Mahjong game machine and mahjong game system

Abstract

The objective of the present invention is to provide a mahjong game which determines winning or losing in a short time. The mahjong game machine according to the present invention has a display to show a plurality of mahjong tiles, the plurality of mahjong tiles shown on the display may be arbitrarily selected, the selected mahjong tiles are exchanged to complete a meld, and a plurality of mahjong tiles may be exchanged in one turn. Also, the mahjong game machine according to the present invention has a display to show a plurality of mahjong tiles. In the mahjong game machine, mahjong tiles may be arbitrarily selected from the plurality of mahjong tiles displayed on the display screen, the selected mahjong tiles are exchanged to complete a meld, and the display is a widescreen.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a mahjong game machine which has a display to display a plurality of mahjong tiles, wherein mahjong tiles to be exchanged may be arbitrarily selected from the plurality of mahjong tiles displayed on the display, and the selected mahjong tiles are exchanged to other mahjong tiles to complete a meld.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Conventionally, a number of mahjong game machines, where a plurality of mahjong tiles are displayed on a display screen and a player arbitrarily exchange tiles from the plurality of mahjong tiles displayed to complete a meld, are known.

For example, Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. H9-262369 discloses a mahjong game machine for a single player. First, a predetermined number of mahjong tiles randomly selected from a plurality of mahjong tiles are distributed only to one player. The player is to complete a meld by arbitrarily exchanging unwanted tiles to randomly distributed mahjong tiles.

However, the game performed in such a mahjong game machine was to complete a meld by exchanging distributed mahjong tiles one by one. For this reason, when the mahjong game machine is used in a casino, for example, it takes too long to complete a meld, thus becoming unable to entertain players. In casinos, players prefer to enjoy winning a game, rather than enjoying a process of completing a meld, that is, the determination of a game is preferred to be in a short time. Under such circumstances, users desire the development of mahjong game machine which can be enjoyed in a casino.

Also, conventionally poker game machines where a plurality of cards are displayed on a display screen and a player exchange one or multiple cards to complete a meld with displayed cards, are known.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a mahjong game machine which has a display for displaying a plurality of mahjong tiles, wherein mahjong tiles to be exchanged may be selected arbitrarily from the plurality of mahjong tiles displayed on the display, the selected mahjong tiles are exchanged to the other mahjong tiles to complete a meld and a plurality of mahjong tiles may be exchanged in one turn that allows to select mahjong tiles to be exchanged.

In the conventional mahjong game machine, distributed mahjong tiles were only allowed to exchange one by one. By configuring the mahjong game machine as described above, it can entertain players in casinos because completion of a meld does not take too long. Also, by configuring as above, a game result is determined in a short time, thereby providing a game that can give more pleasure to players in casinos who enjoy winning a game rather than enjoy the process of completing a meld.

In the mahjong game machine according to the present invention, the number of mahjong tiles is fourteen which is divided into four sets of three mahjong tiles and one set of two mahjong tiles, and each set is displayed on the display apart from each other.

In many cases, mahjong is to determine as to whether a meld is completed or not by dividing mahjong tiles in four sets of three mahjong tiles and one set of two mahjong tiles. By configuring as described above, it is easier for a player to determine whether a meld is completed or not, and the game result can be decided in a short time, thereby it provides more pleasure to players in casinos who enjoy winning games.

In the mahjong game machine according to the present invention, mahjong tiles that can be exchanged in one turn may be one set of three mahjong tiles, two sets of three mahjong tiles, three sets of three mahjong tiles, or four sets of three mahjong tiles.

By configuring as described above, the player can enjoy the game concentrating on winning or losing without thinking too much about completing a meld. Also, it is suitable for players who enjoy casinos because the game result is determined in a short time. Also, the above configuration employs a touch panel, which enables a player to exchange mahjong tiles easily, thereby eliminating discomfort to the players.

In the mahjong game machine according to the present invention, the number of mahjong tiles that can be exchanged in one turn may be two or fourteen.

By configuring as described above, it is easy for a player to perform a selection operation compared to, for example, in a case of six mahjong tiles to be exchanged, thereby the result of the game can be determined in a short time.

In one embodiment of the mahjong game machine, one or multiple sets of three mahjong tiles may be exchanged in one turn, and a mahjong tile may further be selected individually in one turn.

By configuring as described above, it provides variety of exchange methods of mahjong tiles and players can enjoy the game. Also, using two types of exchange methods, the result of the game can be determined in a short time thereby appealing to players in casinos.

In the game machine according to the present invention, the number of turns which allows one to select mahjong tiles to be exchanged may be once.

By configuring as described above, the game result can be determined in a short time thereby providing more pleasure to players in casinos who enjoy winning the game.

In the mahjong game machine according to the present invention, the number of turns to select the exchange of mahjong tiles is two or three.

In the mahjong game machine according to the present invention, the display may be a widescreen.

By configuring as above, each tile is displayed larger on the display screen, thereby the mahjong tiles can be easy to see. Because the tiles are displayed larger, it is easier for a player to touch the mahjong tiles when the player selects exchange tiles using a touch panel.

The number of melds for the mahjong game machine according to the present invention may be ten or less.

By configuring as described above, the number of melds is not too large, so that a player can exchange mahjong tiles without thinking too much about types of meld to complete, thereby the player can enjoying the game focusing on winning or losing.

The present invention is a mahjong game machine which has a display for displaying a plurality of mahjong tiles, wherein mahjong tiles to be exchanged may be selected arbitrarily from the plurality of mahjong tiles displayed on the display, the selected mahjong tiles are exchanged to the other mahjong tiles to complete a meld, and the display is a wide screen.

The display screens of game machines conventionally used in casinos were small, and there was a disadvantage that it is difficult for a player to see mahjong tiles because the size of each tile decreases when displaying many tiles like a mahjong game. By applying a wide screen on the conventional mahjong game machine, each mahjong tile can be displayed larger thereby mahjong tiles can be seen easily.

Conventionally, touch panels have been used to select mahjong tiles displayed on the display screen, however, mahjong tiles on normal screens look smaller which makes it difficult for a player to touch them by a hand. By applying a wide screen to a mahjong game machine, the player can easily touch the mahjong tiles.

The present invention is a mahjong game machine that pays out a bonus when a winning meld is completed, the display of the mahjong game machine displays a bonus payout ratio against the winning meld, and further the payout ratio against the specific winning meld displayed on the display may be variable.

By configuring as described above, the payout ratio against specific winning meld displayed on a plurality of mahjong game machines are different for each game machine, thereby a player can derive entertainment by looking for a game machine with a higher payout ratio to play.

In the mahjong game machine according to the present invention, a plurality of mahjong tiles may be exchanged in one turn.

In the mahjong game machine according to the present invention, the number of the plurality of mahjong tiles above is fourteen which divided into four sets of three mahjong tiles and one set of two mahjong tiles, and each set is displayed on the display apart from each other.

In the mahjong game machine according to the present invention, one or multiple sets of three mahjong tiles may be exchanged in one turn, and a mahjong tile may further be selected individually in one turn.

A game system consisting of a controller, a display, a control portion, a memory, and a judgment portion, wherein the control portion contains an exchange tile decision data for exchanging mahjong tiles selected by a player to the other mahjong tiles, and the memory contains a tile display data to display a plurality of mahjong tiles on a display and a meld data to determine the completion of a meld, and the mahjong game system consisting of a process of transmitting the tile display data from the memory to the control portion, the control portion transmits the tile display data to the display, and the display displays a plurality of mahjong tiles, a process that the controller transmits an instruction data to the control portion when a player inputs the instruction data to select a plurality of mahjong tiles from a controller, the control portion analyzes tiles sloughed or obtained by the player in a past game play based on the exchange tile decision data, and exchange the instruction data and mahjong tile data based on the analysis, a process that the control portion transmits an overall mahjong tiles data containing the mahjong tile data to the judgment portion and display, and transmit the meld data from the memory to the judgment portion, and a process that the judgment portion determines whether the overall mahjong tiles data and the meld data transmitted from the control data are consistent.

By the above described system, players in casinos can be entertained because completion of a meld does not take too long. Also, by configuring as above, a game result is determined in a short time, thereby providing the game that can give more pleasure to players in casinos who enjoy winning a game rather than enjoying the process of completing a meld.

The present invention may be a game system which has a plurality of mahjong game systems as described above.

The present invention is a game system that pays out a bonus to a player when the player complete a winning meld, each display on the plurality of mahjong game systems displays a bonus payout ratio against a winning meld, and the payout ratio against a particular winning meld displayed on each display may be different for each display.

By configuring as described above, a payout ratio against a specific winning meld displayed on a plurality of mahjong game machines are different for each game machine, thereby a player can derive entertainment by looking for a game machine with a higher payout ratio to play.

Another invention according to the present invention is a mahjong game machine which has a display for displaying a plurality of mahjong tiles, wherein mahjong tiles to be exchanged may be selected arbitrarily from the plurality of mahjong tiles displayed on the display, the selected mahjong tiles are exchanged to the other mahjong tiles to complete a meld, and a bet amount may be changed when selecting mahjong tiles to be exchanged.

The change of a bet amount when selecting mahjong tiles to be exchanged may add an extra bet to an existing bet amount.

By configuring this way, a player can change a bet amount when selecting mahjong tiles, thereby the player can add an extra bet freely according to the combination of distributed mahjong tiles and enjoy a more exciting game.

The game machine configured to fluctuate the payout ratio according to the change in a bet amount, the payout ratio may increase in a case where the extra bet is added and a payout ratio may decrease in case no extra bet is added when selecting mahjong tiles to be exchanged.

By configuring this way, a player can select the change of bet amount according to the payout ratio when selecting mahjong tiles, thereby the player can enjoy a more exciting game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overall mahjong game machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of showing an overall mahjong game machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of showing an overall mahjong game machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a payout ratio display for a winning meld displayed on the display screen of a mahjong game machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a play mode displayed on the display screen of a mahjong game machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows an outline of the mahjong game machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows an outline of the mahjong game machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a detail of database described in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart indicating a game configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows an example of an embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows an example of an embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows an example of an embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows an example of an embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 shows an example of an embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 shows an example of an embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 shows an example of an embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 shows an example of an embodiment according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

The present invention is hereinafter explained in detail, however, the present invention is not limited to this.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an entire mahjong game machine according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a mahjong game machine 1 is provided with a display screen 2. Throw switches 6, a bet switch 7, a max bet switch 8, a payout switch 9, a change switch 10, and a coin clot 3 are provided right below the display screen 2. A bill slot 4 and a credit payout slot 5 are provided on the lower right side of the mahjong game machine 1.

The display screen 2 is provided to display the arrangement of mahjong tiles, or presentations according to the progress of the mahjong game, a payout ratio of bonus against a predetermined meld when the meld is completed, or a credit that a player inputted to the game machine. The throw switches 6 are for the player to select mahjong tiles for exchange. The change switch 10 is to exchange a mahjong tile selected by the throw switch 6. When the player presses the change switch 10 after selecting mahjong tiles for exchange from ones that are shown on the display screen 2 by throw switch 6, other mahjong tiles are distributed in exchange of the selected mahjong tiles.

The bet switch 7 inputs a bet mount against one mahjong game. By pressing once, one credit can be inputted as a bet amount. By pressing multiple times, the number of times pressed ×1 credit (i.e., times one credit) can be input as a bet amount. It is not necessary to limit the maximum bet amount, however, the bet amount may be limited, for example, to five credits. The max bet switch 8 is to input a maximum credit that can be bet on one mahjong game as a bet amount. For example, when a bet amount is limited to five credits, five credits can be input as a bet amount by pressing the max bet switch 8.

The payout switch 9 refunds a player the bet amount according to the credit displayed on the display screen 2. The credit payout slot 5 is a hole that the credited bet is returned when a player presses the payout switch 9. The coin slot 3 is a hole to insert a coin to the game machine. The bill slot 4 is a hole to insert a bill to the game machine.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing an overall mahjong game machine according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the mahjong game machine 1 has a display screen 2. Throw switches 6, a bet switch 7, a max bet switch 8, a payout switch 9, a change switch 10, and a coin slot 3 is provided right below the display screen 2. A bill slot 4 and a credit payout slot 5 are provided on the lower right side of the mahjong game machine 1.

Also, the display screen 2 includes a payout ratio display 11, a plurality of mahjong tiles 12, and a credit display 18. The payout ratio display 11 displays a bonus payout ratio against winning melds. The plurality of mahjong tiles 12 are mahjong tiles that a player uses to complete a meld in a mahjong game, the player aims to complete a meld by arbitrarily selecting for exchange mahjong tiles from the plurality of mahjong tiles, and exchanging them for other mahjong tiles. The credit display 18 displays the credit that the player inserted in the game machine.

FIG. 2 shows fourteen throw switches 6. Each of these switches corresponds to each of the plurality of mahjong tiles 12 displayed right above. That is, the mahjong tile on far left may be selected by pressing the throw switch on far left. And, the mahjong tile on the second from left may be selected by pressing the throw switch on the second from left. Also, the mahjong tile on far right may be selected by pressing the throw switch on far right. Other mahjong tiles may be selected with the throw switches in the same manner. After selecting a mahjong tile in this way, the player may obtain other mahjong tiles in exchange for selected mahjong tiles by pressing the change switch 10.

Also, each selection of the plurality of mahjong tiles 12 is not limited to the throw switch 6, and the selection may also be made by touching each tile of the plurality of mahjong tiles 12 displayed on the display screen 2.

In above mahjong game machine, the plurality of mahjong tiles can be exchanged in one turn where a player selects mahjong tiles for exchange, by the method described above. The number of turns that can select exchanging mahjong tiles is not specifically limited and it may be any number. However, in many cases, the player is looking forward to win rather than enjoying the process of completing a meld. Therefore, the number of turns may be one time because a short time is preferred to complete a meld. Also, the number of turns may be two or three depending on the preference of a player.

FIG. 3 is a font view showing an overall mahjong game machine according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the mahjong game machine 1 has a display screen 2. Throw switches 6, a bet switch 7, a max bet switch 8, a payout switch 9, a change switch 10, and a coin slot 3 is provided right below the display screen 2. A bill slot 4 and a credit payout slot 5 are provided on the lower right side of the mahjong game machine 1.

Also, the display screen 2 shows a payout ratio display 11, a plurality of mahjong tiles 13-17, and a credit display 18. The plurality of mahjong tiles 13-17 are mahjong tiles that a player uses to complete a meld in a mahjong game, the player aims for completing a meld by arbitrarily selecting exchange mahjong tiles from the plurality of mahjong tiles, and exchanges them for other mahjong tiles. The plurality of mahjong tiles 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 are divided into four sets 13 to 16 consisting three mahjong tiles and one set 17 consisting two mahjong tiles, with fourteen mahjong tiles in total displayed.

A player may select one or more sets from the five sets 13-17 as exchange tiles. The selection of exchange tiles is made by selecting the five sets 13-17 by the five throw switches 6 right below the display screen 2. That is, the set 13 of mahjong tiles may be selected by pressing the throw switch on the far left. And the set 14 of mahjong tiles may be selected by pressing the second throw switch from left. Also, the set 17 of mahjong tiles may be selected by pressing the throw switch on far right. Other mahjong tiles may be selected by throw switches in the same manner. After selecting a set of mahjong tiles in this way, the player may obtain another set of mahjong tiles in exchange for the selected set of mahjong tiles by pressing the change switch 10.

Also, the selection of each set from the five sets 13-17 is not limited to the throw switch 6, and the selection may also be made by touching the set of mahjong tile from the five sets 13 to 17 displayed on the display screen 2.

In the above mahjong game machine, the plurality of mahjong tiles can be exchanged in one turn where a player selects mahjong tiles for exchange, by the method described above. The number of turns that can select exchanging mahjong tiles is not specifically limited and it may be any number. However, in many cases, the player is looking forward to a win rather than enjoying the process of completing a meld. Therefore, the number of turns may be one time because a short time is preferred to complete a meld. Also, the number of turns may be two or three depending on the preference of a player.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the number of plurality of mahjong tiles is not limited to fourteen and may be in any number. It may be eight or eleven. It may be in a form that has multiple sets of three mahjong tiles and does not include a set of two mahjong tiles. That is, the number of plurality of mahjong tiles may be, for example, six, nine or twelve. Also, the form of displaying the plurality of mahjong tile on the display may be in any form. For example, seven sets consisting two mahjong tiles in a set may be displayed by separating each set. Alternatively, each mahjong tile may be displayed separate from each other.

Also, the mahjong game machine 1 according to the present invention is not limited to the display screen 2 or switches. For example, a sub-display may be provided separate from the display screen 2 to stage when a meld is complete. And a speaker may be provided to output sound according to the game progress, such as a chance time, or completion of a meld. Also, a vibratory device may be provided to output vibration according to the game progress such as a chance time, or completion of a meld. In addition, a luminescent device may be provided to output light according to the game progress, such as a chance time, or completion of a meld. Further, a switch may be provided to select all the mahjong tiles with a single touch of a button for exchanging all the mahjong tiles that the player has.

And, the display on the display screen 2 is not limited to the payout ratio display 11, the plurality of mahjong tiles 12, or the credit display 18, and may have another display. For example, a presentation display may be provided to entertain a player when a meld is completed. Also, past play data may be displayed.

Also, the form of selecting an exchange tile from the plurality of mahjong tiles is not limited by one tile or a set of three tiles described above, and may be in any form. For example, selection may be made by two tiles each or four tiles each. Alternatively, it may be a combination of these. That is, one or multiple sets of three mahjong tiles may be exchanged in one turn to select exchange tiles, and further each exchange tile may be individually selected.

Further, the size of the display screen 2 is not specifically limited, and the display screen 2 may be in any size, and preferably is a wide screen. Conventionally, poker game machines have been used in casinos, however, their display screens are small. When playing a mahjong game with a game machine with a small display screen, there is a problem for a player having difficulty seeing mahjong tiles because the number of mahjong tiles is large so that the display of mahjong tiles becomes smaller on the display screen. In case the display screen is a touch panel, there is a problem for a player having difficulty touch the display by hand. By making the display screen a wide screen, the player can easily see the mahjong tiles, and also it is easy to touch the mahjong tiles displayed on the screen by hand. Also, it is preferable to display the payout ratio display on the display screen for a player when playing a game, and the above problem does not occur because mahjong tiles are displayed larger even when displaying the payout ratio display along with a number of mahjong tiles if the display screen is a widescreen.

FIG. 4 shows a payout ratio display against the winning melds displayed on the display screen. The far left column lists winning melds that pay out a bonus when completed. There are ten types of winning melds, such as three great scholars, hidden treasure, little three dragons, pure one suit hand, three concealed pung, pure straight, hand with only one suit with honors, all simples, all chows, and concealed hand. The row on the top end of FIG. 4 indicates the number of bets made to the game by the player. When a meld is completed in a game, a player receives the credit indicated in the portion where the type of meld and the number of credits overlap. For example, the player played a game betting three credits and completed the meld of pure one suit hand, the player receives 75 credits.

The payout ratio against melds displayed on the game machine according to the present invention may fluctuate. When a plurality of mahjong game machines according to the present invention exists, each machine may indicate different payout ratios. By indicating a different payout ratio on each game machine, it provides an enjoyment for a player to find a game machine with a higher payout ratio to play.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the number of melds is not limited and it may be any number. For example, it may be fifteen or less, or twenty or less. However, it is preferably ten or less. It may be five or less. This is because a player looking forward to winning a game rather than enjoying the process of completing a winning meld, thus it is preferable to determine winning or losing in a short time. Also, in the case where the number of meld types is large, the payout ratio display becomes larger which makes the area to display mahjong tiles smaller when showing the payout display on the display screen. As the area to display mahjong tiles decreases, it is difficult for a player to see the mahjong tiles, and also causes a problem that the mahjong tiles on the display screen are difficult to touch by hand. In addition, the types of melds are not limited, and other melds may be included. For example, all honors, thirteen orphans, pung hand, and seven pairs may be included. A display panel may be added to the display screen when the number of meld types is large thereby the payout ratio display becomes larger.

Also, the number of credits for a player to bet is not limited, and it may be any number. Also, the number of payout ratios of bonuses against the completion of a meld is not limited, and it may be any number.

FIG. 5 shows a play mode displayed on the display screen of the mahjong game machine according to the present invention. The display screen 2 is displaying a 1-turn mode 19, 2-turn mode 20, and 3-turn mode 21. The 1-turn mode is a play mode in which the number of turns that allows player to exchange mahjong tiles in one game is one. In the game with one-turn mode, the game is over as mahjong tiles are distributed to a player and the player exchanges mahjong tiles once. The 2-turn mode is a play mode in which the number of turns that allows player to exchange mahjong tiles in one game is twice. The 3-turn mode is a play mode in which the number of turns that allows player to exchange mahjong tiles in one game is three times. The selection of play mode is decided before the mahjong tiles are distributed to a player.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the type of play mode is not limited to 1- to 3-turn mode, and other types of play mode may exist. For example, the play mode with four or five numbers of turns to exchange mahjong tiles may exist. However, in many cases, a player is looking forward to a win rather than enjoying the process of completing a meld. Therefore, the number of turns may be once because a short time is preferred to complete a meld. Also, the number of turns may be two or three depending on the preference of a player. There may be no selection of play mode.

FIG. 6 shows an overview of the mahjong game system according to the present invention. The mahjong game system 25 according to the present invention has a controller 24, a display 29, a control portion 26, memory 27 and a judgment part 28. The control portion 26 has exchange tiles decision data for exchanging mahjong tiles selected by a player from the plurality of mahjong tiles displayed on the display screen to other mahjong tiles. The memory 27 has meld data for determining whether the tile display data for displaying a plurality of mahjong tiles on the display screen and melds are formed or not.

The mahjong game system 25 according to the present invention operates for example, through the following process. First, is a process of transmitting the tile display data from the memory 27 to the control portion 26, transmitting the tile display data from the control portion 26 to the display 29 and the display 29 displays the plurality of mahjong tiles. Next, is a process of transmitting instruction data to the control portion 26 when a player inputs the instruction data from the controller 24 to select the plurality of exchange tiles, the control portion 26 analyzes tiles that a player sloughed or obtained in the past game play based on the exchange tile decision data, and exchanges the instruction data and the mahjong tile data based on the analysis. Next is a process of transmitting overall mahjong tile data containing that mahjong tile data to the judgment portion 28 and display 29 from the control portion 26, and at the same time, transmitting the meld data received from the memory 27 to the judgment portion 28. Next, is a process where the judgment portion 28 determines if the overall mahjong tile data transmitted from the control portion 26 matches the meld data. The mahjong game system 25 according to the preset invention may operate as described above.

A game system which has a plurality of mahjong game systems 25 according to the present invention may be configured. In such a case, each display on the plurality of mahjong game systems displays a bonus payout ratio against a winning meld, and further the payout ratio against the specific winning meld displayed on each display may be different in each display. Also, the game system 25 according to the present invention may separate a platform with the controller 24, the display 29 and the control portion 26, and a host with memory 27 and judgment portion 28.

Further, the host may have another control portion. In such a case, the host may control the game or control the fluctuation of the payout ratio. For example, the game system may be as follows. The game system has a plurality of such platforms and one host, a mahjong game is started simultaneously by the plurality of platforms and a plurality of players at first. The player who can complete a meld in the game is limited to a specific person. The specific person who completed the winning meld can obtain a predetermined bet from the bets that were made by the players who did not complete the meld. The host may control these series of actions performed by the plurality of platforms. In such a case, the winning player's mahjong game machine 1 may be notified of winning by illuminating an LED provided to the mahjong game machine 1, or playing a sound.

FIG. 7 shows an overview of the mahjong game system according to the present invention. A mahjong game system 25 according to the present invention has a mahjong game machine 1, control portion 26 and memory 27. The memory 27 has a database 30, a database 31, and database 32. The database 30 contains tile display data for displaying a plurality of mahjong tiles on the display screen. The database 30 also contains other mahjong tile data to exchange with the mahjong tiles when a player selects the mahjong tiles for exchange in a game. The database 31 contains tiles that the player sloughed from the mahjong tiles on hand in the past games. The database 31 also memorizes other mahjong tiles that were exchanged with mahjong tiles when a player selected the mahjong tiles for exchange in the past game play. Also, the database 32 contains other mahjong tile set data to be exchanged with mahjong tile sets when a player selects three mahjong tile sets for exchange in a game. Three mahjong tiles consisting of the other mahjong tile set data may be the same type. For example, all three mahjong tiles may be dots (pinzu) or bamboos (suozu).

The mahjong game system 25 according to the present invention may operate, for example, through the following process. First, is a process of transmitting the tile display data from the database 30 to the control portion 26, the control portion 26 transmits the tile display data to the mahjong game machine 1, and the mahjong game machine 1 displays a plurality of mahjong tiles. Next, is a process of transmitting the instruction data to the control portion 26 as a player inputs an instruction data selecting a plurality of exchange tiles to the mahjong game machine 1.

Next, is a process where the control portion 26 receives the other mahjong tile data from the database 30 based on the exchange tile decision data. The types and order of the other mahjong data are determined based on the exchange tile decision data. The method for determining the type and the order is not limited specifically, and it may be any method. For example, the control portion 26 may randomly select the other mahjong tile data stored in the database 30 based on the exchange tile decision data. Also the control portion 26 may select the other mahjong tile data in the order stored in the database 30 based on the exchange tile decision data.

Further, the selection of the other mahjong tile data by the control portion 26 based on the exchange tile decision data may be performed based on the sloughed tiles contained in the database 31. For example, the control portion 26 analyzes the tiles that players sloughed in the past game play based on the exchange tile decision data, and selects the same types of mahjong tiles that were sloughed in many times as the other mahjong tile data. Also, types different from that of mahjong tiles sloughed in many times may be selected as the other mahjong tile data.

Still further, the selection of the other mahjong tile data by the control portion 26 based on the exchange tile decision data may be performed based on the other mahjong tiles contained in the database 31. For example, the control portion 26 analyzes the other tiles that the player obtained in the past game play based on the exchange tile decision data, and selects the same types of mahjong tiles that were obtained in many times as the other mahjong tile data. Also, types different from the mahjong tiles obtained in many times may be selected as the other mahjong tile data.

Also, when a player inputs the instruction data to exchange three exchange tile sets to the mahjong game machine 1, the control portion 26 may go through a process of receiving other mahjong tile set data from the database 32 based on the exchange tile decision data. When the three mahjong tiles consisting of the other mahjong tile set data are the same type, a player can easily grasp the entire mahjong tiles as displayed on the displayed screen. Players in casinos enjoy winning a game rather than enjoying the process of completing a meld, thus the fact that it is easy to grasp the entire mahjong tiles can provide pleasure to those players. Also, when three mahjong tiles are the same type, it is favorable because the determination of winning or losing the game can be made in a short time. Exchange of such data may be made based on the analysis result of tiles that sloughed or obtained by players in past game play as described above. As a final process, the control portion 26 transmits overall mahjong tile data which contains the other mahjong tile data to the mahjong game machine 1. The mahjong game system 25 according to the present invention may operate as described above.

FIG. 8 shows the database 30 described in FIG. 7, in detail. FIG. 8 shows the database 30 and four sets 13, 14, 15 and 16 consisting three mahjong tiles distributed to a player as a set, and one set 17 consisting two mahjong tiles. The database 30 has other mahjong tile data 32, 33 and 34 to exchange with the tiles that the player selected from the plurality of mahjong tiles displayed on the display screen.

The above described other mahjong tile data 32, 33, and 34 are stored in the database 30 in order, and exchanged with one mahjong tile set 13 in order each time a player makes a selection to exchange tiles. That is, when the player makes a first selection decision to exchange tiles, one mahjong tile set 13 is exchanged to the other mahjong tile data 32. Next, when the player makes a second selection decision to exchange tiles, the other mahjong tile data 32 is exchanged to the other mahjong tile data 33. Next, when the player makes a third selection decision to exchange tiles, the other mahjong tile data 33 is exchanged to the other mahjong tile data 34. Also, mahjong tile data is exchanged by performing the same operations for one mahjong tile set 14 to 17.

The game system according to the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the above described other mahjong tile data is not limited to other mahjong tile data 32, 33, and 34, and it may be any number of data. Also, other mahjong tile data may not be stored in the database 30 in order. For example, a number of other mahjong data stored in the database 30 may be randomly selected and exchanged to one mahjong tile set in order. Also, as shown in FIG. 8, the mahjong tiles distributed to a player may not be divided into four sets of mahjong tiles consisting of three mahjong tiles as a set, and one set of two mahjong tiles. In addition, one set of mahjong tiles exchanged in FIG. 8 may not be three mahjong tiles. The number of one set of mahjong tiles may be two, four or fourteen. The game system may have characteristics described in the mahjong game machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart describing a game configuration according to the present invention. The operation of a mahjong game machine according to the present invention is hereinafter explained based on the flowchart.

First, the game machine starts up when the power of the mahjong game machine is turned on (step 1). And a display to select a play mode is shown on the display screen of the game machine. For example, there are play modes with one, two, or three turns that allow the player to exchange mahjong tiles in a game. The type of play mode is not specifically limited and it may be any type.

When a player selects play mode (step 2), mahjong tiles are distributed, and a plurality of mahjong tiles are displayed on the display screen (step 3). Next, a determination is made as to whether the player selected exchange tiles from the plurality of mahjong tiles (step 4). When the selection of exchange tiles was made, a determination is made as to whether the selected exchange tiles were a set of three mahjong tiles or not (step 5). If the selected exchange tiles are the set of three mahjong tiles, the set of three mahjong tiles are exchange for other mahjong tiles (step 6). At this time, as explained in FIG. 7 above, a number of sets of three mahjong tiles of a same type are stored in the database 32, and other sets of mahjong tiles may be selected from these. Also, a set of three mahjong tiles of a different type may be selected. When the exchange tile is not a set of three mahjong tiles, each selected tile is exchanged (step 7).

When there is no exchange of selected mahjong tiles, or a selection of exchange tiles by the player, a determination is made as to whether a winning meld is formed or not (step 8). When the winning meld is formed, the type of winning meld is determined (step 10), and a bonus according to the winning meld is paid to the player (step 11). When no winning meld is formed, a determination is made as to whether a turn that a player can exchange mahjong tiles in a game is completed or not (step 9).

When a player has not completed a turn that allows exchange of mahjong tiles for a game, the player is given an opportunity to select exchange tiles again (step 4). When a player has completed the turn that allows to change mahjong tiles, or when a player has received a bonus payout according to the winning meld (step 11), determination is made whether the game is completed or not (step 12). When the game is determined to be completed, the game is over (step 13). When the game is not determined to be completed, the mahjong tiles are distributed again and the game is resumed (step 3).

The game configuration of the present invention is not limited to the above. For example, selection of exchange tiles from a distributed plurality of mahjong tiles is not limited to a set of three mahjong tiles, or each individual tile, and may be in any form. For example, a set of two mahjong tiles, or a set of four mahjong tiles may be selected. In addition, it may be provided with the characteristics described in the mahjong game machine or the mahjong game of the present invention.

Another embodiment of the present invention is hereafter explained in detail, however, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention may be provided with the characteristics described in the mahjong game machine or the mahjong game of the present invention.

FIGS. 10 to 12 show an example of an embodiment according to the present invention. FIG. 10 shows a display screen 2 of the mahjong game machine according to the present invention. The display screen 2 has a payout ratio display 11, four mahjong tile sets 13 to 16 consisting of three mahjong tiles in a set, and one mahjong tile set 17 consisting of two mahjong tiles in a set. Five mahjong tile sets are mahjong tiles distributed to a player. By seeing the entire displayed mahjong tiles 12, it can be noted that the mahjong tile 13 is unnecessary for completing a meld.

FIG. 11 shows a display screen 2 of the mahjong game machine according to the present invention. The display screen 2 has a payout ratio display 11, four mahjong tile sets 13 to 16 consisting of three mahjong tiles in a set, and one mahjong tile set 17 consisting of two mahjong tiles in a set. Five mahjong tile sets are mahjong tiles distributed to a player. FIG. 11 shows a player selecting one mahjong tile set 13 for exchange. The selected one mahjong tile set 13 is displayed slightly higher than the mahjong tile sets 14 to 17 that are not selected.

FIG. 12 shows a display screen 2 of the mahjong game machine according to the present invention. The display screen 2 has a payout ratio display 11, four sets 13 to 16 consisting of three mahjong tiles in a set, and one set 17 consisting two mahjong tiles in a set. FIG. 12 shows that the one mahjong tile set 13 is exchanged to another set of mahjong tiles. By seeing the entire mahjong tiles, in can be noted that a meld of all chows is completed. In this case, a player is eligible to receive a credit indicated in the row of all chows on the payout ratio display 11 as a bonus.

FIGS. 13 to 17 show an example of an embodiment according to the present invention. FIG. 13 shows a display screen 2 of the mahjong game machine according to the present invention. The display screen 2 has a payout ratio display 11 and a plurality of mahjong tiles 12. The plurality of mahjong tiles 12 are mahjong tiles distributed to a player. By seeing the entire plurality of mahjong tiles 12, it can be noted that the mahjong tiles 40, 41, 42, and 43 are unnecessary for completing a meld.

FIG. 14 shows a display screen 2 of the mahjong game machine according to the present invention. The display screen 2 has a payout ratio display 11 and a plurality of mahjong tiles 12. The plurality of mahjong tiles 12 are mahjong tiles distributed to a player. FIG. 14 shows a player is selecting three individual mahjong tiles 40, 41, and 42, and the set 43 of three mahjong tiles for exchange. The selected mahjong tiles 40, 41, 42, and 43 are displayed slightly higher than the mahjong tiles that are not selected.

FIG. 15 shows a display screen 2 of the mahjong game machine according to the present invention. The display screen 2 has a payout ratio display 11 and a plurality of mahjong tiles 12. FIG. 15 shows the mahjong tiles 40, 41, 42, and 43 in FIG. 14 being exchanged with other mahjong tiles. By seeing the plurality of mahjong tiles indicated in FIG. 15, it can be noted that the mahjong tile 44 is unnecessary for completing a meld.

Meanwhile, there is a possibility for a meld with a high payout ratio to be completed in FIG. 15 if the mahjong tile 44 changes. In such a case, a player may change a bet amount when selecting the mahjong tile 44 for exchange. For example, in the play condition of FIG. 15 and 1 credit is currently selected, a player may select 5 credits as an extra bet because a meld with high payout ratio may be completed.

By configuring in such way, a player can enjoy a more exciting play by adding an extra bet freely according to the combination of distributed mahjong tiles because the bet amount can be changed when selecting mahjong tiles. Also, the payout ratio in the case of adding an extra bet can be changed from the payout ratio in the case of no extra bet. That is, the payout ratio at the beginning of play and the payout ratio when an extra bet was added after finding out there is the possibility of completing the meld with a higher payout ratio may be the same or the payout ratio in the case where the extra bet was added may be slightly lower.

On the contrary, in the mode where an extra bet is premised, the payout ratio may be increased when the extra bet is added and it may be decreased when there is no extra bet. In this way, a player can enjoy a more exiting play because he or she can select a change of bet amount according to a payout ratio when selecting mahjong tiles.

FIG. 16 shows a display screen 2 of the mahjong game machine according to the present invention. The display screen 2 has a payout ratio display 11 and a plurality of mahjong tiles 12. FIG. 16 shows that a player is selecting a mahjong tile 44 from the plurality of mahjong tiles 12 in FIG. 15 for exchange. The selected mahjong tile 44 is displayed slightly higher than the mahjong tiles that are not selected.

FIG. 17 shows a display screen 2 of the mahjong game machine according to the present invention. The display screen 2 has a payout ratio display 11 and a plurality of mahjong tiles 12. FIG. 17 shows the mahjong tile 44 in FIG. 16 is exchanged with another mahjong tile. By seeing the entire mahjong tiles, it can be noted that a meld of three wise scholars is completed. In this case, a player is eligible for receiving a credit indicated in the row of three wise scholars on the payout ratio display 11, as a bonus.

Claims

1. A mahjong game machine comprising a display for displaying a plurality of mahjong tiles, wherein one or more mahjong tiles to be exchanged are selected from the plurality of mahjong tiles displayed on the display, said selected mahjong tiles are then exchanged in an attempt to complete a meld; and

where a plurality of mahjong tiles may be exchanged in one turn.

2. The mahjong game machine according to claim 1, wherein a number of said plurality of mahjong tiles is fourteen which is divided into four sets of three mahjong tiles and one set of two mahjong tiles, and each set is displayed on said display separate from each other.

3. The mahjong game machine according to claim 2, wherein mahjong tiles that are exchanged are selected from a group consisting of one set of three mahjong tiles, two sets of three mahjong tiles, three sets of three mahjong tiles, four sets of three mahjong tiles, and a combination of two or more thereof.

4. The mahjong game machine according to claim 1, wherein a number of mahjong tiles that may be exchanged at one turn is two or fourteen.

5. The mahjong game machine according to claim 1, wherein one or multiple sets of three mahjong tiles may be exchanged in one turn, and a mahjong tile may further be selected individually in one turn.

6. The mahjong game machine according to claim 1, wherein a number of turns to select said mahjong tiles to be exchanged is one.

7. The mahjong game machine according to claim 1, wherein a number of turns to select said mahjong tiles to be exchanged is two or three.

8. The mahjong game machine according to claim 1, wherein said display is a wide screen.

9. The mahjong game machine according to claim 1, wherein a number of the meld is ten or less.

10. A mahjong game machine comprising a display for displaying a plurality of mahjong tiles, wherein one or more mahjong tiles to be exchanged are selected from the plurality of mahjong tiles, said selected mahjong tiles are exchanged in an attempt to complete a meld; and

said display is a wide screen.

11. The mahjong game machine according to claim 10, wherein said mahjong game machine pays out a bonus when a winning meld is completed,

wherein said display of the mahjong game machine displays a payout ratio of a bonus against a winning meld; and

where the payout ratio against a specific winning meld displayed on the said display changes.

12. The mahjong game machine according to claim 10, wherein in a selection of mahjong tiles to be exchanged, one or a plurality of mahjong tiles may be exchanged at one turn.

13. The mahjong game machine according to claim 12, wherein a number of said plurality of mahjong tiles is fourteen which is divided into four sets of three mahjong tiles and one set of two mahjong tiles, and each set is displayed on said display separate from each other.

14. The mahjong game machine according to claim 12, wherein said one turn allows an exchange of mahjong tiles, the exchange selected from a group consisting of: one or multiple sets of three mahjong tiles, and one mahjong tile.

15. A game system comprising a controller, a display, a control portion, a memory, and a judgment portion, wherein said control portion contains an exchange tile decision data for exchanging mahjong tiles selected by a player to the other mahjong tiles, and the memory contains a tile display data to display a plurality of mahjong tiles on a display and a meld data to determine the completion of a meld;

wherein the mahjong game system comprises a process of transmitting said tile display data from said memory to said control portion, said control portion transmits said tile display data to said display, and said display displays a plurality of mahjong tiles;

where said controller transmits an instruction data to said control portion when a player inputs the instruction data to select a plurality of mahjong tiles, said control portion analyzes tiles sloughed or obtained by the player in a past game play based on said exchange tile decision data, and exchanges said instruction data and mahjong tile data based on said analysis;

where said control portion transmits an overall mahjong tile data containing said mahjong tile data to said judgment portion and display, and transmits said meld data from said memory to said judgment portion; and

where said judgment data determines whether said overall mahjong tile data and said meld data transmitted from said control data are consistent.

16. The game system according to claim 15, further comprising a plurality of mahjong game systems that are in communication with each other.

17. The game system according to claim 16, wherein said mahjong game system pays out a bonus to a player when the player completes a winning meld;

each display of the plurality of mahjong game systems displays a payout ratio of a bonus against the winning meld; and

the payout ratio of the winning meld displayed on each of the plurality of mahjong game systems is different.

18. A mahjong game machine comprising a display for displaying a plurality of mahjong tiles, wherein mahjong tiles to be exchanged are selected from the plurality of mahjong tiles, said selected mahjong tiles are exchanged at least one time to complete a meld; and

a bet amount may be changed before selecting the mahjong tiles to be exchanged.

19. The mahjong game machine according to claim 18, wherein said change of bet amount at the selection of mahjong tiles is to add an extra bet to existing bet amount.

20. The mahjong game machine according to claim 18, the mahjong game machine configured to change the payout ratio according to said bet amount, wherein the payout ratio increases when an extra bed is added at the selection of said exchange mahjong tiles, and the payout ratio decreases when there is no extra bet.