Game machine, recording medium for game machine and game system

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD [Detailed description of the invention]

【0001】

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

The present invention relates to a game machine, a recording medium for a game machine, and a game system, and is intended to increase game opportunities in a game machine such as a slot machine or a poker game machine.

【0002】

[Conventional technology]

For example, in a commercial game machine, it is naturally required that the game is played for a long time. However, a player who plays a game with the same game machine for a long time may get tired of the game. In addition, a player who is particular about winning or losing will immediately move away from the gaming machine if there are few wins in the gaming machine. Therefore, recent gaming machines have been devised in various ways to increase gaming opportunities.

【0003】

For example, in a slot machine, in a reach state that is a hit depending on the stop symbol of the remaining one reel that is rotating, the rotation speed is changed in an unusual pattern until the reel is stopped. There are some that produce a game effect that increases the expectation of hitting and prevent the player from getting bored as much as possible. Also, in some slot machines, when a predetermined hit is reached, the machine automatically plays roulette as a bonus game, and coins are added and paid out according to the position where the ball stopped, and the reward for winning is There is also one that has increased the interest of the player.

【0004】

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

By the way, for example, for a game machine installed in a casino, winning or losing is often an impression of the player. For such a player, it is better to determine the win or loss earlier than the effect in the reach state, and the effect of exerting the game effect does not necessarily contribute to the increase of the game opportunity for such a player.

【0005】

Also, even if it is a game machine that plays a bonus game, the reward per game will increase a little, but for the player, if the planned amount is used up, he will still leave his seat, and there will be only a slight increase in game opportunities. Does not contribute.

【0006】

Therefore, there is a demand for a gaming machine having a new function of increasing the gaming opportunities by the player, and an object of the present invention is to provide such a gaming machine. Another object of the present invention is to provide a recording medium applicable to such a game machine, and a game system having such a game machine or a recording medium as a component.

【0007】

[Means for solving problems]

The present invention of claim 1 is a character storage means for storing character information provided separately from the above game in a game machine that plays a predetermined game with hits and misses as a game result, and a game result in the game. Is characterized by having a character training means for growing a character stored in the character storage means at a predetermined hit.

【0008】

The present invention of claim 2 is a recording medium access means for detachably holding a portable recording medium for a gaming machine and accessing the holding recording medium for a gaming machine in the gaming machine of the present invention of claim 1. Then, the character information recorded in the game machine recording medium is read out by the recording medium access means and stored in the character storage means, and the character stored in the character storage means is stored in the character storage means. It is characterized by having a character information storage control means for recording on the recording medium for a game machine by a recording medium access means.

【0009】

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the game machine of the present invention according to the first or second aspect, the communication means for communicating with another game machine and the character information stored in the character storage means are transmitted. Having a character participation means which is transmitted to the other game machine via the means and causes the character stored in the character storage means to participate in the game in which the character played by the other game machine becomes a competitor. It is a feature.

【0010】

The present invention of claim 4 is a means for receiving a participation fee for incorporating a participation fee for the character to participate in a game in which the character played by the other game machine is a player in the game machine of the present invention of claim 3. It has a prize payout means for receiving a game result transmitted by the other game machine via the communication means and paying out the prize prize when the game result indicates the winning of the participating character. It is characterized by that.

【0011】

The present invention of claim 5 is stored in a character storage means for storing character information provided separately from the game to be executed, and in the character storage means when the game result in the game is a predetermined hit. A portable game machine recording medium that is detachably held by a game machine having a character training means for growing a character, a recording medium access means, and a character information storage control means, and is the character information storage control means. By the control of, the character information recorded in the game machine recording medium is read out via the recording medium access means and stored in the character storage means, and is also stored in the character storage means. The information of the character is recorded via the recording medium access means.

【0012】

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in a game machine that plays a predetermined game, a communication means that communicates with another game machine and a game result prediction information input that captures prediction information of the result of the game played by the other game machine. A means, a bet receiving means for receiving a bet on the prediction information, and an information transmitting means for transmitting the captured game result prediction information and the bet information to the other game machine via the communication means. And having a dividend paying means that receives the game result information transmitted by the other game machine via the communication means and pays the dividend when the game result information shows a match of prediction. It is characterized by.

【0013】

The gaming system of the present invention according to claim 7 provides the first gaming machine with a first gaming machine in which a character plays a game in which a player is a player, and a character participating in a game played by the first gaming machine. It is characterized by having a second gaming machine, which is the gaming machine of the present invention according to claim 3 or 4.

【0014】

The gaming system of the present invention according to claim 8 comprises a first gaming machine in which a character plays a game in which a player is a player, and a character participating in a game played by the first gaming machine. It is characterized by having a character participation terminal device that is read from a machine recording medium and provided to the first game machine.

【0015】

The present invention of claim 9 is characterized in that, in the game system of the present invention of claim 7 or 8, the first game machine stochastically reflects the degree of development of characters participating in the game in the game result. And.

【0016】

The gaming system of the present invention of claim 10 gives the third gaming machine playing a predetermined game and the prediction information of the result of the game played by the third gaming machine to the third gaming machine. It is characterized by having a fourth gaming machine, which is the gaming machine of the present invention.

【0017】

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(A) First Embodiment Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the game machine, the recording medium for the game machine, and the game system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

【0018】

(A-1) Configuration of the game system of the first embodiment First, the gaming system of the first embodiment will be described. Here, in the game system 1 of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the competitive game machine 2 and the plurality of terminal game machines 3-1 to 3-m and 4-1 to 4-n are wired or 4-1 to 4-n. It is connected via wireless network 5. When the network 5 is a wired network, the connection form may be any of a bus shape, a mesh shape, a ring shape, and the like. Further, the network 5 may be appropriately provided with a relay device, a route switching device, and the like. Further, a plurality of terminal game machines 3-1 to 3-m and 4-1 to 4-n may be directly connected to the competitive game machine 2 in a star shape.

【0019】

The competitive game machine 2 is, for example, a game in which a plurality of characters participate and compete in a competitive game. Here, the competitive game means a game in which the ranking of the participating characters is determined. For example, not only a game in which characters such as sprinting and horse racing compete at the same time, but also a game in which characters such as weight raising compete one after another. It may be a game. In the case of the first embodiment, the competitive game machine 2 plays a plurality of types of competitive games.

【0020】

The terminal game machines 3-1 to 3-m and 4-1 to 4-n each have the functions of a single game machine and the functions of a terminal device in the game system 1 which is a network system.

【0021】

Terminal game machines 3-1 to 3-m and 4-1 to 4-n can be divided into two types according to their functions as terminal devices.

【0022】

The first type of terminal game machine (hereinafter referred to as a character participation terminal game machine) 3-1 to 3-m allows a character to participate in a competitive game executed by the competitive game machine 2 by paying a participation fee. The prize money is appropriately obtained according to the competition result. The second type of terminal game machines (hereinafter referred to as spectator terminal game machines) 4-1 to 4-n are spectators who pay a bet to predict the competition result in the competitive game executed by the competitive game machine 2. Participate as a player and get a dividend when the prediction is correct.

【0023】

It should be noted that each character participating terminal game machine 3-1, ..., 3-m may have different game types when viewed from the function as a single game machine. Similarly, each spectator terminal game machine 4-1, ..., 4-n may have different game types when viewed from the function as a single game machine. For example, the game type of the character participation terminal game machine 3-1 when viewed from the function as a single game machine is a slot machine game, and the character participation terminal game machine 3-2 functions as a single game machine. The game type when viewed from the above may be a poker game.

【0024】

Further, the same game machine may be the character participation terminal game machine 3 in some cases, and may be the spectator terminal game machine 4 in some cases. That is, FIG. 1 is merely a block of the game system 1 of the first embodiment classified from the functional aspect for the sake of simplification of the explanation.

【0025】

(A-1-1) Outline internal configuration of competitive game machine 2 As shown in FIG. 2, the competitive game machine 2 largely includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 11, a display unit 12, a sound generation unit 13, a random number generation unit 14, and a communication unit 15.

【0026】

The display unit 12 is composed of a display, a drive circuit of the display, and the like, and under the control of the control unit 10, a competitive game is displayed on a large display surface that can be seen from a considerably wide range of the game field where the game system 1 is provided. It displays the competition screen of. As a display having such a large display area, a projection projector or a display device in which a plurality of CRT tube surfaces are arranged in a matrix can be applied.

【0027】

The sound generation unit 13, under the control of the control unit 10, outputs sound and voice according to the progress of the competitive game. The sound generation unit 13 includes a speaker, a speaker drive circuit, a voice synthesis circuit (a concept including a voice decoding circuit, and the like) and the like.

【0028】

The random number generation unit 14 generates a random number and returns it to the control unit 10 when a random number request is given by the control unit 10.

【0029】

The communication unit 15 communicates with the character participation terminal game machines 3-1 to 3-m and the spectator terminal game machines 4-1 to 4-n under the control of the control unit 10. The communication method is not limited, but digital communication is preferable. Further, although the communication unit 15 may adopt a polling method, it is preferable that the communication unit 15 is provided with a plurality of input / output ports so that simultaneous communication with a plurality of terminal game machines is possible.

【0030】

The storage unit 11 stores a program for executing a competitive game executed by the control unit 10 and fixed data, and a working area required for executing the program is appropriately set. The storage unit 11 includes, for example, a storage unit main body such as a ROM or RAM, and a drive circuit or the like that drives the storage unit main body.

【0031】

The control unit 10 controls each unit of the competitive game machine 2 according to the program and fixed data stored in the storage unit 11 and appropriately used by the working area on the storage unit 11 to control the competitive game. Is to be executed. The control function by the control unit 10 will be clarified in the operation description described later.

【0032】

(A-1-2) Outline internal configuration of character participation terminal game machine 3 FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram in which the internal configuration of the character participating terminal game machine 3 (3-1 to 3-m) is organized from the viewpoint of the terminal device of the game system 1. That is, in FIG. 3, the configuration only for the game executed by the character participating terminal game machine 3 itself is omitted.

【0033】

In FIG. 3, each character participating terminal game machine 3 has a control unit 20, a storage unit 21, a character recording medium 22, a recording medium access unit 23, a character buffer memory 24, and a character training unit from the viewpoint of a terminal device of a game system. It has 25, an operation unit 26, a display unit 27, a participation fee reception unit 28, a prize payout unit 29, and a communication unit 30.

【0034】

The character recording medium 22 has a size that can be easily carried by a player such as a recordable IC card or a magnetic card, and information on characters that can participate in a competitive game played by the competitive game machine 2 can be obtained. One or more are recorded. The character recording medium 22 is appropriately loaded into the recording medium access unit 23 by the player, and is also taken out from the recording medium access unit 23.

【0035】

In this first embodiment, it is intended that the character recording medium 22 is common to a plurality of types (different game types) of character participation terminal game machines 3-1 to 3-m. The character recording medium 22 is issued, for example, by a recording medium issuing device in the amusement park for a fee or free of charge, and at the time of issuance, the recording area has already been initialized and formatted.

【0036】

The recording medium access unit 23 reads the character information recorded on the character recording medium 22 and records the character information on the character recording medium 22 under the control of the control unit 20.

【0037】

The character buffer memory 24 stores character information in the character participating terminal game machine 3. Here, the character information read from the character recording medium 22 is stored in the character buffer memory 24. The character information stored in the character buffer memory 24 is recorded on the character recording medium 22 under the control of the control unit 20 as needed.

【0038】

Here, the character buffer memory 24 also constitutes a storage unit. In the functional block diagram of FIG. 3, the character buffer memory 24 is written out in addition to the storage unit 21 described later in order to clarify the storage location of the character information used for communication and nurtured.

【0039】

The character training unit 25 trains characters. Here, in the competitive game played by the competitive game machine 2 described above, as will be clarified in the description of the operation described later, the probability that the participating characters will win the prize increases or decreases depending on the degree of character development. .. Here, the breeding of a character means, for example, increasing the clothes worn by the character and the things that the character has (increasing the number of items), or growing the character if it is an animal.

【0040】

As described above, FIG. 3 shows the internal configuration of the character participating terminal game machine 3 arranged from the viewpoint of the terminal device of the game system, but as described above, it has a function as a single game machine. ing. As is clear from the explanation of the slot machine as an example of the character participation terminal game machine 3 described later, the result of the game played by the character participation terminal game machine 3, that is, the character is trained according to a predetermined hit. is there. In FIG. 3, the configuration related to the development of such a character is described as the character development unit 25.

【0041】

The operation unit 26 allows the character to participate in the competitive game played by the competitive game machine 2 described above, reads the character stored in the character recording medium 22, and characterizes the character stored in the character buffer memory 24. It accepts operation input by the player, such as recording on the recording medium 22.

【0042】

The notification unit 27 collectively assigns such a function name to the display unit and the sound generation unit. The notification unit 27 displays the operation input screen by the operation unit 26, displays the current processing stage, and / or outputs the sound, and displays and / or outputs the result of the competitive game in which the player participated. Etc., various information is notified to the player under the control of the control unit 20.

【0043】

The entry fee reception unit 28 takes in the entry fee required when the character is allowed to participate in the competitive game played by the competitive game machine 2 under the control of the control unit 20. Here, the participation fee may be uniform regardless of the degree of character development, may be according to the degree of character development, or may be arbitrarily determined by the player. From the functional aspect of the character participation terminal game machine 3 as a single game machine, in order to execute the game played by the single game machine, it is a condition that coins, banknotes, etc. are inserted. And bills can be inserted and the reception structure can be used together as the entry fee reception unit 28. If the entry fee is free, the entry fee reception section 28 does not need to be provided.

【0044】

The prize money payout unit 29 pays out the prize money when a character who participates in the competitive game played by the competitive game machine 2 wins a prize under the control of the control unit 20. The prize money here may be a fixed one determined according to the order of arrival, or may be changed according to the number of participating characters and the total bet at that time. From the functional aspect of the character participation terminal game machine 3 as a single game machine, coins, banknotes, etc. are paid out according to the hit in the game played by the single game machine. The payout configuration of banknotes and the like can be used together as the prize payout unit 29.

【0045】

The communication unit 30 communicates with the competitive game machine 2 under the control of the control unit 20.

【0046】

The printing unit 31 graphically prints out the character information stored in the character buffer memory 24 under the control of the control unit 20.

【0047】

The storage unit 21 stores a processing program and fixed data as a terminal device of the game system executed by the control unit 20, and a working area required for program execution is appropriately set. .. The storage unit 21 also includes, for example, a storage unit main body such as a ROM or RAM, and a drive circuit or the like for driving the storage unit main body. As described above, in FIG. 3, the character buffer memory 24 is written in addition to the storage unit 21.

【0048】

The control unit 20 controls each function unit as a terminal device in which the characters of the game system participate, according to the program and fixed data stored in the storage unit 21, and by appropriately using the working area on the storage unit 21. At the same time, the processing as the terminal device is executed. The control function by the control unit 20 will be clarified in the operation description described later.

【0049】

(A-1-3) Outline internal configuration of spectator terminal game machine 4 FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram in which the internal configurations of the spectator terminal game machines 4 (4-1 to 4-n) are arranged from the viewpoint of the terminal device of the game system 1. That is, in FIG. 4, the configuration only for the game executed by the spectator terminal game machine 4 itself is omitted.

【0050】

In FIG. 4, each spectator terminal game machine 4 has a control unit 40, a storage unit 41, an operation unit 42, a display unit 43, a stake reception unit 44, a dividend payout unit 45, and a payout unit 45 from the viewpoint of the terminal device of the game system 1. It has a communication unit 46.

【0051】

The operation unit 42 accepts operation input by the player, such as paying a stake in the competitive game played by the competitive game machine 2 described above and participating as a spectator who predicts the competition result.

【0052】

The notification unit 43 collectively assigns such a function name to the display unit and the sound generation unit. The notification unit 43 displays the operation input screen by the operation unit 42, displays the current processing stage, and / or outputs the sound, and displays the result of the competitive game in which the player paid a stake and participated as a spectator. Various information is notified under the control of the control unit 40, such as sound output.

【0053】

The bet receiving unit 44 captures a bet on a competitive game played by the competitive game machine 2 under the control of the control unit 40. Here, the stake can be arbitrarily determined by the player, for example. From the functional aspect of the spectator terminal game machine 4 as a single game machine, in order to execute the game played by the single game machine, it is a condition that coins, banknotes, etc. are inserted. The insertion of banknotes and the reception structure can be used together as the stake reception unit 44.

【0054】

The payout payout unit 45 pays out the payout when the result of the competitive game played by the competitive game machine 2 matches the result predicted by paying a bet under the control of the control unit 40. .. The payout here naturally depends on the so-called odds and the size of the stake. From the functional aspect of the spectator terminal game machine 4 as a single game machine, coins, banknotes, etc. are paid out according to the hit in the game played by the single game machine. Etc. can be used together as the dividend payout unit 45.

【0055】

The communication unit 46 communicates with the competitive game machine 2 under the control of the control unit 40.

【0056】

The storage unit 41 stores a processing program and fixed data as a terminal device of the game system executed by the control unit 40, and a working area required for program execution is appropriately set. .. The storage unit 41 also includes, for example, a storage unit main body such as ROM or RAM, and a drive circuit or the like for driving the storage unit main body.

【0057】

The control unit 40 follows the programs and fixed data stored in the storage unit 41, and appropriately uses the working area on the storage unit 41 to display each function unit as a terminal device that participates as a spectator of the game system 1. While controlling, the processing as the terminal device is executed. The control function by the control unit 40 will be clarified in the operation description described later.

【0058】

(A-2) Operation of the game system of the first embodiment Next, the operation of the game system 1 of the first embodiment will be described.

【0059】

(A-2-1) Operation with competitive game machine 2 First, the operation of the competitive game machine 2 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

【0060】

When the power of the game system 1 is turned on, the control unit 10 of the competitive game machine 2 starts the process shown in FIG. 5 (programs and the like are stored in the storage unit 11).

【0061】

First, the control unit 10 determines the time at which a series of processes of the competitive game is started and the type of game to be executed from that time (step 200), and while monitoring the time by the built-in timer, before reaching the start time. Displayed on the display unit 12 a screen (also a screen for clarifying the start time) indicating that the demo screen of the determined competitive game is in the pre-start state, or a demo sound or the like from the sound generation unit 13. Is sounded and output (steps 201 and 202).

【0062】

Figure 6 shows an example of the demo screen. In FIG. 6, the number of participating characters is 3, but of course, the number is not limited to this. In the case of this example, the determined competitive game is an example of sprinting. In the example of FIG. 6, the character on the demo screen is not trained at all, but for the character in this skeleton state, the total of the parameter values of each item such as the added clothes shows the character's breeding state. It will represent. If the parameter is not defined for each item, for example, the number of items is the parameter value of the character.

【0063】

When the start time of the competitive game arrives, the control unit 10 of the competitive game machine 2 notifies the display unit 12 and the sound generating unit 13 that the characters to participate are recruited (step 203), and in response to this. , Participating character information transmitted by a plurality of character participating terminal game machines (some of 3-1 to 3-m) is received via the communication unit 15 (step 204). Then, the control unit 10 determines a character to actually participate in the competitive game from the received plurality of character information (step 205), and participates in each character that sends the character information via the communication unit 15. The permission or refusal of the character's participation is returned to the terminal game machine (step 206).

【0064】

The character to actually participate in the competitive game is determined, for example, by continuing the reception until the required number of character information for the competitive game arrives, and then the arriving character is rejected. Is also good. Further, for example, during a predetermined time from the start of character recruitment, the arrival of character information is accepted, and if the number of characters to participate exceeds the number required for the competitive game, the participating characters are adjusted. You can do it. As an adjustment method here, if the entry fee is variable, the entry fee is determined in descending order, or if the entry fee is fixed, the random number generator 14 automatically selects based on the generated random number. , Select according to the degree of development of each character. It is possible that the character information from different character participation terminal game machines is the same, but in this case, it may be selectively selected, or all of them may be allowed to participate.

【0065】

When the characters participating in the competitive game are determined as described above, the control unit 10 displays the participating character image on the display unit 12, and the total parameter value determined by the current competitive game type of each participating character. The winning probability is determined according to the above, and is displayed on the display unit 12 (step 207). Then, the control unit 10 notifies that the display unit 12 and the sound generation unit 13 are recruiting spectators to participate by paying a bet (step 208), and in response to this, a plurality of spectator terminal game machines (step 208). The bet information (including the expected information of the winning character) sent by (some of 4-1 to 4-n) is received via the communication unit 15, and the payout table is sequentially updated according to the received bet information. (So-called odds) are displayed on the display unit 12 (step 209).

【0066】

The winning probability of the competitive game to be started, which is determined in step 200 described above, is determined as follows, for example.

【0067】

Here, character training is an item granting method. For example, it is assumed that an item such as clothes is attached to a skeleton character as shown in FIG. FIG. 7 shows an example of some items, and "swimsuit", "sprint shoes", "camouflage uniform" and "power belt" are written out as items. Each item is assigned a different parameter value depending on the type of competitive game. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a swimsuit is assigned a parameter value of "10" if the competitive game is "swimming", and a parameter value of "10" is assigned if the competitive game is "sprinting". "6" is assigned, if the competitive game is "fashion show", "1" is assigned as the parameter value, and if the competitive game is "sprint", "4" is assigned as the parameter value. ..

【0068】

For the upcoming competitive game type determined in step 200 described above, each participating character has a total parameter value as the total value of the parameter values of the assigned items. For example, the competitive game to be started is "sprinting", and the total parameter value of the participating characters wearing "swimsuits" and "sprinting shoes" is "14".

【0069】

For the sake of simplicity, if only the 1st place wins, the ratio of the total parameter values of each participating character will be the winning probability. For example, if the number of participating characters is 3 and the total parameter values of each participating character are "10", "6", and "4", the winning probabilities are "0.5", "0.3", and "0.2", respectively. ".

【0070】

Dividends reflect the expected ratio (odds) of all spectators to the amount obtained by subtracting the prescribed amount such as the share of the game playground owner (and the amount to be used for the prize money for the participants) from the total bet. Determine.

【0071】

The recruitment of spectators who pay the above-mentioned stakes is performed, for example, by dividing the time. Although omitted in FIG. 5, reception of stake information after the application deadline is refused, and the refusal is returned to the sender.

【0072】

When the recruitment is completed, the control unit 10 generates a random number in the random number generation unit 14, and also uses the generated random number to determine the ranking of each participating character in the competitive game (step 210). For example, if the number of characters participating is 3 and the 1st place winning probabilities of each participating character are "0.5", "0.3", and "0.2", respectively, then "500" to "999" in the 3-digit random number are the first. Corresponds to 1 participating character, "200" to "499" corresponds to the 2nd participating character, "000" to "199" corresponds to the 2nd participating character, and 1st place in the first generated random number It is decided, and the second place or lower is decided by the random numbers generated after that.

【0073】

After determining the ranking of the competition results, the control unit 10 then determines the winning amount of the winning character to the character participating terminal game machine and the dividend amount to the spectator terminal game machine whose expected ranking matches the determined ranking. (Step 211), and how to produce the competition screen of the competitive game to be displayed according to the decision order (Step 212). As the production pattern of the competition screen, the method of determining the production method in the existing horse racing type game can be diverted. For example, many production method patterns may be prepared in advance and selected from them (random numbers are also used for this selection).

【0074】

Then, the control unit 10 displays the competition screen of the competitive game on the display unit 12 with the determined effect pattern, and causes the sound generation unit 13 to sound the sound effect as appropriate (step 213).

【0075】

When the display of the competition screen of the competitive game is completed, the control unit 10 displays a screen on the display unit 12 for widely notifying the competition result and the payout (step 214), and the character participation terminal in which the participating character has won a prize. Notification of the winning amount to the game machine, notification of the dividend amount to the spectator terminal game machine whose expected ranking matches the competitive ranking, and the like are performed via the communication unit 15 (step 215).

【0076】

After that, the process returns to step 200 described above. As a result, a new start time and game type are determined. The next game process may be started in a short time. Further, the next game type may be determined by cyclically changing a plurality of executable game types and according to the cyclic order, or may be determined by using a random number. Of course, the competitive game machine 2 may be able to execute only one type of game.

【0077】

(A-2-2) Character participation terminal Operation on game machine 3 Next, the operation of the game system 1 as a terminal device in the character participating terminal game machine 3 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

【0078】

When the control unit 20 of the character participation terminal game machine 3 receives a character participation terminal mode signal from the operation unit 26 indicating that the game machine 3 operates as a terminal device for participating the characters of the game system 1, FIG. The indicated processing (programs and the like are stored in the storage unit 21) is started as interrupt processing.

【0079】

The player to the game machine 3 participates in the character when the display unit 12 and the sound generation unit 13 of the competitive game machine 2 notify that the characters to be participated are recruited (see step 203 described above). If there is an intention to cause the operation unit 26 to operate, the operation unit 26 is operated to operate the game machine 3 as a terminal device in which the character of the game system 1 participates.

【0080】

When the character participation terminal mode signal is given, the control unit 20 first determines whether or not the game machine 3 is operating the game as a single game machine, or conversely, is in a standby state for the game operation. Determine if it is (step 300). For example, if the basic game played by the game machine 3 is a slot machine game, coins and the like are paid out from the insertion of coins until the reels stop, or when the combination of stopped reels is a hit. The period until the game is running is the period during which the game is running.

【0081】

When the character participation terminal mode signal is given during the period during the game operation, the control unit 20 ignores this mode signal, and the notification unit 27 notifies the player that the mode signal has been ignored (step 301). The process shown in Fig. 8 is terminated immediately.

【0082】

On the other hand, when the character participation terminal mode signal is given in the standby state of the game operation, the control unit 20 sets the game machine 3 to the character participation terminal mode (for example, the mode flag in the storage unit 21). Set: Step 302). After that, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the character information is stored in the character buffer memory 24 (step 303).

【0083】

When the character information is not stored in the character buffer memory 24, the control unit 20 prompts the notification unit 27 to input the character information stored in the character recording medium 22 (step 304), and responds accordingly. Then, the player operates the operation unit 26 and the like, and stores the character information read from the character recording medium 22 via the recording medium access unit 23 in the character buffer memory 24 (step 305).

【0084】

If the character information is not stored in the character buffer memory 24, the character participation terminal mode may be canceled and the process shown in FIG. 8 may be terminated. Further, in the case of reading the character information from the character recording medium 22, if a plurality of character information is stored in the character recording medium 22, the selection may be permitted.

【0085】

When the character information is stored in the character buffer memory 24 from the beginning and when it is stored by the reading operation this time, the control unit 20 requests the notification unit 27 to pay the participation fee (step 306). In response to this, the entry fee paid by the player is accepted by the entry fee reception unit 28 (step 307).

【0086】

In step 306, the participation fee is also notified. If the entry fee is fixed, the amount will be notified. If the player decides the entry fee arbitrarily, he / she will be notified to that effect. If the entry fee is determined by the type of competitive game and the parameter value of the character, the amount of the entry fee is determined after receiving the type of competitive game to be executed by communication with the competitive game machine 2. To notify.

【0087】

As described above, the entry fee reception unit 28 can also use the coin reception unit in the normal game of the game machine 3. For example, when the game machine 3 plays a slot machine game, the upper limit of the number of coins per game is limited, but in the case of a participation fee, the participation fee reception unit (coin reception unit) 28 , Confirm that it is in the character participation terminal mode and accept more than the upper limit. In addition, in the game machine 3 or the like that plays a slot machine game, coins or the like are not paid out for each game result, but the information on the number of coins that can be paid out is retained, and the coin information required for the game is subtracted from the information. However, the participation fee may be accepted by using such a functional configuration.

【0088】

Although the processing is omitted in FIG. 8, if the participation fee exceeding the fixed amount is paid, the control unit 20 uses the prize money payout unit 29 to exceed the participation fee. Refund the amount. This refund may be not only a method of physically paying out coins or the like, but also an addition process to stock coin information.

【0089】

When the participation fee is received as described above, the control unit 20 transmits the participation application information including at least the character information to the competitive game machine 2 via the communication unit 30 (step 308). As mentioned above, the participation application information may include only the character information (including the terminal identification information as a matter of course), but it may also include the participation fee paid or the amount of the participation fee. good. Further, the character information to be transmitted may be only the attached item information as long as the character is an item-giving type.

【0090】

After the participation application information is transmitted, the control unit 20 waits for the communication unit 30 to give a notification of the reply from the competitive game machine 2 (step 309). Then, when the reply is received, it is determined whether the reply content allows or rejects the character participation (step 310).

【0091】

If the reply is a refusal to participate in the character, the control unit 20 refunds the participation fee using the prize money payout unit 29 (step 311). Further, the control unit 20 cancels the setting of the character participation terminal mode (step 312), in other words, returns to a state in which a normal game can be executed, and ends a series of processes shown in FIG.

【0092】

On the other hand, if the reply content is permissible for character participation, the control unit 20 waits for the communication unit 30 to notify that the winning result information of the competitive game has been received (step 313), and there is a notification. At that time, the content of the winning result information is determined (step 314).

【0093】

If the content of the winning result information indicates that the participating character has missed the winning, the control unit 20 cancels the setting of the character participating terminal mode (step 312), in other words, executes a normal game. After returning to the ready state, the series of processes shown in FIG. 8 is completed.

【0094】

When the content of the winning result information indicates a winning, the control unit 20 pays out the winning prize using the prize paying unit 29 (step 315), and then cancels the setting of the character participation terminal mode (step 312). In other words, it returns to the state where the normal game can be executed, and ends the series of processes shown in FIG.

【0095】

Here, if the prize money is determined to be a predetermined times the entry fee, the prize money information may not be included in the prize money information. If the prize money changes due to the total amount of bets, etc., it is necessary that the prize money information is included in the prize money information, and the prize money payout unit 29 pays out the prize money.

【0096】

If the change time of the competition screen of the competitive game is considerably long, the game machine 3 may be allowed to play the original game (for example, a slot machine game), although it is different from the above explanation. ..

【0097】

(A-2-3) Operation on the spectator terminal game machine 4 Next, the operation of the game system 1 as a terminal device in the spectator terminal game machine 4 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

【0098】

The control unit 40 of the spectator terminal game machine 4 receives a spectator terminal mode signal from the operation unit 42 indicating that the game machine 4 operates as a terminal device for a spectator who pays a stake in the game system 1 and predicts a competition result. When given, the process shown in FIG. 9 (programs and the like are stored in the storage unit 41) is started as an interrupt process.

【0099】

The player with respect to the game machine 4 intends to participate as a spectator when the display unit 12 and the sound generation unit 13 of the competitive game machine 2 notify that the spectator is to be recruited (see step 208 described above). If there is, the operation unit 42 is operated to operate the game machine 4 as an spectator terminal device of the game system 1.

【0100】

When the spectator terminal mode signal is given, the control unit 40 first determines whether or not the game machine 4 is in the game operation as a single game machine, and conversely, is it in the standby state for the game operation? Determine if not (step 400). Here, the term during game operation is the same as in the case of the character participation terminal gaming machine 3 described above.

【0101】

When the spectator terminal mode signal is given during the period during the game operation, the control unit 40 ignores the spectator terminal mode signal and notifies the player that the spectator terminal mode signal has been ignored by the notification unit 43 (step 401). , The process shown in FIG. 9 is immediately terminated.

【0102】

On the other hand, when the spectator terminal mode signal is given in the standby state of the game operation, the control unit 40 sets the game machine 4 to the spectator terminal mode (for example, the spectator terminal mode flag in the storage unit 41). Set: Step 402).

【0103】

After that, the control unit 40 requests the notification unit 43 to specify the expected competition result and pay the stake (step 403), and in response to this, the player inputs the expected competition result using the operation unit 42. And the bet paid to the bet reception unit 44 (step 404). It is possible to accept multiple pairs of such expected competition results and stakes.

【0104】

As described above, the stake reception unit 44 can also use the coin reception unit in the normal game of the game machine 4. In addition, in the game machine 4 or the like that plays a slot machine game, coins or the like are not paid out for each game result, but the information on the number of coins that can be paid out is retained, and the coin information required for the game is subtracted from the information. However, it is also possible to accept bets by using such a functional configuration. Designating (inputting) a pair of expected competition results and stakes is a method in which after paying the stake, some of them are allocated to one expected competition result and some others are allocated to other expected competition results. You may. That is, any method may be used to specify (input) the pair of the expected competition result and the stake.

【0105】

Upon receiving the designation of the pair of the expected competition result and the bet as described above, the control unit 40 receives the audience participation information (terminal) including at least the pair information of the expected competition result and the bet via the communication unit 46. The identification information is naturally included) is transmitted to the competitive game machine 2 (step 405).

【0106】

After transmitting the spectator participation information, the control unit 40 waits for the communication unit 46 to give a notification of the reply from the competitive game machine 2 (step 406). Then, upon receiving the reply, the control unit 40 determines whether the reply content allows or rejects the participation of the spectators (step 407).

【0107】

If the reply is a refusal to participate in the spectators (for example, if it includes an application that exceeds the deadline or an expected competition result that specifies a character who has not participated), the control unit 40 uses the dividend payout unit 45 to make a bet. Refund (step 408). Further, the control unit 40 cancels the setting of the spectator terminal mode (step 409), in other words, returns to a state in which a normal game can be executed, and ends a series of processes shown in FIG.

【0108】

On the other hand, if the reply content is permissible for spectator participation, the control unit 40 is given a notification from the communication unit 46 that the competition result information (which may include dividend information) of the competitive game has been received. (Step 410), and when notified, determine the content of the competition result information (Step 411).

【0109】

When the content of the competition result information indicates that all the expected results are out of order, the control unit 40 cancels the setting of the spectator terminal mode (step 409), returns to the state where the normal game can be executed, and returns to the state where the normal game can be executed. The series of processes shown in FIG. 9 is completed.

【0110】

When the content of the competition result information includes the dividend information, the control unit 40 pays out the dividend using the dividend payout unit 45 (step 412), and then cancels the setting of the spectator terminal mode (step 409). , Return to the state where the normal game can be executed, and end the series of processes shown in FIG.

【0111】

(A-3) Slot machine as a terminal game machine Next, a slot machine having a mechanical reel will be described as an example of a terminal game machine that can be a character participation terminal game machine 3 or a spectator terminal game machine 4 of the game system 1.

【0112】

In the following description, the mode that operates as a slot machine is called a normal operation mode, the mode that operates as a character participation terminal game machine 3 is called a character participation terminal mode, and the mode that operates as a spectator terminal game machine 4 is called an spectator terminal. Let's call it a mode. The character information is necessary for the competitive game of the competitive game machine 2, but the character training is performed in the normal operation mode.

【0113】

(A-3-1) Appearance configuration of slot machine FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the slot machine. First, the appearance configuration will be described with reference to FIG. 10.

【0114】

On the front of the slot machine main body 101, three display windows 102L, 102C, and 102R are provided side by side near the center and slightly above. Further, inside the slot machine main body 101 facing these display windows 102L, 102C, 102R, three reels 103L, 103C, 103R constituting the variable display device are rotatably provided. Multiple types of symbols (hereinafter referred to as symbols) are drawn along the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of each reel 103L, 103C, 103R, and one symbol can be visually recognized through the display windows 102L, 102C, 102R. It is done like this.

【0115】

In the example of the slot machine 101 in FIG. 10, since the number of symbols that can be observed through the display windows 102L, 102C, and 102R is one, one winning line 104 connects the centers of the display windows 102L, 102C, and 102R. However, in the slot machine where multiple symbols are visible for each display window 102L, 102C, 102R, multiple winning lines will be provided for each of the horizontal and diagonal directions. Become.

【0116】

A liquid crystal display 105 is provided below a group of display windows 102L, 102C, and 102R on the front surface of the slot machine main body 101.

【0117】

In the normal operation mode, the liquid crystal display 105 displays, for example, an image of a character or an item to be attached to the character at a predetermined hit, and also displays a hit type of item attachment. That is, by displaying the liquid crystal display 105, the player can confirm the current degree of character development and the next stage of development (by adding and attaching items). The hit means that the combination of the three symbols stopped on the winning line 104 is a predetermined combination.

【0118】

Further, in the character participation terminal mode and the spectator terminal mode, the liquid crystal display 105 displays a message prompting an operation, a menu screen for selecting an option, a result of a competitive game, a payout, and the like.

【0119】

On the right side surface of the slot machine main body 101, a start lever 106 for simultaneously rotating and starting all reels 103L to 103R is provided. When the start lever 106 is pulled toward you, the rotation of all reels 103L to 103R is started. The reels 103L, 103C, and 103R that have started to rotate are stopped in order after a predetermined time has elapsed, for example. For example, the reels 103L, 103C, and 103R are stopped in this order.

【0120】

In addition, the operation panel is located slightly below the center of the front of the slot machine body 101. On this operation panel, not only general components of slot machines such as C / P switch 107, 1BET switch 108, spin switch 109, maximum BET switch 110, coin entry 111, building entry 112, but also game machines The operation mode selector switch 115, the character participation terminal mode LED116, the spectator terminal mode LED117, the IC card attachment / detachment hole 118, the IC card eject button 118B, etc. are also arranged.

【0121】

C / P switch 107 is a changeover switch for credit and settlement. Further, the 1BET switch 108 and the maximum BET switch 110 are stake setting switches in each game. The spin switch 109 is a switch that rotates the reels 103L, 103C, and 103R in the same manner as the start lever 106. The coin entry 111 and the building entry 112 are for inserting coins and inserting banknotes, respectively.

【0122】

The game machine operation mode selector switch 115 is, for example, a push button, and each time it is pressed, the character participation terminal mode, the spectator terminal mode, and the normal operation mode are cyclically changed. The slot machine may automatically return from the character participation terminal mode or the spectator terminal mode to the normal operation mode (see FIGS. 8 and 9 described above).

【0123】

The character participation terminal mode LED 116 is lit when the operation mode is the character participation terminal mode, and similarly, the spectator terminal mode LED 117 is lit when the operation mode is the spectator terminal mode. Conversely, when both the character participation terminal mode LED 116 and the spectator terminal mode LED 117 are turned off, it means that the operation mode is the normal operation mode.

【0124】

The IC card attachment / detachment hole 118 is an entrance / exit for attaching / detaching an IC card. In this slot machine example, an IC card is applied as the character recording medium 22 (see FIG. 3). The IC card eject button 118B is a button that activates the ejection of the IC card loaded inside the slot machine. The IC card eject button 118B operates a mechanical ejection configuration and does not generate an electric signal.

【0125】

The switches such as the start lever 106, the 1BET switch 108, the spin switch 109, and the maximum BET switch 110 described above have the original functions (functions as a slot machine) described above, as well as the liquid crystal display in the character participation terminal mode and the audience terminal mode. It is also used as an operator for selecting options on the menu screen displayed on the display 105. For example, the start lever 106 is assigned the function of the execution selection key in a personal computer or the like, the 1BET switch 108 is assigned the function of the left movement key of the cursor in the personal computer or the like, and the spin switch 109 is assigned the function of the right movement key of the cursor in the personal computer or the like. A function may be assigned, and the function of the down movement key of the cursor in a personal computer or the like may be assigned to the maximum BET switch 110. Of course, a key dedicated to operation in the character participation terminal mode or the audience terminal mode may be provided.

【0126】

In addition, a payout port 113 is provided at the lower part of the front surface of the slot machine main body 101 so that coins and banknotes as rewards for hitting can be discharged into the saucer 114.

【0127】

In addition, in the lower part of the front of the slot machine main body 101, although not directly related to the slot machine game, a sticker discharge hole 119 that discharges a sticker on which a character image is printed by a printer 142 (see FIG. A print start switch 119S is also provided.

【0128】

(A-3-2) Internal function configuration of slot machine FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control device of a slot machine. The functional block configuration of the control device that electrically controls the slot machine will be described with reference to FIG. In addition to the control unit that controls the game processing operation, FIG. 11 also shows peripheral devices (actuators and the like) electrically connected to the control unit.

【0129】

The control device includes a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) 120 as a main component, and is configured by adding a circuit described later such as a circuit for random number sampling to this.

【0130】

The microcomputer 120 includes a CPU 121 that performs control operations according to a preset program, a ROM 122 that is a storage means, and a RAM (a concept that includes EEPROM and the like) 123. The area of the character buffer memory 24 described with reference to FIG. 3 is also formed in the RAM 123.

【0131】

The CPU 121 includes a clock pulse generation circuit 124 that generates a reference clock pulse, a frequency divider 125 that divides the reference clock pulse and generates an operating clock (not necessarily one type) of a predetermined frequency, and a fixed range. The random number generator 126 that generates the random numbers of the above and the random number sampling circuit 127 that extracts an arbitrary random number from the generated random numbers are connected.

【0132】

The main peripheral circuits and devices whose operation is controlled by the control signal from the microcomputer 120 include stepping motors 128L, 128C, 128R, coins and banknotes that rotate and drive the reels 103L, 103C, 103R (see Fig. 10), respectively. There are a hopper 133, a liquid crystal display 105, an LED (character participation terminal mode LED116 and an audience terminal mode LED117) 138, a speaker 140, a printer 142, and an IC card 144.

【0133】

These are driven by a motor drive circuit 129, a hopper drive circuit 132, a liquid crystal drive circuit 136, an LED drive circuit 137, a sound output circuit 139, a printer drive circuit 141, and an IC card access circuit 143, respectively. These drive circuits 129, 132, 136, 137, 139, 141, and 143 are connected to the CPU 121 via the I / O port of the microcomputer 120. The stepping motors 128L, 128C, and 128R each make one rotation when a drive signal of 400 pulses is supplied from the motor drive circuit 129, for example.

【0134】

Further, as the main input signal generating means for generating the input signal necessary for the microcomputer 120 to generate the control signal, the start switch 106S for detecting the operation of the start lever 106, the C / P switch 107, and the 1BET switch are used. 108, spin switch 109, maximum BET switch 110, coin sensor 111S, bill sensor 112S, game machine operation mode selector switch 115, print start switch 119S, and IC card sensor that detects the loading of IC card 144. There is 144S.

【0135】

In addition, the input signal generating means includes a reel position detection circuit 131 that detects the position of each reel 103L, 103C, 103R by receiving an output pulse signal from the photosensors 130L, 130C, 130R, and confirms the completion of payout of the reward. There is a payout completion signal circuit 134.

【0136】

When the reel position detection circuit 131 receives a reset pulse input each time one rotation of each reel 103L, 103C, 103R is detected by the photosensors 130L, 130C, 130R, the reel position detection circuit 131 notifies the CPU 121 of this. When such a reset pulse is input, the CPU 121 clears the numerical value corresponding to the rotation position within one rotation of each reel formed in the RAM 123, and the movement display of each symbol and the stepping motors 128L, 128C, 128R Eliminate the deviation that occurs between rotations for each rotation.

【0137】

The payout completion signal circuit 134 notifies the CPU 121 of the completion of payout when the number of coins to be paid out from the hopper 133 or the number of banknotes counted by the coin / bill detection unit 135 reaches a predetermined number of dividends.

【0138】

Further, a communication interface circuit 146 is provided for the microcomputer 120 to execute communication with the outside. Wired communication is assumed in this example. The communication interface circuit 146 accommodates a communication line (not shown), transmits a transmission signal from the microcomputer 120 to the outside to the communication line, receives a signal transmitted from the outside, and transmits the received signal to the microcomputer 120. To give to. As described above, the communication partner of the microcomputer 120 is the competitive game machine 2. If the game hall is provided with a management center that manages the status of coins and banknotes in each game machine by remote monitoring, such a management center also corresponds to the communication partner of the microcomputer 120.

【0139】

The above-mentioned management center may relay the communication between the slot machine and the competitive game machine 2.

【0140】

(A-3-3) Game operation on slot machines Next, the game operation in the normal operation mode, which is mainly performed by the microcomputer 120, will be described. The processing required for the game operation is executed based on the program stored in the ROM 122.

【0141】

This slot machine has a great feature in the movement related to the character training surface during the game operation. First, if the operation of the character training side is excluded, the slot machine is generally described as follows. Perform a typical operation.

【0142】

When the power is turned on, the microcomputer 120 becomes controllable, and initial setting processing such as initial values used for rotation control of reels 103L, 103C, 103R and RAM123 area is performed.

【0143】

After that, the microcomputer 120 is in a state of waiting for coins and bills to be inserted into the coin entry 111 and the building entry 112, and when the insertion is confirmed, the authenticity is confirmed. After that, check the stake setting and wait for the start lever 106 or the spin switch 109 to be operated.

【0144】

When the start switch 106S detects the operation of the start lever 106 or the spin switch 109 is operated, the microcomputer 120 issues an instruction to the motor drive circuit 129 and starts the rotation of all the reels 103L, 103C and 103R all at once. Let me. At this time, the microcomputer 120 takes in the random numbers generated by the random number generator 126 and sampled by the random number sampling circuit 127, collates them with the winning determination data stored in the ROM 122, and collates the winning mode (including the loss) of the game. To determine.

【0145】

The microcomputer 120, as will become a combination of symbols corresponding to the determined winning reels 103L, 103C, issues an instruction to stop the 103R to the motor drive circuit 129, these Lee stop Le 103L, 103C, the rotation of the 103R sequentially Let me. If the determined winning mode is not a hit, the microcomputer 120 is in a state of waiting for the start of a new game.

【0146】

On the other hand, when the determined winning mode is successful, the microcomputer 120 drives the hopper drive circuit 132 to pay out coins or banknotes, and at this time, waits for the completion signal from the payout completion signal circuit 134, and waits for the completion signal. With the arrival of the signal, we are waiting for the start of a new game.

【0147】

Hereinafter, the operations related to the character development aspect, which are executed in combination with such general operations, will be described with reference to FIG. Note that FIG. 12 mainly shows the movements of the character development surface, and some of the above-mentioned general movements are omitted from FIG.

【0148】

When the microcomputer 120 enters a new game process, it determines whether or not the item display data has been updated (step 500). The item display data is updated by the process shown in FIG. 15, which will be described later.

【0149】

When the item display data is updated, the microcomputer 120 changes the display of the item image to be additionally mounted displayed on the liquid crystal display 105 to the item image related to the updated item display data (step). 501).

【0150】

FIG. 13A is an explanatory diagram of the display contents on the liquid crystal display 105. On the liquid crystal display 105, the character image at that time (Fig. 13 (A) shows the state where no item is installed), the image ITM of the item to be additionally installed, and the item. Information WIN etc. that specifies the type of hit (role) that can be attached is displayed. When the display item is updated, the image ITM of the item and the information WIN that specifies the type of hit that the item can be attached to are updated.

【0151】

If the character image CHA does not move, the display may be too rigid and the player's interest may be diminished. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 14 (A) to 14 (F), the character image CHA is moved. It is preferable to display with.

【0152】

The microcomputer 120 rotates the reels 103L, 103C, and 103R, and when they are stopped in sequence, determines whether something has hit (step 502). And if it doesn't hit, the game ends this time.

【0153】

If it hits, the microcomputer 120 pays out coins or banknotes according to the winning mode (step 503).

【0154】

After that, the microcomputer 120 determines whether or not the winning mode (combination of the stop symbols of each reel 103L, 103C, 103R) is the winning mode in which the item can be mounted (step 504). If the winning mode is such that the item cannot be attached, the microcomputer 120 ends this game.

【0155】

On the other hand, if it is a winning mode in which the item can be attached, is the item already attached to the part of the character to which the item to be additionally attached is to be attached, which has been displayed on the liquid crystal display 105. Determine if not (step 505). If the item is already installed, the microcomputer 120 displays a message on the liquid crystal display 105 asking whether to replace the installed item with the displayed item, and the content operated by the player accordingly. Is determined (step 506). In addition, in the display message asking whether to replace the attached item with the displayed one, for example, if "YES", which switch should be operated, and if "NO", which switch should be operated. Includes operation guidance for the content.

【0156】

When the item is not attached to the part of the character to which the item to be additionally attached is to be attached, or when the replacement of the item is instructed, the microcomputer 120 displays the character image displayed on the liquid crystal display 105 this time. The item related to the hit is attached and displayed (step 508), and the character information of the character buffer memory (see reference numeral 23 in FIG. 3) in the RAM 123 is also updated (step 509), and the game ends this time.

【0157】

If the item is already attached to the part of the character to which the item to be additionally attached is to be attached and the player is denied the replacement of the item, the microcomputer 120 immediately ends the current game.

【0158】

FIG. 13 (B) shows a display screen in which an item is attached to a winning mode in which the item can be attached in the game played in the state shown in FIG. 13 (A). When the process of step 507 is completed, the item to be added disappears as shown in FIG. 13 (B). After that, when the process proceeds to step 500, the display screen as shown in FIG. 13 (A) is restored.

【0159】

In this example slot machine, as shown in steps 500 and 501 of FIG. 12, the items displayed on the liquid crystal display 105 are appropriately updated in order to be additionally installed so as to appeal to the player. .. Then, the process of determining which item to update the display item to is performed by the process shown in FIG. 15 which is different from the process of FIG. 12 described above. The display item switching itself is performed in step 501 of FIG. 12 described above.

【0160】

Based on the timekeeping of the built-in timer, the microcomputer 120 determines that a predetermined time has elapsed since the end of the previous process shown in FIG. 15 and that the item can be attached in step 504 of FIG. When the process shown in FIG. 12 for the played game is completed, the process shown in FIG. 15 is started.

【0161】

First, the microcomputer 120 determines that the reason for starting FIG. 15 is that a predetermined time has passed since the end of the process shown in FIG. 15 last time, or that the item can be attached in step 504 of FIG. It is determined whether the process shown in FIG. 12 for the played game is completed (including the case where the item is not attached) (step 600).

【0162】

When the process of FIG. 14 is started after a lapse of a predetermined time, the microcomputer 120 obtains a random number value for instructing or denying the update of the item from the random number sampling circuit 127 (step 601), and that value is the item. It is determined whether or not the value indicates an update (step 602). Then, if the extracted random number value is a value that denies the update of the item, the microcomputer 120 immediately ends the process shown in FIG.

【0163】

On the other hand, the reason why FIG. 15 is started is that the process shown in FIG. 12 is completed for the game determined to be the winning mode in which the item can be attached in step 504 of FIG. When the random number value to be instructed or denied is the value instructing the update of the item, the microcomputer 120 obtains the random number value defining the item type from the random number sampling circuit 127 (step 603), and the value is now. Determine if you are pointing to the same item type as above (step 604). If the random value indicates the same item type as before, the microcomputer 120 returns to step 603 and re-executes the lottery of the random value indicating the item type.

【0164】

As described above, when an item (type) to be displayed instead of the item displayed so far is obtained, the microcomputer 120 stores the data as item display data in RAM123 (step 605), and then, after that, The process shown in FIG. 15 is terminated.

【0165】

The item display data stored in this way is subjected to the determination in step 500 of FIG. 12 described above, and the displayed item is appropriately changed.

【0166】

In the above description, the winning mode for mounting the item is different for each item type, but the winning mode for mounting the item may be fixed regardless of the item type. Further, after determining the item type to be displayed (including the update display), the winning mode as the wearing condition may be determined by a random number lottery.

【0167】

The game operation as a slot machine and the character training operation related to the game operation have been described above.

【0168】

The slot machine of this example also operates as the character participation terminal game machine 3 of FIG. 1, and also operates as the spectator terminal game machine 4 of FIG. However, in the operation explanation with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 described above, although the member names and the like are different, the operation as the character participation terminal game machine 3 performed by the slot machine and the operation as the spectator terminal game machine 4 performed by the slot machine. Since the operation can be understood, the description thereof will be omitted.

【0169】

Further, since the operation of printing the character at that time is the same operation as other devices having a printing function except that the printed content is a character image, detailed description of the operation will be omitted.

【0170】

Similarly, the operation of reading the character information from the IC card 144 and the operation of recording the character information on the IC card 144 are, except that the operation unit uses the existing switch of the slot machine (of course, the operation). Since it is the same as the operation of other devices using an IC card as an external recording medium, a detailed description of the operation will be omitted.

【0171】

(A-4) Effect of the first embodiment According to the first embodiment, the terminal game machines 3 and 4 can play the original game of the game machine, and can also operate the game machine as a terminal device of the game system, and the player can play the game. You can stay in the place of the machine and participate in other games, and you can spend more time in the position of the game machine.

【0172】

Further, even if the players of the terminal game machines 3 and 4 get tired of the original game of the game machine, they can participate in the game played by the competitive game machine 2 as an indirect player or a spectator. It is possible to provide a game machine that can refresh the mood and reduce or eliminate boredom. As a result, it is expected that game opportunities will increase even for players who are particular about winning and losing.

【0173】

Further, since the character participation terminal game machine 3 trains the character according to the original game winning mode of the game machine, the player is also interested in the training of the character, and it can be expected that the game opportunity will increase. ..

【0174】

Furthermore, the character participation terminal game machine 3 has a function of reading character information from the character recording medium and a recording function, and can store the trained character information in the character recording medium. That is, when moving away from the game machine that has been enjoying the game until now, the game machine can record the character information on the character recording medium and carry it, and the training of the character up to now is not wasted.

【0175】

Further, since the character recording medium is common to the plurality of types of character participation terminal game machines 3, the player can continue to train the character even if he / she moves to another game machine, and the interest of the character training is played. Even if the machine changes, the player can hold it.

【0176】

Furthermore, in the character training state, the winning probability in the competitive game in which the character participates changes, so that the player is also interested in character training and increases the game opportunities on the character participating terminal game machine. Can be expected.

【0177】

Furthermore, depending on the type of competitive game played by the competitive game machine, the winning probability changes even for the same character, so the player can select a competitive game in which the character participates, considering the items given to the character. In this respect as well, the player is interested in character development and can expect an increase in game opportunities with the character participating terminal game machine. Naturally, we can expect an increase in gaming opportunities with competitive gaming machines.

【0178】

In addition, since the character image can be printed on the character participation terminal game machine, for example, even if the player leaves the playground, the degree of development of the character that he / she has grown can be confirmed as needed. ..

【0179】

(B) Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the game machine, the recording medium for the game machine, and the game system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

【0180】

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the game system 1A of the second embodiment, and is the same as the drawing according to the first embodiment described above, and the corresponding parts are the same and have corresponding reference numerals. It is shown.

【0181】

As shown in FIG. 16, the gaming system 1A of the second embodiment includes a competitive gaming machine 2 and a plurality of terminal devices 3A-1 to 3A-m, 4A- connected via a wired or wireless network 5. It has 1 ~ 4A-n. It should be noted that a plurality of terminal devices 3A-1 to 3A-m and 4A-1 to 4A-n may be directly connected to the competitive game machine 2 in a star shape.

【0182】

Here, the competitive game machine 2 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and is the execution subject of the competitive game.

【0183】

The terminal devices 3A-1 to 3A-m and 4A-1 to 4A-n each have a function as a terminal device in the game system 1A, which is a network system. Terminal devices 3A-1 to 3A-m and 4A-1 to 4A-n can be divided into two types.

【0184】

The first type of terminal device (hereinafter referred to as the character participation terminal device) 3A-1 to 3A-m allows the character to participate in the competitive game executed by the competitive game machine 2 by paying a participation fee, and the result of the competition. The prize money will be obtained as appropriate. The second type of terminal equipment (hereinafter referred to as spectator terminal equipment) 4A-1 to 4A-n participates in the competitive game executed by the competitive game machine 2 as a spectator who pays a bet and predicts the competition result. However, when the competition result matches the forecast, the dividend is paid.

【0185】

The character participation terminal devices 3A-1 to 3A-m correspond to the character participation terminal game machines 3-1 to 3-m of the first embodiment, but the character participation terminal game machines 3-1 to 3-m. Unlike m, it does not have a function as a game machine, nor does it have a character training function. Although the detailed internal configuration of the character participation terminal devices 3A-1 to 3A-m is omitted, the character training unit 25 and the printing unit 31 are excluded from the internal configuration of the character participation terminal game machine 3 shown in FIG. It is a thing.

【0186】

The processing of the character participating terminal devices 3A-1 to 3A-m is almost the same as the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 according to the first embodiment.

【0187】

The character information that the character participation terminal devices 3A-1 to 3A-m participate in the competitive game executed by the competitive game machine 2 is taken in from the loaded character recording media 22-1 to 22-m. The character recording medium 22-1 to 22-m itself is the same as that of the first embodiment. The character training game machines 3B-1 to 3B-p record the character information on the character recording media 22-1 to 22-m.

【0188】

The character training game machines 3B-1 to 3B-p also correspond to the character participation terminal game machines 3-1 to 3-m of the first embodiment, but the character participation terminal game machines 3-1 to 3- Unlike m, it does not have a function as a terminal device for the game system 1A. That is, the character training game machines 3B-1 to 3B-p have a general game function as a game machine, and also have a character training function according to the winning mode of the game game. Although the detailed internal configuration of the character training game machines 3B-1 to 3B-p is omitted, the participation fee reception unit 28, the prize money payment unit 29, and the communication from the internal configuration of the character participation terminal game machine 3 shown in FIG. This excludes part 30 and the like.

【0189】

The processing related to character training of the character training game machines 3B-1 to 3B-p is almost the same as the processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 12 and 15 according to the first embodiment.

【0190】

It should be noted that each character training game machine 3B-1, ..., 3B-p may have different game types when viewed from the function as a single game machine.

【0191】

The spectator terminal devices 4A-1 to 4A-n correspond to the spectator terminal game machines 4-1 to 4-n of the first embodiment, but what are the spectator terminal game machines 4-1 to 4-n? Unlike, it does not have a function as a game machine. The spectator terminal devices 4A-1 to 4A-n have the same configuration as the internal configuration of the spectator terminal game machine 4 shown in FIG. 4, although the detailed internal configuration is not shown (FIG. 4 omits the game machine configuration). It is the same because it is done).

【0192】

The processing of the audience terminal devices 4A-1 to 4A-n is the same as the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9 according to the first embodiment.

【0193】

Since the overall operation of the game system 1A of the second embodiment can be understood from the operation of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

【0194】

According to the second embodiment, the character training game machine 3B trains the character according to the winning mode of the original game of the game machine, so that the player is also interested in the training of the character and has a game opportunity. It can be expected to increase.

【0195】

Furthermore, the character training game machine 3B has a function of reading character information from the character recording medium and a recording function, and can store the trained character information in the character recording medium. That is, when moving away from the game machine that has been enjoying the game until now, the game machine can record the character information on the character recording medium and carry it, and the training of the character up to now is not wasted.

【0196】

Further, since the character recording medium is common to a plurality of types of character training game machines 3B and character participation terminal devices 3A, the player can continuously train characters even if he / she moves to another game machine, and the characters can be trained. Even if the game machine changes, the interest of the training can be retained by the player, and the trained character can participate in the competitive game of the competitive game machine 2.

【0197】

Furthermore, since the winning probability in the competitive game in which the character participates changes in the character training state, the player becomes interested in character training and the game opportunity in the character training game machine increases. You can expect it.

【0198】

Furthermore, depending on the type of competitive game played by the competitive game machine, the winning probability changes even for the same character, so the player can select a competitive game in which the character participates, considering the items given to the character. In this respect as well, the player is interested in character training and can expect an increase in game opportunities with the character training game machine. Naturally, we can expect an increase in gaming opportunities with competitive gaming machines.

【0199】

Further, since the character image can be printed on the character training game machine, for example, even if the player leaves the game field, the degree of training of the character that he / she has grown can be confirmed as needed.

【0200】

(C) Other embodiments In the description of each of the above embodiments, various modified embodiments have been mentioned, and further, modified embodiments as illustrated below can be mentioned.

【0201】

In each of the above embodiments, the character recording medium is shown to record only character information, but in addition to this, other information such as monetary information may be recorded.

【0202】

In each of the above embodiments, the character participation terminal game machine 3 and the character training game machine 3B do not have a character recording medium issuing function, but may also have a character recording medium issuing function. ..

【0203】

In each of the above embodiments, although the breeding of the character is the additional attachment of the item, it may be the growth from a baby such as an animal. As an item in this case, for example, food can be mentioned, and the degree of breeding of the character can be represented by, for example, the total of the parameter values of the types of food that have been eaten.

【0204】

In each of the above embodiments, the item for growing the character is automatically determined by the character participating terminal game machine or the character training game machine, but the player may be able to select the item.

【0205】

In each of the above embodiments, one competitive gaming machine is shown on the network, but a plurality of competitive gaming machines may exist on the network.

【0206】

As described above, the game type of the terminal game machine is not limited. In the above, the slot machine has been described as an example of a terminal game machine. In the case of the slot machine described above, the part displaying the slot machine game and the part displaying the characters and items were configured differently, but depending on the game machine, the game content and the characters and items May be displayed on the same display screen. The game screen and the display screen such as a character may be displayed by a multi-window.

【0207】

FIG. 17 is an example of a poker game machine in which the game content and the item are displayed on the same display screen.

【0208】

In each of the above embodiments, the game in which the character participates is a competitive game in which the ranking is determined, but the character may participate in other games. For example, it may be a game (for example, wrestling or sumo) in which a character automatically determined by a game machine and a character in which a player participates are played against each other.

【0209】

In each of the above embodiments, the printing unit prints the character image, but other information may also be printed. For example, the result of the game in which the character participates, the prize amount, or the like may be printed. The print medium may be in any form such as a card shape or a label shape.

【0210】

[Effect of the invention]

As described above, according to the game machine, the recording medium for the game machine, and the game system of the present invention, it is expected that the player will have more opportunities to play the game, and the player will feel less bored with the game. It can be renewed.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

[Figure 1]

It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the game system 1 of 1st Embodiment.

[Figure 2]

It is a functional block diagram which shows the conceptual internal structure of the competitive game machine 2 of 1st Embodiment.

[Fig. 3]

It is a functional block diagram which shows the conceptual internal structure of the character participation terminal game machine 3 of 1st Embodiment.

[Fig. 4]

It is a functional block diagram which shows the conceptual internal structure of the spectator terminal game machine 4 of 1st Embodiment.

[Fig. 5]

It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the competitive game machine 2 of 1st Embodiment.

[Fig. 6]

It is explanatory drawing which shows the demo screen which also serves as the explanation of the example of the competitive game and a character of 1st Embodiment.

[Fig. 7]

It is explanatory drawing of the example of the item attached to the character of 1st Embodiment.

[Fig. 8]

It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the character participation terminal game machine 3 of 1st Embodiment.

[Fig. 9]

It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the spectator terminal game machine 4 of 1st Embodiment.

[Fig. 10]

It is a perspective view which shows the appearance of the slot machine as an example of the terminal game machine of 1st Embodiment.

[Fig. 11]

It is a block diagram which shows the control device configuration of the slot machine of FIG.

[Fig. 12]

It is a flowchart which shows the character training process in the slot machine of FIG.

[Fig. 13]

It is explanatory drawing which shows the display screen of the item to be added to the character in the slot machine of FIG.

[Fig. 14]

It is explanatory drawing which shows the motion image of the display character in the slot machine of FIG.

[Fig. 15]

It is a flowchart which shows the determination process of the item to be additionally attached to the character in the slot machine of FIG.

[Fig. 16]

It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the game system 1A of the 2nd Embodiment.

[Fig. 17]

It is explanatory drawing which shows the display example of the item in a poker game machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 1A ... Game system 2 ... Competitive game machine 10 ... control unit, 11 ... storage unit, 12 ... display unit, 13 ... sound generator, 14 ... random number generator, 15 ... communication unit 3, 3-1 ~ 3-m ... Character participation terminal Game machine 20 ... Control unit, 21 ... Storage unit, 22 ... Character recording medium, 23 ... Recording medium access unit, 24 ... Character buffer memory, 25 ... Character training unit, 26 .. .Operation department, 27 ... Display department, 28 ... Participation fee reception department, 29 ... Prize payout department, 30 ... Communication department 3A-1 ~ 3A-m ... Character participation terminal device 3B-1 ~ 3B-p ... Character training game machine 4, 4-1 ~ 4-n ... Audience terminal game machine 40 ... Control unit, 41 ... Storage unit, 42 ... Operation unit, 43 ... Display unit, 44 ... Bet reception unit, 45 ... Dividend payout unit, 46 ... Communication Department 4A-1 ~ 4A-n ... Audience terminal device 5 ... network 22-1 ~ 22-m ... Character recording medium