U.S. patent application number 10/927136 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-03 for gaming machine.
Invention is credited to Kojima, Sakiko.
Application Number | 20050049033 10/927136 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34108600 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050049033 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kojima, Sakiko |
March 3, 2005 |
Gaming machine
Abstract
In the slot machine 1, it is provided the reels 3L, 3C, 3R for
variably displaying plural kinds of symbols necessary for games and
the main control circuit 71 which determines the symbols stopped
along the pay line 8 based on the random number value sampled every
game and conducts stop control of variable display of the reels 3L,
3C, 3R based on the determined result. The main control circuit 71
conducts stop control of variable display operation of more than
two reels which variably display more than two symbols so that any
more than two symbols constructing the symbol combination with the
predetermined display mode simultaneously stop along the pay line
8, in a case that the symbol combination stopped along the pay line
8 becomes the predetermined display mode.
Inventors: |
Kojima, Sakiko; (Tokyo,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RADER FISHMAN & GRAUER PLLC
LION BUILDING
1233 20TH STREET N.W., SUITE 501
WASHINGTON
DC
20036
US
|
Family ID: |
34108600 |
Appl. No.: |
10/927136 |
Filed: |
August 27, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3269 20130101;
G07F 17/34 20130101; G07F 17/3211 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/020 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 29, 2003 |
JP |
JP2003-307178 |
Aug 29, 2003 |
JP |
JP2003-307179 |
Aug 29, 2003 |
JP |
JP2003-307180 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A gaming machine comprising: a plurality of variable display
devices for variably displaying a plural kinds of symbols; a stop
symbol determination device for determining the symbol stopped
along a predetermined line every the variable display device based
on a random number value sampled every game; and a stop control
device for conducting stop control of variable display operation of
the variable displaying devices based on a determination result
determined by the stop symbol determination device; wherein the
stop control device has function to conduct the stop control of the
variable display operation of more than two variable display
devices variably displaying more than two symbols so that any more
than two symbols are simultaneously stopped along the predetermined
line, two symbols constructing a predetermined symbol combination
with a specific display mode, in a case that the symbols determined
by the stop symbol determination device constructs the
predetermined symbol combination with the specific display
mode.
2. Th gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a
simultaneous stop symbol selection lottery device for selecting any
more than two symbols constructing the predetermined symbol
combination with the specific display mode corresponding to the
specific display mode by a lottery in a case that the predetermined
symbol combination stopped along the predetermined line and
determined by the stop symbol determination device becomes the
specific display mode; wherein the stop control device has function
to conduct the stop control of the variable display operation of
more than two variable display devices variably displaying more
than two symbols selected by the simultaneous stop symbol selection
lottery device so that more than tow symbols selected by the
simultaneous stop symbol selection lottery device are
simultaneously stopped along the predetermined line.
3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a
secondary game start device for starting a secondary game giving a
predetermined award to a player on a condition that the symbol
combination stopped along the predetermined line and determined by
the stop symbol determination device becomes the specific display
mode; wherein a probability that the secondary game is started by
the secondary game start device is set high in a case that the
variable display operation of more than two variable display
devices variably displaying more than two symbols is controlled and
stopped so that any two symbols constructing the predetermined
symbol combination with the specific display mode are
simultaneously stopped along the predetermined line.
4. A gaming machine comprising: a plurality of variable display
devices for variably displaying plural kinds of symbols; a stop
symbol determination device for determining the symbol stopped
along a predetermined line every variable display device based on a
random number value sampled every game; and a stop control device
for conducting stop control of variable display operation of the
variable display devices based on a determination result determined
by the stop symbol determination device; wherein the stop control
device has function to conduct the stop control of the variable
display operation of the variable display devices according to a
stop order different from an ordinary stop order in a case that a
symbol combination stopped along the predetermined line and
determined by the stop symbol determination device becomes a
specific display mode.
5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, further comprising: a
stop order storing device for storing a plurality of stop orders of
the variable display devices; and a stop order selection lottery
device for selecting one stop order of the variable display devices
among the stop orders stored in the stop order storing device by a
lottery in a case that the symbol combination becomes the specific
display mode.
6. The gaming machine according to claim 4, further comprising: a
secondary game start device for starting a secondary game giving a
predetermined award to a player on a condition that the symbol
combination becomes the specific display mode; wherein a
probability that the secondary game is started by the secondary
game start device is set high in a case that the variable display
operation of the variable display devices is controlled and stopped
according the stop order different from the ordinary stop
order.
7. A gaming machine comprising: a plurality of variable display
devices for variably displaying plural kinds of symbols; and a stop
symbol determination device for determining the symbol stopped
along a predetermined line every variable display device based on a
random number value sampled every game; a stop operation device
capable for controlling and stopping variable display operation of
any more than one variable display device among the variable
display devices based on operation by a player in a case that a
symbol combination stopped along a predetermined line and
determined by the stop symbol determination device becomes a
specific display mode; and a stop control device for conducting
stop control of the variable display operation of the variable
display devices based on a determination result determined by the
stop symbol determination device when the player operates the stop
operation device.
8. The gaming machine according to claim 7, further comprising: a
variable display device selection lottery device for selecting any
more than one variable display device among the variable display
devices, the one variable display device being able to be
controlled and stopped by the stop control device according to the
operation of the stop operation device by the player in a case that
the symbol combination becomes the specific display mode.
9. The gaming machine according to claim 7, further comprising: a
secondary game start device for starting a secondary game giving a
predetermined award to the player on a condition that the symbol
combination becomes the specific display mode; wherein a
probability that the secondary game is started by the secondary
game start device is set high in a case that the variable display
operation of more than one variable display device is able to be
controlled and stopped according the operation of the stop
operation device by the player.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATION (S)
[0001] This application is based upon and claims a priority from
the prior Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2003-307178,
2003-307179, 2003-307180 and the entire contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference. This application is related to
co-pending U.S. applications entitled "GAMING MACHINE IN WHICH
SECOND GAME CAN BE OBTAINED CONTINUOUS TO FIRST GAME UNDER
PREDETERMINED CONDITION", filed on Jun. 18, 2004, "GAMING MACHINE
WITH REELS AND DISPLAY DEVICE DISPLAYING CHARACTERS THEREON, REELS
BEING SEEN THROUGH DISPLAY DEVICE", filed on Jun. 18, 2004, and
"GAMING MACHINE", filed on the even date to this application. The
co-pending applications are expressly incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and in
particular, relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine, a
Japanese pachi-slot machine, a video poker gaming machine, the
gaming machine having a plurality of variable display devices for
displaying a plural kinds of symbols necessary for a game and a
controller such as a microcomputer for conducting stop control of
the variable display devices.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Conventionally, as the gaming machines mentioned above,
there exists, for example the slot machine. Game in the slot
machine is started by inserting medals therein or betting medals
within the number of medals credited in the slot machine, and
thereafter by operating a start lever or spin button by a player.
When the game in the slot machine is started, reels on which a
plurality of symbols are described start to rotate and thereafter
each of the reels is stopped in a predetermined order. Thereafter,
one game is terminated.
[0006] Here, in the conventional gaming machine, a plurality of
reels, which are rotating, are serially stopped (for example, the
left reel is first stopped and remaining reels are stopped in a
predetermined order). At that time, when all reels except for one
reel are stopped and the stopped reels display symbols concerning
with a winning combination and the remaining reel is rotating, game
condition becomes so-called "reach mode". And as shown in Japanese
Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-62177, it is generally well
known a gaming machine that when game condition becomes the "reach
mode", it is conducted a reach effect in which illumination of
lamps and various display effects are done according to a pattern
different from the ordinary pattern. Thereby, expectation of the
player can be raised.
[0007] However, in the above mentioned gaming machine, since the
timing at which each reel is stopped till the "reach mode" is
realized and the stop order of the reels are constantly set, it
lacks in interest and the player loses interest for the game.
[0008] And in the above slot machine, there is little room that the
player technically intervenes in the game, in comparison with
so-called Japanese Pachi-slot gaming machine or Japanese Pachinko
gaming machine. Therefore, there is fear that the player loses
interest for the game.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention has been done to dissolve the above
problems and has an object to provide a gaming machine in which a
reel stop timing variably changed, thereby interest of a player for
games can be raised.
[0010] And the present invention has another object to provide a
gaming machine in which a reel stop order is variably changed,
thereby interest of a player for games can be raised.
[0011] Further, the present invention has a further another object
to provide a gaming machine in which a player can intervene in the
game with a phantom state, thereby interest of the player for games
can be raised.
[0012] In order to accomplish the above object, according to one
aspect of the present invention, it is provided a gaming machine
comprising:
[0013] a plurality of variable display devices for variably
displaying a plural kinds of symbols;
[0014] a stop symbol determination device for determining the
symbol stopped along a predetermined line every the variable
display device based on a random number value sampled every game;
and
[0015] a stop control device for conducting stop control of
variable display operation of the variable displaying devices based
on a determination result determined by the stop symbol
determination device;
[0016] wherein the stop control device has function to conduct the
stop control of the variable display operation of more than two
variable display devices variably displaying more than two symbols
so that any more than two symbols are simultaneously stopped along
the predetermined line, two symbols constructing a predetermined
symbol combination with a specific display mode, in a case that the
symbols determined by the stop symbol determination device
constructs the predetermined symbol combination with the specific
display mode.
[0017] According to the above constructed gaming machine, the stop
control device conducts the stop control of the variable display
operation of more than two variable display devices variably
displaying more than two symbols so that any more than two symbols
are simultaneously stopped along the predetermined line, two
symbols constructing a predetermined symbol combination with a
specific display mode. That is to say, the stop control device
controls and stops the variable display devices so that the symbols
constructing the symbol combination with the specific display mode,
for example, so-called "reach mode" are simultaneously stopped.
Therefore, expectation can be given to the player. And the stop
control device controls and stops the variable display devices
according to the stop order different from the ordinary stop order,
for example, the stop order according to which the variable display
devices are serially stopped from the left one to the right one.
Thus, variation in stop states of the variable display devices can
be realized, as a result, interest of the player for games can be
raised.
[0018] And according to another aspect of the present invention, it
is provided a gaming machine comprising:
[0019] a plurality of variable display devices for variably
displaying plural kinds of symbols;
[0020] a stop symbol determination device for determining the
symbol stopped along a predetermined line every variable display
device based on a random number value sampled every game; and
[0021] a stop control device for conducting stop control of
variable display operation of the variable display devices based on
a determination result determined by the stop symbol determination
device;
[0022] wherein the stop control device has function to conduct the
stop control of the variable display operation of the variable
display devices according to a stop order different from an
ordinary stop order in a case that a symbol combination stopped
along the predetermined line and determined by the stop symbol
determination device becomes a specific display mode.
[0023] According to the above constructed gaming machine, the stop
control device controls and stops the variable display operation of
the variable display devices according to a stop order different
from an ordinary stop order in a case that a symbol combination
stopped along the predetermined line and determined by the stop
symbol determination device becomes a specific display mode. That
is to say, in a case that the symbol combination becomes the
specific display mode, for example, so-called "reach mode", the
stop control device controls and stops the variable display devices
according to the stop order according to which, for example, among
three variable display devices the left one first stops, the center
one next stops and the right one finally stops, different from the
ordinary stop order according to which, for example, among three
variable display devices the left one first stops, the center one
next stops and the right one finally stops. Therefore, the player
pays attention to the unexpected stop order of the variable display
devices, thus interest for games can be raised. And since the stop
control device controls and stops the variable display devices
according to the stop order different from the ordinary stop order
only when the symbol combination becomes the specific display mode,
expectation can be given to the player.
[0024] Further, according to another aspect of the present
invention, it is provided a gaming machine comprising:
[0025] a plurality of variable display devices for variably
displaying plural kinds of symbols; and
[0026] a stop symbol determination device for determining the
symbol stopped along a predetermined line every variable display
device based on a random number value sampled every game;
[0027] a stop operation device capable for controlling and stopping
variable display operation of any more than one variable display
device among the variable display devices based on operation by a
player in a case that a symbol combination stopped along a
predetermined line and determined by the stop symbol determination
device becomes a specific display mode; and
[0028] a stop control device for conducting stop control of the
variable display operation of the variable display devices based on
a determination result determined by the stop symbol determination
device when the player operates the stop operation device.
[0029] According to the above constructed gaming machine, in a case
that a symbol combination stopped along a predetermined line and
determined by the stop symbol determination device becomes a
specific display mode, any more than one variable display device
among the variable display devices becomes capable for being
controlled and stopped based when the player operates the stop
operation device. Therefore, in the gaming machine, the player can
technically intervene in the game, thus it can give to the player
real feeling to participate in the game. Accordingly, interest for
games can be raise. And in the gaming machine, since the variable
display operation of the variable display devices is unexpectedly
controlled and stopped in comparison with a case that the variable
display operation is automatically controlled and stopped, it can
make the player pay attention to the unexpected variable display
operation of the variable display devices. Further, in the gaming
machine, only in a case that the symbol combination becomes the
specific display mode, the variable display operation of more than
one variable display device becomes capable for being controlled
and stopped by the operation of the stop operation device by the
player. Therefore, expectation can be given to the player.
[0030] The above and further objects and novel features of the
invention will more fully appear from the following detailed
description when the same is read in connection with the
accompanying drawings. It is to be expressly understood, however,
that the drawings are for purpose of illustration only and not
intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification illustrate embodiments of
the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain
the objects, advantages and principles of the invention.
[0032] In the drawings,
[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a slot machine according to
the first embodiment,
[0034] FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing a main display of the
slot machine according to the first embodiment,
[0035] FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing a second display of
the slot machine according to the first embodiment,
[0036] FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing symbol rows each of
which is described on each of reels in the slot machine according
to the first embodiment,
[0037] FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing a payout table
utilized in the slot machine according to the first embodiment,
[0038] FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing a probability lottery
table for each of the reels in the slot machine according to the
first embodiment,
[0039] FIG. 7 is an electrical block diagram of the slot machine
according to the first embodiment,
[0040] FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing a predetermined
display mode for each of the reels in the slot machine according to
the first embodiment,
[0041] FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing an example of variable
display operation on the reels in the slot machine according to the
first embodiment,
[0042] FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing an example of
variable display operation on the reels in the slot machine
according to the first embodiment,
[0043] FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing an example of
variable display operation on the reels in the slot machine
according to the first embodiment,
[0044] FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing a simultaneous stop
symbol selection lottery table utilized in the slot machine
according to the first embodiment,
[0045] FIG. 13 is an electrical block diagram of a sub-control
circuit in the slot machine according to the first embodiment,
[0046] FIG. 14 is an explanatory view showing an example of
variable display operation on the reels in the slot machine
according to the first embodiment,
[0047] FIG. 15 is an explanatory view showing an example of
variable display operation in a bonus game displayed on the second
display of the slot machine according to the first embodiment,
[0048] FIG. 16 is an explanatory view showing an example of
variable display operation in a bonus game displayed on the second
display of the slot machine according to the first embodiment,
[0049] FIG. 17 is an explanatory view showing an example of
variable display operation in a bonus game displayed on the second
display of the slot machine according to the first embodiment,
[0050] FIG. 18 is a first flowchart showing an outline of gaming
process in the slot machine according to the first embodiment,
[0051] FIG. 19 a second flowchart showing an outline of gaming
process in the slot machine according to the first embodiment,
[0052] FIG. 20 is an explanatory view showing an example of
variable display operation on the reels in the slot machine
according to the second embodiment,
[0053] FIG. 21 is an explanatory view showing an example of
variable display operation on the reels in the slot machine
according to the second embodiment,
[0054] FIG. 22 is an explanatory view showing an example of
variable display operation on the reels in the slot machine
according to the second embodiment,
[0055] FIG. 23 is an explanatory view of a stop order selection
lottery table utilized in the slot machine according to the second
embodiment,
[0056] FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an outline of gaming process
in the slot machine according to the second embodiment,
[0057] FIG. 25 is an explanatory view showing an example of
variable display operation on the reels in the slot machine
according to the third embodiment,
[0058] FIG. 26 is an explanatory view showing an example of
variable display operation on the reels in the slot machine
according to the third embodiment, and
[0059] FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing an outline of gaming process
in the slot machine according to the third embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0060] Hereinafter, one example of the preferred first embodiment
according to the present invention will be described with reference
to the drawings.
[0061] As game media utilized in the gaming machine, coins, medals,
tokens are generally used. Here, explanation of the gaming machine
in which coins are utilized will be done.
[0062] [Construction of the Gaming Machine]
[0063] The slot machine 1 according to one first embodiment is
shown in FIG. 1, which is a perspective view of the slot machine
1.
[0064] In front of an under side of a cabinet 2 which wholly
constructs the gaming machine 1, a main display 5 is arranged at
the center of which rectangular display windows 4L, 4C, 4R are
formed. At the center of each of the windows 4L, 4C, 4R, one pay
line 8 is described.
[0065] At the front side of the slot machine 1 in the cabinet 2,
three reels 3L 3C, 3R are rotatably supported. On an outer
periphery of each of the reels 3L 3C, 3R, a symbol row constructed
from a plural kinds of symbols is described. The reels 3L, 3C, 3R
are arranged along a horizontal line and each reel functions as a
variable display device.
[0066] At the under side of the cabinet 2 in the slot machine 1, a
main display 5 is provided in front of the reels 3L 3C, 3R, the
main display 5 being utilized for digitally displaying images of
slot games and bonus games. The slot games and bonus games are
described hereinafter. And at an upper side of the cabinet 2, a
second display 6 for digitally displaying the image of the bonus
game is provided. These main display 5 and second display 6 are
constructed from LCD. The main display and the second display will
be described hereinafter.
[0067] Although the main display 5 and the second display 6 in the
slot machine 1 of the first embodiment are constructed from the
liquid crystal display device (LCD), and one main display 5 and one
second display 6 are utilized, the present invention is not limited
to this. For example, as the main display 5 and the second display
6, CRT or plasma display may be utilized. And such displays 5, 6
may be constructed from one or plural display devices.
[0068] On a display area 5a of the main display 5, there are formed
two display areas, one of which is a PAID meter 7 for indicating
payouts paid out when winning combinations are got in the slot game
which is a base game in the slot machine 1, and the other of which
is a BET meter 9 for indicating coin numbers which can be betted in
one game. And on the display area 5a of the main display 5 and at
the upper of the display window 4R, a CREDIT meter 10 indicating
coin number presently stored in the slot machine 1 is
displayed.
[0069] In a control panel 11 arranged under the main display 5, it
is formed a coin insertion slot 12 into which a player inserts
coins.
[0070] And on the control panel 11, a spin switch 15 for starting
rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is arranged. Further, on the
control panel 11, there are provided an error switch 13, a help
switch 14, a cash-out switch 16, a BET switch 17, a maximum BET
switch 18 and a repeat BET spin switch 19.
[0071] Here, the error switch 13 is a switch pressed when troubles
occur in the slot machine 1, thereby an error lamp 23 arranged on a
ceiling portion of the cabinet 2 is turned on. Thus, an attendant
in a game arcade is called.
[0072] The help switch 14 is pressed when the player cannot
understand gaming method in the slot machine 1 or game contents of
the bonus game, thereby explanation thereof is displayed on the
sub-display 6.
[0073] The cash-out switch 16 is a switch which is utilized to pay
out coins stored in the slot machine 1 to a coin tray 21 from a
payout chute 20.
[0074] The BET switch 17 is a switch which is utilized when coins
stored in the slot machine 1 are betted for the game. Every the BET
switch 17 is pressed one time, one coin is betted. Here, the coin
number betted for one game is called the "BET number".
[0075] The maximum BET switch 18 is a switch to bet a maximum
number of coins which can be betted for one game, for example, four
coins for the game. When the maximum BET switch 18 is pressed, the
reels 3L, 3C, 3R are started to rotate.
[0076] The repeat BET spin switch 19 is a switch to bet for the
game the same number of coins as the BET number in the previous
game and to start rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.
[0077] And at the upper side of the coin tray 21, which becomes a
receiving dish for coins paid out from the payout chute 20, there
are formed speaker grills 22 to output toward outside of the
cabinet 2 sounds emitted from speakers 43 (see FIG. 9) installed in
the cabinet 2.
[0078] [Main Display and Sub-Display]
[0079] With reference to FIG. 2, construction of the main display 5
will be described.
[0080] At the lower side of the cabinet 2 of the slot machine 1,
the main display 5 is arranged, and at the upper side of the
cabinet 2 of the slot machine 1, the second display 6 is
arranged.
[0081] FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the main display 5 and
the reel 3C. The main display 5 is constructed from a picture sheet
53 formed from the transparent film material on which various
pictures are printed, the picture sheet 53 being arranged inside of
an acrylic resin plate 52 functioning as a protect cover, a liquid
crystal display device 54 formed from a transparent liquid crystal
display device in which transparent electrodes are arranged and a
light guiding plate 36. The picture sheet 53, the liquid crystal
display device 54 and the light guiding plate 36 are stacked with
each other. And in front of the main display 5, it is arranged a
touch panel 51 which detects coordinates corresponding to the
contact area on which the player contacts.
[0082] And at the upper side and the lower side of the liquid
crystal display device 54, liquid crystal backlights 292, 293 as
illumination of the liquid crystal display device 54 are arranged.
By turning on the liquid crystal backlights 292, 293, the player
can clearly seen and recognize the image displayed on the liquid
crystal display device 54.
[0083] At the inner upper side and the lower side of the main
display 5, symbol illumination lamps 57, 58 for illuminating the
symbols on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are arranged. The symbol
illumination lamps 57, 58 are controlled so as to turn on when
electric power is supplied, thereby the symbols on the reels 3L,
3C, 3R can be clearly seen and recognized. As the symbol
illumination lamps 57, 58, although cold cathode ray tubes are
generally utilized, the present invention is not limited to
this.
[0084] The pictures described on the picture sheet 53 are always
seen and recognized by the player, in spite of effect control state
in the slot machine 1. The liquid crystal display device 54
constructs the effect area of image not only in the slot game
mentioned later but also in the bonus game.
[0085] Near the front inner side of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, it is
provided a lamp housing 62 in which reel back lamps (not shown)
turned on to easily see and recognize the symbols are
installed.
[0086] In FIG. 3, the sectional of the sub-display 6 is shown.
Similar to the main display 5, the sub-display 6 is constructed
from a picture sheet 63, a liquid crystal display device 64 and a
light guiding plate 67, which are stacked with each other at the
inner side of a transparent acrylic resin plate 65. And at the
upper side and the lower side of the liquid crystal display device
64, liquid crystal backlights 296, 297 are provided. Since the
reels are not arranged behind the sub-display 6, symbol
illumination lamps are not arranged.
[0087] [Symbol Rows]
[0088] In FIG. 4, it is shown symbol rows in each of which
different kinds of symbols are arranged, the symbols being formed
on the outer periphery of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R. The symbol row is
constructed from plural kinds of symbols which are positioned at
odd positions and plural blank symbols 92 positioned at even
positions. To each symbol, a code number among 1 to 22 is attached
and these code numbers are stored in a ROM 122 (see FIG. 9
mentioned later) as a data table. On each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R,
the "WILD" symbol 91 represented by the word "WILD", the "LBAR"
symbol 100 represented by one "BAR", the "2BAR" symbol 93
represented by two "BAR"s, the "3BAR" symbol 94 represented by
three "BAR"s and the "RED7" symbol 95 represented by the red
numeral "7" are described. And on the reel 3L, the "map 1" symbol
96 which shows a part of the map is described. On the reel 3C, the
"map 2" symbol 97 which shows another part of the map is described.
Further, on the reel 3R, the "map 3" symbol 98, which includes a
condor in a part of the map and completes one map picture with the
"map 1" symbol 96 and the "map 2" symbol 97, is described. Further,
on the reel 3R, the "map 4" symbol 99, which includes a gate in a
part of the map and completes one map picture with the "map 1"
symbol 96 and the "map 2" symbol 97, is described. Here, the map
picture represents a treasure map and an item appearing in a
treasure-hunting which is a theme of the slot machine 1. Thus, by
representing things concerning with the theme as the symbols of the
reels, the image of the theme is strongly effected, thereby
interest of the player for games can be highly raised.
[0089] FIG. 5 shows a payout table displayed on the second display
6 when the slot game, which is the base game in the slot machine 1,
is conducted. The payout table indicates how many coins are paid
out corresponding to each of the winning combinations.
[0090] As game state in the first embodiment, there are tow states,
one of which is the slot game and the other of which is the bonus
game as the secondary game. In the slot game, after coins are
betted by pressing the BET switch 17, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are
started to rotate by depressing the maximum BST spin switch 18 or
the repeat BET spin switch 19. And after a predetermined time is
elapsed, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped in a predetermined order.
At that time, if the symbol combination stopped along the pay line
8 corresponds to the predetermined symbol combination, that is, the
winning combinations is won, coins are paid out to the player.
[0091] On the other hand, the bonus game is a game which occurs
when the specific symbol combination, for example, the combination
of the "map 1" symbol 96, the "map 2" symbol 97 and the "map 3"
symbol 98 ("map 1-map 2-map 3") is stopped along the pay line 8. In
the bonus game, more coins than coins obtained in the slot game are
paid out to the player as the specific award. Hereinafter, the
description "map 1-map 2-map 3" means a case that the "map 1"
symbol, the "map 2" symbol and the "map 3" symbol are stopped along
the pay line 8 which positions in the center of each of the display
windows 4L, 4C, 4R.
[0092] In the slot game, the payouts will be described according to
FIG. 5 when the symbol combinations stopped along the pay line 8
become the predetermined combinations. Here, when the reels 3L, 3C,
3R are stopped in the slot game, the symbol combination stopped
along the pay line 8 is determined based on the probability lottery
table (mentioned later) by utilizing the random number sampled
every the game.
[0093] As shown in FIG. 5, in spite of kind of the "BAR, if any
"BAR" of the "1BAR", the "2BAR" and the "3BAR" lines up along the
pay line 8 when all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, five coins are
paid out in a case that one coins is betted, ten coins are paid out
in a case that two coins are betted and fifteen coins are paid out
in a case that three or four coins are betted. Thus, the payout is
given to the player.
[0094] And if three "1BAR"s are line up along the pay line 8 when
all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, ten coins are paid out in a case
that one coins is betted, twenty coins are paid out in a case that
two coins are betted and thirty coins are paid out in a case that
three or four coins are betted. Thus, the payout is given to the
player.
[0095] Further, three "2BAR"s are line up along the pay line 8 when
all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, twenty coins are paid out in a
case that one coins is betted, forty coins are paid out in a case
that two coins are betted and sixty coins are paid out in a case
that three or four coins are betted. Thus, the payout is given to
the player.
[0096] And if three "3BAR"s line up along the pay line 8 when all
reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, forty coins are paid out in a case
that one coins is betted, eighty coins are paid out in a case that
two coins are betted and one hundred and twenty coins are paid out
in a case that three or four coins are betted. Thus, the payout is
given to the player.
[0097] And if three "RED7" line up along the pay line 8 when all
reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, fifty coins are paid out in a case
that one coins is betted, one hundred coins are paid out in a case
that two coins are betted and two hundreds coins are paid out in a
case that three or four coins are betted. Thus, the payout is given
to the player.
[0098] And if three "WILD" line up along the pay line 8 when all
reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, one hundred coins are paid out in a
case that one coins is betted, two hundreds coins are paid out in a
case that two coins are betted and four hundreds coins are paid out
in a case that three or four coins are betted. Thus, the payout is
given to the player. Here, the "WILD" symbol has substitutional
function for each symbol of the "LBAR" symbol, the "2BAR" symbol,
the "3BAR" symbol and the "RED7" symbol, which are mentioned above.
For example, in the symbol combination "1BAR-1BAR-WILD", the "WILD"
symbol substitutes for the "LBAR" and it concludes that the symbol
combination "1BAR-1BAR-1BAR", that is, the winning combination
"1BAR" is won.
[0099] And if the symbol combination "map 1-map 2-map 3" or "map
1-map 2-map 4" lines up along the pay line 8 when all reels 3L, 3C,
3R are stopped, two hundreds coins are paid out in a case that one
coin is betted, four hundreds coins are paid out in a case that two
coins are betted and one thousand coins are paid out in a case that
three or four coins are betted. Thereafter, game condition shifts
to the bonus game from the slot game, thereby there occurs a chance
that the specific award is given to the player. That is to say, in
each bonus game, there is probability that the player can get
further more coins with high payout than those in the slot game by
conducting the predetermined game play. Here, the bonus game will
be described hereinafter.
[0100] [Probability Lottery Table]
[0101] Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the probability lottery
table for the reels 3L, 3C, 3R will be explained. The probability
lottery table is a table utilized when the symbols which line up
along the pay line 8 are determined at the time that all reels 3L,
3C, 3R are stopped in the slot game.
[0102] FIG. 6 shows the probability lottery table for the reels 3L,
3C, 3R to determine the symbols which line up along the pay line 8
when all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped in a case that four coins are
betted, that is, the bet number is four. Here, there exist another
probability lottery tables in a case that the bet number is
one.about.three although such tables are not shown.
[0103] In each of the probability lottery tables, it is indicated
the range of the random number every symbol on each reel 3L, 3C, 3R
which line up along the pay line 8. The concrete method to
determine the symbol which line up along the pay line 8 by lottery
is as follows. The CPU 21 (see FIG. 9) refers the random number
value extracted from the predetermined random number range (for
example, the range of 0.about.255) every each reel 3L, 3C, 3R with
the probability lottery table shown in FIG. 6. Further, the CPU 21
judges that the extracted random number value lies in the random
number range corresponding to which symbol and determines the
symbol which line up along the pay line 8. For example, if the
extracted random number value to determine the symbol on the left
reel 3L lies in a range of 116.about.170, the symbol which line up
along the pay line 8 when the left reel 3L is stopped becomes the
"2BAR" symbol.
[0104] Here, in the first embodiment, although the lottery is done
every each reel 3L, 3C, 3R and the symbol which line up along the
pay line 8 is determined, the present invention is not limited to
this. For example, at first the winning combination corresponding
to the symbol combination, that is, the internal winning
combination may be determined and the symbol which line up along
the pay line 8 may be determined according to the internal winning
combination. That is to say, the slot machine 1 may have internal
winning combination determination means to determine the winning
combination based on the random number value sampled every
game.
[0105] [Construction of Control System in the Slot Machine]
[0106] FIG. 7 shows circuitry construction including a main control
circuit 71 for controlling game process operation in the slot
machine 1, periphery device (actuator) connected to the main
control circuit 71 and a sub-control circuit 171 for controlling
the main display 5 and the sub-display 6 based on control
instruction transmitted from the main control circuit 71.
[0107] The main control circuit 71 is mainly constructed from a
microcomputer 120 arranged on a circuit board to which a circuit
for sampling the random number. The microcomputer 120 includes the
CPU 121 as a control device for conducting control operation
according to a preset program and a ROM 122 and a RAM 123 which are
memory means.
[0108] To the CPU 121, a clock pulse generator 124 for generating
standard clock pulses, a frequency divider 125, a random number
generator 126 for generating random numbers sampled and a random
number sampling circuit 127 are connected. Here, as the means for
sampling the random number, random number generation and sampling
thereof may be executed by calculation through the CPU 121 in the
microcomputer 120. In that case, the random number generator 126
and the random number sampling circuit 127 can be omitted, or the
random number generator 126 and the random number sampling circuit
127 may be remained so as to back up the random number sampling
operation.
[0109] In the ROM 122 of the microcomputer 120, a program for
controlling game in the slot machine 1, a symbol table referred
when the symbols lining up along the pay line 8 are determined in a
case that all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, a winning symbol
combination table referred after stop control of the reels 3L, 3C,
3R is done and thereafter the reels are stopped and a probability
lottery table referred when the symbols lining up along the pay
line 8 are determined in a case that all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are
stopped, are stored.
[0110] And in the ROM 122 of the microcomputer 120, as mentioned
later, it is stored a simultaneous stop symbol selection lottery
table which is utilized when more than two reels, variable display
operation of which is controlled and stopped, are selected among
the reels 3L, 3C, 3R by the lottery, so that more than two symbols
constructing a symbol combination with a predetermined display mode
are simultaneously stopped along the pay line 8, in a case that the
symbol combination stopped along the pay line 8 becomes a
predetermined display mode (for example, the "map 1-map 2-map 3)
when all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped. Further, various control
commands to send to the sub-control circuit 171 are stored in the
ROM 122. These commands include "demonstration display command",
"all reels stop command", "bonus game start command" to start image
display of the bonus game on the second display 6.
[0111] In the circuit of FIG. 7, as the actuator controlled its
operation by a control signal from the microcomputer 120, stepping
motors 49L, 49C, 49R for rotating the reels 3L, 3C, 3R
respectively, a hopper 30 including a drive part to pay out and
storing coins therein, the main display 5 and the sub-display 6,
various lamps 60 (error lamp 23, symbol illumination lamp 57 and
the like). These are connected to the CPU 121 through a motor drive
circuit 31, a hopper drive circuit 32, a sub-control circuit 171, a
lamp drive circuit 45, respectively. These drive circuits controls
operation of each actuator by receiving control signals such as
drive instructions output from the CPU 121.
[0112] The sub-control circuit 171 conducts effect control of the
main display 5 and the second display 6 based on the control
command from the microcomputer 120. The sub-control circuit 171
will be described hereinafter.
[0113] A power amplifier 42 functioning as an amplifier for
amplifying sounds output from the speaker 43 is connected to the
output terminal of the CPU 121 through a sound source IC 41. The
sound source IC 41 controls the power amplifier 42 and the speaker
43 based on the control signal such as control command output from
the CPU 121.
[0114] As the input signal generation means generating input
signals necessary for the microcomputer 120 to generate control
signals, a coin sensor 12S for detecting coins inserted in the coin
insertion slot 12, an error switch 13, a help switch 14, a spin
switch 15, a cash-out switch 16, a BET switch 17, a maximum BET
spin switch 18, a repeat BET spin switch 19, a reel position
detection circuit 34 supplying signals to detect positions of the
reels 3L, 3C, 3R to the CPU 121 based on pulse signals output from
a reel position detector (not shown) and a payout completion signal
circuit 36 supplying a signal to detect coin payout completion to
the CPU 121 in a case that the count number counted by a coin
detection portion 35, which detects coins paid out from the hopper
30, reaches to the predetermined coin number data.
[0115] And if all reels are stopped and the symbol combination
stopped along the pay line 8 becomes the stop mode indicating
realization of the winning combination, the CPU 121 supplies the
payout command signal to the hopper drive circuit 32, thereby the
hopper 30 pays out the predetermined number of coins. At that time,
the coin detection portion 35 counts the number of coins paid out
from the hopper 30 and when the counted number of coins reaches to
the predetermined number, the coin payout completion signal is
input to the CPU 121. Thereby, the CPU 121 stops drive of the
hopper 30 through the hopper drive circuit 32 and coin payout
process is finished.
[0116] Here, the main control circuit 71, the hopper 30 and the
hopper drive circuit 32 constructs award providing means for
providing award to the player when the symbol combination
determined by stop symbol determination means and stopped along the
pay line 8 becomes the predetermined display mode.
[0117] In the circuit of FIG. 7, the random number generator 126
generates random numbers within a predetermined value range and the
random number sampling circuit 127 samples the random number at a
voluntarily timing after the spin switch 15, the maximum BET spin
switch 18 and the repeat BET spin switch 19 are pressed. The sample
random number is determined whether such random number belongs to
which range in the probability lottery table stored in the storing
part in the ROM 122. If the sampled random number belongs to a
predetermined range, the stop symbol signal is generated, thereby
control of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R mentioned later is conducted and
the determined symbol is stopped along the pay line 8.
[0118] After the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are started to rotate, the number
of drive pulses supplied to each of the stepping motors 49L, 49C,
49R are counted, and the counted number value is written in a
predetermined area in the RAM 123. A reset pulse is obtained from
each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R every one rotation thereof and such
reset pulses are input to the CPU 121 through the reel position
detection circuit 34. The CPU 121 clears the counted number of
drive pulses stored in the RAM 123 to "0" based on the reset pulses
obtained as mentioned. Thereby, in the RAM 123, the count number
value corresponding to the rotational position of each of the reels
3L, 3C, 3R within one rotation thereof.
[0119] And in order to correspond the rotational position of each
of reels 3L, 3C, 3R to the symbol, the symbol table is stored in
the ROM 122. In this symbol table, by utilizing the rotational
position generated on the basis of the above mentioned reset pulse
as the standard, code number serially given every a predetermined
rotation pitch of each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R and symbol code
representing the symbol provided every each code number are
corresponded with each other.
[0120] Here, the main control circuit 71 including the CPU 121, the
ROM 122, the clock pulse generator 124, the frequency divider 125,
the random number generator 126 and the random number sampling
circuit 127, constructs stop symbol determination means for
determining the symbol stopped along the pay line 8 every the
variable display device based on the random number value sampled
every game.
[0121] And the main control circuit 71 including the CPU 121 and
the ROM 122 constructs stop control means for stopping and
controlling variable display operation of a plurality of the
variable display devices based on a determination result by the
stop symbol determination means.
[0122] Further, in Th ROM 122, the winning symbol combination table
is also stored. In he winning symbol combination table, the symbol
combinations corresponding to the winning combinations, the coin
payout number corresponding to the winning combinations and the
winning judgement codes representing the winning combinations are
corresponded. The winning symbol combination table is referred when
variable display operation of the left reel 3L, the center reel 3C
and the right reel 3R is controlled to stop and when the winning
combination is confirmed after all reels are stopped.
[0123] [Variable Display Operation of Reels 3L, 3C, 3R]
[0124] Next, variable display operation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R
will be described. As mentioned, in the slot game, after coins are
betted all reels 3L, 3C, 3R start to rotate based on a
predetermined switch operation. Each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is
stopped in a predetermined order after a predetermined time is
elapsed. However, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, in
a case that the symbol combination stopped along the pay line 8
becomes a predetermined display mode shown in FIG. 8 when all reels
3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, variable display operation of two reels
among the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is controlled and stopped so that any
two symbols constructing a symbol combination with a predetermined
display mode are simultaneously stopped along the pay line 8.
Thereafter, variable display operation of the remaining one reel is
controlled and stopped. Here, "variable display operation of two
reels among the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is controlled and stopped so that
two symbols constructing a symbol combination with a predetermined
display mode are simultaneously stopped along the pay line 8"
includes a case that the player can feel that variable display of
the two reels is stopped substantially at the same time when seeing
the reels. Therefore, such sentence includes a case that one reel
is first stopped and thereafter the other reel is stopped.
[0125] With reference to FIGS. 8 to 11, it will be described in
detail a case that variable display operation of two reels is
controlled and stopped so that any two symbols constructing a
symbol combination with a predetermined display mode are
simultaneously stopped along the pay line 8. FIG. 8 shows symbol
combinations with a predetermined display mode in a case that
variable display operation of two reels are controlled and stopped
so that any two symbols constructing a symbol combination with a
predetermined display mode are simultaneously stopped along the pay
line 8.
[0126] Here, it is supposed that the symbol combination stopped at
present time is determined as the symbol combination "map 1-map
2-any ("any" means the symbol except for the map 1 symbol, the map
2 symbol and WILD symbol). And when coins are betted and the
predetermined switch is operated, all reels 3L, 3C, 3R start to
rotate as shown in FIG. 9. Here, the symbol combination stopped at
present time corresponds to the predetermined display mode which is
shown by No. 2 in FIG. 8. That is to say, the symbol to be stopped
on the left reel 3L is the map 1 symbol, and the symbol to be
stopped on the center reel 3C is the map 2 symbol. Therefore, as
shown in FIG. 10, variable display operation of the left reel 3L
and variable display operation of the center reel 3C are controlled
and stopped so that the map 1 symbol stopped along the pay line 8
when the left reel 3L is stopped and the map 2 symbol stopped along
the pay line 8 when the center reel 3C is stopped are
simultaneously stopped. And after a predetermined time is elapsed,
variable display operation of the right reel 3R is controlled and
stopped (see FIG. 11).
[0127] As mentioned, in a case that the symbol combination is
stopped with a predetermined display mode along the pay line 8,
variable display operation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is controlled
and sopped so that the symbols constructing the reach mode (for
example, the stopped symbol on the left reel 3L is the map 1 symbol
and the stopped symbol on the center reel 3C is the map 2 symbol)
are simultaneously stopped. Thereby it can be given to the player
expectation that game condition may shift to the bonus game and
coins may be paid by the winning combination. As a result, interest
of the player for games can be raised. And since variable display
of all reel 3L 3C, 3R is controlled and stopped in the stop order
different from the ordinary order according to which variable
display operation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is serially stopped from
the left reel, stop operation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R can be
changed, thereby interest of the player for games can be
raised.
[0128] Here, in the first embodiment, although the symbols
constructing the symbol combination with a predetermined display
mode are limited to the map 1 symbol, the map 2 symbol, the map 3
symbol and the WILD symbol, the present invention is not limited to
this. For example, the symbols constructing the symbol combination
with a predetermined display mode may be the other symbols such as
the RED 7 symbol, the 1BAR symbol, the 2BAR symbol or the 3BAR
symbol.
[0129] And the main control circuit 71 constructing the stop
control means has function to control and stop variable display
operation of more than two variable display devices which variably
display more than two symbols so that an more than two symbols
constructing the symbol combination with a predetermined display
mode are stopped along the pay line 8, in a case that the symbol
combination stopped along the pay line 8 and determined by the stop
symbol determination means becomes the predetermined display
mode.
[0130] [Simultaneous Stop Symbol Selection Lottery Table]
[0131] Next, with reference to FIG. 12, simultaneous stop symbol
selection lottery table will described.
[0132] When all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, if the symbol
combination stopped along the pay line 8 becomes the predetermined
display mode (see FIG. 8), for example, the "map 1-map 2-map 3",
any two symbols are selected among the map 1 symbol on the left
reel 3L, the map 2 symbol on the center reel 3C and the map 3
symbol on the right reel 3R by the lottery. Here, the simultaneous
stop symbol selection lottery table shown in FIG. 12 is utilized
when any two symbols are selected among the map 1 symbol, the map 2
symbol and the map 3 symbol. And in the slot machine 1 of the first
embodiment, two reels variably displaying the selected two symbols
are controlled and stopped so that the selected symbols are
simultaneously stopped. Here, "-" shown in the simultaneous stop
symbol selection lottery table in FIG. 12 means that symbols are
not selected.
[0133] When all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, if the symbol
combination stopped along the pay line 8 becomes the predetermined
mode, two symbols constructing the symbol combination with the
predetermined display mode is selected as follows by the lottery.
The concrete method to select two symbols will be described
hereinafter.
[0134] At first, the CPU 121 extracts a random number within a
predetermined range (for example, range of 0.about.255). And based
on the extracted random number, the simultaneous stop symbol
selection lottery table is referred shown in FIG. 12, and the
symbol combination with the predetermined display mode is obtained.
Thereafter, based on such symbol combination, it is selected that
the symbol combination with the predetermined display mode belongs
to which reel. For example, if the extracted random number lies in
a range of 0.about.150, the selected two symbols correspond to the
map 1 symbol on the left reel 3L and the map 3 symbol on the right
reel 3R. Therefore, the left reel 3L and the right reel 3R are
controlled and stopped so that the map 1 symbol on the left reel 3L
and the map 3 symbol on the right reel 3R are simultaneously
stopped.
[0135] As mentioned, if the symbol combination stopped along the
pay line 8 becomes the predetermined display mode, more than two
reels which are simultaneously stopped are changed according to the
predetermined display mode. Therefore, by paying attention to the
reel combination in which more than two symbols are simultaneously
stopped, the player can concentrate for games and interest for
games can be raised.
[0136] And as shown in FIG. 12, if the symbol combination stopped
along the pay line 8 becomes the "map 1-map 2-map 3", the map 1
symbol on the left reel 3L and the map 3 symbol on the right reel
3R are simultaneously stopped with higher probability than the
other case. Therefore, when the map 1 symbol on the left reel 3L
and the map 3 symbol on the right reel 3R are simultaneously
stopped, the symbol combination becomes the "map 1-map 2-map 3"
with relatively probability. Thus, in a case that variable display
operation of the left reel 3L and the right reel 3R is controlled
and stopped so that the map 1 symbol on the left reel 3L and the
map 3 symbol on the right reel 3R are simultaneously stopped, and
the symbol combination "map 1-map 2-map 3" becomes a chance to
shift to the bonus game, expectation of the player for the bonus
game can be expanded and also interest for games can be raised.
[0137] Here, the table in FIG. 12 shows the simultaneous stop
symbol selection lottery table in which the symbol combination with
the predetermined display mode is only the "map 1-map 2-map 3". Of
course, although the simultaneous stop symbol selection lottery
table in which the symbols constructing the symbol combination with
the predetermined display mode is the WILD symbol, its explanation
will be omitted in the first embodiment.
[0138] And in the first embodiment, in a case that the symbol
combination stopped along the pay line 8 becomes the display mode
shown in FIG. 8 when all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, the reels
3L, 3C, 3R are stopped so that any two symbols always constructing
the symbol combination with the predetermined display mode are
simultaneously stopped along the pay line 8. The present invention
is not limited to this. For example, even if the symbol combination
stopped along the pay line 8 becomes the display mode shown in FIG.
8 when all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, there may be a case that
the reels 3L 3C, 3R are controlled and stopped so that two symbols,
one of which constructs the symbol combination with the
predetermined display mode and the other of which does not
construct the symbol combination with the predetermined display
mode, are simultaneously stopped along the pay line 8.
[0139] Further, in the first embodiment, in a case that the symbol
combination stopped along the pay line 8 becomes the predetermined
display mode shown in FIG. 8 when all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped,
the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped so that any two symbols
constructing the symbol combination with the predetermined display
mode are simultaneously stopped along the pay line 8. However, the
present invention is not limited to this. For example, even if the
symbol combination stopped along the pay line 8 becomes the display
mode shown in FIG. 8 when all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, there
may be a case that the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped according to
the stop order of the reel 3L, 3C, 3R after a predetermined time is
elapsed, or all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are simultaneously stopped.
[0140] And the main control circuit 71 constructs the simultaneous
stop symbol selection lottery means to select any more than two
symbols constructing the symbol combination with the predetermined
display mode by the lottery according to the predetermined display
mode, if the symbol combination stopped along the pay line and
determined by the stop symbol determination means becomes the
predetermined display mode.
[0141] [Electric Construction of the Sub-Control Circuit]
[0142] Next, the sub-control circuit 171 shown in FIG. 16 will be
explained. The sub-control circuit 171 is constructed from the
sub-CPU 221, the sub-ROM 222, the sub-ram 223 and the image display
control circuit 224, 225. Here, between the main control circuit 71
and the sub-control circuit 171 and between the sub-CPU 221 and
each of the actuators, IN port and OUT port are voluntarily
arranged.
[0143] The sub-CPU 221 determines how to make the main display 5
and the sub-display 6 display based on a game information command
transmitted from the main control circuit 71 and transmits data of
display contents to the image display control circuits 224 and
225.
[0144] In the sub-ROM 222, a sequence program to utilized for
transmission to the main control circuit 71, programs necessary for
the slot game and the bonus game and various data are stored.
[0145] The sub-ram 223 is utilized for work area when these
programs are executed.
[0146] The image display control circuit 224 has a video RAM (not
shown) and controls display contents of the main display 5. The
image display control circuit 225 has a video RAM (not shown) and
controls display contents of the sub-display 6. In particular, the
image display control circuit 225 controls the sub-display 6 so as
to display the image of the bonus game based on a bonus game start
command transmitted from the main control circuit 71.
[0147] Here, the main control circuit 71 constructs the secondary
game start means to start the bonus game as the secondary game to
give the specific award to the player, on condition that the symbol
combination stopped along the predetermined pay line determined by
the stop symbol determination means becomes the specific display
mode.
[0148] [Bonus Game]
[0149] Next, with reference to FIG. 14 to 17, the bonus game will
be described. The bonus game is mainly conducted on the second
display 6 when the symbol combination stopped along the pay line 8
when all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped becomes the predetermined
display mode (for example, in the first embodiment, the "map 1-map
2-map 3", see FIG. 14).
[0150] In the slot game, if the symbol combination stopped along
the pay line 8 when all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped becomes the
predetermined display mode, for example, the symbol combination
"map 1-map 2-map 3" (see FIG. 14) in the first embodiment, as
mentioned, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are controlled and stopped so that
two symbols constructing the "reach mode" (for example, the stopped
symbol (map 1) on the left reel 3L and the stopped symbol (map 2)
on the center reel 3C) are simultaneously stopped. Thereafter,
variable display operation of the other remaining reel is
controlled and stopped.
[0151] Next, after the predetermined demonstration image is
displayed, the image to determine the BET number 301 for the bonus
game is displayed on the main display 5, as shown in FIG. 15. Next,
based on contact operation of the touch panel 51 (see FIG. 2) by
the player, the BET number 301 for the bonus game is determined.
Thereafter, the image shown in FIG. 16 is displayed on the second
display 6. Here, the game in which a hero automatically climbs
upward by using a rope is progressed. Every the hero climbs upward
b using the rope a magnification indicated in a magnification meter
302 displayed at the right position becomes larger. Here, the BET
number for the bonus game becomes larger the probability with which
the bonus game is terminated is controlled so as to become higher
at the stage of low magnification.
[0152] And As shown in FIG. 17, when the image that an exit appears
is displayed, the bonus game is terminated. Thereafter, coins
calculated by multiplying the BET number for the bonus game with
the magnification are paid out to the player. For example, if the
BET number for the bonus game is 50 as shown in FIG. 15 and the
magnification is 20 as shown in FIG. 17, 1000 coins calculated by
multiplying 50 with 20 are paid out to the player.
[0153] As mentioned, if any two symbols constructing the symbol
combination with the predetermined display mode are simultaneously
stopped along the pay line 8, probability with which the bonus game
giving the specific award to the player is started becomes high
(see FIG. 12). That is to say, since the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are
differently operated from the ordinary case, it can be recognized
by the player that the probability with which the bonus game is
started becomes high. Therefore, expectation of the player for
games can be highly raised.
[0154] [Operation of the Gaming Machine]
[0155] Next, with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 18 and
19, control operation by the CPU 121 in the main control circuit 71
will be described.
[0156] At first, as shown in FIG. 18, the CPU 121 judges whether
the game start input is done or not in step 1 (abbreviated as "S1"
herein after). Concretely, the CPU 121 judges whether or not input
process of the start signal from the spin switch 15, the maximum
BET spin switch 18 or the repeat BET spin switch 19 is done.
[0157] In process of S1, if it is judged that the input process of
the start signal from the spin switch 15, the maximum BET spin
switch 18 or the repeat BET spin switch 19 is not done, the CPU 121
repeats process of S1.
[0158] In process of S1, if it is judged that the input process of
the start signal from the spin switch 15, the maximum BET spin
switch 18 or the repeat BET spin switch 19 is done, the CPU 121
executes rotation process of the reels 3L 3C, 3R (S2). Concretely,
the CPU 121 sends a drive signal to the motor drive circuit 31 and
rotates the reels 3L, 3C, 3R through the motor drive circuit 31.
After this process is done, the CPU 121 shifts procedure to S3.
[0159] Next, the CPU 121 executes random number sampling process
and winning combination judgement process (S3). In the random
number sampling process, the CPU 121 generates a signal to generate
random number against the random number generator 126 and makes the
random number generator 126 extract random number every each of the
reels 3L, 3C, 3R. And the CPU 121 stores the extracted random
number value in the predetermined area of the RAM 123. Next, in the
winning combination judgement process, the CPU 121 judges every
each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R that the random number value stored in
the RAM 123 belongs to which range in the probability lottery table
stored in the ROM 122, thereby the CPU 121 determines the symbols
stopped along the pay line 8 and stores the symbols in the RAM 123.
Next, the CPU 121 judges that the determined symbols corresponds to
which winning combination in the winning symbol combination table
stored beforehand in the ROM 122.
[0160] Next, the CPU 121 judges whether or not the symbol
combination stopped along the pay line 8 is the predetermined
display mode shown in FIG. 8 (S4).
[0161] In process of S4, it is judged that the symbol combination
stopped along the pay line 8 is not the predetermined display mode
(for example, the symbol combination "WILD-RED7-RED7" which is not
shown in FIG. 8), the CPU 121 conducts stop process of the left
reel 3L S5). In this process, the CPU 121 sends to the motor drive
circuit 31 a signal to control and stop variable display operation
of the left reel 3L corresponding to the stop symbols determined in
process of S3, and the motor drive circuit 31 stops the left reel
3L through the stepping motor 49L after a predetermined time is
elapsed. After this process is done, the CPU 121 shifts procedure
to S6.
[0162] Next, the CPU 121 conducts stop process of the center reel
3C (S6). In this process, the CPU 121 sends to the motor drive
circuit 31 a signal to control and stop variable display operation
of the center reel 3C corresponding to the stop symbols determined
in process of S3, and the motor drive circuit 31 stops the center
reel 3C through the stepping motor 49C after a predetermined time
is elapsed. After this process is done, the CPU 121 shifts
procedure to S7.
[0163] Next, the CPU 121 conducts stop process of the right reel 3R
(S7). In this process, the CPU 121 sends to the motor drive circuit
31 a signal to control and stop variable display operation of the
right reel 3R corresponding to the stop symbols determined in
process of S3, and the motor drive circuit 31 stops the right reel
3R through the stepping motor 49R after a predetermined time is
elapsed. After this process is done, the CPU 121 shifts procedure
to S11.
[0164] In process of S4, if it is judged that the symbol
combination stopped along the pay line 8 is the predetermined
display mode, the CPU 121 selects two symbols simultaneously
stopped among a plurality of symbols constructing the predetermined
display mode by the lottery (S8). For example, in this process, the
CPU 121 selects two symbols simultaneously stopped by referring the
extracted random number value with the simultaneous stop symbol
selection lottery table shown in FIG. 12. Concretely, the CPU 121
extracts the random number from a predetermined random number range
(for example, range of 0.about.255). And if the predetermined
display mode is the "map 1-map 2-map 3" and the extracted random
number value lies in a range of 151.about.200, the selected two
symbols become the "map 2" on the center reel 3C and the "map 3" on
the right reel 3R (see FIG. 12). After this process is done, the
CPU 121 shifts procedure to S9.
[0165] As mentioned, if the symbol combination stopped along the
pay line 8 becomes the predetermined display mode, two symbols
simultaneously stopped are selected from a plurality of symbols
constructing the predetermined display mode. Therefore, combination
of more than two reels simultaneously stopped is variously changed.
Thus, combination of more than two reels simultaneously stopped can
be appealed to the player, as a result, it can make the player
concentrate for the game without losing interest of the player.
[0166] Next, the CPU 121 conducts stop process of two reels so that
the selected two reels are simultaneously stopped (S9). In this
process, the CPU 121 controls and stops variable display operation
of two reels variably displaying two symbols so that two symbols
selected in S8 are simultaneously stopped. For example, if two
symbols selected in S8 are the "map 2" on the center reel 3C and
the "map 3" on the right reel 3R, the CPU 121 sends to the motor
drive circuit 31 a signal to control and stop variable display
operation of the center reel 3C and the right reel 3R and controls
and stops the center reel 3C and the right reel 3R so that the "map
2" on the center reel 3C and the "map 3" on the right reel 3R are
simultaneously stopped through the stepping motors 49C and 49R.
After this process is done, the CPU 121 shifts procedure to
S10.
[0167] Next, the CPU 121 conducts stop process of the remaining
reel not stopped yet (S10). In this process, the CPU 121 controls
and stops variable display operation of the reel different from two
reels controlled and stopped in S9. For example, in S9, if the
center reel 3C and the right reel 3R are stopped so that the "map
2" on the center reel 3C and the "map 3" on the right reel 3R are
simultaneously stopped, the remaining reel 3L which is rotating is
stopped. After this process is done, the CPU 121 shifts procedure
to S 11.
[0168] As mentioned, if the symbol combination corresponds to the
symbol combination with the predetermined display mode, for
example, the "reach mode" (for example, the stop symbol of the left
reel 3L is the "map 1" and the stop symbol of the center reel 3C is
the "map 2"), variable display operation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is
controlled and stopped so that the symbols constructing the "reach
mode" are simultaneously stopped. Therefore, it can be given to the
player expectation that game condition may shift to the bonus game
or coins may be paid out by the winning combination. As a result,
interest of the player for games can be raised. And since variable
display of all reel 3L 3C, 3R is controlled and stopped in the stop
order different from the ordinary order according to which variable
display operation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is serially stopped from
the left reel, stop operation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R can be
changed, thereby interest of the player for games can be
raised.
[0169] Next, the CPU 121 judges whether or not the winning
combination is won at present time based on the result in the
winning combination judgement process in S3.
[0170] In S11, if it is judged that the winning combination is not
won at present time, the CPU 121 returns procedure to S1.
[0171] In S11, if it is judged that the winning combination is won
at present time, the CPU 121, as shown in FIG. 19, the CPU 121
conducts payout process of coins (S12). In this process, the CPU
121 sends to the hopper drive circuit 32 a coin payout signal
corresponding to the kind of the winning combination, thereby a
predetermined number of coins are paid out from the hopper 30. At
that time, the coin detection part 35 counts number of coins paid
out from the hopper 30 and the payout completion signal circuit 36
outputs the payout completion signal to the CPU 121 at the time
that the counted value reaches to the predetermined coin number
data. Thereby, the CPU 121 stops drive of the hopper 30 through the
hopper drive circuit 32 and coin payout process is terminated.
[0172] Next, the CPU 121 judges whether or not the symbol
combination stopped along the pay line 8 is the predetermined
display mode (S13). Concretely, the CPU 121 judges whether or not
the symbol combination stopped along the pay line 8 is the symbol
combination "map 1-map 2-map 3" which gives a chance to shift the
slot game to the bonus game.
[0173] In S13, if it is judged that the symbol combination stopped
along the pay line 8 is not the predetermined display mode, the CPU
121 returns procedure to S1 (S14).
[0174] In S13, if it is judged that the symbol combination stopped
along the pay line 8 is the predetermined display mode, the CPU 121
executes bonus game start process (S15). In this process, the CPU
121 sends the bonus game start command to the sub-control circuit
171. In the sub-control circuit 171 to which the bonus start
command is sent, the image of the bonus game is displayed on the
second display 6. After this process is done, the CPU 121 returns
procedure to S1.
[0175] As mentioned, if any more than two symbols constructing the
symbol combination with the predetermined display mode are
simultaneously stopped along the pay line 8, the probability with
which the bonus game giving the specific award to the player is
started becomes high. That is to say, since the reels 3L, 3C, 3R
are stopped in the stop order different from the ordinary stoop
order, it can be recognized by the player that the probability with
which the bonus game is started becomes high. Therefore,
expectation of the player for games can be highly raised.
[0176] Further, the slot machine according to the second embodiment
of the present invention will be described. Here, the slot machine
of the second embodiment has substantially the same construction as
that of the slot machine of the first embodiment already mentioned
in the above. Therefore, the second embodiment will be described
hereinafter by only taking the characteristic construction of the
second embodiment into consideration. Here, as for the same
elements, members as in the slot machine of the first embodiment,
the same numbers, marks and the like are added.
[0177] At first, in the ROM 122 of the microcomputer 120 provided
in the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment, as mentioned later,
it is stored a stop order selection lottery table which is utilized
when a stop order of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is selected by the
lottery, the stop order being different from an ordinary order
according to which, for example, the reels are stopped in the order
of the left reel 3L, the center reel 3C and the right reel 3R, in a
case that the symbol combination stopped along the pay line 8
becomes a predetermined display mode (for example, the "map 1-map
2-map 3) when all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped. [variable display
operation of reels 3L, 3C, 3R] In the slot machine 1 of the second
embodiment, in a case that the symbol combination stopped along the
pay line 8 becomes a predetermined display mode shown in FIG. 8
when all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, variable display operation
of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is controlled and stopped so that the reels
3L, 3C, 3R are stopped in the stop order, for example, in the stop
order of the left reel 3L, the right reel 3R and the center reel
3C, differently from the ordinary stop order according to which,
for example, the left reel 3L, the center reel 3C and the right
reel 3R are stopped in this order.
[0178] With reference to FIGS. 8, 9, 20 to 22, it will be described
in detail a case that variable display operation of the reels 3L,
3C, 3R is controlled and stopped according to the stop order
different from the ordinary stop order. FIG. 8 shows symbol
combinations with a predetermined display mode in a case that
variable display operation of two reels are controlled and stopped
so that any two symbols constructing a symbol combination with a
predetermined display mode are stopped along the pay line 8.
[0179] Here, it is supposed that the symbol combination stopped at
present time is determined as the symbol combination "map 1-map
2-any ("any" means the symbol except for the map 1 symbol, the map
2 symbol and WILD symbol). And when coins are betted and the
predetermined switch is operated, all reels 3L, 3C, 3R start to
rotate as shown in FIG. 9. Here, the symbol combination stopped at
present time corresponds to the predetermined display mode which is
shown by No. 2 in FIG. 8. That is to say, the symbol to be stopped
on the left reel 3L is the map 1 symbol, and the symbol to be
stopped on the center reel 3C is the map 2 symbol. According to the
ordinary stop order, as shown in FIG. 20, variable display
operation of the left reel 3L is first controlled and stopped,
thereafter variable display operation of the center reel 3C and the
right reel 3R is controlled and stopped in this stop order. Thus,
the reels 3L, 3C and 3R are stopped according to this stop order.
However, if the symbols to be stopped corresponds to the
predetermined display mode, variable display operation of the reels
3L, 3C, 3R is controlled and stopped (see FIG. 22) so that, for
example shown in FIG. 21, the left reel 3L is first stopped,
thereafter variable display operation of the right reel 3R is
controlled and stopped and finally variable display operation of
the center reel 3C is controlled and stopped, according to the stop
order different from the ordinary stop order.
[0180] And in the second embodiment, the main control circuit 71
constructing the stop control means has function to control and
stop variable display operation of plural variable display devices
according to the stop order different from the ordinary stop order,
in a case that the symbol combination stopped along the pay line 8
and determined by the stop symbol determination means becomes the
predetermined display mode.
[0181] [Stop Order Selection Lottery Table]
[0182] Next, with reference to FIG. 23, a stop order selection
lottery table will be described.
[0183] When all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, if the symbol
combination stopped along the pay line 8 becomes the predetermined
display mode (see FIG. 8), for example, the "map 1-map 2-map 3",
the left reel 3L, the center reel 3C and the right reel 3R are
stopped according to the stop order different from the ordinary
stop order. At that time, the stop order of variable display
operation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is selected by the lottery
according to the predetermined display mode. The table which is
referred when such selection is done is the stop order selection
lottery table shown in FIG. 23. And in the slot machine 1 of the
second embodiment, variable display operation of the reels 3L, 3C,
3R is controlled and stopped according to the selected stop order.
Here, "-" shown in the stop order selection lottery table shown in
FIG. 23 means that such orders are not selected.
[0184] When all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, if the symbol
combination stopped along the pay line 8 becomes the predetermined
mode, one stop order of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is selected according
to the predetermined display mode among plural stop orders by the
lottery. The concrete method to select one stop order will be
described hereinafter.
[0185] At first, the CPU 121 extracts a random number within a
predetermined range (for example, range of 0.about.255). And based
on the symbol combination of the predetermined display mode and the
extracted random number, the stop order of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is
determined with reference to the stop order selection table shown
in FIG. 23. For example, if the extracted random number lies in a
range of 151.about.175 and the symbol combination to be stopped
along the pay line 8 is the "map 1-map 2-map 3" when all reels 3L,
3C, 3R are stopped, variable display operation of the reels 3L, 3C,
3R is controlled and stopped according to the stop order of the
center reel 3C, the right reel 3R and the left reel 3L.
[0186] As mentioned, if the symbol combination stopped along the
pay line 8 becomes the predetermined display mode, the stop order
of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is selected by the lottery. Therefore,
since the stop order of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is made different
every one game, the player becomes to pay attention to the stop
order of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Thus, the player can concentrate for
games and interest for games can be raised.
[0187] And as shown in FIG. 23, if the symbol combination stopped
along the pay line 8 becomes the "map 1-map 2-map 3", variable
display operation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is controlled and stopped
according to the stop order of the left reel 3L, the right reel 3R
and the center reel 3C with higher probability than a case that
variable display operation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is controlled
and stopped according to the other stop order. Therefore, if the
stop order of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is the stop order of the left
reel 3L, the right reel 3R and the center reel 3C, the symbol
combination stopped along the pay line 8 becomes the "map 1-map
2-map 3" with relatively probability. Thus, in a case that variable
display operation is controlled and stopped according to the stop
order of the left reel 3L and the right reel 3R, and the symbol
combination "map 1-map 2-map 3" becomes a chance to shift to the
bonus game, expectation of the player for the bonus game can be
expanded and also interest for games can be raised.
[0188] Here, the table in FIG. 23 shows the stop order selection
lottery table in which the symbol combination with the
predetermined display mode is only the "map 1-map 2-map 3". Of
course, although the stop order selection lottery table in which
the symbols constructing the symbol combination with the
predetermined display mode is the WILD symbol, its explanation will
be omitted in the second embodiment.
[0189] And in the second embodiment, in a case that the symbol
combination stopped along the pay line 8 becomes the display mode
shown in FIG. 8 when all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, the left
reel 3L, the center reel 3C and the right reel 3R are stopped
according to the stop order different from the ordinary order. The
present invention is not limited to this. For example, even if the
symbol combination stopped along the pay line 8 becomes the display
mode shown in FIG. 8 when all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, there
may be a case that the reels are stopped according to the ordinary
stop order of the left reel 3L, the center reel 3C and the right
reel 3R.
[0190] Further, in the second embodiment, in a case that the symbol
combination stopped along the pay line 8 becomes the predetermined
display mode shown in FIG. 8 when all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped,
variable display operation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is controlled
and stopped according to the stop order so that the "reach mode" is
always realized. However, the present invention is not limited to
this. For example, there may be a case that variable display
operation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is controlled and stopped
according to the stop order that the "reach mode" is not
realized.
[0191] And the main control circuit 71 constructs the stop order
storing means for storing a plurality of stop orders of plural
variable display devices.
[0192] And the main control circuit 71 constructs the stop order
selection lottery means for selecting one stop order of plural
variable display devices among a plurality of stop orders of plural
variable display devices stored in the stop order storing means by
the lottery corresponding to the predetermined display mode, in a
case that the symbol combination stopped along the pay line and
determined by the stop symbol determination means becomes the
predetermined display mode.
[0193] When the bonus game is conducted in the slot game 1 of the
second embodiment, if the symbol combination stopped along the pay
line 8 when all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped becomes the
predetermined display mode, for example, the symbol combination
"map 1-map 2-map 3" (see FIG. 14) in the second embodiment, as
mentioned, variable display operation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is
controlled and stopped according to the stop order different from
the ordinary stop order.
[0194] As mentioned, if variable display operation of the reels 3L,
3C, 3R is controlled and stopped according to the estop order
different from the ordinary order, probability with which the bonus
game giving the specific award to the player is started becomes
high (see FIG. 23). That is to say, since the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are
controlled and stopped according to the stop order different from
the ordinary order, it can be recognized by the player that the
probability with which the bonus game is started becomes high.
Therefore, expectation of the player for games can be highly
raised.
[0195] [Operation of the Gaming Machine]
[0196] Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 24,
control operation by the CPU 121 in the main control circuit 71 of
the second embodiment will be described. Here, control operation by
the CPU 121 is almost same as that in the first embodiment. That is
to say, in FIG. 24, processes in S28 and S29 are provided instead
of the processes in S8 to S10 in FIG. 18. The other processes are
same in both FIGS. 24 and 18. Further, control operation by the CPU
121 in the second embodiment is conducted according to the
flowchart shown in FIG. 19 after processes in FIG. 24 are done.
Therefore, only processes in S28 and 29 shown in FIG. 24, such
processes being characteristic to the second embodiment, will be
described hereinafter.
[0197] In process of S4, if it is judged that the symbol
combination stopped along the pay line 8 is the predetermined
display mode, the CPU 121 selects the stop order of the reels by
the lottery (S28). In this process, the CPU 121 selects one stop
order among a plurality of stop orders of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R by
the lottery with reference to the stop order selection lottery
table shown in FIG. 23, based on the extracted random number value
and the symbol combination determined in S23 (the symbol
combination with the predetermined display order). Concretely, the
CPU 121 extracts the random number from a predetermined random
number range (for example, range of 0.about.255). And if the
predetermined display mode is the "map 1-map 2-map 3" and the
extracted random number value lies in a range of 176.about.200, the
variable display operation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is controlled
and stopped according to the stop order of the center reel 3C, the
left reel 3L and the right reel 3R (see FIG. 23). After this
process is done, the CPU 121 shifts procedure to S29.
[0198] As mentioned, if the symbol combination stopped along the
pay line 8 becomes the predetermined display mode, the stop order
of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is selected by the lottery. Therefore,
since the stop order of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is differently
changed, the player pays attention to the stop order of the reels
3L, 3C, 3R, thereby the player can concentrate for the game and
interest for games can be raised.
[0199] Next, the CPU 121 conducts stop process of the reels
according to the stop order selected by the lottery (S29). In this
process, the CPU 121 controls and stops variable display operation
of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R according to the stop order selected in S
28. For example, if the stop order of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R selected
in S28 is the stop order of the center reel 3C, the left reel 3L
and the right reel 3R, the CPU 121 first sends to the motor drive
circuit 31 a signal to control and stop the center reel 3C and
stops the center reel 3C through the stepping motor 49C. Similarly,
the CPU 121 sends to the motor drive circuit 31 a signal to control
and stop the left reel 3L after a predetermined time is elapsed and
stops the left reel 3L through the stepping motor 49L. Further, the
CPU 121 sends to the motor drive circuit 31 a signal to control and
stop the right reel 3R after a predetermined time is elapsed and
stops the right reel 3R through the stepping motor 49R. After this
process is terminated, the CPU 121 shifts procedure to S 30.
[0200] As mentioned, if the symbol combination stopped along the
pay line 8 becomes the predetermined display mode, variable display
operation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is controlled and stopped
according to the stop order different from the ordinary stop order.
That is to say, if the symbol combination with the predetermined
display mode becomes the "reach mode" such as the "map 1-map
2-any", variable display operation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is
controlled and stopped according to the stop order, for example,
the stop order of the center reel 3C, the left reel 3L and the
right reel 3R, different from the ordinary stop order, for example
the stop order of the left reel 3L, the center reel 3C and the
right reel 3R (that is, the reels are stopped from the left reel to
the right reel). Therefore, the player pays attention to the
unexpected stop order, thereby interest of the player for games can
be raised. And since variable display operation of the reels 3L,
3C, 3R is controlled and stopped according to the stop order
different from the ordinary stop order in only a case that the
symbol combination becomes the predetermined display mode, it can
be given expectation to the player.
[0201] As mentioned, if variable display operation of the reels 3L,
3C, 3R is controlled and stopped according to the stop order
different from the ordinary stop order, the probability with which
the bonus game giving the specific award to the player is started
becomes high. That is to say, since the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are
stopped according to the stop order different form the ordinary
stop order, it can be recognized by the player that the probability
with which the bonus game is started becomes high. Therefore,
expectation of the player for games can be highly raised.
[0202] Further, the slot machine according to the third embodiment
of the present invention will be described. Here, the slot machine
of the third embodiment has substantially the same construction as
that of the slot machine of the first embodiment already mentioned
in the above. Therefore, the third embodiment will be described
hereinafter by only taking the characteristic construction of the
third embodiment into consideration. Here, as for the same
elements, members as in the slot machine of the first embodiment,
the same numbers, marks and the like are added.
[0203] The spin switch 15 is a switch to start rotation of the
reels 3L, 3C, 3R and has function to control and stop variable
display operation of any one reel among the reels 3L, 3C, 3R by
player's operation, as mentioned later. Here, in the third
embodiment, although the spin switch 15 functions as the switch to
control and stop variable display operation of any one of the reels
3L, 3C, 3R, the spin switch 15 may be the switch to control and
stop variable display operation of more than one reel among a
plurality of reels.
[0204] As mentioned later, in a case that the symbol combination
stopped along the pay line 8 when all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped
becomes the predetermined display mode (for example, the "map 1-map
2-map 3", see FIG. 8), variable display operation of two reels is
controlled and stopped so that more than any two reels constructing
the symbol combination with the predetermined display mode are
simultaneously stopped along the pay line 8, and thereafter when
the spin switch 15 is operated by the player, variable display
operation of any one reel among the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is controlled
and stopped. Even in this case, the stop symbols are not determined
by operation of the player and stop control of variable display
operation of the reels is only started by utilizing the player's
operation as the trigger. That is to say, based on that the player
operates the spin switch 15, the stop start signal occurs from the
spin switch 15 and such stop start signal is supplied to the CPU
121. Further, the stop start signal is supplied to the motor drive
circuit 31 from the CPU 121. Thereby, stop control of variable
display operation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is started.
[0205] [Variable Display Operation of Reels 3L, 3C, 3R]
[0206] Next, variable display operation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R
will be described. As mentioned, in the slot game, after coins are
betted all reels 3L, 3C, 3R start to rotate based on a
predetermined switch operation. Each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is
stopped in a predetermined order after a predetermined time is
elapsed. However, in the slot machine 1 of the third embodiment, in
a case that the symbol combination stopped along the pay line 8
becomes a predetermined display mode shown in FIG. 8 when all reels
3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, variable display operation of two reels
among the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is controlled and stopped so that any
two symbols constructing a symbol combination with a predetermined
display mode are simultaneously stopped along the pay line 8.
Thereafter, variable display operation of the remaining one reel is
controlled and stopped. And variable display operation of the
remaining one reel is controlled and stopped by the player's
operation of the spin switch 15.
[0207] Here, "variable display operation of the remaining one reel
is controlled and stopped by the player's operation of the spin
switch 15" means that the stop symbol is not determined by the
player's operation of the spin switch 15 and stop control of
variable display operation of the reel is only started by utilizing
the player's operation as the trigger. And such sentence includes a
case that the player feels as if variable display operation of the
remaining reel is controlled and stopped by the player's operation
when seeing the reels.
[0208] Here, the main control circuit 71 constructs the stop
control means for controlling and stopping variable display
operation of a plurality of variable display devices based on the
result determined by the stop symbol determination means by
utilizing the player's operation as the trigger.
[0209] With reference to FIGS. 8 to 11, it will be described in
detail a case that variable display operation of two reels is
controlled and stopped so that any two symbols constructing a
symbol combination with a predetermined display mode are
simultaneously stopped along the pay line 8, thereafter variable
display operation of any one reel of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R can be
controlled and stopped by the player's operation. FIG. 8 shows
symbol combinations with a predetermined display mode in a case
that variable display operation of two reels are controlled and
stopped so that any two symbols constructing a symbol combination
with a predetermined display mode are simultaneously stopped along
the pay line 8, thereafter variable display operation of any one
reel of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R can be controlled and stopped by the
player's operation.
[0210] Here, it is supposed that the symbol combination stopped at
present time is determined as the symbol combination "map 1-map
2-any ("any" means the symbol except for the map 1 symbol, the map
2 symbol and WILD symbol). And when coins are betted and the
predetermined switch is operated, all reels 3L, 3C, 3R start to
rotate as shown in FIG. 9. Here, the symbol combination stopped at
present time corresponds to the predetermined display mode which is
shown by No. 2 in FIG. 8. That is to say, the symbol to be stopped
on the left reel 3L is the map 1 symbol, and the symbol to be
stopped on the center reel 3C is the map 2 symbol. Therefore, as
shown in FIG. 25, variable display operation of the left reel 3L
and variable display operation of the center reel 3C are controlled
and stopped so that the map 1 symbol stopped along the pay line 8
when the left reel 3L is stopped and the map 2 symbol stopped along
the pay line 8 when the center reel 3C is stopped are
simultaneously stopped. And after a predetermined time is elapsed,
variable display operation of the right reel 3R is controlled and
stopped (see FIG. 26). And the message "Push the Reel Stop Button!"
is displayed on the display area 5a of the main display 5.
Thereafter, variable display operation of the center reel 3C is
controlled and stopped by the player's operation of the spin switch
15. As a result, the "BAR" symbol is stopped (see FIG. 26).
[0211] As mentioned, in a case that the symbol combination is
stopped with a predetermined display mode along the pay line 8, any
one of reels 3L, 3C, 3R can be controlled and stopped by the
player's operation. Therefore, according to the third embodiment,
the player can technically intervene in the game and it can be
given to the player a feeling that the player really participates
in the game. Thereby, interest of the player for games can be
raised. And since unexpected stop control is conducted comparing
with a case that the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are automatically controlled
and stopped, it can make the player pay attention to variable
display operation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. As a result, interest of
the player for games can be highly raised. Further, since variable
display operation of one reel can be controlled and stopped by the
player's operation only in a case that the symbol combination
becomes the predetermined display mode, expectation can be given to
the player.
[0212] [Simultaneous Stop Symbol Selection Lottery Table]
[0213] Next, with reference to FIG. 12, simultaneous stop symbol
selection lottery table will described.
[0214] When all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, if the symbol
combination stopped along the pay line 8 becomes the predetermined
display mode (see FIG. 8), for example, the "map 1-map 2-map 3",
any two symbols are selected among the map 1 symbol on the left
reel 3L, the map 2 symbol on the center reel 3C and the map 3
symbol on the right reel 3R by the lottery. Here, the simultaneous
stop symbol selection lottery table shown in FIG. 12 is utilized
when any two symbols are selected among the map 1 symbol, the map 2
symbol and the map 3 symbol. And in the slot machine 1 of the third
embodiment, two reels variably displaying the selected two symbols
are controlled and stopped so that the selected symbols are
simultaneously stopped. Further, after variable display operation
of two reels is controlled and stopped, variable display operation
of any one reel among the reels 3L, 3C, 3R can be controlled and
stopped by the player's operation. That is to say, the simultaneous
stop symbol selection lottery table shown in FIG. 12 is a table
referred when the any one reel, which can be controlled and stopped
by the player's operation, is selected among the reels 3L, 3C, 3R
by the lottery, in a case that the symbol combination stopped along
the pay line 8 becomes the predetermined display mode. Here, "-"
shown in the simultaneous stop symbol selection lottery table in
FIG. 12 means that symbols are not selected.
[0215] When all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, if the symbol
combination stopped along the pay line 8 becomes the predetermined
mode, two symbols constructing the symbol combination with the
predetermined display mode is selected as follows by the lottery.
The concrete method to select two symbols, that is, the method that
any one reel, which can be controlled and stopped by the player's
operation of the spin switch 15, is selected among the reels 3L,
3C, 3R by the lottery, will be described hereinafter.
[0216] At first, the CPU 121 extracts a random number within a
predetermined range (for example, range of 0.about.255). And based
on the extracted random number, the simultaneous stop symbol
selection lottery table is referred shown in FIG. 12, and the
symbol combination with the predetermined display mode is obtained.
Thereafter, based on such symbol combination, it is selected that
the symbol combination with the predetermined display mode belongs
to which reel. For example, if the extracted random number lies in
a range of 0.about.150, the selected two symbols correspond to the
map 1 symbol on the left reel 3L and the map 3 symbol on the right
reel 3R. Therefore, the left reel 3L and the right reel 3R are
controlled and stopped so that the map 1 symbol on the left reel 3L
and the map 3 symbol on the right reel 3R are simultaneously
stopped. And variable display operation of the center reel 3C is
controlled and stopped by the player's operation of the spin switch
15.
[0217] As mentioned, if the symbol combination stopped along the
pay line 8 becomes the predetermined display mode, any one reel,
which can be controlled and stopped by the player's operation of
the spin switch 15, is selected among the reels 3L, 3C, 3R by the
lottery. Therefore, based on variable display operation of any one
reel which can be controlled and stopped by the player's operation,
there is a case that the symbol combination stopped along the pay
line 8 can be predicted. Thus, the player pays attention to
variable display operation of such reel. As a result, the player
can concentrate for the game and interest for games can be
raised.
[0218] And as shown in FIG. 12, if the symbol combination stopped
along the pay line 8 becomes the "map 1-map 2-map 3", the map 1
symbol on the left reel 3L and the map 3 symbol on the right reel
3R are simultaneously stopped with higher probability than the
other case. Therefore, when the map 1 symbol on the left reel 3L
and the map 3 symbol on the right reel 3R are simultaneously
stopped, that is, when variable display operation of the center
reel 3C can be controlled and stopped by the player's operation,
the symbol combination becomes the "map 1-map 2-map 3" with
relatively probability. Thus, in a case that variable display
operation of the left reel 3L and the right reel 3R is controlled
and stopped so that the map 1 symbol on the left reel 3L and the
map 3 symbol on the right reel 3R are simultaneously stopped, that
is, variable display operation of the center reel 3C can be
controlled and stopped by the player's operation, and the symbol
combination "map 1-map 2-map 3" becomes a chance to shift to the
bonus game, expectation of the player for the bonus game can be
expanded and also interest for games can be raised.
[0219] Here, the table in FIG. 12 shows the simultaneous stop
symbol selection lottery table in which the symbol combination with
the predetermined display mode is only the "map 1-map 2-map 3". Of
course, although the simultaneous stop symbol selection lottery
table in which the symbols constructing the symbol combination with
the predetermined display mode is the WILD symbol, its explanation
will be omitted in the first embodiment.
[0220] And in the third embodiment, in a case that the symbol
combination stopped along the pay line 8 becomes the display mode
shown in FIG. 8 when all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, the reels
3L, 3C, 3R are stopped so that any two symbols always constructing
the symbol combination with the predetermined display mode are
simultaneously stopped along the pay line 8. The present invention
is not limited to this. For example, even if the symbol combination
stopped along the pay line 8 becomes the display mode shown in FIG.
8 when all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, there may be a case that
the reels 3L 3C, 3R are stopped according to the stop order of the
reel 3L, 3C, and 3R every a predetermined time is elapsed, similar
to the ordinary stop order of reels, and there may be a case that
the reels 3L 3C, 3R are stopped according to the stop order other
than the stop order of the reel 3L, 3C, and 3R. Here, in these
cases, in the state that the second reel is stopped, it is
desirable that so-called "reach mode" is realized.
[0221] And the main control circuit 71 constructs the variable
display device selection lottery means for selecting more than one
variable display device, which can be controlled and stopped by the
player's operation of the stop operation portion, among a plurality
of variable display devices by the lottery according to the
predetermined display mode, if the symbol combination stopped along
the pay line and determined by the stop symbol determination means
becomes the predetermined display mode.
[0222] [Bonus Game]
[0223] Next, with reference to FIG. 14 to 17, the bonus game will
be described. The bonus game is mainly conducted on the second
display 6 when the symbol combination stopped along the pay line 8
when all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped becomes the predetermined
display mode (for example, in the first embodiment, the "map 1-map
2-map 3", see FIG. 14).
[0224] In the slot game, if the symbol combination stopped along
the pay line 8 when all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped becomes the
predetermined display mode, for example, the symbol combination
"map 1-map 2-map 3" (see FIG. 14) in the first embodiment, as
mentioned, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are controlled and stopped so that
two symbols constructing the "reach mode" (for example, the stopped
symbol (map 1) on the left reel 3L and the stopped symbol (map 2)
on the center reel 3C) are simultaneously stopped. Thereafter,
variable display operation of the other remaining reel is
controlled and stopped by utilizing the player's operation as the
trigger.
[0225] Next, after the predetermined demonstration image is
displayed, the image to determine the BET number 301 for the bonus
game is displayed on the main display 5, as shown in FIG. 15. Next,
based on contact operation of the touch panel 51 (see FIG. 2) by
the player, the BET number 301 for the bonus game is determined.
Thereafter, the image shown in FIG. 16 is displayed on the second
display 6. Here, the game in which a hero automatically climbs
upward by using a rope is progressed. Every the hero climbs upward
b using the rope a magnification indicated in a magnification meter
302 displayed at the right position becomes larger. Here, the BET
number for the bonus game becomes larger the probability with which
the bonus game is terminated is controlled so as to become higher
at the stage of low magnification.
[0226] And as shown in FIG. 17, when the image that an exit appears
is displayed, the bonus game is terminated. Thereafter, coins
calculated by multiplying the BET number for the bonus game with
the magnification are paid out to the player. For example, if the
BET number for the bonus game is 50 as shown in FIG. 15 and the
magnification is 20 as shown in FIG. 17, 1000 coins calculated by
multiplying 50 with 20 are paid out to the player.
[0227] As mentioned, if variable display operation of one reel can
be controlled and stopped by the player's operation of the spin
switch 15, probability with which the bonus game giving the
specific award to the player is started becomes high. That is to
say, since variable display operation of one reel in the variable
display device can be controlled and stopped by the player's
operation, it can be recognized by the player that the probability
with which the secondary game is started becomes high. Therefore,
expectation of the player for games can be highly raised.
[0228] [Operation of the Gaming Machine]
[0229] Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 27,
control operation by the CPU 121 in the main control circuit 71 of
the third embodiment will be described. Here, control operation by
the CPU 121 is almost same as that in the first embodiment. That is
to say, in FIG. 27, judgement process in S40 is inserted between
the process in S9 and the process in S10 in the flowchart shown in
FIG. 18. The other processes are same in both FIGS. 27 and 18.
Further, control operation by the CPU 121 in the third embodiment
is conducted according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 19 after
processes in FIG. 27 are done. Therefore, only process in S40 shown
in FIG. 27, such process being characteristic to the third
embodiment, will be described hereinafter.
[0230] In process of S4, if it is judged that the symbol
combination stopped along the pay line 8 is the predetermined
display mode, the CPU 121 selects two symbols simultaneously
stopped among a plurality of symbols constructing the predetermined
display mode by the lottery (S8). For example, in this process, the
CPU 121 selects two symbols simultaneously stopped by referring the
extracted random number value with the simultaneous stop symbol
selection lottery table shown in FIG. 12. Concretely, the CPU 121
extracts the random number from a predetermined random number range
(for example, range of 0.about.255). And if the predetermined
display mode is the "map 1-map 2-map 3" and the extracted random
number value lies in a range of 151.about.200, the selected two
symbols become the "map 2" on the center reel 3C and the "map 3" on
the right reel 3R (see FIG. 12). That is, it concludes that the
left reel 3L is selected as the reel which can be controlled and
stopped by the player's operation. After this process is done, the
CPU 121 shifts procedure to S9.
[0231] As mentioned, if the symbol combination stopped along the
pay line 8 becomes the predetermined display mode, any one reel
which can be controlled and stopped by the player's operation of
the spin switch 15 is selected among the reels 3L, 3C, 3R by the
lottery. Therefore, based on variable display operation of any one
reel which can be controlled and stopped by the player's operation,
there is a case that the symbol combination stopped along the pay
line 8 can be predicted. Thus, the player pays attention to
variable display operation of such reel. As a result, the player
can concentrate for the game and interest for games can be
raised.
[0232] Next, the CPU 121 judges whether stop operation is conducted
or not (S40). In this step, the CPU 121 judges whether or not the
spin switch 15 is pressed by the player.
[0233] In S40, if the CPU 121 judges that the stop operation is not
conducted, the CPU 121 repeats process in S40.
[0234] In S40, if the CPU 121 judges that the stop operation is
conducted, stop process of the remaining reel not stopped yet is
executed (S41). In this process, the CPU 121 controls and stops
variable display operation of the reel other than two reels
variable display operation of which are controlled and stopped in
S39, according to the operation in S40 by the player. For example,
in S39, if the reel 3C and the reel 3R are stopped so that the "map
2" on the center reel 3C and the "map 3" on the right reel 3R are
simultaneously stopped, the CPU 121 stops the left reel 3L which is
rotating by utilizing the operation of the spin switch 15 by the
player as the trigger. After this process is terminated, the CPU
121 shifts procedure to S42.
[0235] As mentioned, in a case that the symbol combination is
stopped with the predetermined display mode along the pay line 8,
any one of reels 3L, 3C, 3R can be controlled and stopped by the
player's operation. Therefore, according to the third embodiment,
the player can technically intervene in the game and it can be
given to the player a feeling that the player really participates
in the game. Thereby, interest of the player for games can be
raised. And since unexpected stop control is conducted comparing
with a case that the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are automatically controlled
and stopped, it can make the player pay attention to variable
display operation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. As a result, interest of
the player for games can be highly raised. Further, since variable
display operation of one reel can be controlled and stopped by the
player's operation only in a case that the symbol combination
becomes the predetermined display mode, expectation can be given to
the player.
[0236] As mentioned, if variable display operation of one reel can
be controlled and stopped by the player's operation of the spin
switch 15, probability with which the bonus game giving the
specific award to the player is started becomes high. That is to
say, since variable display operation of one reel in the variable
display device can be controlled and stopped by the player's
operation, it can be recognized by the player that the probability
with which the secondary game is started becomes high. Therefore,
expectation of the player for games can be highly raised.
[0237] Here, in the slot machine 1 of the embodiments, although
three reels constructing the variable display devices are provided,
the present invention is not limited to this. For example, two
reels may be provided or more than four reels may be provided. And
in the slot machine of the embodiment, although the variable
display devices are constructed from the reels, the present
invention is not limited to this. For example, the liquid crystal
display device as the variable display device may be provided.
[0238] And in the slot machine 1 of the third embodiment, although
after variable display of two reels is controlled and stopped,
variable display operation of any one reel among the reels 3L, 3C,
3R can be controlled and stopped, the present invention is not
limited to this. For example, variable display operation of the
reel which is first stopped or the reel which is second stopped may
be controlled and stopped.
[0239] And in the third embodiment, although the stop operation
part for controlling and stopping variable display operation of any
one reel among the reels 3L, 3C, 3R corresponds to the spin switch
15, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, such
stop operation part, which can control and stop variable display
operation of any one reel among the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, may be
constructed from the other switch such as the error switch 13 or
the touch panel 51 provided on the main display 5 or the second
display 6.
* * * * *