U.S. patent application number 11/363269 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-07 for gaming machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to Aruze Corporation. Invention is credited to Kazuo Okada.
Application Number | 20060199642 11/363269 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36577540 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060199642 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Okada; Kazuo |
September 7, 2006 |
Gaming machine
Abstract
It is an object to provide the player with an incentive to play
the game repeatedly by varying an effect display mode since the
effect display mode to notify the information relating to the game
can be selected at the player's choice such that the player's taste
and wish may be reflected on the mode. A gaming machine 1
comprises: a display device 4 for displaying a
circumferentially-arranged image having a plurality of symbols
arranged circumferentially; and a reading device 19 for reading the
identification information from a game article storing the
identification information, wherein an array change of the
plurality of symbols in the circumferentially-arranged image is
conducted in a case where the identification information is read;
and wherein the display device displays a changed
circumferentially-arranged image after the array change.
Inventors: |
Okada; Kazuo; (Tokyo,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ARENT FOX PLLC
1050 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W.
SUITE 400
WASHINGTON
DC
20036
US
|
Assignee: |
Aruze Corporation
|
Family ID: |
36577540 |
Appl. No.: |
11/363269 |
Filed: |
February 28, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/30 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3218 20130101;
G07F 17/3267 20130101; G07F 17/3211 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/030 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 4, 2005 |
JP |
2005-061327 |
Claims
1. A gaming machine performing a game to shift from a base game
mode to a special game mode upon satisfaction of a predetermined
condition, the gaming machine comprising: a display device for
displaying a circumferentially-arranged image having a plurality of
symbols arranged circumferentially; and a reading device for
reading the identification information from a game article storing
the identification information, wherein an array change of the
plurality of symbols in the circumferentially-arranged image is
conducted in a case where the identification information is read;
and wherein the display device displays a changed
circumferentially-arranged image after the array change.
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1 wherein a symbol shift
image showing a moving state of the symbols constituting the
circumferentially-arranged image before the changed
circumferentially-arranged image is displayed.
3. The gaming machine according to claim 1 wherein the array change
is characterized by collecting symbols of a same kind.
4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the
identification information is read in the base game mode; wherein
the changed circumferentially-arranged image is displayed in the
special game mode; wherein the identification information is
associated with an appearance of the game article; and wherein
display contents in the special game mode is associated with the
identification information.
5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the display
device displays a symbol determination image specifying any one of
the plurality of symbols.
6. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the
circumferentially-arranged image comprises any one of a circular
area of a wheel to be used in a roulette game, a circular area of a
dart board to be used in a dart game, and another circular area,
each circular area being composed of radially-divided sectors, in
which numerical symbols are arranged respectively.
7. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein game media are
necessary to start the game in the base game mode; wherein the game
media are not necessary to advance the game in the special game
mode; and wherein the display device displays a symbol
determination image for specifying a symbol corresponding to a game
number in the special game mode among the plurality of symbols.
8. The gaming machine according to claim 2 wherein the array change
is characterized by collecting symbols of a same kind.
9. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the
identification information is read in the base game mode; wherein
the changed circumferentially-arranged image is displayed in the
special game mode; wherein the identification information is
associated with an appearance of the game article; and wherein
display contents in the special game mode is associated with the
identification information.
10. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the display
device displays a symbol determination image specifying any one of
the plurality of symbols.
11. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the
circumferentially-arranged image comprises any one of a circular
area of a wheel to be used in a roulette game, a circular area of a
dart board to be used in a dart game, and another circular area,
each circular area being composed of radially-divided sectors, in
which numerical symbols are arranged respectively.
12. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein game media are
necessary to start the game in the base game mode; wherein the game
media are not necessary to advance the game in the special game
mode; and wherein the display device displays a symbol
determination image for specifying a symbol corresponding to a game
number in the special game mode among the plurality of symbols.
13. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the
identification information is read in the base game mode; wherein
the changed circumferentially-arranged image is displayed in the
special game mode; wherein the identification information is
associated with an appearance of the game article; and wherein
display contents in the special game mode is associated with the
identification information.
14. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the display
device displays a symbol determination image specifying any one of
the plurality of symbols.
15. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the
circumferentially-arranged image comprises any one of a circular
area of a wheel to be used in a roulette game, a circular area of a
dart board to be used in a dart game, and another circular area,
each circular area being composed of radially-divided sectors, in
which numerical symbols are arranged respectively.
16. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein game media are
necessary to start the game in the base game mode; wherein the game
media are not necessary to advance the game in the special game
mode; and wherein the display device displays a symbol
determination image for specifying a symbol corresponding to a game
number in the special game mode among the plurality of symbols.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefits of
priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-061327 filed on
Mar. 4, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein
by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a gaming machine comprising
provided with a variable display device which displays a plurality
of variably displayed symbols and an image display device which
displays variable display images of the plurality of symbols.
RELATED ART
[0003] There has been a gaming machine which displays a game image
(for example, a card image and a variable display image composed of
a plurality of symbols) and performs a game utilizing the game
image. There has been a gaming machine of this kind which notifies
a player of information relating to game contents and information
of change of the game contents by an effect image specifically
determined. For example, Japanese unexamined patent publication No.
2003-180908 discloses a gaming machine (hereafter referred to as
"conventional machine") which notifies beforehand a change (shift)
to a predetermined number of variable display games (may also be
called "free game") in which no game media are necessary when a
predetermined symbol is stopped and displayed.
[0004] However, the conventional machine can only notifies a
specific effect image (specific symbol being stopped and displayed)
that has been predetermined in the conventional machine although it
notifies the shift. Therefore, contents of the effect have little
variation and are monotonous although the effect is conducted such
that the player will be bored if the game is repeated and no
incentive to continue to play the game is not provided to the
player.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In the present invention, the player can have an option in
the way of displaying the information relating to a game such that
the player may be provided with an incentive to play the game
repeatedly since the way of display the information is
variable.
[0006] According to the present invention, there is provided a
gaming machine performing a game to shift from a base game mode to
a special game mode upon satisfaction of a predetermined condition.
The gaming machine comprises: a display device for displaying a
circumferentially-arranged image having a plurality of symbols
arranged circumferentially; and a reading device for reading the
identification information from a game article storing the
identification information. In the gaming machine, an array change
of the plurality of symbols in the circumferentially-arranged image
may be conducted in a case where the identification information is
read; and the display device may display a changed
circumferentially-arranged image after the array change.
[0007] Further features of the present invention, its nature, and
various advantages will be more apparent from the accompanying
drawings and the following description of the preferred
embodiment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a general configuration
of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating mainly an internal
configuration.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an
internal configuration of an image control circuit.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a partially broken front view of a figure.
[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a figure present-absent
array pattern table.
[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a figure ID array pattern
table.
[0014] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a relationship between the
array pattern and symbol arrangement.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating an operation procedure
of a main process from the start to the end of a slot game.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an operation procedure
of a bonus game process according to the first operation
contents.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating an operation procedure
of a bonus game process according to the second operation
contents.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating an operation procedure
of a bonus game process according to the third operation
contents.
[0019] FIG. 12 illustrates a general appearance of a
circumferentially-arranged image before a symbol array change.
[0020] FIG. 13 illustrates a general appearance of a
circumferentially-arranged image (A pattern) after a symbol array
change.
[0021] FIGS. 14A to 14C illustrate examples of images displayed in
a array pattern effect process and a game content determination
effect process.
[0022] FIGS. 15A to 15C illustrate examples of images displayed in
a symbol shift effect process.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0023] Hereinafter, an explanation will be made for a gaming
machine of an embodiment according to the present invention. In the
following description, like element numerals are used to describe
like elements illustrated in one or more figures and duplicated
explanation may be omitted.
[0024] A slot machine according to the embodiment of the present
invention is a coin-insertion type of gaming machine with which it
is required to input game media such as bills and coins to start a
game. And a usual variable display game (hereafter referred to as
"base game") is initiated with the slot machine when a player
inputs game media and conduct a predetermined operation. Then, a
special game is triggered in the base game when a predetermined
condition is satisfied. A game mode where the base game is
conducted is referred to as a base game mode and a game mode where
the special game, which the base game mode is shifted to, is
conducted is referred to as a special game mode. In the present
embodiment, the special game is a free game in which no additional
game media are inputted (or inserted) to initiate a variable
display game. The slot machine is configured to perform an effect
to show circumferentially-arranged image, symbol determination
image and the like so as to notify the player of the number of free
games (hereafter referred to as "free game number") when the game
is shifted into the special game mode. The configuration of the
slot machine 1 will be explained in the following paragraphs.
(Overall Configuration of Slot Machine)
[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view to show the overall
configuration of the slot machine. The slot machine 1 is configured
to perform a variable display game (being possibly referred to as
slot game) utilizing a variable display image of a plurality of
symbols. The slot machine 1 is provided with a figure installation
unit 19 on which a figure 90 can be set as described later.
[0026] The slot machine 1 is also provided with a main display 3
including a liquid crystal display device on the front face of the
cabinet 2. It is also provided with a sub display 4 including a
liquid crystal display device in a similar manner on an upper part
above the main display 3.
[0027] The main display 3 includes nine variable display parts 3A,
3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3G, 3H and 3I being arranged in three rows and
three columns. The main display 3 is configured to show a variable
display image (a reel image showing varying symbols as if the
mechanical reel were rotated) showing a plurality of symbols moving
down in each variable display part 3A to 3I in either base game
mode or special game mode. As shown in FIG. 1, since the slot
machine 1 has nine variable display parts 3A to 3I, eight
activation lines are set in total as three vertical, three
horizontal and two diagonal lines can be drawn in the variable
display parts 3A to 3I.
[0028] The sub display 4 as display means of this embodiment
displays a roulette image 100 as a circumferentially-arranged image
of this embodiment mimicking the wheel utilized in the roulette
game when a shift condition to the special game mode is satisfied,
details of which will be described later. Subsequently, a symbol
determination image 106 is displayed to specify the numerical
symbol corresponding to the symbol of this embodiment as if the
knife having been thrown by the venturer had hit the roulette image
100. And the array display of the roulette image 100 is configured
to be changed depending on whether the figure 90 is set in the
figure installation unit 19 or not. The sub display 4 further
displays other images such as game contents and explanation thereof
which are not directly related to the variable display itself.
[0029] The slot machine 1 also is provided with an operation panel
11 being arranged substantially in a horizontal manner at the
bottom of the main display 3. The operation panel 11 is provided
with the figure installation unit 19, a coin insertion slot 6, a
bill insertion slot 7, a spin switch 8, a 1-BET switch and a max
BET switch.
[0030] The figure installation unit 19 comprises a reading part 19b
and a base fitting part 19a being fixed on the surface of the
operation panel 11. The base fitting part 19a comprises a circular
recess inside with a certain depth corresponding to the disk shape
of a base portion 91 of the figure 90 to be described later (refer
to FIG. 4). The reading part 19b is positioned in the recess of the
base fitting part 19a and provided with an IC chip reader/writer
19c.
[0031] The coin insertion slot 6 is provided for the player to
insert coins to bet in the game and has an insertion coin sensor 6a
which outputs a signal showing the coin insertion (refer to FIG.
2). The bill insertion slot 7 is also provided for the player to
insert a bill and has an insertion bill sensor 7a which outputs a
signal showing the bill insertion (refer to FIG. 2). The spin
switch 8 initiates a display of the variable display image such
that it is provided for the player to conduct the operation to
initiate the game. The 1-BET switch 9 is provided for the player to
bet one coin by one operation thereof. The max BET switch 10 is
provided for the player by one operation thereof to bet the maximum
number of coins which can be bet in one game.
[0032] Further, the slot machine 1 is provided with a coin
receiving part 14 holing coins paid out and a coin payout opening
13 at the bottom of the cabinet 2. Further, speakers 12L and 12R
are provided on the left and right sides of the coin payout opening
13, respectively.
[0033] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the slot machine 1 showing
mainly the inside configuration. The slot machine 1 has a plurality
of components around the micro-computer 31.
[0034] The micro-computer 31 comprises a CPU (Central Processing
Unit) 32, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33 and a ROM (Read Only
Memory) 34. The CPU 32 operates according to the program stored in
the ROM 34 and receives signals from respective parts of the
control panel 11 via an I/O port 39 while the CPU 32 inputs and
outputs signals from and to other components so as to control the
whole operation of the slot machine 1. The RAM 33 stores data and
programs to be used when the CPU 32 operates. By way of example,
random numbers being sampled by a sampling circuit 36 to be
described later are stored in the RAM 34 temporarily after the game
starts. The ROM 34 stores a program to be executed by the CPU 32
and permanent data, for example, a game content determination table
(not shown) as described later.
[0035] The slot machine 1 is also provided with a random number
generator 35, the sampling circuit, a clock pulse generation
circuit 37, a frequency divider 38 and data storage 41. The random
number generator 35 operates according to the instruction by the
CPU 32 so as to generate a certain range of random numbers. The
sampling circuit 36 picks up any random numbers from the random
numbers having been generated by the random number generator 35 and
thus-picked random numbers are inputted to the CPU 32. The clock
pulse generator 37 generates a standard clock frequency for
activating the CPU 32 and the frequency divider 38 inputs to the
CPU 32 a signal being divided with a certain cycle time. The data
storage 41 stores a figure ID array pattern table 51 and a pattern
table with and without figures to be described later.
[0036] Further, the slot machine 1 is provided with a touch panel
61, a hopper driving circuit 63, a hopper 64, a payout completion
signal circuit 65 and a coin detection section 66. The slot machine
1 also provided with an image control circuit 81, a sound control
circuit 72 and an IC chip reader/writer 19c.
[0037] The touch panel 61 is provided in a manner that the display
screen of the main display is covered and detects a position where
the player touches on the panel so that the signal corresponding to
the detected position is inputted to the CPU 32. The hopper driving
circuit 63 drives the hopper 64 according to the control by the CPU
32 and the hopper 64 operates to pay out coins having been acquired
by the winning such that the coins are paid out from the payout
opening 13 to the coin receiving part 14. The coin detection
section 66 counts the number of coins being paid out from the
hopper 64 and sends data of the counted number of the coins to the
payout completion signal circuit 65. The payout completion signal
circuit 65 receives the data of the counted number of the coins
from the coin detection section 66 and sends a notification signal
of the coin payout completion as the counted number reaches the
predetermined number.
[0038] The image control circuit 81 controls the main display 3 and
the sub display such that the main display 3 displays a variable
display image of the plurality of symbols and that the sub display
4 displays the circumferentially-arranged image, symbol
determination image and the like.
[0039] The image control circuit 81 comprises an image control CPU
81a, a work RAM 81b, a program ROM 81c, an image ROM 81d, a video
RAM 81e and a VDP (Video Display Processor) 81f as shown in FIG.
3.
[0040] The image control CPU 81a determines an image to be
displayed on the sub display 4 and an image (variable display
image, stop symbol image being displayed when the variable display
is stopped) to be displayed on the main display 3 according to the
image control program (relating to the display on the main display
3 and the sub display 4) having been stored in the program ROM 81c
based on the parameters being set by the micro-computer 31.
[0041] The work RAM 81b is configured to be temporary storage means
when the image control CPU 81a executes the image control program.
The program ROM 81c stores the image control program, various kinds
of selection tables and the like. The image ROM 81d stores dot data
for forming images. In this embodiment, such dot data include
symbol image data for showing various symbols utilized in the base
game and the free game, image data of the circumferentially-arrayed
image and the like. The video RAM 81e is configured to be temporary
storage means for forming images by the VDP 81f. The VDP 81f
comprises the control RAM 81g and forms images corresponding to the
display contents on the main display 3 and the sub display 4 having
been determined by the image control CPU 81a.
[0042] The sound control circuit 72 (refer to FIG. 2) send sound
signals to the speakers 12L and 12R such that the speakers 12L and
12R output sound.
[0043] The IC chip reader/writer 19c comprises an antenna part,
sending/receiving part and the like, and operates as reading means
of this embodiment. The IC chip reader/writer 19c is connected to
the CPU 32 via the I/O port 39. The IC chip reader/writer 19c sends
to the CPU 32 the stored information (e.g., figure ID) having been
read from the IC chip 93 built in the base portion 91 of the figure
90 being fitted (set) in the figure installation unit 19 and writes
predetermined information on the IC chip 93 according to the
instruction from the CPU 32.
(Figure Configuration)
[0044] As shown in FIG. 4, the figure 90 comprises the base portion
91 and the figure main body 92, and further comprises the IC chip
93 storing the figure ID.
[0045] The base portion 91 has a size corresponding to that of the
base fitting part 19a of the figure installation unit 19 and is
formed in a shape of a short cup placed upside down as a top
portion 91a corresponding to the sole of the short cup is on the
top such that the IC chip 93 is fitted and fixed in the circular
open end at the bottom.
[0046] The figure main body 92 comprises a foot part 92a fixed on
the top portion 91a of the base portion 91 and a figurine portion
92b modeling a character such as a wizard, a warrior and the like
standing on the foot part 92a.
[0047] The IC chip 93 stores a specific figure ID for each FIG. 90.
The figure ID is composed of four digits, which indicates the
specific identification number to distinguish (discern one from the
others) each figure from the others. The figure 90 can be
identified as a certain kind by the player from the appearance of
the figure main body 92 and can be identified individually by the
slot machine from the figure ID. Here, the figure 90 of this
embodiment is a "warrior" and the figure ID is "0002". The FIG. 90
may be referred to as a game article according to the present
invention and the figure ID may be referred to as identification
information.
(Slot Machine Operation)
[0048] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the CPU 32 may
operate as game progress control means so as to control the game
progress in the base game mode and the special game mode. The CPU
32 controls the variable display game progress to be initiated by
the use of the game media such as a bill and a coin in the base
game mode, and the free game progress in the special game mode, in
which no game media are used. As the game is shifted to the special
game mode, the circumferentially-arrayed image is displayed to
notify the player of the free game. And the array change of
numerical symbols in the circumferential image is conducted if the
figure 90 is set. Therefore, the player can have a chance to obtain
his or her favorite array of numerical symbols by using the figure
90. The first operation contents of the slot machine 1 will be
explained in the following paragraphs in reference to FIGS. 8 and
9.
[0049] FIG. 8 shows a flow chart with each block process
illustrating the main operation procedure from the beginning to the
end of the game with the slot machine 1. Here, the step is
abbreviated as `S` in FIGS. 8 and 9.
(Main Operation)
[0050] The slot machine 1 conducts the figure ID reading process as
the program proceeds to the step 1 once the main operation is
initiated as shown in FIG. 8. When the figure ID reading process is
initiated, the IC chip reader/writer 19c operates as reading means
such that the figure ID is read from the figure 90 set on the
figure installation unit and is inputted to the CPU 32. When the
figure ID is inputted, the CPU 32 sets "9" to the flag with the
figure (figure-existing flag), which may be determination factor
whether the figure ID can be read or not, and makes the RAM 33
stores the read figure ID. Then, the program proceeds to the
subsequent step 2. Here, when the figure ID is not inputted to the
CPU 32 (the figure ID cannot be read), the flag is set to the
initial value of "0". Further, when the figure ID is inputted, the
CPU 32 may instruct the image control circuit 81 such that the sub
display 4 displays an effect image to notify the change of the
roulette image 100 as the circumferentially-arranged image.
[0051] In the step 2, the start acceptance process to demand the
player to conduct the initiation operation for starting the game is
initiated and the lottery process is conducted in the subsequent
step 3. When the lottery process is initiated, the CPU 32 conducts
a stop symbol determination process, a winning determination
process and a winning mode determination process being similar to a
free game lottery process to be described later. Here, the CPU 32
determines whether the shift condition to the special game mode is
met or not (e.g., a special symbol is determined as the stop symbol
or not) and sets "1" to the shift condition flag that is a
determination factor to shift to the special game mode if the shift
condition is satisfied while the CPU 32 sets "2" to the flag if the
shift condition is not satisfied. When the program proceeds to the
subsequent step 4, the base game is initiated and the CPU 32 makes
the main display show the variable display image and the stop
symbol image so that a predetermined payout is made if the winning
is obtained. In the subsequent step 5, the CPU 32 determines
whether the bonus game shift condition is satisfied or not. Here,
the CPU 32 determines that the shift condition is satisfied if the
shift condition flag is set to "1" and operates as shift means, and
the bonus game process of the step 6 is conducted while the main
process is terminated by determining that the shift condition is
not satisfied if the shift condition flag is set to "2". In the
following paragraphs, the bonus game process will be explained in
reference to FIG. 9.
(Bonus Game Process)
[0052] When the bonus game process is initiated, the free game
number determination process is conducted as the program proceeds
to the step 61 as shown in FIG. 9. When the free game number
determination process is initiated, the CPU 32 operates as game
content determination means and determines the free game number
(game contents) performed in the special game mode. Here, the CPU
32 instructs the random generator 35 to generate a certain range of
random numbers. Also, the CPU 32 instructs the sampling circuit 36
to pick up any random number from the random numbers having been
generated by the random number generator 35 such that the free game
number is obtained by referring to the game content determination
table (not shown) stored in the ROM 34 as the picked random number
is used as the search key. The game content determination table is
a table in which the game determination factors as the free game
numbers (e.g., "0 time," "10 times," and "20 times") are stored in
association with the random numbers. Thus, the CPU 32 operates as
the game content determination means and determines the game
contents (the free game number) by obtaining (specifying) one game
determination factor from the plurality of game determination
factors. As described later, the numerical symbol corresponding to
the game contents (free game number) having been determined by the
CPU 32 is to be specified from the plurality of numerical symbols
in the symbol determination image 106 (refer to FIG. 14). Here, the
game contents are not limited to the free game number, but may
include at least either a payout number (the number of game media
to be paid out when the winning is obtained) or payout rate (the
rate of the number of game media to be paid out to the number of
game media having been used in one game). In such a case, the game
determination factor may be, for example, "the payout number is
10," "the payout number is 20," "the payout rate is 10 times," "the
payout rate is 20 times," and so on. Further, it is also possible
to store various kinds of game content determination factors in one
game content determination table. For example, "the free game
number is 10," "the payout number is 10," "the free game number is
20," and "the payout rate is 20 times" may be stored. In such a
case, by setting the random number as the search key, the free game
number is obtained in an occasion and the payout number or the
payout rate may be obtained in another occasion. Further, the game
determination factor may be a combination of the free game number
and the payout number, for example, "the free game number is 10 and
the payout rate is 10," "the free game number is 20 and the payout
number is 20," and the like.
[0053] As the program proceeds to the subsequent step 62, the
procedure branches depending on whether the CPU 32 has read the
figure ID or not. Here, it is determined that the figure ID has not
been read unless the flag with the figure (figure-present flag) is
set to "9." Then, the program proceeds to the steps 63 to 65. On
the other hand, it is determined that the figure ID has been read
if the flag with figure (figure-present flag) is set to "9." Then,
the procedure branches off to the steps 66 to 68. Thus, the array
change of the numerical symbols is conducted in the roulette image
100 by changing the steps to be executed depending on whether the
figure ID has been read or not.
[0054] First, the steps 63 to 65 which are conducted if the FIG. 1D
has not been read are explained.
[0055] When the program proceeds to the step 63, the array pattern
determination process without the figure is conducted. Once the
array pattern determination process without the figure is
initiated, the CPU 32 obtains the array pattern corresponding to
the flag with the figure (figure-present flag) of "0" by referring
to the figure present-absent array table 50 (FIG. 5). Here, the
figure present-absent table 50 to be referred to includes a figure
present-absent column 50a to be used as the main key and an array
pattern column 50b in association with figure existence such that
the value of "0" set to the flag with figure is set to be the
search key to obtain the corresponding array pattern. FIG. 7 shows
symbol arrays for respective array patters and the pattern without
the figure is so arranged that "0", "10", "20", "0", "10", "20",
"0", "10", "20", "0", "10", and "20" are allocated in respective
divided areas of Nos. 0 to 11.
[0056] When the program proceeds to the subsequent step 64, an
array pattern effect process is conducted, and when the program
proceeds to the subsequent step 65, a game content determination
effect process is conducted. The array pattern effect process and
the game content determination effect process are similar to
respective processes conducted in the steps 67 and 68. Therefore,
they are described later.
[0057] Next, respective process at the steps 66 to 68 will be
explained when it is determined that the figure ID has been
read.
[0058] When the program proceeds to the step 66, the array patter
change process is conducted. When the array pattern change process
is initiated, the CPU 32 operates as change means and obtains an
array pattern corresponding to the flag ("9") with figure after the
change by referring to the figure present-absent array table 50
(FIG. 5). The array pattern after the change which is obtained at
this step is "A pattern" and, as shown in FIG. 7, the pattern is so
arranged that "0", "0", "0", "0", "10", "10", "10", "10", "20",
"20", "20", and "20" are allocated in respective divided areas of
Nos. 0 to 11.
[0059] In "A pattern", symbols of the same kind are collected for
respective kinds: "0", "10" and "20". Therefore, it is easy for the
player to recognize the ratio of each kind to the entirety. By way
of example, a sample game mode may be described as follows. The
roulette as shown in FIG. 14A is rotated (FIG. 14B) and a knife is
thrown to hit one of the regions in the roulette which specifies
the number corresponding to the free game number (FIG. 14C). Since
there is a lottery feature in such a sample game mode, this ratio
is important. That is, the player tends to consider it is quite
likely that the knife hits one of these regions of the kind. Since
it is usually thought that an internal lottery is set in this way
in the gaming machine, the ratio of each region to the entirety is
important.
[0060] Further, the player may think it is more likely for the
knife to hit this specific region if this kind of region is
scattered evenly along the circumferential direction depending on
the rotational speed of the roulette. Further, a character
mimicking a venturer is used in FIG. 14B, but the player may think
another kind of array may cause more often the knife to hit this
specific region if another kind of character corresponding to the
identification information is used. Therefore, an appearance of the
figure, an array change of symbols and an appearance of the
character in the screen can be mutually associated with the key of
identification information and the player may enjoy the game
more.
[0061] When the program proceeds to the subsequent step 67, an
array pattern effect process is conducted. When the array pattern
effect process is initiated, the CPU 32 operates as display control
means and obtains the array pattern (A pattern) so as to instruct
the image control circuit to display the roulette image 109 as the
changed circumferentially-arranged image after the array change
accordingly. The roulette image 109 is composed of radially-divided
areas, in which numerical symbols are placed respectively, of the
circular area of the wheel used in the roulette game. In the array
pattern effect process, for example, the sub display 4 displays the
roulette image 109 as shown in FIG. 13 along with a logo image such
as "FREE GAME" and "CHANCE" as shown in FIG. 14A
[0062] When the program proceeds to the subsequent step 68, the
game content determination process is conducted. Once the game
content determination process is initiated, the CPU 32 instructs
the image control circuit 81 to display an image appearing as if
the roulette were rotating, a character image 102 being associated
with the venturer, and a knife image 103 appearing to be thrown by
the venturer on the sub display 4 as shown in FIG. 14B.
[0063] After that, the CPU 32 operates as display control means and
instructs the image control circuit 81 to display the symbol
determination image 106 to specify the numerical symbol (any one of
the numerical symbols showing the same number as the free game
number) corresponding to the free game number having been
determined in the free game number determination process (step 61)
among the plurality of numerical symbols in the roulette image 109
on the sub display 4. The symbol determination image 106 is
composed of a knife image appearing to specify the numerical symbol
of "20" by sticking out of the roulette image 109 as shown in FIG.
14C, logo images 107 of "FREE GAME" AND "20", and a character image
102 appearing to raise both hands for joy so as to notify the
player that the free game number is 20. Here, the character image
102 appearing in the symbol determination image may be associated
with the appearance of the figure main body 92.
[0064] As described in the foregoing, in the slot machine 1, the
array pattern of the roulette image 100 may be changed by setting
the figure 90 and the roulette image 109 after the change is
displayed so that the player may choose either image 100 or 109
(before or after the change) by selecting the game without or with
the figure 90 to be read.
[0065] In the slot machine 1, the numerical symbol may also include
"0". In other words, the symbol corresponding to the game number
(game contents) may include a losing symbol so that it is possible
to perform an effect (losing effect) specifying the losing symbol
as the game content after notifying that the shift condition to the
special game mode is satisfied. Therefore, it is possible to
enhance the amusement of the game by performing such an unexpected
effect so as to keep tension high. Further, the character's posture
(action effect) in the symbol determination image may be changed
according to the determined contents as the game contents (the free
game number in this embodiment) such that the effect display of the
action may be designed to match the player's emotion so as to
enhance the game amusement.
[0066] When the program proceeds to the subsequent step 69, the
free game process is initiated, and the free game lottery process
and scrolling process are repeated as many times as determined in
the free game number determination process (step 61).
[0067] When the free game lottery process is initiated, a stop
symbol determination process, a winning/losing determination
process and a winning mode determination process are conducted.
When the stop symbol determination process is initiated, the CPU 32
instructs the random number generator 35 to generate a certain
range of random numbers, picks up any random numbers among the
generated random numbers, and obtains stop symbols to be stopped
and displayed in respective variable display parts 3A to 3I by
referring to the symbol determination table not shown (table
storing code numbers of symbols in association with random numbers)
and the stop table (table storing symbol code numbers in
association with stop symbols).
[0068] When the subsequent winning determination process is
initiated, the CPU 32 determines whether it is won or not by
referring to the winning determination table including
distinguishably winning symbol patterns and non-winning symbol
patterns in association with respective code numbers and
combinations thereof, and when the winning mode determination
process is initiated, the CPU 32 obtains payout information
corresponding to the winning mode by referring to the mode table
including the payout information in association with the winning
symbol pattern (winning mode).
[0069] When the subsequent scrolling process is initiated, the CPU
32 makes the variable display of symbols displayed in respective
variable display parts 3S to 3I on the main display 3, and causes
the payout of coins or the like corresponding to the obtained
payout information in the winning mode determination process.
[0070] When the program proceeds to the subsequent step 70, the CPU
32 conducts a process clearing the flag with the figure, that is,
setting the initial value of "0" to the flag with the figure and
terminates the bonus game process.
[0071] In the slot machine 1 performing the aforementioned first
operation contents, the roulette image 100 having a plurality of
numerical symbols arranged circumferentially is displayed, and the
numerical symbol array in the roulette image 100 may be changed
when the figure 90 is set (the figure ID is read by the IC chip
reader/writer 19c). Therefore, in the slot machine 1, the player
may select the roulette image 100 by utilizing the figure 90.
Further, since the roulette images 100 before and after the change
are displayed according to the player's wish, the display mode of
the roulette images 100 is not monotonous so as to be an incentive
for the player to play the game repeatedly.
[0072] Further, in the slot machine, the sub display 4 displays the
symbol determination image 106 to specify the numerical symbol
corresponding to the free game number (game determined information)
having been determined as game contents among the plurality of
numerical symbols in the roulette image 100. Therefore, the
numerical symbol in the roulette image 100 and the free game number
(game contents) get related and the player can easily identify
(grasp) the free game number in the symbol determination image
106.
[0073] Although the numerical symbol indicates the same number as
the free game number in the present slot machine 1, other numerical
symbols such as numerical characters representing one-tenth and
one-hundredth of the free game number to be determined as the game
contents may be arranged in the circumferentially-arranged
image.
[0074] Further, the symbol determination image is to be displayed
after shifting to the special game mode and before the free game
process (step 69) under the control of the CPU 32 in the present
slot machine 1 so that the player is to be notified of the free
game number, before the initiation of the free game, by the
circumferentially-arranged image including the
circumferentially-arranged image after the change.
[0075] Next, the second operation contents of the slot machine 1
are explained. The second operation contents differ from the first
operation contents in the operation contents of the bonus game
process. Therefore, the different parts of the bonus game process
of the first operation contents are mainly explained.
[0076] When the bonus game process is initiated, the program
proceeds to the step 71 as shown in FIG. 10 and the free game
number determination process is conducted in a similar manner to
that in the bonus game process of the first operation contents
(hereafter referred to as "first bonus game process"). Then, the
program proceeds to the subsequent step 72. In the step 72, the
procedure branches depending on whether the flag with the figure is
set to "9" or not. And the CPU 32 controls the game so that it
proceeds to the steps 73 to 75 if the flag with the figure is not
set to "9" and the array pattern determination process without the
figure, the array pattern effect process and game content
determination process are conducted in a similar manner to those in
the first bonus game process. Then, the program proceeds to the
step 79 and the free game process is initiated.
[0077] On the other hand, the program proceeds to the step 76 if
the flag with the figure is set to "9" and the CPU 32 operates as
the change means and a changed array pattern determination process
conducting the array change is executed according to the array
pattern corresponding to the figure ID having been read by the IC
chip reader/writer 19c from the plurality of array patterns stored
in association with the figure IDs. Here, the CPU 32 obtains the
array pattern corresponding to the figure ID by referring to the
figure ID array pattern table 51 (refer to FIG. 6) stored in the
data storage 41 as the figure ID stored in the RAM 33 is set as the
search key. The figure ID array pattern table 51 now being referred
to includes a figure ID column in which the main key may be set and
an array pattern column 51b which is associated with the figure ID
such that the array pattern can be obtained by setting the figure
ID as the search key. Since the figure ID stored in the figure of
this embodiment is "0002", "B pattern" is obtained as the array
pattern.
[0078] As shown in FIG. 7, "B pattern" so arranged that "0", "0",
"10", "10", "20", "20", "0", "0", "10", "10", "20", and "20" are
allocated in respective divided areas of Nos. 0 to 11.
[0079] When the program proceeds to the steps 77 and 78, processes
similar to those in the first bonus game process are conducted and
the program proceeds to the subsequent step 79. After the free game
process is conducted, the program proceeds to the step 80 so as to
clear the flag with the figure and the bonus game process is
completed.
[0080] The slot machine 1 executing the above-described second
operation contents is configured to conduct the array change of the
numerical symbols according to the array pattern corresponding to
the figure ID having been read by the IC chip reader/writer 19c as
the figure 90 is set. Therefore, the player may change the original
roulette image 100 to a new roulette image 100 corresponding to a
new figure 90 by replacing the original FIG. 90 with the new figure
90 so as to have more options in the roulette image 100.
Especially, since the array pattern composed of numerical symbols
is changed according to the figure ID stored in the figure 90, it
is possible to provide the player with an incentive to play the
game repeatedly as the player expects the game with various kinds
of array patterns and thus the player is provided with new
amusement by collecting various kinds of FIGS. 90 as he or she
becomes eager to collect the figures.
[0081] Now, the third operation contents of the slot machine 1 are
explained. Here, the third operation contents differ from the first
or the second operation contents partially in the operation
contents of the bonus game process. Therefore, the differences in
the bonus game process from the first or the second operation
contents are mainly explained in reference to FIG. 11.
[0082] When the bonus game process is initiated, the program
proceeds to the step 81 as shown in FIG. 11 and the CPU 32 operates
as the change means in a similar manner to the way in the first
bonus game process so as to branch the procedure depending on
whether the flag with the figure is set to "9" or not. Then, under
the control of the CPU 32, the program proceeds to the steps 83 to
85 if the flag with the figure is not set to "9", the array pattern
determination process without the figure, the array pattern effect
process and the game content determination process are conducted in
a similar manner as described in the first bonus game process and
the program proceeds to the step 89 to initiate the free game
process.
[0083] On the other hand, the program proceeds to the step 86 if
the flag with the figure is set to "9" and the figure present array
pattern determination process is conducted so as to proceeds to the
step 87.
[0084] When the program proceeds to the step 87, a symbol shift
effect process is conducted. When the symbol shift effect process
is initiated, the CPU 32 operates as the display control means and
instructs the image control circuit 81 to display the roulette
image 100 before the array change (the numerical symbol array of
the pattern without the figure) as shown in FIG. 15A on the sub
display 4. Next, the CPU 32 instructs the image control circuit 81
to display a symbol shift image 108 showing a moving state of the
numerical symbols constituting the roulette image 100 on the sub
display 4 as illustrated in FIG. 15B. And the CPU 32 instructs the
image control circuit 81 to display a roulette image of "A pattern"
corresponding to a circumferentially-arranged image after the
change as shown in FIG. 15C and the symbol shift effect process is
completed.
[0085] When the program proceeds to the subsequent steps 88, 89 and
90, the game content determination effect process, the free game
process and the figure-present flag clearance are conducted in a
similar manner as described in the first or the second bonus game
process and the bonus game process is completed.
[0086] The above-described slot machine 1 executing the third
operation contents and the slot machine 1 executing the first
operation contents has common effects. Further, the present slot
machine 1 can notify the player by the image effect appearing as if
the numerical symbols were moving during the transition period from
the roulette image 100 before the array change to the roulette
image 109 after the array change such that the player can easily
recognize the array change of the roulette image 100 by setting the
figure. In the above explanation of the third operation contents,
an example to change the numerical symbol array pattern to "A
pattern" is illustrated, but it should be understood that the
numerical symbol array pattern can be changed to the array pattern
(for example, B pattern or C pattern) corresponding to the figure
ID as described in the second operation contents.
[0087] The gaming machine according to the present invention is not
limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, but may include a
gaming machine capable of performing a game utilizing a card image
of the card game or a mah-jong tile image of the mah-jong game. It
may also include a gaming machine comprising a slot machine
including a plurality of mechanical reels, which is provided with
display means composed of a liquid crystal display device or the
like.
[0088] Further, the plurality of symbols constituting the
circumferentially-arranged image are not limited to the numerical
symbols, but may include alphabet symbols, Greek alphabet symbols,
and other character symbols and word symbols.
[0089] Further, the circumferentially-arranged image is not limited
to the image comprising: a circular area mimicking a wheel in the
roulette game and a plurality of numerical symbols arranged
radially along the periphery, but may include a circular area
mimicking a dart board of the dart game or other circular areas
composed of radially and evenly divided sectors, in which numerical
symbols are provided respectively; and an elliptic area or a
polygonal area (e.g., hexagonal area and octagonal area) composed
of circumferentially and evenly divided portions, in which
numerical symbols are provided respectively.
[0090] Further, according to the present invention, the game
article is not limited to the figure, but may include a card or the
like (e.g., a membership card to be used permanently by the player
and a house card to be used temporarily by the player); a cassette;
and other articles. Further, the way to store the identification
information in the game article is not limited to that utilizing
the IC chip from which data can be read in a non-contact manner,
but the storage media may be a contact type of data storage means.
And without data storage means such as a memory, the game related
information can be stored by the game article which is provided
with an information display part having an information storing
function by engraving the code on; directly printing the code on;
or attaching a seal with the code to the game article, the code
comprising: a bar-code and a two-dimensional code. Here, the
two-dimensional code may be referred to as two-dimensional bar-code
such as QR Code (Registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED).
This two-dimensional code may include a large amount of information
coding several tens and several hundreds of times as many data as
the bar-code. As mentioned above, if the information display part
is provided, a bar code reader or the like is provided as the
reading means instead of the IC chip reader/writer.
[0091] Further, the game media for initiating the game is not
limited to the bill or the coin, but may include an information
storage media such as a prepaid card and a magnetic card. In this
instance, a predetermined value is used from the monetary
information or the credit stored in the information storage media
to start the game.
[0092] According to the present invention, there may be provided a
gaming machine which can provide the player with an incentive to
play the game repeatedly by varying an effect display mode since
the effect display mode to notify the information relating to the
game can be selected at the player's choice such that the player's
taste and wish may be reflected on the mode.
[0093] As mentioned above, a gaming machine in which an effect
display mode for showing information about the game can be selected
by the player such that the player's taste and wish may be
reflected on the image allows the effect display mode to vary in
order to provide an incentive to play the game repeatedly.
[0094] Therefore, the gaming machine may comprise: display means
for displaying a circumferentially-arranged image having a
plurality of symbols arranged circumferentially; reading means for
reading identification information from a game article storing the
identification information distinguishable from others; change
means for conducting array change of symbols in the
circumferentially-arranged image when the identification image is
read by the reading means; and display means for displaying a
changed circumferentially-arranged image after the change means
conducts the array change.
[0095] In this gaming machine, since the changed
circumferentially-arranged symbol array is displayed when the
identification information is read from the game article, the
circumferentially-arranged symbol array can be changed depending on
whether the player allows the game article to be read or not. Thus,
the player can choose the circumferentially-arranged symbol either
before or after the change to be displayed by allowing the game
article to be read or not.
[0096] Further, the above-mentioned display control means may cause
the display means to display a symbol determination image
specifying an image corresponding to at least one of the game
contents such as a game number, a payout number and a payout
rate.
[0097] In this gaming machine, there will be generated a
relationship between the image in the circumferentially-arranged
symbol array and the game contents such that the display of the
symbol determination image may notify the player of the game
contents.
[0098] Further, the above-mentioned change means may conduct the
array change in accordance with the array pattern corresponding to
the identification information having been read by the reading
means among the plurality of array patterns corresponding to the
identification information.
[0099] For such a gaming machine, the number of the options of the
circumferentially-arranged image the player can choose is
increased.
[0100] Further, the above-mentioned display control means may cause
the changed circumferentially-arranged image after the
circumferentially-arranged image before the change and a symbol
shift image showing a moving state of each symbol constituting the
circumferentially-arranged image.
[0101] In such a gaming machine, since the change display includes
movement of a symbol array constituting the
circumferentially-arranged image, the player may grasp the array
change with ease.
[0102] The circumferentially-arranged image may comprise: any one
of a circular area of a wheel to be used in a roulette game, a
circular area of a dart board to be used in a dart game, and
another circular area, each circular area being composed of
radially-divided sectors, in which numerical symbols are arranged
respectively.
[0103] In such a gaming machine, the player can easily grasp the
array of the numerical symbols and the array change.
[0104] The gaming machine may be characterized by comprising: game
progress control means for controlling progress of a game in a
special game mode in which game media are not necessary for
starting the game and a base game mode in which game media are
necessary for starting the game; and shift means for shifting from
the base game mode to the special game mode upon satisfaction of a
shift condition, wherein the symbol determination image specifying
a symbol corresponding to a game number in the special game mode
from a plurality of symbols in the circumferentially-arranged image
is displayed on the display means.
[0105] In such a gaming machine, the arrangement of the
circumferentially-arranged image is changed when the identification
information is read from the game article, thereby allowing the
player to get options. And the player is notified of the game
number by specifying a symbol corresponding to the game number in
the symbol determination image.
* * * * *