U.S. patent application number 11/979554 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-12 for slot machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to ARUZE CORP.. Invention is credited to Yukinori Inamura.
Application Number | 20080139294 11/979554 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39448734 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080139294 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Inamura; Yukinori |
June 12, 2008 |
Slot machine
Abstract
The invention provides a slot machine which awards a prize based
on a unified symbol to be displayed across a plurality of symbol
display areas formed by divided symbols. Scrolling display of
symbol rows is started on reels 41 through 49 according to the
start of a game, and after a predetermined time elapses, nine in
total of the divided symbols are stopped and displayed in symbol
display areas 31 through 39, and particularly, when a unified
symbol is formed by a combination of the divided symbols displayed,
a prize based on the kind of the formed unified symbol is awarded
to a player in addition to a prize based on the kind and number of
the divided symbols displayed.
Inventors: |
Inamura; Yukinori; (Tokyo,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCGINN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW GROUP, PLLC
8321 OLD COURTHOUSE ROAD, SUITE 200
VIENNA
VA
22182-3817
US
|
Assignee: |
ARUZE CORP.
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
39448734 |
Appl. No.: |
11/979554 |
Filed: |
November 5, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3202 20130101; G07F 17/3267 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 15, 2006 |
JP |
2006-309043 |
Claims
1. A slot machine comprising: a controller which controls gaming
progress; and a display which includes a plurality of symbol
display areas and can display one unified symbol across at least
two or more of the symbol display areas, wherein the controller
displays divided symbols obtained by dividing the unified symbol by
a predetermined division number in the symbol display areas, and
awards a prize when the unified symbol is formed by a combination
of the divided symbols displayed.
2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the display
includes: reels which perform scrolling display of the plurality of
symbols including the divided symbols, and performs stopping
display of any one of the symbols in each of the symbol display
areas, as many as the predetermined division number.
3. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined
division number by which the unified symbol is divided into the
divided symbols is set to the same number as the number of the
symbol display areas, and the unified symbol is displayed across
all the symbol display areas.
4. A slot machine comprising: a controller which controls gaming
progress; and a display which includes a plurality of symbol
display areas and can display one unified symbol across at least
two or more symbol display areas, wherein the controller displays
divided symbols obtained by dividing the unified symbol by a
predetermined division number in the symbol display areas, awards a
first prize when a predetermined or more number of the divided
symbols are displayed on the plurality of symbol display areas, and
awards a second prize higher than the first prize when the unified
symbol is formed by a combination of the divided symbols displayed
in the symbol display areas.
5. The slot machine according to claim 4, wherein the display has
reels as many as the predetermined division number, each of which
performs scrolling display of a plurality of symbols including the
divided symbol, and performs stopping display of any one of the
symbols in the symbol display area.
6. The slot machine according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined
division number by which the unified symbol is divided into the
divided symbols is set to the same number as the number of the
symbol display areas, and the unified symbol is displayed across
all of the plurality of symbol display areas.
7. A slot machine comprising: a controller which controls gaming
progress; and a display which includes a plurality of symbol
display areas and reels each of which performs scrolling display of
a plurality of symbols and performs stopping display of any one of
the symbols in the symbol display areas, and can display one
unified symbol across at least two or more symbol display areas,
wherein the controller performs scrolling display of a plurality of
symbols including divided symbols obtained by dividing the unified
symbol by a predetermined division number by using the reels, and
performs stopping display of any one of the symbols in the symbol
display areas, awards a first prize when a predetermined number or
more of the divided symbols are displayed in the plurality of
symbol display areas, and awards a second prize higher than the
first prize when the unified symbol is formed by a combination of
the divided symbols stopped and displayed in the plurality of
symbol display areas.
8. The slot machine according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined
division number by which the unified symbol is divided into the
divided symbols is set to the same number as the number of the
symbol display areas, and the unified symbol is displayed across
all of the plurality of symbol display areas.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the priority of Japanese Patent
Application No. 2006-309043 filed on Nov. 15, 2007, which is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a slot machine which awards
a prize based on a combination of symbols being arranged, and more
specifically, to a slot machine which awards a prize based on
formation of a unified symbol to be displayed across the plurality
of symbol display areas by divided symbols.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Conventionally, in a slot machine as a kind of gaming
machine, a game is started in response to insertion of gaming media
such as coins into the gaming machine, variable display of symbol
rows in a predetermined area of the gaming machine is performed and
stopping display is performed after a predetermined time elapses,
and based on a combination of the stopped symbols, a prize is
awarded.
[0006] Generally, it is judged whether a combination which causes a
prize to be awarded is displayed depending on whether a symbol of
the same kind (for example, "CHERRY" or "7") is arranged along a
preset payline. Conventionally, it is also allowed that a prize is
paid out based on a combination that is not along the payline.
[0007] For example, in the specifications of U.S. Pat. No.
6,093,102 and No. 6960133, a slot machine which displays
3.times.15, that is, 15 in total of symbols by using video reels or
mechanical reels is described. In this slot machine, when a game is
started, the reels rotate and symbols in the respective rows
arranged vertically start varying by interlocking with each other,
and after a predetermined time elapses, according to stop of the
rotation of the reels, three symbols are stopped and displayed in
each row. Then, when the symbols are stopped and displayed in a
combination including a predetermined number or more of symbols of
the same kind, a prize is awarded. Further, in the conventional
slot machine, a prize according to the payline and a prize
according to the number of displayed symbols are both awarded.
[0008] In the above-described conventional slot machine, whichever
of the video reels or mechanical reels are used, one symbol is
stopped and displayed in one symbol display area. The symbols
stopped and displayed in the plurality of symbol display areas are
independent from each other, and the combination of the displayed
symbols does not newly form a symbol.
[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a slot
machine which newly forms a symbol by the combination of the
symbols displayed in the symbol display areas and awards a prize
based on the formed symbol, so that a prize can be awarded under
new conditions different from those for conventional prizes based
on the payline or the number of symbols displayed while using the
same variation control of the symbols as conventionally, and the
gaming amusement is further improved.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] (1) A slot machine of the present invention comprises: a
controller which controls gaming progress; and a display which
includes a plurality of symbol display areas and can display one
unified symbol across at least two or more of the symbol display
areas, wherein the controller displays divided symbols obtained by
dividing the unified symbol by a predetermined division number in
the symbol display areas, and awards a prize when the unified
symbol is formed by a combination of the divided symbols
displayed.
[0011] (2) In the slot machine of the present invention, in the
construction described in (1) above, the display includes: reels
which perform scrolling display of the plurality of symbols
including divided symbols, and performs stopping display of any one
of the symbols in the symbol display area, as many as the
predetermined division number.
[0012] (3) In the slot machine of the present invention, in the
construction described in (1) above, the predetermined division
number by which the unified symbol is divided into the divided
symbols is set to the same number as the number of the symbol
display areas, and the unified symbol is displayed across all the
symbol display areas.
[0013] (4) A slot machine of the present invention includes: a
controller which controls gaming progress; and a display which
includes a plurality of symbol display areas and can display one
unified symbol across at least two or more symbol display areas,
wherein the controller displays divided symbols obtained by
dividing the unified symbol by a predetermined division number in
the symbol display areas, awards a first prize when a predetermined
or more number of the divided symbols are displayed on the
plurality of symbol display areas, and awards a second prize higher
than the first prize when the unified symbol is formed by a
combination of the divided symbols displayed in the symbol display
areas.
[0014] (5) In the slot machine of the present invention, in the
construction described in (4) above, the display has reels as many
as the predetermined division number, each of which performs
scrolling display of a plurality of symbols including the divided
symbol, and performs stopping display of any one of the symbols in
the symbol display area.
[0015] (6) In the slot machine of the present invention, in the
construction described in (4) above, the predetermined division
number by which the unified symbol is divided into the divided
symbols is set to the same number as the number of the symbol
display areas, and the unified symbol is displayed across all of
the plurality of symbol display areas.
[0016] (7) A slot machine of the present invention includes: a
controller which controls gaming progress; and a display which
includes a plurality of symbol display areas and reels each of
which performs scrolling display of a plurality of symbols and
performs stopping display of any one of the symbols in the symbol
display areas, and can display one unified symbol across at least
two or more symbol display areas, wherein the controller performs
scrolling display of a plurality of symbols including divided
symbols obtained by dividing the unified symbol by a predetermined
division number by using the reels, and performs stopping display
of any one of the symbols in the symbol display areas, awards a
first prize when a predetermined number or more of the divided
symbols are displayed in the plurality of symbol display areas, and
awards a second prize higher than the first prize when the unified
symbol is formed by a combination of the divided symbols stopped
and displayed in the plurality of symbol display areas.
[0017] (8) In the slot machine of the present invention, in the
construction described in (7) above, the predetermined division
number by which the unified symbol is divided into the divided
symbols is set to the same number as the number of the symbol
display areas, and the unified symbol is displayed across all of
the plurality of symbol display areas.
[0018] In the slot machine of the present invention, a prize is
awarded when a unified symbol is formed by a combination of the
divided symbols displayed in the symbol display areas, so that a
prize can be awarded under new conditions different from those for
conventional prizes based on the payline or the number of symbols
displayed while using the same variation control of the symbols as
conventionally. Therefore, without greatly changing the
construction of the conventional slot machine, the gaming amusement
can be improved.
[0019] Additional objects and advantage of the invention will be
set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be
obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be
realized and obtained by unit of the instrumentalities and
combinations particularly pointed out hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE INVENTION OF THE
DRAWINGS
[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute apart of the specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention and together with the general description given above
and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve
to explain the principals of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a characteristic portion of a
slot machine of an embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an external appearance
of the slot machine of the embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a list of unified symbols to be
displayed on the symbol display unit of the lower display in the
slot machine of the embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing kinds of divided symbols to be
displayed on the symbol display unit of the lower display in the
slot machine of the embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a front view showing the symbol display unit of
the embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a front view showing an example when displaying
divided symbols on the symbol display unit;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a front view showing an example when displaying
divided symbols on the symbol display unit and newly forming a
unified symbol by the divided symbols;
[0028] FIG. 8 is a payout table showing prizes to be paid out to a
player based on a combination of symbols displayed along a
payline;
[0029] FIG. 9 is a block diagram schematically showing a control
system of the slot machine of the embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a main control processing program
in the slot machine of the embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a main gaming processing program
in the slot machine of the embodiment; and
[0032] FIG. 12 is a payout table of a slot machine of another
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0033] A slot machine of the present embodiment (for example, slot
machine 1) includes: a plurality of symbol display areas which
display symbols (for example, symbol display areas 31 thorough 39);
and a controller (for example, controller 40) which displays, in
the plurality of symbol display areas, divided symbols obtained by
dividing a unified symbol (for example, unified symbol 26) to be
displayed across at least two or more symbol display areas by a
predetermined division number, and awards a prize when the unified
symbol is formed by a combination of the divided symbols displayed
in the symbol display areas.
[0034] According to the slot machine constructed as described
above, a prize is awarded when a unified symbol is formed by a
combination of the divided symbols displayed in the symbol display
areas, so that a prize can be awarded under new conditions
different from those for conventional prizes based on the payline
or based on the number of symbols displayed while using the same
variation control of the symbols as conventionally. Therefore,
without greatly changing the construction of the conventional slot
machine, the gaming amusement can be greatly improved.
[0035] A slot machine of this embodiment awards a first prize when
a predetermined number or more of the divided symbols (for example,
divided symbols 25) are displayed in the plurality of symbol
display areas (for example, symbol display areas 31 through 39),
and awards a second prize higher than the first prize when the
unified symbol (for example, unified symbol 26) is formed by a
combination of the divided symbols displayed in the symbol display
areas.
[0036] According to the slot machine constructed as described
above, when a unified symbol is formed by a combination of the
divided symbols displayed in the symbol display areas, a prize
higher than a prize based on the number of symbols displayed is
awarded, so that without requiring a special game such as a bonus
game, an opportunity to obtain a higher prize can be given by only
the normal game, so that the player's incentive to play the game
can be increased.
[0037] A slot machine of the present embodiment further performs
scrolling display of a plurality of symbols including divided
symbols (for example, divided symbols 25) by using the reels (for
example, reels 41 through 49), awards a first prize when a
predetermined number or more of the divided symbols are displayed
in the plurality of symbol display areas (for example, symbol
display areas 31 through 39), and awards a second prize higher than
the first prize when the unified symbol (for example, unified
symbol 26) is formed by a combination of the divided symbols
displayed in the plurality of symbol display areas.
[0038] According to the slot machine constructed as described
above, when a unified symbol is formed by a combination of the
divided symbols displayed in the symbol display areas after the
rotation of the reels, a prize higher than a prize based on the
number of symbols displayed is awarded, so that an opportunity to
obtain a higher prize can be given by only the normal game using
the reels, so that the player's incentive to play the game can be
increased.
[0039] The slot machine of the present embodiment further includes:
reels (for example, reels 42 through 49) which perform scrolling
display of the plurality of symbols including divided symbols (for
example, divided symbols 25), and performs stopping display of any
one of the symbols in each of the symbol display areas (for
example, symbol display areas 31 through 39), as many as the
predetermined division number.
[0040] According to the slot machine constructed as described
above, a unified symbol is newly formed by using the divided
symbols displayed on the reels as many as a division number of the
unified symbol, so that a symbol with a larger size can be
displayed on the display by a variety of effects using all
reels.
[0041] In the slot machine of the present embodiment, the division
number by which the unified symbol (for example, unified symbol 26)
is divided into the divided symbols is set to the same number as
the number of the symbol display areas (for example, symbol display
areas 31 through 39), and the unified symbol is displayed across
all the symbol display areas among the plurality of symbol display
areas.
[0042] According to the slot machine constructed as described
above, a unified symbol is newly formed by divided symbols
displayed in all symbol display areas after the rotation of the
reels, so that by combining more divided symbols, a symbol with a
larger size can be displayed on the display.
[0043] Hereinafter, the slot machine of the present invention will
be described in detail based on an embodiment thereof with
reference to the drawings. Herein, the slot machine relating to the
embodiment described below is a so-called video slot machine which
includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display and
performs gaming by displaying images of various symbols on the
display device.
[0044] The slot machine of the present invention includes, as
conditions for awarding a prize, in addition to a case where a
predetermined number or more of symbols of the same kind are
arranged on the display, a case where a symbol is newly formed by a
combination of a plurality of symbols on the display.
[0045] For example, in FIG. 1, an example is shown in which the
present invention is applied to a slot machine which has nine reels
41 through 49 on the display, and has one symbol display area for
each of the reels 41 through 49. When a game is started in the slot
machine of FIG. 1, scrolling display of the symbol row is performed
on each of the reels 41 through 49. Then, when a predetermined time
elapses, the reels 41 through 49 stop rotating in a predetermined
order, and one symbol is stopped and displayed on each of the
symbol display areas 31 through 39. Then, as shown in FIG. 1, when
a "SUN" symbol to be displayed across all symbol display areas 31
through 39 is newly formed by the combination of the nine symbols
stopped in the respective symbol display areas 31 through 39, a
prize based on the formation of the "SUN" symbol is awarded.
[0046] First, a general construction of the slot machine 1
according to this embodiment will be described based on FIG. 2.
FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 1 of
this embodiment.
[0047] The slot machine 1 of this embodiment is composed of a
cabinet 2, a top box 3 set on the cabinet 2, and a main door 4
provided on the front face of the cabinet 2.
[0048] On the front face of the top box 3, an upper display 5 is
provided. Herein, the upper display 5 consists of a generally known
liquid crystal display and displays a gaming method and a payout
table.
[0049] On the other hand, on the entire face of the main door 4, a
lower display 6 is provided. Herein, the lower display 6 consists
of a generally known liquid crystal display and includes a symbol
display unit 7 including 3.times.3 symbol display areas 31 through
39. The symbol display unit 7 consists of reels 41 through 49
arranged 3.times.3, and on each of the reels 41 through 49, a
symbol row arranged as predetermined is scrolled and displayed, and
after a predetermined time elapses, one symbol is stopped and
displayed in each of the symbol display areas 31 through 39. As a
result, nine symbols at maximum are displayed according to the
progress of the game as described later, and based on a combination
of the displayed symbols, a predetermined prize is paid out to the
player. The number of reels may be 3 or 5, and furthermore, the
number of symbols to be displayed is not limited to 9.
[0050] On the front face of the lower display 6, a touch panel 11
is provided, and by operating the touch panel 11, a player can
input various instructions.
[0051] Further, on the lower display 6, a credit number display
unit 8 and a payout number display unit 9 are provided. On the
payout number display unit 8, the number of credits that the player
currently has is displayed. On the payout number display unit 9, an
amount of a prize to be awarded when the combination of symbols
stopped and displayed on the symbol display unit 7 is a
predetermined winning combination is displayed as a payout
number.
[0052] On the lower side of the lower display 6, a control panel 15
on which a plurality of buttons for inputting instructions relating
to gaming progress by a player, a coin receiving slot 16 which
receives coins as gaming media to the inside of the cabinet 2, and
a bill insertion slot 17 are provided.
[0053] On the control panel 15, a start button 18, a change button
19, a CASH-OUT button 20, a 1-BET button 21, and a MAX-BET button
22 are provided. The start button 18 is an operating unit for
inputting instructions for starting scrolling display of symbol
rows on the reels 41 through 49. The change button 19 is an
operating unit to be used for requesting staff of the game arcade
to change. The CASH-OUT button 20 is an operating unit for
inputting an instruction for paying-out coins corresponding to the
number of credits that the player has (one credit corresponds to
one coin) to a coin tray 29 from a coin payout opening 28 or
inputting an instruction for paying-out a ticket with a
barcode.
[0054] The 1-BET button 21 is an operating unit for accepting an
instruction for betting (making a bet of) one credit of the credits
that the player has for the game. The MAX-BET button 22 is an
operating unit for accepting an instruction for betting a maximum
number of credits (in this embodiment, 50 credits) that are allowed
to be bet for one game of the credits that the player has. As the
BET button, other various BET buttons such as a 3-BET button can be
provided.
[0055] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, as gaming media,
coins and bills or electronic value information (credits)
corresponding to the coins and bills are used. However, the gaming
media applicable to the present invention are not limited to these,
and for example, medals, tokens, electronic money, or tickets can
also be used.
[0056] Subsequently, symbols to be displayed on the symbol display
unit 7 of the lower display 6 when gaming will be described with
reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.
[0057] Herein, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, unified
symbols and divided symbols are used as symbols to be displayed on
the symbol display unit of the lower display 6. FIG. 3 is a diagram
showing a list of unified symbols to be displayed on the symbol
display unit 7 of the lower display 6 in the slot machine of this
embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing kinds of divided symbols to
be displayed on the symbol display unit 7 of the lower display 6 in
the slot machine of this embodiment.
[0058] The unified symbol is a large-sized symbol to be displayed
across the symbol display areas 31 through 39, and is formed by
nine divided symbols stopped and displayed on the respective symbol
display areas 31 through 39. There are ten kinds of unified symbols
("CHERRY", "HEART", "MOON", "STAR", "SUN", "SMILE", "1 BAR", "2
BAR", "3 BAR", and "7") as shown in FIG. 3, and when a unified
symbol is formed by divided symbols, in addition to a normal prize
based on the kind of the divided symbols and the number of the
symbols stopped and displayed, a prize based on the kind of the
unified symbol formed is awarded.
[0059] On the other hand, the divided symbols are small-sized
symbols obtained by equally dividing the unified symbol into three
vertically and horizontally. On each of the reels 41 through 49, 10
kinds of divided symbols obtained by dividing, respectively, 10
kinds of unified symbols are scrolled and displayed, and any one
kind of the divided symbols determined according to internal
lottery is stopped and displayed in each of the symbol display
areas 31 through 39. Then, when a predetermined number or more of
the divided symbols of the same kind are stopped and displayed as
shown in FIG. 4, a prize (first prize) based on the kind of the
symbols and the number of the symbols stopped and displayed is
awarded.
[0060] Next, the symbol display unit 7 of the lower display 6 on
which the above-described symbols are displayed will be described
with reference to FIG. 5 through FIG. 7. FIG. 5 is a front view
showing the symbol display unit 7 of the lower display 6 of the
slot machine relating to this embodiment. FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are
front views showing examples of the divided symbols displayed on
the symbol display unit 7.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 5, the symbol display unit 7 of this
embodiment consists of the reels 41 through 49 arranged 3.times.3.
The reels 41 through 49 have symbol display areas 31 through 39,
respectively, each for displaying one divided symbol on each of the
reels 41 through 49 when the reels are stopped rotating. Herein,
when a game is started in the slot machine 1, as shown in FIG. 6
and FIG. 7, one divided symbol 25 (9 in total of the divided
symbols 25) is displayed on each of the symbol display areas 31
through 39.
[0062] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, as described
above, a game is performed by using the 10 kinds of divided symbols
obtained by dividing 10 kinds of unified symbols shown in FIG. 3
and blanks (blank symbols). Winning is won when a combination of a
predetermined number or more of the divided symbols of the same
kind is displayed on the symbol display areas 31 through 39
regardless of their arrangement, and a prize based on the kind of
the symbols and the number of symbols displayed is paid out. When a
unified symbol is formed by the nine divided symbols displayed in
the symbol display areas 31 through 39, a prize corresponding to
the kind of the unified symbol is further awarded. When a bonus
combination including six or more of the divided symbols of "7" is
displayed in the symbol display areas 31 through 39, a bonus game
is executed as a prize continuously after finishing the normal
game.
[0063] For example, FIG. 6 shows a case where divided symbols 25 of
"7" are stopped and displayed in the symbol display areas 31
through 35, 37, and 38, and the divided symbols 25 of "SUN" are
stopped and displayed in the symbol display area 36 and 39. As
contents of a prize to be awarded in this case, 400 credits based
on the simultaneous display of six divided symbols 25 of "7" are
paid out.
[0064] On the other hand, FIG. 7 shows a case where divided symbols
25 of "7" are stopped and displayed in all symbol display areas 31
through 39. As contents of a prize to be awarded in this case, 2600
credits totalizing 1600 credits based on the simultaneous display
of nine divided symbols 25 of "7" and 1000 credits based on the
formation of the unified symbol 26 of "7" are paid out.
[0065] In this embodiment, when a predetermined number shown in
FIG. 4 of divided symbols of the same kind are displayed, the game
is won and a prize is awarded, however, it is also allowed that,
for example, when one divided symbol of "7" and three divided
symbols of "CHERRY" are displayed, the game is won and a prize is
awarded.
[0066] Regarding the prize, it is also allowed that a payline is
set on the symbol display areas 31 through 39 and when a
combination of symbols stopped along the payline is the
predetermined combination of FIG. 8, the prize is paid out.
Further, the prizes shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 8 may be both paid
out.
[0067] Subsequently, game progress procedures of the slot machine 1
of this embodiment will be described in detail. First, when the
start button 18 is depressed after acceptance of a bet, internal
lottery processing for determining divided symbols to be displayed
on the symbol display unit 7 is performed. Subsequently, when a
predetermined time elapses since the depression of the start button
18, the reels 41 through 49 start rotating and scrolling display of
the symbol rows is performed, and after a predetermined time
elapses, nine in total of the divided symbols are stopped and
displayed in the symbol display areas 31 through 39. Then, contents
of a prize are determined based on the combination of the divided
symbols stopped and displayed and the kind of the unified symbol,
and the prize is awarded.
[0068] Next, a construction of a control system of the slot machine
1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram schematically showing a control system of
the slot machine 1 of this embodiment.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 9, the control system of the slot machine 1
is basically composed of a mother board 60 and a gaming board 50.
The mother board 60 and the gaming board 50 constitute a controller
40 which executes a control program (FIG. 10 and FIG. 11) described
later, etc.
[0070] First, the gaming board 50 will be described. The gaming
board 50 includes a CPU 51, a ROM 55, and a boot ROM 52 connected
to each other by an internal bus, a card slot 53S for a memory card
53, and an IC socket 54S for a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 54.
[0071] The memory card 53 consists of a nonvolatile memory, and is
a recording medium on which a game program and a game system
program (hereinafter, referred to as a game program, etc.) are
recorded. The game program recorded on the memory card 53 includes
a lottery program. This lottery program is a program for
determining symbols to be displayed in the symbol display areas 31
through 39.
[0072] The memory card 53 contains a symbol sortition table for
selecting symbols to be displayed in the symbol display areas 31
through 39 by lottery. Herein, the symbol sortition table is a
table in which a predetermined random number range is associated
with the ten kinds of divided symbols and blanks to be stopped and
displayed in the symbol display areas 31 through 39. First, divided
symbols to be stopped and displayed in the symbol display areas 31
through 39 are selected by lottery based on the symbol sortition
table, and thereafter, based on the combination of the determined
divided symbols, a prize to be awarded to the player is
determined.
[0073] As the symbol sortition table, a table in which a
predetermined random number range is associated with a prize to be
awarded to the player may also be used. In this case, first, a
prize to be awarded to the player is selected by lottery based on
the symbol sortition table, and thereafter, a combination of the
divided symbols that corresponds to the determined prize is
selected by the main CPU 61.
[0074] Subsequently, the mother board 60 will be described. The
mother board 60 is formed of a general-purpose mother board
available on the market (a printed circuit board on which basic
components of a personal computer are mounted), and includes a main
CPU 61, a ROM 62, a RAM 63, and a communication interface 64.
[0075] The ROM 62 consists of a memory device such as a flash
memory and stores permanent data such as programs of BIOS, etc., to
be executed by the main CPU 61. When the BIOS is executed by the
main CPU 61, predetermined peripheral devices are initialized, and
import processing of the game program, etc., stored in the memory
card 53 is started via the gaming board 50.
[0076] The RAM 63 stores data and programs to be used when the main
CPU 61 operates. The RAM 63 can store various programs of an
authentication program to be readout via the gaming board 50, the
game program, etc., and various information such as the number of
credits that the player currently has.
[0077] The communication interface 64 is a communication device for
communicating with a server, etc., installed in the game arcade via
a communication line.
[0078] To the mother board 60, a main body PCB 70 and a door PCB 80
described later are connected by USB, respectively. Further, to the
mother board 60, a power supply unit 65 is connected. When power is
supplied to the mother board 60 from the power supply unit 65, the
main CPU 61 of the mother board 60 is started. Further, power is
supplied to the gaming board 50 via a PCI bus and the CPU 51 is
started.
[0079] To the main body PCB 70, a hopper 66, a coin detector 67, a
graphic board 68, a speaker 69, a touch panel 11, and a bill
insertion slot 17, etc., are connected.
[0080] The graphic board 68 controls image display on the upper
display 5 and the lower display 6 based on a control signal from
the main CPU 61. For example, on the lower display 6, scrolling
display and stopping display of the divided symbols are performed
according to the rotation of the reels 41 through 49 to the symbol
display unit.
[0081] On the other hand, to the door PCB 80, a control panel 15, a
reverter 16S, a coin counter 16C, and a cold cathode tube 81 are
connected. On the control panel 15, a start switch 18S
corresponding to the start button 18, a change switch 19S
corresponding to the change button 19, a CASH-OUT switch 20S
corresponding to the CASH-OUT button 20, a 1-BET switch 21S
corresponding to the 1-BET button 21, and a MAX-BET switch 22S
corresponding to the MAX-BET button 22 are provided. Each switch
outputs an input signal to the main CPU 61 when a corresponding
button is operated by a player.
[0082] Subsequently, a main control program to be executed in the
slot machine 1 of this embodiment will be described in detail with
reference to the drawing. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the main
control program.
[0083] It is assumed that in the slot machine 1, the memory card 53
has already been inserted into the card slot 53S of the gaming
board 50, and the GAL 54 has been attached to the IC socket
54S.
[0084] First, when the power supply switch of the power supply unit
65 is turned on (power is applied), the mother board 60 and the
gaming board 50 are started, respectively, and authentication
reading processing of Step (hereinafter, abbreviated to S) 1 is
executed. In this authentication reading processing, the mother
board 60 and the gaming board 50 performs processings different
from each other, concurrently.
[0085] That is, in the gaming board 50, the CPU 51 reads out a
preliminary authentication program stored in the boot ROM 52, and
according to the readout preliminary authentication program,
performs preliminary authentication to confirm and prove that the
authentication program has not been falsified before importing it
into the mother board 60.
[0086] On the other hand, in the mother board 60, the main CPU 61
develops compressed data installed in the BIOS into the RAM 63 by
executing the BIOS stored in the ROM 62, and executes the BIOS
developed in the RAM 63 and diagnoses and initializes various
peripheral devices.
[0087] Thereafter, the main CPU 61 reads out the authentication
program stored in the ROM 55, and performs authentication to
confirm and prove that the game program, etc., stored in the memory
card 53 inserted in the card slot 53S has not been falsified. When
this authentication processing is normally finished, the main CPU
61 writes the game program, etc., that were subjected to
authentication (were authenticated) on the RAM 63. Subsequently,
the main CPU 61 performs import processing for reading out payout
ratio setting data stored in the GAL 54 via the gaming board 50,
and writes the readout payout ratio setting data on the RAM 63.
[0088] After the above-described processings are performed, the
main CPU 61 ends the authentication reading processing.
[0089] Then, at S2, the main CPU 61 reads out the game program,
etc., authenticated in the authentication reading processing of S1
from the RAM 63 and executes it, and performs main gaming
processing. By executing this main gaming processing, a game is
performed in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment. The main gaming
processing is repeated during supply of the power to the slot
machine 1.
[0090] Next, sub-processing of the main gaming processing of S2
will be described with reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a flowchart
of a main gaming processing program in the slot machine 1 of this
embodiment. Each program shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11 is
stored in the memory card 53, and is developed in the RAM 63 of the
controller 40 and executed by the main CPU 61.
[0091] First, as shown in FIG. 11, at S11, the main CPU 61 performs
predetermined initial setting and then performs start acceptance
processing for accepting coin insertion and setting the number of
bets. At this time, in the initial setting, processing such as
clearing of data of an item set in a predetermined data area (for
example, a payout coin counter, etc.) is performed. In the start
acceptance processing, a player performs a bet operation for
setting the number of bets in a current game to any of 1 to 50 bets
by inserting coins or using the 1-BET button 21 or the MAX-BET
button 22.
[0092] Next, at S12, the main CPU 61 judges whether the start
button 18 has been inputted. It is judged whether the start button
18 has been inputted based on whether an input signal has been
received from the start switch 18S.
[0093] Then, when the start button 18 is not inputted (S12: NO),
the process returns to the start acceptance processing (S11) again.
At this time, operations for correcting the number of bets, etc.,
can be performed. On the other hand, when the start button 18 is
inputted (S12: YES), the number of bets set based on an operation
on the 1-BET button 21 or the MAX-BET button 22 is subtracted from
the number of credits that the player has and is stored in the RAM
63 as bet information.
[0094] Thereafter, at S13, the main CPU executes symbol lottery
processing for selecting symbols to be displayed in the respective
symbol display areas 31 of the symbol display unit 7 by lottery. In
detail, the main CPU 61 samples random numbers from a predetermined
random number range by executing a random number generating program
included in the lottery program stored in the RAM 63, and based on
the sampled random numbers and the symbol sortition table,
determines nine symbols to be respectively displayed in the symbol
display areas 31 through 39 (that is, the stop positions of the
reels 41 through 49) among the 10 kinds of divided symbols.
[0095] Further, at S14, the main CPU 61 starts rotating the reels
41 through 49, and performs scrolling display of symbol rows
arranged on the respective reels 41 through 49 at a predetermined
speed. Then, after a predetermined time elapses, the reels 41
through 49 are stopped rotating in a predetermined order according
to a determined effect pattern, and one symbol is displayed for
each of the reels 41 through 49 (see FIG. 1).
[0096] Subsequently, at S15, the main CPU 61 judges whether the
combination of the divided symbols displayed in the symbol display
areas 31 through 39 is a specific combination which causes a
certain prize to be paid out.
[0097] Then, when the combination that causes a prize to be paid
out is judged (S15: YES), the process transfers to S16. On the
other hand, when it is judged that the combination is not the
combination that causes a prize to be paid out (S15: NO), the main
gaming processing is ended. To continuously start the next game,
the processings of S1 and subsequent steps are performed again.
[0098] At S16, it is judged whether a unified symbol has been
formed by the combination of the nine divided symbols stopped and
displayed in the respective symbol display areas 31 through 39,
that is, whether divided symbols of the same kind are stopped and
displayed in all symbol display areas 31 through 39.
[0099] As a result, when it is judged that a unified symbol has not
been formed (S16: NO), at S17, a normal award based on the kind and
number of the divided symbols displayed in the symbol display areas
31 through 39 is calculated (see FIG. 4).
[0100] On the other hand, when it is judged that a unified symbol
has been formed (S16: YES), at S18, in addition to the normal award
based on the kind and number of divided symbols displayed in the
symbol display areas 31 through 39, a special award based on the
kind of the formed unified symbol is also calculated (see FIG.
3).
[0101] Next, at S19, by displaying contents of a prize based on the
combination of the lower display 6, the main CPU 61 notifies the
player of the contents of the prize. For example, in FIG. 6, based
on display of a combination of seven divided symbols 25 of "7", the
characters "Win 400" that notify awarding of 400 credits as a prize
are displayed. In FIG. 7, based on display of nine divided symbols
25 of "7" which compose a combination forming a unified symbol 26
of "7", the characters "Win 2600" that notify awarding of 2600
credits in total as a prize are displayed.
[0102] Subsequently, at S20, it is judged whether the combination
of symbols displayed in the symbol display areas 31 through 39 by
the reel rotation processing of S14 is a bonus combination. Herein,
the bonus combination is a combination of six or more divided
symbols of "7" being displayed.
[0103] As a result, when it is judged that the bonus combination
has been displayed (S20: YES), the process transfers to bonus game
processing (S21). Various modes are considered as a bonus game,
however, herein, a free game is described as the bonus game.
Herein, the free game is a game in which the same game as the
normal game is played a predetermined number of times without
betting, and in the bonus game processing of S21, the reels 41
through 49 are controlled to rotate and stop a predetermined number
of times, and a prize acquired during this control is paid out to
the player by payout processing of S22 described later. As
conditions for transferring to the bonus game, a predetermined
number or more of predetermined symbols are displayed, or the bonus
game appears suddenly as a mystery, and various conditions can be
set. As a sortition table to be used during the free game, a
sortition table set so that the amount to be paid out is increased
than in the normal game may be used.
[0104] Then, at S22, the main CPU 61 pays out an award calculated
at S17 or S18 as a prize. In detail, in the payout processing of
S22, when a unified symbol is not formed by the combination of the
divided symbols, a prize (first prize) based on the kind and number
of divided symbols displayed in the symbol display areas 31 through
39 is paid out. Further, when a unified symbol is formed by the
combination of the divided symbols, a prize (second prize)
totalizing a prize based on the kind and number of the divided
symbols displayed in the symbol display areas 31 through 39 and a
special prize based on the kind of the unified symbol formed is
paid out. At this time, by depressing the CASH-OUT button 20, coins
corresponding to the number of credits can be paid out (one credit
corresponds to one coin), or a ticket with a barcode can be paid
out.
[0105] As described above, in the slot machine 1 of this
embodiment, when starting a game, the number of bets in a current
game bet by a player's operation by using the 1-BET button 21 or
the MAX-BET button 22 is accepted as any of 1 to 50 bets (S11), and
thereafter, the reels 41 through 49 start rotating, and after a
predetermined time elapses, nine in total of the divided symbols
are stopped and displayed in the symbol display areas 31 through 39
(S14). As a result, particularly when a unified symbol is formed by
the combination of the divided symbols displayed, in addition to a
prize based on the kind and number of divided symbols displayed, a
prize based on the kind of the unified symbol formed is awarded to
the player (S22), so that a prize can be awarded under new
conditions different from those for conventional prizes based on
the payline or based on the number of symbols displayed while using
the same variation control of the symbols by using the reels as
conventionally. Therefore, without greatly changing the
construction of a conventional slot machine, its gaming amusement
can be greatly improved.
[0106] When a unified symbol is formed by the combination of the
divided symbols displayed in the symbol display areas, a prize
higher than the prize based on the number of symbols displayed is
awarded, so that without playing a special game such as a bonus
game, an opportunity to obtain a higher prize can be given by only
the normal game, and the player's incentive to play the game can be
increased.
[0107] In addition, a unified symbol is newly formed by divided
symbols displayed in the symbol display areas as many as the
division number of the unified symbol, so that by combining more
divided symbols in various effects using all reels, a larger
unified symbol can be displayed on the display.
[0108] The present invention is not limited to the above-described
embodiment, and of course, the present invention can be altered and
varied in various ways without departing from the spirit of the
present invention.
[0109] For example, in this embodiment, when a unified symbol is
formed by the combination of the divided symbols displayed in the
symbol display areas 31 through 39, in addition to a normal prize
based on the kind and number of the divided symbols, a prize based
on the formed symbol is awarded, however, it is also allowed that
the contents of the normal prize are changed. For example, based on
the kind of the unified symbol formed as shown in FIG. 12, the
amount of the normal prize is increased two times through five
times.
[0110] When a unified symbol is formed by the combination of the
divided symbols displayed in the symbol display areas 31 through
39, the payout table shown in FIG. 4 may be changed to a payout
table of higher prizes.
[0111] In this embodiment, a unified symbol is formed by a
combination of nine divided symbols displayed in the respective
symbol display areas 31 through 39, however, the number of divided
symbols to form the unified symbol can be 2 or more. For example,
it is allowed that the divided symbols are two divisions of the
unified symbol, and a prize is awarded when the unified symbol is
formed by the divided symbols displayed in two symbol display areas
adjacent to each other.
[0112] Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to a
slot machine using normal mechanical reels. In this case, divided
symbols are arranged on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels,
and based on results of internal lottery, the reels are controlled
to stop. Then, when the combination of the divided symbols stopped
and displayed on the plurality of mechanical reels forms a unified
symbol, a prize is awarded.
[0113] Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur
to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its
broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and
representative embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly,
various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit
or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the
appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *