Gaming Device Giving Player Choice Of Game And Playing Method Thereof

Abstract

A gaming device includes a plurality of different games, a microphone, and a speaker. The gaming device requests a player to select a game other than one running, and runs a player-selected game. During a game, a voice related to the game to be run is output from the speaker, based on an input to the microphone.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority from Provisional Application No. 61/027,132, which was filed on Feb. 8, 2008, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a gaming device and a playing method thereof.

2. Description of Related Art

A gaming device which allows a plurality of players to play a game by placing a bet from a client terminal. For example, US2005/0059474 A1, US2005/0282618 A1 and US2005/0218590 A1 disclose a gaming machine having a plurality of consoles, a central controller, and a common display unit connected which are connected to one another.

Such a gaming device allows client terminals thereof to run games independently from one another. Each of the client terminals has at least one game that can be run therein.

Further, as is disclosed in US2007/0094004A1, US2007/0094005A1, US2007/0094007A1, and US2007/0094008A1, the following conversation controller is known. Namely, the conversation controller is provided with a microphone and a speaker, and recognizes a voice input to the microphone. Then, in response to the meaning of the voice recognized, reply data in the form of voice is generated. This voice based on the reply data generated is output from the speaker, thereby allowing a dialogue.

The present invention provides a slot machine having entertainment characteristic, which is not provided to the conventional gaming machine, and a playing method thereof.

Further, in the mean time, the present invention provides a suitable gaming environment whereby players are not confused by simultaneously produced voices related to the same game.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect of the present invention, a gaming device includes:

a game memory which stores therein a plurality of different games;

a speaker which outputs voices related to the games to the outside;

a microphone which receives a voice externally input;

a plurality of terminal devices which runs therein a game;

a game selecting device which requests a player to select, from the plurality of games, a game to be run in a player-intended terminal device amongst the terminal devices; and

a controller which is programmed to perform the processes of:

(a1) determining if a game is running and what game is running in each of the terminal devices;

(a2) requesting the player to select, through the player-intended terminal device, a game other than one running in the terminal device, based on a result (a1);

(a3) causing the player-intended terminal device to run the game selected; and

(a4) outputting from the speaker a voice related to the game to be run in the player-intended terminal device, based on an input to the microphone, information stored in the game memory, and a game running-status.

According to the first aspect, the game selecting device requests the player to select, from the plurality of the games, a game to be run in one of the terminal devices (hereinafter, player-intended terminal device). The player-intended terminal device runs a game selected by the player. For all of the terminal devices, there is determined if any game is running and what game is running. Based on the game running-status determined, the game selecting device requests the player to select a game other than one running in the terminal device. The player-selected game then runs in the player-intended terminal device. Meanwhile, a voice related to the game to be run in the player-intended terminal device is output based on an input to the microphone, information stored in the game memory, and a game running-status. Thus, the player is requested to select a game other than one running in a terminal device within a predetermined distance from a terminal device to run a player-selected game, at the time of selecting a game from the plurality of games. This prevents the same game from running at the same time in a plurality of the terminal devices. It is therefore possible to reduce the chances of having the player confused by a voice related to the same game which would be output at the same time from the terminal devices if the same game runs at the same time in the terminal devices, the voice being output based on an input to the microphone and information in the game memory. As a result, an enjoyable gaming environment is provided.

In a second aspect of the present invention, a gaming machine includes:

a game memory which stores therein a plurality of different games;

a plurality of terminal devices which runs therein a game, wherein each of the terminal devices has a speaker which outputs a voice related to the games and a microphone which receives a voice externally input;

a game selecting device which requests a player to select, from the plurality of games, a game to be run in a player-intended terminal device amongst the terminal devices;

a terminal position memory which stores a position of each of the terminal devices;

a controller which is programmed to perform the processes of:

(b1) determining if a game is running and what game is running in each of the terminal devices;

(b2) based on a result of (b1), requesting the player to select, through the game selecting device, games other than one running in a terminal device located within a predetermined distance from the player-intended terminal device;

(b3) causing the player-intended terminal device to run the game selected; and

(b4) outputting from the speaker a voice related to the game to be run in the player-intended terminal device, based on an input to the microphone, information stored in the game memory, and a game running-status.

According to the second aspect, the game selecting device requests the player to select, from the plurality of the games, a game to be run in a player-intended terminal device. The player-intended terminal device runs the game selected by the player. For all of the terminal devices, there is determined if any game is running and what game is running. Based on the game running-status determined and information stored in the terminal position memory, the game selecting device requests the player to select a game other than one running in a terminal device located within the predetermined distance from a terminal device for running therein the player-selected game. The player-selected game then runs in the player-intended terminal device. Meanwhile, a voice related to the game to be run in the player-intended terminal device is output based on an input to the microphone, information stored in the game memory, and a game running-status. Thus, at the time where the player selects a game from the plurality of the games, the game selecting device requests the player to select a game other than one running in a terminal device within the predetermined distance from a terminal device for running therein the player-selected game. This prevents the same game from running at the same time in a plurality of the terminal devices within a predetermined distance. When a single game runs at the same time in a plurality of the terminal devices within a predetermined distance, a voice related to the game is output at the same time from the terminal devices within the distance, based on an input to the microphone and information in the game memory, which may consequently confuse the player. This however less likely to takes place with the above mentioned playing method. As a result, an enjoyable gaming environment is provided. Further, although a single game is prevented from running at the same time in a plurality of terminal devices within a predetermined distance, the same game can run in terminal devices outside the predetermined distance. This provides larger selection of games to the player, and a more enjoyable gaming environment.

In a third aspect of the present invention, a gaming device includes:

a game memory which stores therein a plurality of different games;

a plurality of terminal devices which runs therein a game, wherein each of the terminal devices has a speaker which outputs a voice related to the games and a microphone which receives a voice externally input;

a game selecting device which requests a player to select, from the plurality of games, a game to be run in a player-intended terminal device amongst the terminal devices;

a controller which is programmed to perform the processes of:

(c1) based on an input to the microphone and information stored in the game memory, determining if a game is running and what game is running in a terminal device located within a voice-reachable distance;

(c2) requesting the player to select through the game selecting device a game other than one running in a terminal device located within the voice-reachable distance, based on the game running-status determined;

(c3) causing the player-intended terminal device to run the game selected;

(c4) outputting from the speaker a voice related to the game to be run in the player-intended terminal device, based on an input to the microphone, information stored in the game memory, and a game running-status.

According to the third aspect, the player is asked to select, from the plurality of different games, a game to be run in a player-intended terminal device. The player-intended terminal device runs a game selected by the player. Based on an input to the microphone and information in the game memory, there is determined if a game is running and what game is running in a terminal device located within the voice-reachable distance. Based on the game running-status determined, the game selecting device causes the player to select a game other than one running in a terminal device located within the voice-reachable distance. The player-selected game then runs in the player-intended terminal device. Meanwhile, a voice related to the game to be run in the player-intended terminal device is output based on an input to the microphone, information stored in the game memory, and a game running-status. Thus, the player is requested to select a game other than one running in a terminal device located within the voice-reachable distance, at the time of selecting a game from the plurality of games. This prevents the same game from running at the same time in a terminal device located within the voice-reachable distance. When a single game runs at the same time in a plurality of the terminal devices within a voice-reachable distance, a voice related to the game is output at the same time from the terminal devices within the distance, based on an input to the microphone and information in the game memory, which may consequently confuse the player. This however less likely to takes place with the above mentioned playing method. As a result, an enjoyable gaming environment is provided. Further, although a single game is prevented from running at the same time in terminal devices located within the voice-reachable distance, the same game can run at the same time in a terminal device outside the voice-reachable distance. This provides larger selection of games to the player, and a more enjoyable gaming environment. Further, since a voice of a game is not output at the same time from terminal devices whose respective game-related voice outputs can reach the microphone of the player-intended terminal device, the selection of the games to be selected by the player is more appropriately increased. This is convenient as there is no need for setting an area where the same game can run at the same time in a plurality of terminal devices. Thus, more enjoyable gaming environment is provided.

In a fourth aspect of the present invention, a gaming device includes:

a game memory which stores therein a plurality of different games;

a speaker which outputs a voice related to the games;

a microphone which receives a voice externally input;

a game selecting device which requests the player to select a game to be run from the plurality of the games;

a controller which is programmed to perform the processes of:

(d1) determining if a game is running and what game is running in another gaming device located within the voice-reachable distance, based on an input to the microphone and information stored in the game memory;

(d2) based on the game running-status determined, requesting the player to select, through the game selecting device, a game other than one running in the other gaming device located within the voice-reachable distance;

(d3) running the player-selected game; and

(d4) causing the speaker to output a voice related to the game to be run, based on an input to the microphone, information stored in the game memory, and the game running-status.

According to the fourth aspect, the game selecting device requests the player to select a game to be run from the plurality of different games. Based on an input to the microphone and information in the game memory, there is determined if a game is running and what game is running in another gaming device located within the voice-reachable distance. Based on the game running-status determined, the game selecting device only requests the player to select a game other than one running in the other gaming device located within the voice-reachable distance. The player-selected game then runs. Based on an input to the microphone, information stored in the game memory, and a game running-status, a voice related to the game to be run is output from the speaker. Thus, the player is requested to select a game other than one running in a gaming device located within the voice-reachable distance, at the time of selecting a game from the plurality of games. This prevents the same game from running at the same time in a gaming device located within the voice-reachable distance. When a single game runs at the same time in a plurality of the gaming devices within a voice-reachable distance, a voice related to the game is output at the same time from the gaming devices within the distance, based on an input to the microphone and information in the game memory, which may consequently confuse the player. This however less likely to takes place with the above mentioned playing method. As a result, an enjoyable gaming environment is provided. Further, although a single game is prevented from running at the same time in gaming devices located within the voice-reachable distance, the same game can run at the same time in a terminal device outside the voice-reachable distance. This provides larger selection of games to the player, and a more enjoyable gaming environment. Further, since a voice of a game is not output at the same time from terminal devices whose respective game-related voices outputs can reach the microphone of the player-intended terminal device, the selection of the games to be selected by the player is more appropriately increased. This is convenient as there is no need for setting an area where the same game can run at the same time in a plurality of terminal devices. Thus, more enjoyable gaming environment is provided.

In a fifth aspect of the present invention, a playing method of a gaming device by which games are executed in a plurality of terminal devices, the method comprising the steps of:

(e1) determining if a game is running and what game is running in each of the terminal devices;

(e2) requesting the player to select, through a player-intended terminal device, a game other than one running in the terminal device, based on a result of (e1);

(e3) running the player-selected game in the player-intended terminal devices; and

(e4) based on an input to the microphone, outputting from the speaker a voice related to the game to be run in the at least one of the terminal devices.

According to the fifth aspect, there is determined if a game is running and what game is running in each of the terminal devices. Based on the game running-status determined, the player is requested to select a game other than one running in a terminal device within a predetermined distance from a terminal device to run a player-selected game. The player-selected game then runs in the player-intended terminal device. Meanwhile, based on an input to the microphone, a voice related to the game to be run in the player-intended terminal device is output from the speaker. Thus, the player is requested to select a game other than one running in a terminal device within a predetermined distance from a terminal device to run a player-selected game, at the time of selecting a game from the plurality of games. This prevents a single game from running at the same time in a plurality of the terminal devices. When a single game runs at the same time in a plurality of the terminal devices, a voice related to the game is output at the same time from the terminal devices, based on an input to the microphone and information in the game memory, which may consequently confuse the player. This however less likely takes place with the above mentioned playing method. As a result, an enjoyable gaming environment is provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 includes a perspective view of a gaming device 10 of Embodiment 1 according to the present invention, and an explanatory diagram showing a playing method of the gaming device.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the gaming device of Embodiment 1.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of the playing method of the gaming device 10.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a relation between a game running-status and a selection of a game in Embodiment 1.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a relation between a game running-status and a selection of a game in Embodiment 1.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a relation between a game running-status and a selection of a game in Embodiment 2.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a gaming machine main body 1 of Embodiment 1.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a terminal device 400 of Embodiment 1.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a terminal device position table of Embodiment 1.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a terminal device administration table of Embodiment 1.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a game data table of Embodiment 1.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a main body end process routine of Embodiment 1.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a terminal end process routine executed by the terminal device 400 of Embodiment 1.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a runnable game determination routine of Embodiment 1.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a running game administration table of Embodiment 2.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a runnable game determination routine of Embodiment 2.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a running game determination routine of Embodiment 2.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a gaming device of Embodiment 3, in accordance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiment 1

The following describes a gaming device of Embodiment 1 according to the present invention, and a playing method thereof.

As shown in FIG. 1, a gaming device 10 executes a playing method including: a stage for determining if a game is running and what game is running in terminal devices 400; a stage for requesting a player to select, through a game selecting device 111, a game other than one running in a terminal device 400 located within a predetermined distance from another terminal device 400 (hereinafter, player-intended terminal device) for running a player-selected game, based on the result of the determination and positions of the terminal devices 400; a stage for causing the player-intended terminal device 400 to run the player-selected game; and a stage for causing a speaker 29 (229) to output, based on an input to the microphone 30 (227), a voice related to the player-selected game running in the player-intended terminal device 400.

(Configuration of Controller 100)

As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming device 10 which executes the above mentioned playing method includes: a game memory 54; a game selecting device 111; terminal devices 400; a microphone 30 (227); a speaker 29 (229); a terminal position memory 114; and a controller 100.

Each of the terminal devices 400 includes a game running unit 110 and is capable of accessing a later-mentioned terminal device control unit 112. The game running unit 110 runs a game according to control performed by the terminal device control unit 112.

The game memory 54 stores a plurality of different games run by the game running unit 110. The game memory 54 can be accessed through the controller 100.

The game selecting device 111 provides to a player a selection of games run by the game running unit 110. The game selecting device 111 is capable of accessing a later-mentioned game selecting device control unit 118.

The microphone 30 (227) receives a voice externally input, and converts the received voice into voice data in the form of an electric signal. The speaker 29 (229) converts the voice data as an electric signal into a voice and then outputs the voice.

The terminal position memory 114 has a function of storing data related to a position of the each terminal device 400. The terminal position memory 114 is connected to a running-game determining unit 113. The running-game determining unit 113 has a function of determining if a game is running and what game is running in the each terminal device 400, based on an ending status of a game running in the each terminal device 400, a selection made through the game selecting device 111, information stored in the terminal position memory 114, and a result of a determination performed by a voice-input determining unit 116. Note that the running-game determining unit 113 may perform the above described determination, based on an ending status of a game running in the each terminal device 400, and a selection made through the game selecting device 111. Further, the running-game determining unit 113 may perform the above described determination, based on an ending status of a game running in the each terminal device 400, a selection made through the game selecting device 111, and information stored in the terminal position memory 114. Further, the running-game determining unit 113 may perform the above determination, based on a result of a determination performed by the voice-input determining unit 116.

The controller 100 is configured to perform: a first process for determining if any one of the plurality of different games is running and which one of the games is running in the terminal devices 400; a second process for requesting a player to select through the game selecting device 111 a game other than one running in a terminal device 400 located within a predetermined distance from a player-intended terminal device, based on the result of the first process and the respective positions of the terminal devices 400; a third process for causing the player-intended terminal device 400 to run a player-selected game; and a fourth process for causing a speaker 29 (229) to output, based on an input to the microphone 30 (227), a voice related to the player-selected game running in the player-intended terminal device 400. In other words, the controller 100 includes first to fourth process units.

As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 100 includes: the terminal device control unit 112; the running-game determining unit 113; the voice-input determining unit 116; an output-voice determining unit 117; and the game selecting device control unit 118.

The terminal device control unit 112 is connected to a terminal device 400. The terminal device control unit 112 has a function of causing the game running unit 110 to run a game stored in the game memory 54, based on a selection made through the game selecting device 111. Further, the terminal device control unit 112 has a function of detecting an ending of a game running in the each terminal device 400 and a game running-status of the each terminal device 400.

The running-game determining unit 113 determines if any one of the plurality of different games is running and which one of the games is running in each of the terminal devices 400. The running-game determining unit 113 receives data indicating a game selected through the game selecting device 111 and data identifying the corresponding terminal device 400. Further, the running-game determining unit 113 receives data identifying a terminal device 400 and data notifying an end of a game run by the game running unit 110 of the terminal device 400. Based on these sets of data, the running-game determining unit 113 determines if any one of the plurality of different games is running and what game is running in each of the terminal devices 400.

Further, based on positional data of the terminal devices 400 in the terminal position memory 114, the running-game determining unit 113 specifies a game other than one running in a terminal device 400 within a predetermined distance from a player-intended terminal device 400.

The game selecting device control unit 118 is connected to the game selecting device 111 and the running-game determining unit 113. The game selecting device control unit 118 has a function of requesting the player to select a game from runnable games, through the game selecting device 111, based on the result of a determination performed by the running-game determining unit 113. Further, the game selecting device control unit 118 has a function of outputting the player-selected game to the terminal device control unit 112 and the running-game determining unit 113.

The voice-input determining unit 116 is connected to the microphone 30 (227), a game memory 54, and the running-game determining unit 113. The voice-input determining unit 116 has a function of determining if voice data input to the microphone 30 (227) corresponds to a voice of any of the games and if the voice data corresponds to a game being run by the game running unit 110, based on the game data in the game memory 54 and the game running-status.

The output-voice determining unit 117 is connected to the voice-input determining unit 116, the terminal device control unit 112, the game memory 54, and the speaker 29 (229). The output-voice determining unit 117 has a function of determining a reply to the input voice data, based on the result of a determination performed by the voice-input determining unit 116, the game data in the game memory 54, and a game running-status. The output-voice determining unit 117 further has a function of outputting the reply thus determined, in the form of voice from the speaker 29 (229).

Meanwhile, each block of the game controller 100 may be structured in hardware or software manner, as required.

(Operation of Game Controller 100)

The following describes an operation of the controller 100 in the above structure. First, a game is selected through the game selecting device 111. Then, the running-game determining unit 113 receives data identifying a player-intended terminal device 400 and data indicating the player-selected game. Further, when the game ends in the terminal device 400, the running-game determining unit 113 receives the data identifying the terminal device 400 and data indicating an end of the game executed by the game running unit 110. Then, the running-game determining unit 113 determines if any one of the plurality of different games is running and which one of the games is running in each of the terminal devices 400. Through these processes, the controller 100 performs the first process for determining if any one of the plurality of different games is running and which one of the games is running in each of the terminal devices 400.

Based on the result of the first process and positional data of the terminal devices in the terminal position memory 114, the running-game determining unit 113 specifies games running in a terminal device 400 within a predetermined distance from a player-intended terminal device. The game selecting device control unit 118 requests the player to make a selection through the game selecting device 111, using data indicating games specified by the running-game determining unit 113. Through these processes, the controller 100 performs the second process for requesting the player to select through the game selecting device 111 a game other than one running in a terminal device 400 within a predetermined distance from a player-intended terminal device 400.

The game selecting device control unit 118 outputs data indicating the game selected through the game selecting device 111 to the terminal device control unit 112. The terminal device control unit 112 reads out from the game memory 54 game data related to the player-selected game input by the game selecting device control unit 118. The terminal device control unit 112 outputs the read-out game data to the player-intended terminal device 400 to have the game run by the game running unit 110. Through these processes, the controller 100 performs the third process for causing the player-intended terminal device 400 to run the player-selected game.

The voice-input determining unit 116 determines if voice data input to the microphone 30 (227) corresponds to a voice of any of the games and if the voice data corresponds to a game being run by the game running unit 110. The voice-input determining unit 116 outputs the result to the voice determining unit 117. The output-voice determining unit 117 determines a reply that should be given in response to the voice input, and outputs the reply thus determined from the speaker 29 (229). Through these processes, the controller 100 performs the fourth process for causing the speaker 29 (229) to output, based on an input to the microphone 30 (227), a voice related to the player-selected game running in the player-intended terminal device 400.

As is obvious from the above operation, the gaming device 10 realizes a playing method including: a stage for determining if a game is running and what game is running in each of the terminal devices 400; a stage for requesting a player to select, through a game selecting device 111, a game other than one running in a terminal device 400 located within a predetermined distance from a player-intended terminal device 400 to run a player-selected game, based on the result of the determination and positions of the terminal devices 400; a stage for causing the player-intended terminal device 400 to run the player-selected game; and a stage for outputting from a speaker 29 (229) a voice related to the player-selected game running in the player-intended terminal device 400 based on an input to the microphone 30 (227).

According to the playing method, the player is requested to select a game other than one running in a terminal device within a predetermined distance from a terminal device to run a player-selected game, at the time of selecting a game from the plurality of games. This prevents a single game from running at the same time in a plurality of the terminal devices. When a single game runs at the same time in a plurality of the terminal devices, a voice related to the game is output at the same time from the terminal devices, based on an input to the microphone and information in the game memory, which may consequently confuse the player. This however less likely to takes place with the above mentioned playing method. As a result, an enjoyable gaming environment is provided. Further, the player is requested to select a game other than one running in a terminal device within a predetermined distance from a terminal device to run a player-selected game, at the time of selecting a game from the plurality of games. This prevents the same game from running at the same time in a plurality of terminal devices. When a single game runs at the same time in a plurality of the terminal devices within a predetermined distance, a voice related to the game is output at the same time from the terminal devices within the distance, based on an input to the microphone and information in the game memory, which may consequently confuse the player. This however less likely to takes place with the above mentioned playing method. As a result, an enjoyable gaming environment is provided. Further, although a single game is prevented from running at the same time in a plurality of terminal devices within a predetermined distance, the same game can run in terminal devices outside the predetermined distance. This provides larger selection of games to the player, and a more enjoyable gaming environment.

(Gaming Device 10 and Flow of Playing Method)

The following specifically describes an exemplary flow of the above mentioned gaming device 10 and the playing method thereof, with reference to FIG. 3.

As shown in FIG. 1, the each terminal device 400 is provided with a display 101B. The display 101B displays games to be selected by the player, as shown in FIG. 3. In short, the display 101B constitutes a part of the game selecting device 111. Further, the display 101B displays games the player can select. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the display 101B indicates that a slot game is selectable, but not a roulette game or a Derby game. The display 101B receives a runnable game signal from the gaming machine main body 1. The runnable game signal is a signal indicating a runnable game. The display 101B then displays runnable games based on the runnable game signal received.

On the front surface of the display 101B provided is a later-mentioned touch panel 226. As shown in FIG. 3, pressing the touch panel 226 with a finger F allows the player to select a game which is indicated as selectable and which is displayed in a portion of the display 101B corresponding to the portion pressed by the finger F. That is, the touch panel 226 constitutes a part of the game selecting device 111. Through this, the display 101B and the touch panel 226 serving as the game selecting device 111 allow the player to select a game.

When the player selects a game, the terminal device 400 runs the player-selected game. The display 101B then displays an effect related to the game based on the a game running-status, as shown in FIG. 3.

When the player inputs a voice related to the game to the microphone 227 while the game is running, a game-related voice according to the input is output from the speaker 229. Specifically, when the voice input to the microphone 227 is “Give me a hint for the slot game”, the voice output from the speaker 229 is “Bonus after three more losses”.

Note that the present embodiment deals with a case where the display 101B and touch panel 226 serve as the game selecting device 111. However, the present invention is not limited to this, provided that a player is able to select a game. For example, the selection can be made by means of an input using a switch, or a voice input.

(Relation Between Running Game and Runnable Game)

The following describes a relation between a running game and a runnable game. In Embodiment 1, the plurality of different games are the following three games: roulette game, slot game, and Derby game. Further, the plurality of terminal devices 400 are provided. In a terminal device 400 which runs a player-selected game, a voice related to the game is output from the speaker 229.

In the gaming device 10 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a roulette game runs in one terminal device 400, and a Derby game in another terminal device 400. In this case, a roulette game and a Derby game are not selectable in the player-intended terminal device 400, but a slog game is. That is, the player is not able to select a game running in a terminal device 400. Therefore, the player is able to select a game which is not running in any of the other terminal devices 400. In this manner, the gaming device 10 requests the player to select a game other than one running in the terminal device 400. Note that, in the player-intended terminal device 400, a voice related to the game is output from the speaker 229.

Thus, the player is requested to select a game other than one running in terminal device 400, at the time of selecting a game from the plurality of games. This prevents the same game from running at the same time in a plurality of terminal devices 400. When a single game runs at the same time in a plurality of the terminal devices, a voice related to the game is output at the same time from the terminal devices, which may consequently confuse the player. This however less likely to takes place with the above mentioned playing method. As a result, an enjoyable gaming environment is provided.

Further, in the gaming device 10 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 5, a roulette game and a Derby game are running in terminal devices 400 located within a distance L1 from the player-intended terminal device 400. On the other hand, a slot game is running in a terminal device 400 located apart from the player-intended terminal device 400 by more than the distance L1. In this case, the roulette game and Derby game are not selectable in the player-intended terminal device 400, while the slot game is selectable in the same device. In other words, the player is not able to select a game running in a terminal device 400 located within a predetermined distance from the player-intended terminal device 400, but is able to select a game which is not running in the terminal device 400 located within the predetermined distance. As described, the gaming device 10 only allows the player to select a game other than one running in a terminal device 400 located within the predetermined distance from the player-intended terminal device 400. Note that the speaker 229 of the player-intended terminal device 400 outputs a voice related to a player-selected game.

Thus, the player is requested to select a game other than one running in a terminal device 400 located within a predetermined distance from the player-intended terminal device 400, at the time of selecting a game from the plurality of games. This prevents the same game from running at the same time in a plurality of terminal devices 400 within a predetermined distance. When a single game runs at the same time in a plurality of the terminal devices within a predetermined distance, a voice related to the game is output at the same time from the terminal devices within the distance, based on an input to the microphone and information in the game memory, which may consequently confuse the player. This however less likely to takes place with the above mentioned playing method. As a result, an enjoyable gaming environment is provided. Further, although a single game is prevented from running at the same time in a plurality of terminal devices within a predetermined distance, the same game can run in terminal devices outside the predetermined distance. This provides larger selection of games to the player, and a more enjoyable gaming environment.

(Mechanical Configuration: Gaming Machine Main Body 1)

The following describes an example of a mechanical and electrical configuration of the above mentioned gaming device 10.

As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming device 10 is provided in a game arcade. The gaming device 10 runs a unit game by using a game medium which is a game value. The game medium is a coin, bill or electronic negotiable information corresponding to them. Meanwhile, in the present invention, the game medium is not particularly limited. For example, a medal, token, electronic money, ticket and the like can be used. The ticket is not particularly limited and may be a ticket or the like with a barcode which will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming device 10 has a gaming machine main body land a gaming machine terminal 2. The gaming machine main body 1 includes: a controller 100 having devices such as a calculation device, a memory device or the like; and a display 101A such as a liquid crystal display which is controlled by the controller 100. The display 101A has a large size so that many players surrounding the display 101A from a distance are able to see view the display 101A. The display 101A displays various information and effect images or the like related to the games. The gaming machine main body 1 has a not-shown speaker 29 and a microphone 30. The speaker 29 outputs a voice related to the games. To the microphone 30, a voice is input.

(Mechanical Configuration: Gaming Machine Terminal 2)

A gaming machine terminal 2 is disposed in front of the display 101A. The gaming machine terminal 2 has a cabinet 3, a plurality of terminal devices 400 provided to the cabinet 3 and a plurality of chairs 4 disposed nearby the cabinet 3. The cabinet 3 is formed in a fan-like shape with the display 101A as its center point. The terminal devices 400 are disposed at an equal interval on the cabinet 3. In addition, coin trays 416 are disposed at a side of the cabinet 3.

The terminal device 400 has a liquid crystal display device that forms the display 101B, an operating panel 415, the coin tray 416, a touch panel 226, and a microphone 227. The operating panel 415 has a coin receiving slot and a bill validator. A control panel 220 is provided with a variety of buttons. These buttons allow the player to input instructions related to a game played by the player. Through the coin receiving slot, a coin is received in the cabinet 3. The display 101B displays various information and effect images or the like related to the games.

The operating panel 415 is provided with a change button, a cash out button. The change button is a button to be used when a player asks a staff person in the game arcade for exchange of money. The cash out button is a button for inputting an instruction to pay out the coins corresponding to the total credit-value into the coin tray 416.

The bill validator validates whether bill is normal or not and receives the normal bill into the terminal device 400. In addition, the bill validator can read a ticket having a barcode attached thereto. When the bill validator reads the ticket, it outputs a reading signal relating to the content read.

Further, the operating panel 415 is provided with a ticket printer, a card reader, a data displayer and a keypad. The ticket printer prints, on to a ticket, a barcode having encoded data containing credit-value, date and time, identification number of the gaming device 10 or the like, thereby outputting the ticket having the barcode attached thereto. A player can play a game in another gaming device 10 with the ticket having the barcode or exchange the ticket having the barcode with bill at a change booth of the game arcade.

The card reader reads and writes data from and into a smart card. The smart card is a card carried by a player, and stores therein data for identifying the player, data relating to a history of games played by the player, or the like.

The data displayer includes a fluorescent display or the like, and displays the data read by the card reader and the data input by the player through the keypad. The keypad inputs instructions or data relating to issuing of a ticket.

A belly glass is provided around the operating panel 415 or on a side of the gaming machine terminal 2. On the belly glass, a character of the gaming device 10 or the like is drawn. In addition, the terminal device 400 is adapted to display an image representative of an effect image, introduction of game contents and explanation of game rules. Furthermore, the cabinet 3 is provided with a speaker 229 for a voice output.

A translucent touch panel 226 is provided in front of the display 101B. The touch panel 226 is provided with signal lines arranged in the horizontal direction (X direction)and the vertical direction (Y direction), and switch units arranged in a matrix manner. When a finger F or the like presses the front surface of the touch panel 226 as shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, the touch panel 226 outputs an X-Y coordinate of a switch unit turned to the on-state by the pressing force applied, so as to enable identification of a pressed position.

The microphone 227 receives a voice input, and converts the voice into an electric signal.

(Electric Configuration: Gaming Machine Main Body 1)

A control unit in FIG. 7 is mounted in the controller 100 of the gaming machine main body 1. The control unit includes a motherboard 40, a main body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60, a gaming board 50, a sub CPU 61, various switches, microphone 30, and a speaker 29.

The gaming board 50 is provided with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a ROM 55 and a boot ROM 52 which are connected to each other through an internal bus.

The game memory 54 stores therein a plurality of game programs and game system programs. Specifically, the game memory 54 stores therein a game program for running a slot game, a game program for running a roulette game, and a game program for running a Derby game.

Further, the game memory 54 stores therein various types of data for use in the game programs and the game system programs. Specifically, the game memory 54 stores image data related to effects of the games, voice data related to the games, and reply data related to the games. These sets of data are transferred to the RAM 43 of the motherboard 40, at the time of running a game system programs.

Each of the game programs includes a program related to the progress of the game, a program for transiting to a bonus game, and image data and voice data output during a game.

The CPU 51, the ROM 55 and the boot ROM 52, which are connected to each other through the internal bus, are connected to the motherboard 40 through the PCI bus. The PCI bus performs a signal transfer between the motherboard 40 and the gaming board 50 and supplies power from the motherboard 40 to the gaming board 50. The ROM 55 stores nation identification information and an authentication program. The boot ROM 52 stores a preliminary authentication program and a program (boot code) enabling the CPU 51 to run the preliminary authentication program.

The authentication program is a program (falsification check program) for authenticating the game program and the game system program. The authentication program is a program for confirming and verifying that the game program and the game system program are not falsified. In other words, the authentication program is described in accordance with a procedure for authenticating the game program and the game system program. The preliminary authentication program is a program for authenticating the authentication program. The preliminary authentication program is described in accordance with a procedure for verifying that the authentication to be authenticated is not falsified, i.e., for authenticating the authentication program.

The motherboard 40 is provided with a main CPU 41 (controller), a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 43. The main CPU 41 serves as a controller and has a function of controlling the entire gaming device 10. In particular, the main CPU 41 performs control of, for example, an operation for determining what game is played in the each terminal device 400.

In other words, the main CPU 41 serves as the controller 100 and executes: a process of determining if any one of the plurality of different games is running and which one of the games is running in each of the terminal devices 400; a process of requesting the player to select, through a game selecting device 111, a game other than one running in a terminal device 400 located within a predetermined distance from a player-intended terminal device 400 for running a player-selected game, based on the result of the determination and the position of the terminal devices 400; a process of causing the player-intended terminal device 400 to run the player-selected game; and a process of causing a speaker 29 (229) to output, based on an input to the microphone 30 (227), a voice related to the player-selected game running in the player-intended terminal device 400.

The ROM 42 stores a program such as BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) run by the main CPU 41, and data that is permanently used. When the BIOS is run by the main CPU 41, each of peripheral devices is initialized and the game program and the game system program stored in the game memory 54 are read out through the gaming board 50.

The RAM 43 stores the data or program which is used when the main CPU 41 carries out a process.

The motherboard 40 is connected to a communication interface 44. The communication interface 44 is provided to communicate with the terminal devices 400, a host computer or the like through a communication line, which are mounted in the game arcade. Further, the motherboard 40 is connected to a power unit 45. When power is supplied to the motherboard 40 from the power unit 45, the main CPU 41 of the motherboard 40 is operated and the power is supplied to the gaming board 50 through the PCI bus, so that the CPU 51 is also operated.

The main body PCB 60 is connected to the motherboard 40 via a signal bus. To the main body PCB 60, a graphic board and a speaker 29 are connected.

The graphic board 68 controls an image display performed by the display 101A, based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41. In addition, the graphic board 68 is provided with a VDP for generating image data on the basis of the control signal output from the main CPU 41, a video RAM for temporarily storing the image data generated by the VDP, or the like.

(Electrical Configuration: Gaming Machine Terminal 2)

Each terminal device 400 provided to the gaming machine terminal 2 has a control unit shown in FIG. 8. The control unit has a motherboard 240, a first PCB 280, a second PCB 260, various switches and a speaker 229. The motherboard 240 has a terminal CPU 241, a ROM 242 and a RAM 243. The terminal CPU 241 serves as a controller and controls the overall terminal device 400.

The ROM 242 stores a program such as BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) run by the terminal CPU 241, a process routine of the terminal shown in FIG. 13 and data that is permanently used. When the BIOS is run by the terminal CPU 241, each of peripheral devices is initialized. The RAM 243 stores data that is used when the terminal CPU 241 performs a process.

The terminal CPU 241 is connected to a communication interface 244. The communication interface 44 is provided to communicate with the gaming machine main body 1 through a communication line. Further, the motherboard 240 is connected to a power unit 245. When power is supplied to the motherboard 240 from the power unit 245, the terminal CPU 241 of the motherboard 240 is operated.

The motherboard 240 is connected with the first PCB 280 and the second PCB 260 through a signal bus. The first PCB 280 is connected to a device or apparatus for generating an input signal to be input to the terminal CPU 241, and a device or apparatus controlled by a control signal output from the terminal CPU 241. The terminal CPU 241 runs the game program and the game system program stored in the RAM 243 based on the input signal input to the terminal CPU 241, to carry out an arithmetic process, thereby storing a result thereof in the 2RAM 43 or transmitting a control signal to each device or apparatus.

The second PCB 260 is connected with a lamp 230, a hopper 266, a coin sensor 267, a graphic board 268, the speaker 229, a bill validator 222, a ticket printer 235, a card reader 236, a key switch 238S, a data displayer 237, a microphone 227, and a conversation engine circuit 228.

The lamp 230 is turned on/off on the basis of the control signal output from the terminal CPU 241. The hopper 266 is mounted in the cabinet 3 and pays out a predetermined number of coins to the coin tray 416, based on the control signal output from the terminal CPU 241. The coin sensor 267 detects that the predetermined number of coins are paid out and outputs an input signal to the terminal CPU 241.

The graphic board 268 controls an image display in the display 101B, based on the control signal output from the terminal CPU 241. In addition, the graphic board 268 is provided with a VDP for generating image data on the basis of the control signal output from the terminal CPU 241, a video RAM for temporarily storing the image data generated by the VDP, and the like.

The bill validator 222 reads an image of the bill and accommodates the normal bill in the cabinet 3. In addition, when accommodating the normal bill, the bill validator 222 outputs an input signal to the terminal CPU 241, based on an amount of the bill. The terminal CPU 241 stores a credit-value, which corresponds to the amount of the bill transmitted by the input signal, in the RAM 43, and transmits the credit-value to the gaming machine main body 1 through the communication interface 244.

The ticket printer 235 prints, on to a ticket, a barcode containing encoded data such as credit-value stored in the RAM 43, date and time, identification number of the gaming device 10 or the like, based on the control signal output from the terminal CPU 241, thereby outputting the ticket having the barcode.

The card reader 236 reads the data from the smart card to transmit it to the terminal CPU 241, and writes the data into the smart card, based on the control signal output from the terminal CPU 241. The key switch 238S is mounted to the keypad, and outputs an input signal to the terminal CPU 241 when the player manipulates the keypad. The data displayer 237 displays, based on the control signal output from the terminal CPU 241, the data read by the card reader 236 or the data input by the player through the key switch 238S. In the mean time, the data is transmitted to the gaming machine main body 1 through the communication interface 244.

The first PCB 280 is connected with a control panel 220, a reverter 221S, a coin counter 221C and a cold cathode tube 281. The control panel 220 is provided with a change switch 224S corresponding to the change button and a cash out switch 225S corresponding to the cash out button. Each of the switches 224S and 225S outputs an input signal to the terminal CPU 241 when each of the corresponding buttons is pushed by a player.

The coin counter 221C validates whether a coin, which is inserted by the player, is normal or not. A coin except the normal coin is discharged from the coin tray 416. In addition, the coin counter 221C outputs an input signal to the terminal CPU 241 upon detection of a normal coin.

The coin counter 221C is operated on the basis of the control signal output from the terminal CPU 241 and distributes a coin, which is recognized as a normal coin by the coin counter 221C, to a cash box or hopper 266 mounted in the gaming device 10. In other words, when the hopper 266 is fully filled with the coins, the normal coin is distributed into the cash box by the reverter 221S. In the mean time, when the hopper 266 is not fully filled with the coins, the normal coin is distributed into the hopper 266. The cold cathode tube 281 functions as a backlight mounted to rear sides of the display 101B and is turned on, based on the control signal output from the terminal CPU 241.

The microphone 227 receives a voice input, and converts the voice input into a voice signal. The conversation engine circuit 228 analyzes the voice signal from the microphone 227, based on a game running-status, a voice related to a game stored in RAM 243, and the game data. Further, the conversation engine circuit 228 determines a voice to be given in reply to the analyzed a voice signal, based on a game running-status, a voice related to a game stored in RAM 243, and the game data.

(Terminal Device Position Table)

The following describes a terminal device position table shown in FIG. 9. Data of this table is stored in the RAM 43 of the gaming machine main body 1. The table at least includes a list of terminal devices 1, a list of positions 1, a list of terminal devices 2, a list of positions 2, and a list of distances. Each data item in the list of terminal device 1 and the lists of terminal devices 2 is a data item indicating a terminal device. Each data item in the list of positions 1 is a data item indicating a position coordinate of a terminal device indicated by the data item in the list of the terminal devices 1. Each data item in the list of positions 2 is a data item indicating a position coordinate of a terminal device indicated by the data item in the list of the terminal devices 2. Each data item in the list of the distances is a data item indicating a distance between position coordinates indicated by a data item in the list of positions 1 and a corresponding data item in the list of positions 2.

More specifically describing the terminal device position table shown in FIG. 9, the position coordinate (x,y) of the terminal device 400a is (1, 1), the position coordinate of the terminal device 400c is (1, 2), and the distance between the terminal devices 400a and 400c is L3. The position coordinate of the terminal device 400d is (1, 3), and the distance between terminal devices 400a and 400d is L4. The position coordinate of the terminal device 400e is (2, 1), and the distance between terminal devices 400a and 400e is L1. The position coordinate of the terminal device 400f is (2, 2), and the distance between terminal devices 400a and 400f is L1 in the horizontal direction and is L3 in the longitudinal direction. The position coordinate of the terminal device 400g is (2, 3), and the distance between terminal devices 400a and 400g is L1 in the horizontal direction and is L4 in the longitudinal direction. The position coordinate of the terminal device 400h is (3, 1), and the distance between terminal devices 400a and 400h is L2 in the horizontal direction. The position coordinate of the terminal device 400i is (3, 2), and the distance between terminal devices 400a and 400i is L2 in the horizontal direction and is L3 in the longitudinal direction. The position coordinate of the terminal device 400j is (3, 3), and the distance between terminal devices 400a and 400j is L2 in the horizontal direction and is L4 in the longitudinal direction.

Note that the terminal device position table serving as a terminal device position memory is not particularly limited to the one described above, provided that the table is able to store the positions of the terminal devices 400.

(Terminal Device Administration Table)

The following describes a terminal device administration table shown in FIG. 10. Data of this table is stored in the RAM 43 of the gaming machine main body 1. The table at least includes a list of terminal device numbers, a list of game running-statuses, and a list of running games. The list of terminal device numbers is a list of data indicating the terminal device numbers. The list of game running-statuses is a list of data indicating if a game is running in the terminal device 400. The list of running games is a list of data indicating games running in the terminal device 400.

More specifically, the terminal device administration table shown in FIG. 10 indicates the following. In a terminal device 400 whose terminal device number is “1”, the table indicates that a game is “running”, and that the game is “slot game”. In a terminal device 400 whose terminal device number is “2”, the table indicates that a game is “Not Running”. In a terminal device 400 whose terminal device number is “3”, the table indicates that a game is “running”, and that the game is “roulette game”. In a terminal device 400 whose terminal device number is “4”, the table indicates that is “Not Running”. In a terminal device 400 whose terminal device number is “5”, the table indicates that a game is “running”, and that the game is “Derby game”.

The terminal device administration table is not particularly limited to the one described above, provided that the table is able to record information about if a game is running in each of the terminal devices 400.

(Game Data Table)

The following describes a game data table shown in FIG. 11. Data of this table is stored in the game memory 54 of the gaming machine main body 1, and is transferred to the RAM 43 of the motherboard 40, at a time of running a game system program. This table at least includes a list of game names, a list of game data, and a list of voice data. The list of game names is a list of data indicating the names of games. The list of game data is a list of data indicating game programs each of which is used for the CPU to run a game and sets of game data. The list of voice data is a list of data indicating a voice related to the games. In other word, the game data table stores therein a plurality of different games, and a voice related to the games.

More specifically describing the game data table shown in FIG. 11, the table indicates that game data of a game name “slot” and its voice data are stored. For example, the voice data of the slot game includes data representing a voice “a hint of the slot game”, and data representing a voice “Bonus after N more losses” (where N means voice data of a given number is inserted). Further, the table indicates that game data of a game name “roulette” and its voice data are stored. Further, the table indicates that game data of a game name “Derby” and its voice data are stored.

Note that the game data table is not particularly limited to the one described above, provided that the table is able to store a plurality of games.

(Process Performed in Gaming Machine Main Body 1)

The following describes a process performed in the gaming machine main body 1. A game starts when the main CPU 41 of the game controller 100 reads out and runs a game program.

(Process Performed in Gaming Machine Main Body 1: Process Routine at Main Body End)

As shown in FIG. 12, in a process routine performed at the main body end, the main CPU 41 determines if a game-end signal is received from a terminal device 400 (A1). If the main CPU 41 determines that the game-end signal from the terminal device 400 is received (A1: YES), the terminal device administration table is updated (A2). Specifically, the table is updated so as to indicate “Not Running” in the corresponding game running-status of the terminal device number indicated by the game-end signal received. The process then returns to A1.

In A1, if the main CPU 41 determines that no game-end signal is received (A1: NO), the main CPU 41 determines if a runnable game requesting signal is received from a player-intended terminal device 400 (A3). If the main CPU 41 determines that a runnable game requesting signal is received (A3: YES), the CPU 41 specifies a runnable game based on the terminal device administration table and terminal device position table (A4). Specifically, based on the terminal device position table, the main CPU 41 specifies positions of the player-intended terminal device 400 having output the runnable game requesting signal and a terminal device 400 located within a predetermined distance. Then, the main CPU 41 specifies a game other than one running in the terminal device thus specified, based on the terminal device administration table. The specified game is a runnable game.

Thus, it is possible to determine if any one of the plurality of different games is running and which one of the games is running in each of the terminal devices 400.

It is possible to specify a runnable game only based on the terminal device administration table, without referring to the terminal device position table. However, the terminal device position table is preferably used for the purpose of wider selection of runnable games to the player. Further, the running-game determining unit 113 determines a runnable game every time a runnable game requesting signal is received. However, this process of determining the runnable game can always be performed by the running-game determining unit 113.

Next in A4, there is output a runnable game signal indicating the runnable game specified to the player-intended terminal device 400 (A5), and the process then returns to A1.

Through the above processes, it is possible to allow the player to select, via the game selecting device 111, a game other than one running in a terminal device 400 located within a predetermined distance from the player-intended terminal device 400 for running a player-selected game.

On the other hand, if the main CPU 41 determines that no runnable game requesting signal is received in A3 (A3: NO), the main CPU 41 determines if a game selection signal is received from the player-intended terminal device 400 (A6). If the main CPU 41 determines that no game selection signal is received (A6: NO), the process returns to A1. On the other hand, if the main CPU 41 determines that a game selection signal is received (A6: YES), the terminal device administration table is updated (A7). Specifically, in the terminal device administration table, data indicating that the player-selected game is running is stored in the data area of the terminal device number corresponding to the player-intended terminal device 400 having output the game selection signal. Next, the corresponding game data is output (A8), and the process returns to A1. Specifically, the game data of the player-selected game indicated by the game selection signal is read out from the game memory 54 or RAM 43, and is output to the player-intended terminal device 400.

Through the above processes, it is possible to run the player-selected game in the player-intended terminal device 400.

(Process Performed in Gaming Machine Terminal 2: Terminal End Process Routine)

Next described is a process routine performed in each terminal device 400 serving as a gaming machine terminal 2 of the gaming machine main body 1. When a terminal device 400 performs the terminal end process routine shown in FIG. 13, a terminal CPU 241 first performs a process of determining a runnable game (B1). This process is detailed later.

Next, the terminal CPU 241 displays, on the display 101B, a runnable game determined through the process of determining a runnable game, and waits for an entry of a player-selected game (B2).

The processes thereafter are waited until the entry of a player-selected game (B3: NO). Whether or not a game is selected is determined in B2, based on whether a portion of the touch panel 226 corresponding to a game image displayed on the display 101B is pressed.

In B3, if the terminal CPU 241 determines that a game is selected (B3: YES), a game selection signal indicating the player-selected game is output to the gaming machine main body 1 (B4). Next, game data is received from the gaming machine main body 1 (B5). Next, the player-selected game is run based on the received game data (B6). Next, whether the game has ended is determined (B7). If the terminal CPU 241 determines that the game has ended (B7: YES), a game-end signal is output to the gaming machine main body 1 (B12), and the process returns to B1.

On the other hand, if the terminal CPU 241 determines that the game is not yet ended (B7: NO), the terminal CPU 241 determines whether there is a voice input to the microphone 227 (B8). If the terminal CPU 241 determines that there is no a voice input (B8: NO), the process returns to B6, and the game is continued (B6).

On the other hand, if the terminal CPU 241 determines that there is a voice input to the microphone (B8: YES), the voice input is output to the conversation engine circuit 228 (B9), and the conversation engine circuit 228 analyzes the voice. The terminal CPU 241 determines whether there is data to be output (B10) based on the result of the analysis performed by the conversation engine circuit 228. If the terminal CPU 241 determines that there is no data to be output (B10: NO), the process returns to B6, and the game is continued (B6). On the other hand, if the terminal CPU 241 determines that there is data to be output (B10: YES), the data to be output is output from the speaker 229 in the form of a voice output (B11). Then, the process returns to B6, and the game is continued (B6).

Through the processes, it is possible to output, from the speaker 229, a voice related to the game to be run in the player-intended terminal device 400 based on an input to the microphone 227.

(Process Performed in Gaming Machine Terminal 2: Runnable Game Determination Routine)

Next, the following describes with reference to FIG. 14 a routine of the runnable game determination called during the terminal end process routine. When the routine of the runnable game determination shown in FIG. 14 is executed, the terminal CPU 241 outputs a runnable game requesting signal to the gaming machine main body 1 (C1). Next, the terminal CPU 241 determines whether a runnable game signal is received (C2). Then, the subsequent process is waited until a reception of a runnable game signal (C2: NO). On the other hand, when the terminal CPU 241 determines that a runnable game signal is received (C2: YES), this routine is completed and the process returns to the terminal end process routine.

Through the processes, the game selecting device requests a player to select, from a plurality of games, a game to be run in one of the terminal devices. The player-intended terminal device runs a game selected by the player. For all of the terminal devices, there is determined if any game is running and what game is running. Based on the game running-status determined, the game selecting device requests the player to select a game other than one running in the terminal device. The player-selected game then runs in the terminal device. Meanwhile, a voice related to the game to be run in the terminal device is output based on an input to the microphone, information stored in the game memory, and a game running-status. Thus, the player is requested to select a game other than one running in a terminal device within a predetermined distance from a terminal device to run a player-selected game, at the time of selecting a game from the plurality of games. This prevents the same game from running at the same time in a plurality of the terminal devices. When the same game runs at the same time in a plurality of the terminal devices, a voice related to the game is output at the same time from the terminal devices, based on an input to the microphone and information in the game memory, which may consequently confuse the player. This however less likely takes place with the above mentioned playing method. As a result, an enjoyable gaming environment is provided.

Further, the game selecting device requests the player to select, from the plurality of games, a game to be run in one of the terminal devices. The player-intended terminal device runs a game selected by the player. For all of the terminal devices, there is determined if any game is running and what game is running. Based on the game running-status determined and information stored in the terminal position memory, the game selecting device requests the player to select a game other than one running in a terminal device located within the predetermined distance from a terminal device for running therein the player-selected game. The player-selected game then runs in the terminal device. Meanwhile, a voice related to the game to be run in the terminal device is output based on an input to the microphone, information stored in the game memory, and a game running-status. Thus, at the time where the player selects a game from the plurality of the games, the game selecting device requests the player to select a game other than one running in a terminal device within the predetermined distance from a terminal device for running therein the player-selected game. This prevents the same game from running at the same time in a plurality of the terminal devices within a predetermined distance. When a single game runs at the same time in a plurality of the terminal devices within a predetermined distance, a voice related to the game is output at the same time from the terminal devices within the distance, based on an input to the microphone and information in the game memory, which may consequently confuse the player. This however less likely to takes place with the above mentioned playing method. As a result, an enjoyable gaming environment is provided. Further, although a single game is prevented from running at the same time in a plurality of terminal devices within a predetermined distance, the same game can run in terminal devices outside the predetermined distance. This provides larger selection of games to the player, and a more enjoyable gaming environment.

Embodiment 2

The following describes a gaming device related to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and an embodiment of a playing method of the gaming device. Note that same symbols are given to members identical to those of Embodiment 1, and explanation therefor are omitted here.

As shown in FIG. 1, a gaming device executes a playing method including: a stage for determining, based on an input to the microphone 227 of a terminal device 400 (hereinafter, player-intended terminal device), if any one of the plurality of different games is running and which one of the games is running in a terminal device 400 located within such a distance that a game-related voice output from the terminal device 400 can reach the microphone 227 of a player-intended terminal device 400 (such a distance is hereinafter referred to as a voice-reachable distance); a stage for requesting, based on the result of the stage for determining, the player to select through a game selecting device 111 a game other than one running in a terminal device 400 located within the voice-reachable distance; a stage for causing the player-intended terminal device 400 to run the player-selected game; and a stage for causing a speaker 229 to output a voice related to the game to be run in the player-intended terminal device 400, based on an input to the microphone 227.

As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 200 includes: a terminal device control unit 112; an running-game determining unit 113; a voice-input determining unit 116; an output-voice determining unit 117; and a game selecting device control unit 118.

(Configuration of Controller 200)

The controller 200 performs a fifth process for determining, based on an input to the microphone 227 of a player-intended terminal device 400, if a game is running and what game is running in the player-intended terminal device 400 located within the voice-reachable distance; a sixth process for requesting, based on the result of the fifth process, the player to select via the selecting device 111 a game other than one running in a terminal device 400 located within the voice-reachable distance; a third process for causing the player-intended terminal device 400 to run the player-selected game; a fourth process for causing the speaker 229 to output the voice related to the game running in the player-intended terminal device 400, based on an input to the microphone 300. In other words, the controller 200 includes the third process unit, the fourth process unit, a fifth process unit, and a sixth process unit.

(Operation of Controller 200)

The following describes an operation of the controller 200 having the above mentioned configuration. First, the voice-input determining unit 116 determines which one of the games, voice data having been input to the microphone 227 is related to. Then, the output-voice determining unit 117 outputs the result to the running-game determining unit 113. The running-game determining unit 113 determines that the game which is recognized as to relate to the voice as a result of the determination performed by the output-voice determining unit 117 is run in a terminal device 400 located within the voice-reachable distance. Through the processes, the controller 200 performs the fifth process for determining, based on an input to the microphone 227 of the player-intended terminal device 400, if a game is running and what game is running in a terminal device 400 located within the voice-reachable distance.

Further, based on the result of the fifth process and the game data in the game memory 54, the running-game determining unit 113 specifies a game which is not related to the game recognized as to relate to the voice as a result of the determination performed by the output-voice determining unit 117. As described, based on the result of the above determination, the controller 200 performs a sixth process for requesting the player to select through a game selecting device 111 a game other than one running in a terminal device 400 located within the voice-reachable distance.

The game selecting device control unit 118 outputs to the terminal device control unit 112 data indicating a game selected through the game selecting device 111. The terminal device control unit 112 reads out from the game memory 54 game data related to the player-selected game which is input from the game selecting device control unit 118. The terminal device control unit 112 outputs the read out game data to the player-intended terminal device 400 to have the player-selected game run by the game running unit 110. The controller 200 performs the third process for causing the player-intended terminal device 400 to run the player-selected game.

the voice-input determining unit 116 determines if voice data input to the microphone 30 (227) corresponds to a voice of any of the games and if the voice data corresponds to a game being run by the game running unit 110. Then, the voice-input determining unit 116 outputs the result to the output-voice determining unit 117. The output-voice determining unit 117 then determines a reply to the voice input, and outputs the reply from the speaker 29 (229) in the form of voice output. In this way, the controller 100 performs based on an input to the microphone 30 (227), the fourth process for causing the speaker 29 (229) to output, based on an input to the microphone 30 (227), a voice related to the player-selected game running in the player-intended terminal device 400.

As is obvious from the above operation, the gaming device realizes a playing method including: a stage for determining, based on an input to the microphone 227 of the player-intended terminal device 400, if a game is running and what game is running in a terminal device 400 located within the voice-reachable distance; a stage for requesting, based on the result of the stage for determining, the player to select through a game selecting device 111 a game other than one running in a terminal device 400 located within the voice-reachable distance; a stage for causing the player-intended terminal device 400 to run the player-selected game; and a stage for outputting, based on an input to the microphone 227, a voice related to the game to be run in the player-intended terminal device 400, from the speaker 229 in the form of voice output.

According to the playing method, the player is asked to select, from the plurality of different games, a game to be run in a player-intended terminal device. The player-intended terminal device runs a game selected by the player. Based on an input to the microphone and information in the game memory, there is determined if a game is running and what game is running in a terminal device located within the voice-reachable distance. Based on the game running-status determined, the game selecting device only allows the player to select a game other than one running in a terminal device located within the voice-reachable distance. The player-selected game then runs in the player-intended terminal device. Meanwhile, a voice related to the game to be run in the player-intended terminal device is output based on an input to the microphone, information stored in the game memory, and a game running-status. Thus, the player is requested to select a game other than one running in a terminal device located within the voice-reachable distance, at the time of selecting a game from the plurality of games. This prevents the same game from running at the same time in a terminal device located within the voice-reachable distance. When a single game runs at the same time in a plurality of the terminal devices within a voice-reachable distance, a voice related to the game is output at the same time from the terminal devices within the distance, based on an input to the microphone and information in the game memory, which may consequently confuse the player. This however less likely to takes place with the above mentioned playing method. As a result, an enjoyable gaming environment is provided. Further, since it is possible to prevent a single game from running in terminal devices at the same time within the voice-reachable distance, the same game can run at the same time in a terminal device located within the voice-reachable distance. This provides larger selection of games to the player, and a more enjoyable gaming environment. Further, since a voice of a game is not output at the same time from terminal devices located within the voice-reachable distance, the selection of the games to be selected by the player is more appropriately increased. This is convenient as there is no need for setting an area where the same game can run at the same time in a plurality of terminal devices. Thus, more enjoyable gaming environment is provided.

(Gaming Device and Flow of Playing Method)

The explanation for the gaming device and the playing method thereof are omitted as they are the same as those described in Embodiment 1.

(Relation Between Running Game and Runnable Game)

The following describes a relation between a running game and a runnable game. In Embodiment 2, the plurality of different games are the following three games: roulette game, slot game, and Derby game. Further, the plurality of terminal devices 400 are provided. In a player-intended terminal device 400 which runs a player-selected game, a voice related to the game is output from the speaker 229.

Further, the gaming device of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 6 includes: a microphone 227 and a speaker 229. As shown in FIG. 6, one terminal device 400 is running a Derby game. Another terminal device 400 is running a roulette game. Further, yet another terminal device 400 is running a slot game. The respective speakers 229 of the terminal devices running games output a voice related to the games running therein. A game-related voice output from the speaker 229 of the terminal device 400 running the Derby game is input to the microphone 227 of the player-intended terminal device 400 for running a player-selected game. A game-related voice from the speaker 229 of the terminal device 400 running the roulette game is input to the microphone 227 of the player-intended terminal device 400 for running a player-selected game. On the other hand, a game-related voice output from the speaker 229 of the terminal device 400 running the slot game is not input to the microphone 227 of the player-intended terminal device 400 for running the player-selected game. In this case, a roulette game and Derby game are not selectable in the player-intended terminal device 400 for running a player-selected game, while the slot game is selectable. In other words, the player is not able to select a game running in a terminal device 400 located within the voice-reachable distance. As described, the gaming device only allows the player to select a game other than one running in a terminal device 400 located within the voice-reachable distance. Note that the player-intended terminal device 400 for running a player-selected game outputs a game-related voice from its speaker 229.

Thus, the player is requested to select a game other than one running in a terminal device 400 located within the voice-reachable distance, at the time of selecting a game from the plurality of games. This prevents the same game from running at the same time in a terminal device 400 located within the voice-reachable distance. Therefore, it is possible to prevent terminal devices 400 located within the voice-reachable distance to run the same game. Thus, the player is less likely confused by a voice related to the same game output at the same time by running the same game at the same time within the voice-reachable distance. This realizes an enjoyable gaming environment. Running of the same game at the same time in a plurality of terminal devices within the voice-reachable distance is avoided, but the same game can run outside the voice-reachable distance. Thus a larger selection of games and a more enjoyable gaming environment is provided to the player. Further, since it is possible to avoid outputting a voice related to the same game at the same time within the voice-reachable distance, the selection of player-runnable games is more appropriately enlarged, and an enjoyable gaming environment is realized. Further, convenience is improved because it is no longer necessary to set a need for setting the voice-reachable distance.

(Mechanical and Electric Configurations of Gaming Device)

Explanations for the mechanical and electrical configurations of the gaming device of Embodiment 2 is omitted as they are the same as those of Embodiment 1.

(Running Game Administration Table)

The RAM 243 of each terminal device 400 stores therein a running game administration table as shown in FIG. 15. The running game administration table is a table for administrating games running in terminal devices 400 located within the voice-reachable distance. The running game administration table is stored in each of the terminal devices 400. The running game administration table includes at least: a list of games running; and a list of detection times. The list of games running is a list of data items indicating games. The list of detection times is a list of data items each indicating a time of detecting a game running in another terminal device 400.

More specifically, the running game administration table of FIG. 15 indicates that a slot game runs at XX (hour):YY (min). Further, the table indicates that a roulette game runs at XX (hour):ZZ (min). Further, the table indicates that a Derby game runs at XX (hour):AA (min).

Note that the running game administration table is not limited to the one described in the present embodiment, provided that games running within the voice-reachable distance are stored.

(Process Performed in Gaming Machine Terminal 2: Runnable Game Determination Routine)

Next, the following describes a routine of a runnable game determination of Embodiment 2, with reference to FIG. 16. The routine of the runnable game determination is called during the terminal end process routine. When the routine of the runnable game determination is executed, the terminal CPU 241 specifies a runnable game based on the running game administration table (D1). Then, the process returns to the terminal end process routine. Specifically, specified as a runnable game is a game which is not in the running game administration table.

(Process Performed in Gaming Machine Terminal 2: Running Game Determination Routine)

Next, the following describes a routine of a running game determination, with reference to FIG. 17. This routine of the running game determination is always executed by the terminal CPU 241, independently from the other routines. When the running game determination routine is executed, the terminal CPU 241 determines if there is an input to the microphone 227 (E1). If the terminal CPU 241 determines that there is an input to the microphone 227 (E1: YES), the terminal CPU 241 determines whether the input to the microphone 227 is a voice related to a game, through the conversation engine circuit 228 (E2). If the terminal CPU 241 determines that the input is a voice related to a game (E2: YES), the name of the game and the time of detecting the game is stored in the running game administration table (E3). The process then returns to E1.

On the other hand in E1, if the terminal CPU 241 determines that no a voice is input to the microphone 227 (E1: NO), the current time is acquired (E4). Next, the terminal CPU 241 sets the current time as a reference time, and determines if the running game administration table contains information recorded a predetermined time before the reference time (E5). If the terminal CPU 241 determines that there is information recorded the predetermined time before the reference time (E5: YES), the terminal CPU 241 deletes the information (E6). The process then returns to E1. On the other hand, if the terminal CPU 241 determines that there is no information recorded the predetermined time before the reference time (E5: NO), the process returns to E1.

In the above mentioned manner, the player is asked to select, from the plurality of different games, a game to be run in the player-intended terminal device. The player-intended terminal device runs a game selected by the player. Based on an input to the microphone and information in the game memory, there is determined if a game is running and what game is running in a terminal device located within the voice-reachable distance. Based on the game running-status determined, the game selecting device requests the player to select a game other than one running in a terminal device located within the voice-reachable distance. The player-selected game then runs in the player-intended terminal device. Meanwhile, a voice related to the game to be run in the player-intended terminal device is output based on an input to the microphone, information stored in the game memory, and a game running-status. Thus, the player is requested to select a game other than one running in a terminal device located within the voice-reachable distance, at the time of selecting a game from the plurality of games. This prevents the same game from running at the same time in a terminal device located within the voice-reachable distance. When a single game runs at the same time in a plurality of the terminal devices within a voice-reachable distance, a voice related to the game is output at the same time from the terminal devices within the distance, based on an input to the microphone and information in the game memory, which may consequently confuse the player. This however less likely to takes place with the above mentioned playing method. As a result, an enjoyable gaming environment is provided. Further, since it is possible to prevent a single game from running in terminal devices at the same time located within the voice-reachable distance, the same game can run at the same time in a terminal device located within the voice-reachable distance. This provides larger selection of games to the player, and a more enjoyable gaming environment. Further, since a voice of a game is not output at the same time from terminal devices located within the voice-reachable distance, the selection of the games to be selected by the player is more appropriately increased. This is convenient as there is no need for setting an area where the same game can run at the same time in a plurality of terminal devices. Thus, more enjoyable gaming environment is provided.

Embodiment 3

The following describes a gaming device related to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, and an embodiment of a playing method of the gaming device. Note that same symbols are given to members identical to those of Embodiment 1, and explanation therefor are omitted here.

A gaming device of Embodiment 3 only includes gaming machine terminal 2 of the gaming device in Embodiment 2. That is, a single gaming device stores therein a plurality of games, requests a player to select a game through the game selecting device 111, and run a game selected by the player. In the present embodiment, at least two of these gaming devices are installed in a game arcade.

The gaming device executes a playing method including: a stage for determining, based on an input to the microphone 30 of a player-intended gaming device, if a game is running and what game is running in another gaming device located within a distance such that a game-related voice output from the other gaming device can reach the microphone 30 of the player-intended gaming device (such a distance is hereinafter referred to as a voice-reachable distance); a stage for allowing, based on the result of the stage for determining, the player to select through a game selecting device 111 a game other than one running in the gaming device located within the voice-reachable distance; a stage for causing the player-intended gaming device to run the player-selected game; and a stage for causing a speaker 29 to output a voice related to the game to be run in the player-intended gaming device based on an input to the microphone 30.

As shown in FIG. 18, the controller 300 includes: a running-game determining unit 113; a voice-input determining unit 116; an output-voice determining unit 117; a game selecting device control unit 118; and a game running unit 110.

(Configuration of Controller 300)

The controller 300 performs a seventh process for determining, based on an input to the microphone 30 of a player-intended gaming device, if a game is running and what game is running in a gaming device located within the voice-reachable distance; an eighth process for requesting, based on the result of the seventh process, the player to select via the selecting device 111 a game other than one running in the gaming device located within the voice-reachable distance; a ninth process for causing the player-intended gaming device to run the player-selected game; a tenth process for causing the speaker 29 to output the voice related to the game to be run in the gaming device, based on an input to the microphone 30 and game running-status. In other words, the controller 300 includes a ninth process unit, a tenth process unit, a seventh process unit, and an eighth process unit.

(Operation of Controller 300)

The following describes an operation of the controller 300 having the above mentioned configuration. First, the voice-input determining unit 116 determines which one of the games, voice data having been input to the microphone 30 provided to the gaming device as shown in FIG. 18 is related to. Then, the output-voice determining unit 117 outputs the result to the running-game determining unit 113. The running-game determining unit 113 determines that the game related to the voice, as the result of determination performed by the output-voice determining unit 117, is running in another gaming device located within the voice-reachable distance. As described, the controller 300 performs the seventh process for determining, based on an input to the microphone 30 of a gaming device, if a game is running and what game is running in a gaming device located within the voice-reachable distance.

As shown in FIG. 18, based on the result of the seventh process and the game data in the game memory 54, the running-game determining unit 113 specifies a game which is not related to the game recognized as to relate to the voice as a result of the determination performed by the output-voice determining unit 117. As described, based on the result of the above determination, the controller 300 performs the eighth process for requesting the player to select through a game selecting device 111 a game other than those running in another gaming device located within the voice-reachable distance.

Further, as shown in FIG. 18, the controller 300 performs the ninth process for causing the game running unit 110 to run the player-selected game.

Further, as shown in FIG. 18, the voice-input determining unit 116 determines if voice data input to the microphone 30 (227) corresponds to a voice of any of the games and if the voice data corresponds to a game being run by the game running unit 110. Then, the output-voice determining unit 117 determines a reply to the voice input, and outputs the reply from the speaker 29 in the form of voice output. In this way, the controller 100 performs based on an input to the microphone 30 and the game running-status, the tenth process for outputting from the speaker 29 a voice related to the game to be run.

As is obvious from the above operation, the gaming device realizes a playing method including: a stage for determining, based on an input to the microphone 30 of the gaming device, if a game is running and what game is running in another gaming device located within the voice-reachable distance; a stage for requesting the player to select through the selecting device 111 a game other than one running in the other gaming device located within the voice-reachable distance, based on the result of the stage for determining; a stage for running the player-selected game; and a stage for outputting, based on an input to the microphone 30 and the game running-status, a voice related to the game to be run from the speaker 29 in the form of voice output.

According to the playing method, the game selecting device asks the player to select, from the plurality of different games, a game to be run. Based on an input to the microphone and information in the game memory, there is determined if a game is running and what game is running in another gaming device located within the voice-reachable distance. Based on the game running-status determined, the game selecting device only requests the player to select a game other than one running in the other gaming device located within the voice-reachable distance. Then, the player-selected game is run. Meanwhile, a voice related to the game to be run is output based on an input to the microphone, information stored in the game memory, and a game running-status. Thus, the player is requested to select a game other than one running in a gaming device located within the voice-reachable distance, at the time of selecting a game from the plurality of games. This prevents the same game from running at the same time in a gaming device located within the voice-reachable distance. When a single game runs at the same time in a plurality of the gaming devices within a voice-reachable distance, a voice related to the game is output at the same time from the gaming devices within the distance, based on an input to the microphone and information in the game memory, which may consequently confuse the player. This however less likely to takes place with the above mentioned playing method. As a result, an enjoyable gaming environment is provided. Further, since it is possible to prevent a single game from running in terminal devices at the same time located within the voice-reachable distance, the same game can run at the same time in a gaming device located within the voice-reachable distance. This provides larger selection of games to the player, and a more enjoyable gaming environment. Further, since a voice of a game is not output at the same time from terminal devices located within the voice-reachable distance, the selection of the games to be selected by the player is more appropriately increased. This is convenient as there is no need for setting an area where the same game can run at the same time in a plurality of terminal devices. Thus, more enjoyable gaming environment is provided.

(Gaming Device and Flow of Playing Method)

The explanation for the gaming device and the playing method thereof are omitted as they are the same as those described in Embodiment 1.

(Relation Between Running Game and Runnable Game)

The following describes a relation between a running game and a runnable game. In Embodiment 3, the plurality of different games are the following three games: roulette game, slot game, and Derby game. Further, the plurality of terminal devices 400 are provided. In the following provides an explanation with the terminal device 400 of FIG. 6 being replaced with “gaming device”. In a gaming device which runs a player-selected game, a voice related to the game is output from the speaker 29. Further, the gaming device includes a microphone 30 for receiving a voice input.

Further, the gaming device of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 6 includes: a microphone 30 and a speaker 29. As shown in FIG. 6, one gaming device is running a Derby game. Another gaming device is running a roulette game. Further, yet another gaming device is running a slot game. The respective speakers 229 of the terminal devices running games output a voice related to the games running therein. a game-related voice output from the speaker 29 of the gaming device running the Derby game is input to the microphone 30 of the player-intended gaming device for running a player-selected game. a game-related voice from the speaker 29 of the gaming device running the roulette game is input to the microphone 30 of the player-intended gaming device for running a player-selected game. On the other hand, a game-related voice output from the speaker 29 of the gaming device running the slot game is not input to the microphone 30 of the player-intended gaming device for running the player-selected game. In this case, a roulette game and Derby game are not selectable in the player-intended gaming device for running a player-selected game, while the slot game is selectable. In other words, the player is not able to select a game which is running in a gaming device located within the voice-reachable distance. As described, the gaming device only allows the player to select a game other than one running in a gaming device located within the voice-reachable distance. Note that the gaming device for running a player-selected game outputs a game-related voice from its speaker 29.

(Mechanical and Electrical Configuration of Gaming Device)

Mechanical and electrical configuration of the gaming device of Embodiment 3 is the same as those of the terminal device 400 described in Embodiment 2, except in that a game memory 54 is added.

Thus, the player is requested to select a game other than one running in a gaming device located within the voice-reachable distance, at the time of selecting a game from the plurality of games. This prevents the same game from running at the same time in a gaming device located within the voice-reachable distance. Thus, the player is less likely confused by a voice related to the same game output at the same time by running the same game at the same time within the voice-reachable distance. This realizes an enjoyable gaming environment. Running of the same game at the same time in a plurality of terminal devices within the voice-reachable distance is avoided, but the same game can run outside the voice-reachable distance. Thus, a larger selection of games and a more enjoyable gaming environment is provided to the player. Further, since it is possible to avoid outputting a voice related to the same game at the same time within the voice-reachable distance, the selection of player-runnable games is more appropriately enlarged, and an enjoyable gaming environment is realized. Further, convenience is improved because it is no longer necessary to set a need for setting the voice-reachable distance.

The detailed description of the present invention provided hereinabove mainly focused on characteristics thereof for the purpose of easier understanding; however, the scope of the present invention shall be construed as broadly as possible, encompassing various forms of other possible embodiments, and therefore the present invention shall not be limited to the above description. Further, the terms and phraseology used in the present specification are adopted solely to provide specific illustration of the present invention, and in no case should the scope of the present invention be limited by such terms and phraseology. Further, it will be obvious for those skilled in the art that the other structures, systems, methods or the like are possible, within the spirit of the present invention described in the present specification. The description of claims therefore shall encompass structures equivalent to the present invention, unless otherwise such structures are regarded as to depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, the abstract is provided to allow, through a simple investigation, quick analysis of the technical features and essences of the present invention by an intellectual property office, a general public institution, or one skilled in the art who is not fully familiarized with patent and legal or professional terminology. It is therefore not an intention of the abstract to limit the scope of the present invention which shall be construed on the basis of the description of the claims. To fully understand the object and effects of the present invention, sufficient reference to documents which are already disclosed is strongly encouraged.

In addition, the detailed description of the present invention provided hereinabove includes a process executed on a computer or computer network. The above descriptions and expressions have been provided to allow the one skilled in the art to most efficiently understand the invention. In the specification, the respective steps used to derive one result or blocks having a predetermined processing function should be understood as a process free of self-contradiction. Further, the electrical or magnetic signal is transmitted/received and written in the respective steps or blocks. It should be note that such a signal is expressed in the form of bit, value, character, term, number, or the like solely for the sake of convenience. Further, although the processes in the respective steps or blocks have been often described as an expression common to a human action; however, the process described in the specification is executed by a variety of devices in principle. Further, the other structures necessary for the respective steps or blocks are obvious from the above descriptions.

Claims

1. A gaming device comprising:

a game memory which stores therein a plurality of different games;

a speaker which outputs a voice related to the games;

a microphone which receives a voice externally input;

a plurality of terminal devices which runs therein a game;

a game selecting device which requests a player to select, from the plurality of games, a game to be run in a player-intended terminal device amongst the terminal devices; and

a controller which is programmed to perform the processes of:

(a1) determining if a game is running and what game is running in each of the terminal devices;

(a2) requesting the player to select, through the player-intended terminal device, a game other than one running in the terminal device, based on a result (a1);

(a3) causing the player-intended terminal device to run the game selected;

(a4) outputting from the speaker a voice related to the game to be run in the player-intended terminal device, based on an input to the microphone, information stored in the game memory, and a game running-status.

2. A gaming device comprising:

a game memory which stores therein a plurality of different games;

a plurality of terminal devices which runs therein a game, wherein each of the terminal devices has a speaker which outputs a voice related to the games and a microphone which receives a voice externally input;

a game selecting device which requests a player to select, from the plurality of games, a game to be run in a player-intended terminal device amongst the terminal devices;

a terminal position memory which stores a position of each of the terminal devices; and

a controller which is programmed to perform the processes of:

(b1) determining if a game is running and what game is running in each of the terminal devices;

(b2) based on a result of (b1), requesting the player to select, through the game selecting device, games other than one running in a terminal device located within a predetermined distance from the player-intended terminal device;

(b3) causing the player-intended terminal device to run the game selected;

(b4) outputting from the speaker a voice related to the game to be run in the player-intended terminal device, based on an input to the microphone, information stored in the game memory, and a game running-status.

3. A gaming device comprising:

a game memory which stores therein a plurality of different games;

a plurality of terminal devices which runs therein a game, wherein each of the terminal devices has a speaker which outputs a voice related to the games and a microphone which receives a voice externally input;

a game selecting device which requests a player to select, from the plurality of games, a game to be run in a player-intended terminal device amongst the terminal devices; and

a controller which is programmed to perform the processes of:

(c1) based on an input to the microphone and information stored in the game memory, determining if a game is running and what game is running in a terminal device located within a voice-reachable distance;

(c2) requesting the player to select through the game selecting device a game other than one running in a terminal device located within the voice-reachable distance, based on the game running-status determined;

(c3) causing the player-intended terminal device to run the game selected;

(c4) outputting from the speaker a voice related to the game to be run in the player-intended terminal device, based on an input to the microphone, information stored in the game memory, and a game running-status.

4. A gaming device comprising:

a game memory which stores therein a plurality of different games;

a speaker which outputs a voice related to the games;

a microphone which receives a voice externally input;

a game selecting device which requests the player to select a game to be run from the plurality of the games; and

a controller which is programmed to perform the processes of:

(d1) determining if a game is running and what game is running in another gaming device located within a voice-reachable distance, based on an input to the microphone and information stored in the game memory;

(d2) based on the game running-status determined, requesting the player to select, through the game selecting device, a game other than one running in the other gaming device located within the voice-reachable distance;

(d3) running the player-selected game;

(d4) causing the speaker to output a voice related to the game to be run, based on an input to the microphone, information stored in the game memory, and the game running-status.

5. A playing method of a gaming device by which games are run in a plurality of terminal devices,

the method comprising the steps of:

(e1) determining if a game is running and what game is running in each of the terminal devices;

(e2) requesting the player to select, through a player-intended terminal device, a game other than one running in the terminal device, based on a result of (e1);

(e3) running the player-selected game in the player-intended terminal devices;

(e4) based on an input to the microphone, outputting from the speaker a voice related to the game to be run in the player-intended terminal device.