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.

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.

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.