U.S. patent application number 11/589157 was filed with the patent office on 2008-02-14 for slot machine and playing method thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC.. Invention is credited to Kazuo Okada.
Application Number | 20080039176 11/589157 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39051457 |
Filed Date | 2008-02-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080039176 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Okada; Kazuo |
February 14, 2008 |
Slot machine and playing method thereof
Abstract
A selection signal is received from an exterior. Among plural
types of selection object symbols, it is set at least one of the
selection object symbols having a type corresponding to the
selection signal, as a scatter symbol. It is set a payout ranking
for the scatter symbol, based on a payout ranking signal inputted
from the exterior. The plural symbols including the scatter symbol
is rearranged in a display. It is awarded a payout determined by a
combination of symbols rearranged on a payline. It is awarded a
payout determined on the basis of the scatter symbols rearranged on
and out of the payline and the payout rankings.
Inventors: |
Okada; Kazuo; (Tokyo,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NDQ&M WATCHSTONE LLP
1300 EYE STREET, NW, SUITE 1000 WEST TOWER
WASHINGTON
DC
20005
US
|
Assignee: |
ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC.
Las Vegas
NV
|
Family ID: |
39051457 |
Appl. No.: |
11/589157 |
Filed: |
October 30, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60836934 |
Aug 11, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A slot machine comprising: a display having a payline and
arranging plural symbols including a scatter symbol, and a game
controller having plural types of selection object symbols, setting
at least of the selection object symbols having a type
corresponding to a selection signal inputted from an exterior, as
the scatter symbol, setting payout rankings for the scatter symbols
set, based on payout ranking signals inputted from the exterior,
and rearranging the symbols to award a payout determined by a
combination of the symbols rearranged on the payline and to award a
payout determined on the basis of the scatter symbols rearranged on
and out of the payline and the payout rankings.
2. A slot machine comprising: a display arranging a scatter symbol,
and a game controller having plural types of selection object
symbols, setting at least one of the selection object symbols
having a type corresponding to a selection signal inputted from an
exterior, as the scatter symbol, setting payout rankings for the
scatter symbols set, based on payout ranking signals inputted from
the exterior, rearranging the scatter symbols and awarding a payout
determined on the basis of the scatter symbols rearranged and the
payout rankings.
3. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the game
controller provides an arrangement area for arranging the plural
symbols and a selection area for displaying the selection object
symbols to different parts of the display.
4. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the game
controller receives selection of the scatter symbol after a next
game, when it is made a predetermined unit game-number after
selecting the scatter symbol.
5. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the game
controller changes a selection-number of the selection object
symbols, when it receives the selection of the scatter symbol.
6. A slot machine comprising: a display having a payline and
arranging plural symbols including a scatter symbol, and a game
controller providing an arrangement area for arranging the plural
symbols and a selection area for displaying selection object
symbols to different parts of the display, having plural types of
selection object symbols to be displayed in the selection area,
setting at least one of the selection object symbols having a type
corresponding to a selection signal inputted from an exterior, as
the scatter symbol, setting payout rankings for the scatter symbols
set, based on payout ranking signals inputted from the exterior,
rearranging the symbols to award a payout determined by a
combination of the symbols rearranged on the payline and to award a
payout determined on the basis of the scatter symbols rearranged on
and out of the payline and the payout rankings, and receiving
selection of the scatter symbol after a next game, when it is made
a predetermined unit game-number after selecting the scatter
symbol.
7. A slot machine comprising: a display having a payline and
arranging plural symbols including a scatter symbol, and a game
controller providing an arrangement area for arranging the plural
symbols and a selection area for displaying selection object
symbols to different parts of the display, changing a
selection-number of the selection object symbols to be displayed in
the selection area, setting, among the selection object symbols, at
least one of the selection object symbols having a type
corresponding to a selection signal inputted from an exterior, as
the scatter symbol, setting payout rankings for the scatter symbols
set, based on payout ranking signals inputted from the exterior,
and rearranging the symbols to award a payout determined by a
combination of the symbols rearranged on the payline and to award a
payout determined on the basis of the scatter symbols rearranged on
and out of the payline and the payout rankings.
8. A slot machine comprising: a display having a payline and
arranging plural symbols including a scatter symbol, and a game
controller providing an arrangement area for arranging the plural
symbols and a selection area for displaying selection object
symbols to different parts of the display, changing a
selection-number of the selection object symbols to be displayed in
the selection area, setting, among the selection object symbols, at
least one of the selection object symbols having a type
corresponding to a selection signal inputted from an exterior, as
the scatter symbol, setting payout rankings for the scatter symbols
set, based on payout ranking signals inputted from the exterior,
rearranging the symbols to award a payout determined by a
combination of the symbols rearranged on the payline and to award a
payout determined on the basis of the scatter symbols rearranged on
and out of the payline and the payout rankings, and receiving
selection of the scatter symbol after a next game, when it is made
a predetermined unit game-number after selecting the scatter
symbol.
9. A playing method of a slot machine having structures below,
comprising: receiving a selection signal from an exterior;,
setting, among plural types of selection object symbols, at least
one of the selection object symbols having a type corresponding to
the selection signal, as a scatter symbol; setting payout rankings
for the scatter symbols set, based on payout ranking signals
inputted from the exterior; rearranging plural symbols including
the scatter symbols in a display, and awarding a payout determined
by a combination of the symbols rearranged on a payline and a
payout determined on the basis of the scatter symbols rearranged on
and out of the payline and the payout rankings.
10. A playing method of a slot machine having structures below,
comprising: receiving a selection signal from an exterior; setting,
among plural types of selection object symbols, at least one of the
selection object symbols having a type corresponding to the
selection signal, as a scatter symbol; setting payout rankings for
the scatter symbols set, based on payout ranking signals inputted
from the exterior; rearranging the scatter symbols in a display,
and awarding a payout determined on the basis of the scatter
symbols rearranged and the payout rankings.
11. The playing method according to claim 9, wherein an arrangement
area for arranging the plural symbols and a selection area for
displaying the selection object symbols are provided to different
parts of the display.
12. The playing method according to claim 9, receiving selection of
the scatter symbol after a next game, when it is made a
predetermined unit game-number after selecting the scatter
symbol.
13. The playing method according to claim 9, changing a
selection-number of the selection object symbols, when receiving
the selection of the scatter symbol.
14. A playing method of a slot machine having structures below,
comprising: providing an arrangement area for arranging the plural
symbols and a selection area for displaying selection object
symbols are provided to different parts of a display; receiving a
selection signal from an exterior; setting, among the plural types
of the selection object symbols, at least one of the selection
object symbols having a type corresponding to the selection signal,
as a scatter symbol; setting payout rankings for the scatter
symbols set, based on payout ranking signals inputted from the
exterior; rearranging the plural symbols including the scatter
symbols in the display; awarding a payout determined by a
combination of the symbols rearranged on a payline and a payout
determined on the basis of the scatter symbols rearranged on and
out of the payline and the payout rankings, and receiving selection
of the scatter symbol after a next game, when it is made a
predetermined unit game-number after selecting the scatter
symbol.
15. A playing method of a slot machine having structures below,
comprising: providing an arrangement area for arranging the plural
symbols and a selection area for displaying selection object
symbols are provided to different parts of a display; receiving a
selection signal from an exterior; changing a selection-number of
the selection object symbols to be displayed in the selection area,
setting, among the selection object symbols, at least one of the
selection object symbols having a type corresponding to the
selection signal, as a scatter symbol; setting payout rankings for
the scatter symbols set, based on payout ranking signals inputted
from the exterior; rearranging the plural symbols including the
scatter symbols in the display, and awarding a payout determined by
a combination of the symbols rearranged on a payline and a payout
determined on the basis of the scatter symbols rearranged on and
out of the payline and the payout rankings.
16. A playing method of a slot machine having structures below,
comprising: providing arrangement area for arranging the plural
symbols and a selection area for displaying selection object
symbols to different parts of a display; receiving a selection
signal from an exterior; changing a selection-number of the
selection object symbols to be displayed in the selection area,
setting, among the selection object symbols, at least one of the
selection object symbols having a type corresponding to the
selection signal, as a scatter symbol; setting payout rankings for
the scatter symbols set, based on payout ranking signals inputted
from the exterior; rearranging the plural symbols including the
scatter symbols in the display; awarding a payout determined by a
combination of the symbols rearranged on a payline and a payout
determined on the basis of the scatter symbols rearranged on and
out of the payline and the payout rankings, and receiving selection
of the scatter symbol after a next game, when it is made a
predetermined unit game-number after selecting the scatter symbol.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/836,934, filed on Aug. 11, 2006.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to a slot machine and a playing method
thereof.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] In a conventional slot machine, when a player inserts a game
medium such as coin or bill into an insertion slot of the slot
machine and pushes a spin button, plural symbols are
scroll-displayed in a display mounted on a front of a cabinet and
each of the symbols is then stopped automatically.
[0006] In such slot machine, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
6,604,999 B2 or U.S. Patent No. 2002065124A1, for example, when the
symbols stopped on a payline constitute a predetermined
combination, predetermined number of game media is paid out. In
addition, when a certain symbol referred to as scatter symbol is
displayed on the display, predetermined number of game media is
paid out in accordance with the number of scatter symbols
displayed, irrespective of the payline. In other words, in the
conventional slot machine, the payout is made in combination with
the two methods.
[0007] The invention provides a slot machine having an
entertainment characteristic, which is not provided to the prior
art, and a playing method thereof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The invention provides a slot machine comprising structures
below and having a display and a game controller. The display has a
payline and arranges plural symbols including a scatter symbol. The
game controller has plural types of selection object symbols, sets
at least of the selection object symbols having a type
corresponding to a selection signal inputted from an exterior, as
the scatter symbol, and sets payout rankings for the scatter
symbols set, based on payout ranking signals inputted from the
exterior. Further, the game controller rearranges the symbols to
award a payout determined by a combination of the symbols
rearranged on the payline and to award a payout determined on the
basis of the scatter symbols rearranged on and out of the payline
and the payout rankings.
[0009] In the slot machine of the invention, when a selection
signal is inputted from the exterior, it is set a scatter symbol
corresponding to the selection signal, among the plural types of
the selection object symbols. In addition, it is set a payout
ranking for the scatter symbol set, based on a payout ranking
signal inputted from the exterior. Then, the symbols including the
scatter symbols are rearranged. After that, the payout is awarded
on the basis of a combination of the symbols rearranged on the
payline, the scatter symbols rearranged on and out of the payline
and the payout rankings of the scatter symbols.
[0010] The invention provides a slot machine comprising structures
below and having a display and a game controller. The display
arranges a scatter symbol. The game controller has plural types of
selection object symbols, sets at least one of the selection object
symbols having a type corresponding to a selection signal inputted
from an exterior, as the scatter symbol, and sets payout rankings
for the scatter symbols set, based on payout ranking signals
inputted from the exterior. Further, the game controller rearranges
the scatter symbols and awards a payout determined on the basis of
the scatter symbols rearranged and the payout rankings.
[0011] In the slot machine of the invention, when a selection
signal is inputted from the exterior, it is set a scatter symbol
corresponding to the selection signal, among the plural types of
the selection object symbols. In addition, it is set a payout
ranking for the scatter symbol set, based on a payout ranking
signal inputted from the exterior. Then, the symbols including the
scatter symbols are rearranged. After that, the payout is awarded
on the basis of the scatter symbols and the payout rankings.
[0012] The invention provides a slot machine comprising structures
below and having a display and a game controller. The display has a
payline and arranges plural symbols including a scatter symbol. The
game controller provides an arrangement area for arranging the
plural symbols and a selection area for displaying selection object
symbols to different parts of the display. In addition, the game
controller has plural types of selection object symbols to be
displayed in the selection area, sets at least one of the selection
object symbols having a type corresponding to a selection signal
inputted from an exterior, as the scatter symbol, and sets payout
rankings for the scatter symbols set, based on payout ranking
signals inputted from the exterior. Further, the game controller
rearranges the symbols to award a payout determined by a
combination of the symbols rearranged on the payline and to award a
payout determined on the basis of the scatter symbols rearranged on
and out of the payline and the payout rankings. Furthermore, when
it is made a predetermined unit game-number after selecting the
scatter symbol, the game controller receives selection of the
scatter symbol after a next game.
[0013] In the slot machine of the invention, the arrangement area
and the selection area are provided to different parts of the
display. The selection object symbols are arranged in the selection
area. When a selection signal is inputted from the exterior, it is
set a scatter symbol corresponding to the selection signal, among
the plural types of the selection object symbols. In addition, it
is set a payout ranking for the scatter symbol set, based on a
payout ranking signal inputted from the exterior. Then, the symbols
including the scatter symbols are rearranged in the arrangement
area. After that, the payout is awarded on the basis of a
combination of the symbols rearranged on the payline, the scatter
symbols rearranged on and out of the payline and the payout
rankings. In addition, when it is made a predetermined unit
game-number, it is received selection of the scatter symbol after a
next game.
[0014] The invention provides a slot machine comprising structures
below and having a display and a game controller. The display has a
payline and arranges plural symbols including a scatter symbol. The
game controller provides an arrangement area for arranging the
plural symbols and a selection area for displaying selection object
symbols to different parts of the display. The game controller
changes a selection-number of the selection object symbols to be
displayed in the selection area, sets, among the selection object
symbols, at least one of the selection object symbols having a type
corresponding to a selection signal inputted from an exterior, as
the scatter symbol, and sets payout rankings for the scatter
symbols set, based on payout ranking signals inputted from the
exterior. Further, the game controller rearranges the symbols to
award a payout determined by a combination of the symbols
rearranged on the payline and to award a payout determined on the
basis of the scatter symbols rearranged on and out of the payline
and the payout rankings.
[0015] In the slot machine of the invention, the arrangement area
and the selection area are provided to different parts of the
display. The selection object symbol whose selection-number is
changed is arranged in the selection area. When a selection signal
is inputted from the exterior, it is set a scatter symbol
corresponding to the selection signal, among the plural types of
the selection object symbols. In addition, it is set a payout
ranking for the scatter symbol, based on a payout ranking signal
inputted from the exterior. Then, the symbols including the scatter
symbols are rearranged in the arrangement area. After that, the
payout is awarded on the basis of a combination of the symbols
rearranged on the payline, the scatter symbols rearranged on and
out of the payline and the payout rankings.
[0016] The invention provides a slot machine comprising structures
below and having a display and a game controller. The display has a
payline and arranges plural symbols including a scatter symbol. The
game controller provides an arrangement area for arranging the
plural symbols and a selection area for displaying selection object
symbols to different parts of the display. The game controller
changes a selection-number of the selection object symbols to be
displayed in the selection area, sets, among the selection object
symbols, at least one of the selection object symbols having a type
corresponding to a selection signal inputted from an exterior, as
the scatter symbol, and sets payout rankings for the scatter
symbols set, based on payout ranking signals inputted from the
exterior. Further, the game controller rearranges the symbols to
award a payout determined by a combination of the symbols
rearranged on the payline and to award a payout determined on the
basis of the scatter symbols rearranged on and out of the payline
and the payout rankings. In addition, when it is made a
predetermined unit game-number after selecting the scatter symbol,
the game controller receives selection of the scatter symbol after
a next game.
[0017] In the slot machine of the invention, the arrangement area
and the selection area are provided to different parts of the
display. The selection object symbol whose selection-number is
changed is arranged in the selection area. When a selection signal
is inputted from the exterior, it is set a scatter symbol
corresponding to the selection signal, among the selection object
symbols. In addition, it is set a payout ranking for the scatter
symbol set, based on a payout ranking signal inputted from the
exterior. Then, the symbols including the scatter symbols are
rearranged in the arrangement area. After that, the payout is
awarded on the basis of a combination of the symbols rearranged on
the payline, the scatter symbols rearranged on and out of the
payline and the payout rankings. In addition, when it is made a
predetermined unit game-number, it is received selection of the
scatter symbol after a next game.
[0018] The invention provides a playing method of a slot machine
having structures below. A selection signal is received from an
exterior. Among plural types of selection object symbols, it is set
at least one of the selection object symbols having a type
corresponding to the selection signal, as a scatter symbol. Payout
rankings are set for the scatter symbols set, based on payout
ranking signals inputted from the exterior. Plural symbols
including the scatter symbols are rearranged in a display. It is
awarded a payout determined by a combination of the symbols
rearranged on a payline and a payout determined on the basis of the
scatter symbols rearranged on and out of the payline and the payout
rankings.
[0019] In the playing method of the slot machine of the invention,
a selection signal is inputted from the exterior. Among the plural
types of the selection object symbols, it is set at least one of
the selection object symbols having a type corresponding to the
selection signal, as a scatter symbol. In addition, it is set a
payout ranking for the scatter symbol set, based on a payout
ranking signal inputted from the exterior. Then, the symbols
including the scatter symbols are rearranged in a display. After
that, it is awarded a payout determined by a combination of the
symbols rearranged on the payline and a payout determined on the
basis of the scatter symbols rearranged on and out of the payline
and the payout rankings.
[0020] The invention provides a playing method of a slot machine
having structures below. A selection signal is received from an
exterior. Among plural types of selection object symbols, it is set
at least one of the selection object symbols having a type
corresponding to the selection signal, as a scatter symbol. Payout
rankings are set for the scatter symbols set, based on payout
ranking signals inputted from the exterior. The scatter symbols are
rearranged in a display and it is awarded a payout determined on
the basis of the scatter symbols rearranged and the payout
rankings.
[0021] In the playing method of the slot machine of the invention,
when a selection signal is inputted from the exterior, it is set a
scatter symbol corresponding to the selection signal, among the
plural types of the selection object symbols. In addition, it is
set a payout ranking for the scatter symbol set, based on a payout
ranking signal inputted from the exterior. Then, the symbols
including the scatter symbol are rearranged. After that, the payout
is awarded on the basis of the scatter symbol rearranged and the
payout ranking.
[0022] The invention provides a playing method of a slot machine
having structures below. An arrangement area for arranging plural
symbols and a selection area for displaying selection object
symbols are provided to different parts of a display. A selection
signal is received from an exterior. Among the plural types of the
selection object symbols, it is set at least one of the selection
object symbols having a type corresponding to the selection signal,
as a scatter symbol. Payout rankings are set for the scatter
symbols set, based on payout ranking signals inputted from the
exterior. The plural symbols including the scatter symbols are
rearranged in the display. It is awarded a payout determined by a
combination of the symbols rearranged on a payline and a payout
determined on the basis of the scatter symbols rearranged on and
out of the payline and the payout rankings. When it is made a
predetermined unit game-number after selecting the scatter symbol,
it is received selection of the scatter symbol after a next
game.
[0023] In the playing method of the slot machine of the invention,
the arrangement and selection areas are provided to different part
of the display. The selection object symbols are arranged in the
selection area. When a selection signal is inputted from the
exterior, it is set a scatter symbol corresponding to the selection
signal, among the plural types of the selection object symbols. In
addition, it is set a payout ranking for the scatter symbol set,
based on a payout ranking signal inputted from the exterior. Then,
the symbols including the scatter symbols are rearranged in the
arrangement area. After that, it is awarded a payout determined on
the basis of a combination of the symbols rearranged on a payline,
the scatter symbols rearranged on and out of the payline and the
payout rankings. In addition, when it is made a predetermined unit
game-number, it is received selection of the scatter symbol after a
next game.
[0024] The invention provides a playing method of a slot machine
having structures below. An arrangement area for arranging plural
symbols and a selection area for displaying selection object
symbols are provided to different parts of a display. A selection
signal is received from an exterior. A selection-number of the
selection object symbols to be displayed in the selection area is
changed, and among the selection object symbols, it is set at least
one of the selection object symbols having a type corresponding to
the selection signal, as a scatter symbol. Payout rankings are set
for the scatter symbols set, based on payout ranking signals
inputted from the exterior. The plural symbols including the
scatter symbols are rearranged in the display. It is awarded a
payout determined by a combination of the symbols rearranged on a
payline and a payout determined on the basis of the scatter symbols
rearranged on and out of the payline and the payout rankings.
[0025] In the playing method of the slot machine of the invention,
the arrangement and selection areas are provided to different part
of the display. The selection object symbol whose selection-number
is changed is arranged in the selection area. When a selection
signal is inputted from the exterior, it is set a scatter symbol
corresponding to the selection signal, among the plural types of
the selection object symbols. In addition, it is set a payout
ranking for the scatter symbol set, based on a payout ranking
signal inputted from the exterior. Then, the symbols including the
scatter symbols are rearranged in the arrangement area. After that,
the payout is awarded on the basis of a combination of the symbols
rearranged on the payline, the scatter symbols rearranged on and
out of the payline and the payout rankings.
[0026] The invention provides a playing method of a slot machine
having structures below. An arrangement area for arranging plural
symbols and a selection area for displaying selection object
symbols are provided to different parts of a display. A selection
signal is received from an exterior. A selection-number of the
selection object symbols to be displayed in the selection area is
changed, and among the selection object symbols, it is set at least
one of the selection object symbols having a type corresponding to
the selection signal, as a scatter symbol. Payout rankings are set
for the scatter symbols set, based on payout ranking signals
inputted from the exterior. The plural symbols including the
scatter symbols are rearranged in the display. It is awarded a
payout determined by a combination of the symbols rearranged on a
payline and a payout determined on the basis of the scatter symbols
rearranged on and out of the payline and the payout rankings. When
it is made a predetermined unit game-number after selecting the
scatter symbol, it is received selection of the scatter symbol
after a next game.
[0027] In the playing method of the slot machine of the invention,
the arrangement and selection areas are provided to different part
of the display. The selection object symbol whose selection-number
is changed is arranged in the selection area. When a selection
signal is inputted from the exterior, it is set a scatter symbol
corresponding to the selection signal, among the plural types of
the selection object symbols. In addition, it is set a payout
ranking for the scatter symbol set, based on a payout ranking
signal inputted from the exterior. Then, the symbols including the
scatter symbols are rearranged in the arrangement area. After that,
the payout is awarded on the basis of a combination of the symbols
rearranged on the payline, the scatter symbols rearranged on and
out of the payline and the payout rankings. In addition, when it is
made a predetermined unit game-number, it is received selection of
the scatter symbol after a next game.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a playing method of a slot machine;
[0029] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a slot machine;
[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates a display screen;
[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates a display screen;
[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates a display screen;
[0033] FIG. 6 illustrates a display screen;
[0034] FIG. 7 illustrates a display screen;
[0035] FIG. 8 illustrates a display screen;
[0036] FIG. 9 shows symbols and code numbers thereof;
[0037] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an external appearance
of a slot machine;
[0038] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of a
slot machine;
[0039] FIG. 12 illustrates a data table showing a relationship
between a symbol, a payout ranking and a scatter flag;
[0040] FIG. 13 illustrates a data table showing a payout ranking
and a display-number;
[0041] FIG. 14 is a flow chart of a game executing process;
[0042] FIG. 15 is a flow chart of a scatter symbol selecting
process;
[0043] FIG. 16 illustrates a playing method of a slot machine;
[0044] FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a slot machine;
[0045] FIG. 18 is a flow chart of a scatter symbol selecting
process;
[0046] FIG. 19 is a flow chart of a scatter symbol selecting
process, and
[0047] FIG. 20 illustrates a playing method of a slot machine.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Embodiment 1
[0048] It will be described an embodiment 1 of a slot machine and a
playing method thereof according to the invention.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 1, a slot machine executes a playing method
comprising steps of receiving a selection signal from an exterior,
setting, among plural types of selection object symbols 181, at
least one of the selection object symbols 181 having a type
corresponding to the selection signal as a scatter symbol 182,
setting payout rankings for the scatter symbols 182 set, based on
payout ranking signals inputted from the exterior, rearranging
plural symbols 180 including the scatter symbols 182 in a display
unit 101, awarding a payout determined by a combination of the
symbols 180 rearranged on a payline L and awarding a payout
determined on the basis of the scatter symbols 182 rearranged on
and out of the payline L and the payout rankings.
[0050] Further, the slot machine 10 executes a playing method
comprising a step of providing an arrangement area (display windows
151.about.155) for arranging the plural symbols 180 and a selection
area (selection windows 161, 162, 163) for displaying the selection
object symbols 181 to different parts of the display unit 101.
[0051] Herein, the "arrangement" means a state in which the symbols
180 including the scatter symbols 182 are allowed to be visible
with naked eyes of an exterior player. In other words, in FIG. 1,
the symbols 180 are under state of being displayed in the display
windows 151.about.155. In the mean time, the "rearrangement" is
meant by arranging the symbols 180 again after dismissing the
arrangement of the symbols 180.
[0052] The "payout ranking" is meant by a size of a payout
corresponding to the symbol 180. Specifically, referring to a
relationship of "BELL" and "CHERRY," when a payout ranking of
"BELL" is higher than that of "CHERRY," more payouts are paid out
for "BELL" than for "CHERRY." In addition, the "payline" L is
provided to determine a combination of the symbols 180. In other
words, when the symbols 180 are rearranged on and out of the
payline L, a combination is determined for only the symbols 180
rearranged on the pay line. As a result of the determination for a
combination, when it is made a winning combination, it is carried
out, for example, a process of paying out a coin in accordance with
the winning combination.
[0053] In addition, the "scatter symbol" 182 is a symbol making it
a condition that a winning is made through only the rearrangement
thereof, irrespective of the payline L. In other words, when the
scatter symbol 182 is rearranged, a winning is made and it is
carried out, for example, a process of paying out a coin on the
basis of the number of all the scatter symbols 182 rearranged on
and out of the payline L. Furthermore, the 'symbol" is meant by all
symbols used in the slot machine 10 and includes the scatter
symbols 182 and the selection object symbols 181. The payline L,
the symbol 180, the scatter symbol 182 and the winning combination
will be more specifically described later.
[0054] (Display Unit 101)
[0055] As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine executing the above
playing method is provided with a display unit 101 (display) and a
game controller 100. The display unit 101 is structured to have the
payline L and to arrange the plural symbols including the scatter
symbols.
[0056] The display unit 101 may be a mechanical structure with a
reel device for arranging the symbols by rotation of a reel or
electrical structure with a video reel on which an image is
displayed for arranging the symbols. Further, the display unit 101
may be a structure of combining a mechanical structure (reel) and
an electrical structure (video reel). The electrical structure may
include a liquid crystal device, a CRT (cathode-ray tube), a plasma
display and the like. A detailed structure of the display unit 101
will be described later.
[0057] (Game Controller 100)
[0058] The game controller 100 has plural types of selection object
symbols and is also structured to execute a first process of
setting at least one of the selection object symbols having a type
corresponding to a selection signal inputted from an exterior, as a
scatter symbol, a second process of setting payout rankings for the
scatter symbols set, based on payout ranking signals inputted from
the exterior, a third process of rearranging the symbols to award a
payout determined by a combination of symbols rearranged on the
payline and a fourth process of awarding a payout determined on the
basis of the scatter symbols rearranged on and out of the payline L
and the payout rankings. In other words, the game controller 100
has the plural types of selection object symbols and also comprises
a first processing unit, a second processing unit, a third
processing unit and a fourth processing unit. Herein, the
"selection object symbol" is a symbol which will be set as a
scatter symbol by player's selection.
[0059] Further, the game controller 100 is also structured to
execute a fifth process of providing an arrangement area for
arranging the plural symbols and a selection area for displaying
the selection object symbols to different parts of the display unit
101. In other words, the game controller 100 comprises a fifth
processing unit in addition to the first to fourth processing
units.
[0060] The game controller 100 comprises a selection object symbol
memory 105 for storing the plural types of selection object
symbols, a scatter symbol memory 106 for storing a selection object
symbol selected by a player as a scatter symbol, a symbol memory
108 for storing all symbols including the scatter symbol and a
display symbol memory 107 for storing the symbols in the respective
memories 105, 106, 108 as a display symbol. The display symbol
memory 107 can be accessed by a display control unit 102. The
display control unit 102 sets the arrangement area for arranging
the plural symbols and the selection area for displaying the
selection object symbols to the different parts of the display unit
101. In addition, the display control unit 102 reads out the symbol
in the display symbol memory 107 under control of a game executing
unit 110 and displays the plural symbols in the arrangement areas
and the selection object symbols in the selection area. A detailed
display state will be described later.
[0061] In addition, the game controller 100 comprises a symbol
selecting unit 104 for specifying the selection object symbol
having a type corresponding to the selection signal and setting the
specified selection object symbol as a scatter symbol. The symbol
selecting unit 104 receives the selection signal from an exterior
input unit 103. The exterior input unit 103 is separately provided
from the game controller 100 and receives the selection signal
which is inputted by a player from the exterior. Meanwhile, the
exterior input unit 103 may be a touch panel provided to the
display unit 101, or a mouse or selection button.
[0062] Further, the game controller 100 is connected to a game
start unit 109. The game start unit 109 has a function of
outputting a game start signal in accordance with control of the
player. The game controller 100 comprises a game executing unit 110
for rearranging the symbols with an input of a game start signal,
as trigger, from the game start unit 109, a combination payout
determining unit 111 for determining a payout determined by a
combination of the symbols rearranged on the payline in a unit
game, a scatter symbol payout determining unit 112 for determining
a payout determined on the basis of the scatter symbols rearranged
on and out of the payline and the payout rankings, and a payout
award unit 113 for awarding the respective payouts determined in
the combination payout determining unit 111 and the scatter symbol
payout determining unit 112.
[0063] Further, the game controller 100 comprises a payout ranking
selecting unit 117 to which a payout ranking signal is inputted
from the exterior input unit 103. The payout ranking selecting unit
117 sets a payout ranking for the scatter symbol, which is stored
in the scatter symbol memory 106, based on the payout ranking
signal. The payout ranking selecting unit 117 stores the scatter
symbol and the payout ranking corresponding to the scatter symbol
in a payout ranking memory 118. The payout ranking memory 118 can
be accessed by the scatter symbol payout determining unit 112.
[0064] In the mean time, each block of the game controller 100 may
be structured with a hardware or software, as required.
[0065] (Operation of Game Controller 100)
[0066] In the above structure, an operation of the game controller
100 is described. First, the selection object symbols in the
selection object symbol memory 105 are displayed in the display
unit 101 by the display symbol memory 107 and the display control
unit 102. Thereby, a player can select a desired scatter symbol
among the selection object symbols displayed in the display unit
101.
[0067] Furthermore, in the display unit 101, the plural symbols are
displayed in the arrangement area and the selection object symbols
are displayed in the selection area. In other words, the game
controller 100 executes the fifth process of providing the
arrangement area for arranging the plural symbols and the selection
area for displaying the selection object symbols to different parts
of the display unit 101. Thereby, the player can easily recognize
the selection object symbols because the selection object symbols
are displayed in the selection area separately from the arrangement
area.
[0068] Next, it is received a selection signal which is inputted by
the player using the exterior input unit 103. The selection signal
inputted from the exterior input unit 103 is contrasted with the
types of the selection object symbols in the symbol selecting unit
104, so that it is selected a selection object symbol having a type
corresponding to the selection signal. The selection object symbol
selected is stored in the scatter symbol memory 106. Thereby, the
game controller 100 executes the first process of setting at least
one of the selection object symbols having a type corresponding to
the selection signal inputted from an exterior, as a scatter
symbol.
[0069] Next, it is received a payout ranking signal which is
inputted by the player using the exterior input unit 103. The
payout ranking signal is contrasted with the types of the scatter
symbols in the payout ranking selecting unit 117, so that it is set
a payout ranking of the payout ranking signal for the scatter
symbol contrasted. Then, the payout ranking and the scatter symbol
are stored in the payout ranking memory 118. Thereby, the game
controller 100 executes the second process of setting payout
rankings for the scatter symbols set, based on payout ranking
signals inputted from the exterior. [0045]The scatter symbol in the
scatter symbol memory 106 is stored in the display symbol memory
107. In the mean time, the symbol in the symbol memory 108 is
stored in the display symbol memory 107. The symbols including the
scatter symbol in the display symbol memory 107 can be displayed in
the display unit 101 by the display control unit 102. Then, when
the game executing unit 110 executes a unit game, symbols relating
to the unit game are displayed in the display unit 101, so that the
symbols are rearranged.
[0070] Then, a payout, which is determined by a combination of the
symbols rearranged on the payline, is awarded by the scatter symbol
payout determining unit 112 and the payout award unit 113. In the
mean time, a payout, which is determined on the basis of the
scatter symbols rearranged on and out of the payline L and the
payout rankings, is awarded by the combination payout determining
unit 111 and the payout award unit 113. Thereby, the game
controller 100 executes the third process of rearranging the
symbols to award a payout determined by a combination of symbols
rearranged on the payline and the fourth process of awarding a
payout determined on the basis of the scatter symbols rearranged on
and out of the payline and the payout rankings.
[0071] As can be clearly seen from the above operation, the slot
machine 10 embodies, as also shown in FIG. 1, the playing method of
receiving a selection signal from an exterior, setting, among
plural types of selection object symbols 181, at least one of the
selection object symbols 181 having a type corresponding to the
selection signal as scatter symbols 182, setting payout rankings
for the scatter symbols 182 set, based on payout ranking signals
inputted from the exterior, rearranging plural symbols 180
including the scatter symbols 182 in the display unit 101, awarding
a payout determined by a combination of the symbols 180 rearranged
on the payline L and awarding a payout determined on the basis of
the scatter symbols 182 rearranged on and out of the payline L and
the payout rankings. Further, the slot machine 10 embodies the
playing method of providing an arrangement area for arranging the
plural symbols and a selection area for displaying selection object
symbols to different parts of the display unit 101.
[0072] (Display State)
[0073] It will be specifically described an example of a display
state of the display unit 101, with respect to the operation
processes of the slot machine 10 and the playing method. In the
mean time, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 7, the display state is described
with reference to a structure in which the display unit 101
arranges the symbols in a video reel manner and a touch panel 69
(exterior input unit 103) is provided to a display surface of the
display unit 101.
[0074] The display unit 101 has display windows 151.about.155 as
the arrangement area for arranging the plural symbols. The display
windows 151.about.155 are arranged in a central part of the display
unit 101. In the display windows 151.about.155, columns of symbols
consisting of the plural symbols 180 are scroll-displayed. In
addition, each of the display windows 151.about.155 is divided into
upper, center and lower stages 151a, 151b, 151c. Each of the
symbols is stopped (arranged) in the respective stages 151a, 151b,
151c. For example, in FIG. 3, "ORANGE" is stopped in the upper
stage 151a of the display window 151, "STRAWBERRY" is stopped in
the center stage 151b of the display window 151 and "BLUE 7" is
stopped in the lower stage 151c of the display window 151. As a
result, the display windows 151.about.155 display a symbol matrix
consisting of 5 columns and 3 rows. In the mean time, the symbol
matrix is not limited to 5 columns/3 rows.
[0075] In addition, the display unit 101 has three selection
windows 161, 162, 163 as the selection area for displaying the
selection object symbols 181. The selection windows 161, 162, 163
are arranged in a right-handed upper part of the display unit 101
so as not to overlap with the display windows 151.about.155.
"BELL," "CHERRY" and "ORANGE," which are the selection object
symbols 181, are displayed in the selection windows 161, 162, 163,
respectively. Further, a selection object window 165 is provided
below the selection windows 161, 162, 163. The selection object
window 165 displays symbols which are candidates of the selection
object symbols 181. The selection object window 165 enables a
player to intuitively recognize that the selection object symbols
181 are selected among the candidate symbols displayed in the
selection object window 165 and then displayed in the selection
windows 161, 162, 163.
[0076] In the mean time, the number of the selection windows 161,
162, 163 is not limited to three and may be plural. Further, the
selection windows 161, 162, 163 may be provided to an arbitrary
position on condition that they can avoid the overlapping with the
display windows 151.about.155.
[0077] In addition, the display unit 101 has two scatter symbol
display units 171. The scatter symbol display units 171 have a
basket shape, and display the scatter symbols 182 as a received
thing, as shown in FIG. 4. The scatter symbol display units 171 are
provided to a left-handed upper corner part of the display unit
101. In the mean time, the scatter symbol display units 171 may be
provided to an arbitrary position on condition that they can avoid
the overlapping with the display windows 151.about.155 and the
selection windows 161, 162, 163.
[0078] In the display unit 101 structured as described above, the
display state of FIG. 3 shows a state allowing the scatter symbols
182 to be selected among the selection object symbols 181. In other
words, after the symbols 180 are rearranged in the display windows
151.about.155, it is made a display state shown in FIG. 3 at the
time when a next game is started. A received thing is not shown in
the scatter symbol display units 171. In addition, as a result of
the lottery among the candidates of the selection object window
165, "BELL," "CHERRY" and "ORANGE" are respectively displayed in
the selection windows 161, 162, 163, as the selection object
symbols 181. Meanwhile, the display unit 101 may display a
character, change of background color or emphasis for urging the
player to select the scatter symbol 182.
[0079] Thereby, the player can intuitively recognize that the
player can select the scatter symbol 182 among the selection object
symbols 181 by observing a state in which the received state is not
displayed in the scatter symbol display units 171 and a state in
which the selection object symbols 181 are displayed in the
selection windows 161, 162, 163, with naked eyes.
[0080] A display state of FIG. 4 shows a state of selecting the
scatter symbols 182. Specifically, when the player pushes "BELL" of
the selection object symbols 181 with a hand 190, the touch panel
69 produces a selection signal indicating position information of
"BELL." Then, "BELL," which is specified on the basis of the
selection signal, is moved to any one of the scatter symbol display
units 171 while changing its size, and is then received in the
scatter symbol display unit 171. Thereby, the player can
intuitively recognize that "BELL" has been set as the scatter
symbol 182, by observing the successive movements of the selection
object symbol 181 with naked eyes.
[0081] In addition, at this time, the other scatter symbol display
unit 171 is empty. Accordingly, the player can continue to
intuitively recognize that the player can select the remaining
selection object symbols 181 displayed in the selection windows
161, 162, 163 as the scatter symbol 182. After that, when the
player pushes "CHERRY" of the selection object symbols 181,
"CHERRY" is moved to the other scatter symbol display unit 171
while changing its size, and is then received in the other scatter
symbol display unit 171.
[0082] A display state of FIG. 5 shows a state after selecting the
two scatter symbols 182. Specifically, "BELL" and "CHERRY" are
displayed in the scatter symbol display units 171, as a received
thing. In addition, the selection object symbols 181 disappear from
the selection windows 161, 162, 163. As a result, the player can
intuitively recognize that the process of receiving the selection
of the scatter symbol 182 has been completed, by observing the
state in which nothing is displayed in the selection windows 161,
162, 163, with naked eyes.
[0083] A display state of FIG. 6 shows a state of setting payout
rankings for the scatter symbols 182, 182. In other words, "BELL"
and "CHERRY" are displayed as a received thing, with respect to the
scatter symbols 182, 182. In this case, when the player pushes the
scatter symbol display unit 171 in which "CHERRY" is received, for
example, the scatter symbol display unit 171 is enlarged. Thereby,
the player can intuitively recognize that the payout ranking of
"CHERRY" becomes higher. In the mean time, when the player then
pushes the scatter symbol display unit 171 in which "BELL" is
received, the pushed scatter symbol display unit 171 is enlarged
and the other scatter symbol display unit 171 is downscaled.
[0084] A display state of FIG. 7 shows a state in which a unit game
is started. Specifically, the symbols 180 of the display windows
151.about.155 are scroll-displayed. A display state of FIG. 8 shows
a state in which the unit game has been completed. In other words,
the symbols 180 of the display windows 151.about.155 are
rearranged.
[0085] (Symbol, Combination, etc.)
[0086] As shown in FIG. 9, the symbols 180 to be displayed in the
display windows 151.about.155 of the display unit 101 constitute
columns of symbols, each of which having 22 symbols. The symbols
constituting the respective columns of symbols are given with one
code number of 0.about.21. Each of the columns of symbols is
constituted with a combination of symbols of "JACKPOT 7," "BLUE 7,"
"BELL," "CHERRY," "STRAWBERRY," "PLUM," "ORANGE" and "APPLE."
[0087] The three successive symbols in the columns of symbols are
displayed (arranged) in the upper, center and lower stages 151a,
151b, 151c of the display windows 151.about.155, respectively, so
that they constitute a symbol matrix of 5 colums/3 rows. When a
1-BET button 26 or MAX-BET button 27 is pushed and then a spin
button 23 is pushed, the symbols constituting the symbol matrix
start the scroll. When the scroll starts, the scrolls of the
respective symbols are stopped (rearranged) after a predetermined
time period has lapsed.
[0088] In addition, various winning combinations are predetermined
with regard to the respective symbols. The winning combination is a
combination that a combination of symbols stopped on the payline L
becomes an advantageous state to the player. The advantageous state
is a state in which a coin is paid out in accordance with the
winning combination, a state in which the payout-number of coins is
added to a credit, a state in which a bonus game is started, and
the like.
[0089] Specifically, when a combination of "APPLE" symbol is
stopped on the payline L, a bonus is triggered and a gaming state
is shifted to a bonus game from a basic game. In addition, when a
symbol of "CHERRY" is stopped on the payline L, 20 coins (game
medium) are paid out per one bet. When a symbol of "PLUM" is
stopped on the payline L, 5 coins are paid out per one bet.
[0090] In the mean time, a bonus game is a gaming state that is
more advantageous than a basic game. In one embodiment, the bonus
game is a free game. The free game is a gaming state allowing a
player to play a game for a predetermined number of times, without
betting a coin. The bonus game is not particularly limited as long
as it is a gaming state advantageous to the player, i.e., it is
more advantageous than the basic game. For example, the bonus game
may include a state in which it is possible to obtain more game
medium than in the basic game, a state in which it is possible to
obtain a game medium in a higher probability than in the basic
game, a state in which a game medium is less consumed than in the
basic game, and the like. Specifically, a free game, a second game
and the like are examples of the bonus game.
[0091] (Mechanical Structure)
[0092] In the followings, it will be described an example of the
slot machine 10 structured in a mechanical and electrical
manner.
[0093] As shown in FIG. 10, the slot machine 10 is provided in a
game arcade. The slot machine 10 executes a unit game by using a
game medium. The game medium is a coin, bill or electronic
negotiable information corresponding to them. Meanwhile, in the
invention, the game medium is not particularly limited. For
example, a medal, token, electronic money, ticket and the like can
be used. The ticket is not particularly limited and may be a ticket
with a barcode which will be described later.
[0094] The slot machine 10 comprises a cabinet 11, a top box 12
provided to an upper part of the cabinet 11 and a main door 13
provided to a front of the cabinet 11. The main door 13 is provided
with a lower image display panel 16. The lower image display panel
16 has a transparent liquid crystal panel for displaying a variety
of information. The lower image display panel 16 displays a video
reel and a variety of information and effect images relating to a
game. Specifically, the lower image display panel 16 displays the
display windows 151.about.155 of 5 colums/3 rows, the selection
windows 161, 162, 163 and the scatter symbol display units 171, as
shown in FIG. 1, and other effect images, as required.
[0095] In the mean time, in this embodiment, it is exemplified a
case where the symbols of 5 colums/3 rows are displayed with the
lower image display panel 16. However, the invention is not limited
thereto. For example, a mechanical reel having symbols provided to
a periphery thereof may be rotated and stopped to display symbols
which are beyond a display window 151.about.155.
[0096] One activated payline L is displayed in the lower image
display panel 16. The payline L is set to horizontally traverse the
center stages 151b of the display windows 151.about.155. Meanwhile,
in this embodiment, although the payline L traverses the center
stages 151b of the display windows 151.about.155, it may traverse
the other stages of the display windows 151.about.155. For example,
the payline L may traverse the upper stages 151a or lower stages
151c of the display windows 151.about.155. Alternatively, the
payline L may traverse the lower stage 151c of the display window
151, the center stage 151b of the display window 152 and the upper
stage 151a of the display window 153. Further, the payline L may be
2 or more. When two or more paylines L are provided, all paylines L
may be activated and the number of paylines L relating to a
predetermined condition such as bet-number of coins may be
activated.
[0097] In the mean time, a credit-number display unit and a
payout-number display unit may be displayed in the lower image
display panel 16. The credit-number display unit displays a total
number that the slot machine 10 can pay out to a player (which will
be also referred to as total credit-number). The payout-number
display unit displays number of coins to be paid out when a
combination of symbols stopped on the payline is a winning
combination.
[0098] A touch panel 69 is provided to a front surface of the lower
image display panel 16. The touch panel 69 has plural contact
points in a matrix form of longitudinal and transverse directions
and allows position information, which indicates longitudinal and
transverse positions of the pressed contact points, to be outputted
as a command signal. In the mean time, the touch panel 69 may be a
touch panel adopted in a mobile terminal or ATM of a bank.
[0099] A control panel 20, a coin receiving slot 21 and a bill
validator 22 are provided below the lower image display panel 16.
The control panel 20 is provided with plural buttons 23.about.27.
The buttons 23.about.27 allows instructions, which are related to a
game progress by a player, to be inputted. The coin receiving slot
21 enables a coin to be received in the cabinet 11.
[0100] The control panel 20 is provided with a spin button 23, a
change button 24, a cash out button 25, a 1-BET button 26 and a
MAX-BET 27. The spin button 23 is a button for inputting an
instruction to start the scroll of symbols. The change button 24 is
a button to be used when a player asks a staff in the game arcade
for exchange of money. The cash out button 25 is a button for
inputting an instruction to pay out the coins of total
credit-number into a coin tray 18.
[0101] The 1-BET button 26 is a button for inputting an instruction
to bet one coin, among coins of the total credit-number, per one
game. The MAX-BET button 27 is a button for inputting an
instruction to bet maximum coins (for example, 50 coins), among
coins of the total credit-number, per one game.
[0102] The bill validator 22 validates whether bill is normal or
not and receives the normal bill into the cabinet 11. In the mean
time, the bill validator 22 can read a ticket 39 having a barcode
which will be described later. When the bill validator 22 reads the
ticket 39 having a barcode, it outputs a reading signal relating to
the read content to a main CPU 41.
[0103] A belly glass 34 is provided to a lower frontal surface of
the main door 13, i.e., below the control panel 20. A character of
the slot machine 10 and the like are drawn on the belly glass 34.
An upper image display panel 33 is mounted to a front of the top
box 12. The upper image display panel 33 has a liquid crystal panel
and displays, for example, an effect image and an image indicating
an introduction of a game content and an explanation of a game
rule.
[0104] To the top box 12 is mounted a speaker 29 for outputting
voice. A ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a data displayer 37
and a keypad 38 are provided below the upper image display panel
33. The ticket printer 35 prints a barcode having data encoded
thereto, such as credit-number, date and time, identification
number of the slot machine 10 and the like, onto a ticket, thereby
outputting the ticket 39 having the barcode. The player can play a
game in another slot machine with the ticket 39 having a barcode
and exchange the ticket 39 having a barcode with bill in a change
booth of the game arcade.
[0105] The card reader 36 reads and writes the data from and into a
smart card. The smart card is a card carried by a player, into
which data for identifying the player and data relating to a game
history of the player are memorized.
[0106] The data displayer 37 consists of a fluorescent display and
the like, and displays the data read by the card reader 36 and the
data inputted by the player through the keypad 38. The keypad 38
inputs instructions or data relating to a ticket issue.
[0107] (Electrical Structure)
[0108] A control unit having the game controller 100 shown in FIG.
2 is mounted in the cabinet 11. As shown in FIG. 11, the control
unit comprises a motherboard 40, a main body PCB (Printed Circuit
Board) 60, a gaming board 50, a sub CPU, a door PCB 80, and various
switches and sensors.
[0109] The gaming board 50 is provided with a CPU (Central
Processing Unit) 51, a ROM 55 and a boot ROM 52 which are connected
to each other by an internal bus, a card slot 53S corresponding to
a memory card 53 and an IC socket 54S corresponding to a GAL
(Generic Array Logic) 54.
[0110] The memory card 53 stores a game program and a game system
program therein. The game program includes a stop symbol
determining program. The stop symbol determining program is a
program for determining a symbol (code number corresponding to the
symbol) to be stopped on the payline L. The stop symbol determining
program includes symbol weight data corresponding to each of plural
payout rate (for example, 80%, 84%, 88%). The symbol weight data is
data representing a correspondence relation between the code number
of each symbol and 1 or plural random numbers belonging to a
predetermined numerical range (0.about.256) for each of the display
windows 151.about.155.
[0111] The payout rate is determined on the basis of data for
setting a payout rate, which is outputted from the GAL 54, and a
stop symbol is determined on the basis of the symbol weight data
corresponding to the payout rate.
[0112] Further, the memory card 53 stores various data used for the
game program and the game system program. Specifically, the data
representing a relationship between the symbols 180 displayed in
the display windows 151.about.155 and the code numbers is stored in
a data table form shown in FIG. 9. In addition, data representing a
relationship between a symbol, a payout ranking and a scatter flag
is stored in a payout ranking setting table form of FIG. 12.
Furthermore, data representing a relationship between a payout
ranking, a display-number and a payout is stored in a payout
setting table form of FIG. 13. The data tables in FIGS. 12 and 13
will be specifically described later. Further, the memory card 53
stores the selection object symbols 181 to be displayed in the
selection windows 161, 162, 163. In the mean time, these data are
transmitted to a RAM 43 of the motherboard 40 when executing the
game program.
[0113] In addition, the card slot 53S is structured to insert and
remove the memory card 53 and connected to the motherboard 40
through an IDE bus. Accordingly, it is possible to change a type or
content of a game to be executed in the slot machine, by removing
the memory card 53 from the card slot 53S, writing another game
program and game system program in the memory card 53 and inserting
the memory card 53 into the card slot 53S.
[0114] The game program includes a program relating to a game
progress and a program for shifting a gaming state into a bonus
game.
[0115] The GAL 54 is provided with plural input and output ports.
When the data is inputted into the input ports, the GAL 54 outputs
data corresponding to the inputted data from the output ports. The
data outputted from the output ports is the data for setting a
payout rate which has been described above.
[0116] The IC socket 54S is structured to attach and detach the GAL
54. The IC socket 54S is connected to the motherboard 40 through a
PCI bus. Accordingly, it is possible to change the data for setting
a payout rate which is outputted from the GAL 54, by detaching the
GAL 54 from the IC socket 54S, rewriting the program stored in the
GAL 54 and then attaching the GAL 54 to the IC socket 54S.
[0117] The CPU 51, the ROM 55 and the boot ROM 52, which are
connected to each other by the internal bus, are connected to the
motherboard 40 through the PCI bus. The PCI bus carries out a
signal transfer between the motherboard 40 and the gaming board 50
and supplies power to the gaming board 50 from the motherboard 40.
The ROM 55 stores nation identification information and an
authentication program. The boot ROM 52 stores a preliminary
authentication program and a program (boot code) enabling the CPU
51 to execute the preliminary authentication program.
[0118] The authentication program is a program (falsification check
program) for authenticating the game program and the game system
program. The authentication program is a program for confirming and
verifying that the game program and the game system program are not
falsified. In other words, the authentication program is described
in accordance with a procedure for authenticating the game program
and the game system program. The preliminary authentication program
is a program for authenticating the authentication program. The
preliminary authentication program is described in accordance with
a procedure for verifying that the authentication to be
authenticated is not falsified, i.e., for authenticating the
authentication program.
[0119] The motherboard 40 is provided with a main CPU 41
(controller), a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, a RAM (Random Access
Memory) 43 and a communication interface 44.
[0120] The main CPU 41 has functions of a controller for
controlling the whole slot machine 10. In particular, the main CPU
41 carries out a control for outputting a command signal enabling
the sub CPU to scroll the symbols of the lower image display panel
16 when the spin button 23 is pushed after the credit is bet, a
control for determining symbols to be stopped after the symbols are
scrolled and a control for stopping the determined symbols in the
display windows 151.about.155.
[0121] In other words, the main CPU 41 has functions of an
arrangement controller for selecting and determining arrangement
symbols with regard to a symbol matrix from the plural types of
symbols so as to rearrange them, as a new symbol matrix after
scrolling the plural symbols to be displayed in the lower image
display panel 16, and executing an arrangement control which will
be stopped at the determined symbols from the scroll state.
[0122] In addition, the main CPU 41 has functions of the game
controller 100 for executing a first process of setting at least
one of the selection object symbols 181 having a type corresponding
to a selection signal inputted from the touch panel 69, as a
scatter symbol, a second process of setting payout rankings for the
scatter symbols set, based on payout ranking signals inputted from
the exterior, a third process of rearranging the symbols 180 to
award a payout determined by a combination of the symbols 180
rearranged on the payline L and a fourth process of awarding a
payout determined on the basis of the scatter symbols 182
rearranged on and out of the payline L and the payout rankings.
[0123] The ROM 42 stores a program such as BIOS (Basis Input/Output
System) executed by the main CPU 41, and data that is permanently
used. When the BIOS is executed by the main CPU 41, each of
peripheral devices is initialized and the game program and the game
system program stored in the memory card 53 are read out through
the gaming board 50.
[0124] The RAM 43 stores the data or program which is used when the
CPU 41 carries out a process. For example, in the RAM 43, the
selection object symbol memory 105, the scatter symbol memory 106,
the symbol memory 108, the display symbol memory 107 and the payout
ranking memory 118 shown in FIG. 2 are provided in a data area
form, respectively. The data area of the selection object symbol
memory 105 stores the selection object symbols 181. The data area
of the scatter symbol memory 106 stores the scatter symbols 182.
The data area of the symbol memory 108 stores the symbols 180 in
the data table form shown in FIG. 8. The data area of the display
symbol memory 107 stores the symbols 180, the selection object
symbols 181 and the scatter symbols 182.
[0125] In addition, the data area of the payout ranking memory 118
stores the payout rankings corresponding to the scatter symbols
182. In other words, the data of the payout ranking setting table
in FIG. 12 and the data of the payout table in FIG. 13 are
stored.
[0126] The communication interface 44 is provided to communicate
with a host computer and the like through a communication line,
which are mounted in the game arcade. In addition, the motherboard
40 is connected to the main body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60 and
the door PCB 80 through a USB (Universal Serial Bus). Further, the
motherboard 40 is connected to a power unit 45. When power is
supplied to the motherboard 40 from the power unit 45, the main CPU
41 of the motherboard 40 is operated and the power is supplied to
the gaming board 50 through the PCI bus, so that the CPU 51 is also
operated.
[0127] The main body PCB 60 and the door PCB 80 are connected to a
device or apparatus for producing an input signal which will be
inputted to the main CPU 41, and a device or apparatus which is
controlled by the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41.
The main CPU 41 executes the game program and the game system
program stored in the RAM 43, based on the input signal inputted to
the main CPU 41 to carry out an arithmetic process, thereby storing
a result thereof in the RAM 43 or transmitting a control signal to
each device or apparatus to control it.
[0128] The main body PCB 60 is connected with a lamp 30, the sub
CPU 61, a hopper 66, a coin sensor 67, a graphic board 68, the
speaker 29, the touch panel 69, the bill validator 22, the ticket
printer 35, the card reader 36, a key switch 38S and the data
displayer 37.
[0129] The lamp 30 is turned on/off on the basis of the control
signal outputted from the main CPU 41. The sub CPU controls the
scroll of symbols of the display windows 151.about.155 and is
connected to a VDP (Video Display Processor). The VDP reads out
image data of the symbol stored in an image data ROM, produces a
scroll image to be displayed in the display windows 151.about.155
and outputs the scroll image in the lower image display panel
16.
[0130] The hopper 66 is mounted in the cabinet 11 and pays out
predetermined number of coins to the coin tray 18 from the coin
payout slot 19, based on the control signal outputted from the main
CPU 41. The coin sensor 67 is mounted in the coin payout slot 19
and outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when it detects that
the predetermined number of coins are paid out from the coin payout
slot 19.
[0131] The graphic board 68 controls image displays in the upper
image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16, based
on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41. In addition,
the graphic board 68 is provided with a VDP for producing image
data on the basis of the control signal outputted from the main CPU
41, a video RAM for temporarily storing the image data produced by
the VDP, and the like.
[0132] The bill validator 22 reads out an image of the bill and
accommodates the normal bill in the cabinet 11. In addition, in
accommodating the normal bill, the bill validator 22 outputs an
input signal to the main CPU 41, based on an amount of the bill.
The main CPU 41 stores a credit-number, which corresponds to the
amount of the bill transmitted by the input signal, in the RAM
43.
[0133] The ticket printer 35 prints a barcode having data encoded
thereto, such as credit-number stored in the RAM 43, date and time,
identification number of the slot machine 10 and the like, on a
ticket, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41,
thereby outputting the ticket 39 having the barcode.
[0134] The card reader 36 reads the data from the smart card to
transmit it to the main CPU 41, and writes the data into the smart
card, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41.
The key switch 38S is mounted to the keypad 38, and outputs an
input signal to the main CPU 41 when the player manipulates the
keypad 38. The data displayer 37 displays the data which is read by
the card reader 36 or the data which the player inputs through the
keypad 38, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU
41.
[0135] The door PCB 80 is connected with the control panel 20, a
reverter 21S, a coin counter 21C and a cold cathode tube 81. The
control panel 20 is provided with a spin switch 23S corresponding
to the spin button 23, a change switch 24S corresponding to the
change button 24, a cash out switch 25S corresponding to the cash
out button 25, a 1-BET switch 26S corresponding to the 1-BET button
26 and a MAX-BET switch 27S corresponding to the MAX-BET button 27.
Each of the switches 23S.about.27S outputs an input signal to the
main CPU 41 when each of the corresponding buttons 23.about.27 is
pushed by a player.
[0136] The coin counter 21C is mounted in the coin receiving slot
21 and validates whether a coin, which is inserted in the coin
receiving slot 21 by the player, is normal or not. A coin except
the normal coin is discharged from the coin payout slot 19. In
addition, the coin counter 21C outputs an input signal to the main
CPU 41 when it detects a normal coin.
[0137] The coin counter 21C is operated on the basis of the control
signal outputted from the main CPU 41 and distributes a coin, which
is recognized as a normal coin by the coin counter 21C, to a cash
box (not shown) or hopper 66 mounted in the slot machine 10. In
other words, when the hopper 66 is fully filled with the coins, the
normal coin is distributed into the cash box by the reverter 21S.
In the mean time, when the hopper 66 is not fully filled with the
coins, the normal coin is distributed into the hopper 66. The cold
cathode tube 81 functions as a backlight mounted to rear sides of
the lower image display panel 16 and the upper image display panel
33 and is turned on, based on the control signal outputted from the
main CPU 41.
[0138] (Data Table)
[0139] In the followings, it will be described the payout ranking
setting table in FIG. 12. The table has a symbol column, a payout
ranking column and a scatter flag column. The symbol column stores
five types of symbols consisting of "BELL," "CHERRY," "ORANGE,"
"STRAWBERRY" and "PLUM." The payout ranking column is adapted to
store any one of data representing 5 stages of payout rankings
consisting of "A1.about.A5." In the mean time, the payout rankings
becomes higher from "A1" to "A5."
[0140] In addition, the scatter flag column stores any one scatter
flag of "1" and "0." The scatter flag of "1" represents that a
symbol of the row thereof is set as a scatter symbol. In other
words, when the scatter flag is "1," the selection object symbol
181 is moved to the scatter symbol display unit 171 of FIG. 1.
Meanwhile, the scatter flag of "0" represents that a symbol of the
row thereof is not set as a scatter symbol.
[0141] In the followings, it will be described the payout setting
table in FIG. 13. The table has a payout ranking column and a
payout-number column. The payout ranking column corresponds to the
data of the payout ranking column in FIG. 13. In other words, for
example, in case that "A1," "A2," "A3," "A4" and "A5" are set for
"BELL," "CHERRY," "ORANGE," "STRAWBERRY" and "PLUM", respectively,
the payout ranking column in FIG. 13 is same as a state of storing
"BELL," "CHERRY," "ORANGE," "STRAWBERRY," "PLUM," "BLUE 7,"
"JACKPOT 7" and "APPLE", respectively.
[0142] The display-number column is subdivided into a
display-number column of 1.about.3, display-number columns of
4.about.5 and a display-number column of 6 or more. Each of the
display-number columns stores a payout-number of coins,
correspondingly to the payout rankings. Specifically, when a
display-number of "BLUE 7" is one, 20 coins are paid out. In
addition, for example, with regard to a case where A2" of the
payout rankings is set for "BELL" and the scatter flag is "1," when
a display-number is 2, 8 coins are paid out.
[0143] (Processing Operation)
[0144] In the followings, it will be described a process which is
carried out in the slot machine 10. When the main CPU 41 reads out
and executes the game program, a game is started. As shown in FIG.
14, in the game executing process, it is determined whether a coin
is bet (S10). In this process, it is determined whether it is
received an input signal from the 1-BET switch 26S as the 1-BET
button 26 is pushed and whether it is received an input signal from
the MAX-BET switch 27S as the MAX-BET button 27 is pushed. When the
coin is not bet (S10, NO), the step of S10 is re-executed and it is
under standby state until a coin is bet.
[0145] In the mean time, when the coin is bet (S10, YES), the
credit-number stored in the RAM 43 is subtracted, correspondingly
to the number of coins bet (S11). Meanwhile, if the number of coins
bet is larger than the credit-number stored in the RAM 43, it is
not carried out the process of subtracting the credit-number and
the step of S11 is re-executed. In addition, if the number of coins
bet is above the upper limit (50 pieces in this embodiment) which
can be bet per one game, it is not carried out the process of
subtracting the credit-number and a step of S12 is carried out.
[0146] Next, a scatter symbol selecting process is carried out
(S12). Specifically, it is carried out a scatter symbol selecting
process routine in FIG. 15. First, as shown in FIG. 3, it is
determined the selection object symbols 181 as the number of the
selection windows 161, 162, 163 by lottery (S100). After that, the
determined selection object symbols 181 are displayed in the
selection windows 161, 162, 163. For example, "BELL," "CHERRY" and
"ORANGE," which are the selection object symbols 181, are
displayed, respectively (S101). In addition, at the same time, the
received things (scatter symbols 182) of the scatter symbol display
units 171 disappear.
[0147] Thereby, the player can intuitively recognize that the
player can select the scatter symbol 182 among the selection object
symbols 181 by observing a state in which the received thing is not
displayed in the scatter symbol display units 171 and a state in
which the selection object symbols 181 are displayed in the
selection windows 161, 162, 163, with naked eyes. In addition, the
player can enjoy that the player can freely select the scatter
symbol 182 among the plural types of selection object symbols
181.
[0148] In addition, since the selection object symbols 181 are
determined by the lottery, it is high a possibility that types
thereof may different every time. Thereby, the player can enjoy
that the player can play a next game using the scatter symbols 182
having a type different from the scatter symbols 182 used in the
previous game. As a result, since types of the selectable selection
object symbols 181 are varied, it is easily preferred by a player
who cares about a jinx.
[0149] Next, as shown in FIG. 4, when the touch panel 69 is pushed
by a player's hand 190, a touch panel signal outputted from the
touch panel 69 is introduced (S102). After that, it is determined
whether the player has pushed the selection object symbol 181,
based on the touch panel signal (S103). When the selection object
symbol 181 has been pushed (S102, YES), the selection object symbol
181 is stored as the scatter symbol 182. In other words, the
selection object symbol is stored in the data area of the RAM 43
formed as the scatter symbol memory 106 of FIG. 2 (S106).
Meanwhile, at this time, in the data table in FIG. 12, the scatter
flags corresponding to "BELL" and "CHERRY" are set as "1,"
respectively, and the remaining scatter flag are set as "0."
[0150] In the mean time, when the player does not push the
selection object symbols 181 (S103, NO), such as a case where the
player is pushing the symbols 180 of the display windows
151.about.155, it is continuously determined whether allowed
selection time has lapsed (S104). When the allowed selection time
has not lapsed (S104, NO), the process of S102 is executed, so that
it is introduced a next touch panel signal from the touch panel 69.
When the allowed selection time has lapsed (S104, YES), all the
scatter symbols 182 are automatically selected among the selection
object symbols 181 (S105). Then, the selection object symbols 181
are stored as the scatter symbols 182 (S106).
[0151] After that, as it is displayed that the selection object
symbol 181 pushed is moved to the scatter symbol display unit 171
from the selection windows 161, 162, 163, it is notified that the
scatter symbol 182 has been set (S107). Then, it is determined
whether all selections have been completed, i.e., whether the
scatter symbols 182 are displayed in all the scatter symbol display
units 171, as a received thing (S108). When all selections have not
been completed (S108, NO), the process is re-executed from S102 and
it is started a next selection of the scatter symbol 182.
[0152] When all selections have been completed (S108, YES), it is
notified that a payout setting is allowed, as shown in FIG. 5.
Specifically, the scatter symbol display units 171 are flickered
and it is displayed a phrase such as "please, set payout rankings."
(S109). After that, as shown in FIG. 6, when the player pushes the
touch panel 69, it is introduced a touch panel signal outputted
from the touch panel 69 (S110). Then, based on the touch panel
signal, it is determined whether the player has pushed the scatter
symbol display unit 171 (S111). [0123]When the scatter symbol
display unit 171 is pushed (S111, YES), it is set a payout ranking
for the scatter symbol 182 pushed (S114).
[0153] Specifically, in the data table of FIG. 12, it is set a
ranking having a lower payout ranking (i.e., a ranking
disadvantageous to the player) with respect to the display-number
of the scatter symbol display unit 171. In other words, "A1" and
"A2" are selected among "A1".about."A5." Then, for example, when
the touch panel 69 is pushed for a part corresponding to the
scatter symbol display unit 171, the payout ranking of the scatter
symbol 182 in the scatter symbol display unit 171 is changed every
predetermined time. Then, when the player takes away the hand 190
from the touch panel 69, a payout ranking is set at the timing. In
the mean time, the payout ranking may be set in such a manner that
the payout ranking is varied whenever the touch panel 69 is
pushed.
[0154] When the payout ranking is varied, a size of the scatter
symbol display unit 171 is enlarged and downscaled. Thereby, the
player can easily set a desired payout ranking by checking the size
with naked eyes while pushing the scatter symbol display unit 171.
In FIG. 8, the enlarged scatter symbol display unit 171 receives
the scatter symbol 182 of "CHERRY," while the downscaled scatter
symbol display unit 171 receives the scatter symbols 182 of "BELL."
Accordingly, in this case, in the data table of FIG. 12, the payout
ranking corresponding to "CHERRY" becomes "A2," while the payout
ranking corresponding to "BELL" becomes "A1." The payout rankings
of the other symbols may be set automatically or set into a default
preset.
[0155] In addition, when the scatter symbol display unit 171 is not
pushed (S111, NO), it is continuously determined whether the
allowed selection time has lapsed (S112). When the allowed
selection time has not lapsed (S112, NO), the process of S110 is
carried out, so that it is introduced a next touch panel signal
from the touch panel 69. When the allowed selection time has lapsed
(S112, YES), it is set automatically the payout rankings for all
the scatter symbols 182. Then, the selection object symbols 181 are
memorized as the scatter symbols 182 (S106).
[0156] In the processes of S113 and S114, when the payout rankings
are set manually and automatically, it is determined whether it has
been completed the setting of all payout rankings (S115). When all
settings have not been completed (S115, NO), the process is
re-executed from S110. Meanwhile, when all settings have been
completed (S115, YES), this routine is ended and the process is
returned to the game execution processing routine in FIG. 14.
[0157] As shown in FIG. 14, when the execution is returned to the
game execution processing routine, it is determined whether the
spin button 23 is ON or not (S13). When the spin button 23 is not
ON (S13, NO), the process is returned to the step of S10.
Meanwhile, in case that the spin button 23 is not ON (for example,
the spin button 23 is not ON and an instruction to end the game is
inputted), it is canceled the subtraction result in the step of
S11.
[0158] In the mean time, when the spin button 23 is ON (S13, YES),
a symbol determining process is executed (S14). In other words, a
stop symbol determining program stored in the RAM 43 is executed,
so that it is determined the symbols 180 which will be stopped in
the fifteen respective stages of the display windows 151.about.155.
Thereby, it is determined a combination of symbols to be stopped on
the payline L.
[0159] Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the symbols 180 of the display
windows 151.about.155 are scroll-displayed (S15). In the mean time,
the scroll process is such that the symbols 180 are scrolled in an
arrow direction and then the symbols 180 determined in the step of
S14 are stopped (rearranged) in the display windows
151.about.155.
[0160] Next, as shown in FIG. 8, it is determined whether a
combination of symbols 180 stopped on the payline L is a winning
combination or not (S16). When it is not a winning combination
(S16, NO), it is continued to determine whether the scatter symbol
182 is displayed (rearranged) in the display windows 151.about.155
(S17). When the scatter symbol 182 is not displayed (S17, NO), this
routine is ended.
[0161] In the mean time, when it is a winning combination (S16,
YES) and/or the scatter symbol 182 is displayed (S17, YES), a
payout process of S18 is executed. In other words, when it is made
a winning of the winning combination, it is calculated a
payout-number of coins based on the winning. In addition, as shown
in FIG. 13, when it is made a winning of the scatter symbol 182, it
is calculated a payout-number of coins based on the display-number
of the scatter symbol 182 on the basis of the symbol, the payout
ranking, the display-number and the scatter flag. Then, it is
summed up the payout-number of coins based on the winning
combination and the payout-number of coins based on the scatter
symbol 182.
[0162] In case that the paid out coins are deposited, a
predetermined credit-number is added to the credit-number stored in
the RAM 43. In the mean time, in case that the coins are paid out,
a control signal is transmitted to the hopper 66 to pay out a
predetermined number of coins.
[0163] In the mean time, in the display states of FIGS. 1 and 8, it
is not made a winning combination. Meanwhile, the five scatter
symbols 182 ("BELL") and the four scatter symbols 182 ("CHERRY")
are displayed. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 13, a total sum of 5
corresponding to the display-number of "BELL" and 8 corresponding
to the display-number of "CHERRY" becomes a payout-number of coins
(S18).
[0164] Next, it is determined whether it is made a bonus trigger as
a winning combination. In other words, it is determined whether a
combination of "APPLE" is arranged on the payline L (S19). When it
is determined that the bonus trigger is made (S19, YES), it is
executed a bonus game process (S20). In the mean time, when the
bonus trigger is not made (S19, NO), it means a losing. As a
result, this routine is ended.
Embodiment 2
[0165] It will be described an embodiment 2 of the slot machine 10
and the playing method thereof, according to the invention. In the
mean time, the same members as the embodiment 1 are referred to
with the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof are thus
omitted.
[0166] As shown in FIG. 16, the slot machine carries out a playing
method comprising steps of: receiving selection of the scatter
symbol 182 after a next game, in case that it becomes a
predetermined unit game-number after selecting the scatter symbol
182; and changing a selection-number of the selection object
symbols 181 in case of receiving the selection of the scatter
symbol 182, in addition to the steps of the playing method in the
embodiment 1. In the mean time, FIG. 16 shows a state in which
three scatter symbols 182 consisting of "BELL," "CHERRY" and
"ORANGE" are selected among the five selection object symbols 181.
The other structures are same as the embodiment 1.
[0167] The slot machine 10 of the invention has a display unit
(display) 101 and a game controller 100, as shown in FIG. 17. The
display unit 101 has a payline L and is structured to arrange
plural symbols including scatter symbols.
[0168] The game controller 100 is structured to execute a sixth
process of receiving selection of the scatter symbol after a next
game in case that it becomes a predetermined unit game-number after
selecting the scatter symbol, in addition to the first to fifth
processes of the embodiment 1. Further, the slot machine 10 is
structured to execute a seventh process of changing a
selection-number of the selection object symbols in case of
receiving the selection of the scatter symbol. In other words, the
game controller 100 has plural types of selection object symbols
and first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh
processing units.
[0169] (Game Controller 100)
[0170] The game controller 100 is provided with a game count unit
114 to which a game start signal is inputted from a game start unit
109, a selection start determining unit 115 to which a count value
signal is inputted from the game count unit 114 and a
display-number lottery unit 116 to which a determining signal is
inputted from the selection start determining unit 115.
[0171] Whenever a game start signal is inputted, the game count
unit 114 counts up a unit game-number and outputs a unit
game-number as a count value signal. When the unit game-number of
the count value signal is a predetermined number, the selection
start determining unit 115 outputs a selection start signal to the
display lottery unit 116 and the game count unit 114. The game
count unit 114 clears the unit game-number to "0", based on the
selection start signal inputted. In the mean time, the display
lottery unit 116 determines a display-number of the selection
object symbols with the input of the selection start signal as
trigger, and determines the selection object symbols as the
display-number. Further, the display lottery unit 116 determines a
display-number of the scatter symbol display units 117 in FIG. 17
with the input of the selection start signal as trigger. In
addition, the display lottery unit 116 outputs the selection object
symbols as the display-number to the display symbol memory 107 from
the selection object symbol memory 105, thereby displaying the
selection object symbols as the display-number in the display unit
101. The other structures are same as the embodiment 1.
[0172] In the structure as described above, an operation of the
slot machine 100 is described.
[0173] Whenever a game start signal is inputted from the game start
unit 109, the unit game-number is counted up in the game start unit
109. The unit game-number is outputted to the selection start
determining unit 115, as a count value signal. When the unit
game-number is a predetermined number, a selection start signal is
outputted to the game start unit 109. Then, a display-number of the
selection object symbols is determined and the selection object
symbols as the display-number are determined in the display lottery
unit 116. After that, the selection object symbols as the
display-number are outputted to the display symbol memory 107 from
the selection object symbol memory 105, so that the selection
object symbols as the display-number are displayed in the display
unit 101. The other operations are same as the embodiment 1.
[0174] As a result, the game controller 100 carries out the sixth
process of receiving selection of the scatter symbol after a next
game, in case that it becomes a predetermined unit game-number
after selecting a scatter symbol on the basis of the selection
object symbols displayed in the display unit 101. In addition, the
game controller 100 executes the seventh process of changing a
selection-number of the scatter symbol in case of receiving the
selection of the scatter symbol.
[0175] As can be clearly seen from the above operations, the slot
machine 10 embodies a playing method of receiving selection of the
scatter symbol after a next game, in case that it becomes a
predetermined unit game-number after selecting the scatter symbol.
In addition, the slot machine 10 embodies a playing method of
changing a selection-number of the selection object symbols in case
of receiving the selection of the scatter symbol.
[0176] (Display State)
[0177] It is specifically described an example of a display state
in the display unit 101 during the operations of the slot machine
10 and the playing method thereof. A display state in the display
unit 101 of FIG. 16 shows a state allowing three scatter symbols
182 to be selected among the three selection object symbols 181. In
addition, as in the embodiment 1, the selection object window 165
is provided below the selection windows 161, 162, 163. The
selection object window 165 displays symbols which are candidates
of the selection object symbols 181. Accordingly, a player can
intuitively recognize that the selection object symbols 181 are
selected among the candidate symbols displayed in the selection
object window 165 and then displayed in the selection windows 161,
162, 163.
[0178] (Processing Operation)
[0179] The slot machine 10 has the same mechanical and electrical
structures as the embodiment 1, except that the process routine in
FIG. 16 is replaced with process routines in FIGS. 18 and 19. In
the followings, it will be specifically described a processing
operation of the slot machine 10.
[0180] In the game executing process of FIG. 14, when a scatter
symbol selecting process is executed (S12), a scatter symbol
process routine of FIG. 18 is carried out. First, a unit
game-number is counted up (S200). Then, it is determined whether
the unit game-number is a predetermined value (S201). When the unit
game-number is not a predetermined value (S201, NO), this routine
is ended and the process is returned to the game executing process
of FIG. 14. Accordingly, in this case, a unit game is repeated
using a same type of scatter symbols 182.
[0181] In the mean time, when the unit game-number is a
predetermined value (S201, YES), a display-number is determined by
lottery (S202). Then, the selection object symbols 181 as the
display-number are determined by lottery (S203). The selection
object symbols 181 determined are displayed in the selection
windows 161, 162, 163 (S204). As a result, the player can recognize
that the scatter symbols 182 can be selected after playing a
predetermined number of games. In addition, the player can enjoy
that it is possible to play a next game using a different type of
scatter symbols 182 from the scatter symbols 182 to date.
Furthermore, since the type or number of the selectable selection
object symbols 181 is varied, it is easily preferred by a player
who cares about a jinx.
[0182] Next, a selection-number is determined by lottery (S205).
After that, the scatter symbol display units 171 having a basket
shape are displayed as the selection-number (S206). Thereby, the
player can have an impression that the selection object symbols 181
of the selection windows 161, 162, 163 are received, by observing
the basket shape with naked eyes. In addition, the player can
easily understand a setting-number which can be set for the scatter
symbols 182, in accordance with a display-number of the scatter
symbol units 171 having the basket shape. [0150]After that, it is
introduced a touch panel signal from the touch panel 69 through the
operation of the player (S207). Then, it is determined whether the
player has pushed the selection object symbol 181, based on the
touch panel signal (S208). When the selection object symbol 181 has
been pushed (S208, YES), the selection object symbol 181 is
memorized as a scatter symbol 182 (S211). Then, the scatter symbol
182 memorized is displayed (S212) and then a step of S213 is
executed.
[0183] In the mean time, when the selection object symbol 181 is
not pushed (S208, NO), it is continuously determined whether the
allowed selection time has lapsed (S209). When the allowed
selection time has not lapsed (S209, NO), the process of S207 is
executed, so that it is introduced a next touch panel signal from
the touch panel 69. When the allowed selection time has lapsed
(S209, YES), the selection object symbol is automatically selected
among the selection object symbols 181 displayed in the selection
windows 161, 162, 163 (S210), and then memorized as a scatter
symbol 182 (S211).
[0184] After that, the selection object symbol 181 selected is
moved to the scatter symbol display unit 171 and is displayed as a
received thing of the scatter symbol display unit 171, so that it
is notified that the selection object symbol 181 selected has been
set as the scatter symbol 182 (S212). Then, it is determined
whether all selections have been completed, i.e., whether the
scatter symbols 182 are displayed as a received thing in all the
scatter symbol display units 171 (S213). When all selections have
not been completed (S213, NO), the process is re-executed from S207
and it is started next selection of the scatter symbol 182.
[0185] When the selections of all the scatter symbols 182 have been
completed (S213, YES), as shown in FIG. 19, it is notified that a
payout setting is allowed, as in the embodiment 1 (S214). After
that, a touch panel signal is introduced (S215). Then, based on the
touch panel signal, it is determined whether the player has pushed
the scatter symbol display unit 171 (S216).
[0186] When the scatter symbol display unit 171 has been pushed
(S216, YES), it is set a payout ranking for the scatter symbol 182
pushed (S219). In the mean time, when the scatter symbol display
unit 171 has not been pushed (S216, NO), it is continued to
determine whether the allowed selection time has lapsed (S217).
When the allowed selection has not lapsed (S217, NO), the process
of S215 is executed, so that it is introduced a next touch panel
signal from the touch panel 69. When the allowed selection time has
lapsed (S217, YES), it is automatically set the payout rankings for
all the scatter symbols 182 (S218).
[0187] After that, when the payout rankings are manually and
automatically set in the processes of S219 and S218, it is
determined whether all the settings of the payout rankings have
been completed (S220). When all the settings have not been
completed (S220, NO), the process is re-executed from S215. In the
mean time, when all the setting have been completed (S220, YES),
the unit game-number is cleared to "0" (S221) and the process is
then returned to the game execution processing routine from this
routine. The other operations are same as the embodiment 1.
Embodiment 3
[0188] In the followings, it will be described an embodiment 3 of
the slot machine 10 and the playing method thereof, according to
the invention. In the mean time, the same members as the
embodiments 1 and 2 are referred to with the same reference
numerals and descriptions thereof are thus omitted.
[0189] As shown in FIG. 20, the slot machine executes a playing
method comprising steps of receiving a selection signal from an
exterior, setting, among the plural types of selection object
symbols 181, at least one of the selection object symbols 181
having a type corresponding to the selection signal, as a scatter
symbol 182, setting payout rankings for the scatter symbols 182
set, based on payout ranking signals inputted from the exterior,
rearranging the scatter symbols 182 in the lower image display
panel 16 (display) and awarding a payout determined on the basis of
the scatter-symbols 182 rearranged and the payout rankings.
[0190] Further, the slot machine 10 executes a playing method
comprising a step of providing the display windows 151.about.155,
which are the arrangement area for arranging the plural symbols
180, and the selection windows 161, 162, 163, which are the
selection area for displaying the selection object symbols 181, to
different parts of the display unit 101.
[0191] Further, the slot machine 10 carries out a method comprising
steps of receiving selection of the scatter symbol 182 after a next
game in case that it is made a predetermined unit game-number after
selecting a scatter symbol 182, and changing a selection-number of
the selection object symbols 181 in case of receiving the scatter
symbol 182. Since the other operations and structures are same as
the embodiment 1 or 2, except that there is no operation or block
(scatter symbol payout determining unit 112 in FIG. 2) related to
the payline L, the descriptions thereof are omitted.
[0192] Although the above descriptions have been provided with
regard to the characteristic parts so as to understand the
invention more easily, the invention is not limited to the
embodiments as described above and can be applied to the other
embodiments and the applicable scope should be construed as broadly
as possible. Furthermore, the terms and phraseology used in the
specification have been used to correctly illustrate the invention,
not to limit it. In addition, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that the other structures, systems, methods and
the like included in the spirit of the invention can be derived
from the spirit of the invention described in the specification.
Accordingly, it should be considered that the invention covers
equivalent structures thereof without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. Further,
the abstract is provided so that an intellectual property office
and a general public institution or one skilled in the art who is
not familiar with patent and legal or professional terminology can
quickly analyze the technical features and essences of the
invention through a simple investigation. Accordingly, the abstract
is not intended to limit the scope of the invention that should be
evaluated by the claims. In addition, it is required to
sufficiently refer to the documents that have been already
disclosed, so as to fully understand the objects and effects of the
invention.
[0193] The above descriptions include a process that is executed on
a computer or computer network. The above descriptions and
expressions have been provided so that the one skilled in the art
can understand the invention most effectively. In the
specification, the respective steps used to induce one result or
blocks having a predetermined processing function should be
understood as a process having no self-contradiction. In addition,
the electrical or magnetic signal is transmitted/received and
written in the respective steps or blocks. Although the processes
in the respective steps or blocks embody the signal as a bit,
value, symbol character, term, number and the like, it should be
noted that these have been used for the convenience of
descriptions. Further, although the processes in the respective
steps or blocks have been often described as an expression common
to a human action, the process described in the specification is
executed by a variety of devices in principle. In addition, the
other structures necessary for the respective steps or blocks are
apparent from the above descriptions.
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