Token number
display part (Specific play medium giving informing means) [0185]
500 Second game executing part (Second play control means, Second
game control means)
* * * * *