KR20080027453A - Game system - Google Patents

Abstract

A game system is provided to obtain a game that requires complicated decision in anticipating the results of a game to enable a user to enjoy a game more. A game system provides a game in which plural players participate, and includes a main display(22), plural player terminals(30) and a main controller(80). The plural player terminals are provided for each player. The main controller is connected to the main display and the player terminal. An anticipation input unit is provided in each player terminal for each player to input the anticipation for the results of the game. The main controller controls the main display to display the picture that provides a game, and is operated to store the anticipation data according to the anticipation input through the anticipation input unit.

Description

Game system {GAME SYSTEM}

The present invention relates to a game system for providing a game in which a plurality of players participate.

In a conventional game system that provides a game, such as a horse racing game, in which a plurality of players participate by inserting game media such as coins, medals, and tokens, each player performs prediction of the result of the game, and performs betting. Insert the game medium. Depending on the outcome of the game, the game medium is paid to the winning player based on the predetermined reward table and the number of game mediums inserted.

Document JP-A-2004-041714 states that special rewards are paid to the player when a horse (or similar movable object) that is restricted to be owned by the player achieves a certain result (eg, winning a horse race). An example of a game system for providing a game is described.

However, a game played to pay for a reward in the game system is performed only by a predetermined program regardless of the expected outcome of the game played by the player and the insertion of the game medium performed by the player. It is relatively easy for the player to predict the game results. Thus, a game system was expected that would allow players to enjoy the game to a greater extent by requiring complex decisions in predicting game results.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a game system that provides a game that allows a player to enjoy the game more by requiring complex decisions in predicting game results.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game system for providing a game in which a plurality of players participate, wherein the game system includes a main display, a plurality of player terminals provided for each player, a main display and a player terminal. And a main controller coupled to each player terminal, wherein each player terminal is provided with a prediction input unit that allows each player to input a prediction for the outcome of the game. The main controller is configured to control the main display to display an image providing a game; To store the expected data according to the predictions input through the prediction input unit provided to the player terminal; To store a plurality of game conditions that define different conditions for playing the game; Select one of the stored game conditions according to the stored expected data; to provide a game to a player under the selected game condition; And reward the player who won the game.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, a plurality of players participate; Each player anticipates the outcome of the game and inserts the game medium; A game system is provided that provides a shared game in which the game medium is paid in accordance with a reward corresponding to the outcome of the game. The game system includes a predictive input unit that allows each player to input a prediction about a game result, a predictive storage unit that stores predictive data corresponding to the prediction input through the predictive input unit, and a plurality of games for the shared game. A game condition storage unit for storing the condition, a game condition selection unit for selecting one of the game conditions stored in the game condition storage unit according to the expected data stored in the predictive storage unit, and a game condition selected by the game condition selection unit. And a game execution controller for controlling the execution of the shared game.

According to the present invention, there is provided a game system that provides a game that enables a player to enjoy the game more by requiring complex decisions in predicting game results.

The game system will be described below with reference to the drawings.

1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The game system 1 is a so-called large game machine that provides a game in which a plurality of players participate. The game system 1 is provided with a main unit 20 defining a game area having a substantially rectangular shape and a plurality of player terminals 30 arranged in the game area 21.

The main unit 20 includes a main display device 22 arranged along one side of the game area 21; Four speakers 23 arranged at the corners of the game area 21; And a main controller 80 for controlling the main display device 22 and the speaker 23.

The main display device 22 displays an image according to the image data output from the main controller 80. The primary display device 22 may preferably be a large display device such as a large monitor device or a large projection display device.

Each player terminal 30 is located in the game area 21 to be oriented towards the main display device 22. The main controller 80 establishes two-way communication with each player terminal 30 via a wireless LAN. The controller executes a predetermined game program and establishes two-way communication with each player terminal 30, thereby providing a game such as a horse racing game in which a plurality of players participate. The game system 1 allows the player to predict the outcome of the game (game result) and to insert game media such as coins, medals and tokens; The game medium is configured as an example of a game system for providing a game shared to a plurality of players who are paid to players in accordance with a reward determined based on the game result.

2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of each player terminal 30. Each player terminal 30 has a seat 31 and a terminal display 61.

The terminal display 61 includes a first support arm 611 supported by the side unit 60; A second support arm 612 attached to the leading end of the first support arm 611; And a sub-monitor 613 attached to the leading end of the second support arm 612, which displays an image related to the game thereon.

The first support arm 611 is extendable in a direction perpendicular to the side unit 60. The second support arm 612 is extendable and can be maintained at any angle with respect to the axial direction of the first support arm 611. The sub-monitor 613 may be maintained at any angle with respect to the axial direction of the second support arm 612.

The side unit 60 is equipped with a sub-monitor storage slot 62 extending in the vertical direction. The sub-monitor storage slot 62 retractably stores the first support arm 611, the second support arm 612 and the sub-monitor 613.

The terminal controller 150 is installed in the side unit 60. The terminal controller 150 is connected to the main controller 80 through a plurality of slots 97 that store a wireless LAN and a circuit board provided with circuitry serving as part of the terminal controller 150.

According to the command received from the main controller 80, the terminal controller 150 controls the terminal display 61 and transmits a signal input to the main controller 80 through the operation unit 72 (described later). .

The cover 971 is reclosably attached to the upper portion of the slot 97. As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal control board 972 can be inserted into the slot 97 from above by opening the cover 971.

The rear portion of the seat shell 70 extends upward and supports the backrest and the headrest. Speakers 75 are provided on both the left and right sides of the headrest.

The rear portion of the seat shell 70 also extends upward to prevent other players from seeing the player seated in the seat body 50.

The vicinity of the side arms on the table 71 in a position where the player, with the operation unit 72 provided with a keyboard, jog dial and other input device, can easily operate the operation unit 72. Is provided. The operation unit 72 is also provided with a coin insertion slot 732, a start button and a card slot for allowing the player to insert a credit or membership card.

In this embodiment, the operation unit 72 is provided on the table 71. However, the position of the operation unit is not limited on the table and may also be provided as a touch panel on the sub-monitor 613.

Coin payment openings 731 are externally paid from the coin storage provided in the side unit 60 and a coin receiving section for receiving the paid coins is provided below the table 71 and at a position in front of the side arms. . The coin receiving section is provided with a holder, not shown, which holds the coin container.

3 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the game system 1. As shown in Fig. 3, eight player terminals 30a to 30h and a server 200 are connected together by a communication network 300 (e.g., a wireless LAN or the like). The player terminals 30b to 30h shown in FIG. 3 are substantially the same in configuration as the player terminal 30a. Therefore, the details of the player terminals 30b to 30h are omitted in FIG.

The player terminal 30a includes a terminal controller 150; An operation unit 72 connected to the terminal controller 150; Coin receiving section; And a coin payment opening 731. The terminal controller 150 includes a terminal CPU 152 serving as a processor capable of executing various computer programs; A terminal RAM 154 connected to the terminal CPU 152; A terminal ROM 156 connected to the terminal CPU 152; A terminal video controller 158 coupled to the terminal CPU 152; A terminal audio controller 160 connected to the terminal CPU 152; And a terminal communication interface 162 connected to the terminal CPU 152.

The terminal CPU 152 performs various kinds of processes according to the program stored in the terminal ROM 156 and the data stored in the terminal RAM 154. Accordingly, the terminal CPU 152 serves as various kinds of means to be described later.

The terminal RAM 154 stores numerical values of various flags and variables and serves as a temporary storage area for the terminal CPU 152. For example, information about the side unit 60 to be operated by the player, information about the area owned by the player (terminal game information), and the like are stored in the terminal RAM 154.

The terminal ROM 156 stores a program to be used to control the terminal 30 by the terminal CPU 152, and various tables are also stored in the terminal ROM 156.

Terminal video controller 158 includes a video data processor (hereinafter “VDP”); An image data ROM for storing various kinds of image data; A digital-to-analog (D / A) converter for converting image data into analog image signals; And an initial reset circuit for generating a reset signal upon power-up. The VDP is a device that includes circuits such as a so-called sprite circuit, a screen circuit and a pallet circuit, and can perform various process operations for causing the terminal display 61 to display an image. In short, the VDP performs display control of the terminal display 61. The VDP is also equipped with a storage medium (for example, video RAM) which serves as a buffer for displaying an image in the display area of the terminal display 61. Image data is stored in a predetermined storage area of the storage medium, on which an image is displayed in the display area of the terminal display 61 at a predetermined timing.

Various image data such as character image data, background image data and directed image data are stored separately in the image data ROM. Of course, the associated image data representing the associated image is also stored in the image data ROM.

According to an image display command supplied from the terminal CPU 152, the VDP reads various kinds of image data such as identification information image data, background image data, and production image data for the purpose of rendering from the image data ROM; Image data to be displayed on the terminal display 61 is generated. The VDP stores the thus-generated image data into the buffer so that the image data is sequentially superimposed on the image data located at the rear position, and supplies the image data to the D / A converter at a predetermined timing. The D / A converter converts the image data into an image signal and supplies this image signal to the terminal display 61, thereby causing the terminal display 61 to display an image.

The terminal audio controller 160 includes a sound source IC for controlling sound; Sound data ROM for storing various sound data; And an amplifier (hereinafter referred to as "AMP") for amplifying the sound signal.

The sound source IC is connected to the terminal CPU 152, the initial reset circuit, the sound data ROM, and the AMP. The sound source IC controls the sound emitted from the speaker 75.

The terminal communication interface 162 is connected to the server 200 through the communication network 300. The interface delivers the signal from the terminal CPU 152 to the server 200, accepts the signal from the server 200, and sends the thus-accepted signal to the terminal CPU 152.

The operation unit 72 is provided along the frame of the main body of the player terminal. When operated by the player, the operation unit 72 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the terminal controller 150.

The coin receiving section is provided along the frame of the main body of the terminal 30. The coin receiving section has a coin detector. It is detected when a game medium such as a coin inserted into the coin receiving section passes the coin detector. The coin receiving section conveys a detection signal according to the detected game medium to the terminal controller 150. The coin detector may also be any detection device such as an optical sensor and a proximity sensor.

The coin payment opening 731 is provided along the main body of the terminal 30. The coin payment opening 731 pays the game medium according to the payment signal transmitted from the terminal controller 150.

Server 200 includes a main controller 80. The main controller 80 includes a server CPU 252 serving as various execution means; Server RAM 254 coupled to server CPU 252; A server ROM 256 coupled to the server CPU 252; A server image output circuit 268 connected to the server CPU 252; A server audio output circuit 260 connected to the server CPU 252; And a server communication interface 262 coupled to the server CPU 252.

The server CPU 252 executes various process operations in accordance with the game program stored in the server ROM 256. As such, the server CPU 252 serves by various means to be described later.

Numerical values of various flags and variables are stored in server RAM 254, which serves as a temporary storage area for server CPU 252.

The server ROM 256 may include a game program for controlling the operation of the server 200 by the server CPU 252; For example, a program providing a horse racing game is stored.

The server image output circuit 268 includes an image data processor (hereinafter "VDP"); An image data ROM for storing various kinds of image data; A digital-to-analog (D / A) converter for converting image data into image signals; And an initial reset circuit for generating a reset signal upon power-up. The VDP is a device that includes circuits such as so-called sprite circuits, screen circuits, and pallet circuits, and can perform various process operations for causing the main display device 22 to display an image. In short, the VDP performs display control of the main display device 22. The VDP is also equipped with a storage medium (e.g. video RAM) serving as a buffer for displaying an image in the display area of the main display device 22. Image data is stored in a predetermined storage area of the storage medium, on which an image is displayed in the display area of the main display device 22 at a predetermined timing.

Various image data such as character image data, background image data and directed image data are stored separately in the image data ROM. Of course, associated image data showing related images are also stored in the image data ROM.

In accordance with an image display command supplied from the server CPU 252, the VDP reads various kinds of image data such as identification information image data, background image data, and production image data for the purpose of rendering from the image data ROM; Image data to be displayed on the primary display device 22 is generated. The VDP stores the thus-generated image data into the buffer so that the image data is sequentially superimposed on the image data located at the rear position, and supplies the image data to the D / A converter at a predetermined timing. The D / A converter converts the image data into an image signal and supplies this image signal to the main display device 22, thereby causing the main display device 22 to display an image.

The server audio output circuit 260 includes a sound source IC for controlling sound; Sound data ROM for storing various sound data; And an amplifier (hereinafter referred to as "AMP") for amplifying the sound signal.

The sound source IC is connected to the server CPU 252, the initial reset circuit, the sound data ROM, and the AMP. The sound source IC controls the sound emitted from the speaker 23.

The server communication interface 262 is connected to the player terminal 30 through the communication network 300. The interface transmits signals from the server CPU 252 to the plurality of player terminals 30a to 30h, accepts signals transmitted from the plurality of player terminals 30a to 30h, and is thus-accepted to the server CPU 252. Send a signal.

In the game system 1, the player terminals 30a to 30h are connected to the server 200 via the communication network 300. However, player terminals 30a through 30h may also be connected together via communication network 300 without the use of server 200.

4 and 5 show a travel table stored in the server ROM 256 where the horse's name, gender and nationality of each horse participating in the race are described. Six to twenty horses are randomly selected from the travel table, and so-selected horses appear in the game. As shown in Fig. 4, horse No. 1 named "Icing Glass" is a British horse. Furthermore, horse 2, named "Alycidon", is a British horse. Horse 3, named Val de Loire, is a French horse. Horse 4, named "Bagley Noble," is an Irish horse. Horse 5, called "War Admiral", is American. Although not shown, a plurality of parameters indicating the various abilities of each horse are also described in the travel table. Exemplary parameters include lineage, stamina, speed, tactics (front tactics, avoidance tactics, etc.), preferred races (eg, sprints, long distance races, obstacles, etc.), and the like. However, the parameters are not limited to these examples.

FIG. 6 illustrates a Japanese-hosted race table that describes races held in Japan and is stored in server ROM 256. The race table stores data related to the race, such as race name, race course, first to third prize, travel conditions, and the number of trips. Moreover, in relation to the race held in Japan, the prize money is expressed in yen. As shown in Fig. 6, for example, the course of the teno-show (spring) is located in Kyoto, and the distance of the course is 3200 m. First prize is 13200 yen; Stakes for the second are 5300 yen; The third prize is 3300 yen. The business condition is the end of old age, and the number of business trips is, for example, 17 times. Shuka-Sho's course is located in Kyoto, and the distance is 2000m. First prize is 8900 yen; Stakes for the second are 3600 yen; The third prize is 2200 yen. The business condition is a three year old mare, and the number of business trips is, for example, 18 times. Kikuka-sho's course is located in Kyoto, and the distance is 3000m. First prize is 11200 yen; Stakes for the second are 4500 yen; The third prize is 2800 yen. The business condition is the end of 3 years old, and the number of business trips is, for example, 16 times. The course of the Queen Elizabeth Cup is located in Kyoto, and the distance is 2200 m. First prize is 10000 yen; Stakes for the second are 4000 yen; The third prize is 2500 yen. The business condition is a three year old mare, and the number of business trips is, for example, 18 times. In this way, various information about the race held in Japan is stored.

FIG. 7 illustrates a France-hosted race table that describes races held in France and is stored in server ROM 256. The France-hosted race table stores data related to the race, such as race name, race course, first to third prize, travel conditions, number of trips. Prizes are expressed in euros in relation to the races held in France. As shown in Fig. 7, for example, the course of Free Renault Du Vive is located in Otto, and the distance of the course is 4100 m hurdles. First prize is 112,500 Euro; Stakes for the second are 55,000 Euro; The third prize is 32,500 euros. The travel condition is a four year old obedient horse, and the number of travel is, for example, ten times. The course of the Criterium de Sangle is located in the Sangle, and the distance is 2000 m. First prize is 114,280 euros; Stakes for the second are 45,720 euros; The third prize is 22,860 euros. The business condition is obedience of two years old, and the number of business trips is, for example, five times. The course of Pri Canvasere is located in Otto, the distance is 3600 m hurdles. First prize is 112,500 Euro; Stakes for the second are 55,000 Euro; The third prize is 32,500 euros. Business conditions are obedient three-year-olds, and the number of business trips is, for example, 10 times. The course with Primors Jiro is located in Otto, the distance of the course is 4400 m. First prize is 135,000 Euro; Stakes for the second are 66,000 Euro; The third prize is 39,000 euros. The business condition is obedience of 4 years old, and the number of business trips is 11 times, for example. As such, various information about the race held in France is stored.

FIG. 8 illustrates a race held in the UAE (Dubai) and shows a Dubai-hosted race table stored in server ROM 256. The Dubai-hosted race table stores data related to the race, such as race name, race course, first to third prize, travel conditions, number of trips. Prizes are expressed in dollars in relation to the race held in Dubai. As shown in Fig. 8, for example, the course of the Dubai World Cup is located in nad al shiva, and the distance of the course is 2000 m. First prize is $ 3,600,000; Stakes for the second are $ 1,200,000; The third prize is $ 600,000. The conditions of business trip are thoroughbred horses over 4 years old (obedient horses over 3 years old and reared in the southern hemisphere), and the number of business trips is, for example, 12 times. The Dubai Duty Free Course is located in Nad Al Shiva, and the distance is 1777 meters. First prize is $ 3,000,000; Stakes for the second are $ 1,000,000; The third prize is $ 500,000. Travel conditions are 4 years old and older and purebred horses bred in the Northern Hemisphere (3 years old and older and reared in Southern Hemisphere), and the number of business trips is 14, for example. The course of the Dubai Sima Classic is located in Nad Al Shiva, and the distance is 2400 meters. First prize is $ 3,000,000; Stakes for the second are $ 1,000,000; The third prize is $ 500,000. The business condition is obedience of 4 years old, and the number of business trips is 11 times, for example. The course of Duva y Golden Shahin is located in Nad al Shiva, and the distance is 1200 m. First prize is $ 1,200,000; Stakes for the second are $ 400,000; The third prize is $ 200,000. Business conditions are obedient three-year-olds, and the number of business trips is, for example, 11 times. In this way, various information about the race held in Dubai is stored.

9 shows a race held in the United Kingdom and shows a UK-hosted race table stored in server ROM 256. The UK-hosted race table stores data related to the race, such as race name, race course, first to third prize, travel conditions, number of trips. In relation to the race held in England, prizes are expressed in pounds and distances are expressed in miles. As shown in Fig. 9, for example, the course of the racing post trophy is located in Doncaster, and the distance of the course is 1 mile. First prize is 120,000 pounds; Stakes for the second are 46,000 pounds; The third prize is £ 23,000. The business condition is a two year old purebred mare, and the number of business trips is, for example, eight times. The course of Champions Stakes is located in Newmarket, with a distance of 10 furlongs. First prize is 215,064 pounds; Stakes for the second are 81,576 pounds; The third prize is 40,788 pounds. Business conditions are obedient horses over 3 years old, and the number of business trips is, for example, 11 times. The course of Dewhurst Stakes is located in Newmarket, and the distance is 7 furlongs. First prize is 152,772 pounds; Stakes for the second are 57,948 pounds; The third prize is 28,974 pounds. Business conditions are obedient two-year-olds, and the number of business trips is nine, for example. The course of Sun Marriott Stakes is located in Newmarket, and the distance is one mile. First prize is 116,000 pounds; Stakes for the second are 44,000 pounds; The third prize is £ 22,000. The travel condition is a purebred mare 3 years old or older, and the number of travels is, for example, five times. In this way, various information about the race held in the United Kingdom is stored.

Here, a race table relating to races held in Japan, France, Dubai and the United Kingdom is described. However, the game system 1 may be configured to store a race table associated with a race held in another country such as Hong Kong, Italy and the like.

Fig. 10 shows an example of the exchange rate table. As shown in FIG. 10, one yen is converted to, for example, $ 0.00848, 0.00668 euro, and 0.00453 pounds. One dollar is converted to 117.88 yen, 0.7877 euro and 0.5335 pounds. One euro is converted to 149.6889 yen, $ 1.26952 and 0.67729 pounds. One pound is converted to 220.9146 yen, 1.87441 dollars and 1.47648 euros. For example, when a Japanese player participates in any race held in Dubai, the player wins the prize in dollars and therefore receives the prize according to this exchange rate table. When a player bets on any race held in Dubai, the reward is determined in dollars. The reward actually paid will change according to this exchange rate.

11 shows an example of the popularity table stored in the server ROM 256. As shown in Fig. 11, when the percentage of popularity falls within the range of 0% to 20% based on all expectations respectively inputted by each player participating in the game, game condition A (e.g., difficult to say). Raceway) is selected. When the percentage of popularity falls within the range of 21% to 50%, game condition B (eg, weather difficult for horses) is selected. When the percentage of popularity falls within the range of 51% to 74%, game condition C (eg, increases the weight of the horse) is selected. When the percentage of popularity falls within the range of 75% to 100%, game condition D (eg, an increase in number of radix) is selected.

12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a payment rate table stored in the server ROM 256. The percentage of payments changes depending on the game result. When the game result is the achievement of winning as much as 10 drinks, the payout rate is 100%. When the game result is the achievement of winning as much as 5 drinks, the payout rate is 50%. When the game result is the achievement of victory by 3 drinks, the payout rate is 20%. When the game result is the achievement of victory by 2 drinks, the payout rate is 10%. As mentioned above, server ROM 256 is an example of a game condition storage unit that stores game conditions including reward data and game result impact data affecting game results. This embodiment has described example game results and example reward rates, but the invention is not limited to these examples.

13 is a flowchart showing the main process of the game provided by the game system 1.

When the main process is started, the player seating process is performed in step S1. In step S1, the server CPU 252 performs a player seating process of initializing various variables and flags according to the player's seating in the terminal 30. When the process in step S1 is completed, the process proceeds to step S2.

In step S2, the server CPU 252 performs an insertion process as the player inserts a coin into the coin insertion slot 732. The insertion process will be described later. When the process in step S2 is completed, the process proceeds to step S3. As mentioned above, the coin insertion slot 732 is an example of a game medium input unit into which game media are inserted as expected by each player.

In step S3, the server CPU 252 performs a process of unlocking the monitor and the seat. When the process in step S3 is completed, the process proceeds to step S4.

In step S4, the server CPU 252 performs a process of adjusting the monitor and the seat. When the process in step S4 is completed, the process proceeds to step S5.

In step S5, the server CPU 252 performs a game execution process. The game execution process will be described later. When the process in step S5 is completed, the process proceeds to step S6. As mentioned above, the CPU 252 serves as a game execution controller that controls the execution of the shared game.

In step S6, the server CPU 252 performs a payment process of paying game media such as coins from the coin payment opening 731. The payment process will be described later. When the process in step S6 is completed, the process proceeds to step S7. As mentioned above, the coin payment opening 731 serves as a payment unit that pays the game medium according to the reward for the game result.

In step S7, the server CPU 252 performs a process of retracting the monitor and initializing the seat. When the process in step S7 is completed, the main game process ends.

The subroutine executed in step S3 shown in FIG. 13 will be described with reference to FIG.

In step S210, a game medium count determination process is performed. During this process, the server CPU 252 receives a signal transmitted from the terminal 30 in accordance with the detection of a game medium such as a coin inserted into the coin insertion opening 732 of each game player terminal 30. In accordance with the received signal, the server CPU 252 determines which of the player terminals 30 has accommodated the inserted game medium and determines the amount (number) of the inserted game medium; That is, the game medium count determination process is performed. When the process is completed, the process proceeds to step S212. The coin insertion slot 732 serves as a game medium input unit for allowing a player to input game medium.

In step S212, the server CPU 252 performs a deposit game medium count storing process. In this process, the server CPU 252 stores the number of game media inserted in each player terminal 30 determined in step S210 into the server RAM 254. The server CPU 252 also stores a predetermined percentage (eg, 10%, etc.) of the total number of game media inserted in all the player terminals 30 into the server RAM 254 as a deposit game medium count. When the process is completed, the process proceeds to step S214. The server RAM 254 is an example of a deposit game medium count storage unit that stores a deposit game medium count indicating a predetermined ratio of the total number of game media inserted into the game medium input unit (all player terminals 30). In this embodiment, 10% is described as an example of the predetermined ratio. However, the predetermined ratio is not limited to this value. Different ratios; For example, 5%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30% can be adopted.

In step S214, the server CPU 252 performs a process of determining whether the deposit game medium count is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (predetermined count). After this process, the server CPU 252 advances the process to step S218 when it is determined that the deposit game medium count stored in step S212 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. The server CPU 252 advances the process to step S216 when it is determined that the game medium is less than a predetermined number. As described herein, the CPU 252 serves as an example of the deposit game medium count determination unit that determines whether the deposit game medium count stored in the deposit game medium count storage unit is more than a predetermined number.

In step S216, a process of setting 0 for a predetermined condition flag is performed. During this process, the server CPU 252 performs a process of setting 0 to a predetermined condition flag stored in the server RAM 254. When the process is complete, this subroutine terminates.

In step S218, a process of setting 1 for a predetermined condition flag is performed. During the process, the server CPU 252 performs a process of setting 1 to a predetermined condition flag stored in the server RAM 254. When the process is complete, this subroutine terminates.

The subroutine executed in step S5 shown in FIG. 13 is described with reference to FIG.

In step S510, the server CPU 252 performs a process of preselecting a game condition used for the current game from a plurality of game conditions stored in the server ROM 256 according to the result of a previous game stored in the server RAM 254. Perform. More specifically, when an Arab horse, such as Godolphin Arabian, won the previous race of a horse racing game, selects the Dubai-hosted race table (FIG. 8) as the game condition; Select a race to be used for the current game from a Dubai held race table; A process of storing the selected race into server RAM 254 is performed. Further, server CPU 252 selects a horse to be employed in the current game from the horse's travel table (FIGS. 4 and 5). For example, when the Dubai World Cup is selected, 12 horses are selected. Moreover, when an overseas race table (eg, Dubai-hosted race table (FIG. 8), etc.) is selected, the server CPU 252 sets 1 for the exchange flag and stores the flag into the server RAM 254. When the process is completed, the process proceeds to step S512. As mentioned above, the server CPU 252 is an example of a game condition selection unit that selects a game condition for the next shared game from the plurality of game conditions according to the result of the game executed by the game execution controller.

In this embodiment, the race location and the horse are described as examples of game conditions to be selected. However, other kinds of game conditions may also be employed in the game system 1.

In step S512, a game condition presentation image display process is performed. During this process, the server CPU 252 selects from the server ROM 256 the data used to display the game condition presentation image according to the game condition selected in step S514; Store such-selected data into server RAM 254; The selected data is transferred to the server image output circuit 268. According to the data sent from the server CPU 252 for use in displaying the game condition presentation image, the VDP in the server image output circuit 268 reads various image data such as background image data and presentation image data from the image data ROM. ; Superimposing such-read image data up and down; The resulting image is displayed in the display area 22A of the main display device 22. More specifically, an image of a race place and an image of a horse participating in a race are displayed. When the process is completed, the process proceeds to step S514. As mentioned above, the server image output circuit 268 serves as a display controller that controls the display of the production image in accordance with the game condition selected by the game condition selection unit.

In step S514, the server CPU 252 performs an expectation input process that accepts the expectation input by the expectation data signal transmitted from the terminal 30 in accordance with the expectation input by the player through the operation unit 72. When the process is completed, the process proceeds to step S516. The operation unit 72 serves as an expectation input unit where each player inputs an expectation for a game result.

In the game system 1 according to this embodiment, when a player inputs a prediction, at least a part of the game medium (coin, token or credit) input to the game player terminal 30 where the player is seated is consumed.

In step S516, the server CPU 252 performs an expected data storing process of storing, in the server RAM 254, the expected data determined from the expected data signal accepted in step S516. When the process is completed, the process proceeds to step S518. The server RAM 254 serves as a predictive input storage unit that stores predictive data in accordance with the expectation input by the predictive input unit.

In step S518, the server CPU 252 performs an expected data percentage determination process of determining the percentage of expected data stored in the server RAM 254. More specifically, the server CPU 252 refers to the popularity table (Fig. 11) stored in the server ROM 256 to perform a process of determining which horse's popularity has exceeded a predetermined percentage according to the expected data. When the process is completed, the process proceeds to step S520. The server CPU 252 serves as a determination unit that determines whether specific prediction data among the plurality of prediction data stored in the prediction storage unit is stored at a predetermined percentage or more. The server CPU 252 serves as a determination unit for determining the expected data stored in the expected storage unit.

In step S520, a game condition selection process is performed. During the process, the server CPU 252 performs a process of selecting a game condition according to the determination performed in step S518. More specifically, server CPU 252 refers to the popularity table (FIG. 11) stored in server ROM 256. When the percentage of popularity falls within the range of 75% to 100%, the CPU selects game condition D (e.g., an increase in number of radix). When the process is completed, the process proceeds to step S522.

As mentioned above, the server CPU 252 is an example game condition selection unit that selects one game condition from a plurality of game conditions stored in the game condition storage unit according to the expected data stored in the expected storage unit. As mentioned above, the server CPU 252 is an example of a game condition selection unit that selects a game condition from a plurality of game conditions stored in the game condition storage unit. As mentioned above, the server CPU 252 is an example of a game condition selection unit that selects a predetermined game condition from a plurality of game conditions in accordance with the result of the determination performed by the deposit game medium count determination unit. As mentioned above, the server CPU 252 is an example of a game condition selection unit that selects a predetermined game condition from a plurality of game conditions in accordance with the result of the determination performed by the deposit game medium count determination unit. As mentioned above, the server CPU 252, according to the determination result of the determination unit, generates a special game status having game result influence data which makes the game result achieved from the specific prediction data more disadvantageous than the game result achieved from the other prediction data. This is an example of a game condition selection unit to select. As mentioned above, server ROM 256 is an example of a game condition storage unit that stores a plurality of game conditions for a shared game.

In this embodiment, the game condition is selected so that any word is disadvantaged. However, the game system 1 may be configured such that a game condition for which a word is to be disadvantaged is selected. In this case, riding on the dominant side is more decisive, increasing the betting rate of unpopular horses, thereby enabling an improvement in the enjoyment of the player targeting the jackpot.

In step 522, a game condition setting process is performed. During the process, the server CPU 252 sets the game condition selected in step S520 and performs the process of storing the thus-set game condition into the server RAM 254. When the process is completed, the process proceeds to step S524. In this manner, the server CPU 252 is an example of a game execution controller that executes a game according to a predetermined game condition selected by the game condition selection unit. The server CPU 252 is an example of a game execution controller that controls the execution of the shared game according to the game condition selected by the game condition selection unit. Moreover, server ROM 256 is an example of a game condition storage unit that promotes game conditions including reward data and game result impact data affecting game results.

In step S524, a process of determining whether input of expected data is completed is performed. During the process, when the server CPU 252 determines the completion of the predetermined input period (e.g., 60 seconds) and input of the expected data, the process proceeds to step S526. When it is determined that input of the expected data has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S514.

In step S526, the server CPU 252 performs a process of generating random numbers (e.g., numbers from 0 to 65535) used in the game. The CPU 252 advances the process to step S528 when step S526 is completed.

In step S528, a game result reference process is performed. During the process, the server CPU 252 performs a process of referring to the game result table stored in the server ROM 256 by the use of the random number generated in step S526. More specifically, the server CPU 252 refers to the game result table by taking the game condition selected in step S510 or step S520 and set in step S522 as a variable, whereby the game result (eg, the rank of the horse, the development of the race). And the like). When the process is completed, the process proceeds to step S530. In this manner, the server CPU 252 is an example of a game execution controller that executes a shared game according to the game condition selected by the game condition selection unit.

In step S530, the directed image display process is performed. During this process, the server CPU 252 selects from the server ROM 256 the data used to display the directed image; Store such-selected data into server RAM 254; Data is sent to the server image output circuit 268. In accordance with the data sent from the server CPU 252 used to display the directed image, various image data such as background image data and directed image data are read from the image data ROM; Superimposing such-read image data up and down; The resulting image is displayed in the display area 22A of the main display device 22. When the process is complete, this subroutine terminates. As mentioned above, the main display device 22 is an example of a display unit that displays a shared game in the form of a directed image. In this manner, the server image output circuit 268 is an example of a display controller that controls the display of the production image performed by the display unit.

The sub-routine executed in step S6 shown in FIG. 13 is described in detail with reference to FIG.

In step S610, a process of determining whether the exchange rate flag takes a value of one is performed. During this process, when it is determined that the exchange rate flag stored in the server RAM 254 takes a value of 1, the server CPU 252 advances the process to step S612. When it is not determined that the exchange rate flag takes a value of 1, the server CPU 252 advances the process to step S614. As such, the server CPU 252 is an example of a payment controller that controls the payment of the game medium in accordance with the exchange rate of the game condition selected by the game condition selection unit in relation to the reward corresponding to the game result.

In step S612, an exchange rate reference process is performed. During the process, the server CPU 252 refers to the exchange rate table stored in the server ROM 256 (FIG. 10) to convert the exchange rate into the server RAM 254 (e.g., dollar to yen exchange rate in the case of Dubai World Cup). Save it. When the process is completed, the process proceeds to step S614. As mentioned above, the server ROM 256 is an example of a game condition storage unit that stores a game condition having an exchange rate for each game condition. The server CPU 252 is an example of a payment controller that performs a control operation of paying the game medium according to the exchange rate of the game condition selected by the game condition selection unit in association with the reward corresponding to the game result. Although this embodiment has described that the exchange rate is stored in the ROM, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The exchange rate can also be stored in RAM, and the exchange rate can also be updated. For example, a game closer to the real environment may be provided as a result of the exchange rate changing daily.

In step S614, a process of determining whether the special game status flag is "1" is performed. When the server CPU 252 determines that the special game status stored in the server RAM 254 is "1", the process proceeds to step S616. When the CPU 252 determines that the special status flag is not "1", the process proceeds to step S618.

In step S616, a special game result determination process is performed. During this process, the server CPU 252 performs a process of determining the result of the special game according to the random number generated in step S526. More specifically, the server CPU 252 determines the result of the special game according to the random number generated in step S256; A payment rate is determined from the result of this particular game with reference to the payment rate table (FIG. 12); Store this-determined payment rate into server RAM 254. As mentioned above, the server CPU 252 stores a predetermined value from the deposit game medium count stored in the deposit game medium count storage unit when the game execution controller executes the game according to the determined game condition and when a special game result is obtained in the game. An example of a payment controller that performs a control operation that pays a number of game media. In this way, the server CPU 252 controls the operation of paying the predetermined number of game media in accordance with the result of the deposit game medium count stored in the deposit game medium count storage unit when the game execution controller provides the game according to the predetermined game condition. It serves as an example of a payment controller that performs. Although this embodiment is described as referring to the random number generated in step S526, the game system 1 can be configured such that other random numbers can also be generated.

In step S618, a compensation data reference process is performed. During this process, the server CPU 252 performs a process of storing the reward by referring to the reward table according to the random number generated in step S256. When the process is completed, the process proceeds to step S620. The server CPU 252 is an example of a payment controller that performs a control operation of paying the game medium corresponding to the game result by referring to the reward data according to the game condition selected by the game condition selection unit. Further, the server ROM 256 is an example of a game condition storage unit that stores a plurality of game conditions having reward data corresponding to game results for each game condition. The server ROM 256 is an example of a game condition storage unit that stores game conditions including reward data and game result impact data affecting game results.

In step S620, the server CPU 252 performs a payment count determination process. The server CPU 252 determines payment data corresponding to the payment amount for each player terminal by taking as a variable the payment rate determined from the result of the special game or the compensation determined in step S618; A process of storing such-determined compensation in server RAM 254 is performed. When the process is completed, the process proceeds to step S622. The server CPU 252 serves as an example of a payment controller that performs a control operation of paying the game medium corresponding to the exchange rate of the game condition selected by the game condition selection unit with respect to the reward corresponding to the game result. The server CPU 252 pays a predetermined number of game media from the deposit game medium count stored in the deposit game medium count storage unit when the game execution controller executes the game according to predetermined game conditions and when a special game result is obtained in the game. Serves as an example of a payment controller that performs a control operation. The server CPU 252 performs a control operation of paying the number of game media corresponding to the game result from the deposit game medium count stored in the deposit game medium count storage unit when the game execution controller provides the game according to a predetermined game condition. It serves as an example of a payment controller that performs.

In step S622, a payment device driving process is performed. During the process, the server CPU 252 transfers to each player terminal 30 a payment signal resulting from the payment data stored in each player terminal 30 in step S620. In accordance with the accepted payment signal, the terminal CPU 152 of each player terminal 30 pays the game medium (eg, coin) from the coin payment opening 731. When the process is complete, the subroutine ends. As such, server CPU 252 is an example of a payment controller that controls payment of a game medium in accordance with a reward corresponding to a game result.

An example of a help screen displayed on the terminal display 61 is shown in FIG. As shown in Fig. 17, a WIN is a ticket for betting on a horse coming in first in a race. A show is a ticket that bets on the horses that will come in first to third in a race. BRACKET-QUINELLA is a ticket that bets on a combination of bracket numbers assigned to horses that will come first and second in a race. QUINELLA is a ticket that bets on a combination of horses that will come in first and second or second and first. EXACTA is a ticket that bets on numbers assigned at the end of first and second arrivals in the correct order. QUNELLA-PLACE is a combination of horses that will come in 1st and 2nd (or 2nd and 1st), a combination of horses that will come in 1st and 3rd (or 3rd and 1st) and 2nd. And a bet on a combination of horses to come in three (or third and second). A trio is a ticket that bets on the number assigned to the end of the first, second and third arrivals without specifying the order. Displaying these help screens enables the provision of a game system that allows even a novice player to enjoy the game. As such, the terminal display 61 is an example of an auxiliary display unit displaying a player auxiliary screen.

18 is an example of a display screen showing that horse racing is being performed. Horse racing is being performed within the display area 22A. Character images 90A to 90D (eg, numbers assigned to racehorses respectively) are displayed in display area 22A.

19 is an example of a display screen showing the area near the finish line. Horse racing is being performed within the display area 22A. The display area 22A displays a character image 90A (e.g., racehorse assigned eight). The character image 90A reached the finish line and won. Further, the character image 90B (eg, horse racing character image) is displayed behind the character image 90A in the display area 22A. In the display area 22A, a character image 90C (e.g., a character image of a racehorse assigned to No. 2) is displayed behind the character image 90A in the display area 22A. A character image 90D (for example, a character image of a racehorse assigned to No. 5) is displayed behind the character image 90A in the display area 22A. In this case, the character image 90A has won. For example, the player betting on the character image 90A can obtain a predetermined payment.

20 is a display screen showing that a race is being performed while the game status is selected according to the result of the previous game. For example, a display screen is provided which is obtained when the Arabic horse wins the previous game. A background image 90F (eg, a desert character image) shows that a race is held in Game Status Dubai according to the results of the previous game. Further, characters 90A-90D (eg, racehorses assigned numbers) are displayed in display area 22A.

Fig. 21 is a display screen showing an area near the finish line when the game is running under specific game conditions. Horse racing is being performed within the display area 22A. The character image 90A (e.g., a racehorse assigned eight) is displayed in the display area 22A. The character image 90A triumphed by three drinks than the character image 90B running behind the character image 90a. Furthermore, the character image 90B (eg, the character image of a racehorse assigned to No. 7) is displayed behind the character image 90A in the display area 22A. A character image 90C (eg, a character image of a racehorse assigned to No. 2) is displayed behind the character image 90A in the display area 22A. Further, the character image 90D (for example, the character image of the racehorse assigned to No. 5) is displayed behind the character image 90A in the display area 22A. In the display area 22A, the character image E (for example, the character image of the finish line) is displayed. As mentioned above, when the horse wins 3 drinks in a particular game, a certain reward (Figure 12) is paid.

22 is a display screen showing that a race in which the game status is changed as expected is being performed. Horse racing is being performed within the display area 22A. Character images 90A to 90D (e.g., racehorses assigned numbers) are displayed in display area 22A. The display area 22A shows the character image 90G (eg, rain character image). The appearance of the character image 90G shows the deterioration of the game conditions for the weak horse in the rain.

23 is an example of a display screen showing that a race in which the game status is changed as expected is being performed. Horse racing is being performed within the display area 22A. A character image 90A (e.g., a racehorse running with three jockeys on it and assigned eight) is displayed in the display area 22A. A racehorse carrying a plurality of riders shows deterioration of the game condition for the character image 90A. The character image 90B (the character image of the racehorse assigned to No. 7) is displayed behind the character image 90A in the display area 22A. The character image 90C (the character image of the racehorse assigned to No. 2) is displayed behind the character image 90A in the display area 22A. A character image 90D (eg, a character image of a racehorse assigned to No. 5) is displayed behind the character image 90A in the display area 22A.

As described with reference to the game system 1 according to the embodiment, one of the game conditions is selected from among a plurality of game conditions according to the prediction data corresponding to the prediction input by each player as shown in FIG. The shared game is performed according to the selected game condition. As mentioned above, the game conditions for the game played to pay the reward change according to the expected data expected by the player. For example, in a horse racing game system, when a player makes predictions and bets on the outcome of the game, the number of riders on the popular horse is increased and the weight supported by the horse becomes heavier. Horse racing games are played in such a handicap state. Thus, the game condition for the game is changed. Since the game status changes according to the expectations made by the player, the prediction for the player becomes more complicated, and in turn the player can enjoy the game more. Thus, a game system can be provided that allows the player to enjoy the game more by making the player more complex.

Furthermore, according to the game system 1, when one of the specific predictive data is stored at a predetermined ratio in the plurality of predictive data, the game result obtained from the specific predictive data which makes it more disadvantageous than the game result obtained from the other predictive data is obtained. A special game status with the game result impact data is selected. Thus, when an imbalance occurs in the prediction made by the player, the particular game statuses that are disadvantageous to the game result are selected out of the reward. For example, in a horse racing game system, when the predictive data that adheres to the prediction of a horse's victory (e.g., Haru-Urara, Oguri-Cab, Hiseiko, etc.) is popular, it may be possible to obtain special game statuses that are disadvantageous to the game results. For example, various factors such as the horse's parameters (e.g. increase in horse's weight), the state of the racecourse where each character (horse) races, and other conditions are changed. Thus, the game status changes as expected, making the player more complicated to anticipate and allowing the player to enjoy the game to a greater extent. Thus, a game system can be provided that allows the player to enjoy the game more by complicating what the player expects.

In the description of the above embodiments, the game system 1 is configured to allow the player to "input" the game medium into the player terminal 30 (game medium input unit) (especially into the coin insertion slot 732 in the insertion process). (Step S2), the player's prediction (bet) is made within the game execution process (step S5). In the game system 1 described as an embodiment, the deposit game medium count is determined at a predetermined ratio of the total number of game media "input" to all the player terminals 30.

However, the game system 1 differs from the total number of game media (coins, medals or credits) in which the deposited game media count is bet (expected) in all player terminals 30 by each player for each round of the game. It can be configured to be determined at a predetermined ratio of. When the game system 1 is thus configured, the expected (betting) input to each player terminal 30 is regarded as an "input" of the game medium.

The invention is not limited to the previously-described embodiments. Various improvements or changes may be applied to the game system according to the present invention without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. As described above, depending on the game system, the game status changes as expected, and the player is expected to complicate what is expected. And allow the player to enjoy the game to a greater extent. Thus, a game system can be provided that allows the player to enjoy the game more by complicating what the player expects.

1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the player terminal of this embodiment.

3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the game system of this embodiment.

4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a table of this embodiment.

5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a table of this embodiment.

6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a table of this embodiment.

7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a table of this embodiment.

8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a table of this embodiment.

9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a table of this embodiment.

10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a table of this embodiment.

11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a table of this embodiment.

12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a table of this embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the control operation of this embodiment.

14 is a flowchart for explaining the control operation of this embodiment.

Fig. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the control operation of this embodiment.

Figure 16 is a flowchart for explaining the control operation of this embodiment.

Fig. 17 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a display screen of the player terminal of this embodiment.

18 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the main display device of this embodiment;

Fig. 19 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the main display device of this embodiment.

20 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the main display device of this embodiment;

21 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the main display device of this embodiment;

Fig. 22 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the main display device of this embodiment.

Fig. 23 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the main display device of this embodiment.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

1: game system

20: main unit

21: game area

22: primary display device

23: speaker

30: player terminal

80: main controller

Claims (5)

In a game system for providing a game in which a plurality of players participate, With main display, A plurality of player terminals provided for each player, A main controller connected to the main display and the player terminal, Each player terminal is provided with a prediction input unit that allows each player to input a prediction for the result of the game, The main controller is To control the primary display to display an image providing the game; To store the expected data according to the predictions input through the prediction input unit provided to the player terminal; To store a plurality of game conditions that define different conditions for playing the game; Select one from among stored game conditions according to the stored expected data; To provide a game to a player under selected game conditions; And A game system operative to reward rewarding players for winning a game. The game system of claim 1, wherein the main controller is operable to pay a predetermined number of game media as a reward to the player who wins the game according to the result of the game. The method of claim 1, wherein the expected data includes game result impact data and reward data that affect game results, The main controller is Determine whether more than a certain percentage of specific expected data is stored as expected data, Is further operated to select a particular game condition among the game conditions according to the determination of the stored expected data, A special game condition is a game system having game result impact data that results in a game that disadvantages a player corresponding to a certain prediction data. A plurality of players participate; Each player anticipates the outcome of the game and inserts the game medium; A game system for providing a shared game in which a game medium is paid according to a reward corresponding to a game result, A predictive input unit that allows each player to input an estimate of the game result, A predictive storage unit that stores predictive data corresponding to the predicted input through the predictive input unit, A game condition storage unit which stores a plurality of game conditions for the shared game, A game condition selection unit that selects one from among game conditions stored in the game condition storage unit according to the expected data stored in the expected storage unit; And a game execution controller controlling the execution of the shared game according to the game condition selected by the game condition selection unit. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a determining unit for determining expected data stored in the expected storage unit, The game condition stored in the game condition storage unit includes game result impact data and reward data affecting the game result, The determining unit determines whether the specific predictive data has been stored in the plurality of predictive data stored in the predictive storage unit at a predetermined ratio or more, And the game condition selection unit according to the decision result obtained by the decision unit has game result impact data which results in a game result obtained from special predictive data which makes it more disadvantageous than the game result obtained from that of other predictive data.

Images