U.S. patent application number 11/137758 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-01 for gaming machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to Aruze Corporation. Invention is credited to Sekiguchi, Hirofumi.
Application Number | 20050266912 11/137758 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34936985 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050266912 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sekiguchi, Hirofumi |
December 1, 2005 |
Gaming machine
Abstract
In the gaming machine, when the game state shifts to the bonus
game, the player selects at least one of the touch button areas
111.about.113 displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4 by
touching thereon. At that time, if the player adjusts utilization
state of the rotation scroll bar 121 displayed on the lower liquid
crystal display 4, the lower liquid crystal display 4 can be
controlled so that the touch button areas other than the touch
button areas 111.about.113 are displayed on the lower liquid
crystal display 4 and the touch button areas 111.about.113 are not
displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4.
Inventors: |
Sekiguchi, Hirofumi; (Tokyo,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ARENT FOX PLLC
1050 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W.
SUITE 400
WASHINGTON
DC
20036
US
|
Assignee: |
Aruze Corporation
|
Family ID: |
34936985 |
Appl. No.: |
11/137758 |
Filed: |
May 26, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3267 20130101;
G07F 17/3244 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/016 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 28, 2004 |
JP |
2004-159804 |
May 28, 2004 |
JP |
2004-159805 |
May 10, 2005 |
JP |
2005-137706 |
May 10, 2005 |
JP |
2005-137743 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A gaming machine in which a base game and a bonus game are
conducted, the bonus game being conducted when a predetermined
result is obtained in the base game, the gaming machine comprising:
a preparation device for preparing a plurality of limbs belonging
to a first limb group in the bonus game, each of the limbs
corresponding to individual effect contents; a display device for
displaying a part of the limbs in the first limb group; a first
operation device for operating the display device so that a
remainder except for the part of the limbs in the first limb group
is displayed on the display device; a first selection device for
selecting at least one of limbs in the first limb group displayed
on the display device, the limbs including the part and the
remainder thereof; and a game control device for processing the
bonus game according to the effect contents corresponding to the
limb selected by the first selection device.
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a
touch panel arranged on the display device; wherein the first
operation device and the first selection device are constructed on
the touch panel.
3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the first
operation device is constructed from a first scroll bar displayed
on the display device and a touch panel portion corresponding to
the first scroll bar.
4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the remainder
of the limbs in the first limb group is displayed by operating the
first scroll bar.
5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the preparation
device prepares a plurality of limbs belonging to a second limb
group when at least one of limbs in the first limb group is
selected by the first selection device, and wherein a part of the
limbs in the second limb group are displayed on the display
device.
6. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the second limb
group corresponds to each of the limbs in the first limb group.
7. The gaming machine according to claim 6, further comprising: a
lottery device for allotting a payout to each of the limbs in the
second limb group.
8. The gaming machine according to claim 7, further comprising: a
second operation device for operating the display device so that a
remainder except for the part of the limbs in the second limb group
is displayed on the display device; and a second selection device
for selecting at least one of limbs in the second limb group
displayed on the display device
9. The gaming machine according to claim 8, wherein the second
operation device and the second selection device are constructed on
the touch panel.
10. The gaming machine according to claim 9, wherein the second
operation device is constructed from a second scroll bar displayed
on the display device and a touch panel portion corresponding to
the second scroll bar.
11. The gaming machine according to claim 10, wherein the remainder
of the limbs in the second limb group is displayed by operating the
second scroll bar.
12. The gaming machine according to claim 8, wherein the display
device comprises a first monitor on which the base game is
conducted and a second monitor arranged adjacent to the first
monitor.
13. The gaming machine according to claim 12, wherein the limbs
including the part and the remainder in the second limb group are
displayed on the first monitor and the limb in the second limb
group selected by the second selection device on the first monitor
is displayed on the second monitor.
14. The gaming machine according to claim 12, wherein the limbs
including the part and the remainder in the second limb group are
displayed on both the first monitor and the second monitor.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATIONS(S)
[0001] This application is based upon and claims a priority from
the prior Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2004-159804 filed on May
28, 2004, 2005-137706 filed on May 10, 2005, 2004-159805 filed on
May 28, 2004 and 2005-137743 filed on May 10, 2005, 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
bonus game is processed based on a limb selected among a plurality
of limbs by a player.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] In a conventional gaming machine, for example, a slot
machine, a winning state is determined according to a symbol
combination displayed on an activated pay line after a coin is
inserted. And as the winning state, for example, there exist a
so-called "big prize" in which more than 1000 coins are paid out
and a so-called "small prize" in which less than 1000 coins are
paid out and a so-called "obtainment of second game" in which a
second game can be done as a sub-game, as disclosed in Unexamined
Japanese Publication No. 11-244453.
[0006] At this point, the "second game" is called as a bonus game
and there exist various bonus games. Here, showing one of the bonus
games as an example, as shown in National Publication of the
Translation Version No. 2002-537874, there exists a bonus game that
a plurality of limbs, for each of which a payout is allotted
beforehand, are displayed on a video display screen and a player
can obtain a payout corresponding to the limb selected by
himself/herself while seeing the video display screen.
[0007] In this case, the player can only select the limb among a
plurality of limbs presently displayed on the video display screen,
therefore the play style thereof becomes very simple. Thus,
interest for the bonus game is reduced.
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 the bonus game can be improved by increasing limbs to
be selected.
[0009] In order to accomplish the above object, according to one
aspect of the present invention, it is provided a gaming machine in
which a base game and a bonus game are conducted, the bonus game
being conducted when a predetermined result is obtained in the base
game,
[0010] the gaming machine comprising:
[0011] a preparation device for preparing a plurality of limbs
belonging to a first limb group in the bonus game, each of the
limbs corresponding to individual effect contents;
[0012] a display device for displaying a part of the limbs in the
first limb group;
[0013] a first operation device for operating the display device so
that a remainder except for the part of the limbs in the first limb
group is displayed on the display device;
[0014] a first selection device for selecting at least one of limbs
in the first limb group displayed on the display device, the limbs
including the part and the remainder thereof; and
[0015] a game control device for processing the bonus game
according to the effect contents corresponding to the limb selected
by the first selection device.
[0016] According to the gaming machine of the present invention, in
the bonus game, when a part of the limbs in the first limb group is
displayed on the display device and a player selects at least one
of the limbs in the first limb group by the first selection device,
the player can operate the display device by the first operation
device so that the remainder except for the part of the limbs in
the first limb group is displayed on the display device. And each
of the limbs in the first limb group corresponds to individual
effect contents. Therefore, the remainder of the limbs not
displayed on the display device can be displayed by the first
operation device and selection routes corresponding to the effect
contents can be increased, as a result, interest for the bonus game
can be improved.
[0017] 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
[0018] 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.
[0019] In the drawings
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a slot machine,
[0021] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a lower liquid crystal display
and a reel,
[0022] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the lower liquid
crystal display,
[0023] FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing a control
system of the slot machine,
[0024] FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing a liquid
crystal drive circuit of the lower liquid crystal display,
[0025] FIG. 6 is an explanatory view schematically showing symbol
columns which are displayed on the lower liquid crystal display in
a base game and variably displayed on variable display
portions;
[0026] FIG. 7 is an explanatory view schematically showing a
display sheet stored in a work RAM when a game state shifts to a
bonus game,
[0027] FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing a lottery table of
stop symbols when the base game is conducted by using three
variable display portions;
[0028] FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing winning combinations
and payouts thereof when the base game is conducted by using three
variable display portions;
[0029] FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing an image displayed on
the lower liquid crystal display when the game state shifts to the
bonus game;
[0030] FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing an image displayed on
the lower liquid crystal display when the game state shifts to the
bonus game;
[0031] FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing payouts when the
bonus game is conducted;
[0032] FIG. 13 is an explanatory view schematically showing display
ranges of the upper liquid crystal display and the lower liquid
crystal display in the display sheet stored in the work RAM when
the game state shifts to the bonus game;
[0033] FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a main process program;
[0034] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a start acceptance process
program;
[0035] FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a lottery process program;
[0036] FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a base game process program;
[0037] FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a bonus game process program;
[0038] FIG. 19 is an explanatory view showing images displayed on
the upper liquid crystal display and the lower liquid crystal
display when the game state shifts to the bonus game;
[0039] FIG. 20 is an explanatory view showing images displayed on
the upper liquid crystal display and lower liquid crystal display
when the game state shifts to the bonus game;
[0040] FIG. 21 is an explanatory view showing the lottery table of
the winning combinations and the payouts thereof when the base game
is conducted by using three variable display portions;
[0041] FIG. 22 is an explanatory view showing an image displayed on
the lower liquid crystal display when the game state shifts to the
bonus game;
[0042] FIG. 23 is an explanatory view showing an image displayed on
the lower liquid crystal display when the game state shifts to the
bonus game;
[0043] FIG. 24 is an explanatory view showing a rotation scroll
bar; and
[0044] FIG. 25 is an explanatory view showing images displayed on
the upper liquid crystal display and the lower liquid crystal
display when the game state shifts to the bonus game.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0045] Hereinafter, as the gaming machine according to the present
invention, the embodiment embodying the present invention in the
slot machine will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, an outline construction of the slot machine according to the
embodiment will described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 4. FIG. 1
is a perspective view of the slot machine. FIG. 4 is a block
diagram schematically showing a control system in the slot
machine
[0046] In FIG. 1, the slot machine 1 has a cabinet 2 constructing a
whole of the slot machine 1. On an upper plane of the cabinet 2, a
lamp 15 is provided. And at a front upper part of the cabinet 2 an
upper liquid crystal display 3 is arranged, and at a front central
part of the cabinet 2 a lower liquid crystal display 4 is arranged.
Here, the upper liquid crystal display 3 is constructed from a
liquid crystal display device which is generally used, and the
lower liquid crystal display 4 is constructed from, so-called, a
transparent liquid crystal display device. On the upper liquid
crystal display 3, game operation method, kinds of winning
combinations and payout therefor and information concerning with
the game such as various effects thereof are displayed. And on the
lower liquid crystal display 4, as shown in FIG. 1, three variable
display portions 22, 23 and 24 are basically displayed and various
symbols formed on each of reels 220 (see FIG. 4) mentioned later
are scrolled to the downward direction from the upward direction
while being variably displayed on each of the variable display
portions 22 to 24. Here, the detailed construction of the lower
liquid crystal display 4 will be described hereinafter.
[0047] A control panel 5, which is projected frontward, is formed
below the lower liquid crystal display 4, and from the most left
side on the control panel 5, a change button 6, a cashout button 7,
a help button 8 are arranged. And a coin insertion slot 9 and a
bill insertion portion 10 are arranged at the right side of help
button 8. Further, from the left side, a 1-BET button 11, a
SPIN/REPEAT BET button 12, a 3-BET button 13 and a 5-BET button 14
are positioned at the front side on the control panel 5.
[0048] Here, the change button 6 is a button to turn on the lamp
15. To this change button 6, a change switch 62 is attached, and a
switch signal is output to a CPU 50 from the change switch 62 based
on press of the change button 6.
[0049] The cashout button 7 is usually pressed when games are
terminated, and when the cashout button 7 is pressed coins got in
games are paid out through the coin payout chute 17 to the coin
tray 16. Here, to the cashout button 7, a cashout switch 63
(mentioned hereinafter) is attached and a switch signal is output
to the CPU 50 from the cashout switch 63 based on press of the
cashout button 7.
[0050] The help button 8 is pressed when the player cannot
understand game operation method, and when the help button 8 is
pressed, various help information is displayed on the upper liquid
crystal display 3 or the lower liquid crystal display 4. To this
help button 8, a help switch 64 (mentioned hereinafter) is attached
and a switch signal is output to the CPU 50 from the help switch 64
based on press of the help button 8.
[0051] To the coin insertion slot 9, a coin sensor 65 (mentioned
hereinafter) is positioned, and when the coin is inserted in the
coin insertion slot 9 a coin detection signal is output to the CPU
50 through the coin sensor 65. And to the bill insertion portion 10
a bill sensor 66 (mentioned hereinafter) is positioned, and when
the bill is inserted in the bill insertion portion 10 a bill
detection signal is output to the CPU 50 through the bill sensor
66.
[0052] As for the 1-BET button 11, every the 1-BET button is
pressed one credit is betted, and to the 1-BET button 11, a 1-BET
switch 59 is attached and when the 1-BET button 11 is pressed a
switch signal is output to the CPU 50 from the 1-BET switch 59
based on press of the 1-BET button 11.
[0053] The SPIN/REPEAT BET button 12 is the button to start games
from the present bet number or the previous bet number by press
thereof, thereby variable display of the symbols is started on the
variable display portions 22 to 24 of the lower liquid crystal
display 4. To the SPIN/REPEAT BET button 12, a spin switch 58
(mentioned later) is attached, and when the SPIN/REPEAT BET button
12 is pressed a switch signal is output to the CPU 50 from the spin
switch 58 based on press of the SPIN/REPEAT BET button 12. Here, as
the bet number which can be betted by press of the SPIN/REPEAT BET
button 12, there may exist 1, 2, 3 and 5 bets.
[0054] The 3-BET button 13 is the button to start games from 3 bets
on the basis of press thereof. To this 3-BET button 13, a 3-BET
switch 60 (mentioned hereinafter) is attached and when the 3-BET
button 13 is pressed a switch signal is output to the CPU 50 from
the 3-BET switch 60. And the 5-BET button 14 is the button to start
games from 5 bets on the basis of press thereof. To the 5-BET
button 12, a 5-BET switch 61 is attached and when the 5-BET button
is pressed a switch signal is output to the CPU 50 from the 5-BET
switch 61 on the basis of press thereof.
[0055] Further, at the lower part of the cabinet 2, the coin payout
chute 17 is formed and the coin tray 16 to receive coins paid out
from the coin payout chute 17 is provided. In the coin payout chute
17, a coin detection part 73 constructed from a sensor and the like
is positioned and the coin detection part 73 detects the number of
coins paid out from the coin payout chute 17.
[0056] Next, it will be described a detailed construction of the
lower liquid crystal display 4 and reels rotatably arranged behind
the lower liquid crystal display 4 in the cabinet 2, with reference
to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the
lower liquid crystal display and the reels, and FIG. 3 is an
exploded perspective view of the lower liquid crystal display
4.
[0057] In FIGS. 2 and 3, the lower liquid crystal display 4 is
arranged within a display window 21 of a device front panel 20
positioned at the front center part of the cabinet 2 in the slot
machine 1, with a touch panel 30 arranged at the front side (the
left side in FIG. 2) of the lower liquid crystal display 4. And at
the rear side (the right side in FIG. 2) of the lower liquid
crystal display 4, three reels 220 (only one reel 220 is indicated
in FIG. 2) are supported in a parallel state so that the reels 220
become independently rotatable.
[0058] That is to say, as shown in FIG. 2, the lower liquid crystal
display 4 is arranged in front of three reels 220. And a base game
mentioned later is conducted on the reels 220 which can be seen
through the lower liquid crystal display 4.
[0059] Here, each reel 220 will be described. Among three reels
220, the left reel 220 when seen from the front plane of the slot
machine 1 faces to a display portion 22 (see FIG. 1) formed in the
lower liquid crystal display 4, the center reel 220 faces to a
display portion 23 (see FIG. 1) similarly formed in the lower
liquid crystal display 4 and the right reel 220 faces to a display
portion 24 (see FIG. 1) similarly formed in the lower liquid
crystal display 4.
[0060] Here, construction of each of the variable display portions
22 to 24 will be described hereinafter.
[0061] Next, construction of the lower liquid crystal display 4
will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3A.about.3I. In
FIGS. 2 and 3A.about.3I, the lower liquid crystal display 4 is
constructed by arranging from the front side of the slot machine 1;
the transparent touch panel 30, the reel glass base 31, the bezel
metal frame 32, the transparent liquid crystal panel 33, the liquid
crystal holder 34, the diffusion sheet 35, the light guiding plate
36, the white reflector 37, the rear holder 38 and the antistatic
sheet 39. In the diffusion sheet 35, three openings 35A, 35B, 35C
are formed. Similarly, in the light guiding plate 36, the reflector
37 and the rear holder 38, three openings 36A, 36B, 36C, 37A, 37B,
37C, 38A, 38B, 38C are formed respectively, so as to coincide with
the openings 35A, 35B, 35C. Here, the openings 35A.about.38A
construct the variable display portion 22 (see FIG. 1) by
superimposing so as to coincide with each other. Similarly, the
openings 35B.about.38B construct the variable display portion 23
(see FIG. 1) by superimposing so as to coincide with each other and
the openings 35C.about.38C construct the variable display portion
24 (see FIG. 1) by superimposing so as to coincide with each
other.
[0062] Here, the openings 35A.about.35C of the diffusion sheet 35
and the openings 36A.about.36C of the light guiding plate 36
construct the light transmitting areas to retain visibility of the
variable display portions 22 to 24.
[0063] In order to install the lower liquid crystal display 4 to
the display window 210 of the device front panel 20, as shown in
FIG. 2, brackets 40 are screwed to the rear side of the device
front panel 20 by screws 410.
[0064] And at an upper and lower ends of the light guiding plate
36, a pair of cathode ray tubes 420 are arranged as light source of
the liquid crystal panel 33. And at an upper and lower positions in
the rear side of each of openings 38A.about.38C in the holder 38, a
pair of cold cathode ray tubes 430 may be arranged.
[0065] The liquid crystal panel 33 is a transparent electric
display panel on which transparent electrodes such as Ito are
formed, and the circumference in rear side of the display portion
of the liquid crystal panel 33 is held by the liquid crystal holder
34. The light guiding plate 36 is made of the light transmitting
resin panel, and in the light guiding plate 36 lens cut portions
are formed, the lens cut portions guiding light emitted from the
cathode ray tubes 420 positioned at side positions to the rear side
of the liquid crystal panel 33. The light diffusion sheet 35 is
made from a light transmitting resin sheet and diffuses light led
thereto by the light guiding plate 36 and levels light irradiated
to the liquid crystal panel 33. The liquid crystal holder 34 for
holding the liquid crystal panel 33, the diffusion sheet 35 and the
light guiding plate 36 are assembled into one-piece construction
and circumference thereof is inserted in the bezel metal frame 32.
Thereby, the front side of the display portion in the liquid
crystal panel 33 is retained by the bezel metal frame 32.
[0066] Circumferences of the liquid crystal holder 34, the light
diffusion sheet 35 and the light guiding plate 36, which are
inserted in the bezel metal frame 32 and assembled into one-piece
construction, is further inserted in the reel glass base 31 and
retained by the reel glass base 31 in a state that the front
display plane of the liquid crystal panel 33 is opened. The
transparent touch panel 30 is pressed to the front face of the reel
glass base 31 and superimposed on the front face of display portion
of the liquid crystal panel 33 based on that the reel glass base 31
is attached to the device front panel 20 by screws 410.
[0067] The rear holder 38 is made from a white resin plate and
retains to the reel glass base 31 the bezel metal frame 32
supported to the reel glass base 31, the liquid crystal holder 34
holding the liquid crystal panel 33, the light diffusion sheet 35
and the light guiding plate 36 from the rear sides thereof. The
rear holder 38 also functions as a reflecting plate for reflecting
light emitted from the cathode ray tubes 420 to the light guiding
plate 36 toward the liquid crystal panel 33. The antistatic sheet
39 is made transparent and adhered to the rear plane of the rear
holder 38 by double-sided adhesive tape, thereby the antistatic
sheet 39 covers the rear plane of each of the openings
38A.about.38C formed in the rear holder 38.
[0068] On an outer periphery of each reel 220, various symbols
shown in FIG. 6 are formed, the symbols being used in the base
game. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing symbol columns each of
which is formed on the outer periphery of each reel 220 and which
are variably displayed on each of variable display portions 22 to
24 made transparent on the lower liquid crystal display 4 while
being scrolled in the base game. In FIG. 6, the symbol column 41 is
the symbol column which is variably displayed on the variable
display portion 22, the symbol column 42 is the symbol column which
is variably displayed on the variable display portion 23, the
symbol column 43 is the symbol column which is variably displayed
on the variable display portion 24.
[0069] Here, the symbol columns 41 and 43 commonly have the same
arrangement of the symbols and such arrangement of the symbols is
constructed from eleven symbols in which the triple BAR 91, the
cherry 92, the double BAR 93, the symbol seven 94, the single BAR
95 and the blank (no symbol exists) 96 are voluntarily
combined.
[0070] And although the symbol column 42 is as same as the symbol
column 41 and 43 at the point that the triple BAR 91, the cherry
92, the double BAR 93, the symbol seven 94, the single Bar 95 and
the blank 96 are combined, one trigger symbol 97 is further
arranged in the symbol column 42. This trigger symbol 97, as
mentioned hereinafter, functions as a symbol to shift to the bonus
game in the base game, and when the trigger symbol 97 is stopped
and displayed on the pay line L in the variable display portion 23,
the game state shifts to the bonus game from the base game.
[0071] And formation of the symbols on the outer periphery of the
reel 220 is generally done as follows. First, symbols and blanks
(total number of which is 11) are printed on a long reel sheet
having a width and a length corresponding to the width and the
periphery length of the reel 220, respectively. And such reel sheet
is adhered on the peripheral plane of the reel 220. Of course, the
symbols may be formed by different method other than the above
method.
[0072] Here, when the symbol columns 41 to 43, which are scrolled
on the variable display portions 22 to 24 respectively, are stopped
and displayed thereon, three symbols are stopped and displayed on
each of the variable display portions 22 to 24.
[0073] And various winning combinations are set beforehand based on
a plurality of symbol combinations and when the symbol combination
corresponding to the winning combination is stopped on the pay line
L, coins are paid out from the coin payout chute 17 according to
the winning combination. The above mentioned points are as same as
those in the conventional slot machine, therefore detailed
description thereof will be omitted.
[0074] Next, it will be described a construction of the control
system in the slot machine 1 with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a
block diagram schematically showing the control system in the slot
machine 1.
[0075] In FIG. 4, the control system of the slot machine 1 is
basically constructed from the CPU 50, and a ROM 51 and a RAM 52
are connected to the CPU 50. The ROM 51 stores a main process
program mentioned later, a base game process program, a bonus game
process program, a lottery table utilized in a lottery of the
symbols stopped and displayed in the base game, various programs
necessary for controlling the slot machine 1 and various data
tables and the like. And the RAM 52 is a memory for temporarily
storing various data calculated by the CPU 50.
[0076] And to the CPU 50, a clock pulse generator 53 for generating
standard clock pulses and a frequency divider 54 are connected, and
a random number generator 55 and a sampling circuit 56 are also
connected. Random number sampled by the random number generator 56
is utilized in various lotteries of the winning combinations and
the like. Further, to the CPU 50, the spin switch 58 attached to
the SPIN (SPIN/REPEAT BET) button 12, the 1-BET switch 59 attached
to the 1-BET button 11, the 3-BET switch 60 attached to the 3-BET
button 13, the 5-BET switch 61 attached to the 5-BET button 14, the
change switch 62 attached to the change button 6, the cashout
switch 63 attached to the cashout button 7 and the help switch 64
attached to the help button 8 are connected respectively. The CPU
50 controls the slot machine 1 to execute various operations
corresponding to each button, based on the switch signal output
from each switch when such buttons are pressed.
[0077] To the CPU 50, three stepping motors 68 for rotating each of
the reels 220 through a motor drive circuit 167 are connected, and
also a reel position detection circuit 69 is connected. When a
motor drive signal is output to the motor drive circuit 167, each
stepping motor 68 is driven to rotate by the motor drive circuit
167, thereby each reel 220 is rotated.
[0078] At that time, after each reel 22 is started to rotate, the
number of drive pulses provided to each stepping motor 68 is
calculated and the calculated value is written in the predetermined
area of the RAM 52. And the reset pulse is output every one
rotation of the reel 220 and such reset pulse is input to the CPU
50 through the reel position detection circuit 69. When the reset
pulse is input to the CPU 50, the calculated value written in the
RAM 52 is cleared in "0", and the CPU 50 recognizes the symbol
rotational position in the reel 220, based on the calculated value
corresponding to the rotational position of the reel 220 within one
rotation and the symbol table in which the rotational position of
the reel 22 stored in the ROM 51 and the symbols formed on outer
peripheral plane of the reel 22 are corresponded with each
other.
[0079] Further, to the CPU 50, the coin sensor 65 positioned in the
coin insertion slot 9 and the bill sensor 66 positioned in the bill
insertion portion 10 are connected respectively. The coin sensor 65
detects coins inserted from the coin insertion slot 9 and the CPU
50 calculates the number of inserted coins based on the coin
detection signal output from the coin sensor 65. The bill sensor 66
detects the kind and sum of bill and the CPU 50 calculates the
number of coins equivalent to sum of bill, based on the bill
detection signal output from the bill sensor 66.
[0080] To the CPU 50, a hopper 71 is connected through a hopper
drive circuit 70. When a drive signal is output to the hopper
circuit 70 from the CPU 50, the hopper 71 pays out predetermined
number of coins from the coin payout chute 17
[0081] And to the CPU 50, a coin detection part 73 is connected
through a payout completion signal circuit 72. The coin detection
part 73 is arranged in the coin payout chute 17 and when the coin
detection part 73 detects that a predetermined number of coins are
paid out from the coin payout chute 17, the payout completion
signal is output to the payout completion signal circuit 72 from
the coin detection part 73. Based on this, the payout completion
signal circuit 72 outputs the payout completion signal to the CPU
50. Further, to the CPU 50, the upper liquid crystal display 3 and
the lower liquid crystal display 4 are connected through a liquid
crystal drive circuit 74. The upper liquid crystal display 3 and
the lower liquid crystal display 4 are controlled by the CPU
50.
[0082] At this point of view, as shown in FIG. 5, the liquid
crystal drive circuit 74 is constructed from a program ROM 81, an
image ROM 82, an image control CPU 83, a work RAM 84, a VDP (Video
Display Processor) 85 and a video RAM 86. And in the program ROM
81, an image control program concerning with display on the upper
liquid crystal display 3 and the lower liquid crystal display 4 and
various selection tables are stored. Further, in the image ROM 82,
for example, it is stored dot data for forming images displayed on
the upper liquid crystal display 3 and the lower liquid crystal
display 4. And the image control CPU 83 determines images displayed
on the upper liquid crystal display 3 and the lower liquid crystal
display 4 among the dot data stored in the image ROM 82 beforehand,
according to the image control program stored in the program ROM 81
based on parameters set by the CPU 50. And the work RAM 84
functions as the temporary memory when the above image control
program is executed by the image control CPU 83. Further, the VDP
85 forms images corresponding to display contents determined by the
image control CPU 83 and outputs the images to the upper liquid
crystal display 3 and the lower liquid crystal display 4. Here, the
video RAM 86 functions as the temporary memory when images are
formed by the VDP 85.
[0083] And to the CPU 50, LEDs 78 are connected through a LED drive
circuit 77. A plurality of LEDs 78 are arranged on the front plane
of the slot machine 1 and the LEDs 78 are controlled so as to turn
on based on the drive signals from the CPU 50. Further, a speaker
80 and a sound output circuit 79 are connected to the CPU 50 and
the speaker 80 produces various effective sounds when various
effects are conducted based on the output signal from the sound
output circuit 79.
[0084] And to the CPU 50, the lamp 15 is connected through a lamp
drive circuit 75. The lamp 15 is disposed on the upper plane of the
slot machine 1 (see FIG. 1) and when the change button 6 is
pressed, the lamp 15 is controlled so as to turn on through the
lamp drive circuit 75 based on the drive signal from the CPU
50.
[0085] And to the CPU 50, the transparent touch panel 30 is
connected through a touch panel drive circuit 67. The transparent
touch panel 30 is disposed on the image plane of the lower liquid
crystal display 4 and it can be determined on the transparent touch
panel 30 a portion touched by the finger of the player and a moving
direction of the touched portion through the touch panel drive
circuit 67, based on the coordinate position information of the
portion touched by the finger of the player.
[0086] Therefore, concerning with a rotation scroll bar 121
(mentioned later) displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4
as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 and concerning with the rotation scroll
bar 121 and a scroll bar 124 to magnify and reduce displayed on the
lower liquid crystal display 4 as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the CPU
50 can determine the directions along which the finger of the
player traces the scroll bars 121, 124, by utilizing the touch
panel drive circuit 67 and the transparent touch panel 30.
[0087] Further, concerning with a scroll bar 122 for rightward and
leftward directions and a scroll bar 123 for upward and downward
directions displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4 as shown
in FIGS. 19 and 20, the CPU 50 can determine the directions along
which the finger of the player traces the scroll bars 122, 123, by
utilizing the touch panel drive circuit 67 and the transparent
touch panel 30.
[0088] And concerning with touch button areas 111.about.115
displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4 as shown in FIGS.
10, 11 and touch button areas 114.about.116 displayed on the lower
liquid crystal display 4 as shown in FIGS. 22, 23, the CPU 50 can
determine by utilizing the touch panel drive circuit 67 and the
transparent touch panel 30 that the player touches the above touch
button areas.
[0089] Here, in a case that the base game is conducted in the slot
machine 1, the lottery table utilized when the symbols stopped and
displayed on the pay line L are determined will be described with
reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing the
lottery table based on which the symbols to be stopped and
displayed on three variable display portions 22 to 24 are
determined when the base game is conducted while utilizing three
variable display portions 22 to 24.
[0090] At this point, the symbols stopped and displayed on the pay
line L are determined every each reel of three reels 220. In order
to realize this, one of the code numbers "0".about."10" is allotted
from the upper position to the lower position to each symbol in the
symbol columns 41 to 43 every reel 220 shown in FIG. 6, and it is
provided the lottery table shown in FIG. 8. Further, three random
number values are sampled corresponding to each of three reels 220,
through the random number sampling circuit 56.
[0091] Here, in FIG. 8, for explanatory convenience, the reel 220
on which the symbol column 41, which can be seen through the left
variable display portion 22, is formed is indicated as the "left
reel", the reel 220 on which the symbol column 43, which can be
seen through the right variable display portion 24, is formed is
indicated as the "right" reel" and the reel 220 on which the symbol
column 42, which can be seen through the center variable portion
23, is formed is indicated as the "center reel".
[0092] As for the "left reel" corresponding to the symbol column 41
of the left variable display portion 22, if the random number value
sampled by the random number sampling circuit 56 lies in a range of
0.about.15, the blank 96 allotted to the code number "0" is stopped
and displayed on the pay line L. And if the random number value
lies in a range of 16.about.25, the triple BAR 91 allotted to the
code number "1" is stopped and displayed on the pay line L, and if
the random number value lies in a range of 26.about.36, the cherry
92 allotted to the code number "2" is stopped and displayed on the
pay line L. If the random number value lies in a range of
37.about.46, the double BAR 93 allotted to the code number "3" is
stopped and displayed on the pay line L, and if the random number
value lies in a range of 47.about.52, the symbol seven 94 allotted
to the code number "4" is stopped and displayed on the pay line L.
If the random number value lies in a range of 53.about.63, the
single BAR 95 allotted to the code number "5" is stopped and
displayed on the pay line L, and if the random number value lies in
range of 64.about.80, the blank 96 allotted to the code number "6"
is stopped and displayed on the pay line L. If the random number
value lies in a range of 81.about.91, the triple BAR allotted to
the code number "7" is stopped and displayed on the pay line L, and
if the random number value lies in a range of 92.about.103, the
double BAR 93 allotted to the code number "8" is stopped and
displayed on the pay line L. If the random number value lies in a
range of 104.about.115, the symbol seven 94 allotted to the code
number "9" is stopped and displayed on the pay line L, and if the
random number value lies in a range of 116.about.127, the single
BAR 95 allotted to the code number "10" is stopped and displayed on
the pay line L.
[0093] And as for the "right reel" corresponding to the symbol
column 43 of the right variable display portion 24, there is the
same relation as that in the above left reel. And if the random
number value sampled by the random number sampling circuit 56 lies
in a range of 0.about.15, the blank 96 allotted to the code number
"0" is stopped and displayed on the pay line L. And if the random
number value lies in a range of 16.about.25, the triple BAR 91
allotted to the code number "1" is stopped and displayed on the pay
line L, and if the random number value lies in a range of
26.about.36, the cherry 92 allotted to the code number "2" is
stopped and displayed on the pay line L. If the random number value
lies in a range of 37.about.46, the double BAR 93 allotted to the
code number "3" is stopped and displayed on the pay line L, and if
the random number value lies in a range of 47.about.52, the symbol
seven 94 allotted to the code number "4" is stopped and displayed
on the pay line L. If the random number value lies in a range of
53.about.63, the single BAR 95 allotted to the code number "5" is
stopped and displayed on the pay line L, and if the random number
value lies in range of 64.about.80, the blank 96 allotted to the
code number "6" is stopped and displayed on the pay line L. If the
random number value lies in a range of 81.about.91, the triple BAR
allotted to the code number "7" is stopped and displayed on the pay
line L, and if the random number value lies in a range of
92.about.103, the double BAR 93 allotted to the code number "8" is
stopped and displayed on the pay line L. If the random number value
lies in a range of 104.about.115, the symbol seven 94 allotted to
the code number "9" is stopped and displayed on the pay line L, and
if the random number value lies in a range of 116.about.127, the
single BAR 95 allotted to the code number "10" is stopped and
displayed on the pay line L.
[0094] On the other hand, as for the "center reel" corresponding to
corresponding to the symbol column 42 of the center variable
display portion 23, if the random number value sampled by the
random number sampling circuit 56 is 0 (zero), the trigger symbol
97 allotted to the code number "0" is stopped and displayed on the
pay line L. And if the random number value lies in a range of
1.about.15, the triple BAR 91 allotted to the code number "1" is
stopped and displayed on the pay line L, and if the random number
value lies in a range of 16.about.20, the cherry 92 allotted to the
code number "2" is stopped and displayed on the pay line L. And if
the random number value lies in a range of 21.about.32, the double
BAR 93 allotted to the code number "3" is stopped and displayed on
the pay line L, and if the random number value lies in a range of
33.about.45, the symbol seven 94 allotted to the code number "4" is
stopped and displayed on the pay line L. And if the random number
value lies in a range of 46.about.53, the single BAR 95 allotted to
the code number "5" is stopped and displayed on the pay line L, and
if the random number value lies in a range of 54.about.64, the
blank 96 allotted to the code number "6" is stopped and displayed
on the pay line L. And if the random number value lies in a range
of 65.about.71, the triple BAR 91 allotted to the code number "7"
is stopped and displayed on the pay line L, and if the random
number value lies in a range of 72.about.82, the double BAR 93
allotted to the code number "8" is stopped and displayed on the pay
line L. And the random number value lies in a range of
83.about.120, the symbol seven 94 allotted to the code number "9"
is stopped and displayed on the pay line L, and if the random
number value lies in a range of 121.about.127, the single BAR 95
allotted to the code number "10" is stopped and displayed on the
pay line L.
[0095] Next, in a case that the base game is conducted by utilizing
three variable display portions 22 to 24 in the slot machine 1, the
winning combinations and payouts thereof will be described with
reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing
correspondence between winning combinations and payouts when the
base game is conducted while utilizing three variable display
portions 22 to 24. In FIG. 9, in a case that the code number of the
center reel is "0" (zero) and the code numbers of the right reel
and the left reel are any of "1" to "10", the bonus game is won. In
this case, the trigger symbol 97 is stopped and displayed on the
pay line L in the variable display portion 23 and the payout
thereof is "500", thereby the game state shifts to the bonus game
from the base game. Here, the bonus game is the game which is
conducted after the base game is finished and the bonus game is
generally made beneficial for the player in many cases.
[0096] And if the code numbers of the right reel, the center reel
and the left reel are "4" or "9", the winning combination "7-7-7"
is won. In this case, the symbol seven 94 is stopped and displayed
on the pay line L in each of the variable display portions 22, 23
and 24, and the payout thereof is "100". And if the code numbers of
the right reel, the center reel and the left reel are "1" or "7",
the winning combination "3BAR-3BAR-3BAR" is won. In this case, the
3 BAR 91 is stopped and displayed on the pay line L in each of the
variable display portions 22, 23 and 24, and the payout thereof is
"5". And if the code numbers of the right reel, the center reel and
the left reel are "3" or "8", the winning combination
"2BAR-2BAR-2BAR" is won. In this case, the 2 BAR 93 is stopped and
displayed on the pay line L in each of the variable display
portions 22, 23 and 24, and the payout thereof is "3". And if the
code numbers of the right reel, the center reel and the left reel
are "5" or "10", the winning combination "1BAR-1BAR-1BAR" is won.
In this case, the 1 BAR 95 is stopped and displayed on the pay line
L in each of the variable display portions 22, 23 and 24, and the
payout thereof is "2". And if the code numbers of the right reel,
the center reel and the left reel are "2", the winning combination
"cherry-cherry-cherry" is won. In this case, the cherry 92 is
stopped and displayed on the pay line L in each of the variable
display portions 22, 23 and 24, and the payout thereof is "1".
[0097] Here, if the combination of the code numbers in the right
reel, the center reel and the left reel is a combination other than
the above combinations, the winning combination is lost. In this
case, any one of the triple BAR 91, the cherry 92, the double BAR
93, the symbol seven 94, the single BAR 95 and the blank 96, each
of which corresponds to each code number is stopped and displayed
on the pay line L in each of the variable display portions 22, 23
and 24, and the payout thereof is nothing.
[0098] Next, the bonus game will be described. The bonus game is,
as mentioned in the above, a game which is shifted from the base
game when the trigger symbol 97 is stopped and displayed on the pay
line L in the variable display portion 23 during the base game.
Here, right after the game state shifts to the bonus game from the
base game, an island 3D image is displayed on the lower liquid
crystal display 4 as shown in FIG. 10. At this point, a rotation
scroll bar 121 is displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4
and when the player traces the rotation scroll bar 121 by the
finger, the view point is moved to the direction traced. Thereby,
the island 3D image displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4
can be moved and rotated. Therefore, by utilizing the rotation
scroll bar 121, for example, an image of an opposite side of the
island (the opposite side of the island cannot be seen), which is
not displayed in FIG. 10, can be displayed on the lower liquid
crystal display 4 as show in FIG. 11.
[0099] Here, describing the rotation scroll bar 121 in detail, as
shown in FIG. 24, the rotation scroll bar 121 displayed on the
lower liquid crystal display 4 and peripheral thereof are divided
into six areas 121A, 121B, 121C, 121D, 121E and 121F.
[0100] And in a case that it is determined through the touch panel
drive circuit 67 that the player traces the area 121A by the
finger, the island 3D image displayed on the lower liquid crystal
display 4 can be moved and rotated in the right direction with high
speed. And if it is determined through the touch panel drive
circuit 67 that the player traces the area 121B by the finger, the
island 3D image displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4 can
be moved and rotated in the right direction with medium speed.
Further, if it is determined through the touch panel drive circuit
67 that the player traces the area 121C by the finger, the island
3D image displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4 can be
moved and rotated in the right direction with low speed.
[0101] In addition, if it is determined through the touch panel
drive circuit 67 that the player traces the area 121D by the
finger, the island 3D image displayed on the lower liquid crystal
display 4 can be moved and rotated in the left direction with high
speed. And if it is determined through the touch panel drive
circuit 67 that the player traces the area 121E by the finger, the
island 3D image displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4 can
be moved and rotated in the left direction with medium speed.
Further, if it is determined through the touch panel drive circuit
67 that the player traces the area 121F by the finger, the island
3D image displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4 can be
moved and rotated in the left direction with low speed.
[0102] That is to say, by the rotation scroll bar 121 and six areas
121A, 121B, 121C, 121D, 121E and 121F formed in the periphery of
the rotation scroll bar 121, the island 3D image displayed on the
lower liquid crystal display 4 can be moved and rotated in the
right direction or the left direction with any one of the high,
medium and low speeds.
[0103] And in the island 3D image displayed on the lower liquid
crystal display 4, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a plurality of
touch button areas 111.about.115 are displayed so as to correspond
to each of various points in the island. At this point, right after
the game state shifts to the bonus game, three touch button areas
111.about.113 are displayed in the island 3D image displayed on the
lower liquid crystal display 4 as shown in FIG. 10, and the other
touch button areas 114 and 115 are not displayed. Therefore, in
order that the player discovers the touch button areas 114, 115, it
is required that the island 3D image displayed on the lower liquid
crystal display 4 is rotated so that the display state shifts from
the state in FIG. 10 to the state in FIG. 11 by tracing the
rotation scroll bar 121 by the finger. At that time, as shown in
FIG. 11, in the island 3D image displayed on the lower liquid
crystal display 4, two touch button areas 114 and 115 are displayed
and the other touch button areas 111.about.113 are not
displayed.
[0104] Further, to the plural touch button areas 111.about.115,
names each of which corresponds to each of the island points are
displayed in English. Concretely speaking, the touch button area
111 is displayed as "DEEP JUNGLE" near the deep forest in the
island. And the touch button area 112 is displayed as "SECRET CAVE"
near the secluded cave in the island. Further, the touch button
area 113 is displayed as "ROCKY PASS" near the pass of the rocky
mountain in the island. And the touch button area 114 is displayed
as "STEEP MOUNTAIN" near the steep mountain in the island. Further,
the touch button area 115 is displayed as "GOLDEN PALACE" near the
golden palace in the island.
[0105] And in the bonus game, when the player touches any one of
the plural touch button areas 111.about.115 by the finger, items
which correspond to each of the points in the island and concern
therewith are arranged like checkers and displayed on the lower
liquid crystal display 4. For example, when the player touches the
touch button area 115 by the finger, treasure boxes which are the
items concerning with the golden palace (GOLDEN PALACE) are
arranged like checkers and displayed on the lower liquid crystal
display 4 as shown in FIG. 19.
[0106] At this point, the treasure box arranged like checkers and
displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4 is arranged in each
of the checkers formed in the display sheet 101 shown in FIG. 7,
the display sheet 101 being stored in the work RAM 84. However,
right after the player touches the touch button area 115 by the
finger, the treasure boxes displayed on the lower liquid crystal 4
are only the treasure boxes arranged within the lower liquid
crystal display window 4W as shown in FIG. 13. Here, based on that
the player traces the scroll bar 122 for rightward and leftward
direction or the scroll bar 123 for upward and downward directions
displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4 by the finger, the
lower liquid crystal display window 4W can be moved along the
direction traced. Therefore, by utilizing the scroll bar 122 for
rightward and leftward directions or the scroll bar 123 for upward
and downward directions, any of the treasure boxes arranged in the
display sheet 101 can be displayed on the lower liquid crystal
display 4.
[0107] And any one of payouts ("100", "50", "30", "20", "10" and
"skull mark" (termination of the bonus game)) shown in FIG. 12 is
allotted to each of the treasure boxes arranged in the checkers of
the display sheet 101 by the lottery, and based on that the player
touches any one of the treasure boxes displayed on the lower liquid
crystal display 4 by the finger, one of the treasure boxes
displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4 is selected through
the transparent touch panel 30 (see FIGS. 2 and 4). Thereby, the
payout allotted to the selected treasure box is displayed on the
upper liquid crystal display 3 as shown in FIG. 20.
[0108] That is to say, by utilizing the scroll bar 122 for
rightward and leftward directions and the scroll bar 123 for upward
and downward directions, concerning with the treasure boxes
arranged in the display sheet 101, it can be realized that the
treasure boxes not displayed can be made display and the treasure
boxes displayed can be made not display on the lower liquid crystal
display 4.
[0109] And in this bonus game, selection of the treasure box on the
lower liquid crystal display 4 can be continuously done till the
payout allotted to the treasure box selected becomes the "skull
mark" (termination of the bonus game), and the player can obtain
all payouts displayed on the upper liquid crystal display 3 till
then as the payout of the bonus game.
[0110] Here, in the above, although it is described a case that the
player touches the touch button area 115 by the finger, the same
operation is done even in a case that the player touches any one of
the touch button areas 111.about.114 by the finger. Of course, in
such case, the items corresponding to each of the points in the
island and concerning therewith are arranged like checkers and
displayed, and the player can obtain all payouts displayed on the
upper liquid crystal display 3 as the payout of the bonus game,
according to selection of the items on the lower liquid crystal
display 4.
[0111] In addition to the above, the main process program executed
in the slot machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 14.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the main process program. In FIG. 14, at
first, in step (abbreviated as "S" hereinafter) 11, start
acceptance process in FIG. 15 mentioned later is done. This start
acceptance process is the process to accept the switch signal
output from the spin switch 58, the 1-BET switch 59, the 3-BET
switch 60 or the 5-BET switch 61, based on operation of the
SPIN/REPEAT BET button 12, the 1-BET button 11, the 3-BET button or
the 5-BET button 14. At the time that the switch signal output from
each switch is accepted, the game is started.
[0112] And in S12, the lottery process in FIG. 16 mentioned later
is done based on the switch signal output from the spin switch 58,
the 1-BET switch 59, the 3-BET switch 60 or the 5-BET switch
61.
[0113] Here, if the trigger symbol is won and the bonus game is
triggered, the number of times that the bonus games are
continuously executed is determined, and such number of times is
selected, for example, among 10 games, 20 games and 30 games by the
lottery.
[0114] In S13, the base game process shown in FIG. 17 is done.
Thereafter, procedure shifts to S14 and it is determined whether
the bonus game is realized or not. Concretely speaking, in the
lottery process in S12, if the random number value of the center
reel sampled by the random number sampling circuit 56 is "0"
(zero), the bonus game is realized (S14: YES), therefore procedure
shifts to S15 and the bonus game realization flag stored in the RAM
52 is made ON and, for example, the phrase "BONUS GAME IS REALIZED"
is displayed on the upper liquid crystal display 3, thereby display
indicating realization of the bonus game is done. And the bonus
game process in FIG. 18 is done in S15, thereafter the main process
program is finished. On the other hand, if the random number value
of the center reel sampled by the random number sampling circuit 56
in the lottery process in S12 lies in a range of 1.about.127, the
bonus game is not realized (S14: NO), therefore the main process
program is finished.
[0115] Next, the start acceptance process program done in the slot
machine 1 will be with reference to FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is a flowchart
showing a start acceptance process program. In S11 of the main
process program shown in FIG. 14, the start acceptance process is
done. Concretely, at first, in S21 in FIG. 15, it is determined
whether a predetermined time (for example, 15 seconds) is elapsed
or not. Here, if it is determined that the predetermined time is
not elapsed (S21: NO), procedure directly shifts to S23. On the
other hand, if it is determined that the predetermined time is
elapsed (S21: YES), the demonstration effect process is conducted
on the upper liquid crystal display 3 or the lower liquid crystal
display 4 in S22, thereafter procedure shifts to S23. And in S23,
it is determined whether or not the SPIN/REPEAT BET button 12, the
1-BET button 11, the 3-BET button 13 or the 5-BET button 14 is
operated. Here, if it is determined that one of the above buttons
such as the 1-BET button 11 and the like is not operated (S23: NO),
procedure returns to S21 and the above processes are repeated. On
the other hand, if it is determined that one of the above buttons
such as the 1-BET button 11 and the like is operated (S23: YES),
procedure returns to the main process program in FIG. 14 even while
the demonstration effect process is conducted, and procedure shifts
to the lottery process in S12.
[0116] Next, the lottery process program conducted in the slot
machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a
flowchart showing a lottery process program. In S12 of the main
process program in FIG. 14, the lottery process is done.
Concretely, at first, in S31 in FIG. 16, the symbol determination
process is done. Here, the symbols stopped and displayed on the pay
line L are determined every each of the variable display portions
22 to 24. Concretely, as mentioned above, three random number
values are sampled by the random number sampling circuit 56
corresponding to each of the variable display portions 22 to 24,
and the symbols stopped and displayed are determined on the basis
of the lottery tables in FIG. 8, by utilizing the code numbers. And
if the symbols stopped and displayed on the pay line L are
determined, the winning combination determination process is done
in S32, thereafter procedure returns to the main process program in
FIG. 14 and shifts to the base game process. Here, in the winning
combination determination process, concretely speaking, the winning
combination and the payout are determined on the basis of the table
in FIG. 9 by utilizing the code numbers obtained in S31.
[0117] Next, the base game process program conducted in the slot
machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 17. FIG. 17 is a
flowchart showing a base game process program. In S13 of the main
process program in FIG. 14, the base game process is done.
Concretely, in S41 in FIG. 17, at first, three reels 220 in the
cabinet 2 are started to rotate based on the switch signal output
from the spin switch 58, the 1-BET switch 59, the 3-BET switch 60
or the 5-BET switch 61, the switch signal being accepted in S11 of
FIG. 14. Thereby, the symbols are scrolled in the variable display
portions 22 to 24. At that time, since the variable display
portions 22 to 24 are made transparent, scroll of the symbols can
be seen and recognized through the variable display portions 22 to
24.
[0118] And in S42, three reels 220 in the cabinet 2 are stopped to
rotate, thereby scroll of the symbols in the variable display
portions 22 to 24 is stopped.
[0119] And in S43, coins are paid out corresponding to the payout
set beforehand based on the table in FIG. 9, according to the
symbol combination of the winning combination which is stopped and
displayed on the variable display portions 22 to 24 in S42. Here,
after the process in S43, procedure returns to the main process
program and shifts to S14.
[0120] Next, the bonus game process program done in the slot
machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 18. FIG. 18 is a
flowchart of the bonus game process program. In S12 of the main
process program in FIG. 14, if it is determined that the bonus game
is realized (S12: YES), procedure shifts to S13 in FIG. 14 and the
bonus game process is done. In order to realized this, at first,
procedure shifts to S51 in FIG. 18 and a first limb group is
displayed. Concretely speaking, the first limb group corresponds to
a plurality of the touch button areas 111.about.115 shown in FIGS.
10 and 11. Right after procedure shifts to the bonus game process
in FIG. 18, the lower liquid crystal display 4 is made opaque and
the island 3D image shown in FIG. 10 is displayed. As a result,
three touch button areas 111.about.113 are displayed and two touch
button areas 114 and 115 are not displayed. Here, as mentioned
above, if the rotation scroll bar 121 is utilized, the image of the
opposite side of the island (the opposite side of the island cannot
be seen), which is not displayed in FIG. 10, can be displayed on
the lower liquid crystal display 4 as show in FIG. 11. Thereby, two
touch button areas 114 and 115 can be made display and three touch
button areas 111.about.113 can be made not display. Here, by
adjusting utilization state of the rotation scroll bar 121, a part
of five touch button areas 111.about.115 can be made display and
the remainder thereof can be made not display.
[0121] And in S52, it is determined whether or not one limb is
selected among the first limb group. Concretely speaking, this
determination is done based on whether or not the player touches
any one of the plural touch button areas 111.about.115 displayed on
the lower liquid crystal display 4 by the finger. At that time, if
it is determined that one limb is not selected from the first limb
group (S52: NO), procedure returns to S51 and both the island 3D
image and a part of the plural touch button areas 111.about.115 are
continuously displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4. On
the other hand, if it is determined that one limb is selected from
the first limb group (S52: YES), procedure shifts to S53.
[0122] And in S53, the lottery process is conducted. Concretely,
for example, if the touch button area 115 is selected in the above
mentioned S52, the treasure boxes of the items concerning with the
golden palace (GOLDEN PALACE) displayed in the touch button area
115 are arranged in the checkers formed in the display sheet 101
and any one of payouts ("100", "50", "30", "20", "10" and "skull
mark" (termination of the bonus game)) shown in FIG. 12 is allotted
to each of the checkers formed in the display sheet 101 by the
lottery conducted by the random number generator 55 and the random
number sampling circuit 56. Here, in this lottery, the payout of
the "skull mark" (termination of the bonus game) is certainly
allotted to at least one of the plural checkers formed in the
display sheet 101.
[0123] Here, the lottery process in S53 may be done right after
procedure shifts to the bonus game shown in FIG. 18. In this case,
any one of payouts ("100", "50", "30", "20", "10" and "skull mark"
(termination of the bonus game)) shown in FIG. 12 is allotted to
each of the checkers formed in the display sheet 101 by the lottery
conducted by the random number generator 55 and the random number
sampling circuit 56. Further, the items concerning with the touch
button area selected among the touch button areas 111.about.115 are
arranged in the checkers formed in the display sheet 101 in S54
mentioned later.
[0124] And in S54, a second limb group is displayed. Concretely
speaking, this second limb group corresponds to the item concerning
with the point of the island corresponding to the touch button area
selected among the touch button areas 111.about.115. At this point,
for example, if the touch button area 115 is selected in the above
mentioned S52, the treasure boxes, which are the items concerning
with the golden palace (GOLDEN PALACE) of the touch button area
115, are arranged in the checkers formed in the display sheet 101
and a part of the treasure boxes is arranged like checkers on the
lower liquid crystal display 4 as shown in FIG. 19. Here, if the
scroll bar 122 for rightward and leftward directions or the scroll
bar 123 for upward and downward directions is utilized, the lower
liquid display window 4W can be moved, thereby concerning with the
treasure boxes arranged in the display sheet 101, the treasure
boxes, which are not displayed on the lower liquid crystal display
4, can be made display and the treasure boxes, which are displayed
on the lower liquid crystal display 4, can be made not display.
[0125] Further, in S55, it is determined whether or not one limb is
selected from the second limb group. Concretely speaking, for
example, this determination is done based on whether or not the
player touches any one of the items arranged and displayed like the
checkers on the lower liquid crystal display 4 by the finger. At
that time, if it is determined that one limb is not selected from
the second limb group (S55: NO), procedure returns to S 54 and a
part of the items are continuously displayed on the lower liquid
crystal display 4. On the other hand, if it is determined that one
limb is selected from the second limb group (S55: YES), procedure
shifts to S56.
[0126] Here, as for the selected limb it is displayed that such
limb is already selected. Concretely speaking, for example, as
shown in FIG. 19, if the second limb group is constructed form the
treasure boxes, the selected treasure box is displayed in an open
state on the lower liquid crystal display 4 as shown in FIG. 20,
thereby it is indicated that such treasure box is already selected.
Here, it may be indicated that the treasure box is already selected
by erasing the selected treasure box or by displaying
characters/marks such as "already selected" or "X" so as to
superimpose with the treasure box.
[0127] And in S56, the payout process is conducted. This payout
process is done by adding the payout allotted to the selected limb
from the second limb group to the credit. Concretely speaking, as
shown in FIG. 19, in a case that the treasure boxes are arranged
like the checkers and displayed on the lower liquid crystal display
4, and the player touches any one of the treasure boxes displayed
on the lower liquid crystal display 4 by the finger in above
mentioned S52, thereby one treasure box displayed on the lower
liquid crystal display 4 is selected through the touch panel 30
(see FIGS. 2 and 4), the payout allotted to the selected treasure
box is displayed on the upper liquid crystal display 3 as shown in
FIG. 20 and such payout is added to the credit.
[0128] And in S57, it is determined whether or not the bonus game
is terminated. Concretely speaking, this determination is done
based on whether or not the payout allotted to the limb selected in
S55 corresponds to the "skull mark (termination of the bonus game).
At that time, if it is determined that the bonus game is not
terminated (S57: NO), procedure returns to S54 and a part of the
items is continuously displayed and processes in S55 and S56 are
repeatedly done. On the other hand, if it is determined that the
bonus game is terminated (S57: YES), the bonus game process in FIG.
18 is terminated and procedure returns to the main process program
in FIG. 14.
[0129] As mentioned, the CPU 50 functions as "game control device"
when it executes the main process program in FIG. 14 and functions
as "preparation device" when it executes the bonus game process
program in FIG. 18.
[0130] That is to say, in the slot machine of the embodiment, when
procedure shifts to the bonus game, the player selects any one of
the touch button areas 111.about.115 for determining the kind of
the items arranged like the checkers and displayed on the lower
liquid crystal display 4, based on the player touches the lower
liquid crystal display 4 by the finger. At that time, by adjusting
the utilization state of the rotation scroll bar 121 displayed on
the lower liquid crystal display 4, the player can freely conduct
the operation that a part of five touch button areas 111.about.115
is displayed and the remainder is not displayed. Thereby, since
selection routes of five touch button areas 111.about.115 are
increased, interest for the bonus game can be improved.
[0131] And any one of the payouts ("100", "50", "30", "20", "10"
and "skull mark" (termination of the bonus game)) shown in FIG. 12
is allotted to each of the items which are arranged like the
checkers and displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4,
therefore selection routes of the payouts are increased and
interest for the bonus game can be improved.
[0132] And the function of the rotation scroll bar 121 displayed on
the lower liquid crystal display 4 is realized through the touch
panel drive circuit 76 and the transparent touch panel 30, thereby
if the touch panel drive circuit 76b and the touch panel 30 is
provided in the conventional slot machine, display operation of
five touch button areas 111.about.115 by the rotation scroll bar
121 and selection of five touch button areas 111.about.115 can be
done on the touch panel 30, therefore hardware construction is not
newly required.
[0133] Here, the present invention is not limited to the above
embodiment and various modifications can be done within the scope
of the present invention.
[0134] For example, in S51 of the bonus game process in FIG. 18, if
the scroll bar 124 to magnify and reduce is displayed as shown in
FIG. 22, the island 3D image displayed on the lower liquid crystal
display 4 may be magnified or reduced, based on the direction along
which the player traces the scroll bar 124 to magnify and reduce by
the finger. For example, when the scroll bar 124 is traced from
right to left by the finger, the display state is shifts to the
state that a part of the island, which cannot be displayed in FIG.
22, is magnified and displayed as shown in the lower liquid crystal
display 4 of FIG. 23, and a touch button area 116, in which the
words "HOT SPRING" is described, is displayed near the hot spring
which appears when magnification is done. At that time, in the
island 3D image displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4,
the touch button areas 114 and 115, which are displayed in FIG. 22,
are not displayed. On the other hand, in this state, if the scroll
bar 124 to magnify and reduce is traced from left to right by the
finger, the display state shifts to the state that whole island is
reduced and displayed as shown in the lower liquid crystal display
4 of FIG. 22, and the touch button areas 114 and 115 are displayed.
At that time, in the island 3D image displayed on the lower liquid
crystal display 4, the touch button area 116, which is displayed in
FIG. 23, is not displayed.
[0135] Here, if the player touches the touch button area 116
displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4 by the finger (S52:
YES), the items concerning with the hot spring (HOT SPRING) are
arranged like the checkers and displayed on the lower liquid
crystal 4 (S54), and on the basis of selection of the item on the
lower liquid crystal display 4 (S55), the player can obtain all
payouts displayed on the upper liquid crystal display 3 as the
payout of the bonus game (S56). This point is as same as the case
of the touch button areas 111.about.115.
[0136] And in the slot machine 1 of the embodiment, although
termination of the bonus game is done (S57) based on whether or not
the payout allotted to the limb selected in S55 mentioned above is
the "skull mark (termination of the bonus game), the bonus game may
be terminated under the condition that a predetermined time is
elapsed in the bonus game.
[0137] Further, in the slot machine 1 of the embodiment, as
mentioned, if the player touches any one of the plural touch button
areas 111.about.115 in the bonus game, the items concerning with
the point of the island corresponding to each of the touch button
areas are arranged like the checkers and displayed on the lower
liquid crystal display 4. For example, if the player touches the
touch button area 115 by the finger, the treasure boxes, which are
the items concerning with the golden palace (GOLDEN PALACE), are
arranged like the checkers and displayed on the lower liquid
crystal display 4 as shown in FIG. 19. The treasure boxes arranged
like the checkers are not displayed on the upper liquid crystal
display 3. Here, as shown in FIG. 25, the treasure boxes, which are
the items concerning with the golden palace (GOLDEN PALACE), may be
arranged like checkers and displayed on the upper liquid crystal
display 3 and the lower liquid crystal display 4.
[0138] At this point, although the treasure boxes displayed like
the checkers on the upper liquid crystal display 3 and the lower
liquid crystal display 4 are arranged in each of the checkers
formed in the display sheet 101 shown in FIG. 7, the display sheet
101 being stored in the work RAM 84, the treasure boxes displayed
on the upper liquid crystal display 3 and the lower liquid crystal
display 4 right after the player touches the touch button area 115,
are only the treasure boxes arranged within the upper liquid
crystal display window 3W and the lower liquid crystal display
window 4W, as shown in FIG. 13. Here, the upper liquid crystal
display window 3W and the lower liquid crystal display window 4W
can be moved along the traced direction as shown in FIG. 25, based
on that the player traces the scroll bar 122 for rightward and
leftward directions and the scroll bar 123 for upward and downward
directions by the finger. Therefore, by utilizing the scroll bar
122 for rightward and leftward directions and the scroll bar 123
for upward and downward directions, any of the treasure boxes
arranged in the display sheet 101 can be displayed on the upper
liquid crystal display 3 and the lower liquid crystal display
4.
[0139] As mentioned in the above, on the upper liquid crystal
display 3 and the lower liquid crystal display 4, both being
adjacently disposed in the upper and lower positions, if the items
concerning with five touch button areas 111.about.115 are arranged
like the checkers and displayed, display range of the items
concerning with five touch button areas 111.about.115 is spread,
thereby selection range of the items on the lower liquid crystal
display 4 can be more widely grasped at the same time.
[0140] Here, since the touch panel 30 is not arranged on the upper
liquid crystal display 3, the treasure boxes which the player can
select are limited to the treasure boxes displayed on the lower
liquid crystal display 4. Therefore, when the treasure boxes which
the player intends to select are not displayed on the lower liquid
crystal display 4, the player makes the treasure boxes display on
the lower liquid crystal display 4 by utilizing the scroll bar 122
for rightward and leftward directions and the scroll bar 123 for
upward and downward directions, thereafter the treasure boxes are
selected based on that the player touches them by the finger.
[0141] However, in the slot machine 1 of the embodiment, in a case
that the touch panel 30 is arranged on the upper liquid crystal
display 3 and the touch button areas 111.about.116, the rotation
scroll bar 121, the scroll bar 122 for rightward and leftward
directions, the scroll bar 123 for upward and downward directions
and the scroll bar 124 to magnify and reduce are displayed on the
upper liquid crystal display 3, the touch button areas
111.about.115 can be selected, thereby the items concerning with
the touch button areas 111.about.115 can be selected.
[0142] In the slot machine 1 of the embodiment, although the
symbols to be stopped on the pay line L are determined every each
of the variable display portions 22 to 24 (see FIG. 8) in the base
game based on the random number values sampled by the random number
sampling circuit 56, all symbols to be stopped on the pay line L in
each of the variable display portions 22 to 24 may be determined on
the basis of the random number values sampled by the random number
sampling circuit 56. To realize this, the lottery table shown in
FIG. 21 is utilized. FIG. 21 is an explanatory view of a lottery
table showing correspondence between winning combinations and
payouts when the base game is conducted while utilizing three
variable display portions.
[0143] In FIG. 21, the random number value range utilized in the
lottery table for winning combinations lies in 0.about.16383. If
the random number value sampled by the random number sampling
circuit 56 lies in a range of 0.about.140, the bonus game is won,
thereby the payout of "500" can be obtained. In this case, the
trigger symbol 97 is stopped and displayed on the pay line L in the
variable display portion 23, thereby the game state can be shifted
to the bonus game.
[0144] And if the random number value sampled by the random number
sampling circuit 56 lies in a range of 141.about.185, the winning
combination "7-7-7" is won and the payout thereof is "100". In this
case, the symbol seven 94 is stopped and displayed on the pay line
L in each of the variable display portions 22 to 24. Similarly, if
the random number value sampled lies in a range of 186.about.200,
the winning combination "3BAR-3BAR-3BAR" is won and the payout
thereof is "5". In this case, the triple BAR 91 is stopped and
displayed on the pay line L in each of the variable display
portions 22 to 24. And similarly, if the random number value
sampled lies in a range of 201.about.232, the winning combination
"2BAR-2BAR-2BAR" is won and the payout thereof is "3". In this
case, the double BAR 93 is stopped and displayed on the pay line L
in each of the variable display portions 22 to 24. Similarly, if
the random number value samples lies in a range of 233.about.514,
the winning combination "BAR-BAR-BAR" is won and the payout thereof
is "2". In this case, the single BAR 95 is stopped and displayed on
the pay line L in each of the variable display portions 22 to 24.
Similarly, if the random number value samples lies in a range of
515.about.823, the winning combination "cherry-cherry-cherry" is
won and the payout thereof is "1". In this case, the cherry 92 is
stopped and displayed on the pay line L in each of the variable
display portions 22 to 24.
[0145] Here, if the random number value sampled lies in a range of
824.about.16383, the winning combinations is lost. In this case,
the symbol combination other than the above mentioned combinations
is stopped and displayed on the pay line L and the payout thereof
is nothing.
[0146] The present invention can be adopted to one embodiment in
which the game in the bonus mode is executed continuously to the
base mode.
* * * * *