U.S. patent application number 12/035292 was filed with the patent office on 2009-04-30 for reel game apparatus for playing sub game and the method thereof.
Invention is credited to Soo-Hyun PARK.
Application Number | 20090111567 12/035292 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40583544 |
Filed Date | 2009-04-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090111567 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PARK; Soo-Hyun |
April 30, 2009 |
REEL GAME APPARATUS FOR PLAYING SUB GAME AND THE METHOD THEREOF
Abstract
Provided is a reel game apparatus and method for playing a
sub-game, which operate various sub-games depending on the
appearance of specific symbols on a game screen regardless of the
winning conditions in a reel game, and includes a main game part
for spinning a plurality of reels, each having respective symbols
displayed thereon, in a reel game, stopping the reels, and enabling
winnings to be awarded when symbols satisfying winning conditions
appear, and a sub-game part for playing a first sub-game when the
reels stop and a certain number of coin symbols appears, wherein
the first sub-game is played to give winnings when coin items are
generated in the sub-game part and fall on winning targets.
Inventors: |
PARK; Soo-Hyun; (IKSAN CITY,
KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
IPLA P.A.
3580 WILSHIRE BLVD., 17TH FLOOR
LOS ANGELES
CA
90010
US
|
Family ID: |
40583544 |
Appl. No.: |
12/035292 |
Filed: |
February 21, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/34 20130101; G07F 17/3244 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 24, 2007 |
KR |
10-2007-0107181 |
Claims
1. A reel game apparatus for playing a sub-game, comprising: a main
game part for spinning a plurality of reels, each having respective
symbols displayed thereon, in a reel game, stopping the reels, and
enabling winnings to be awarded when symbols satisfying winning
conditions appear; and a sub-game part for playing a first sub-game
when the reels stop and a certain number of coin symbols appears,
wherein the first sub-game is played to give winnings when coin
items are generated in the sub-game part and fall on winning
targets.
2. The reel game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reel
game of the main game part is independently played while the first
sub-game is being played.
3. The reel game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first
sub-game is played such that a coin discharge part formed in an
upper portion of a game screen generates the coin items and drops
the coin items down, and such that, when the coin items pass
through spaces between a plurality of fixed pins displayed on the
game screen and reach the winning targets formed in a lower portion
of the game screen, winnings are awarded.
4. The reel game apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the coin
discharge part generates the coin items while moving left or
right.
5. The reel game apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the fixed
pins form lines while being spaced apart from each other on a game
screen of the sub-game part so that fixed pins placed on an upper
line and fixed pins on a lower line alternate, the fixed pins
emitting light while bouncing the coin items when colliding with
the coin items.
6. The reel game apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the
winning targets comprise a plurality of winning targets and
continuously move left or right, the winning targets being
configured such that different winnings are awarded for respective
winning targets when the winning targets collide with the coin
items.
7. The reel game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
sub-game part operates a second sub-game when the reels stop and a
certain number of car symbols appears, the second sub-game being
played such that, when a car that wins a car racing game is picked,
winnings are awarded.
8. The reel game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
sub-game part operates a third sub-game when the reels stop and a
certain number of chance symbols appears, the third sub-game being
played such that the main game part operates a sub-reel game, the
sub-game part operates a car racing game, and symbols appear to
give winnings in the sub-reel game when a car, satisfying a
specific condition presented by an indication part, wins the car
racing game.
9. A reel game method of playing a sub-game, comprising: a main
game step of spinning a plurality of reels, each having respective
symbols displayed thereon, stopping the reels, and enabling
winnings to be awarded when symbols satisfying winning conditions
appear; and a sub-game step of playing a first sub-game when the
reels stop and a certain number of coin symbols appears, wherein
the first sub-game is played to award winnings when coin items are
generated in a sub-game part and fall on winning targets.
10. The reel game method according to claim 9, wherein the first
sub-game comprises: a coin generation step of a coin discharge
part, which is formed in an upper portion of a game screen,
generating the coin items and dropping the coin items down; and a
winnings awarding step of awarding winnings when the coin items
generated at the coin generation step pass through spaces between a
plurality of fixed pins displayed on the game screen and reach the
winning targets formed in a lower portion of the game screen.
11. The reel game method according to claim 9, wherein the sub-game
step is performed such that, when the reels stop and a certain
number of car symbols appears at the main game step, a second
sub-game is played, the second sub-game comprising: a racing game
step of playing a car racing game; and a winnings awarding step of
awarding winnings when a car that wins the car racing game is
picked at the racing game step.
12. The reel game method according to claim 9, wherein the sub-game
step is performed such that, when the reels stop and a certain
number of chance symbols appears at the main game step, a third
sub-game is played, the third sub-game comprising: a sub-reel game
step of playing a sub-reel game; a car racing game step of playing
a car racing game while the sub-reel game is played; and a winnings
awarding step of awarding winnings such that, if a car satisfying a
specific condition presented by an indication part wins the car
racing game at the car racing game step, symbols appear to award
winnings at the sub-reel game step.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE
[0001] Applicant claims foreign priority under Paris Convention and
35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119 to a Korean Patent Application No.
10-2007-0107181, filed Oct. 24, 2007 with the Korean Intellectual
Property Office.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] The present invention relates, in general, to a reel game
apparatus and method for playing a sub-game, and, more
particularly, to a reel game apparatus and method for playing a
sub-game, which operate various sub-games depending on the
appearance of specific symbols on a game screen regardless of the
winning conditions in a reel game, and which produce scenes, such
as ceremonies, by causing character images to appear, thus
providing pleasure.
[0003] Generally, a slot machine, which is a representative game
machine, is operated in such a way that, after a gamer first
inserts predetermined coins, sets a betting level, and spins a
plurality of reels by manipulating a start button, the gamer stops
the reels at his or her desired time, so that predetermined coins
are paid when symbols (images, such as images of a watermelon, a
bell, and a cherry) are displayed to form a specific combination on
display panels corresponding to respective reels. Further, there is
a game operation method in which, when a gamer hits the jackpot, he
or she is paid a total amount of money accumulated through a
plurality of machines.
[0004] Further, a conventional reel game is provided in an
independent form, or in the form of a combination with other games,
such as a medal game or a poker game. In this case, a typical reel
game is played in such a way that symbols on respective reels are
arranged in a new form as a result of the spinning of the reels,
that is, the rotation of the reels, and winnings corresponding to
the results of the arrangement are simply given at a time according
to the result of the arrangement.
[0005] However, the conventional reel game, by which winnings are
provided unilaterally and all at one time on the basis of the
arrangement of symbols, arbitrarily provided according to
programmed game rules, is problematic in that it has limited
ability to continuously arouse interest or attract attention during
the reel game.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in
mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object
of the present invention is to provide a reel game apparatus and
method for playing a sub-game, which operate an independent
sub-game without influencing a reel game, depending on the
appearance of a specific symbol on a game screen regardless of the
winning conditions in the reel game, and in which a coin game, one
of the sub-games, is played such that coin items drop while moving
up/down/left/right according to the elasticity of pins, and such
that, when the coin items fall on winning targets, predetermined
winnings are provided to a user, so that the user's feeling of
anticipation is increased and interest is stimulated, thus
compensating for the disadvantage of the reel game in that somewhat
tedious and identical situations are repeated.
TECHNICAL SOLUTION
[0007] A reel game apparatus and method for playing a sub-game
according to the present invention to accomplish the above object
provides a reel game apparatus for playing a sub-game, comprising a
main game part for spinning a plurality of reels, each having
respective symbols displayed thereon, in a reel game, stopping the
reels, and enabling winnings to be awarded when symbols satisfying
winning conditions appear, and a sub-game part for playing a first
sub-game when the reels stop and a certain number of coin symbols
appears, wherein the first sub-game is played to give winnings when
coin items are generated in the sub-game part and fall on winning
targets.
[0008] Preferably, the reel game of the main game part may be
independently played while the first sub-game is being played.
[0009] Preferably, the first sub-game may be played such that a
coin discharge part formed in an upper portion of a game screen
generates the coin items and drops the coin items down, and such
that, when the coin items pass through spaces between a plurality
of fixed pins displayed on the game screen and reach the winning
targets formed in a lower portion of the game screen, winnings are
awarded.
[0010] Preferably, the coin discharge part generates the coin items
while moving left or right.
[0011] Preferably, the fixed pins may form lines while being spaced
apart from each other on a game screen of the sub-game part so that
fixed pins placed on an upper line and fixed pins on a lower line
alternate, the fixed pins emitting light while bouncing the coin
items when colliding with the coin items.
[0012] Preferably, the winning targets may comprise a plurality of
winning targets and continuously move left or right, the winning
targets being configured such that different winnings are awarded
for respective winning targets when the winning targets collide
with the coin items.
[0013] Preferably, the sub-game part may operate a second sub-game
when the reels stop and a certain number of car symbols appears,
the second sub-game being played such that, when a car that wins a
car racing game is picked, winnings are awarded.
[0014] Preferably, the sub-game part may operate a third sub-game
when the reels stop and a certain number of chance symbols appears,
the third sub-game being played such that the main game part
operates a sub-reel game, the sub-game part operates a car racing
game, and symbols appear to give winnings in the sub-reel game when
a car, satisfying a specific condition presented by an indication
part, wins the car racing game.
[0015] In addition, a reel game apparatus and method for playing a
sub-game according to the present invention to accomplish the above
object provides a reel game method of playing a sub-game,
comprising a main game step of spinning a plurality of reels, each
having respective symbols displayed thereon, stopping the reels,
and enabling winnings to be awarded when symbols satisfying winning
conditions appear, and a sub-game step of playing a first sub-game
when the reels stop and a certain number of coin symbols appears,
wherein the first sub-game is played to award winnings when coin
items are generated in a sub-game part and fall on winning
targets.
[0016] Preferably, the first sub-game may comprise a coin
generation step of a coin discharge part, which is formed in an
upper portion of a game screen, generating the coin items and
dropping the coin items down, and a winnings awarding step of
awarding winnings when the coin items generated at the coin
generation step pass through spaces between a plurality of fixed
pins displayed on the game screen and reach the winning targets
formed in a lower portion of the game screen.
[0017] Preferably, the sub-game step may be performed such that,
when the reels stop and a certain number of car symbols appears at
the main game step, a second sub-game is played, the second
sub-game comprising a racing game step of playing a car racing
game, and a winnings awarding step of awarding winnings when a car
that wins the car racing game is picked at the racing game
step.
[0018] Preferably, the sub-game step may be performed such that,
when the reels stop and a certain number of chance symbols appears
at the main game step, a third sub-game is played, the third
sub-game comprising a sub-reel game step of playing a sub-reel
game, a car racing game step of playing a car racing game while the
sub-reel game is played, and a winnings awarding step of awarding
winnings such that, if a car satisfying a specific condition
presented by an indication part wins the car racing game at the car
racing game step, symbols appear to award winnings at the sub-reel
game step.
EFFECT OF THE INVENTION
[0019] As described above, the present invention can provide a reel
game apparatus and method for playing a sub-game, which operate an
independent sub-game without influencing a reel game, depending on
the appearance of a specific symbol on a game screen regardless of
the winning conditions in the reel game, and in which a coin game,
one of the sub-games, is played such that coin items drop while
moving up/down/left/right according to the elasticity of pins, and
such that, when the coin items fall on winning targets,
predetermined winnings are provided to a user, so that the user's
feeling of anticipation is increased and interest is stimulated,
thus compensating for the disadvantage of the reel game in that
somewhat tedious and identical situations are repeated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a reel game apparatus
for playing a sub-game according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal construction
of a reel game apparatus for playing a sub-game according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the game screen of a reel game
apparatus for playing a sub-game according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the game screen of a first
sub-game according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the game screen of a first
sub-game according to another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the game screen of a first
sub-game according to a further embodiment of the present
invention;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the game screen of a second
sub-game according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the game screen of a third
sub-game according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a reel game method of playing
a sub-game according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a first sub-game method
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a second sub-game method
according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0031] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a third sub-game method
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS OF IMPORTANT PARTS
[0032] 110: main game part [0033] 111: coin symbol [0034] 112: car
symbol [0035] 113: chance symbol [0036] 120: sub-game part [0037]
128: coin item [0038] 127: winning target
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0039] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are
described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so as
to describe the present invention in detail to such an extent that
those skilled in the art can easily implement the present
invention.
[0040] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a reel game apparatus
for playing a sub-game according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0041] The game apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 is a kind of arcade
game machine, but it is apparent that the reel game apparatus of
the present invention is not limited to such an arcade game
machine, and can also be applied to all types of typical electronic
games, such as video games or mobile games, or game machines using
mechanical reels.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, the game apparatus includes an
advertisement panel 10, which displays the type of game and has a
lighting element to add interest to a game, in an upper portion
thereof, and a display 20, which is placed below the advertisement
panel 10 and is configured to provide a game screen. Further, the
game apparatus has a structure in which an operation panel 30 is
placed below the display 20 to form a predetermined angle with the
display 20, and in which a payout tray 40 is placed below the
operation panel 30 and is configured to discharge presents, coins,
medals, or gift certificates, which are paid as winnings for
games.
[0043] The lighting element can be arranged on an arbitrary surface
of the game apparatus, such as the outer surface of the display 20,
in addition to the advertisement panel 10, and bill and coin slots
and operation buttons are typically mounted in the operation panel
30. Further, a sound device (not shown) for providing sounds
related to games can be arranged on the inner or outer surface of
the game apparatus.
[0044] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal construction
of a reel game apparatus for playing a sub-game according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 2, the reel game apparatus generally
includes the processor 50 of a microprocessor or
microcontroller-based platform, a storage means 60 for storing
program code and other types of data, a display 85, such as a video
monitor or a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) monitor, and at least one
input means 83, such as a button.
[0046] The storage means 60 may include Random Access Memory (RAM)
61 for storing event data, or other types of data generated or used
during a specific game. Further, the storage means 60 may include
Read Only Memory (ROM) 62 for storing program code required to
control the game apparatus so that a game is played depending on
predetermined game rules and win criteria.
[0047] Further, the user typically inputs a signal to the game
apparatus using buttons, but may alternatively input a signal using
a touch screen.
[0048] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, a touch screen 71 and a touch
screen controller 72 can be connected to the processor 50 via a
video controller 73, and can be used as a display means and an
input means, instead of a typical video display device.
[0049] Further, since the processor 50 is connected to a bill/coin
receiver 81, it can be programmed to prompt the user to deposit a
predetermined amount of money before starting the game.
[0050] Further, the game apparatus preferably includes a speaker 89
for providing sounds or music according to the theme of a game or a
bonus scheme.
[0051] Meanwhile, the processor 50 and the storage means 60 are
described as separate components, but may be implemented using one
or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), wired
circuits, or mechanical devices. Further, the processor 50 and the
storage means 60 are preferably installed in each game apparatus,
but some or all given functions can be performed by a central
system, such as a network server capable of communicating with a
game field or each game apparatus over a Local Area Network (LAN),
Wide Area Network (WAN), the Internet, wireless connection,
etc.
[0052] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the game screen of
a reel game apparatus for playing a sub-game according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 3, a main game part 110, which is placed at
the center portion of a game screen 100 corresponding to the
display 20, is a portion required to play a reel game, which is a
main game, and a sub-game part 120, which is placed above the main
game part 110, is a portion required to play any one of a first
sub-game, a second sub-game, and a third sub-game.
[0054] An indication part 130 is provided below the main game part
110, and is configured to display and provide details related to
game play, using a credit panel CREDIT for indicating the total
amount of available money obtained as a result of insertion into
the apparatus, or winnings, a betting panel BET for indicating the
number of possible bets, and a panel WIN for indicating winnings
details, such as scores or money won on the game played. On the
credit panel CREDIT, an amount of available money corresponding to
the amount of money inserted is indicated, but indication may be
made such that the amount of available money is decreased every
game round.
[0055] In the main game part 110, a predetermined number of reels,
each having symbols displayed thereon, is displayed, and the reels
are stationary before a reel game is started.
[0056] Further, when the reels are caused to spin and stop using
operation buttons provided in the operation panel 30, a
predetermined symbol (for example, a symbol enabling scores to be
acquired) can appear on at least one line, independently or
together with other symbols.
[0057] Therefore, when symbols, corresponding to winning conditions
designated in the game, appear on at least one line, the user can
be paid winnings. That is, when symbols successively appear to
satisfy predetermined winning conditions presented in the reel
game, the user wins the game and receives winnings. In the reel
game according to the present invention, when three or more
symbols, enabling good scores to be acquired, appear successively
in a horizontal direction, winning conditions are satisfied, and
thus winnings are provided.
[0058] The term `symbol` includes indications, such as characters,
numbers, pictures, and figures, characters representing human
beings or animals, or other types of visual, auditory, or
audio-visual representations recognizable by human beings.
[0059] Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a reel game can be implemented
using N (for example, 12) reels, on which symbols are arranged in
an man shape (for example, 4*3), or N (for example, 9) reels on
which symbols are arranged in an non shape (for example, 3*3). The
number and arrangement of reels can be variously changed according
to embodiments.
[0060] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the game screen 200 of a first
sub-game according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG.
5 is a diagram showing the game screen 200 of a first sub-game
according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
6 is a diagram showing the game screen 200 of a first sub-game
according to a further embodiment of the present invention.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 4, the first sub-game is played such that,
when 4 to 12 coin symbols 111 appear, a sub-game part 120 operates
the first sub-game, regardless of the winning conditions in a reel
game operated by a main game part 110.
[0062] Further, when the first sub-game is played by satisfying the
play condition of the first sub-game, visual, auditory, or
audio-visual animation or other indications, indicating the play of
the first sub-game, can be provided.
[0063] When the first sub-game is played, a coin discharge part 121
formed in an upper portion of the sub-game part 120 generates coin
items 128 having the shape of medals or coins, and drops the coin
items down on a lower portion of the sub-game part 120.
[0064] For example, in a 4*3 reel game, anywhere from 0 to 12 (when
all reel symbols are coin symbols) coin symbols 111 may appear.
Therefore, if four or more coin symbols 111 appear on the reels
regardless of winning conditions when the reels are caused to spin
and stop, the coin discharge part 121 formed in the upper portion
of the sub-game part 120 generates coin items 128.
[0065] In this case, when four coin symbols 111 appear, the number
of coin items 128 pouring down at the coin discharge part 121 is 5,
when five coin symbols 111 appear, the number of coin items 128 is
10, when six coin symbols 111 appear, the number of coin items 128
is 12, and when 12 coin symbols 622 appear in this way, the number
of coin items 613 is 1000, and thus the generated coin items pour
down on the lower portion of the sub-game part 120.
[0066] However, when one to three coin symbols 111 appear, coin
items 128 are not generated.
[0067] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, it can be seen that, when two
coin symbols 111 appear, no variation occurs on the screen. FIG. 5
illustrates the case where four coin symbols 111 appear, FIG. 6
illustrates the case where six coin symbols 111 appear, and it can
be seen that a first sub-game, in which the coin discharge part 121
generates coin items 128, is played.
[0068] In this case, the coin discharge part 121 generates coin
items 128 while moving left/right.
[0069] Further, the coin items 128, generated in the coin discharge
part 121 and dropped down, pour down while passing through spaces
between a plurality of fixed pins 122, arranged on the screen of
the sub-game part 120 according to predetermined rules. The fixed
pins 122 form each line and are spaced apart from each other in the
sub-game part 120, but it is preferable that the fixed pins 122
placed on an upper line and fixed pins 122 placed on a lower line
be formed to alternate.
[0070] When the coin items 128 collide with the fixed pins 122, the
fixed pins 122 emit light, or output a collision sound, thus
indicating the collision situation.
[0071] Further, each of the fixed pins 122 has a kind of elasticity
enabling the coin items 128 to bounce when colliding with the coin
items 128. Accordingly, the coin items 128 drop down while moving
up/down/left/right. Therefore, when colliding with the fixed pins
122, the coin items 128 bounce and move here and there, thus
increasing the user's feeling of anticipation and providing
pleasure.
[0072] The coin items 128, having passed through the fixed pins
122, drop to the lower portion of the sub-game part 120. At this
time, when the coin items 128 fall on a plurality of winning
targets 127 which are formed in the lower portion of the sub-game
part 120 and have the shape of an item belt, the location of which
changes depending on a random probability at each game round,
winnings, such as prize money, are awarded.
[0073] Meanwhile, when the coin items 128 fall on trunks 129, other
than the winning targets 127, winnings are not awarded.
[0074] That is, when each coin item 128 passes through the fixed
pins 122 formed in the sub-game part 120, and falls on one of the
winning targets 127 that move across the lower portion of the
sub-game part 120, winnings corresponding to the winning target 127
are awarded in the form of a score or the like depending on the
type of winnings.
[0075] The winning targets 127 can be displayed on the screen in
arbitrary shapes, such as cars, horse-drawn carriages, and
entertainers' pictures, and winnings details related to the winning
targets 127 can be displayed in the form of a score, such as
`1000`, or `2000` immediately above the winning targets 127.
[0076] Further, the winning targets 127 continuously move to the
left or right, and can be indicated in different colors, so that
differences between winnings details can be allocated. For example,
an embodiment can be implemented in such a way that, when the
winning targets 127 are indicated in yellow, pink, and red,
respectively, and a coin item 128 falls on the red winning target
127, winnings twice those of the case where a coin item 128 falls
on winning targets 128 having other colors are awarded.
[0077] Further, when the coin item 128 falls on the winning targets
127, and a win is achieved, the dancing of a character image 123,
such as an image of a racing model, is provided together with the
ceremony of the character image 123. Therefore, a spectacle and
pleasure are provided to a game that might otherwise bore the
user.
[0078] Further, referring to FIG. 6, three coin symbols 111
successively appear in a vertical direction, but the winning
condition of the reel game according to the present invention is
the condition in which three or more symbols, satisfying winning
conditions, must appear in a horizontal direction, and thus the
number of coin items 128 generated by the coin discharge part 121
is determined according to the number of coin symbols 111 that
appear, regardless of whether a win is achieved.
[0079] Meanwhile, the first sub-game can be played independent of a
reel game. That is, even when 4 to 12 coin symbols 111 appear in
the reel game and the first sub-game is being played, the reel game
can be continuously played.
[0080] Therefore, when the reel game is played, and three or more
symbols, enabling good scores to be acquired, successively appear
in a horizontal direction even when the sub-game part 120 operates
the first sub-game, winning conditions are satisfied, and thus
winnings can be provided.
[0081] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the game screen 300 of a second
sub-game according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0082] When 4 to 12 car symbols 112 appear in a reel game operated
by the main game part 110, regardless of winning conditions
enabling winnings to be awarded, a second sub-game is played.
[0083] Further, when the second sub-game starts by satisfying the
start condition of the second sub-game, visual, auditory, or
audio-visual animation, or other indications, indicating the start
of the second sub-game, may be provided.
[0084] As shown in FIG. 7, the second sub-game is operated by the
sub-game part 120 in the form of a car racing game 310.
[0085] Therefore, the user plays a game of picking a car that will
win the car racing game 310. When the user has picked a car to win
the car racing game, the race proceeds to the next stage. When the
user has also picked the car to win the car racing game in the race
of the next stage, the race proceeds to the next stage. The race
can be played up to a maximum of 10 times. Therefore, as the number
of times that the user picked the car to win increases, prize money
increases.
[0086] For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when a user picks a second
car 340, and the second car 340 wins the race in the case where a
first car 330, the second car 340, and a third car 350 race each
other, prize money is awarded to the user, and the race proceeds to
the next stage. Further, when the user wins the racing game, the
dancing of a character image 123, such as a racing model image, is
displayed together with the ceremony of the character image 123.
Therefore, a spectacle and pleasure are provided to the game that
might otherwise bore the user.
[0087] Meanwhile, when the first car 330 or the third car 350 wins
the race in the case where the second car 340 is picked, the game
is over.
[0088] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the game screen 400 of a third
sub-game according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0089] When 4 to 12 chance symbols 113 appear in the reel game
operated by the main game part 110, regardless of winning
conditions enabling winnings to be awarded, a third sub-game is
played.
[0090] When the third sub-game starts by satisfying the start
condition of the third sub-game, visual, auditory, or audio-visual
animation, or other indications indicating the start of the third
sub-game, can be provided.
[0091] As shown in FIG. 8, the third sub-game is played in such a
way that the main game part 110 operates a sub-reel game 510, the
background of the sub-game part 120 changes to the nighttime, and a
racing game 410, in which both racing cars and an indication part
420, indicating a predetermined condition, appear, is played.
[0092] The indication part 420 presents a predetermined condition
specially defined in the game, and can be displayed in various
colors. The indication part 420 can be configured to give winnings
if the predetermined condition presented by the indication part 420
is satisfied. For example, when the indication part 420 indicates a
red color, and a car having the same color as the indication part
420 wins the race, symbols satisfying winning conditions are made
to appear in the sub-reel game 510 in the form of a table game,
rather than a natural probability, and thus winnings are
awarded.
[0093] In the sub-reel game 510 in the third sub-game, since
symbols corresponding to the winning conditions appear in the form
of a table game, the probability of winning is increased.
[0094] Further, when the user wins the sub-reel game, the dancing
of a character image 450, such as a racing model image, is provided
together with the ceremony of the character image 450. Therefore, a
spectacle and pleasure are provided to the game, which might
otherwise bore the user.
[0095] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a reel game method of playing
a sub-game according to the present invention, FIG. 10 is a
flowchart showing a first sub-game method according to the present
invention, FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a second sub-game method
according to the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a flowchart
showing a third sub-game method according to the present
invention.
[0096] Hereinafter, a game method according to embodiments of the
present invention is described in detail.
[0097] First, a user deposits a certain amount of money by
inserting the money into a bill or coin slot provided in the
operation panel 30.
[0098] On the indication part 130, a dashboard having the shape of
a speedometer is displayed, and indicates `0` when a game is
initially loaded. When an amount of money is deposited, a number
indicated on the dashboard 130 increases while being displayed in
different colors depending on the amount of money deposited, and
the amount of money inserted is indicated on the credit panel
CREDIT at step S100.
[0099] Next, when an amount of money sufficient to play a game has
been inserted, betting is conducted at step S200, and a reel game
is played through the main game part 110 at step S300.
[0100] Next, reels spin and then stop at step S400. When symbols
successively appear according to winning conditions presented in
the game at step S800, winnings, such as prize money, are awarded
at step S810.
[0101] However, when the reels stop at step S400, and four or more
coin symbols 111 appear in the reel game regardless of the winning
conditions enabling winnings to be awarded at step S500, the
sub-game part 120 operates a first sub-game at step S510.
[0102] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, in the first sub-game, when 4 to
12 coin symbols 111 appear on the reels, the coin discharge part
121 formed in the upper portion of the sub-game part 120 generates
medal or coin-shaped coin items 128 and drops the coin items down
at step S511.
[0103] Further, when the coin items 128 fall on the winning targets
127, formed in the lower portion of the sub-game part 120 in the
form of an item belt, and hit the winning targets 127 at step S512,
winnings, such as prize money, are awarded at step S513.
[0104] However, when the reels stop at step S400, and four or more
car symbols 625 appear in the reel game regardless of the winning
conditions enabling winnings to be awarded at step S600, a second
sub-game is played at step S610.
[0105] As shown in FIG. 7, the second sub-game is played in such a
way that, when four car symbols 112 appear, regardless of the lines
on the reels, the sub-game part 120 operates a car racing game 310
at step S611.
[0106] Therefore, a game allowing the user to pick the car that
will win the race in the car racing game 310 is played. When the
user has picked the car to win at step S612, the race proceeds to
the next stage at step S613. Further, when the user has also picked
the car to win at step S614, the race proceeds to the next stage.
The race can be played up to a maximum of 10 times at step S615. As
the number of times that the user picked the car to win increases,
winnings, such as prize money, increase at step S616.
[0107] Meanwhile, when the reels stop at step S400, and four chance
symbols 113, indicating a chance condition, appear in the reel game
regardless of winning conditions at step S700, a third sub-game is
played at step S710.
[0108] As shown in FIG. 8, the third sub-game is played in such a
way that, when four or more chance symbols 113 appear in the reel
game, regardless of the winning conditions enabling winnings to be
awarded, the main game part 110 operates a sub-reel game 510 at
step S711. Further, the background of the sub-game part 120 is
changed to the nighttime, and a racing game 410, in which both
racing cars and the indication part 420 appear, is played.
[0109] The indication part 420 can be displayed in various colors.
When a car having the same color as the color of the indication
part 420 wins the race, symbols appear to satisfy winning
conditions in the sub-reel game 510, and a win is achieved in the
sub-reel game 510 at step S712. Further, the dancing of the
character image 450 is provided together with the winning ceremony
of the character image 450 at step S713, and winnings, such as
prize money, are awarded at step S714.
[0110] In this way, the sub-games according to the embodiments of
the present invention, which compensate for a simple basic winning
method and a repeated screen configuration in a conventional reel
game, can be utilized in various reel games, as well as the present
invention, as sub-games. In particular, a coin game, which is one
of the sub-games, increases the user's feeling of anticipation and
provides pleasure to the user while moving coin items
up/down/left/right according to the elasticity of pins, and thus it
may be an excellent method capable of compensating for the
disadvantage of a typical reel game, in which somewhat boring and
identical situations are repeated.
[0111] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention
have been disclosed, the present invention is not limited to the
embodiments, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that
various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible,
without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
* * * * *