U.S. patent application number 11/647554 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-19 for gaming machine and operation method thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to Konami Gaming, Incorporated. Invention is credited to Shiro Majima, Toshiyuki Yoshimura.
Application Number | 20070167215 11/647554 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38263883 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070167215 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Majima; Shiro ; et
al. |
July 19, 2007 |
Gaming machine and operation method thereof
Abstract
A gaming machine having bonus games which start depending upon
game outcomes of a normal game, the gaming machine comprises a
display control unit for displaying visual information including
plural symbols on a display monitor, an array determination unit
for determining symbol arrays to be displayed on the display
monitor by a lottery at the time of stationary reel display, a
judgment unit for judging the game outcomes to compare determined
symbol arrays with predetermined judgment data, a bonus game number
determination unit for determining the total number of the bonus
games to be output when the determined game outcomes give a trigger
to start the bonus games and a bonus game number allocation unit
for dividing the determined total number of the bonus games and
allocating the number of the bonus games every divided unit
respectively. The display control unit is characterized in that the
display control unit displays the numbers of the bonus games on the
display monitor every divided unit sequentially with intervals. The
present invention provides the game machine realizing a
presentation which is possible to enhance the player's
expectation.
Inventors: |
Majima; Shiro; (Zama-shi,
JP) ; Yoshimura; Toshiyuki; (Zama-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARRITY SNYDER, LLP
11350 Random Hills Road
SUITE 600
FAIRFAX
VA
22030
US
|
Assignee: |
Konami Gaming, Incorporated
Las Vegas
NV
|
Family ID: |
38263883 |
Appl. No.: |
11/647554 |
Filed: |
December 29, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/017 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 17, 2006 |
JP |
2006-008376 |
Claims
1. A gaming machine for performing moving reel display and
stationary reel display of plural symbols on a display monitor and
for determining game outcomes in an array of said plural symbols in
said stationary reel display, said gaming machine carries out games
including a normal game started by a player's betting operation and
bonus games started depending on the game outcomes of said normal
game, and comprising: a display control unit for displaying visual
information including said plural symbols on said display monitor;
an array determination unit for determining, by lottery of symbol
arrays which are displayed on said display monitor at said
stationary reel display; a judgment unit for judging said game
outcomes by comparing determined said symbol arrays with
predetermined judgment data; a bonus game number determination unit
for determining a total number of bonus games to be awarded when
judged said game outcome provides a trigger to start said bonus
games; and a bonus game number allocation unit for dividing
determined said total number of bonus games into a plurality of
divided units, and allocating a number of bonus games respectively
to each of said divided units, wherein said display control unit
displays each of said number of bonus games on said display monitor
sequentially for each of said divided units with intervals.
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein graphical
presentations are provided in said intervals.
3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein said display
control unit finally displays said total number of bonus games on
said display monitor.
4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein said number of
bonus games to be displayed in "k"-th time is "m.sub.k" according
to equations (1) and (2) when said total number of bonus games "X"
is divided into "n" of said divided units, and each said number of
bonus games is displayed. X = k = 1 n .times. m k ( 1 ) m k < m
k + 1 ( 2 ) ##EQU6##
5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein said number of
bonus games to be displayed in "k"-th time is set randomly
according to the equation (1) when said total number of the bonus
games "X" is divided into "n" of said divided units, and each said
number of bonus games is displayed. X = k = 1 n .times. m k ( 1 )
##EQU7##
6. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein colors
displayed on said display monitor are varied whenever said number
of bonus games is displayed when said total number of bonus games
"X" is divided into "n" of said divided units, and each said number
of bonus games is displayed.
7. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein sound is varied
whenever said number of bonus games is displayed when said total
number of bonus games "X" is divided into "n" of said divided
units, and each said number of bonus games is displayed.
8. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein images
displayed on said display monitor are varied whenever said number
of bonus games is displayed when said total number of bonus games
"X" is divided into "n" of said divided units, and each said number
of bonus games is displayed.
9. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein images
displayed on said display monitor are varied whenever said number
of bonus games is displayed by player's operations when said total
number of bonus games "X" is divided into "n" of said divided
units, and each said number of bonus games is displayed.
10. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein additional
number of bonus games is determined following a changeover from
said normal game to said bonus games.
11. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein said bonus
games are free games which start without a player's operation of an
insertion of additional coins.
12. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein at the time of
said changeover from said normal game to said bonus games, an award
in said bonus games is determined.
13. An operation method for a gaming machine comprising: starting a
normal game on the basis of an operation by a player; determining
an array of symbols to be displayed on a display monitor according
to an award lottery table on a stationary display of symbols;
judging a game outcome by comparing a determined array of symbols
with a judgment data table; judging whether said determined array
of symbols is on a predetermined award line or not and whether said
outcome, which is said determined array of symbols, is a trigger
array of symbols or not; moving display of said symbols displayed
on reels by rotating said reels; stopping display of said symbols
displayed on said reels by stopping said reels; changing over to
bonus games from said normal game when said determined array of
symbols is said trigger array of symbols; determining a total
number of bonus games to be displayed; determining a divided
display number of said determined total number of bonus games;
allocating a number of bonus games to every divided unit
respectively; and displaying said number of bonus games allocated
every said divided unit on said display monitor.
14. The operation method for the gaming machine according to claim
13, wherein said number of bonus games "m.sub.k" to be displayed in
"k"-th time is determined and displayed according to equations (1)
and (2) when said total number of bonus games "X" is divided into
"n" of said divided units, and each said number of bonus games is
displayed. X = k = 1 n .times. m k ( 1 ) m k < m k + 1 ( 2 )
##EQU8##
15. The operation method for the gaming machine according to claim
13, wherein said number of bonus games "m.sub.k" to be displayed in
"k"-th time is randomly set and displayed according to equation (1)
when said total number of bonus games "X" is divided into "n" of
said divided units. X = k = 1 n .times. m k ( 1 ) ##EQU9##
16. The operation method for the gaming machine according to claim
13, wherein at the time of a changeover from said normal game to
said bonus games, an award of said bonus games is determined.
17. The operation method for the gaming machine according to claim
13, further comprising judging whether said divided display number
of bonus game "k" which is displayed separately has reached "n" or
not, displaying a number of bonus games "m.sub.k+1" to be displayed
next when said divided display number of bonus games "k" which is
displayed separately has not reached "n", and completing a divided
display of bonus games and starting said bonus games when said
divided display number of bonus games "k" which is displayed
separately has reached "n".
18. The operation method for the gaming machine according to claim
13, further comprising setting up an executed number of bonus
games, determining said array of symbols to be displayed on said
display monitor on a stationary display of symbols of bonus games
according to an award lottery table in the bonus games, judging a
game outcome by comparing a determined array of symbols of bonus
games with a judgment data table in the bonus games, and judging
whether said determined array of symbols of bonus games is on a
predetermined award line of bonus games or not during said bonus
games.
19. The operation method for the gaming machine according to claim
13, further comprising judging whether said executed number of
bonus games has reached "X" or not, starting next bonus game when
said executed number of bonus games has not reached "X", and
completing all said bonus games and changing over to said normal
game when said executed number of bonus games has reached "X".
20. The operation method for the gaming machine according to claim
13, wherein said number of bonus games to be displayed separately
is displayed with intervals by presentations such as images and
sound when said total number of bonus games "X" is displayed
separately.
21. The operation method for the gaming machine according to claim
13, wherein said total number of bonus games "X" is divided into
multiple time and separately displayed every said divided unit when
said total number of bonus games "X" is not less than a certain
number, and said total number of bonus games "X" is not divided
into multiple time and not separately displayed when said total
number of bonus games "X" is smaller than said certain number.
22. The operation method for the gaming machine according to claim
13, wherein said number of bonus games to be displayed becomes more
than said number of bonus games displayed last on said display
monitor.
23. The operation method for the gaming machine according to claim
13, wherein after a display of some number of bonus games, once
numbers less than that of last displayed bonus games are displayed,
and then, numbers more than that of last displayed bonus games are
displayed.
24. The operation method for the gaming machine according to claim
13, wherein, after said bonus games start, said total number of
bonus games are re-drawn in an internal lottery and a number of
bonus games which is obtained by said internal lottery is added to
said total number of bonus games.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based on and claims the benefit of
priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No.
2006-008376, filed on Jan. 17, 2006, the entire contents of which
are incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a gaming machine for
displaying moving reel display and stationary reel display of
symbols on a display monitor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] So-called slot machines are widely known as gaming machines
in casinos and game centers. Among slot machines, mechanical slot
machines using physical reels on which patterns and numbers are
displayed have been conventionally used. Other than the mechanical
slot machines using physical reels, there are slot machines using
video reels which display patterns and numbers on a display
monitor.
[0004] Slot machines using the video system reels on the display
monitor differ from mechanical slot machines in that not only
rotating and stationary reels displaying patterns and numbers but
various presentations can be performed on the display monitor. With
the advancement of computer technology in recent years, the
development of new machines has increased significantly.
[0005] Various methods to pay awards won in the slot machine are
proposed. The payment of the allotment which includes the generally
known "free game" which does not require additional bets is
disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 6537150 official gazette.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a gaming
machine which realizes a presentation effect capable of enhancing
the expectation of a player.
[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a
gaming machine for performing moving reel display and stationary
reel display of plural symbols on a display monitor and for
determining game outcomes in an array of the plural symbols in the
stationary reel display, the gaming machine carries out games
including a normal game started by a player's betting operation and
bonus games which depend on the outcomes of the normal game, and
comprising: [0008] a display control unit for displaying visual
information including the plural symbols on the display monitor;
[0009] an array determination unit for determining, by lottery of
symbol arrays which are displayed on the display monitor at the
stationary reel display; [0010] a judgment unit for judging the
game outcomes by comparing determined symbol arrays with
predetermined judgment data; [0011] a bonus game number
determination unit for determining the total number of bonus games
to be awarded when it is judged that the game outcome provides a
trigger to start the bonus games; and [0012] a bonus game number
allocation unit for dividing the determined total number of bonus
games into a plurality of divided units, and allocating the number
of the bonus games respectively to each of the divided units,
[0013] wherein the display control unit displays each of the number
of bonus games on the display monitor sequentially for each of the
divided units with intervals.
[0014] The graphical presentations may be provided in the
intervals.
[0015] The display control unit may finally display the total
number of the bonus games on the display monitor.
[0016] When the total number of the bonus games "X" is divided into
"n" of the divided units, and each number of bonus games is
displayed, the numbers of the bonus games to be displayed in the
"k"-th time may be "m.sub.k" according to the equations (1) and
(2). X = k = 1 n .times. m k ( 1 ) m k < m k + 1 ( 2 )
##EQU1##
[0017] When the total number of the bonus games "X" is divided into
"n" of the divided units, and each number of bonus games is
displayed, the numbers of the bonus games to be displayed in the
"k"-th time "mk" may be set randomly according to the equation (1).
X = k = 1 n .times. m k ( 1 ) ##EQU2##
[0018] When the total number of the bonus games "X" is divided into
"n" of the divided units, and each number of bonus games is
displayed, the colors displayed on the display monitor may be
varied whenever the number of the bonus games is displayed.
[0019] When the total number of the bonus games "X" is divided into
"n" of the divided units, and each number of bonus games is
displayed, a sound may be varied whenever the number of the bonus
games is displayed.
[0020] When the total number of the bonus games "X" is divided into
"n" of the divided units, and each number of bonus game is
displayed, the images displayed on the display monitor may be
varied whenever the number of the bonus games is displayed.
[0021] When the total number of the bonus games "X" is divided into
"n" of the divided units, and each number of bonus games is
displayed, the images displayed on the display monitor may be
varied whenever the number of the bonus games is displayed.
[0022] Following a changeover from the normal game to the bonus
games, the additional number of bonus games may be determined.
[0023] The bonus games may be free games which start without a
player's operation of an insertion of additional coins.
[0024] At the time of the changeover from the normal game to the
bonus games, an award in the bonus games may be determined.
[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an
operation method for a gaming machine comprising: [0026] starting a
normal game on the basis of an operation by a player; [0027]
determining an array of symbols to be displayed on a display
monitor according to an award lottery table on a stationary display
of symbols; [0028] judging a game outcome by comparing a determined
array of symbols with a judgment data table; [0029] judging whether
the determined array of symbols is on a predetermined award line or
not and whether the outcome, which is the determined array of
symbols, is a trigger array of symbols or not; [0030] moving
display of the symbols displayed on reels by rotating the reels;
[0031] stopping display of the symbols displayed on the reels by
stopping the reels; [0032] changing over to bonus games from the
normal game when the determined array of symbols is the trigger
array of symbols; [0033] determining a total number of bonus games
to be displayed; [0034] determining a divided display number of the
determined total number of bonus games; [0035] allocating a number
of bonus games to every divided unit respectively; and [0036]
displaying the number of bonus games allocated every the divided
unit on the display monitor.
[0037] In the gaming machine of the present invention, when the
total number of bonus games "X" is divided into "n" of the divided
units, and each number of bonus games is displayed, the number of
bonus games "m.sub.k" to be displayed in "k"-th time may be
determined and displayed according to the equations (1) and (2). X
= k = 1 n .times. m k ( 1 ) m k < m k + 1 ( 2 ) ##EQU3##
[0038] In the gaming machine of the present invention, when the
total number of the bonus games "X" is divided into "n" of the
divided units, the number of bonus games "m.sub.k" to be displayed
in "k"-th time may be randomly set and displayed according to the
equation (1). X = k = 1 n .times. m k ( 1 ) ##EQU4##
[0039] In the gaming machine of the present invention, at the time
of a changeover from the normal game to said bonus games, an award
of the bonus games may be determined.
[0040] The gaming machine of the present invention may carry out
performances of judging whether the divided display number of bonus
game "k" which is displayed separately has reached "n" or not,
displaying a number of bonus games "m.sub.k+1" to be displayed next
when the divided display number of bonus games "k" which is
displayed separately has not reached "n", and completing a divided
display of bonus games and starting the bonus games when the
divided display number of bonus games "k" which is displayed
separately has reached "n".
[0041] The gaming machine of the present invention may carry out
performances of setting up an executed number of bonus games,
determining the array of symbols to be displayed on the display
monitor on a stationary display of symbols of bonus game according
to an award lottery table in the bonus games, judging a game
outcome by comparing a determined array of symbols of bonus games
with a judgment data table in the bonus games, and judging whether
the determined array of symbols of bonus games is on a
predetermined award line of bonus games or not during the bonus
games.
[0042] The gaming machine of the present invention may carry out
performances of judging whether the executed number of bonus games
has reached "X" or not, starting next bonus game when the executed
number of bonus games has not reached "X", and completing all the
bonus games and changing over to the normal game when the executed
number of bonus games has reached "X".
[0043] In the gaming machine of the present invention, the number
of bonus games to be displayed separately may be displayed with
intervals by presentations such as images and sound when the total
number of bonus games "X" is displayed separately.
[0044] In the gaming machine of the present invention, the total
number of bonus games "X" may be divided into multiple time and may
be separately displayed every divided unit when the total number of
bonus games "X" is not less than a certain number, and the total
number of bonus games "X" may not be divided into multiple time and
may not be separately displayed when the total number of bonus
games "X" is smaller than the certain number.
[0045] In the gaming machine of the present invention, the number
of bonus games to be displayed may become more than the number of
bonus games displayed last on the display monitor.
[0046] In the gaming machine of the present invention, after a
display of some number of bonus games, once numbers less than that
of last displayed bonus games may be displayed, and then, numbers
more than that of last displayed bonus games may be displayed.
[0047] In the gaming machine of the present invention, after the
bonus games start, the total number of bonus games may be re-drawn
in an internal lottery and a number of bonus games which is
obtained by the internal lottery may be added to the total number
of bonus games.
[0048] According to one embodiment of the gaming machine of the
present invention, by informing the player that the total number of
the bonus games are divided into plural times, the player can
obtain a sense of expectation that the total number of the bonus
games gradually increases, and the idea of the gaming machine can
be enhanced.
[0049] In addition, according to one embodiment of the gaming
machine of the present invention, it is also possible that a
re-lottery of the number of the bonus games occurs in the middle of
the bonus games which can enhances the player's expectation that
there is a probability that the total number of bonus games
increases and the idea of the gaming machine can be enhanced.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0050] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the
gaming machine of the present invention according to one
embodiment.
[0051] FIG. 2 is a display example showing an image display window
8 of a display monitor 4 in the gaming machine of the present
invention according to one embodiment.
[0052] FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a schematic of a system of
the gaming machine according to one embodiment.
[0053] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the operations of the gaming
machine of the present invention according to one embodiment.
[0054] FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the operations of the gaming
machine of the present invention according to one embodiment.
[0055] FIG. 6 is an image display example showing an image display
window 8 of the gaming machine of the present invention according
to one embodiment.
[0056] FIG. 7 is an image display example showing an image display
window 8 of the gaming machine of the present invention according
to one embodiment.
[0057] FIG. 8 is an image display example showing an image display
window 8 of the gaming machine of the present invention according
to one embodiment.
[0058] FIG. 9 is an image display example showing an image display
window 8 of the gaming machine of the present invention according
to one embodiment.
[0059] FIG. 10 is an image display example showing an image display
window 8 of the gaming machine of the present invention according
to one embodiment.
[0060] FIG. 11 is an image display example showing an image display
window 8 of the gaming machine of the present invention according
to one embodiment.
[0061] FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the operations of the gaming
machine of the present invention according to one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0062] The preferred embodiments of the gaming machine of the
present invention are described with reference to the attached
drawings hereinafter. The gaming machines of the present invention
concerning the embodiments shown in the following are examples of
the gaming machines of the present invention and the gaming
machines of the present invention are not limited to these
embodiments.
EMBODIMENT 1
[0063] An appearance of a gaming machine of the present invention
in the present embodiment is shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, the gaming
machine 1 has a housing 2, and a front panel 3 attached to the
front surface of the housing 2 and can be opened and closed freely.
A display monitor 4 is incorporated in the front panel 3. A liquid
crystal display or a CRT may be used for the display monitor 4. In
addition, the front panel has plural buttons 5, a coin insertion
slot 6, a coin pay out slot 7, a pool coin insertion button 9, a
start button 10, and the like. When an inserted coin becomes stuck,
a coin return button 6a may be arranged near the coin insertion
slot 6 to return the coin.
[0064] FIG. 2 is a display example of an image display window 8 of
the display monitor 4. The display monitor 4 comprises the image
display window 8 as shown in FIG. 2. Symbols such as numbers or
patterns are displayed on five reels 8a.sub.1-8a.sub.5. As a video
reel method using the display monitor 4 is adopted to display the
symbols such as numbers or patterns in the present embodiment, five
reels are displayed on the image display window 8 by execution of a
computer program. Alternatively, the symbols such as numbers or
patterns may be displayed using physical reels without using the
display monitor 4.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 2, the image display window 8 has the 5
reels 8a.sub.1-8a.sub.5 on which is displayed the symbols on moving
reels and on stationary reels in a column direction (upper and
lower direction on the image display window 8). Each reel is
enabled to display various kinds of moving or stationary symbols.
While the image display window 8 displays the plural kind of
symbols in a column direction on moving, the symbols displayed on
moving reels turn into stationary reels based on the outcomes of an
internal lottery. In the present embodiment, each of the reels
8a.sub.1-8a.sub.5 has 30 pieces of the symbols respectively. In the
image display window 8, 3 out of the 30 symbols of each reel
8a.sub.1-8a.sub.5 (8a.sub.11, 8a.sub.12, 8a.sub.13; 8a.sub.21,
8a.sub.22, 8a.sub.23; 8a.sub.31, 8a.sub.32, 8a.sub.33; 8a.sub.41,
8a.sub.42, 8a.sub.438a.sub.51, 8a.sub.52, 8a.sub.53) are displayed.
In addition, the number of reels, the number of symbols of each
reel, and the display number of the symbols are not limited to the
present embodiment. Alternatively, the numbers of the symbols may
be changed to 8a.sub.1=30, 8a.sub.2=30 , 8a.sub.3=31, 8a.sub.4=33,
and 8a.sub.5 =38 on every reel 8a.sub.1-8a.sub.5.
[0066] The gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment has display
areas (a multi-line video system slot by 3.times.5 reels) composed
of 3 stages such as "top", "middle" and "bottom" in the five reels
8a.sub.1-8a.sub.5 in normal games. The symbols are displayed on the
three stages such as "top", "middle" and "bottom". In the normal
games, a judgment of an award of a winning combination is viewed
within the range of the 3.times.5 display areas. When a
predetermined bonus game starting combination is displayed in a
stationary reel within the display areas based on the outcomes of
the internal lottery, the normal game mode is changed over to the
bonus game mode and the bonus games are started. The image display
window 8 has areas 8b and 8c displaying the numbers of the winning
lines. In addition, the image display window 8 may be further
provided with the area that displays the number of "BETs" and the
number of the acquired "CREDITs", as shown in FIG. 2.
Alternatively, the area which further displays the number of
winning games and an award for a winning game may be arranged.
[0067] In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the
normal game is started by the player's betting operations. A
winning line is a line for realizing an award when a combination of
predetermined symbols is displayed upon the line, and which makes
it possible to set a plurality of lines. The betting operations are
performed by inserting a coin into the coin insertion slot 6, or by
betting coins pooled (the coins are credited) by the pool coin
insertion button 9. In addition, betting is enabled by using these
betting operations together.
[0068] As described above, awards may be determined not only when
the winning line is set in advance at game start-off but also by
the stationary reel display of pre-selected winning symbol
combinations. For example, in the normal game, when at least one
specified symbol is arranged in the stationary reel display on any
of the reels 8a.sub.1-8a.sub.5 on the image display window 8, the
normal game may be shifted to the bonus games as bonus games. In
this way, when the awards are determined according to the
stationary reel display of the predetermined symbols regardless of
the winning line, a degree of freedom of the award realization is
raised and the player's expectation is enhanced greater in
comparison with the case that a winning line is set in advance in a
definite line.
[0069] When a winning line is specified by the betting operations
of the player and start button 10 (it may be a start lever) is
operated, the image display window 8 displays the turning symbols
which are in the moving reel display. When a predetermined time is
passed, the image display window 8 turns each reel
8a.sub.5-8a.sub.5 displaying the symbols, which are in the moving
reel display, sequentially into the stationary reel display. The
stationary reel display of the symbols may be automatic like a
casino machine or it may be hand operated by an input of a stop
signal by an operator like a pinball-style slot machine. For
example, a stop order may be arranged to stop from left
sequentially towards the image display window 8. For example, in
the case of the stationary reel display, the symbols may stop with
a time interval of 0.5-1 sec. When a combination of a predetermined
symbol is displayed on any of the winning lines at the time of this
stationary reel display, the award is acquired in response to the
symbol combination.
[0070] In addition, the gaming machine 1 comprises speakers 11a and
11b which generate audio prompt, music, and sound effects.
[0071] FIG. 3 is a schematic of a system of the gaming machine
according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the gaming
machine 1 is comprised of a main system A and a subsystem B. The
main system A performs controlling performances of the gaming
machine 1 , medal pay out, the image display window and subsystem B
controls the display monitor 4 and the speakers 11a and 11b based
on control signals from main system A.
[0072] In main system A, a CPU 30 is equipped with a ROM 31 and a
RAM 32, and the CPU 30 performs controlling performances of the
whole gaming machine according to preset programs. The ROM 31
performs not only prior determination of the award (internal
lottery) but also controls the operations of the gaming machine 1 ,
and the ROM 31 stores an award lottery table used for determining
an array status of symbols to be displayed on the image display
window 8 at the time of the stationary reel display, an award
lottery table in the bonus games used for determining an array
status of symbols in the bonus games, a judgment data table used
for judging game outcomes in comparison with the determined array
of the symbols, a bonus game judgment data table of the bonus games
used for judging game outcomes in comparison with the determined
array of symbols at the time of the bonus games, a bonus game
number determination table for determining the number of times of
the bonus games, a division allocation table used for dividing and
displaying the number of the bonus games and so on other than a
control program to control operations of the gaming machine 1.
[0073] In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the CPU 30,
the ROM 31 and the RAM 32 comprise an array determination unit, a
judgment unit, a bonus game number determination unit, a bonus game
number allocation unit and so on. The array determination unit
performs operations for determining the array of symbols to be
displayed on the image display window 8, according to the award
lottery table, at the time of the stationary reel display of
symbols. The judgment unit judges the game outcomes by comparing
the determined array of symbols with the judgment data table. The
bonus game number determination unit performs operations for
determining the total number of the bonus games to be output when
the determined game outcomes trigger the start of the bonus games.
And the bonus game number allocation unit performs operations for
dividing the total number of the determined bonus games and for
allocating the number of the bonus games to every divided unit
respectively.
[0074] In addition, the CPU 30 is connected to a clock pulse
generating circuit 33 for generating reference clock pulses and a
random number generating circuit 34 for generating random numbers.
The CPU 30 and the random number generating circuit 34 comprises
the array determination unit, the bonus game number determination
unit and a part of the bonus game allocation unit. A control signal
transmitted from the CPU 30 is output to a display window control
circuit 37 for controlling the image display window 8 of the
display unit 4 and a coin pay out unit 36 for paying out coins
through an output port 35. The image display window 8 comprises a
display monitor 4 and the display window control circuit 37
comprises a display control unit.
[0075] In addition, the signals, which are output from a coin
discrimination device 38 for determining the propriety of a coin, a
coin pay out counter 40 for counting the number of coins to be paid
out and a start button 10 for starting a game, are input to the CPU
30 through an input port 43. The CPU 30, the ROM 31, the RAM 32 and
the start button 10 comprises a selection unit.
[0076] Signals, which are output from the CPU 30, are controlled by
a transmission timing control circuit 45 for controlling the timing
of signal transmission to the subsystem B and the signals are
output to the subsystem B through a data transmission circuit
46.
[0077] In the subsystem B, the signals, which are output from the
data transmission circuit 46, are input to a data input circuit 47.
Signals, which are input to the data input circuit 47, are
processed in a CPU 48. The CPU 48 is connected to a clock pulse
generating circuit 49 for generating reference clock pulses, a ROM
50 which records various programs and various image data, and a RAM
51. Data related to the images are output to the display unit 4
through a display circuit 52 for processing images from the CPU 48.
In the image display window 8 of the display monitor 4, characters,
static images, animated images and so on are displayed. Data
related to audio are output to an amplifier circuit 56 through a
sound LSI 54 for processing audio from the CPU 48. The sound LSI 54
extracts necessary audio data from an audio ROM 55 and processes
the audio data. The audio data amplified by the amplifier circuit
56 is output to speakers 11a and 11b through an audio adjustment
circuit 57 for performing audio adjustment.
[0078] The performances of the gaming machine of the present
invention according to the present embodiment constructed as above
are described referring to FIG. 4 to FIG. 11. FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are
flowcharts showing the performance of the gaming machine according
to embodiment 1 of the present invention and FIG. 6 to FIG. 11 are
examples showing the image displays in the image display window
8.
[0079] Referring to FIG. 4, a description is made of the
performances of the gaming machine in the present embodiment
according to the present invention. First, a player inserts a coin
into the coin insertion slot, or a coin in credits is cast by a BET
button, then the player pushes the start button, the normal game
starts (step S1). In a standby mode of the normal game, the five
reels 8a.sub.1-8a.sub.5 are displayed as shown in FIG. 2 in the
image display window 8 of the display monitor 4. In the present
embodiment, three symbols are displayed on the reels 8a1 -8a 5
each, but not limited to thereto. Another display example of the
normal game is shown in FIG. 6. Symbols such as numbers or patterns
on the five reels 8a.sub.1-8a.sub.5 are not limited to the symbols
shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 6, various symbols can be employed.
[0080] When the normal game starts, the five reels
8a.sub.1-8a.sub.5 rotate upward and downward, 3 symbols on the
reels 8a.sub.1-8a.sub.5 each are displayed in a moving reel state
respectively (step S2). The array determination unit of system A
determines the array of symbols to be displayed on the image
display window 8 at the time of the stationary reel display of
symbols according to the award lottery table. The judgment unit
judges the game outcomes by comparing the determined array of
symbols with the judgment data table. After the predetermined time
passes, the reels 8a.sub.1-8a.sub.5 stop their rotations
sequentially and 3 symbols of each of the reels 8a.sub.1-8a.sub.5
are stopped (step S2). When the judgment unit judges that the
determined array of symbols has been arranged on the preset winning
line, the game outcome is determined as a win and the corresponding
distribution is paid to the player (step S3).
[0081] Next, the judgment unit judges whether the game outcome by
the determined array of symbols is a trigger array of symbols which
provides a trigger to start the bonus games (step S4). When the
determined array of symbols is a trigger array of symbols, the game
is shifted to the bonus games (step S5). FIG. 7 is a display
example of the trigger array of symbols showing a win in the bonus
games. In the present embodiment, "FEATURE GAME WON!" showing the
win in the bonus games is displayed, as shown in FIG. 7, indicating
to the player that the bonus games have been won. In addition, on a
changeover to the bonus games, an award in the bonus games may be
determined. On the other hand, when the determined array of symbols
is not the trigger array of symbols the game returns to the normal
game again (step S1).
[0082] Next, referring to FIG. 5, a description is made of the
performances of the gaming machine in the present embodiment
according to the present invention when the game shifts to the
bonus games. In the present embodiment, the bonus games are free
games to start without a player's operation of inserting additional
coins. First, when the normal game changes over to the bonus games
(step T0), the bonus game number determination unit in the main
system A determines "X", which is the total number of times,
(repeatable number of times) of the bonus games to be output (step
T1). And the bonus game number allocation unit determines "n" which
is the number of times for dividing the total number of the bonus
games "X" and for displaying, and allocates "mk" ("k" has integral
numbers from 1 to "n") which is the number of the "k"-th time of
the bonus games allocated to every divided unit respectively. In
the gaming machine of the present invention according to the
present embodiment, the "mk" which is the number of the bonus games
to be displayed in "k"-th time and the "X", which is the total
number of the bonus games, are associated with the following
equations (1). X = k = 1 n .times. m k ( 1 ) ##EQU5##
[0083] In addition, in the present embodiment 1, the "m.sub.k"
which is the number of the "k"-th time of the bonus games is
determined randomly.
[0084] Next, "k =1" is set by the bonus game number allocation unit
(step T3), the "m.sub.1" which is the number of the 1st bonus game
is displayed in the image display window 8 of the display monitor 4
(step T4). When, for example, by display of the 1 st bonus game
number of "m.sub.1", it is assumed "m.sub.1=15 ", "15 FREE GAMES
WON" is displayed in the middle of the image display monitor 8, or
"15 FREE GAMES" is displayed at the top (8d) as shown in FIG. 8. By
displaying "m.sub.1(=15)" of the 1st bonus game number, for
example, the player finds that 15 bonus games have been acquired.
In this condition, when "X".noteq."m.sub.1" that is to say
"n>2", the said effect is displayed in the image display monitor
8 and the player is notified that the bonus games acquired is more
than the "m.sub.1" times, thereby enhancing the player's sense of
expectation.
[0085] Next, the judgment unit inspects whether a divided display
number of the bonus games have reached "n" (step T5), if the number
is not in "k=n", it is done with "k=k+1" (step T6), and the 2nd
bonus games "m.sub.2" is displayed in the image display window 8 of
the display monitor 4 (step T4). By the display of the 2nd bonus
games "m.sub.2", similarly as shown in FIG. 18, for example, when
the number of times are assumed "m.sub.2=20", "20 FREE GAMES WON"
is displayed in the middle of the image display monitor 8 or "20
FREE GAMES" is displayed at the top (8d) of the image display
window 8. For example, by the display of the 2nd bonus games number
"m.sub.2 (=20)", the player can see the bonus games of "m.sub.2
(=20)", that is to say, 35 bonus games including the first bonus
games of times "m.sub.1 (=15)" have been acquired. Thus, the
processes from step 4 to step 6 are repeated until the divided
display number of the bonus games reaches "n", the player is
informed that the bonus games of a sum total "X" times have been
acquired. FIG. 9 is a display example when the bonus games of 100
times are acquired in total. As such, the total number of the bonus
games are divided into multiple times, and are represented by the
directions of images and sounds with intervals, so as to inform the
player of the total number of the bonus games, thereby enhancing
the player's expectation that the total number of the bonus games
gradually increases, and the idea of the gaming machine can be
enhanced.
[0086] On the other hand, in the case of "k =n" in a step (step T5)
for inspecting whether a divided display number of the bonus games
has reached "n", a divided display of the total number of bonus
games "X" is completed, and the bonus games are started (step T7).
In order to notify the player that the divided display of the total
number of bonus games "X" is completed and the bonus games are
started, as shown in FIG. 10, image 8e(represented by a big wave
surge in the present embodiment) preset in the image display window
8 may be displayed.
[0087] When the bonus games start, the executed number of "r =1"
times of the bonus games are set by the bonus game number
allocation unit (step T7), so that the first bonus games start. In
the bonus games, the five reels 8a.sub.1-8a.sub.5 rotate upward and
downward, and 3 symbols on the reels 8a.sub.1 -8a.sub.5 each are
displayed in a moving reel state respectively (step T8). The array
determination of the system A determines an array of symbols to be
displayed in the image display window 8 on the stationary reel
display of symbols according to the award lottery table of the
bonus games. And the judgment unit judges the game outcomes by
comparing the determined array of symbols with the award judgment
data table. After the predetermined time passes, the reels
8a.sub.1-8a.sub.5 stop their rotations sequentially, and the three
symbols of the reels 8a.sub.1, -8a.sub.5 each stop (step S2). When
the judgment unit determines that the determined array of symbols
has been arranged on the preset winning line, the game outcomes are
judged as a win and the corresponding distributions are paid to the
player (step S9). A display example of the bonus game is shown in
FIG. 11.
[0088] Next, the judgment unit inspects whether the executed number
of the bonus games "r" has reached "X", if the number is not in
"r=", it is done with "r=r+1" (step T11), and the following bonus
games start (step T8). The processes from step T8 to T11 are
repeated until the executed number of the bonus games "r" reaches
"X".
[0089] On the other hand, if the executed number of the bonus games
"r" has reached "X", all the bonus games are completed (step T11),
and the game is shifted to the normal game (step S0 (FIG. 4)).
[0090] When the total number of the bonus games "X" is not less
than a certain number (e.g., 10, 20), the total number of the bonus
games "X" is divided into multiple times and displayed. When the
total number of the bonus games "X" is smaller than the certain
number, the total number of the bonus games may be not divided into
multiple times and displayed.
[0091] As described above, in the gaming system of the present
invention, by informing the player that the total number of the
bonus games is divided into multiple times, the player's
expectation that the total number of the bonus games gradually
increases is enhanced, making the gaming machine more
attractive.
EMBODIMENT 2
[0092] In the embodiment 1 above, the number of the bonus games
"m.sub.k" is allowed to be determined randomly and the number of
each bonus game "m.sub.k" is not particularly limited. However, in
the present embodiment 2, when the total number of the bonus games
"X" is divided into "n" times and displayed, a description is made
of an example which provides a determined limit for the number of
the "k"-th time of the bonus games "m.sub.k" and the number of the
"k+1"-th time of the bonus games "m.sub.k+1".
[0093] The number of the "k"-th time of the bonus games "m.sub.k"
and the number of the "k+1"-th time of the bonus games "m.sub.k+1"
are provided with a limit such as the following numerical
expression (2). Namely, the number of the "k+1"-th time of the
bonus games "m.sub.k+1" becomes more than the number of the "k"-th
time of the bonus games "m.sub.k". However, it should be readily
apparent that the total number of the bonus games "X" and the
number of the "k"-th time of the bonus games "m.sub.k" are
associated with the numerical expression above (1).
m.sub.k<m.sub.k+1 (2)
[0094] By displaying the number of the bonus games within such a
limit, the player can obtain an expectation of the increasing total
number of the bonus games and the gaming machine is more
attractive.
EMBODIMENT 3
[0095] In the above embodiment 1, the number of the bonus games
"m.sub.k" is allowed to be determined randomly, and the number of
each bonus game "m.sub.k" is not particularly limited. However, in
the present embodiment 3 when the total number of the bonus games
are divided into "n" times and displayed, after notification of the
number of the bonus games, once the numbers less than that of the
last notified bonus games are notified, the numbers more than that
of the last notified bonus games are then notified. Such steps are
allowed to be included at least once during changeover to the bonus
games.
[0096] In the gaming machine of the present embodiment 3, it should
be readily apparent that the numerical expression (1), which is
described above, is associated with the total number of the bonus
games "X" and the number of the "k"-th time of the bonus games
"m.sub.k".
[0097] By displaying the total number of the bonus games with this
limit, the number of the bonus games which are divided and
displayed is decreased once. Therefore the player may have the
feeling that the total number of bonus games does not increase
further, however, due to the increase of the number of the bonus
games which are divided and displayed, the player can obtain an
expectation of the increasing total number of the bonus games and
the gaming machine is more attractive.
EMBODIMENT 4
[0098] Furthermore, in the embodiments 1-3 described above, when
the total number of the bonus games "X" is divided into "n" times
and displayed on the image display window 8, images and colors may
be changed and also sounds may be varied whenever the numbers of
the bonus games are displayed.
[0099] When the total number of the bonus games "X" is divided and
into "n" times and displayed on the image display window 8, when
the images to be displayed are changed whenever the number of the
bonus games are displayed, narrative images which are illustrate a
scene of a story may be displayed over a "n" times period.
[0100] The images to be displayed on the image display window 8 may
be changed by the player's operation whenever the number of the
bonus games is displayed.
EMBODIMENT 5
[0101] In the present embodiment 5, after the bonus games start,
when the game is further awarded in trigger symbols, the total
number of the bonus games are re-drawn in the internal lottery and
the number of the bonus games which are obtained by the re-lottery
may be added to the total number of the bonus games.
[0102] A description of to step T7 when the bonus games starts is
similar to the above embodiment 1 and thus is omitted here.
[0103] Referring to FIG. 12, When the bonus games start, "r=1" is
set by the bonus game number allocation unit (step T7) and the 1st
bonus games start. In the bonus games, the five reels
8a.sub.1-8a.sub.5 rotate upward and downward and three symbols of
the reels 8a.sub.1-8a.sub.5 are displayed in a moving reel state
respectively (step T8). The array determination unit of the system
A determines an array of symbols to be displayed on the image
display windows 8 at the stationary reel display of symbols
according to the award lottery table. And the judgment unit judges
the game outcomes by comparing the determined array of symbols with
the award judgment data table in the bonus games. After the
predetermined time passes, each of the reels 8a.sub.1-8a.sub.5
stops rotating sequentially and the three symbols of each reel
8a.sub.1-8a.sub.5 stop (step T8). When the judgment unit judges the
determined array of symbols has been arranged on the preset winning
line of the bonus games, the player wins, and the corresponding
distributions are paid to the player (step T9).
[0104] Next, the judgment unit judges whether the game outcomes by
the determined array of symbols is a trigger array of symbols for
providing an opportunity for the start of the bonus games or not
(step T10'). When the determined array of symbols is a trigger
array of symbols, to give further bonus games, the step is shifted
to the determination step to determine the total number of the
bonus games (step T1). And the "Y" which is the number of the bonus
games to be added is re-drawn in the internal lottery and is added
to the remaining number of the bonus games "X-r". Namely, the total
number of the bonus games become "Z=(X+Y)". The step following
determination of the "Y" which is the number of the bonus games to
be added is described in the above embodiment 1. That is to say, a
point of time that the "Y", which is number of the bonus games to
be added, is determined and the bonus games until now are
discontinued once, the divided numbers to be division displayed and
the allocation numbers of the bonus games every divided unit are
determined to the "(X-r)+Y" of numbers of the bonus games in such a
manner as done to the prior numbers "X and the determined number of
the bonus games are displayed with intervals on the image display
window 8 every divided unit, thereafter, the game is shifted to the
bonus games again.
[0105] On the other hand, the judgment unit judges whether the game
outcomes of the determined array of symbols are trigger arrays of
symbols for providing an opportunity for the start of the bonus
games or not (step T10'). When the game outcomes determine that the
game outcome is not to be awarded in the trigger symbols, the
judgment unit inspects whether the executed number of the bonus
games "r" has reached "X" or not (step T11'), if not "r=X", "r=r+1"
is arranged (step T12'), then the next bonus games are started
(step T8). Step T8-step T12'is repeated until the executed number
of the bonus games "r" reaches "X".
[0106] However, when the executed number of the bonus games "r"
reaches "X", all the bonus games are completed (step T13'), and the
game is shifted to the normal game (step S0 in FIG. 4).
[0107] As described above, in the gaming machine of the present
invention according to the present embodiment, a re-lottery of the
number of the bonus games can occur in the middle of the bonus
games which can enhance the player's expectation of the probability
that the total number of the bonus games may be increased and the
gaming machine is more attractive.
[0108] The gaming machines of the present invention divide the
total number of the bonus games and display with intervals every
divided unit. This increases player's expectation and the gaming
machines are more attractive. The gaming machines of the present
invention can be applied as gaming machines for use in various
locations including game centers and casinos.
* * * * *