U.S. patent application number 11/843215 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-26 for gaming machine and method for displaying symbols.
This patent application is currently assigned to Konami Gaming, Incorporated. Invention is credited to Yuji Ono, Toshiyuki YOSHIMURA.
Application Number | 20090054129 11/843215 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40382697 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090054129 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
YOSHIMURA; Toshiyuki ; et
al. |
February 26, 2009 |
GAMING MACHINE AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING SYMBOLS
Abstract
A gaming machine comprises a display unit that displays video
reels using computer graphics. Symbols are moved and stopped on
each video reel. A game controller unit selects a type of symbols
and an arrangement of symbols at random, and provides a player with
an award if a winning combination appears on a payline in the
arrangement of symbols and the player has placed a bet on the
payline. A display controller unit causes the display unit to move
symbols on each video reel, and then stop symbols in the
arrangement. The display controller unit further causes the display
unit to change a symbol of the selected type to a special symbol
while moving symbols. Special symbols appear in a prominent form,
e.g., in a background color complementary to a background color of
other symbols, or in a metallic color, or in a blinking, flashing,
or sparkling pattern.
Inventors: |
YOSHIMURA; Toshiyuki; (Zama,
JP) ; Ono; Yuji; (Zama, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GLOBAL IP COUNSELORS, LLP
1233 20TH STREET, NW, SUITE 700
WASHINGTON
DC
20036-2680
US
|
Assignee: |
Konami Gaming, Incorporated
Las Vegas
NV
|
Family ID: |
40382697 |
Appl. No.: |
11/843215 |
Filed: |
August 22, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/34 20130101; G07F 17/3267 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A gaming machine comprising a display unit configured to display
symbols using computer graphics, the symbols arranged in a
plurality of columns, and moved and stopped on a column-by-column
basis; a console unit configured to accept monetary data and an
instruction from a player to place a bet; a game controller unit
configured to execute a game program, and thereby control game
functions of using the monetary data as a bet in response to the
instruction, selecting zero or more types of symbols at random,
determining an arrangement of symbols at random, retrieving a
winning combination from the arrangement of symbols, and providing
the player with an award depending on the bet and the winning
combination retrieved from the arrangement of symbols; and a
display controller unit configured to cause the display unit to
move symbols on a column-by-column basis, change a symbol of the
type selected by the game controller unit to a special symbol while
moving symbols, and then stop symbols in the arrangement selected
by the game controller unit.
2. A gaming machine according to the claim 1, wherein the game
controller unit is configured to interpret the special symbol as a
wildcard symbol.
3. A gaming machine according to the claim 1, wherein the display
controller unit is configured to cause the display unit to change a
background color of the special symbol to a color complementary to
a background color of other symbols while moving symbols.
4. A gaming machine according to the claim 1, wherein the display
controller unit is configured to cause the display unit to display
the special symbol in a blinking, flashing, or sparkling pattern
while moving symbols.
5. A gaming machine according to the claim 1, wherein the display
controller unit is configured to provide a higher probability of
displaying candidates for a type of symbols to be changed to a
special symbol at adjacent positions while the display unit moves
symbols, than other types of symbols.
6. A gaming machine according to the claim 1, wherein the display
unit includes a region in which candidates for a type of symbols to
be changed to a special symbol are displayed in a static graphic
form, and the display controller unit is configured to cause the
display unit to change the candidate of a type has been selected by
the game controller unit to a special symbol in the region while
the display unit moves symbols.
7. A gaming machine according to the claim 1, wherein when the game
controller unit selects two or more types of symbols at random, the
display controller unit causes the display unit to change symbols
of the types selected by the game controller unit to special
symbols in turn while moving symbols.
8. A method comprising accepting monetary data and an instruction
from a player to place a bet; using the monetary data as a bet in
response to the instruction; selecting zero or more types of
symbols at random; determining an arrangement of symbols at random;
retrieving a winning combination from the arrangement of symbols;
displaying symbols by using computer graphics, the symbols arranged
in a plurality of columns, and moved on a column-by-column basis;
changing symbols of the selected type to a special symbol while
symbols are moved; stopping symbols in the selected arrangement;
and providing the player with an award depending on the bet and the
winning combination retrieved from the selected arrangement of
symbols.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a gaming machine that is
installed in a casino or the like, and in particular conducts a
slot game.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] Gaming machines such as slot machines, poker machines, fruit
machines, and the like generally attract enormous popularity from
players in casinos. Such a gaming machine displays an arrangement
of symbols on the front thereof, and changes the types of symbols
in the arrangement at random. A player guesses on which payline in
the arrangement of symbols a winning combination will appear, and
then places a bet on a desired payline before symbols are changed
in the arrangement. If a winning combination appears on the payline
where the player has placed a bet, the player will win an amount of
a payout that depends on the amount of the bet and the type of the
winning combination.
[0005] This type of gaming machine is generally equipped with
mechanical reels that are coaxially arranged and allowed to
independently spin by respective motors. Symbols are permanently
displayed, e.g., printed on the circumferential surfaces on each
reel in a predetermined order. Mechanical reels repeat spins and
stops, and thereby change visible symbols at random. Alternatively,
this type of gaming machine may be equipped with an electric
display device, and symbols are arranged in graphic form, i.e., a
video reel reproduced on a screen of the electric display device.
Video reels are changed to look like mechanical reels repeating
spins and stops, and thereby change visible symbols at random.
There is also a mechanical reel with one or more electric display
devices mounted on the circumferential surface of the mechanical
reel. Symbols are displayed in graphic form on a screen of the
electric display device.
[0006] Most players prefer a gaming machine that can provide a
larger amount of payout. The upper limit of payout generally
depends on a total number of winning combinations that can appear
in an arrangement of symbols visible on reels. Mechanical reels
have a limited number of symbol types mainly because of their
sizes. In order to increase the upper limit of payout, a gaming
machine with mechanical reels changes visual effects added to
visible symbols in stopped positions, e.g., colors or pattern of
illumination thereof in order to increase the number of symbol
types. This can also excite a player by raising his/her
expectations for winning. On the other hand, video reels have no
limited number of symbol types in principle. However, video reels
often change visual effects added to visible symbols in stopped
positions in order to change types of the visible symbols and
thereby raise players' expectations for winning. On video reels,
graphic form of symbols can enhance flexibility and variety of the
changes in visual effect, in addition to colors and pattern of
illumination of visual symbols.
[0007] In order to attract a larger number of players to such
gaming machines, it is desirable to be able to further enhance
flexibility and variety of changes in visual effect added to
visible symbols. However, prior art gaining machines limit changes
in visual effects to visible symbols in stopped positions in order
to produce the changes in a recognizable manner. However, the
changes after stop of reels tend to increase an amount of time per
game round. This prevents the changes from achieving higher degrees
of flexibility and variety, since excessively longer time per game
round is not attractive to players.
[0008] In view of the above, it will be apparent to those skilled
in the art from this disclosure that there exists a need for an
improved gaming machine that can change visual effects added to
visible symbols, not only with higher degrees of flexibility and
variety, but also in a manner more attractive to players. This
invention addresses this need in the art as well as other needs,
which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this
disclosure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A gaming machine according to the present invention
comprises a display unit, a console unit, a game controller unit,
and a display controller unit. The display unit is configured to
display symbols using computer graphics. The symbols are arranged
in a plurality of columns, and moved and stopped on a
column-by-column basis. Note that the display unit may display all
symbol columns, i.e., video reels on a single screen, or
alternatively each symbol column on a screen wound around the
circumferential surface of a mechanical reel. The console unit is
configured to accept monetary data and an instruction from a player
to place a bet. The game controller unit is configured to execute a
game program, and thereby control the following game functions:
using the monetary data as a bet in response to the instruction;
selecting a type of symbols at random; determining an arrangement
of symbols at random; retrieving a winning combination from the
arrangement of symbols; and providing the player with an award
depending on the bet and the winning combination retrieved from the
arrangement of the symbols. The display controller unit is
configured to cause the display unit to move symbols on a
column-by-column basis, and then stop symbols in the arrangement
selected by the game controller unit. The display controller unit
is further configured to cause the display unit to change a symbol
of the type selected by the game controller unit to a special
symbol while moving symbols.
[0010] This game machine selects a type of symbols at random, and
changes symbols of the selected type to a special symbol while
moving symbols. This not only increases a number of symbol types,
thereby raising an upper limit of payouts, but also excites a
player by raising his/her expectations for winning, while symbols
are moved, preferably, during a spin of reels.
[0011] The game controller unit is preferably configured to
interpret the special symbol as a wildcard symbol. In this case,
changes of symbols of the selected type to the special symbol are
actually advantageous to a player, since the player has a good
chance of winning.
[0012] The display controller unit is preferably configured to
cause the display unit to change a background color of the special
symbol to a color complementary to a background color of other
symbols while moving symbols. This can change symbols of the
selected type to the special symbol in an easily recognizable
manner. Alternatively, the display controller unit may be
configured to cause the display unit to display only the special
symbol in a metallic color while moving symbols. The display
controller unit may be configured to cause the display unit to
display the special symbol in a blinking, flashing, or sparkling
pattern while moving symbols.
[0013] The display controller unit is preferably configured to
provide a higher probability of displaying candidates for a type of
symbols to be changed to a special symbol at adjacent positions
while the display unit moves symbols, than other types of the
symbols. In this case, there is a good chance that a group of
special symbols appear in a visible position while symbols are
moved. This can cause a player to more reliably notice the changes
of the selected symbol to a special symbol.
[0014] The display unit preferably includes a region in which
candidates for a type of symbols to be changed to a special symbol
are displayed in a static graphic form. In this case, the display
controller unit is preferably configured to cause the display unit
to change the candidate of a type has been selected by the game
controller unit to a special symbol in the region while the display
unit moves symbols. A player can confirm an appearance and a type
of a special symbol through the display in the region.
[0015] The game controller unit is preferably configured to select
two or more types of symbols at random. In this case, the display
controller unit is preferably configured to cause the display unit
to change symbols of the types selected by the game controller unit
to special symbols in turn while moving symbols. This visual effect
can excite a player by gradually raising his/her expectation of
winning while moving symbols.
[0016] These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of
the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the
art from the following detailed description, which, taken in
conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] Referring now to the attached drawings which form a portion
of this original disclosure:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a gaming
machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the hardware configuration of a
game controller unit included in the gaming machine shown in FIG.
1;
[0020] FIG. 3 is an example of a symbol arrangement in stopped
positions displayed on a screen of the gaming machine shown in FIG.
1;
[0021] FIG. 4 is another example of a symbol arrangement in stopped
positions displayed on a screen of the gaming machine shown in FIG.
1;
[0022] FIG. 5A is an example of a first state of moving symbols
displayed on a screen of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 5B is an example of a second state of moving symbols
displayed on a screen of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 5C is an example of a third state of moving symbols
displayed on a screen of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 6A is a first half of a flow chart of a game round
conducted on the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1; and
[0026] FIG. 6B is a second half of the flow chart of a game round
conducted on the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0027] A selected embodiment of the present invention will now be
explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to
those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following
description of the embodiment of the present invention is provided
for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the
invention as defined by the appended claims and their
equivalents.
[0028] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a video
gaming machine preferably installed in a casino. Referring to FIG.
1, the gaming machine comprises a box-shaped cabinet 1 with an
openable and closable front panel 2. Three display units 3A, 3B,
and 3C are mounted on the upper portion, the middle portion, and
the lower portion of the front panel 2, respectively. A coin slot
5, a bill slot 6, and various push buttons 8 are mounted between
the middle display window 3B and the lower display window 3C. A
coin chute 9, a coin tray 10, and a speaker 11 are installed below
the lower display window 3C.
[0029] The three display units 3A, 3B, and 3C each include a flat
display device preferably, or a liquid crystal display device more
preferably. The display units 3A, 3B, and 3C reproduce various
images, for example, images for use in decoration and
advertisements, e.g., the logo of a game developer, images for use
in visual effects in games, and visualized information on games,
e.g., pay tables, illustrations of game content, and jackpot
values. In particular, the middle display unit 3B displays
preferably five video reels, i.e., five symbol columns, the number
of available credits of a player, the amount of a bet, and the
amount of an award that the player has won.
[0030] The coin slot 5 and the bill slot 6 allow a player to enter
coins and bills thereinto, respectively. The entered coins and
bills are counted by a counter and validated by an acceptor. The
counter and the acceptor are installed inside the cabinet 1. The
total amount of the validated coins and bills are displayed on the
middle display unit 3B as credits available to the player. A coin
hopper installed inside the cabinet 1 stores a large number of
coins and bills together with the coins and bills entered by the
player. The coin hopper discharges coins equivalent to credits that
a player has won on a game through the coin chute 9 into the coin
tray 10. Note that the gaming machine may support a
ticket-in/ticket-out system, i.e., accept and print a bar-coded
paper ticket. A bar code printed on the ticket represents monetary
data available to a player.
[0031] The push buttons 8 allow a player to operate the gaming
machine. For example, by using the push buttons 8, a player can
select one or more paylines on the video reels, and place a desired
amount of a bet on each selected payline. The player then pushes a
spin button included in the push buttons 8 to cause the video reels
to start spinning, i.e., symbols to move in the vertical direction.
If an arrangement of stopped symbols includes a winning combination
on any of the selected paylines, the player will win an award
depending on the amount of the bet and the type of the winning
combination. The player will be allowed to push a cash-out button
included in the push buttons 8, and then receive coins equivalent
to the player's credit from the coin chute 9. The push buttons 8
are preferably lamp buttons, which each include a light-emitting
device and lights up when pushed by a player or used in lighting
effects during game play.
[0032] The speaker 11 is installed inside the cabinet 1, and
generates voice announcements and sound effects during game
play.
[0033] The above-described components of the gaming machine are
preferably controlled by a game controller unit that is preferably
installed inside the cabinet 1. Alternatively, the game controller
unit may be separated from the cabinet 1, and connected through a
network to the components of the cabinet 1.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 2, the game controller unit includes a CPU
21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a credit controller unit 24, a console unit
25, a payout controller unit 26, a random-number generator unit 28,
a lighting controller unit 29, a sound controller unit 30, and a
display controller unit 31.
[0035] The CPU 21 runs various programs and thereby controls other
components of the game controller unit according to instructions
and data accepted by the console unit 25. The ROM 22 stores
programs and databases used by the CPU 21. The RAM 23 temporarily
stores variables, parameters, and the like that are used by the CPU
21.
[0036] The credit controller unit 24 manages the amount of player's
credits, which is equivalent to the amount of coins and bills
counted and validated by the counter/acceptor 24A. The console unit
25 monitors the push buttons 8 and accepts various instructions and
data from the push buttons 8. The payout controller unit 26 changes
player's credits to coins, bills, or other monetary data by using
the coin hopper 26A or the like.
[0037] The random-number generator unit 28 generates and outputs
random number(s) to the CPU 21. The random number will be used to
randomly select an arrangement of stopped symbols and a type of
symbols to be changed to a special symbol.
[0038] The lighting controller unit 29 controls lighting devices
29A installed in the three display units 3A, 3B, and 3C, the push
buttons 8, and other lumps mounted on the cabinet 1 during game
play. The lighting controller unit 29 thereby causes the lighting
devices 29A to blink and/or change brightness and color in specific
patterns in order to produces lighting effects. The sound
controller 27 controls the speaker 11 to output voice announcements
and sound effects during game play.
[0039] The display controller unit 31 controls the three display
units 3A, 3B, and 3C to display various images on screens
preferably by using computer graphics. The display controller unit
31 in particular controls video reels displayed on the middle
display unit 3B by using computer graphics. FIG. 3 shows an example
of a game screen 40 displayed on the middle display unit 3B.
Preferably, five video reels 41A-41E are arranged on the game
screen 40. Note that the number of video reels may be changed from
five to other number, e.g., three. On each video reels 41A-41E,
preferably three or more symbols 42 are repeatedly moved and
stopped in a vertical direction. During moved, different types of
symbols 42 appear at random or in a predetermined order. This
action of symbols 42 is often referred to as "spins of video
reels". After a predetermined time has elapsed, symbols 42 will be
stopped in an arrangement that the game controller unit randomly
selects at a start of each game round. In stopped positions,
symbols 42 are preferably aligned on one of three horizontal lines.
In this case, all horizontal lines and slanted lines are preferably
selectable as paylines. Alternatively, symbols may be stopped in a
honeycomb arrangement. For example, if three or more symbols of the
same type are aligned on a selected payline, a player will win an
award depending on a bet placed on the payline and the type and
number of the symbols aligned on the payline. The game screen 40
also includes a number of available credits, an amount of a bet
placed at a game round, and an amount of a payout won at the game
round.
[0040] In addition, the game screen 40 includes preferably four
small regions in which four candidates 43A-43D for symbol types to
be possibly changed to a special symbol are displayed in a static
graphic form. Note that the number of the candidates 43A-43D may be
changed from four to other number. The game controller unit
randomly selects zero or more candidates 43A-43D to be changed to a
special symbol at each game round. The special symbol is preferably
interpreted as a wildcard symbol. The special symbol may have a
different function, e.g., of indicating a bonus game or an extra
payout to be provided to a player when appearing in an arrangement
of stopped symbols. Among the candidates 43A-43D, one or more
selected as being changed to special symbols will be prominently
displayed on the respective small regions. Furthermore, symbols of
the same type as the selected candidates will appear in a prominent
form on the video reels 41A-41E. Referring to FIG. 4, three
candidates, i.e., a cross symbol 43A, a circle symbol 43B, and a
star symbol 43C are selected as special symbols 44A, 44B, and 44C,
respectively. When the special symbols 44A-44C are interpreted as
wildcard symbols, an arrangement of stopped symbols 42 shown in
FIG. 4 includes a winning combination equivalent to five "seven"
symbols 42D aligned on the second horizontal line, in contrast to
the same arrangement without special symbols shown in FIG. 3. Thus,
the larger number of the candidates are selected as being changed
to special symbols, the better chances of winning are provided to a
player.
[0041] The display controller unit 31 causes the middle display
unit 3B to change selected candidates 43A-43C to special symbols
44A-44C while moving symbols 42 in a vertical direction.
Preferably, the background color of these special symbols 44A-44C
is changed to a color complementary to the background color of
other normal symbols 42. For example, when the background color of
normal symbols 42 is white, green, or bluish-purple, the background
color of special symbols 44A-44C is black, red, or yellow,
respectively. The colors of special symbols 44A-44C themselves may
be changed to complementary colors. More preferably, colors of
special symbols and their background are changed to a metallic
color. Special symbols may be displayed in a blinking, flashing, or
sparkling pattern by using computer-generated animation. These
prominent changes in color and pattern of symbols enable a player
to easily notice appearances of special symbols 44A-44C while
symbols 42 are moved on the video reels 41A-41E. Note that the
display controller unit 31 preferably provides a higher probability
of displaying symbols 42A-42D of the same types as the four
candidates 43A-43D at adjacent positions on the spinning video
reels 41A-41D than symbols of other types. This can also cause a
player to easily notice appearances of special symbols 44A-44C.
[0042] When two or more candidates are selected as special symbols,
the selected candidates may be changed to special symbols at the
same time while symbols 42 are moved. More preferably, the selected
candidates are changed to special symbols in turn while symbols 42
are moved. Referring to FIGS. 5A-5C, three candidates 43A-43C are
selected in advance, and will be changed to special symbols 44A-44C
in turn. First as show in FIG. 5A, the first candidate 43A, i.e.,
cross symbols are changed to the first special symbols 44A after a
predetermined time has elapsed from a start of moving symbols 42,
i.e., a start of spins of the video reels 41A-41E. Next as show in
FIG. 5B, the second candidate 43B, i.e., circle symbols are changed
to the second special symbol 44B after another predetermined time
has elapsed from the change of the first candidate 43A to the first
special symbols 44A. Finally as show in FIG. 5C, the third
candidate 43C, i.e., star symbols 44C are changed to the third
special symbols 44C after another predetermined time has elapsed
from the change of the second candidate 43B to the second special
symbols 44B. In particular, a player can easily notice increase in
types of special symbols 44A-44C not only on the video reels
41A-41E but also through the candidates 43A-43D displayed on the
small regions. Note that the moving speeds of symbols 42 may be
reduced each time types of special symbols are increased. Thus, a
player is gradually excited each time he/she notices the increase
in types of special symbols 44A-44C.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, operations of the gaming
machine will be explained below in the order of the flow of a game
round.
[0044] STEP S1: A player inserts coins or bills into the coin slot
5 or the bill slot 6, respectively. Then, the counter/acceptor 24A
validates the coins and bills, and counts the valid coins and
bills. The game controller unit reads the count and updates credit
data stored in the RAM 23 to increase player's credits by the
number corresponding to the count (cf. FIG. 2). Then, the player
can place a desired bet on a desired payline by using the buttons
8. The console unit 25 accepts the bet placed on the desired
payline. Then, the game controller unit enables the console unit 25
to accept a cue to start spinning of video reels 41A-41E from a
spin button, one of the buttons 8. When the console unit 25 accepts
the cue from the player who pushes the spin button 8, the game
controller unit updates the credit data stored in the RAM 23 to
decrease the amount of the credits by the total amount of the
bets.
[0045] STEP S2: The game controller unit preferably causes the
random number generator unit 28 to generate a random number, and
then selects zero or more candidates for special symbols depending
on the random number. The game controller unit preferably
determines the number of symbol types to be changed to special
symbols depending on the random number. When the number is
determined to be zero, no candidates are to be changed to special
symbols. When the number is determined to be one, the first
candidate, i.e., cross symbols 43A are to be changed to special
symbols 44A. When the number is determined to be two, the second
candidate, i.e., circle symbols 43B are to be changed to special
symbols 44B in addition to the first candidate 43A. When the number
is determined to be three, the third candidate, i.e., star symbols
43C are to be changed to special symbols 44C in addition to the
first candidates 43A and the second candidates 43B. When the number
is determined to be four, the fourth candidate, i.e., "seven"
symbols 43D are to be changed special symbols in addition to the
first-third candidates 43A-43C. Thus, the game controller unit
selects zero or more symbol types to be changed to special symbols
at random. Preferably, the RAM 23 stores a flag linked to each
symbol type in advance, and the game controller unit only sets the
flags linked to the selected symbol types.
[0046] STEP S3: The game controller unit causes the random number
generator unit 28 to generate five random numbers preferably. Each
of the five random numbers is uniquely assigned to one of the video
reels 41A-41E. The game controller unit then retrieves stop
positions of the video reels 41A-41E linked to the five random
numbers from respective stop position tables preferably stored in
the ROM 22. Each of the stop position tables is assigned to one of
the video reels 41A-41E, and represents relationship between random
numbers and stop positions of the video reel, i.e., types of symbol
columns to be displayed in static graphic forms on the video reel.
Thus, the game controller unit selects stop positions of the video
reels 41A-41E at random, and stores data representing the stop
positions into the RAM 23, preferably.
[0047] The game controller unit also determines whether or not to
provide an award to the player at random in the following manner.
The game controller unit retrieves the five random numbers from a
winning combination table stored in the ROM 22. The winning
combination table represents relationship between combinations of
five random numbers and awards. Here, the five random numbers are
linked to the stop positions of the respective video reels 41A-41E.
Accordingly, awards are assigned to winning combinations of symbols
arranged on the stopped video reels. Preferably, winning
combinations are assigned to arrangements where symbols of the same
type (and a wildcard symbol) are stopped in three or more
consecutive video reels. Types of awards depend on which types of
symbols are repeatedly included in respective winning combinations.
Note that the ROM 22 stores different types of winning combination
tables that include different types of special symbols. The game
controller unit has selected a type of a winning combination table
in advance, preferably depending on the flags linked to symbol
types. If the game controller unit retrieves an award linked to the
combination of the five random numbers from the selected winning
combination table, the game controller unit then decides to provide
the award to the player.
[0048] STEP S4: The game controller unit instructs the display
controller unit 31 to start the middle display unit 3B to spinning
the video reels 41A-41E, i.e., continuously move symbols 42 in the
vertical direction on the video reels 41A-41E. Each time a
predetermined time has elapsed, the display controller unit 31
causes the middle display unit 3B to stop the video reels 41A-41E
one by one into the respective stop positions selected in STEP S3.
Details of STEP S4 will be described below.
[0049] STEP S5: If the game controller unit has decided to provide
an award to the player, the game controller unit then controls
visual and sound effects by providing the lighting controller unit
29 and the sound controller unit 30 with commands. The lighting
controller unit 29 then turns on and off the lighting devices 29A
in patterns represented by the commands. The sound controller unit
30 changes sounds reproduced from the speaker 11 to the sound
effects represented by the commands. After that, the game
controller unit updates the credit data stored in the RAM 23 to
increase the player's credits by a payout to be provided as an
award. If instructed by the player, the game controller unit may
provide the player with the payout by using the payout controller
unit 26. The game controller unit then waits a new instruction from
the player. Alternatively, the game controller unit may start a
bonus round to be provided to the player as an award.
[0050] In STEP S4, the display controller unit 31 preferably causes
the middle display unit 3B to control spins and stops of the video
reels 41A-41E as follows (cf. FIG. 6B).
[0051] STEP S401: The display controller unit 31 initializes
various parameters for the control of the video reels 41A-41E, and
in particular, sets an integer variable N to be 0 and a time
variable TIME to be 0. In addition, a constant REEL_NUM is set to
be 5 in advance, which represents the total number of the video
reels 41A-41E.
[0052] STEP S402: The display controller unit 31 checks if the time
variable TIME is larger than a constant REEL_STOP_TIME[N], which
represents a predetermined time duration of the (N+1)-th video reel
continuously spinning. If the time variable TIME is larger than the
constant REEL_STOP_TIME[N], the process will be branched to STEP
S410. Otherwise, the process will continue to STEP S403.
[0053] STEP S403: The display controller unit 31 first selects five
symbol types to be "created" for the respective video reels
41A-41E. Here, the symbol types may be selected at random or in a
predetermined order. The display controller unit 31 next accesses
the RAM 23 and checks flags linked to the selected symbol types. If
any flag has been set, the process will be branched to STEP S405.
Otherwise, the process will continue to STEP S404.
[0054] STEP S404: The display controller unit 31 "creates" five
symbols of the selected types in a normal graphic form on the
respective video reels 41A-41E. More specifically, the display
controller unit 31 prepares normal image data of the selected
symbol types, which represents images of normal symbols 42 shown in
FIG. 3, in a predetermined region of the RAM 23 or another memory
unit.
[0055] STEP S405: When flags linked to one or more of the selected
symbol types have been set, the selected symbol types include one
or more candidates 43A-43D shown in FIG. 3. The display controller
unit 31 checks if the time variable TIME is larger than a constant
CHANGE_TIME, which represents the time to be required from the
start of spins of the video reels 41A-41E until a selected
candidate 43A-43C is changed to a special symbol 44A-44C, as shown
in FIGS. 5A-5C. The constant CHANGE_TIME preferably varies with the
candidates 43A-43D, and in particular, increases in the order of
the first-fourth candidates 43A-43D. Alternatively, the constant
CHANGE_TIME may be the same among the candidates 43A-43D. If the
time variable TIME is larger than the constant CHANGE_TIME for any
of the selected candidates 43A-43C, the process will continue to
STEP S406. Otherwise, the process will return to STEP S404.
[0056] STEP S406: The display controller unit 31 first creates one
or more of the selected candidates 43A-43C, for which the time
variable TIME is larger than the respective constant CHANGE_TIME,
in a "special" graphic form, i.e., a prominent graphic form as
special symbols 44A-44C. The display controller unit 31 further
creates symbols of the other selected types in a normal graphic
form. The display controller unit 31 prepares image data of special
symbols 44A-44C and normal symbols 42 in a predetermined region of
the RAM 23 or another memory unit. The display controller unit 31
also changes image data of the selected candidates 43A-43C for use
in displaying the small region to that of special symbols.
[0057] STEP S407: The display controller unit 31 causes the middle
display unit 3B to display an animation of moving images of symbols
42 for a distance on the video reels 41A-41E by using image data of
the symbols prepared in previous STEPS S404 or S406 in the
predetermined regions of the RAM 23 or other memory unit. Note that
the display controller unit 31 preferably reduces the moving speeds
of the symbols 42 each time types of special symbols are increased.
In addition, if any video reels 41A-41E has been determined to be
stopped at STEP S410 described below, the moving speeds of symbols
42 on the video reels are gradually reduced, and then the symbols
42 will be stopped.
[0058] STEP S408: The display controller unit 31 increments the
time variable TIME by a step.
[0059] STEP S409: The display controller unit 31 checks if the
integer variable N is less than the constant REEL_NUM (e.g., 5). If
the integer variable N is less than the constant REEL_NUM, the
process will be repeated from STEP S402. Otherwise, the process
will continue to STEP S5.
[0060] STEP S410: The display controller unit 31 determines the
(N+1)-th video reel 41A, . . . , or 41E to be stopped. Then,
symbols to be displayed in the stop position of the (N+1)-th video
reel selected in STEP S3 will be created in order after a number of
repetitions of STEP S404 or S406. After that, the symbols will be
actually displayed in the stop position of the (N+1)-th video reel
at STEP S407.
[0061] STEP S411: The display controller unit 31 increments the
integer variable N by 1.
[0062] The display controller unit 31 repeats the loop of STEPS
S402-S411 until the integer variable N reaches the constant
REEL_NUM, i.e., the total number of the video reels 41A-41E, e.g.,
5. Thus, the middle display unit 3B displays the spins and stops of
the video reels 41A-41E for a game round. In particular, the
selected candidates 43A-43C are prominently changed to the special
symbols 44A-44C in turn as shown in FIGS. 5A-5B.
General Interpretation of Terms
[0063] In understanding the scope of the present invention, the
term "configured" as used herein to describe a component, section
or portion of a device includes hardware and/or software that is
constructed and/or programmed to carry out the desired function. In
understanding the scope of the present invention, the term
"comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to
be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated
features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but
do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements,
components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also
applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms,
"including", "having" and their derivatives. Also, the terms
"part," "section," "portion," "member" or "element" when used in
the singular can have the dual meaning of a single portion or a
plurality of portions. Finally, terms of degree such as
"substantially", "about" and "approximately" as used herein mean a
reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the
end result is not significantly changed. For example, these terms
can be construed as including a deviation of at least .+-.5% of the
modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the
word it modifies.
[0064] While only selected embodiments have been chosen to
illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and
modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope
of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Furthermore,
the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the
present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for
the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended
claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *