Patent Grant
8167717
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a gaming machine and a playing method thereof.
2. Description of Related Art
Among existing gaming machines, there is a gaming machine including: two or more gaming terminals; terminal controllers respectively provided to the gaming terminal, each of which controllers causes associated one of the gaming terminals to run a game; a center controller for controlling all the terminal controllers. Such gaming machines are disclosed in, for example, specifications of U.S. Patent Application No. 2002/0042296, U.S. Pat. No. 6,733,390, U.S. Pat. No. 6,312,332, U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,872, U.S. Pat. No. 6,361,441, U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,459, U.S. Pat. No. 4,283,709, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,003,013. A terminal controller of a gaming terminal runs a game and awards a payout based on the result of the game independently of another terminal controller of another gaming terminal. The center controller provides a bonus game, in which two or more players compete against one another for various jackpots, such as progressive jackpots or mystery jackpots, through the gaming terminals.
An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine providing an entertainment characteristic which is not brought about by the above mentioned known art, and a playing method thereof.
A gaming apparatus of the present invention includes:
a plurality of gaming terminals respectively having first light emitting portions and game value input ports, which run a base game configured to award a payout according to a predetermined winning and a special game configured to award a special payout which is higher than a payout awarded by the base game, the first light emitting portions each providing an effect to a game, and the game value input ports each receiving an input of a game value used as a resource of a payout for the special game;
a shared display which displays the special payout;
a plurality of routes formed by arranging a plurality of second light emitting portions from the gaming terminals to the shared display;
a game value storage unit having an individual storage-area and a total storage-areas, which stores a game value having been input through a game value input port of any of the gaming terminals;
a controller which performs the steps of:
(a1) obtaining game values input through the game value input ports of the gaming terminals, respectively;
(a2) storing a game value given by a gaming terminal in the individual storage-area of the game value storage unit, in association with that gaming terminal;
(a3) summing up all the game values given by the gaming terminals;
(a4) storing the total of the game values, in the total storage-area of the game value storage unit;
(a5) causing the gaming terminals to execute the special game instead of the base game, when the total game value stored in the total storage-area exceeds a predetermined value;
(a6) for each gaming terminal, determining an emission color of the first light emitting portion and that of the second light emitting portions, based on the associated game value stored in the individual storage-area;
(a7) causing each gaming terminal to activate the first light emitting portion in the emission color determined in (a6);
(a8) every time a gaming terminal achieves a predetermined winning in the special game, activating second light emitting portions forming the associated one of the routes so that a predetermined number of the second light emitting portions light in the emission color determined in (a6), sequentially from the one closest to the gaming terminal, according to the number of winnings the gaming terminal has achieved; and
(a9) awarding a special payout through a gaming terminal, when second light emitting portions forming the associated one of the routes turn active all the way to the shared display.
In the above structure, a game value input through the game value input port of one gaming terminal is stored in association with that one gaming terminal in the individual storage-area of the game value storage unit. Meanwhile, game values respectively input via the game value input ports of all the gaming terminals are summed up, and the resulting total is stored in the total storage-area of the game value storage unit. When the total of the game values stored in the total storage-area exceeds a predetermined value, a special game is run instead of the base game. When the special game is run, an emission color of the first light emitting portion and that of the second light emitting portions are determined for each gaming terminal, based on a game value stored in the associated one of the individual storage-area. Further, every time a gaming terminal achieves a predetermined winning in the special game having been run, second light emitting portions forming a route associated with the gaming terminal turn active so that a predetermined number of the second light emitting portions light in the emission color thus determined, sequentially from the one closest to the gaming terminal, according to the number of the predetermined winnings the gaming terminal have achieved. When second light emitting portions forming any one of the routes turn active all the way to the shared display, a special payout is awarded to a player of the gaming terminal associated with the route. Lighting the second light emitting portions based on a result of the special game provides a new entertainment characteristic that could make players of gaming terminals feel as if they are competing against one another. Further, for example, determining an emission color of the first light emitting portion and that of light from the second light emitting portions based on the amount of the game value stored in association with that one gaming terminal in the individual storage-area could be advantageous in that a player is able to easily grasp at one glance his/her contribution to the total game value.
The present invention may be adapted so that, for each of the gaming terminals, the controller determines the emission color of the first light emitting portion and that of the second light emitting portions based on the amount of the associated game value stored in the individual storage-area.
In the above structure, the emission color of the first light emitting portion and that of the second light emitting portions are determined for each of the gaming terminals, based on the amount of the game value input. Thus, a player may be able to easily grasp at one glance his/her contribution to the collection of the game values.
The present invention may be adapted so that, every time a gaming terminal achieves a predetermined winning in the special game, the controller activates a predetermined number of the second light emitting portions forming a route associated with the gaming terminal so that the second light emitting portions light in the emission color thus determined, sequentially from the one closest to the gaming terminal, based on the predetermined winnings the gaming terminal has achieved and the amount of a game value stored in an individual storage-area associated with the gaming terminal.
In the above structure, the second light emitting portions turn active based on the amount of the game value stored in association with that one gaming terminal in the individual storage-area, in addition to a resulting winning in the special game. Thus, a larger number of second light emitting portions turn active in relation to a gaming terminal having made a contribution of a larger amount of game value, putting that gaming terminal into more advantageous position in the special game. As a result, a player who has contributed a larger amount of game value may have a higher expectation for the special payout.
A gaming apparatus of the present invention includes:
a plurality of gaming terminals respectively having first light emitting portions and game value input ports, which run a base game configured to award a payout according to a predetermined winning and a special game configured to award a special payout which is higher than a payout awarded by the base game, the first light emitting portions each providing an effect to a game, and the game value input ports each receiving an input of a game value used as a resource of a payout for the special game;
a shared display which displays the special payout;
a plurality of routes formed by arranging a plurality of second light emitting portions from the gaming terminals to the shared display;
a game value storage unit having an individual storage-area and a total storage-areas, which stores a game value having been input through a game value input port of any of the gaming terminals;
a controller which performs the steps of:
(b1) obtaining game values input through the game value input ports of the gaming terminals, respectively;
(b2) storing a game value given by a gaming terminal in the individual storage-area of the game value storage unit, in association with that gaming terminal;
(b3) summing up the game values obtained from the gaming terminals;
(b4) storing the total of the game values, in the total storage-area of the game value storage unit;
(b5) causing the gaming terminals to execute the special game instead of the base game, when the total game value stored in the total storage-area exceeds a predetermined value;
(b6) for each gaming terminal, determining an emission color of the first light emitting portion and that of the second light emitting portions, based on the amount of the associated game value stored in the individual storage-area;
(b7) causing each gaming terminal to activate the first light emitting portion in the emission color determined in (b6);
(b8) every time a gaming terminal achieves a predetermined winning in the special game, activating second light emitting portions forming the associated one of the routes in the emission color determined in (b6) so that a predetermined number of the second light emitting portions turns active sequentially from the one closest to the gaming terminal, according to the number of winnings the gaming terminal has achieved and the amount of the associated game value is stored in the individual storage-area; and
(b9) awarding a special payout through a gaming terminal, when second light emitting portions forming the associated one of the routes turn active all the way to the shared display.
In the above structure, a game value input through the game value input port of one gaming terminal is stored in association with that one gaming terminal in the individual storage-area of the game value storage unit. Meanwhile, game values input via the game value input ports of all the gaming terminals are summed up, and the resulting total is stored in the total storage-area of the game value storage unit. When the total of the game values stored in the total storage-area exceeds a predetermined value, a special game is run instead of the base game. When the special game is run, the emission color of the first light emitting portion and that of the second light emitting portions are determined for each of the gaming terminals, based on the amount of the associated game value stored in the individual storage-area. Further, every time a gaming terminal achieves a predetermined winning in the special game, second light emitting portions in a route associated with the gaming terminal turns active so that a predetermined number of the second light emitting portions light in the emission color thus determined sequentially from the one closest to the gaming terminal, based on the resulting winning and the amount of the associated game value stored in the individual storage-area. When second light emitting portions forming any one of the routes turn active all the way to the shared display, a special payout is awarded to a player of the gaming terminal associated with the route. Lighting the second light emitting portions based on a result of the special game provides a new entertainment characteristic that could make players of gaming terminals feel as if they are competing against one another. Further, a player may be able to easily grasp at one glance his/her contribution to the collection of the game values. Further, a larger number of second light emitting portions turn active in relation to a gaming terminal having made a contribution of a larger amount of game value, putting that gaming terminal into more advantageous position in the special game. As a result, a player who has contributed a larger amount of game value may have a higher expectation for the special payout.
A method of the present invention is a playing method of a gaming apparatus including (i) a plurality of gaming terminals respectively having first light emitting portions and game value input ports, which run a base game configured to award a payout according to a predetermined winning and a special game configured to award a special payout which is higher than a payout awarded by the base game, the first light emitting portions each providing an effect to a game, and the game value input ports each receiving an input of a game value used as a resource of a payout for the special game and (ii) a shared display which displays the special payout,
the method includes the steps of:
(c1) obtaining game values input through the game value input ports of the gaming terminals, respectively;
(c2) storing the game values from the gaming terminals in an individual storage-area of the game value storage unit, the game value storage unit storing a game value having been input through a game value input port of any of the gaming terminals;
(c3) summing up the game values obtained from the gaming terminals;
(c4) storing the total of the game values, in the total storage-area of the game value storage unit;
(c5) causing the gaming terminals to execute the special game instead of the base game, when the total game value stored in the total storage-area exceeds a predetermined value;
(c6) for each gaming terminal, determining an emission color of a first light emitting portion and that of second light emitting portions, based on the associated game value stored in the individual storage-area, the first light emitting portion providing an effect to a game, the second light emitting portions being a part of second light emitting portions arranged so as to form a plurality of routes from the gaming terminals to the shared display;
(c7) causing each gaming terminal to activate the first light emitting portion to light in the emission color determined in (c6);
(c8) every time a gaming terminal achieves a predetermined winning in the special game, activating second light emitting portions forming the associated one of the routes so that a predetermined number of the second light emitting portions light in the emission color determined in (c6), sequentially, according to the number of winnings the gaming terminal has achieved; and
(c9) awarding a special payout through a gaming terminal, when second light emitting portions forming the associated one of the routs turn active all the way to the shared display.
In the above structure, a game value input through the game value input port of one gaming terminal is stored in association with that one gaming terminal in the individual storage-area of the game value storage unit. Meanwhile, game values input via the game value input ports of all the gaming terminals are summed up, and the resulting total is stored in the total storage-area of the game value storage unit. When the total of the game values stored in the total storage-area exceeds a predetermined value, a special game is run instead of the base game. When the special game is run, an emission color of the first light emitting portion and that of the second light emitting portions are determined for each gaming terminal, based on a game value stored in the associated one of the individual storage-area. Further, every time a gaming terminal achieves a predetermined winning in the special game having been run, second light emitting portions forming a route associated with the gaming terminal turn active so that a predetermined number of the second light emitting portions light in the emission color thus determined, sequentially from the one closest to the gaming terminal, according to the number of the predetermined winnings the gaming terminal have achieved. When second light emitting portions forming any one of the routes turn active all the way to the shared display, a special payout is awarded to a player of the gaming terminal associated with the route. Lighting the second light emitting portions based on a result of the special game provides a new entertainment characteristic that could make players of gaming terminals feel as if they are competing against one another. Further, for example, determining the emission color of the first light emitting portion and that of the second light emitting portions based on the amount of the game value stored in association with that one gaming terminal in the individual storage-area could be advantageous in that a player is able to easily grasp at one glance his/her contribution to the total game value.
The following describes an embodiment of a gaming machine and a playing method thereof according to the present invention.
First, the following provides an overview of the present embodiment, with reference to
A gaming machine 1 of the present invention includes a plurality of gaming terminals 10, a JP payout indicator 400, a plurality of race line unit 300, and a RAM 43. The gaming terminals 10 respectively have coin insertion units 21 or a bill insertion units 22, and have cabinet light emitting portions 30 (first light emitting portions) each of which provides an effect to a game. Each of the cabinet light emitting portions 30 includes a circular light emitting portion 30a and a strip light emitting portion 30b. Each of the race line unit 300 includes race-use light emitting portions 2 (second light emitting portions) which are arranged in such a manner that the line unit 300 extends from associated one of the gaming terminals 10 to the JP payout indicator 400 and includes a curve 300a and a straight part 300b. The RAM 43 has a progressive value table as shown in
The present embodiment deals with a case where a slog game is run in each of the gaming terminals 10. Further, the “base game” refers to a game which is run during an ordinary state. In the base game, symbols 180 are rearranged in later-mentioned symbol arrangement areas 150. When the symbols 180 arranged have a relation that meets a winning, a payout is awarded.
The “JP game” is a special free game which is run by the later-detailed JP controller 200, commonly among the gaming terminals 10 in communication with the JP controller 200. In the present embodiment, the JP game is such that symbols 180 are rearranged in symbol arrangement areas 150 as is done in the base game, and that a JP winning is resulted according to the relation among the symbols 180 arranged. Note that, every time a JP winning is resulted, on or more race-use light emitting portions 2 in a race line unit 300 associated with the gaming terminal 10 having achieved the winning turn active. Then, a JP payout is awarded through a gaming terminal 10, when the race-use light emitting portions 2 forming the associated one of the race line unit 300 turn active along the line unit 300 all the way to the JP payout indicator 400. Note further that an “event time” appearing in this specification refers to a time during which the JP game is running. This event time occurs and the JP game is run, when the later-detailed progressive value, which is the total of progressive values collected from more than one gaming terminals 10, exceeds a predetermined value.
The “JP payout” is a payout based on the total progressive value collected from the gaming terminals 10. A situation where this JP payout is awarded is referred to as “Jackpot”.
The “winning” is achieved when a specific symbol combination is formed in the base game. When the winning is achieved, a payout is awarded. In the present embodiment, the winning is achieved when a predetermined number (e.g. 5) of specific symbols 180 are arranged in a matrix 156.
The “JP winning” is achieved when a specific symbol combination is formed in the JP game. When the JP winning is achieved, a predetermined number of the race-use light emitting portions 2 according to the winning achieved turn active. In the present embodiment, the JP winning is achieved when a predetermined number (e.g. 5) of specific symbols 180 are arranged in the matrix 156, as is the case with the base game.
The “progressive value” is a game value based on game medium such as a coin or bill input through the coin insertion unit 21 or bill insertion unit 22 of the gaming terminal 10. This progressive value is collected by the JP controller 200 from each of the gaming terminals 10, and is used as a resource for a JP payout in the JP game.
As illustrated in
The race-use light emitting portions 2 are LEDs (light-emitting diodes) in the present embodiment, and are capable of lighting in different colors. During the base game, the race-use light emitting portions 2 turn active when a player input a game medium into the gaming terminal 10 through the coin insertion unit 21 or the bill insertion unit 22 thereof, and when a bet of the game medium is made. The number of the race-use light emitting portions 2 to be activated is determined, according to the amount (bet amount) of the game medium placed as a bet. As is already mentioned, a progressive value based on the game medium input during the base game is used as a resource for a JP payout in the JP game. As such, a larger the bet amount results in a higher contribution to the collection of the recourse for the JP payout. That is, the higher the contribution during the base game to the collection of the progressive value for use as the resource for the JP payout (such a contribution is hereinafter simply referred to as contribution level during the base game), the more race-use light emitting portions 2 will be activated. The emission color of the race-use light emitting portions 2 is set to “white” for every gaming terminal 10. It should be noted that the emission color of the race-use light emitting portions 2 during the base game is not limited to white. The emission color however is preferably different from the emission color of the race-use light emitting portions 2 during the JP game.
On the other hand, during the JP game, the race-use light emitting portions 2 turn active upon meeting a JP winning. The number of the race-use light emitting portions 2 activated during the time is determined based on the JP winning achieved. Further, the emission color of the race-use light emitting portions 2 is made different for each of the gaming terminals 10, and is determined based on the contribution level during the base game. Further, the gaming terminals 10 respectively have different “straight part settings” for the JP game, based on the contribution level during the base game. Note that the race-use light emitting portions 2 are all reset (turned off) when the event time occurs thus causing a transition from the base game to the JP game.
The “straight part setting” is a setting related to activation of the race-use light emitting portions 2 in the straight part 300b during the JP game. This setting is leveled from 1 to 10, as is indicated by a later-mentioned table of
On the other hand, there are three settings related to activation of race-use light emitting portions 2 in the curve 300a, as is indicated by a later-mentioned table of
The JP payout indicator 400 displays the amount of JP payout to be awarded upon achieving a Jackpot in the JP game. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, progressive values respectively based on the game media having been bet in the gaming terminals 10 are accumulatively added, and the resulting total is displayed as a JP payout. The example illustrated in
Further, as illustrated in
The following describes, with reference to
The text string 160a indicates that, when a bet is made in a gaming terminal 10 during the base game, a progressive value based on the game medium having been bet is accumulated and displayed on the JP payout indicator 400 as the JP payout.
The text string 160 indicates that an event time occurs and the JP game starts, when the JP payout accumulatively displayed on the JP payout indicator 400 reaches a predetermined value.
The text string 160c indicates that, during the event time (JP game), a predetermined number of the race-use light emitting portions 2 associated with a gaming terminal 10 having achieved the JP winning turn active, according to the JP winning combination resulted in the gaming terminal 10. Further, the string indicates, even when more than one gaming terminals 10 achieve the same JP winning, the one whose total of game media having bet therein during the base game is larger (i.e., the one whose accumulated bet amount is larger) may have a relatively larger number of activated race-use light emitting portions 2 as compared to the number of activated race-use light emitting portions 2 related to another gaming terminal 10.
The text string 160d indicates that the JP payout is awarded to a gaming terminal 10 whose race-use light emitting portions 2 in the associated race line unit 300 are all activated.
The text string 160e indicates an instruction about the emission color of the cabinet light emitting portions 30 and that of the race-use light emitting portions 2 of the gaming terminal 10 during the event time. Specifically, the string indicates that the emission color of the cabinet light emitting portions 30 and that of the race-use light emitting portions 2 of one gaming terminal 10 is the same during the event time. The string further indicates that the emission color of the cabinet light emitting portions 30 and that of the race-use light emitting portions 2 is determined according to the contribution level during the base game before the occurrence of the event time, and that the color is made different for each of the gaming terminals 10.
In the example illustrated in
Further, when the event time occurs thus causing a transition from the base game to the JP game, the race-use light emitting portions 2 are all reset (turned off) once (see bottom left of the figure). During the JP game, the cabinet light emitting portions 30 and race-use light emitting portions 2 of the gaming terminal 10A turn active to light in blue, and the “straight part setting” is set to “5”. The cabinet light emitting portions 30 and race-use light emitting portions 2 of the gaming terminal 10B, on the other hand, turn active to light in red, and the “straight part setting” is set to “3” (see bottom right of the figure). Accordingly, the setting is more advantageous for the gaming terminal 10B whose contribution level during the base game is higher, compared to the gaming terminal 10A. Further, the emission color of the cabinet light emitting portions 30 and that of the race-use light emitting portions 2 is varied according to the contribution level during the base game.
Here, it is supposed that, in the example of
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
The “arranging” in this specification means a state where the symbols 180 can be visually observed by a player. That is, the wording means a state where the symbols 180 are displayed in the symbol arrangement areas 150, in
The terminal display 101 may have a mechanical structure adopting a reel device which rotates a reel to arrange the symbols 180. Alternatively, the terminal display 101 may have an electrical structure in which a video reel is displayed as an image and symbols 180 on a video reel are arranged in the form of an image. Further, the terminal display 101 may adopt a combination of the mechanical structure (reel) and the electrical structure (video reel). Examples of the electrical structure include a liquid crystal display device, a CRT (cathode-ray tube), a plasma display device, or the like. Further, the number of symbol arrangement areas 150 is not limited. A specific structure of the terminal display 101 will be detailed later.
Further, the terminal display 101 has a terminal effect unit 160. The terminal effect unit 160 provides an visual effect to the base game or the JP game. An example of such an effect is an indication of winning the jackpot on the upper image display panel 33B as is the case of
The JP payout indicator 400 displays the amount of the JP payout which is the total of progressive values collected from the gaming terminals 10.
Each of the race-use light emitting portions 2 lights upon activation. The race-use light emitting portions 2 are controlled to be activated one after another, from the position of each gaming terminal 10 to the JP payout indicator 400.
(Terminal Controller 100)
The terminal controller 100 is structured to execute the following processes: a first process of running the base game configured to award a payout according to a predetermined winning, and awarding the payout; a second process of running the JP game based on an instruction from the JP controller 200; a third process of, when the JP game is run, activating the cabinet light emitting portions 30 according to an instruction from the JP controller 200; a fourth process of awarding a JP payout according to an instruction from the JP controller 200. In other words, the terminal controller 100 has first to fourth processing units.
The terminal controller 100 is connected to the JP controller 200 and is in communication with the JP controller 200.
As illustrated in
Further, the terminal controller 100 is connected to a BET unit 111. The BET unit 111 has functions of receiving a bet entered through an operation by the player, and outputting a BET signal in response to the bet entered. The BET signal output is input to a later-described game running unit 103.
The terminal controller 100 includes a table storage unit 106, a game running unit 103, a symbol storage unit 108, a display storage unit 107, and a display control unit 102.
The table storage unit 106 stores a later-described winning combination table of
The game running unit 103 runs a base game, triggered by a game start signal from the game starting unit 110. In the base game, symbols 180 are rearranged in the symbol arrangement areas 150 of the terminal display 101. Further, the terminal controller 100 outputs a progressive signal, triggered by the game start signal. The progressive signal is a signal indicating a progressive value.
Further, the game running unit 103 runs, when receiving a JP game start signal from the JP controller 200, the JP game which rearranges symbols 180 in the symbol arrangement areas 150 of the terminal display 101. At this point, the game running unit 103 rearranges the symbols 180 in the symbol arrangement areas 150, based on the winning combination table of
Further, when running the JP game, the game running unit 103 causes a later-described terminal emission control unit 109 to activate the cabinet light emitting portions 30, based on emission color information contained in the JP game start signal. For example, when the emission color information in the JP game start signal indicates “Red”, the game running unit 103 causes the terminal emission control unit 109 to activate the cabinet light emitting portions 30 to light in red. Note that the game running unit 103 causes the terminal emission control unit 109 to light or blink the cabinet light emitting portions 30 during the base game, so as to provide an effect to the base game.
Further, the game running unit 103 outputs a JP winning signal to the JP controller 200, when the payout determining unit 105 determines that a JP winning is achieved. Further, the game running unit 103 ends the JP game, when receiving a JP game end signal from the JP controller 200.
The symbol storage unit 108 stores the symbols 180. The display storage unit 107 stores symbols 180 in the symbol storage unit 108 as symbol to be displayed.
The display control unit 102, under the control of the game running unit 103, reads out symbols in the display storage unit 107, and display the symbols 180 in the symbol arrangement areas 150 of the terminal display 101. A detailed display state will be detailed later. Further, the display control unit 102 outputs video to the terminal effect unit 160 of the terminal display 101, based on the control performed by the game running unit 103.
Further, the terminal controller 100 has the terminal emission control unit 109. The terminal emission control unit 109, under the control of the game running unit 103, causes the cabinet light emitting portions 30 to light or blink.
Further, the terminal controller 100 has a payout determining unit 105 and a payout awarding unit 104. The payout determining unit 105 determines whether to award a payout, based on a relation among the symbols 180 rearranged in the symbol arrangement areas 150 of the terminal display 101. That is, the payout determining unit 105 determines whether a predetermined winning is achieved during the base game, and determines whether a predetermined JP winning is achieved during the JP game. At this time, the payout determining unit 105 determines a payout amount, based on the base game payout table of
Meanwhile, each block of the terminal controller 100 may be realized with hardware, or with software as needed.
(Operation of Terminal Controller 100)
The following describes an operation of the terminal controller 100 in the above structure. First, the BET unit 111 accepts a BET entered through an operation by a player. Then, in response to the operation, the game starting unit 110 outputs a game start signal to cause the game running unit 103 to start a base game. When the base game is run, symbols 180 are arranged in the symbol arrangement areas 150 by the display control unit 102, based on the control of the game running unit 103.
The payout determining unit 105 determines whether a predetermined winning has been achieved, based on the relation between the symbols 180 rearranged in the symbol arrangement areas 150. If it is determined that a predetermined winning has been achieved, the payout awarding unit 104 awards a payout. In this manner, the terminal controller 100 in each gaming terminal 10 executes the first process of running a base game, which is configured to award a payout according to a predetermined winning, in the gaming terminal 10, and awarding a payout according to the predetermined winning.
Further, upon receiving the JP game start signal from the JP controller 200, the game running unit 103 starts running the JP game. When the JP game runs, the display control unit 102, under the control of the game running unit 103, arranges and displays symbols 180 in the symbol arrangement areas 150. The payout determining unit 105 determines whether a predetermined JP winning has been achieved, based on the relation between the symbols 180 rearranged in the symbol arrangement areas 150. In this manner, the terminal controller 100 executes the second process of running the JP game based on an instruction from the JP controller 200.
Further, when the JP game is run, the terminal emission control unit 109, under the control of the game running unit 103, activates the cabinet light emitting portions 30. Note that the emission color at this time is based on the emission color information contained in the JP game start signal from the JP controller 200. In this manner, the terminal controller 100 executes the third process of, when the JP game is run, activating the cabinet light emitting portions 30, based on an instruction from the JP controller 200.
Further, the payout awarding unit 104 awards the JP payout when receiving the JP payout signal from the JP controller 200. In this manner, the terminal controller 100 executes the fourth process of awarding the JP payout according to an instruction from the JP controller 200.
(JP Controller 200)
The JP controller 200 is structured so as to execute: a fifth process of obtaining progressive values input through the coin insertion units 21 or the bill insertion units 22 of the gaming terminals 10, respectively; a sixth process of storing a progressive value of a gaming terminal 10 in the “individual progressive value” field of the progressive value table as shown in
As illustrated in
The JP controller 200 has a progressive storage unit 207, a JP table storage unit 206, and a JP timer 208.
The progressive storage unit 207 stores a progressive value indicated by the progressive signal from the terminal controller 100, in the later-described progressive value table shown in
The JP table storage unit 206 stores the race-use light emitting portion activation tables for straight part and curve respectively illustrated in
Further, the JP controller 200 has a JP game running unit 203, a JP emission control unit 209, and a JP payout determining unit 205.
The JP game running unit 203 stores a progressive value indicated by a progressive signal given by a terminal controller 100 to the progressive storage unit 207, in association with that gaming terminal 10, in the “individual progressive value” field of the progressive value table shown in
Further, the JP game running unit 203 outputs a JP game start signal to the terminal controllers 100, when the total progressive value stored in the “total progressive value” field reaches a predetermined value, thereby causing the terminal controllers 100 to run the JP game instead of the base game, in the respective gaming terminals 10. At this time, the JP game running unit 203 determines, for each of the gaming terminals 10, the emission color of the cabinet light emitting portions 30 and that of the race-use light emitting portions 2 and the setting at the time of the JP game, based on the amount of the progressive value of the progressive value stored in the “individual progressive value” field associated with the gaming terminal 10. Information of the emission color thus determined is included in the JP game start signal. Further, the JP game running unit 203 causes the JP emission control unit 209 to reset (turn off) all the race-use light emitting portions 2, when outputting the JP game start signal.
Further, the JP game running unit 203 causes the JP timer 208 to start measuring time upon outputting the JP game start signal, and then outputs a JP game end signal to the terminal controllers 100 upon elapse of a predetermined time. Note that the JP game running unit 203 causes the JP timer 208 to stop measuring time, when the JP game running unit 203 causes the JP payout determining unit 205 to output a JP payout signal to the terminal controllers 100.
Further, the JP game running unit 203 determines, when receiving a JP winning signal from the terminal controller 100, the number of race-use light emitting portions 2 to be activated based on the JP winning signal and the setting for the JP game based on the “individual progressive value” field. Then, the JP game running unit 203 causes the JP emission control unit 209 to activate the second light emitting portions 30 of the race line unit 300 associated with an intended gaming terminal 10, in such a manner that the number of race-use light emitting portions 2 thus determined turn active in the emission color thus determined, sequentially from the one closest to the gaming terminal 10.
Further, the JP game running unit 203 determines whether the race-use light emitting portions 2 in any of the race line units 300 have turned active all the way to the JP payout indicator 400. If the JP game running unit 203 determines that the race-use light emitting portions 2 in any one of the race line units 300 have turned active all the way to the JP payout indicator 400, the JP game running unit 203 causes the JP payout determining unit 205 to output a JP payout signal to the terminal controller 100 of the associated gaming terminal 10.
The JP emission control unit 209 displays the total progressive value stored in the “total progressive value” field in the JP payout indicator 400. Further, the JP emission control unit 209, under the control of the JP game running unit 203, light the race-use light emitting portions 2 in the race line unit 300 of an intended gaming terminal 10 so that the race-use light emitting portions 2 turn active sequentially from the one closest to the gaming terminal 10.
The JP payout determining unit 205, under the control of the JP game running unit 203, outputs a JP payout signal to the terminal controller 100 of an intended gaming terminal 10.
Note that each block of the JP controller 200 may be realized with hardware, or with software as needed.
(Operation of JP Controller 200)
The following describes an operation of the JP controller 200 in the above structure. First, the progressive storage unit 207 receives a progressive signal from the terminal controller 100 of a gaming terminal 10. In this manner, the JP controller 200 executes the fifth process of obtaining progressive values input through the coin insertion units 21 or the bill insertion units 22 of the gaming terminals 10, respectively.
Then, the JP game running unit 203 stores, in the “individual progressive value” field, a progressive value indicated by a progressive signal transmitted from a gaming terminal 10 to the progressive storage unit 207, in association with that gaming terminal 10. In this manner, the JP controller 200 executes the sixth process of storing a progressive value given by a gaming terminal 10 in the “individual progressive value” field of the progressive value table as shown in
Further, the JP game running unit 203 sums up all the progressive values from the gaming terminals 10 which are stored in the “individual progressive value” field of the progressive value table illustrated in
The JP game running unit 203 then sums up the progressive values, and stores the resulting total of the progressive values in the “total progressive value” field of the progressive value table illustrated in
When the total progressive value stored in the “total progressive value” field of the progressive value table exceeds a predetermined value, the JP game running unit 203 outputs a JP game start signal to the terminal controllers 100 to run the JP game instead of the base game in the gaming terminals 10. In this manner, the JP controller 200 executes the ninth process of running the JP game instead of the base game in the gaming terminals 10, when the total progressive value stored in the “total progressive value” field exceeds a predetermined value.
Further, when the ninth process is executed, the game running unit 203 determines for each gaming terminal 10, the JP game running unit 203 determines the emission colors of the cabinet light emitting portions 30 and race-use light emitting portions 2, based on the amount of the progressive value stored in the “individual progressive value” field. In this manner, the JP controller 200 executes the tenth process of, for each of the gaming terminals 10, determining emission color of the cabinet light emitting portions 30 (circular light emitting portion 30a and the strip light emitting portion 30b) and that of the race-use light emitting portions 2, according to the amount of the associated progressive value stored in the “individual progressive value” field.
Further, information on the emission color determined in the tenth process is included in the JP game start signal in the ninth process. In this manner, the JP controller 200 executes the eleventh process of causing each of the gaming terminals 10 to activate the cabinet light emitting portions 30 in the emission color thus determined.
When a JP winning signal is received which is output from a terminal controller 100 of a gaming terminal 10 every time the gaming terminal 10 achieves a predetermined JP winning, the JP game running unit 203 determines the number of race-use light emitting portions 2 to be activated, based on (i) the JP winning signal and (ii) the setting for the JP game based on the “individual progressive value” field in the progressive value table of
The JP game running unit 203 determines whether race-use light emitting portions 2 of any of the race line units 300 turn active all the way to the JP payout indicator 400. When the Jp game running unit 203 determines that race-use light emitting portions 2 of a race line unit 300 turn active all the way to the JP payout indicator 400, a JP payout signal is output from the JP payout determining unit 205 to the terminal controller 100 of the gaming terminal 10 associated with the race line unit 300. In this manner, the JP controller 200 executes the thirteen process of awarding a JP payout through a gaming terminal 10, when the race-use light emitting portions 2 forming the associated one of the race line unit 300 turn active along the line unit 300 all the way to the JP payout indicator 400.
As is obvious from the above operation, the gaming machine 1 executes a playing method including the steps of: obtaining progressive values input through the coin insertion units 21 or the bill insertion units 22 of the gaming terminals 10, respectively; storing a progressive value given by a gaming terminal 10 in the “individual progressive value” field of the progressive value table as shown in
With this playing method, a progressive value input through the coin insertion unit 21 or bill insertion unit 22 of any of the gaming terminals 10 is stored, in association with that gaming terminal 10, in the “individual progressive value” field of the progressive value table shown in
(Base Game)
The following specifically describes an example of a base game in the gaming machine 1 and the playing method. Note that the following example deals with a case where the terminal display 101 adopts a video reel and arranges symbols on a video reel, as illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
In the example illustrated in
(JP Game)
The following specifically describes an example of a JP game in the gaming machine 1 and the playing method.
The JP game is run when the accumulated total of progressive values exceeds a predetermined amount. In the JP game, the symbols 180 are rearranged in the matrix 156 in each gaming terminal 10, as is the case of the base game. When a predetermined JP winning is achieved by the rearrangement of the symbols 180, one or more race-use light emitting portions 2 turn active in random numbers, in the race line unit 300 associated to the gaming terminal 10 in which the winning has occurred.
As is already described with reference to
Further, the activation of the race-use light emitting portions 2 in the curve 300a is controlled so that the numbers of the race-use light emitting portions 2 to turn active differ between the gaming terminals 10 in which the same JP winning has occurred, depending on which one of the groups shown in the progressive value table of
In the example illustrated in
On the other hand, when the same JP winning based on the combination of “Tuna” occurs in more than one gaming terminals 10 while the activation of the race-use light emitting portions 2 takes place in the straight part 300b, a gaming terminal 10 whose setting is 5 has three race-use light emitting portions 2 turned active, whereas a gaming terminal 10 whose setting is 3 has four race-use light emitting portions 2 turned active (see lower right of the figure).
[Symbol, Combination, or the Like]
The terminal display 101 has the matrix 156 including symbol columns each having twenty two symbols 180 as illustrated in
Of the symbols in the symbol columns, the display windows 151 to 155 each displays (arranges) three successive symbols. The symbols arranged in the upper stages 151a to 155a, the central stages 151b to 155b, and the lower stages 151c to 155c form a symbol matrix having five-columns/three-rows. When a BET button and a start button are sequentially pressed in this order to start a game, symbols constituting the symbol matrix start to scroll. This scrolling of the symbols stops (rearrangement) after a predetermined period from the beginning of the scrolling.
Further, for each symbol, a predetermined scatter symbol is determined in advance. Scatter symbols are such symbols that a player is put in an advantageous position when a predetermined number or more of them are displayed in the matrix 156. For example, the advantages includes: a state where coins corresponding to the scatter symbols are paid out, a state where the number of coins to be paid out is added to a credit, a state where a bonus game is started.
Here, a bonus game is a game which is run separately from the JP game and which is more advantageous to the player than the base game. No particular limitation is put on the bonus game, as long as it is a gaming state advantageous to the player, that is, it is more advantageous than the base game. For example, the bonus game may include a state where more game media are obtainable than in the base game, a state where a game medium is obtainable with higher probability than in the base game, a state where a game medium is less consumed than in the base game, and the like. Specifically, a free game, a second game, a feature game, and the like may be mentioned as examples of the bonus game.
[Mechanical Structure of Gaming Machine 1]
Next, the following describes a specific example of mechanical and electrical structures of the gaming machine 1 thus structured.
A gaming machine 1 is placed in a game arcade such as a casino. This gaming machine 1 runs a unit game which involves a game medium. The game medium is a coin, bill, or a value in the form of electronic information. However, the game medium in the present invention is not particularly limited. For example, a medal, token, electronic money, ticket or the like are also possible. Further, the ticket is not particularly limited and may be a later-described ticket with a barcode or the like ticket.
As illustrated in
Further, the gaming machine 1 includes the shared display 510, a race cabinet 520 and a game signboard 540. The shared display 510 displays a video which provides an effect to the JP game. The race cabinet 520 is a cabinet to support the gaming machine 1. The game signboard 540 is a signboard indicating the title of the game run in the gaming machine 1. As is already mentioned, each curve 300a is formed so as to avoid these members. Note that the present embodiment deals with a case where the respective lengths of the curves 300a are different from one another depending on the gaming terminals 10; however, the curves 300a may all have the same lengths. In such a case, grouping of the gaming terminals 10 is not necessary. In either case, to activate the race-use light emitting portions 2 of the curve 300a up to the relaying part 310, the number of times one type of JP winning has to be achieved is the same in each of the curves 300b.
(Mechanical Structure of Gaming Terminal 10)
As illustrated in
The present embodiment deals with a case where the lower image display panel 16 electrically displays symbols 180 arranged in five-columns/three-rows. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
The lower image display panel 16 displays a single activated payline L. Note that the number of paylines L may be two or more. When the number of paylines L is two or more, the number of paylines L activated may be determined according to a predetermined condition, such as the number of coins placed as a BET.
Note that the lower image display panel 16 may have a credit value indicator and a payout value indicator. The credit value indicator displays a total value (hereinafter also referred to as total credit value) which a gaming terminal 10 can pay out to a player. When symbols stopped along a payline L form a winning combination, the payout value indicator displays the number of coins to be paid out.
Further, scatter symbols may be adopted, and the number of coins to be paid out may be determined, according to the number of scatter symbols displayed on the matrix 156. Note that the payline L does not necessarily have to be displayed.
Below the lower image display panel 16 provided are a control panel 20, a coin insertion slot 21, and a bill validator 22. The control panel 20 is provided with various buttons 23 to 27. These buttons 23 to 27 allow a player to input instructions related to a game played by the player. Through the coin insertion slot 21, a coin is received in the cabinet 11.
The control panel 20 includes: a spin button 23, a change button 24, a cashout button 25, a 1-BET button 26, and a maximum BET button 27. The spin button 23 is for inputting an instruction to start symbol scrolling. The change button 24 is used to ask a staff person in the game arcade for exchange of money. The cashout button 25 is for inputting an instruction to pay out coins corresponding to the total credit value to the coin tray 18 via the coin outlet 19.
The 1-BET button 26 is used for betting one coin out of those corresponding to the total credit value. The maximum BET button 27 is used for betting, out of those corresponding to the total credit value, a maximum number of coins (e.g., fifty coins) which can be bet in one game.
The bill validator 22 validates whether bill is genuine or not and receives the genuine bill into the cabinet 11. Note that the bill validator 22 is capable of reading a barcode attached to a later-mentioned ticket 39 having a barcode (hereinafter simply referred to as ticket 39). When the bill validator 22 reads the ticket 39, it outputs to the main CPU 41 a read signal representing information having read from the barcode.
On the lower front surface of the main door 13, that is, below the control panel 20, a belly glass 34 is provided. On the belly glass 34, a character of a gaming terminal 10 or the like is drawn. On the front surface of top box 12 is provided an upper image display panel 33. The upper image display panel 33 has a liquid crystal panel and displays an effect image, introduction to the game, rules of the game, or the like.
Further, the top box 12 has a speaker 29 for performing an audio output. Below the upper image display panel 33 are provided a ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a data displayer 37, and a keypad 38. The ticket printer 35 prints, onto a ticket, a barcode having encoded data containing credit value, date and time, identification number of a gaming terminal 10 or the like, thereby issuing a ticket 39 having a barcode attached thereto. A player can play a game in another gaming terminal 10 with the ticket 39 having the barcode, or exchange the ticket 39 having the barcode with bill or the like at a change booth or the like of the game arcade.
The card reader 36 reads/writes data from/into a smart card. The smart card is carried by a player, and stores therein data for identifying the player, data relating to a history of games played by the player, or the like.
The data displayer 37 includes a fluorescent display or the like, and displays the data read by the card reader 36 and the data input by the player through the keypad 38. The keypad 38 is for entering instructions or data relating to issuing of a ticket or the like.
Further, above the upper image display panel 33 are provided two cabinet light emitting portions 30 each including a circular light emitting portion 30a and the strip light emitting portion 30b. The light emitting portions 303 are realized by LEDs (light-emitting diodes), and are capable of emitting light in different colors.
[Electrical Structure of Gaming Machine 1]
(Electrical Structure of Gaming Terminal 10)
The gaming board 50 is provided with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a ROM 55, a boot ROM 52, a card slot 53S corresponding to a memory card 53, and an IC socket 54S corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 54. The CPU 51, the ROM 55, and the boot ROM 52 are connected to one another through an internal bus.
The memory card 53 stores therein a game program and a game system program. The game program contains a stop symbol determining program. The stop symbol determining program determines symbols (code number corresponding to the symbol) to be stopped in the symbol arrangement areas 150. This stop symbol determining program contains sets of symbol weighting data respectively corresponding to various payout rates (e.g., 80%, 84%, 88%). Each set of the symbol weighting data indicates, for each of the display windows 151 to 155, a code number of each symbol and at least one random numerical value allotted to the code number. The numerical value is a value within a predetermined range of 0 to 256 for example.
The payout rate is determined based on payout rate setting data output from the GAL 54. Based on a set of the symbol weighting data corresponding to the payout rate determined, a symbol to be stopped is determined.
The memory card 53 stores therein various types of data for use in the game programs and the game system programs. For example, the memory card 53 stores a table listing combinations of a symbol 180 to be displayed on the display windows 151 to 155 of
The card slot 53S is structured so as to allow the memory card 53 to be attached/detached to/from the card slot 53S. This card slot 53S is connected to the motherboard 40 through an IDE bus. Thus, the type and content of a game run by a gaming terminal 10 can be modified by detaching the memory card 53 from the card slot 53S, writing a different game program and a different game system program into the memory card 53, and inserting the memory card 53 back into the card slot 53S.
Each of the game programs includes a program related to the progress of the game and/or a program for causing a transition to a bonus game. Each of the game programs includes image data and audio data output during the game.
The GAL 54 has input and output ports. When the GAL 54 receives data via the input port, it outputs data corresponding to the input data from its output port. This data from the output port is the payout rate setting data described above.
IC socket 54S is structured so as to allow the GAL 54 to be attached/detached to/from the IC socket 54S. The IC socket 54S is connected to the motherboard 40, via a PCI bus. Thus, the payout rate setting data to be output from GAL 54 can be modified by: detaching the GAL 54 from the IC socket 54S, overwriting the program stored in the GAL 54, and attaching the GAL 54 back to the IC socket 54S.
The CPU 51, the ROM 55 and the boot ROM 52 connected through an internal bus are connected to the motherboard 40 through the PCI bus. The PCI bus communicates signals between the motherboard 40 and the gaming board 50 and supplies power from the motherboard 40 to the gaming board 50. The ROM 55 stores country identification information and an authentication program. The boot ROM 52 stores a preliminary authentication program and a program (boot code) for enabling the CPU 51 to run the preliminary authentication program.
The authentication program is a program (falsification check program) for authenticating the game program and the game system program. The authentication program is a program for confirming and verifying that the game program and the game system program are not falsified. In other words, the authentication program is described in accordance with a procedure for authenticating the game program and the game system program. The preliminary authentication program is a program for authenticating the authentication program. The preliminary authentication program is described in accordance with a procedure for verifying that the authentication program to be authenticated is not falsified. In short, the preliminary authentication program authenticates the authentication program.
The motherboard 40 is provided with a main CPU 41 (terminal controller 100), a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 43, and a communication interface 44.
The main CPU 41 serves as a terminal controller 100 and has a function of controlling the entire gaming terminal 10. In particular, the main CPU 41 controls the following operations: an operation of outputting a signal instructing variable-displaying of symbols 180 to the graphic board 68, which is performed in response to pressing of the spin button 23 after betting of credit; an operation of determining symbols 180 to be stopped after the variable-displaying of symbols 180; and an operation of stopping the symbols 180 thus determined in the display window 151 to 155.
In other words, the main CPU 41 serves as an arrangement controller which rearranges symbols to form a new symbol matrix through scrolling of symbols displayed on the lower image display panel 16. This main CPU 41 therefore determines symbols to be arranged in a symbol matrix by selecting symbols to be arranged from various kinds of symbols. Then, the main CPU 41 executes arrangement control to stop scrolling the symbols to present the symbols thus determined.
Note that the main CPU 41 includes: a game running unit 103 of
The ROM 42 stores a program such as BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) run by the main CPU 41, and permanently-used data. When the BIOS is run by the main CPU 41, each of peripheral devices is initialized and the game program and the game system program stored in the memory card 53 are read out through the gaming board 50.
The RAM 43 stores data or a program used for the main CPU 41 to perform a process. For example, the RAM 43 includes, in the form of data area, a symbol storage unit 108 of
The communication interface 44 is provided to communicate with a host computer and the like equipped in the game arcade, through the network (communication line). The communication interface 44 is also for communicating with the JP controller 200 through a communication line. Further, a main body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60 and a door PCB 80 are connected to the motherboard 40, through USB (Universal Serial Bus). Further, the motherboard 40 is connected to a power unit 45. The power unit 45 supplies power to the motherboard 40 to boot the main CPU 41 thereof. Meanwhile, the power unit 45 supplies power to the gaming board 50 through the PCI bus to boot the CPU 51 thereof.
The main body PCB 60 and door PCB 80 are connected to various devices or units which generate control signals to be input to the main CPU 41, and various devices or units whose operations are controlled by signals from the main CPU 41. Based on a signal input to the main CPU 41, the main CPU 41 runs the game program and the game system program stored in the PAM 43, to perform an arithmetic process. Then, the CPU 41 stores the result of the arithmetic process in the RAM 43, or transmits a control signal to the various devices and units to control them based on the result.
The main body PCB 60 is connected with a cabinet light emitting portions 30, a hopper 66, a coin sensor 67, a graphic board 68, the speaker 29, a bill validator 22, a ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a key switch 38S, and a data displayer 37.
The cabinet light emitting portions 30 is turned on/off on the basis of a control signal from the main CPU 41.
The hopper 66 is mounted in the cabinet 11 and pays out a predetermined number of coins from a coin outlet 19 to the coin tray 18, based on a control signal from the main CPU 41. The coin sensor 67 is provided inside the coin outlet 19, and outputs a signal to be input to the main CPU 41 upon sensing that a predetermined number of coins have been delivered from the coin outlet 19.
The graphic board 68 controls image displaying of upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16, based on a control signal from the main CPU 41. Further, the graphic board 68 is provided with a VDP (Video Display Processor) for generating image data on the basis of a control signal from the main CPU 41, a video RAM for temporarily storing the image data generated by the VDP, or the like. Note that image data used at the time of generating the image data by the VDP is in a game program which is read out from the memory card 53 and stored in the RAM 43.
The bill validator 22 reads an image on the bill and takes only those recognized as to be genuine into the cabinet 11. When taking in a genuine bill, the bill validator 22 outputs an input signal indicating the value of the bill to the main CPU 41. The main CPU 41 stores into the RAM 43 a credit value corresponding to the value of the bill indicated by the signal input.
The ticket printer 35 prints a barcode onto a ticket to issue a ticket 39 having the barcode. The barcode contains encoded data such as credit value stored in the RAM 43, date and time, identification number of the gaming terminal 10, or the like, based on a control signal from the main CPU 41.
The card reader 36 reads out data from the smart card and transmits the data to the main CPU 41. Further, the card reader 36 writes data into the smart card based on the control signal output from the main CPU 41. The key switch 38S is mounted to the keypad 38, and outputs a signal to the main CPU 41 in response to an operation of the keypad 38 by the player. The data displayer 37 displays, based on a control signal from the main CPU 41, the data read by the card reader 36 or the data input by the player through the keypad 38.
The door PCB 80 is connected to a control panel 20, a reverter 21S, a coin counter 21C, and a cold cathode tube 81. The control panel 20 is provided with: a spin switch 23S associated with the spin button 23; a change switch 24S associated with the change button 24; a cashout switch 25S associated with the cashout button 25; a 1-BET switch 26S associated with the 1-BET button 26; and a maximum BET switch 27S associated with the maximum BET button 27. Each of the switches 23S to 27S outputs a signal to the main CPU 41, when a player presses the associated button.
The coin counter 21C is provided within the coin insertion slot 21, and identifies whether the coin inserted into the coin insertion slot 12 by the player is genuine. A coin except the genuine coin is discharged from the coin outlet 19. In addition, the coin counter 21C outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 upon detection of a genuine coin.
The reverter 21S is operated on the basis of the control signal output from the main CPU 41 and distributes a coin, which is recognized as a genuine coin by the coin counter 21C, to a not-shown cash box or hopper 66 mounted in the gaming terminal 10. In other words, when the hopper 66 is full of the coins, the genuine coin is distributed into the cash box by the reverter 21S. On the other hand, when the hopper 66 is not yet full with the coins, the genuine coin is distributed into the hopper 66. The cold cathode tube 81 functions as a backlight mounted to rear sides of the lower image display panel 16 and the upper image display panel 33. This cold cathode tube 81 turns on according to a control signal from the main CPU 41.
(Electrical Structure of JP Controller 200)
The gaming board 250 has the same structure as that of the gaming board 50. The motherboard 240 has the same structure as that of the motherboard 40.
The motherboard 240 has a main CPU 241, ROM 242, and RAM 243.
The main CPU 241 includes a JP game running unit 203 of
The ROM 242 stores a program such run by the main CPU 241, and permanently-used data.
The RAM 243 stores data or a program used for the main CPU 241 to perform a process. For example, in the RAM 243 are provided a progressive storage unit 207 of
Further, the JP controller 200 includes, as a main actuator, the JP payout indicator 400 and the race-use light emitting portions 2.
The JP payout indicator 400 displays, in response to a control signal output from the main CPU 241, the JP payout based on the progressive values collected from the gaming terminals 10.
The race-use light emitting portions 2 light or blink based on a control signal output from the main CPU 241.
Further, the Jp controller 200 has a power unit 245 and a communication interface 244.
The power unit 245 has a function of supplying the power to the motherboard 240. The communication interface 244 communicates with the terminal controller 100 of each gaming terminal 10 through a communication line.
(Winning Combination Table)
(Base Game Payout Table)
(Race-Use Light Emitting Portion Activation Table (for Curve 300a))
(Race-Use Light Emitting Portion Activation Table (for Straight Part 300b))
(Progressive Value Table)
The “group name” field stores a list of group names which are associated with the gaming terminals 10 according to the length of the curve 300a. The “emission color setting” field stores information of emission colors of the cabinet light emitting portions 30 and race-use light emitting portions 2 in relation to each of the gaming terminals 10. The “straight part setting” field stores information related to the setting of each gaming terminal 10 at a time of activating the race-use light emitting portions 2 in the straight part 300b during the JP game. In the “individual progressive value” field, a progressive value collected from a gaming terminal 10 during the base game is stored in association with that gaming terminal 10. The progressive value is accumulatively stored every time a progressive value is collected from a gaming terminal 10. Note that the “emission color setting” field and the “straight part setting” field are determined based on the amount of the associated progressive value stored in the “individual progressive value” field. For example, the progressive value associated with the gaming terminal 10 given the terminal ID of “D” in the “individual progressive value” field is “50”, and the “straight part setting” field is set to “1” which puts the player of that gaming terminal 10 in the most advantageous position in the JP game. Further, the “emission color setting” field for that gaming terminal 10 is set to “amber”. The progressive values stored in the “individual progressive value” field in association with the “terminal B” and “terminal J” are both “30”. In such a case, the “straight part setting” field and the “emission color setting” field for the both gaming terminals 10 are also the same.
Further, every time a progressive value in the “individual progressive value” field is updated, all the progressive values given by the gaming terminals 10 are summed up and the resulting total progressive value is stored in the “total progressive value” field. Note that the JP game is run when the total progressive value in the “total progressive value” field reaches a predetermined value (e.g. 300).
[Operation of Gaming Machine 1: Boot Process]
The following describes a boot process routine which takes place in the gaming machine 1. Upon powering on the gaming machine 1, a boot process routine shown in
First, turning on the power switch of (powering on) the power units 45 and 245 boots the motherboards 40 and 240, and the gaming boards 50 and 250. Booting the motherboards 40 and 240 and the gaming boards 50 and 250 starts separate processes in parallel. Specifically, in the gaming board 50 and 250, the CPUs 51 and 251 read out preliminary authentication programs stored in the boot ROMs 52 and 252, respectively. Then, preliminary authentication is performed according to the read out programs so as to confirm and authenticate that no modification is made to authentication programs, before reading them in the motherboards 40 and 240, respectively (S1). Meanwhile, the main CPUs 41 and 241 of the motherboards 40 and 240 run BIOS stored in the ROMs 42 and 242 to load into the RAMs 43 and 243 compressed data built in the BIOS, respectively (S2). Then, the main CPUs 41 and 241 run a procedure of the BIOS according to the data loaded into the RAMs 43 and 243 so as to diagnose and initialize various peripheral devices (S3)
The main CPUs 41 and 241, which are respectively connected to the ROMs 55 and 255 of the gaming boards 50 and 250 via PCI buses, read out authentication programs stored in the ROMs 55 and 255 and stores them in the RAMs 43 and 243 (S4). During this step, the main CPUs 41 and 241 each derives a checksum through ADDSUM method (a standard check function) which is adopted in a standard BIOS, and store the authentication programs into RAMs 43 and 243 while confirming if the operation of storing is carried out without an error.
Next, the main CPUs 41 and 241 each checks what connects to the IDE bus. Then, the main CPUs 41 and 241 access, via the IDE buses, to the memory cards 53 and 253 inserted into the card slots 53S and 253S, and read out game programs and game system programs from the memory cards 53 and 253, respectively. In this case, the CPUs 41 and 241 each reads out four bytes of data constituting the game program and the game system program at one time. Next, according to the authentication programs stored in the RAMs 43 and 243, the CPUs 41 and 241 authenticate the game program and the game system program read out to confirm and prove that these programs are not modified (S5).
When the authentication properly ends, the main CPUs 41 and 241 write and store the authenticated game programs and game system programs in RAMs 43 and 243 (S6).
Next, the main CPUs 41 and 241 access, via the PCI buses, to the GALs 54 and 254 attached to the IC socket 54S 254S, and read out payout rate setting data from the GALs 54 and 254, respectively. The payout rate setting data read out is then written and stored in the RAMs 43 and 243 (S7).
Next, the main CPUs 41 and 241 read out, via the PCI buses, country identification information stored in the ROMs 55 and 255 of the gaming boards 50 and 250, respectively. The country identification information read out is then stored in the RAMs 43 and 243 (S8).
After this, the main CPUs 41 and 241 each perform an initial process of
[Operation of Gaming Machine 1: Initial Process]
The following describes an initial process which takes place in the gaming machine 1. When the boot process of
First, the main CPU 41 of the gaming terminal 10 checks the operation of work memories such as RAM 43 (A1). Then, the main CPU 41 determines if all the check results are normal (A2). If the main CPU 41 determines that the check results contains an error (A2: NO), the main CPU 41 outputs a signal notifying the error (hereinafter, error signal) to the JP controller 200 (A3). Further, the main CPU 41 reports the error in the form an alarm sound from a speaker 29 or the like (A4), and then ends the routine.
On the other hand in A2, if the main CPU 41 determines that all the check results are normal (A2: YES), the main CPU 41 checks the operations of various sensors (A5). Then, the main CPU 41 determines if all the check results are normal (A6). If the main CPU 41 determines the check results contain an error (A6: NO), the main CPU 41 executes A3.
On the other hand in A6, if the main CPU 41 determines that all the check results are normal (A6: YES), the main CPU 41 checks the operations of various driving mechanisms (A7) Then, the main CPU 41 determines if all the check results are normal (A8). If the main CPU 41 determines the check results contain an error (A8: NO), the main CPU 41 executes A3.
On the other hand in A8, if the main CPU 41 determines that all the check results are normal (A8: YES), the main CPU 41 checks the operations of various illuminations (A9). Then, the main CPU 41 determines if all the check results are normal (A10). If the main CPU 41 determines the check results contain an error (A10: NO), the main CPU 41 executes A3.
If the main CPU 41 determines that all the check results are normal (A10: YES) in the above process of checking various operations and functions through A1 to A10, the main CPU 41, an initial setting signal is output to the JP controller 200 (A11). Then, an initial setting signal is waited from the JP controller 200 (A12, A13: NO).
The main CPU 41 of the JP controller 200 receives signals from each of the gaming terminals 10 (B1). Then, the main CPU 241 determines whether a signal received is an error signal (B2). If the main CPU 241 determines that the signal is an error signal (B2: YES), the main CPU 241 outputs the error signal to a server of a not-shown host computer or the like (B3) to report the error (B4), and ends the routine.
On the other hand in B2, if the main CPU 241 determines that the signal is not an error signal (B2:NO), the main CPU 241 determines whether a predetermined time (check time) has elapsed from the time of powering on (B5). If the main CPU 241 determines that the check time has elapsed (B5: YES), B3 is executed. On the other hand, if the main CPU 241 determines that the check time has not yet elapsed (B5:NO), it is determined whether an initial setting signal is received from each of the gaming terminals 10 (B6). If the main CPU 241 determines that an initial setting signal from any one of the gaming terminals 10 is not received (B6: NO), the process returns to B1.
On the other hand if the main CPU 241 determines that an initial setting signal is received from any of the gaming terminals 10 (B6: YES), the main CPU 241 checks the operation of work memories such as RAM 243 (B7). Then, the main CPU 241 determines whether all the check results are normal (B8). If the main CPU 241 determines the check results contain an error (B8: NO), the main CPU 241 executes B3.
On the other hand in B8, if the main CPU 241 determines that all the check results are normal (B8: YES), the main CPU 241 checks the operations of various sensors (B9). Then, the main CPU 241 determines whether all the check results are normal (B10). If the main CPU 241 determines the check results contain an error (B10: NO), the main CPU 241 executes B3.
On the other hand in A6, if the main CPU 241 determines that all the check results are normal (B10: YES), the main CPU 241 checks the operations of various driving mechanisms (B11). Then, the main CPU 241 determines whether all the check results are normal (B12). If the main CPU 241 determines the check results contain an error (B12: NO), the main CPU 241 executes B3.
On the other hand in B12, if the main CPU 241 determines that all the check results are normal (B12: YES), the main CPU 241 checks the operations of various illuminations (B13). Then, the main CPU 241 determines whether all the check results are normal (B14) If the main CPU 241 determines the check results contain an error (B14: NO), the main CPU 241 executes B3.
If the main CPU 241 determines that all the check results are normal (B14: YES) in the above process of checking various operations and functions through B7 to B14, the main CPU 241 outputs an initial setting signal to all the gaming terminals 10 (B15), and causes the shared display 510 to display a demo-screen (B16) Then, the main CPU 241 ends the routine.
In A12, the main CPU 41 of each of the gaming terminals 10 determines that an initial setting signal is received from the JP controller 200 (A13: YES), and causes the terminal display 101 to display a demo-screen (A14). The main CPU 41 then ends the routine.
Operation of Gaming Terminal 10: Game Running Process Routine) After the terminal side initial setting routine of
As illustrated in
On the other hand, if a coin is bet (C2: YES), the credit value stored in the RAM 43 is reduced according to the number of coins bet (C3). When the number of coins bet surpasses the number of coins equivalent to the credit value stored in the RAM 43, C4 is repeated without the reduction of the credit value. When the number of coins bet exceeds the maximum number of coins bettable one game (50 pieces in this embodiment), the process goes to C4 without the reduction of the credit value.
Then, it is determined whether a spin button 23 is pressed (C4). If the spin button 23 is not pressed (C4: NO), the process returns to C2. Here, if the spin button 23 is not pressed (for example, the spin button 23 is not pressed but a command to end the game is input), the reduction of the credit value in C3 is canceled.
On the other hand, if the spin button 23 is pressed (turned to the ON state) (C4: YES), the progressive transmitting process is executed (C5). That is, a progressive signal indicative of a progressive value having been bet is transmitted to the JP controller 200.
Next executed is a symbol determining process for a base game (C6). That is, the stop symbol determining program stored in the RAM 43 is run to determine symbols 180 to be arranged in the matrix 156. Through this, a symbol combination to be formed along the payline L is determined.
Then, the scrolling process is executed to scroll symbols 180 on the terminal display 101 (C7). The scrolling process is a process in which the symbols 180 determined in C6 are stopped (rearranged) in the matrix 156 after scrolling of symbols 180 in a direction indicated by an arrow symbol.
Next, it is determined whether a combination formed by symbols 180 rearranged in the matrix 156 achieves a winning (C8). If it is determined that a winning is achieved (C8: YES), a payout for the winning achieved in the base game is determined (C9). Next executed is a process of awarding the payout determined in C9 (C10). More specifically, the number of coins according to the winning is calculated. On the other hand, if it is determined that no winning has been achieved (C8: NO), this routine is ended.
In C1, if a JP game start signal is received from the JP controller 200 (C1: YES), a JP game is run instead of the base game (C11). At that time, the emission color of the cabinet light emitting portions 30 is modified based on the information in the JP game start signal (C12).
Then, it is determined whether a spin button 23 is pressed (C13). If it is determined that the spin button 23 is not pressed (C13: NO), pressing of the spin button 23 is waited.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the spin button 23 is pressed (C13:YES), the symbol determining process for JP game is executed (C14). Then, the scrolling process is executed to scroll symbols 180 on the terminal display 101 (C15).
Next, it is determined whether a combination of symbols 180 rearranged in the matrix 156 achieves a JP winning (C16) If it is determined no JP winning has been achieved (C16:NO), whether or not a JP game end signal is received from the JP controller 200 is determined (C20).
If it is determined that no JP game end signal is received (C20:NO), C13 is re-executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the JP game end signal is received (C20: YES), the JP game ends and a transition to the base game occurs (C21) Then, this routine ends.
In C16, if it is determined that a JP winning is achieved (C16:YES), a JP winning signal is transmitted to the JP controller 200 (C17). Next, whether or not a JP payout signal is received from the JP controller 200 is determined (C18). If it is determined that no JP payout signal is received (C18: NO), C20 is executed. If it is determined that a JP payout signal is received (C18:YES), a JP payout is awarded based on the information in the JP payout signal (C19). At that time, the upper image display panel 33B of the gaming terminal 10B indicates that a Jackpot has been achieved. C20 is executed thereafter.
(Process Operation of JP Controller 200: Progressive Value Adding Process Routine)
In D1, if the JP controller 200 determines that a progressive signal is received from the terminal controller 100 (D1:YES), the terminal ID assigned to the gaming terminal 10 having sent the progressive signal is specified based on the progressive signal received (D2), and the progressive value obtained is accumulatively stored in the RAM 243 (D3). At that time, the progressive value obtained is stored in the “individual progressive value” field of the progressive value table illustrated in
(Operation of JP controller 200: JP Game Running Process Routine)
On the other hand in F1, if it is determined that the total equals or surpasses the predetermined value (F1: YES), the “individual progressive value” field of the progressive value table is referred to so as to determine, for each gaming terminal 10, the emission color of the cabinet light emitting portions 30 and that of the race-use light emitting portions 2. In other words, the respective emission colors of the first and the second light emitting portions 30 and 2 associated with the gaming terminals 10 are determined based on the corresponding contribution level during the base game (F2).
In F2, when the emission colors are determined for each gaming terminal 10, a JP game start signal is transmitted to all the gaming terminals 10 connected (F3). Note that the JP game start signal contains information that causes a start of the JP game and information of the emission colors determined in F2.
Next, the race-use light emitting portions 2 having turned active during the base game, according to the progressive value obtained are all reset; i.e., D6 of the progressive value adding process routine shown in
Next, whether or not a JP winning signal is received from any of the gaming terminals 10 is determined. If it is determined that no JP winning signal is received (F6: NO), whether a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of the time measurement in F5 is determined (F7). If the predetermined period has not yet elapsed (F7: NO), the time measurement resumes (F8), and the process returns to F6. On the other hand in F7, if it is determined that the predetermined period has elapsed (F7: YES), a JP game end signal is transmitted to the gaming terminals 10 (F9). This routine ends thereafter.
In F6, if it is determined that a JP winning signal is received from a gaming terminal 10 (F6: YES), the terminal ID of the gaming terminal 10 is specified based on the JP winning signal received (F10). Further, the combination of the JP winning having formed in the JP game played on the gaming terminal 10 is derived based on the JP winning signal received (F11). Then, referring to the race-use light emitting portion activation tables for straight part and curve respectively illustrated in
Next, the race-use light emitting portions 2 are turned active in F13, and whether or not all the race-use light emitting portions 2 have turned active is determined (F14). In other words, there is determined whether or not the race-use light emitting portions 2 are turned active all the way to the JP payout indicator 400 along the race line unit 300 in F13. If it is determined that not all the race-use light emitting portions 2 have turned active (F14:NO), there is determined in F7 whether or not JP game has been run for a predetermined period. In F14, if it is determined that all the race-use light emitting portions 2 are turned active (F14:YES), a JP payout is determined based on the “total progressive value” field of the progressive value table illustrated in
As described, a progressive value input through the coin insertion unit 21 or bill insertion unit 22 of any of the gaming terminals 10 is stored, in association with that gaming terminal 10, in the “individual progressive value” field of the progressive value table shown in
The foregoing described an embodiment of the present invention. The present invention, however, is not limited to the embodiment described above.
For example, the above embodiment of the present invention deals with a case where the number of race-use light emitting portions 2 turned active in the straight part 300b during the JP game in the event time is greater for a gaming terminal 10 whose contribution level during the base game is high; a gaming terminal 10 in which a larger amount of bet is made during the base game. However, this method of the present invention for determining the level of advantages in the JP game according to the contribution made during the base game is not limited to this. For example, the JP game may be started while a predetermined number of the race-use light emitting portions 2 based on the total bet amount during the base game are turned active. This allows a gaming terminal 10 with a higher contribution level to start the JP game, while the associated race-use light emitting portions 2 have turned active up to a position close to the JP payout indicator 400.
Further, the above embodiment of the present invention deals with a case where the gaming machine 1 runs the JP game when the total progressive value exceeds a predetermined value, i.e., when the total progressive value stored in the “total progressive value” field of the progressive value table of
Another embodiment of the invention is also possible, as described below. The following will describe a base game in a gaming machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.
A terminal display 101 according to another embodiment includes arrangement areas having a matrix of three rows and three columns, as shown in
In the example shown in
The following will describe a JP game in a gaming machine according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. In a bonus game according to the yet other embodiment, points are awarded that reflect a predetermined JP winning. A predetermined number of the race-use light emitting portions 2, according to the total value of the points having been awarded, are turned active sequentially towards the JP payout indicator 400.
This is described below based on the example shown in
In yet other embodiment of the present invention, the gaming machine is described that is configured to award a jackpot when the awarded points have accumulated to a predetermined value (4000 points). However, the invention is not limited to this example. For example, the gaming machine may be configured to award a jackpot when the awarded points have accumulated to a value which varies within a predetermined range of, for example, 3000 to 5000, in each JP game.
The detailed description of the present invention provided hereinabove mainly focused on characteristics thereof for the purpose of easier understanding; however, the scope of the present invention shall be construed as broadly as possible, encompassing various forms of other possible embodiments, and therefore the present invention shall not be limited to the above description. Further, the terms and phraseology used in the present specification are adopted solely to provide specific illustration of the present invention, and in no case should the scope of the present invention be limited by such terms and phraseology. Further, it will be obvious for those skilled in the art that the other structures, systems, methods or the like are possible, within the spirit of the invention described in the present specification. The description of claims therefore shall encompass structures equivalent to the present invention, unless otherwise such structures are regarded as to depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, the abstract is provided to allow, through a simple investigation, quick analysis of the technical features and essences of the present invention by an intellectual property office, a general public institution, or one skilled in the art who is not fully familiarized with patent and legal or professional terminology. It is therefore not an intention of the abstract to limit the scope of the present invention which shall be construed on the basis of the description of the claims. To fully understand the object and effects of the present invention, it is strongly encouraged to sufficiently refer to disclosures of documents already made available.
The detailed description of the present invention provided hereinabove includes a process executed on a computer or computer network. The above descriptions and expressions are provided to allow the one skilled in the art to most efficiently understand the present invention. A process performed in or by respective steps yielding one result or blocks with a predetermined processing function described in the present specification shall be understood as a process with no self-contradiction. Further, the electrical or magnetic signal is transmitted/received and written in the respective steps or blocks. It should be noted that such a signal is expressed in the form of bit, value, symbol, text, terms, number, or the like solely for the sake of convenience. Although the present specification occasionally personifies the processes performed in the steps or blocks, these processes are essentially executed by various devices. Further, the other structures necessary for the steps or blocks are obvious from the above descriptions.
The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/058,827, which was filed on Jun. 4, 2008, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
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