U.S. patent application number 12/031225 was filed with the patent office on 2008-09-04 for gaming machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to Aruze Corporation. Invention is credited to Kazumasa YOSHIZAWA.
Application Number | 20080214278 12/031225 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39733496 |
Filed Date | 2008-09-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080214278 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
YOSHIZAWA; Kazumasa |
September 4, 2008 |
GAMING MACHINE
Abstract
A slot machine is provided with a ROM for storing: a first
symbol arrangement table in which plural types of symbols are
arranged; a second symbol arrangement table in which an expectation
value of giving a payout to a player is high; and a third symbol
arrangement table in which an expectation value winning a bonus
game to a player is high. This slot machine has, as game modes, a
base game, a bonus game, and a special game to be performed after
the end of the bonus game. In the base game, gaming is performed
using symbols arranged in the first symbol arrangement table. In
the bonus game, gaming is performed using symbols arranged in the
second symbol arrangement table. In the special game, gaming is
performed using symbols arranged in the third symbol arrangement
table. In addition, the slot machine 1 determines a game number to
be executed in the special game in accordance with a payout number
acquired in the bonus game.
Inventors: |
YOSHIZAWA; Kazumasa; (Tokyo,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OBLON, SPIVAK, MCCLELLAND MAIER & NEUSTADT, P.C.
1940 DUKE STREET
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Assignee: |
Aruze Corporation
Koto-ku
JP
|
Family ID: |
39733496 |
Appl. No.: |
12/031225 |
Filed: |
February 14, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 2, 2007 |
JP |
2007-052628 |
Claims
1. A gaming machine, comprising: a memory for storing a first
symbol arrangement in which a plurality of symbols are arranged, a
second symbol arrangement in which a plurality of symbols are
arranged, each of which has a higher expectation value of giving a
payout, than that of the first symbol arrangement, and a third
symbol arrangement in which a plurality of symbols are arranged,
each of which has a higher expectation value of winning a bonus
game for giving a predetermined profit to a player, than that of
the first symbol arrangement; a display device for displaying reels
including any of the first, second, and third symbol arrangements
stored in the memory; and a controller, the controller being
configured to: i) display the reels to be displayed on the display
device in rotating and stopped states; ii) give a predetermined
payout to a player when a combination of symbols at a moment at
which rotation of the reels is displayed in a stopped state
configures a predetermined combination of winning prizes; and iii)
make a change to a symbol arrangement different from the symbol
arrangement drawn on the reel from among the first, second, and
third symbol arrangements stored in the memory on condition that a
predetermined condition is met.
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein, in the third
symbol arrangement, trigger symbols winning the bonus game are
arranged to be larger in number than those in the first symbol
arrangement.
3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein, in the second
symbol arrangement, none of trigger symbol winning the bonus game
is arranged.
4. A gaming machine, comprising: a memory for storing a first
symbol arrangement in which a plurality of symbols are arranged, a
second symbol arrangement in which a plurality of symbols are
arranged, each of which has a higher expectation value of giving a
payout to a player, than that of the first symbol arrangement, and
a third symbol arrangement in which a plurality of symbols are
arranged, each of which has a higher expectation value of winning a
bonus game for giving a predetermined profit to a player, than that
of the first symbol arrangement; a display device for displaying
reels including any of the first, second, and third symbol
arrangements stored in the memory; and a controller, the controller
being configured to: i) in a base game, display the reels including
the first symbol arrangement to be displayed on the display device
in rotating and stopped states; ii) give a predetermined payout to
a player at a moment at which a combination of symbols when
rotation of the reels is displayed in a stopped state configures a
predetermined combination of winning prizes; iii) change the symbol
arrangement included in the reels from the first symbol arrangement
to the second symbol arrangement, and then, execute a bonus game by
a first game number, on condition that the bonus game is won; and
iv) change the second symbol arrangement to the third symbol
arrangement, and then, execute a special game by a second game
number, on condition that the bonus game terminates.
5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the controller
is configured to change the third symbol arrangement included in
the reels to the second symbol arrangement, and then, execute the
bonus game, on condition that the bonus game is won in the second
game number of the special game.
6. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the controller
is configured to change the third symbol arrangement included in
the reels to the first symbol arrangement, and then, execute the
base game, on condition that the second game number of the special
game is consumed.
7. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein, in the third
symbol arrangement, trigger symbols winning the bonus game are
arranged to be larger in number than those in the first symbol
arrangement.
8. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein, in the second
symbol arrangement, none of trigger symbols winning the bonus game
is arranged.
9. A gaming machine, comprising: a memory for storing a first
symbol arrangement in which a plurality of symbols are arranged, a
second symbol arrangement in which a plurality of symbols are
arranged, each of which has a higher expectation value of giving a
payout to a player, than that of the first symbol arrangement, and
a third symbol arrangement in which a plurality of symbols are
arranged, each of which has a higher expectation value of winning a
bonus game for giving a predetermined profit to a player, than that
of the first symbol arrangement; a display device for displaying
reels including any of the first, second, and third symbol
arrangements stored in the memory; and a controller, the controller
being configured to: i) in a base game, display the reels including
the first symbol arrangement displayed on the display device in
rotating and stopped states, ii) give a predetermined payout to a
player at a moment at which a combination of symbols at a moment at
which rotation of the reels is displayed in a stopped state
configures a predetermined combination of predetermined winning
prizes; iii) change the symbol arrangement included in the reels
from the first symbol arrangement to the second symbol arrangement,
and then, execute a bonus game by a first game number on condition
that the bonus game is won; iv) determine a second game number
based upon a payout number acquired in the bonus game on condition
that the bonus game terminates; and v) change from the second
symbol arrangement to the third symbol arrangement, and then,
execute a special game, by the determined second game number.
10. The gaming machine according to claim 9, wherein the controller
is configured to change the third symbol arrangement included in
the reels to the second symbol arrangement, and then, execute the
bonus game on condition that the bonus game is won in the second
game number of the special game.
11. The gaming machine according to claim 9, wherein the controller
is configured to change the third symbol arrangement included in
the reels to the first symbol arrangement, and then, execute the
base game, on condition that the second game number of the special
game is consumed.
12. The gaming machine according to claim 9, wherein, in the third
symbol arrangement, trigger symbols winning the bonus game are
arranged to be larger in number than those in the first symbol
arrangement.
13. The gaming machine according to claim 9, wherein, in the second
symbol arrangement, none of trigger symbol winning the bonus game
is arranged.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a gaming machine.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Conventionally, gaming machines for executing a game while
symbols arranged in a plurality of columns are variably displayed,
for example, slot machines have been known. These slot machines
include a video slot machine for executing a game while reels of
simulative images (hereinafter, referred to as "reel images") are
displayed on a display device, such that mechanical reels can be
seen as if they were rotating.
[0005] In this video slot machine, a plurality of reel images are
displayed in a rotating state by entering a gaming medium such as a
medal or a coin (hereinafter, referred to as a "coin"), and then,
performing a start operation such as a SPIN button depressing
operation. After that, a plurality of reel images are displayed in
a stopped state after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.
Further, in this video slot machine, in a case where symbols drawn
in a plurality of reel images are stopped in a predetermined
combination on an activated line, a winning combination is
established, and then, a coin is paid out in response to the
established winning combination.
[0006] Incidentally, in the conventional video slot machines, two
types of game modes such as a base game and a bonus game are often
prepared. The bonus game is a game mode in which a coin payout rate
is higher than that of the base game for a player. The player
performs the base game while expecting that the base game proceeds
to this bonus game.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,722,979 discloses an example of the
conventional video slot machine. U.S. Pat. No. 6,722,979 also
discloses the conventional video slot machine provided with a video
display for displaying reel images including a plurality of
symbols, wherein reel images are displayed in a rotating state and
are displayed in a stopped state in a plurality of display windows
formed on the video display, and, in a case where symbols displayed
in a stopped state along the activated line is a predetermined
winning combination, a bonus game is provided to a player.
[0008] In the conventional video slot machine, however, only one
arrangement of symbols drawn in each reel image has been
determined. Thus, the progress of a game becomes monotonous, and it
has been impossible to offer new diversions to the player.
[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the
above-described problem and provides a gaming machine, which is
capable of offering diversity to a game and which is capable of
offering new diversions to a player.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a gaming machine, comprising:
[0011] a memory for storing a first symbol arrangement in which a
plurality of symbols are arranged, a second symbol arrangement in
which a plurality of symbols are arranged, each of which has a
higher expectation value of giving a payout to a player, than that
of the first symbol arrangement, and a third symbol arrangement in
which a plurality of symbols are arranged, each of which has a
higher expectation value of winning a bonus game for giving a
predetermined profit to a player, than that of the first symbol
arrangement;
[0012] a display device for displaying reels including any of the
first, second, and third symbol arrangements stored in the memory;
and
[0013] a controller,
[0014] the controller being configured to: [0015] i) display the
reels to be displayed on the display device in rotating and stopped
states; [0016] ii) give a predetermined payout to a player when a
combination of symbols determined at a moment at which rotation of
the reels is displayed in a stopped state configures a
predetermined combination of winning prizes; and [0017] iii) make a
change to a symbol arrangement different from a symbol arrangement
drawn on the reel from among the first, second, and third symbol
arrangements stored in the memory on condition that a predetermined
condition is met.
[0018] According to the first aspect of the present invention, a
symbol arrangement drawn on a reel is selectively changed from
among the first, second, and third symbol arrangements for a player
in accordance with a predetermined condition. Then, the symbol
arrangements drawn on the reels are set at expectation values that
are different from each other depending upon the first, second, and
third symbol arrangements, so that the fact that the expectation
value of giving a payout has been changed can be notified to the
player. In addition, by changing a symbol arrangement, it is
possible to offer diversity to a game and to offer new diversions
to the player.
[0019] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a gaming machine, comprising: a memory for storing a
first symbol arrangement in which a plurality of symbols are
arranged, a second symbol arrangement in which a plurality of
symbols are arranged, each of which has a higher expectation value
of giving a payout to a player, than that of the first symbol
arrangement, and a third symbol arrangement in which a plurality of
symbols are arranged, each of which has a higher expectation value
of winning a bonus game for giving a predetermined profit to a
player, than that of the first symbol arrangement; a display device
for displaying reels including any of the first, second, and third
symbol arrangements stored in the memory; and a controller, the
controller being configured to: [0020] i) in a base game, display
the reels including the first symbol arrangement to be displayed on
the display in rotating and stopped states; [0021] ii) give a
predetermined payout to a player when a combination of symbols at a
moment at which rotation of the reels is displayed in a stopped
state configures a predetermined combination of winning prizes;
[0022] iii) change the symbol arrangement included in the reels
from the first symbol arrangement to the second symbol arrangement,
and then, execute a bonus game by a first game number, on condition
that the bonus game is won; and [0023] iv) change the second symbol
arrangement to the third symbol arrangement, and
[0024] then, execute a special game by a second game number, on
condition that the bonus game terminates.
[0025] According to the second aspect of the present invention, it
is possible to perform gaming by using a first symbol arrangement
in a base game; to perform gaming by using a second symbol
arrangement in which a plurality of symbols are arranged, each of
which has an expectation value of giving a high payout in a bonus
game; and to perform gaming by using a third symbol arrangement in
which an expectation value winning the bonus game is high in a
special game to be performed after the end of a bonus game. Thus,
gaming can be performed using a symbol arrangement in which
expectation values for a player are different from each other for a
player by game mode, thus making it possible to offer diversity to
the game.
[0026] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a gaming machine, comprising a memory for storing a
first symbol arrangement in which a plurality of symbols are
arranged, a second symbol arrangement in which a plurality of
symbols are arranged, each of which has a higher expectation value
of giving a payout to a player, higher than that of the first
symbol arrangement, and a third symbol arrangement in which a
plurality of symbols are arranged, each of which has a higher
expectation value of winning a bonus game for giving a
predetermined profit to a player, than that of the first symbol
arrangement; a display for displaying reels including any of the
first, second, and third symbol arrangements stored in the memory;
and a controller, the controller being configured to: [0027] i) in
a base game, display the reels including the first symbol
arrangement displayed on the display in rotating and stopped
states, [0028] ii) give a predetermined payout to a player when a
combination of symbols at a moment at which rotation of the reels
is displayed in a stopped state configures a predetermined
combination of winning prizes; [0029] iii) change the symbol
arrangement included in the reels from the first symbol arrangement
to the second symbol arrangement, and then, execute a bonus game by
a first game number on condition that the bonus game is won; [0030]
iv) determine a second game number based upon a payout number
acquired in the bonus game on condition that the bonus game
terminates; and [0031] v) make a change from the second symbol
arrangement to the third symbol arrangement, and then, execute a
special game, by the determined second game number.
[0032] According to the third aspect of the present invention,
gaming can be performed by a second game number, using a third
symbol arrangement in which a plurality of symbols are arranged,
each of which has a high expectation value winning a bonus game in
a special game. The second game number of the special game can be
determined based upon the payout result acquired in the bonus game.
In the bonus game, therefore, gaming can be performed by a first
game number, using a second symbol arrangement in which a plurality
of symbols are arranged, each of which has a high expectation value
of giving a payout. Accordingly, in the bonus game, it is possible
to allow a player to expect that the second game number of a
special game is increased.
[0033] A fourth aspect of the present invention includes a game
machine controller of a second or third aspect, the controller
being configured to change the third symbol arrangement included in
the reels to the second symbol arrangement, and then, execute the
bonus game on condition that the bonus game is won in the second
game number of the special game.
[0034] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a
special game can be caused to migrate to a bonus game, thus making
it possible to offer new diversions to a player after the end of
the bonus game.
[0035] A fifth aspect of the present invention includes a gaming
machine controller of any of the first to third aspects, the
controller being configured to change the third symbol arrangement
included in the reels to the first symbol arrangement, and then,
execute the base game on condition that the second game number of
the special game is consumed.
[0036] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a
special game migrates to a base game, so that the player's
expectation can be induced even after the end of a bonus game.
[0037] A sixth aspect of the present invention includes a third
symbol arrangement of any of the first to third aspects, wherein,
in the third symbol arrangement, trigger symbols winning the bonus
game are arranged to be larger in number than those in the first
symbol arrangement.
[0038] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in a
special game in which gaming is performed using a third symbol
arrangement, trigger symbols winning a bonus game are drawn to be
larger in number on reels, thus making it possible to offer new
diversions to a player even after the end of the bonus game.
[0039] A seventh aspect of the present invention includes a second
symbol arrangement of any of the first to third aspects, wherein,
in the second symbol arrangement, trigger symbols winning the bonus
game are not arranged.
[0040] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in
a bonus game in which gaming is performed using a second symbol
arrangement, a plenty of symbols to which a predetermined payout is
given are arranged instead of the fact that trigger symbols winning
the bonus game are not arranged on reels, thus making it possible
to offer new diversions to a player in the bonus game.
[0041] A gaming machine according to the present invention can be
provided which is capable of offering diversity to a game and which
is capable of offering new diversions to a player.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] FIG. 1 is a view showing a plurality of symbol arrangement
tables;
[0043] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a gaming
machine;
[0044] FIG. 3 is a block diagram depicting an internal
configuration of the gaming machine;
[0045] FIG. 4 is a block diagram depicting a configuration of an
image control circuit;
[0046] FIG. 5 is a view illustrating symbols arranged in a symbol
arrangement table;
[0047] FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B, and FIG. 6C are views showing a plurality
of symbol lottery tables;
[0048] FIG. 7 is a view showing a winning combination determination
table;
[0049] FIG. 8 is a view showing an effect determination table;
[0050] FIG. 9 is a view showing a free game number lottery
table;
[0051] FIG. 10 is a view showing a display screen of a main
display;
[0052] FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B are views each illustrating an
activated line;
[0053] FIG. 12 is a main flowchart showing operating procedures for
main control processing;
[0054] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing operating procedures for coin
entry processing;
[0055] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing operating procedures for
internal lottery processing;
[0056] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing operating procedures for reel
control processing;
[0057] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing operating procedures for
payout count determination processing;
[0058] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing operating procedures for
bonus game processing; and
[0059] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing operating procedures for
special game processing.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0060] Hereinafter, best mode for carrying out a gaming machine of
the present invention will be described in detail.
(Overall Explanation of the Slot Machine)
[0061] FIG. 1 is a view showing a plurality of symbol arrangement
tables stored in a ROM incorporated in a slot machine according to
an embodiment of the present invention. A slot machine 1 according
to the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, is
provided with a ROM34 storing: a first symbol arrangement table 34A
in which plural types of symbols are arranged; a second symbol
arrangement table 34B in which an expectation value in a case where
a payout is given to a player is higher than that of the first
symbol arrangement table 34A; and a third symbol arrangement table
34C in which an expectation value in a case where a player wins a
bonus game is higher than that of the first symbol arrangement
table 34A. In addition, the slot machine 1 has a function of
executing a base game; a bonus game of giving a great profit to a
player in comparison with the base game when a predetermined
condition is met; and a special game in which the bonus game is
easily won again at a high probability after the end of the bonus
game.
[0062] This slot machine 1 performs: gaming by using symbols T1 to
T7 arranged in the first symbol arrangement table 34A in a base
game; gaming by using symbols T2 to T2 arranged in the second
symbol arrangement table 34B in a bonus game; and gaming by using
symbols T1 to T7 arranged in the third symbol arrangement table 34C
in a special game. In addition, the slot machine 1 determines the
number of games to be executed in the special game in response to
payout count acquired in the bonus game. Thus, in the bonus game,
an expectation value relative to payout can be set for a player,
and, in the special game, a state in which triggers for the bonus
game are continuously depressed can be highly set for a player. As
a result, the slot machine 1 can execute a game by using the symbol
arrangement with different expectation values relative to the
player on a game mode basis, thus making it possible to offer
diversity to a game and to offer new diversions to the player.
(Configuration of the Slot Machine)
[0063] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an entire configuration
of a slot machine 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram depicting an
internal configuration of a slot machine 1. As shown in FIG. 2,
this slot machine is provided with a cabinet 2, and a main display
3 and a sub display 4 are provided at this cabinet 2. The main
display 3 and the sub display 4 are constituted of a liquid crystal
display or the like, for example.
[0064] The main display 3 is disposed on a front face of the
cabinet 2, and displays the contents pertinent to a slot game. The
sub display 4 is disposed upwardly of the main display 3, and
displays images which are not directly pertinent to the slot game
(for example, a gaming method, types of winning combinations,
payout tables indicating payout by types of winning combinations,
game log information, and various attraction information pertinent
to games).
[0065] In the slot machine 1, a substantially horizontal base
portion 11 is provided downwardly of the main display 3. At this
base portion 11, a coin insertion slot 6 and a bill insertion slot
7 disposed at the right side are provided, and a SPIN button 8, a
1-BET button 9, and a maximum BET button 10 disposed at the left
side of the base portion 11 is provided. A game rule button or the
like for executing a help function may be further provided.
[0066] The coin insertion slot 6 is provided for a player to insert
a coin to be betted on a game. When the coin is inserted through
the coin insertion slot 6, an entered-coin sensor 6a outputs a coin
entry signal. The bill insertion slot 7 is provided for the player
to insert a bill that is one of gaming media. When the bill is
inserted through the bill insertion slot 7, an inserted-bill sensor
7a outputs a bill insertion signal.
[0067] A SPIN button 8 has a function of instructing start of a
unit game, based upon a start operation of the player. Operation of
the SPIN button 8 is detected by a SPIN button 8a provided inside
the slot machine. Reel images R1 to R5 described later are
displayed in a rotating state, based upon a detection result of the
SPIN switch 8.
[0068] A 1-BET button 9 is provided to implement setting for
betting one coin stored in the slot machine 1 by one operation. A
MAX-BET button 10 is provided to implement setting for betting a
maximum number of coins that can be bet in one game stored in the
slot machine 1 by one operation. Operation of the 1-BET button 9
and the MAX-BET button 10 is detected by a 1-BET switch 9a and a
MAX-BET switch 10a (see FIG. 3) that are provided inside the slot
machine. The number of activated lines described later is
determined, based upon a detection result of the 1-BET switch 9a
and the MAX-BET switch 10a.
[0069] A coin payout opening 13 and a coin receptacle portion 14
for accommodating the coins paid out from the coin payout opening
13 are provided at the lower part of the cabinet 2. In addition, in
the slot machine 1, speakers 12L and 12R are provided at the right
and left sides thereof, respectively, while the coin payout opening
13 is sandwiched between the speakers.
[0070] Next, an internal configuration of the slot machine 1 will
be described with referring to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 4 is a block
diagram depicting an internal configuration of an image control
circuit.
[0071] As shown in FIG. 3, the slot machine 1 is provided with a
plurality of constituent elements including a microcomputer 31.
[0072] The microcomputer 31 has: a main CPU (Central Processing
Unit) 32 serving as a controller; a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33;
and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 34 serving as a memory.
[0073] The main CPU32 is actuated in accordance with a game program
or the like stored in the ROM34, inputs/outputs a signal from/to
another constituent element via an I/O port 39 described later, and
performs operational control of the entire slot machine 1.
[0074] The RAM33 has a function of temporarily storing data and
game programs or the like to be processed by the main CPU32. For
example, a random number value sampled by a sampling circuit 36
described later is temporarily stored after a game has started.
[0075] The ROM34 stores: various programs pertinent to a slot game
executed by the main CPU32; a first symbol arrangement table 34A, a
second symbol arrangement table 34B, and a third symbol arrangement
table 34C shown in FIG. 1; a symbol lottery table shown in FIG. 5;
a winning combination determination table shown in FIG. 6; an
effect determination table shown in FIG. 7; and a free game number
lottery table or the like shown in FIG. 8.
[0076] In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, a random number generator
35 for generating a random number for lottery, a sampling circuit
36, a clock pulse generation circuit 37 for generating a
predetermined reference clock pulse, and a frequency divider 38 are
connected to the main CPU32.
[0077] The random number generator 35 generates a predetermined
range of random numbers in accordance with an instruction of the
main CPU32. The sampling circuit 36 samples any random number value
from among the random number values generated by the random number
generator 35, in accordance with an instruction of the main CPU32,
and then, inputs the sampled random number value to the main CPU32.
The random number value sampled via the sampling circuit 36 is used
for lottery of symbols.
[0078] A clock pulse generation circuit 37 generates a reference
clock for actuating the main CPU32. The frequency divider 38 inputs
to the main CPU32 a signal obtained by frequency-dividing, in a
predetermined cycle, a reference clock generated by the clock pulse
generation circuit 37.
[0079] In addition, the main CPU32 receives signals from an
entered-coin sensor 6a, an inserted-bill sensor 7a, a SPIN switch
8a, a 1-BET switch 9a, and a MAX-BET switch 10 via the I/O port 39
in accordance with the programs stored in the ROM34. Then, the main
CPU32 performs overall operation control associated with the
progress of a game, based upon the signals received from the
switches.
[0080] In addition, a touch panel 3a, a lamp driving circuit 59, a
LED driving circuit 61, a hopper driving circuit 63, and a payout
complete signal circuit 65 are connected to the main CPU32 via the
I/O port 39. Further, an image control circuit 71 for displaying
and controlling images displayed on the main display 3 and the sub
display 4 and a sound control circuit 72 for controlling a sound
generated from the speakers 12L and 12R are connected to the main
CPU32 via the I/O port 39.
[0081] A touch panel 3a is provided so as to cover a screen of the
main display 3. This touch panel 3a detects a position of a site
which a player's finger or the like touched, and then, inputs to
the main CPU32 a position signal corresponding to the detected
position. By means of this touch panel 3a, a player can perform an
input operation caused by a touch operation with the player's
finger or the like. The touch panel 3a can be constituted to
determine the number of activated lines by the player touching the
panel.
[0082] A lamp driving circuit 59 outputs a signal for illuminating
a lamp 60 to the lamp 60, and causes the lamp 60 to blink while a
game is executed. This lamp 60 blinks, whereby game attraction or
the like is performed.
[0083] An LED driving circuit 61 controls blinking/displaying of
credit amount, coin acquisition count, and an LED62 for displaying
information or the like required for executing a game. The lamp 60
and the LED62 are provided at sites such that they are readily
visible from a player of the slot machine 1, although not shown in
FIG. 1.
[0084] A hopper driving circuit 63 drives a hopper 64 under the
control of the main CPU32. The hopper 64 performs an operation for
paying out a coin, and then, pays out the coin to the coin payout
opening 13.
[0085] A coin detection unit 66 counts the number of coins paid out
by the hopper 64, and then, notifies data concerning the counted
number of coins to the payout complete signal circuit 65.
[0086] The payout complete signal circuit 65 inputs data concerning
a value indicative of the number of coins from the coin detection
unit 66, and then, outputs to the main CPU32 a signal notifying the
completion of coin payout when the inputted value has reached data
indicative of the set number of coins.
[0087] An image control circuit 71 controls image display of the
main display 3 and the sub display 4, and then, causes the main
display 3 and the sub display 4 to display various images. This
image control circuit 71, as shown in FIG. 4, is provided with: an
image control CPU71a; a work RAM71b; a program ROM71c; an image
ROM71d; a video RAM71e; and a VDP (Video Display Processor) 71f or
the like.
[0088] The image control CPU71a determines various images (such as
symbol images) displayed on the main display 3 and the sub display
4, in accordance with an image control program stored in advance in
the program ROM71c. This determination is based upon parameters set
by a microcomputer 31.
[0089] The work RAM71b is temporary storing means employed when the
image control CPU71a executes an image control program and various
selection tables or the like. The program ROM 71c stores image
control programs and various selection tables or the like. The
image ROM71d stores dot data for forming an image. This dot data
includes various symbol images used in a slot game.
[0090] The video RAM71e is temporary storing means employed when a
VDP71f forms an image. The VDP71f has a control RAM71g, forms
images in accordance with the display contents of the main display
3 and the sub display 4 determined by the image control CPU71a, and
then, outputs the formed images to the main display 3 and the sub
display 4.
[0091] The sound control circuit 72 outputs to the speakers 12L and
12R a sound signal for outputting a voice from the speakers 12L and
12R. A voice for augmenting a game at an appropriate time after
starting a game is outputted from the speakers 12L and 12R, for
example.
[0092] Next, with referring to FIGS. 1 and 5 to 9, a description
will be furnished as to the symbol arrangement tables 34A to 34C
stored in the above-mentioned ROM 34 (see FIG. 1); a winning
combination determination table; an effect determination table; a
free game number lottery table. FIG. 5 is a view illustrating
symbols arranged in a symbol arrangement table; FIG. 6 is a view
showing a plurality of symbol lottery tables; FIG. 7 is a view
showing a winning combination determination table; FIG. 8 is a view
showing an effect determination table; and FIG. 9 is a view showing
a free game number lottery table.
[0093] As shown in FIG. 1, the first symbol arrangement table 34A
(first symbol arrangement) is a symbol arrangement table used in
the play of a base game. In addition, the second symbol arrangement
table 34B (second symbol arrangement) is a symbol arrangement table
used in the play of a bonus game. In addition, the third symbol
arrangement table 34C (third symbol arrangement) is a symbol
arrangement table used in a special game to be executed after the
end of the bonus game. The symbols arranged in the first symbol
arrangement table 34A, the second symbol arrangement table 34B, and
the third symbol arrangement table 34C are arranged in 5 columns by
20, and are displayed in display areas described later, of the main
display 3.
[0094] The symbols displayed in the display areas of the main
display 3, as shown in FIG. 5, include 7 types of trigger symbols,
i.e., a "BLACK7" symbol T1; a "WHITE7" symbol T2; a "BAR" symbol
T3; a "BELL" symbol T4; a "WATERMELON" symbol T5; a "PLUM" symbol
T6; and a "CHERRY" symbol T7. With respect to these symbols T1 to
T7, in a case where identical 5 symbols are successively displayed
in a stopped state at the middle stage of each display area of the
display 3 along an activated line, predetermined payouts are given
to players, respectively, in accordance with the number of payouts
in the winning combination determination table shown in FIG. 7. As
shown in FIG. 1, a total of 7 types of symbols T1 to T7 are
arranged in predetermined order in the first symbol arrangement
table 34A and the third symbol arrangement table 34C. In the second
symbol arrangement table 34B, symbols T2 to T7 excluding the
"BLACK7" symbol are arranged in predetermined order.
[0095] The "BLACK7" symbol T1 is a symbol serving as a winning
trigger of a bonus game. In a case where the 5 "BLACK7" symbols T1
are displayed in a stopped state at the middle stage of each
display area of the main display 3 along the activated line, a game
mode migrates from a base game to a bonus game or migrates from a
special game to a bonus game. The "BLACK7" symbols T1, as shown in
FIG. 1, are arranged on a one-by-one symbol basis in columns of the
first symbol arrangement table 34A; are not arranged in columns of
the second symbol arrangement table 34B; and are arranged on a
three-by-three symbols basis in columns of the third symbol
arrangement table 34C.
[0096] The "WHITE7" symbol T2, the "BAR" symbol T3, the "BELL"
symbol T4, the "WATERMELON" symbol T5, the "PLUM" symbol T6, and
the "CHERRY" symbol T7 are a winning combination in which a
predetermined payout is given to a player, as shown in FIG. 5. The
"WHITE7" symbol T2 is a symbol, which is handled as any of 5 types
of symbols, i.e., the "BAR" symbol T3, the "BELL" symbol T4, the
"WATERMELON" symbol T5, the "PLUM" symbol T6, and the "CHERRY"
symbol T7. This symbol T2 is a so called "all-mighty" symbol. These
"WHITE" symbols T2, as shown in FIG. 1, are arranged on a
one-by-one symbol basis in columns of the first symbol arrangement
table 34A and the third symbol arrangement table 34C, and are
arranged on a two-by-two symbols basis in columns of the second
symbol arrangement table 34B.
[0097] A symbol lottery table, as shown in FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B, and
FIG. 6C, is a table to be referenced at the time of determining an
expected-stop symbol to be displayed in a stopped state at the
middle stage of each display area of the main display 3 when
internal lottery processing is performed. This symbol lottery table
is constituted of a first symbol lottery table, a second symbol
lottery table, and a third symbol lottery table.
[0098] The first symbol lottery table shown in FIG. 6A is a symbol
lottery table to be referenced at the time of execution of a base
game. This table is intended for lottery of 7 types of symbols T1
to T7 arranged in the first symbol arrangement table 34A. In the
first symbol lottery table, winning probabilities of symbols are
set, respectively, based upon the number of symbols T1 to T7
arranged in columns of the first symbol arrangement table 34A.
Thus, in the first symbol lottery table, the "BLACK7" symbol T1,
the "WHITE7" symbol T2, and the "BAR" symbol T are arranged on a
one-by-one basis relative to one reel image on which 20 symbols
were displayed. Therefore, the winning probabilities of the
"BLACK7" symbol T1, the "WHITE7" symbol T2, and the "BAR" symbol T
are set to "1/20", respectively. In addition, in the first symbol
arrangement table 34A, 4 or 5 symbols are arranged relative to one
reel image on which 20 symbols were displayed, so that the winning
probabilities of symbols T4 to T7 are set to "4/20" or "5/20". That
is, the winning probabilities ("1/20") of the "BLACK7" symbol T1,
the "WHITE7" symbol T2, and the "BAR" symbol T are set to be lower
than those ("4/20", "5/20") of symbols T4 to T7. As a result, in a
base game in which symbol lottery is performed using the first
symbol lottery table, the winning probabilities of the "BLACK7"
symbol T1 serving as a trigger for lottery of a bonus game and an
all-mighty "WHITE7" symbol T2 are set to be comparatively low.
[0099] The second symbol lottery table shown in FIG. 6B is a symbol
lottery table to be referenced at the time of execution of a bonus
game. This table is intended for lottery of 6 types of symbols T2
to T7 arranged in the second symbol arrangement table 34B. In the
second symbol lottery table, the winning probabilities of symbols
are set, respectively, based upon the number of symbols T2 to T7
arranged in the second symbol arrangement table 34A. Thus, in the
second symbol lottery table, two "WHITE7" symbols T2 are arranged
relative to one reel image on which 20 patterns were displayed, in
the second symbol arrangement table 34B, so that the winning
probability of the "WHITE7" symbol T2 is set to "2/20", and the
winning probabilities of symbols T3 to T7 are set at a rate equal
to those of symbols T3 to T7 in the first symbol lottery table.
That is, the winning probability ("2/20") of the "WHITE7" symbol T2
is set to be lower than the winning probability ("1/20") of the
"BAR" symbol T3 and the winning probability ("1/20") of the
"WHITE7" symbol T2 of the first symbol lottery table is set to be
higher. As a result, in a bonus game in which symbol lottery is
performed using the second symbol lottery table, all-mighty
"WHITE7" symbols T2 are frequently displayed in a stopped state in
display areas, and the winning probability of the "WHITE7" symbol
T2 is set at a probability higher than that of a base game so that
an expectation value relative to payout of symbols T2 to T7 is high
for a player.
[0100] The third symbol lottery table shown in FIG. 6C is a symbol
lottery table to be referenced at the time of execution of a
special game. This table is intended for lottery of 7 types of
symbols T1 to T7 arranged in the third symbol arrangement table
34C. In the third symbol lottery table, the winning probabilities
of symbols are set, respectively, based upon the number of symbols
T1 to T7 arranged in the third lottery arrangement table 34C. Thus,
in the third symbol lottery table, the "BLACK7" symbols T1, the
symbols T4, and the symbols T5 in the third symbol arrangement
table 34C are arranged on a three-by-three symbols basis relative
to one reel image on which 20 symbols were arranged, so that the
winning probabilities of the "BLACK7" symbol T1, the symbol T4, and
the symbol T5 are set to "3/20", respectively, and the winning
probabilities of the "BLACK7" symbol T1, the symbol T4, and the
symbol T5 are set at a rate equal to those of the symbols T2 and T2
and the symbols T6 and T7. That is, the winning probability of the
"BLACK7" symbol T1 ("3/20") is set to be higher than the winning
probabilities ("1/20") of the "WHITE7" symbol T2 and the "BAR"
symbol T3, and is set to be higher than the winning probability
("1/20") of the "BLACK7" symbol T1 of the first symbol lottery
table. As a result, in a special game in which symbol lottery is
performed using the third symbol lottery table, the "BLACK7"
symbols T1 serving as a winning trigger of a bonus game are
frequently displayed in a stopped state in display areas, and then,
the winning probability of the "BLACK7" symbol T1 is set at a
probability higher than that of a base game, so that the
expectation value of winning a bonus game for a player is high.
[0101] As described above, in a special game in which a player
performs gaming by using the third symbol arrangement table 34C,
the winning probability of the "BLACK7" symbol T1 serving as a
trigger for winning a bonus game is set at a probability higher
than that of a base game in which a player performs gaming by using
the first symbol arrangement table 34A. Thus, in a special game to
be performed after the end of the bonus game, a state of
successively depressing a trigger of a bonus game ("retrigger) is
prone to be won at a high probability. In this manner, the slot
machine 1 performs gaming by using the symbol arrangement tables
34A to 34C containing different expectation values for a player,
thus making it possible to offer diversity in a game and offer new
diversions to a player.
[0102] The expected-stop symbols to be displayed in a stopped state
at the middle stage of display areas determined by referring to the
first, second, and third symbol lottery tables, are stored in a
symbol storage area of the RAM33.
[0103] A winning combination table, as shown in FIG. 7, is a table
to be referenced at the time of determining a winning combination,
based upon the expected-stop symbol to be displayed in a stopped
state at the middle stage of the display areas determined with
referring to the first, second, and third symbol lottery tables
described above. In addition, this winning combination table is
also referenced at the time of specifying the payout number of
coins responsive to the determined winning combination. In internal
lottery processing, by referring to a winning combination
determination table, for example, as a combination of symbols, if 5
symbols T1 are successively combined at the middle stage of display
areas along an activated line, the winning combination is
determined to be "BLACK7", and it is specified that the payout
number of coils is 100 (when the BET number is 1). The determined
winning combination is stored in the winning combination storage
area of the RAM33. In addition, the payout number of specified
coins is numerically set at the payout number counter of the
RAM33.
[0104] An effect determination table, as shown in FIG. 8, is a
table to be referenced at the time of determining an effect image
and an effect sound or the like, based upon the expected-stop
symbol displayed in a stopped state at the middle stage of the
display areas stored in the winning prize storage area of the
RAM33. If the effect identifiers A to R responsive to the
expected-stop symbols are determined by referring to this effect
determination table, the effect images and effect sounds stored in
correspondence with the effect identifiers are outputted to a main
display 3, a sub display 4, and speakers 12L and 12R or the like by
a predetermined effect time. No effect identifiers of symbols T2 to
T7 are occasionally shown in the effect determination table. In a
case where the absence of an effect identifier is determined by
means of lottery, even if a prize is won so as to offer new
diversions to a player, no effect is occasionally provided.
[0105] A free game number lottery table, as shown in FIG. 9, is a
table to be referenced at the time of determining the number of
free games to be executed in a bonus game. In this free game number
lottery table, the free game numbers are set at 4 stages, i.e., 5,
10, 15, and 20, and the count set at these 4 stages is determined
by lottery processing or the like to be performed when a bonus game
has been won. The determined number of free games is set at a value
of a free game number. The free game number can be variously set
without being limitative to the number mentioned above.
[0106] Next, the main display 3 mentioned above will be further
described in detail with referring to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a view
showing a display screen of the main display 3. As shown in FIG.
10, a display area portion 81, a line number display portion 82,
and an upper display portion 83 or the like are displayed on the
main display 3.
[0107] At the display area portion 81, display areas A to E of
which three symbols are displayed on the top and bottom are
provided in 5 columns. In these display areas A to E, reel images A
to E are displayed on which any of plural types of symbols arranged
in the first, second, and third symbol arrangement tables 34A, 34B,
and 34C were drawn. In addition, display areas A to E are
constituted of a plurality of symbol display areas A1 to A3, B1 to
B3, C1 to C3, D1 to D3, and E1 to E3. In these plurality of symbol
display areas A1 to A3, B1 to B3, C1 to C3, D1 to D3, and E1 to E3,
symbols selected when they are displayed in a stopped area from
among plural types of symbols arranged in the symbol arrangement
tables 34A to 34C are displayed on a one-by-one symbol basis.
[0108] When the line number display portion 82 is arranged
laterally of the display area portion 81 and the activated line
taken along the symbol display areas A2, B2, C2, D2, and E2 at the
middle stage of display areas A to E is activated at the time of
coin entry, line number "1" indicative of the activated line is
displayed. While the present embodiment described the line number
display portion 82 indicative of one activated line because one
activated line is set, in a case where a plurality of activated
lines are set, it is also possible for the line number display
portion 82 to display line numbers indicative of a plurality of
activated lines at both sides of the display area portion 81.
[0109] The upper display portion 83 is arranged upwardly of the
display area portion 81 and is constituted as a credit amount
display portion 83a; a BET number display portion 83b; a character
information display portion 83c; a PAID number display portion 83d;
and a charge display portion 83e. The credit amount display portion
83a displays the number of coins currently credited and the BET
number display portion 83b displays the number of coins betted in
one game. In addition, the character information display portion
83c displays character information indicative of a current state of
a game. For example, character information is displayed, indicating
a state in which a game mode migrates from a base game mode or a
special game mode to a bonus game mode and a state in which the
game mode migrates from a bonus game mode to a special game mode.
Further, the PAID number display portion 83d displays the number of
coins that could be obtained in one game and the charge display
portion 83e displays a converted value of a credit amount relative
to a predetermined charge.
[0110] Next, the activated line of the slot machine 1 will be
described with referring to FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B. FIG. 11A and
FIG. 11B are views for explaining the activated line of the slot
machine, wherein FIG. 11A is a view showing one example of the
activated line and FIG. 11B is a view showing another example of
the activated line.
[0111] The slot machine 1 has one activated line set for activation
at the time of coin entry, as shown in FIG. 11A. This activated
line is activated along symbol display areas A2, B2, C2, D2, and E2
at the middle stage of the display areas A to E.
[0112] While the present embodiment describes that one activated
line along the middle stage of display areas A to E is set in the
slot machine 1, the present invention is not limitative thereto.
The slot machine 1, as shown in FIG. 1A, can also be set as to an
activated line along symbol display areas A1, B1, C1, D1, and E1 at
the upper stage of display areas A to E; an activated line along
symbol display areas A2, B2, C2, D2, and E2 at the lower stage of
display areas A to E; a V-shaped activated line along symbol
display areas A1, B2, C3, D2, and E1 of display areas A to E; a
reversed-V-shaped activated line along symbol display areas A3, B2,
C1, D2, and E3 of display areas A to E; and 4 activated lines shown
in FIG. 1l B.
[0113] A plurality of activated lines are set so that the number of
activated lines increases in response to coin entry number caused
by operation or the like of BET buttons 9 and 10 of a player. In
addition, the activated line can also be further set without being
limitative to the number of coin entries mentioned above.
[0114] The main CPU32 determines a winning prize in the slot
machine 1 along the activated line, according to whether or not
identical 5 symbols are successively arranged in the symbol display
areas A2, B2, C2, D2, and E2 at the middle stage of the display
areas A to E. If the identical 5 symbols are successively displayed
in a stopped state in the symbol display areas A2, B2, C2, D2, and
E2 at the middle of the display areas A to E along an activated
line, it is determined that a winning condition is met, and then, a
payment responsive to a symbol combination is made to a player,
based upon a winning combination determination table (see FIG.
7).
[0115] In a bonus game and in a special game to be performed after
the end of the bonus game, a free game in which a coin payment is
acceptable without consuming coins or credit amount is executed a
predetermined number of times.
[0116] Hereinafter, control processing of the slot machine 1
mentioned above will be described with referring to FIGS. 12 to 18.
In the figures, the step is abbreviated as S. The following
processing is performed by the main CPU32 executing programs or the
like stored in the ROM34 and RAM33.
[0117] Operating procedures for main control processing of the slot
machine 1 will be described with referring to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a
main flowchart showing the operating procedures for main control
processing of the slot machine 1. The main CPU32 repeatedly and
sequentially executes steps 1 to 9 when it starts main control
processing together with system activation.
[0118] First, the main CPU32 performs initialization processing for
starting a next slot game at step S1. This initialization
processing is a process for initializing data of items set in
predetermined data areas stored in the RAM33, and is performed
every time one slot game terminates. In addition, in the
initialization processing of step S1, the main CPU32 sets a symbol
arrangement table used for the play of a base game at the first
symbol arrangement table 34A, and controls an image control circuit
71. In this manner, in the base game, reel images R1 to R5 on which
symbols T1 to T7 arranged in the first symbol arrangement table 4A
were drawn are displayed in the display areas A to E of the main
display 3. Next, the main CPU32 sequentially performs coin entry
processing, internal lottery processing, reel control processing,
and payout number determination processing from step S2 to step S5,
and then, executes a slot game of a base game mode.
[0119] In a case where a bonus game trigger is determined to be
established in a base game at step S6, the main CPU32 proceeds to
step S7. In a case where a bonus game trigger is determined not to
be established, the main CPU32 proceeds to step S9, and then,
executes payout of a winning coin in a base game without executing
bonus game processing.
[0120] At step S9, the main CPU32 instructs a hopper driving
circuit 63 to execute coin payout processing, based upon a value of
a payout number counter specified in payout number determination
processing. Then, when the main CPU32 executes coin payout
processing to terminate one game, this CPU reverts to step S1, and
then, performs a preparation for starting a slot game in a next
base game.
[0121] In a case where a bonus game trigger is determined to be
established in a base game at step S6, the main CPU32 proceeds to
step S7, causes a game mode to migrate from a base game mode to a
bonus game mode, and then, executes a slot game (free game) of the
bonus game mode. Subsequently, when the bonus game terminates, the
main CPU32 proceeds to step S8, causes the game mode to migrate
from the bonus game mode to a special game mode, and then, executes
a slot game (free game) of a special game mode.
[0122] Subsequently, in a case where a bonus game trigger is
determined not to be established in a special game (step S77
described later, shown in FIG. 18: NO), the main CPU32 reverts to
step S1, and then, performs processing of moving the game mode from
the special game mode to the base game mode. On the other hand, in
a case where the bonus game trigger is determined to be established
in the special game (step S77 described later, shown in FIG. 18:
YES), the CPU32 causes the game mode to migrate from the special
game mode to the bonus game mode, and then, execute a slot game of
the bonus game mode (see step S78 described later, shown in FIG.
18). Then, when a bonus game won in the special game terminates,
this CPU executes processing of moving to the special game mode
again.
[0123] Next, coin entry processing, which the main CPU32 performs,
will be described with referring to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a flowchart
showing operating procedures for coin entry processing.
[0124] The main CPU32 determines whether or not coin entry has been
detected, according to whether or not a coin entry signal from an
entered-coin sensor 6a has been input (step S11). When coin entry
has been detected, the main CPU32 proceeds to step S12, executes
step S12, and then, proceed to step S13. On the other hand, when no
coin entry has been detected, the main CPU32 proceeds to step S13
without executing step S12. At step S12, the main CPU32 updates a
credit amount counter indicating a balance of coin (credit)
accumulated in the slot machine 1. At this time, the main CPU32
performs additive operation in response to the entered-coin.
Subsequently, at step S13, the main CPU32 determines whether or not
the credit amount counter is "0", and proceeds to step S20 when it
is "0". On the other hand, the main CPU32 proceeds to step S14 in a
case where the credit amount counter is not "0". At step S14, the
main CPU32 permits operational acceptance of a 1-BET button 9 and a
MAX-BET button 10.
[0125] Next, at step S15, the main CPU32 determines whether or not
BET operation has been detected, by the 1-BET button 9 and the
MAX-BET button 10, proceeds to step S16 when any operation has been
detected, and proceeds to step S20 when any operation is not
determined. At step S16, the main CPU32 updates a BET number
counter indicating a BET number of coins based upon a BET button
having detected operation; and a credit amount counter (adds the
BET number and subtracts the credit amount counter). Next, at step
S17, the main CPU32 determines whether or not the BET number
counter is maximal, proceeds to step S18 in a case where the
counter is maximal, performs processing of disabling update of the
BET number counter, and then, proceeds to step S19. On the other
hand, in a case where the BET number counter is not maximal, the
main CPU32 proceeds to step S19 without executing step S18. At step
S19, the main CPU32 permits operational acceptance of a SPIN button
8.
[0126] Next, at step S20, the main CPU32 determines whether or not
operation of the SPIN button 8 has been detected; terminates coin
entry processing when operation of the SPIN button 8 has been
detected; and then, proceeds to internal lottery processing of the
main flowchart shown in FIG. 12 (step S3). At the step S20, in a
case where a player does not operate the spin button 8, the
processing operations of the steps S1 to S20 mentioned above are
repeated.
[0127] Next, internal lottery processing, which the main CPU32
performs, will be described with referring to FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is a
flowchart showing operating procedures for internal lottery
processing. The internal lottery processing is performed while it
is triggered by signal input from a SPIN switch 8a.
[0128] At step S31, the main CPU32 issues an instruction to a
sampling circuit 36, and then, samples any random number value from
among the random numbers generated by a random number generator 35.
Next, at step S32, the main CPU32 determines a symbol
(expected-stop symbol) to be displayed in a stopped state in symbol
display areas A2, B2, C2, D2, and E2 at the middle stage of display
areas A to E with referring to a symbol lottery table (refer to
FIG. 6) stored in the ROM34. In this case, the lottery of random
number value is performed 5 times in response to the symbol display
areas A2, B2, C2, D2, and E2 at the middle stage of the display
areas A to E, and then, an expected-stop symbol is also determined
5 times in response to the symbol display areas A2, B2, C2, D2, and
E2 at the display areas A to E.
[0129] At step S32, the main CPU32 determines expected-stop symbols
to be stopped at the middle stage of display areas A to E, and
then, stores symbol data concerning the determined expected-stop
symbols in the symbol storage area of the RAM33. The main CPU32
displays symbols in a stopped state in the display areas A to E,
based upon the symbol data stored in the symbol storage area.
[0130] At step S33, the main CPU32 refers to a wining combination
determination table (see FIG. 7) by using symbol data on
expected-stop symbols stopped at the middle stage of the display
areas A to E stored in the symbol storage areas of the RAM33, and
then, determines a winning combination from respective symbol
combinations. When a winning combination is determined, internal
lottery processing terminates, and then, the main CPU32 proceeds to
reel control processing of the main flowchart shown in FIG. 12.
[0131] Next, reel control processing, which the main CPU32
performs, will be described with referring to FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is a
flowchart showing operating procedures for reel control
processing.
[0132] At step S41, the main CPU32 performs control processing of
reel images R1 to R5. At this time, the main CPU32 rotationally
displays reel images R1 to R5 in the display areas A to E of the
main display 3. The main CPU32 controls an image control circuit
71, thereby performing image processing so that plural types of
symbols arranged in the symbol arrangement tables 34A to 34C are
seen for a player as if mechanical reels were rotating.
[0133] The main CPU32 rotationally displays the reel images R1 to
R5 in display areas A to E of the main display 3 at step S41, and
then, proceeds to step S42 in which it is determined whether or not
a value of a reel rotation stop timer set within a predetermined
time after the reel images R1 to R5 have been rotationally
displayed is "0". In a case where the value of a reel rotation stop
timer is determined to be "0", the main CPU32 proceeds to step S43.
In a case where the value of the reel rotation stop timer is
determined not to be "0", the main CPU waits until the value of the
reel rotation stop timer is set at "0". Then, at step S43, the main
CPU32 instructs the image control circuit 71 to sequentially
display the reel images R1 to R5 in a stopped state so that all of
the reel images R1 to R5 stop in the display areas A to E. Then,
when the main CPU32 executes processing of stopping the reel images
R1 to R5 at step S43, reel control processing terminates, and then,
proceeds to payout number determination processing shown in FIG. 12
(step S5).
[0134] Next, payout number determination processing, which the main
CPU32 performs, will be described with referring to FIG. 16. FIG.
16 is a flowchart showing operating procedures for payout number
determination processing.
[0135] At step S51, the main CPU32 determines the payout number of
coins with referring to a winning combination table (see FIG. 7)
based upon a determination result of a winning combination of
internal lottery processing.
[0136] Subsequently, at step S52, the main CPU32 adds the payout
number of coins determined at step S51 to a payout number counter,
and then, terminates payout number determination processing.
[0137] Next, bonus game processing, which the main CPU32 performs,
will be described with referring to FIG. 17. If it is determined
that a bonus game trigger is established at step S6, the main CPU32
proceeds to step S7 of FIG. 12, and then, performs bonus game
processing. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing operating procedures for
bonus game processing.
[0138] At step S61, in a base game, in a case where 5 "BLACK7"
symbols T1 are successively displayed in a stopped state at the
middle stage of display areas A to E along an activated line, and
then, it is determined that a condition for moving to a bonus game
is met, the main CPU32 sets a bonus game flag to "ON". In addition,
the main CPU32 changes a symbol arrangement table used for the play
of a bonus game from the first symbol arrangement table 34A to the
second symbol arrangement table 34B in which a plenty of all-mighty
"WHITE7" symbols T2 are arranged, and then, controls the image
control circuit 71, whereby, in a bonus game, reel images R1 to R5
on which symbols T2 to T7 arranged in the second symbol arrangement
table 34B are drawn are displayed in the display areas A to E of
the main display 3.
[0139] Subsequently, at step S62, the main CPU32 determines the
number of free games executed in a bonus game mode, based upon a
free game number lottery table (see FIG. 9), by means of lottery
processing. Here, in a bonus game, free games are performed 10
times, for example.
[0140] Subsequently, the main CPU32 executes internal lottery
processing, reel control processing, and payout number
determination processing from step S64 to step S66 so as to perform
a free game, based upon a value of a specified free game number
counter. The processing operations from the steps S64 to S66 are
processed in accordance with the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 14, 15,
and 16 described above.
[0141] Next, the main CPU32 determines whether or not a value of a
free game number counter is "0" at step S67. In a case where the
value of the free game number counter is "0", the main CPU32
proceeds to step S69. In a case where the value of the free game
number counter is determined not to be "0", the processing
operations from steps S64 to S67 are repeatedly executed until the
value of the free game number counter is "0".
[0142] At step S69, the main CPU32 sets a bonus game flag to "OFF"
at a time point when the value of the free game number counter is
"0". Then, if the main CPU32 executes the processing operation of
step S69, the CPU terminates bonus game processing, and then,
migrates to special game processing of the main flowchart shown in
FIG. 12 (step S8).
[0143] Next, special game processing, which the main CPU32
performs, will be described with referring to FIG. 18. FIG. 18 is a
flowchart showing operating procedures for special game
processing.
[0144] At step S71, the main CPU32 sets a special game flag to "ON"
on condition that a bonus game has terminated. In addition, the
main CPU32 changes a symbol arrangement table used for the play of
a special game from the second symbol arrangement table 34B to the
third symbol arrangement table 34C in which a plenty of "BLACK7"
symbols T1 serving as a bonus game trigger are arranged. Then, this
CPU controls the image control circuit 71. In this manner, in a
special game, reel images R1 to R5 on which symbols T1 to T7
arranged in the third symbol arrangement table 34C are drawn, are
displayed in the display areas A to E of the main display 3.
[0145] Next, at step S72, the main CPU32 determines the number of
free games executed in a special game, based upon the payout number
acquired in a bonus game. In more detail, the main CPU32 determines
the number of free games executed in a special game mode with
referring to a free game number lottery table (see FIG. 9), based
upon a value of a payout number counter of the RAM33 after the end
of a bonus game. The number of free games is determined so that the
larger total number of coins acquired in a bonus game is, the
larger number of free games is. At step S73, the main CPU32 sets to
a free game number counter a value (for example, 5) indicative of
the number of free games determined based upon the value of the
payout number counter. Here, in a special game, a free game is
performed 5 times, for example, as the second game number.
[0146] Subsequently, the main CPU32 executes internal lottery
processing, reel control processing, and payout number
determination processing from steps S74 to S76 so as to perform a
free game, based upon the value of the specified free game number
counter. The processing operations from the steps S74 to S76 are
performed in accordance with the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 14, 15,
and 16 described above.
[0147] Next, at step S77, the main CPU32 determines whether or not
a bonus game trigger is established when 5 "BLACK" symbols T1 are
successively displayed in a stopped state along an activated line
at the middle stage of the display areas A to E. If a bonus game
trigger is determined to be established, the main CPU proceeds to
step S78, and if a bonus game trigger is determined not to be
established, the main CPU proceeds to step S79.
[0148] The main CPU32 judges that a bonus game trigger is
established, and then, executes bonus game processing at step S78.
At this time, the main CPU32 changes a symbol arrangement table
used for the play of a bonus game from the third symbol arrangement
table 34C to the second symbol arrangement table 34B in which a
plenty of all-mighty "WHITE7" symbols T2 are arranged. Then, this
CPU controls the image control circuit 71, whereby reel images R1
to R5 on which symbols T2 to T7 arranged in the second symbol
arrangement table 34B are drawn are displayed in display areas A to
E of the main display 3. At this step S78, a bonus game is
processed by means of the main CPU32 in accordance with the
flowchart shown in FIG. 17 described above. After that, when bonus
game processing terminates at step S78, the main CPU32 reverts to
step 71, and then, repeatedly executes the special game processing
operations of steps S71 to S77.
[0149] When the main CPU32 proceeds to step S79, this CPU subtracts
a value of a free game number counter of the RAM33 by "1".
[0150] Subsequently, the main CPU32 determines whether or not the
value of the free game number counter is "0" in step S80. In a case
where the value of the free game number counter is determined to be
"0", the main CPU32 proceeds to step S81. In a case where the value
of the free game number counter is determined to be "0", the
processing operations of steps S74 to S80 are repeatedly executed
until the value of the free game number counter is "0".
[0151] Next, at step S81, the main CPU32 sets a special game flag
to "OFF" at a time point when the value of the free game number
counter is "0". Then, when the processing operation of step S82 is
executed, the main CPU32 terminates special game processing, and
then, migrates to coin payout processing of the main flowchart
shown in FIG. 12 (step S9).
[0152] When the special game processing of step S8 terminates, the
main CPU32 proceeds to step S9. Then, this CPU executes coin payout
processing and terminates a game, based upon the values of the
payout number counter of the RAM33 obtained by counting a total
number of coins acquired by base game processing operations (steps
S2 to S5), bonus game processing operation (step S7), and special
game processing operation (step S8).
[0153] When coin payout processing is terminated at step S9, the
main CPU32 reverts to step S1, and then, executes initialization
processing for a base game mode. In the initialization processing
after the end of the special game, the main CPU32 changes a symbol
arrangement table used for the play of a base game from the third
symbol arrangement table 34C to the first symbol arrangement table
34A in which "BLACK7" symbols T1 serving as a bonus game trigger
are arranged to be fewer than those in the third symbol arrangement
table 34C. Then, this CPU controls the image control circuit 71. In
this manner, in a base game, reel images R1 to R5 on which symbols
T1 to T7 arranged in the first symbol arrangement table 34A are
drawn are displayed in the display areas A to E of the main display
3.
[0154] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have
been described in detail, the slot machine according to the present
invention is not limitative to the embodiments described above, and
various alterations and modifications can occur without departing
from the spirit of the claimed present invention. For example, the
slot machine can be embodied in various aspects as described
below.
[0155] While, in the embodiments described above, a plurality of
symbol arrangement tables 34A to 34C are used according to game
modes (a base game, a bonus game, and a special game) of a slot
game, a plurality of symbol arrangement tables 34A to 34C can also
be used according to any situation as long as a predetermined
condition is met. For example, in a base game and a bonus game, in
the case where symbols T1 to T7 are displayed in a stopped state in
the symbol display areas A1 to E3 in predetermined combination or
in predetermined number, the first symbol arrangement table 34A of
the second symbol arrangement table 34B may be changed to the third
symbol arrangement table 34C or the like without changing a game
mode of a slot game. In this manner, settings can be provided so
that expectation of a player varies in the course of a base game
and a bonus game as well as a special game.
[0156] In addition, while, in the embodiments described above, a
special game is automatically started on condition that a bonus
game terminates, the special game can be started after the end of
the bonus game, based upon the payout number or the like acquired
in the bonus game. The special game can also be started after the
game mode has been caused to temporarily migrate to the base game
after the end of the bonus game, and then, a predetermined period
has elapsed, instead of immediately after the end of the bonus
game.
[0157] While, in the embodiments described above, symbol
arrangements in a plurality of symbol arrangement tables 34A to 34C
have been changed for all of the plurality of reel images R1 to R5,
symbol arrangements in a plurality of symbol arrangement tables 34A
to 34C can also be changed for any of the plurality of reel images
R1 to R5. In addition, the above change can also be made for two or
more of the plurality of reel images R1 to R5.
[0158] Further, while, in the embodiments described above, a game
mode is caused to migrate from a base game mode or a special game
mode to a bonus game mode in a case where 5 "BLACK7" symbols T1
serving as a trigger for winning a bonus game are successively
displayed in a stopped state at the middle stage of display areas A
to E along an activated line, the game mode can be caused to
migrate to the bonus game mode in a case where the "BLACK7" symbol
T1 is displayed in any of the display areas A to E or in a case
where the predetermined total numbers of "BLACK7" symbols T1 and
all-mighty "WHITE7" symbols T2 are displayed in the display areas A
to E. In addition, the game mode can be caused to migrate to the
bonus game mode under different conditions, for example, by
changing the displayed number of "BLACK7" symbols T1 according to a
transition from the base game mode and a transition from the
special game mode. For example, in a case where 5 "BLACK7" symbols
T1 are displayed in the display areas A to E, the special game mode
is changed to the bonus game mode in a case where the base game
mode migrates to the bonus game mode, and then, "3" "BLACK7"
symbols T1 are displayed in any of the display areas A to E.
[0159] While, in the embodiments described above, 3 "BLACK7"
symbols T1 serving as a trigger for winning a bonus game were
arranged on a respective one of the reel images R1 to R5, the
number of "BLACK7" symbols T1 in symbol arrangement of the third
symbol arrangement table 34C can be variously changed. In the
embodiments described above, numeric values or the like such as
winning probabilities shown in the effect determination table shown
in FIG. 8 and the free game number lottery table shown in FIG. 9
can be variously changed without being limitative to the shown
numeric values or the like.
[0160] Further, while, in the embodiments described above, the
number of free games performed in a bonus game is determined by
lottery of the number set in the free game number lottery table by
means of random number processing, the number of free games in the
bonus game can also be determined by lottery according to various
modes. In addition, a predetermined number of games may be set
without dependency on lottery.
[0161] While, in the embodiments described above, the free game
number in a special game was determined depending upon the payment
acquired in a bonus game, the present invention is not limitative
thereto. The free game number in the special game can also be
determined according to various modes, for example, by lottery due
to random number lottery. In addition, a predetermined number of
games may be set without dependency on lottery or the like.
[0162] Further, while, in the embodiments described above, 5 reel
images R1 to R5 and display areas A to E corresponding thereto are
used, the present invention is not limitative thereto, and the reel
images and the number of display areas corresponding thereto can be
variously changed. Further, while, in the embodiments described
above, the display areas A to E were provided in the main display
3, display areas are further provided on a sub display 4 or the
like, thereby making it possible to display reel images pertinent
to a slot game.
* * * * *