Gaming Machine

Abstract

When a base game or a free game is started, a processor makes reels 13 through 17 rotate individually. After a predetermined time has lapsed, the processor makes symbols positioned in symbol display areas 32 through 46 in a main liquid crystal panel 11B. Particularly, in case a scatter symbol 22 is positioned and a specific prize to award a progressive payout is won in a free game, the processor makes a smoke ejector 5 eject smoke 7 above of a slot machine 1 and further makes a projector 6 project "JACK POT", a ward image 8 in the ejected smoke 7 as the screen for the projector 6.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based upon and claims a priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-195405 filed on Jul. 27, 2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] 1. Field

[0003] One or more aspects of the invention relate to a gaming machine which projects an image or light into smoke ejected in case of winning for the purpose of amusement effect.

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005] Conventionally, slot machines, one of types of gaming machines have been designed to execute a game in such a manner that a game is started by inserting coins or the like into the gaming machine and subsequently symbol columns are variably displayed within predetermined regions and symbols are stopped and displayed after a predetermined length of time has lapsed. In case a combination of symbols stopped and displayed coincides with a predetermined combination, it is treated as winning and a payout is awarded.

[0006] Poker game machines, other type of gaming machine, have been designed to execute a game in such a manner that a game is started by inserting coins or the like into the gaming machine and a set of five cards is dealt out to the player. In case a combination of the dealt cards coincides with a predetermined combination, it is treated as winning and a payout is awarded.

[0007] In case a certain prize is won by a player, it is popular for a gaming machine to carry out a notifying effect that notifies the player and neighbors of the winning. Such a notifying effect is generally carried out with illumination and a liquid crystal display both installed on a gaming machine. However, there has conventionally been proposed other manner of notifying effect. For instance, Japanese patent application publication No. 10-211346 discloses a management device of Japanese upright pinball machines (termed as pinball machine hereinafter) in which smoke is ejected from one of the pinball machines belonging to a mass to be managed when the number of great winnings has exceed a predetermined number at the mass of pinball machines.

[0008] The above mentioned management device, however, has to monitor the number of great winnings per each mass of pinball machines and notification of a winning is made per mass. Therefore, the conventional management device could not make notification of a winning to an individual pinball machine that gets a great winning.

[0009] Furthermore, the conventional manner of notifying effect is merely ejecting smoke. Therefore, a player is hard to realize the smoke as notifying effect, which is problematic. Still further, the conventional notifying effect can only give a single pattern of notifying effect, i.e., the effect of smoke ejection, regardless contents of winning, which cannot possibly bring a sufficient effect for amusing a player.

[0010] The present invention has been made to provide a gaming machine capable of presenting an influential notifying effect widely at each gaming machine by using smoke and surely making the winning player seated there and the neighbors aware of the effect by projecting an image or light in the ejected smoke.

SUMMARY

[0011] Therefore, in order to achieve the object, according to a gaming machine of the present invention encompassing one or more aspects thereof, there is provided a gaming machine. The gaming machine comprises a smoke ejector that ejects smoke and a projector that projects an image into smoke ejected by the smoke ejector and a processor. The processor executes a game. The processor determines a winning or a losing in accordance with a game result. The processor ejects smoke by using the smoke ejector in case it is determined as winning a predetermined prize. The processor projects an image into ejected smoke by using the projector. As a result, influential effect can be carried out at a gaming machine individually with smoke in case the gaming machine wins a prize. Furthermore, by projecting an image in smoke, effect with rich varieties in images and colors can be realized regardless of sizes of gaming machines. Furthermore, such mannered effect can surely make neighbors of the winning player realize that the effect has been carried out.

[0012] According to the present invention encompassing one or more aspects, there is provided a gaming machine. The gaming machine comprises a smoke ejector that ejects smoke and a projector that projects light into smoke ejected by the smoke ejector and a processor. The processor executes a game. The processor determines a winning or a losing in accordance with a game result. The processor ejects smoke by using the smoke ejector in case it is determined as winning a predetermined prize. The processor projects light into ejected smoke by using the projector. As a result, influential effect can be carried out at a gaming machine individually with smoke in case the gaming machine wins a prize. Furthermore, by projecting light in smoke, effect with rich varieties in images and colors can be realized regardless of sizes of gaming machines. Furthermore, such mannered effect can surely make neighbors of the winning player realize that the effect has been carried out.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the objects, advantages and principles of the invention.

[0014] FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing characteristic part of a slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an outer appearance of a slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a front view showing a symbol display portion of a slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a front view showing pay lines A through E set in a slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a view showing a list of contents for base symbols and payouts which are used in a slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 6 is a view showing a list of contents for scatter symbols and a wild symbol and payouts which are used in a slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a entire slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a sub-control board installed in a slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing a base game which is executed in a slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing a free game which is executed in a slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 11 is an view showing a project image to be projected by the projector into the smoke in a slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 12 is an view showing a project image to be projected by the projector into the smoke in a slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 13 is an view showing a project image to be projected by the projector into the smoke in a slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a main control program executed in the slot machine according to first embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a main game process program executed in the slot machine according to first embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a free game process program executed in the slot machine according to first embodiment of the present invention; and

[0030] FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an summary configuration of a slot machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The various aspects summarized previously may be embodied in various forms. The following description shows by way of illustration of various combinations and configurations in which the aspects may be practiced. It is understood that the described aspects and/or embodiments are merely examples, and that other aspects and/or embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0032] It is noted that various connections are set forth between items in the following description. It is noted that these connections in general and, unless specified otherwise, may be direct or indirect and that this specification is not intended to be limiting in this respect.

[0033] A gaming machine according to one or more aspects of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings based on an embodiment embodying one or more aspects of the invention. However, it is appreciated that one or more aspects of the present invention may be embodied in distributable (via CD and the like) or downloadable software games, console games, and the like. In this regard, the gaming machine may be a virtual gaming machine that is displayed on a multi-purpose computer and/or dedicated kiosk. Aspects of the invention are described by way of hardware elements. However, it is appreciated that these elements may also be software modules that are executable in a computer. The software modules may be stored on a computer readable medium, including but not limited to a USB drive, CD, DVD, computer-readable memory, tape, diskette, floppy disk, and the like. For instance, aspects of the invention may be embodied in a JAVA-based application or the like that runs in a processor or processors. Further, the terms "CPU", "processor", and controller" are inclusive by nature, including at least one of hardware, software, or firmware. These terms may include a portion of a processing unit in a computer (for instance, in multiple core processing units), multiple cores, a functional processor (as running virtually on at least one of processor or server, which may be local or remote). Further, in network-based gaming systems, the processor may include only a local processor, only a remote server, or a combination of a local processor and a remote server.

[0034] It is contemplated that one or more aspects of the invention may be implemented as computer executable instructions on a computer readable medium such as a non-volatile memory, a magnetic or optical disc. Further, one or more aspects of the invention may be implemented with a carrier signal in the form of, for instance, an audio-frequency, radio-frequency, or optical carrier wave.

[0035] Next, a detailed description will be given on a first and second embodiment relating to a gaming machine according to the present invention, while referring to the accompanying drawings. Here will be described the gaming machine according to the following embodiment by exemplifying a slot machine, in particular.

First Embodiment

[0036] First, a slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail while referring to the drawings. The slot machine according to the first embodiment to be described hereinafter is a so-called video slot machine which has an image display device such as a liquid crystal display and in which a game is played by causing various kinds of symbol images to be displayed onto the image display device.

[0037] Next, the slot machine according to the present invention executes either one of two different game modes, namely, a base game in which the player plays the game consuming a gaming value that corresponds to the player's bet amount, or a free game in which the player can play the game without consuming a gaming value. Furthermore, as the condition to award a payout during a game, there must be satisfied the following condition: a predetermined winning combination is realized with displayed symbols (more specifically, a predetermined number or more of identical symbols are positioned along a pay line on the display, or a scatter symbol is positioned). The slot machine according to the present invention is characterized by that smoke is ejected above the machine and a word image "JACK POT" and specific colored (red or blue) light are projected in the ejected smoke in case a scatter symbol is positioned and a specific prize to award a progressive payout is won.

[0038] For instance, when a free game is started in the slot machine 1 shown in FIG. 1, symbol columns are scroll-displayed at the reels 13 through 17 individually. After a predetermined time has lapsed, the reels 13 through 17 stop rotating one by one in a left-to-right order and symbols 21 of which maximum number is fifteen are displayed in the symbol display areas individually. In case a specific scatter symbol is positioned, a winning combination is realized and a progressive payout is awarded.

[0039] At the same time, the slot machine 1 ejects smoke 7 upward and a projector 6 projects a word image 8, "JACK POT", in the smoke so as to notify neighbors of the winning player of the slot machine 1 having awarded a progressive payout.

[0040] Next, there will be described the schematic structure of a slot machine 1 directed to a first embodiment by referring to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is an outer perspective view of the slot machine 1 directed to the first embodiment.

[0041] The slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is an upright type slot machine which is likely to be installed in a game arcade such as casino, and equipped with a cabinet 2, a main door 3 arranged on a front face of the cabinet 2, a topper effect device 4 arranged on an upper side of the cabinet 2, a smoke ejector 5 for ejecting smoke, and a projector 6 for projecting an image and light.

[0042] The cabinet 2 is a housing portion that houses electrical or mechanical components. These electrical or mechanical components are used in execution of a predetermined game aspect.

[0043] The main door 3 has an upper display portion 10A, a mid-stage variable display portion 10B and a lower display portion 10C, functioning as a display portion 10 that displays information with respect to the game. The upper display portion 10A has an upper liquid crystal panel 11A which is arranged at an upper side of the variable display portion 10B. The upper liquid crystal panel 11A displays, for instance, effect images, an introduction to the game contents, explanation of game rules, payout tables and the like. The lower display portion 10C is arranged at a lower side of the variable display portion 10B and has a plastic panel 11C onto which an image has been printed. This plastic panel 11C is lit up with a backlight.

[0044] The variable display portion 10B that displays an execution state of the game has a main liquid crystal panel 11B constituted of a heretofore known transparent liquid crystal panel which is fixedly mounted to the main door 3. Here, the main liquid crystal panel 11B is constituted of a heretofore known liquid crystal panel and has a symbol display portion 12 which comprises a 3.times.5 symbol display area. The symbol display portion 12 is constituted of 5 reels 13 through 17. With respect to the respective reels 13 through 17, the symbol strings which have been set in advance are displayed in a scrolled manner and, after the lapse of a predetermined period of time, three symbols 21 are respectively stopped and displayed in each reel. As a result, 15 symbols 21 are displayed in accordance with the progress of the game as will be described later, and a predetermined payout is awarded to the player in accordance with the combination of the displayed symbols 21 and the credit amount (bet amount) thus betted. The number of reels may be 3, and further, the number of displayed symbols is not limited to 15.

[0045] Further, a touch panel 18 is provided at a front face of the main liquid crystal panel 11B. The player can operate the touch panel 18 to input various types of commands.

[0046] At a right lower side of the variable display portion 10B, there are provided a payout amount display portion 19 and a credit amount display portion 20. The payout amount display portion 19 displays, as a payout amount, a payout amount to be awarded in the case the symbol combination which is stopped and displayed on the pay line in a base game is a predetermined combination, and an accumulated payout amount acquired in a free game. The credit amount display portion 20 displays the credit amount that the player currently possesses.

[0047] The cabinet 2 has an operation table 25 provided at a front face thereof, between the variable display portion 10B and the lower display portion 10C, and bulging out at the front side. On this operation table 25 are arranged various kinds of operation buttons 26, forming an operation unit that commands execution of the game. The buttons 26 include a BET button, a COLLECT button, a START button, a CASHOUT button and the like. The operation table 25 has a coin slot 27 adapted to accept coins, representing gaming values, inside the cabinet 2, and a bill slot 28 adapted to accept bills inside the cabinet 2.

[0048] The slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment employs coins, bills or electronic value information (credit) corresponding to these, as gaming values. The gaming values applicable to the present invention are not limited to those described above, and can include, for instance, medals, tokens, electronic money and tickets.

[0049] At a lowermost part of the cabinet 2, there is provided a coin tray 29 adapted to accepts coins paid out from the hopper. Further, at a periphery of the cabinet 2 in the slot machine 1, there is arranged a light emitting portion 30 which lights up in a predetermined lighting fashion during the future game, if a win occurs. Further, at a side face of the cabinet 2 is provided a speaker 31 for audio output.

[0050] Further, the slot machine 1 has a topper effect device 4 provided at an upper side of the cabinet 2. This topper effect device 4 has a rectangular board shape and is arranged so as to be substantially parallel with the upper liquid crystal panel 11A of the upper display portion 10A.

[0051] On the top of the slot machine 1, there is provided the smoke ejector 5. In case a specific condition is satisfied, the smoke ejector 5 generates smoke 7 ejecting upward with reference to the slot machine1 as screen of the projector 6. The smoke 7 is preferably made of CO.sub.2 gas obtained by evaporating frozen carbon dioxide or other kinds of gas obtained by evaporating oil-based/water-based liquefied smoke material. Furthermore, the smoke 7 is preferably in a form of white smoke. Still further, it is preferable the smoke 7 is ejected around a range that never screens a view of a security camera and receives influence of wind of an air conditioner.

[0052] On the top of the slot machine 1, there is provided the projector 6. A type of the projector 6 may be a liquid crystal projector, a DLP projector, a LCOS projector, or the like. The projector 6 is a device for projecting an image and light into the smoke 7 which works as a screen for it. The projector 6 directed to the first embodiment projects the word image "JACK POT" into the smoke from a front side of the slot machine 1 in case a prize to receive an award of progressive payout is won at the slot machine 1. Thereby, a desired project image including words "JACK POT" appears in the smoke 7.

[0053] Next, a symbol display portion 12 provided in the main liquid crystal panel 11B and symbols 21 to be displayed on the symbol display portion 12 will be described based on FIG. 3 through FIG. 6. FIG. 3 is a front view showing a symbol display portion 12 in a base game and a free game carried out in a slot machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a front view showing pay lines A through E set in the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are views showing a list of the contents for the various symbols and payouts which are used in the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0054] First, the symbol display portion 12 and symbols 21 displayed on the symbol display portion 12 during the execution of the base game, will be described. The symbol display area 12 in the base game, according to the first embodiment, is constituted of 5 reels 13 through 17. The reels 13 through 17 each have symbol display areas 32 through 46, each symbol display area respectively displaying 3 symbols 21 when the respective rotating reels 13 through 17 are stopped. When a base game or a free game are started, the respective symbol display areas 32 through 46 each display one symbol 21 (total 15 symbols 21), as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10. In the drawing, a dotted line is drawn to divide the respective symbol display areas 32 through 46, however, a configuration is possible where the dotted line is not shown.

[0055] Here, symbols 21 to be used in the base game in the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment are constituted of 12 kinds of symbols and blanks (blank symbols) as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. Further, the above-mentioned 12 kinds of symbols are made up of 10 kinds of base symbols, a scatter symbols and a wild symbol.

[0056] The base symbols are made up of 10 kinds of symbols which have a different design, as shown in FIG. 5. The base symbols form a winning combination in the case where the same symbol is positioned by a predetermined number of times along any of the pay lines A through E. The payout value to be paid out differs depending on each kind of symbol.

[0057] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, a scatter symbol 22 is included only in a symbol column of the reel 15. In case the scatter symbol 22 is positioned at any one of the symbol display areas 38 through 40, 500 credits and a progress payout are paid out in a base game and a free game, respectively.

[0058] In the slot machine 1 directed to the first embodiment, a part of gaming value that has been bet is pooled for a progressive payout. To be more specific, in the slot machine1, 1.0 percent of gaming value the player bets is accumulated and stored as a part of progressive payout. Thus accumulated gaming value is paid out to the slot machine 1 in which the scatter symbol 1 is positioned during a free game. Furthermore, after the progressive payout has been made, the accumulated gaming value is reset to an initial value (e.g., 1000 credits). Plural slot machines may be linked so that 1.0 percent of gaming value that is bet at each of the slot machines should be accumulated as progressive payout common to the linked machines.

[0059] The wild symbol 24 is included only in the symbol strings of reels 15 through 17. If the wild symbol 24 is positioned in the symbol display areas 38 through 46, it is substitutable for any symbol, other than the scatter symbol 22. Code numbers are allocated, in turn, starting from the top, with respect to each symbol constituting the respective symbol strings positioned on the reels 13 through 17. These code numbers are employed in the symbol lottery process for positioning in the symbol display areas 32 through 46.

[0060] In the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment, a payout is awarded if either of the two following cases occur: (a) in case of a winning combination in which a predetermined number or more of the same kind of symbol 21 are positioned along 5 pay lines A through E as shown in FIG. 4 (here, the wild symbol is substitutable for all symbols, other than the scatter symbol); and (b) in a case where the scatter symbol 22 is positioned. If a wild symbol-included winning combination is established, after the base game is ended, a free game is executed by a predetermined number of times (for instance, 5 times), the free game being awarded as payout.

[0061] In the first embodiment, a winning combination is established if the same kind of symbol is displayed by a predetermined number of times along the pay line shown in FIG. 4, and in the case the scatter symbol 22 have been displayed. In this case, a payout is awarded. A payout may also be awarded for a win in the case the same kind of symbol 21 is displayed by a predetermined number or more times in the symbol display areas 32 through 46, irrespective of the pay line. Also, both a payout depending on the pay line and a payout irrespective of the pay line may be awarded.

[0062] Next, the internal configuration of the above-mentioned slot machine 1 will be described while referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the entire slot machine 1. As shown in FIG. 7, the slot machine 1 has a plurality of constituent elements arranged around a main control board 71 including a controller 51 that executes control programs that will be described later (FIG. 14 through FIG. 16). The main control board 71 has a controller 51, a random number generation circuit 55, a sampling circuit 56, a clock pulse generation circuit 57, a divider 58, an illumination effect driving circuit 61, a hopper driving circuit 63, a payout completion signal circuit 65 and a display portion driving circuit 67.

[0063] The controller 51 has a main CPU 52, a RAM 53 and a ROM 54. The main CPU 52 operates in accordance with the programs stored in the ROM 54 and performs signal input and output with respect to the other constituent elements through an I/O port 59. Specifically, the main CPU 53 controls the operation of the entire slot machine 1. The RAM 53 stores data and programs to be used when the main CPU 52 is operating. For instance, the RAM 53 temporarily retains the random number values which have been sampled by the sampling circuit 56 after the game has started. The RAM 53 stores code numbers corresponding to the respective reels 13 through 17. The ROM 54 stores various types of programs that will be executed by the main CPU 52, as well as permanent data.

[0064] More particularly, the programs stored in the ROM 54 include game programs and game system programs (hereinafter referred to as game programs or the like). Further, the game programs include lottery programs as will be described later.

[0065] The lottery programs are used to determined the code numbers for the respective reels 13 through 17 corresponding to the respective symbols which are re-positioned on the pay line B of the main liquid crystal panel 11B. This lottery program includes symbol weighing data for each of the respective 5 reels 13 through 17. The symbol weighing data shows correspondence relationships between the respective code numbers and one or a plurality of random number values within a predetermined number value range (for instance 0 through 255). The probability of lottery with respect to each symbol is set by associating one or a plurality of random number values to one code number. The random number values are drawn by lottery and symbols which have been finally identified from the random number values are re-positioned on the main liquid crystal panel 11B.

[0066] The lottery program for determining the symbols to be positioned may also employ weighing data in which the predetermined random number range is associated to the symbol combination. In this case, first, the symbol combination is selected by lottery based on the lottery program, and thereafter, the symbol combination thus determined is re-positioned in the main liquid crystal panel 11B.

[0067] The random number generation circuit 55 operates in accordance with the commands from the main CPU 52 and generates random numbers within a predetermined range. The sampling circuit 56 selects, by lottery, an arbitrary random number from the random numbers generated by the random number generation circuit 55 in response to a command from the main CPU 52. At the same time, the sampling circuit 56 inputs the random number thus selected to the main CPU 52. The clock pulse generation circuit 57 generates a reference clock for causing the main CPU 52 to operate. The divider 58 inputs a signal obtained by dividing the reference clock by a constant frequency to the main CPU 52.

[0068] Furthermore, the smoke ejector 5 is connected to the main control board 71. The smoke ejector 5 is comprised of a gas tank for housing smoke and a solenoid valve for opening/closing a smoke ejection port. Receiving an operation signal from the main CPU 52, the smoke ejector 52 generates smoke, has the solenoid valve open for a predetermined period, and ejects smoke 7 upward with reference to the slot machine 1 (see FIG. 1).

[0069] Furthermore, the projector 6 is connected to the main control board 71. The projector 6 is comprised of a light source lamp, a light modulating device for generating project image, a projector lens for enlarging and projecting the project image generated by the light modulating device into the smoke7, and the like. Receiving an operation signal from the main CPU 52, the projector 6 turns on the light source lamp and controls the light modulating device. Thereby, an image is generated from light modulated by the light modulating device, enlarged by the projector lens up to a predetermined size, and projected into the smoke 7.

[0070] The main control board 71 is connected to the touch panel 18. As was described above, the touch panel 18 is arranged at a front face of the main liquid crystal panel 11B and is adapted to identify a coordinate position of the portion that was touched by the player. Specifically, the touch panel 18 can discriminate the portion that the player has touched, and in what direction the touched portion was moved based on the coordinate position information that was thus identified. A signal in accordance with the above discrimination is then inputted to the main CPU 52 through the I/O port 59.

[0071] The main control board 71 is connected to the operation button 26, including a START button for commanding execution of a game, a COLLECT button, a BET button and the like. Accordingly, a signal in accordance with a depression operation of these buttons is inputted to the main CPU 52 through the I/O port 59.

[0072] The illumination effect driving circuit 61 outputs an effect signal for causing the light emitting portion 30 and the topper effect device 4 as mentioned above to perform illumination effects. The topper effect device 4 is connected in series with the illumination effect driving circuit 61 through the light emitting portion 30.

[0073] The hopper driving circuit 63 drives the hopper 64 under the control of the main CPU 52. As a result, the hopper 64 carries out an operation to payout coins to the coin tray 29. The payout completion signal circuit 65 receives coin amount value data from the coin detecting portion 24 to which it is connected. Then, when the received coin amount value has reached the set coin amount value, the payout completion signal circuit 65 inputs a signal that notifies completion of coin payout to the main CPU 52. The coin detecting portion 66 detects the number of coins that were paid out by the hopper 64 and then inputs coin amount value data showing the amount of coins that was detected to the payout completion signal circuit 65. The display portion driving circuit 67 controls the display operation of the respective display portions including the payout amount display portion 19 and the credit amount display portion 20 and the like.

[0074] The main control board 71 is connected to the sub-control board 72. As shown in FIG. 5, the sub-control board 72 carries out display control of the upper liquid crystal panel 11A in the upper display portion 10A and the main liquid crystal panel 11B in the variable display portion 10B, as well as output control of the audio outputted by the speaker 31, based on the commands received from the main control board 71. This sub-control board 72 is constituted on a separate circuit board from the circuit board that constitutes the main control board 71. The sub-control board 72 has a micro computer (hereinafter referred to as "sub-micro computer") 73 which is provided as a main constituting element. Then, the sub-control board 72 has a sound source IC 78, a power amplifier 79, and an image control circuit 81. The sound source IC 78 controls the audio output from the speaker 31. The power amplifier 79 functions as an amplifier. The image control circuit 81 operates as a display control section for the upper liquid crystal panel 11A and the main liquid crystal panel 11B.

[0075] The sub-micro computer 73 has a sub-CPU 74, a program ROM 75, a work RAM 76 and I/O ports 77 and 80. The sub-CPU 74 carries out a control operation in accordance with a control command transmitted from the main control board 71. Although the sub-control board 72 does not have a clock pulse generation circuit, a divider, a random number generation circuit and a sampling circuit, it is constituted so as to execute sampling of random numbers based on an operation program of the sub-CPU 74. The program ROM 75 stores a control program to be executed by the sub-CPU 74. The work RAM 76 is constituted as a temporary memory to be used by the sub CPU 74 in executing the control program.

[0076] The image control circuit 81 has an image control CPU 82, an image control work RAM 83, an image control program ROM 84, an image ROM 86, a video RAM 87 and an image control IC 88. The image control CPU 82 determines the image to be displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 11A and the main liquid crystal panel 11B based on the parameters set in the sub-micro computer 73 and the image control programs stored in the image control program ROM 84. For instance, the upper liquid crystal panel 11A displays a payout table and a help screen. The main liquid crystal panel 11B carries out scrolled display and stopped display of the respective symbols 22 through 24 concurrent with the rotation of the reels 13 through 17 in a base game and free game, with respect to the symbol display portion 12.

[0077] The image control program ROM 84 stores an image control program and various types of selection tables relating to display on the upper liquid crystal panel 11A and the main liquid crystal panel 11B. The image control work RAM 83 functions as a temporary memory to be used in execution of the image control program in the image control CPU 82. The image control IC 88 forms an image in accordance with the contents determined by the image control CPU 82 and then outputs the image thus formed to the upper liquid crystal panel 11A and the main liquid crystal panel 11B.

[0078] The image ROM 86 stores dot data for forming an image. The video RAM 87 functions as a temporary memory to be used by the image control IC 88 in forming an image.

[0079] Next, the base game and the free game which are carried out in the slot machine 1 having the above configuration will be described. First, the base game will be described. The base game is a slot game in which a predetermined symbol combination is repositioned on the pay lines A through E on the main liquid crystal panel 11B, through the respective reels 13 through 17. More specifically, the player operates the operation button 26 to set the bet amount, and when he/she depresses the START button, a lottery processing is executed to select, by lottery, the symbols that will be positioned in the symbol display portion 12. After the start button has been depressed and the reels 13 through 17 start rotating following the lapse of a predetermined period of time, the symbol strings are displayed in a scrolled manner, as shown at (1) in FIG. 9. Then, after the lapse of a predetermined period of time, a total of 15 symbols will be stopped and displayed in stages in the symbol display areas 32 through 46.

[0080] Here, in the base game, various kinds of winning combinations are determined in advance based on the respective symbol combination re-positioned in the main liquid crystal panel 11B (refer to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6). If a symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is realized through the symbols re-positioned in the symbol display areas 32 through 46, a gaming value obtained by multiplying the payout corresponding to the winning combination thus established by the bet amount is awarded to the player.

[0081] For instance, a payout of 40 credits is awarded in case of realizing a winning symbol combination that consists of two "SUN" symbols and a "WILD" symbol 23 during a base game as shown at (2) in FIG. 9. Furthermore, a free game starts subsequent to the base game.

[0082] On the other hand, the free game carried out in the slot machine executed after the game mode has switched from the base game in a case where a winning combination, including the wild symbol 24, has been positioned in the symbol display areas 32 through 46. After the game has been successively carried out by a predetermined number of times (for instance, 5 times), the free game ends and the game mode switches again to the base game. With respect to the procedure of the game, the free game is the same as the base game, except that in the free game, gaming values (credits) corresponding to the bet amount are not consumed at the start of the game, and the game is continuously carried out automatically without requiring the player to operate the operation button 26. Therefore, description of this hereby omitted. The free game differs from the base game in terms of a content of a prize to be awarded in case the scatter symbol 22 is positioned in the symbol display areas 32 through 46. In such a case, a progressive payout is awarded as the prize in the free game.

[0083] For instance, a specific prize to award a progressive payout is won and the progressive payout is awarded in case a scatter symbol 22 is positioned in a symbol display area during a free game, as shown at (1) and (2) in FIG. 10. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11, the word image 8, "JACK POT", is projected by the projector 6 in the smoke 7 ejected by the smoke ejector 5.

[0084] It is to be noted that the project image to be projected by the projector 6 in case of winning a prize to award a progressive payout is not restricted to the word image 8, "JACK POT", as shown in FIG. 11.

[0085] For instance, there may be projected a word image 90 which indicates specific credit amount to be paid out, as shown in FIG. 12.

[0086] Furthermore, there may be projected a picture image 91 which is an image of a scatter symbol 22 positioned in the symbol display area, as shown in FIG. 13. Other than the above, there may be projected a sign, a geometric pattern or simply projected specific colored (red and blue) light instead of an image.

[0087] Next, a main control program to be executed in the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail while referring to the drawings. FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing a main control program.

[0088] First, when the power switch is turned on (upon power on), the main control board 71 activates the sub-control board 72 and the controller 51 executes an initial setting process at step (hereinafter referred to as S) 1. In the initial setting process, the main CPU 52 executes the BIOS stored in the ROM 54 and expands the compressed data incorporated in the BIOS in the RAM 53. In executing the BIOS that was expanded in the RAM 53, the main CPU 52 carries out a diagnosis and initialization of the different types of peripheral devices. Further, the main CPU 52 writes the game programs and the like from the ROM 54 into the RAM 53 to acquire payout rate setting data and country identification information. While executing the initial setting process, the main CPU 52 also carries out an authentication process with respect to each program.

[0089] Then, at step S2, the main CPU 52 sequentially reads the game programs and the like from the RAM 43 and executes these programs to carry out a main game process. The slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment carries out the game by executing this main game process. The main game process is repeatedly executed while power is supplied to the slot machine 1.

[0090] Next, a sub-process of the main game process at the above-described step S2 will now be described based on FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is a flow chart of a main game process program to be executed in the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment. The programs shown in the flow charts at FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 as will be described later are stored in the ROM 54 and RAM 53 provided in the slot machine 1 and are executed in the main CPU 52.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 15, the main CPU 52 first executes a start acceptance process at step S11. In the start acceptance process, the player inserts coins and places a bet using the BET button from amongst the operation buttons 26.

[0092] At step S13, the main CPU 52 determines whether or not the start button from amongst the operation buttons 26 has been depressed. This determination is carried out based on the signal inputted to the main CPU 52 in response to depression of the start button. Here, if the start button has not been depressed (S12: NO), the flow returns to the start acceptance process (S11). As a result, the player can carry out an operation to correct, etc. the bet amount. Alternatively, if the start button has been depressed (S12: YES), the main CPU 52 subtracts the bet amount set based on the above-described bet operation from the credit amount that the player currently possesses and at the same time stores the result as bet information in the RAM 53. Furthermore, 1.0 percent of gaming value that has been bet is accumulated and stored in the RAM53 as a part of progressive payout.

[0093] At step S13, the main CPU 52 executes a symbol lottery process for the base game. In this symbol lottery process, the main CPU 52 selects, by lottery, the symbols to be positioned on the main liquid crystal panel 11B. More specifically, the main CPU executes the lottery program stored in the RAM 53, thereby sampling a random number value from a number value range within a predetermined random number value range. The main CPU 52 determines the respective 15 symbols (specifically, stop position of reels 13 through 17), from amongst the 13 kinds of symbols, that will be re-positioned in the symbol display areas 32 through 46, based on the sampled random number value and the symbol weighing data.

[0094] Next, at step S14, the main CPU 52 carries out a reel rotation process. Specifically, the reels 13 through 17 start rotating and the symbol strings positioned in the respective reels 13 through 17 are displayed in a scrolled manner at a predetermined speed. Then, after the lapse of a predetermined period of time, the rotating reels 13 through 17 are stopped in turn, starting from the left, and one symbol is respectively displayed in each of symbol display areas 32 through 46 (refer to FIG. 9). Thus, the symbol combination determined at the above-mentioned step S13 is re-positioned in the symbol display areas 32 through 46 of the main liquid crystal panel 11B.

[0095] Then, at step S15, the main CPU 52 carries out a winning determination process to determine whether the symbol combination positioned in the main liquid crystal panel 11B is any of the winning combinations for which a payout is awarded. This determination is carried out based on the code numbers of the respective reels 13 through 17 stored in the RAM 53.

[0096] If it is determined, at the above-mentioned step S15 that the winning combination has been established (S16: YES), the flow shifts to step S17. Alternatively, if it is determined that the winning combination has not been established (S16: NO), the main game process is ended. The processes following step S11 are carried out in the case a game is next started.

[0097] At step S17, the main CPU 52 calculates a payout based on the winning combination thus established. For instance, if the same kind of symbol has been positioned by a predetermined number of times along any of the pay lines A through E as shown in FIG. 5, a payout is calculated in accordance with the kind of symbols and number of positioned symbols. If the first scatter symbol 22 has been positioned, the payout is calculated at 500 credits.

[0098] Next, at step S18, the main CPU 52 notifies the player by displaying the kind of the winning combination thus established and the contents of the payout with respect to the main liquid crystal panel 11B. For instance, if a "SUN" symbol 21 and 3 wild symbols 24 have been displayed along the pay line B as shown at (2) in FIG. 9, a message "WIN 40" and a message "Go Free Game" are displayed. The former message notifies that 40 credits will be paid out as a payout, and the latter message notifies that the game mode shifts to a free game.

[0099] Next, at step S19, the main CPU 52 determines whether or not the trigger for shifting to the free game has been established. More specifically, if the winning combination including the wild symbol 24 has been established, a determination is made that the trigger for shifting to the free game has been established.

[0100] As a result, if it is determined that the free-game shift trigger has been established (S19: YES), the value for the payout which will be awarded at present is stored (S20), and then, the flow shifts to the free game process (FIG. 16) as will be described later. The payout which is stored at the above-described step S20 is used as repeat win payout in the free game as will be described later. Alternatively, if it is determined that the free-game shift trigger is not established (S19: NO), the flow shifts to step S22.

[0101] At step S22, the main CP 52 awards a payout to the player in accordance with the winning combination established in the current game, based on the calculation result of the above-described step S17. At this time, the payout can be made using coins corresponding to the credit amount (1 credit corresponds to 1 coin), and the payout can be made using bar-code attached tickets, in response to the depression of the CASHOUT button from among the operation buttons 26. If a free game has been carried out, a payout which was accumulated during the free game is paid out altogether to the player.

[0102] Next, the sub-process for the free game process at the above step S21 will be described based on FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a flow chart of a sub-process program for the free game process in the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0103] First, at step S31, the main CPU 52 executes a symbol lottery process for the free game in which a symbol to be positioned on the main liquid crystal panel 11B is selected by lottery. The specific lottery process method is the same as the process at the above-mentioned step S13, and therefore, further description thereof is hereby omitted. The symbol weighing data to be used for symbol lottery in the free game may be the same as that in the base game. Alternatively, data for which the winning combination is established with a higher probability than in the base game may be employed.

[0104] Next, at step S32, the main CPU 52 carries out a reel rotation process. Specifically, the reels 13 through 17 start rotating and the symbol strings positioned in the respective reels 13 through 17 are displayed in a scrolled manner at a predetermined speed. Then, after the lapse of a predetermined period of time, the rotating reels 13 through 17 are stopped in turn, starting from the left, and 1 symbol is displayed in each of the symbol display areas 32 through 46 (refer to FIG. 10). As a result, the symbol combination as determined at the above-described step S31 is repositioned in the symbol display areas 32 through 46 of the main liquid crystal panel 11B.

[0105] Then, at step S33, the main CPU 52 carries out a winning determination process in which a determination is made whether or not the symbol combination positioned on the main liquid crystal panel 11B is any of the winning combinations for which any of the payouts is awarded.

[0106] If it is determined at step S33, that the winning combination has been established (S34: YES), the flow shifts to step S35. Alternatively, if it is determined that the winning combination has not been established (S34: NO), the flow shifts to step S38.

[0107] At step S35, the main CPU 52 determines whether the scatter symbol 22 has been displayed with respect to the symbol display areas. If it is determined that the scatter symbol 22 has not been displayed with respect to the symbol display areas (S35: NO), the flow shifts to step S36. Alternatively, if it is determined that the scatter symbol 22 has been displayed with respect to the symbol display area (S35: YES), the flow shifts to step S40.

[0108] At step S36, the main CPU 52 calculates the payout based on the winning combination thus established. For instance, if a predetermined number of the same kind of symbols have been positioned along any of the pay lines A through E, as shown in FIG. 5, a payout is calculated in accordance with the kind of symbol and the number of positioned symbols. If the scatter symbol 22 has been positioned, the CPU 52 reads a present progressive payout stored in the RAM 53, next, treats the progressive payout is calculated as a payout.

[0109] Next, at step S37, the main CPU 52 sends a notification to the player by displaying the kind of the winning combination thus established and the contents of the payout, with respect to the main liquid crystal panel 11B.

[0110] Next, at step S38, the main CPU 52 accumulatively stores a payout corresponding to the winning combination established in the current game in the RAM 53, based on the calculation results at the above-described step S36. The payout thus stored is awarded to the player altogether, after the free game ends (S22).

[0111] Then, at step S39, the main CPU 52 determines whether or not the free game completion condition has been satisfied. The free game completion condition in the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment includes execution of five free games after shifting to the free game.

[0112] If it is determined that the free game completion condition has been satisfied (S39: YES), the game mode switches from the free game to the base game, and then, the flow shifts to step S22. Alternatively, if it is determined that the free game completion condition is not satisfied (S39: NO), the flow returns to step S31 at which the free game is then executed.

[0113] On the other hand, at S40 which is processed in case it is judged that the scatter symbol 22 is displayed in a symbol display area (S35: YES), the smoke ejector 5 is controlled to eject the smoke 7 upward with reference to the slot machine 1 for a predetermined period, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0114] Further on, the main CPU 52 controls the projector 6 to project the word image 8 "JACK POT" in the smoke 7 above of the slot machine 1 as the screen for it, as shown in FIG. 1. Thereby, neighbors of the winning player are notified that the slot machine has won a progressive payout.

[0115] As described, in the slot machine 1 directed to the first embodiment, the reels 13 through 17 rotate individually when a base game or a free game is started (S14). After a predetermined time has lapsed, symbols are positioned in the symbol display areas 32 through 46 disposed in the main liquid crystal panel 11B (S32). Particularly, in case a scatter symbol 22 is positioned and a specific prize to award a progressive payout is won in a free game, the smoke ejector 5 ejects the smoke 7 above of the slot machine 1 (S40) and the projector 6 projects the ward image 8, "JACK POT", in the ejected smoke 7 as the screen for the projector 6 (S41). Accordingly, influential effect can be carried out at a machine individually with smoke in case the machine wins a prize. Furthermore, by projecting an image or light in smoke, effect with rich varieties in images and colors can be realized regardless of sizes of machines. Furthermore, such mannered effect can surely make neighbors of the winning player realize that the effect has been carried out.

[0116] Furthermore, it is also possible to carry out influential effect at an individual machine with smoke in case of winning a prize to award a progressive payout. Furthermore, such mannered effect can surely make neighbors of the winning player realize that a prize to award a progressive payout is won.

[0117] Since the smoke ejector 7 ejects the smoke 7 upward with reference to the slot machine 1, gaming with the slot machine 1 is never disturbed by the ejected smoke 7. Furthermore, projected words and the like can be displayed above of the machine which is easy for neighbors of the winning player to find.

Second Embodiment

[0118] Next, there will be described a slot machine 101 directed to a second embodiment by referring to FIG. 17. It is to be noted that, in the foregoing descriptions, numerals same as the ones for elements of the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment directed to FIG. 1 through FIG. 16 are assigned to elements same ones or corresponding ones for the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment.

[0119] The schematic structure of the slot machine 101 directed to the second embodiment are almost same as that of the slot machine 1 directed to the first embodiment.

[0120] The one thing different from the first embodiment is that, in the slot machine 101 of the second embodiment, a projector for projecting an image or light in smoke ejected from a smoke ejector is installed on a ceiling instead of machine itself.

[0121] FIG. 17 shows the schematic structure of the slot machine 101 of the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, regarding the slot machine 101 of the second embodiment, a projector 102 is installed on a ceiling 103 of a game hall where the slot machine 101 is disposed, and a direction of projection is adjusted to an angle pointing at the slot machine 101.

[0122] When a free game is started in the slot machine 101 shown in FIG. 17, symbol columns are scroll-displayed at reels 104 through 108 individually. After a predetermined time has lapsed, the reels 104 through 108 stop rotating one by one in a left-to-right order and symbols 109 of which maximum number is fifteen are displayed in symbol display areas individually. In case a specific scatter symbol is positioned, a winning combination is realized and a progressive payout is awarded.

[0123] At the same time, the slot machine 101 ejects smoke 111 upward with reference to the slot machine 101 and the projector 102 installed on the ceiling 103 projects a word image 112 "JACK POT" in the smoke 111. Thereby, neighbors of the winning player are notified of the slot machine having won a progressive payout.

[0124] Here, aspects of the present invention are not limited to the above embodiments and various changes and modifications can be done within the scope of the present invention.

[0125] Although the first and second embodiments determine the condition to carry out the smoke-accompanied effect as winning of a prize to award a progressive payout, the condition may be defined as winning of a prize to award a fixed payout, for instance or as starting of a bonus game such as free game or the like Although the first and second embodiments determine the condition to shift a free game as realizing a winning combination inclusive of a WILD symbol 23, the condition to shift a free game may be set as different ones, for instance, the condition that a predetermined number or more of scatter symbols are stopped and display, at-random condition in the name of mystery.

[0126] The present invention is applicable not only to a slot machine with video reels but also to the one with mechanical reels. Furthermore, other than slot machine, the invention is applicable to gaming machines of poker game, horse racing game, etc. In case the invention is applied to poker game and horse racing game, smoke-accompanied effect is preferably carried out when a specific winning combination of cards (e.g., straight flush, four of a kind) is realized in a poker game or when a prize corresponding to a hundred times or higher payout is won in a horse racing game.

[0127] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A gaming machine comprising: a smoke ejector that ejects smoke; a projector that projects an image into smoke ejected by the smoke ejector; and a processor that is programmed to execute processes of: (a) executing a game; (b) determining a winning or a losing in accordance with a game result; (c) ejecting smoke by using the smoke ejector in case it is determined as winning a predetermined prize; and (d) projecting an image into ejected smoke by using the projector.

2. A gaming machine comprising: a smoke ejector that ejects smoke; a projector that projects light into smoke ejected by the smoke ejector; and a processor that is programmed to execute processes of: (a) executing a game; (b) determining a winning or a losing in accordance with a game result; (c) ejecting smoke by using the smoke ejector in case it is determined as winning a predetermined prize; and (d) projecting light into ejected smoke by using the projector.

3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the processor is programmed to execute a process of ejecting smoke by the smoke ejector in case of winning a prize to award a progressive payout.

4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the processor is programmed to execute a process of projecting a word that relates to a content of the prize into ejected smoke in case it is determined that a predetermined prize is won.

5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the processor is programmed to execute a process of projecting a symbol that relates to a content of the prize into ejected smoke in case it is determined that a predetermined prize is won.

6. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the processor is programmed to execute a process of projecting picture that relates to a content of the prize into ejected smoke in case it is determined that a predetermined prize is won.

7. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the smoke ejector ejects smoke upward with reference to the gaming machine.

8. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the smoke is made of CO.sub.2 gas obtained by evaporating frozen carbon dioxide.

9. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the smoke is made of gas obtained by evaporating oil-based liquefied smoke material.

10. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the smoke is made of gas obtained by evaporating water-based liquefied smoke material.