JP2008173453A - Game apparatus which receives betting even in course of game - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game apparatus which achieves new entertaining potentialities by enabling the shortening of the standby time in the participation in a multiple participant game in the course of a game. <P>SOLUTION: The game apparatus is provided with a display capable of displaying images, a plurality of client terminals which are so positioned as to allow game players to visually recognize the display and a controller which is so programmed to execute the processing of controlling the display of images on the display for notifying a player that the dividend to be awarded to the client terminal involved in the betting done after a prescribed timing is different from the dividend to be awarded to the client terminal involved in the betting done before the prescribed timing when the prescribed timing is given. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a game apparatus capable of inputting a bet.

Conventionally, there are game systems that include a plurality of client terminals and execute a game common to a plurality of players. Some of such game systems include a plurality of client terminals and a common screen as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3, and perform a slot machine game and a roulette game on the common screen. At this time, a player playing a game on each client terminal can bet on the game result displayed on the common screen. For example, when a slot machine game is displayed on the common screen, a BET can be bet on the line number, and when a roulette game is displayed, a straight BET or a combination BET is placed on the roulette layout. be able to.

US Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0059474 US Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0282618 US Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0218590

An object of the present invention is to provide a game device that can reduce the waiting time when participating in a multiplayer game halfway and has new entertainment properties.

The first aspect of the present invention provides a game device having the following configuration.
In other words, the game device includes a display capable of displaying an image. In addition, the game device includes a plurality of client terminals arranged at positions where a player who plays a game can visually recognize the display. In addition, when the game device reaches a predetermined timing, a payout to be given to the client terminal for which a bet has been placed after the predetermined timing is bet before the predetermined timing. A controller programmed to execute a process of performing control to display an image for notifying that the payout is different from the payout to be given to the client terminal.

The second aspect of the present invention provides a game device having the following configuration.
In other words, the game device includes a display capable of displaying an image. The game apparatus includes a speaker capable of outputting sound. In addition, the game device includes a plurality of client terminals arranged at positions where a player who plays a game can visually recognize the display. In addition, when the game device reaches a predetermined timing, a payout to be given to the client terminal for which a bet has been placed after the predetermined timing is bet before the predetermined timing. And a controller programmed to execute a process of performing control to output a sound for notifying that the payout is different from the payout to be given to the client terminal from the speaker.

The third aspect of the present invention provides a game device having the following configuration.
In other words, the game device includes a display capable of displaying an image. In addition, the game device includes a plurality of client terminals arranged at positions where a player who plays a game can visually recognize the display. In addition, the game device includes a controller programmed to execute the following processes (a) to (b). (A) a process for performing control to display a payout-related image indicating a correspondence relationship between a prize and a payout awarded when the prize is established on the display; and (b) when a predetermined timing is reached. , A process of performing control to display on the display a payout-related image in which the correspondence between the prize and the payout is different from the payout-related image.

The fourth aspect of the present invention provides a game device having the following configuration.
In other words, the game device includes a display capable of displaying an image. In addition, the game apparatus includes a plurality of client terminals that are provided with a BET switch for inputting a BET, and are arranged at positions where a player who plays the game can visually recognize the display. In addition, the game device includes a controller programmed to execute the following processes (a) to (c). (A) a process of accepting an input of a normal BET from each of the BET switches provided in the plurality of client terminals; (b) a process of accepting an input of a halfway participation BET during a game that proceeds after the acceptance of the input of the normal BET is completed; And (c) after finishing accepting the input of the normal BET, informs that the payout given to the input of the halfway participation BET is different from the payout given to the input of the normal BET. The process which performs the control which displays the image for for the said display.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the waiting time at the time of participating in a multiplayer participation game can be shortened, and the game apparatus provided with new entertainment property can be provided.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
1A and 1B are flowcharts showing a control device-side process executed in a control device included in a game device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In the game apparatus 1 (see FIG. 2), a slot machine game is executed. The main monitor 2 provided in the game apparatus 1 displays 15 display blocks 28 in 5 columns and 3 rows, and one symbol is arranged in each display block 28 (see FIGS. 5A to 5C). . In the main monitor 2, 13 winning lines WL0 to WL12 crossing all the columns are set (see FIG. 3). In each station 3 (see FIG. 2), the player can select the winning line WL to bet by operating the BET line select button 81 (see FIG. 7A), and press the BET number input button 83 (see FIG. 7A). By operating, the number of BETs for the selected winning line WL can be input. Then, when the symbols are scrolled on the main monitor 2 and then stopped, when the same symbol is placed on the betting line WL betted (when a predetermined symbol combination is established), the station 3 operated by the player In addition, coins are paid out according to the symbol combination and the number of BETs.
Hereinafter, the process which the control apparatus with which the game device 1 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is provided performs is demonstrated.

First, in step S1 of FIG. 1A, the CPU 41 (see FIG. 8) of the control device 20 provided in the game apparatus 1 displays a payout table 29 corresponding to a 100% payout rate on the front display 21 provided in the main monitor 2 (see FIG. 1). (See FIG. 5A). Here, the payout rate is the ratio of the actual number of payouts to the number of payouts displayed in the payout table 29. In the present embodiment, the actual number of payouts is determined based on the payout rate at the timing when the player bets.
The payout table 29 corresponds to a payout related image in the present invention.

Next, in step S2, the CPU 41 starts accepting a normal BET. In this process, a signal for starting reception of a normal BET input to each station 3 (hereinafter also referred to as a normal BET start signal) is transmitted. Each station 3 receiving this signal can input a normal BET. At this time, the CPU 41 starts measuring time by the timer 90. After receiving the normal BET, the CPU 41 stores the normal BET from each station 3 and the normal BET information indicating the contents of the normal BET received in the RAM 42 (see FIG. 8). .

Next, in step S3, the CPU 41 starts scrolling symbols on the main monitor 2 (see FIG. 5A).

Next, in step S4, the CPU 41 performs symbol determination processing. In this symbol determination process, the CPU 41 determines a symbol to be arranged in each display block 28 when the symbol is stopped.
In the present embodiment, a case where a symbol is determined after the start of symbol scrolling will be described. However, the timing for determining a symbol is not limited to this example. It may be after the acceptance of.

Next, in step S5, the CPU 41 determines whether or not 20 seconds have elapsed since the start of accepting the normal BET. If it is determined that 20 seconds have not elapsed, the process returns to step S5.
On the other hand, if it is determined that 20 seconds have elapsed, in step S6, the CPU 41 performs a process of ending acceptance of the normal BET. In this process, the CPU 41 transmits to each station 3 a signal (hereinafter also referred to as a normal BET end signal) for ending acceptance of normal BET input. Upon receiving this signal, each station 3 finishes accepting the normal BET input.

Next, in step S7, the CPU 41 stops scrolling symbols in the first column (leftmost column) based on the result determined in step S4 (see FIG. 5B).

Next, in step S8, the CPU 41 updates the payout table 29 displayed on the front display 21 to the payout table 29 corresponding to the payout rate of 80% (see FIG. 5B) and changes the payout rate. A sound “Notice that the payout rate will change” for notification is output from the speaker 22 (see FIG. 2).
In this embodiment, when the payout table 29 is always displayed, that is, when the payout table 29 corresponding to the current payout rate is displayed and the payout rate is updated, the updated payout rate is sequentially set. Although the case where the corresponding payout table 29 is displayed will be described, in the present invention, the period for displaying the payout-related image is not limited to this example. For example, every time the dividend rate is updated, a predetermined period (for example, 5 seconds) may be displayed, and then the display may be stopped.
In the present embodiment, a case is described in which a sound for notifying that the payout rate changes is output for 5 seconds. However, in the present invention, the period for outputting the sound is not limited to this example. For example, the output may be continued until the next payout-related image is updated.

Next, in step S9, the CPU 41 starts accepting a midway participation BET. In this process, the CPU 41 transmits a signal (hereinafter also referred to as a midway participation BET start signal) that causes each station 3 to start accepting an input of the midway participation BET. In each station 3 that has received this signal, it becomes possible to input a halfway participation BET. After starting accepting the mid-participation BET, the CPU 41 stores the half-participation BET information indicating that the mid-participation BET has been received from each station 3 and the contents of the mid-participation BET in the RAM 42.

Next, in step S10, the CPU 41 determines whether or not 20 seconds have elapsed since the scrolling of the symbols in the first column has been stopped. If it is determined that 20 seconds have not elapsed, the process returns to step S10.
On the other hand, if it is determined that 20 seconds have elapsed, in step S11, the CPU 41 stops scrolling the symbols in the second column (second column from the left) based on the result determined in step S4.

Next, in step S12 of FIG. 1B, the CPU 41 updates the payout table 29 displayed on the front display 21 to the payout table 29 corresponding to the payout rate of 60%, and notifies that the payout rate changes. The sound for this is output from the speaker 22.

Next, in step S <b> 13, the CPU 41 determines whether 20 seconds have elapsed since the scrolling of the symbols in the second column has been stopped. If it is determined that 20 seconds have not elapsed, the process returns to step S13.
On the other hand, if it is determined that 20 seconds have elapsed, in step S14, the CPU 41 stops scrolling symbols in the third column (third column from the left) based on the result determined in step S4.

Next, in step S15, the CPU 41 updates the payout table 29 displayed on the front display 21 to the payout table 29 corresponding to the payout rate of 40% and notifies the change of the payout rate. Is output from the speaker 22.

Next, in step S <b> 16, the CPU 41 determines whether 20 seconds have elapsed since the scrolling of the symbols in the third column has been stopped. If it is determined that 20 seconds have not elapsed, the process returns to step S16.
On the other hand, if it is determined that 20 seconds have elapsed, in step S17, the CPU 41 stops scrolling symbols in the fourth column (fourth column from the left) based on the result determined in step S4.

Next, in step S18, the CPU 41 updates the payout table 29 displayed on the front display 21 to the payout table 29 corresponding to the 20% payout rate, and notifies the change of the payout rate. Is output from the speaker 22.

Next, in step S19, the CPU 41 determines whether or not 20 seconds have elapsed since the stop of scrolling of the symbols in the third column. If it is determined that 20 seconds have not elapsed, the process returns to step S19.
On the other hand, if it is determined that 20 seconds have elapsed, in step S20, the CPU 41 performs a process of terminating acceptance of the midway participation BET.

Next, in step S21, the CPU 41 stops scrolling symbols in the fifth column (rightmost column) based on the result determined in step S4.

Next, in step S22, the CPU 41 performs a process of calculating a payout to be awarded to each station 3 where the BET has been placed. Specifically, a prize established based on the result determined in step S4 is determined, and a reference payout is determined for each station 3 based on the prize and the number of BETs. Then, a payout to be awarded is determined by multiplying the reference payout by the payout rate at the timing when the BET is placed.

Next, in step S23, the CPU 41 transmits information relating to the payout determined in step S22 (hereinafter also referred to as payout information) to each station 3.

Next, in step S <b> 24, the CPU 41 performs jackpot (hereinafter also referred to as JP) accumulation processing. Specifically, credits corresponding to the difference between the total payout serving as the reference determined in step S22 and the total payout to be awarded are cumulatively stored in the RAM. For example, after stopping the scrolling of the symbols in the first column, a BET of 20 coins (halfway participation BET) is performed from the station 3 to the winning line WL0, and finally “PLUM” is displayed on the winning line WL0. When a prize in which five symbols are arranged is established, the number of payouts per coin bet is 4 (see FIG. 11), so the standard payout is 80. The payout rate after the scrolling of the symbols in the first column is 80%. Accordingly, the payout awarded to the station 3 is 64. At this time, since the difference between the reference payout and the payout to be awarded is 16, credits corresponding to 16 coins are accumulated and stored in the RAM 42.
After executing the process of step S24, this process is terminated.

Next, the game apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing an external configuration of the game apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 2, the game apparatus 1 includes a control device 20 (see FIG. 8) having a main monitor 2 and five stations 3 (stations 3a to 3e). The station 3 corresponds to the client terminal in the present invention.
A front display 21 is provided at the center of the main monitor 2, and 15 display blocks 28 of 5 columns and 3 rows and a payout table 29 are displayed. One symbol is arranged in each display block 28 (see FIGS. 5A to 5C). In addition, a JP display unit 30 is provided on the upper side of the front display 21, and a cumulative amount of JP is displayed. In addition, on the upper side of the main monitor 2, a speaker 22 that outputs music and sound effects in accordance with the progress of the game and an LED 23 that is lit during various effects are provided.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a winning line.
As shown in FIG. 3, the winning lines WL0 to WL12 are set so as to cross any of the display blocks 28 in each column. In the present embodiment, 13 winning lines WL are set.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a symbol array.
As shown in FIG. 4, each display block 28 is arranged or scrolled with a total of 22 symbol columns composed of code numbers “00” to “21”. Each symbol column is configured by combining symbols “JACKPOT 7”, “BLUE 7”, “BELL”, “CHERRY”, “STRAWBERRY”, “PLUM”, “ORANGE”, and “APPLE”.

When five “JACKPOT 7”, “BLUE 7”, “BELL”, “CHERRY”, “STRAWBERRY”, “PLUM”, “ORANGE”, and “APPLE” are arranged on any winning line WL A predetermined number of coins are paid out (see FIG. 11).

When the symbol scrolling starts (for example, 15 seconds after all symbols are stopped and displayed in the previous game), all symbols are scrolled from the top to the bottom. And it arrange | positions after predetermined time progress. At this time, when a predetermined symbol combination is established, a predetermined coin payout can be received (see FIG. 11).

5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating examples of images displayed on a front display included in the main monitor.
In the game apparatus 1, after starting accepting a normal BET, as shown in FIG. 5A, symbol scrolling is started. The player can place a normal BET until a predetermined time (in this embodiment, 20 seconds) elapses after acceptance of the normal BET is started. At this time, the payout rate indicated by the payout table 29 is 100%.

After a predetermined time has elapsed, the scrolling of symbols in the first column (leftmost column) is stopped. FIG. 5B shows an example of a state where the scrolling of the symbols in the first column is stopped. “ORANGE” is arranged in the upper stage of the first column, and “PLUM” is arranged in the middle stage of the first column. In addition, “ORANGE” is arranged in the lower part of the first column. At this time, the payout rate indicated by the payout table 29 is 80%.
After that, every time a predetermined time (20 seconds) elapses, symbol scrolling is stopped in the order of the second, third, fourth, and fifth columns. When the scrolling of symbols in the second, third, and fourth columns is stopped, the payout rates are changed to 60%, 40%, and 20%, respectively. The player can place a mid-participation BET after the scrolling of the symbols in the first column is stopped until the scrolling of the symbols in the fifth column is stopped. The player can place a mid-participation BET in consideration of the stopped symbols.

FIG. 5C shows an example of a state where all symbols are stopped. At this time, when the same symbol is placed on the winning line WL betted, coins are paid out to the station 3 operated by the player according to the symbol combination, the number of BETs, and the payout rate at the timing of betting. Done. In FIG. 5C, “PLUM” is arranged in all the display blocks 28 on the winning line WL0. Accordingly, a predetermined coin is paid out to the station 3 of the player who has made a normal BET or a halfway participation BET to the winning line WL0.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing an external configuration of a station provided in the game device shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6, a liquid crystal display 10 that displays an image (see FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7 </ b> C), which will be described later, is provided at the center of the upper surface of the station 3. Further, a touch panel 11 for inputting an instruction such as BET is provided on the upper surface of the liquid crystal display 10. The touch panel 11 corresponds to a BET switch in the present invention.

In front of the liquid crystal display 10, an operation button 12 for performing a payout operation and a coin insertion slot 13 for inserting coins and medals are provided.
A banknote insertion slot 14 for inserting banknotes is provided at the upper right end of the front surface of the station 3, and coins and medals corresponding to stored credits when a payout operation is performed below the banknote insertion slot 14. Is provided to the player.

FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display when a normal BET is performed.
As shown in FIG. 7A, a normal BET line selection unit 80 for selecting a winning line WL for performing a normal BET is provided on the upper part of the liquid crystal display 10. The normal BET line selection unit 80 displays a BET line select button 81 for selecting a winning line WL for performing a normal BET. The player can select a winning line WL for performing a normal BET by operating a BET line select button 81 via the touch panel 11. In FIG. 7A, the color of the BET line select button 81 corresponding to the winning line WL10 is different from that of the other BET line select buttons 81, and the BET line select button 81 corresponding to the winning line WL10 has been operated. Is shown.

A BET button display unit 82 is provided on the lower left side of the normal BET line selection unit 80. In the BET button display portion 82, a BET button 83 for inputting the number of BETs is displayed. The player can input the BET number for the selected winning line WL by operating the BET button 83 via the touch panel 11.

On the right side of the BET button display section 82, a normal BET number display section 85 that displays the number of coins that have been subjected to a normal BET is provided. FIG. 7A shows that 28 coins are bet on the winning line WL10. When inputting a BET of 28 coins, the player sets the BET selection button 83 “10” twice, the BET selection button 83 “5” once, and the BET selection button 83 “1” 3 It is sufficient to operate once.
On the right side of the normal BET number display unit 85, a credit number display unit 84 is provided. FIG. 7A shows that 512 coins have been credited.

FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display when a halfway participation BET is performed.
FIG. 7B is an image displayed on the liquid crystal display 10 of the station 3 where the normal BET has not been performed. As shown in FIG. 7B, an upper part of the liquid crystal display 10 is provided with a midway participation BET line selection unit 86 for selecting a winning line WL on which the midway participation BET is to be made. The midway participation BET line selection unit 86 displays a midway participation BET line select button 87 for selecting a winning line WL for performing the midway participation BET. The player can select a winning line WL on which a halfway participation BET is made by operating the halfway participation BET line select button 87 via the touch panel 11. In FIG. 7B, the color of the halfway participation BET line select button 87 corresponding to the winning line WL12 is different from the color of the other halfway participation BET line select buttons 87, and the halfway participation BET line select button corresponding to the winning line WL12. 87 indicates that it has been operated.

A BET button display unit 82 is provided on the lower left side of the midway participation BET line selection unit 86. On the right side of the BET button display portion 82, a halfway participation BET number display portion 88 for displaying the number of coins that have been halfway participation BET is provided. FIG. 7B shows that 20 coins are bet on the winning line WL12. On the right side of the midway participation BET number display section 88, a credit number display section 84 is provided. Since the BET button display unit 82 and the credit amount display unit 84 have been described with reference to FIG. 7A, description thereof will be omitted here.

FIG. 7C is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display when a halfway participation BET is performed at a station where a normal BET is performed.
As shown in FIG. 7C, on the lower center side of the liquid crystal display 10, a midway participation BET number display unit 88 and a normal BET number display unit 85 are displayed vertically. The normal BET number display section 85 displays information related to a normal BET that has already been made. Specifically, an image “10” indicating that a BET has been placed on the winning line WL10 and a BET number “28” are displayed. The other images have already been described with reference to FIG. 7B, so description thereof will be omitted here.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a control device provided in the game device shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 8, the main control unit 40 included in the control device 20 basically includes a microcomputer 45 including a CPU 41, a RAM 42, a ROM 43, a timer 90, and a bus 44 for transferring data between them. It is structured as a nucleus. The main control unit 40 corresponds to the controller in the present invention.

The ROM 43 stores various programs for performing processing necessary for control of the control device 20, a data table, and the like. The data table includes a table that defines a correspondence relationship between a combination of symbols arranged on the winning line WL and the number of coins to be paid out corresponding to the combination. The specific relationship between the combination and the number of payouts will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. The ROM 43 also stores payout rate data indicating the correspondence between the payout rate and the timing at which a BET is placed. The RAM 42 is a memory that temporarily stores various data calculated by the CPU 41. The timer 90 performs time measurement.

The CPU 41 is connected to the image processing circuit 47, the audio circuit 48, the LED drive circuit 49, and the communication interface 50 via the I / O interface 46.
The image processing circuit 47 is connected to the front display 21 constituting the main monitor 2, the audio circuit 48 is connected to the speaker 22 constituting the main monitor 2, and the LED drive circuit 49 is provided with the LED 23 constituting the main monitor 2. It is connected. Five stations 3 are connected to the communication interface 50. The front display 21 corresponds to the display in the present invention.
The CPU 41 progresses the game based on the game program stored in the ROM 43 and various signals received from the station 3, displays an image on the front display 21 as the game progresses, and outputs sound from the speaker 22. Then, the LED 23 is turned on. Further, the CPU 41 transmits various signals such as a normal BET start signal, a normal BET end signal, a midway participation BET start signal, and a midway participation BET end signal to each station 3 in accordance with the progress of the game.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a station provided in the game apparatus shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 9, the station 3 is basically constituted by a microcomputer 55 including a CPU 51, a RAM 52, a ROM 53, and a bus 54 for transferring data between them.

The ROM 53 stores various programs, data tables and the like for performing processing necessary for controlling the station 3. The RAM 52 temporarily stores the number of credits currently stored in the station 3 and various data calculated by the CPU 51.

The CPU 51 also has a liquid crystal panel drive circuit 57, a touch panel drive circuit 58, a hopper drive circuit 59, a payout completion signal circuit 60, a inserted coin detection signal circuit 67, a bill detection signal circuit 64, and an operation signal via an I / O interface 56. The circuit 66 and the communication interface 61 are connected.
The liquid crystal panel drive circuit 57 has the liquid crystal display 10, the touch panel drive circuit 58 has the touch panel 11, the hopper drive circuit 59 has the hopper 62, the payout completion signal circuit 60 has the coin detection unit 63, and the inserted coin detection signal circuit 67 has the input. The coin detector 68 and the bill detection signal circuit 64 are connected to the bill detector 65, and the operation signal circuit 66 is connected to the operation button 12.

The hopper 62 is provided inside the station 3 and pays out coins from the coin payout exit 15 based on a control signal output from the CPU 51.
The coin detection unit 63 is provided inside the coin payout exit 15 and transmits a signal to the CPU 51 when detecting that a predetermined number of coins have been paid out from the coin payout exit 15.
When the inserted coin detection unit 68 detects that a coin has been inserted from the coin insertion slot 13, it detects the amount of the coin, and transmits a detection signal indicating the detected amount to the CPU 51. The detected coin is stored in the RAM 52 with a predetermined amount as one credit.
When the banknote detection unit 65 accepts a banknote, the banknote detection unit 65 detects the amount of the banknote and transmits a detection signal indicating the detected amount to the CPU 51. The detected banknote is stored in the RAM 52 with a predetermined amount as one credit.
The operation button 12 is a button for performing a payout operation when coin payout is determined.

Next, the processing performed in the control device 20 and the station 3 will be described. Since the processing for the control device 20 has already been described with reference to FIG. 1, it is called here in step S4 shown in FIG. Only the symbol determination process executed in this way will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of symbol determination processing.

First, the CPU 41 executes a random number generation program included in the game program, thereby selecting a random value corresponding to each symbol string from a numerical range of 0 to 255 (step S40). In the present embodiment, a case where random numbers are generated on a program (a case where so-called software random numbers are used) will be described. However, in the present invention, a random number generator may be provided and a random number may be extracted from the random number generator (a so-called hardware random number is used).

Next, the CPU 41 determines the code No. of each symbol string based on the five selected random numbers. (See FIG. 4) is determined (step S41). Code number of symbol string Indicates the code No. of the symbol to be stopped and displayed on the winning line WL0. It corresponds to. The CPU 41 sets the code No. By determining the symbol combination, the symbol combination is determined. For example, the code number of each symbol. Is determined to be “00”, “00”, “00”, “00”, “00”, the CPU 41 has determined the symbol combination to be “JACKPOT 7”.

Here, the symbol combination in the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the possibility of establishment of a symbol combination and the number of payouts.
When five “JACKPOT 7” symbols are arranged on the winning line WL, coins corresponding to the cumulatively accumulated JP are paid out. When five “APPLE” symbols are arranged on the winning line L, 50 coins are paid out per coin inserted. Similarly, when five symbols “BLUE 7”, “BELL”, “STRAWBERRY”, “PLUM”, “CHERRY”, and “ORANGE” are arranged on the winning line L, the number corresponding to each combination is increased. Coins are paid out.

Next, processing performed in the station 3 will be described.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of station side processing executed in the station.
First, in step S60, when the CPU 51 provided in the station 3 receives the normal BET start signal from the control device 20, the CPU 51 starts accepting the normal BET. At this time, the CPU 51 displays the image shown in FIG. 7A on the liquid crystal display 10.

Next, in step S <b> 61, the CPU 51 determines whether or not a normal BET has been input via the touch panel 11. In this process, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the BET line select button 81 and the BET button 83 (see FIG. 7A) are operated via the touch panel 11.

When determining that the normal BET has not been input (step S61: NO), the CPU 51 determines whether or not to end the normal BET reception (step S62). In this process, when the CPU 51 receives a normal BET end signal from the control device 20, the CPU 51 determines to end the reception of the normal BET. If a normal BET is input between the start of accepting the normal BET in step S60 and the end of accepting the normal BET in step S62, the normal BET is accepted.
If it is determined that the acceptance of the normal BET is not terminated, the process returns to step S61. On the other hand, if it is determined that the acceptance of the normal BET is terminated, the process proceeds to step S64.

When determining in step S61 that a normal BET has been input, the CPU 51 transmits normal BET information indicating that the normal BET has been placed and the contents of the normal BET to the control device 20 (step S63). The contents of the normal BET include the number of the winning line WL that is the target of the normal BET and the number of BETs. After the process of step S63, the process proceeds to step S64.

Next, in step S <b> 64, when the CPU 51 receives the midway participation BET start signal from the control device 20, it starts accepting the midway participation BET. At this time, the CPU 51 displays the image shown in FIG. 7B on the liquid crystal display 10.

Next, in step S <b> 65, the CPU 51 determines whether or not an intermediate participation BET has been input via the touch panel 11. In this processing, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the halfway participation BET line select button 87 and the BET button 83 (see FIG. 7B) are operated via the touch panel 11.

If it is determined that the midway participation BET has not been input (step S65: NO), the CPU 51 determines whether or not to end the midway participation BET (step S66). In this process, when the CPU 51 receives a midway participation BET end signal from the control device 20, the CPU 51 determines to end acceptance of the midway participation BET. If the mid-participation BET is input after the mid-participation BET is accepted in step S66 after the mid-participation BET is accepted in step S66. Become.
If it is determined that acceptance of the midway participation BET is not terminated, the process returns to step S65. If it is determined that acceptance of the midway participation BET is terminated, the process proceeds to step S68.

If it is determined in step S65 that an intermediate participation BET has been input, the CPU 51 transmits to the control device 20 intermediate participation BET information indicating that the intermediate participation BET has been performed and the contents of the intermediate participation BET (step S67). . The contents of the midway participation BET include the number of the winning line WL on which the midway participation BET is placed, the number of BETs, and the timing at which the BET is performed. After the process of step S67, the process proceeds to step S68.

In step S <b> 68, the CPU 51 receives payout information from the control device 20.
Next, in step S69, the CPU 51 performs a payout process. Specifically, the payout information received in step S68 is stored in the RAM 52. When the operation button 12 is operated, coins are paid out based on the payout information. Paying out coins corresponds to giving a payout in the present invention. After executing the processing of step S69, this subroutine is terminated.

As described above, the game apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes the front display 21 (display) capable of displaying an image. In addition, the game apparatus 1 includes a speaker 22 that can output sound. The game apparatus 1 also includes a touch panel 11 (BET switch) for inputting a BET. In addition, the game apparatus 1 includes a plurality of stations 3 (client terminals) arranged at positions where a player who plays a game can visually recognize the front display 21. In addition, the game apparatus 1 includes a main control unit 40 (controller) programmed to execute the following processes (a) to (e). (A) Processing for performing control to display on the front display 21 a payout table 29 (payout related image) indicating a correspondence relationship between a prize and a payout awarded when the prize is established, (b) a plurality of stations 3 A process of accepting a normal BET input from the touch panel 11 provided, (c) a process of accepting an input of a halfway BET during a game that has progressed after completion of acceptance of a normal BET input, and (d) when a predetermined timing is reached A process for performing control to display on the front display 21 the payout table 29 having a different correspondence between the prize and the payout, and (e) when the predetermined timing is reached, the BET is performed after the predetermined timing. The award given to the station 3 is given to the station 3 where the BET was placed before the predetermined timing. Processing for performing control to output the sound for notifying that a different dividend from the speaker 22 and the dividend.

In this embodiment, in order to notify that the payout to be given differs depending on whether the BET timing is before or after a predetermined timing (in this embodiment, the timing at which each column symbol stops). Although the table 29 is displayed, in the present invention, the payout-related image is not particularly limited as long as the image shows the correspondence between the prize and the payout. For example, a character image indicating the correspondence between a prize and a payout may be displayed, such as “If APPLE is established, 50 payouts! The payout rate is 80%”.

In the present invention, as an image for notifying the change in the payout, an image that does not show the correspondence between the prize and the payout may be displayed. For example, “the payout changes from now on”. It is good also as displaying the image of the character.

In the present embodiment, sound is output from the speaker 22 in order to notify that the payout to be awarded differs depending on whether the BET timing is before or after the predetermined timing. However, the sound for notification is not limited to this example. For example, it may be notified by music or sound effects.

In this embodiment, the change in the payout is notified using an image and sound. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and may be notified only by an image. It is good also as notifying only by.

In the present embodiment, the payout table 29 is displayed on the front display 21. However, in the present invention, the place for displaying an image for notifying a change in payout is not limited to this example. For example, it is good also as displaying on the display with which each client terminal is provided.

In the present embodiment, the sound for notifying the change in the payout is output from the speaker 22, but in the present invention, the place for outputting the sound for notifying the change in the payout is limited to this example. For example, a speaker may be provided in the client terminal, and sound may be output from the speaker.

Further, in the present embodiment, a case has been described in which scrolling of column symbols is stopped every 20 seconds from the start of accepting a normal BET, and a notification that the payout changes each time is notified. That is, the case where the predetermined timing in the present invention is when the predetermined time has elapsed has been described. However, in the present invention, the predetermined timing is not limited to this example. For example, it may be when a predetermined input is made by the player, such as notifying when a BET of a predetermined amount or more is made by the player. In addition, for example, in a slot machine game, a predetermined result in the game is notified, such as when the symbols in the first to third columns stop and three same symbols are arranged on one winning line. It may be when it is output.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the notification is performed when it is time to change the payout has been described, but in the present invention, for example, the payout changes after 10 seconds 10 seconds before the payout is changed. It is also possible to notify in advance that the payout will change, such as outputting a voice “

Further, in the present embodiment, the halfway participation BET is accepted from the end of accepting the normal BET until the scrolling of the symbols in the fifth column is stopped (until the game is finished). The acceptance period is not limited to this example. For example, a halfway participation BET may be accepted only during a predetermined period after the end of accepting a normal BET, and particularly if it is a period from the end of accepting a normal BET until a game result can be recognized by the player. It is not limited.

Moreover, although the case where a slot machine game is performed has been described in the present embodiment, the game executed in the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, a roulette game, a bingo game, a card game (for example, poker, blackjack, A game in which a plurality of players can participate and a BET is given to a predetermined target, such as a tarot card game).

Further, in the present embodiment, a case where a plurality of stations 3 are provided has been described. However, in the present invention, a station (client terminal) may not be provided, and after completion of acceptance of a normal BET, it is different from a normal BET. It suffices if the input of the participation BET can be accepted.

In the present embodiment, a plurality of players play a game while visually recognizing the common main monitor 2. However, in the present invention, the game apparatus may not include the main monitor. In this case, for example, a plurality of client terminals may be arranged around the roulette device, and the game may be played while visually checking the roulette device.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but only specific examples are illustrated, and the present invention is not particularly limited. The specific configuration of each unit and the like can be appropriately changed. The effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are only the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. is not.

Further, in the above detailed description, the characteristic portions have been mainly described so that the present invention can be easily understood. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the detailed description above, but can be applied to other embodiments, and the scope of application is various. The terms and terminology used in the present specification are used to accurately describe the present invention, and are not used to limit the interpretation of the present invention. Moreover, it would be easy for those skilled in the art to infer other configurations, systems, methods, and the like included in the concept of the present invention from the concept of the invention described in this specification. Accordingly, the description of the claims should be regarded as including an equivalent configuration without departing from the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. The purpose of the abstract is to simplify the technical contents and essence of this application by patent offices and general public institutions, and engineers belonging to this technical field who are not familiar with patents, legal terms or technical terms. It is intended to be able to make a quick judgment through a simple survey. Accordingly, the abstract is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to be evaluated by the claims. Moreover, in order to fully understand the object of the present invention and the specific effects of the present invention, it is desirable that the interpretation should be made with sufficient consideration of the literatures already disclosed.

The above detailed description includes processing executed by a computer. The above explanations and expressions are given for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to understand the most efficiently. In this specification, each step used to derive one result should be understood as a self-consistent process. In each step, transmission / reception, recording, and the like of electrical or magnetic signals are performed. In the processing in each step, such a signal is expressed by bits, values, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, etc., but these are used only for convenience of explanation. There is a need. In addition, the processing in each step may be described in an expression common to human behavior, but the processing described in this specification is executed by various devices in principle. Further, other configurations required for performing each step will be apparent from the above description.

It is a flowchart which shows the control apparatus side process performed in the control apparatus with which the game device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is provided. It is a flowchart which shows the control apparatus side process performed in the control apparatus with which the game device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is provided. It is a perspective view which shows typically the external appearance structure of the game device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating a winning line. It is a figure which shows an example of a symbol arrangement | sequence. It is a figure which shows an example of the image displayed on a front display. It is a figure which shows an example of the image displayed on a front display. It is a figure which shows an example of the image displayed on a front display. It is a perspective view which shows typically the external appearance structure of a station. It is a figure which shows an example of the image displayed on a liquid crystal display. It is a figure which shows an example of the image displayed on a liquid crystal display. It is a figure which shows an example of the image displayed on a liquid crystal display. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of a control apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of a station. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of a symbol determination process. It is a figure which shows the possibility of establishment of a symbol combination and the number of payouts. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the station side process performed in a station.

Explanation of symbols

1 Game device 2 Main monitor 3 (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e) Station 10 Liquid crystal display 11 Touch panel 12 Operation button 13 Coin insertion slot 14 Bill insertion slot 15 Coin payout slot 21 Front display 22 Speaker 23 LED
41 CPU
42 RAM
43 ROM
51 CPU
52 RAM
53 ROM
90 timer

Claims (4)

A game device having the following configuration,
A display capable of displaying images;
A plurality of client terminals arranged at positions where a player playing a game can visually recognize the display;
When a predetermined timing is reached, a payout to be given to the client terminal for which a bet has been placed after the predetermined timing is paid to the client terminal for which a bet has been placed before the predetermined timing. A controller programmed to execute a process of performing control to display an image for informing that the payout is different from the payout to be given on the display. A game device having the following configuration,
A display capable of displaying images;
A speaker capable of outputting sound;
A plurality of client terminals arranged at positions where a player playing a game can visually recognize the display;
When a predetermined timing is reached, a payout to be given to the client terminal for which a bet has been placed after the predetermined timing is paid to the client terminal for which a bet has been placed before the predetermined timing. And a controller programmed to execute a process of performing a control for outputting a sound for notifying that the payout is different from the payout to be given from the speaker. A game device having the following configuration,
A display capable of displaying images;
A plurality of client terminals arranged at positions where a player playing a game can visually recognize the display;
And a controller programmed to execute the processes (a) to (b) below.
(A) a process of performing control to display on the display a payout-related image indicating a correspondence relationship between a prize and a payout awarded when the prize is established; and
(B) A process of performing control to display on the display a payout-related image in which the correspondence between the prize and the payout is different from the payout-related image when a predetermined timing comes. A game device having the following configuration,
A display capable of displaying images;
A plurality of client terminals each provided with a BET switch for inputting a BET and arranged at a position where a player who plays a game can visually recognize the display;
And a controller programmed to execute the processes (a) to (c) below.
(A) a process of receiving a normal BET input from each of the BET switches provided in the plurality of client terminals;
(B) a process of accepting an input of a halfway participation BET during a game that proceeds after finishing accepting an input of a normal BET; and
(C) For notifying that the payout given to the input of the halfway participation BET after the acceptance of the input of the normal BET is different from the payout given to the input of the normal BET Processing for performing control to display an image on the display.

Images