US20080318659A1 - Gaming system and game server - Google Patents
Gaming system and game server Download PDFInfo
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- US20080318659A1 US20080318659A1 US12/004,488 US448807A US2008318659A1 US 20080318659 A1 US20080318659 A1 US 20080318659A1 US 448807 A US448807 A US 448807A US 2008318659 A1 US2008318659 A1 US 2008318659A1
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/3244—Payment aspects of a gaming system, e.g. payment schemes, setting payout ratio, bonus or consolation prizes
- G07F17/3258—Cumulative reward schemes, e.g. jackpots
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a gaming system and a game server.
- slot machines when symbols displayed on winning lines (active pay lines) satisfies a predetermined combination, predetermined numbers of coins, bills, or the like are paid out.
- An example of a conventional slot machine is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,037,191.
- slot games are performed independently in each of the slot machines.
- One of objects of the present invention is to provide a gaming system and a game server having entertaining features that are completely new to the known technologies.
- a gaming system including: a plurality of gaming machines that provide games to respective players; and a game server that includes: a communication unit that is communicably connected to the gaming machines; and a main controller that operates to: determine symbols to be respectively displayed on each of the gaming machines from among a plurality of symbols when determined that at least one of the gaming machines is in a predetermined gaming state; and control at least one of the gaming machines through the communication unit to provide a first prescribed amount of game medium when a combination of the determined symbols satisfies a predetermined combination.
- a gaming system including: a plurality of gaming machines that provide games to respective players; and a game server that includes: a communication unit that is communicably connected to the gaming machines; and a main controller that operates to: determine symbols to be respectively displayed on each of the gaming machines from among a plurality of symbols when determined that a predetermined time condition is satisfied; and control at least one of the gaming machines through the communication unit to provide a first prescribed amount of game medium when a combination of the determined symbols satisfies a predetermined combination.
- a game server including: a communication unit that is communicably connected to a plurality of gaming machines that provide games to respective players; and a main controller that operates to: determine symbols to be respectively displayed on each of the gaming machines from among a plurality of symbols when determined that at least one of the gaming machines is in a predetermined gaming state; and control at least one of the gaming machines through the communication unit to provide a first prescribed amount of game medium when a combination of the determined symbols satisfies a predetermined combination.
- a game server including: a communication unit that is communicably connected to a plurality of gaming machines that provide games to respective players; and a main controller that operates to: determine symbols to be respectively displayed on each of the gaming machines from among a plurality of symbols when determined that a predetermined time condition is satisfied; and control at least one of the gaming machines through the communication unit to provide a first prescribed amount of game medium when a combination of the determined symbols satisfies a predetermined combination.
- FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a state in which a simultaneous display process has been performed in slot machines according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 1A is a diagram showing a state in which simultaneous scroll images are displayed in the slot machines, and wherein FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a state in which symbols displayed in the slot machines are identical to one another;
- FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a gaming system according to the embodiment
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a slot machine according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the slot machine with primarily focusing on the internal configuration thereof;
- FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of an image control circuit
- FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a symbol array table for a slot game in which symbols to be displayed in a symbol display area of each slot machine and code number data are in correspondence with each other;
- FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a winning combination determining table
- FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a simultaneous display symbol array table in which symbols to be displayed in a main display of each slot machine and code number data are in correspondence with each other;
- FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams showing an example of a symbol storage area of a game server, wherein FIG. 9A shows a case where a jackpot has been won, and wherein FIG. 9B shows a case where the jackpot has not been won;
- FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a jackpot winning determining table
- FIG. 11 shows an operation sequence of a gaming system according to a first embodiment of the present invention and is a sequence diagram with primarily focusing on data transmission and data reception;
- FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of a main control process that is repeatedly performed by a main CPU after power is turned on;
- FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation sequence of a start checking process
- FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation sequence of an internal lottery process
- FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an operation sequence of a reel control process
- FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an operation sequence of a payout coins determining process
- FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an operation sequence of a first jackpot lottery process
- FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an operation sequence of a simultaneous display process
- FIGS. 19A and 19B are diagrams showing an example of an image displayed in a main display in a slot game, wherein FIG. 19A is a diagram showing scroll images, and wherein FIG. 19B is a diagram showing symbol images;
- FIGS. 20A and 20B are diagrams showing an image displayed in a main display by a simultaneous display process, wherein FIG. 20A is a diagram showing a simultaneous scroll image, and wherein FIG. 20B is a diagram showing a symbol image displayed by the simultaneous display process;
- FIGS. 21A and 21B are diagrams showing a state in which a simultaneous display process has been performed in slot machines according to the embodiment, wherein FIG. 21A is a diagram showing scroll images displayed in the slot machines, and wherein FIG. 21B is a diagram showing a case where symbols displayed in the slot machines are not identical;
- FIG. 22 shows an operation sequence of a gaming system according a second embodiment and is a sequence diagram with primarily focusing on data transmission and data reception;
- FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an operation sequence of a second jackpot lottery process.
- FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a state in which a simultaneous display process has been performed in slot machines 1 A to 1 E according to the embodiment.
- slot machines 1 A to 1 E provided in a gaming system 100 (see FIG. 2 )
- independent slot games are performed.
- a game server 200 (see FIG. 2 ) performs a jackpot lottery process.
- the game server 200 transmits simultaneous display symbol data d 3 (see FIG. 11 ) for the simultaneous display process to the slot machines 1 A to 1 E.
- the slot machines 1 A to 1 E stop slot games and display a simultaneous scroll image G 1 (see FIG. 1A ) on a main display 3 .
- the slot machines 1 A to 1 E for example, display “7” symbols G 6 (see FIG. 1B ), and payout operations in accordance with the amount of jackpot distribution are performed in the slot machines 1 A to 1 E.
- the gaming system 100 having the slot machines 1 A to 1 E and the game server 200 , when the simultaneous display process is performed, players of the slot machines 1 A to 1 E pay attention to the symbols displayed in the slot machines 1 A to 1 E together, and thereby the players can enjoy games while having the feeling of solidarity.
- the players can acquire coins paid out on the basis of a combination of the symbols (for example, Seven symbols G 6 ) displayed in the slot machines 1 A to 1 E, and accordingly, the degree of satisfaction of the players for the result of the games increases. Accordingly, the players can enjoy a new entertaining feature in addition to existing entertaining features.
- FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the gaming system 100 according to the embodiment.
- the gaming system 100 has first to fifth slot machines 1 A to 1 E, each of which serving as a gaming machine, and a game server 200 that is connected to the slot machines 1 A to 1 E for transmission of data therebetween.
- machine IDs are assigned to the slot machines 1 A to 1 E such that the slot machines can be identified from one another by the machine IDs.
- the game server 200 has a CPU 201 , which serves as a controller, a ROM 202 , and a RAM 203 .
- the game server 200 has a communication processing unit 204 that is connected to the CPU 201 through an I/O port 207 , a communication control unit 205 , and a memory unit 206 .
- the game server 200 has a random number generator 211 , a sampling circuit 210 , a clock pulse generating circuit 212 , and a frequency divider 213 .
- the CPU 201 operates in accordance with a gaming system program and controls the overall operation of the game server 200 by sending/receiving signals to/from other components through the I/O port 207 .
- the ROM 202 programs such as a BIOS executed by the CPU 201 and permanent data are stored.
- the RAM 203 data or programs used for the operation of the CPU 201 are stored.
- the RAM 203 at least the gaming system program is stored.
- a jackpot determination table 93 (see FIG. 10 ) and a jackpot counter are stored in the RAM 203 .
- the jackpot determination table 93 is a table which is looked up when the CPU 201 performs an operation for jackpot determination.
- the jackpot determination table 93 has a symbol data area 93 a for storing combinations of symbols displayed in the first to fifth slot machines 1 A to 1 E, a winning combination area 93 b , and a lottery result area 93 c .
- the areas 93 a , 93 b , and 93 c are stored in association with one another.
- winning combinations of symbols are defined.
- the jackpot is won. For example, when the combination of the symbols is “Bell”; “Bell”; “Bell”; “Bell”; “Bell”; and “Bell”, it corresponds to a winning combination of “Bell”, and the jackpot is won.
- the amount of the jackpot is an amount resulting from accumulating parts of bet amounts (usage amounts of game media used in the games) in the slot machines 1 A to 1 E at a predetermined accumulation rate (for example, 5%) for each game.
- the amount of the jackpot is counted as needed by the jackpot counter stored in the RAM 203 of the above-described game server 200 .
- the combination of the symbols corresponds to one of the winning combinations and the jackpot is won, coins corresponding to the amount of the jackpot that has been accumulated by that time are paid out.
- the amount of the jackpot is divided for five slot machines 1 A to 1 E, and the divided amounts are paid out from the slot machines 1 A to 1 E.
- the communication control unit 205 operates in accordance with a direction of the CPU 201 and controls connection or disconnection of a line for communication with the slot machine 1 A.
- the communication processing unit 204 operates in accordance with a direction of the communication control unit 205 and performs transmission or reception of data.
- the random number generator 211 operates in accordance with a direction of the CPU 201 and generates random numbers in a predetermined range.
- the sampling circuit 210 extracts an arbitrary random number from among the random numbers generated by the random number generator 211 and inputs the extracted random number to the CPU 201 .
- the clock pulse generating circuit 212 generates a reference clock for operating the CPU 201 , and the frequency divider 213 inputs a signal divided by a predetermined period to the CPU 201 .
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the slot machine 1 A.
- Other slot machines 1 B to 1 E have the same configuration as the first slot machine 1 A, and descriptions of each element of the slot machines 1 B to 1 E will be omitted by attaching a same reference numeral as that of the first slot machine 1 A thereto.
- the slot machine 1 A is configured to perform a slot game by using a scroll image of a plurality of symbols.
- the slot machine 1 A has a base game mode and a bonus game mode.
- the slot machine 1 A receives a bet operation from a player and performs a slot game on a condition that a coin is used.
- the bonus game mode the slot machine 1 A automatically performs a slot game (hereinafter, referred to as a free game) without receiving the bet operation from the player.
- a predetermined condition is satisfied in the base game mode, the slot machine 1 A proceeds to the bonus game mode for performing the free game.
- the slot machine 1 A has a cabinet 2 that is used for housing electronic or mechanical components for performing the slot game.
- a main display 3 including an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is provided on the front side of the cabinet 2 .
- a sub-display 4 constituted by an LCD is provided on the upper side of the main display 3 .
- FIG. 3 in the approximately center of a screen of the main display 3 , three symbol display areas 3 A, 3 B, and 3 C are aligned in one row horizontally.
- scroll images g 1 moving pictures displayed as if a mechanical reel rotates
- a plurality of types of symbols look as if they move from the upside toward the downside are displayed in both the ordinary gaming mode and the special gaming mode (see FIG. 19A ).
- the scroll images g 1 are represented as downward arrows.
- the symbols displayed in the symbol display areas 3 A, 3 B, and 3 C are as shown in a slot game symbol array table 94 shown in FIG. 6 .
- a group of symbols shown in a symbol array 94 a of the first reel is repeatedly scrolled to be displayed from the upper side. After the scroll display is performed, one symbol of the symbol array in the first reel is stopped to be displayed in the symbol display area 3 A.
- a group of symbols shown in a symbol array 94 b of the second reel is repeatedly scrolled to be displayed from the upper side
- a group of symbols shown in a symbol array 94 c of the third reel is repeatedly scrolled to be displayed from the upper side, so that one of each symbol array is stopped to be displayed in each symbol display area 3 B or 3 C.
- a jackpot display area 3 J indicating the current amount of the jackpot is provided in the upper end of the main display 3 .
- the jackpot display area 3 J the amount of the jackpot accumulated by the above described jackpot counter of the game server 200 is displayed.
- a simultaneous symbol display area 3 E is provided instead of the symbol display areas 3 A, 3 B, and 3 C such that the simultaneous symbol display area substantially occupies the whole screen thereof.
- the simultaneous scroll image G 1 is displayed in the simultaneous symbol display area 3 E (see FIG. 20A ).
- the simultaneous scroll image G 1 is an image (moving pictures displayed as if a mechanical reel rotates) in which a plurality of types of symbols look as if they move from the upside toward the downside.
- the simultaneous scroll image G 1 is represented as a downward arrow.
- the symbol displayed in the simultaneous symbol display area 3 E is as shown in the simultaneous display symbol array table 95 shown in FIG. 8 .
- the simultaneous symbol display area 3 E a group of symbols shown in the symbol array of the simultaneous display symbol array table 95 is repeatedly scrolled to be displayed from the upside thereof.
- the group of symbols is constituted by a “7” symbol (blue) G 2 , a “Bell” symbol G 3 , a “Melon” symbol G 4 , a “Plum” symbol G 5 , a “7” symbol G 6 , a “Cherry” symbol G 7 , and a “Bar” symbol G 8 .
- one symbol for example, the “7” symbol G 6
- the simultaneous display symbol array table 95 is stopped to be displayed after the scroll display.
- the size of the symbol stopped to be displayed in the simultaneous symbol display area 3 E is larger than that of the symbol stopped in each symbol display area 3 A, 3 B, or 3 C.
- the symbol stopped to be displayed in the simultaneous symbol display area 3 E is clearly identified from the symbols 3 A, 3 B, and 3 C stopped to be displayed in the symbol display areas.
- the design (color, shape, or the like) of the symbol stopped in the simultaneous symbol display area 3 E may be configured to be different from that of the symbols stopped to be displayed in the symbol display areas 3 A, 3 B, and 3 C such that both type of symbols can be clearly identified from each other.
- an award table or an image (for example, a description of contents of the game) relating to the game is displayed.
- various effect images are displayed in the sub-display 4 in accordance with the simultaneous display process.
- a pedestal portion 5 that is disposed to be substantially horizontal is provided.
- a coin insertion slot 6 a bill insertion slot 7 , a spin switch 8 , a 1-BET switch 9 , a MAX-BET switch 10 , and a CASH-OUT switch 11 are provided.
- the coin insertion slot 6 is provided for the player so as to insert coins for betting on the game and has a coin insertion sensor 6 a (see FIG. 4 ) that outputs a signal indicating insertion of a coin.
- the bill insertion slot 7 is provided for the player so as to insert a bill and has a bill insertion sensor 7 a that outputs a signal indicating insertion of a bill.
- the spin switch 8 is provided for the player to perform an operation for starting a slot game by displaying a scroll image of symbols.
- the 1-BET switch 9 is provided so as to place a bet of one coin per one time of the bet operation.
- the MAX-BET switch 10 is provided so as to place a bet of maximum coins that can be betted on one game.
- the CASH-OUT switch 11 is an operation button that is used for paying coins corresponding to the credits into a coin receiving tray 14 .
- a coin payout port 13 and the coin receiving tray 14 for storing paid-out coins are provided in a lower portion of the cabinet 2 .
- speakers 12 L and 12 R are provided to left and right sides of the coin payout port 13 .
- FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the slot machine 1 A with primarily focusing on the internal configuration thereof.
- the slot machine 1 A has a plurality of components and has a gaming board 20 and a mother board 40 as its primary components.
- the gaming board 20 has a CPU 23 and a boot ROM 21 which are interconnected with an internal bus 24 and card slots 22 a and 22 b corresponding to a memory card 27 and a GAL 28 .
- the gaming board 20 is a device used for retrieving a game program and a gaming system program, which will be described later, from the memory card 27 into the mother board 40 .
- the gaming board 20 is a device used for retrieving payout setting data from the GAL 28 into the mother board 40 .
- the CPU 23 and a boot ROM 21 which are interconnected with the internal bus 24 are connected to the motherboard 40 through a PCI bus 25 .
- the PCI bus 25 performs signal transmission between the mother board 40 and the gaming board 20 and supplies power from the motherboard 40 to the gaming board 20 .
- an authentication program, a preliminary authentication program, a program (boot code), not shown in the figure, used by the CPU 23 for booting (starting) the preliminary authentication program, and the like, which will be described later, are stored.
- the authentication program is described in an order of checking and verifying no modification of game information to be authenticated, that is, a sequence (authentication order) of authenticating the game information.
- the authentication program is a program used for authenticating the game program and the gaming system program, which are supplied to the slot machine 1 A from the memory card 27 , by a CPU 32 to be described later. Since this authentication program checks that no modification is made in the game program and the gaming system program, the authentication program is also referred to as a modification checking program.
- the preliminary authentication program is described in an order of checking and verifying no modification of the authentication program, that is, a sequence (authentication order) of authenticating the authentication program.
- the preliminary authentication program is used for authenticating the authentication program that authenticates the game program and the gaming system program. This preliminary program is executed by the CPU 23 .
- the card slot 22 a is connected to the motherboard 40 through an IDE bus 26 a .
- This card slot 22 a is configured to be connectable to the memory card 27 such that the game program and the gaming system program which are stored therein can be read out.
- the card slot 22 a is a slot (physical connector) into which a memory card can be inserted.
- the card slot 22 b is connected to the mother board 40 through an IDE bus 26 b .
- This card slot 22 b is configured to be connectable to the GAL 28 such that the payout rate setting data stored therein can be read out.
- the card slot 22 b is a slot (physical connector) into which the GAL 28 can be inserted.
- the motherboard 40 is constituted by a general-purpose motherboard (a printed board on which basic components of a personal computer are built).
- the mother board 40 has at least a main CPU (Central Processing Unit) 32 , a ROM (Read Only Memory) 34 , a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33 , and an I/O port 39 .
- the motherboard 40 has a random number generator 35 , a sampling circuit 36 , a clock pulse generating circuit 37 , and a frequency divider 38 .
- the above-described PCI bus 25 and the IDE buses 26 a and 26 b are connected to the I/O port 39 .
- the main CPU 32 serves as a game controller according to the present invention.
- the main CPU 32 operates in accordance with the retrieved game program and gaming system program and controls the overall operation of the slot machine 1 A by inputting/outputting signals to/from other constituent elements through the I/O port 39 .
- RAM 33 data or program which is used for the operation of the main CPU 32 is stored and at least the authentication program, the game program, and the gaming system program which are read-out though the gaming board 20 are stored.
- a program such as a BIOS program (Basic Input/Output System, a standard BIOS for the motherboard 40 ) or the like which is executed by the main CPU 32 and permanent data are stored.
- BIOS Basic Input/Output System
- an initialization process of predetermined peripheral devices are performed and a retrieval process of the game program and the gaming system program which are stored in the memory card 27 performed through the gaming board 20 is started.
- a memory device such as a flash memory is used. Any type between rewritable and non-rewritable memory devices can be used.
- the random number generator 35 operates in accordance with a direction of the main CPU 32 and generates random numbers in a predetermined range.
- the sampling circuit 36 extracts an arbitrary random number from among the random numbers generated by the random number generator 35 in accordance with a direction of the main CPU 32 and inputs the extracted random number to the main CPU 32 .
- the clock pulse generating circuit 37 generates a reference clock for operating the main CPU 32 , and the frequency divider 38 inputs a signal resulting from dividing the reference clock by a predetermined period to the main CPU 32 .
- the slot machine 1 A has a communication processing unit 81 and a communication control unit 82 which are connected to the main CPU 32 through the I/O port 39 .
- the communication control unit 82 operates in accordance with a direction of the main CPU 32 and controls connection or disconnection of a line for communicating with the game server 200 .
- the communication processing unit 81 operates in accordance with a direction of the communication control unit 82 and performs transmission or reception of data.
- the slot machine 1 A has a touch panel 3 a , a lamp drive circuit 59 , a lamp 60 , an LED drive circuit 61 , an LED 62 , a hopper drive circuit 63 , a hopper 64 , a payout completion signal circuit 65 , and a coin detecting unit 66 .
- the slot machine 1 A has an image control circuit 71 and a sound control circuit 72 .
- the touch panel 3 a is configured to cover the screen of the main display 3 .
- the touch panel 3 a detects the position of a spot touched by a finger of the player or the like and inputs a position signal corresponding to the detected position to the main CPU 32 .
- the player can perform an input operation through a touch operation using the finger of the player or the like.
- the lamp drive circuit 59 turns the lamp 60 on or off during a game by outputting a signal for turning on the lamp 63 to the lamp 60 . By the turning the lamp 60 on or off, representation of the game is performed.
- the LED drive circuit 61 controls display of the LED 62 by turning it on/off.
- the LED 62 displays the number of credited coins or the number of acquired coins.
- the hopper drive circuit 63 drives the hopper 64 in accordance with control of the main CPU 32 .
- the hopper 64 pays out coins from the payout port 13 to the coin receiving tray 14 .
- the coin detecting unit 66 counts the number of coins paid out by the hopper 64 and notifies the payout completion signal circuit 65 of the count number data.
- the payout completion signal circuit 65 receives the count number data from the coin detecting unit 66 . When the count number reaches a set value, the payout completion signal circuit 65 outputs a signal indicating completion of coin payout to the main CPU 32 .
- the image control circuit 71 displays various images such as a scroll screen of a plurality of symbols, an effect screen for game representation, and a state image for notifying a player of a game state on the main display 3 and the sub-display 4 by controlling image display of the main display 3 and the sub-display 4 .
- the image control circuit 71 has an image control CPU 71 a , a work RAM 71 b , a program ROM 71 c , an image ROM 71 d , a video RAM 71 e , and a VDP (Video Display Processor) 71 f .
- the image control CPU 71 a determines images (a scroll image, an image of a symbol stopped to be displayed after display of the scroll image, a simultaneous screen image, an image stopped to be displayed after display of the simultaneous screen image, or the like) to be displayed on the main display 3 and the sub-display 4 on the basis of a parameter set by the main CPU 32 in accordance with an image control program (relating to display of the main display 3 and the sub-display 4 ) stored in the program ROM 71 c in advance.
- the work RAM 71 b is configured to be temporary storage means that is used when the image control CPU 71 a executes an image control program.
- the program ROM 71 c an image control program, various selection tables, and the like are stored.
- the image ROM 71 d dot data for forming images is stored.
- the dot data for example, includes symbol image data indicating symbols used in a slot game.
- the video RAM 71 e is configured as temporary storing means at a time when the VDP 71 f forms an image.
- the VDP 71 f has a control RAM 71 g and forms images in accordance with contents of display to be displayed on the main display 3 and the sub-display 4 which are determined by the image control CPU 71 a and outputs the formed images to the main display 3 and the sub-display 4 .
- the sound control circuit 72 outputs voice signals, which are used for outputting voices from the speakers 12 L and 12 R, to the speakers 12 L and 12 R. From the speakers 12 L and 12 R, for example, voices for encouraging a game are output at appropriate timings after start of the game.
- the winning combination determining table 92 is looked up when the main CPU 32 performs a winning determination of a combination of symbols stopped to be displayed in three symbol display areas 3 A, 3 B, and 3 C of the main display 3 and determination on the number of coins to be paid-out in a case where a game is won.
- the winning combination determining table 92 has a symbol data area 92 a , a number of payout coins area 92 b , and a winning combination area 92 c .
- the areas 92 a , 92 b , and 92 c are stored in association with one another.
- combinations of symbols to be winning combinations in the slot machine 1 A are defined.
- the combination of symbols corresponds to one of the winning combinations included in the winning combination determining table 92
- coins corresponding to the number of payout coins which is stored in association with the combination are paid-out from the slot machine 1 A.
- the combination of symbols is “7”; “7”; and “7”
- a winning combination of “7” is won, and thereby 30 coins are paid out.
- the simultaneous display process (see FIG. 18 ) to be described later is performed. Accordingly, the winning combination of “7” is a winning combination for starting the simultaneous display process and corresponds to a predetermined winning combination according to the present invention.
- FIG. 11 shows an operation sequence of the gaming system 100 according to a first embodiment.
- FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram with primarily focused on data transmission between the slot machines 1 A to 1 E and the game server 200 .
- Step is abbreviated as “S”.
- the first to fifth slot machines 1 A to 1 E perform a start checking process (see Step 4 in FIG. 12 ) to be described later when slot games are started.
- each one of the slot machines 1 A to 1 E transmits bet data d 1 representing the amount of bet to the game server 200 .
- the game server 200 adds a predetermined amount to the jackpot counter.
- the CPU 201 of the game server 200 calculates a value corresponding to a predetermined ratio of the bet amount (for example, 5% of the bet amount) included in the bet data d 1 and adds the calculated value to the jackpot counter.
- a predetermined ratio of the bet amount for example, 5% of the bet amount
- the slot machines 1 A to 1 E independent slot games are performed. For example, when the first slot machine 1 A wins the winning combination of “7”, the first slot machine 1 A transmits jackpot request data d 2 to the game server 200 . Then, the game server 200 performs a first jackpot lottery process (see FIG. 17 ) to be described later, and thereby determining whether the jackpot has been won. In addition, the game server 200 transmits simultaneous display symbol data d 3 to the first to fifth slot machines 1 A to 1 E and then, transmits jackpot distributed amount in a case where the jackpot has been won. Then, the first to fifth slot machines 1 A to 1 E performs the simultaneous display process (see FIG. 18 ) to be described later. When receiving the jackpot distributed amount, the first to fifth slot machines 1 A to 1 E pay out the jackpot distributed amount and add the jackpot distributed amount to the payout coin counter.
- FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of a main control process that is repeatedly performed by the main CPU 32 after power is turned on.
- the main CPU 32 of the slot machine 1 A proceeds to Step 3 after performing Steps 1 and 2 , and a repetitive routine in which steps from Step 3 to Step 10 are sequentially processed repeatedly is performed.
- the main CPU 32 of the slot machine 1 A executes the BIOS stored in the ROM 34 , thereby reading out the authentication program from the boot ROM 21 and storing the authentication program in the RAM 33 .
- the main CPU 32 performs an authentication process of the game program and the gaming system program which are stored in the memory card 27 on the basis of the authentication program, thereby reading out the game program and the gaming system program though the gaming board 20 .
- the main CPU 32 performs a storage process for storing the read-out game program and gaming system program into the RAM 33 .
- Step 2 the main CPU 32 performs a retrieval process in which the payout rate setting data stored in the GAL 28 is read out through the gaming board 20 and stores the read-out payout rate setting data into the RAM 33 .
- the main CPU 32 performs an initialization process for starting the next game.
- the initialization process is a process in which data for items set in predetermined data areas is cleared and the like and is performed each time one slot game is completed.
- the main CPU 32 sequentially performs a start checking process, an internal lottery process, a reel control process, and a payout coins determining process of Step 4 to Step 7 .
- a slot game in the base game mode is performed.
- Step 8 the main CPU 32 shifts it game mode from an base game mode to a bonus game mode in a case where a free game trigger is achieved in the base game mode.
- Step 9 the CPU 32 performs a free game process.
- the main CPU 32 performs a process in which one or several free games are processed in the free game process.
- the CPU 32 proceeds to Step 10 .
- the process proceeds to Step 10 by skipping Step 9 .
- Step 10 the main CPU 32 performs a coin payout process for directly or indirectly paying out coins.
- the main CPU 32 determines whether the CASH-OUT switch 11 is in an “ON” state. When it is determined that the CASH-OUT switch 11 is in the “ON” state, the CPU 32 sums up the value of the payout coin counter and the value of the credit counter. In order to perform a direct payout operation, the main CPU 32 controls the hopper drive circuit 63 to drive the hopper 64 , so that coins corresponding to the summed number are paid out into the coin receiving tray 14 . On the other hand, when it is determined that the CASH-OUT switch 11 is not in the “ON” state, the main CPU 32 adds the value of the payout coin counter to the credit counter for performing an indirect payout operation.
- the main CPU 32 sets “1” indicating direct payout to a CASH-OUT flag assigned in the RAM 33 .
- the main CPU 32 sets “0” indicating indirect payout to the CASH-OUT flag.
- the main CPU 32 determines whether the CASH-OUT switch 11 is in the “ON” state on the basis of the value set in the CASH-OUT flag.
- the start checking process of Step 4 is performed in accordance with a flowchart shown in FIG. 13 .
- the process proceeds to Step 11 , and the main CPU 32 of the slot machine 1 A determines whether coin insertion is detected by determining whether a signal is input from the coin insertion sensor 6 a .
- the main CPU 32 proceeds to Step 12 and then proceeds to Step 13 after performing Step 12 .
- the process proceeds to Step 13 by skipping Step 12 .
- Step 12 the main CPU 32 updates (adds based on the number of inserted coins) the credit counter indicating remaining credits calculated by the number of inserted coins or the number of coins to be paid out.
- Step 13 it is determined whether the credit counter is “0”. When the credit counter is “0”, the process proceeds to Step 20 . When the credit counter is not “0”, the process proceeds to Step 14 . In Step 14 , reception of operations of the bet switches (1-BET switch 9 and the MAX-BET switch 10 ) is allowed.
- Step 15 the main CPU 32 determines whether any operation of the bet switches (bet operation) has been detected.
- the process proceeds to Step 16 .
- the main CPU 32 updates the bet counter indicating the number of betted coins and the credit counter (increase the bet counter and decrease the credit counter) on the basis of the bet switches of which operations have been detected.
- Step 17 the main CPU 32 determines whether the bet counter has reached a maximum value.
- Step 18 a process for prohibiting update of the bet counter is performed, and the process proceeds to Step 18 .
- the process proceeds to Step 19 by skipping Step 18 .
- Step 19 the main CPU 32 allows reception of the operation of the spin switch 8 .
- Step 20 the main CPU 32 determines whether the operation of the spin switch 8 has been detected. When the operation of the spin switch 8 has not been detected, the process proceeds back to Step 11 , and the above described processes are repeated. On the other hand, when the CPU 32 has detected the operation of the spin switch 8 , the process proceeds to Step 21 , and the value of the bet counter is acquired. In addition, the main CPU 32 controls the communication control unit 82 and the communication processing unit 81 to transmit the bet data d 1 (see FIG. 11 ) indicating the acquired value to the game server 200 and then, ends the start checking process.
- Step 5 the main CPU 32 of the slot machine 1 A performs an internal lottery process.
- the main CPU 32 performs the internal lottery process in accordance with a flowchart shown in FIG. 14 .
- Step 41 the main CPU 32 controls the sampling circuit 36 to extract arbitrary random numbers from among random numbers generated by the random number generator 35 .
- Step 42 the main CPU 32 determines symbols (symbols determined to be stopped) to be stopped to be displayed in the symbol display areas 3 A to 3 C by looking up an internal lottery table (not shown in the figure) on the basis of the random numbers extracted in Step 41 .
- extraction of a random number is performed three times in correspondence with the symbol display areas 3 A to 3 C, and the determination of a symbol to be stopped is performed three times in correspondence with the symbol display areas 3 A to 3 C.
- the main CPU 32 After determining the symbols to be stopped in the symbol display areas 3 A to 3 C, the main CPU 32 stores symbol data of the determined symbols to be stopped in a symbol storage area assigned in the RAM 33 . In the symbol storage area, the symbol data of the symbols to be stopped is stored. The main CPU 32 performs display of stopped symbols in the symbol display areas 3 A to 3 C on the basis of the symbol data stored in the symbol storage area.
- the symbol data for example, is code number data (see FIG. 6 ) on the basis of symbol array in each reel.
- Step 43 the main CPU 32 determines whether the winning combination of “7” has been won by searching the winning combination determining table 92 (see FIG. 7 ) using the symbol data stored in the symbol storage area of the RAM 33 .
- the main CPU 32 determines whether the winning combination of “7” has been won on the basis of a combination of symbol data (code number data) of predetermined stop symbols to be stopped to be displayed in three symbol display areas 3 A to 3 C by looking up the winning combination determining table 92 .
- the combination of symbol data of predetermined stop symbols stopped to be displayed in three symbol display areas 3 A to 3 C is identical to the combination of the winning combination of “7” (combination of “7”, “7”; and “7”), the main CPU 32 determines that the winning combination of “7” has been won.
- Step 43 the internal lottery process ends.
- the process proceeds to Step 44 .
- the main CPU 32 controls the communication processing unit 81 and the communication control unit 82 to transmit the jackpot request data d 2 (see FIG. 11 ) to the game server 200 and then ends the internal lottery process.
- the main CPU 32 proceeds to Step 6 shown in FIG. 12 , and a reel control process is performed.
- the main CPU 32 performs the reel control process in accordance with a flowchart shown in FIG. 15 .
- Step 51 the main CPU 32 performs a scroll control process.
- the CPU 32 controls the image control circuit 71 to display scroll images g 1 (see FIG. 19A ) in the symbol display areas 3 A to 3 C.
- Step 52 the process standby until a reel rotation stopping timer that has been set to a predetermined time in advance becomes “0”.
- the process proceeds to Step 53 , and the main CPU 32 controls the image control circuit 71 to display images (stop symbol display images) in which the symbols g 2 (see FIG. 19B ) are stopped to be displayed in the symbol display areas 3 A to 3 C in Step 53 .
- Step 53 the main CPU 32 ends the reel control process.
- Step 7 shown in FIG. 12 the main CPU 32 performs a payout coins determining process.
- the main CPU 32 performs the payout coins determining process in accordance with a flowchart shown in FIG. 16 .
- Step 61 the main CPU 32 determines the number of payout coins by looking up the winning combination determining table 92 (see FIG. 7 ).
- the main CPU 32 determines the number of payout coins and the winning combination on the basis of symbol data (code number data) of the predetermined stop symbols to be displayed in three symbol display areas 3 A to 3 C by looking up the winning combination determining table 92 .
- symbol data code number data
- the main CPU 32 determines the number of payout coins and the winning combination on the basis of symbol data (code number data) of the predetermined stop symbols to be displayed in three symbol display areas 3 A to 3 C by looking up the winning combination determining table 92 .
- a combination of the symbol data of the predetermined stop symbols to be displayed in three symbol display areas 3 A to 3 C is identical to one (for example, a combination of “Bell”; “Bell”; and “Bell”) of the winning combinations stored in the symbol data area 92 a
- the number of payout coins and the winning combination which are in association with the combination are extracted from the payout coin area 92 b and the winning combination area 92 c .
- the main CPU 32 determines the won number of payout coins and winning combination on the basis of the extracted data. On the other hand, when the combination of symbol data of the predetermined stop symbols is not identical to any one of the winning combination, the main CPU 32 determines the number of payout coins to be “0”.
- Step 62 the number of payout coins determined in Step 61 is added to the payout coin counter, and the main CPU 32 ends the payout coins number determining process.
- Step 8 When the payout coins determining process is completed, the process proceeds to Step 8 shown in FIG. 12 , and the main CPU 32 determines whether free game trigger has been achieved.
- the process proceeds to Step 9 , and the main CPU 32 performs a free game process, and then the process proceeds to Step 10 .
- the process proceeds to Step 10 without performing the free game process.
- Step 10 the main CPU 32 controls the hopper drive circuit 63 to payout coins corresponding to the value of the payout coin counter from the hopper 64 .
- the winning combination of “Bell” has been won in the slot machine 1 A
- ten coins are paid out.
- any one of the winning combinations has not been won in the slot machine 1 A
- no coin is paid out.
- the winning combination of “7” has been won in the slot machine 1 A and the jackpot lottery in the game server 200 has been won, coins corresponding to the distributed amounts of the jackpot amount received from the game server 200 are paid out from the slot machines 1 A to 1 E.
- FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an operation sequence of the first jackpot lottery process.
- the process proceeds to Step 101 .
- the CPU 201 of the game server 200 receives the jackpot request data d 2 from the first slot machine 1 A, the process proceeds to Step 102 .
- Step 102 the CPU 201 controls the sampling circuit 210 to extract arbitrary random numbers from among random numbers generated by the random number generator 211 .
- Step 103 the CPU 201 determines symbols (simultaneous display symbols) simultaneously stopped to be displayed in the first to fifth slot machines 1 A to 1 E on the basis of the extracted random numbers by looking up the internal lottery table (not shown in the figure).
- extraction of a random number is performed five times in correspondence with the slot machines 1 A to 1 E
- determination of a simultaneous display symbol is performed five times in correspondence with the slot machines 1 A to 1 E.
- the CPU 201 stores symbol data of the determined simultaneous display symbols in a simultaneous display symbol storage area 96 (see FIG. 9 ) assigned in the RAM 203 .
- the extraction of a random number may be performed once by the CPU 201 , and the simultaneous display symbols of the whole first to fifth slot machines 1 A to 1 E may be determined on the basis of the extracted random number.
- the symbol data stored in the simultaneous display symbol storage area 96 is the code number data (see FIG. 8 ) on the basis of the symbol array in the simultaneous display symbol array table 95 .
- FIG. 9A shows a storage example in a case where the jackpot has been won.
- the entire symbol data stored in correspondence with the slot machines 1 A to 1 E is “8”.
- the symbol data “8” corresponds to the “7” symbol G 6 (see FIG. 8 ).
- FIG. 9B shows a storage example in a case where the jackpot has not been won.
- FIG. 9A shows a storage example in a case where the jackpot has not been won.
- symbol data of “4” (“Plum” symbol G 5 ), symbol data of “8” (“7” symbol G 6 ), symbol data of “16” (“Bar” symbol G 8 ), symbol data of “8” (“7” symbol G 6 ), and symbol data of “2” (“Bell” symbol G 3 ) are stored in correspondence with the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth slot machines 1 A, 1 B, 1 C, 1 D, and 1 E.
- Step 104 the CPU 201 determines whether the jackpot has been won by searching the jackpot winning determining table 93 (see FIG. 10 ) using the symbol data stored in the simultaneous display symbol storage area 96 of the RAM 203 .
- the CPU 201 determines whether the jackpot has been won on the basis of a combination of the symbol data (code number data) of the simultaneous display symbols stored in correspondence with the slot machines 1 A to 1 E by looking up the table 93 .
- the main CPU 32 determines that the jackpot has been won when the combination of the symbol data of the simultaneous display symbols stopped to be displayed in the slot machines 1 A to 1 E is identical to any one of a winning combination of “7” (a combination of “7”; “7”; “7”; “7”; and “7”), a winning combination of “Bar” (a combination of “Bar”; “Bar”; “Bar”, “Bar”; and “Bar”), a winning combination of “Bell” (a combination of “Bell”; “Bell”; “Bell”, “Bell”; and “Bell”), a winning combination of “Plum” (a combination of “Plum”; “Plum”; “Plum”, “Plum”; and “Plum”), a winning combination of “Melon” (a winning
- Step 105 the CPU 201 calculates the distributed amounts of the jackpot.
- the CPU 201 extracts the value of the jackpot counter and calculates the distributed amounts by dividing the extracted value by the number of the grouped slot machines 1 A to 1 E.
- the method of calculating the distributed amounts of the jackpot is not limited to a method in which the distributed amounts are equally distributed, and the number of payout coins in the slot machine 1 A that is a source of the jackpot request data d 2 may be configured to be larger than those of the other slot machines 1 B to 1 E.
- the distributed amounts may be calculated by using a method in which the slot machines 1 A to 1 E are classified to be ranked on the basis of the payout rates thereof and the distributed amounts vary depending on the ranks.
- the process proceeds to Step 106 .
- the CPU 201 controls the communication control unit 205 and the communication processing unit 204 to transmit the simultaneous display symbol data d 3 .
- the CPU 201 generates the simultaneous display symbol data d 3 in which symbol data stored in the simultaneous display symbol storage area 96 and machine IDs of the slot machines 1 A to 1 E are in correspondence with each other, transmits the simultaneous display symbol data d 3 and the distributed amounts of the jackpot to the slot machines 1 A to 1 E, and completes the jackpot lottery process.
- Step 104 when the CPU 201 determines that the jackpot has not been won in Step 104 , the process proceeds to Step 107 , and the CPU 201 controls the communication control unit 205 and the communication processing unit 204 to transmit only the simultaneous display symbol data d 3 to the slot machines 1 A to 1 E and completes the jackpot lottery process.
- the simultaneous display process is performed in accordance with a flowchart shown in FIG. 18 .
- Step 81 for the main CPU 32 of the slot machine 1 A to start an interrupt process in accordance with reception of the symbol data d 2 .
- the main CPU 32 temporarily saves a program, which is stored in a storage area (register) inside the memory, currently executed in the main control process, and the process proceeds to Step 82 .
- Step 82 the main CPU 32 stores the received simultaneous display symbol data in a symbol data storage area that is used for simultaneous display. Subsequently, in Step 83 , the main CPU 32 controls the image control circuit 71 to display simultaneous scroll images G 1 (see FIGS. 1A , 20 A, and 21 A) in the simultaneous symbol display areas 3 E.
- Step 84 the process standbys until the simultaneous scroll stopping timer set to a predetermined time in advance becomes “0”.
- the process proceeds to Step 85 , and the main CPU 32 controls the image control circuit 71 to display simultaneous display symbols, for example, of the “7” symbol G 6 ; a “Plum” symbol G 5 , a “Bar” symbol G 8 ; and a “Bell” symbol G 3 in the simultaneous display areas 3 E.
- Step 86 the CPU 201 restores the register of the program of the main control process that has been saved and resumes the restored program from a time point when the main control process is stopped (saved). When the register is restored, the CPU 201 completes the simultaneous display process.
- the CPU 201 acquires a value on the basis of distributed amount data of the jackpot and adds the value to the payout coin counter.
- the game server 200 and the gaming system 100 when the slot machines 1 A to 1 E are in a predetermined state, players playing slot games using the slot machines pay attention to symbols displayed in the slot machines 1 A to 1 E together, and thereby the players can enjoy the games while having the feeling of solidarity.
- the players can acquire coins paid out on the basis of a combination of the symbols, and accordingly, the degree of satisfaction of the players for the result of the games increases. Accordingly, the players can enjoy a new entertaining feature in addition to existing entertaining features.
- the game server 200 when the gaming system is in a specific gaming state in which a predetermined winning combination of “7” is won in any one of the slot machines 1 A to 1 E, the game server 200 abruptly stops slot games performed using the slot machines 1 A to 1 E in a simultaneous manner. Then, the game server 200 displays the simultaneous scroll images G 1 and then displays the simultaneous display symbols by performing control operations, which are related with one another, for the slot machines 1 A to 1 E. As a result, even a player playing slot games repeatedly can feel freshness by abruptly stopping the slot game and displaying the simultaneous display symbols, and whereby the player is not easily tired of the slot games owing to the fresh surprise.
- the game server 200 pays out the distributed amounts of the jackpot to the slot machines 1 A to 1 E on the basis of the result of a combination of the simultaneous display symbols.
- the amount of the jackpot is not fixed and is accumulated in accordance with amounts betted in slot games of the slot machines 1 A to 1 E.
- the game server 200 calculates distributed amounts of the jackpot by dividing the amount of the jackpot by five and pays out the distributed amounts of the jackpot to all the five slot machines 1 A to 1 E in which the simultaneous display symbols are displayed.
- the players using the slot machines 1 A to 1 E can be pleased together by receiving the coins together, and accordingly, the mood of the players using the slot machines 1 A to 1 E is encouraged.
- FIG. 22 shows an operation sequence of a gaming system according to the second embodiment.
- FIG. 22 is a sequence diagram with a primary focus on data transmission between the slot machines and the game server. Since elements constituting the gaming system according to the second embodiment are the same as those constituting the gaming system 100 according to the first embodiment, to the gaming system according to the second embodiment or each element thereof, a same reference numeral as that of the gaming system 100 according to the first embodiment or the corresponding element thereof is attached, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted here.
- the first to fifth slot machines 1 A to 1 E perform a start checking process (see Step 4 shown in FIG. 12 ).
- each one of the slot machines 1 A to 1 E transmits bet data d 1 indicating the betted amount to the game server 200 .
- the game server 200 adds a predetermined amount to the jackpot counter.
- a predetermined time condition is satisfied (see Step 110 shown in FIG. 22 ).
- a second jackpot lottery process is performed.
- a case where the predetermined condition is satisfied for example, is a case where preset time has been reached, a case where a predetermined time elapses after the previous jackpot lottery process is performed, a case where a predetermined time has elapsed after power of each one of the slot machines 1 A to 1 E is turned on, or the like.
- the succeeding second jackpot lottery process is performed in accordance with a flowchart shown in FIG. 23 .
- the second jackpot lottery process is started, random numbers are extracted by performing the same process as the first jackpot lottery process (Step 121 ). Thereafter, succeeding processes (Step 122 to Step 126 ) are performed in accordance with a same operation sequence as the first jackpot lottery process.
- the CPU 201 transmits the simultaneous display symbol data d 3 and the jackpot distributed amount data to the slot machines 1 A to 1 E.
- the CPU 201 transmits the simultaneous display symbol data d 3 to the slot machines 1 A to 1 E.
- the slot machines 1 A to 1 E that have received the simultaneous display symbol data d 3 stop the slot games and perform the same simultaneous display process as that of the gaming system according to the first embodiment.
- the slot machines 1 A to 1 E payout the jackpot distributed amounts and add the jackpot distributed amounts to the payout coin counter.
- the game server 200 and the gaming system 100 which perform the second jackpot lottery process when a predetermined time condition is satisfied, players playing slot games using the slot machines 1 A to 1 E pay attention to symbols displayed in the slot machines 1 A to 1 E together. In addition, the players can acquire coins paid out on the basis of a combination of the symbols. Therefore, the players can enjoy a new entertaining feature in addition to existing entertaining features.
- the game server 200 manages the predetermined time condition, the simultaneous display process can be performed for the slot machines 1 A to 1 E at appropriate timings, and accordingly, it becomes easy to manage timings of the slot machines 1 A to 1 E for encouraging the mood of the players.
- the gaming machine is not limited to a slot machine and may be any one of various gaming machines that provide games other than a slot game, such as a card gaming machine or the like.
- the specific gaming state is not limited to a state in which a predetermined winning combination of “7” has been won in the slot machine, and a different winning combination may be used. Furthermore, the specific gaming state may be a state in which winning combinations have been consecutively won in a plurality of slot machines within a short time (for example, ten seconds).
- the game media is not limited to coins and may be bills or electronic money which is used for performing the game.
- the number of the symbol display areas is not limited to three and may be five or seven.
- a plurality of symbol display areas that are disposed in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns may be provided.
- the gaming system may be configured that an activated pay line is set by the plurality of symbol display areas and a winning combination is won in a case where symbols to be stopped to be displayed in the plurality of symbol display areas placed on the activated pay line become a predetermined combination.
- What is paid out in a case where the combination of symbols displayed in the plurality of gaming machines is a predetermined combination is not limited to the amount of the jackpot or the distributed amount of the jackpot, and a fixed amount may be paid all the time or the paid-out amount may be configured to change on the basis of a combined shape of symbols.
- the number of the gaming machines that are communicably connected to the game server is not limited to five and may be two or more, for example, three or seven. Furthermore, all the gaming machines connected to the game server may be divided into groups each having a plurality of gaming machines, and the simultaneous display process may be performed with the gaming machines within each group associated with one another. For example, 100 gaming machines may be connected to the game server, while the gaming machines are divided into groups each having 20 gaming machines, and the simultaneous display process may be performed for each group having a specific gaming state.
- the specific gaming state is not limited to the case where the winning combination of “7” has been won, and any other winning combination such as a winning combination of “Bar” or a winning combination of “Bell” for which coins are paid out may be used as a condition for achieving the specific gaming state.
- a slot machine that performs a slot game by displaying a scroll image on a main display constituted by an LCD has been described as an example
- a slot machine that has mechanical reels and performs a slot game by controlling rotation and stop of the reels may be used.
- the controller of the game server may associate a plurality of slot machines, and, for example, may display symbols by starting synchronized rotation of center reels of the slot machines and then simultaneously stopping the rotation of the center reels, and the controller may be configured to perform payout of coins when a combination of the symbols is a predetermined combination.
- the simultaneous display process may be performed by providing a simultaneous symbol display area in a display device (sub-display) other than the main display.
- the game server 200 is provided separately from each of the slot machines 1 A- 1 E.
- the game system 100 may be configured that the game server 200 is provided in one of the slot machines 1 A- 1 E.
Abstract
A gaming system includes: a plurality of gaming machines that provide games to respective players; and a game server that includes: a communication unit that is communicably connected to the gaming machines; and a main controller that operates to: determine symbols to be respectively displayed on each of the gaming machines from among a plurality of symbols when determined that at least one of the gaming machines is in a predetermined gaming state; and control at least one of the gaming machines through the communication unit to provide a first prescribed amount of game medium when a combination of the determined symbols satisfies a predetermined combination.
Description
- The present application is based upon and claims priority from prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-352213, filed on Dec. 27, 2006, the entire content of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention relates to a gaming system and a game server.
- In slot machines, when symbols displayed on winning lines (active pay lines) satisfies a predetermined combination, predetermined numbers of coins, bills, or the like are paid out. An example of a conventional slot machine is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,037,191. In a gaming system having a plurality of the slot machines, slot games are performed independently in each of the slot machines.
- Although players can enjoy slot games individually in a conventional gaming system, players are difficult to pay attention to slot games played by other players. Thus, it is difficult for plurality of players to enjoy games with the feeling of solidarity, and consideration for entertaining features in the games is insufficient in the conventional gaming system.
- One of objects of the present invention is to provide a gaming system and a game server having entertaining features that are completely new to the known technologies.
- According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a gaming system including: a plurality of gaming machines that provide games to respective players; and a game server that includes: a communication unit that is communicably connected to the gaming machines; and a main controller that operates to: determine symbols to be respectively displayed on each of the gaming machines from among a plurality of symbols when determined that at least one of the gaming machines is in a predetermined gaming state; and control at least one of the gaming machines through the communication unit to provide a first prescribed amount of game medium when a combination of the determined symbols satisfies a predetermined combination.
- According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a gaming system including: a plurality of gaming machines that provide games to respective players; and a game server that includes: a communication unit that is communicably connected to the gaming machines; and a main controller that operates to: determine symbols to be respectively displayed on each of the gaming machines from among a plurality of symbols when determined that a predetermined time condition is satisfied; and control at least one of the gaming machines through the communication unit to provide a first prescribed amount of game medium when a combination of the determined symbols satisfies a predetermined combination.
- According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a game server including: a communication unit that is communicably connected to a plurality of gaming machines that provide games to respective players; and a main controller that operates to: determine symbols to be respectively displayed on each of the gaming machines from among a plurality of symbols when determined that at least one of the gaming machines is in a predetermined gaming state; and control at least one of the gaming machines through the communication unit to provide a first prescribed amount of game medium when a combination of the determined symbols satisfies a predetermined combination.
- According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a game server including: a communication unit that is communicably connected to a plurality of gaming machines that provide games to respective players; and a main controller that operates to: determine symbols to be respectively displayed on each of the gaming machines from among a plurality of symbols when determined that a predetermined time condition is satisfied; and control at least one of the gaming machines through the communication unit to provide a first prescribed amount of game medium when a combination of the determined symbols satisfies a predetermined combination.
- In the accompanying drawings:
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FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a state in which a simultaneous display process has been performed in slot machines according to an embodiment of the present invention, whereinFIG. 1A is a diagram showing a state in which simultaneous scroll images are displayed in the slot machines, and whereinFIG. 1B is a diagram showing a state in which symbols displayed in the slot machines are identical to one another; -
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a gaming system according to the embodiment; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a slot machine according to the embodiment; -
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the slot machine with primarily focusing on the internal configuration thereof; -
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of an image control circuit; -
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a symbol array table for a slot game in which symbols to be displayed in a symbol display area of each slot machine and code number data are in correspondence with each other; -
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a winning combination determining table; -
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a simultaneous display symbol array table in which symbols to be displayed in a main display of each slot machine and code number data are in correspondence with each other; -
FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams showing an example of a symbol storage area of a game server, whereinFIG. 9A shows a case where a jackpot has been won, and whereinFIG. 9B shows a case where the jackpot has not been won; -
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a jackpot winning determining table; -
FIG. 11 shows an operation sequence of a gaming system according to a first embodiment of the present invention and is a sequence diagram with primarily focusing on data transmission and data reception; -
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of a main control process that is repeatedly performed by a main CPU after power is turned on; -
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation sequence of a start checking process; -
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation sequence of an internal lottery process; -
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an operation sequence of a reel control process; -
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an operation sequence of a payout coins determining process; -
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an operation sequence of a first jackpot lottery process; -
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an operation sequence of a simultaneous display process; -
FIGS. 19A and 19B are diagrams showing an example of an image displayed in a main display in a slot game, whereinFIG. 19A is a diagram showing scroll images, and whereinFIG. 19B is a diagram showing symbol images; -
FIGS. 20A and 20B are diagrams showing an image displayed in a main display by a simultaneous display process, whereinFIG. 20A is a diagram showing a simultaneous scroll image, and whereinFIG. 20B is a diagram showing a symbol image displayed by the simultaneous display process; -
FIGS. 21A and 21B are diagrams showing a state in which a simultaneous display process has been performed in slot machines according to the embodiment, whereinFIG. 21A is a diagram showing scroll images displayed in the slot machines, and whereinFIG. 21B is a diagram showing a case where symbols displayed in the slot machines are not identical; -
FIG. 22 shows an operation sequence of a gaming system according a second embodiment and is a sequence diagram with primarily focusing on data transmission and data reception; and -
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an operation sequence of a second jackpot lottery process. - Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
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FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a state in which a simultaneous display process has been performed inslot machines 1A to 1E according to the embodiment. Inslot machines 1A to 1E provided in a gaming system 100 (seeFIG. 2 ), independent slot games are performed. When theslot machines 1A to 1E are in a predetermined gaming state, a game server 200 (seeFIG. 2 ) performs a jackpot lottery process. Thegame server 200 transmits simultaneous display symbol data d3 (seeFIG. 11 ) for the simultaneous display process to theslot machines 1A to 1E. Then, theslot machines 1A to 1E stop slot games and display a simultaneous scroll image G1 (seeFIG. 1A ) on amain display 3. Thereafter, when a jackpot has been won, theslot machines 1A to 1E, for example, display “7” symbols G6 (seeFIG. 1B ), and payout operations in accordance with the amount of jackpot distribution are performed in theslot machines 1A to 1E. - According to the
gaming system 100 having theslot machines 1A to 1E and thegame server 200, when the simultaneous display process is performed, players of theslot machines 1A to 1E pay attention to the symbols displayed in theslot machines 1A to 1E together, and thereby the players can enjoy games while having the feeling of solidarity. In addition, the players can acquire coins paid out on the basis of a combination of the symbols (for example, Seven symbols G6) displayed in theslot machines 1A to 1E, and accordingly, the degree of satisfaction of the players for the result of the games increases. Accordingly, the players can enjoy a new entertaining feature in addition to existing entertaining features. - First, the configuration of the
gaming system 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 2 .FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing thegaming system 100 according to the embodiment. Thegaming system 100 has first tofifth slot machines 1A to 1E, each of which serving as a gaming machine, and agame server 200 that is connected to theslot machines 1A to 1E for transmission of data therebetween. In thegaming system 100, machine IDs are assigned to theslot machines 1A to 1E such that the slot machines can be identified from one another by the machine IDs. - The
game server 200 has aCPU 201, which serves as a controller, aROM 202, and aRAM 203. Thegame server 200 has acommunication processing unit 204 that is connected to theCPU 201 through an I/O port 207, acommunication control unit 205, and amemory unit 206. Thegame server 200 has arandom number generator 211, asampling circuit 210, a clockpulse generating circuit 212, and afrequency divider 213. - The
CPU 201 operates in accordance with a gaming system program and controls the overall operation of thegame server 200 by sending/receiving signals to/from other components through the I/O port 207. In theROM 202, programs such as a BIOS executed by theCPU 201 and permanent data are stored. In theRAM 203, data or programs used for the operation of theCPU 201 are stored. In theRAM 203, at least the gaming system program is stored. - A jackpot determination table 93 (see
FIG. 10 ) and a jackpot counter are stored in theRAM 203. - The jackpot determination table 93 is a table which is looked up when the
CPU 201 performs an operation for jackpot determination. The jackpot determination table 93 has asymbol data area 93 a for storing combinations of symbols displayed in the first tofifth slot machines 1A to 1E, a winningcombination area 93 b, and alottery result area 93 c. Theareas fifth slot machines 1A to 1E corresponds to one of the winning combinations in the jackpot determination table 93, the jackpot is won. For example, when the combination of the symbols is “Bell”; “Bell”; “Bell”; “Bell”; and “Bell”, it corresponds to a winning combination of “Bell”, and the jackpot is won. - When the jackpot is won, coins corresponding to the amount of the jackpot which is a variable amount are paid out. The coins serves as game media according to the present invention. The amount of the jackpot is an amount resulting from accumulating parts of bet amounts (usage amounts of game media used in the games) in the
slot machines 1A to 1E at a predetermined accumulation rate (for example, 5%) for each game. The amount of the jackpot is counted as needed by the jackpot counter stored in theRAM 203 of the above-describedgame server 200. When the combination of the symbols corresponds to one of the winning combinations and the jackpot is won, coins corresponding to the amount of the jackpot that has been accumulated by that time are paid out. In the embodiment, the amount of the jackpot is divided for fiveslot machines 1A to 1E, and the divided amounts are paid out from theslot machines 1A to 1E. - The
communication control unit 205 operates in accordance with a direction of theCPU 201 and controls connection or disconnection of a line for communication with theslot machine 1A. Thecommunication processing unit 204 operates in accordance with a direction of thecommunication control unit 205 and performs transmission or reception of data. - The
random number generator 211 operates in accordance with a direction of theCPU 201 and generates random numbers in a predetermined range. Thesampling circuit 210 extracts an arbitrary random number from among the random numbers generated by therandom number generator 211 and inputs the extracted random number to theCPU 201. The clockpulse generating circuit 212 generates a reference clock for operating theCPU 201, and thefrequency divider 213 inputs a signal divided by a predetermined period to theCPU 201. - Next, the configuration of the
slot machines 1A to 1E will be described. As an example, the configuration of theslot machine 1A will be described.FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of theslot machine 1A.Other slot machines 1B to 1E have the same configuration as thefirst slot machine 1A, and descriptions of each element of theslot machines 1B to 1E will be omitted by attaching a same reference numeral as that of thefirst slot machine 1A thereto. - The
slot machine 1A is configured to perform a slot game by using a scroll image of a plurality of symbols. Theslot machine 1A has a base game mode and a bonus game mode. In the base game mode, theslot machine 1A receives a bet operation from a player and performs a slot game on a condition that a coin is used. In the bonus game mode, theslot machine 1A automatically performs a slot game (hereinafter, referred to as a free game) without receiving the bet operation from the player. When a predetermined condition is satisfied in the base game mode, theslot machine 1A proceeds to the bonus game mode for performing the free game. - The
slot machine 1A has acabinet 2 that is used for housing electronic or mechanical components for performing the slot game. On the front side of thecabinet 2, amain display 3 including an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is provided. In addition, asub-display 4 constituted by an LCD is provided on the upper side of themain display 3. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , in the approximately center of a screen of themain display 3, threesymbol display areas symbol display areas FIG. 19A ). InFIGS. 19A and 19B , the scroll images g1 are represented as downward arrows. - The symbols displayed in the
symbol display areas FIG. 6 . - In other words, in the
symbol area 3A located on the left side, a group of symbols shown in asymbol array 94 a of the first reel is repeatedly scrolled to be displayed from the upper side. After the scroll display is performed, one symbol of the symbol array in the first reel is stopped to be displayed in thesymbol display area 3A. - Similarly, in the
symbol area 3B located in the center, a group of symbols shown in asymbol array 94 b of the second reel is repeatedly scrolled to be displayed from the upper side, and in thesymbol area 3C located on the right side, a group of symbols shown in asymbol array 94 c of the third reel is repeatedly scrolled to be displayed from the upper side, so that one of each symbol array is stopped to be displayed in eachsymbol display area - In the upper end of the
main display 3, ajackpot display area 3J indicating the current amount of the jackpot is provided. In thejackpot display area 3J, the amount of the jackpot accumulated by the above described jackpot counter of thegame server 200 is displayed. - As shown in
FIG. 20 , in themain display 3 in a case of the simultaneous display process to be described later, a simultaneoussymbol display area 3E is provided instead of thesymbol display areas FIG. 18 ), to be described later, is started, the simultaneous scroll image G1 is displayed in the simultaneoussymbol display area 3E (seeFIG. 20A ). The simultaneous scroll image G1 is an image (moving pictures displayed as if a mechanical reel rotates) in which a plurality of types of symbols look as if they move from the upside toward the downside. When the simultaneous display process is started, the whole first tofifth slot machines 1A to 1E display the simultaneous scroll image G1 (seeFIGS. 1A and 21A ). InFIGS. 1A and 20A , the simultaneous scroll image G1 is represented as a downward arrow. - The symbol displayed in the simultaneous
symbol display area 3E is as shown in the simultaneous display symbol array table 95 shown inFIG. 8 . - In other words, in the simultaneous
symbol display area 3E, a group of symbols shown in the symbol array of the simultaneous display symbol array table 95 is repeatedly scrolled to be displayed from the upside thereof. The group of symbols is constituted by a “7” symbol (blue) G2, a “Bell” symbol G3, a “Melon” symbol G4, a “Plum” symbol G5, a “7” symbol G6, a “Cherry” symbol G7, and a “Bar” symbol G8. In the simultaneoussymbol display area 3E, one symbol (for example, the “7” symbol G6) of the symbol array in the simultaneous display symbol array table 95 is stopped to be displayed after the scroll display. The size of the symbol stopped to be displayed in the simultaneoussymbol display area 3E is larger than that of the symbol stopped in eachsymbol display area symbol display area 3E is clearly identified from thesymbols symbol display area 3E may be configured to be different from that of the symbols stopped to be displayed in thesymbol display areas - In the sub-display 4 (see
FIG. 3 ), an award table or an image (for example, a description of contents of the game) relating to the game is displayed. In addition, various effect images are displayed in thesub-display 4 in accordance with the simultaneous display process. - In addition, in the
slot machine 1A, to the lower side of themain display 3, apedestal portion 5 that is disposed to be substantially horizontal is provided. In thepedestal portion 5, acoin insertion slot 6, abill insertion slot 7, aspin switch 8, a 1-BET switch 9, a MAX-BET switch 10, and a CASH-OUT switch 11 are provided. - The
coin insertion slot 6 is provided for the player so as to insert coins for betting on the game and has acoin insertion sensor 6 a (seeFIG. 4 ) that outputs a signal indicating insertion of a coin. Thebill insertion slot 7 is provided for the player so as to insert a bill and has abill insertion sensor 7 a that outputs a signal indicating insertion of a bill. Thespin switch 8 is provided for the player to perform an operation for starting a slot game by displaying a scroll image of symbols. The 1-BET switch 9 is provided so as to place a bet of one coin per one time of the bet operation. The MAX-BET switch 10 is provided so as to place a bet of maximum coins that can be betted on one game. The CASH-OUT switch 11 is an operation button that is used for paying coins corresponding to the credits into acoin receiving tray 14. - In addition, in the
slot machine 1A, in a lower portion of thecabinet 2, acoin payout port 13 and thecoin receiving tray 14 for storing paid-out coins are provided. In addition,speakers coin payout port 13. -
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of theslot machine 1A with primarily focusing on the internal configuration thereof. Theslot machine 1A has a plurality of components and has agaming board 20 and amother board 40 as its primary components. - The
gaming board 20 has aCPU 23 and aboot ROM 21 which are interconnected with aninternal bus 24 andcard slots memory card 27 and aGAL 28. Thegaming board 20 is a device used for retrieving a game program and a gaming system program, which will be described later, from thememory card 27 into themother board 40. Thegaming board 20 is a device used for retrieving payout setting data from theGAL 28 into themother board 40. - The
CPU 23 and aboot ROM 21 which are interconnected with theinternal bus 24 are connected to themotherboard 40 through aPCI bus 25. ThePCI bus 25 performs signal transmission between themother board 40 and thegaming board 20 and supplies power from themotherboard 40 to thegaming board 20. In theboot ROM 21, an authentication program, a preliminary authentication program, a program (boot code), not shown in the figure, used by theCPU 23 for booting (starting) the preliminary authentication program, and the like, which will be described later, are stored. - The authentication program is described in an order of checking and verifying no modification of game information to be authenticated, that is, a sequence (authentication order) of authenticating the game information. The authentication program is a program used for authenticating the game program and the gaming system program, which are supplied to the
slot machine 1A from thememory card 27, by aCPU 32 to be described later. Since this authentication program checks that no modification is made in the game program and the gaming system program, the authentication program is also referred to as a modification checking program. - The preliminary authentication program is described in an order of checking and verifying no modification of the authentication program, that is, a sequence (authentication order) of authenticating the authentication program. The preliminary authentication program is used for authenticating the authentication program that authenticates the game program and the gaming system program. This preliminary program is executed by the
CPU 23. - The
card slot 22 a is connected to themotherboard 40 through anIDE bus 26 a. Thiscard slot 22 a is configured to be connectable to thememory card 27 such that the game program and the gaming system program which are stored therein can be read out. Thus, thecard slot 22 a is a slot (physical connector) into which a memory card can be inserted. - The
card slot 22 b is connected to themother board 40 through anIDE bus 26 b. Thiscard slot 22 b is configured to be connectable to theGAL 28 such that the payout rate setting data stored therein can be read out. Thus, thecard slot 22 b is a slot (physical connector) into which theGAL 28 can be inserted. - The
motherboard 40 is constituted by a general-purpose motherboard (a printed board on which basic components of a personal computer are built). Themother board 40 has at least a main CPU (Central Processing Unit) 32, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 34, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33, and an I/O port 39. In addition, themotherboard 40 has arandom number generator 35, asampling circuit 36, a clockpulse generating circuit 37, and afrequency divider 38. The above-describedPCI bus 25 and theIDE buses O port 39. - The
main CPU 32 serves as a game controller according to the present invention. Themain CPU 32 operates in accordance with the retrieved game program and gaming system program and controls the overall operation of theslot machine 1A by inputting/outputting signals to/from other constituent elements through the I/O port 39. - In the
RAM 33, data or program which is used for the operation of themain CPU 32 is stored and at least the authentication program, the game program, and the gaming system program which are read-out though thegaming board 20 are stored. - In the
ROM 34, a program such as a BIOS program (Basic Input/Output System, a standard BIOS for the motherboard 40) or the like which is executed by themain CPU 32 and permanent data are stored. When theCPU 32 executes the BIOS, an initialization process of predetermined peripheral devices are performed and a retrieval process of the game program and the gaming system program which are stored in thememory card 27 performed through thegaming board 20 is started. As theROM 34, a memory device such as a flash memory is used. Any type between rewritable and non-rewritable memory devices can be used. - The
random number generator 35 operates in accordance with a direction of themain CPU 32 and generates random numbers in a predetermined range. Thesampling circuit 36 extracts an arbitrary random number from among the random numbers generated by therandom number generator 35 in accordance with a direction of themain CPU 32 and inputs the extracted random number to themain CPU 32. The clockpulse generating circuit 37 generates a reference clock for operating themain CPU 32, and thefrequency divider 38 inputs a signal resulting from dividing the reference clock by a predetermined period to themain CPU 32. - The
slot machine 1A has acommunication processing unit 81 and acommunication control unit 82 which are connected to themain CPU 32 through the I/O port 39. Thecommunication control unit 82 operates in accordance with a direction of themain CPU 32 and controls connection or disconnection of a line for communicating with thegame server 200. Thecommunication processing unit 81 operates in accordance with a direction of thecommunication control unit 82 and performs transmission or reception of data. - The
slot machine 1A has atouch panel 3 a, alamp drive circuit 59, alamp 60, anLED drive circuit 61, anLED 62, ahopper drive circuit 63, ahopper 64, a payoutcompletion signal circuit 65, and acoin detecting unit 66. In addition, theslot machine 1A has animage control circuit 71 and asound control circuit 72. - The
touch panel 3 a is configured to cover the screen of themain display 3. Thetouch panel 3 a detects the position of a spot touched by a finger of the player or the like and inputs a position signal corresponding to the detected position to themain CPU 32. By using thetouch panel 3 a, the player can perform an input operation through a touch operation using the finger of the player or the like. - The
lamp drive circuit 59 turns thelamp 60 on or off during a game by outputting a signal for turning on thelamp 63 to thelamp 60. By the turning thelamp 60 on or off, representation of the game is performed. TheLED drive circuit 61 controls display of theLED 62 by turning it on/off. TheLED 62 displays the number of credited coins or the number of acquired coins. - The
hopper drive circuit 63 drives thehopper 64 in accordance with control of themain CPU 32. Thehopper 64 pays out coins from thepayout port 13 to thecoin receiving tray 14. - The
coin detecting unit 66 counts the number of coins paid out by thehopper 64 and notifies the payoutcompletion signal circuit 65 of the count number data. - The payout
completion signal circuit 65 receives the count number data from thecoin detecting unit 66. When the count number reaches a set value, the payoutcompletion signal circuit 65 outputs a signal indicating completion of coin payout to themain CPU 32. - The
image control circuit 71 displays various images such as a scroll screen of a plurality of symbols, an effect screen for game representation, and a state image for notifying a player of a game state on themain display 3 and thesub-display 4 by controlling image display of themain display 3 and thesub-display 4. - The
image control circuit 71, as shown inFIG. 5 , has animage control CPU 71 a, awork RAM 71 b, aprogram ROM 71 c, animage ROM 71 d, avideo RAM 71 e, and a VDP (Video Display Processor) 71 f. Theimage control CPU 71 a determines images (a scroll image, an image of a symbol stopped to be displayed after display of the scroll image, a simultaneous screen image, an image stopped to be displayed after display of the simultaneous screen image, or the like) to be displayed on themain display 3 and thesub-display 4 on the basis of a parameter set by themain CPU 32 in accordance with an image control program (relating to display of themain display 3 and the sub-display 4) stored in theprogram ROM 71 c in advance. Thework RAM 71 b is configured to be temporary storage means that is used when theimage control CPU 71 a executes an image control program. - In the
program ROM 71 c, an image control program, various selection tables, and the like are stored. In theimage ROM 71 d, dot data for forming images is stored. The dot data, for example, includes symbol image data indicating symbols used in a slot game. Thevideo RAM 71 e is configured as temporary storing means at a time when theVDP 71 f forms an image. TheVDP 71 f has acontrol RAM 71 g and forms images in accordance with contents of display to be displayed on themain display 3 and the sub-display 4 which are determined by theimage control CPU 71 a and outputs the formed images to themain display 3 and thesub-display 4. - The
sound control circuit 72 outputs voice signals, which are used for outputting voices from thespeakers speakers speakers - In the above-described
RAM 33 of themother board 40, a winning combination determining table 92 shown inFIG. 7 is stored. - The winning combination determining table 92 is looked up when the
main CPU 32 performs a winning determination of a combination of symbols stopped to be displayed in threesymbol display areas main display 3 and determination on the number of coins to be paid-out in a case where a game is won. The winning combination determining table 92 has asymbol data area 92 a, a number ofpayout coins area 92 b, and a winningcombination area 92 c. Theareas slot machine 1A are defined. When the combination of symbols corresponds to one of the winning combinations included in the winning combination determining table 92, coins corresponding to the number of payout coins which is stored in association with the combination are paid-out from theslot machine 1A. For example, when the combination of symbols is “7”; “7”; and “7”, a winning combination of “7” is won, and thereby 30 coins are paid out. In addition, when win of the winning combination of “7” is determined by themain CPU 32, the simultaneous display process (seeFIG. 18 ) to be described later is performed. Accordingly, the winning combination of “7” is a winning combination for starting the simultaneous display process and corresponds to a predetermined winning combination according to the present invention. - Subsequently, a control process of the above-described
gaming system 100 will now be described with reference toFIGS. 11 to 18 .FIG. 11 shows an operation sequence of thegaming system 100 according to a first embodiment.FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram with primarily focused on data transmission between theslot machines 1A to 1E and thegame server 200. InFIGS. 11 to 18 and 22 to 23, Step is abbreviated as “S”. - As shown in
FIG. 11 , the first tofifth slot machines 1A to 1E perform a start checking process (seeStep 4 inFIG. 12 ) to be described later when slot games are started. When receiving a bet operation from a player in the start checking process, each one of theslot machines 1A to 1E transmits bet data d1 representing the amount of bet to thegame server 200. Whenever receiving the bet data d1, thegame server 200 adds a predetermined amount to the jackpot counter. - For example, when receiving the bet data d1 from the
slot machine 1A, theCPU 201 of thegame server 200 calculates a value corresponding to a predetermined ratio of the bet amount (for example, 5% of the bet amount) included in the bet data d1 and adds the calculated value to the jackpot counter. When the value of the jackpot counter is updated by theCPU 201, values displayed in thejackpot display areas 3J of theslot machines 1A to 1E are accordingly updated. - In the
slot machines 1A to 1E, independent slot games are performed. For example, when thefirst slot machine 1A wins the winning combination of “7”, thefirst slot machine 1A transmits jackpot request data d2 to thegame server 200. Then, thegame server 200 performs a first jackpot lottery process (seeFIG. 17 ) to be described later, and thereby determining whether the jackpot has been won. In addition, thegame server 200 transmits simultaneous display symbol data d3 to the first tofifth slot machines 1A to 1E and then, transmits jackpot distributed amount in a case where the jackpot has been won. Then, the first tofifth slot machines 1A to 1E performs the simultaneous display process (seeFIG. 18 ) to be described later. When receiving the jackpot distributed amount, the first tofifth slot machines 1A to 1E pay out the jackpot distributed amount and add the jackpot distributed amount to the payout coin counter. - Next, an operation sequence of the
first slot machine 1A performing a slot game will be described. Each operation sequence of the second tofifth slot machines 1B to 1E is the same as that of thefirst slot machine 1A, and thus a description thereof is omitted here.FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of a main control process that is repeatedly performed by themain CPU 32 after power is turned on. When starting the main control process in accordance with driving of the system, themain CPU 32 of theslot machine 1A proceeds to Step 3 after performingSteps Step 3 to Step 10 are sequentially processed repeatedly is performed. - When the process proceeds to
Step 1, themain CPU 32 of theslot machine 1A executes the BIOS stored in theROM 34, thereby reading out the authentication program from theboot ROM 21 and storing the authentication program in theRAM 33. In addition, themain CPU 32 performs an authentication process of the game program and the gaming system program which are stored in thememory card 27 on the basis of the authentication program, thereby reading out the game program and the gaming system program though thegaming board 20. Then, themain CPU 32 performs a storage process for storing the read-out game program and gaming system program into theRAM 33. - Subsequently, the process proceeds to
Step 2, and themain CPU 32 performs a retrieval process in which the payout rate setting data stored in theGAL 28 is read out through thegaming board 20 and stores the read-out payout rate setting data into theRAM 33. - Subsequently, when the process proceeds to
Step 3, themain CPU 32 performs an initialization process for starting the next game. The initialization process is a process in which data for items set in predetermined data areas is cleared and the like and is performed each time one slot game is completed. Next, themain CPU 32 sequentially performs a start checking process, an internal lottery process, a reel control process, and a payout coins determining process ofStep 4 toStep 7. Here, a slot game in the base game mode is performed. - Next, the process proceeds to
Step 8, and themain CPU 32 shifts it game mode from an base game mode to a bonus game mode in a case where a free game trigger is achieved in the base game mode. Then, the process proceeds toStep 9, and theCPU 32 performs a free game process. Themain CPU 32 performs a process in which one or several free games are processed in the free game process. After performing the free game process, theCPU 32 proceeds to Step 10. However, when the free game trigger is not achieved during the base game mode, the process proceeds to Step 10 by skippingStep 9. - In
Step 10, themain CPU 32 performs a coin payout process for directly or indirectly paying out coins. Themain CPU 32 determines whether the CASH-OUT switch 11 is in an “ON” state. When it is determined that the CASH-OUT switch 11 is in the “ON” state, theCPU 32 sums up the value of the payout coin counter and the value of the credit counter. In order to perform a direct payout operation, themain CPU 32 controls thehopper drive circuit 63 to drive thehopper 64, so that coins corresponding to the summed number are paid out into thecoin receiving tray 14. On the other hand, when it is determined that the CASH-OUT switch 11 is not in the “ON” state, themain CPU 32 adds the value of the payout coin counter to the credit counter for performing an indirect payout operation. - When an “ON” signal is input from the CASH-
OUT switch 11, themain CPU 32 sets “1” indicating direct payout to a CASH-OUT flag assigned in theRAM 33. On the other hand, when an “OFF” signal is input from the CASH-OUT switch 11, themain CPU 32 sets “0” indicating indirect payout to the CASH-OUT flag. Themain CPU 32 determines whether the CASH-OUT switch 11 is in the “ON” state on the basis of the value set in the CASH-OUT flag. - The start checking process of
Step 4 is performed in accordance with a flowchart shown inFIG. 13 . When the start checking process is started, the process proceeds to Step 11, and themain CPU 32 of theslot machine 1A determines whether coin insertion is detected by determining whether a signal is input from thecoin insertion sensor 6 a. When the coin insertion is detected, themain CPU 32 proceeds to Step 12 and then proceeds to Step 13 after performingStep 12. On the other hand, when coin insertion is not detected, the process proceeds to Step 13 by skippingStep 12. InStep 12, themain CPU 32 updates (adds based on the number of inserted coins) the credit counter indicating remaining credits calculated by the number of inserted coins or the number of coins to be paid out. Subsequently, inStep 13, it is determined whether the credit counter is “0”. When the credit counter is “0”, the process proceeds to Step 20. When the credit counter is not “0”, the process proceeds to Step 14. InStep 14, reception of operations of the bet switches (1-BET switch 9 and the MAX-BET switch 10) is allowed. - Subsequently, in
Step 15, themain CPU 32 determines whether any operation of the bet switches (bet operation) has been detected. When any operation of the bet switches has been detected, the process proceeds to Step 16. On the other hand, when any operation is not detected, the process proceeds to Step 21. InStep 16, themain CPU 32 updates the bet counter indicating the number of betted coins and the credit counter (increase the bet counter and decrease the credit counter) on the basis of the bet switches of which operations have been detected. Subsequently, inStep 17, themain CPU 32 determines whether the bet counter has reached a maximum value. When the bet counter has reached the maximum value, a process for prohibiting update of the bet counter is performed, and the process proceeds to Step 18. On the other hand, when the bet counter has not reached the maximum value, the process proceeds to Step 19 by skippingStep 18. InStep 19, themain CPU 32 allows reception of the operation of thespin switch 8. - Subsequently, in
Step 20, themain CPU 32 determines whether the operation of thespin switch 8 has been detected. When the operation of thespin switch 8 has not been detected, the process proceeds back toStep 11, and the above described processes are repeated. On the other hand, when theCPU 32 has detected the operation of thespin switch 8, the process proceeds to Step 21, and the value of the bet counter is acquired. In addition, themain CPU 32 controls thecommunication control unit 82 and thecommunication processing unit 81 to transmit the bet data d1 (seeFIG. 11 ) indicating the acquired value to thegame server 200 and then, ends the start checking process. - When the start checking process ends, the process proceeds to Step 5 shown in
FIG. 12 , and themain CPU 32 of theslot machine 1A performs an internal lottery process. Themain CPU 32 performs the internal lottery process in accordance with a flowchart shown inFIG. 14 . - When the internal lottery process is started, the process proceeds to Step 41, and the
main CPU 32 controls thesampling circuit 36 to extract arbitrary random numbers from among random numbers generated by therandom number generator 35. Subsequently, in Step 42, themain CPU 32 determines symbols (symbols determined to be stopped) to be stopped to be displayed in thesymbol display areas 3A to 3C by looking up an internal lottery table (not shown in the figure) on the basis of the random numbers extracted in Step 41. In this case, extraction of a random number is performed three times in correspondence with thesymbol display areas 3A to 3C, and the determination of a symbol to be stopped is performed three times in correspondence with thesymbol display areas 3A to 3C. - After determining the symbols to be stopped in the
symbol display areas 3A to 3C, themain CPU 32 stores symbol data of the determined symbols to be stopped in a symbol storage area assigned in theRAM 33. In the symbol storage area, the symbol data of the symbols to be stopped is stored. Themain CPU 32 performs display of stopped symbols in thesymbol display areas 3A to 3C on the basis of the symbol data stored in the symbol storage area. - The symbol data, for example, is code number data (see
FIG. 6 ) on the basis of symbol array in each reel. - Subsequently, in Step 43, the
main CPU 32 determines whether the winning combination of “7” has been won by searching the winning combination determining table 92 (seeFIG. 7 ) using the symbol data stored in the symbol storage area of theRAM 33. - In other words, the
main CPU 32 determines whether the winning combination of “7” has been won on the basis of a combination of symbol data (code number data) of predetermined stop symbols to be stopped to be displayed in threesymbol display areas 3A to 3C by looking up the winning combination determining table 92. When the combination of symbol data of predetermined stop symbols stopped to be displayed in threesymbol display areas 3A to 3C is identical to the combination of the winning combination of “7” (combination of “7”, “7”; and “7”), themain CPU 32 determines that the winning combination of “7” has been won. - When it is determined that the winning combination of “7” has not been won in Step 43, the internal lottery process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the winning combination of “7” has been won, the process proceeds to Step 44. In Step 44, the
main CPU 32 controls thecommunication processing unit 81 and thecommunication control unit 82 to transmit the jackpot request data d2 (seeFIG. 11 ) to thegame server 200 and then ends the internal lottery process. - When the internal lottery process is ended, the
main CPU 32 proceeds to Step 6 shown inFIG. 12 , and a reel control process is performed. Themain CPU 32 performs the reel control process in accordance with a flowchart shown inFIG. 15 . - When the reel control process is started, the process proceeds to Step 51, and the
main CPU 32 performs a scroll control process. At this moment, theCPU 32 controls theimage control circuit 71 to display scroll images g1 (seeFIG. 19A ) in thesymbol display areas 3A to 3C. - Subsequently, in Step 52, the process standby until a reel rotation stopping timer that has been set to a predetermined time in advance becomes “0”. When the reel rotation stopping timer becomes “0”, the process proceeds to Step 53, and the
main CPU 32 controls theimage control circuit 71 to display images (stop symbol display images) in which the symbols g2 (seeFIG. 19B ) are stopped to be displayed in thesymbol display areas 3A to 3C in Step 53. After Step 53 is performed, themain CPU 32 ends the reel control process. - After completing the reel control process, the process proceeds to Step 7 shown in
FIG. 12 , and themain CPU 32 performs a payout coins determining process. In particular, themain CPU 32 performs the payout coins determining process in accordance with a flowchart shown inFIG. 16 . - As shown in
FIG. 16 , when the payout coins determining process is started, the process proceeds to Step 61, and themain CPU 32 determines the number of payout coins by looking up the winning combination determining table 92 (seeFIG. 7 ). - In other words, the
main CPU 32 determines the number of payout coins and the winning combination on the basis of symbol data (code number data) of the predetermined stop symbols to be displayed in threesymbol display areas 3A to 3C by looking up the winning combination determining table 92. When a combination of the symbol data of the predetermined stop symbols to be displayed in threesymbol display areas 3A to 3C is identical to one (for example, a combination of “Bell”; “Bell”; and “Bell”) of the winning combinations stored in thesymbol data area 92 a, the number of payout coins and the winning combination which are in association with the combination are extracted from thepayout coin area 92 b and the winningcombination area 92 c. Themain CPU 32 determines the won number of payout coins and winning combination on the basis of the extracted data. On the other hand, when the combination of symbol data of the predetermined stop symbols is not identical to any one of the winning combination, themain CPU 32 determines the number of payout coins to be “0”. - Subsequently, the process proceeds to Step 62, the number of payout coins determined in
Step 61 is added to the payout coin counter, and themain CPU 32 ends the payout coins number determining process. - When the payout coins determining process is completed, the process proceeds to Step 8 shown in
FIG. 12 , and themain CPU 32 determines whether free game trigger has been achieved. When the free game trigger has been achieved, the process proceeds toStep 9, and themain CPU 32 performs a free game process, and then the process proceeds to Step 10. On the other hand, when the free game trigger has not been achieved, the process proceeds to Step 10 without performing the free game process. - In
Step 10, themain CPU 32 controls thehopper drive circuit 63 to payout coins corresponding to the value of the payout coin counter from thehopper 64. For example, when the winning combination of “Bell” has been won in theslot machine 1A, ten coins are paid out. On the other hand, when any one of the winning combinations has not been won in theslot machine 1A, no coin is paid out. When the winning combination of “7” has been won in theslot machine 1A and the jackpot lottery in thegame server 200 has been won, coins corresponding to the distributed amounts of the jackpot amount received from thegame server 200 are paid out from theslot machines 1A to 1E. - Next, the first jackpot lottery process performed by the
game server 200 will be described.FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an operation sequence of the first jackpot lottery process. When the first jackpot lottery process is started, the process proceeds to Step 101. Then, when theCPU 201 of thegame server 200 receives the jackpot request data d2 from thefirst slot machine 1A, the process proceeds to Step 102. - In Step 102, the
CPU 201 controls thesampling circuit 210 to extract arbitrary random numbers from among random numbers generated by therandom number generator 211. Thereafter, inStep 103, theCPU 201 determines symbols (simultaneous display symbols) simultaneously stopped to be displayed in the first tofifth slot machines 1A to 1E on the basis of the extracted random numbers by looking up the internal lottery table (not shown in the figure). In this case, extraction of a random number is performed five times in correspondence with theslot machines 1A to 1E, and determination of a simultaneous display symbol is performed five times in correspondence with theslot machines 1A to 1E. In addition, theCPU 201 stores symbol data of the determined simultaneous display symbols in a simultaneous display symbol storage area 96 (seeFIG. 9 ) assigned in theRAM 203. Alternatively, the extraction of a random number may be performed once by theCPU 201, and the simultaneous display symbols of the whole first tofifth slot machines 1A to 1E may be determined on the basis of the extracted random number. - The symbol data stored in the simultaneous display
symbol storage area 96, for example, is the code number data (seeFIG. 8 ) on the basis of the symbol array in the simultaneous display symbol array table 95.FIG. 9A shows a storage example in a case where the jackpot has been won. InFIG. 9A , the entire symbol data stored in correspondence with theslot machines 1A to 1E is “8”. The symbol data “8” corresponds to the “7” symbol G6 (seeFIG. 8 ).FIG. 9B shows a storage example in a case where the jackpot has not been won. InFIG. 9B , symbol data of “4” (“Plum” symbol G5), symbol data of “8” (“7” symbol G6), symbol data of “16” (“Bar” symbol G8), symbol data of “8” (“7” symbol G6), and symbol data of “2” (“Bell” symbol G3) are stored in correspondence with the first, second, third, fourth, andfifth slot machines - Subsequently, in Step 104, the
CPU 201 determines whether the jackpot has been won by searching the jackpot winning determining table 93 (seeFIG. 10 ) using the symbol data stored in the simultaneous displaysymbol storage area 96 of theRAM 203. - In other words, the
CPU 201 determines whether the jackpot has been won on the basis of a combination of the symbol data (code number data) of the simultaneous display symbols stored in correspondence with theslot machines 1A to 1E by looking up the table 93. Themain CPU 32 determines that the jackpot has been won when the combination of the symbol data of the simultaneous display symbols stopped to be displayed in theslot machines 1A to 1E is identical to any one of a winning combination of “7” (a combination of “7”; “7”; “7”; “7”; and “7”), a winning combination of “Bar” (a combination of “Bar”; “Bar”; “Bar”, “Bar”; and “Bar”), a winning combination of “Bell” (a combination of “Bell”; “Bell”; “Bell”, “Bell”; and “Bell”), a winning combination of “Plum” (a combination of “Plum”; “Plum”; “Plum”, “Plum”; and “Plum”), a winning combination of “Melon” (a combination of “Melon”; “Melon”; “Melon”, “Melon”; and “Melon”), and a winning combination of “Cherry” (a combination of “Cherry”; “Cherry”; “Cherry”, “Cherry”; and “Cherry”). - When the
CPU 201 determines that the jackpot has been won in Step 104, the process proceeds to Step 105. In Step 105, theCPU 201 calculates the distributed amounts of the jackpot. In other words, theCPU 201 extracts the value of the jackpot counter and calculates the distributed amounts by dividing the extracted value by the number of the groupedslot machines 1A to 1E. The method of calculating the distributed amounts of the jackpot is not limited to a method in which the distributed amounts are equally distributed, and the number of payout coins in theslot machine 1A that is a source of the jackpot request data d2 may be configured to be larger than those of theother slot machines 1B to 1E. Furthermore, the distributed amounts may be calculated by using a method in which theslot machines 1A to 1E are classified to be ranked on the basis of the payout rates thereof and the distributed amounts vary depending on the ranks. - When the
CPU 201 calculates the distributed amounts of the jackpot, the process proceeds to Step 106. Then, theCPU 201 controls thecommunication control unit 205 and thecommunication processing unit 204 to transmit the simultaneous display symbol data d3. In other words, theCPU 201 generates the simultaneous display symbol data d3 in which symbol data stored in the simultaneous displaysymbol storage area 96 and machine IDs of theslot machines 1A to 1E are in correspondence with each other, transmits the simultaneous display symbol data d3 and the distributed amounts of the jackpot to theslot machines 1A to 1E, and completes the jackpot lottery process. - On the other hand, when the
CPU 201 determines that the jackpot has not been won in Step 104, the process proceeds to Step 107, and theCPU 201 controls thecommunication control unit 205 and thecommunication processing unit 204 to transmit only the simultaneous display symbol data d3 to theslot machines 1A to 1E and completes the jackpot lottery process. - Next, a simultaneous display process performed by the
slot machine 1A that has received the simultaneous display symbol data d3 will be described. The simultaneous display process is performed in accordance with a flowchart shown inFIG. 18 . - The process proceeds to Step 81 for the
main CPU 32 of theslot machine 1A to start an interrupt process in accordance with reception of the symbol data d2. InStep 81, themain CPU 32 temporarily saves a program, which is stored in a storage area (register) inside the memory, currently executed in the main control process, and the process proceeds to Step 82. - In
Step 82, themain CPU 32 stores the received simultaneous display symbol data in a symbol data storage area that is used for simultaneous display. Subsequently, in Step 83, themain CPU 32 controls theimage control circuit 71 to display simultaneous scroll images G1 (seeFIGS. 1A , 20A, and 21A) in the simultaneoussymbol display areas 3E. - Subsequently, in Step 84, the process standbys until the simultaneous scroll stopping timer set to a predetermined time in advance becomes “0”. When the simultaneous scroll stopping timer becomes “0”, the process proceeds to Step 85, and the
main CPU 32 controls theimage control circuit 71 to display simultaneous display symbols, for example, of the “7” symbol G6; a “Plum” symbol G5, a “Bar” symbol G8; and a “Bell” symbol G3 in thesimultaneous display areas 3E. Subsequently, in Step 86, theCPU 201 restores the register of the program of the main control process that has been saved and resumes the restored program from a time point when the main control process is stopped (saved). When the register is restored, theCPU 201 completes the simultaneous display process. When receiving the distributed amounts of the jackpot together with the simultaneous display symbol data, theCPU 201 acquires a value on the basis of distributed amount data of the jackpot and adds the value to the payout coin counter. - As described above in detail, according to the
game server 200 and thegaming system 100, when theslot machines 1A to 1E are in a predetermined state, players playing slot games using the slot machines pay attention to symbols displayed in theslot machines 1A to 1E together, and thereby the players can enjoy the games while having the feeling of solidarity. In addition, the players can acquire coins paid out on the basis of a combination of the symbols, and accordingly, the degree of satisfaction of the players for the result of the games increases. Accordingly, the players can enjoy a new entertaining feature in addition to existing entertaining features. - In particular, in the above-described
gaming system 100, when the gaming system is in a specific gaming state in which a predetermined winning combination of “7” is won in any one of theslot machines 1A to 1E, thegame server 200 abruptly stops slot games performed using theslot machines 1A to 1E in a simultaneous manner. Then, thegame server 200 displays the simultaneous scroll images G1 and then displays the simultaneous display symbols by performing control operations, which are related with one another, for theslot machines 1A to 1E. As a result, even a player playing slot games repeatedly can feel freshness by abruptly stopping the slot game and displaying the simultaneous display symbols, and whereby the player is not easily tired of the slot games owing to the fresh surprise. - The
game server 200 pays out the distributed amounts of the jackpot to theslot machines 1A to 1E on the basis of the result of a combination of the simultaneous display symbols. The amount of the jackpot is not fixed and is accumulated in accordance with amounts betted in slot games of theslot machines 1A to 1E. As a result, the players have an increased expectation in accordance with an increase in the amount of the jackpot, and accordingly, the players can enjoy a new entertaining feature in addition to existing entertaining features. Thegame server 200 calculates distributed amounts of the jackpot by dividing the amount of the jackpot by five and pays out the distributed amounts of the jackpot to all the fiveslot machines 1A to 1E in which the simultaneous display symbols are displayed. As a result, the players using theslot machines 1A to 1E can be pleased together by receiving the coins together, and accordingly, the mood of the players using theslot machines 1A to 1E is encouraged. - Since the player who has won the winning combination of “7” and received payout of coins can receive additional payout of coins on the basis of the result of the combination of the simultaneous display symbols, the degree of satisfaction of the player for the result of the game increases.
- Subsequently, a control process of a gaming system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to
FIGS. 22 and 23 .FIG. 22 shows an operation sequence of a gaming system according to the second embodiment.FIG. 22 is a sequence diagram with a primary focus on data transmission between the slot machines and the game server. Since elements constituting the gaming system according to the second embodiment are the same as those constituting thegaming system 100 according to the first embodiment, to the gaming system according to the second embodiment or each element thereof, a same reference numeral as that of thegaming system 100 according to the first embodiment or the corresponding element thereof is attached, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted here. - As shown in
FIG. 22 , when slot games are started, the first tofifth slot machines 1A to 1E perform a start checking process (seeStep 4 shown inFIG. 12 ). When receiving a bet operation from a player in the start checking process, each one of theslot machines 1A to 1E transmits bet data d1 indicating the betted amount to thegame server 200. When receiving the bet data d1, thegame server 200 adds a predetermined amount to the jackpot counter. - In the
game server 200, the above-described process is repeated until a predetermined time condition is satisfied (seeStep 110 shown inFIG. 22 ). When the predetermined time condition is satisfied, a second jackpot lottery process (seeStep 111 shown inFIG. 22 ) is performed. A case where the predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, is a case where preset time has been reached, a case where a predetermined time elapses after the previous jackpot lottery process is performed, a case where a predetermined time has elapsed after power of each one of theslot machines 1A to 1E is turned on, or the like. - The succeeding second jackpot lottery process is performed in accordance with a flowchart shown in
FIG. 23 . When the second jackpot lottery process is started, random numbers are extracted by performing the same process as the first jackpot lottery process (Step 121). Thereafter, succeeding processes (Step 122 to Step 126) are performed in accordance with a same operation sequence as the first jackpot lottery process. When the jackpot has been won, theCPU 201 transmits the simultaneous display symbol data d3 and the jackpot distributed amount data to theslot machines 1A to 1E. On the other hand, when the jackpot has not been won, theCPU 201 transmits the simultaneous display symbol data d3 to theslot machines 1A to 1E. - As shown in
FIG. 22 , theslot machines 1A to 1E that have received the simultaneous display symbol data d3 stop the slot games and perform the same simultaneous display process as that of the gaming system according to the first embodiment. In addition, when the jackpot distributed amount data is received, theslot machines 1A to 1E payout the jackpot distributed amounts and add the jackpot distributed amounts to the payout coin counter. - According to the
game server 200 and thegaming system 100 which perform the second jackpot lottery process, when a predetermined time condition is satisfied, players playing slot games using theslot machines 1A to 1E pay attention to symbols displayed in theslot machines 1A to 1E together. In addition, the players can acquire coins paid out on the basis of a combination of the symbols. Therefore, the players can enjoy a new entertaining feature in addition to existing entertaining features. - In addition, since the
game server 200 manages the predetermined time condition, the simultaneous display process can be performed for theslot machines 1A to 1E at appropriate timings, and accordingly, it becomes easy to manage timings of theslot machines 1A to 1E for encouraging the mood of the players. - The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes or modifications can be made therein. For example, the gaming machine is not limited to a slot machine and may be any one of various gaming machines that provide games other than a slot game, such as a card gaming machine or the like.
- The specific gaming state is not limited to a state in which a predetermined winning combination of “7” has been won in the slot machine, and a different winning combination may be used. Furthermore, the specific gaming state may be a state in which winning combinations have been consecutively won in a plurality of slot machines within a short time (for example, ten seconds).
- The game media is not limited to coins and may be bills or electronic money which is used for performing the game.
- Although three symbol display areas are provided in the above-described slot machines, the number of the symbol display areas is not limited to three and may be five or seven. Furthermore, for example, a plurality of symbol display areas that are disposed in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns (for example, 3×3) may be provided. The gaming system may be configured that an activated pay line is set by the plurality of symbol display areas and a winning combination is won in a case where symbols to be stopped to be displayed in the plurality of symbol display areas placed on the activated pay line become a predetermined combination.
- What is paid out in a case where the combination of symbols displayed in the plurality of gaming machines is a predetermined combination is not limited to the amount of the jackpot or the distributed amount of the jackpot, and a fixed amount may be paid all the time or the paid-out amount may be configured to change on the basis of a combined shape of symbols.
- The number of the gaming machines that are communicably connected to the game server is not limited to five and may be two or more, for example, three or seven. Furthermore, all the gaming machines connected to the game server may be divided into groups each having a plurality of gaming machines, and the simultaneous display process may be performed with the gaming machines within each group associated with one another. For example, 100 gaming machines may be connected to the game server, while the gaming machines are divided into groups each having 20 gaming machines, and the simultaneous display process may be performed for each group having a specific gaming state.
- Furthermore, the specific gaming state is not limited to the case where the winning combination of “7” has been won, and any other winning combination such as a winning combination of “Bar” or a winning combination of “Bell” for which coins are paid out may be used as a condition for achieving the specific gaming state.
- In the above-described embodiments, although a slot machine that performs a slot game by displaying a scroll image on a main display constituted by an LCD has been described as an example, a slot machine that has mechanical reels and performs a slot game by controlling rotation and stop of the reels may be used. In such a case, when the gaming system is in a specific gaming state, the controller of the game server may associate a plurality of slot machines, and, for example, may display symbols by starting synchronized rotation of center reels of the slot machines and then simultaneously stopping the rotation of the center reels, and the controller may be configured to perform payout of coins when a combination of the symbols is a predetermined combination. Furthermore, for example, the simultaneous display process may be performed by providing a simultaneous symbol display area in a display device (sub-display) other than the main display.
- The above-described embodiments are described as an example where the
game server 200 is provided separately from each of theslot machines 1A-1E. However, thegame system 100 may be configured that thegame server 200 is provided in one of theslot machines 1A-1E.
Claims (16)
1. A gaming system comprising:
a plurality of gaming machines that provide games to respective players; and
a game server that includes:
a communication unit that is communicably connected to the gaming machines; and
a main controller that operates to:
determine symbols to be respectively displayed on each of the gaming machines from among a plurality of symbols when determined that at least one of the gaming machines is in a predetermined gaming state; and
control at least one of the gaming machines through the communication unit to provide a first prescribed amount of game medium when a combination of the determined symbols satisfies a predetermined combination.
2. The gaming system according to claim 1 , wherein the game server is provided separately from the gaming machines.
3. The gaming system according to claim 1 , wherein the game server is provided in one of the gaming machines.
4. The gaming system according to claim 1 , wherein each of the gaming machines includes:
a display device that displays symbols selected from among a plurality of symbols; and
a game controller that provides a second prescribed amount of the game medium when a combination of the symbols displayed on the display device satisfies one of predetermined winning combinations.
5. The gaming system according to claim 4 , wherein the main controller operates to determine the symbols to be respectively displayed on each of the gaming machines when determined that the combination of the symbols displayed on the display device in at least one of the gaming machines satisfies a predetermined one of the winning combinations.
6. The gaming system according to claim 1 , wherein the main controller further operates to accumulate a part of total game medium that are used to play the games in each of the gaming machines, and
wherein the main controller controls at least one of the gaming machines through the communication unit to provide the accumulated amount of the game medium as the first prescribed amount.
7. A gaming system comprising:
a plurality of gaming machines that provide games to respective players; and
a game server that includes:
a communication unit that is communicably connected to the gaming machines; and
a main controller that operates to:
determine symbols to be respectively displayed on each of the gaming machines from among a plurality of symbols when determined that a predetermined time condition is satisfied; and
control at least one of the gaming machines through the communication unit to provide a first prescribed amount of game medium when a combination of the determined symbols satisfies a predetermined combination.
8. The gaming system according to claim 7 , wherein the game server is provided separately from the gaming machines.
9. The gaming system according to claim 7 , wherein the game server is provided in one of the gaming machines.
10. The gaming system according to claim 7 , wherein each of the gaming machines includes:
a display device that displays symbols selected from among a plurality of symbols; and
a game controller that provides a second prescribed amount of the game medium when a combination of the symbols displayed on the display device satisfies one of predetermined winning combinations.
11. The gaming system according to claim 7 , wherein the main controller further operates to accumulate a part of total game medium that are used to play the games in each of the gaming machines, and
wherein the main controller controls at least one of the gaming machines through the communication unit to provide the accumulated amount of the game medium as the first prescribed amount.
12. A game server comprising:
a communication unit that is communicably connected to a plurality of gaming machines that provide games to respective players; and
a main controller that operates to:
determine symbols to be respectively displayed on each of the gaming machines from among a plurality of symbols when determined that at least one of the gaming machines is in a predetermined gaming state; and
control at least one of the gaming machines through the communication unit to provide a first prescribed amount of game medium when a combination of the determined symbols satisfies a predetermined combination.
13. The game server according to claim 12 , wherein the main controller operates to determine the symbols to be respectively displayed on each of the gaming machines when determined that a combination of symbols displayed on at least one of the gaming machines satisfies a predetermined one of winning combinations.
14. The game server according to claim 12 , wherein the main controller further operates to accumulate a part of total game medium that are used to play the games in each of the gaming machines, and
wherein the main controller controls at least one of the gaming machines through the communication unit to provide the accumulated amount of the game medium as the first prescribed amount.
15. A game server comprising:
a communication unit that is communicably connected to a plurality of gaming machines that provide games to respective players; and
a main controller that operates to:
determine symbols to be respectively displayed on each of the gaming machines from among a plurality of symbols when determined that a predetermined time condition is satisfied; and
control at least one of the gaming machines through the communication unit to provide a first prescribed amount of game medium when a combination of the determined symbols satisfies a predetermined combination.
16. The game server according to claim 15 , wherein the main controller further operates to accumulate a part of total game medium that are used to play the games in each of the gaming machines, and
wherein the main controller controls at least one of the gaming machines through the communication unit to provide the accumulated amount of the game medium as the first prescribed amount.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
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JP2006352213A JP2008161310A (en) | 2006-12-27 | 2006-12-27 | Game server and game system |
JPP2006-352213 | 2006-12-27 |
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US20080318659A1 true US20080318659A1 (en) | 2008-12-25 |
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US12/004,488 Abandoned US20080318659A1 (en) | 2006-12-27 | 2007-12-21 | Gaming system and game server |
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US (1) | US20080318659A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2008161310A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2007249134A1 (en) |
ZA (1) | ZA200711133B (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20130288756A1 (en) * | 2012-04-27 | 2013-10-31 | Aruze Gaming America, Inc. | Gaming machine |
EP2916300A1 (en) * | 2014-03-03 | 2015-09-09 | Pridefield Limited | Gaming machine |
EP2916299A1 (en) * | 2014-03-03 | 2015-09-09 | Pridefield Limited | Gaming machine |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2010274062A (en) * | 2009-06-01 | 2010-12-09 | Universal Entertainment Corp | Gaming machine capable of running common game, and communication control method thereof |
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US4856787A (en) * | 1986-02-05 | 1989-08-15 | Yuri Itkis | Concurrent game network |
US5564700A (en) * | 1995-02-10 | 1996-10-15 | Trump Taj Mahal Associates | Proportional payout method for progressive linked gaming machines |
US7037191B2 (en) * | 2002-05-01 | 2006-05-02 | Igt | Gaming device having multiple pay slots |
-
2006
- 2006-12-27 JP JP2006352213A patent/JP2008161310A/en active Pending
-
2007
- 2007-12-19 AU AU2007249134A patent/AU2007249134A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2007-12-20 ZA ZA200711133A patent/ZA200711133B/en unknown
- 2007-12-21 US US12/004,488 patent/US20080318659A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US4856787A (en) * | 1986-02-05 | 1989-08-15 | Yuri Itkis | Concurrent game network |
US4856787B1 (en) * | 1986-02-05 | 1997-09-23 | Fortunet Inc | Concurrent game network |
US5564700A (en) * | 1995-02-10 | 1996-10-15 | Trump Taj Mahal Associates | Proportional payout method for progressive linked gaming machines |
US7037191B2 (en) * | 2002-05-01 | 2006-05-02 | Igt | Gaming device having multiple pay slots |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20130288756A1 (en) * | 2012-04-27 | 2013-10-31 | Aruze Gaming America, Inc. | Gaming machine |
US9033801B2 (en) * | 2012-04-27 | 2015-05-19 | Universal Entertainment Corporation | Gaming machine |
EP2916300A1 (en) * | 2014-03-03 | 2015-09-09 | Pridefield Limited | Gaming machine |
EP2916299A1 (en) * | 2014-03-03 | 2015-09-09 | Pridefield Limited | Gaming machine |
US9355517B2 (en) | 2014-03-03 | 2016-05-31 | Pridefield Limited | Gaming machine with persistent wild feature |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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ZA200711133B (en) | 2009-05-27 |
JP2008161310A (en) | 2008-07-17 |
AU2007249134A1 (en) | 2008-07-17 |
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Owner name: ARUZE CORP., JAPAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:HOSOKAWA, NORIO;REEL/FRAME:021485/0160 Effective date: 20080723 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
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