U.S. patent application number 11/780149 was filed with the patent office on 2008-02-21 for gaming machine and gaming method thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to ARUZE CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Kazumasa YOSHIZAWA.
Application Number | 20080045313 11/780149 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39102007 |
Filed Date | 2008-02-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080045313 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
YOSHIZAWA; Kazumasa |
February 21, 2008 |
GAMING MACHINE AND GAMING METHOD THEREOF
Abstract
A gaming environment with the use of polyhedrons is described.
Three reels may be variably displayed. Each of reels may be
constructed from polyhedrons. Nine polyhedrons may be stopped and
displayed with 3.times.3 matrix on a display. And then, selected
polyhedrons may be rotated and reels being only constructed from
not selected polyhedrons may be spun. If a combination of the
symbols displayed on front surfaces of the polyhedrons located at
middle row of the 3.times.3 matrix is any winning combination, an
award will be provided to a user.
Inventors: |
YOSHIZAWA; Kazumasa; (Tokyo,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BANNER & WITCOFF, LTD.
1100 13th STREET, N.W., SUITE 1200
WASHINGTON
DC
20005-4051
US
|
Assignee: |
ARUZE CORPORATION
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
39102007 |
Appl. No.: |
11/780149 |
Filed: |
July 19, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/34 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 21, 2006 |
JP |
2006-224365 |
Claims
1. A gaming machine comprising: a display configured to display
polyhedrons and reels, each of the polyhedrons being constructed
from surfaces, each of the surfaces having a symbol, each of the
reels being constructed from the polyhedrons with a ring shape,
user interface elements configured to be selected by a, and a
processor programmed to: (a) variably display and then temporarily
stop and display each of the reels, each of the reels spinning, (b)
select one or more the polyhedrons in response to a selection by
the user, (c) variably display and then finally stop and display
the one or more selected polyhedrons, and variably display and then
finally stop and display one or more reels on the display, each of
the one or more selected polyhedrons rotating about an axis, the
axis passing the polyhedron, each of the one or more reels being
only constructed from not selected polyhedrons, and each of the
reels spinning, and (d) provide an award based on the symbols, each
of the symbols being displayed on a front surface of the
polyhedron.
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the processor
programmed to allow the user interface elements to be selected by
the user during the reels being temporarily stopped.
3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the processor
programmed to determine a selectable number of times every a unit
game, and wherein the polyhedrons are selectable within the
selectable number of times.
4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the processor
programmed to display a selectable number of times, and wherein the
polyhedrons are selectable within the selectable number of
times.
5. A gaming machine comprising: a display configured to display
polyhedrons and reels, each of the polyhedrons being constructed
from surfaces, each of the surfaces having a symbol, each of the
reels being constructed from the polyhedrons with a ring shape,
user interface elements configured to be selected by a user, and a
processor programmed to: (a) determine a selectable number of times
every a unit game, wherein the polyhedrons are selectable within
the selectable number of times, (b) variably display and then
temporarily stop and display each of the reels, each of the reels
spinning, (c) allow the user interface elements to be selected by
the user during the reels being temporarily stopped, (d) select one
or more the polyhedrons in response to a selection by the user, (e)
variably display and then finally stop and display the one or more
selected polyhedrons, and variably display and then finally stop
and display one or more reels on the display, each of the one or
more selected polyhedrons rotating about an axis, the axis passing
the polyhedron, each of the one or more reels being only
constructed from not selected polyhedrons, and each of the reels
spinning, and (f) provide an award based on the symbols, each of
the symbols being displayed on a front surface of the
polyhedron.
6. A gaming machine comprising: a display configured to display
polyhedrons and reels, each of the polyhedrons being constructed
from surfaces, each of the surfaces having a symbol, each of the
reels being constructed from the polyhedrons with a ring shape,
user interface elements configured to be selected by a user, and a
processor programmed to: (a) display a selectable number of times,
wherein the polyhedrons are selectable within the selectable number
of times, (b) variably display and then temporarily stop and
display each of the reels, each of the reels spinning, (c) allow
the user interface elements to be selected by the user during the
reels being temporarily stopped, (d) select one or more the
polyhedrons in response to a selection by the user, (e) variably
display and then finally stop and display the one or more selected
polyhedrons, and variably display and then finally stop and display
one or more reels on the display, each of the one or more selected
polyhedrons rotating about an axis, the axis passing the
polyhedron, each of the one or more reels being only constructed
from not selected polyhedrons, and each of the reels spinning, and
(f) provide an award based on the symbols, each of the symbols
being displayed on a front surface of the polyhedron.
7. A gaming machine comprising: a display configured to display
polyhedrons and reels, each of the polyhedrons being constructed
from surfaces, each of the surfaces having a symbol, each of the
reels being constructed from the polyhedrons with a ring shape,
user interface elements configured to be selected by a user, and a
processor programmed to: (a) determine a selectable number of times
every a unit game, wherein the polyhedrons are selectable within
the selectable number of times, (b) display the selectable number
of times, (c) variably display and then temporarily stop and
display each of the reels, each of the reels spinning, (d) allow
the user interface elements to be selected by the user during the
reels being temporarily stopped, (e) select one or more the
polyhedrons in response to a selection by the user, (f) variably
display and then finally stop and display the one or more selected
polyhedrons, and variably display and then finally stop and display
one or more reels on the display, each of the one or more selected
polyhedrons rotating about an axis, the axis passing the
polyhedron, each of the one or more reels being only constructed
from not selected polyhedrons, and each of the reels spinning, and
(g) provide an award based on the symbols, each of the symbols
being displayed on a front surface of the polyhedron.
8. A gaming machine comprising: a display configured to display
polyhedrons and reels, each of the polyhedrons being constructed
from surfaces, each of the surfaces having a symbol, each of the
reels being constructed from the polyhedrons with a ring shape,
user interface elements configured to be selected by a user, and a
processor programmed to: (a) variably display and then temporarily
stop and display each of the reels, each of the reels spinning, (b)
allow the user interface elements to be selected by the user during
the reels being temporarily stopped, (c) select one or more the
polyhedrons in response to a selection by the user, (d) variably
display and then finally stop and display the one or more selected
polyhedrons, and variably display and then finally stop and display
one or more reels on the display, each of the one or more selected
polyhedrons rotating about an axis, the axis passing the
polyhedron, each of the one or more reels being only constructed
from not selected polyhedrons, and each of the reels spinning, and
(e) provide an award based on the symbols, each of the symbols
being displayed on a front surface of the polyhedron, wherein in
response to a combination of the temporarily displayed symbols
being not any of winning combinations, (f) the selectable number of
times is determined, (g) the determined selectable number of times
is displayed, (h) one or more polyhedrons are selected in response
to the selection by the user, wherein the polyhedrons are
selectable within the selectable number of times, (i) the one or
more selected polyhedrons are variably displayed and then finally
stopped and displayed, and the reels are variably displayed and
then finally stopped and displayed, the one or more selected
polyhedrons rotating about the axis, each of the reels being only
constructed from not selected polyhedrons, and each of the reels
spinning, and (j) the award is provided based on the symbols, each
of the symbols being finally displayed on the front surface of the
polyhedron.
9. A gaming machine comprising: a display configured to display
polyhedrons and reels, each of the polyhedrons being constructed
from surfaces, each of the surfaces having a symbol, each of the
reels being constructed from the polyhedrons with a ring shape,
user interface elements configured to be selected by a user, and a
processor programmed to: (a) determine a selectable number of
times, wherein the polyhedrons are selectable within the selectable
number of times, (b) display the selectable number of times, (c)
variably display and then temporarily stop and display each of the
reels, each of the reels spinning, (d) allow the user interface
elements to be selected by the user during the reels being
temporarily stopped, (e) select one or more the polyhedrons in
response to a selection by the user, (f) variably display and then
finally stop and display the one or more selected polyhedrons, and
variably display and then finally stop and display one or more
reels on the display, each of the one or more selected polyhedrons
rotating about an axis, the axis passing the polyhedron, each of
the one or more reels being only constructed from not selected
polyhedrons, and each of the reels spinning, and (g) provide an
award based on the symbols, each of the symbols being displayed on
a front surface of the polyhedron.
10. The gaming machine according to claim 9, wherein the processor
programmed to: (a) provide an award based on the temporarily
displayed symbols when the symbols are temporarily displayed, and
(b) provide an award based on the finally displayed symbols when
the symbols are finally displayed.
11. The gaming machine according to claim 9, wherein the processor
programmed to provide an award based on the temporarily displayed
symbols and the finally displayed symbols when the symbols are
finally displayed.
12. A gaming method comprising: (a) variably display and then
temporarily stop and display reels, each of the reels being
constructed from polyhedrons with a ring shape, each of the
polyhedrons being constructed from surfaces, each of the surfaces
having a symbol, each of the reels spinning, (b) select one or more
the polyhedrons in response to a selection by a user, (c) variably
display and then finally stop and display the one or more selected
polyhedrons, and variably display and then finally stop and display
one or more reels on the display, each of the one or more selected
polyhedrons rotating about an axis, the axis passing the
polyhedron, each of the one or more reels being only constructed
from not selected polyhedrons, and each of the reels spinning, and
(d) provide an award based on the symbols, each of the symbols
being displayed on a front surface of the polyhedron.
13. The gaming method according to claim 12, further comprising:
allow a user interface elements to be selected by the user during
the reels being temporarily stopped.
14. The gaming method according to claim 12, further comprising:
determine a selectable number of times every a unit game, wherein
the polyhedrons are selectable within the selectable number of
times.
15. The gaming method according to claim 12, further comprising:
display a selectable number of times, wherein the polyhedrons are
selectable within the selectable number of times.
16. A gaming method comprising: (a) determine a selectable number
of times every a unit game, wherein polyhedrons are selectable
within the selectable number of times, each of the polyhedrons
being constructed from surfaces, each of the surfaces having a
symbol, (b) variably display and then temporarily stop and display
reels, each of the reels being constructed from the polyhedrons
with a ring shape, each of the reels spinning, (c) allow a user
interface elements to be selected by a user during the reels being
temporarily stopped, (d) select one or more the polyhedrons in
response to a selection by the user, (e) variably display and then
finally stop and display the one or more selected polyhedrons, and
variably display and then finally stop and display one or more
reels on the display, each of the one or more selected polyhedrons
rotating about an axis, the axis passing the polyhedron, each of
the one or more reels being only constructed from not selected
polyhedrons, and each of the reels spinning, and (f) provide an
award based on the symbols, each of the symbols being displayed on
a front surface of the polyhedron.
17. A gaming method comprising: (a) display a selectable number of
times, wherein polyhedrons are selectable within the selectable
number of times, each of the polyhedrons being constructed from
surfaces, each of the surfaces having a symbol, (b) variably
display and then temporarily stop and display reels, each of the
reels being constructed from the polyhedrons with a ring shape,
each of the reels spinning, (c) allow a user interface elements to
be selected by a user during the reels being temporarily stopped,
(d) select one or more the polyhedrons in response to a selection
by the user, (e) variably display and then finally stop and display
the one or more selected polyhedrons, and variably display and then
finally stop and display one or more reels on the display, each of
the one or more selected polyhedrons rotating about an axis, the
axis passing the polyhedron, each of the one or more reels being
only constructed from not selected polyhedrons, and each of the
reels spinning, and (f) provide an award based on the symbols, each
of the symbols being displayed on a front surface of the
polyhedron.
18. A gaming method comprising: (a) determine a selectable number
of times every a unit game, wherein polyhedrons are selectable
within the selectable number of times, each of the polyhedrons
being constructed from surfaces, each of the surfaces having a
symbol, (b) display the selectable number of times, (c) variably
display and then temporarily stop and display reels, each of the
reels being constructed from the polyhedrons with a ring shape,
each of the reels spinning, (d) allow a user interface elements to
be selected by a user during the reels being temporarily stopped,
(e) select one or more the polyhedrons in response to a selection
by the user, (f) variably display and then finally stop and display
the one or more selected polyhedrons, and variably display and then
finally stop and display one or more reels on the display, each of
the one or more selected polyhedrons rotating about an axis, the
axis passing the polyhedron, each of the one or more reels being
only constructed from not selected polyhedrons, and each of the
reels spinning, and (g) provide an award based on the symbols, each
of the symbols being displayed on a front surface of the
polyhedron.
19. A gaming method comprising: (a) variably display and then
temporarily stop and display reels, each of the reels being
constructed from polyhedrons with a ring shape, each of the
polyhedrons being constructed from surfaces, each of the surfaces
having a symbol, each of the reels spinning, (b) allow a user
interface elements to be selected by the user during the reels
being temporarily stopped, (c) select one or more the polyhedrons
in response to a selection by a user, (d) variably display and then
finally stop and display the one or more selected polyhedrons, and
variably display and then finally stop and display one or more
reels on the display, each of the one or more selected polyhedrons
rotating about an axis, the axis passing the polyhedron, each of
the one or more reels being only constructed from not selected
polyhedrons, and each of the reels spinning, and (e) provide an
award based on the symbols, each of the symbols being displayed on
a front surface of the polyhedron, wherein in response to a
combination of the temporarily displayed symbols being not any of
winning combinations, (f)) the selectable number of times is
determined, (g) the determined selectable number of times is
displayed, (h) one or more polyhedrons are selected in response to
the selection by the user, wherein the polyhedrons are selectable
within the selectable number of times, (i) the one or more selected
polyhedrons are variably displayed and then finally stopped and
displayed, and the reels are variably displayed and then finally
stopped and displayed, the one or more selected polyhedrons
rotating about the axis, each of the reels being only constructed
from not selected polyhedrons, and each of the reels spinning, (j)
the award is provided based on the symbols, each of the symbols
being finally displayed on the front surface of the polyhedron.
20. A gaming method comprising: (a) determine a selectable number
of times, wherein polyhedrons are selectable within the selectable
number of times, each of the polyhedrons being constructed from
surfaces, each of the surfaces having a symbol, (b) display the
selectable number of times, (c) variably display and then
temporarily stop and display reels, each of the reels being
constructed from the polyhedrons with a ring shape, each of the
reels spinning, (d) allow a user interface elements to be selected
by a user during the reels being temporarily stopped, (e) select
one or more the polyhedrons in response to a selection by the user,
(f) variably display and then finally stop and display the one or
more selected polyhedrons, and variably display and then finally
stop and display one or more reels on the display, each of the one
or more selected polyhedrons rotating about an axis, the axis
passing the polyhedron, each of the one or more reels being only
constructed from not selected polyhedrons, and each of the reels
spinning, and (g) provide an award based on the symbols, each of
the symbols being displayed on a front surface of the
polyhedron.
21. The gaming method according to claim 20, further comprising:
(a) provide an award based on the temporarily displayed symbols
when the symbols are temporarily displayed, and (b) provide an
award based on the finally displayed symbols when the symbols are
finally displayed.
22. The gaming method according to claim 20, further comprising:
provide an award based on the temporarily displayed symbols and the
finally displayed symbols when the symbols are finally displayed.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based upon and claims a priority from
the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-224365 filed on Aug.
21, 2006, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] One or more aspects of the present invention relate to a
gaming machine and gaming method thereof that provide an award
based on displayed symbols.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] In some conventional gaming machines, symbols displayed on
each surface of polyhedral elements of each polyhedron are used. In
above gaming machines, payouts are provided based on the
combination of the symbols displayed on side face of the polyhedron
in addition to symbols displayed on front face of the polyhedron.
Accordingly, it is determined whether or not predetermined
combination is realized based on the symbols displayed on each
surface of polyhedral elements of each polyhedron on paylines. In
above gaming machines, it is not determined whether or not
predetermined combination is realized based on only symbols
displayed on same surface (for example, only front surface) of
polyhedral elements of each polyhedron on paylines.
SUMMARY
[0006] In view of the foregoing, one or more aspects of the present
invention relate to a gaming machine, a gaming method thereof, a
computer readable medium having computer-executable instructions or
the like that have plural polyhedrons. Also, in one or more aspects
of the present invention, each of the reels may be constructed from
the polyhedrons. Each of the reels may be spun and then stopped and
displayed. Each of the polyhedrons may be rotated longitudinally or
laterally, and then stopped and displayed. An award may be provided
based on symbols displayed on each of the surface of each
polyhedron. Also, One or more of the above aspects of the invention
will be more fully described in the following detailed description
when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be
expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for purpose of
illustration only and not intended as a definition of the limits of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification illustrate embodiments of
the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain
the objects, advantages and principles of the invention.
[0008] FIG. 1 is a view showing an image of a lower image display
panel in the case of that three video reels are stopped and
displayed in accordance with one or more aspects of the present
invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a slot machine in the
first illustrative embodiment and second illustrative embodiment in
accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a view schematically showing symbols displayed on
each surface of each of cubes forming each video reel in accordance
with one or more aspects of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing a control
system of the slot machine in the first illustrative embodiment and
the second illustrative embodiment in accordance with one or more
aspects of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a view showing a payout table of the slot machine
which indicates winning combinations, probabilities thereof, and
payout numbers thereof in the first illustrative embodiment and the
second illustrative embodiment in accordance with one or more
aspects of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a view schematically showing the video reel in
accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a view a condition of that the video reel spins in
accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a view a condition of that each polyhedron rotates
longitudinally in accordance with one or more aspects of the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a view a condition of that each polyhedron rotates
laterally in accordance with on or more aspects of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a view schematically showing three video reels in
accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a part of a main control process
program of the slot machine in the first illustrative embodiment
and the second embodiment in accordance with one or more aspects of
the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a part of a main control process
program of the slot machine in the first illustrative embodiment in
accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a part of a main control process
program of the slot machine in the second illustrative embodiment
in accordance with one or more aspects of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 14 is a view showing an image of a lower image display
panel in which the player's selectable number of times is displayed
with the three video reels being stopped in accordance with one or
more aspects of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 15 is a view showing an example of the lower image
display panel in which three video reels are spun in a second reel
spin control process in accordance with one or more aspects of the
present invention.
[0023] FIG. 16 is a view showing an example of the lower image
display panel in which three video reels are spun in a second reel
spin control process in accordance with one or more aspects of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The various aspects summarized previously may be embodied in
various forms. The following description shows by way of
illustration of various combinations and configurations in which
the aspects may be practiced. It is understood that the described
aspects and/or embodiments are merely examples, and that other
aspects and/or embodiments may be utilized and structural and
functional modifications may be made, without departing from the
scope of the present disclosure.
[0025] It is noted that various connections are set forth between
items in the following description. It is noted that these
connections in general and, unless specified otherwise, may be
direct or indirect and that this specification is not intended to
be limiting in this respect.
[0026] A gaming machine according to one or more aspects of the
invention will be described in detail with reference to the
drawings based on an embodiment embodying one or more aspects of
the invention as a slot machine. However, it is appreciated that
one or more aspects of the present invention may be embodied in
distributable (via CD and the like) or downloadable software games,
console games, and the like. In this regard, the slot machine may
be a virtual slot machine that is displayed on a multi-purpose
computer and/or dedicated kiosk. Aspects of the invention are
described by way of hardware elements. However, it is appreciated
that these elements may also be software modules that are
executable in a computer. The software modules may be stored on a
computer readable medium, including but not limited to a USB drive,
CD, DVD, computer-readable memory, tape, diskette, floppy disk, and
the like. For instance, aspects of the invention may be embodied in
a JAVA-based application or the like that runs in a processor or
processors. Further, the terms "CPU" and "processor" are inclusive
by nature, including at least one of hardware, software, or
firmware. These terms may include a portion of a processing unit in
a computer (for instance, in multiple core processing units),
multiple cores, a functional processor (as running virtually on at
least one of processor or server, which may be local or remote).
Further, in network-based gaming systems, the processor may include
only a local processor, only a remote server, or a combination of a
local processor and a remote server.
[0027] It is contemplated that one or more aspects of the invention
may be implemented as computer executable instructions on a
computer readable medium such as a non-volatile memory, a magnetic
or optical disc. Further, one or more aspects of the invention may
be implemented with a carrier signal in the form of, for instance,
an audio-frequency, radio-frequency, or optical carrier wave.
[0028] Some embodiments (a first embodiment and a second
embodiment, for instance) embodying one or more aspects of the
invention as a slot machine will be described in detail with
reference to the drawings below. In base games executed in the slot
machine of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, video
reels are used. The number of the video reels may be three. The
video reel may be constructed from polyhedrons (for example, twelve
polyhedrons). Each of the polyhedral may have six faces. Symbols
may be displayed on each of the faces. Each of the polyhedrons may
form ring shape. First variably display and second variably display
may be produced on a lower image display panel in a unit game of
the base game. In the first variably display, each of the video
reels may be spun. In the second variably display, each of the
polyhedrons may be rotated about a virtual center axis. The virtual
center axis passes through the side surface. And then, symbols may
be arranged on each of the surfaces of each of the polyhedrons. If
a combination of the symbols displayed on each of the front surface
of the polyhedrons is any of winning combination, the payout
corresponding thereto may be provided to the player.
[0029] In the base game executed in the slot machine of the first
embodiment, only when the award is not be provided, a player's
selectable number of times may be determined and the selectable
number of times may be displayed on the lower display. The player
can select the symbols displayed on the front surfaces of each
polyhedron within the selectable number of times. If the player
selects symbol(s) within determined selectable number of times, the
polyhedron(s) having the surface in which selected symbols
displayed thereon (hereinafter, "selected polyhedron") will be
displayed with second variably display. At the same time, the video
reels construed from only other than the selected polyhedron(s) may
be spun. And then, spinning video reel and rotating polyhedron may
be stopped and displayed on the lower image display panel.
Accordingly, the symbols may be rearranged. If the combination of
the symbols displayed on each of the front surface of each
polyhedron is any winning combination, the payout corresponding to
the winning combination will be provided to the player.
[0030] On the other hand, in the base game executed in the slot
machine of the second embodiment, before the symbols are
rearranged, the player's selectable number of times may be
determined and the selectable number of times may be displayed on
the lower display. The player can select the symbols displayed on
the front surfaces of each polyhedron within the selectable number
of times. Regardless of whether or not the award is provided in
currently arranged symbols, if the player selects symbol within
determined selectable number of times, the polyhedron(s) having the
surface in which selected symbols displayed thereon (hereinafter,
"selected polyhedron") will be displayed with second variably
display. At the same time, the video reels construed from only
other than the selected polyhedron may be spun. Here, if the award
is provided in currently arranged symbols, the award may be stored.
And then, spinning video reel and rotating polyhedron may be
stopped and displayed on the lower image display panel.
Accordingly, the symbols may be rearranged. If the combination of
the symbols displayed on each of the front surface of each
polyhedron is any winning combination, the payout corresponding to
the winning combination will be provided to the player. Here, the
stored award may be also provided to the player.
FIRST EMBODIMENT
[0031] The first embodiment embodying one or more aspects of the
invention as the slot machine will be described in detail with the
reference drawings below. At first, a construction of the slot
machine of the first embodiment embodying one or more aspects of
the invention will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is
a perspective view showing the slot machine of the first
embodiment.
[0032] The slot machine 1 may include a cabinet 2, a top box 3, and
a main door 4. The top box 3 is arranged on the cabinet 2 (for
instance, arranged on upper side). The main door 4 is arranged at
front of the cabinet 2.
[0033] An upper image display panel 7 may be arranged with the slot
machine 1 (for example, arranged in front of the top box 3). The
upper image display panel 7 may include the display device (for
example, LCD panel). Gaming information such as demonstration
image, the game rule, the payout table, or the like may be
displayed on the upper image display panel 7.
[0034] A lower image display panel 6 may be arranged with the slot
machine 1 (for example, arranged in front of the main door 4).
Images of the base game in the slot machine 1 displayed on the
lower image display panel 6 will be described. FIG. 6 shows a
perspective view showing a video reel 5 displayed on the lower
image display panel 6. As shown in FIG. 6, the video reel may be
constructed from twelve polyhedrons. The polyhedrons may be spaced
uniformly and may form ring shape. The polyhedrons may be cube.
Here, the polyhedrons are variable. For example, the polyhedrons
may be rectangular prism, octahedron, or the like. Each of the
video reels 5 may be spun from the top to the down and stopped on
the lower image display panel 6. FIG. 7 is a perspective view
showing that the video reel 5 is spun.
[0035] Each of the polyhedrons forming the video reel 5 is rotated
longitudinally or laterally, and then stopped and displayed on the
lower image display panel 6. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing
that each of the polyhedrons is rotated longitudinally. FIG. 9 is a
perspective view showing that each of the polyhedrons is rotated
laterally.
[0036] Each polyhedron may be rotated longitudinally (for example,
from the top to the bottom). As shown in FIG. 8, each polyhedron
may be rotated about virtual center line G1. The virtual center
line G1 passes through both side of the surfaces (left side surface
and right side surface) of the polyhedron displayed on the lower
image display panel 6. The virtual center line G1 and virtual
tangent line of video reel 5 may intersect at right angle.
[0037] Each polyhedron may be rotated laterally (for example, from
the right to the left). As shown in FIG. 9, each polyhedron may be
rotated about virtual center line G2. The virtual center line G2
passes through both side of the surfaces (top side surface and
bottom side surface) of the polyhedron displayed on the lower image
display panel 6. The virtual center line G2 may be part of virtual
tangent line of video reel 5 intersect at right angle.
[0038] Three video reels may be lines up on the lower image display
panel 6. Each of three video reels 5 may be rotated from the top to
the bottom. At the same time, each of the polyhedrons may be
rotated longitudinally or laterally. FIG. 10 is a perspective view
showing that three video reels 5L, 5C, and 5R are rotated.
[0039] When three spinning video reels are stopped and displayed,
each three polyhedrons forming each video reel 5L, 5C, and 5R are
displayed on the lower image display panel 6. FIG. 1 shows an
example of that three video reels 5L, 5C, and 5R stopped and
displayed on the lower image display panel 6.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 1, if the three video reels 5L, 5C, and 5R
stopped and displayed on the lower image display panel 6, nine
polyhedrons 110UL, 110UC, 110UR, 110ML, 110MC, 110MR, 110LL, 110LC,
and 110LR are displayed with 3.times.3 matrix.
[0041] In this case, at least the front surface of each nine
polyhedrons 110UL, 110UC, 110UR, 110ML, 110MC, 110MR, 110LL, 110LC,
and 110LR may be displayed. Also, the bottom surface of each three
polyhedrons 110UL, 110UC, and 110UR (located at top row of the
3.times.3 matrix) may be also displayed. The right surface of the
polyhedron 110UL may be also displayed. The left surface of the
polyhedron 110UR may be displayed. The top surface of each three
polyhedrons 110LL, 110LC, and 110LR (located at bottom row of the
3.times.3 matrix) may be also displayed. The right surface of the
polyhedron 110LL may be also displayed. The left surface of the
polyhedron 110LR may be also displayed. The right surface of the
polyhedron 110ML (located at middle row of the 3.times.3 matrix)
may be displayed. The left surface of the polyhedron 110MR (located
at middle row of the 3.times.3 matrix) may be displayed. With
respect to the polyhedron 110MC, only front surface may be
displayed.
[0042] The left video reel 5L (see FIG. 10) may include three
polyhedrons 110UL, 110ML, and 110LL which is located left column of
the 3.times.3 matrix. The center video reel 5C (see FIG. 10) may
include three polyhedrons 110UC, 110MC, and 110LC which is located
center column of the 3.times.3 matrix. The right video reel 5R (see
FIG. 10) may include three polyhedrons 110UR, 110MR, and 110LR
which is located right column of the 3.times.3 matrix.
[0043] In this way, in the base game of slot machine 1, three video
reels 5L, 5C, and 5R are spin, and then stopped and displayed on
the lower image display panel 6. As mentioned above, when three
video reels 5L, 5C, and 5R are spin (from the top to the bottom)
and displayed, at the same time, each of the polyhedrons forming
each video reel 5L, 5C, and 5R is rotated (longitudinally or
laterally) and displayed (see FIG. 10).
[0044] As mentioned above, each of the video reels 5L, 5C, and 5R
(namely, each of the polyhedrons forming the video reels) may be
spun (from the top to the bottom) and displayed (hereinafter,
"first variably display"). Also, each of the polyhedrons 110
forming each of the video reels 5L, 5C, and 5R are rotated
longitudinally or laterally (hereinafter, "second variably
display").
[0045] Six symbols (see FIG. 3) are displayed on six surfaces of
each polyhedron 110 which is forming three video reels 5L, 5C, and
5R. Here, six symbols are different each other. Also, the number of
surface and symbols are variable. That is, the polyhedrons may be
rectangular prism, octahedron, or the like. A touch panel 11 (see
FIG. 2) is arranged at the front of the lower image display panel
6, and the player can input various instructions by operating the
touch panel 11.
[0046] A credit count display portion 8 and a payout number display
portion 9 are arranged on the lower image display panel 6. The
credit count in which the player currently owns may be displayed on
the credit count display portion 8. The payout number, which
indicates the payout number, which will be provided when a
combination of stopped and displayed symbols on payline(s) L, is
any of predetermined combinations or will be acquired in the bonus
game, may be displayed on the payout number display portion 9.
[0047] Twenty one symbols (among symbols displayed on each six
surfaces of each polyhedron forming each video reel 5L, 5C, and 5R)
may be arranged on the lower image display panel 6, as shown in
FIG. 1.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 1, the payline L may cross three
polyhedrons 110ML, 110MC, and 110MR (located at the middle row of
the 3.times.3 matrix). The payline(s) L may set the combination of
the symbols. Here, the combination may be constructed from the
symbols displayed on the front surface of three polyhedrons 110ML,
110MC, and 110MR (located at the middle row of the 3.times.3
matrix) on the lower image display panel 6. In the bonus game, each
nine polyhedron 110UL, 110UC, 110UR, 110ML, 110MC, 110MR, 110LL,
110LC, and 110LR and the payline are erased, and predetermined
bonus image may be displayed with the credit count display portion
8 and the payout number display portion 9.
[0049] Returning FIG. 2, a control panel 20 is arranged at the
image display panel 6 (for example, arranged on lower side).
Buttons are arranged at the control panel 20. The buttons are the
buttons to input the instructions for gaming session by the player.
A coin insertion slot 9 and a bill verifier 22 can be arranged in
relation to the image display panel 6 (for example, arranged on
lower side). The coin insertion slot 21 may receive the gaming
medium into the cabinet 2. A spin button 13, a change button 14, a
cash out button 15, a 1-bet button, and a max-bet button 17 are
arranged on the control panel 20. The spin button 13 can be used
when the instruction for the start for the reels 5L, 5C, and 5R
spin is input. Here, a physical lever may be used as substitute for
the spin button 13. Also, the physical lever may be used in
conjunction with the spin button 13. The change button 14 is used
when the exchange is required. The cash out button 15 is the
instruction for the payment of the coin (for example, one credit is
equal to one coin) or for the print a ticket 25. One or more bar
codes may be printed in the ticket 25. The ticket 25 may be called
GAMING VOUCHER. The coin may be paid through a coin payout opening
23 to a coin tray 24. Here, other than bar code may be used as
substitute for the bar code (for example, QR Code (two-dimensional
bar code)). The 1-bet button 16 is used when the instruction for
the bet to one credit from the player's credits. The max-bet button
17 is used when the instruction for the bet to available maximum
bet count in one game (for example, fifty credits) from the credits
which is owned by the player is input.
[0050] A coin verifier 21S (see FIG. 4) and a coin counter 21C (see
FIG. 4) are arranged inside of the coin slot 21. The coin verifier
21S (see FIG. 4) verifies the coin inserted from the coin insertion
slot 21, and the fake coins may be discharged through the coin
payout opening 23. The coin counter 21C detects qualified coin and
counts the number of the coins.
[0051] The bill verifier 22 verifies the bill and receives
qualified bill into cabinet 2. The bill which is received into
cabinet 2 is converted to the coin count, and the credit count
corresponding to the converted coin count may be added to the owned
credit count of the player. The bill verifier 22 can read a ticket
25 (which will be described later). A panel 26 is arranged on the
main door 4 (for example, arranged on lower side, namely arranged
below the control panel 20). Characters of the slot machine 1 may
be displayed on the panel 26.
[0052] In the slot machine of the first embodiment, the gaming
medium may be coin, bill, or electronic value (credit). Here, the
gaming medium may be other things as well (including but not
limited to medal, token, electronic money, or ticket).
[0053] A ticket printer 30, a card reader 31, a data display 32,
and a keypad 33 are arranged at the upper image display panel 7
(for example, arranged on lower side). The ticket printer 30 prints
the ticket with the bar code in which the data (such as credit
count, date, or ID number of the slot machine 1) may be coded. The
printed ticket is the ticket 25. When the ticket 25 is scanned by
other gaming machines, the player will be able to play the other
gaming machines or be able to go through some procedure in some
place. The card reader 31 reads from the storage medium (for
example, smart card) and writes the storage medium (for example,
smart card). The player owns the storage medium, and the gaming
record of the player is stored in the storage medium. The data
(which is read by the card reader 31 or input data which is input
by the player via the keypad 33) may be displayed on the data
display 32. The keypad 33 may be used when the player input the
instruction or the data related to the print the ticket (for
example). A lamp 35 is arranged at the top box 3 (for example,
arranged on top). The lamp 35 may turn on with predetermined
pattern when the player wants call the clerk of the game hall when
the slot machine 1 has errors (for example). Here, loudspeaker 28
may be arranged.
[0054] The symbols will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The
symbols are displayed on the surfaces (for example, six surfaces)
of each polyhedron which forms each of the video reels 5L, 5C, and
5R. When each of the video reels are spin and stopped on the lower
image display panel 6, the symbols may be rearranged. FIG. 3 is a
view schematically showing the symbols displayed on each six
surfaces of each polyhedron 110 which forms each of the video reels
5L, 5C, and 5R.
[0055] The symbols displayed on each surfaces of each polyhedrons
will be described. Here, polyhedrons form the left video reel 5L,
the center video reel 5C, and the right video reel 5R. The symbols
displayed on each surfaces of one polyhedrons are different each
other. For example, if the polyhedron has six surfaces, six symbols
are displayed and different each other. FIG. 3 shows symbols
displayed on the surface of the polyhedron. The symbols may include
"DIAMOND" symbol 101, "HEART" symbol 102, "SUN" symbol 103, "RAIN"
symbol 104, "MOON" symbol 105, and "WILD" symbol 106. Each symbol
is arranged on each of surface of each polyhedron (which forms each
video reels 5L, 5C, and 5R) in predetermined order.
[0056] If three same symbols "DIAMOND", "HEART", "SUN", "RAIN", or
"MOON" are arranged and displayed on the front surface of
polyhedrons 110ML, 110MC, and 110MR (which are located at middle
row of the matrix and on the payline), predetermined payout number
will be provided to the player (see FIG. 5). If two "MOON" symbols
are arranged and displayed on the front surface of any two of
polyhedrons 110ML, 110MC, and 110MR (which are located at middle
row of the matrix and on the payline), predetermined payout number
will be provided to the player (see FIG. 5) based on the number
(namely, two, see FIG. 5). If one "MOON" symbol is arranged and
displayed on the front surface of any two of polyhedrons 110ML,
110MC, and 110MR (which are located at middle row of the matrix and
on the payline), predetermined payout number will be provided to
the player (see FIG. 5) based on the number (namely, one, see FIG.
5). On the other hand, if one or two "WILD" symbols are arranged
and displayed on the front surface of any two of polyhedrons 110ML,
110MC, and 110MR (which are located at middle row of the matrix and
on the payline), the "WIDL" symbols may substitute for any or
"DIAMOND", "HEART", "SUN", "RAIN", or "MOON". If three "WILD"
symbols are arranged and displayed on the front surface of
polyhedrons 110ML, 110MC, and 110MR (which are located at middle
row of the matrix and on the payline), the payout number will be
provided to the player. Here, the payout number of three "WILD" may
be the same as the payout number of three "HEART".
[0057] If three "DIAMOND" symbols are arranged and displayed on the
front surface of polyhedrons 110ML, 110MC, and 110MR (which are
located at middle row of the matrix and on the payline) on the
lower image display panel 6, the predetermined payout number will
be provided to the player, in addition, the procedure will be the
bonus game. Here, the game executed in the slot machine 1 of the
first embodiment may include the base game and the bonus game. In
the base game, predetermined combination of the symbols may be
arranged on the payline with the use of the video reels 5L, 5C, and
5R. On the other hand, in the bonus game, three treasure boxes
(selection items) may be displayed on the lower image display panel
6, and the payout corresponding to selected treasure boxed by the
player will be provided. Here, concrete explanation of the bonus
game will be omitted.
[0058] Here, twenty one symbols (the part of the symbols displayed
on each six surfaces of each polyhedron forming each video reel 5L,
5C, and 5R as shown in FIG. 1) are arranged on the lower image
display panel 6 (see FIG. 1). When the bet count is determined
based on the operation of the 1-bet button 16 or max-bet button 17,
and then the spin button 13 is input, the symbols displayed on the
each surface of each polyhedron 110 (forming each of the video
reels 5L, 5C, and 5R as shown in FIG. 3) will start to spin from
the top to the bottom. After a predetermined time is elapsed, the
video reels 5L, 5C, and 5R will end spinning. Accordingly, twenty
one symbols (the part of the symbols displayed on each six surfaces
of each polyhedron forming each video reel 5L, 5C, and 5R) are
arranged on the lower image display panel 6. Here, winning
combinations may be set beforehand (see FIG. 5). If the combination
of the symbols displayed on the payline is any of the winning
combinations, the payout number corresponding to realized
combination will be provided to the player. Here, the combination
may be constructed of the symbols arranged on the front surface of
the polyhedrons 110ML, 110MC, and 110MR (which are located at
middle row of the matrix and on the payline). Concretely, as shown
in FIG. 1, the combination may be constructed from "HERAT" symbol
on the front surface of the polyhedron 110ML, "DIAMOND" symbol on
the front surface of the polyhedron 110MC, and "SUN" symbol on the
front surface of the polyhedron 110MR.
[0059] The spin and stop for the video reels 5L, 5C, and 5R may be
conducted with the first variably display and the second variably
display. In the first variably display, each of the video reels 5L,
5C, and 5R (each of the polyhedrons 110 forming the video reels)
are rotated from the top to the bottom and then stopped. In the
second variably display, each of the polyhedrons 110 forming the
video reels rotated longitudinally or laterally. The first variably
display and the second variably display may be produced at one
time. Accordingly, the symbols arranged on the payline may be
determined. When the payout number corresponding to the combination
of the symbols arranged on the payline is not provided to the
player, the player selects the any surface with the use of the
touch panel 11. And then, only polyhedron (any of polyhedron 110ML,
110MC, or 110MR) having the player's select surface will be
produced the second variably display. At the same time, the video
reels (any of video reel 5L, 5C, or 5R) construed from only other
than the selected polyhedron may be produced the first variably
display. Accordingly, the symbols on the payline may be rearranged
and determined.
[0060] A control system of the first embodiment of the slot machine
1 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a block
diagram schematically showing the control system of the slot
machine 1 of the first example of the slot machine 1.
[0061] The control system of the slot machine 1 may be constructed
from a mother board 40 and a gaming board 50 as shown in FIG. 4.
The gaming board 50 may be constructed from a CPU 51, a ROM 55, a
boot ROM 52, a card slot 53S, and an IC socket 54S. The CPU 51, the
ROM 55, the boot ROM 52 are interconnected via internal bus. A card
slot 53S is adapted to receive the memory card 53. An IC socket 54S
is adapted to receive a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 54. Here, PLD
(Programmable Logic Device) which is other than the GAL 54 may be
substituted for the GAL 54.
[0062] The memory card 53 may be constructed from non-volatile
memory. Game programs and game system programs (hereinafter, "the
game program and the like") may be stored therein. The game
programs stored in the memory card may include lottery program. The
lottery program may be used so as to determine symbols (namely,
code numbers corresponding to symbols) to be displayed on each of
the front surface of the each polyhedron 110ML, 110MC, and 110MR
(located at the middle row of the 3.times.3 matrix), and to be
arranged on the payline on the lower image display panel 6. The
symbol lottery program may include three symbol weighting data
table. Each of the weighting data tables corresponds to each plural
payout ratios (for example, 80%, 84%, and 88%). The symbol
weighting data table may indicate a relation between each of the
code numbers for each symbol of the each surface of each polyhedron
(forming three video reels 5L, 5C, and 5R) and predetermined range
of the random number values. Each of the code numbers for each
symbol of each surface of each polyhedron corresponds to one or
more random number values. Accordingly, if random number is
sampled, the symbol corresponding to sampled random number value
may be arranged on the payline. Here, the payout ratio may be set
based on the payout ratio setting data from the GAL 54. Various
lotteries may be conducted based on the symbol weighting data
corresponding to the payout ratio.
[0063] The card slot 53S may be constructed so that the memory card
53 is detachable, and connected to the mother board 40 via bus (for
example, IDE bus). The kinds of the game and the contents of the
game executed in the slot machine 1 can be changed in a case where
the game program and the like stored in the memory card 53. Also,
the kinds of games and the contents of the games executed in the
slot machine 1 can be changed in a case where the memory card 53 is
exchanged to another memory card in which another game program or
the like is stored therein. The game program may include the
program related to the gaming session, the image data and sound
data as output during the gaming session. Also, the game program
may include image data of each of the polyhedrons 110 forming the
each video reels 5L, 5C, and 5R and the symbol images displayed
thereon, the image data such as game rules and payout table, and
image data for demonstration.
[0064] The GAL 54 can be one of the PLD, which may contains a fixed
OR array. The GAL 54 has plural input ports and output ports. If
predetermined data is input to the input port(s), the data
corresponding thereto will output to the output port(s). The output
data is the payout ratio setting data.
[0065] The IC socket 54S is constructed so that the GAL 54 is
detachable, and connected to the mother board 40 via a bus (for
example, PCI bus). The payout ratio setting data can be changed in
a case where the GAL 54 is re-written or is exchanged.
[0066] The CPU 51, the ROM 55, and the ROM 52 are connected to the
mother board 40 via the PCI bus. The CPU 51, the ROM 55, and the
boot ROM 52 are interconnected via internal bus. The PCI bus
transmits the signal between the mother board 40 and the gaming
board 50. The mother board 40 supplies the electric power to the
gaming board 50. The country ID and the verification program are
stored in the ROM 55. The preliminary verification program and the
boot code may be stored in the boot ROM 52. The CPU 51 may boot the
preliminary verification program with the use of the boot code.
[0067] The verification read program is used to verify the game
program and the like. The verification program is executed to check
whether or not falsification of data has been done. The
verification program checks for the falsification of the game
program and the like. The game program and the like will be the
object of the verification read process. A preliminary verification
program may or may not be used to verify the verification program.
The preliminary verification program is written along the procedure
for the check of falsification of the verification program. The
verification program can be the subject of the verification
process.
[0068] The mother board 40 will be described. The mother board 40
may be constructed from general mother board (printed circuit board
which mounts basic components), and may include a main CPU 41, a
ROM 42, a RAM 43, and a communication interface 44.
[0069] The ROM 42 may be constructed from a memory device such as
the flash memory (for example). The preliminary data such as BIOS
program and the payout table in the base game and the bonus game
(see FIG. 5) may be stored in the ROM 42. BIOS program can be
executed by the main CPU 41. If the BIOS is executed by the main
CPU 41, the initial process for predetermined peripheral devices,
and the read process for the game program and the like stored in
the memory card 53 will be started via the gaming board 50.
[0070] The data and the program, which are used when the main CPU
41 runs, are stored in the RAM 43. The verification program (which
will be read via the gaming board 50), various programs (such as
the game program and the like), the number of the player's credits,
and the number of executed games may be stored in the RAM 43.
[0071] The communication interface 44 can be a communication device
communicating to the server located in the game hall via a
communication line or other communication pathway. The slot machine
1 may communicate bet information in the main game process (which
will be described later, see S3 of FIG. 14) and/or the random
result of a base winning combination lottery process with the
server via the communication interface.
[0072] A main PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60 and a door PCB 80
(which will be described later) are connected to the mother board
40 respectively via USB (for example). A power source unit 45 is
connected to the mother board 40. If the power source unit 45
supplies the electric power to the mother board 40, the main CPU 41
on the mother board 40 will be booted up. When the electric power
is supplied to the gaming board 50, the CPU 51 will be booted
up.
[0073] A game controller 100 may be constructed from the mother
board 40 and the gaming board 50.
[0074] Some devices, which generate the input signal to the game
controller 100, are connected to the main PCB 60 and the door PCB
80. Some devices, which are control by the control signal from the
game controller 100, are connected to the main PCB 60 and the door
PCB 80. The game controller 100 executes the game program and the
like stored in the RAM 43 based on the input signal which is input
thereto. The game controller 100 stores the calculation result to
the RAM 43 and controls some devices by executing predetermined
calculation process.
[0075] The lamp 35, a sub CPU 61, a hopper 66, a coin detection
portion 67, a graphic board 68, the loudspeaker 28 (see FIG. 2), a
touch panel 11, the bill verifier 22, the ticket printer 30, the
card reader 31, a key switch 33, and data display 32 may be
connected directly or indirectly to the main PCB 60.
[0076] The touch panel 11 may be arranged in front of the lower
image display panel 6. The touch panel 11 can recognize the place
where the player touches the touch panel 11 based on the coordinate
information of the portion touched by the player. Also, the touch
panel 11 can recognize the direction where the player touches and
moves based on the coordinate information of the portion touched by
the player.
[0077] The hopper 66 is arranged inside of the cabinet 2. The
hopper 66 pays a payout with coins through the coin payout opening
23 to the coin tray 24 based on the control signal from the game
controller 100. The coin detection portion 67 is arranged inside of
the coin payout opening 23. If the coin detection detects that
predetermined coins are paid through the coin payout opening 23,
the coin detection portion will output the signal to the game
controller 100.
[0078] The graphic board 68 controls the display image on the upper
image display panel 27 and the lower image display panel 6 based on
the control signal from the game controller 100. The player's
credit count, stored in the RAM 43, may be displayed of the credit
count display portion 8. The payout number may be displayed on the
payout count display portions 9. The graphic board 68 may include
VDP (Video Display Processor) and a video RAM. The image data
generated by the VDP is temporarily stored in the video RAM. The
VDP generates the image data based on the control signal from the
game controller 100. The data used when the image data is generated
by the VDP may be included in the game program. The graphic board
68 controls so that video reels 5L, 5C, and 5R are spin and
displayed on the lower image display panel 6 (see FIG. 1, FIG. 14
to 16) based on the control signal form the game controller
100.
[0079] The bill verifier 22 verifies the bill or the ticket 25. The
bill verifier 22 receives the qualified bill or the ticket 25 into
the cabinet 2. When qualified bill is inserted, the bill verifier
22 will output the signal to the game controller 100 based on the
value thereof. When qualified ticket 25 is inserted, the bill
verifier 22 will output to the game controller 100 based on the
number of coins printed thereon.
[0080] The ticket printer 30 prints the ticket with the bar code in
which the data such as credit count stored in the RAM 43 based on
the control signal from the game controller 100. The printed ticket
is the ticket 25. The card reader 31 reads from the storage medium
(for example, smart card) and transmits the data, which is received
by the game controller 100. The card reader writes the storage
medium (for example, smart card) based on the control signal from
the game controller 100. A keypad 33 is arranged on the key switch
33S. If the keypad 33 is operated by the player, the predetermined
input signal will be output to the game controller 100. The data
read by the card reader 31 or the data input by the player via the
keypad 33 may be displayed on the data display 32 based on the
control signal from the game controller 100.
[0081] A control panel 22, the coin verifier 21S, and the coin
counter 21C are directly or indirectly connected to the door PCB
80. Here, a cold cathode fluorescent lamp 81 may be connected to
the door PCB 80. A spin switch 13S, a change switch 14S, a cash-out
switch 15S, a 1-bet switch 16S, and a max-bet switch 17S are
arranged on the control panel 20. The spin switch 13S is associated
with the spin button 13. The change switch 14S is associated with
the change button 14. The cash-out switch 15S is associated with
the cash-out button 15. The 1-bet switch 16S is associated with the
1-bet button 16. The max-bet switch 17S is associated with the
max-bet button 17. Each of switches may output the input signal to
the game controller 100 when the button corresponding thereof is
operated by the player.
[0082] The coin counter 21C is arranged inside of the coin
insertion slot 21. The coin counter 21C verifies the coin inserted
from the coin insertion slot 21 by the player. Any fake coins may
be discharged through the coin payout opening 23. If a qualified
coin is detected, the coin counter 21C will output the signal to
the game controller 100.
[0083] The coin verifier 21S is controlled based on the control
signal from the game controller 100. The coin verifier 21S sorts
the qualified coins into a cash box (not shown) or the hopper 66.
The cash box is arranged inside of the slot machine 1. Here, the
lower image display panel 6 is a LED. A cold cathode fluorescent
lamp 81 may be arranged back side of the lower image display panel
6 and the upper image display panel 27. Here, a cold cathode
fluorescent lamp 81 functions as a back light and turns on based on
the control signal from the game controller 100.
[0084] The winning combination and payout thereof, in the base game
and the bonus game using the reels 5L, 5C, and 5R in the slot
machine 1 of the first embodiment, will be described with reference
to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 shows the payout table which indicates the
winning combination, the probability thereof, and the payout number
thereof, in the game using the reels 5L, 5C, and 5R. FIG. 5
indicates the payout number in the case where the bet count is "1".
If the bet count is "1", the payout number shown in FIG. 5 will be
added to the credit count. If the bet count is more than "1", the
payout number shown in FIG. 5 will be multiplied by the bet count,
and multiplied number will be added to the credit count.
[0085] FIG. 5 shows winning probabilities for each of the winning
combination with 88% payout ratio in other than the bonus game. The
winning probabilities shown in FIG. 5 indicate the probabilities in
which each of winning combinations is realized when each of the
code numbers corresponding to symbols of each polyhedron 100
forming each of the video reels 5L, 5C, and 5R is determined based
on three random number values with the use of the symbol weighing
data table. That is, each of the winning combinations does not
corresponding random number value.
[0086] For example, the winning probability for the bonus game
trigger may be 0.5%. If the bonus trigger is realized, three
"DIAMIND" symbols will be displayed on each of the front surface of
each polyhedron 110ML, 110MC, and 110MR (located at the middle row
of the 3.times.3 matrix) on the lower image display panel 6, and
will be rearranged on the payline L, and then the payout number
"10" will be provided, in addition, the bonus game will be
occurred.
[0087] The winning probability for "HEART" may be 0.8%. If the
winning combination "HEART" is realized, three "HEART" symbols will
be displayed on each of the front surface of each polyhedron 110ML,
110MC, and 110MR (located at the middle row of the 3.times.3
matrix) on the lower image display panel 6, and will be rearranged
on the payline L, and then the payout number "10" per one bet will
be provided, in addition, the bonus game will be occurred.
[0088] The winning probability for "SUN" may be 1.1%. If the
winning combination "SUN" is realized, three "SUN" symbols will be
displayed on each of the front surface of each polyhedron 110ML,
110MC, and 110MR (located at the middle row of the 3.times.3
matrix) on the lower image display panel 6, and will be rearranged
on the payline L, and then the payout number "8" per one bet will
be provided, in addition, the bonus game will be occurred.
[0089] In the same way mentioned above, each of the relations
between the winning probability and the payout number respectively
corresponds to each of the winning combinations shown in FIG. 5.
Here, the combination not associated with any of the winning
combinations shown in FIG. 6 is realized although "WILD" (which can
substitute for any or "DIAMOND", "HEART", "SUN", "RAIN", or
"MOON".) is considered, the game is lost. If the game is lost, none
of the payout number will be paid. Also, the relation between the
winning probability and the payout number may be variable.
[0090] On the other hand, not shown in FIG. 5, if three "WILD"
symbols are displayed on each of the front surface of each
polyhedron 110ML, 110MC, and 110MR (located at the middle row of
the 3.times.3 matrix) on the lower image display panel 6, and will
be rearranged on the payline L, the payout number "10" will be
provided the same as the payout number of three "HEART".
[0091] A main control program, which is executed in the slot
machine 1 of the first embodiment, will be described in detail with
reference to the drawing. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a part of the
main control program. Concerning the slot machine 1, the memory
card 53 is connected to the card slot 53S of the gaming board 50,
and the GAL 54 is connected to the IC socket 54S.
[0092] When the power switch of the power source unit 45 is ON, the
game controller 100 are booted-up, and the verification read
process (S1) is executed. Here, the game controller 100 may be
constructed form the mother board 40 and the gaming board 50. In
the verification read process, the mother board 40 and the gaming
board 50 execute separate processes in parallel. In the gaming
board 50, the CPU 51 reads the preliminary verification program
from the boot ROM 52, and verifies that the verification program is
not falsified before the verification program is taken to the
mother board 40. In the mother board 40, the main CPU 41 executes
BIOS stored in the ROM 42, and checks and initializes various
peripheral devices. Here, BIOS may be compressed, then, BIOS is
decompressed. BIOS may be copied to the RAM 43.
[0093] The game controller 100 reads the verification program
stored in the ROM 55, and verifies that game program and the like
are not falsified. Here, the game program and the like is stored in
the memory card 53 which is inserted to the card slot 53S. After
the verification process is ended, the game controller 100 writes
program to the RAM 43, and acquires payout data and country ID.
After the process mentioned above is finished, the game controller
100 finishes the verification read process.
[0094] In S2, the game controller 100 reads the game program and
the like which was verified in S1 from the RAM 43, and executes the
main game process. The game in the first embodiment of the slot
machine 1 is executed by executing the main game process. The main
game process is executed repeatedly during the electronic power
source is supplied.
[0095] A sub process of the main game process in S2 will be
described with reference to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the
main game process in the first embodiment of the slot machine 1.
Here, each of the programs shown in the flowcharts in FIG. 12 is
stored in the memory card 53. The programs are decompressed to the
RAM 43, and decompressed programs are executed by the game
controller 100.
[0096] In S11, the game controller 100 performs predetermined
initial setting, and then, executes the start acceptance process as
shown in FIG. 12. The coin is inserted and the bet count for the
payline is set during the start acceptance process. The coin is
inserted by the player, or the bet operation with the use of the
1-bet button 16 or max-bet button 17 is operated by the player.
[0097] In S12, the game controller 100 determines whether or not
the spin button 13 is operated. It is determined whether or not the
spin button 13 is operated based on that whether or not the input
signal is received. If the spin button 13 is not operated (S12:NO),
the procedure will be returned to the start acceptance process
(S11) again. In that time, some instructions such as to change the
bet count are available. On the other hand, if the spin button 17
is operated (S12:YES), the bet count, which is set for the payline
L based on the operation of 1-bet button 16 or max-bet button 17,
will be subtract from credit count in which the player owns. And,
the bet count will be stored in RAM 43 as the bet information.
[0098] Beginning in S13, the game controller 100 executes the base
game with the use of the video reels 5L, 5C, and 5R. At first, in
S13, the game controller 100 executes a first lottery process.
[0099] Concretely, the game controller 100 executes random number
value generation program included in lottery program stored in the
RAM 43, at result, each of the random number values of each reel
5L, 5C, and 5R is generated from the predetermined range of the
random number value ("0" to "255", for example). The code numbers
of each symbol of each polyhedron 100 forming each of the video
reels 5L, 5C, and 5R may be determined based on three random number
values and the symbol weighting table. Each of the symbol weighting
tables corresponds to the payout ratio setting data. The procedure
will be shifted to S14 after the code numbers of each symbol of
each polyhedron 100 forming each of the video reels 5L, 5C, and 5R
are stored in the RAM 43. Here, each of the code number of each
symbols of each polyhedron forming each of the video reels 5L, 5C,
and 5R corresponds to each of the code numbers of symbols to be
rearranged on the payline. Accordingly, the game controller 100
determines the combination of symbols in current game by
determining each of the code numbers of each symbols of each
polyhedron forming each of the video reels 5L, 5C, and 5R
[0100] In S14, the game controller 100 executes the first reel spin
control process. The first reel spin control process is executed in
the game controller 100 and the graphic board 68. In the first reel
spin control process, the first variably display and the second
variably display may be produced at one time. That is, each of the
video reels 5L, 5C, and 5R (each of the polyhedrons 110 forming the
video reels) are rotated from the top and to the bottom and
stopped, and each of the polyhedrons 110 forming the video reels
rotated longitudinally or laterally. For the sake of the stop for
all video reels 5L, 5C, and 5R, the symbols determined in the first
lottery process is displayed on the surface of the each polyhedron
110ML, 110MC, and 110MR on the payline (located at the middle row
of the 3.times.3 matrix), namely the combination of the symbols
determined in the first lottery process (S13) is arranged on the
payline.
[0101] A signal system of the first reel spin control process (S14)
will be described in detail. At first, the game controller 100
sends the start signal that instructs the video reels start to spin
to the graphic board 68. When the graphic board 68 receives the
start signal, the graphic board 68 will executes the video reel
spin display process. That is, the graphic board 68 controls so
that each of the video reels 5L, 5C, and 5R are spin and displayed
on the lower image display panel 6. After the start signal is sent,
the game controller 100 determines a production pattern (for
example, the image display on the upper image display panel 7 and
output sound from the loudspeaker 28), and the determined
production pattern will be conducted. When it becomes predetermined
point of time in which the video reels 5L, 5C, and 5R are to be
stopped, the game controller 100 will transmit the code numbers
stored in the RAM 43 to the graphic board 68. The graphic board 68
executes the video reel stop display process based on the code
numbers. Accordingly, the symbols determined in the first lottery
process (S13) may be displayed on each of the front surface of each
polyhedron 110ML, 110MC, and 110MR (located at the middle row of
the 3.times.3 matrix) on the lower image display panel 6, and will
be rearranged on the payline L.
[0102] In S15, the game controller 100 determines whether or not
predetermined combination is realized. If it is determined that the
predetermined combination as shown in FIG. 15 is realized
(S15:YES), the procedure will be shifted to S23. On the other hand,
it is determined that none of the winning combination is realized
(S15:NO), the procedure will be shifted to S16.
[0103] In S16, the game controller 100 executes the selectable
number of times lottery process. Concretely, the game controller
100 executes random number value generation program included in
lottery program stored in the RAM 43, at result, one random number
value is generated from the predetermined range of the random
number value ("0" to "255", for example). The selectable number of
times may be determined (among "0" to "3") based on the random
number value. Here, the selectable number of times indicate the
number of times in which the player can select the symbols
displayed on the front surface of the each of the polyhedrons
110ML, 110MC, and 110MR (located at the middle row of the 3.times.3
matrix) on the payline L. After the selectable number of times is
stored in the RAM 43, the procedure will be shifted to S17.
[0104] In S17, the game controller 100 executes the selectable
number of times display process. The selectable number of times
display process may be executed in the game controller 100 and the
graphic board 68. The selectable number of times determined in the
selectable number of times lottery process (S16) will be displayed
on the lower image display panel 6 in the selectable number of
times display process. FIG. 14 shows an example of the lower image
display panel 6. FIG. 14 shows that the selectable number of times
in which the player can select the symbols is displayed on the
lower image display panel 6 with the condition that three video
reels 5L, 5C, and 5R are stopped. In this process, as shown in FIG.
14, the selectable number of times display frame 121 is displayed
on the lower image display panel 6, and the selectable number of
times determined in the selectable number of times lottery process
(S16) is displayed in the selectable number of times display frame
121.
[0105] In S18, the game controller 100 executes the input
acceptance process. The player can select the symbols displayed on
the front surface of the polyhedrons 110ML, 110MC, and 110MR on the
payline L (located at the middle row of the 3.times.3 matrix) on
the lower image display panel 6 within the selectable number of
times displayed in the selectable number of time display frame 121
via the touch panel 11 in the input acceptance process. The
information related to the selected polyhedron (among the
polyhedrons 110ML, 110MC, and 110MR on the payline L located at the
middle row or the 3.times.3 matrix) will be stored in the RAM43,
and the procedure will be shifted to S19.
[0106] In S19, the game controller 100 determines whether or not
predetermined time is elapsed. Here, the predetermined time may be
ten seconds since S18 is executed. If it is determined that
predetermined time is not elapsed (S19:NO), the procedure will be
shifted to the input acceptance process (S18) again. On the other
hand, if it is determined that the predetermined time is elapsed
(S19:YES), the procedure will be shifted to S20.
[0107] In S20, the game controller 100 executes a second lottery
process. The second lottery process may be executed the same as the
first lottery process (S20) and then the procedure will be shifted
to S21.
[0108] In S21, the game controller 100 executes the second reel
spin control process. The second lottery process may be executed in
the game controller 100 and the graphic board 68. Only the
polyhedron (any of the polyhedron 110ML, 110MC, or 110MR) having
the surface of the selected symbol by the player in the input
acceptance process (S18) may be rotated longitudinally or
laterally. That is, the second variably display for the polyhedron
having the surface of the selected symbol (hereinafter, "selected
polyhedron") by the player may be conducted. At the same time, the
video reels (any of the video reel 5L, 5C, or 5R) construed from
only other than the selected polyhedron may be spun. And then,
spinning video reel and rotating polyhedron may be stopped and
displayed on the lower image display panel 6. That is, the first
variably display for the video reels construed from only other than
the selected polyhedron may be conducted. Accordingly, when the
video reels 5L, 5C, and 5R are stopped, three symbols displayed on
the front surface of polyhedrons 110ML, 110MC, and 110MR (which are
located at middle row of the matrix and on the payline), and the
combination of the symbols determined in the second lottery process
(S20) will be rearranged on the payline L.
[0109] FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 show an example of that the video reels
5L, 5C, and 5R are rotated in the second reel spin control process
(S21). In FIG. 15, two polyhedrons 110ML and 110MC (which are
located at middle row of the matrix and on the payline) may be
rotated laterally on the lower image display panel 6. At the same
time, the right video reel including the polyhedron 110MR (which
are located at middle row of the matrix and on the payline) may be
spun from the top to the down. In FIG. 16, the polyhedron 110ML
(which are located at middle row of the matrix and on the payline)
may be rotated laterally on the lower image display panel 6. At the
same time, the polyhedron 110MC (which are located at middle row of
the matrix and on the payline) may be rotated longitudinally on the
lower image display panel 6. At the same time, the right video reel
5R including the polyhedron 110MR (which are located at middle row
of the matrix and on the payline) may be spun from the top to the
down.
[0110] In FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, in S18, the player may select the
symbols displayed on front surface of the each polyhedron 110ML and
110MC (which are located at middle row of the matrix and on the
payline) via the touch panel 11. In S18, if the player selects one
symbol among the symbols displayed on front surface of each
polyhedron 110ML and 110MC (which are located at middle row of the
matrix and on the payline) via the touch panel 11, only the
polyhedron having the surface of the selected symbol (hereinafter,
"selected polyhedron") by the player will be rotated longitudinally
or laterally. On the other hand, the video reels construed from
only other than the selected polyhedron (among the left video reel
5L, the center video reel 5C, or the right video reel 5R) may be
spun from the top to the down.
[0111] Here, in view of relative positional relation of the symbols
displayed on each of the surface of each polyhedron 110ML and 110MC
(which are located at middle row of the matrix and on the payline),
as shown in FIG. 15, the probability of the case where three
symbols determined in the second lottery process (S20) can be
arranged on each front surface of the polyhedron 110ML and 110MC
(which are located at middle row of the matrix and on the payline)
may be low, even though two polyhedrons 100ML and 110MR (which are
located at middle row of the matrix and on the payline) are rotated
laterally. Also, the case where two polyhedrons 100ML and 110MR
(which are located at middle row of the matrix and on the payline)
are rotated longitudinally may be the same. Therefore, if the
player selects the symbols displayed on each of the surface of each
polyhedron 110ML, 110MC, and 110MR (which are located at middle row
of the matrix and on the payline), it may be preferred that each
polyhedron rotated longitudinally and laterally during the second
control process (S21) as shown in FIG. 16. Accordingly, the player
may be able to enjoy the game more.
[0112] Here, in S18, if the player select none of the symbols
displayed on the front surface of the polyhedrons 110ML, 110MC, and
110MR on the payline L (located at the middle row of the 3.times.3
matrix) on the lower image display panel 6 via the touch panel 11,
each of the video reels 5L, 5C, and 5R may be spun from the top to
the down.
[0113] In S22, the game controller 100 determines whether or not
any of the winning combination having the payout is realized. If it
is determined that any of winning combination (see FIG. 5) is
realized (S22:YES), the procedure will be shifted to S23 (which
will be described later). On the other hand, none of the winning
combination is realized (S22:NO), the main game process will be
executed.
[0114] In S23, the game controller 100 determines whether or not
the bonus trigger is realized in the base game. Concretely, in the
case where the payout table shown in FIG. 5 is used, if three
"DIAMOND" symbols are displayed on the front surfaces of the
polyhedrons 110ML, 110MC, and 110MR (located at the middle row of
the 3.times.3 matrix) on the lower image display panel 6, it is
determined that the bonus game trigger is realized.
[0115] If it is determined that the bonus trigger is realized
(S23:YES), the procedure will be shifted to S24 and then
selection-type bonus game process will be executed. Here, the
explanation of the bonus game will be omitted. And then, the
procedure will be shifted to S25 and then the payout obtained in
the base game and the bonus game will be provided to the player. In
this time, if the cashout button 15 is pressed, the coin
corresponding to the credit count (for example, one credit is equal
to one coin) may be paid or the ticket 25 may be printed. Here, the
procedure may or may not be shifted to the bonus game after the
payout may be provided. In the payout process (S25), the payout
obtained in the base game is either the payout corresponding to the
combination of the symbols arranged on the payline L in the first
reel spin control process (S14) or the payout corresponding to the
combination of the symbols arranged on the payline L in the second
reel spin control process (S21). After that, the main game process
will be executed again.
[0116] As mentioned above, in the base game executed in the slot
machine 1 of the first embodiment, the video reel may be
constructed from twelve polyhedrons, the polyhedrons may be spaced
uniformly and may form ring shape, the polyhedrons may be cube, and
three video reels may be lines up on the lower image display panel
6 (see FIG. 10). The first variably display and the second variably
display may be produced on a lower image display panel 6 in a unit
game of the base game at the same time (S14 and S21). In the first
variably display, each of the video reels 5L, 5C, and 5R (each
polyhedron 110) may be spun. In the second variably display, each
of the polyhedrons 110 forming each of the video reels 5L, 5C, and
5R may be rotated longitudinally and laterally. Here, the
combination may be constructed from the symbols. If the combination
of the symbols is any of winning combination (see FIG. 5), the
payout will be provided (S25).
[0117] Here, in the base game executed in the slot machine 1 of the
first embodiment, only when the combination of rearranged symbols
is not realized in S14 (S15:NO), the player's selectable number of
times in which the player can select the symbols displayed on the
front surface of three polyhedrons 110ML, 110MC, and 110MR may be
determined (S16) and the selectable number of times may be
displayed on the lower image display panel 6 (S17). The player can
select the symbols displayed on the front surfaces of each
polyhedron within the predetermined time (S19:NO). If the player
selects symbol within determined selectable number of times (S18),
the polyhedron(s) having the surface in which selected symbols
displayed thereon (hereinafter, "selected polyhedron") will be
displayed with second variably display. At the same time, the video
reels (any of the left video reel 5L, the center video reel 5C, and
right video reel 5R) construed from only other than the selected
polyhedron may be spun. And then, spinning video reel and rotating
polyhedron may be stopped and displayed on the lower image display
panel 6. Accordingly, the symbols may be rearranged (S21). If the
combination of the symbols displayed on each of the front surface
of each polyhedron is any winning combination (see FIG. 5), the
payout corresponding to the winning combination will be provided to
the player (S25).
[0118] Here, aspects of the present invention are not limited to
the above embodiment and various changes and modification can be
done within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the
second reel spin control process of S20, the video reels (any of
the left video reel 5L, the center video reel 5C, and the right
video reel 5E) construed from only other than the selected
polyhedron (any of the polyhedron 110ML, the polyhedron 110 MC, or
the polyhedron 110 MR) may be spun from the top to the down
(namely, the first variably display), at the same time, each of the
polyhedrons 110 may be rotated longitudinally and laterally
(namely, the second variably display).
SECOND EMBODIMENT
[0119] The slot machine of the second machine will be described.
The slot machine of the second machine is almost the same as the
slot machine of the first machine except for the content of the
main game process of S2 (see FIG. 12). The reference characters of
FIGS. 19 and 20, which are the same as the reference characters of
FIG. 1 to 16, designate the same part. The main game process which
differs from the first embodiment thereof will be described.
[0120] FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of the main game process (S20 of
FIG. 11) executed in the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment.
The programs which are executed as methods of the flowchart shown
in FIG. 13 may be stored in the ROM 42 and the RAM 43 in the slot
machine 1, and may be executed by the game controller 100.
[0121] In S31, as shown in FIG. 13, the game controller 100
performs predetermined initial setting, and then, executes the
start acceptance process. The coin is inserted and the bet count
for the payline L is set during the start acceptance process. The
coin or the credit may be used when the bet operation is
conducted.
[0122] In S32, the game controller 1000 determines whether or not
the spin button 13 is operated. It is determined whether or not the
spin button 13 is operated based on that whether or not the input
signal is received. If the spin button 13 is not operated (S32:NO),
the procedure will be returned to the start acceptance process
(S31) again. In that time, some instructions such as to change the
bet count are available. On the other hand, if the spin button 17
is operated (S32:YES), the bet count, which is set for the payline
L based on the operation of 1-bet button 16 or max-bet button 17,
will be subtract from credit count in which the player owns. And,
the bet count will be stored in RAM 43 as the bet information.
[0123] In S33, the game controller 100 executes the selectable
number of times lottery process. Concretely, the game controller
100 executes random number value generation program included in
lottery program stored in the RAM 43, at result, one random number
value is generated from the predetermined range of the random
number value ("0" to "255", for example). The selectable number of
times may be determined (among "0" to "3") based on the random
number value. Here, the selectable number of times indicate the
number of times in which the player can select the symbols
displayed on the front surface of the each of the polyhedrons
110ML, 110MC, and 110MR (located at the middle row of the 3.times.3
matrix) on the payline L. After the selectable number of times is
stored in the RAM 43, the procedure will be shifted to S34.
[0124] In S34, the game controller 100 executes the selectable
number of times display process. The selectable number of times
display process may be executed in the game controller 100 and the
graphic board 68. The selectable number of times determined the
selectable number of times lottery process (S33) will be displayed
on the lower image display panel 6 in the selectable number of
times display process. FIG. 14 shows an example of the lower image
display panel 6. In this process, as shown in FIG. 14, the
selectable number of times display frame 121 is displayed on the
lower image display panel 6, and the selectable number of times
determined the selectable number of times lottery process (S33) is
displayed in the selectable number of times display frame 121.
[0125] Beginning in S35, the game controller 100 executes the base
game with the use of the video reels 5L, 5C, and 5R. At first, in
S35, the game controller 100 executes a first lottery process.
Concretely, the game controller 100 executes random number value
generation program included in lottery program stored in the RAM
43, at result, each of the random number values of each reel 5L,
5C, and 5R is generated from the predetermined range of the random
number value ("0" to "255", for example). The code numbers of each
symbol of each polyhedron 100 forming each of the video reels 5L,
5C, and 5R may be determined based on three random number values
and the symbol weighting table. Each of the symbol weighting tables
corresponds to the payout ratio setting data. The procedure will be
shifted to S14 after the code numbers of each symbol of each
polyhedron 100 forming each of the video reels 5L, 5C, and 5R are
stored in the RAM 43. Here, each of the code number of each symbols
of each polyhedron forming each of the video reels 5L, 5C, and 5R
corresponds to each of the code numbers of symbols to be rearranged
on the payline. Accordingly, the game controller 100 determines the
combination of symbols in current game by determining each of the
code numbers of each symbols of each polyhedron forming each of the
video reels 5L, 5C, and 5R.
[0126] In S36, the game controller 100 executes the first reel spin
control process. The first reel spin control process is executed in
the game controller 100 and the graphic board 68. In the first reel
spin control process, the first variably display and the second
variably display may be produced at on time. That is, each of the
video reels 5L, 5C, and 5R (each of the polyhedrons 110 forming the
video reels) are rotated from the top and to the bottom and stopped
and each of the polyhedrons 110 forming the video reels rotated
longitudinally or laterally. For the sake of the stop for all video
reels 5L, 5C, and 5R, the symbols determined in the first lottery
process (S35) is displayed on the surface of the each polyhedron
110ML, 110MC, and 110MR on the payline (located at the middle row
of the 3.times.3 matrix), namely the combination of the symbols
determined in the first lottery process (S35) is arranged on the
payline.
[0127] A signal system of the first reel spin control process (S36)
will be described in detail. At first, the game controller 100
sends the start signal that instructs the video reels start to spin
to the graphic board 68. When the graphic board 68 receives the
start signal, the graphic board 68 will executes the video reel
spin display process. That is, the graphic board 68 controls so
that each of the video reels 5L, 5C, and 5R are spin and displayed
on the lower image display panel 6. After the start signal is sent,
the game controller 100 determines a production pattern (for
example, the image display on the upper image display panel 7 and
output sound from the loudspeaker 28), and the determined
production pattern will be conducted. When it becomes predetermined
timing in which the video reels 5L, 5C, and 5R are to be stopped,
the game controller 100 will transmit the code numbers stored in
the RAM 43 to the graphic board 68. The graphic board 68 executes
the video reel stop display process based on the code numbers.
Accordingly, the symbols determined in the first lottery process
(S35) may be displayed on each of the front surface of each
polyhedron 110ML, 110MC, and 110MR (located at the middle row of
the 3.times.3 matrix) on the lower image display panel 6, and will
be rearranged on the payline L.
[0128] In S37, the game controller 100 determines whether or not
predetermined combination is realized. If it is determined that
none of the winning combination is realized (S37:NO), the procedure
will be shifted to S40. On the other hand, if it is determined that
the predetermined combination is realized (S37:YES), the procedure
will be shifted to S38.
[0129] In S38, the game controller 100 determines whether or not
the bonus trigger is realized in the base game. Concretely, in the
case where the payout table shown in FIG. 5 is used, if three
"DIAMOND" symbols are displayed on the front surfaces of the
polyhedrons 110ML, 110MC, and 110MR (located at the middle row of
the 3.times.3 matrix) on the lower image display panel 6, it is
determined that the bonus game trigger is realized.
[0130] If it is determined that the bonus trigger is realized
(S38:YES), the procedure will be shifted to S39 and then
selection-type bonus game process will be executed. Here, the
explanation of the bonus game will be omitted. On the other hand,
if it is determined that the bonus trigger is not realized
(S38:NO), the selection-type bonus game process will not be
executed and the procedure will be shifted to S40.
[0131] In S40, the game controller 100 executes the input
acceptance process. The player can select the symbols displayed on
the front surface of the polyhedrons 110ML, 110MC, and 110MR on the
payline L (located at the middle row of the 3.times.3 matrix) on
the lower image display panel 6 within the selectable number of
times displayed in the selectable number of time display frame 121
via the touch panel 11 in the input acceptance process. The
information related to the selected polyhedron (among the
polyhedrons 110ML, 110MC, and 110MR on the payline L located at the
middle row or the 3.times.3 matrix) will be stored in the RAM43,
and the procedure will be shifted to S41.
[0132] In S41, the game controller 100 determines whether or not
predetermined time is elapsed. Here, the predetermined time may be
ten seconds since S18 is executed. If it is determined that
predetermined time is not elapsed (S41:NO), the procedure will be
shifted to the input acceptance process (S40) again. On the other
hand, if it is determined that the predetermined time is elapsed
(S41:YES), the procedure will be shifted to S42.
[0133] In S42, the game controller 100 executes a second lottery
process. The second lottery process may be executed the same as the
first lottery process (S20), and then the procedure will be shifted
to S43.
[0134] In S43, the game controller 100 executes the second reel
spin control process. The second lottery process may be executed in
the game controller 100 and the graphic board 68. The polyhedron
having the surface of the selected symbol by the player in the
input acceptance process (S40) may be rotated longitudinally or
laterally. That is, the second variably display for the polyhedron
having the surface of the selected symbol (hereinafter, "selected
polyhedron") by the player may be conducted. At the same time, the
video reels construed from only other than the selected polyhedron
may be spun. And then, spinning video reel and rotating polyhedron
may be stopped and displayed on the lower image display panel. That
is, the first variably display for the video reels construed from
only other than the selected polyhedron may be conducted.
Accordingly, when the video reels 5L, 5C, and 5R is stopped, three
symbols displayed on the front surface of polyhedrons 110ML, 110MC,
and 110MR (which are located at middle row of the matrix and on the
payline), and the combination of the symbols determined in the
second lottery process (S42) will be rearranged on the payline
L.
[0135] FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 show an example of that the video reels
5L, 5C, and 5R are rotated in the second reel spin control process
(S44). In FIG. 15, two polyhedrons 110ML and 110MC (which are
located at middle row of the matrix and on the payline) may be
rotated laterally on the lower image display panel 6. At the same
time, the right video reel including the polyhedron 110MR (which
are located at middle row of the matrix and on the payline) may be
spun from the top to the down. In FIG. 16, the polyhedron 110ML
(which are located at middle row of the matrix and on the payline)
may be rotated laterally on the lower image display panel 6. At the
same time, the polyhedron 110MC (which are located at middle row of
the matrix and on the payline) may be rotated longitudinally on the
lower image display panel 6. At the same time, the right video reel
including the polyhedron 110MR (which are located at middle row of
the matrix and on the payline) may be spun from the top to the
down.
[0136] In FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, in S40, the player may select the
symbols displayed on front surface of the each polyhedron 110ML and
110MC (which are located at middle row of the matrix and on the
payline L) via the touch panel 11. In S40, if the player selects
one symbol among the symbols displayed on front surface of the each
polyhedron 110ML and 110MC (which are located at middle row of the
matrix and on the payline L) via the touch panel 11, only the
polyhedron having the surface of the selected symbol (hereinafter,
"selected polyhedron") by the player will be rotated longitudinally
or laterally. Also, the video reels construed from only other than
the selected polyhedron (among the left video reel 5L, the center
video reel 5C, or the right video reel 5R) may be spun from the top
to the down.
[0137] Here, in view of relative positional relation of the symbols
displayed on each of the surface of each polyhedron 110ML and 110MC
(which are located at middle row of the matrix and on the payline),
as shown in FIG. 15, the probability of the case where three
symbols determined in the second lottery process (S42) are arranged
on each front surface of the polyhedron 110ML and 110MC (which are
located at middle row of the matrix and on the payline) may be low,
even though two polyhedrons 100ML and 110MR (which are located at
middle row of the matrix and on the payline) are rotated laterally.
Also, the case where two polyhedrons 100ML and 110MR (which are
located at middle row of the matrix and on the payline) are rotated
longitudinally may be the same. Therefore, if the player selects
the symbols displayed on each of the surface of each polyhedron
110ML, 110MC, and 110MR (which are located at middle row of the
matrix and on the payline), it is preferred that each polyhedron
rotated longitudinally and laterally during the second reel spin
control process (S43) as shown in FIG. 16. Accordingly, the player
can enjoy the game more.
[0138] Here, in S40, if the player select none of the symbols
displayed on the front surface of the polyhedrons 110ML, 110MC, and
110MR on the payline L (located at the middle row of the 3.times.3
matrix) on the lower image display panel 6 via the touch panel 11,
each of the video reels 5L, 5C, and 5R may be spun from the top to
the down.
[0139] In S44, the game controller 100 determines whether or not
any winning combination having the payout is realized. If none of
the winning combination (see FIG. 5) is realized (S44:NO), the
procedure will be shifted to S47 (which will be described later).
On the other hand, if it is determined that any of winning
combination (see FIG. 5) is realized (S44:YES), the procedure will
be shifted to S45.
[0140] In S45, the game controller 100 determines whether or not
the bonus trigger is realized in the base game. Concretely, in the
case where the payout table shown in FIG. 5 is used, if three
"DIAMOND" symbols are displayed on the front surfaces of the
polyhedrons 110ML, 110MC, and 110MR (located at the middle row of
the 3.times.3 matrix) on the lower image display panel 6, it is
determined that the bonus game trigger is realized.
[0141] If it is determined that the bonus trigger is realized
(S45:YES), the procedure will be shifted to S46 and then
selection-type bonus game process will be executed, and then, the
procedure will be shifted to S47. Here, the explanation of the
bonus game will be omitted. On the other hand, if it is determined
that the bonus trigger is not realized (S45:NO), the selection-type
bonus game process will not be executed and the procedure will be
shifted to S47.
[0142] In S47, the game controller 100 provides the payout obtained
in the base game and the bonus game to the player. In this time, if
the cashout button 15 is pressed, the coin corresponding to the
credit count (for example, one credit is equal to one coin) may be
paid or the ticket 25 may be printed. Here, in the payout process
(S47), the payout obtained in the base game may be the payout
corresponding to the combination of the symbols rearranged on the
payline L in the first reel spin control process (S36) and/or the
payout corresponding to the combination of the symbols rearranged
on the payline L in the second reel spin control process (S43).
Also, in the payout process (S47), the payout obtained in the bonus
game may be the payout in the bonus game executed when the bonus
trigger is realized in the first reel spin control process and/or
the payout in the bonus game executed when the bonus trigger is
realized in the second reel spin control process. After that, the
main game process will be executed again.
[0143] As mentioned above, in the base game executed in the slot
machine 1 of the second embodiment, the video reel may be
constructed from twelve polyhedrons, the polyhedrons may be spaced
uniformly and may form ring shape, the polyhedrons may be cube (see
FIG. 6), and three video reels may be lines up on the lower image
display panel 6 (see FIG. 10). The first variably display and the
second variably display may be produced on a lower image display
panel 6 at the same time in a unit game of the base game (S36,
S43). In the first variably display, each of the video reels 5L,
5C, and 5R (each polyhedron 110) may be spun. In the second
variably display, each of the polyhedrons 110 forming each of the
video reels 5L, 5C, and 5R may be rotated longitudinally and
laterally. Here, the combination may be constructed from the
symbols. If the combination of the symbols is any winning
combination, the payout will be provided (S47).
[0144] In the base game executed in the slot machine of the second
embodiment, before the symbols are rearranged, the player's
selectable number of times may be determined (S33) and the
determined selectable number of times may be displayed on the lower
image display panel (S34). The player can select the symbols
displayed on the front surfaces of each polyhedron within the
selectable number of times. Regardless of whether or not the award
is provided in currently arranged symbols, if the player selects
symbol within determined selectable number of times within the
predetermined time (S40), the polyhedron(s) having the surface in
which selected symbols displayed thereon (hereinafter, "selected
polyhedron") will be displayed with second variably display. At the
same time, the video reels construed from only other than the
selected polyhedron may be spun. Here, if the award is provided in
currently arranged symbols, the award may be stored. And then,
spinning video reel and rotating polyhedron may be stopped and
displayed on the lower image display panel. Accordingly, the
symbols may be rearranged (S43). If the combination of the symbols
displayed on each of the front surface of each polyhedron is any
winning combination (see FIG. 5), the payout corresponding to the
winning combination will be provided to the player. Here, stored
award may be also provided to the player (S47).
[0145] Here, aspects of the present invention are not limited to
the above embodiment and various changes and modification can be
done within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the
second reel spin control process of S43, the video reels construed
from only other than the selected polyhedron may be spun from the
top to the down (namely, the first variably display), at the same
time, each of the polyhedrons 110 may be rotated longitudinally and
laterally (namely, the second variably display).
[0146] At a time point W in S39 to S40 shown in FIG. 13, the payout
corresponding to the winning combination of the symbols rearranged
on the payline in the first reel spin control process (S36) and/or
the payout in the bonus game executed when the bonus trigger is
realized will be provided to the player. In this case, in S47, the
payout corresponding to the winning combination of the symbols
rearranged on the payline in the second reel spin control process
(S47) and/or the payout in the bonus game executed when the bonus
trigger is realized will be provided to the player.
[0147] Although the subject matter has been described in language
specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is
to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended
claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts
described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described
above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the
claims.
* * * * *