U.S. patent application number 12/216783 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-23 for slot machine having characteristic award condition and control method thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to Aruze Corp.. Invention is credited to Fumiya Abe.
Application Number | 20090186681 12/216783 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40876917 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090186681 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Abe; Fumiya |
July 23, 2009 |
Slot machine having characteristic award condition and control
method thereof
Abstract
A slot machine of the present invention is a slot machine
comprising: a display including a first display region for
arranging first symbols thereto and a second display region for
arranging a comparative symbol to be compared with the first
symbols thereto; and a controller. The controller is programmed to
conduct the processing of: (A) rearranging the first symbols to the
first display region; (B) rearranging the comparative symbol to the
second display region; (C) determining whether or not a first
symbol is rearranged to the first display region in the processing
(A), the first symbol satisfying a predetermined relationship with
the comparative symbol rearranged to the second display region in
the processing (B); and (D) providing an award in the case of
determining in the processing (C) that the first symbol satisfying
the predetermined relationship is rearranged to the first display
region.
Inventors: |
Abe; Fumiya; (Tokyo,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NDQ&M WATCHSTONE LLP
1300 EYE STREET, NW, SUITE 1000 WEST TOWER
WASHINGTON
DC
20005
US
|
Assignee: |
Aruze Corp.
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
40876917 |
Appl. No.: |
12/216783 |
Filed: |
July 10, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61022581 |
Jan 22, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3265
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A slot machine comprising: a display including a first display
region for arranging first symbols thereto and a second display
region for arranging a comparative symbol to be compared with said
first symbols thereto; and a controller, said controller programmed
to conduct the processing of: (A) rearranging said first symbols to
said first display region; (B) rearranging said comparative symbol
to said second display region; (C) determining whether or not a
first symbol is rearranged to said first display region in said
processing (A), the first symbol satisfying a predetermined
relationship with said comparative symbol rearranged to said second
display region in said processing (B); and (D) providing an award
in the case of determining in said processing (C) that the first
symbol satisfying said predetermined relationship is rearranged to
said first display region.
2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein said processing
(B) is a processing of rearranging said comparative symbol in said
second display region after said first symbols are rearranged to
said first display region in said processing (A).
3. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein said processing
(D) is a processing of providing the award, in the case of
determining in said processing (C) that the first symbol satisfying
said predetermined relationship is rearranged to said first display
region, in accordance with a number or a combination of the first
symbols satisfying said predetermined relationship with said
comparative symbol rearranged to said second display region in said
processing (B), among said first symbols rearranged to said first
display region in said processing (A), and a type of said
comparative symbol rearranged to said second display region in said
processing (B).
4. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein said first
display region comprises a plurality of columns and a plurality of
rows, and arranges a first symbol matrix thereto, said first symbol
matrix being capable of arranging a plurality of said first symbols
thereto, and said second display region comprises a single column
and one or more rows, and arranges a second symbol matrix thereto,
said second symbol matrix being capable of arranging a single or a
plurality of said comparative symbols thereto.
5. A control method of a slot machine, said method comprising the
step of: (A) rearranging first symbols to a first display region
included in a display installed in the slot machine, said first
display region arranging said first symbols thereto; (B)
rearranging a comparative symbol to be compared with said first
symbols to a second display region included in the display
installed in the slot machine, said second symbol display region
arranging said comparative symbol thereto; (C) determining whether
or not a first symbol is rearranged to said first display region in
said step (A), the first symbol satisfying a predetermined
relationship with said comparative symbol displayed to said second
display region in said step (B); and (D) providing an award in the
case of determining in said step (C) that the first symbol
satisfying said predetermined relationship is rearranged to said
first display region.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/022,581 filed on Jan. 22, 2008. The contents of
this application are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a slot machine and a
control method thereof.
[0004] 2. Discussion of the Background
[0005] In a conventional slot machine, if a player inserts game
media such as coins or bills into an insertion slot and presses a
spin button, then a plurality of symbols are displayed in a
scrolling manner to a display provided on the front surface of a
casing and, thereafter, the respective symbols are automatically
stopped.
[0006] In such a slot machine, if symbols are stop-displayed along
a winning line in a predetermined combination, then a predetermined
number of game media are paid out, as disclosed in, for example,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,999-B2 and US Patent No. 2002-0065124-A1.
Further, a predetermined number of game media are paid out,
according to the number of specific symbols, called scatter
symbols, displayed to the display, regardless of the winning
line.
[0007] However, in the conventional slot machine, a case where
symbols are stop-displayed in a predetermined combination refers to
a case, for example, where all the symbols stop-displayed along the
winning line are the same, and the like. Here, an award is provided
just by stop-displaying the same symbols along the winning line and
there is a problem that such a game is not interesting. Also in the
case of the scatter symbols, an award is provided just by
stop-displaying a predetermined number of scatter symbols and there
is a problem that such a game is not interesting. Further, a player
tends to be interested only in a payout of the game medium, but not
in a figure itself drawn as the symbol. Therefore, there is a
problem that the player gets bored after playing the game at the
slot machine for a long time.
[0008] In view of the above problems, the present invention is
devised and an object thereof is to provide a slot machine which
entertains a player and is not likely to bore the player even after
a long-time play of the game.
[0009] The contents of U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,999-B2 and U.S. Patent
No. 2,002,065,124-A1 are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention provides a slot machine comprising: a
display including a first display region for arranging first
symbols thereto and a second display region for arranging a
comparative symbol to be compared with the first symbols thereto;
and a controller.
[0011] The controller is programmed to conduct the processing
of:
[0012] (A) rearranging the first symbols to the first display
region;
[0013] (B) rearranging the comparative symbol to the second display
region;
[0014] (C) determining whether or not a first symbol is rearranged
to the first display region in the processing (A), the first symbol
satisfying a predetermined relationship with the comparative symbol
rearranged to the second display region in the processing (B);
and
[0015] (D) providing an award in the case of determining in the
processing (C) that the first symbol satisfying the predetermined
relationship is rearranged to the first display region.
[0016] According to the slot machine, the display includes the
first display region for arranging the first symbols thereto and
the second display region for arranging the comparative symbol to
be compared with the first symbols thereto. To the first display
region and to the second display region, rearrangement of each
symbol is conducted. Then, an award is provided in the case that
there is rearranged to the first display region a first symbol
satisfying a predetermined relationship with the comparative symbol
rearranged to the second display region. The predetermined
relationship refers to "profit" and "means to obtain the profit"
such as "CASKET" and "KEY". Namely, since "KEY" can open "CASKET,"
the award is provided.
[0017] As above described, according to the slot machine, the award
is provided in the case that there is rearranged the first symbol
satisfying the predetermined relationship with the rearranged
comparative symbol, not in the case that a combination of symbols
is a predetermined combination or not in accordance with the number
of the scatter symbols. Namely, in the slot machine, the award is
provided in the case that the first symbol and the comparative
symbol, which have a relationship of "profit" and "means to obtain
the profit", are stop-displayed. Accordingly, the player can bring
up an image of opening "CASKET" with "KEY," for example, as a cause
of the award being provided, and the player can find the game
interesting. Further, according to the slot machine, the player
becomes interested in the figures themselves drawn as the symbols
and involved in a world of the slot machine. Consequently,
according to the slot machine, the player can play a game without
getting bored even after the long-time play of the game.
[0018] Further, the slot machine of the present invention is
desirably a slot machine wherein the processing (B) is a processing
of rearranging the comparative symbol to the second display region
after the first symbols are rearranged to the first display region
in the processing (A).
[0019] The comparative symbol is rearranged to the second display
region after the first symbols are rearranged to the first display
region. Therefore, the player's attention can be directed to the
second display region to see whether or not there is displayed to
the second display region the comparative symbol satisfying the
predetermined relationship with the first symbols rearranged to the
first display region.
[0020] Further, the player can be excited to see whether or not the
comparative symbol satisfying the predetermined relationship with
the first symbol is rearranged to the second display region after
the first symbols are rearranged to the first display region.
[0021] Furthermore, the slot machine of the present invention is
desirably a slot machine wherein the processing (D) is a processing
of providing the award, in the case of determining in the
processing (C) that the first symbol satisfying the predetermined
relationship is rearranged to the first display region, in
accordance with a number or a combination of the first symbols
satisfying the predetermined relationship with the comparative
symbol rearranged to the second display region in the processing
(B), among the first symbols rearranged to the first display region
in the processing (A), and a type of the comparative symbol
rearranged to the second display region in the processing (B).
[0022] The award is provided in accordance with the number or a
combination of the first symbols satisfying the predetermined
relationship with the comparative symbol rearranged to the second
display region, among all the first symbols rearranged to the first
display region, and a type of the comparative symbol rearranged to
the second display region.
[0023] Namely, the award is varied in accordance with the number or
the combination of the first symbols satisfying the predetermined
relationship with the comparative symbol. Further, the award is
varied in accordance with the type of the comparative symbol.
Therefore, according to the slot machine, there are a large number
of winning modes. As a result, various awards, in which the numbers
of game media to be paid out are wide-ranged, can be provided to
the player.
[0024] Moreover, the slot machine of the present invention is
desirably a slot machine wherein the first display region comprises
a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows, and arranges a
first symbol matrix thereto, the first symbol matrix being capable
of arranging a plurality of the first symbols thereto, and the
second display region comprises a single column and one or more
rows, and arranges a second symbol matrix thereto, the second
symbol matrix being capable of arranging a single or a plurality of
the comparative symbols thereto.
[0025] The first display region comprises a plurality of columns
and a plurality of rows and the second display region comprises a
single column and one or more rows.
[0026] The number of the comparative symbols to be rearranged to
the second display region is smaller than the number of the first
symbols to be rearranged to the first display region. Accordingly,
the player can recognize existence and importance of the
comparative symbol rearranged to the second display region.
[0027] Moreover, the present invention provides a control method of
the slot machine having the following structure.
[0028] Namely, the control method of a slot machine comprises the
step of: (A) rearranging first symbols to a first display region
included in a display installed in the slot machine, the first
display region arranging the first symbols thereto; (B) rearranging
a comparative symbol to be compared with the first symbols to a
second display region included in the display installed in the slot
machine, the second symbol display region arranging the comparative
symbol thereto; (C) determining whether or not a first symbol is
rearranged to the first display region in the step (A), the first
symbol satisfying a predetermined relationship with the comparative
symbol displayed to the second display region in the step (B); and
(D) providing an award in the case of determining in the step (C)
that the first symbol satisfying the predetermined relationship is
rearranged to the first display region.
[0029] According to the control method of the slot machine, there
are the first display region for rearranging the first symbols
thereto and the second display region for rearranging the second
symbols thereto in the display. To the first display region and to
the second display region, rearrangements of respective symbols are
conducted. Then, the award is provided in the case that there is
rearranged to the first display region the first symbol satisfying
the predetermined relationship with the comparative symbol
rearranged to the second display region. The predetermined
relationship refers to a relationship between "profit" and "means
to obtain the profit" such as "CASKET" and "KEY." Namely, since
"KEY" can open "CASKET," the award is provided.
[0030] As above described, according to the control method of the
slot machine, the award is provided in the case that there is
rearranged the first symbol satisfying the predetermined
relationship with the rearranged comparative symbol, not in the
case that a combination of symbols is a predetermined combination
or not in accordance with the number of the scatter symbols.
Namely, in the control method of the slot machine, the award is
provided in the case that the first symbol and the comparative
symbol, which have a relationship of "profit" and "means to obtain
the profit," are stop-displayed. Accordingly, the player can bring
up an image of opening "CASKET" with "KEY," for example, as a cause
of the award being provided, and the player can find the game
interesting. Further, according to the control method of the slot
machine, the player becomes interested in the figures themselves
drawn as the symbols and involved in a world of the slot machine.
Consequently, according to the slot machine, the player can play a
game without getting bored even after the long-time play of the
game.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] FIG. 1 is an exemplary view of first symbols and comparative
symbols arranged on a lower image display panel in a slot machine
according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of
the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating sequences of first
symbols and comparative symbols drawn on the outer peripheral
surfaces of respective reels.
[0034] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an internal
configuration of the slot machine illustrated in FIG. 2;
[0035] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a subroutine of a game
execution processing.
[0036] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating relationship between the
number of BETs and corresponding types of the first symbols to be
made effective.
[0037] FIGS. 7A to 7C are views illustrating exemplary images
displayed to an upper image display panel.
[0038] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a subroutine of a symbol
determination processing.
[0039] FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a subroutine of a reel
rotation control processing.
[0040] FIG. 10 is a view illustrating relationship between a
plurality of types of prizes and the corresponding numbers of coins
to be paid out.
[0041] FIGS. 11A to 11C are exemplary views of the first symbols
and the comparative symbols arranged on the lower image display
panel in the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the
present invention.
[0042] FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a subroutine of a bonus
game processing.
[0043] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of
a slot machine according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0044] FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of
a slot machine according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0045] FIG. 15 is an explanatory view of a symbol matrix.
[0046] FIG. 16 is a view illustrating a correspondence between a
winning combination and an award.
[0047] FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating a subroutine of a slot
game execution processing.
[0048] FIG. 18 is a flow chart illustrating a subroutine of a
symbol rearrangement processing.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0049] A present invention has a first embodiment and a second
embodiment. First, the first embodiment will be described.
First Embodiment
[0050] FIG. 1 is an exemplary view of first symbols and comparative
symbols arranged on a lower image display panel in a slot machine
according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0051] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of
the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0052] A slot machine 10 according to the present invention has a
lower image display panel 16 (display) and the lower image display
panel 16 includes a first display region 28A for arranging the
first symbols thereto and a second display region 28B for arranging
the comparative symbols, which are to be compared with the first
symbols, thereto. To the first display region 28A and to the second
display region 28B, the first symbols and the comparative symbols
are rearranged. Then, in the case that there is rearranged to the
first display region 28A a first symbol satisfying a predetermined
relationship with the comparative symbol rearranged to the second
display region 28B, a player wins the game and an award is
provided. Here, in the following, in the case that the first symbol
and the comparative symbol are not distinguished, they are simply
referred to as "symbol."
[0053] First, when a desired number of credits are BET by, for
example, inserting coins into a coin receiving slot 21 in the slot
machine 10, a first symbol of the type corresponding to the number
of BETs are made effective. For example, when the number of BETs is
1, "CASKET" is made effective, while when the number of BETs is 6,
"MINE" is made effective. In the first embodiment, "CASKET," "MINE"
and "FISH" are scatter symbols. Further, in the first embodiment, a
predetermined relationship refers to relationships of "MINE" and
"PICKX," "CASKET" and "KEY," and "FISH" and "BAIT".
[0054] When a spin button 23 is pressed in this state, reels 14
(14A, 14B, 14C, 14D and 14E) provided behind display windows 15
(15A, 15B, 15C, 15D and 15E) start rotating to start scrolling the
first symbols. Thereafter, the scrolling is stopped to stop
(rearrange) a total of 15 first symbols along five columns and
three rows. After the first symbols are stopped, reel 14F provided
behind a display window 15F on a front face of a cabinet 11 starts
rotating to start scrolling the comparative symbols. Thereafter,
the scrolling is stopped to stop (rearrange) three comparative
symbols.
[0055] FIG. 1 illustrates a state where three "CASKET", five "MINE"
and one "FISH" are stop-displayed to the reels 14A to 14E. Further,
a state where one "KEY" is stop-displayed to the reel 14F is also
illustrated.
[0056] The slot machine 10 counts the number of first symbols of
the effective type, which satisfy a predetermined relationship with
the comparative symbol stop-displayed to the reel 14F, displayed to
the reels 14A to 14E, and pays out a number of coins corresponding
to the number of counted effective symbols. For example, when the
number of BETs is one and "CASKET" is made effective, the slot
machine 10 pays out two coins, which corresponds to the display of
three "CASKET" (see FIG. 10).
[0057] Further, when the number of BETs is five and "MINE" is made
effective, the slot machine 10 does not pays out coins, since
"PICKAX", which is the comparative symbol satisfying a
predetermined relationship with "MINE", is not stop-displayed to
the reel 14F.
[0058] There has been described a case where a single type of the
first symbol corresponding to the number of BETs is made effective,
in the aforementioned example. However, the present invention is
not limited thereto, and the number of types of the first symbols
to be made effective can be increased with increasing number of
BETs. For example, when the number of BETs is one, "CASKET" may be
made effective, while when the number of BETs is two, "CASKET" and
"MINE" may be made effective.
[0059] While there has been described a case where the first
symbols and the comparative symbols are displayed to the first
symbol display region 28A and to the second display region 28B
included in the lower image display panel 16 (display) in the
aforementioned example, the present invention is not limited
thereto, provided that symbols are displayed (arranged) to the
display. Further, while there has been described a case where a
total of 15 first symbols along five columns and three rows are
displayed in the first display region 28A in the aforementioned
example, the present invention is not limited to the case where the
first symbols are displayed along five columns and three rows.
[0060] Further, while there has been described a case where three
comparative symbols are displayed to the second display region 28B
in the aforementioned example, the number of the comparative
symbols displayed in the present invention is not limited to
three.
[0061] Further, while there has been described a case where the
mechanical reels 14 are used to arrange the first symbols and the
comparative symbols in the aforementioned example, a liquid crystal
display device or the like can be also used to arrange the first
symbols and the comparative symbols, in the present invention.
[0062] Also, in the case of using a liquid crystal display device,
for example, symbols may be displayed thereto in such a manner that
they are scrolled in the upward or downward direction along the
respective columns or individual symbols may be alternately
displayed thereto.
[0063] In the above example, there has been described a case where
there are three types of combinations of the first symbols and the
comparative symbols, which have a predetermined relationship.
Namely, three types of the first symbols, "MINE", "CASKET", and
"FISH", out of the first symbols, respectively have the
corresponding comparative symbols having predetermined
relationships therewith, while the other first symbols does not
have the corresponding comparative symbols having predetermined
relationships therewith. However, the present invention is not
limited thereto, and the number of the combinations of the first
symbols and the comparative symbols, which have a predetermined
relationship, is not particularly limited. For example, each first
symbol may certainly have the corresponding comparative symbol
having a predetermined relationship therewith.
[0064] Next, there will be described configuration of the slot
machine 10.
[0065] In the slot machine 10, a coin, a bill or an electronic
valuable information corresponding thereto is used as a game
medium. In the present invention, however, the game medium is not
particularly limited, and examples thereof may include a medal, a
token, an electronic money and a ticket. The ticket is not
particularly limited and may include, for example, a ticket with a
barcode as described later, and the like.
[0066] The slot machine 10 includes: a cabinet 11; a top box 12
placed on the upper side of the cabinet 11; and a main door 13
provided at the front face of the cabinet 11. Inside the cabinet
11, six reels 14 (14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E and 14F) are rotatably
installed. Twenty two designs (hereinafter, also referred to as
symbols) are drawn as symbol sequences on the outer peripheral
surface of each of the reels 14.
[0067] The lower image display panel 16 as a display is provided on
the main door 13 in front of the reels 14. The lower image display
panel 16 includes a transparent liquid crystal display panel which,
during games, displays various types of information and effect
images and the like relating to the games. In the lower image
display panel 16, there are provided a number-of-credits display
section 31 and a number-of-payouts display section 32. The
number-of-credits display section 31 displays an image indicating
the number of credited coins. The number-of-payouts display section
32 displays an image indicating the number of coins to be paid out
in the event that a predetermined number or more of the first
symbols of the effective type are stop-displayed to the symbol
display region 28.
[0068] At the center portion of the lower image display panel 16,
there is provided the symbol display region 28 (first display
region 28A, second display region 28B) for displaying symbols
thereto. Provided on the symbol display region 28 are the six
display windows 15 (15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E and 15F) through which
a rear side of the symbol display region 28 can be seen. Three of
the symbols drawn on an outer peripheral surface of each of the
reels 14 are respectively displayed through the corresponding
display windows 15.
[0069] A touch panel 69, which is not shown in the figure, is
provided on the front face of the lower image display panel 16 and
the player can input various kinds of commands by operating the
touch panel 69.
[0070] Provided below the lower image display panel 16 are: a
control panel 20 comprising a plurality of buttons 23 to 27, with
each of which a commands associated with the game progress are
inputted by the player; a coin receiving slot 21 accepting coins
into the cabinet 11; and a bill validator 22.
[0071] The control panel 20 is provided with: a spin button 23; a
change button 24; a CASHOUT button 25; a 1-BET button 26; and a
maximum BET button 27. The spin button 23 is used for inputting a
command to start rotating the reels 14. The change button 24 is
used in making a request of a staff in a recreation facility for
exchange. The CASHOUT button 25 is used for inputting a command to
pay out credited coins to a coin tray 18.
[0072] The 1-BET button 26 is used for inputting a command to bet
one coin on a game, out of the credited coins. The maximum BET
button 27 is used for inputting a command to bet the maximum number
of coins that can be bet on one game (10 coins in the first
embodiment), out of the credited coins.
[0073] In the present invention, insertion of a game medium means
that a game medium is bet on a game. For example, when coins
inserted into the coin receiving slot 21 are directly bet on a
game, insertion of coins into the coin receiving slot 21
corresponds to insertion of a game medium. However, when coins
inserted into the coin receiving slot 21 are temporarily credited,
and the credited coins are bet on a game by operating the 1-BET
button 26 or the maximum BET button 27, as in the first embodiment,
the bet of the credited coins on the game corresponds to insertion
of a game medium.
[0074] The bill validator 22 not only discriminates a regular bill
from a false bill, but also accepts the regular bill into the
cabinet 11. The bill validator 22 may be configured to be capable
of reading a later-described ticket 39 with a barcode. A belly
glass 34 on which characters and the like of the slot machine 10
are drawn is provided at the lower front of the main door 13, that
is, below the control panel 20.
[0075] On a front face of the top box 12, an upper image display
panel 33 is provided. The upper image display panel 33 includes a
liquid crystal display panel to display, for example, an image
representing introduction of the contents of the game and
explanation of a rule of the game. Further, the upper image display
panel 33 displays an image indicating the type of the first symbol
which is made effective according to the number of BETs (see FIGS.
7A to 7C).
[0076] A speaker 29 is provided in the top box 12. A ticket printer
35, a card reader 36, a data display 37 and a keypad 38 are
provided under the upper image display panel 33. The ticket printer
35 prints on a ticket a barcode as coded data of the number of
credits, a date, an identification number of the slot machine 10
and the like, and outputs a ticket as the ticket 39 with a barcode.
The player can have another slot machine read the ticket 39 with a
barcode to play a game thereon, or exchange at a predetermined
place (for example, at a cashier in the casino) in a recreation
facility the ticket 39 with a barcode with a bill or the like.
[0077] The card reader 36 reads data from a smart card and write
data into the smart card. The smart card is a card to be carried by
a player, and stores, for example, data to identify the player and
data on the history of the game played by the player. Data
corresponding to the coin, the bill or the credit may be stored in
the smart card. Further, a magnetic stripe card may be employed in
place of the smart card. The data display 37 includes a fluorescent
display and the like, and displays, for example, data read by the
card reader 36 or data inputted by the player via the keypad 38.
The keypad 38 is used for inputting a command and data to issue a
ticket and the like.
[0078] FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing sequences of the first
symbols and the comparative symbols drawn on the outer peripheral
surfaces of respective reels.
[0079] Twenty two first symbols are respectively drawn on the outer
peripheral surfaces of the reel 14A, the reel 14B, the reel 14C,
the reel 14D and the reel 14E. A sequence of the first symbols
drawn on the outer peripheral surface of each of the reels 14 is
different from one another. Each sequence of the first symbols is a
combination of the following symbols: "JACKPOT 7", "BLUE 7",
"BELL", "CHERRY", "FISH", "MINE", "CASKET" and "APPLE". Further, on
the outer peripheral surface of the reel 14F, twenty two
comparative symbols are drawn.
[0080] The sequence of the comparative symbols is a combination of
the following symbols: "JACKPOT 7", "BLUE 7", "BELL", "CHERRY",
"BAIT", "PICKAX", "KEY" and "APPLE".
[0081] The symbol "CASKET" is a bonus game trigger (a first symbol
which causes transition to a bonus game). When five or more
"CASKET" and one or more "KEY" are stop-displayed to the symbol
display region 28, a gaming state shifts to a bonus game. In the
first embodiment, a bonus game is a free game (a game that can be
played for a predetermined number of times without inserting coins
for BET).
[0082] When the spin button 23 is pressed after the 1-BET button 26
or the maximum-BET button 27 is pressed to start a game, the symbol
rows of the first symbols drawn on the respective reels 14A to 14E
are displayed to the display windows 15A to 15E in such a manner
that they are scrolled in a downward direction along with the
rotation of the reels 14A to 14E. After the elapse of a
predetermined time period, the symbol rows of the first symbols are
stop-displayed through the display windows 15A to 15E, along with
the stop of the rotation of the reels 14A to 14E. Further, when the
rotation of the reels 14A to 14E are stopped, the symbol row of the
comparative symbols drawn on the reel 14F are displayed in such a
manner that they are scrolled in a downward direction, to the
display window 15F. After the elapse of a predetermined time
period, the symbol row of the comparative symbols is stop-displayed
through the display window 15F along with the stop of the rotation
of the reel 14F.
[0083] In the first embodiment of the present invention, there has
been described a case where a scroll of the comparative symbols
drawn on the reel 14F is started after the first symbols drawn on
the respective reels 14A to 14E are rearranged. However, present
invention is not limited to this example, and the scrolls of the
first symbols and the comparative symbols maybe started at the same
time, and then the comparative symbols may be rearranged after the
first symbols are rearranged.
[0084] In the first embodiment of the present invention, symbols of
five types, "JACKPOT 7", "BLUE 7", "BELL", "CHERRY" and "APPLE",
are stop-displayed as the first symbols and also as the comparative
symbols. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and
for example, symbols stop-displayed as the first symbols and
symbols stop-displayed as the comparative symbols may be all
different from each other.
[0085] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the internal
configuration of the slot machine illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0086] A gaming board 50 includes: a CPU (Central Processing Unit)
51, a ROM 55 and a boot ROM 52, which are interconnected to one
another by an internal bus; a card slot 53S corresponding to a
memory card 53; an IC socket 54S corresponding to a GAL (Generic
Array Logic) 54.
[0087] The memory card 53 is a nonvolatile memory such as
CompactFlash (registered trademark) or the like, and stores a game
program. The game program contains a symbol determination program.
The symbol determination program is a program for determining
symbols (code Nos. corresponding to the symbols) on each of the
reels 14, which are to be stop-displayed to the symbol display
region 28.
[0088] The card slot 53S is configured to allow the memory card 53
to be inserted thereinto and ejected therefrom, and connected to a
motherboard 40 through an IDE bus. Therefore, a type and contents
of a game played in the slot machine 10 can be changed by ejecting
the memory card 53 from the card slot 53S, writing another game
program therein and then inserting the memory card 53 into the card
slot 53S. The game program includes a program relating to a
progress of the game. The game program further includes image data
and sound data to be outputted during the game.
[0089] The CPU 51, the ROM 55 and the boot ROM 52 interconnected to
one another by the internal bus are connected to the motherboard 40
through the PCI bus. The PCI bus not only conducts signal
transmission between the motherboard 40 and the gaming board 50,
but also supplies electric power to the gaming board 50 from the
motherboard 40.
[0090] The motherboard 40 is configured by using a commercially
available general-purpose motherboard-(a printed writing board on
which fundamental components of a personal computer are mounted),
and includes a main CPU 41, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, a RAM
(Random Access Memory) 43 and a communication interface 44. The
motherboard 40 corresponds to the controller in the present
invention.
[0091] The ROM 42 includes a memory device such as a flash memory,
and stores a program such as BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)
executed by the main CPU 41 and permanent data. When the BIOS is
executed by the main CPU 41, a processing for initializing a
predetermined peripheral devices is conducted, concurrently with
start of a processing for loading the game program stored in the
memory card 53 via the gaming board 50. In the present invention,
the ROM 42 may or may not be data rewritable one.
[0092] The RAM 43 stores data and a program to be used at the time
of operation of the main CPU 41. Further, RAM 43 can store a game
program.
[0093] The RAM 43 further stores data on the number of credits, the
number of coin-ins or coin-outs in a single game, and the like.
[0094] Both a body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60 and a door PCB
80, which will be described later, are connected to the motherboard
40 through respective USBs. A power supply unit 45 is also
connected to the motherboard 40.
[0095] An equipment and a device, which generate an input signal to
be inputted into the main CPU 41, and an equipment and a device, of
which operations are controlled by a control signal outputted from
the main CPU 41, are connected with the body PCB 60 and the door
PCB 80. The main CPU 41 executes the game program stored in the RAM
43 based on the input signal inputted into the main CPU 41, and
thereby conducts the predetermined arithmetic processing and stores
the result thereof into the RAM 43, or transmits a control signal
to each equipment and device as a processing for controlling each
equipment and device.
[0096] The body PCB 60 is connected with a lamp 30, a reel
controller 72, a hopper 66, a coin detecting section 67, a graphic
board 68, a speaker 29, a touch panel 69, a bill validator 22, a
ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a key switch 38S and a data
display 37. The lamp 30 is lighted in a predetermined pattern based
on a control signal outputted from the main CPU 41.
[0097] The sub CPU 61 included in the reel controller 72 controls
the rotation and stopping of the reels 14 (14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E
and 14F).
[0098] A motor driving circuit 62 equipped with FPGA (Field
Programmable Gate array) 63 and a driver 64 is connected with the
sub CPU 61. FPGA 63 is an electronic circuit such as LSI capable of
programming, and works as a control circuit of a stepping motor 70.
The driver 64 works as an amplifier circuit of a pulse to be
inputted into the stepping motor 70. The stepping motors 70 (70A,
70B, 70C, 70D, 70E and 70F) for rotating each of the reels 14 are
connected with the motor driving circuit 62. The stepping motor 70
is a 1-2 phase excitation type stepping motor.
[0099] An index detecting circuit 65 and a position change
detecting circuit 71 are connected with the sub CPU 61. The index
detecting circuit 65 detects positions (indexes described later) of
the rotating reels 14 and also detects an out-of-order state of the
reels 14.
[0100] The position change detecting circuit 71 detects a change of
stop positions of the reels 14 after the reels 14 stop rotating.
The position change detecting circuit 71 detects the change of stop
positions of the reels 14, for example, in a case where the stop
position is forcefully changed by a player so that the state of the
symbol arrangement becomes in a winning state, despite the fact
that the state of the symbol arrangement is not actually in a
winning state. The position change detecting circuit 71 is
configured to be capable of detecting the change of the stop
position of the reel 14 by, for example, detecting fins (not shown
in the figure) attached to the interior side of the reel 14 at a
predetermined interval.
[0101] The hopper 66 is installed in the cabinet 11 and pays out a
predetermined number of coins from a coin payout exit 19 to the
coin tray 18 based on a control signal outputted from the main CPU
41. A coin detecting section 67 is installed inside the coin payout
exit 19 and outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when
detecting payout of a predetermined number of coins from the coin
payout exit 19.
[0102] The graphic board 68 controls image display to the upper
image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16 as an
output device based on a control signal outputted from the main CPU
41. The number of credits stored in the RAM 43 is displayed to the
number-of-credits display section 31 of the lower image display
panel 16. The number of coin-out is displayed to the
number-of-payouts display section 32 of the lower image display
panel 16. The graphic board 68 includes a VDP (Video Display
Processor) for generating image data based on the control signal
outputted from the main CPU 41, a video RAM for temporarily storing
image data generated by the VDP, and the like. It is to be noted
that image data used in generating the image data by the VDP is
included in the game program, which is read from the memory card 53
and stored in the RAM 43.
[0103] The bill validator 22 not only discriminates a regular bill
from a false bill, but also accepts the regular bill into the
cabinet 11. The bill validator 22, when accepting the regular bill,
outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 based on a face amount
of the bill. The main CPU 41 stores in the RAM 43 the number of
credits corresponding to the amount of the bill transmitted by the
input signal.
[0104] The ticket printer 35, based on a control signal outputted
from the main CPU 41, prints on a ticket a barcode as coded data of
the number of credits stored in the RAM 43, a date, an
identification number of the slot machine 10, and the like, and
outputs the ticket as the ticket 39 with a barcode.
[0105] The card reader 36 reads data from the smart card and
transmits the data to the main CPU 41, and also writes data into
the smart card based on the control signal from the main CPU 41.
The key switch 38S is provided on the keypad 38, and outputs a
predetermined input signal to the main CPU 41 when the keypad 38 is
operated by the player. The data display 37 displays, based on the
control signal outputted from the main CPU 41, data read by the
card reader 36 and data inputted by the player via the keypad
38.
[0106] The control panel 20, a reverter 21S, a coin counter 21C and
a cold cathode tube 81 are connected with the door PCB 80. The
control panel 20 is provided with a spin switch 23S corresponding
to the spin button 23, a change switch 24S corresponding to the
change button 24, a CASHOUT switch 25S corresponding to the CASHOUT
button 25, a 1-BET switch 26S corresponding to the 1-BET button 26,
and a maximum BET switch 27S corresponding to the maximum BET
button 27. Each of the switches 23S to 27S outputs an input signal
to the main CPU 41 when each of the buttons 23 to 27 corresponding
thereto is operated by the player,.
[0107] The coin counter 21C is provided inside the coin receiving
slot 21, and discriminates a regular coin from a false coin
inserted by the player into the coin receiving slot 21. A coin
other than the regular coin is discharged from the coin payout exit
19. Further, the coin counter 21C outputs an input signal to the
main CPU 41 when detecting the regular coin.
[0108] The reverter 21S operates based on the control signal
outputted from the main CPU 41, and distributes coins recognized by
the coin counter 21C as the regular coins into a cash box (not
shown in the figure) or the hopper 66, which are installed in the
slot machine 10. In other words, when the hopper 66 is filled with
coins, the regular coins are distributed by the reverter 21S into
the cash box. On the other hand, when the hopper 66 is not filled
with coins, the regular coins are distributed to the hopper 66. The
cold cathode tube 81 functions as a backlight installed on the rear
face sides of the lower image display panel 16 and the upper image
display panel 33, and is lighted up based on the control signal
outputted from the main CPU 41.
[0109] Next, there will be described a processing conducted in the
slot machine 10.
[0110] The main CPU 41 reads and executes a game program to advance
a game.
[0111] FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a subroutine of a game
execution processing.
[0112] In the game execution processing, the main CPU 41 at first
determines whether or not a coin is BET (step S10). In the
processing, the main CPU.41 determines whether or not to have
received an input signal to be outputted from the 1-BET switch 26S
when the 1 BET button 25 is operated, or an input signal to be
outputted from the maximum BET switch 27S when the maximum BET
button 27 is operated. When determining that no coin is BET, the
main CPU 41 returns the processing to step S10.
[0113] On the other hand, when determining in step S10 that a coin
is BET, the main CPU 41 conducts a processing of subtraction on the
number of credits stored in the RAM 43 in accordance with the
number of BET coins (step S11). In a case where the number of BET
coins is larger than the number of credits stored in the RAM 43,
the main CPU 41 returns the processing to step S10 without
conducting subtraction on the number of credits stored in the RAM
43. In a case where the number of BET coins exceeds an upper limit
(10 coins in the first embodiment) that can be BET on one game, the
main CPU 41 returns the processing to step S10 without conducting
the processing of subtraction on the number of credits stored in
the RAM 43.
[0114] Next, the main CPU 41 (the effectiveness-setting controller)
makes effective a first symbol of a type corresponding to the
number of BETs and also make the upper image display panel 33
display an image indicating the first symbol made effective (step
S12).
[0115] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating relationship between the
number of BETs and corresponding types of the first symbols to be
made effective.
[0116] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the types of symbols to be made
effective are set in association with the number of BETs. For
example, a number of BETs of 1 is set in association with "CASKET",
a number of BETs of 2 is set also in association with "CASKET", and
a number of BETs of 5 is set in association with "MINE". In step
S12, the main CPU 41 makes "CASKET" effective in a case where a
single coin is BET or in a case where two coins are BET, while the
main CPU 41 makes "MINE" effective in a case where five coins are
BET.
[0117] FIGS. 7A to 7C are views illustrating exemplary images
displayed to the upper image display panel.
[0118] FIG. 7A illustrates an image displayed to the upper image
display panel 33 when no coin is BET, indicating that the symbol to
be made effective is varied according to the number of BETs.
[0119] FIG. 7B illustrates an image displayed to the upper image
display panel 33 when a single coin is BET, wherein "1 BET" and
"CASKET" are displayed in such a manner that they are
distinguishable from the others. More specifically, the part where
"1 BET" and "CASKET" are displayed have a background in a color
different from that of the other parts.
[0120] FIG. 7C illustrates an image displayed to the upper image
display panel 33 when two coins are BET, wherein "2 BET" and
"CASKET" are displayed in such a manner that they are
distinguishable from the others. More specifically, the part where
"2 BET" and "CASKET" are displayed have a background in a color
different from that of the others. While there has been described a
case where the upper image display panel 33 displays images
indicating the first symbols made effective in the present
embodiment, a table designating the correspondence between the
number of BETs and symbols to be made effective may be provided so
as to indicate the first symbol made effective by directing a back
light to the corresponding portion thereof in the present
invention.
[0121] Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the spin
button 23 is turned ON (step S13). In the processing, the main CPU
41 determines whether or not to have received an input signal
outputted from the spin switch 23S when the spin button 23 is
pressed. When determining that the spin button 23 is not turned ON,
the main CPU 41 returns the processing to step S10. It is to be
noted that in a case where the spin button is not turned ON (for
example, in a case where a command of terminating a game is
inputted without turning ON the spin button), the main CPU 41
cancels a result of the subtraction in step S11.
[0122] On the other hand, when determining in step S13 that the
spin button 23 is turned ON, the main CPU 41 conducts a symbol
determination processing (step S14). In the symbol determination
processing, the main CPU 41 executes a symbol determination program
stored in the RAM 43 to determine the code Nos. at the time of stop
of the respective reels 14. This processing will be described in
detail later with reference to FIG. 8. Further, in the first
embodiment, there will be described a case where the symbols to be
rearranged are determined by individually determining the types of
symbols to be stop-displayed to the respective reels 14. However,
in the present invention, for example, the symbols to be rearranged
may be determined by determining the number of symbols of the same
type to be displayed to the symbol display region (display) at
first and determining the symbols to be stop-displayed to the
respective reels based on the determined number.
[0123] Next, the main CPU 41 (the arrangement controller) conducts
a reel rotation control processing (step S15). This processing is a
processing to stop the rotation of the respective reels so that the
symbols determined in step S14 are stop-displayed, after starting
the rotation of the reels 14. This processing will be described in
detail later with reference to FIG. 9. At this time, in the case of
using a display device such as a liquid crystal display device,
instead of the reels, only the effective first symbols may be
displayed thereto, while the parts of the ineffective first symbols
may be displayed as blanks. By not displaying the first symbols
which are not relating to payout, it is possible to make the
effective first symbols easily viewable.
[0124] Then, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not any of
"BAIT", "PICKAX" and "KEY", out of the comparative symbols, is
stop-displayed in the second display area 28B (step S16). When
determining that such a comparative symbol is not stop-displayed,
the main CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S20. When determining
that such a comparative symbol is stop-displayed, the main CPU 41
shifts the processing to step S17.
[0125] Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a first
symbol satisfying a predetermined relationship with the comparative
symbol stop-displayed to the second display region 28B, is
stop-displayed to the first display region 28A (step S17). When
determining that such a first symbol is not stop-displayed, the
main CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S20. When determining
that such a first symbol is stop-displayed, the main CPU 41 shifts
the processing to step S18. Here, in the first embodiment, the
predetermined relationship refers to relationships of "MINE" and
"PICKAX", "CASKET" and "KEY", and "FISH" and "BAIT".
[0126] Then, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a prize is
established (step S18). When determining that a prize is not
established, the main CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S20.
When determining that a prize is established, the main CPU 41 (the
payout controller) conducts payout of a coin corresponding to the
number of coin-in and the prize (step S19). The determination
whether or not a prize is established will be described in detail
later with reference to FIG. 11. In a case where coins are
reserved, the main CPU 41 conducts a processing to add the number
of the coins to the number of credits stored in the RAM 43. On the
other hand, in a case where payout of a coin is conducted, the main
CPU 41 transmits a control signal to the hopper 66 and conducts
payout of a predetermined number of coins.
[0127] FIGS. 11(A) to 11(C) are exemplary views of the first
symbols and the comparative symbols arranged on the lower image
display panel in the slot machine according to the first embodiment
of the present invention.
[0128] As illustrated in FIG. 11(A), to the first display region
28A in the lower image display panel 16 (display), there are
displayed 15 first symbols including one "FISH."
[0129] Further, to the second display region 28B, "APPLE", "BAIT"
and "CHETTY" of the comparative symbols are displayed. Namely,
"BAIT" of the comparative symbol and "FISH" of the first symbol
satisfying a predetermined relationship with "BAIT" are displayed.
Here, even in the case that "FISH" is made effective in step S12,
payout of a coin is not conducted as only one "FISH" is displayed
(see FIG. 10).
[0130] As illustrated in FIG. 11(B), to the first display region
28A in the lower image display panel 16 (display), there are
displayed 15 first symbols including three "CASKET". Further, to
the second display region 28B, three comparative symbols including
one "KEY" are displayed. Namely, "KEY" of the comparative symbol
and "CASKET" of the first symbol satisfying a predetermined
relationship with "KEY", are displayed. Here, in the case that
"CASKET" is made effective in step S12, coins in number
corresponding to the prize for three "CASKET" are paid out (see
FIG. 10). Namely, when the number of BETs is one, two coins are
paid out. Further, when the number of BETs is two, four coins are
paid out. Furthermore, when the number of BETs is three, six coins
are paid out (see FIG. 10).
[0131] As illustrated in FIG. 11(C), to the first display region
28A in the lower image display panel 16 (display), there are
displayed 15 first symbols including five "MINE". Further, to the
second display region 28B, three comparative symbols including one
"PICKAX" are displayed. Namely, "PICKAX" of the comparative symbol
and "MINE" of the first symbol satisfying a predetermined
relationship with "PICKAX" are displayed. Here, in the case that
"MINE" is made effective in step S12, coins in number corresponding
to the prize for five "MINE", are paid out (see FIG. 10). Namely,
24 coins are paid out when the number of BETs is four, 30 coins are
paid out when the number of BETs is five (see FIG. 10), and
further, 60 coins are paid out when the number of BETs is six.
[0132] Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a bonus game
trigger is established, namely whether or not five or more "CASKET"
and one or more "KEY" are stop-displayed to the display windows 15
(step S20). When determining that a bonus game trigger is
established, the main CPU 41 reads, from the RAM 43, a program for
executing a bonus game and conducts a bonus game processing (step
S21). The bonus game processing will be described later in detail
with reference to FIG. 12.
[0133] When conducting step S21 or when determining that a prize is
not established (step S20:NO), the main CPU terminates the present
subroutine.
[0134] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a subroutine of a symbol
determination processing called and executed in step S14 of the
subroutine illustrated in FIG. 5. The processing is a processing
conducted by executing a symbol determination program stored in the
RAM 43 with the main CPU 41. The main CPU 41 executes a random
number generating program included in the symbol determination
program, and a random number value corresponding to each of the six
reels 14 is selected from the numerical value range of 0 to 255
(step S31). In the first embodiment, there will be described a case
where random numbers are generated on a program (a case where
so-called software random numbers are used). In the present
invention, however, a random number generator may be used, and
random numbers may be extracted therefrom (so-called hardware
random numbers may be used).
[0135] Next, the main CPU 41 determines, based on the selected six
random number values, code Nos. (see FIG. 3) for each of the reels
14 (step S32). The code Nos. of the reels 14 correspond to code
Nos. of the symbols stop-displayed on center portion of display
windows 15. The main CPU 41 determines code Nos. of the respective
reels 14 to determine a prize.
[0136] FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a subroutine of a reel
rotation control processing called and executed in step S15 of the
subroutine illustrated in FIG. 5. The processing is a processing of
stopping the rotation of each of the reels 14, after starting the
rotation of the reels 14, so that the symbol determined in step S14
of the subroutine illustrated in FIG. 5 is stop-displayed. First,
the main CPU 41 starts rotation of the reels 14A to 14E (step S41).
Next, the main CPU 41 stops the rotation of the reels 14A to 14E so
that the first symbols determined in step S14 of the subroutine
illustrated in FIG. 5 are stop-displayed (step S42).
[0137] Next, the main CPU 41 starts rotation of the reel 14F (step
S43). Then, the main CPU 41 stops the rotation of the reel 14F so
that the comparative symbol determined in step 14 of the subroutine
illustrated in FIG. 5 (step S44).
[0138] Hereinafter, there will be described prizes in the first
embodiment.
[0139] FIG. 10 is a view illustrating the relationship between a
plurality of types of prizes and the corresponding numbers of coins
to be paid out.
[0140] In the case that two or more first symbols of the effective
type are stop-displayed to the symbol display region 28 and the
comparative symbol satisfying a predetermined relationship with
such first symbols is stop-displayed to the symbol display region
28, coins in a corresponding number illustrated in FIG. 10 are paid
out. For example, two coins are paid out, in the case that the
number of BETs is one, "CASKET" is made effective, one "KEY" is
stop-displayed to the symbol display region 28 and three "CASKET"
are stop-displayed to the symbol display region 28. Further, coins
in number of 2.times.(n-2) are paid out, in the case that the
number of BETs is one, "CASKET" is made effective, one "KEY" is
stop-displayed to the symbol display region 28 and six or more
"CASKET" are stop-displayed to the symbol display region 28. In
this case, "n" is the number of "CASKET" stop-displayed to the
symbol display region 28.
[0141] Further, for example, the prize is not won and payout of a
coin is not conducted, in the case that the number of BETs is one,
"CASKET" is made effective, "KEY" is not stop-displayed to the
symbol display region 28 and three or more "CASKET" are
stop-displayed to the symbol display region 28.
[0142] Further, regardless of whether or not "CASKET" is made
effective, in the case that five or more "CASKET" are
stop-displayed and one or more "KEY" are stop-displayed, a bonus
game is generated. In a bonus game, a free game is conducted for a
predetermined number of times.
[0143] FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a subroutine of a bonus
game processing called and executed in step S21 of the subroutine
illustrated in FIG. 5. In the bonus game processing, firstly, the
main CPU 41 determines the number "T" of bonus games from 10 to 25
games, based on a random number value obtained by executing a
random number generation program included in the symbol
determination program stored in the RAM 43 (step S60). The main CPU
41 stores the number "T" of the determined bonus games as data in
the RAM 43.
[0144] Next, the main CPU 41 conducts a symbol determination
processing (step S61) and a reel rotation control processing (step
S63). The processing in steps S61 and S63 is a processing virtually
the same as the processing described with reference to FIG. 5.
Since the description of this processing has already been given,
description thereof is omitted here.
[0145] Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not any of
"BAIT", "PICKAX" and "KEY", out of the comparative symbols, is
stop-displayed to the second display region 28B (step S64). When
determining such a comparative symbol is not stop-displayed, the
main CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S68. When determining
that such a comparative symbol is stop-displayed, the main CPU 41
shifts the processing to step S65.
[0146] Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a first
symbol satisfying a predetermined relationship with the comparative
symbol stop-displayed to the second display region 28B is
stop-displayed to the first display region 28A (step S65) When
determining that such a first symbol is not stop-displayed, the
main CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S68. When determining
that such a first symbol is stop-displayed, the main CPU 41 shifts
the processing to step S66.
[0147] Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not any prize is
established (step S66). When determining that a prize is
established, the main CPU 41 pays out coins in number corresponding
to the number of inserted coins and the prize (step S67). This
processing is the same as the processing in step S19 which has been
already described and, therefore, description thereof is omitted
here.
[0148] After executing the processing in step S67 or in the case of
determining that a prize is not established in step S66, the main
CPU 41 determines whether or not a bonus game trigger is
established, that is, whether or not five or more "CASKET" and one
or more "KEY" are stop-displayed to the display windows 15 (step
S68). When determining that the bonus game trigger is established,
the number "t" of additional bonus games is determined (step S69)
and the determined number "t" of the additional bonus games is
added to the number "T" of the present bonus game (step S70). Thus,
when a bonus game is hit during the bonus game, a remaining number
of bonus games increases. More specifically, for example, in a case
where a gaming state shifts to 20 bonus games for the first time,
and hits 17 bonus games upon conducting 12 of the bonus games,
another 25 bonus games (20 bonus games-12 bonus games+17 bonus
games) are to be conducted.
[0149] In a case where a bonus game trigger is not established in
step S68 or the processing in step S70 is executed, the main CPU 41
reads the number "T" of the bonus games stored in the RAM 43 and
subtract one from the read number "T" of the bonus games. The
number "T" of the bonus games after the subtraction is again stored
in the RAM 43 (step S71).
[0150] Then, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the number
"T" of the bonus games reaches the number of games determined in
step S60 (step S72). More specifically, it is determined whether or
not the number "T" of the bonus games stored in the RAM 43 is 0,
and in the case that the number "T" of the bonus games is not 0,
that is, in the case of determining that the number of played bonus
games does not reach the number of games determined in step S60,
the main CPU 41 returns the process to step S61 and the
above-mentioned processing is repeated. On the other hand, in the
case that the number "T" of the bonus games is 0, that is, in the
case of determining that the number "T" of the-bonus games reaches
the number of games determined in step S60, the main CPU 41
terminates the present subroutine.
[0151] As above described, in the slot machine 10 and the control
method thereof according to the first embodiment, the lower image
display panel 16 (display) comprises the first display region 28A
for arranging the first symbols thereto and the second display
region 28B for arranging the comparative symbols thereto. Further,
with the control by the main CPU 41 (effectiveness-setting
controller), for example, "CASKET" is made effective when the
number of BETs is one, while "MINE" is made effective when the
number of BETs is five. Furthermore, with the control by the main
CPU 41 (arrangement controller), each symbol is rearranged in the
first display region 28A and in the second display region 28B. For
example, two coins are paid out in the case that the number of BETs
is one, "CASKET" is made effective, one "KEY" of the comparative
symbol satisfying the predetermined relationship with "CASKET" is
stop-displayed to the second display region 28B and three "CASKET"
of the first symbol are stop-displayed to the first display region
28A. Further, for example, payout of a coin is not conducted, in
the case that the number of BETs is one, "CASKET" is made
effective, "KEY" of the comparative symbol satisfying the
predetermined relationship with "CASKET" is not stop-displayed to
the second display region 28B and three "CASKET" of the first
symbol are stop-displayed to the first display region 28A.
[0152] As above described, in the slot machine 10 and the control
method thereof according to the first embodiment, an award is
provided, not in the case that a combination of the first symbols
is a predetermined combination nor in accordance with the number of
the scatter symbols, but in the case that the first symbols
satisfying a predetermined relationship with the rearranged
comparative symbols are rearranged. Namely, in the above slot
machine and the control method thereof, an award is provided in the
case that a first symbol and a comparative symbol, which have a
relationship of "profit" and "means to obtain the profit", are
stop-displayed. Accordingly, the player can bring up an image of
opening "CASKET" with "KEY", for example, as a cause of the award
being provided, and the player can find the game interesting.
Further, according to the above slot machine and the control method
thereof, the player becomes interested in the figures themselves
drawn as the symbols and involved in a world of the slot machine.
Consequently, according to the above slot machine and the control
method thereof, the player can play a game without getting bored
even after the long-time play of the game.
[0153] In the aforementioned example, there has been described a
case where a single type of the first symbols is made effective in
association with the number of BETs. However, in the present
invention, the number of types of the first symbols to be made
effective can be increased with increasing number of BETs, as
follows. For example, when the number of BETs is one, "CASKET" may
be made effective, while when the number of BETs is four, "CASKET"
and "MINE" may be made effective.
[0154] With the aforementioned configuration, as the number of BETs
is increased, the number of types of the first symbols to be made
effective is increased, and therefore, the probability of winning
of prizes is also increased. This can urge the player to consume a
greater number of coins and also can cause the player to have a
sense of expectation.
[0155] In the aforementioned example, there has been described a
case where an award is provided only when two or more first symbols
of the same type are rearranged and the comparative symbol
satisfying the predetermined relationship with such first symbols
is rearranged. In the present invention, however, an award may be
provided also in the case that two or more first symbols of the
same type are rearranged and the comparative symbol satisfying the
predetermined relationship with such first symbols is not
rearranged. Further, whether or not the comparative symbol
satisfying the predetermined relationship with such first symbols
is stop-displayed may cause a difference in an amount of awards.
For example, a greater amount of award may be provided in the case
that the comparative symbol is stop-displayed, compared to the case
where the comparative symbol is not stop-displayed.
[0156] In the aforementioned example, there has been described a
case where 6 mechanical reels 14 are used and three symbols are
displayed to each reel 14 to display a total of 18 symbols.
However, the present invention is not limited to the example, and
18 reels may be used and a single symbol may be displayed to each
reel.
[0157] Further, in the present invention, symbols may be displayed
to a display device such as a liquid crystal display device,
instead of the mechanical reel.
[0158] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of
a slot machine according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0159] A slot machine 200 has substantially the same appearance,
the same circuit structure and the like as those of the slot
machine 10, except that symbols are displayed to the lower image
display panel, and further, the flow chart thereof is also
substantially the same as that of the slot machine 10. Therefore,
the description thereof will be omitted except the description of
display of the symbols. Further, the components corresponding to
those of the slot machine 10 will be designated by the same
reference characters, in the following description.
[0160] In the lower image display panel 16 included in the slot
machine 200, there are provided first display regions 250 along
five columns and three rows and second display regions 260 along
one column and three rows, wherein a single symbol is displayed to
each symbol display region. In the case of such a configuration,
symbols may be displayed in a scrolling manner to the lower image
display panel 16, instead of using the reel rotation control with
the reel controller 72 (see FIG. 4). In the slot machine 200, the
ratio of symbols of the same type in the symbol rows (see FIG. 3)
maybe increased and the arrangement of the symbol rows may also be
changed, depending on the gaming state.
[0161] FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of
a slot machine according to another embodiment of the present
invention. A slot machine 300 has substantially the same
appearance, the same circuit structure and the like as those of the
slot machine 200 except the display region in the lower image
display panel, and further, the flow chart thereof is also
substantially the same as that of the slot machine 200. Therefore,
the description thereof will be omitted except the description of
the display region in the lower image display panel. Further, the
components corresponding to those of the slot machine 200 will be
designated by the same reference characters, in the following
description.
[0162] In the lower image display panel 16 included in the slot
machine 300, there are provided first display regions 350 along
five columns and five rows and second display regions 360 along one
column and five rows, wherein a single symbol is displayed to each
symbol display region.
[0163] In the following, there will be described a second
embodiment of the present invention.
Second Embodiment
[0164] FIG. 15 is an explanatory view of a symbol matrix.
[0165] FIG. 16 is a view illustrating a correspondence between a
winning combination and an award.
[0166] Here, a slot machine 400 in the second embodiment has
substantially the same appearance, the same circuit structure and
the like as those of the slot machine 300 except a condition for
providing an award. Therefore, the description of the same
configuration will be omitted. Further, the components
corresponding to those of the slot machine 300 will be designated
by the same reference characters, in the following description.
[0167] A symbol matrix SM (first symbol matrix SM1, second symbol
matrix SM2) illustrated in FIG. 15 is displayed to the lower image
display panel 16 included in the slot machine 400 of the present
invention. The first symbol matrix SM1 is displayed to the first
display regions 251 in the lower image display panel 16 and the
second symbol matrix SM2 is displayed to the second display regions
261 in the lower image display panel 16. The first symbol matrix
SM1 comprises a total of 25 first symbols along five rows and five
columns. The second symbol matrix SM2 comprises a total of five
comparative symbols along five rows and one column. In the first
symbol matrix SM1, 10 basic lines BL are set along respective rows
and columns. Here, in the present description, basic lines refer to
winning lines except cross lines. Further, two cross lines CL are
set to obliquely cross the first symbol matrix SM1. The winning
lines in the present invention includes the basic lines BL and the
cross lines CL. It is to be noted that the first symbol and the
comparative symbol in the second embodiment is the same as the
first symbol and the comparative symbol in the first
embodiment.
[0168] With regard to respective winning combinations,
"FISH.times.5", "MINE.times.5" and "CASKET.times.5", the numbers of
coin-outs per single inserted coin are respectively determined. As
the number of respective coin-outs, the different values are set in
the case that the above-mentioned winning combination of the first
symbols is established along the basic line and in the case that
the above-mentioned winning combination of the first symbols is
established along the cross line. The number of coin-outs in the
case that a winning combination of the first symbols is established
along the cross line is set to be 1.5 times greater than the number
of coin-outs in the case that the winning combination of the first
symbols is established along the basic line. It is to be noted that
a coin is not paid out in the case that only a winning combination
of the first symbols is established along the cross line or the
basic line in the second embodiment of the present invention. In
the second embodiment of the present invention, a coin is paid out
in the case that the comparative symbol satisfying the
predetermined relationship with the first symbols included in the
winning combination established along the cross line or the basic
line, is being displayed.
[0169] When a game starts, the basic lines BL are set and all the
first symbols included in the first symbol matrix SM1 start
scrolling. Subsequently, the first symbols are rearranged at four
corners of the first symbol matrix SM1. At this time, in the case
that the first symbols located at opposite corners are respectively
the same, the cross lines CL are set. Thereafter, the remaining
first symbols included in the first symbol matrix SM1 are
rearranged.
[0170] When the first symbols are rearranged, all the comparative
symbols included in the second symbol matrix SM2 start scrolling.
Then, all the comparative symbols included in the second symbol
matrix SM2 are rearranged.
[0171] An award is determined by the following equation (1).
Award=number of coin-out corresponding to winning
combination.times.number of coin-in (1)
[0172] In the aforementioned example, there has been described a
case where the display region is a symbol matrix. In the present
invention, however, the first symbols are not required to be
arranged in a matrix state to the display region. Provided that
four first symbols are arranged at four corners of the display
region, the other first symbols may be arranged at random to the
display region. Further, the display region may have a polygonal
shape with N angles (N is a natural number equal to or greater than
4). In this case, cross lines are set for the respective pairs of
the opposite corners of the polygonal shape with N angles.
[0173] Further, in the aforementioned example, there has been
described the first symbol matrix SM1 including a total of 25 first
symbols along five rows and five columns, however, the number of
the first symbols are not particularly limited. Further, as long as
the cross lines can be set, the numbers of the first symbols may be
different along the rows and along the columns. The shape, the type
and the number of the first symbols may be changed as appropriate.
Further, there has been described the second symbol matrix SM2
including a total of five comparative symbols along five rows and
one column, however, the number of the comparative symbols are not
particularly limited.
[0174] In the aforementioned example, there has been described a
case where the first symbols are rearranged at four corners of the
first symbol matrix SM1 first, and when the first symbols located
at opposite corners are of the same type, cross lines are set along
the opposite lines, and thereafter, the rest of the first symbols
are rearranged. In the present invention, however, the
rearrangement of the first symbols is not limited to this example.
For example, the rearrangement of all the first symbols may be
conducted at the same time, and then, when the award is determined,
the cross lines may be set on condition that the first symbols at
opposite corners are of the same type. Further, the cross lines may
be set at all times during the execution of the game. Furthermore,
regardless of the combinations of the first symbols at the opposite
corners, the cross lines may be set at a predetermined time cycle
or at every predetermined number of games.
[0175] In the aforementioned example, there has been described a
case where a setting condition of the cross lines is that the first
symbols at both ends of the respective diagonal lines of the first
symbol matrix SM1 are respectively the same. In the present
invention, however, the setting condition of the cross lines is not
limited to this example in the case that the cross lines are set
according to the combination of the first symbols on both ends of
the respective diagonal lines. Examples of the setting condition of
the cross lines may include the following conditions (I) to
(VI).
[0176] (I) The first symbols at both ends of at least one diagonal
line of the first symbol matrix SM1 are the same.
[0177] (II) The above condition (I) is satisfied and these first
symbols are predetermined first symbols.
[0178] (III) All the first symbols at both ends of two diagonal
lines of the first symbol matrix SM1 are the same.
[0179] (IV) The above condition (III) is satisfied and these first
symbols are predetermined first symbols.
[0180] (V) The first symbols at both ends of the respective
diagonal lines of the first symbol matrix SM1 are the same and each
of the first symbols is a predetermined first symbol.
[0181] (VI) The first symbols at both ends of the respective
diagonal lines of the first symbol matrix SM1 are the same and
respective combinations thereof are predetermined combinations.
[0182] Further, the cross lines may be set in the case that one of
the above-mentioned setting conditions of the cross lines is
satisfied and the number of BETs is more than a predetermined
number.
[0183] In the aforementioned example, while there has been
described a case where two cross lines are set when the setting
condition of the cross lines is satisfied, the number of cross
lines set when the setting condition of the cross lines are
satisfied is not particularly limited.
[0184] In the aforementioned example, while there has been
described a case where the winning lines are not set along diagonal
lines of the display regions when the setting condition of the
cross lines is not satisfied, the present invention is not limited
to this example. For example, basic lines may be set in advance
along the diagonal lines of the display regions and the basic lines
may be changed to the cross lines when the setting condition of the
cross lines is satisfied.
[0185] In the aforementioned example, there has been described a
case where basic lines are set in the same number regardless of the
number of BETs and an award for the establishment of a winning
combination is determined based on the number of coin-outs set for
the winning combination and the number of BETs.
[0186] However, the present invention is not limited to this
example, and for example, the number of basic lines may be changed
according to the number of BETs and the award for the establishment
of a winning combination may be the same regardless of the number
of BETs.
[0187] In the aforementioned example, there has been described a
case where scrolling of the comparative symbols are started after
the first symbols are rearranged. However, the present invention is
not limited to this example, and the scroll of the first symbols
and the comparative symbols may be started at the same time and the
comparative symbols may be rearranged after the first symbols are
rearranged.
[0188] In the aforementioned example, there has been described a
case where there are three types of combinations of the first
symbol and the comparative symbol in a predetermined relationship.
However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the
number of combinations of the first symbol and the comparative
symbol in a predetermined relationship is not particularly limited.
For example, with respect to each first symbol, there may be
certainly the comparative symbol in a predetermined relationship
therewith.
[0189] Next, there will be described a processing conducted in the
slot machine 400. The main CPU 41 reads and executes a game program
to advance a game.
[0190] FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating a subroutine of a slot
game execution processing.
[0191] In the slot game execution processing, the main CPU 41 at
first determines whether or not a coin is BET (step S100) In this
processing, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not to have
received an input signal outputted from the 1-BET switch 26S when
the 1-BET button 26 is operated, or an input signal outputted from
the maximum BET switch 27S when the maximum BET button 27 is
operated. When determining a coin is not BET, the main CPU 41
returns the processing to step S100.
[0192] On the other hand, when determining that a coin is BET in
step S100, the main CPU 41 conducts a processing of subtraction on
the number of credits stored in the RAM 43 in accordance with the
number of BET coins (step S101). Here, in a case where the number
of BET coins is larger than the number of credits stored in the RAM
43, the main CPU 41 returns the processing to step S100 without
conducting the processing of subtraction on the number of credits
stored in the RAM 43. Further, in a case where the number of BET
coins exceeds an upper limit (50 coins in the second embodiment)
that can be BET on one game, the main CPU 41 returns the processing
to step S100 without conducting the processing of subtraction on
the number of credits stored in the RAM 43.
[0193] Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the start
button 23 is turned ON (step S102). In the processing, the main CPU
41 determines whether or not to have received an input signal
outputted from the start switch 23S when the start button 23 is
pressed. When determining that the start button is not turned ON,
the main CPU 41 returns the processing to step S100. Here, in the
case that the start button 23 is not turned ON (for example, in a
case where a command of terminating a game is inputted without
turning ON the start button 23), the main CPU 41 cancels a result
of the subtraction in step S101.
[0194] On the other hand, when determining in step S102 that the
start button 23 is turned ON, the main CPU 41 conducts a symbol
rearrangement processing (step S103). Here, the symbol
rearrangement processing will be described.
[0195] FIG. 18 is a flow chart illustrating a subroutine of a
symbol rearrangement processing.
[0196] First, the main CPU 41 starts scrolling display of all the
first symbols included in the first symbol matrix SM1 in the lower
image display panel 16 (step S200). At this time, 10 basic lines BL
are set in the first symbol matrix regardless of the number of
BETs.
[0197] Next, the main CPU 41 rearranges the first symbols at both
ends of the respective diagonal lines in the first symbol matrix
SM1 (step S201). In the processing, the main CPU 41 determines the
types of four first symbols to be rearranged at both ends of the
respective diagonal lines. In determination of the first symbols to
be rearranged, the main CPU 41 may determine the first symbols to
be rearranged at both ends of the respective diagonal lines first
and then the remaining first symbols. Alternatively, after
determining all the first symbols, the main CPU 41 may rearrange
the first symbols at both ends of the respective diagonal lines
first and then the remaining first symbols.
[0198] Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the first
symbols at both ends of the respective diagonal lines are
respectively the same (step S 202). In the case that the first
symbols at both ends of the respective diagonal lines are
respectively the same, two cross lines CL are set along the
respective diagonal lines (step S203). When determining that the
first symbols at both ends are not respectively the same or when
executing the processing in step S203, the main CPU 41 conducts the
rearrangement of the remaining first symbols included in the first
symbol matrix SM1 (step S204).
[0199] Next, the main CPU 41 start scrolling display of all the
comparative symbols included in the second symbol matrix SM2 in the
lower image display panel 16 (step S205). Then, the main CPU 41
conducts rearrangement of the comparative symbols to the second
symbol matrix SM2 (step S201). Thereafter, the main CPU 41
terminates the present subroutine and returns the processing to the
subroutine shown in FIG. 17.
[0200] Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not any of
"BAIT", "PICKAX" and "KEY", out of the comparative symbols, is
stop-displayed to the second symbol matrix SM2 (step S104). When
determining that such a comparative symbol is not stop-displayed,
the main CPU 41 terminates the present subroutine. When determining
such a comparative symbol is stop-displayed, the main CPU 41 shifts
the processing to step S105.
[0201] Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a first
symbol satisfying a predetermined relationship with the comparative
symbol stop-displayed to the second symbol matrix SM2, is
stop-displayed to the first symbol matrix SM1 (step S105). When
determining that such a first symbol is not stop-displayed, the
main CPU 41 terminates the present subroutine. When determining
that such a first symbol is stop-displayed, the main CPU 41 shifts
the processing to step S106. Here, in the second embodiment, the
predetermined relationship refers to relationships of "MINE" and
"PICLAX", "CASKET" and "KEY", and "FISH" and "BAIT".
[0202] Then, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a prize is
established (step S106). Namely, the main CPU 41 determines whether
or not five first symbols satisfying the predetermined relationship
with the comparative symbol stop-displayed to the second symbol
matrix SM2, are stop-displayed along the winning line in the first
symbol matrix SM1. When determining that the prize is established,
the main CPU 41 (the payout controller) conducts payout of a coin
corresponding to the number of coin-in and the prize (step S107).
In a case where coins are reserved, the main CPU 41 conducts a
processing to add the number of the coins to the number of credits
stored in the RAM 43. On the other hand, in a case where payout of
a coin is conducted, the main CPU 41 transmits a control signal to
the hopper 66 and conducts payout of a predetermined number of
coins. When determining that the prize is not established in step
S106 or when conducting the processing in step S107, the main CPU
41 terminates the present subroutine.
[0203] As above described, in the slot machine 400 and the control
method thereof according to the second embodiment, there are
provided the first symbol matrix SM1 for arranging a total of 25
first symbols along five rows and five columns therein and the
second symbol matrix SM2 for arranging a total of five comparative
symbols along five rows and one column therein. The first symbol
matrix SM1 is provided with the lower image display panel 16 which
is capable of setting 12 winning lines including two cross lines
joining the opposite corners therein. Further, the slot machine 400
is provided with the main CPU 41. The main CPU 41 at first
rearranges the first symbols at both ends of the respective
diagonal lines of the first symbol matrix SM1, sets two cross lines
in the case that the first symbols at both ends are respectively
the same, and then, rearranges the remaining first symbols.
Thereafter, the main CPU 41 rearranges the comparative symbols in
the second symbol matrix SM2 in the lower image display panel 16.
The main CPU 41 conducts payout of a coin in the case that five
first symbols satisfying a predetermined relationship with the
comparative symbol stop-displayed to the second symbol matrix SM2,
are stop-displayed along the winning line in the first symbol
matrix SM1.
[0204] As above described, in the slot machine 400 and the control
method thereof according to the second embodiment, an award is
provided, not in the case that a combination of the first symbols
is a predetermined combination, but in the case that the first
symbols satisfying the predetermined relationship with the
stop-displayed comparative symbol are a predetermined combination.
Namely, in the above slot machine and the control method thereof,
the award is provided in the case that the first symbol and the
comparative symbol, which have a relationship of "profit" and
"means to obtain the profit", are stop-displayed. Accordingly, the
player can bring up an image of opening "CASKET" with "KEY", for
example, as a cause of the award being provided, and the player can
find the game interesting. Further, according to the above slot
machine and the control method thereof, the player becomes
interested in the figures themselves drawn as the symbols and
involved in a world of the slot machine. Consequently, according to
the above slot machine and the control method thereof, the player
can play a game without getting bored even after the long-time play
of the game.
[0205] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been
described with reference to embodiments thereof, these embodiments
merely illustrate concrete examples, not restrict the present
invention. The concrete structures of respective means and the like
can be designed and changed as required. Furthermore, there have
been merely described most preferable effects of the present
invention, as the effects of the present invention, in the
embodiments of the present invention. The effects of the present
invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of
the present invention.
[0206] Further, in the aforementioned detailed description,
characteristic portions have been mainly described, for ease of
understanding the present invention. The present invention is not
limited to the embodiments described in the aforementioned detailed
description, but can be also applied to other embodiments over a
wider range of applications. Further, the terms and phrases used in
the present specification have been used for clearly describing the
present invention, not for limiting the interpretation of the
present invention. Further, those skilled in the art will easily
conceive other structures, systems, methods and the like which are
included in the concept of the present invention, from the concept
of the present invention described in the present specification.
Accordingly, the description of the claims is intended to include
equivalent structures that fall within the technical scope of the
invention. Further, the abstract aims at enabling engineers and the
like who belong to the present technical field but are not familiar
with the patent office and public institutions, the patent, law
terms and technical terms to immediately understand the technical
content and the essence of the present application through brief
studies. Accordingly, the abstract is not intended to restrict the
scope of the invention which should be evaluated from the
description of the claims. It is desirable that literatures and the
like which have been already disclosed are sufficiently studied and
understood, in order to sufficiently understand the objects of the
present invention and the specific effects of the present
invention.
[0207] In the aforementioned detailed description, there have been
described processes to be executed by computers. The aforementioned
description and expressions have been described for the sake of
enabling those skilled in the art to understand the present
invention most effectively. In the present specification, each step
for deriving a single result should be understood to be
self-consistent processing. Further, each step includes
transmission, reception, recording and the like of electric or
magnetic signals. Although, in the processing at each step, such
signals have been expressed as bits, values, symbols, characters,
terms, numerical characters and the like, it should be noticed that
they have been merely used for convenience of description. Further,
although the processing at each step was described using
expressions common to human behaviors in some cases, the processes
described in the present specification are to be executed by
various types of devices, in principle. Further, other structures
required for conducting each step will be apparent from the
aforementioned description.
* * * * *