U.S. patent application number 10/927231 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-03 for gaming machine.
Invention is credited to Kojima, Sakiko.
Application Number | 20050049034 10/927231 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34109015 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050049034 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kojima, Sakiko |
March 3, 2005 |
Gaming machine
Abstract
In the gaming machine with the variable display device, the
specific symbol combination among symbol combinations displayed on
the variable display device completes one picture and at least one
symbol among the symbols constructing the specific symbol
combination is commonly used with the symbols of the symbol
combination which completes anther picture.
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: |
34109015 |
Appl. No.: |
10/927231 |
Filed: |
August 27, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/34 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/020 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 29, 2003 |
JP |
JP2003-306090 |
Aug 29, 2003 |
JP |
JP2003-306091 |
Aug 29, 2003 |
JP |
JP2003-306092 |
Aug 29, 2003 |
JP |
JP2003-306093 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A gaming machine comprising: a plurality of variable display
devices for variably displaying plural kinds of symbols utilized in
a game; a stop symbol determination device for determining the
symbols stopped along a pay line every each of the variable display
devices based on a random number value sampled every game; and a
stop controller for conducting stop control of variable display in
the variable display devices based on a determination result
determined by the stop symbol determination device; wherein symbol
combinations each of which is constructed from the symbols
determined by the stop symbol determination device include a
plurality of specific display modes each of which corresponds to a
specific award, and wherein at least two of the specific display
modes form one picture and at least one of the symbols is commonly
utilized in the specific display mode.
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the stop
controller conducts stop control of the variable display in the
variable display device which displays the symbol commonly utilized
earlier than the other variable display devices.
3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein at least one of
the specific display modes corresponds to a timing at which a
secondary game is activated, the secondary game being conducted by
utilizing other image display device than the variable display
devices.
4. A gaming machine comprising: a plurality of variable display
devices for variably displaying a plurality of symbols utilized in
a base game; a stop symbol determination device for determining the
symbols variably displayed on the variable display devices based on
a random number value sampled every game; a bonus game execution
device for executing a bonus game corresponding to specific symbols
among a plurality of bonus games when variable display of the
variable display devices is stopped while the specific symbols are
stopped and displayed through the variable display devices; wherein
at least one bonus game is executed when the variable display
devices are stopped with the specific symbols or when a specific
result is obtained in other bonus game.
5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the bonus game
is done by utilizing other image display device other than the
variable display devices.
6. A gaming machine comprising: a plurality of variable display
devices for variably displaying a plurality of symbols utilized in
a game; a stop symbol determination device for determining a symbol
combination stopped at a predetermined position in the variable
display devices based on a random number value sampled every game;
a stop control device for conducting stop control of the variable
display devices based on a result determined by the stop symbol
determination device; and a blank bonus determination device for
determining winning of the bonus with a predetermined probability
when blank symbols are stopped at the predetermined positions.
7. The gaming machine according to claim 6, further comprising: a
first display portion for displaying a plural kinds of the symbols;
a second display portion arranged in front of the first display
portion, the second display portion being made transparent so as to
be able to see the symbols displayed on the first display portion
through the second display portion; wherein when the first display
portion displays the blank symbols and the blank bonus
determination device determines winning of the bonus, the second
display portion displays bonus symbols so as to superimpose with
the blank symbols.
8. A gaming machine comprising: a plurality of variable display
devices for variably displaying a plurality of symbols utilized in
a game; a stop symbol determination device for determining symbols
stopped at predetermined positions in the variable display devices
based on a random number value sampled every game; a bonus game
start device for starting a bonus game when the variable display
devices are stopped with specific symbols; a measurement device for
determining a score accumulated according to progress of the bonus
game and for increasing or decreasing an upper limit of the score;
and a bonus game termination device for terminating the bonus game
when the score exceeds the upper limit.
9. The gaming machine according to claim 8, wherein the measurement
device increases or decreases the upper limit based on a selection
by a player.
10. The gaming machine according to claim 8, wherein the variable
display device has a first display portion for displaying a plural
kinds of symbols utilized in the game and a second display portion
arranged in front of the first display portion, the second display
portion being made transparent so as to be able to see the symbols
displayed on the first display portion through the second display
portion, wherein the gaming machine has a third display portion
other than the variable display device, the third display portion
displaying the bonus game, and wherein an operation input portion
through which a player conducts selective operation is formed on
the second display portion.
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. 2003-306090.
2003-306091, 2003-306092, 2003-306093, all of which were filed on
Aug. 29, 2003 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 here 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 variable display device 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 device.
[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. And if the
winning combination is won according to the symbol combination
displayed by the reels, medals are paid out to the player. And one
game is terminated.
[0006] The slot machines in current at present have plural modes of
winning combinations. In particular, when the predetermined winning
combination is won, a gaming state more beneficial for the player
than the base game is obtained for a predetermined time, in
addition to one time of medal payout. As such winning combination,
there is a bonus game in which games giving a relatively large
award to the player can be done. And the gaming machine such as the
slot machine has decoration parts and display devices to joyfully
effect the above award. These decoration parts or the display
devices are generally designed so as to reflect the image of theme
set in every gaming machine. And characters or things or background
pictures according to the theme are displayed on the cabinet of
display panel to exercise the machine's ingenuity. Further, as
shown in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-62177, it
is known the gaming machine in which these pictures are displayed
on the reels as the symbols.
[0007] However, the symbols described on the reels has function to
inform the winning combination including the bonus of the player,
the winning combination being determined when the reels are
stopped. Therefore, if the symbols are designed by reflecting the
image of the machine's own theme, there is a case that it is
difficult for the player not accustomed to the gaming machine to
recognize whether the winning combination is realized or not.
Further, if a plurality of bonuses capable of being won are set and
the symbols based on the characteristic theme are described on the
reels, there will be fear that it takes long time for the player to
learn the symbol corresponding to the bonus and to be accustomed to
the game. And if each of the symbol combinations corresponding to
plural bonuses is constructed from the symbols reflecting the
machine's own image, it can be predicted which bonus among plural
bonuses will be won at the time that the first reel is stopped.
Thus, it lacks in interest and the player loses interest for the
game.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention has been done to dissolve the above
problems and has an object to provide a gaming machine in which it
can be easily judged that the bonus is won even if the symbols
displayed on the variable display device such as reels are designed
so as to reflect an image of theme concerning with the gaming
machine.
[0009] In order to accomplish the above object, according to one
aspect of the present invention, it is provided a gaming machine
comprising:
[0010] a plurality of variable display devices for variably
displaying plural kinds of symbols utilized in a game;
[0011] a stop symbol determination device for determining the
symbols stopped along a pay line every each of the variable display
devices based on a random number value sampled every game; and
[0012] a stop controller for conducting stop control of variable
display in the variable display devices based on a determination
result determined by the stop symbol determination device;
[0013] wherein symbol combinations each of which is constructed
from the symbols determined by the stop symbol determination device
include a plurality of specific display modes each of which
corresponds to a specific award, and
[0014] wherein at least two of the specific display modes form one
picture and at least one of the symbols is commonly utilized in the
specific display mode.
[0015] According to the gaming machine, at least two of the
specific display modes, which are included in the symbol
combinations and each of which corresponds to a specific award,
form one picture and at least one symbol is commonly utilized in
the specific display mode. Thereby, the specific award is easily
indicated to the player through the method that the symbol
combination displays one picture. Further, plural symbol
combinations corresponding to plural bonuses are constructed from
at least one symbol which is commonly utilized. Therefore, even in
the complexed gaming machine in which it is designed so that the
image of the theme concerning with the gaming machine is reflected
on the symbols described on the reels and a plural kinds of bonuses
are set, if the symbol is commonly utilized, it can be shown to the
player that any specific display mode can be realized. Thereby,
even in a case that the player is not accustomed to the gaming
machine, the player can easily judge whether or not the specific
display mode is determined.
[0016] And in a case that the symbol which is commonly utilized is
first displayed when the variable display device is stopped, it can
be judged whether or not the specific display mode is realized.
However, it cannot be judged the kind of the specific display mode
till the other reels are stopped. Therefore, interest for games can
be raised if the gaming machine is constructed so that the kind of
the specific display mode cannot be predicted at early stage of the
game.
[0017] And according to another aspect of the present invention, it
is provided a gaming machine comprising:
[0018] a plurality of variable display devices for variably
displaying a plurality of symbols utilized in a base game;
[0019] a stop symbol determination device for determining the
symbols variably displayed on the variable display devices based on
a random number value sampled every game;
[0020] a bonus game execution device for executing a bonus game
corresponding to specific symbols among a plurality of bonus games
when variable display of the variable display devices is stopped
while the specific symbols are stopped and displayed through the
variable display devices;
[0021] wherein at least one bonus game is executed when the
variable display devices are stopped with the specific symbols or
when a specific result is obtained in another bonus game.
[0022] According to the gaming machine, at least one bonus game
among a plurality of bonus games executed in the gaming machine is
executed when the variable display devices are stopped with the
specific symbols or when a specific result is obtained in another
bonus game by the player's selection. Thereby, in the bonus game in
which the player participates while conducting various selection,
if the predetermined condition is satisfied, it is determined
whether or not game condition shifts to another bonus game.
Therefore, the player can enjoy the bonus game while expecting to
continuously conduct another bonus game, thus interest for games
can be raised.
[0023] Further, according to another aspect of the present
invention, it is provided a gaming machine comprising:
[0024] a plurality of variable display devices for variably
displaying a plurality of symbols utilized in a game;
[0025] a stop symbol determination device for determining a symbol
combination stopped at a predetermined position in the variable
display devices based on a random number value sampled every
game;
[0026] a stop control device for conducting stop control of the
variable display devices based on a result determined by the stop
symbol determination device; and
[0027] a blank bonus determination device for determining winning
of the bonus with a predetermined probability when blank symbols
are stopped at the predetermined positions.
[0028] According to the gaming machine, the blank bonus
determination device determines winning of the bonus with a
predetermined probability when blank symbols are stopped at the
predetermined positions. Thereby, even if the blank symbols are
displayed on the variable display devices, not only the game is
merely terminated but also there remains a probability to occur the
bonus game. Therefore, the player has unexpected feeling and
interest for games can be raised.
[0029] According to further another aspect of the present
invention, it is provided a gaming machine comprising:
[0030] a plurality of variable display devices for variably
displaying a plurality of symbols utilized in a game;
[0031] a stop symbol determination device for determining symbols
stopped at predetermined positions in the variable display devices
based on a random number value sampled every game;
[0032] a bonus game start device for starting a bonus game when the
variable display devices are stopped with specific symbols;
[0033] a measurement device for determining a score accumulated
according to progress of the bonus game and for increasing or
decreasing an upper limit of the score; and
[0034] a bonus game termination device for terminating the bonus
game when the score exceeds the upper limit.
[0035] According to the gaming machine, in the bonus game activated
when the variable display devices of the gaming machine stop
variable display with the specific symbols, the measurement device
determines the score while accumulating according to progress of
the bonus game and the bonus game determination device terminates
the bonus game when the score exceeds the upper limit. That is to
say, the bonus game is progressed till the score reaches to the
upper limit. Thereby, it can roughly indicate to the player when
the bonus game is terminated. Therefore, the player can predict the
termination of the bonus game to some extent. Thus, there scarcely
occurs a case that the bonus game is suddenly terminated contrary
to the player's expectation. Accordingly, the bonus game can be
done while retaining interest of the player and the base game which
is restarted continuous to the bonus game can be conducted.
[0036] 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
[0037] 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.
[0038] In the drawings,
[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a slot machine
according to the embodiment,
[0040] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a main display in the slot
machine according to the embodiment,
[0041] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a sub-display in the slot
machine according to the embodiment,
[0042] FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing symbol rows each of
which is described on each reel in the slot machine according to
the embodiment,
[0043] FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of a payout table utilized in
the slot machine according to the embodiment,
[0044] FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing one example of symbol
combination utilized in the slot machine according to the
embodiment,
[0045] FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing one example of symbol
combination utilized in the slot machine according to the
embodiment,
[0046] FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing one example of
probability lottery table corresponding to each of the reels, the
probability lottery table being utilized in the slot machine
according to the embodiment,
[0047] FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing a block diagram of
electric circuits utilized in the slot machine according to the
embodiment,
[0048] FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing one example of
variable display motion of the reels conducted in the slot machine
according to the embodiment,
[0049] FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing one example of
variable display motion of the reels conducted in the slot machine
according to the embodiment,
[0050] FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing one example of
variable display motion of the reels conducted in the slot machine
according to the embodiment,
[0051] FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing one example of
variable display motion of the reels conducted in the slot machine
according to the embodiment,
[0052] FIG. 14 is an explanatory view showing one example of
variable display motion of the reels conducted in the slot machine
according to the embodiment,
[0053] FIG. 15 is an explanatory view showing a lottery table to
determined whether a bonus game is realized or not, the lottery
table being utilized in the slot machine according to the
embodiment,
[0054] FIG. 16 is an explanatory view showing a block diagram of
electric circuits in a sub-control circuit utilized in the slot
machine according to the embodiment,
[0055] FIG. 17 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus
game utilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,
[0056] FIG. 18 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus
game utilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,
[0057] FIG. 19 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus
game utilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,
[0058] FIG. 20 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus
game utilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,
[0059] FIG. 21 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus
game utilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,
[0060] FIG. 22 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus
game utilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,
[0061] FIG. 23 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus
game utilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,
[0062] FIG. 24 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus
game utilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,
[0063] FIG. 25 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus
game utilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,
[0064] FIG. 26 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus
game utilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,
[0065] FIG. 27 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus
game utilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,
[0066] FIG. 28 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus
game utilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,
[0067] FIG. 29 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus
game utilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,
[0068] FIG. 30 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus
game utilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,
[0069] FIG. 31 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus
game utilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,
[0070] FIG. 32 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus
game utilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,
[0071] FIG. 33 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus
game utilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,
[0072] FIG. 34 is a flowchart executed in a main control circuit in
the slot machine according to the embodiment,
[0073] FIG. 35 is a flowchart executed in the main control circuit
in the slot machine according to the embodiment,
[0074] FIG. 36 is a flowchart executed in the sub-control circuit
in the slot machine according to the embodiment,
[0075] FIG. 37 is a flowchart executed in the sub-control circuit
in the slot machine according to the embodiment,
[0076] FIG. 38 is a flowchart executed in the sub-control circuit
in the slot machine according to the embodiment, and
[0077] FIG. 39 is a flowchart executed in the sub-control circuit
in the slot machine according to the embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0078] Hereinafter, one example of the preferred embodiment
according to the present invention will be described with reference
to the drawings. 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.
[0079] [construction of the gaming machine]
[0080] The slot machine 1 according to one embodiment is shown in
FIG. 1, which is a perspective view of the slot machine 1.
[0081] In front 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.
[0082] 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.
[0083] In the cabinet 2, the main display 5 is provided in front of
the reels 3L 3C, 3R, the main display 5 being utilized for
displaying images of slot games and bonus games. In the main
display 5, three display windows 4L, 4C, 4R are formed. Here, the
main display 5 is arranged so that the symbols of each of the reels
can be observed through the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R formed in
the main display 5. The variable display device has the reels 3L,
3C, 3R as the first display portion and a liquid crystal display as
the second display portion. And at an upper side of the cabinet 2,
a sub-display 6 for displaying the image of the bonus game is
provided as the third display portion.
[0084] 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.
[0085] 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.
[0086] 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.
[0087] 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.
[0088] 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.
[0089] 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.
[0090] 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".
[0091] 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.
[0092] 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.
[0093] 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.
[0094] [main display and sub-display]
[0095] With reference to FIG. 2, construction of the main display 5
will be described.
[0096] 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.
[0097] 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.
[0098] 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.
[0099] 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.
[0100] 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.
[0101] 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.
[0102] Although the main display 5 and the sub-display 6 in the
slot machine 1 of the embodiment are constructed from the liquid
crystal display device (LCD), the present invention is not limited
to this. For example, CRT or plasma display may be utilized. And
although the main display 5 and the sub-display 6 are constructed
from one display device, the main display 5 and the sub-display 6
may be constructed from a plurality of display devices which
mutually belong to different kinds.
[0103] [symbol rows]
[0104] 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 "1BAR"
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.
[0105] FIG. 5 shows a payout table displayed on the sub-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.
[0106] As game state in the 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.
[0107] 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 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.
[0108] 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.
[0109] 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.
[0110] 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.
[0111] 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.
[0112] 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.
[0113] 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.
[0114] 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 "1BAR" 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 "1BAR" and it concludes that the symbol
combination "1BAR-1BAR-1BAR", that is, the winning combination
"1BAR" is won.
[0115] 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.
[0116] [common use of the symbols]
[0117] In FIG. 6, it is shown a line up mode that the symbol
combination "map 1-map 2-map 3" line up along the pay line 8 in the
display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, such symbol combination forming a
chance to shift to one of bonus games. One picture representing the
treasure map is formed base on that the "map 1" symbol 96, the "map
2" symbol 97 and the "map 3" symbol 98 line up along the pay line
8.
[0118] In FIG. 7, it is shown a line up mode that the symbol
combination "map 1-map 2-map 4" line up along the pay line 8, such
symbol combination forming a chance to shift to another bonus game.
In this case, similarly to the above, one picture representing the
treasure map is formed based on that the "map 1" symbol 96, the
"map 2" symbol 97 and the "map 4" symbol 99 line up along the pay
line 8. As mentioned, if the symbol combination forms one picture,
game condition shifts to the bonus game by which the specific award
is given to the player. Therefore, for example, if new theme of the
treasure-hunting is introduced in the gaming machine, the player
can easily judge the symbol combination to shift to the bonus game
as the completed one picture if the player is not accustomed to the
gaming machine. Thus, the player can rapidly learn the symbol
combination and can be accustomed to the game.
[0119] Here, in the symbol combinations shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the
"map 1" symbol 96 and the "map 2" symbol 97 are commonly used. By
commonly using the symbol (s), if a plurality of symbol
combinations giving a chance to shift to the bonus game are set,
the number of symbols forming such combinations can be reduced,
thereby the player can rapidly learn the symbols and can be
accustomed to the game. And one picture formed by the symbol
combination in which the symbols are commonly used can easily form
the common image. Therefore, the player can rapidly learn the
common image and can be accustomed to the game.
[0120] [probability lottery table]
[0121] Next, with reference to FIG. 8, 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.
[0122] FIG. 8 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.
[0123] 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.
[0124] Here, in the 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.
[0125] [construction of control system in the slot machine]
[0126] FIG. 9 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.
[0127] 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.
[0128] 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.
[0129] 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.
[0130] And in the ROM 122 of the microcomputer 120, various
instructions (commands) for transmitting to the sub-control circuit
171. Among the commands, a demonstration display command, an all
reels stop command, a bonus game start command to start image
display of the bonus game on the sub-display 6 and the like are
included.
[0131] In the circuit of FIG. 9, 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.
[0132] The sub-control circuit 171 conducts display control of the
main display 5 and the sub-display 6 based on the control command
from the microcomputer 120. The sub-control circuit 171 will be
described hereinafter.
[0133] 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.
[0134] As the input signal generation means generating input
signals necessary for the microcomputer 120, 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.
[0135] 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.
[0136] 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.
[0137] In the circuit of FIG. 9, 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.
[0138] 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.
[0139] 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.
[0140] And the sub-control circuit 171 is connected to the main
control circuit 71.
[0141] 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.
[0142] 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.
[0143] 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.
[0144] [variable display operation of reels 3L, 3C, 3R]
[0145] 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.
[0146] FIG. 10 indicates a display state of the main display 5
while all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotating. In the main display 5,
areas for the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R are formed, and through
these areas a part of each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R which are
rotating can be seen. Under the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R it is
displayed a character 501 who is riding in a boat and going for the
treasure-hunt which is the theme of the slot machine 1. Thereby,
the effect of the image of treasure-hunt is conducted on the main
display 5.
[0147] FIG. 11 indicates a state that the reels 3L and 3C are
serially stopped after a predetermined time is elapsed since the
reels 3L, 3C, 3R start to rotate. The sopped reel 3L and 3C display
the "map 1" symbol 96 and the "map 2" symbol 97 along the pay line
8, respectively. This state is the state just before game condition
shifts to the bonus game based on that the remaining map symbol is
displayed by the reel 3R. And under the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R
it is displayed a state that the an alligator 503 attacks the
character 501.
[0148] FIG. 12 indicates a state that the reel 3R is stopped after
a predetermined time is elapsed since the reels 3L and 3C are
serially stopped. The stopped reel 3R displays the "map 3" symbol
98 along the pay line 8 and the treasure map picture is completed
by combining the "map 3" symbol 98 with the "map 2" symbol 96 and
the "map 2" symbol 97. And This state indicates that game condition
shifts to a condor treasure bonus game which is one of the bonus
games. Further, under the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R it is
displayed a state that the character 501 gets rid of the alligator
503.
[0149] As mentioned, among the symbols constructing the symbol
combination which makes a chance to shift to the bonus game, the
reel 3L and 3C, which displays the "map 1" symbol 96 and the "map
2" symbol 97, respectively, the "map 1" symbol 96 and the "map 2"
symbol 97 being commonly used, are first stopped, and the reel 3R
which displays the "map 3" symbol 98 is finally stopped. Thereby,
it can make the player recognize the probability to win the bonus
game at the time that the "map 1" symbol 96 and the "map 2" symbol
97 are displayed. Here, the player cannot know what kind of bonus
is won till the "map 3" symbol 98 or the "map 4" symbol 99 is
displayed. Therefore, although the player can easily judge that the
bonus is won, the player cannot predict the kind of the bonus at
the time that the "map 1" symbol 96 and the "map 2" symbol 97 which
are commonly used are stopped. Thereby, interest and expectation of
the player can be highly raised.
[0150] [blank bonus]
[0151] In addition to the above, a blank bonus which is realizable
based on that blank symbols are stopped along the pay line 8 will
be described.
[0152] FIG. 13 indicates a state that all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are
stopped after a predetermined time is elapsed since the reels 3L
3C, 3R start to rotate. The stopped reels 3L, 3C, 3R respectively
display the symbol combination "blank-blank-blank" by the blank
symbols 92. If the blank symbols 92 line up along the pay line 8,
it is continuously conducted the lottery of mysterious sun bonus
game which is the blank bonus. On the basis of the lottery result,
if this blank bonus is realized, game condition shifts to the
mysterious sun bonus game which is one of the bonus games.
[0153] FIG. 14 indicates the display when the blank bonus is
realized according to the lottery result. Near each of the display
windows 4L, 4C, 4R in the display area 5a of the main display 5,
symbols 505, 506 and 507 representing the sun are displayed.
Thereby, the blank symbols 92 of the stopped reels 3L, 3C, 3R
change just like to the specific symbols and line up along the pay
line 8. And under the display windows 4L 4C, 4R it is displayed a
state that the character 501 is surprised to find anything in the
upper direction. Thus, when the reels 3L, 3C, 3R as the variable
display means display the blank symbols 92, it is determined that
game condition shifts to the bonus game with a predetermined
probability. Thereby, even if the symbol combination of the blank
symbols is displayed, the game is not only merely terminated but
also there remains probability to occur the bonus game. Therefore,
unexpected feeling occurs in the game and interest for games can be
raised. And among the reels 3L, 3C, 3R as the first display part
constructing the variable display means and the liquid crystal
display device 54 as the second display part, as mentioned, by
displaying the symbols 505, 506, 507 as the bonus symbols so as to
superimpose the blank symbols 92 on the liquid crystal display
device 54, the unexpected feeling can occur as if the blank symbols
92 are suddenly changed to the bonus symbols.
[0154] [blank bonus selection lottery table]
[0155] In FIG. 15, it is shown a lottery table to shift to the
mysterious sun bonus game. This table is a table to determine to
shift to the mysterious sun bonus game when the blank symbols 92 of
the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped along the pay line 8.
[0156] The CPU 21 extracts the random number form the predetermined
random number range (for example, the range of 0.about.255) and
determines that the extracted random number belongs to which range
in the lottery table to shift to the mysterious sun bonus game,
thereafter the CPU 21 determines to shift to the mysterious sun
bonus game. For example, the random number lies within the range of
0.about.5, shifting to the mysterious sun bonus game is
realized.
[0157] 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.
[0158] 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.
[0159] 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.
[0160] The sub-ram 223 is utilized for work area when these
programs are executed.
[0161] 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.
[0162] And the touch panel 51 is connected to the sub-CPU 221. The
touch panel 51 detects coordinate position of the portion contacted
by the player and transmits information of the coordinate position
to the sub-CPU 221. Thereby, the sub-CPU 221 determines which one
of plural selection buttons displayed on the main display 5 is
selected by the player.
[0163] 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.
[0164] Next, with reference to FIGS. 17 to 32, the bonus game as
the secondary game will be described in detail. There are three
kinds of bonus games, one of which is the "golden gate bonus game",
another of which is the "condor treasure bonus game" and further
another of which is the "mysterious sun bonus game". When the bonus
game is displayed, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are not utilized, and the
main display 5 and the liquid crystal display device of the
sub-display 6 are used. By utilizing the image display device
different from the reels as the variable display device, it can
provide the unique game freely reflecting the image of the theme of
the gaming machine.
[0165] [golden gate bonus]
[0166] With reference to FIGS. 17 to 21, the golden gate bonus game
will be explained. In the golden gate bonus game, the character
sequentially passes five passing points while selecting the correct
direction continuous to the next passing point on the basis of
selection by the player.
[0167] In FIG. 17, the display example of the display area 6a in
the sub-display 6 is shown when the golden gate bonus game is
started. At the center position of the display area 6a, it is
displayed a state that the character 501 is running on the corridor
toward the gate. And at the lower position of the display area 6a,
a route map 622 indicating five passing points 621a, 621b, 621c,
621d and 621e is displayed. At the upper position of the display
area 6a, the accumulated points 623 obtained in the game is
indicated.
[0168] In FIG. 18, the display example of the display area 5a of
the main display 5 is shown when the golden gate bonus game is
started. At the lower position of the display area 5a, there are
displayed the left direction arrow indication button 625, the upper
direction arrow indication button 626 and the right direction arrow
indication button 627. At the center of the display area 6a it is
displayed the message "SELECT ESCAPE ROUTE" 628 to suggest the
player to conduct select operation of progress direction of the
character.
[0169] FIG. 19 sows a display example in the display area 5a when
the player contacts the right direction arrow indication button 627
based on that the player selects the right progress direction. When
the player contacts the right direction arrow indication button
627, the slot machine 1 detects the contacted position on the touch
panel 51 arranged in front of the main display 5, thereby it can be
judged the button contacted by the player based on the detected
position. In FIG. 19, the left direction arrow indication button
626 and the upper direction arrow indication button 627, both of
which are not selected by the player, are darkly displayed, thereby
it is indicated that the right direction arrow indication button
627 is selected.
[0170] FIG. 20 sows a display example in the display area 6a of the
sub-display 6 after the player selects the correct button. If the
right direction arrow indication button 627 selected by the player
is the predetermined correct button, it is displayed a state that
the character 501 passes the gate of the passing point and runs on
the corridor toward the next gate of the passing point. At the
upper position of the display area 6a. It is displayed the score
623, for example as 20, in which the score obtained in the previous
game is accumulated. And in the route map 622 displayed at the
lower position of the display area 6a, the first passing point 621a
is darkly displayed, thereby it is indicated that the character 501
could safely pass such passing point. When the player selects the
correct button at the second passing point, the character 501 can
safely pass the second passing point, thereby the score is
accumulated. Here, the correct button switch is the button to clear
the passing point and to progress to the next passing point, is
determined in advance by the lottery before selection thereof is
conducted and is made different at each of the passing points. When
the button other than the correct button is selected by the player,
the golden gate bonus is terminated and the score accumulated just
before the golden gate bonus game is terminated is paid out as
coins corresponding to the bonus payout of the player. If the
golden gate bonus game is terminated, game condition shifts to the
slot games the base game.
[0171] FIG. 21 shows a display example of the display area 6a in
the sub-display 6 in a case that the correct button is not selected
at the fourth passing point although the correct button is selected
at all of the first passing point, the second passing point and the
third passing point. At the lower position of the display area 6a,
the first passing point 621a, the second passing point 621b and the
third passing point 621c, which are safely passed, are darkly
displayed. And at the center position of the display area 6a, the
score obtained in the golden gate bonus game by the player is
indicated through the message "BONUS WIN 60" 630.
[0172] FIG. 22 shows a display example of the display area 6a in
the sub-display 6 when the correct button is selected at all of the
first to the fifth passing points. At the lower position of the
display area 6a, all of the first passing point 621a, the second
passing point 621b, the third passing point 621c, the fourth
passing point 621d and the fifth passing point 621e, which are
safely passed, are darkly displayed. And at the center of the
display area 6a, the message "SHIFT TO THE CONDOR TREASURE BONUS"
632 in addition to the message "BONUS WIN 100" 631 is displayed. As
shown in the display area 6a, if the correct button is selected at
all passing points, it concludes that the character cold reach to
the end and the condor treasure bonus game, which is the other
bonus game, is executed. The condor treasure bonus game which is
one of the bonus games is executed in spite of the game result in
the slot game when the symbol combination "map 1-map 2-map 3" line
up in the slot game and further when all selections by the player
are correctly done in the golden gate bonus which is the other
bonus game. Thereby, since the golden gate bonus game is conducted
by the player while giving to the player probability with
expectation to execute the condor treasure bonus game continuous to
the golden gate bonus game, interest for bonus games can be
raised.
[0173] [condor treasure bonus game]
[0174] Next, with reference to FIGS. 23 to 26, the condor treasure
bonus game will be described. In the condor treasure bonus game,
the player selects one treasure among five treasures only one time
as the treasure that the character falling in the well picks up.
And the character climbs the wall of the well according to
magnification set to the selected treasure and it is given to the
player coins obtained by magnifying the magnification set to the
treasure with the score set to the treasure.
[0175] It is shown in FIG. 23 a display example of the display area
5a in the main display 5 when the condor treasure bonus is started.
Under the display area 5a five buttons 641a, 641b, 641c, 641d,
641e, which represent five treasures respectively, are displayed.
And at the center of the display area 5a the message "SELECT
TREASURE" 642 is displayed. This message 642 urges the player to
conduct select operation of the direction toward which the
character 501 goes ahead. Here, at that time, the display area 6a
of the sub-display 6 is entirely changed to black color to indicate
that the character 501 has fallen in the well.
[0176] In FIG. 24, it is shown a display example of the display
area 5a in a case that the player selects one of five treasures
displayed at the lower position of the display area 5a and contacts
the button 641a displayed at the most right position. When the
player contacts the button 641a of the display area 5a, the
contacted position is detected by the touch panel 51 arranged in
front of the main display 5 in the slot machine 1 and it can be
judged which button is contacted based on the contacted position.
In this case, the buttons 641b, 641c, 641d, 641e which are not
contacted are darkly displayed, thereby it is indicated that only
the button 641a is selected. And to each of all buttons 641a, 641b,
641c, 641d, and 641e, the score preset every button is displayed
such as 300 (the button 641a), 30 (the button 641b), 150 (the
button 641c), 100 (the button 641d) and 50 (the button 641a). Thus,
it is informed to the player that the score corresponding to the
selected button 641a is 50 points.
[0177] In FIG. 25, it is shown a display example of the display
area 6a of the sub-display 6 after the button 641a is contacted. At
the center of the display area 6a it is displayed a state that the
character 501 climbs the well by means of a rope after the treasure
is selected. Here, the character 501 climbs the well to a
predetermined position. At the right part of the display area 6a it
is displayed the indicator 644 which indicates the position that
the character 501 climbs. The indicator 644 indicates height of the
well by eleven stages. In FIG. 25, five stages from the bottom
thereof are darkly displayed, thereby it is indicated that the
character 501 climbs to the fifth stage. And at side of each of
stages in the indicator 644 the magnification number which is
magnified to the score is displayed. Finally, the score of the
player is calculated by magnifying the magnification number
corresponding to the stage to which the character reaches to the
score set to the button selected by the player at the first of the
game. Under the display area 6a the score equation "WIN
20.times.50" 645 corresponding to the state that the character 501
reaches is displayed. Further, at the upper right part of the
display area 6a it is displayed the numeral "10001 as the score 646
at that time, the score 646 being obtained based on the score
equation 645. Here, the stage that the character 501 climbs is
determined corresponding to the button selected at the first of the
game by the player. That is to say, the magnification number of the
score determined corresponding to the stage and the player's score
determined based on the magnification number of the score are
beforehand determined according to the button selected by the
player at the first of the game.
[0178] In FIG. 26, it is shown a display example of the display
area 6a in the sub-display 6 after the character 501 reaches to the
fifth state when the stage corresponding to the button selected at
the first of the game is the fifth state. When the character 501
reaches to the state set beforehand, the character finds out an
exit by kicking and breaking the wall of the well. Thereby, the
condor treasure bonus game is terminated. At that time, the
player's score is paid out by coins. When the condor treasure bonus
game is terminated, game condition shifts to the slot game which is
the base game.
[0179] With reference to FIGS. 27 to 33, the mysterious sun bonus
game will be described. In the mysterious bonus game, according to
the treasure which the character takes out from one of the relieves
having sun-like shapes based on the player's selection, the score
is increased, and the character can take out the treasure till the
score of fear degree through the fear item taken out by the
character reaches to a predetermined upper limit.
[0180] In FIG. 27, it is shown a display example of the display
area 6a in the sub-display 6 when the mysterious sun bonus game is
started. In the center of the display area 6a, it is shown the
character 501 who is facing to three relieves 661 each of which has
a sun-like shape. AT the upper position of the display area 6a, the
accumulated score 663 obtained in games is displayed. And at the
right side of the display area 6a, it is displayed a fear degree
meter 664 which indicates a degree of fear feeling that the
character 501 has. And the character's expression 665 reflecting
the fear degree is displayed at the upper position of the fear
degree meter 664. In this game, the score of the fear degree is
accumulated and when such score reaches to the upper limit, the
game is terminated.
[0181] FIG. 28 shows a display example of the display area 5a in
the main display 5 when the mysterious sun bonus game is started.
Under the display area 5a three selection buttons 667a, 667b, 667c
are displayed. And in the center of the display area 5a, it is
displayed the message "SELECT RELIEF" 628 which urges the player to
conduct selection operation of the selection buttons 667a, 667b,
667c.
[0182] In FIG. 29, it is shown a display example of the display
area 5a when the player contacts the most right selection button
667a. When the player contacts the selection button 667a, the
contacted portion is detected by the touch panel 51 arranged in
front of the main display 5 in the slot machine 1, thereby it can
be judged the contacted selection button by the player based on the
detected position. In FIG. 29, the selection buttons 667b and 667c
not selected are darkly displayed, thereby it is indicated that the
selection button 667a is selected. And to all of the selection
buttons 667a, 667b, 667c the scores 20, 10, 5 set every the
selection button are displayed. Thus, it is informed to the player
that the score set to the selection button 667a selected by the
player is 5. To each selection button corresponding to each relief,
there are set one of snake, spider and specific item other than
treasure, and it is displayed a state that the character takes out
the item from a mouth of the relief.
[0183] In FIG. 30, it is shown a display example of the display
area 6a in the sub-display 6 when the player contacts to the
selection button 667a. In the center of the display area 6a, it is
displayed a state that the character 501 who takes out the treasure
corresponding to the selection button 667a is standing. At the
upper position of the display area 6a, the numeral 5 corresponding
to the selection button 667a is displayed as the accumulated score
663. And at the upper position of the display area 6a the
expression 665 of the character who is delighted is effected and
displayed. According to the above, the mysterious sun bonus game is
progressed by making the player repeatedly select.
[0184] In FIG. 31, as the example in a case that the player
conducts next selection, it is shown a display example of the
display area 6a in the sub-display 6 when the snake as the fear
item is taken out by the character. In the center of the display
area 6a, it is displayed a state that the character 501 who takes
out the snake on the basis of the selection button 667a is
standing. When the snake which is the fear item is taken out, since
the score to be added is 0 the accumulated score 663 displayed at
the upper position of the display area 6a is held to 5. And at the
upper position of the fear degree meter 664, stages up to the three
stages from the bottom are darkly displayed corresponding to the
snake taken out. Thereby, it is shown that the fear degree becomes
3 points. Further, the character's expression 665 reflecting the
fear degree is displayed. The point of the fear degree is
accumulated every the fear item is taken out and when the point
reaches to the upper limit the mysterious sun bonus game is
terminated.
[0185] In FIG. 32, as the example in a case that the player
conducts next selection, it is shown a display example of the
display area 6a in the sub-display 6 when the specific item is
taken out. In the center of the display area 6a, it is displayed a
state that the character 501 who takes out the specific item is
standing. When the specific item is taken out and the score of the
fear degree is 0, two points are added to the upper limit at which
the game is terminated and it is displayed in the fear degree meter
664 that the score of the fear degree becomes 7 points.
[0186] In FIG. 33, as the example in a case that the player
conducts next selection, it is shown a display example of the
display area 6a in the sub-display 6 when the spider as the fear
item is taken out. In the center of the display area 6a, it is
displayed a state that the character 501 who takes out the spider
is standing. In a case that the spider is taken out and the score
of the fear degree is 0, two points are subtracted from the upper
limit at which the game is terminated. As a result, it is displayed
in the fear degree meter 664 that the score of the fear degree
becomes 3 points.
[0187] As mentioned in the above, addition or subtraction of the
upper limit of the point in the fear degree is done on the basis of
selection by the player. Thereby, in a case that the score in the
bonus game is reaching to the upper limit or in a case that the
point cannot be subtracted, there will be a case that the upper
limit is increased according to player's selection. Thus, the bonus
game can be made longer or shorter. Accordingly, the bonus game can
be conducted while retaining player's interest.
[0188] [operation of the gaming machine]
[0189] Next, with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. 34 and 35,
operation of the CPU 21 in the main control circuit 71 will be
described.
[0190] As shown in FIG. 34, the CPU 121 at first conducts
initialization process of the main control circuit 71 in step 1
(abbreviated "S1" hereinafter). Concretely, the CPU 121 writes
initial data in the RAM 123 and makes each of the actuators initial
state that game can be started.
[0191] In S2, the CPU 121 determines whether an input for stating
game is done or not. Concretely, the CPU 121 determines whether the
start signal from the spin switch 15, the maximum BET spin switch
18 or the repeat BET spin switch 19 is input or not. In S2, when it
is determined "NO", that is, it is determined that the start signal
is not input from the spin switch 15, the maximum BET spin switch
18 or the repeat BET spin switch 19, the CPU 121 repeats process in
S2. On the other hand, when it is determined "YES", that is, it is
determined that the start signal is input, the CPU 121 shifts
procedure to S3.
[0192] In S3, the CPU 121 executes rotation process of the reels
3L, 3C, 3R. Concretely, the CPU 121 sends the drive signal to the
motor drive circuit 31 and drives the reels 3L, 3C, 3R to
rotate.
[0193] In S4, the CPU 121 conducts random number sampling. The CPU
121 sends the signal to generate random numbers to the random
number generator 126 and makes the random number sampling circuit
127 extract a random number every each of three reels 3L, 3C, 3R.
And the CPU 121 stores the extracted random number value in a
predetermined area of the RAM 123.
[0194] In S5, the CPU 121 executes symbol determination process.
The CPU 121 judges that the random number value stored in the RAM
123 belongs to which range of the probability lottery table stored
beforehand in the ROM 122, every each of three reels 3L, 3C, 3R,
and determines the symbols to be stopped along the pay line 8. And
the CPU 121 stores determined symbols. Here, the symbol
determination process is done by S4 and S5.
[0195] Next, in S6, the CPU 121 conducts consumption of wait time,
thereafter in S7 the CPU 121 executes stop process of the left reel
3L. The CPU 121 sends the signal to stop and control the variable
display operation of the left reel 3L to the motor drive circuit
31, corresponding to the determined stop symbol. And the motor
drive circuit 31 stops the left reel 3L through the stepping motor
49L.
[0196] Next, in S8 the CPU 121 conducts further consumption of wait
time, thereafter in S9 the CPU 121 executes stop process of the
center reel 3C, similar to the left reel 3L.
[0197] Next, in S10 the CPU 121 further conducts consumption of
wait time, thereafter in S11 the CPU 121 executes stop process of
the right reel 3R, similar to the reel 3L. In these S6 to S11,
process of the stop control means is done.
[0198] Next, in S12 the CPU 121 judges whether the blank symbols
line up along the pay line 8. In this step, in a case that it is
judged that the blank symbols line up along the pay line 8, the CPU
121 shifts procedure to S13. On the other hand, when it is judged
"NO", that is, it is judged that the blank symbols do not line up
along the pay line 8, he CPU 121 shifts procedure to S15.
[0199] In S13, the CPU 121 conducts random number sampling to
determine start of the mysterious sun bonus game as the blank
bonus. The CPU 121 sends the signal to generate random number to
the random number generator 126, thereby the CPU 121 makes the
random number sampling circuit 127 extract a random number. And the
CPU 121 stores the extracted random number value in a predetermined
area of the RAM 123.
[0200] In S14, the CPU 121 conducts blank bonus determination
process. Concretely, with reference to the table sown in FIG. 15,
the CPU 121 determines whether the random number value stored in
S13 belongs to the case that the mysterious sun bonus game is
activated or to the case that the mysterious sun bonus game is not
activated.
[0201] In S15, with reference to the payout table shown in FIG. 5,
the CPU 121 pays out coins according to the winning combination on
the basis of the symbol combination stopped along the pay line 8
when the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped and the bet number betted by
the player.
[0202] In S16 (FIG. 35), the CPU 121 judges whether the bonus game
is executed or not. If the bonus game is executed, the CPU 121
shifts procedure to S 17. On the other hand, if the bonus game is
not executed, the CPU 121 shifts procedure to S2 (FIG. 34).
[0203] In S17, the CPU 121 conducts start process of the bonus
game. The CPU 121 sends the bonus start command with information of
kind of the bonus game to the sub-CPU 221. By the process in S17,
function of the bonus start means is realized.
[0204] In S18, the CPU 121 waits for termination of the bonus game.
Since execution of the bonus game is mainly done by the sub-CPU
221, the CPU 121 stops the slot game as the base game till the
bonus game is terminated by the sub-CPU 221.
[0205] Thereafter, the CPU 121 shifts procedure to S2 (FIG. 34) in
order to restart the slot game.
[0206] [operation of the sub-CPU]
[0207] Next, with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 36 to
39, operation of the sub-CPU 221 in the cub-control circuit 171
will be described.
[0208] At first, with reference to FIG. 36, bonus game start
command reception process will be described.
[0209] In S31, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether the kind of the bonus
is the golden gate bonus or not. Concretely, the sub-CPU 221 judges
whether the information concerning with the kind of the bonus game
accompanied by the bonus game start command. In this step, if it is
judged "YES", that is, it is judged that the golden gate bonus game
is started, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S32. On the other
hand, if it is judge "NO", that is, it is judged that the golden
gate bonus game is not started, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to
S34.
[0210] In S32, the sub-CPU 221 conducts golden gate bonus game
process. As for the process in this step, it will be described
hereafter.
[0211] In S33, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether the correct selection
is done or not by the player in the golden gate bonus game (S32).
Concretely, it is judged whether or not the buttons indicating the
predetermined direction by which the next passing point is led are
selected by the player in all of five passing points, and the
character 501 reaches to the goal. In this step, it is judged
"YES", that is, if it is judged that the correct selections are
done, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S35. On the other hand,
if it is judged "NO", that is, it is judged that at least one
correct selection is not done, the sub-CPU 221 terminates this
routine.
[0212] In S34, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether the kind of the bonus
is the condor treasure bonus or not. In this step, if is judged
"YES", that is, it is judged that the condor treasure bonus game is
started, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S35. On the other
hand, if it is judged "NO", that is, it is judged that the condor
treasure bonus game is not started, the sub-CPU 221 shifts
procedure to S36.
[0213] In S35, the sub-CPU 221 conducts condor treasure bonus game
process. As for the process in this step, it will be described
hereinafter. After this step, the sub-CPU 221 terminates this
routine.
[0214] By the processes in S32 to S35, the condor treasure bonus
game, which is at least one of plural bonus games, is conducted in
any of both cases that plural reels as the variable display means
are stopped with the specific symbol combination "map 1-map 2-map
3" and that it can be obtained the specific result in which the
character can reach to the goal in the golden gate bonus game as
the other bonus game Thereby, in the golden gate bonus game in
which the paler takes part in while conducting various selection,
if a predetermined condition is satisfied, it is determined whether
or not game condition shifts to the condor treasure bonus game
which is the other bonus game. Therefore, since the player conducts
the bonus game while expecting that the player may continuously
enjoy the other bonus game, interest for games can be raised.
[0215] In S36, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether the kind of the bonus
game is the mysterious sun bonus game or not. In this step, if it
is judged "YES", that is, it is judged that the mysterious sun
bonus game is started, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S 37. On
the other hand, if it is judged "NO", that is, it is judged that
the mysterious sun bonus game is not started, the sub-CPU 221
terminates this routine.
[0216] In S37, the sub-CPU 221 executes mysterious sun bonus game
process. As for the process in this step, it will be described
hereinafter. After this step is done, the sub-CPU 221 terminates
this routine.
[0217] Next, with reference to FIG. 37, the golden gate bonus game
process will be described.
[0218] In S41, the sub-CPU 221 conducts image display process.
Concretely, the sub-CPU 221 sends the image display command to the
image display control circuit 224 in order to display the image
shown in FIG. 18 in the display area 5a of the main display 5, and
sends the image display command to the image display control
circuit 225 in order to display the image shown in FIG. 17 in the
display area 6a of the sub-display 6.
[0219] In S42, the sub-CPU 221 conducts selection process according
to the correct direction at the present passing point. Concretely,
the sub-CPU 221 generates random number by calculation and
determines based on the generated random number which is the button
with the predetermined correct direction among the left direction
arrow indication button 625, the upper direction arrow indication
button 626 and the right direction arrow indication button 627.
[0220] In S43, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether the touch panel 51 is
contacted or not. In this step, if it is judged "YES", that is, it
is judged that the touch panel 51 is contacted by the player, the
sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S 44. On the other hand, if is
judged "NO", that is, it is judged that the touch panel 51 is not
contacted by the player, S43 is repeated.
[0221] In S44, the sub-CPU 221 conducts button display process
concerning with the selected button. Concretely, the sub-CPU 221
judges the selected button based on the coordinate position
information of the contacted portion output from the touch panel
51, and as shown in FIG. 19, the sub-CPU 221 sends the image
display command to the image display control circuit 224 in order
to darkly display the buttons other than the selected button.
[0222] In S45, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether the direction
selected by the player is correct direction or not. Concretely, the
sub-CPU 221 judges whether not the selected button in S44 coincides
with the button with the predetermined correct direction determined
in S42. In this step, if it is judged "YES", that is, it is judged
that the button is the button with the predetermined correct
direction, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S46. On the other
hand, if it is judged "NO", that is, it is judged the button is not
the button with the predetermined correct direction, the sub-CPU
221 shifts procedure to S 50.
[0223] In S46, the sub-CPU 221 conducts image display process
indicating that the character succeeds to pass the passing points.
For example, the sub-CPU 221 sends the image display command to the
image display control circuit 224 in order to display the image
that the character 501 passes the gates on the sub-display 6.
[0224] In S47, the sub-CPU 221 conducts addition process of the
score. The sub-CPU 221 adds the points set to the present passing
point to the score as the points obtained by the player.
[0225] In S48, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether or not the present
passing point is the fifth passing point, that is, the final
passing point. In this step, if is judged "YES", that is, it is
judged that the present passing point is the final passing point,
the sub-CPU 221 terminates the game and shifts procedure to S 49 in
order to shift to the other bonus game. On the other hand, if it is
judged "NO", that is, it is judged that the present passing point
lies between the first passing point and the fourth passing point,
the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S41 and game is repeated.
[0226] In S49, the sub-CPU 221 conducts the process to shift to the
condor treasure bonus game. Concretely, the sub-CPU 221 sends the
image display command to the image display control circuit 225 in
order to display the image shown in FIG. 21. The sub-CPU 221
terminates this routine after the process in this step is done.
[0227] In S50, the sub-CPU 221 conducts the display process
indicating that the ordinal bonus game is terminated. Concretely,
the sub-CPU 221 sends the image display command to the image
display control circuit 225 in order to display the image shown in
FIG. 21. The sub-CPU 221 terminates this routine after the process
in this state is done.
[0228] Next, with reference to FIG. 38, the condor treasure bonus
game process will be described.
[0229] In S51, the sub-CPU 221 conducts the image display process.
Concretely, the sub-CPU 221 sends the image display command to the
image display control circuit 224 in order to display the image
shown in FIG. 23 in the display area 5a of the main display 5. And
the sub-CPU 221 sends the image display command to the image
display control circuit 225 in order to display the image entirely
colored with black color in the display area 6a of the sub-display
6.
[0230] In S52, the sub-CPU 221 conducts payout determination
process for each button displayed on the display area 5a.
Concretely, the sub-CPU 21 generates random number by calculation
and based on the generated random number the sub-CPU 221 gives, for
example, 300 points, 30 points, 150 points, 100 points, 50 points
for each of five switches 641a, 641b, 641c, 641d, 641d, 641e,
respectively, the switches representing treasures displayed on the
display area 5a. And the sub-CPU 221 arranges the stages which the
character climbs for each of the buttons.
[0231] In S53, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether the touch panel 51 is
contacted or not. Concretely, in this step, if it is judged "YES",
that is, it is judged that the button representing portion on the
touch panel 51 is contacted by the player, the sub-CPU 221 shifts
procedure to S54. On the other hand, if it is judged "NO", that is,
it is judged that the touch panel 51 is not contacted, the sub-CPU
221 repeats process in S53.
[0232] In S54, the sub CPU 221 conducts display process of the
selected button. Concretely, the sub-CPU 221 judges the selected
button based on the coordinate position information of the
contacted portion output from the touch panel 51, and as shown in
FIG. 24, the sub-CPU 221 sends the image display command to the
image display control circuit 224 in order to darkly display the
buttons other than the selected button.
[0233] In S55, the sub-CPU 221 conducts display process of the
image so that the character 501 climbs up one stage, corresponding
to the selected button by the player. Concretely, the sub-CPU 221
displays the image shown in FIG. 25 on the display area 6a.
[0234] In S56, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether the character 501
climbs the well by the predetermined stages. Concretely, the
sub-CPU 221 judges whether or not the process that the character
501 climbs the well by states as same as the stages arranged
corresponding to the button selected in S54 is done. In this step,
if it is judged "YES", that is, it is judged that the character
climbs the well by the predetermined stages, the sub-CPU 221 shifts
procedure to S57. ON the other hand, if it is judged "NO", that is,
it is judged that the character does not climb the well by the
predetermined stages, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S55 and
repeats the display that the character climbs the well.
[0235] In S57, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether or not the character
climbs the well by 10 stages, that is, whether or not the character
climbs up the well. In this step, if it is judged "NO", that is, it
is judged that the character does not climb by 10 stages, the
sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S 58 in order to terminate the game
by finding out the exit. On the other hand, if is judged that
"YES", that is, it is judged that the character climbs the well by
10 stages, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S59 in order to
terminate the game by climbing up the well.
[0236] In S58, the sub-CPU 221 conducts game termination display
process by finding out the exit. The sub-CPU 221 sends image
display command to the image display control circuit 225 in order
to display the image shown in FIG. 26 on the display area 6a. And
the sub-CPU 221 terminates this routine after this step is
done.
[0237] In S59, the sub-CPU 221 game termination display process by
climbing up the well. The sub-CPU 221 sends image display command
to the image display control circuit 225 in order to display the
top image of the well on the display area 6a. The sub-CPU 221
terminates this routine after this step is done
[0238] Next, with reference to FIG. 39, the mysterious sun bonus
game process will be described.
[0239] In S61, the sub CPU 221 conducts image display process.
Concretely, the sub-CPU 221 sends the image display command to the
image display control circuit 224 in order to display the image
shown in FIG. 28 on the display area 5a of the main display 5 and
sends image display command to the image display control circuit
225 in order to display the image shown in FIG. 27 on the display
area 6a of the sub-display 6.
[0240] In S62, the sub-CPU 221 conducts payout determination
process of each of the buttons displayed on the display area 5a.
Concretely, the sub-CPU 221 generates random number by calculation
and based on the generated random number the sub-CPU 221 arranges,
for example, 20 points, 10 points, 5 points corresponding to each
of three buttons 667a, 667b, 667c, the buttons representing
treasures displayed on the display area 5a. And the sub-CPU 221
selects the item to be taken out among the treasure, the snake, the
spider, the specific item for each button.
[0241] In S63, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether the touch panel 51 is
contacted or not. Concretely, in this step, if it is judged "YES",
that is, it is judged that the portion where the button of the
touch panel 51 is displayed is contacted by the player, the sub-CPU
221 shifts procedure to S64. On the other hand, if it is judged
"NO", that is, it is judged that the touch panel 51 is not
contacted, the sub-CPU 221 repeats process in S63.
[0242] In S64, the sub-CPU 221 conducts display process of the
selected button. Concretely, the sub-CPU 221 judges the selected
button based on the coordinate position information of the
contacted portion output from the touch panel 51, and as shown in
FIG. 29, the sub-CPU 221 sends the image display command to the
image display control circuit 224 in order to darkly display the
buttons other than the selected button.
[0243] In S65, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether or not the item
arranged in the relief corresponding to the selected button by the
player is the snake. In this step, if it is judged "YES", that is,
it is judged that such item is the snake, the sub-CPU 221 shifts
procedure to S66. On the other hand, if it is judged "NO", that is,
it is judged that such item is not the snake, the sub-CPU 221
shifts procedure to S69.
[0244] In S66, the sub-CPU 221 conducts accumulation process to add
points corresponding to the snake to the fear degree score.
[0245] In S67, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether or not the
accumulated score of the fear degree reaches to the upper limit. In
this step, if it is judged "YES", that is, it is judged that the
score of the fear degree reaches to the upper limit, the sub-CPU
221 shifts procedure to S68. On the other hand, it is judged "NO",
that is, it is judged that the score of the fear degree does not
reach to the upper limit, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S 61
in order to continue the bonus game. By S67, function of the bonus
termination judgement means is realized. Here, although the upper
limit of points of the fear degree is changed, the initial value of
the fear degree is set to a constant value, for example 5 points,
at the start of the mysterious sun bonus game.
[0246] In S68, the sub-CPU 221 conducts bonus game termination
display process.
[0247] In S69, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether or not the item
arranged in the relief corresponding to the selected button by the
player is the spider. In this step, if it is judged "YES", that is,
it is judged that such item is the spider, the sub-CPU 221 shifts
procedure to S70. On the other hand, if it is judged "NO", that is,
it is judged that such item is not the spider, the sub-CPU 221
judges that such item is the specific item and shifts procedure to
S71.
[0248] In S70, the sub-CPU 221 conducts the process to subtract 2
points from the upper limit of the fear degree. The sub-CPU 221
shifts procedure to S67 after the process in this step is done.
[0249] In S71, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether or not the item
arranged in the relief corresponding to the selected button by the
player is the treasure. In this step, if it is judged "YES", that
is, it is judged that such item is the treasure, the sub-CPU 221
shifts procedure to S73. On the other hand, if it is judged "NO",
that is, it is judged that such item is not the treasure, the
sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S73.
[0250] In S72, the sub-CPU 221 conducts addition process of the
score. The sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S61 after the process in
this step is done.
[0251] In S73, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether or not the score of
the present fear degree is 0. In this step, if it is judged "YES",
that is, it is judged that the score of the fear degree is 0, the
sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S75. On the other hand, if it is
judged "NO", that is, it is judged that the score of the fear
degree is not 0, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S74.
[0252] In S74, the sub-CPU 221 conducts the process to subtract 2
points of the score of the fear degree. The sub-CPU 221 terminates
this routine after the process in this step is done.
[0253] In S75, the sub-CPU 221 conducts the process to add 2 points
to the upper limit. By the process in this step, the accumulated
value of the score of the fear degree is added, thereby the time
that the bonus game is terminated is lengthened. The sub-CPU 221
terminates this routine after the process in this step is done.
According to the above mentioned processes in S66, S72, S74, S75,
the score of the fear degree which is accumulated corresponding to
progress of the mysterious sun bonus game is determined and
function of the measurement means to add to or subtract from the
upper limit is realized
[0254] According to the above mentioned processes in S41 to S75,
function of bonus game execution means is realized.
[0255] Here, in the embodiment, although description is done that
the variable display device is constructed from the reels which are
rotated, the present invention is not limited to this. For example,
it may be conceivable to utilized devices that the symbol images
are sequentially displayed in the LCD or CRT.
[0256] And in the embodiment, although it is explained that the
symbols which are commonly used are two, one symbol may be commonly
used. And three symbols may be commonly used according to the
number of reels.
[0257] Further, in a case that there exist more than three symbol
combinations to shift to the bonus game, the symbol not commonly
used may be included according to the symbol combination
corresponding to the symbol combination to shift to the bonus
game.
[0258] And in the embodiment, in a case that the specific result is
obtained based on the player's selection in one bonus game, the
other bonus game is executed. However, the bonus game is not
limited to one. And in a case that the specific result is obtained
based on the player's selection in one of plural bonus games, the
other bonus game may be continuously executed.
[0259] And in the embodiment, when the blank bonus determination
means determined the bonus with a predetermined probability, it is
utilized the table in which random numbers are fixed. However, the
predetermined probability may be changed. For example, such
probability may be changed according to the state that the winning
combination is realized at the predetermined past time.
[0260] And in the embodiment, although the upper limit which
becomes the standard to terminate the bonus game is added or
subtracted only when the predetermined item such as the spider or
the specific item is selected, the present invention is not limited
to this. The upper limit may be added or subtracted according to
the treasure determining the score.
[0261] Further, although the score of the fear degree is utilized
as the points to judge the termination of the bonus game, the score
obtained by taking out the treasure may be utilized.
* * * * *