Gaming machine, gaming system and gaming terminal device

Abstract

There is provided a gaming machine comprising: image display means for showing an image of an acting body to act in responsive to an operation by a player; game control means for advancing a game utilizing the image of the acting body; reading means for reading identification information of the acting body having been stored in an object to be read; detection means for outputting a detection signal indicating that the object to be read is put in a position where the reading means reads the identification information; and directive means for directing the reading means to read the identification information based on the detection signal.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefits of priorities from Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2004-252777, 2004-253161, 2004-253132, 2004-253170, and 2004-252954 filed on Aug. 31, 2004, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a gaming machine, a gaming system and a gaming terminal device enabling a game to proceed with an image of an acting body such as a character shown in the game. The present invention also relates to a gaming machine comprising a reading unit for reading predetermined information stored in an information storage medium. Further, it relates to a gaming machine utilizing an object to be read such as a figure with a built-in recording medium.

BACKGROUND ART

There have been conventionally available gaming machines in which identification information is read from objects to be read such as cards, figures and coins with built-in recording media such as IC chip storing identification information on characters operated by a player to specify characters used in the game and to control motions of the characters and display images, thereby allowing the game to proceed (for example, JP-A-2002-63092, JP-A-2002-273042, JP-A-2003-340139, Japanese patent No. 2702858).

Among these, JP-A-2002-63092 discloses a gaming machine, in which identification information stored in an automobile-shaped toy is detected by a reading device (reader/writer device) of the gaming machine and an automobile image based on the identification information is operated by a player so as to play a driving game. This gaming machine is designed so that the reading device detects identification signals from the non-contact IC card, thereby detecting the identification information when a toy with built-in non-contact IC card storing identification information is placed at a predetermined position of the reading device (hereinafter referred to as “detection position”).

JP-A-2003-340139 discloses a medal game machine being equipped with a medal mounting for a medal with a built-in IC chip, on which a medal with a built-in IC chip being constructed integrally with a figure can be placed. The medal with the IC chip is placed on this medal mounting such that the authentication is conducted by reading and writing data between the medal with the built-in IC chip and the medal game machine.

It may be required to continuously send electromagnetic wave in order to detect the identification information whenever the medal is placed on a detection position. A process for sending the electromagnetic wave may also be required such that wear and tear of parts of the reading device may be accelerated due to such continuous process so as to lower the life time of the parts.

The medal game machine of JP-2003-340139 has a medal mounting on which a medal with a built-in IC chip being simply put together with a figure. Therefore, it is not easy for a player to find at a glimpse if a reading process between the medal with the built-in IC chip and the medal game machine is made successfully when the medal with the built-in IC chip is placed on the medal mounting.

Also, a figure integrally constructed with the medal with the built-in IC chip is simply placed on the medal mounting for the medal with the built-in IC chip. Therefore, the player may not be so excited by placing even the figure integrally constructed with the medal with the built-in IC chip on the medal mounting.

Therefore, it is conceivable to notify data transfer is conducted successfully with some notification means and to decorate the figure placed on the medal mounting for the medal with the built-in IC chip with decorating means utilizing light. However, the number of parts will be increased if such notification means and decorating means are equipped individually.

For example, it is also conceivable to irradiate decorative light on the figure. However, many and/or large light sources are required in order to irradiate the decorative light such that the player may be so much excited if the figure is illuminated with the decorative light.

Further, if the storage medium built in the above figure or the like is a flat storage medium such as a non-contact IC chip being capable of transferring data without contact and if the main face of the storage medium is tilted with the reading face of the reader to read the data stored in the storage medium, it may be difficult for the reader to recognize the character data stored in the storage medium because of weakened signals exchanged with the storage medium.

Since it may be needed that the identification information is read by setting the card or figure on the reader in order to start the game, the player is required to adjust precisely the position of the card or figure on the reader and it may be troublesome for the player. Especially, the player who plays the fame for the first time may not understand how to start the game such that this may cause that the amusement of the game is lowered.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine, a gaming system and a gaming terminal device which are able to alleviate the load of a reading device in association with reading of the identification information stored in an object to be read such as a card and a figure.

There is also provided a gaming machine comprising a reading unit assembled with a limited number of parts which can let the gaming machine decorate the storage medium and notify the player that the reading process is being conducted.

There are also provided a gaming machine, a gaming system and a gaming terminal device which make it easier that the way of reading the identification information stored in the object to be read such as a card and a figure.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a gaming machine which is designed to increase recognition accuracy in reading from a recording medium.

In addition, without using a large or strong light source, there is provided a gaming machine comprising a reading unit capable of fully decorating an information storage medium such as a figure.

According to the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine comprising: image display means for displaying an image indicating an acting body to act in responsive to the operation of a player; game control means which allows the game utilizing the image to proceed; reading means for reading identification information from an object to be read storing the identification information corresponding to the acting body; detection means for outputting a detection signal which indicates that the object to be read is placed at a reading position when the object to be read is placed at the reading position at which the identification information is read by the reading means; and directive means for instructing the reading means to read the identification information on the basis of the detection signal of the detection means.

In the gaming machine, the reading means is configured to read the identification information, when the object to be read is placed at the reading position.

The above gaming machine further comprises a receiving part having a recess with a shape corresponding to an outer shape of the object to be read including a storage device storing identification information, wherein the reading means may read the identification information when the reading means receives the object to be read at a position in the recess; and wherein the detection means comprises a light emitting part and a light receiving part arranged across an approach route of the object to be read toward the recess such that light emitted from the light emitting part can be received by the light receiving part.

In such a configuration, a bottom portion of the object to be read equipped with a storage device storing the identification information blocks the light emitted from the light emitting part halfway in the approaching route of the object toward the recess such that the detection means can detect that the object to be read is placed at the reading position by the light being blocked.

Further, the gaming machine also comprises a receiving part having a recess with a shape corresponding to an outer shape of the object to be read equipped with a storage device storing identification information, wherein the reading means may read the identification information when the reading means receives the object to be read at a position in the recess; and wherein the detection means comprises a light emitting part and a reflective part arranged in an opposing manner across an approach route of the object to be read toward the recess and also comprises a light receiving part arranged in an shooting direction of the reflected light in relation to the incident light emitted from the light emitting part, whereby the light receiving part is able to receive the reflected light.

In such a configuration, a bottom portion of the object to be read equipped with a storage device storing the identification information blocks the light emitted from the light emitting part halfway in the approaching route of the object toward the recess to block the reflected light to be received by the light receiving part, whereby the detection means can detect from non-arrival of the reflected light at the light receiving part that the object to be read is placed at the reading position.

Further, the present invention is related to a gaming system comprising: image display means for displaying an image indicating an acting body to act in responsive to the operation of a player; and game control means for allowing the game using an image to proceed; reading means for reading identification information from an object to be read storing the identification information corresponding to the acting body; detection means for outputting a detection signal indicating that an object to be read is placed at a reading position when the object to be read is placed at the reading position at which the identification information is read by the reading means; and directive means for instructing the reading means to read the identification information on the basis of the detection signal by the detection means.

Further, the present invention is also related to a gaming terminal device of a gaming system in which a game using an image indicating an acting body to act according to the operation by a player is allowed to proceed, thereby executing the game, the gaming terminal of the gaming system comprising: reading means for reading identification information from an object to be read storing the identification information corresponding to the acting body; detection means for outputting a detection signal indicating that the object to be read is placed at a reading position when the object to be read is placed at the reading position at which the identification information is read by the reading means, and directive means for instructing the reading means to read the identification information on the basis of the detection signal of the detection means.

In the gaming system and the gaming terminal device, the reading means is configured to read the identification information when the object to be read is placed at the reading position.

Further, the present invention is related to a gaming machine comprising: a reading unit for reading identification information from an information storage medium by placing the information storage medium in which predetermined identification information is stored, wherein: the reading unit comprises: a seating part on which the information storage medium can be placed; a reading part for reading identification information from the information storage medium placed on the seating part; a decorative-light irradiating part for irradiating decorative light to a position of placing the information storage medium; and a notification-light indicating part for indicating light according to a game state of the gaming machine and notifying the game state of the gaming machine, wherein the decorative-light irradiating part and the notification light emitting part share a common light source.

In addition, the gaming machine may be provided with a reading unit having a decorative-light irradiating part for irradiating a decorative light on a position where an information storage medium is placed when the medium is placed at a seating part, and a notification-light indicating part for indicating a game state of the gaming machine by lighting or flashing and notifying the game state of the gaming machine. Therefore, it is possible to notify the player that the reading operation is in progress with the gaming machine and also to decorate the information storage medium.

Here, if the decorative-light irradiating part and the notification-light indicating part are provided separately and a light source is needed for each part, the number of components (or parts) is increased. However, the gaming machine according to the present invention is provided with a light source commonly used in the decorative-light irradiating part and in the notification light emitting part, thereby preventing the increase of the number of light sources and also contributing to a decreased number of components.

In this instance, a light outgoing face of a single light transmitting member is separated by a light shielding member to give an aspect in which the decorative-light irradiating part and the notification-light indicating part are formed.

As described above, the light outgoing face of the single light transmitting member is separated by the light shielding member to form the decorative-light irradiating part and the notification-light indicating part, thereby eliminating the need for separately providing the decorative-light irradiating part and the notification-light indicating part. This also contributes to a decreased number of components.

The light shielding member may be in a dark color.

As described above, the dark-color light shielding member is able to cause light irradiated by the decorative-light irradiating part and by the notification-light indicating part to be brighter. Here, the “dark color” in the present invention means a color emphasizing light contrast such as black or other deep colors.

In addition, the present invention is also available according to an aspect in which the light transmitting member is formed with a solid transparent resin and the light source is arranged in a predetermined distance from the light transmitting member.

If the light transmitting member is made of a solid transparent resin and the light source is excessively close to the light transmitting member, the light passing through the light transmitting member may become like a thin beam. Therefore, the light from the decorative-light irradiating part is shot to form a light spot so as to result in a decreased decorative effect. In the present invention, the light source is arranged in a predetermined distance apart from the light transmitting member. Therefore, light emitted from the light source passes inside the light transmitting member in a diffused state, and light irradiated from the decorative-light irradiating part is also diffused around a seating part, thereby enhancing the decorative effect by the decorative light. Here, to be “transparent” in the present invention means a state that light transmits, which may include being translucent.

Further, the light source is able to emit a plurality of colors, and colors of the light to be emitted can be changed according to the kind of an information recording medium placed at the seating part or according to a game state of the gaming machine.

As described above, the player can be more assuredly notified of the kind of information recording medium and the game state by making the light source available in the plurality of colors and changing the colors of light according to the kind of information recording medium and the game state of the gaming machine.

Further, the present invention is related to a gaming machine comprising: image display means for displaying an image indicating an acting body to act according to the operation of the player; game control means for allowing the game using an image to proceed; reading means for reading identification information from the object to be read storing the identification information corresponding to the acting body; and guide means for guiding the object to be read to a reading position where the identification information is read by the reading means. This gaming machine is configured so as to guide the object to be read to the reading position at which the identification information is read by the reading means.

Further, the gaming machine may also be provided wherein the guide means comprises an opening of a shape which corresponds to a shape of the bottom portion of the object to be read, an open end portion larger than the opening, and a conically-inclined face extending from the open end portion to the opening as the diameter is reduced. Therefore, the conically-inclined face guides the object to be read to the reading position.

In addition, the gaming machine may be configured to comprise: a light source for emitting light on the conically-inclined face of the guide means, the guide means being made of a light transmitting member, and a light source for transmitting light from the conically-inclined face of the guide means is additionally provided. Such a design makes it possible that light from the light source is emitted from the conically-inclined face of the guide means.

The present invention is also related to a gaming system provided with image display means for displaying an image indicating an acting body to act according to the operation of a player; game control means for allowing the game using an acting body image to proceed; reading means for reading identification information from an object to be read storing the identification information corresponding to the acting body; and guide means for guiding the object to be read to a reading position at which the identification information can be read by the reading means.

Further, the present invention may be related to a gaming terminal device of the gaming system in which a game using an acting body image indicating an acting body to act according to the operation by a player is allowed to proceed, thereby executing the game, the gaming terminal device comprising: reading means for reading identification information from an object to be read storing the identification information corresponding to the acting body and guide means for guiding the object to be read to a reading position at which the identification information is read by the reading means. The gaming system and the gaming terminal device are configured to guide the object to be read to the reading position at which the identification information is read by the reading means.

The present invention is related to a gaming machine provided with reading means for reading identification information from an object to be read storing the identification information, the gaming machine allowing an image game to proceed by using the identification information read by the reading means, wherein the reading means comprises a hole for receiving the object to be read; a loading part having a flat bottom of the hole; and a circuit substrate being arranged to have a circuit face opposite to the back face of the lading face on which the object to be read is loaded, the loading face being at the bottom of the hole in the loading part, the circuit substrate having a reading circuit on the circuit face such that the reading circuit is capable of reading the identification information from the object to be read, wherein a distance between the loading face at the bottom of the hole in the loading part and the circuit face of the circuit substrate is kept constant.

In the gaming machine, a distance between the loading face of the bottom of the loading part for receiving the object to be read and the circuit face of the circuit substrate for reading the identification information from the object to be read is kept constant. Owing to this, the loading face at the bottom is parallel with the circuit face of the circuit substrate. If the object to be read is received so as to be parallel with the loading face at the bottom of the loading part, a face of the object to be read on the loading face is also parallel with the circuit face of the circuit substrate. Thus, the intensity of signals communicated between the object to be read and the circuit substrate is kept substantially constant without decaying, thereby making it possible to read the identification information from the object to be read at a high recognition accuracy.

It is also preferable that the bottom of the loading part is kept in close proximity to the circuit substrate so that the reading circuit of the circuit substrate is at such a distance that the identification information can be read from an object to be read, when the object to be read is placed on the bottom of the hole of the loading part. In this instance, since there is a significant improvement in the intensity deviation (or fluctuation) of the signals communicated between the object to be read loaded at the bottom of the loading part and the reading circuit of the circuit substrate, a higher recognition accuracy can be realized.

Further, it is preferable that the bottom portion of the loading part is directly in contact with the circuit substrate. In this instance, an excellent recognition accuracy can be obtained in view of the distance between the object to be read and the reading circuit.

In addition, it is preferable that the bottom portion of the loading part is indirectly in contact with the circuit substrate via a thin film member. In this instance, the thin film member can a cushion or a buffer between the bottom and the circuit substrate, or it is possible to print something on the thin film member according to a predetermined pattern such that printed various marks or letters may be a marker.

Further, it is preferable that the gaming machine further comprises a fixing part which is arranged at a position to face the bottom portion of the loading part across the circuit substrate, the fixing part being connected to the loading part with a first connecting member, the fixing part being connected to the circuit substrate with a second connecting member. Where the loading part and the circuit substrate are in close proximity, it is difficult to firmly fix the loading part with the circuit substrate by using the first connecting member and the second connecting member. However, by adopting the fixing part, the loading part can be fixed with the circuit substrate by using the first connecting member and the second connecting member, even if the loading part and the circuit substrate are in close proximity.

In the present invention, the gaming machine is provided with a reading unit for reading identification information in a storage medium by placing the information storage medium storing predetermined identification information, wherein the reading unit comprises a seating part on which the information storage medium can be placed; a reading part for reading the identification information from the information storage medium placed on the seating part; and a light transmitting member being arranged around the seating part and having a decorative-light irradiating part formed so as to radiate decorative light at a loading location of the information storage medium, wherein a light source is provided so as to supply a decorative-light irradiating part irradiating a decorative light, and wherein a light reflective member is provided at a position by avoiding the decorative-light irradiating part in the light transmitting member.

In the present invention, a decorative-light irradiating part for irradiating decorative light at a position of placing the information storage medium is provided. Therefore, since the information storage medium can be decoratively radiated with decorative light by placing the medium on a reading part, the mood of a player is also uplifted. In this instance, the gaming machine of the present invention is provided with a light reflective member at a position away from the decorative-light irradiating part in the light transmitting member where the decorative-light irradiating part is formed. Since light emitted from a light source can be irradiated from the decorative-light irradiating part in a great quantity, it is possible to sufficiently decorate information storage media such as figures without using a large or an intense light source.

Here, in the present invention, “position away from the decorative-light irradiating part in the light transmitting member,” for example, refers to a side face portion or a bottom portion if a light transmitting member is in a cylindrical form and a decorative-light irradiating part is provided on the upper face. Further, in the following embodiment, a conically-inclined part (guide part) is formed on the upper face of an approximately cylindrical light transmitting member, and a decorative-light irradiating part may be provided to the inclined part. Here, the “position away from the decorative-light irradiating part in the light transmitting member” may correspond to the side face or the bottom face of the guide member, or other surfaces of the upper face than those on which the guide member is formed.

In this instance, the light source is arranged on one side of the light transmitting member and the light reflective member may be arranged on another side opposite to the one side such that the reflective member faces the light source.

Since light sources can be focused on one place by arranging the light sources on the one side of the light transmitting member, it is possible to save a space for fixing the light sources and also facilitate the work for setting the light sources. In this instance, when the light sources are arranged on one side, there is a concern that a position opposing the position at which the light sources are arranged in the light transmitting member becomes dark, thereby resulting in a decrease in the decorative effect by decorative light.

In contrast, in the present invention, a light reflective member is provided at a position opposite to the position at which the light sources are arranged in the light transmitting member. Therefore, it possible to effectively collect light emitted from the light sources to the decorative-light irradiating part. Thus, a high decorative effect may be performed.

An aspect is also available so that a notification-light indicating part is provided which indicates light according to a game state of a gaming machine around the decorative-light irradiating part in the light transmitting member to notify the game state with the gaming machine, a hiding member is provided which hides the notification-light indicating part corresponding to a position opposite to the position at which the light sources are arranged in the light transmitting member, and the light reflective member is provided on the hiding member.

When the light sources are arranged on one side of the light transmitting member, it becomes difficult for light from the light sources to reach a position (opposing position) opposite to the thus arranged position, thereby decreasing the light intensity at the opposing position. Therefore, when the notification light irradiating part is formed around the decorative-light irradiating part, the light intensity will be decreased in the notification light irradiating part, thus the notification light may be hard to see.

However, in the present invention, a hiding member may hide the notification-light indicating part corresponding to a position opposite to the position at which the light sources are arranged in the light transmitting member. The hiding member is able to cover a part where the light may be released so as to decrease the intensity of the light on the notification-light indicating part. Therefore, it may be prevented that the notification light becomes hard to see.

The present invention is able to alleviate the load of the reading means in association with reading of the identification information stored in the object to be read.

According to the present invention, it may be possible to notify a player that reading operation has been performed in the gaming machine, decorate the information storage medium and also reduce the number of components.

According to the present invention, it may be possible to facilitate the work for reading the identification information stored in an object to be read according to an acting body image by the reading means.

There is also provided a gaming machine with improved recognition accuracy from a recording medium.

The gaming machine can sufficiently decorate the information storage medium such as a figure without using a larger or an intensified light source.

Further features of the present invention, its nature, and various advantages will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following description of the preferred embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a system configuration of gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a plurality of gaming machines are provided.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a plurality of gaming machines and a card dispenser.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a gaming machine to show an entire configuration.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an authentication unit.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of an authentication unit.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view taken along a VI-VI line in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a gaming machine to show mainly an internal configuration.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram to show an example of an internal configuration of the image control circuit.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram to show a shop server.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram to show a gaming server and a database server.

FIG. 11A is an exploded perspective view of a figure configuration.

FIG. 11B is a bottom plan view of a figure.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a state of a figure installed in the authentication unit.

FIG. 13 is a system configuration diagram of a gaming system including a plurality of gaming terminal devices according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram to mainly show an internal configuration of a gaming terminal device of the gaming system according to the other embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram to mainly show an internal configuration of a control device of the gaming system according to the other embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an authentication unit to show another embodiment of the photo sensor.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along a VII-VII line in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart to show gaming procedures from the game start to the game end with the gaming machine.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart to show procedures of the game start processes.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart to show procedures of character generation processes.

FIG. 21 is a sequence chart to show procedure sequences among a gaming machine, a shop server and a center server.

FIG. 22 shows a labyrinth image.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram to mainly show an internal configuration of a gaming machine.

FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of an authentication unit.

FIG. 25 is a plan view of the authentication unit.

FIG. 26 is a front view of the authentication unit.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a state that a figure is decoratively illuminated with decorative light.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a state that a figure is installed in an authentication unit.

FIG. 29 is a plan view of the authentication unit.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along a VI-VI line in FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a block diagram of a gaming machine to show an internal configuration thereof.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a modified authentication unit.

FIG. 33 is a flow chart to show procedures of the game start processes.

FIG. 34 is a flow chart to show procedures of character generation processes.

FIG. 35 is an enlarged view of an authentication unit.

FIG. 36 is an exploded perspective view of an authentication unit shown in FIG. 35.

FIG. 37A is a cross-sectional view taken along a VI-VI line in FIG. 35.

FIG. 37B is a cross-sectional view of another kind of authentication unit.

FIG. 38 is a flow chart to show procedures of character generation processes.

FIG. 39A is a cross-sectional view of another kind of authentication unit.

FIG. 39B shows another kind of authentication unit.

FIG. 39C shows a cross-sectional view of the authentication unit in FIG. 39B.

FIG. 40 is a plan view to show a state that light passes through a light transmissive member.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, and various modifications and changes in design can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

A detailed description will be made hereinafter according to the embodiment of the present invention by referring to the attached drawings, where like numeral references refer to like elements. And overlapping description will be omitted.

(General Configuration of Gaming System)

FIG. 1 is a system block diagram of the gaming system 100 comprising a plurality of gaming machines 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a plurality of gaming machines 1 and card dispensers 6. The gaming system 100 is a gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention and provided with a total of 3 units (one unit and two units respectively in two game shops A and B) of shop servers 2, a plurality of (8 units in the present embodiment) gaming machines 1 and card dispensers 6 connected communicably via dedicated lines 3, shop routers 7 set at the game shops A and B, and a center server group 5 connected to the shop routers 7 via Internet 4 and communication lines 4a.

In each game shop A or B, the shop server 2, the gaming machines 1 and the card dispenser 6 are connected by the dedicated lines 3 to form an in-shop LAN (Local Area Network), and the in-shop LAN is connected with Internet 4 via the shop router 7.

Each gaming machine 1 which constituting the gaming system 100 is a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention and each gaming machine 1 is provided with a machine ID specific to each machine. This machine ID is provided with a server ID specific to each shop server 2 and an ID specific to each gaming machine 1, and, for example, the machine IDs of the gaming machines 1 set in the shop A are A01, A02, A03, etc.

(Configuration of Gaming Machine)

The gaming machine 1 is a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, provided with image display means for displaying a character image (corresponding to the “acting body image” in the present invention) indicating a character (corresponding to the “acting body” in the present invention) to act according to the operation of a player as a game image used in a game, and configured so as to perform an image game in which the character is allowed to conduct motions according to the operation of the player. In the gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment, a game (hereinafter referred to as “labyrinth playing game”) is designed to be played, in which while characters move inside a labyrinth according to the route selected by a player, the character concerned can play with other characters (player characters conducting motions according to the selection made by another player and non-player characters whose motion is conducted by a gaming machine), vying for an item owned by characters (sacred gem in the present embodiment), and knocking down the final character after all the items are collected. The labyrinth playing game is designed so that scores of each character (called “life” in the present embodiment) are increased or decreased according to the playing result and progress of the game and a character that has lost all the points is to be a loser.

As shown in FIG. 3, the gaming machine 1 is provided with a main display 11 comprising a liquid crystal display on the front face of a cabinet 10 and also provided with a sub display 12 comprising another liquid crystal display on the upper part of the main display 11. Speakers 13L and 13R for outputting sound to give an effect of the game are arranged on both right and left sides of the gaming machine 1.

The main display 11 is an image display means in the present invention, and designed so as to display a game image depending on each stage of the game (for example, labyrinth image 150 and the like). The sub display 12 is designed so that an image at a specific stage of the game (for example, opponent image) is displayed.

Further, the gaming machine 1 is provided with an operation panel 14 below the main display 11. It is also provided with an authentication unit 15 on the left side of the operation panel 14, and a coin insertion slot 16 for inserting coins necessary for starting to play a game (playing media such as coins, playing medals) and a card slot 18 for inserting an ID card 17 on the right side, in addition to an operation unit 19 equipped with operation buttons.

The authentication unit 15 is configured so that a FIG. 40 corresponding to a plurality of characters appearing in the labyrinth playing game (corresponding to an “object to be read” in the present invention) can be attached. As described later, the FIG. 40 is provided with a base portion 41 and a figure main body 42 (referring to FIG. 11A) and the bottom of the base portion 41 serves as a bottom portion 45.

The authentication unit 15 is fixed firmly on the surface of the operation panel 14. The authentication unit 15 is configured so that the FIG. 40 (corresponding to the object to be read) showing a three-dimensional configuration of a plurality of characters appearing in a labyrinth playing game performed with the gaming machine 1 can be attached. The base portion 41 can be fixed and attached thereon. The configuration of the authentication unit 15 will be described more in detail.

The authentication unit 15 is a part on which the FIG. 40 to be described later corresponding to a plurality of characters appearing in the labyrinth playing game is placed in order to read a figure ID (identification information) stored in an IC chip 44 of the FIG. 40.

The authentication unit 15 is provided with a base fitting portion 51, an IC chip reader 52 for reading a figure ID stored in the FIG. 40 (identification information) and a photo sensor 78 for detecting that the FIG. 40 is placed at a position at which the figure ID can be read by the IC chip reader 52. The authentication unit 15 will be described in detail in reference to FIGS. 4 to 6.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the authentication unit 15 and FIG. 5 is a plan view of the authentication unit 15, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along a VI-VI line in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the gaming machine 1 to mainly show an internal configuration. The gaming machine 1 comprises a plurality of components including a microcomputer 31 as a main component.

The base fitting portion 51 is also provided with a guide member 53 having a guide hole 54 on the internal side, and comprising a light transmitting member made of transparent urethane and the like, a support frame 55 for supporting the guide member 53 circumferentially and from below, and a base 56 for fixing the support frame 55 to the operation panel 14 (referring to FIG. 3) together with the guide member 53.

The guide member 53 is formed in an approximately annular form having the guide hole 54 therein and provided with a projection 53a on the front side (on the side of the player) and wide portions 53b and 53b which are made wider toward the back. The guide member 53 is held as the lower face of the projection 53a is assembled to the support frame 55 and also as the wide portions 53b and 53b are held therebetween.

Further, the guide member 53 is provided with a circular opening 53d on a base 56 side approaching a guide hole 54 (side closed with a seat 55a of the support frame 55) and a circular open end portion 53c on an open side, in which the diameter of the open end portion 53c is larger than that of the opening 53d, and the circumferential face between the open end portion 53e and the opening 53d forms a conically-inclined (or mortar-shaped inclined) face 53e, with a gradual reduction in diameter of a circle made on the conically-inclined face from the open end portion 53c toward the opening 53d. The configuration of the opening 53d corresponds to that of the bottom portion 45 of the FIG. 40 to be described later, and the bottom portion 45 can be designed to be inserted thereinto.

The support frame 55 is provided with an annular frame member 55b enclosing a guide member 53, a receiving part 55a falling into the frame member 55b in a recessed form to hold the guide member 53 and a cylindrical recess 55f formed with a step approximately at the center inside the receiving part 55a. An opening of the recess 55f is a concentric circle with the same diameter corresponding to the configuration of the opening 53d of the guide member 53. Further, a bottom of the recess 55f is a circular flat face corresponding to the opening 53d, and a circumferential face of the recess 55f is a cylindrical face corresponding to the opening 53d. Thus, the recess 55f is constructed in a form which can accommodate the bottom portion 45, corresponding to an outer shape of the bottom portion 45 of the FIG. 42.

An IC chip reader 52 is reading means in the present invention, provided with an antenna, a radio circuit, etc., on a convex substrate, and configured to be fixed on the base 56 so that the antenna can be located approximately at the center of the bottom of the recess 55f so that a figure ID can be read when the bottom portion 45 of the FIG. 40 is accommodated into the recess 55f. Further, when the bottom portion 45 is accommodated into the recess 55f, the position concerned is a reading position in the present invention. This is because the figure ID can be read by the IC chip reader 52 at the position concerned.

The IC chip reader 52 is configured to read the figure ID from the later described IC chip built in the figure by utilizing this antenna.

A photo sensor 78 is detection means of the present invention, and provided with a light emitting part 59a for emitting light such as infrared, etc., to a light receiving part 59b and a light receiving part 59b capable of receiving the light from the light emitting part 59a. Further, the light emitting part 59a is provided on the conically-inclined (or mortar-shaped inclined) face 53e on the back side of the guide member 53, and the light receiving part 59b is provided on the conically-inclined (or mortar-shaped inclined) face 53e at a position facing the light emitting part 59a with the opening 53d therebetween. Therefore, the photo sensor 78 is arranged such that the light emitting part 59a and the light receiving part 59b are arranged to face each other across an approaching route (or an insertion path) of the bottom portion 45 toward a recess 55f therebetween and when the bottom portion 45 is accommodated into the recess 55f, the FIG. 40 blocks the light from being received by the light receiving part 59b, thereby detecting that the FIG. 40 is placed at the reading position.

A full color LED 65 is arranged as a light source at a predetermined clearance D (about 5 mm) on the back of the guide member 53. Further, a light shielding black sticker 67 is attached to outer surfaces of the guide member 53 except surfaces covered or surrounded by the support frame 55 and except the conically-inclined (or mortar-shaped inclined) face 53e. The full color LED 65 is supplied with a power source from a driving circuit (not shown) to emit light to the guide member 53. Then, light having passed through the guide member 53 is then released from the conically-inclined (or mortar-shaped inclined) face 53e.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the gaming machine 1 to mainly show an internal configuration. The gaming machine 1 comprises a plurality of components including a microcomputer 31 as a main component.

A microcomputer 31 is provided with a main CPU (Central Processing Unit) 32, RAM (Random Access Memory) 33 and ROM (Read Only Memory) 34. The main CPU 32 operates according to programs stored in the ROM 34 and inputs signals via an I/O port 39 from each configuration element provided in an operation panel 14, while inputting and outputting signals with other configuration elements to control the entire performance of the gaming machine 1. The RAM 33 stores data and programs (application data to be described later in the present embodiment) used when the main CPU 32 is actuated. The ROM 34 stores control programs executed by the main CPU 32 and permanent data.

Further, the gaming machine 1 is provided with a random number generator 35, a sampling circuit 36, a clock pulse generator 37 and a frequency divider 38. The random number generator 35 is actuated according to the instructions of the main CPU 32 to generate random numbers in a certain range. The sampling circuit 36 extracts any given random numbers from the random numbers generated by the random number generator 35 according to the instructions of the main CPU 32, and inputs the thus extracted random numbers to the main CPU 32. The clock pulse generator 37 generates a reference clock for actuating the main CPU 32, and the frequency divider 38 inputs to the main CPU 32 signals obtained by dividing the reference clock by a constant cycle.

In addition, the gaming machine 1 is provided with a touch panel 11a, a coin sensor 16a, a card reader 18a, a communication controller 21 and a communication processor 22, and also provided with an image control circuit 71, a sound control circuit 72 and the foregoing authentication unit 15.

The touch panel 11a is an operation means provided so as to cover a display screen of the main display 11, detecting a position of the site touched by the finger of a player and inputting to the main CPU 32 position signals corresponding to the detected site. The player uses the touch panel 11a to input an operation for determining the motion of a character. For example, the touch panel 11a is coated with an electric-conductive substance on the surface of a rectangular transparent plate, applying voltage from electrodes arranged on the four corners of the transparent plate and detecting a slight change in electric current generated by contact with the finger of the player to detect a site touched by the finger of the player.

The coin sensor 16a detects a coin inserted through the coin insertion slot 16 and outputs to the main CPU 32 detection signals corresponding to the detection. The card reader 18a reads the card information such as player ID recorded in the ID card 17 inserted into the card slot 18 and inputs the thus read card information to the main CPU 32.

The communication controller 21 is actuated according to the instructions of the main CPU 32 to control connection with or disconnection from a line communicating with the shop server 2. The communication processor 22 operates according to the instructions of the communication controller 21 to send and receive data via a dedicated line 3.

The image control circuit 71 controls image displays respectively on the main display 11 and the sub display 12, thereby displaying various images such as images indicating characters on the main display 11 and the sub display 12.

As shown in FIG. 8, the image control circuit 71 is provided with an image control CPU 71a, a work RAM 71b, a program ROM 71c, an image ROM 71d, a video RAM 71e and a VDP (Video Display Processor) 71f. The image control CPU 71a determines images displayed on the main display 11 and the sub display 12 according to an image control program previously stored in the program ROM 71c (regarding displays on the main display 11 and the sub display 12) on the basis of parameters set by the microcomputer 31. The work RAM 71b is constructed as a temporary storage means for the image control CPU 71a to execute the image control program.

The program ROM 71c stores the image control program, various selection tables and the like. The image ROM 71d stores dot data for forming images. The video RAM 71e is constructed as a temporary storage means for forming images by the VDP 71f. The VDP 71f has a control RAM 71g, forming images according to displayed contents of the main display 11 and the sub display 12 determined by the image control CPU 71a, and outputting the thus formed each images to the main display 11 and the sub display 12.

A sound control circuit 72 inputs to speakers 13L and 13R audio signals for outputting sounds from the speakers 13L and 13R. Sounds, for example, those for warming up a game at an appropriate time after start of the game are outputted from the speakers 13L and 13R.

The authentication unit 15 is provided with an IC chip reader 52, a full color LED 65 and the foregoing photo sensor 78. The IC chip reader 52 reads a figure ID of the FIG. 40 and inputs it to the main CPU 32. Further, the full color LED 65 emits light according to the instructions of the main CPU 32. Then, the photo sensor 78 detects that the FIG. 40 is set at the reading position.

(Configuration of Shop Server, Card Dispenser and Shop Router)

As shown in FIG. 9, the shop server 2 is provided with CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, communication processor 204, communication controller 205 and data storage part 206 storing application data. Then, the CPU 201 operates while reading and writing data in the RAM 203 according to programs stored in the ROM 202. The communication controller 205 allows the communication processor 204 to operate according to the instructions of the CPU 201. The shop server 2 then sends and receives data via each gaming machine 1 and the dedicated line 3 respectively set in the game shops A and B, thereby sending (download) application data to the each gaming machine 1 and relaying data sent and received among the respective gaming machines 1 and to and from the center server group 5. The application data include various data used in executing a labyrinth playing game played in the gaming machine 1 (image data for the game) and board data (setting programs for allowing operation buttons provided in the operation unit 19 to correspond to the labyrinth playing game).

The card dispenser 6 is provided with an operation part at which a player inputs private information and a card issuing means, and the card issuing means issues a ID card 17 storing the card information including a player ID specific to each player by predetermined input operation using the operation part.

The shop router 7 connects in-shop LANs formed respectively in the game shops A and B with LANs formed at the center server group 5 via the communication line 4a and the Internet 4.

(Configuration of Center Server Group)

The center server group 5 is provided with a plurality of gaming servers (two gaming servers 101 and 102 in FIG. 1) set corresponding to each game and the data base server 103, and each gaming server is connected via the dedicated line 104 to form a LAN, which is then connected by a router (not shown) to the Internet 4.

The gaming server 101 is set for executing a labyrinth playing game, and as shown in FIG. 10, provided with CPU 301, ROM 302, RAM 303, communication processor 304, communication controller 305 and data storage part 306. In the gaming server 101, the CPU 301 operates while reading and writing data in the RAM 303 according to programs stored in the ROM 302, and the communication controller 305 allows the communication processor 304 to operate according to the instructions of the CPU 301.

The gaming server 101 sends and receives data with each shop server 2 via the Internet 4, then, receives entry data to be described later sent from each gaming machine 1, accepts participation of a player in a labyrinth playing game (entry) and renews the participation data of the player, determines an opponent player and sends the result to the data base server 103.

The gaming server 102 is set for executing another game and constructed similarly as the gaming server 101, although different in data and programs stored.

The data base server 103 is provided with CPU 401, ROM 402, RAM 403, communication processor 404, communication controller 405 and data storage part 406. Then, in the data base server 103, the CPU 401 operates while reading and writing data in the RAM 403 according to the program stored in the ROM 402. The communication controller 405 allows the communication processor 404 to operate according to the instructions of the CPU 401, sending and receiving data with each shop server 2 via the Internet 4. The data storage part 406 stores a player ID, a password used in authenticating a player, type of game and game data. The player ID is read and sent by the gaming machine 1 from the ID card 17.

Further, as described later, the data base server 103 is designed so that each player sets the FIG. 40 on the authentication unit 15 used by the player in the gaming machine 1 and allows the figure ID to be read, by which the figure ID corresponding to said FIG. 40 is sent from the gaming machine 1. The data base server 103 is provided with an ID management file capable of storing a plurality of corresponding figure IDs on the basis of one player ID sent from the gaming machine 1 in the data storage part 406. The ID management file is to manage a player and a figure used by the player. The ID management file is used in authentication of a player and authentication of a figure, which will be described later.

The game data include character-specific data featuring each character such as a character represented by the FIG. 40 with regard to a plurality of characters appearing in a labyrinth playing game (information on costumes of each character, costume colors, defense parameters, attack parameters and character ability values including attack range and special talents, hereinafter referred to as “figure information”) and data on histories of the labyrinth playing game by each player. The game data is sent from the data base server 103 to the gaming machine 1 and used in the labyrinth playing game.

(Configuration of Figure)

FIG. 11A is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the FIG. 40, and the FIG. 40 is provided with a base portion 41 and a figure main body 42 displaying a three-dimensional configuration of each character appearing in the labyrinth playing game.

The base portion 41 is provided with a size corresponding to the base fitting portion 51 and formed in a hollow thick circular plate form. The base portion 41 is provided with a bottomed cylindrical seat main body 43 having a top portion 43a and also provided with an IC chip 44. A protruding part 43b is provided approximately at the center of the top portion 43a of the seat main body 43, and an IC chip 44 is firmly fitted into an open end portion of the seat main body 43. Further, an annular stopper is formed in an outer circumference of the open end portion to construct a bottom portion 45. The IC chip 44 is equivalent to a storage device of the present invention and stores a figure ID specific to a character corresponding to the figure main body 42. In the present embodiment, the figure ID is equivalent to identification information corresponding to the character. Further, the bottom portion 45 into which the IC chip 44 is fitted is equivalent to a part to be read in the present invention.

The figure main body 42 is provided with a seat portion 46 having a recess 46a corresponding to a protruding part 43b and a human figure part 47 formed to stand erect on two feet from the seat portion 46 and representing each character appearing in the labyrinth playing game, in which the protruding part 43b is fitted into the recess 46a and fixed to the top portion 43a of the base portion 41. Here, the FIG. 40 is housed into an approximate 7 cm-across capsule (not shown) and distributed in a dispenser similar to the card dispenser 6. Since a monster figure is housed in only some of these capsules, there is a case where the monster figure may be used when the FIG. 40 is used (figure available mode to be described later). In addition, a color is slightly changed or the figure information is modified even in the same characters, by which specific properties of the character are expressed to elevate a player's motivation of collecting the figure.

A player can distinguish the FIG. 40 by the shape of the figure main body 42 of the FIG. 40, and the gaming machine 1 can distinguish the figure by the figure ID. The figure ID is designed to make as unique (specific) a different FIG. 40, thereby prohibiting multiple registrations of the same figure in the gaming system 100.

FIG. 11B is a bottom plan view of a FIG. 40 of another kind of IC chip. On the bottom portion (or face) 45, a printed-circuit board 86 with a diameter W (e.g., about 30 mm) is stuck. The printed-circuit board 86 stores data of each character and is configured as a sticker. The printed-circuit board 86 is flexible to some degree and has one sticky face being stuck on the bottom portion (or face) 45. In other words, the IC chip is mounted on the base portion 41 in a form of sticker. An illustration of a character to be used can be printed on a surface of the sticker 86. In this embodiment, although the diameter of the sticker 86 is smaller than the bottom portion (or face) 45, the diameter may have almost the same size as that of the bottom portion (or face) 45.

A margin of the sticker 86 may have different colors so as to distinguish the content data of the IC chip by the color. Further, three kinds of stickers with different parameters referring to the same character may be prepared such that the same character may have variations.

FIG. 39B shows how the FIG. 40 with a figure main body 42 is installed in the authentication unit 15. FIG. 39C shows a cross sectional view thereof. The base portion 41 under the figure main body 42 is accepted in a recess of the authentication unit 15. The recess has a transmissive portion 82, which may be an opening, on the bottom such that light can pass through the transmissive portion 82. Such a portion may be referred to as a camera hole and under the camera hole an authentication camera may be provided. Therefore, the printed image on the back side of the base portion 41 can be read directly. In the vicinity of the authentication camera, an IC chip reader 52 is provided such that the printed image and data stored in the IC chip can be read at the same time.

FIG. 37B shows a cross sectional view of a similar authentication unit 15. Explanation of the common configuration to that of the authentication unit 15 in FIG. 6 and so on is omitted. Another transmissive portion 84 is provided at the seating part 58 as well as the transmissive portion 82 being provided on the upper part of the IC chip reader 52.

As described above, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a photo sensor 78 on the authentication unit 15. Since the photo sensor 78 is provided on a conically-inclined (or mortar-shaped inclined) face 53e so that the light emitting part 59a faces the light receiving part 59b across the opening 53d, the base portion 41 of the FIG. 40 blocks light of the photo sensor 78 as in FIG. 12 showing that the FIG. 40 is attached to the authentication unit 15 when the bottom portion 45 of the FIG. 40 is attached into the recess 55f. Thereby, the photo sensor 78 detects that the FIG. 40 is set at a reading position and outputs detection signals to the main CPU 32. The main CPU 32 to which the detection signals are input will give instructions to the IC chip reader 52 to read the figure ID.

In contrast, since the IC chip reader 52 operates only when it receives an instruction from the main CPU 32 to read the figure ID, load is alleviated to prevent wasting and deterioration of configuration components as compared with a case where a reading operation is always in progress.

(Operation Procedures of Gaming Machine)

Next, a description will be made for the operation procedures of the above-constructed gaming machine 1 by referring to the flow charts given in FIGS. 18 to 20. In the following description, a description will be made by referring to one unit among four units of the gaming machine 1 installed in the shop A.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing operation procedures for the game process from the start and completion of the game with the gaming machine 1. Step is abbreviated as ‘S’ in FIGS. 18 to 20.

The gaming machine 1 sends a download request for application data to the shop server 2 when power source is applied (step 100 to be described later), whereas in response to the download request by the shop server 2, the application data is sent to the gaming machine 1 which has sent the download request (referring to FIG. 21).

On receipt of the application data, the gaming machine 1 allows the RAM 33 to store the application data. Then, in the gaming machine 1, when the main CPU 32 reads the application data, it acts as a game progression control means in the present invention and allows a labyrinth playing game to proceed according to the input operation by a player. Each gaming machine 1 is designed to synchronize with each other via the shop server 2 and the center server group 5, thereby displaying game images on the main display 11.

In this instance, upon starting the game process, each gaming machine 1 proceeds to the step 1, executing game starting processes to be described later such as coin inserting, insertion of ID card, input of password, character authentication generation process. In the step 2, these machines determine whether predetermined data is set on the figure available flag to be described later (set available) by referring to the result of the game starting process. On the basis of the determination result, the process is divided into the step 3 or step 4 (step 3 if figure available flag set is available, and step 4 if not) to conduct either of the step 3 or 4.

For example, in the process of the step 3 where the figure is available, these machines give instructions to the image control circuit 71, allowing the main display 11 to display a labyrinth image 150 as shown in FIG. 22 and character images 151 showing characters acting according to the operation of a player, by which an image game using these images is conducted by the main CPU 32. While the image game is in progress, the main CPU 32 may instruct the driving circuit (not shown) of the full color LED 65 to release light for elevating presentation effects of the game. For example, the full color LED 65 is lit at the time of attack by characters operated by a player or it is lit or flashed when attacked.

In the step 5 following the step 3, these machines proceed to the step 6 after the figure available flag is cleared and display game results such as playing scores (playing results). Then, in the data base server 103, in order to renew game data, they conduct a post process in which data showing playing results are sent via the shop server 2 to the data base server 103 to complete the process.

As described above, the gaming machine 1 is designed to play a labyrinth playing game either in a figure available mode or in a figure unavailable mode. However, the figure available mode is designed to be more beneficial in content for a player than the figure unavailable mode.

(Game Starting Process)

The game starting process in the step 1 is conducted according to the flow chart given in FIG. 19. FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing operation procedures for the game starting process and FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing operation procedures for the character authentication generation process.

Upon starting the game starting process, the main CPU 32 proceeds to the step 61 to conduct a message output process, instructing the image control circuit 71 to display predetermined messages on the main display 11 (request for inserting coin, request for inserting ID card and request for inputting password). Then, it proceeds to the step 62 and the step 64 to execute the process.

In order to start a game, a player inserts in coins from the coin insertion slot 6, inserts the ID card 17 into the card slot 18 and inputs a password by using the operation unit 19. Then, a detection signal of the thus inserted coin is input from the coin sensor 16a to the main CPU 32, and the card information stored in the ID card 17 is input from the card reader 18a. Further, a password is input from the operation unit 19, and after all the information is input and proceeds to the step 63, the main CPU 32 instructs the communication controller 21, thereby actuating the communication processor 22 to send the read card information and the input password to the shop server 2.

In the subsequent step 65, the main CPU 32 waits until a response signal to be described later is received from the center server 5, and proceeds to the step 66 on receipt of the response signal. In the step 66, it distinguishes whether the authentication is made (the figure ID has been already read and registered), referring to the availability of the figure and the response signal, giving instructions for displaying on the main display 11 a selection screen for selecting any of various selectable characters. In the subsequent step 67, it waits until the touch panel 11a is touched and proceeds to the step 68 if touched. In the step 66, it is determined whether a figure available mode is selected. In this instance, where a figure available mode is selected, it proceeds to the step 69. If not, it proceeds to the step 70. When proceeding to the step 69, it conducts the character generation process to be described later, setting data of figure-unavailable character generation instructions (non-figure character generation instructions) on the entry data to be described later in the step 70, and proceeds to the subsequent step 71 in either mode. To be more specific, in the step 68, there is a case where a figure is used for the first time and a case where another authenticated figure other than the authenticated figure is used besides the already authenticated figure. In both cases, if a figure available mode is selected by a player, the main CPU 32 proceeds to the step 69 where the character generation process is conducted. Further, where a figure is not used from the beginning or the figure concerned is not used even if the authenticated figure is available, it proceeds to the step 70 when a figure unavailable mode is selected by a player.

Then, when proceeding to the step 69, the main CPU 32 will conduct the character generation process according to the flow chart shown in FIG. 20. When starting the process, it proceeds to the step 81 where a figure setting request message output process is conducted. In this instance, the main CPU 32 instructs the image control circuit 71, thereby allowing the main display 11 to display a setting request message of attaching the FIG. 40 to the authentication unit 15 and reading the figure ID (for example, “please set the base of the figure on the authentication unit on the operation panel. When authentication of the figure is started, the authentication unit lights brightly and please do not remove the figure until the light is off.”). When a player sets the FIG. 40 on the authentication unit 15 according to the displayed message, the photo sensor 78 of the authentication unit 15 detects that the FIG. 40 is set at the reading position and outputs a detection signal to the main CPU 32.

In the step 85 the main CPU 32 waits until the detection signal showing that the FIG. 40 has been set at the reading position is input, proceeding to the step 86 when the detection signal is input from the input photo sensor 78.

In the step 86, the main CPU 32 will act as directive means in the present invention and instructs the IC chip reader 52 to read the figure ID.

The IC chip reader 52 conducts a process for reading the figure ID from the IC chip 44 only when reading instructions are received from the main CPU 32 and a controller (not shown) actuates. For example, these processes are conducted so that an induction field is induced around an antenna of the IC chip reader 52 and signals necessary for reading the figure ID are sent to the IC chip 44. The IC chip reader 52 outputs the figure ID read from the IC chip 44 to the main CPU 32.

As described above, the gaming machine 1 actuates the IC chip reader 52 only when a detection signal from the photo sensor 78 for detecting that the FIG. 40 has been set at the reading position is received and reads the figure ID stored in the IC chip 44. Therefore, load on the IC chip reader 52 is alleviated to prevent wasting and deterioration of configuration components of the IC chip reader 52 as compared with a case where the IC chip reader 52 is always in operation.

In the step 87, the main CPU 32 waits until the figure ID is input and proceeds to the step 88 when the figure ID is input from the IC chip reader 52.

In the step 88, the character generation instruction data including the figure ID read by the main CPU 32 is set on the entry data, and in the subsequent step 89 the predetermined data (“1” in the present embodiment) is set on a figure available flag showing that the authentication unit 15 has read the figure ID of the FIG. 40 (setting of figure). The character generation process will be completed when the step 89 is executed.

When proceeding to the step 71 (FIG. 19), the main CPU 32 instructs the communication controller, thereby actuating the communication processor 22 to send the entry data to the shop server 2. The game starting process will be completed when the step 71 is terminated.

As described above, the gaming machine 1 is designed to set the predetermined data on a figure available flag when a figure is set. Once the figure is set, entry data including the character generation instruction data is sent via the shop server 2 to the data base server 103, in the data base server 103 the figure ID is associated with the thus set player-specific player ID and stored in the ID management file, and the figure is used to determine whether the figure is authenticated. Further, since the determination result on whether the figure is authenticated by the ID management file is sent as a response signal from the data base server 103, a player is able to select a character corresponding to an authenticated figure and play a labyrinth playing game. However, unless the figure is set, a figure available flag is not set. Thus, even if the figure has been authenticated, it is necessary to set the FIG. 40 on the authentication unit 15 to read the figure ID in playing the labyrinth playing game in a figure available mode. If set, the figure information corresponding to the read figure ID is generated in the database server 103, thus making it possible to play the labyrinth playing game, without repeated setting of the FIG. 40.

On the other hand, in the gaming machine 1, the shop server 2 and the center server group 5, the processes are conducted in the order given in FIG. 21 corresponding to the above process. FIG. 21 is a sequence chart showing the sequence of motions conducted among the gaming machine 1, the shop server 2 and the center server 5.

In the gaming machine 1, a download request for application data is sent to the shop server 2 in the step 100, thereby downloading the application data, and card information, etc., are sent in the step 64, as described above. Then, in the center server group 5, when proceeding to the step 301, the CPU 401 of the data base server 103 uses the card information and the password sent from the gaming machine 1 to conduct the authentication process for determining whether a player and a figure are registered by referring to the ID management file. Where registered, they are determined to have been authenticated, and the CPU 401 proceeds to the step 302 to send a response signal showing the authentication result to the gaming machine 1. Here, in the database server 103, a similar authentication process is given to the gaming machines 1 available in eight units at the respective shops of A and B.

Further, in the gaming machine 1, entry data is sent as shown in the above step 71. Then, in the center server group 5, it proceeds to the step 303, and conducts an entry acceptance of players by using the entry data from each gaming machine 1 in the gaming server 101. In the subsequent step 304, it uses the figure IDs (the figure IDs include that of both the figure which is newly registered but not authenticated and the figure which has been authenticated and will be authenticated again) corresponding to the renewal of participation information of the players and character generation instruction data, thereby registering figures in the ID management file or renewing the figures and generating or renewing the figure information. In the subsequent step 305, opponent players (four in the present embodiment) will be determined. Further, in the step 306, the data base server 103 extracts game data of each opponent player, it proceeds to the step 307, and sends the thus extracted game data to the shop server 2. When the shop server 2 receives the game data, the data will be sent to each gaming machine 1.

In the gaming system 100 of the above-described embodiment, the gaming machine 1 is provided with a main display 11 (image display means) and a main CPU 32 which operates as a game progression control means. However, these devices having such functions may be provided separately. FIG. 13 is a system block diagram showing the gaming system 200, which is a modification example of the gaming system 100, FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the gaming terminal device, and FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the control device. The gaming system 200 is a gaming system designed to execute play by allowing an image game using a character image acting according to the operation of a player to proceed, as with the gaming system 100, in which the gaming terminal device 80 equipped with the authentication unit 15, the control device 90 acting as a game progression control means and the display device 81 are provided separately.

As shown in FIG. 13, the gaming system 200 is provided with a shop server 2 installed at the game shops A and B, a plurality of gaming terminal devices 80 (eight units in the present embodiment) and a card dispenser 6 connected communicably via the dedicated line 3, a control device 90 connected communicably with the shop server 2 and a display device 81 connected communicably with the control device. The gaming terminal device 80 is equivalent to a gaming terminal device in the present invention, similar as the gaming machine 1 in fundamental configuration but free of the main display 11 and the sub display 12, and different in that the main CPU 32 does not operate as a game progression control means.

As shown in FIG. 15, the control device 90 is provided with CPU 91, ROM 92, RAM 93, an image control circuit 71 and a communication processor 95. The CPU 91 is actuated as a game progression control means of the present invention according to the program stored in the ROM 92, executing processes necessary for allowing a game image to proceed. The RAM 93 stores data and programs used in actuating the CPU 91, and the ROM 92 stores control programs executed by the CPU 91 and the permanent data. The communication processor 95 will operate according to the instructions of the CPU 91, sending to and receiving data from the shop server 2. The image control circuit 94 is similar in configuration as the image control circuit 71 of the foregoing gaming machine 1, controlling the image display by the display device 81 and allowing the display device 81 to display various images.

The display device 81 is provided with a large-size monitor screen by which a plurality of players can view, and connected to a plurality of gaming terminal devices 80 via the control device 90 and the shop server 2. The display device 81 is equivalent to an image display means of the present invention and controlled for the display image by the control device 90.

Next, a description will be made for other embodiments of the photo sensor 78 corresponding to the detection means of the above embodiment. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the authentication unit 15 to which the reflective photo sensor 79 is assembled, and FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view taken along line XVII to XVII in FIG. 16.

The reflective photo sensor 79 is provided with a light emitting part 59c arranged on the circumferential side of the recess 55f and constructed so as to radiate light toward the central axis line of a recess 55f, a reflective part 59d arranged on the circumferential side facing the light emitting part 59c with the recess 55f therebetween and constructed so as to reflect incident light Ri from the light emitting part 55f and a light receiving part 59e arranged at a position corresponding to the traveling direction of reflected light Rr (lower position adjacent to the light emitting part 59c in the present embodiment) and constructed so as to receive the reflected light Rr.

In order to attain the above configuration of the reflective photo sensor 79, the light emitting part 59c and the reflective part 59d are arranged with an approach route of the bottom portion 45 (part to be read) of the FIG. 40 therebetween, the light receiving part 59e is arranged in the traveling direction of the reflected light Rr in relation to the incident light Ri emitted from the light emitting part 59c to the reflective part 59d, and the light receiving part 59e is able to receive the reflected light Rr. Therefore, light emitted from the light emitting part 59c of the photo sensor 59B is blocked by the FIG. 40, bottom portion 45 of which is housed into the recess 55f, and the reflected light Rr will not arrive at the light receiving part 59b, thereby a fact that the FIG. 40 is set on the reading position can be detected.

The following configuration may also be available: a reflective part is provided on the FIG. 40, and the reflective photo sensor is provided with a light emitting part for irradiating light to the reflective part of the FIG. 40 placed at the reading position and a light receiving part for receiving the light reflected at the reflective part, and the FIG. 40 placed at the reading position is detected when the reflected light is received at the light receiving part.

A description has been made so far for the gaming system 100 and the gaming system 200 by referring to the FIG. 40 as an object to be read. The gaming machine, gaming system and the gaming terminal device according to the present invention may be applicable to a case where the object to be read different from the FIG. 40 is used. For example, a card-shaped game card or a cassette may be used, on which pictures and patterns corresponding to characters are printed and store ID information. Further, a description has been made by referring to the gaming machine 1 by which a labyrinth playing game can be played. The present invention may be applicable to a gaming machine by which other image games can be played, for example, a gaming machine dealing with a game where a plurality of players appear such as baseball or soccer and in which figures and cassettes corresponding to each players can be used to simulate team play.

The reading means shall not be limited to a non-contact type IC chip reader but may also include a contact type IC chip reader. Further, the reading means shall not be limited to a case where only the figure ID (identification information) is read but may be configured so that information can be read into recording devices such as an IC chip, namely, read/write type recording device.

The detection means shall not be limited to optical sensors such as transmission sensors, reflection sensors or pressure sensors, but may include magnetic sensors, mechanical sensors and the like.

A position at which the detection means is installed shall not be limited to a certain part of the guide member but may be inside the recess, for example, and any position will do as long as the fact that an object to be read is set at the reading position can be detected.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram of the gaming machine 1 mainly showing the interior configuration. The gaming machine 1 has a plurality of configuration elements including a main element of a microcomputer 31. Since the configuration is quite similar to that in FIG. 7, duplicated explanation will be omitted.

In addition, the gaming machine 1 comprises a touch panel 11a, a coin sensor 16a, a card reader 18a, a communication controller 21 and a communication processor 22, and also comprises an image control circuit 71, a sound control circuit 72 and the foregoing authentication unit 15. Here, the authentication unit 15 is shown in a box.

Next, a description will be made for the authentication unit 15 provided in the gaming machine 1. FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the authentication unit, FIG. 25 is a plain view of the authentication unit, and FIG. 26 is a front view of the authentication unit.

As shown in FIG. 24, the authentication unit 15 of the present embodiment is provided with a guide member 53 which is used as a light transmitting member of the present invention. The guide member 53 is solid and provided with a transparent urethane-made main body 51 which is a transparent-resin made thick plate. A tapered guide hole 54 bored in a conical form is provided at the center of the main body 51. The upper opening area of the guide hole 54 is larger than the lower opening area and configured to incline inside, and the lower opening area is approximately equal to the area of the lower face of the base portion 41 in the FIG. 40. Decorative light is irradiated from the guide hole 54, and the guide hole 54 is used as a decorative-light irradiating part of the present invention.

Further, a projection 53a is formed at the front end of the guide member 53. The projection 53a is arranged on the front face of the main body 51 and formed with the main body 51 in an integrated manner. In addition, a sticker-formed light shielding member 67 is attached around the guide hole 54 on the upper face of the main body 51 in the guide member 53.

The light shielding member 67 is dark (or black) on the surface. Further, a part outside the light shielding member 67 in the main body 51 is equivalent to a notification part 75, which is to be a notification-light indicating part of the present invention indicated by lighting on or flashing at the notification light. Therefore, in the guide member 53, the guide hole 54 is separated from the notification part 75 by the light shielding member 67. At the notification part 75, light is indicated according to a game state of the gaming machine 1, thereby notifying a player of the game state of the gaming machine 1. In this instance, the game state includes displays of a game in the gaming machine 1 and a game start process prior to start of the game.

Further, the light shielding member 67 is pasted on a front face and an upper face of the projection 53a. A shielding sticker as the shielding member 67 has a hiding function and a reflective function. Also, the outer surface is black and a reflective member of a reflective film in silver is pasted on the interior. And the shielding sticker prevents light from leaking from the projection 53a, the light being irradiated from the main body 51 of the guide member 53, and reflects the light toward the main body 51.

Thus, the light shielding sticker of the light shielding member 67 covers the projection 53a formed at the leading end of the notification part 75 of the guide member 53. The light shielding sticker of the light shielding member reflects incident light into the projections 53a by the reflective film toward the main body 51 and release the light from the guide hole 54.

The authentication unit 15 is also provided with a support frame 55. The support frame 55 into which a main body 51 in the guide member 53 is fitted is provided with a frame member 55b covering the main body 51. A seating part 58 which can be placed by fitting and attaching the base portion 41 of the FIG. 40 is formed at the center of the bottom of the frame member 55b. A cylindrical space slightly larger in diameter than the base portion 41 of the FIG. 40 is provided on the seating part 58.

In the seating part 58, the base portion 41 of the FIG. 40 is provided with leeway and can be fitted so as to keep a predetermined positional relationship of the base portion 41 with the seating part 58. Further, the depth of the seating part 58 is designed to be slightly greater than the height of the base portion 41, and the FIG. 40 is prevented from inversion by setting the base portion 41 at the seating part 58.

A projection guide member 59 is provided at the front face of the frame member 55b. The projection guide member 59 is formed at a position and in a size capable of covering over the sides of the projection 53a when the main body 51 in the guide member 53 is fitted into the frame member 55b of the support frame 55.

Further, an IC chip reader 52 which is a reading part of the present invention and a base 56 are arranged at the position below the support frame 55. The IC chip reader 52 is provided with a substrate 62 which is in a convex form when viewed from the flat surface and arranged so that the projected convex part is positioned immediately under the seating part 58 in the support frame 55 when viewed from the flat surface. An IC chip main body (not shown) is arranged at the projected part of the substrate 62. The IC chip main body is seated immediately under the seating part 58 of the support frame 55, thereby assuredly exchanging data with the IC chip 44 accommodated in the base portion 41 placed on the seating part 58.

A base 61 is arranged at a position below the IC chip reader 52. The base 56 is provided with a base main body 63 and a back plate 64 formed so as to erect upward at the back of the base main body 63. A full color LED (Light Emitting Diode) 65 is attached to the front face of the back plate 64 via a LED supporting plate 65a. The full color LED 65 is a light-emitting diode obtained by packing light-emitting elements of three primary colors comprising red, green and blue into one unit and able to emit light of various colors.

The authentication unit 15 is formed by assembling the guide member 53, the support frame 55, the IC chip reader 52 and the base 56. The full color LED 65 is arranged on the back of the main body 51 in the guide member 53 in a state that these members are assembled. Further, the LED supporting plate 65a is provided with a spacer 66, and the spacer 66 is arranged between the back plate 64 and the back of the main body 51 in the guide member 53. The full color LED 65 is arranged in a predetermined distance apart from the back of the main body 51 in the guide member 53 due to the presence of the spacer 66.

Further, in a state that these members are assembled, both the guide hole 54 in the guide member 53 and the notification part 75 can be visually confirmed by a player from the upper face side of the frame member 55b in the support frame 55.

A description will be made for motions and actions of the gaming machine of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration mainly by referring to the authentication unit.

In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a player inserts a coin from the coin insertion slot 16 and inserts an ID card 17 into a card slot 18, thereby conducting a game starting process. The gaming machine 1 includes a figure available mode and a figure unavailable mode. In the game starting process, the figure available mode or the figure unavailable mode is selected depending on whether the FIG. 40 is placed on the authentication unit 15.

In this instance, the authentication unit 15 irradiates light of a predetermined color from a full color LED 65 at a stage of game starting process, thereby inducing a player to set the FIG. 40. When the light of a predetermined color is irradiated from the full color LED 65, the thus irradiated light enters into the main body 51 in the guide member 53 from the back side which is an incident face of the guide member 53. As shown in FIG. 27, the light which has entered into the main body 51 is emitted from the guide hole 54 as it is. Further, the notification part 75 is lit when the light enters into the main body 51.

In this instance, the main display 11 gives an indication to a player having the FIG. 40 that the game can be played in a figure available mode and also gives an indication to set the figure on the authentication unit 15 when the player desires to play in the figure available mode. Together with an indication to the main display 11, light is emitted from the guide hole 54 to light the notification part 75. Therefore, it is possible to urge a player so that the FIG. 40 is placed on the authentication unit 15 to make authentication. Further, a player can be informed of a position of the seating part 58 which is a seating part for setting the FIG. 40 by emitting light from the guide hole 54. Since the guide hole 54 is provided with an inwardly inclined taper, the player is able to easily set the FIG. 40 on the seating part 58.

Thereafter, where the FIG. 40 is not set on the authentication unit 15 within a predetermined time, a game will be started in a figure unavailable mode. In contrast, where the FIG. 40 is set, prior to starting the game in a figure available mode, the authentication unit 15 conducts an authentication operation in which the IC chip provided in the IC chip reader 52 is used to read a figure ID stored in the IC chip 44 of the FIG. 40. While the figure ID is being read, the full color LED 65 emits light of a color indicating that the authentication is in progress.

The light emitted from the full color LED 65 enters into the main body 51 in the guide member 53 and is emitted from the guide hole 54. In this instance, decorative light which decorates the FIG. 40 is emitted from the guide hole 54. The thus irradiated decorative light can provide images in which the FIG. 40 is arranged in the decorative light, thereby uplifting the mood of a player when he or she starts to play a game.

In addition, when light enters into the main body 51, the light of a color indicated by the full color LED 65 is lit in the notification part 75. A player can be informed of a fact that the authentication operation from the FIG. 40 is in progress by the light lit at the notification part 75. The main display 11 indicates a warning message is given to the player that the FIG. 40 should not be removed from the authentication unit 15 because the authentication operation is in progress.

Where the authentication operation has been completed as described above, a game is started in the gaming machine 1. After completion of the authentication operation, a player is able to keep the FIG. 40 set on the authentication unit 15 or remove the FIG. 40 from the authentication unit 15. In a game in the gaming machine 1, various sound effects are provided from speakers 13L and 13R in accordance with the progress of the game. Further, various colored lights are emitted from the full color LED 65 in the authentication unit 15.

In this instance, in a state where the FIG. 40 is set on the authentication unit 15 and when light is emitted from the full color LED 65, decorative light is emitted from the guide hole 54 in the guide member 53. The decorative light is irradiated to the FIG. 40, thereby making the FIG. 40 pop up from the light and uplifting the mood of a player playing with a game to a greater extent.

A game state varies along with the progress of a game. In this instance, the game state refers to a state corresponding to the game such as behavior of a character along with the progress of the game, change in phase and addition of obtained points. It may be necessary to notify a player of the game state and urge the player to conduct a predetermined operation when necessary. Further, the player is urged to conduct the predetermined operation when the game is also completed.

In urging a player to conduct the operation, the full color LED 65 emits light of a predetermined color, and then the notification part 75 of the guide member 53 lights or flashes in the light of the predetermined color. The notification part 55 lights or flashes, thus making it possible to urge a player to conduct the predetermined operation. When urging the player to conduct the predetermined operation, the operation procedures are displayed on the main display 11.

As described above, the authentication unit 15 is provided with a guide hole 54 for irradiating the FIG. 40 set on the seating part 58 and a notification part 75 notifying a predetermined authentication operation and a game state. The light irradiated from the guide hole 54 and that lighting or flashing at the notification part 75 are all emitted from the full color LED 65. Thus, decorative light is irradiated to allow the notification part 75 in the authentication unit 15 to light. A light source for them is the full color LED 65 which is commonly used, thereby making it possible to prevent an increasing number of light sources and consequently decrease the number of components.

Since the guide hole 54 in the guide member 53 is separated from the notification part 75 by a black light shielding member 67, decorative light irradiated from the guide hole 54 and light lighting at the notification part 75 can be made bright. In other words, decorative light irradiated from the guide hole 54 and light lighting at the notification part 75 can be contrasted.

Further, since the authentication unit 15 of the present embodiment is provided with the spacer 66, the full color LED 65 is arranged at a certain distance apart from the back of the guide member 53. Light emitted from the full color LED 65 and irradiated through the guide member 53 from the guide hole 54 and light lighting at the notification part 75 are not provided in a dotted form but in a dimly scattered form. Therefore, light emitted from the guide hole 54 is made more effective in giving light decoration to the FIG. 40, and the light at the notification part 75 can be displayed in a form more easily recognized by a player.

The full color LED 65 is also used as a light source, therefore, making it possible to easily change the light decorating the FIG. 40 or that lighting at the notification part 75. In other words, it is possible to easily change and select the decorative light according to the content of a game, etc., and also to easily change the light lighting at the notification part 75 according to the content of the notification.

For example, in the above embodiment, the guide hole 54 for irradiating decorative light and the notification part 75 notifying by lighting are made of the same material, but these members may be made of a different material. Further, in the above embodiment, the full color LED 65 is used as a light source but another light source may be used. The light source shall not be limited in position at the back side of the guide member 53 but may be positioned at another place. Further, in the embodiment, a light source is provided at a single place but may be provided at plural places.

In the above embodiment, the authentication unit 15 is used as a reading unit, but a reading unit which can simply read data stored in an information storage medium may be acceptable. Further, the IC chip reader 52 which reads only information is used as a reading part in the authentication unit 15, but a reader/writer which is able to exchange data between an information storage medium to conduct reading and writing operations may be uses as a reading part. In the above embodiment, a solid guide member 53 made with a transparent resin is used as a light transmitting member, but a hollow member made of a transparent resin or other materials than the resin may be used as a light transmitting member.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing a state where the FIG. 40 is attached to the authentication unit 15. FIG. 29 is a plain view of the authentication unit 15, and FIG. 30 is a cross sectional view taken along line VI-VI given in FIG. 5.

The base fitting portion 51 is also provided with a guide member 53 having a guide hole 54 on the internal side, and comprising light transmitting members made with transparent urethane and the like, a support frame 55 for supporting a guide member 53 circumferentially and from below, and a base 56 for fixing the support frame 55 to the operation panel 14 (referring to FIG. 3), together with the guide member 53.

The guide member 53 is guide means of the present invention, formed in an approximately annular form having the guide hole 54 therein, provided with a projection 53a on the front side (on the side of a player) and wide portions 53b and 53b which are made wider on the back. The guide member 53 is retained, with the lower face of the projection 53a assembled to the support frame 55 and also with the wide portions 53b and 53b held therebetween.

Further, the guide member 53 is provided with a circular opening 53d on a base 56 side approaching a guide hole 54 (side closed with a seat 55a of the support frame 55) and a circular open end portion 53c on an open side, in which the diameter of the open end portion 53c is larger than that of the opening 53d, and the circumferential face between the open end portion 53e and the opening 53d forms a conically-inclined (or mortar-shaped inclined) face 53e, with a gradual reduction in diameter of a circle made on the conically-inclined face from the open end portion 53c toward the opening 53d. The configuration of the opening 53d corresponds to that of the bottom portion 45 of the FIG. 40 to be described later, and the bottom portion 45 can be configured to be inserted thereinto.

The support frame 55 is provided with an annular frame member 55b enclosing a guide member 53, a receiving part 55a falling into the frame member 55b in a recessed form to hold the guide member 53 and a cylindrical recess 55f formed with a step approximately at the center inside the receiving part 55a. An opening of the recess 55f is a concentric circle with the same diameter corresponding to the configuration of the opening 53d of the guide member 53.

The IC chip reader 52 is configured to read the figure ID from the later described IC chip built in the figure by utilizing this antenna.

A full color LED 65 is arranged as a light source at a predetermined clearance D (approximately 5 mm) on the back of the guide member 53. Further, a light shielding black sticker 67 is attached to outer surfaces of the guide member 53 except surfaces covered or surrounded by the support frame 55 and except the conically-inclined (or mortar-shaped inclined) face 53e. The full color LED 65 is supplied with a power source from a driving circuit (not shown) to emit light to the guide member 53. Then, light having passed through the guide member 53 is then released from the conically-inclined (or mortar-shaped inclined) face 53e.

As described above, the authentication unit 15 of the present embodiment is provided with a guide member 53. Since the guide member 53 is provided with a conically-inclined (or mortar-shaped inclined) face 53e which undergoes a gradual reduction in diameter from the open end portion 53c toward the opening 53d, inserting the bottom portion 45 of the FIG. 40 from the open end portion 53C makes it possible that the bottom portion 45 of the FIG. 40 is guided along the conically-inclined (or mortar-shaped inclined) face 53e and allowed to arrive at the opening 53d, thereby placing the bottom portion 45 at the bottom of the recess 55f. The FIG. 40 is guided by the guide member 53 to a reading position, and a player is therefore able to set easily the FIG. 40 into the reading position, by which troubles can be reduced in starting a game using the FIG. 40.

Further, the guide member 53 is made with a light transmitting member, and when light is emitted from the full color LED 65, the light is transmitted from the conically-inclined (or mortar-shaped inclined) face 53e to which the light shielding sticker 67 is not attached. Since the mortar-shaped inclined face 53e is in a position enclosing the FIG. 40 set at the reading position, it is possible to present light in association with the FIG. 40 which is to be attached on the authentication unit 15. There are, for example, a case where attention is given to prevent removal of the FIG. 40 by notifying that authentication of the figure ID is in progress and a case where the FIG. 40 is presented during a game.

FIG. 31 is a block diagram of the gaming machine 1 mainly showing the interior configuration. The gaming machine 1 has a plurality of configuration elements including a main element of a microcomputer 31. Since the configuration is quite similar to that in FIG. 7, duplicated explanation will be omitted.

Next, a modified example of the above authentication unit 15, will be explained in reference to FIG. 32. The modified authentication unit 15 comprises a guide member 53 being made of an opaque material and a plurality of LEDs 58B, 58B, . . . disposed on a conically-inclined face 53e of the guide member 53 being made of an opaque material. The guide member 53 of the opaque material is identical to the guide member 53 of the transparent material except such optical property. The plurality of light sources of LEDs 58B, 58B, . . . are arranged with the same interval along the circumferential direction of the open end portion 53c of the conically-inclined face 53e and provided so as to enclose the FIG. 40 placed on the authentication unit 15B. Therefore, light may be presented so that the FIG. 40 is illuminated from below.

A description has been made so far for the gaming system 100 and the gaming system 200 by referring to the FIG. 40 as an object to be read. The gaming machine, gaming system and the gaming terminal device according to the present invention may be applicable to a case where objects to be read different from the FIG. 40 are used. For example, card-shaped game cards or cassettes may be used, on which pictures and patterns corresponding to characters are printed and store ID information. Further, a description has been made by referring to the gaming machine 1 by which a labyrinth playing game can be played. The present invention may be applicable to a gaming machine by which other image games can be played, for example, a gaming machine dealing with a game where a plurality of players appear such as baseball or soccer and in which figures and cassettes corresponding to each player can be used to simulate team play.

The reading means shall not be limited to a non-contact type IC chip reader but may also include a contact type IC chip reader. Further, the reading means shall not be limited to a case where only the figure ID (identification information) is read but may be constructed so that information can be read into recording devices such as an IC chip, namely, read/write type recording device. In addition, the reading means may be installed at any position, as long as it is able to read in relation to the position of the recording device storing identification information, and may be installed on a mortar-shaped inclined face or at other places.

Further, a shape of the foregoing recording device and that of the part (for example, base portion) of the object to be read supporting the recording device may be available in a polygonal form. In this instance, the guide means may be provided with a prismoid (configuration obtained by cutting a polygonal pyramid by a flat face parallel to the bottom face and removing a part having the apex) guide hole and constructed so that the inclined face is used to guide the object to be read to the reading position.

Further, members constructing the guide means may not be necessarily transparent light-transmitting members as long as the object to be read is guided to the reading position. In addition, light transmitting members shall not be limited to transparent urethanes and may include transparent resins, transparent reinforced glasses and other light permeable members. In addition, a light source for emitting light to the guide means shall not be limited to the full color LED but may include illumination devices such as a halogen lamp. The light source may be provided not only at a single place but also at plural places.

Timing of lighting for emitting light from the light source shall not be limited to a case where a description was made for the content of the motions of the foregoing gaming machine. Light may be lit in the course of reading the figure ID or the authentication and at an appropriate timing while an image game is in progress (for example, while attacked by a character operated by a player or being attacked, when an item is seized or life is elevated or falls).

(Operation Procedures of Gaming Machine)

Next, the operation procedures of the above-constructed gaming machine 1 will be explained in reference to the flow charts shown in FIGS. 18, 33 and 34. In the following description, one unit among four units of the gaming machine 1 installed in the shop A will be explained as an example. FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing operation procedures of the gaming processes from the game start to the game end. Here, in FIGS. 18, 34 and 35, “step” will be abbreviated as “S”.

The gaming machine 1 sends a download request for application data to the shop server 2 when the power source is applied (step 100), whereas in response to the download request by the shop server 2, the application data is sent to the gaming machine 1 which has sent the download request (referring to FIG. 21).

On receipt of the application data, the gaming machine 1 lets the RAM 33 store the application data. Then, in the gaming machine 1, when the main CPU 32 reads the application data, it serves as a game control means according to the present invention and lets a labyrinth playing game to proceed according to the input operation by a player. Each gaming machine 1 is designed to synchronize with each other via the shop server 2 and the center server group 5, thereby displaying game images on the main display 11.

In this instance, upon starting the game process, each gaming machine 1 proceeds to the step 1, executing game starting processes to be described later such as coin insertion, ID card insertion, password input, and character authentication generation process. In the step 2, it is determined whether predetermined data is set on the figure available flag to be described later (set available) by referring to the result of the game starting process. On the basis of the determination result, the process is divided into the step 3 or step 4 (step 3 if figure available flag set is available, and step 4 if not) to conduct either of the step 3 or 4.

For example, in the process of the step 3 where the figure is available, these machines give instructions to the image control circuit 71, allowing the main display 11 to display a labyrinth image 150 as shown in FIG. 22 and character images 151 showing characters acting according to the operation of a player, by which an image game using these images is conducted by the main CPU 32.

In the step 5 following the step 3, these machines proceed to the step 6 after the figure available flag is cleared and display game results such as playing scores (playing results). Then, in the data base server 103, in order to renew game data, they conduct a post process in which data showing playing results are sent via the shop server 2 to the data base server 103 to complete the process.

(Game Starting Process)

The game starting process in the step 1 is conducted according to the flow chart given in FIG. 33. FIG. 33 is a flow chart showing operation procedures for the game starting process and FIG. 34 is a flow chart showing operation procedures for the character generation process.

The main CPU 32 proceeds to the step 60 when the game starting process is commenced, and instructs the driving circuit of the full color LED 65 to develop a single color (for example, white). In the subsequent step 61, the main CPU 32 conducts a message output process, instructing the image control circuit 71, thereby allowing the main display 11 to display predetermined messages (request for inserting coin, request for inserting ID card and request for inputting password). Then, it proceeds to the step 62 and the step 63 to execute the process.

In order to start a game, a player inserts in coins from the coin insertion slot 6, inserts the ID card 17 into the card slot 18 and inputs a password by using the operation unit 19. Then, a detection signal of the thus inserted coin is input from the coin sensor 16a to the main CPU 32, and the card information stored in the ID card 17 is input from the card reader 18a. Further, a password is input from the operation unit 19, and after all the information is input and the program proceeds to the step 63.

In the step 63, the main CPU 32 instructs the driving circuit of the full color LED 65 to develop two colors (for example, red and blue) alternately in place of the foregoing single color, thereby urging a player to set the FIG. 40 on the authentication unit 15.

In the subsequent step 64, the main CPU 32 instructs the communication controller 21 to actuate the communication processor 22, sending to the center server group 5 the card information read and the password input via the shop server 2.

In the subsequent step 65, the main CPU 32 waits until a response signal to be described later is received from the center server 5, and proceeds to the step 66 on receipt of the response signal. In the step 66, it distinguishes whether the authentication is made (the figure ID has been already read and registered), referring to the availability of the figure and the response signal, giving instructions for displaying on the main display 11 a selection screen for selecting any of various selectable characters. In the subsequent step 67, it waits until the touch panel 11a is touched and proceeds to the step 68 if touched. In the step 66, it is determined whether a figure available mode is selected. In this instance, where a figure available mode is selected, it proceeds to the step 69. If not, it proceeds to the step 70. When proceeding to the step 69, it conducts the character generation process to be described later, setting data of figure-unavailable character generation instructions (non-figure character generation instructions) on the entry data to be described later in the step 70, and proceeds to the subsequent step 71 in either mode. To be more specific, in the step 68, there is a case where a figure is used for the first time and a case where another authenticated figure other than the authenticated figure is used besides the already authenticated figure. In both cases, if a figure available mode is selected by a player, the main CPU 32 proceeds to the step 69 where the character generation process is conducted. Further, where a figure is not used from the beginning or the figure concerned is not used even if the authenticated figure is available, it proceeds to the step 70 when a figure unavailable mode is selected by the player.

Then, when proceeding to the step 69, the main CPU 32 will conduct the character generation process according to the flow chart shown in FIG. 35. When starting the process, it proceeds to the step 80 where a figure setting request message output process is conducted. In this instance, the main CPU 32 instructs the image control circuit 71, thereby allowing the main display 11 to display a setting request message of attaching the FIG. 40 to the authentication unit 15 and reading the figure ID (for example, “please set the base of the figure on the authentication unit on the operation panel. When authentication of the figure is started, the authentication unit lights brightly and please do not remove the figure until the light is off.”). In the subsequent step 81, the program waits until the figure ID is started to be read. When a player sets the FIG. 40 on the authentication unit 15 according to the displayed message, the photo sensor 78 of the authentication unit 15 detects that the FIG. 40 is set at the reading position. The authentication unit 15 reads the figure ID stored in the IC chip of the FIG. 40 and the figure ID is inputted to the main CPU 32. Then, the program proceeds to step 82.

In the step 82, the main CPU 32 instructs the driving circuit of the full color LED 65 to develop six colors sequentially and repeatedly in place of the foregoing alternate two-color development. Such sequential development of light with six different colors is colorful, easily catching a player's attention and making it possible to effectively give a reminder that the figure should not be removed from the authentication unit 15 since the figure ID is being read.

In the subsequent step 83, the main CPU 32 determines whether reading of the figure ID is completed, and if not completed, allows the full color LED 65 to develop light with six different colors sequentially and repeatedly. If completed, the main CPU 32 proceeds to the step 84, instructing the driving circuit of the full color LED 65 to turn off the light.

In the step 88, the character generation instruction data including the figure ID read by the main CPU 32 is set on the entry data, and in the subsequent step 89 the predetermined data (“1” in the present embodiment) is set on a figure available flag showing that the authentication unit 15 has read the figure ID of the FIG. 40 (setting of figure). The character generation process will be completed when the step 89 is executed.

When proceeding to the step 71 (FIG. 19), the main CPU 32 instructs the communication controller, thereby actuating the communication processor 22 to send the entry data to the center server group 5 via the shop server 2. The game starting process will be completed when the step 71 is terminated.

As described above, the gaming machine 1 is designed to set the predetermined data on a figure available flag when a figure is set. Once the figure is set, entry data including the character generation instruction data is sent via the shop server 2 to the data base server 103, in the data base server 103 the figure ID is associated with the thus set player-specific player ID and stored in the ID management file, and the figure is used to determine whether the figure is authenticated. Further, since the determination result on whether the figure is authenticated by the ID management file is sent as a response signal from the data base server 103, a player is able to select a character corresponding to an authenticated figure and play a labyrinth playing game. However, unless the figure is set, a figure available flag is not set. Thus, even if the figure has been authenticated, it is necessary to set the FIG. 40 on the authentication unit 15 to read the figure ID in playing the labyrinth playing game in a figure available mode. If set, the figure information corresponding to the read figure ID is generated in the database server 103, thus making it possible to play the labyrinth playing game, without repeated setting of the FIG. 40.

On the other hand, in the gaming machine 1, the shop server 2 and the center server group 5, the processes are conducted in the order given in FIG. 21 corresponding to the above process. FIG. 21 is explained as described above.

Here, the authentication unit 15 is described in reference to FIGS. 35-37A. FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing the authentication unit 15, and FIG. 36 is an exploded perspective view of the authentication unit 15. Further, FIG. 37A is cross sectional view taken along line VI-VI of the authentication unit 15 given in FIG. 35.

The authentication unit 15 is provided with an IC chip reader (circuit substrate) 52 for reading the figure ID of the FIG. 40, a guide member 53 located above the IC chip reader 52 and having a guide hole 54, a support frame 55 for holding the guide member 53 laterally and from below, and a base (fixing part) 56 facing the support frame 55 via the IC chip reader 52 and attaching the support frame 55 holding the IC chip reader 52 and the guide member 53 to the operation panel 14 (referring to FIG. 3).

An IC chip reader 52 is substantially even and flat, and provided with a reading circuit 76 including an antenna 56a and a control circuit 56b on the upper face (circuit face) 51a. The IC chip reader 52 is constructed with a square part 69 in which the control circuit 56b and the like are formed and a projected part 74 which is projected from one side of the square part 69 and in which the antenna 56a is primarily formed. Then, the reading circuit 76 formed on the IC chip reader 52 reads the figure ID from an IC chip 44 to be described later which is built in the FIG. 40. Further, the IC chip reader 52 is able to read the figure ID from an IC chip 44 located about 5 cm apart.

The IC chip reader 52 is placed on a base 56 via four nut-shaped spacers 77, and the IC chip reader 52 and the substrate 56 are fixed with screws (second connecting member) 61 in collaboration with the spacer 77 with screw holes 68 made at positions corresponding to these spacers 77.

A support frame (loading part) 55 covering over the IC chip reader 52 is provided with an annular frame member 55b enclosing a guide member 53, a receiving part 55a for holding the guide member 53 inside the frame member 55b, and a cylindrical recess (hole) 55f approximately at the center of the receiving part 55a. This recess 55f accommodates a part of the base portion 41 of the FIG. 40. The bottom portion 58 of the recess 55f is flat both on the upper face 57a and the lower face 57b, and also is a circular flat plate with an even thickness (several millimeters in thickness). The support frame 55 is fixed to the base 56 with screws (a first connecting member) 61a. The IC chip reader 52 and the support frame 55 described above correspond to the reading means of the present invention.

When the support frame 55 is fixed to the base 56, as shown in FIG. 36, the IC chip reader 52 and the support frame 55 are positioned so that the projected part 74 of the IC chip reader 52 and the bottom portion 58 of the recess 55f of the support frame 55 overlap. Therefore, an antenna 56a formed in the projected part 74 of the IC chip reader 52 is approximately in agreement at the center with a bottom portion 58 of the recess 55f at which the FIG. 40 is placed. Further, when the support frame 55 is fixed to the base 56, as shown in FIG. 37A, a face on which the reading circuit 76 of the IC chip reader 52 is formed (circuit face) 51a is allowed to contact with a lower face 57b of the bottom portion 58 of the support frame 55. In other words, a distance between the circuit face 51a of the IC chip reader 52 and the lower face 57b of the bottom portion 58 of the support frame 55 is kept constant, and a distance between the circuit face 51a of the IC chip reader 52 and the lower 57b of the bottom portion 58 of the support frame 55 is also kept constant. Further, the antenna 56a of the IC chip reader 52 and the bottom portion 58 of the recess 55f at which the FIG. 40 is placed may not be necessarily in agreement with each other in the center but may be deviated to a predetermined direction, whenever necessary.

Then, the support frame 55 and the IC chip reader 52 can be firmly fixed via the base 56, even in a case where the IC chip reader 52 is connected to the base 56 with screws 61 and the support frame 55 is connected to the base 56 by screws 61a, thereby the IC chip reader 52 comes closer to the support frame 55.

The guide member 53 is composed of a light transmitting member such as transparent urethane and being in an approximate ring shape following the edge of the recess 55f of the support frame 55. That is, a guide hole 54 whose cross section is circular is provided approximately at the center of the guide member 53, and the guide hole 54 undergoes a gradual reduction in diameter as it comes closer to the support frame 55. Therefore, an inside face 53e of the guide hole 54 is slanted. A projection 53a is provided on the front side (on the side of a player) of the guide member 53 and wide portions 53b and 53b which are made wider on the back. The guide member 53 is retained, with the lower face of the projection 53a assembled to the support frame 55 with the wide portions 53b and 53b held therebetween.

The thus constructed guide member 53 makes it possible that the bottom portion 45 of the FIG. 40 is guided along an inclined face 53e inside a guide hole 54 of the guide member 53 and arrives at the recess 55f, when the base portion 41 of the FIG. 40 is inserted into the recess 55f of the support frame 55 for setting the FIG. 40 in the authentication unit 15. Therefore, a player is able to set easily the FIG. 40 into a reading position of the authentication unit 15, by which troubles can be reduced in starting a game in which the FIG. 40 is used.

A full color LED 65 is placed on the base 56 located at the back side of the guide member 53 at a predetermined clearance apart from the guide member 53. Further, a black light shielding sticker 67 is attached to a place which is not enclosed by the support frame 55 among outer circumferences of the guide member 53. Therefore, when the full color LED 65 is supplied a power source (not shown) from a driving circuit to emit light to the guide member 53, light which has passed through the guide member 53 is released from the inclined face 53e.

In this instance, when light is emitted from the full color LED 65, the light is transmitted from an inclined face 53e to which a light shielding sticker 67 is not attached. Since the inclined face 53e is located at a position enclosing the FIG. 40 set in the reading position, it is possible to make presentation of light in association with the FIG. 40 to be attached to the authentication unit 15. Presentations are, for example, a case where attention is given to prevent removal of the FIG. 40 by notifying that authentication of the figure ID is in progress and a case where the FIG. 40 is presented during a game.

The base portion 41 is a hollow thick circular plate provided with a size corresponding to a recess 55f of a support frame 55. The base portion 41 is constructed with a bottomed cylindrical seat main body 43 having a top portion 43a and an IC chip 44. A protruding part 43b is provided approximately at the center of the top portion 43a of the seat main body 43, and an IC chip 44 is firmly fitted into an opening of the seat main body 43 not to close the opening. The IC chip 44 stores the character-specific figure ID (identification information) corresponding to the figure main body 42.

The figure main body 42 is provided with a seat portion 46 having a recess 46a corresponding to a protruding part 43b and a human figure part 47 formed to stand erect on two feet from the seat portion 46 and representing each character appearing in the labyrinth playing game. The FIG. 40 is assembled by fitting the protruding part 43b of the base portion 41 into the recess 46a of the figure main body 42. Here, the FIG. 40 is housed into an approximate 7 cm-across capsule (not shown) and distributed in a dispenser similar to the card dispenser 6 in a state that it is housed in the capsule.

The FIG. 40 is distinguished by the player from the appearance of the figure main body 42 and by the gaming machine 1 from the figure ID. The figure ID is designed to make as unique (specific) a different FIG. 40, thereby prohibiting multiple registrations of the same figure in the gaming system 100.

As described above, each player sets his own FIG. 40 on the authentication unit 15 and Ie the gaming machine read the figure ID such that the gaming machine 1 sends the figure ID corresponding to the FIG. 40 to the database server 103.

(Operation Procedures of Gaming Machine)

Next, the operation procedures of the above-constructed gaming machine 1 will be explained in reference to FIGS. 18, 19 and 38. In the following description, four gaming machines 1 among eight gaming machines 1 installed in the shop A are operated by respective players and the same labyrinth competitive game is played, by way of example.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart to show operation procedures of the game processes from the start to the end. In FIG. 38, step is abbreviated as ‘S’. In the following description, one gaming machine 1 is explained as an example among the gaming machines with which the four players play.

The gaming machine 1 sends a download request for application data to the shop server 2 when the power source is applied (step 100), whereas in response to the download request by the shop server 2, the application data is sent to the gaming machine 1 which has sent the download request (referring to FIG. 21). The other operations may be referred to the flow charts in FIGS. 18-21 and related descriptions.

(Game Starting Process)

The game starting process in the step 1 is conducted according to the flow chart given in FIG. 19. FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing operation procedures for the game starting process and FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing operation procedures for the character generation process. The detail should be referred to FIGS. 19 and 20 and the above descriptions.

In FIG. 19, it is determined whether the authentication (registration) has been completed by referring to response signals and whether the figure is available or not and it is instructed that the main display 11 displays a selection screen for selecting any of various selectable characters. In the subsequent step 67, the program waits until the touch panel 11a is touched and proceeds to the step 68 when it is touched. In the step 66, it determines whether a figure available mode is selected. In this instance, if the figure available mode is selected, it proceeds to the step 69, or else it proceeds to the step 70. When it proceeds to the step 69, the character generation process to be described later is conducted. When it proceeds to step 70, a character generation instruction without using the figure (non-figure character generation instruction) is set on the entry data to be described later. In either case, it proceeds to the subsequent step 71. To be more specific, in the step 68 there is a case where a figure is used for the first time and a case where another authenticated figure other than the authenticated figure is used besides the already authenticated figure. In both cases, if a figure available mode is selected by the player, the main CPU 32 proceeds to the step 69 where the character generation process is conducted. Further, where a figure is not used from the beginning or the figure concerned is not used even if the authenticated figure is available, it proceeds to the step 70 when a figure unavailable mode is selected by the player.

Then, when proceeding to the step 69, the main CPU 32 will conduct the character generation process according to the flow chart shown in FIG. 20. When starting the process, it proceeds to the step 80 where a figure setting request message output process is conducted. In this instance, the main CPU 32 instructs the image control circuit 71, thereby allowing the main display 11 to display a setting request message of attaching the FIG. 40 to the authentication unit 15 and reading the figure ID (for example, “please set the base of the figure on the authentication unit on the operation panel. When authentication of the figure is started, the authentication unit lights brightly and please do not remove the figure until the light is off.”). In the subsequent step 87, it waits until reading of the figure ID has been completed.

When a player sets the FIG. 40 on the authentication unit 15 according to the displayed message, the authentication unit 50 reads the FIG. 1D stored in the IC chip 44 of the FIG. 40 and inputs it to the main CPU 32. Then, the main CPU 32 proceeds to the step 88, setting character generation instruction data including the figure ID read by the main CPU 32 on the entry data. In the subsequent step 89, the predetermined data (“1” in the present embodiment) is set on a figure available flag showing that the authentication unit 15 has read the figure ID of the FIG. 40 (setting of figure) and the character generation process will be completed when the step 89 is executed.

As described above, the gaming machine 1 is designed to set the predetermined data on a figure available flag when a figure is set. Once the figure is set, entry data including the character generation instruction data is sent via the shop server 2 to the data base server 103, in the data base server 103 the figure ID is associated with the thus set player-specific player ID and stored in the ID management file, and the figure is used to determine whether the figure is authenticated. Further, since the determination result on whether the figure is authenticated by the ID management file is sent as a response signal from the data base server 103, a player is able to select a character corresponding to an authenticated figure and play a labyrinth playing game. However, unless the figure is set, a figure available flag is not set. Thus, even if the figure has been authenticated, it is necessary to set the FIG. 40 on the authentication unit 15 to read the figure ID in playing the labyrinth playing game in a figure available mode. If set, the figure information corresponding to the read figure ID is generated in the database server 103, thus making it possible to play the labyrinth playing game, without repeated setting of the FIG. 40.

Referring back to FIG. 19, when proceeding to the step 71, the main CPU 32 instructs the communication controller 21, thereby actuating the communication processor 22 to send the entry data to the shop server 2. The game starting process will be completed when the step 71 is finished.

In the gaming machine 1, the shop server 2 and the center server group 5, the processes are executed in the order given in FIG. 21 corresponding to the above process. FIG. 21 is a sequence chart showing the sequence of motions conducted among the gaming machine 1, the shop server 2 and the center server group 5.

In the gaming machine 1, a download request for application data is sent to the shop server 2 in the step 100, thereby downloading the application data, and card information, etc., are sent in the step 64, as described above. Then, in the center server group 5, when proceeding to the step 301, the CPU 401 of the data base server 103 uses the card information and the password sent from the gaming machine 1 to conduct the authentication process for determining whether a player and a figure are registered by referring to the ID management file. Where registered, they are determined to have been authenticated, and the CPU 401 proceeds to the step 302 to send a response signal showing the authentication result to the gaming machine 1. Here, in the data base server 103, a similar authentication process is given to the gaming machines 1 available in eight units at the respective shops of A and B.

Further, in the gaming machine 1, the CPU 401 sends entry data shown in the above step 71. Then, in the center server group 5, it proceeds to the step 303, and conducts an entry acceptance of players by using the entry data from each gaming machines 1 in the gaming server 101. In the subsequent step 304, it uses the figure IDs (the figure IDs include that of both the figure which is newly registered but not authenticated and the figure which has been authenticated and will be authenticated again) corresponding to the renewal of participation information of the players and character generation instruction data, thereby registering figures in the ID management file or renewing the figures and generating or renewing the figure information. In the subsequent step 305, opponent players (four in the present embodiment) will be determined. Further, in the step 306, the data base server 103 extracts game data of each opponent player, it proceeds to the step 307, and sends the thus extracted game data to the shop server 2. When the shop server 2 receives the game data, the data will be sent to each gaming machine 1.

As described above in detail, in the gaming machine 1, a distance between the lower face (opposite face) 57b of the bottom portion 58 of the recess 55f in the support frame 55 accommodating the IC chip 44 of the base portion 41 of the FIG. 40 and the circuit face 51a of the IC chip reader 52 is kept constant, and a distance between the circuit face 51a of the IC chip reader 52 and the upper face (placing face) 57a of the bottom portion 58 in the support frame 55 is also kept constant (referring to FIG. 6). That is, the lower face 57b of the bottom portion 58 is parallel with the circuit face 51a of the IC chip reader 52, and the bottom portion 58 is flat and uniform in thickness. Therefore, the upper face (placing face) 57a of the bottom portion 58 is also parallel with the circuit face 51a of the IC chip reader 52. Then, when the base portion 41 of the FIG. 40 is accommodated into a recess 55f of the support frame 55, the IC chip 44 forming a lower face of the base portion 41 is parallel with an upper face 57a of the bottom portion 58 in the support frame 55, and the IC chip 44 is also parallel with the circuit face 51a of the IC chip reader 52. Therefore, a decreased intensity of signals such as figure ID communicated between the IC chip 44 and the IC chip reader 52 can be significantly prevented, thereby making it possible to read the figure ID from the IC chip 44 at a high recognition accuracy.

Further, the bottom portion 58 of the support frame 55 is in close proximity to the IC chip reader 52. When the IC chip 44 is accommodated into the bottom portion 58 of the recess 55f of the support frame 55, a distance is available in several millimeters (thickness of the bottom portion 58), which is smaller than a distance (5 cm) at which the reading circuit 76 of IC chip reader 52 is able to read the figure ID from the IC chip 44, thereby making it possible to read the figure ID of the IC chip 44 at an excellent recognition accuracy. In addition, since the lower face 57b of the bottom portion 58 is in direct contact with the circuit face 51a of the IC chip reader 52, it is possible to read the figure ID of the IC chip 44 at an excellent recognition accuracy.

When the IC chip 44 is accommodated into the bottom portion 58 of the recess 55f in the support frame 55, if the reading circuit 76 of the IC chip reader 52 is within a range lower than the distance (5 cm) at which the figure ID can be read from the IC chip 44, as shown in FIG. 39A, a thin film member 60 may be inserted between the bottom portion 58 and the IC chip reader 52. Where the thin film member 60 is a coated resin for a buffer, a buffering effect can be provided between the bottom portion 58 and the IC chip reader 52. Further, where the thin film member 60 is a printed sticker, it may be used as various marks for location and identification.

In the gaming machine 1, a description has been made by referring to the FIG. 40 as an object to be read. In the present invention, however, another object to be read which is different from the FIG. 40 may be used. For example, card-shaped game cards or cassettes may be used, on which pictures and patterns corresponding to characters are printed and store ID information. Further, a description has been made by referring to the gaming machine 1 by which a labyrinth playing game can be played. The present invention may be, however, applicable to a gaming machine by which other image games can be played, for example, a gaming machine dealing with a game where a plurality of players appear such as baseball or soccer and in which figures and cassettes corresponding to each players can be used to simulate a team play. The gaming machine 1 is provided with a main display 11 and a sub display 12 for displaying game images, however, the main display 11 and the sub display 12 may be separately prepared.

The reading means shall not be limited to a non-contact type IC chip reader but may also include a contact type IC chip reader. Further, the reading means shall not be limited to a case where only the figure ID (identification information) is read but may be constructed so that information can be read into recording devices such as an IC chip, namely, read/write type recording device.

Next, the configuration of the authentication unit 15 will be described in reference to FIGS. 24-27 and 40. In FIGS. 24-27 and 40, duplicated explanation may be omitted.

Further, in a state that these members are assembled, both the guide hole 54 in the guide member 53 and the notification part 75 can be visually confirmed by a player from the upper face side of the frame member 55b in the support frame 55.

The authentication unit 15 is formed by assembling the guide member 53, the support frame 55, the IC chip reader 52 and the base 56. The full color LED 65 is arranged on the back (as one side) of the main body 51 in the guide member 53 in a state that these members are assembled. The projection 53a is located at a position facing a position at which the full color LED 65 of the guide member 53 is arranged in relation to the full color LED 65.

A spacer 66 is provided on a back plate 64 of the base 56, and the spacer 66 is inserted between the back plate 64 and the back of the main body 51 in the guide member 53. The full color LED 65 is arranged at a predetermined distance apart from the back of the main body 51 in the guide member 53 due to the presence of the spacer 66.

Further, in a state that these members are assembled, both the guide hole 54 in the guide member 53 and the notification part 75 can be visually confirmed by a player from the upper face side of the frame member 55b in the support frame 55.

A description will be made for operations and actions of the gaming machine of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration mainly by referring to the authentication unit.

In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a player inserts a coin from the coin insertion slot 16 and inserts an ID card 17 into a card slot 18, thereby conducting a game starting process. The gaming machine 1 includes a figure available mode and a figure unavailable mode. In the game starting process, the figure available mode or the figure unavailable mode is selected depending on whether the FIG. 40 is placed on the authentication unit 15.

In this instance, the authentication unit 15 irradiates light of a predetermined color from a full color LED 65 at a stage of game starting process, thereby inducing a player to set the FIG. 40. When the light of a predetermined color is irradiated from the full color LED 65, the thus irradiated light enters into the main body 51 in the guide member 53 from the back side which is an incident face of the guide member 53. The light having entered into the main body 51 is emitted from the guide hole 54 as it travels. Further, the notification part 75 is lit when the light enters into the main body 51.

In this instance, the main display 11 gives an indication to a player having the FIG. 40 that the game can be played in a figure available mode and also gives an indication to set the figure on the authentication unit 15 when the player desires to play in the figure available mode. Together with an indication to the main display 11, light is emitted from the guide hole 54 to light the notification part 75. Therefore, it is possible to urge a player so that the FIG. 40 is placed on the authentication unit 15 to make authentication. Further, a player can be informed of a position of the seating part 58 which is a seating part for setting the FIG. 40 by emitting light from the guide hole 54. Since the guide hole 54 is provided with an inwardly inclined taper, the player is able to easily set the FIG. 40 on the seating part 58.

Thereafter, where the FIG. 40 is not set on the authentication unit 15 within a predetermined time, a game will be started in a figure unavailable mode. In contrast, where the FIG. 40 is set, prior to starting the game in a figure available mode, the authentication unit 15 conducts an authentication operation in which the IC chip provided in the IC chip reader 52 is used to read a figure ID stored in the IC chip 44 of the FIG. 40. While the figure ID is being read, the full color LED 65 emits light of a color indicating that the authentication is in progress.

The light emitted from the full color LED 65 enters into the main body 51 in the guide member 53 and is emitted from the guide hole 54. In this instance, decorative light which decorates the FIG. 40 is emitted from the guide hole 54. The thus irradiated decorative light can provide images in which the FIG. 40 is arranged in the decorative light, thereby uplifting the mood of a player when he or she starts to play a game.

In addition, when light enters into the main body 51, the light of a color indicated by the full color LED 65 is lit in the notification part 75. A player can be informed of a fact that the authentication operation from the FIG. 40 is in progress by the light lit at the notification part 75. The main display 11 indicates a warning message is given to the player that the FIG. 40 should not be removed from the authentication unit 15 because the authentication operation is in progress.

In this instance, in the authentication unit 15 of the gaming device of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 40, light L emitted from the full color LED 65 passes through the main body 51 and arrives at the guide hole 54, the projection 53a and the notification part 75. Light arriving at the guide hole 54 is irradiated from the guide hole 54 to give decorative light. Further, the light arriving at the notification part 75 lights at the notification part 75, thereby notifying a player that the authentication operation is in progress.

A light shielding sticker 67 is adhered to the projection 53a. It is designed that no light is emitted from the projection 53a due to the action of the light shielding sticker 67. The projection 53a is arranged at a position facing a position at which the full color LED 65 in the main body 51 is arranged. Therefore, light arriving at the projection 53a is small in light quantity, and when light is in a state of being irradiated from the projection 53a, the light becomes weaker. When weak light is irradiated from the projection 53a, the notification part 75 may not look so attractive.

In contrast, in the authentication unit 15 of the present embodiment, a light shielding sticker 67 is adhered to a projection 53a, and the projection is hidden by the light shielding sticker 53a. Therefore, no light is irradiated from the projection 53a, resulting in no irradiation of weak light as a whole in the guide member 53. In other words, lighting of the notification part 75 and radiation of decorative light from the guide hole 54 can be made glossy, thereby giving information to a player more accurately and also uplifting the mood of the player due to the effect of the decorative light.

In addition, a silver-colored reflective film is formed inside the light shielding sticker 67. Light arriving at the light shielding sticker 67 is not only irradiated from the projection 53a but also reflected toward the main body 51 due to the action of the reflective film. Light reflected toward the main body 51 is irradiated from the guide hole 54 or contributes to lighting at the notification part 75. Therefore, even where the light emitted from the full color LED 65 is not great in light quantity, decorative light irradiated from the guide hole 54 is made great, and the FIG. 40 can be sufficiently decorated without using a large or an intense light source. In addition, the notification part 75 can be lit up brightly and a player can be notified of the game state accurately.

Where the authentication operation has been completed as described above, a game is started in the gaming machine 1. After completion of the authentication operation, a player is able to keep the FIG. 40 set on the authentication unit 15 or remove the FIG. 40 from the authentication unit 15. In a game in the gaming machine 1, various sound effects are provided from speakers 13L and 13R in accordance with the progress of the game. Further, various colored lights are emitted from the full color LED 65 in the authentication unit 15.

In this instance, in a state where the FIG. 40 is set on the authentication unit 15 and when light is emitted from the full color LED 65, decorative light is emitted from the guide hole 54 in the guide member 53. The decorative light is irradiated to the FIG. 40, thereby making the FIG. 40 pop up from the light and uplifting the mood of a player playing with a game to a greater extent.

A game state varies along with the progress of the game. In this instance, the game state refers to a state corresponding to the game such as behavior of the character along with the progress of the game, change in phase and addition of obtained points. It may be necessary to notify the player of the game state and urge the player to conduct a predetermined operation if necessary. Further, the player is urged to conduct the predetermined operation also when the game is completed.

Since the guide hole 54 in the guide member 53 is separated from the notification part 75 by a black light shielding member 67, decorative light irradiated from the guide hole 54 and light lighting at the notification part 75 can be made bright. In other words, decorative light irradiated from the guide hole 54 and light lighting at the notification part 75 can look very beautiful.

Further, in the authentication unit 15 of the present embodiment, the full color LED 65 is arranged at a predetermined distance apart from the back of the guide member 53. Therefore, light emitted from the full color LED 65 and irradiated through the guide member 53 from the guide hole 54 and light lighting the notification part 75 are not provided in a dotted form but in a dimly scattered form. Therefore, light emitted from the guide hole 54 is made more effective in giving light decoration to the FIG. 40, and the light at the notification part 55 can be indicated in a form more easily recognized by a player.

Further, in the above embodiment, the full color LED 65 is used as a light source. Hence, it is easy to change the light color of the light decorating the FIG. 40 or lighting up the notification part 75. Therefore, it could be easy to change or select a decorative light as appropriate according to the game content and so on. Likewise, it is also easy to change the light for lighting up the notification part 75 according to the content of the notification.

For example, in the above embodiment, the back of the light shielding sticker 67 is made silver in color, and a reflective film is arranged at a position facing the full color LED 65 of the guide member 53. However, such an aspect is also available in which a reflective film may be formed at a position at which light in the guide member 53 is not emitted and a decorative-light irradiating part is avoided. The thus formed reflective film may increase the quantity of light irradiated from the guide hole 54.

Also, in the above embodiment, the guide hole 54 for irradiating decorative light and the notification part 75 notifying by lighting are made of the same material, but these members may be made of different materials. Further, in the above embodiment, the full color LED 65 is used as a light source but another light source may be used. The light source shall not be limited in position at the back side of the guide member 53, but may be positioned at another place. Further, in the embodiment, a light source is provided at a single place but may be provided at plural places.

In the above embodiment, a card reader is used as a reading part. However, a reader/writer may be used as the reading part exchanging data with the information storage medium for reading and writing. Further, in the above embodiment, the light shielding sticker 67 used as a light reflective member is placed at a position facing a position at which the full color LED 65 in the guide member 53 is arranged. However, the light reflective member may be arranged at any position as long as the guide hole 54 is avoided. It may be arranged, for example, at a position on the side of the guide member 53 other than that at which the guide hole 53 on the upper face of the main body 51 is bored or at the bottom of the guide member 53. In the above embodiment, the light shielding sticker 67 functions both as the light reflective member and the hiding member, but such an aspect may be available in which the light reflective member is separated from the hiding member.

In the above embodiment, the authentication unit 15 is used as a reading unit, but a reading unit which can simply read data stored in an information storage medium may be employed. Further, the IC chip reader 52 which reads only information is used as a reading part in the authentication unit 15, but a reader/writer which is able to exchange data between an information storage medium to conduct reading and writing operations may be uses as a reading part. In the above embodiment, a solid guide member 53 made of a transparent resin is used as a light transmitting member, but a hollow member made of a transparent resin or other materials than the resin may be used as a light transmitting member.

Claims

1. A gaming machine comprising: image display means for showing an image of an acting body to act in responsive to an operation by a player; game control means for advancing a game utilizing the image of the acting body; reading means for reading identification information of the acting body having been stored in an object to be read; detection means for outputting a detection signal indicating that the object to be read is put in a position where the reading means reads the identification information; and directive means for directing the reading means to read the identification information based on the detection signal.

2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a receiving part including a recess formed in a shape corresponding to an outer shape of the object including a storage device storing the identification information, the object being inserted in the recess such that the reading means can read the object, wherein the detection means comprises a light emitting part and a light receiving part, which are positioned across an insertion path of the object to be inserted into the recess such that light emitted by the light emitting part can be received by the light receiving part.

3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a receiving part including a recess formed in a shape corresponding to an outer shape of the object including a storage device storing the identification information, wherein the reading means comprises a light emitting part; a light reflective part; and a light receiving part; and wherein the light emitting part and the light reflective part are positioned across an insertion path of the object to be inserted into the recess such that light emitted by the light emitting part can be reflected by the light reflective part; and that the reflected light can be received by the light receiving part.

4. A gaming system comprising: image display means for showing an image of an acting body to act in responsive to an operation by a player; game control means for advancing a game utilizing the image of the acting body; reading means for reading identification information of the acting body having been stored in an object to be read; detection means for outputting a detection signal indicating that the object to be read is put in a position where the reading means reads the identification information; and directive means for directing the reading means to read the identification information based on the detection signal.

5. A gaming machine comprising a reading unit for reading identification information stored in an information storage medium by placing the information storage medium on the reading unit, wherein the reading unit comprising: a seating part on which the information storage medium can be placed; a reading part for reading the identification information stored in the storage medium being placed on the seating part; a decorative-light irradiating part for irradiating a decorative light to a position where the storage medium is placed; and a notification-light indicating part for notifying a gaming state with the gaming machine by lighting the notification-light indicating part in responsive to the gaming state, wherein the decorative-light irradiating part and the notification-light indicating part have a common light source.

6. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the decorative-light irradiating part and the notification-light indicating part are formed by separating light emitting surfaces of one light transmitting member with a light shielding member.

7. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the light shielding member is in a dark color.

8. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the light transmitting member comprises solid transparent resin; and wherein the light source is positioned with a predetermined distance from the light transmitting member.

9. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the light source is capable of emitting light in a plurality of colors such that the color of the light is changed in responsive to a kind of the storage device placed on the seating part or a gaming state with the gaming machine.

10. A gaming machine comprising: image display means for showing an image of an acting body to act in responsive to an operation by a player; game control means for advancing a game utilizing the image of the acting body; reading means for reading identification information of the acting body having been stored in an object to be read; and guide means for guiding the object to be read to a position where the reading means reads the identification information.

11. The gaming machine according to claim 10, wherein the guide means comprises an opening formed in a circular shape corresponding to a bottom portion of the object to be read; a circular open end portion larger than the circular opening; and a conically inclined surface extending continuously from the opening to the circular open end portion.

12. The gaming machine according to claim 11, further comprising a light source emitting light to the conically inclined surface of the guide means.

13. The gaming machine according to claim 11, further comprising a light source emitting light, which penetrates through the conically inclined surface of the guide means, wherein the guide means comprises a light transmissive member.

14. A gaming system comprising: image display means for showing an image of an acting body to act in responsive to an operation by a player; game control means for advancing a game utilizing the image of the acting body; reading means for reading identification information of the acting body having been stored in an object to be read; and guide means for guiding the object to be read to a position where the reading means reads the identification information.

15. A gaming machine comprising: reading means for reading identification information from an object to be read storing the identification information such that a game with an image is advanced based on the identification information having been read by the reading means; wherein the reading means comprises: a hole formed as the object to be read is received; a loading part formed in a flat shape with a loading face on a bottom portion of the hole; and a circuit board comprising a circuit face on which a reading circuit being capable of reading the identification information from the object to be read is formed, and wherein a distance between the loading face and the circuit face is kept a predetermined length.

16. The gaming machine according to claim 15, wherein the bottom portion and the circuit board are positioned close such that the reading circuit on the circuit board can read the identification information from the object to be read when the object is placed on the bottom portion of the hole.

17. The gaming machine according to claim 15, wherein the bottom portion and the circuit board are directly in contact with each other.

18. The gaming machine according to claim 15, wherein the bottom portion and the circuit board are in contact indirectly via a thin film member.

19. The gaming machine according to claim 15, further comprising a fixing part being positioned in a position opposite to the bottom portion of the loading part across the circuit board, the fixing part being connected to the loading part via a first connecting member and being connected to the circuit board via second connecting member.

20. A gaming machine comprising a reading unit for reading identification information stored in an information storage medium as the information storage medium is placed on the reading unit, wherein the reading unit comprises: a seating part on which the information storage medium can be placed; a reading part for reading the identification information stored in the information storage medium being placed on the seating part; and a light transmitting part comprising a decorative light irradiating part for irradiating a decorative light on a position where the information storage medium is placed, the decorative light irradiating part surrounding the position, wherein the gaming machine comprises: a light source of the decorative light irradiated by the decorative light irradiating part; and a light reflective member being positioned to avoid the decorative light irradiating part.

21. The gaming machine according to claim 20, wherein the light source is positioned on one side of the light transmitting member; and wherein the light reflective member is positioned at a position opposite to the one side.

22. The gaming machine according to claim 21, further comprising: a notification-light indicating part for notifying a gaming state with the gaming machine in responsive to the gaming state, the notification-light indicating part being formed around the decorative light irradiating part of the light transmitting part; a hiding member for hiding the notification-light indicating part, the hiding member being positioned at a position opposite to the one side of the light transmitting member, wherein the light reflective member provided on the hiding member.

23. A gaming machine comprising: an image display device for showing an image of an acting body to act in responsive to an operation by a player; a reading device for reading identification information corresponding to the acting body, the identification information having been stored in an object to be read; and a sensor for outputting a detection signal indicating that the object to be read is put in a position where the reading device reads the identification information, wherein the reading device reads the identification information based on the detection signal; and wherein a game is advanced based on the identification information by utilizing the image of the acting body.

24. The gaming machine according to claim 23, further comprising a receiving part including a recess formed in a shape corresponding to at least a part of an outer shape of the object, the recess to receive the object to be read such that the identification information can be read, wherein the sensor comprises a light emitting part and a light receiving part, and wherein the light emitting part and the light receiving part are arranged across an insertion path of the object to be read such that light emitted by the light emitting part can be received by the light receiving part.

25. The gaming machine according to claim 23, further comprising a receiving part including a recess formed in a shape corresponding to at least a part of an outer shape of the object, the recess to receive the object to be read such that the identification information can be read, wherein the sensor comprises a light emitting part, a light reflective part and a light receiving part, wherein the light emitting part and the light reflective part are arranged across an insertion path of the object to be read such that light emitted by the light emitting part can be reflected by the light reflective part, and wherein the light receiving part is configured such that the light receiving part can receive the reflected light by the reflective part.

26. A gaming machine comprising: an image display device for showing an image of an acting body to act in responsive to an operation by a player; a reading device for reading identification information corresponding to the acting body, the identification information having been stored in an object to be read; and a guide member for guiding the object to be read to a position where the reading device reads the identification information.

27. The gaming machine according to claim 26, wherein the guide member comprises: an opening formed in a circular shape corresponding to at least a part of an outer shape of the object to be read; a circular open end portion larger than the circular opening; and a conically inclined surface extending continuously from the opening to the circular open end portion.

28. The gaming machine according to claim 27, further comprising a light source emitting light from the conically inclined surface of the guide member, wherein the guide member comprises a light transmissive member such that the light emitted by the light source is transmitted through the light transmissive member and is irradiated from the conically inclined surface.

29. The gaming machine according to claim 23, further comprising: a seating part on which the object can be placed; a decorative-light irradiating part for irradiating a decorative light to a position where the object is placed; and a notification-light indicating part for notifying a gaming state by lighting the notification-light indicating part in responsive to the gaming state, wherein the decorative-light irradiating part and the notification-light indicating part have a common light source.

30. The gaming machine according to claim 23, further comprising a guide member for guiding the object to be read to a position where the reading device reads the identification information.

31. The gaming machine according to claim 23, wherein: the reading device comprises: a hole formed as the object to be read is received; a loading part formed in a flat shape with a loading face on a bottom portion of the hole; and a circuit board comprising a circuit face on which a reading circuit being capable of reading the identification information from the object to be read is formed, and a distance between the loading face and the circuit face is kept a predetermined length.

32. The gaming machine according to claim 23, further comprising: a seating part on which the information storage medium can be placed; a light transmitting part comprising a decorative light irradiating part for irradiating a decorative light on a position where the information storage medium is placed, the decorative light irradiating part surrounding the position, and a light source of the decorative light irradiated by the decorative light irradiating part, and a light reflective member being positioned to avoid the decorative light irradiating part.