US20090325674A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20090325674A1
Application number: US12/256,175
Authority: US
Inventors: Norio Hosokawa
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Universal Entertainment Corp
Priority date: 2008-06-25
Filing date: 2008-10-22
Publication date: 2009-12-31

Abstract

A new gaming environment is provided. If a server determines that an execution of a bonus game will be instructed, bonus game execution instruction information is sent to each of slot machines connected to the server. If the slot machine receives the bonus game execution instruction information, the bonus game will be executed using a special reel, a first special table, and a second special table. Here, the special reel, the first special reel, and the second special reel are the same in each of the slot machines. Game result information including accumulated point will be sent to the server. The server is determines the slot machine on which the bonus is provided based on the received the game result information. The determined slot machine which receives the winning information provides the jackpot amount included in the winning information of the gaming media.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims a priority from the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/075490 filed on Jun. 25, 2008, the entire contents thereof are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

One or more aspects of the invention relate to a game system, a server, and a gaming machine in which a specific game is executed in each of plural gaming machines using same specific reels.

2. Description of Related Art

There are slot machines in which bonus occurs in a predetermined condition to enhance an entertainment aspects. Also, a probability of occurrence of a bonus is controlled based on bet number in some of the conventional slot machines. Also, to attract players, a game system, a server, and a gaming machine which has new feature is anticipated. Also, specific games, which are executed in different types of gaming machines on the same condition, are anticipated.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing, one or more aspects of the invention relate to a game system, a server, a gaming machine, a gaming method thereof, a computer readable medium having computer-executable instructions or the like in which a new gaming environment is provided.

A game system according to one or more aspects of the invention comprises plural gaming machines and a server connected to the plural gaming machines. The server determines whether or not a specific game will be executed in each of the gaming machine, sends an execution instruction information to each of the gaming machine when it is determined that the specific game will be executed, receives a result of the specific game from each of the gaming machine, determines a gaming machine to which a bonus is provided based on the received results, and provides the bonus to the determined gaming machine. The gaming machine executes the specific game using a special reel having plural symbols, the special reel being same in each of the gaming machine, and send the result of the specific game.

Herewith, since specific games can be executed on the same condition even though different types are connected, the entertainment aspect is enhanced and it can attract players.

A server according to one or more aspects of the invention is connected to plural gaming machines. Also, the server determines whether or not a specific game will be executed in each of the gaming machine, sends an execution instruction information to each of the gaming machine when it is determined that the specific game will be executed, the specific game being executed using a special reel having plural symbols, the special reel being same in each of the gaming machine, receives a result of the specific game from each of the gaming machine, determines a gaming machine to which a bonus is provided based on the received results, and provides the bonus to the determined gaming machine.

A gaming machine according to one or more aspects of the invention is connected a server. Also, each of the gaming machines execute the specific game using a special reel having plural symbols, the special reel being same in each of the gaming machine, and sends the result of the specific game.

One or more of the above aspects of the disclosure is more fully described in the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for purpose of illustration only and not intended as a definition of the limits of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the objects, advantages and principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a server base process in accordance with one or more aspects of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a schematic structure view of a game system in accordance with one or more aspects of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a view showing an outline of the game system in accordance with one or more aspects of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a view showing an outline of a slot machine in accordance with one or more aspects of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the game system in accordance with one or more aspects of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the slot machine in accordance with one or more aspects of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the slot machine in accordance with one or more aspects of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a view showing symbols displayed on a reel of the slot machine in accordance with one or more aspects of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a view showing symbol row displayed on the reel of the slot machine in accordance with one or more aspects of the invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of a game result table of the slot machine in accordance with one or more aspects of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a main control process of the slot machine in accordance with one or more aspects of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a main game process of the slot machine in accordance with one or more aspects of the invention.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory view of a first table in accordance with one or more aspects of the invention.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory view of a second table in accordance with one or more aspects of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a bonus game process in accordance with one or more aspects of the invention.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory view of a point table in accordance with one or more aspects of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The various aspects summarized previously may be embodied in various forms. The following description shows by way of illustration of various combinations and configurations in which the aspects may be practiced. It is understood that the described aspects and/or embodiments are merely examples, and that other aspects and/or embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

It is noted that various connections are set forth between items in the following description. It is noted that these connections in general and, unless specified otherwise, may be direct or indirect and that this specification is not intended to be limiting in this respect.

A gaming machine, a server, and a game system according to one or more aspects of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings based on an embodiment embodying one or more aspects of the invention. However, it is appreciated that one or more aspects of the invention may be embodied in distributable (via CD and the like) or downloadable software games, console games, and the like. In this regard, the slot machine may be a virtual slot machine that is displayed on a multi-purpose computer and/or dedicated kiosk. Aspects of the invention are described by way of hardware elements. However, it is appreciated that these elements may also be software modules that are executable in a computer. The software modules may be stored on a computer readable medium, including but not limited to a USB drive, CD, DVD, computer-readable memory, tape, diskette, floppy disk, and the like. For instance, aspects of the invention may be embodied in a JAVA-based application or the like that runs in a processor or processors. Further, the terms “CPU”, “processor”, and “controller” are inclusive by nature, including at least one of hardware, software, or firmware. These terms may include a portion of a processing unit in a computer (for instance, in multiple core processing units), multiple cores, a functional processor (as running virtually on at least one of processor or server, which may be local or remote). Further, in network-based gaming systems, the processor may include only a local processor, only a remote server, or a combination of a local processor and a remote server.

It is contemplated that one or more aspects of the invention may be implemented as computer executable instructions on a computer readable medium such as a non-volatile memory, a magnetic or optical disc. Further, one or more aspects of the invention may be implemented with a carrier signal in the form of, for instance, an audio-frequency, radio-frequency, or optical carrier wave.

Hereinafter, the first embodiment embodying one or more aspects of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

In the embodiment, as shown inFIG. 1, in theserver91, if it is determined an execution of a bonus game will be instructed (S3: YES), a bonus game execution instruction information will be sent to each connected slot machine1 (S4). Also, if it is determined that game result information is received from all of the slot machines1 (S5: YES), a slot machine to which the bonus is provided is determined (S6). And, winning information is sent to the determined slot machine1 (S7). After that, jackpot amount is initialized (S8).

A schematic structure of agame system100 according to the embodiment will be explained in detail with reference to the drawings.FIG. 2 is a schematic structure view of thegame system100 according to the embodiment.FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of thegame system100 according to the embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 2, thegame system100 according to the embodiment includesplural slot machines1, aserver91 and a large-size display95. Theplural slot machines1, aserver91 and a large-size display95 are arranged in the game hall. Each of theslot machines1 is connected to theserver91 via thenetwork400 so as to be capable of communicating with each other. Also a large-size display95 is connected to theserver91. Here, different types of slot machines1 (namely slot machines with different reels, winning combinations, winning probability and the like) can be connected to theserver91.

As shown inFIG. 3, the large-size display95 is provided above theplural slot machines1. The large-size display95 is a well-known large-size liquid crystal display, and displays a variety of gaming information in the game system100 (for example, rules of the game, game result of eachslot machine1 and the like).

Next, theslot machine1 which constructs thegame system100 according to the embodiment will be explained in detail with reference with the drawing.FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of theslot machine1 according to the embodiment.

Theslot machine1 according to the embodiment is an upright type slot machine which is provided in the game hall such as the casino. Theslot machine1 includes acabinet2, amain door3, and atopper effect device4. Themain door3 is arranged in front of thecabinet2. Thetopper effect4 is arranged above thecabinet2.

Thecabinet2 is a housing portion which houses the electric or the mechanic components for executing the predetermined gaming modes in theslot machine1.

Theslot machine1 includes anupper display10A, amain display10B and alower back panel10C at the front side of thecabinet2 to display various gaming information. Theupper display10A is arranged on the upper column of thecabinet2, themain display10B is arranged on the middle column of thecabinet2 and thelower back panel10C is arranged on the lower column of thecabinet2.

Theupper display10A is constructed from the liquid crystal panel. The effect images, the payout table in the game, the game rules and the like are displayed on theupper display10A.

Themain display10B is constructed from the liquid crystal panel. Plural reel display portions, for example, are displayed on themain display10B. The variably display and the stopped display of the symbol rows are displayed on each of the reel display portions. For example, three symbols are displayed on the reel display portion. In other words, symbols are displayed in a 3×5 matrix shape on themain display10B. The number of the reels and the number of the display symbols on each reel display portion are variable.

Theupper display10A and themain display10B, for example, are constructed from the liquid crystal panel as described above, however, one or more aspects of the invention are not limited to the liquid crystal panel. In other words, either display portion may also be the CRT display, the plasma display, the LED display, and the other well-known display device.

Thelower back panel10C is arranged on the lower column of thecabinet2, and is constructed from a plastic panel. The drawings of the characters relating to the gaming machine, the name of the gaming machine and the like are displayed on thelower back panel10C, and are lighted by the back lights. Thelower back panel10C may also be the liquid crystal panel, the CRT display, the plasma display, the LED display, and the other well-known display device.

Further, themain display10B may also be configured as a hybrid type which is constructed from a mechanical reel and a transparent liquid crystal display device arranged in front of the mechanical reel. As a result, the symbols displayed on the mechanical reel may be visible via the transparent liquid crystal display device. Display windows which equals to the number of the mechanical reel are arranged on the transparent liquid crystal display device, so that the symbols displayed on the mechanical reel may be visible via the display windows. The slot machine using video reels will be mainly described in the below description, however, the disclosure may also be applied to the slot machines using the mechanical reels as much as possible. When mechanical reels are used, the rotation or the stop of the mechanical reels is controlled by a motor which is not shown.

Also, an operation table25 is arranged in front of thecabinet2. The operation table25 is arranged to extend forward between themain display10B and thelower back panel10C. Plural types ofoperation button26 are provided on the operation table25. Theoperation buttons26 include a BET button, a collect button, a start button, a CASHOUT button and the like. Acoin insertion slot27 and abill insertion slot28 are arranged on the operation table25. Thecoin insertion slot27 receives coins which are the gaming media to thecabinet2. And, thebill insertion slot28 is used to receive the bills to thecabinet2.

Here, coins, bills or electronic value (credits) which are equivalent to coins or bills are used as the gaming media in the game system100 (including the slot machine1) according to the embodiment. However, the gaming media applicable in one or more aspects of the invention are not limited to coins, bills or electronic value. For example, the gaming media may also be medals, tokens, electric moneys, and tickets.

Acoin tray29 is provided at the bottom most of thecabinet2. Thecoin tray29 is used to receive the coins paid out by ahopper64. Alight emitting portion30 is provided around thecabinet2 of theslot machine1. Thelight emitting portion30 is lighted up in a predetermined lighting mode when the player wins the game or during the event game. Further, aspeaker31 is provided on the side surface of thecabinet2. Thespeaker31 outputs sound in accordance with the progressing of the game.

Thetopper effect device4 has a rectangular board shape, and is arranged almost parallel to theupper display10A.

Next, the internal constitution of thegame system100 according to the embodiment will be explained in detail with reference to the drawing.FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing the internal constitution of thegame system100. As shown inFIG. 5, thegame system100 includes theserver91. Theserver91 controls the entirety of thegame system100.

Theserver91 is constructed from aserver CPU92, aserver ROM93, and aserver RAM94. Theserver ROM93 stores necessary control programs for controlling the entirety of thegame system100 and the data tables. For example, the program for the server base process to be described later is stored. Theserver CPU92 executes the various control programs stored in theserver ROM93.

Theserver RAM94 temporarily stores the calculation results and the like when the various control programs are executed by theserver CPU92. A first table and a second table are stored in theserver RAM94. A game counter table and difference value table which will be described later are stored in theserver RAM94. Also, a game result table which will be described later is stored in theserver RAM94. A jackpot amount area is provided in theserver RAM94.

Plural slot machines

1 are connected to theserver91. Theserver91 sends and receives various data with theplural slot machines1.

The large-size display95 is connected to theserver91. The display content of the large-size display95 is controlled by theserver91.

Atimer97 is connected to theserver91. Theserver91 obtains the current time data by referring to thetimer97.

Next, the internal constitution of theslot machine1 according to the embodiment will be explained in detail with reference to the drawings.FIG. 6 andFIG. 7 are block diagrams showing the internal constitution of theslot machine1.

As shown inFIG. 6, theslot machine1 includes plural constitution elements around themain control board71.

Acontroller41 includes amain CPU42, aROM43, aRAM44. Themain CPU42 inputs or outputs signals with other constitution elements via I/O port49, and executes the programs stored in theROM43. Themain CPU42 serves as a control center of theslot machine1. TheRAM44 stores temporarily the data and the programs when themain CPU42 runs. For example, theRAM44 temporarily stores the random number value sampled by asampling circuit46 to be described later. And the identification number of theslot machine1 is stored in theROM43 or theRAM44. TheROM43 stores the programs executed by themain CPU42 and the permanent data.

Themain control board71 includes a randomnumber generation circuit45, asampling circuit46, a clockpulse generation circuit47 and afrequency divider48.

The randomnumber generation circuit45 operates based on the instruction of themain CPU42, and generates a predetermined range of random numbers. Thesampling circuit46 extracts an arbitrary random number from the random numbers generated by the randomnumber generation circuit45 based on the instruction of themain CPU42. Thesampling circuit46 input the extracted random number to themain CPU42. The clockpulse generation circuit47 generates a basic clock to run themain CPU42. Thefrequency divider48 divides the basic clock in a predetermined frequency, and inputs the divided signals to themain CPU42.

Thetouch panel18 is connected to themain control board71. Thetouch panel18 may specify the coordinate position of the part to which the player touches. Thetouch panel18 may determine the portion to which the player touches based on the specified coordinate position information, and determines the direction to which the touched place moves. Thetouch panel18 inputs the signal corresponding to the determination result via the I/O port49 to themain CPU42.

Theoperation button26 is connected to themain control board71. As described above, theoperation button26 includes the start button, the collect button, the BET button and the like to instruct the execution of the game. When each button included in theoperation buttons26 is pressed, the operation signal is input to themain CPU42 via the I/O port49.

Acommunication interface68 is connected to themain control board71. Thecommunication interface68 is used to receive or send various data with theserver91.

Themain control board71 also includes an illuminationeffect driving circuit61, ahopper driving circuit63, a payoutcompletion signal circuit65 and a displayportion driving circuit67.

The illuminationeffect driving circuit61 outputs effect signals to the above-mentionedlight emitting portion30 and thetopper effect device4. And thetopper effect device4 is serially connected to the illuminationeffect driving circuit61 throughlight emitting portions30. When the effect signal is input, thelight emitting portions30 and thetopper effect device4 emit light in a predetermined light emitting mode. As a result, theslot machine1 executes light emitting effect in accordance with the progressing of the game.

Thehopper driving circuit63 drives thehopper64 based on the control of themain CPU42. Thehopper64 executes the payout of coins, and thereby, coins are paid out to thecoin tray29. The displayportion driving circuit67 executes the display control of various display portions such as the payoutnumber display portion19, the creditnumber display portion20, and the like.

Acoin detecting portion66 is connected to the payoutcompletion signal circuit65. Thecoin detecting portion66 calculates the number of the coins paid out by thehopper64. Thecoin detecting portion66 inputs the data of the number of coins which is calculated to the payoutcompletion signal circuit65. The payoutcompletion signal circuit65 determines whether or not the predetermined number of coins is paid out based on the data of the number of coins input by thecoin detecting portion66. When the coins with a predetermined number are all paid out, the signal indicating the completion of the coins is input to themain CPU42 by the payoutcompletion signal circuit65.

Asub-control board72 is connected to themain control board71. Thesub-control board72 is formed on a circuit board different from that of themain control board71. The display control of theupper display10A, themain display10B and the output control of sound by thespeaker31 are executed by thesub-control board72, based on the commands input from themain control board71.

As shown inFIG. 7, thesub-control board72 includes a microcomputer73 (abbreviated as “sub-microcomputer” hereinafter) as a main constitution element. The sub-microcomputer73 includes a sub-CPU74, aprogram ROM75, awork RAM76, an INport77 and anOUT port80. The sub-CPU74 executes the control operations based on the control orders (commands) sent from themain control board71. Theprogram ROM75 stores the control programs executed by the sub-CPU74. Thework RAM76 is configured as a temporary storing device when the above control programs are executed by the sub-CPU74.

Thesub-control board72 executes the random number sampling on the running program of the sub-CPU74. As a result, thesub-control board72 may execute the same processes as the processes executed by the clockpulse generation circuit47, thefrequency divider48, the randomnumber generation circuit45, and thesampling circuit46 in themain control board71.

Thesub-control board72 includes asound source IC78, apower amplifier79 and an image control circuit81. Thesound source IC78 controls the sound output from thespeaker31. Thepower amplifier79 is used as an amplifier for the output of the sound. And the image control circuit81 is running as the display control device of theupper display10A and themain display10B.

The image control circuit81 includes animage control CPU82, an imagecontrol work RAM83, an imagecontrol program ROM84, animage ROM86, avideo RAM87 and animage control IC88. Theimage control CPU82 determines the images displayed on theupper display10A and themain display10B based on the parameters set by the sub-microcomputer73 and the image control programs.

The image control programs regarding to the display of theupper display10A and themain display10B and a variety of the selection tables are stored in the imagecontrol program ROM84. The imagecontrol work RAM83 serves as a temporary storing device when the image control programs are executed by theimage control CPU82. INport85 is connected to theOUT port80. Images corresponding to the content determined by theimage control CPU82 are formed by theimage control IC88, and are output to theupper display10A and themain display10B. The dot data used to form images are stored in theimage ROM86. Thevideo RAM87 serves as a temporary storing device when the images are formed by theimage control IC88.

Next, the symbols displayed on reel variably displaying on the symbol display portion will be described with reference to a drawing.FIG. 8 shows on example of kinds of symbols displayed on the reel variably displaying on the symbol display portion.

As shown inFIG. 8, the symbols used in the embodiment includeKING symbol51A,QUEEN symbol51B,JACK symbol51C,ACE symbol51D, TENsymbol51E,BELL symbol51F,THUNDER symbol51G, andSTAR symbol51H.

Here, the number of the symbols which are displayed on one reel is variable and the type of the displayed symbols is variable.

FIG. 9 is a view showing one example of reel to be variably displayed on each of the symbol display portions. As shown inFIG. 9, symbols shown inFIG. 8 are displayed on the reel in a predetermined order. Here, a sequence of the symbols shown inFIG. 9 is merely one example, and the sequence of the symbols can be set arbitrarily.

Here, different types ofplural slot machines1 can be connected to theserver91 of the embodiment.

At this time, since reels to be used are different in the slot machines, probabilities of occurrence of each symbol are different. In a case where bonus games (games which can win a progressive bonus) are executed in this situation, probabilities of occurrence of the progressive bonus are different and it provides feeling of unfairness to the player.

Next, a server base process executed in theserver91 is described.FIG. 1 is a flowchart of the server base process. The programs to execute the server base process are stored in theserver ROM93 of theserver91, and are executed by theserver CPU92.

At S1, it is determined whether the start information is received from any of theslot machines1. The start information includes identification number (ID) and bet amount of source slot machine (namely, the slot machine which sent the start information).

If it is determined that the start information is not received (S1: NO), the procedure will be shifted to S3. On the other hand, if it is determined that the start information is received (S1: YES), the procedure will be shifted to S2.

At S2, a portion of the bet amount included in the received start information is accumulated. Herewith, the jackpot amount is increased every an execution of the unit game (which will be described later) in any of theslot machines1.

At S3, it is determined whether or not the an execution of the bonus game will be instructed. This determination is conducted based on a result of a predetermined lottery process. Also, if predetermined time is elapsed, the execution of the bonus game may be instructed. Further, if total number of executed unit games in each slot machine reaches a predetermined number, the execution of the bonus game may be instructed. Also, the jackpot amount in the jackpot amount area reaches predetermined amount, the execution of the bonus game may be instructed.

If it is determined that the execution of the bonus game is not instructed (S3: NO), the procedure will be shifted to S1. On the other hand, if it is determined that the execution of the bonus game is instructed (S3: YES), the procedure will be shifted to S4.

At S4, the bonus game execution instruction information, which instructs an execution of the bonus game, is sent to eachslot machine1. The bonus game instruction information includes “executable number of the bonus games”. Also, the executable number of the bonus games can be set arbitrarily.

At S5, game result information is received form all of theslot machine1. The game result information includes the ID and point (which will be described later) of the source slot machine. Also, if the game result information is received from any of theslot machines1, a game result table is updated. Details of the game table will be described later.

If it is determined that the game result information is not received from all of theslot machine1, that is, if it is determined that the game result information is not received from at least one of the slot machine1 (S5: NO), the procedure will be returned to S5. That is, the procedure waits at S5 until the game result information is received from all of theslot machines1.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the game result information if received from all of the slot machines1 (S5: YES), the procedure will be shifted to S6.

At S6, the slot machine to which the bonus is provided is determined. The bonus will be provided to the slot machine in which acquired points is the largest in the bonus game (which will be described later).

Hereinafter, a method of determination of the slot machine to which the bonus is provided will be described. The slot machine to which the bonus is provided is determined based on the game result table.FIG. 10 shows an example of the game result table.FIG. 11 shows that a slot machine having ID “0001”, a slot machine having ID “0002”, a slot machine having ID “0003”, and a slot machine having ID “0004” are connected to theserver91. Also, it shows that game results of the slot machines are 240 point, 360 point, 100 point, and 80 point respectively.

In the example shown inFIG. 10, since the game result of the slot machine having ID “0002” is the largest, it is determined at S6 that the bonus will be provided to the slot machine having ID “0002”.

The explanation will be retuned toFIG. 1. At S7, the winning information is sent to the slot machine determined at S6 (in the example, the slot machine having ID “0002”). The winning information includes the payout amount of the gaming media (namely, the jackpot amount stored in the jackpot amount area).

At, S8, the jackpot amount area is cleared. That is, the jackpot amount is set to the initial setting amount.

Next, the main control process executed inslot machine1 according to the embodiment will be explained with reference to the drawing.FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the main control process. The programs for executing the main control process are stored in theROM43 of theslot machine1, and are executed by themain CPU42.

When the power switch is ON (the power is turned ON), themain control board71 and thesub-control board72 are activated respectively, thecontroller41 executes the initial setting process of S11. In the initial setting process S11, themain CPU42 executes the BIOS stored in theROM43, and extracts the compressed data incorporated in the BIOS to theRAM44. And once the BIOS extracted in theRAM44 is executed, diagnosis of the variety of peripheral devices and initialization are executed by themain CPU42. Further, theCPU42 writes the game programs from theROM43 to theRAM44. And also theCPU42 executes the certification process to each program during the execution of the initial setting process.

In S12, the game program and the like are read out from theRAM44 in sequence and are executed so as to progress the main game process. The game in theslot machine1 according to the embodiment is progressed by the execution of the main game process. And the main game process is repeated to be executed during the power of theslot machine1 is supplied. The detail of the main game process will be described later.

At S13, it is determined whether or not the bonus game will be executed. If bonus game execution instruction information is received, it is determined “YES” at S13. If it is determined that the bonus game will not be executed (S13: NO), the procedure will be shifted to S15. On the other hand, if it is determined that the bonus game will be executed (S13: YES), the procedure will be shifted to S14.

Here, it can be determined whether or not the bonus game execution instruction information is received based on referring flag value of a flag area stored in theRAM44. Also, flag value is written to the flag area by a monitoring program executed in parallel with the main control process.

If the bonus game execution instruction information is received, the monitoring program writes a flag value (for example, “1”), which indicates that the bonus game execution instruction information is received, in the flag area.

Also, if the bonus game process is terminated, the monitoring program writes a flag value (for example, “0”), which indicates that the bonus game execution instruction information is not received, in the flag area.

Accordingly, if the flag value in the flag area is “1”, it is determined “YES” at S13. At S14, the bonus game process is executed. Details of the bonus game process will be described later.

At S15, it is determined whether or not the winning information is received from theserver91. If it is determined that the winning information is not received form the server91 (S15: NO), the procedure will be returned to S2. On the other hand, if it is determined that the winning information is received from the server91 (S15: YES), the procedure will be shifted to S16.

At S16, the payout process is executed. In the payout process, the payout amount included in the winning information (namely, the jackpot amount) of the gaming media is provided.

Next, the main game process will be described with reference to drawings.FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the main game process.

In S21, the start acceptance process is executed. In the start acceptance process, after the predetermined initial setting is executed, the setting of the bet number and the like are conducted. And the input of coins is executed by the player from thecoin insertion slot27. The bet operation using theoperation button26 is also executed. The number of the coins inserted from thecoin insertion slot27 or the bet operation using theoperation button26 is detected respectively.

In S22, it is determined whether or not the start button is operated. That is, it is determined whether or not the START BUTTON is ON. The determination whether the start button is operated is executed based on whether or not the input signal is received from the start switch.

When it is determined that the start button is not operated (S22: NO), the game returns to the start reception process. The operation such as correction of the bet number is possible at this time. On the other hand, when it is determined that the start button is operated (S22: YES), the bet number which is set is deducted from the credits owned by the player, and the subtraction result is stored in theRAM44 as the betting information. And then the game proceeds to S23.

At S23, the start information is sent to theserver91. The start information includes bet amount of the bet operation of S21 and the ID of theslot machine1.

At S24, the symbol lottery process is executed. Concretely, at first, random number value is sampled from a number value range within a predetermined random number value range by executing the lottery program stored in theRAM44. After that, symbols to be stopped on each symbol display portion based on the sampled random number values and the table.

The process in S24 will be described.FIG. 13 shows one example of a first table. In the first table, symbols displayed on reels shown inFIG. 8 correspond to code numbers.FIG. 14 is one example of a second table. In the second table, random number values correspond to the code numbers. The code numbers are determined with the use of the table shown inFIG. 14 based on the sampled random number values among predetermined random number range (for example, from 0 to 65535). The symbols to be stopped are determined with the use of the determined code numbers and the table shown inFIG. 13.

Here, as shown inFIG. 14, since the number of random number values corresponding to each code number is different, each of probabilities of appearance of each symbol shown inFIG. 13 is controlled. For example, inFIG. 14, code number “4” corresponds to random number values “512” to “760”, code number “5” corresponds to “761” to “767”. Therefore, since the code number “4” may more appear than the code number “5”, theJACK symbol51C corresponding to the code number “4” may more appear than theTHUNDER symbol51G corresponding to the code number “5” in the reel shown inFIG. 8.

Also, with respect to the symbol display portion113A, in a case where reel shown inFIG. 9 is used and “1136” is sampled, it is determined that code number is “08” based on the table shown inFIG. 14. And then, it is determined that the TENsymbol51E corresponding to the code number “08” will be stopped on the symbol display portion113A with the use of the table shown inFIG. 13.

Returning toFIG. 12 for explanations. At S25, a reel spin control process is executed. Specifically, at first, themain CPU42 variably displays each of the reels on the reel display portions101 to105. After that, themain CPU42 determines effects pattern (image display pattern of themain display portion10B, sound output pattern of the loudspeaker34, or the like) in a unit game and send predetermined signal tosub-control board72 so as to start effects based on the determined effects pattern. Here, the unit game means a sequence of process where each of the reels starts to variably display and then the entire reels are stopped displayed.

And, if predetermined time is elapsed, spinning of the reels on the reel display portions are stopped in a predetermined order. Accordingly, symbols are stopped on the reel display portions.

At S26, it is determined whether or not the combination of the symbols displayed on themain display10B is the winning combination.

If it is determined that the winning combination is realized (S26: YES), the procedure will be shifted to S27. On the other hand, if it is determined none of the winning combination is realized (S26: NO), the main game process is terminated.

At S27, amount corresponding to the realized winning combination of the gaming media is provided.

After that, the main game process is terminated.

Next, the bonus game process will be described with reference to drawings.FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the bonus game process. The bonus game process is the process to execute the bonus games on theplural slot machines1 connected to theserver91 on the same condition (same reels, same times).

At S31, special reels are obtained. The special reels are the same in theplural slot machines1 connected to theserver91. Here, the special reel is stored in theROM43 or theRAM44. Plural symbols are displayed on the special reel in a predetermined order. Also, the special reel can be obtained from the connectedserver91.

At S32, a first special table and a second special reel are obtained. The first special table and the second special table are the same inplural slot machines1 connected to theserver91. Here, the first special table and the second special table are stored in theROM43 or theRAM44. In the first special table, symbols displayed on the special reel correspond to code numbers. In the second special table, the random number values correspond to code numbers. Also, the first special table and the second special table can be obtained from the connectedserver91.

Since the special reel, the first special table, and the second special table are used in each of theslot machines1, the bonus games can be executed in the same condition.

At S33, symbol lottery process is executed. At this time, the first special table and the second special table are used. Since the symbol lottery process of S33 is the same basically (namely, expect that tables to be used) as the symbols lottery process of the main game process (see S24 ofFIG. 12), explanations thereof will be omitted.

At S34, a reel spin control process is executed. Since the reel spin control process of S34 is the same as the reel spin control process of the main game process (see S25 ofFIG. 12), explanation thereof will be omitted.

At S35, it is determined whether or not a combination of the symbols displayed on themain display10B is winning combination. That is, it is determined whether or not the combination is won.

The determination of S35 is conducted based on a point table.FIG. 16 is an example of the point table. In the point table, the combination of symbols which is the winning combination and the points corresponding to the winning combination. That is, in the point table, the winning combinations correspond to the points.

In the bonus game, point is provided based on the number of the same symbols stopped on themain display10B. Also, as shown inFIG. 16, it is defined so that as the number of the same symbols is larger, as the point to be provided is larger.

For example, if ten of theKING symbols51A are displayed on themain display10B, [“ten of a kind” of theKING symbol51A] is realized. In this case, point “40” is provided (seeFIG. 16). Also, if five of theBELL symbols51F are displayed, [“five of a kind” of theBELL symbol51F] is realized. In this case, point “22” is provided (seeFIG. 16).

If the combination of the symbols displayed on themain display10B is defined in the point table, it is determined “YES” at S35.

If it is determined the symbol combination does not won (S35: NO), the procedure will be shifted to S37. That is, if it is determined that the symbol combination is not winning combination (S35: NO), the procedure will be shifted to S37. On the other hand, if it is determined that the symbol combination wins (S35: YES), the procedure will be shifted to S36. That is, if it is determined that the symbol combination is the winning combination (S35: YES), the procedure will be shifted to S36.

At36, the point is accumulated. The accumulated point is stored in theRAM44.

At S37, it is determined whether or not the bonus games are executed the predetermined number. Here, the “predetermined number” is the “executable number of the bonus games” included in the bonus game execution instruction information.

If it is determined that the bonus games are not executed the predetermined number (S37: NO), the procedure will be returned to S33. On the other hand, if it is determined that the bonus games are executed the predetermined number (S37: YES), the procedure will be shifted to S38.

At S38, the game result information is sent to theserver91. The game result information includes the ID of the slot machine and the point stored in theRAM44. And, if the point which was sent is the largest in theconnected slot machines1, theslot machine1 which sent the point is won the progressive bonus and the progressive payout will be obtained. For example, if the point of the slot machine having ID “0002” is larger than the points of the slot machine having IDs “0001”, “0003”, and “0004”, the slot machine having ID “0002” wins the progressive bonus and obtains the progressive payout.

Also, the point stored in theRAM44 is cleared after the game result information is sent.

As mentioned above, in the embodiment, if theserver91 determines that the execution of the bonus game will be instructed, the bonus game execution instruction information is sent to each of theslot machines1 connected to theserver91. If theslot machine1 receives the bonus game execution instruction information, the bonus game will be executed using the special reel, the first special table, and the second special table. Here, the special reel, the first special reel, and the second special reel are the same in each of theslot machines1. If theslot machine1 executes the bonus games predetermined number, the game result information including accumulated point will be sent to theserver91. Theserver91 is determines theslot machine1 on which the bonus is provided based on the received the game result information, and the winning information is sent to thedetermined slot machine1. Theslot machine1 which receives the winning information provides the jackpot amount included in the winning information of the gaming media.

Herewith, since specific games are executed on the same condition even though different types of the slot machines are connected, it does not provide feeling of unfairness, the entertainment aspect is enhanced, and it attracts to players.

Here, one or more aspects of the invention are not limited to above embodiments and various changes and modifications can be done within the scope of the invention certainly.

For example, the free game can be executed when a predetermined condition is met in the main game.

Also, in the embodiment, theserver91 determines whether or not each ofslot machines1 executes the bonus game. However, one or more aspects of the invention can be constructed that each of theslot machine1 counts the number of executed unit games of the main game process, and if the executed number reaches a predetermined number, the bonus game may be executed. In this case, theslot machine1 sends a result of the bonus game (point) to theserver91. And, theserver91 can provide a bonus (progressive payout) to theslot machine1 which sent the largest point form among points of eachslot machine1 which are received during a predetermined period.

Also, one or more aspects of the invention can be implemented as a playing method to execute above processes. Further, one or more aspects of the invention can be implemented as a program to execute above processes in one or more computers, and a tangible medium in which the program is stored.

Claims

1. A game system comprising:

plural gaming machines; and

a server connected to the plural gaming machines;

wherein

the server is programmed to:

(a) determine whether or not a specific game will be executed in each of the gaming machine,

(b) send an execution instruction information to each of the gaming machines when it is determined that the specific game will be executed,

(c) receive a result of the specific game from each of the gaming machines,

(d) determine a gaming machine to which a bonus is provided based on the received results, and

(e) provide the bonus to the determined gaming machine, and

the gaming machine is programmed to:

(f) execute the specific game using a special reel having plural symbols, the special reel being same in each of the gaming machine, and

(g) send the result of the specific game.

2. The game system according toclaim 1, wherein the bonus is a progressive payout.

3. The game system according toclaim 1, wherein unit games are executed a predetermined number in the specific game.

4. The game system according toclaim 4, wherein

each of the gaming machines has a display,

the symbols of the specific reel are stopped on the display in the unit game,

the gaming machine accumulates a point corresponding to a combination of the stopped symbols, and

the result of the specific game is the accumulated point.

5. A server connected to plural gaming machines, wherein

the server is programmed to:

(b) send an execution instruction information to each of the gaming machines when it is determined that the specific game will be executed, the specific game being executed using a special reel having plural symbols, the special reel being same in each of the gaming machine,

(c) receive a result of the specific game from each of the gaming machines,

(e) provide the bonus to the determined gaming machine.

6. The server according toclaim 5, wherein the bonus is a progressive payout.

7. Gaming machines connected to a server, wherein

each of the gaming machines is programmed to:

(a) execute the specific game using a special reel having plural symbols, the special reel being same in each of the gaming machine, and

(b) send the result of the specific game.

8. The gaming machines according toclaim 7, wherein the bonus is a progressive payout.

9. The gaming machines according toclaim 7, wherein unit games are executed a predetermined number in the specific game.

10. The gaming machines according toclaim 9, wherein

each of the gaming machines accumulates a point corresponding to a combination of the stopped symbols, and

the result of the specific game is the accumulated point.