U.S. patent application number 11/043309 was filed with the patent office on 2005-08-04 for gaming machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to ARUZE Corp.. Invention is credited to Tachikawa, Motoaki.
Application Number | 20050170879 11/043309 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34650832 |
Filed Date | 2005-08-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050170879 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tachikawa, Motoaki |
August 4, 2005 |
Gaming machine
Abstract
It is disclosed a gaming machine comprising: a display device
with a first display area and a second display area; a first game
controller for executing a first game in which symbols are scrolled
in each of plural rows on the first display area and a game result
is determined corresponding to the symbol or a symbol combination
stopped and displayed on the first display area; a first
determination device for determining whether or not a predetermined
symbol is included in the symbols stopped and displayed in the
first game; a second game controller for executing a second game in
which the symbols are scrolled in each of plural rows on the first
display area when the first determination device determines that
the predetermined symbol is included in the symbols stopped and
displayed in the first game; and a payout device for paying out a
game medium corresponding to a game result in the first game or the
second game; wherein the second game controller controls the
display device so that a specific symbol characterizing the second
game is displayed on the second display area and controls the
payout device to pay out the game medium when any one of the
symbols stopped and displayed on the first display area in the
second game coincides with the specific symbol.
Inventors: |
Tachikawa, Motoaki; (Tokyo,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ARENT FOX PLLC
1050 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W.
SUITE 400
WASHINGTON
DC
20036
US
|
Assignee: |
ARUZE Corp.
|
Family ID: |
34650832 |
Appl. No.: |
11/043309 |
Filed: |
January 27, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3244 20130101;
G07F 17/34 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/016 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 29, 2004 |
JP |
2004-022229 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A gaming machine comprising: a display device with a first
display area and a second display area; a first game controller for
executing a first game in which symbols are scrolled in each of
plural rows on the first display area and a game result is
determined corresponding to the symbol or a symbol combination
stopped and displayed on the first display area; a first
determination device for determining whether or not a predetermined
symbol is included in the symbols stopped and displayed in the
first game; a second game controller for executing a second game in
which the symbols are scrolled in each of plural rows on the first
display area when the first determination device determines that
the predetermined symbol is included in the symbols stopped and
displayed in the first game; and a payout device for paying out a
game medium corresponding to a game result in the first game or the
second game; wherein the second game controller controls the
display device so that a specific symbol characterizing the second
game is displayed on the second display area and controls the
payout device to pay out the game medium when any one of the
symbols stopped and displayed on the first display area in the
second game coincides with the specific symbol.
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a
second determination device for determining a number of kind of the
specific symbol displayed on the second display area in the second
game corresponding to a number of the predetermined symbol included
in the symbols stopped and displayed on the first display area in
the first game.
3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the number of
kind of the specific symbol increases according that the number of
the predetermined symbol increases.
4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein a probability
that any one of the symbols stopped and displayed in the second
game coincides with the specific symbol increases according that
the number of kind of the specific symbol increases.
5. The gaming machine according to claim 2, further comprising: a
lottery device for conducting a lottery to extract a random number
when the number of kind of the specific symbol is determined;
wherein the second determination device determines the number of
kind of the specific symbol based on the number of the
predetermined symbol stopped and displayed in the first game and
the random number extracted by the lottery device.
6. The gaming machine according to claim 2, further comprising: a
count device for counting a number of the game medium betted in the
first game; wherein the second determination device determines the
number of kind of the specific symbol based on the number of the
predetermined symbol stopped and displayed in the first game and
the number of the game medium counted by the count device.
7. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the display
device includes a display on which a plurality of reels each of
which has the symbols are displayed so that the reels are rotated
and the symbols are scrolled.
8. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the display
device includes a plurality of reels on each of which the symbols
are formed, the reels being rotatably supported, and wherein the
symbols are scrolled by rotating the reels.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATION (S)
[0001] This application is based upon and claims a priority from
the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-022229 filed on Jan.
29, 2004, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a
first game is executed in a normal state and a second game is
executed under a rule different from that of the first game if a
specific condition is realized.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Conventionally, a video-slot machine and a slot machine
(hereinafter, such machines are sometimes called as slot machine
and the like) are generally well-known and favored as gaming
machines in which winning states are determined based on symbol
combinations and coins such as medals are paid out according to the
symbol combination. In the slot machine and the like, when a start
lever is operated after coins are inserted, a so-called first game
is conducted. The first game is a variable displaying game, in
which a plurality of reels (for example, three reels), on each
outer periphery of which a plural kinds of symbols are arranged,
are rotated and symbols are scrolled, and in a case that the symbol
combination corresponds to a predetermined winning mode when the
reels are stopped, coins a number of which corresponds to the
winning mode are paid out. As a winning mode in the first game, for
example, there exist a so-called "big prize" that coins more
than1000 are paid out and a so-called "small prize" that coins less
than1000 are paid out.
[0006] And it will exist a gaming machine, as disclosed in
Unexamined Japanese Publication No. 11-244453, in which, as the
winning mode in the first game, there exists a so-called
"obtainment of a second game" in which the second game can be done
other than the "big prize" and "small prize", and if the winning
mode corresponds to the "obtainment of a second game", the second
game can be conducted without newly inserting coins. Such second
game is done under a rule different from that of the first game,
and is, for example, generally called as bonus game or free game.
In most cases, the second game becomes beneficial for a player,
thus many coins can be obtained according to a result of the second
game.
[0007] However, the second game in the conventional gaming machine
has only very simple game characteristic, therefore it is not
enough to raise interest for games so that the player is not
tired.
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
interest for games can be improved.
[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 display device with a first display area and a second
display area;
[0011] a first game controller for executing a first game in which
symbols are scrolled in each of plural rows on the first display
area and a game result is determined corresponding to the symbol or
a symbol combination stopped and displayed on the first display
area;
[0012] a first determination device for determining whether or not
a predetermined symbol is included in the symbols stopped and
displayed in the first game;
[0013] a second game controller for executing a second game in
which the symbols are scrolled in each of plural rows on the first
display area when the first determination device determines that
the predetermined symbol is included in the symbols stopped and
displayed in the first game; and
[0014] a payout device for paying out a game medium corresponding
to a game result in the first game or the second game;
[0015] wherein the second game controller controls the display
device so that a specific symbol characterizing the second game is
displayed on the second display area and controls the payout device
to pay out the game medium when any one of the symbols stopped and
displayed on the first display area in the second game coincides
with the specific symbol.
[0016] According to the gaming machine of the present invention,
the game similar to the first game, in which variable display of
plural symbols is done, when seeing from outside, is conducted as
the second game under a quite different condition from that of the
first game, therefore game contents of both the first game and the
second game can be made different while retaining connection with
the first game. Thus, feelings capable of enjoying one game with
two ways can be given to the player, as a result, interest for
games can be raised. And since it is determined based on the game
result in the first game whether or not the second game is
executed, interest and concern for the first game can be raised and
interest for both games can be raised.
[0017] According to the present invention, it can be provided the
gaming machine through which interest of the player for games can
be improved.
[0018] 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
[0019] 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.
[0020] In the drawings,
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing one
example of a gaming machine according to the present invention,
[0022] FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing an
electrical construction of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1,
[0023] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a display control device
provided in the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1,
[0024] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine for conducting a
first game process, the sub-routine being executed in a main
control circuit,
[0025] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine for conducting a
winning process in the first game executed in the main control
circuit,
[0026] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine for conducting a
second game process executed in the main control circuit,
[0027] FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing one example of a ANY
symbol determination table which is utilized in S110 in the
sub-routine shown in FIG. 6,
[0028] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine for conducting a
winning process in the second game executed in the main control
circuit,
[0029] FIGS. 9(a).about.(d) are explanatory views schematically
showing images displayed on an upper display device and a lower
display device in the gaming machine,
[0030] FIG. 10 is another explanatory view showing one example of a
ANY symbol determination table which is utilized in S110 in the
sub-routine shown in FIG. 6,
[0031] FIG. 11 is further another explanatory view showing one
example of a ANY symbol determination table which is utilized in
S110 in the sub-routine shown in FIG. 6,
[0032] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a slot machine as another
gaming machine according to the present invention,
[0033] FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of a lower liquid
crystal display and a reel provided in the slot machine shown in
FIG. 12,
[0034] FIG. 14 an exploded perspective view of the lower liquid
crystal display provided in the slot machine shown in FIG. 12,
[0035] FIG. 15 is an explanatory view schematically showing symbol
examples formed on an outer periphery of the reel,
[0036] FIG. 16 is a block diagram schematically showing an
electrical construction of the slot machine shown in FIG. 12
and
[0037] FIG. 17 is an explanatory view schematically showing a
progressive game system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0038] An embodiment of the present invention will be described
with reference to the drawings.
[0039] In the embodiment described hereinafter, it will be
described a video-slot machine in which the present invention is
adopted, the video-slot machine being embodied as the preferred
embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present
invention.
[0040] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing one
example of a gaming machine according to the present invention.
[0041] A gaming machine 2 has a cabinet 30 in central front of
which it is formed a plane inclined somewhat in a rearward
direction against a vertical direction. On the inclined plane, two
display devices 32 (upper display device 32U and lower display
device 32D) are formed so that two display devices are arranged in
an up-and-down relation.
[0042] Here, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the
number of the display devices are not especially limited, thus it
is not necessary to arrange two display devices (upper display
device 32U and lower display device 32D), as in the gaming machine
2.
[0043] On the display devices 32 (upper display device 32U and
lower display device 32D), images indicating the first game or the
second game are displayed and both the first game and the second
game are progressed on the display devices 32. In variable display
games conducted as the first game and the second game, a plurality
of symbols or marks to conduct a game similar to a slot game done
in the slot machine and pay lines are displayed on the upper
display device 32U and various effect images are displayed on the
lower display device 32D.
[0044] Here, in the embodiment of the present invention, a
plurality of symbols and marks to conduct a game similar to a slot
game done in the slot machine and the pay lines may be displayed on
the lower display device 32D and various effect images may be
displayed on the upper display device 32U.
[0045] The above symbols and marks are displayed on the upper
display device 32U so as to be described on the outer periphery of
reels which are displayed as images. And when the game is started,
the symbols are variably moved so that they are scrolled in a
predetermined direction and are stopped and displayed at a
predetermined timing.
[0046] Further, when a 1-BET switch 20, a 3-BET switch 22 or a
maximum BET switch 24 mentioned later is pressed, the pay lines are
activated according to the BET switch which is pressed. Here, the
present invention can be adopted to, for example, a video-slot
machine with 5 reels and 9 pay lines.
[0047] When the symbol combination stopped on the activated pay
line becomes, for example, a winning state corresponding to the
"big prize" or the "small prize", coins a number of which
corresponds to the winning state are paid out. And in the first
game, in a case that a predetermined symbol is included among
plural symbols which are stopped, images indicating the second game
are displayed on the display device 32 and the second game is
progressed on the display device 32. Here, as for the second game,
it will be described in detail hereinafter. And hereinafter,
although explanation will be done as the predetermined symbol,
which becomes a trigger to shift to the second game, is a "7"
symbol, the predetermined symbol is not limited to the "7"
symbol.
[0048] At a lower position of the lower display device 32D, a base
portion 50 projected horizontally is formed, and on the upper left
side of the base portion 50, there are provided the 1-BET switch 20
to bet one coin among coins already inserted, the 3-BET switch 22
to bet three coins among coins already inserted and the maximum BET
switch 24 to bet the maximum number of coins for one game among
coins already inserted. Based on that the BET switch 20, 22 or 24
is pressed, the pay lines are activated according to the pressed
BET switch. And on the upper left side of the base portion 50, a
spin switch 25 to start the game is arranged. The player inserts
coins through a coin insertion slot 44 mentioned later and presses
one of the BET switches 20, 22 and 24, thereby a predetermined
number of coins are betted. Thereafter, the player presses the spin
switch 25, thereby the game is started.
[0049] On the rear side of the BET switches 20, 22, 24 arranged on
the upper left side of the base portion 50, an operation portion 42
constructing from a plurality of push buttons and a cross key is
provided. This operation portion 42 is operated when the second
game is conducted, as mentioned hereinafter. And on the upper right
side of the base portion 50, a coin insertion slot 44 and a bill
insertion slot 46 are provided. Coins or bills are inserted in the
coin insertion slot 44 or bill insertion slot 44, thereby games can
be executed.
[0050] And a payout switch 48 is arranged near the coin insertion
slot 44 and when the payout switch 48 is pressed, coins inserted in
the gaming machine 2 are paid out through a coin payout opening 52
formed at the lower front position of the cabinet 30. Coins paid
out are stored in a coin receiving tray 54.
[0051] Further, on the upper part of the cabinet 30, it is provided
an information lamp 56 which is turned on or blinked when
abnormality of the gaming machine 2 is detected and the player
calls a shop keeper in a game arcade, and is utilized to inform the
shop keeper of abnormality in the gaming machine 2.
[0052] FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing an
electrical construction of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1.
[0053] The above mentioned 1-BET switch 20, 3-BET switch 22 and
maximum BET switch 24 are connected to an interface circuit group
62 of the main control circuit 60, and the interface circuit group
62 is connected to a input/output bus 64. Each of the switches
produces a predetermined signal when pressed and outputs such
signal to the input/output bus 64.
[0054] And the operation portion 42 having a plurality of push
buttons and the cross key and the spin switch 25 for starting the
game are connected to the interface circuit group 62 of the main
control circuit 60. Each of the operation portion 42 and the spin
switch 25 produces a predetermined signal when pressed respectively
and outputs such signal to the input/output bus 64.
[0055] The input/output bus 64 is constructed so as to be able to
input and output data signals or address signals. Here, in the
embodiment, although a CPU 66 conducts transmission and reception
of signals with an external through the bus, the CPU 66 may conduct
transmission and reception of signals through ports.
[0056] A bill validator 40 and a coin detection sensor 58 are
connected to the above mentioned interface group 62. The bill
validator 40 produces a signal based on kind and number of bill
when a bill is inserted therein and transmits such signal to the
interface circuit group 62. And the coin detection sensor 58
produces signal based on kind and number of coin when coins are
inserted in the coin insertion slot 44 and transmits such signal to
the interface circuit group 62.
[0057] The payout switch 48 is connected to the above mentioned
interface circuit group 62 and when the player presses the payout
switch 48 a predetermined signal is output to the input/output bus
64. Based on this signal, coins inserted are paid out to the coin
payout opening 52 through a payout device 82 mentioned later.
[0058] And a ROM 68 and a RAM 70 are connected to the above
mentioned input/output bus 64. The ROM 68 stores control program
for wholly controlling procedures done by the system of the gaming
machine 2. Further, the ROM 68 stores initial data for executing
the control program and a part of program for conducting display
control of the display device 32 and the like. The RAM 70
temporarily stores the above program and data, flags as calculation
result and process result and values of variables.
[0059] And a hard-disc drive 74 is also connected to the
input/output bus 64, and programs for conducting games and various
data such as image data are stored in the hard-disc drive 74. Here,
in the present invention, instead of the hard-disc drive 74, for
example, it may be utilized a non-volatile memory such as a flash
memory which has comparatively large memory capacity, or a volatile
memory may be utilized.
[0060] Further, a random number generator 78 for generating random
numbers is connected to the input/output bus 64. When a command to
generate random numbers is input to the random number generator 78
from the CPU 66, the random number generator 78 generates random
numbers within a predetermined range and outputs a signal
indicating the value of random number to the input/output bus 64.
And the CPU 66 progresses the game according to the generated
random number. Further, such random number is stored in the RAM 70
as the data indicating a lottery result. Here, the random number
generator 78 may be realized, for example, by software through the
program stored in the ROM 68 and the RAM 70.
[0061] Further, an interface circuit group 72 is connected to the
input/output bus 64. A speaker 80, an information lamp 56 and a
payout device 82 are connected to the interface circuit group 72
and the interface circuit group 72 provides drive signals and drive
power to control each of the above mentioned devices, based on a
result of calculation process done in the CPU 66. And the
information lamp 56 is turned on or blinked when abnormality of the
gaming machine 2 is detected and the player calls the shop keeper
of the game arcade, thereby the information lamp 56 informs the
shop keeper of occurrence of abnormality in the gaming machine 2.
As the information lamp 56, for example, LED, lamp or fluorescent
lamp may be utilized.
[0062] Further, a display control device 200 is also connected to
the interface circuit group 72 and the display control device 200
produces a drive signal to drive the display device 32 (upper
display device 32U and lower display device 32D) connected to the
display control device 200, based on an image instruction signal
output from the main control circuit 60.
[0063] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a construction of the
display control device 200 provided in the gaming machine 2 shown
in FIG. 1.
[0064] An interface circuit 202 is connected to an input/output bus
204 and an image display command output from the above mentioned
main control circuit 60 is input to the input/output bus 204
through the interface circuit 202. Data signal and address signal
are input to and output from a CPU 206 through the input/output bus
204. In the embodiment, although the CPU 206 conducts transmission
and reception of signals with an external through the bus, the CPU
206 may conduct transmission and reception of signals through
ports.
[0065] To the above mentioned input/output bus 204, a ROM 208 and a
RAM 210 are also connected. The ROM 208 stores display control
program to produce a drive signal provided to the display device 32
(upper display device 32U and lower display device 32D), based on
image display command output from the main control circuit 60. On
the other hand, the RAM 210 stores flags used in the display
control program and values of variables.
[0066] Further, an image data processor (abbreviated as VDP
hereinafter) 212 is also connected to the input/output bus 204. The
VDP 212 includes a splite circuit, a screen circuit and a palette
circuit, thus the VDP 212 is a processing device capable of
conducting various processes to display images on the display
device 32 (upper display device 32U and lower display device
32D).
[0067] And to the VDP 212, it is connected a video RAM 214 for
storing various image data corresponding to the image display
command output from the main control circuit 60 and an image data
ROM 216 for storing various image data necessary to conduct the
first game and the second game. Further, to the VDP 212, it is
connected a drive circuit 218 for producing a drive signal to drive
the display device 32 (upper display device 32U and lower display
device 32D).
[0068] The above mentioned CPU 206 reads the display control
program stored in the ROM 208 and executes it, and stores in the
video RAM 214 the image data displayed on the display device 32
(upper display device 32U and lower display device 32D)
corresponding to the image display command output from the main
control circuit 60. And the image data stored in the video RAM 214
are output to the display device 32 (upper display device 32U and
lower display device 32D) through the drive circuit 218. Of course,
the electrical construction of the gaming machine 2 according to
the present invention is not limited to examples shown in FIGS. 3
and 4.
[0069] A sub-routine executed by the main control circuit 60 to
control the gaming machine 2 is shown in FIGS. 4 to 6. Hereinafter,
explanation will be done supposed that the gaming machine 2 is
operated beforehand and variables used in the mentioned CPU 66 is
initialized to a predetermined values and the gaming machine 2
normally operates.
[0070] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine for conducting
the first game process executed in the main control circuit 60.
[0071] This sub-routine is a sub-routine called out and executed at
a predetermined timing by a main routine which is executed
beforehand.
[0072] At first, it is determined whether or not coins are betted
(step S11). In this process, the CPU 66 determines whether or not a
signal indicating that the player conducts BET process is received.
If it is determined that such signal is received, the procedure
shifts to step S12, and on the other hand, if it is determined that
such signal is not received, the sub-routine is terminated.
[0073] The above BET process may be automatically done when the
player inserts coins, and may be first done when the player presses
any one of the 1-BET switch 20, the 3-BET switch 22 and the maximum
BET switch 24.
[0074] Next, it is determined whether or not the spin switch 25 to
instruct game start is pressed (step S12). In this process, the CPU
66 determines whether or not a signal indicating that the player
presses the spin switch 25 is received. If it is determined that
such signal is received, the procedure shifts to step S13, and on
the other hand, if it is determined that such signal is not
received, the process in step S12 is executed again.
[0075] Next, an internal lottery process is conducted (step S13).
In this process, the CPU 66 produces a command indicating that
random numbers should be generated by the random number generator
78 and the random number generator 78 generates random numbers
based on the above command. And the CPU 66 stores in a
predetermined area in the RAM 70 internal lottery data determined
based on the random number obtained. Here, the internal lottery
data include data indicating a symbol combination mode which can be
stopped and displayed if the "big prize" or "small prize" is won.
And hereinafter explanation will be done supposed that the
probability to win the "big prize" is 1/512, the, probability to
win the "small prize" is 3/512 and the probability to lose prize
(including "obtainment of the second game") is 508/512.
[0076] Here, in the present invention, random numbers may be
produced according to the software by the CPU 66, the program
stored in the ROM 68 and the RAM 70 (for example, by renewing a
value with a constant frequency or irregular frequency) and the
internal lottery data may be stored in the predetermined area in
the RAM 70 based on the obtained random number. In this case, the
random number generator 78 can be omitted.
[0077] Next, rotation and display process of the reels is done
(step S14). In this process, the CPU 66 transmits signals to the
display control device 200 so that the game similar to the slot
machine is started on the upper display device 32U, that is, the
reels displayed on the upper display device 32U as images are
rotated. In these signals, symbol image data to determine the
symbol combination when stopped based on the above internal lottery
data are included. Further, the display control device 200 displays
the reels so that the reels are rotated on the upper display device
32U, based on the above signals, thereby variable display of the
plural symbols is started. And while the first game is executed,
the display control device 200 also executes display process of
various effect images on the lower display device 32D, based on the
signals transmitted from the CPU 66.
[0078] Next, stop display process of the reels is done (step S15).
In this process, the CPU 66 transmits the signal to the display
control device 200 so that the game similar to the slot machine is
terminated on the upper display device 32U, that is, rotation of
the reels displayed on the upper display device 32U as images is
stopped. And the display control device 200 conducts variable
display of the plural symbols for a predetermined time, thereafter
stops the symbols.
[0079] Next, winning process in the first game is conducted (step
S16). In this process, the CPU 66 executes the winning process
based on the symbols stopped or the internal lottery data. This
winning process will be described hereinafter. After the process in
the step S16 is terminated, the sub-routine is terminated.
[0080] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine for conducting
the winning process in the first game executed by the main control
circuit 60.
[0081] This sub-routine is a sub-routine which called out in step
S16 in the above mentioned sub-routine shown in FIG. 4, and is
executed.
[0082] At first, it is determined whether or not any one of the
symbols stopped and displayed is the symbol to shift to the second
game ("7" symbol) (step S21). In this process, the CPU 66
determines whether or not the symbol to shift to the second game is
included among the symbols stopped and displayed in step S15 of the
sub-routine shown in FIG. 4. When the process of step S21 is
executed, the main control circuit 60 functions as a determination
device for determining whether or not the symbol to shift to the
second game is included among plural symbols stopped and displayed
in the first game.
[0083] If it is determined that the symbol to shift to the second
game is included in the symbols stopped and displayed, the CPU 66
executes the second game process (step S22). In the second game,
variable display of the symbols substantially similar to game
contents of the first game is done. At that time, the second game
can be done without newly inserting coins and if any one of plural
symbols stopped and displayed in the second game coincides with an
ANY symbol (for example, "cherry" symbol, "melon" symbol and the
like), which is a specific symbol, game worth (coins) corresponding
to the kind of ANY symbol is paid out. Here, the second game may be
executed when coins are inserted. The second game will be explained
in detail hereinafter.
[0084] In step S21, if it is determined that the symbol to shift to
the second game is not included in the symbols stopped and
displayed, it is continuously determined whether or not the symbols
or the symbol combination is the winning state of the prize (the
state that the big prize or the small prize is won)(step S23). And
if it is determined that the symbols or the symbol combination
stopped and displayed is the winning state of the prize, the CPU 66
drives the payout device 82. That is to say, the CPU 66 drives the
payout device 82 so that coins the number of which corresponds to
the winning state are paid out to the coin receiving tray 54
through the coin payout opening 52 (step S24), for example so that
1000 coins are paid out if the winning state is the big prize and
500 coins are paid out if the winning state is the small prize. In
step S23, if it is determined that the symbols or the symbol
combination is not the winning state of the prize, or if the
process in step S22 or step S24 is executed, the sub-routine is
terminated. When the sub-routines shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 are
executed, the main control circuit 60 functions as the first game
controller.
[0085] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine for conducting
the second game process executed by the main control circuit 60.
This sub-routine is a sub-routine called out and executed in step
S22 in the sub-routine shown in FIG. 5.
[0086] At first, the CPU 66 conducts the process to determine the
number of kind of ANY symbol (S110). In this step S110, the number
of kind of ANY symbol displayed during the variable display game is
determined corresponding to the number of symbol to shift to the
second game, the symbol being included in plural symbols stopped
and displayed in the first game. The process of step S110 is, for
example, done based on the ANY symbol determination table shown in
FIG. 7.
[0087] FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing one example of the ANY
symbol determination table which is utilized in step S110 of the
sub-routine shown in FIG. 6. Here, the probability that the ANY
symbol shown in FIG. 7 is included in the symbols stopped and
displayed is set to 100/512 in all kinds of ANY symbols. And in the
second game, the probability to win the "big prize" is set to 1/512
and the probability to win the "small prize" is set to 3/512.
[0088] In FIG. 7, "number of symbol to shift to the second game" in
the left column in the ANY symbol determination table represents
the number of symbol to shift to the second game, the symbol being
included in the symbols stopped and displayed in the first game.
And "ANY symbol" in the right column in the ANY symbol
determination table represents the number of kind of the ANY symbol
displayed in the second game. Further, in the column of "ANY
symbol", it is indicated the number of game worth (payout coin
number) paid out when any one of the stopped and displayed symbols
coincides with the ANY symbol.
[0089] For example, if the "number of symbol to shift to the second
game" is "1", the ANY symbol displayed in the second game is
"cherry" symbol. At that time, if any one of the symbols stopped
and displayed in the second game is the "cherry" symbol, 100 coins
are paid out. And for example, if the "number of symbol to shift to
the second game" is "2", the ANY symbol displayed in the second
game is the "cherry" symbol and "melon" symbol. At that time, if
any one of the symbols stopped and displayed in the second game is
the "cherry" symbol, 100 coins are paid out, and if any one of the
symbols stopped and displayed in the second game is the "melon"
symbol, 200 coins are paid out.
[0090] As mentioned in the above, the probability that the ANY
symbol is included in the symbols stopped and displayed in the
second game is set to 100/512 in all kinds of ANY symbols,
therefore according that the "number of symbol to shift to the
second game" included in the symbols stopped and displayed in the
first game increases and the kind of ANY symbol displayed in the
second game increases, the probability that any one of the symbols
stopped and displayed coincides with the ANY symbol becomes
high.
[0091] After the process in step S110 is executed, it is
continuously determined whether or not the spin switch 25 to
instruct game start is pressed (step S112). In this process, the
CPU 66 determines whether or not a signal indicating that the spin
switch 25 is pressed by the player is received. If it is determined
that such signal is received, the procedure shifts to S113, and on
the other hand, if it is determined that such signal is not
received, the process in step S112 is executed again.
[0092] Next, the internal lottery process is conducted (step S113).
In this process, the CPU 66 transmits a command to generate the
random numbers to the random number generator 78 and the random
number generator 78 which receives the above command generates the
random numbers. Further, the CPU 66 stores in the predetermined
area in the RAM 70 the internal lottery data calculated based on
the obtained random number.
[0093] Next, rotation process of the reels is done (step S114). In
this rotation process, the CPU 66 transmits a signal to the display
control device 200 so that the game like the slot machine is
started on the upper display device 32U, that is, the reels
displayed as images on the upper display device 32U are rotated.
Such signal includes the symbol image data for determining the
symbol combination when stopped and displayed based on the above
internal lottery data. Based on the above signal, the display
control device 200 controls the upper display device 32U so that
the reels are rotated on the upper display device 32U, thereby
variable display of plural symbols is started. Further, while the
second game is executed, the display control device 200 also
conducts the process in which various effect images are displayed
on the lower display device 32D based on the signal transmitted
from the CPU 66.
[0094] Next, stop display process of the reels is conducted (step
S115). In this process, the CPU 66 transmits a signal to the
display control device 200 so that the game like the slot machine
is terminated, that is, rotation of the reels displayed as images
on the upper display device is stopped. And the display control
device 200 conducts variable display of plural symbols for a
predetermined time, thereafter stops and displays plural
symbols.
[0095] After the process in step S115 is executed, the CPU 66
continuously conducts the winning process in the second game
(S116). In this process, the CPU 66 conducts the winning process
based on the symbol stopped and displayed or the internal lottery
data. This process will be described hereinafter. After the process
in step S116, the sub-routine is terminated.
[0096] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine for conducting
the winning process in the second game executed by the main control
circuit 60.
[0097] This sub-routine is a sub-routine which called out in step
S116 in the above mentioned sub-routine shown in FIG. 6, and is
executed.
[0098] At first, it is determined whether or not the symbols or the
symbol combination stopped and displayed corresponds to the winning
state of prize ("big prize" or "small prize") (step S123). And if
it is determined that the symbols or the symbol combination
corresponds to the winning state of prize, the CPU 66 drives the
payout device 82. That is to say, the CPU 66 drives the payout
device 82 so that coins the number of which corresponds to the
winning state are paid out to the coin receiving tray 54 through
the coin payout opening 52 (step S124), for example so that 1000
coins are paid out if the winning state is the big prize and 500
coins are paid out if the winning state is the small prize.
[0099] On the other hand, in step S123, if it is determined that
the symbols or the symbol combination does not correspond to the
winning state of prize, the CPU 66 continuously determines whether
or not any one of the symbols stopped and displayed coincides with
the ANY symbol (step S125). If it is determined that any one of the
symbols stopped and displayed coincides with the ANY symbol, the
CPU 66 conducts the process to pay out coins the number of which
corresponds to the kind of ANY symbol to the coin receiving tray 54
through the coin payout opening 52 (step S126).
[0100] After the process of step S126 is executed or if it is
determined that any one of the symbols stopped and displayed in
step S125 does not coincide with the ANY symbol, the sub-routine is
terminated.
[0101] When the sub-routines shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 are executed,
the main control circuit 60 functions as the second game
controller.
[0102] FIGS. 9(a).about.(d) are explanatory views schematically
showing images displayed on the upper display device 32U and the
lower display device 32D when the sub-routines shown in FIGS.
4.about.8 are executed.
[0103] The images shown in FIG. 9(a) show an example of images
displayed on the display device 32 right after the first game is
terminated. On the upper display device 32U, the image showing a
game like the slot machine having five (5) reels and nine (9) pay
lines is displayed. In this image, five (5) reels are included and
the symbol to shift to the second game ("7" symbol) is stopped and
displayed in the left reel. And on the lower display device 32D,
the effect image is displayed.
[0104] Thereafter, when the second game is started, images shown in
FIG. 9(b) are displayed.
[0105] These images show an example of images displayed on the
display device 32 right after the second game is terminated, and
become substantially as same as those shown in FIG. 9(a) which is
displayed right after the first game is terminated. On the upper
display device 32U, the image showing a game like the slot machine
having five (5) reels and nine (9) pay lines is displayed. In such
image, five (5) reels are included and the "cherry" symbol which is
the ANY symbol is stopped and displayed in the left reel.
[0106] And the effect image displayed on the lower display device
32D includes the image indicating while the second game called
"bonus game" is executed. And at the right side thereof, it is
displayed the image indicating that the "cherry" symbol as the ANY
symbol is activated. Further, at the lower position of the image
indicating the "bonus game", it is displayed the image indicating
that the "cherry" symbol is included in the symbols stopped and
displayed on the upper display device 32U and game worth of 100
coins is paid out based on that the "cherry" prize is won.
[0107] The images shown in FIG. 9(c) show an example of images
displayed on the display device 32 right after the first game is
terminated. On the upper display device 32U, the image showing a
game like the slot machine having five (5) reels and nine (9) pay
lines is displayed. In such image, in both the second and third
reels from the left side, the symbols to shift to the second game
("7" symbol) are stopped and displayed. And on the lower display
device 32D, the effect image is displayed.
[0108] Thereafter, when the second game is started, the images
shown in FIG. 9(d) is displayed.
[0109] These images show another example of images displayed on the
display device 32 right after the second game is terminated, and
become substantially as same as those shown in FIG. 9(c) which is
displayed right after the first game is terminated. On the upper
display device 32U, the image showing a game like the slot machine
having five (5) reels and nine (9) pay lines is displayed. In such
image, five (5) reels are included and the "melon" symbol as the
ANY symbol is stopped and displayed in the second reel from the
left side.
[0110] And the effect image displayed on the lower display device
32D includes the image indicating while the second game called
"bonus game" is executed. Further, at the right side thereof, it is
displayed the image indicating that the "cherry" symbol and the
"melon" symbol as the ANY symbol are activated. Further, at the
lower position of the image indicating the "bonus game", it is
displayed the image indicating that the "melon" symbol is included
in the symbols stopped and displayed on the upper display device
32U and game worth of 200 coins is paid out based on that the
"melon" prize is won.
[0111] As mentioned, according to the gaming machine 2, the game
similar to the first game, in which variable display of plural
symbols is done, when seeing from outside, is conducted as the
second game and the ANY symbol is included in the symbols variably
displayed in the second game. And if any one of the symbols stopped
and displayed coincides with the ANY symbol, game worth (coins) is
paid out. At this point, the second game has game contents
different from those in the first game while retaining connection
with the first game. Therefore, feelings capable of enjoying one
game with two ways can be given to the player, as a result,
interest for games can be raised.
[0112] And according that the number of symbol to shift to the
second game ("7" symbol) included in the symbols stopped and
displayed in the first game increases, the number of kind of ANY
symbol displayed on the lower display device 32D in the second game
increases. Therefore, based on that the ANY symbol is included in
the symbols stopped and displayed, possibility that game worth
(coins) is paid out becomes higher, thus the result of the first
game can be correlated with the game contents and the result of the
second game. As a result, interest and concern for both the first
game and the second game can be increasingly raised and interest
for games can be improved.
[0113] Further, in the present invention, it is not necessary to
determine the number of kind of the specific symbol (for example,
ANY symbol) displayed during variable display in the second game
corresponding to only the number of predetermined symbol (for
example, symbol to shift to the second game) included in the
symbols stopped and displayed in the first game.
[0114] In the present invention, it may be determined the number of
kind of the specific symbol displayed in the second game while
variable displaying corresponding to the lottery result obtained by
the lottery done when the number of kind of the specific symbol
displayed during variable display in the second game is determined
and the number of the predetermined symbol stopped and displayed in
the first game. In this case, for example, the lottery is conducted
in step S110 (ANY symbol determination process) of the sub-routine
shown in FIG. 6 while referring the ANY symbol determination table
shown in FIG. 10, and the number of kind of the ANY symbol
displayed in the second game can be determined corresponding to the
lottery result and the number of symbol to shift to the second game
included in the symbols stopped and displayed in the first
game.
[0115] FIG. 10 is an explanatory view schematically showing another
example of the ANY symbol determination table which is utilized in
step S110 of the sub-routine shown in FIG. 6. Here, the probability
that the ANY symbol shown in FIG. 10 is included in any of the
symbols stopped and displayed is set to 100/512 in all plural kinds
of ANY symbols.
[0116] In the ANY symbol determination table, the "number of symbol
to shift to the second game" in the most left column indicates the
number of symbol to shift to the second game included in the
symbols stopped and displayed in the first game. In the center
column of the table, the "lottery result" indicates a random number
range extracted in the lottery. Here, one random number is
extracted in a random number range of 0.about.63 in the above
lottery. And the "ANY symbol" in the most right column of the table
indicates the number of kind of the ANY symbol displayed during
variable display in the second game.
[0117] For example, in a case that the "number of symbol to shift
to the second game" is "1" and the lottery result is "1", the ANY
symbol displayed during variable display in the second game is
"cherry". And, for example, in a case that the "number of symbol to
shift to the second game" is "2" and the lottery result is "50",
the ANY symbols displayed during variable display in the second
game are "cherry", "melon", "banana" and "apple".
[0118] As mentioned in the above, the number of kind of the ANY
symbol is not determined corresponding to only the number of symbol
to shift to the second game, but is determined corresponding to
both the number of symbol to shift to the second game and the
lottery result obtained by the lottery done thereafter. Thereby,
determination of the number of the ANY symbol displayed can be
further variegated, as a result, interest for games can be
improved.
[0119] And in the present invention, corresponding to both the
predetermined symbol included in the symbols stopped and displayed
in the first game and the number of game worth (coins) betted in
the first game, the number of the specific symbol converted in the
second game, may be determined.
[0120] In this case, for example, in step S110 of the sub-routine
shown in FIG. 6, a ANY symbol determination table shown in FIG. 11
is referred and the number of the ANY symbol may be determined
corresponding to both the number of the symbol to shift to the
second game, such symbol being included in the symbols stopped and
displayed in the first game, and the number of game worth (coins)
betted in the first game.
[0121] FIG. 11 is further another explanatory view showing one
example of a ANY symbol determination table which is utilized in
S110 in the sub-routine shown in FIG. 6. Here, the probability that
the ANY symbol shown in FIG. 11 is included in any of the symbols
stopped and displayed is set to 100/512 in all plural kinds of ANY
symbols.
[0122] In the ANY symbol determination table, the "number of symbol
to shift to the second game" in the most left column indicates the
number of symbol to shift to the second game included in the
symbols stopped and displayed in the first game. In the center
column of the table, the "bet number in the first game" indicates a
range of number of game worth (coins) betted in the first game.
Here, in the first game, the game worth (coins) in a range of
1.about.45 can be utilized. Here, the game worth (coins) within a
range of 1.about.45 can be utilized in the first game. And the "bet
number" in FIG. 11 indicates a total bet number betted in the first
game.
[0123] For example, in a case that the "number of symbol to shift
to the second game" is "1" and the "bet number in the first game"
is "10", the ANY symbol displayed during variable display in the
second game is "cherry". And for example, in a case that the
"number of symbol to shift to the second game" is "2" and the "bet
number in the first game" is "40", the ANY symbols displayed during
variable display in the second game are "cherry", "melon", "banana"
and "apple".
[0124] As mentioned in the above, the number of kind of the ANY
symbol displayed in the second game is not determined corresponding
to only the number of symbol to shift to the second game, but is
determined corresponding to both the number of symbol to shift to
the second game and the number of game worth (coins) betted in the
first game. Thereby, determination of the number of the ANY symbol
displayed in the second game can be further variegated. And the
player can change the number of kind of the ANY symbol displayed in
the second game according to his or her own intention, by
increasing or decreasing the game worth (coins) betted in the first
game, thereby strategy can be given to the second game.
[0125] Further, in the present invention, the number of the
specific symbol displayed in the second game may be determined
corresponding to the number of the predetermined symbol included in
the symbols stopped and displayed in the first game.
[0126] For example, in a case that the number of the symbol to
shift to the second game, such symbol being included in the symbols
stopped and displayed in the first game, is "1", one "cherry"
symbol may be displayed in the second game, and in a case that the
number of the symbol to shift to the second game, such symbol being
included in the symbols stopped and displayed in the first game, is
"2", two "cherry" symbols may be displayed in the second game.
[0127] And the same symbol (for example, "7" symbol) may be
utilized as the predetermined symbol (for example, symbol to shift
to the second game) in the first game and the specific symbol (for
example, ANY symbol) in the second game.
[0128] Further, the present invention may be adopted to the slot
machine mentioned hereinafter.
[0129] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a slot machine as another
gaming machine according to the present invention.
[0130] In FIG. 12, the slot machine 301 has a cabinet 302
constructing a whole of the slot machine 301. At a front upper part
of the cabinet 302 an upper liquid crystal display 303 is arranged,
and at a front central part of the cabinet 302 a lower liquid
crystal display 304 is arranged. Here, the upper liquid crystal
display 303 is constructed from a liquid crystal display device
which is generally used, and the lower liquid crystal display 304
is constructed from, so-called, a transparent liquid crystal
display device. A detailed construction of the transparent liquid
crystal display device will be explained hereinafter.
[0131] An operation table 305, which is projected frontward, is
formed below the lower liquid crystal display 304, and from the
most left side on the operation table 305, a change button 306, a
payout (cash out) button 307, a help button 308 are arranged. And a
coin insertion slot 309 and a bill insertion portion 310 are
arranged at the right side of the help button 308. Further, from
the left side, a 1-BET button 311, a SPIN/REPEAT BET button
(hereinafter, abbreviated as "spin button") 312, a 3-BET button 313
and a 5-BET button 314 are positioned at the front side on the
operation table 305.
[0132] Here, the change button 306 is pressed when exchanging the
bill inserted in the bill insertion portion 311, and the exchanged
coins are paid out through a coin payout opening 315 to a coin tray
316 which is formed at the lower part of the cabinet 302. To the
change button 306, a change switch 362 (explained hereinafter) is
attached, and the a switch signal is output to a CPU 350 (mentioned
hereinafter) from the change switch 362 based on press of the
change button 306.
[0133] The payout button 307 is usually pressed when games are
terminated, and when the payout button 307 is pressed coins got in
games are paid out through the coin payout opening 315 to the coin
tray 316. Here, to the payout button 307, a payout (cash out)
switch 363 (mentioned hereinafter) is attached and a switch signal
is output to the CPU 350 from the payout switch 363 based on press
of the payout button 307.
[0134] The help button 308 is pressed when the player cannot
understand game operation method, and when the help button 308 is
pressed, various help information is displayed on the upper liquid
crystal display 303 or the lower liquid crystal display 304. To
this help button 308, a help switch 364 (mentioned hereinafter) is
attached and a switch signal is output to the CPU 350 from the help
switch 364 based on press of the help button 308.
[0135] To the coin insertion slot 309 a coin sensor 365 (mentioned
hereinafter) is positioned, and when the coin is inserted in the
coin insertion slot 309 a coin detection signal is output to the
CPU 350 through the coin sensor 365. And to the bill insertion
portion 310 a bill sensor 366 (mentioned hereinafter) is
positioned, and when the bill is inserted in the bill insertion
portion 310 a bill detection signal is output to the CPU 350
through the bill sensor 366.
[0136] As for the 1-BET button 311, every the 1-BET button 311 is
pressed one credit is betted, and the 1-BET button 311 can bet by
pressing up to tree times as the maximum pressing time. To the
1-BET button 311, a 1-BET switch 359 is attached and when the 1-BET
button 311 is pressed a switch signal is output to the CPU 350 from
the 1-BET switch 359 based on press of the 1-BET button 311.
[0137] The spin button 312 is the button to start games from the
present bet number or the previous bet number by press thereof,
thereby reels 322 (mentioned later) are started to rotate. To the
spin button 312, a spin switch 358 (mentioned later) is attached,
and when the spin button 312 is pressed a switch signal is output
to the CPU 350 from the spin switch 358 based on press of the spin
button 312. Here, as the bet number which can be betted by press of
the spin button 312, there may exist 1, 2, 3 and 5 bets.
[0138] The 3-BET button 313 is the button to start games from 3
bets on the basis of press thereof. To this 3-BET button 313, a
3-BET switch 360 (mentioned hereinafter) is attached and when the
3-BET button 313 is pressed a switch signal is output to the CPU
350 from the 3-BET switch 360. And the 5-BET button 314 is the
button to start games from 5 bets on the basis of press thereof. To
the 5-BET button 314, a 5-BET switch 361 is attached and when the
5-BET button is pressed a switch signal is output to the CPU 350
from the 5-BET switch 361 on the basis of press thereof.
[0139] Further, at the lower part of the cabinet 302, the coin
payout opening 315 is formed and the coin tray 316 to receive coins
paid out from the coin payout opening 315 is provided. In the coin
payout opening 315, a coin detection part 373 constructed from a
sensor and the like is positioned and the coin detection part 373
detects number of coins paid out from the coin payout opening
315.
[0140] Further, at the side plane (the right side plane in FIG. 12)
of the cabinet 302, a start lever 317 is arranged rotatably within
a predetermined angle range. To the start lever 317, a start switch
357 is attached and when the start lever 317 is rotated a switch
signal occurring from the start switch 357 is output to the CPU
350.
[0141] Next, it will be described a detailed construction of the
lower liquid crystal display 304 and reels rotatably arranged
behind the lower liquid crystal display 304 in the cabinet 302,
with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 13 is a longitudinal
sectional view of the lower liquid crystal display 304 and the
reels 322, and FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the lower
liquid crystal display 304.
[0142] In FIGS. 13 and 14, the lower liquid crystal display 304 is
arranged within a display window 321 of a device front panel 320
positioned at the front center part of the cabinet 302 in the slot
machine 301, with a transparent touch panel 330 (abbreviated as
"touch panel 330" hereinafter) arranged at the front side (the left
side in FIG. 13) of the lower liquid crystal display 304. And at
the rear side (the right side in FIG. 13) of the lower liquid
crystal display 304, three reels 322 (only one reel 322 is
indicated in FIG. 13) are supported in a parallel state so that the
reels 322 become independently rotatable.
[0143] Here, each reel 322 will be described. Among three reels
322, the left reel 322 when seeing the front plane of the slot
machine 301 faces to a left display window 323 (see FIG. 12) formed
in the lower liquid crystal display 304, the center reel 322 faces
to a center display window 324 (see FIG. 12) similarly formed in
the lower liquid crystal display 304 and the right reel 322 faces
to a right display window 325 (see FIG. 12) similarly formed in the
lower liquid crystal display 304. Construction of each of the
display windows 323, 324, 325 will described hereinafter.
[0144] Further, on an outer periphery of each reel 322, various
kinds of symbols shown in FIG. 15 (6 kinds of symbols are indicated
in FIG. 15) are formed. Concretely, as kinds of symbols formed on
the outer periphery of the reel 322, concerning with game contents
conducted in the slot machine 301, it is utilized a wild symbol, a
pendant symbol, a trigger symbol, a red 7 symbol to which a
beautiful girl is attached, a bill bundle symbol and a gold coin
symbol. And these 6 kinds of symbols and blank (s) (area where the
symbol do not exist) are combined based on a predetermined
combination and the combinations in which the symbols and the
blanks are totally combined (the total number of the symbols and
the blanks is 22) is formed. On the outer periphery of each reel
322, such combination with of symbols and blanks (total number of
which is 22) is formed.
[0145] Here, various winning combinations are determined beforehand
based on plural kinds of combinations of the symbols and when the
symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is
stopped along a pay line L (see FIG. 12), coins are paid out from
the coin payout opening 315 according to the winning combination.
These points are as same as those in the conventional slot machine,
therefore explanation thereof will be omitted. And formation of the
symbols on the outer periphery of the reel 322 is generally done as
follows. First, symbols and blanks (total number of which is 22)
are printed on a long seal having a width and a length
corresponding to the width and the periphery length of the reel
322, respectively. And such seal is adhered on the peripheral plane
of the reel 322. Of course, the symbols may be formed by different
method other than the above method. These symbols and blanks
correspond to a plurality of symbols in the first game, and are
variably displayed by rotating the reels 322 and are stopped and
displayed by stopping rotation of the reels 322.
[0146] In the embodiment, the pay line L is determined to only the
center line, and such pay line L is displayed on the lower liquid
crystal display 304 when the game, namely the first game, is
conducted by rotating and stopping the reels 322 based on press of
the spin button 312, the 3-BET button 313 and the 5-BET button 314
or rotation of the start lever 317.
[0147] Further, the above mentioned trigger symbol functions as a
trigger to obtain the second games. In the embodiment, one trigger
symbol is formed only on the peripheral plane of the right reel
322. Based on that the trigger symbol existing on the peripheral
plane of the right reel 322 is stopped on the pay line L in the
first game, the second game can be obtained.
[0148] That is to say, the specific condition to execute the second
game is that the trigger symbol stops on the pay line L.
[0149] Next, construction of the lower liquid crystal display 304
will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. In FIGS. 13
and 14, the lower liquid crystal display 304 is constructed by
arranging from the front side of the slot machine 301; the touch
panel 330, the reel glass base 331, the bezel metal frame 332, the
transparent liquid crystal panel 333, the liquid crystal holder
334, the scattering sheet 335, the light leading plate 336, the
white reflector 337, the rear holder 338 and the antistatic sheet
339. In the scattering sheet 335, three openings 335A, 335B, 335C
are formed. Similarly, in the light leading plate 336, the
reflector 337 and the rear holder 338, three openings 336A, 336B,
336C, 337A, 337B, 337C, 338 A, 338B, 338C are formed respectively,
so as to coincide with the openings 335A, 335B, 335C. Here, the
openings 335A.about.338A construct the left display window 323 (see
FIG. 12) by superimposing so as to coincide with each other.
Similarly, the openings 335B.about.338B construct the center
display window 324 (see FIG. 12) by superimposing so as to coincide
with each other and the openings 335.about.338C construct the right
display window 325 (see FIG. 12) by superimposing so as to coincide
with each other.
[0150] Here, the openings 335A.about.335C in the scattering sheet
335 and the openings 336A.about.336C in the light leading plate 336
construct the light transmitting areas to retain visibility while
variable displaying is conducted by rotating reels 322.
[0151] In order to install the lower liquid crystal display 304 to
the display window 321 of the device front panel 320, as shown in
FIG. 13, brackets 340 are screwed to the rear side of the device
front panel 320 by screws 341.
[0152] And at an upper and lower end of the light leading panel
336, a pair of cold cathode ray tubes 342 are arranged as light
sources of the liquid crystal panel 333. And at an upper and lower
positions in the rear side of each of openings 338A.about.338C in
the rear holder 338, a pair of cold cathode ray tubes 343 are
arranged to illuminate the symbols on the outer periphery of each
of the reels 322.
[0153] The liquid crystal panel 333 is a transparent electric
display panel on which transparent electrodes such as ITO are
formed, and arranged in front of each of the reels 322 which can be
seen therethrough. And the circumference in rear side of the
display part of the liquid crystal panel 333 is held by the liquid
crystal holder 334. The light leading plate 336 is made from the
light transmitting resin panel, and in the light leading plate 336
lens cut portions are formed, the lens cut portions leading light
emitted from the cold cathode ray tubes 343 positioned at side
positions to the rear side of the liquid crystal panel 333. The
light scattering sheet 335 is made from a light transmitting resin
sheet and scatters light led by the light leading panel 336 and
levels light irradiated to the liquid crystal panel 333. The liquid
crystal holder 334 for holding the liquid crystal panel 333, the
scattering sheet 335 and the light leading plate 336 are assembled
into one body and circumference thereof is inserted in the bezel
metal frame 332. Thereby, the front side of the display part in the
liquid crystal panel 333 is retained by the bezel metal frame
332.
[0154] Circumference of the liquid crystal holder 334, the light
scattering sheet 335 and the light leading plate 336, which are
inserted in the bezel metal frame 332 and assembled into one body,
is further inserted in the reel glass base 331 and retained by the
reel glass base 331 in a state that the front display plane of the
liquid crystal panel 333 is opened. The transparent touch panel 330
is pressed and contacted to the front side of the reel glass base
331 by installing the reel glass base 331 to the device front panel
320 through the screws 341, thereby the transparent touch panel 330
is superimposed on the front display plane of the liquid crystal
panel 333.
[0155] The rear holder 338 is made from a white resin plate and
retains to the reel glass base 331 the bezel metal frame 332
supported to the reel glass base 331, the liquid crystal holder 334
holding the liquid crystal panel 333, the light scattering sheet
335 and the light leading plate 336 from the rear sides thereof The
rear holder 338 also functions as a reflecting plate for reflecting
light emitted from the cold cathode ray tubes 343 to the light
leading plate 336 toward the liquid crystal panel 333. The
antistatic sheet 339 is made transparent and adhered to the rear
plane of the rear holder 338 by double-sided adhesive tape, thereby
the antistatic sheet 339 covers the rear plane of each of the
openings 338A.about.338C formed in the rear holder 338.
[0156] Next, construction of the control system in the slot machine
301 will be described with reference to FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a block
diagram schematically showing the control system in the slot
machine 301.
[0157] In FIG. 16, the control system of the slot machine 301 is
basically constructed from the CPU 350, and a ROM 351 and a RAM 352
are connected to the CPU 350. The ROM 351 stores game control
program (mentioned later), various effect programs for executing
various effects on the upper liquid crystal display 303 and the
lower liquid crystal display 304 according to progress in games,
lottery program for conducting lottery of various winning
combinations, various programs necessary for controlling the slot
machine 301 and various data tables and the like. And the RAM 352
is a memory for temporarily storing various data calculated by the
CPU 350.
[0158] The CPU 350 executes the first game based on the various
programs stored in the ROM 351 and the second game when the
specific condition is realized in the first game.
[0159] And to the CPU 350, a clock pulse generator 353 for
generating standard clock pulses and a frequency divider 354 are
connected, and a random number generator 355 and a sampling circuit
356 are also connected. Random number sampled by the random number
generator 356 is utilized in various lotteries of the symbol every
each reel 322, the effects and the like. Here, the symbols stopped
on the pay line L are determined as follows. That is, a random
number range corresponding to the symbols every each reel 322 is
set beforehand and the random number every each reel 322 extracted
from a predetermined random number range (for example, the range of
"0".about."255") and the "probability lottery table" (not shown)
are referred with each other. Thereby, the symbols are determined
by determining that the extracted random number lies in the random
number range of which symbol. Further, to the CPU 350, the start
switch 357 attached to the start lever 317, the spin switch 358
attached to the spin button 312, the 1-BET switch 359 attached to
the 1-BET button 311, the 3-BET switch 360 attached to the 1-BET
button 313, the change switch 362 attached to the change button
306, the cashout switch 363 attached to the cashout button 307 and
the help switch 364 attached to the help button 308 are connected
respectively. The CPU 350 controls the slot machine 301 to execute
various operations corresponding to each button, based on the
switch signal output from each switch when such buttons are
pressed.
[0160] Further, to the CPU 350, the coin sensor 365 positioned in
the coin insertion slot 309 and the bill sensor 366 positioned in
the bill insertion portion 310 are connected respectively. The coin
sensor 365 detects coins inserted from the coin insertion slot 309
and the CPU 350 calculates the number of inserted coins based on
the coin detection signal output from the coin sensor 365. The bill
sensor 366 detects the kind and sum of bill and the CPU 350
calculates the number of coins equivalent to sum of bill, based on
the bill detection signal output from the bill sensor 366.
[0161] To the CPU 350, three stepping motors 368 for rotating each
of the reels 322 through a motor drive circuit 367 are connected,
and also a reel position detection circuit 369 is connected. When a
motor drive signal is output to the motor drive circuit 367, each
stepping motor 368 is driven to rotate by the motor drive circuit
367, thereby each reel 322 is rotated.
[0162] At that time, after each reel 322 is started to rotate, the
number of drive pulses provided to each stepping motor 368 is
calculated and the calculated value is written in the predetermined
area of the RAM 352. And the reset pulse is output every one
rotation of the reel 322 and such reset pulse is input to the CPU
350 through the reel position detection circuit 369. When the reset
pulse is input to the CPU 350, the calculated value written in the
RAM 352 is cleared in "0", and the CPU 350 recognizes the symbol
rotational position in the reel 322, based on the calculated value
corresponding to the rotational position of the reel 322 within one
rotation and the symbol table in which the rotational position of
the reel 322 stored in the ROM 351 and the symbols formed on outer
peripheral plane of the reel 322 are corresponded with each
other.
[0163] To the CPU 350, a hopper 371 is connected through a hopper
drive circuit 370. When a drive signal is output to the hopper
drive circuit 370 from the CPU 350, the hopper 371 pays out
predetermined number of coins from the coin payout opening 315.
[0164] And to the CPU 350, a coin detection part 373 is connected
through a payout completion signal circuit 372. The coin detection
part 373 is arranged in the coin payout opening 315 and when the
coin detection part 373 detects that a predetermined number of
coins are paid out from the coin payout opening 315, the payout
completion signal is output to the payout completion signal circuit
372 from the coin detection part 373. Based on this, the payout
completion signal circuit 372 outputs the payout completion signal
to the CPU 350.
[0165] Further, to the CPU 350, the upper liquid crystal display
303 is connected through a liquid crystal drive circuit 374 and the
lower liquid crystal display 304 is connected through a liquid
crystal drive circuit 375. And to the CPU 350, the touch panel 330
is connected through a touch panel drive circuit 376.
[0166] Further, to the CPU 350 LEDs 378 are connected through a LED
drive circuit 377. A plurality of the LEDs 378 are arranged on the
front plane of the slot machine 301 and the LEDs 378 are controlled
so as to turn on based on the drive signals from the CPU 350.
Further, a speaker 380 and a sound output circuit 379 are connected
to the CPU 350 and the speaker 380 produces various effective
sounds when various effects are conducted based on the output
signal from the sound output circuit 379. And to the CPU 350, a
progressive interface (I/F) 381 is provided.
[0167] In the slot machine 301, the symbols formed on the outer
periphery of each reel 322 variably displayed by rotation of the
reel 322 and the symbols are stopped and displayed by stopping
rotation of the reel 322, thereby the first game is progressed. The
player can see and recognize the symbols, which are variably
displayed and stopped and displayed, through the lower liquid
crystal display 304 which is the so-called transparent liquid
crystal display.
[0168] And according to the result in the first game, in a case
that the symbol combination stopped and displayed becomes the
predetermined symbol combination or in a case that the trigger
symbol (see FIG. 15) is included in plural symbols stopped and
displayed, the second game is executed. The game contents of the
second game itself is as same as those of the first game and the
game contents of the first game are already explained, thus
explanation of the second game will omitted. Here, in the slot
machine 301, the second game may be executed on the upper display
device 303 or the lower display device 304. Further, the second
game may be executed on each of the upper display device 303 and
the lower display device 304.
[0169] Further, the second game may be executed on three reels 322,
the lower liquid crystal display 303 and the lower liquid crystal
display 304. In this case, the specific symbols can be displayed on
the lower liquid crystal display 304 so as to cover the symbols
formed on the reels 322.
[0170] And according to the result of the second game, the game
worth (for example, coins) paid out to the player may be determined
based on the number of coins betted in the first game and the point
number obtained in the second game, as in the gaming machine 2. For
example, as mentioned later, the common bonus (so-called
progressive bonus) in common with a plurality of slot machines 301
is accumulated and the game worth as the common bonus may be paid
out from the slot machine 301 in which the points more than a
predetermined number are obtained in the second game.
[0171] Next, it will be described a progressive gaming system in
which a plurality of slot machines 301 are connected through the
progressive interface (I/F) 381 provided in each slot machine 301,
with reference to FIG. 17. FIG. 17 is an explanatory view
schematically showing the progressive gaming system.
[0172] In the progressive gaming unit 382 shown in FIG. 17, a
plurality of slot machines 301 (in the embodiment, four slot
machines 301) are connected to a transmission control part 384 in
the progressive unit 383 through the progressive interface (I/F)
381 provided in each slot machine 301. As for connection between
the progressive unit 383 and each slot machine 301, any one of wire
connection and wireless connection can be utilized. Thereby, mutual
transmission can be done through the transmission control part 384
between the progressive unit 383 and each slot machine 301.
[0173] As the information transmitted to the progressive unit 383
from each slot machine 301, coin insertion information betted in
each slot machine 301, winning information indicating that the
first game or the second game is won. And as information
transmitted to each slot machine 301 from the progressive unit 383,
pool number information of coins as the common bonus in common with
each slot machine 301.
[0174] Such pool number information of coins is transmitted from
the progressive unit 383 to each slot machine 301 through the
transmission control part 384 and displayed on the upper liquid
crystal display 303 in each slot machine 301. And a pool number
calculation part 385 in the progressive unit 383 adds the common
bonus based on the coin insertion information transmitted from each
slot machine 301.
[0175] Here, in each slot machine 301, in a case that any one of
the progressive bonuses is won in the first game or the second
game, the coin number corresponding to the common bonus won is rest
to the initial number of coins. And the pool number storing part
386 stores the above mentioned coin number calculated by the pool
number calculation part 385.
[0176] The progressive unit 383 constructed according to the above
periodically transmits from the transmission control part 384 to
each slot machine 301 the coin pool number information stored in
the pool number storing part 386. And each slot machine 301
periodically compares the coin pool number information transmitted
in previous time with the coin pool number information transmitted
in present time, based on the coin pool number information
transmitted from the progressive unit 383. And in a case that the
coin pool number in present time reduces than the coin pool number
in previous time, each slot machine 301 notifies that the common
bonus in which the coin pool number reduces is won.
[0177] In the above case, if the predetermined winning state such
as the "big prize" or the "small prize" is realized in the variable
display game corresponding to the second game, the game worth (for
example, coins) as the common bonus accumulated from a plurality of
slot machines 301 can be obtained. Therefore, it concludes that
competitive spirit of the other players is stirred up, as a result,
interest and connection for the second game can be raised. And
according to the number of the predetermined symbol included in the
symbols stopped and displayed in the first game, the number of the
specific symbol displayed in the second game is determined and the
second game result is affected by the number of the specific
symbol. Therefore, interest and connection for not only the second
game but also the first game can be raised, thus interest for games
can be improved.
* * * * *