This application is the U.S. national phase of the International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2012/071102 filed Aug. 21, 2012, which claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-190917 filed Sep. 1, 2011, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
The invention relates to a method of controlling a game apparatus.
A game apparatus is known regarding which odds (a magnification as to in what multiples game media, such as bet medals, return as a winning allotment) are set for each of a plurality of betting targets, as in a dice game, etc. (see Patent Documents 1, 2, etc.). Patent Document 1 discloses that odds ranging from 1:1 to 180:1 are set for each of a plurality of betting targets according to the appearance probability of a betting target.
In the above-described game apparatus, the total number of game media paid back via allotment with respect to the total number of game media bet by a player is controlled as a payout (PO) ratio. An installer for game apparatuses specifies a payout ratio (set payout ratio) for each game apparatus or for each business, and sets the odds, etc., such that an actual payout ratio approaches a set payout ratio.
In the case of a dice game using three dice, such game involves approximately 30 betting targets, which cover: a total value of the rolled numbers of the three dice; a rolled number of any of the three dice; and the same rolled numbers among the three dice. Thus, it has been troublesome for an operator to set the odds for all of the betting targets for each game apparatus.
Further, a player can expect the set payout ratio for an entire game apparatus in accordance with the odds sets for each betting target, and thus, a comparison can easily be made regarding the businesses which have good/poor allotments. This has been a problem from the viewpoint of attracting customers.
The invention has been proposed in light of the above-described conventional problems, and an object is to provide a game apparatus capable of having an actual payout ratio converge to a set payout ratio while fixing odds for a plurality of betting targets.
According to an embodiment, a game apparatus comprises: operation accepting means that accepts a bet by a player on a betting target among a plurality of betting targets for each of which odds indicating a winning allotment in a first game are set; drawing means that conducts a drawing for the first game; allotment means that pays out a game medium in accordance with a drawing result of the drawing means; storage means that holds a set payout ratio targeted by the game apparatus; stake calculation means that calculates a stake for a second game whose payout ratio is 1, taking into account, along with a number of bet game media, a difference between a position payout ratio, which serves as a winning allotment expectation value per unit of game media, for the betting target bet on by the player, and a set payout ratio held by the storage means; stake accumulation means that accumulates a stake calculated by the stake calculation means; and second game execution means that, if a predetermined condition is satisfied, executes the second game based on a stake accumulated in the stake accumulation means.
According to another embodiment, a computer readable recording medium has an executable program recorded therein which causes a computer configuring a game apparatus to implement: operation accepting means that accepts a bet by a player on a betting target among a plurality of betting targets for each of which odds indicating a winning allotment in a first game are set; drawing means that conducts a drawing for the first game; allotment means that pays out a game medium in accordance with a drawing result of the drawing means; storage means that holds a set payout ratio targeted by the game apparatus; stake calculation means that calculates a stake for a second game whose payout ratio is 1, taking into account, along with a number of bet game media, a difference between a position payout ratio, which serves as a winning allotment expectation value per unit of game media, for the betting target bet on by the player, and a set payout ratio held by the storage means; stake accumulation means that accumulates a stake calculated by the stake calculation means; and second game execution means that, if a predetermined condition is satisfied, executes the second game based on a stake accumulated in the stake accumulation means.
With the game apparatus according to embodiments of the invention, an actual payout ratio can be made to converge to a set payout ratio while odds for a plurality of betting targets are fixed, whereby the setting operations to be performed by an operator can be reduced, and further, a comparison can be prevented from being made by a player regarding the businesses which have good/poor allotments.
Further, a sub game executed concurrently with a main game can improve the enjoyability of the game, which keeps a player from becoming bored and through which longer game play can be expected.
Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent by reading the following detailed descriptions with reference to the attached drawings.
Preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described.
In
In the game apparatus 16, a vertically long game table display 3 is provided on an upper surface of the operation casing 2. Four operation tables 4 are provided, protruding above an upper edge of the operation casing 2, so as to surround the game table display 3.
The operation tables 4 are respectively provided with: operators 5 each consisting of a lever and a plurality of buttons; and medal slots 6 into which medals are inserted. Operation table speakers 7 that emit sounds toward players for the operation tables 4 are respectively provided on upper surfaces of the operation tables 4. Further, medal outlets 9 that discharge medals from a metal discharge hopper 8, which is provided inside the operation casing 2, are provided below the operation tables 4, on either side surface of the operation casing 2.
The dice upward-blowing casing 10 is provided connected to the operation casing 2. The dice arranged inside the three upward-blowing pipes 16 are upward blown, from below and via air streams, and are then dropped, and the rolled numbers of such dice are then detected.
The dice upward-blowing casing 10 has a vertically long shape, and a ceiling 12 supported by columns 11 on both sides of the dice upward-blowing casing 10 is shaped such that each of a front surface and a back surface thereof is inclined downward. A history display 13, as a horizontally long liquid crystal display, is provided at the center of the ceiling 12, and upward-blowing casing speakers 14 are provided on both sides of the history display 13.
A horizontal base 15 is provided at the level of the midpoint of the dice upward-blowing casing 10, and this base 15 is mounted, at a left position A, a center position B, and a right position C, with the three transparent upward-blowing pipes 16, with respect to the ceiling 12.
A player can observe the state of the dice blown up and then dropped inside the upward-blowing pipes 16 and can also play a game, via operating the operator 5 of the operation table 4, by predicting the rolled numbers of the dice while viewing a game field 20 displayed on the game table display 3.
Referring to
The stepping motor 35 is used to open/close a shutter of an air intake located below each of the upward-blowing pipes 16.
The DC axial-flow fan 36 is used to generate air streams via the shutter of the air intake located below the upward-blowing pipe 16.
The camera 46 is used to photograph the motion of the dice from below in the upward-blowing pipes 16. Rolled numbers are detected from the photographed images of the rolled numbers of the dice that have dropped into the lower parts of the upward-blowing pipes 16, and the rolled numbers on the upper surfaces of such dice can be detected according to a rule whereby the sum of the rolled numbers of opposing surfaces of a dice is “7.”
The infrared LED is used to illuminate dice so that they can be photographed by the camera 46.
The control unit 50 comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memories (RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory)), etc. The control unit 50 includes a storage unit 60 and achieves various functions by executing a game program 61 stored in the storage unit 60 so as to control the entire game apparatus 1. For example, the game program 61 may be recorded in a hard disk device (HDD) (recording medium) in the storage unit 60. Examples of such functions attained by the control unit 50 include a main game controller 51, a sub game controller 52, an upward-blowing controller 53, a rolled-number detection processor 54, a display controller 55 and a sound controller 56. The storage unit 60 stores the game program 61, control data 62, etc.
The main game controller 51 is a part that controls a dice game serving as a main game.
The sub game controller 52 is a part that controls a bingo game serving as a sub game.
The upward-blowing controller 53, being a part that controls the upward blowing of the dice, controls the stepping motor 35, the DC axial-flow fan 36, etc.
The rolled-number detection processor 54, being a part that detects the rolled numbers of the dice, controls the camera 46, the infrared LED 47, etc.
The display controller 55 controls the game table display 3, the history display 13, etc.
The sound controller 56 controls the operation table speakers 7, the upward-blowing casing speakers 14, etc.
Referring to
As to data common to all players, the control data 62 contains a set payout ratio 101, a betting time 102, a winning probability 103 for each betting target, odds 104 for each betting target, a position payout ratio 105 for each betting target, a jackpot allotment magnification 106, a bet stake-share-ratio 107, an allotment stake-share-ratio 108, a maximum scale value 109 for each grade, initial and maximum jackpot values 110 for each grade and a sub game winning value rate 111.
As to data for each player, the control data 62 contains a number of bets 121, betting targets 122, winning betting targets 123, a sub game startup point 124, a present scale value 125, a present grade 126, a jackpot value 127 for each grade, sub game status data 128 and sub game result data 129.
The meanings of such respective data pieces are described below.
The set payout ratio 101 refers to a payout ratio targeted by the game apparatus 1. “0.9 (90%)” is set, by way of example.
The betting time 102 refers to a time during which bets are accepted from the start of a new game, in a dice game serving as a main game. “50 s” is set, by way of example.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
0.46%×2+37.04%×2+12.50%×1=87.50% is obtained, and regarding the betting target “High,”
12.50%×1+37.04%×2+0.46%×2=87.50% is obtained.
The jackpot allotment magnification 106 refers to a magnification as to in what multiples the number of game media, such as medals, serving as a stake, are provided as an allotment when a jackpot (big win) occurs in a bingo game serving as a sub game. “10” is set, by way of example.
The bet stake-share-ratio 107 refers to a share ratio with respect to a bingo game serving as a sub game when, bets are made in a dice game serving as a main game, a stake proportional to the difference between a set payout ratio and a position payout ratio is collected. “0.5” is set, by way of example.
The allotment stake-share-ratio 108 refers to a share ratio with respect to a bingo game serving as a sub game when, an allotment is provided in a dice game serving as a main game, a stake proportional to the difference between a set payout ratio and a position payout ratio is collected. “0.5” is set, by way of example. The sum of the bet stake-share-ratio 107 and the allotment stake-share-ratio 108 is assumed to be “1.0.”
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
The number of bets 121 refers to the number of game media, such as medals, bet by a relevant player on the betting targets 122 in a dice game serving as a main game.
The betting targets 122 refer to betting targets bet on by a relevant player in a dice game serving as a main game and comprise data held based on a determination made by the main game controller 51 in accordance with signals from the operator 5.
The winning betting targets 123 refer to betting targets that win as a result of a drawing in a dice game serving as a main game and comprise data held based on a determination made by the main game controller 51 as to the rolled numbers of dice.
The sub game startup point 124 refers to data for determining a start of a bingo game serving as a sub game. For example, the sub game startup point 124 starts to be reduced from the initial value “100,” and a bingo game is started when “0” is reached. The process of controlling the value of the sub game startup point 124 will be described below.
The present scale value 125 refers to the scale value, as of a present moment, of a grade meter. The process of controlling the value of the present scale value 125 will be described below.
The present grade 126 refers to the grade, as of a present moment, of a grade meter. The initial value is “MINI.” The process of controlling the value of the present grade 126 will be described below.
The jackpot value 127 for each grade refers to a jackpot value set for each of the grades of a grade meter. The process of controlling the value of the jackpot value 127 for each grade will be described below.
The sub game status data 128 refers to data showing the state of a bingo game managed by the sub game controller 52, and contains: data on the rolled numbers of a die randomly assigned to each of the squares (e.g., 3×3=9 squares) (for each square, either one rolled number may be employed, or multiple rolled numbers—regarding which it is sufficient for any one of such numbers to produce a match—may be employed); and data indicating that any of the squares has become a line component for a win (in general, an “occupied” or “open” state) due to the match of the rolled number of such square with a rolled number in a dice game serving as a main game.
The sub game result data 129 refers to data indicating the result of a bingo game managed by the sub game controller 52, and contains the number of winning lines (in the case of 3×3=9 squares, this is constituted by each case of three squares located vertically, horizontally or diagonally in a continuous manner) etc.
In
Returning to
If such specified time has not passed (NO in step S2), in step S3, the main game controller 51 determines whether or not a player has made bets.
If the main game controller 51 determines that no bet has been made (NO in step S3), it returns to a determination on the passage of a betting time (step S2).
If the main game controller 51 determines that a bet has been made (YES in step S3), in step S4, the sub game controller 52 performs a stake sharing process for each player that has made a bet. It is assumed here that the sub game controller 52 performs a stake sharing process from the viewpoint that such process is for a sub game; the main game controller 51 may perform such stake sharing process.
A bet stake-sharing-process is performed according to the following procedure.
(a) A winning stake per bet is calculated by:
(set payout ratio−position payout ratio)×bet stake-share-ratio. A set payout ratio is acquired from the set payout ratio 101 (
(b) A necessary stake for a one-scale-value increase of a grade meter is calculated by:
1/jackpot allotment magnification. A jackpot allotment magnification is acquired from the jackpot allotment magnification 106 (
(c) A grade meter increase probability is calculated by:
winning stake per bet/necessary stake for a one-scale-value increase of a grade meter.
(d) A random drawing is performed the number of times corresponding to the number of bets based on the calculated grade meter increase probability (a drawing whose winning probability is set so as to be equal to the grade meter increase probability). The number of bets is acquired from the number of bets 121 (
(e) For each of the random drawings repeated the above number of times corresponding to the number of bets, the scale value of a grade meter (the present scale value 125 in
Referring back to
If the main game controller 51 determines that a betting time has passed after commencement of the acceptance of bets (YES in step S2), in step S5, the main game controller 51 terminates the acceptance of bets in the main game.
Next, in step S6, the main game controller 51 performs a drawing for a dice game serving as the main game. That is, three dice are blown up and are then dropped.
Then, referring back to
If it is determined that a sub game is not in execution (NO in step S8), in step S10, regarding the main game, the main game controller 51 provides an allotment in accordance with rolled numbers. That is, if a betting target wins, an allotment obtained by multiplying the odds set for such betting target by the number of bets is paid out.
Next, referring back to
An allotment stake-sharing-process is performed according to the following procedure.
(a) A winning stake per bet is calculated by:
((set payout ratio−position payout ratio)/winning probability)×allotment stake-share-ratio. A set payout ratio is acquired from the set payout ratio 101 (
(b) A necessary stake is acquired by:
1/jackpot allotment magnification. A jackpot allotment magnification is acquired from the jackpot allotment magnification 106 (
(c) A winning jackpot value is calculated by:
winning stake/necessary stake.
(d) Regarding all of the grades, the calculated winning jackpot value is added to the jackpot value 127 for each grade (
(e) The odds acquired from the odds 104 for each betting target (
Next, referring back to
Referring back to
Referring back to
If a sub game is started, in the subsequent step, if rolled numbers in the main game are fixed (step S7), it is then determined that the sub game is in execution (YES in step S8), and thus, such rolled numbers are reflected in the sub game in step S9. That is, when the rolled numbers assigned to the respective squares of the bingo game are compared with the rolled numbers in the main game, and such rolled numbers in the main game match any of the rolled numbers for the squares, the relevant square serves as a line component for a win (in general, an “occupied” “open” state). Then, if such three squares, as line components, are located vertically, horizontally or diagonally in a continuous manner, the continuous line serves as a winning line.
The sub game ends after being executed a predetermined number of times (the number of times comparisons are performed with the rolled numbers in the main game). An allotment is then provided in accordance with the number of winning lines that have been formed until the time point.
Further, when the sub game ends, the state of a grade meter returns to the initial state, in principle; the accumulated scale value in the middle of the previously determined present grade is carried over to the next sub game. Moreover, the excess over the maximum values of the jackpot values for the respective grades is also carried over to the next sub game.
As described above, the embodiments provide the following advantages.
(a) A value depending on the difference between a set payout ratio and a position payout ratio for a betting target is accumulated as a stake, and a sub game with a payout ratio of 1 (100%) is executed; thus, it is possible to have an actual payout ratio of an entire game apparatus converge to a desired set payout ratio even if the odds for such betting target are fixed. Therefore, the effort of an operator setting the odds for each betting target can be saved, it is also possible to prevent a comparison, which derives from the fact that the set payout ratio of an entire game apparatus can be expected from odds set for each betting target, from being made regarding the businesses with good/poor allotments. Further, even if the odds set for each of a plurality of betting targets have an inappropriate value inconsistent with the winning probability, because the actual payout ratio of an entire game apparatus will converge to the set payout ratio set by an operator, the game media can be paid out fairly, regardless of the odds for a betting target bet by a player.
(b) The stake accumulation state of a sub game is displayed by a grade meter, whereby a player can still be provided with a sense of expectation for such sub game.
(c) A sub game stake is accumulated separately as both a bet stake and an allotment stake, whereby such sub game stake can be increased even when no win has been gained, resulting in an increase of the player's enjoyability.
(d) The scale value of a grade meter is increased when a bet is made, and jackpot values are increased when an allotment is provided, by way of which an acceptable stake accumulation can be carried out.
(e) The increase of the scale value of a grade meter causes a shift to an upper grade, by way of which it becomes easy to understand the degree of stake accumulation by intuition.
(f) A sub game is executed with reference to a grade whose maximum value has been reached by the scale value of a grade meter at the start of the sub game, whereby it can be ensured that an accumulated stake is utilized as effectively as possible.
(g) The scale value kept in a grade meter at the end of a sub game and an excess over the maximum values of jackpot values is carried over to the next sub game, whereby it can be shown to a player that his/her stake has not been wasted.
(h) The odds for winning betting targets are subtracted from a point value that starts from a predetermined initial value, and a sub game commences when such point value becomes zero, by way of which it becomes easy for a player to understand the time when a sub game will commence.
(i) Odds for each of a plurality of betting targets are set such that a position payout ratio has a value lower than that of a set payout ratio, by way of which stake sharing can be performed effectively with respect to a sub game.
(j) When a plurality of odds is set for subdivided events of one betting target, a position payout ratio is calculated by performing an addition of the respective products of the winning probabilities for such subdivided events and the corresponding odds, whereby an appropriate stake calculation can be carried out.
All of the embodiments and conditional expressions contained in the specification are intended to be contributory, from an educational viewpoint, to the reader's understanding of the invention and the concept by the inventor for technological development, and limited interpretations should not be made based on such specifically described examples and conditions. Further, the configurations of such examples in the specification are not related to the indication of the merits and demerits of the invention. Although one or a plurality of embodiments has (have) been described in detail, it should be appreciated that various changes, alternatives and modifications may be made without departing from the gist and scope of the invention.
1 Game apparatus
2 Operation casing
3 Game table display
4 Operation table
5 Operator
6 Medal slot
6
a Medal detector
7 Operation table speaker
8 Medal discharge hopper
9 Medal outlet
10 Dice upward-blowing casing
11 Column
12 Ceiling
13 History display
14 Upward-blowing casing speaker
15 Base
16 Upward-blowing pipe
20 Game field
35 Stepping motor
36 DC axial-flow fan
46 Camera
47 Infrared LED
50 Control unit
51 Main game controller
52 Sub game controller
53 Upward-blowing controller
54 Rolled-number detection processor
55 Display controller
56 Sound controller
60 Storage unit
61 Game program
62 Control data
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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2011-190917 | Sep 2011 | JP | national |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
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PCT/JP2012/071102 | 8/21/2012 | WO | 00 | 6/17/2014 |
Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
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WO2013/013585 | 3/7/2013 | WO | A |
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