Game system, server, gaming machine   

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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

1. Field

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

2. Description of Related Art

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

SUMMARY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

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

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

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

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

In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, in the server 91, if it is determined an execution of a bonus game will be instructed (S3: YES), a bonus game execution instruction information will be sent to each connected slot machine 1 (S4). Also, if it is determined that game result information is received from all of the slot machines 1 (S5: YES), a slot machine to which the bonus is provided is determined (S6). And, winning information is sent to the determined slot machine 1 (S7). After that, jackpot amount is initialized (S8).

A schematic structure of a game system 100 according to the embodiment will be explained in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a schematic structure view of the game system 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the game system 100 according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the game system 100 according to the embodiment includes plural slot machines 1, a server 91 and a large-size display 95. The plural slot machines 1, a server 91 and a large-size display 95 are arranged in the game hall. Each of the slot machines 1 is connected to the server 91 via the network 400 so as to be capable of communicating with each other. Also a large-size display 95 is connected to the server 91. Here, different types of slot machines 1 (namely slot machines with different reels, winning combinations, winning probability and the like) can be connected to the server 91.

As shown in FIG. 3, the large-size display 95 is provided above the plural slot machines 1. The large-size display 95 is a well-known large-size liquid crystal display, and displays a variety of gaming information in the game system 100 (for example, rules of the game, game result of each slot machine 1 and the like).

Next, the slot machine 1 which constructs the game system 100 according to the embodiment will be explained in detail with reference with the drawing. FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 1 according to the embodiment.

The slot machine 1 according to the embodiment is an upright type slot machine which is provided in the game hall such as the casino. The slot machine 1 includes a cabinet 2, a main door 3, and a topper effect device 4. The main door 3 is arranged in front of the cabinet 2. The topper effect 4 is arranged above the cabinet 2.

The cabinet 2 is a housing portion which houses the electric or the mechanic components for executing the predetermined gaming modes in the slot machine 1.

The slot machine 1 includes an upper display 10A, a main display 10B and a lower back panel 10C at the front side of the cabinet 2 to display various gaming information. The upper display 10A is arranged on the upper column of the cabinet 2, the main display 10B is arranged on the middle column of the cabinet 2 and the lower back panel 10C is arranged on the lower column of the cabinet 2.

The upper display 10A is constructed from the liquid crystal panel. The effect images, the payout table in the game, the game rules and the like are displayed on the upper display 10A.

The main display 10B is constructed from the liquid crystal panel. Plural reel display portions, for example, are displayed on the main display 10B. The variably display and the stopped display of the symbol rows are displayed on each of the reel display portions. For example, three symbols are displayed on the reel display portion. In other words, symbols are displayed in a 3×5 matrix shape on the main display 10B. The number of the reels and the number of the display symbols on each reel display portion are variable.

A touch panel 18 is arranged on the front side of the liquid crystal panel on the main display 10B. A player can input various instructions by operating the touch panel 18. Also a payout number display portion 19 and a credit number display portion 20 are provided on the main display 10B. The display position of the payout number display portion 19 and the credit number display portion 20 are arbitrary. For example, the payout number display portion 19 and the credit number display portion 20 may be arranged on the right lower portion of the main display 10B. Also a bet number display portion which displays the bet number may also be provided. The payout number provided to the player may be displayed on the payout number display portion 19. And the credit number which is presently owned by the player is displayed on the credit number display portion 20.

The upper display 10A and the main display 10B, for example, are constructed from the liquid crystal panel as described above, however, one or more aspects of the invention are not limited to the liquid crystal panel. In other words, either display portion may also be the CRT display, the plasma display, the LED display, and the other well-known display device.

The lower back panel 10C is arranged on the lower column of the cabinet 2, and is constructed from a plastic panel. The drawings of the characters relating to the gaming machine, the name of the gaming machine and the like are displayed on the lower back panel 10C, and are lighted by the back lights. The lower back panel 10C may also be the liquid crystal panel, the CRT display, the plasma display, the LED display, and the other well-known display device.

Further, the main display 10B may also be configured as a hybrid type which is constructed from a mechanical reel and a transparent liquid crystal display device arranged in front of the mechanical reel. As a result, the symbols displayed on the mechanical reel may be visible via the transparent liquid crystal display device. Display windows which equals to the number of the mechanical reel are arranged on the transparent liquid crystal display device, so that the symbols displayed on the mechanical reel may be visible via the display windows. The slot machine using video reels will be mainly described in the below description, however, the disclosure may also be applied to the slot machines using the mechanical reels as much as possible. When mechanical reels are used, the rotation or the stop of the mechanical reels is controlled by a motor which is not shown.

Also, an operation table 25 is arranged in front of the cabinet 2. The operation table 25 is arranged to extend forward between the main display 10B and the lower back panel 10C. Plural types of operation button 26 are provided on the operation table 25. The operation buttons 26 include a BET button, a collect button, a start button, a CASHOUT button and the like. A coin insertion slot 27 and a bill insertion slot 28 are arranged on the operation table 25. The coin insertion slot 27 receives coins which are the gaming media to the cabinet 2. And, the bill insertion slot 28 is used to receive the bills to the cabinet 2.

Here, coins, bills or electronic value (credits) which are equivalent to coins or bills are used as the gaming media in the game system 100 (including the slot machine 1) according to the embodiment. However, the gaming media applicable in one or more aspects of the invention are not limited to coins, bills or electronic value. For example, the gaming media may also be medals, tokens, electric moneys, and tickets.

A coin tray 29 is provided at the bottom most of the cabinet 2. The coin tray 29 is used to receive the coins paid out by a hopper 64. A light emitting portion 30 is provided around the cabinet 2 of the slot machine 1. The light emitting portion 30 is lighted up in a predetermined lighting mode when the player wins the game or during the event game. Further, a speaker 31 is provided on the side surface of the cabinet 2. The speaker 31 outputs sound in accordance with the progressing of the game.

The topper effect device 4 has a rectangular board shape, and is arranged almost parallel to the upper display 10A.

Next, the internal constitution of the game system 100 according to the embodiment will be explained in detail with reference to the drawing. FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing the internal constitution of the game system 100. As shown in FIG. 5, the game system 100 includes the server 91. The server 91 controls the entirety of the game system 100.

The server 91 is constructed from a server CPU 92, a server ROM 93, and a server RAM 94. The server ROM 93 stores necessary control programs for controlling the entirety of the game system 100 and the data tables. For example, the program for the server base process to be described later is stored. The server CPU 92 executes the various control programs stored in the server ROM 93.

The server RAM 94 temporarily stores the calculation results and the like when the various control programs are executed by the server CPU 92. A first table and a second table are stored in the server RAM 94. A game counter table and difference value table which will be described later are stored in the server RAM 94. Also, a game result table which will be described later is stored in the server RAM 94. A jackpot amount area is provided in the server RAM 94.

Plural slot machines 1 are connected to the server 91. The server 91 sends and receives various data with the plural slot machines 1.

The large-size display 95 is connected to the server 91. The display content of the large-size display 95 is controlled by the server 91.

A timer 97 is connected to the server 91. The server 91 obtains the current time data by referring to the timer 97.

Next, the internal constitution of the slot machine 1 according to the embodiment will be explained in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are block diagrams showing the internal constitution of the slot machine 1.

As shown in FIG. 6, the slot machine 1 includes plural constitution elements around the main control board 71.

A controller 41 includes a main CPU 42, a ROM 43, a RAM 44. The main CPU 42 inputs or outputs signals with other constitution elements via I/O port 49, and executes the programs stored in the ROM 43. The main CPU 42 serves as a control center of the slot machine 1. The RAM 44 stores temporarily the data and the programs when the main CPU 42 runs. For example, the RAM 44 temporarily stores the random number value sampled by a sampling circuit 46 to be described later. And the identification number of the slot machine 1 is stored in the ROM 43 or the RAM 44. The ROM 43 stores the programs executed by the main CPU 42 and the permanent data.

The main control board 71 includes a random number generation circuit 45, a sampling circuit 46, a clock pulse generation circuit 47 and a frequency divider 48.

The random number generation circuit 45 operates based on the instruction of the main CPU 42, and generates a predetermined range of random numbers. The sampling circuit 46 extracts an arbitrary random number from the random numbers generated by the random number generation circuit 45 based on the instruction of the main CPU 42. The sampling circuit 46 input the extracted random number to the main CPU 42. The clock pulse generation circuit 47 generates a basic clock to run the main CPU 42. The frequency divider 48 divides the basic clock in a predetermined frequency, and inputs the divided signals to the main CPU 42.

The touch panel 18 is connected to the main control board 71. The touch panel 18 may specify the coordinate position of the part to which the player touches. The touch panel 18 may determine the portion to which the player touches based on the specified coordinate position information, and determines the direction to which the touched place moves. The touch panel 18 inputs the signal corresponding to the determination result via the I/O port 49 to the main CPU 42.

The operation button 26 is connected to the main control board 71. As described above, the operation button 26 includes the start button, the collect button, the BET button and the like to instruct the execution of the game. When each button included in the operation buttons 26 is pressed, the operation signal is input to the main CPU 42 via the I/O port 49.

A communication interface 68 is connected to the main control board 71. The communication interface 68 is used to receive or send various data with the server 91.

The main control board 71 also includes an illumination effect driving circuit 61, a hopper driving circuit 63, a payout completion signal circuit 65 and a display portion driving circuit 67.

The illumination effect driving circuit 61 outputs effect signals to the above-mentioned light emitting portion 30 and the topper effect device 4. And the topper effect device 4 is serially connected to the illumination effect driving circuit 61 through light emitting portions 30. When the effect signal is input, the light emitting portions 30 and the topper effect device 4 emit light in a predetermined light emitting mode. As a result, the slot machine 1 executes light emitting effect in accordance with the progressing of the game.

The hopper driving circuit 63 drives the hopper 64 based on the control of the main CPU 42. The hopper 64 executes the payout of coins, and thereby, coins are paid out to the coin tray 29. The display portion driving circuit 67 executes the display control of various display portions such as the payout number display portion 19, the credit number display portion 20, and the like.

A coin detecting portion 66 is connected to the payout completion signal circuit 65. The coin detecting portion 66 calculates the number of the coins paid out by the hopper 64. The coin detecting portion 66 inputs the data of the number of coins which is calculated to the payout completion signal circuit 65. The payout completion signal circuit 65 determines whether or not the predetermined number of coins is paid out based on the data of the number of coins input by the coin detecting portion 66. When the coins with a predetermined number are all paid out, the signal indicating the completion of the coins is input to the main CPU 42 by the payout completion signal circuit 65.

A sub-control board 72 is connected to the main control board 71. The sub-control board 72 is formed on a circuit board different from that of the main control board 71. The display control of the upper display 10A, the main display 10B and the output control of sound by the speaker 31 are executed by the sub-control board 72, based on the commands input from the main control board 71.

As shown in FIG. 7, the sub-control board 72 includes a microcomputer 73 (abbreviated as “sub-microcomputer” hereinafter) as a main constitution element. The sub-microcomputer 73 includes a sub-CPU 74, a program ROM 75, a work RAM 76, an IN port 77 and an OUT port 80. The sub-CPU 74 executes the control operations based on the control orders (commands) sent from the main control board 71. The program ROM 75 stores the control programs executed by the sub-CPU 74. The work RAM 76 is configured as a temporary storing device when the above control programs are executed by the sub-CPU 74.

The sub-control board 72 executes the random number sampling on the running program of the sub-CPU 74. As a result, the sub-control board 72 may execute the same processes as the processes executed by the clock pulse generation circuit 47, the frequency divider 48, the random number generation circuit 45, and the sampling circuit 46 in the main control board 71.

The sub-control board 72 includes a sound source IC 78, a power amplifier 79 and an image control circuit 81. The sound source IC 78 controls the sound output from the speaker 31. The power amplifier 79 is used as an amplifier for the output of the sound. And the image control circuit 81 is running as the display control device of the upper display 10A and the main display 10B.

The image control circuit 81 includes an image control CPU 82, an image control work RAM 83, an image control program ROM 84, an image ROM 86, a video RAM 87 and an image control IC 88. The image control CPU 82 determines the images displayed on the upper display 10A and the main display 10B based on the parameters set by the sub-microcomputer 73 and the image control programs.

The image control programs regarding to the display of the upper display 10A and the main display 10B and a variety of the selection tables are stored in the image control program ROM 84. The image control work RAM 83 serves as a temporary storing device when the image control programs are executed by the image control CPU 82. IN port 85 is connected to the OUT port 80. Images corresponding to the content determined by the image control CPU 82 are formed by the image control IC 88, and are output to the upper display 10A and the main display 10B. The dot data used to form images are stored in the image ROM 86. The video RAM 87 serves as a temporary storing device when the images are formed by the image control IC 88.

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

As shown in FIG. 8, the symbols used in the embodiment include KING symbol 51A, QUEEN symbol 51B, JACK symbol 51C, ACE symbol 51D, TEN symbol 51E, BELL symbol 51F, THUNDER symbol 51G, and STAR symbol 51H.

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

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

Here, different types of plural slot machines 1 can be connected to the server 91 of the embodiment.

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

Next, a server base process executed in the server 91 is described. FIG. 1 is a flowchart of the server base process. The programs to execute the server base process are stored in the server ROM 93 of the server 91, and are executed by the server CPU 92.

At S1, it is determined whether the start information is received from any of the slot machines 1. The start information includes identification number (ID) and bet amount of source slot machine (namely, the slot machine which sent the start information).

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

At S2, a portion of the bet amount included in the received start information is accumulated. Herewith, the jackpot amount is increased every an execution of the unit game (which will be described later) in any of the slot machines 1.

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

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

At S4, the bonus game execution instruction information, which instructs an execution of the bonus game, is sent to each slot machine 1. The bonus game instruction information includes “executable number of the bonus games”. Also, the executable number of the bonus games can be set arbitrarily.

At S5, game result information is received form all of the slot machine 1. The game result information includes the ID and point (which will be described later) of the source slot machine. Also, if the game result information is received from any of the slot machines 1, a game result table is updated. Details of the game table will be described later.

If it is determined that the game result information is not received from all of the slot machine 1, that is, if it is determined that the game result information is not received from at least one of the slot machine 1 (S5: NO), the procedure will be returned to S5. That is, the procedure waits at S5 until the game result information is received from all of the slot machines 1.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the game result information if received from all of the slot machines 1 (S5: YES), the procedure will be shifted to S6.

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

Hereinafter, a method of determination of the slot machine to which the bonus is provided will be described. The slot machine to which the bonus is provided is determined based on the game result table. FIG. 10 shows an example of the game result table. FIG. 11 shows that a slot machine having ID “0001”, a slot machine having ID “0002”, a slot machine having ID “0003”, and a slot machine having ID “0004” are connected to the server 91. Also, it shows that game results of the slot machines are 240 point, 360 point, 100 point, and 80 point respectively.

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

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

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

Next, the main control process executed in slot machine 1 according to the embodiment will be explained with reference to the drawing. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the main control process. The programs for executing the main control process are stored in the ROM 43 of the slot machine 1, and are executed by the main CPU 42.

When the power switch is ON (the power is turned ON), the main control board 71 and the sub-control board 72 are activated respectively, the controller 41 executes the initial setting process of S11. In the initial setting process S11, the main CPU 42 executes the BIOS stored in the ROM 43, and extracts the compressed data incorporated in the BIOS to the RAM 44. And once the BIOS extracted in the RAM 44 is executed, diagnosis of the variety of peripheral devices and initialization are executed by the main CPU 42. Further, the CPU 42 writes the game programs from the ROM 43 to the RAM 44. And also the CPU 42 executes the certification process to each program during the execution of the initial setting process.

In S12, the game program and the like are read out from the RAM 44 in sequence and are executed so as to progress the main game process. The game in the slot machine 1 according to the embodiment is progressed by the execution of the main game process. And the main game process is repeated to be executed during the power of the slot machine 1 is supplied. The detail of the main game process will be described later.

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

Here, it can be determined whether or not the bonus game execution instruction information is received based on referring flag value of a flag area stored in the RAM 44. Also, flag value is written to the flag area by a monitoring program executed in parallel with the main control process.

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

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

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

At S15, it is determined whether or not the winning information is received from the server 91. If it is determined that the winning information is not received form the server 91 (S15: NO), the procedure will be returned to S2. On the other hand, if it is determined that the winning information is received from the server 91 (S15: YES), the procedure will be shifted to S16.

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

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

In S21, the start acceptance process is executed. In the start acceptance process, after the predetermined initial setting is executed, the setting of the bet number and the like are conducted. And the input of coins is executed by the player from the coin insertion slot 27. The bet operation using the operation button 26 is also executed. The number of the coins inserted from the coin insertion slot 27 or the bet operation using the operation button 26 is detected respectively.

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

When it is determined that the start button is not operated (S22: NO), the game returns to the start reception process. The operation such as correction of the bet number is possible at this time. On the other hand, when it is determined that the start button is operated (S22: YES), the bet number which is set is deducted from the credits owned by the player, and the subtraction result is stored in the RAM 44 as the betting information. And then the game proceeds to S23.

At S23, the start information is sent to the server 91. The start information includes bet amount of the bet operation of S21 and the ID of the slot machine 1.

At S24, the symbol lottery process is executed. Concretely, at first, random number value is sampled from a number value range within a predetermined random number value range by executing the lottery program stored in the RAM 44. After that, symbols to be stopped on each symbol display portion based on the sampled random number values and the table.

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

Here, as shown in FIG. 14, since the number of random number values corresponding to each code number is different, each of probabilities of appearance of each symbol shown in FIG. 13 is controlled. For example, in FIG. 14, code number “4” corresponds to random number values “512” to “760”, code number “5” corresponds to “761” to “767”. Therefore, since the code number “4” may more appear than the code number “5”, the JACK symbol 51C corresponding to the code number “4” may more appear than the THUNDER symbol 51G corresponding to the code number “5” in the reel shown in FIG. 8.

Also, with respect to the symbol display portion 113A, in a case where reel shown in FIG. 9 is used and “1136” is sampled, it is determined that code number is “08” based on the table shown in FIG. 14. And then, it is determined that the TEN symbol 51E corresponding to the code number “08” will be stopped on the symbol display portion 113A with the use of the table shown in FIG. 13.

Returning to FIG. 12 for explanations. At S25, a reel spin control process is executed. Specifically, at first, the main CPU 42 variably displays each of the reels on the reel display portions 101 to 105. After that, the main CPU 42 determines effects pattern (image display pattern of the main display portion 10B, sound output pattern of the loudspeaker 34, or the like) in a unit game and send predetermined signal to sub-control board 72 so as to start effects based on the determined effects pattern. Here, the unit game means a sequence of process where each of the reels starts to variably display and then the entire reels are stopped displayed.

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

At S26, it is determined whether or not the combination of the symbols displayed on the main display 10B is the winning combination.

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

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

After that, the main game process is terminated.

Next, the bonus game process will be described with reference to drawings. FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the bonus game process. The bonus game process is the process to execute the bonus games on the plural slot machines 1 connected to the server 91 on the same condition (same reels, same times).

At S31, special reels are obtained. The special reels are the same in the plural slot machines 1 connected to the server 91. Here, the special reel is stored in the ROM 43 or the RAM 44. Plural symbols are displayed on the special reel in a predetermined order. Also, the special reel can be obtained from the connected server 91.

At S32, a first special table and a second special reel are obtained. The first special table and the second special table are the same in plural slot machines 1 connected to the server 91. Here, the first special table and the second special table are stored in the ROM 43 or the RAM 44. In the first special table, symbols displayed on the special reel correspond to code numbers. In the second special table, the random number values correspond to code numbers. Also, the first special table and the second special table can be obtained from the connected server 91.

Since the special reel, the first special table, and the second special table are used in each of the slot machines 1, the bonus games can be executed in the same condition.

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

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

At S35, it is determined whether or not a combination of the symbols displayed on the main display 10B is winning combination. That is, it is determined whether or not the combination is won.

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

In the bonus game, point is provided based on the number of the same symbols stopped on the main display 10B. Also, as shown in FIG. 16, it is defined so that as the number of the same symbols is larger, as the point to be provided is larger.

For example, if ten of the KING symbols 51A are displayed on the main display 10B, [“ten of a kind” of the KING symbol 51A] is realized. In this case, point “40” is provided (see FIG. 16). Also, if five of the BELL symbols 51F are displayed, [“five of a kind” of the BELL symbol 51F] is realized. In this case, point “22” is provided (see FIG. 16).

If the combination of the symbols displayed on the main display 10B is defined in the point table, it is determined “YES” at S35.

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

At 36, the point is accumulated. The accumulated point is stored in the RAM 44.

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

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

At S38, the game result information is sent to the server 91. The game result information includes the ID of the slot machine and the point stored in the RAM 44. And, if the point which was sent is the largest in the connected slot machines 1, the slot machine 1 which sent the point is won the progressive bonus and the progressive payout will be obtained. For example, if the point of the slot machine having ID “0002” is larger than the points of the slot machine having IDs “0001”, “0003”, and “0004”, the slot machine having ID “0002” wins the progressive bonus and obtains the progressive payout.

Also, the point stored in the RAM 44 is cleared after the game result information is sent.

As mentioned above, in the embodiment, if the server 91 determines that the execution of the bonus game will be instructed, the bonus game execution instruction information is sent to each of the slot machines 1 connected to the server 91. If the slot machine 1 receives the bonus game execution instruction information, the bonus game will be executed using the special reel, the first special table, and the second special table. Here, the special reel, the first special reel, and the second special reel are the same in each of the slot machines 1. If the slot machine 1 executes the bonus games predetermined number, the game result information including accumulated point will be sent to the server 91. The server 91 is determines the slot machine 1 on which the bonus is provided based on the received the game result information, and the winning information is sent to the determined slot machine 1. The slot machine 1 which receives the winning information provides the jackpot amount included in the winning information of the gaming media.

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

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

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

Also, in the embodiment, the server 91 determines whether or not each of slot machines 1 executes the bonus game. However, one or more aspects of the invention can be constructed that each of the slot machine 1 counts the number of executed unit games of the main game process, and if the executed number reaches a predetermined number, the bonus game may be executed. In this case, the slot machine 1 sends a result of the bonus game (point) to the server 91. And, the server 91 can provide a bonus (progressive payout) to the slot machine 1 which sent the largest point form among points of each slot machine 1 which are received during a predetermined period.

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