U.S. patent application number 12/145909 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-10 for slot machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to ARUZE CORP.. Invention is credited to Hiroki SAITO.
Application Number | 20090227328 12/145909 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41054187 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090227328 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SAITO; Hiroki |
September 10, 2009 |
Slot Machine
Abstract
A slot machine according to the present invention includes a
symbol matrix display area, second reels having second symbols
arranged in a superimposed manner on first symbols of first reels,
and a processor for controlling rotation of the first and second
reels. The plurality of first reels each has an independent
rotation axis. Rotation axis of each second reel is positioned
closer to a rear side compared to that of each first reel when
viewed from the symbol matrix display area. The processor awards a
prize in the case where a combination of the first symbols of the
first reels rearranged in the symbol matrix display area and the
second symbols of the second reels rearranged in a superimposed
manner on the first symbols of the first reels is a winning
combination on an activated line in a column, row, or diagonal
direction.
Inventors: |
SAITO; Hiroki; (Tokyo,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NDQ&M WATCHSTONE LLP
1300 EYE STREET, NW, SUITE 1000 WEST TOWER
WASHINGTON
DC
20005
US
|
Assignee: |
ARUZE CORP.
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
41054187 |
Appl. No.: |
12/145909 |
Filed: |
June 25, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61033932 |
Mar 5, 2008 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3227 20130101;
G07F 17/3202 20130101; G07F 17/3213 20130101; G07F 17/3211
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A slot machine, comprising: a symbol matrix display area in
which a plurality of symbols are arranged in column and row
directions; a plurality of first reels provided corresponding to
individual fields of the symbol matrix display area, the first
reels having plural types of first symbols arranged thereon
respectively; a plurality of second reels each having a larger
diameter than that of each of the first reels, the plurality of
second reels being disposed at outer peripheral sides of the
plurality of first reels so as to enclose part of the plurality of
first reels provided in a column direction, the plurality of second
reels each having a plurality of second symbols arranged thereon,
the second symbols being arranged in a superimposed manner on the
first symbols on the first reels disposed in the symbol matrix
display area; a plurality of first motors for driving the plurality
of first reels, respectively, in a rotational manner; a second
motor for driving the second reels in a rotational manner; and a
processor for controlling rotation of the first and second reels by
controlling the first and second motors, wherein: the plurality of
first reels each have an independent rotation axis respectively;
the second reels each have a rotation axis positioned closer to a
rear side in comparison with that of each of the first reels when
viewed from the symbol matrix display area; and the processor is
programmed to: (a) control rotation of the plurality of first reels
to rearrange, in the symbol matrix display area, the first symbols
arranged on the first reels; (b) control rotation of the second
reels to rearrange, in the symbol matrix display area, the second
symbols arranged on the second reels, so as to superimpose the
second symbols arranged on the second reels on the first symbols
arranged on the first reels rearranged in the symbol matrix display
area; and (c) award a prize in the case where a combination of the
first symbols on the first reels rearranged in the symbol matrix
display area and the second symbols on the second reels rearranged
in a superimposed manner on the first symbols arranged on the first
reels is a winning combination on an activated line in a column,
row, or diagonal direction.
2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein: each of the
second symbols arranged on the second reel is set to a WILD symbol;
and the processor, in the itemized (c), awards a prize according to
a combination of the first symbols on the first reels disposed in
the symbol matrix display area and the plurality of WILD symbols
contiguously rearranged on any one of the second reels.
3. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein: the second reels
each are made up of a predetermined symbol and a blank symbol.
4. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein: the processor is
further programmed to: (d) execute a basic game; (e) execute a free
game in the case where a predetermined condition is met during the
basic game; and (f) execute processes in the itemized (a) to (c)
during the free game.
5. A slot machine, comprising: a symbol matrix display area in
which a plurality of symbols are arranged in column and row
directions; a plurality of first reels provided corresponding to
individual fields of the symbol matrix display area, the first
reels having plural types of first symbols arranged thereon
respectively, a plurality of second reels each having a larger
diameter than that of each of the first reels, the plurality of
second reels being disposed at outer peripheral sides of the
plurality of first reels so as to enclose part of the plurality of
first reels provided in a column direction, the plurality of second
reels each having a plurality of second symbols arranged thereon,
the second symbols being arranged in a superimposed manner on the
first symbols on the first reels disposed in the symbol matrix
display area; a plurality of first motors for driving the plurality
of first reels, respectively, in a rotational manner; a second
motor for driving the second reels in a rotational manner; and a
processor for controlling rotation of the first and second reels by
controlling the first and second motors, wherein: the plurality of
first reels each have an independent rotation axis respectively;
the second reels each have a rotation axis positioned closer to a
rear side compared to those of the first reels when viewed from the
symbol matrix display area; each of the second symbols arranged on
the second reels is set to a WILD symbol; and the processor is
programmed to: (a) control rotation of the plurality of first reels
to rearrange, in the symbol matrix display area, the first symbols
arranged on the first reels; (b) control rotation of the second
reels to rearrange, in the symbol matrix display area, the second
symbols arranged on the second reels so as to superimpose the
second symbols arranged on the second reels on the first symbols
arranged on the first reels rearranged in the symbol matrix display
area; and (c) award a prize in the case where a combination of the
first symbols on the first reels rearranged in the symbol matrix
display area and the WILD symbols on the second reels rearranged in
a superimposed manner on the first symbols arranged on the first
reels is a winning combination on an activated line in a column,
row, or diagonal direction.
6. The slot machine according to claim 5, wherein: the second reels
each are made up of a predetermined symbol and a blank symbol.
7. The slot machine according to claim 5, wherein: the processor is
further programed to: (d) execute a basic game; (e) execute a free
game in the case where a predetermined condition is met during the
basic game; and (f) execute processes in the itemized (a) to (c)
during the free game.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/033,932 filed on Mar. 5, 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.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In a conventional slot machine, when a player inserts a game
medium, such as a coin and a bill, in an insertion slot of a slot
machine and presses a SPIN button, a display provided on a front
face of a cabinet displays a plurality of symbols in a scrolling
manner. Then, scrolling of each of the symbols automatically
stops.
[0006] As such a slot machine, for example, as disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,093,102, a slot machine exists which employs a concept
of a winning line. In this concept, in case a combination of
symbols rearranged on a winning line is a predetermined winning
combination, a predetermined number of game media are paid out.
[0007] In addition, as such a slot machine, for example, as
disclosed in each of U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,999 and U.S. Patent
Publication No. 2002/0065124, a slot machine exists which provides
two types of payouts, including a payout determined by a
combination of symbols rearranged on a winning line and a payout
determined by a number of displayed scatter symbols.
[0008] In the above-described conventional slot machine, a position
of a winning line on which a winning combination is established or
a displaying position of a scatter symbol is not related to a
payout. Accordingly, a prolonged need exists for the advent of a
slot machine which is capable of offering new entertainability.
[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the
above-described circumstance. It is an object of the present
invention to provide a novel slot machine by enhancing
entertainability associated with rearrangement of the symbols.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] A first aspect of the present invention is a slot machine
including: a symbol matrix display area in which a plurality of
symbols are arranged in column and row directions; a plurality of
first reels provided corresponding to individual fields of the
symbol matrix display area, the first reels having plural types of
first symbols arranged thereon respectively; a plurality of second
reels each having a larger diameter than that of each of the first
reels, the plurality of second reels being disposed at outer
peripheral sides of the plurality of first reels so as to enclose
part of the plurality of first reels provided in a column
direction, the plurality of second reels each having a plurality of
second symbols arranged thereon, the second symbols being arranged
in a superimposed manner on the first symbols on the first reels
disposed in the symbol matrix display area; a plurality of first
motors for driving the plurality of first reels, respectively, in a
rotational manner; a second motor for driving the second reels in a
rotational manner; and a processor for controlling rotation of the
first and second reels by controlling the first and second motors.
The plurality of first reels each have an independent rotation axis
respectively. The second reels each have a rotation axis positioned
closer to a rear side in comparison with that of each of the first
reels when viewed from the symbol matrix display area. The
processor is programmed to: (a) control rotation of the plurality
of first reels to rearrange, in the symbol matrix display area, the
first symbols arranged on the first reels; (b) control rotation of
the second reels to rearrange, in the symbol matrix display area,
the second symbols arranged on the second reels so as to
superimpose the second symbols arranged on the second reels on the
first symbols arranged on the first reels rearranged in the symbol
matrix display area; and (c) award a prize in the case where a
combination of the first symbols on the first reels rearranged in
the symbol matrix display area and the second symbols on the second
reels rearranged in a superimposed manner on the first symbols on
the first reels is a winning combination on an activated line in a
column, row, or diagonal direction.
[0011] According to the first aspect of the present invention,
after the rearrangement of symbols, the symbols are further
rearranged in a superimposed manner on the rearranged symbols. For
example, in the case where the symbol "1Bar" is rearranged and then
the symbol "3Bar" is rearranged thereon in a superimposed manner, a
prize is to be awarded based on a payout corresponding to the
symbol "3Bar". Thus, the slot machine according to the first aspect
raises players' expectations for a payout, thereby enhancing
entertainability in rearrangement of symbols.
[0012] A second aspect of the present invention is a slot machine
constituted as set fourth below. In the first aspect, each of the
second symbols arranged on the second reel is set to a WILD symbol.
The processor, in the itemized (c), awards a prize according to a
combination of the first symbols on the first reels disposed in the
symbol matrix display area and the plurality of WILD symbols
contiguously rearranged on any one of the second reels.
[0013] According to the second aspect, after rearrangement of
symbols, symbols are further rearranged in a superimposed manner on
the rearranged symbols. For example, after rearrangement of the
symbols, the plurality of symbols "WILD" can be rearranged thereon
in a superimposed manner. Thus, the slot machine according to the
second aspect raises players' expectations for a payout
corresponding to the symbol "WILD", thereby enhancing
entertainability in rearrangement of symbols.
[0014] A third aspect of the present invention is a slot machine
constituted as set fourth below. In the first aspect, the second
reels each are made up of a predetermined symbol and a blank
symbol.
[0015] According to the third aspect, after rearrangement of
symbols, the symbols "WILD" are further rearranged in a
superimposed manner on the rearranged symbols. For example, after
rearrangement of symbols, the plurality of symbols "WILD" can be
rearranged thereon in a superimposed manner. In this manner, the
symbols "WILD" can be rearranged contiguously. Thus, the slot
machine according to the third aspect raises players' expectations
for a payout corresponding to the symbol "WILD", thereby enhancing
entertainability in rearrangement of symbols.
[0016] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a slot machine
constituted as set fourth below. In the first aspect, the processor
is further programmed to: (d) execute a basic game; (e) execute a
free game in the case where a predetermined condition is met during
the basic game; and (f) execute processes in the itemized (a) to
(c) during the free game.
[0017] According to the fourth aspect, after rearrangement of
symbols during the free game, the symbols "WILD" are further
rearranged in a superimposed manner on the rearranged symbols. For
example, after rearrangement of the symbols during the free game,
the plurality of symbols "WILD" can be rearranged thereon in a
superimposed manner. In this manner, players can visually recognize
the symbols "WILD" that are contiguously rearranged. Thus, the slot
machine according to the fourth aspect raises players' expectations
for the free game, thereby enhancing entertainability in
rearrangement of symbols.
[0018] A fifth aspect of the present invention is a slot machine
including; a symbol matrix display area in which a plurality of
symbols are arranged in column and row directions; a plurality of
first reels provided corresponding to individual fields of the
symbol matrix display area, the first reels having plural types of
first symbols arranged thereon respectively; a plurality of second
reels each having a larger diameter than that of each of the first
reels, the plurality of second reels being disposed at outer
peripheral sides of the plurality of first reels so as to enclose
part of the plurality of first reels provided in a column
direction, the plurality of second reels each having a plurality of
second symbols arranged thereon, the second symbols being arranged
in a superimposed manner on the first symbols on the first reels
disposed in the symbol matrix display area; a plurality of first
motors for driving the plurality of first reels, respectively, in a
rotational manner; a second motor for driving the second reels in a
rotational manner; and a processor for controlling rotation of the
first and second reels by controlling the first and second motors.
The plurality of first reels each have an independent rotation axis
respectively. The second reels each have a rotation axis positioned
closer to a rear side in comparison with that of each of the first
reels when viewed from the symbol matrix display area. Each of the
second symbols arranged on the second reels is set to a WILD
symbol. The processor is programmed to: (a) control rotation of the
plurality of first reels to rearrange the first symbols arranged on
the first reels, in the symbol matrix display area,; (b) control
rotation of the second reels to rearrange the second symbols
arranged on the second reels, in the symbol matrix display area, so
as to superimpose the second symbols arranged on the second reels
on the first symbols arranged on the first reels rearranged in the
symbol matrix display area; and (c) award a prize in the case where
a combination of the first symbols on the first reels rearranged in
the symbol matrix display area and the WILD symbols on the second
reels rearranged in a superimposed manner on the first symbols
arranged on the first reels is a winning combination on an
activated line in a column, row, or diagonal direction.
[0019] According to the fifth aspect, after rearrangement of
symbols, the symbols "WILD" are further rearranged on the
rearranged symbols in a superimposed manner. For example, in the
case where the symbol "1Bar" is rearranged and then the symbol
"WILD" is rearranged thereon in a superimposed manner, a prize is
to be awarded based on a payout corresponding to the symbol "WILD".
Thus, the slot machine according to the fifth aspect raises
players' expectations that the symbols "WILD" would be rearranged
on the activated line, thereby enhancing entertainability in
rearrangement of symbols.
[0020] A sixth aspect of the present invention is a slot machine
constituted as set fourth below. In the fifth aspect, the second
reels each are made up of a predetermined symbol and a blank
symbol.
[0021] According to the sixth aspect, after rearrangement of
symbols, the symbols "WILD" are further rearranged on the
rearranged symbols in a superimposed manner. For example, after
rearrangement of symbols, the plurality of symbols "WILD" is
further rearranged on the rearranged symbols other than the symbols
"WILD", in a superimposed manner. In this manner, players can
visually recognize the symbols "WILD" that are contiguously
rearranged. Thus, the slot machine according to the sixth aspect
raises players' expectations for a payout corresponding to the
symbol "WILD", thereby enhancing entertainability in rearrangement
of symbols.
[0022] A seventh aspect of the present invention is a slot machine
constituted as set fourth below. In the fifth aspect, the processor
is further programed to: (d) execute a basic game; (e) execute a
free game in the case where a predetermined condition is met during
the basic game; and (f) execute processes in the itemized (a) to
(c) during the free game.
[0023] According to the seventh aspect, the symbols "WILD" are
rearranged in a superimposed manner on the plurality of rearranged
symbols during the free game. Thus, the slot machine according to
the seventh aspect raises player's expectations that the symbols
"WILD" would be rearranged on the activated line during the free
game, thereby enhancing entertainability in rearrangement of
symbols during the free game.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is a view showing one example of symbol-rearrangement
according to a first embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a slot
machine according to the first embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a reel
according to the first embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a view showing an internal construction of the
slot machine shown in FIG. 2;
[0028] FIG. 5 is a view showing an internal construction of the
reel shown in FIG. 4;
[0029] FIG. 6A is a view showing a correspondence relationship
between various symbols and payouts at the time of a basic game
according to the first embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 6B is a view showing a correspondence relationship
between the various symbols and payouts at the time of the basic
game according to the first embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 7A is a view showing one example of an image displayed
in the slot machine shown in FIG. 2 according to the first
embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 7B is a view showing one example of an image displayed
in the slot machine shown in FIG. 2 according to the first
embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of main process
according to the first embodiment;
[0034] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a game
execution process according to the first embodiment;
[0035] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of symbol
rearrangement process according to the first embodiment;
[0036] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a game
execution process according to a second embodiment;
[0037] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a free game
execution process according to the second embodiment;
[0038] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a symbol
rearrangement process during the free game according to the second
embodiment; and
[0039] FIG. 14 is a view showing one example of an image displayed
during the free game in the slot machine shown in FIG. 2 according
to the second embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0040] First, a slot machine 10 according to a first embodiment
will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here,
the slot machine according to the first embodiment described below
is a so-called hybrid type slot machine, which has a transparent
liquid crystal panel allocated in front of a plurality of
mechanical reels supported in a rotatable manner, and executes a
game by displaying images of various symbols drawn on an outer
peripheral surface of the mechanical reels through the transparent
liquid crystal panel.
[0041] FIG. 1 is a view showing one example of rearranged symbols
according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a total of
fifteen reels 101a to 101o in five rows and three columns are
provided in a rotatable manner in a symbol display area 28. The
reels 101a to 101o form a double-layered structure with level-up
reels 102a to 102e that rotate outside the reels 101a to 101o. The
level-up reels 102a to 102e each having a larger diameter than
those of the reels 101a to 101o are disposed at outer peripheral
sides of the reels 101a to 101o. The level-up reels 102a to 102e
each disposed so as to enclose three of the reels 101a to 101o
provided in a column direction are provided with level-up symbols
(second symbols) 120 superimposed on symbols (first symbols)
arranged on the reels 101a to 101o. In the symbol display area 28,
eight basic lines BL are set along the column and row
directions.
[0042] In the embodiments of the present invention, in the symbol
display area 28, any of symbols "Blank", "1Bar", "2Bar, "3Bar",
"7", and "WILD" is rearranged on the reels 101a to 101o. Symbols
"Blank" or "WILD" are rearranged on the level-up reels 102a to 102e
disposed at outer peripheral sides of the reels 101a to 101o in the
column direction. A payout is awarded based on level-up symbols 120
rearranged in a superimposed manner on the above rearranged
symbols. In this case, the symbols "7" are rearranged on the reels
101a, 101d, 101g, 101j. The symbols "1Bar" are rearranged on the
reel 101b, 101f, 101h, 101l, 101o. The symbols "Blank" are
rearranged on the other reels. Next, when the level-up symbols 120
of "WILD" are rearranged in a superimposed manner on the reels
101a, 101b, 101c, 101h, 101i, 101m, 101n, by means of the level-up
reels 102a to 102e, a payout corresponding to the symbols
rearranged on the reels 101a, 101b, 101c, 101h, 101i, 101l, 101m,
101n, are determined based on the symbols "WILD".
[0043] FIG. 2 is a view schematically depicting a frame format of
an appearance of the slot machine according to the first
embodiment. The gaming media used in the slot machine 10 include
coins, bills, or electronic value information equivalent thereto.
In the present invention, however, the gaming media are not
limitative thereto in particular, and can include medals, tokens,
electric money, and tickets, for example. The above tickets are not
limitative in particular, and can include barcode-attached tickets
or the like, as described later, for example.
[0044] The slot machine 10 is provided with a cabinet 11, a top box
12 installed on an upper side of the cabinet 11, and a main door 13
provided on a front surface of the cabinet 11.
[0045] A lower image display panel 16 serving as a display device
is provided in front of the main door 13. The lower image display
panel 16 is provided with a liquid crystal panel to display various
types of information or images such as effect images during the
play of the game.
[0046] A symbol display area 28 for displaying symbols is provided
at the center of the lower image display panel 16. In the symbol
display area 28, nine display windows 103a to 103o are formed which
allow a rear side thereof to be visually recognized. As shown in
FIG. 3, fifteen reels 101a to 101o are rotatably provided. In
addition, the reels 101a to 101o form a double-layered structure
with the level-up reels 102a to 102e that rotate outside the reels
101a to 101o. The level-up reels 102a to 102e are each disposed so
as to enclose three of the reels 101a to 101o provided in the
column direction. The outside level-up reels 102a to 102e and the
inside rotational reels 101a to 101o have independent rotational
axes, respectively. The rotational axes of the level-up reels 102a
to 102e are positioned closer to a rear side compared to those of
the reels 101a to 101o when viewed from the symbol display area 28.
These axes are rotationally driven by means of separate motors. A
symbol line made up of the symbols "Blank", "1Bar", "2Bar", "3Bar",
"7", and "WILD" is drawn on the outer peripheral surface of each of
the reels 101a to 101o. On the other hand, a half periphery of each
of the level-up reels 102a to 102o is transparent so that the reels
101a to 101o can be visually recognized. The remaining half
perimeter has the level-up symbols made up of "Blank" and "WILD"
drawn thereon in a manner that the symbols drawn on the reels 101a
to 101o can be visually recognized.
[0047] In the lower image display panel 16, six basic lines BL are
set along the column or row directions of the symbol display area
28. The basic lines BL serving as the winning lines specify
combinations of symbols.
[0048] A credit amount display unit 31 of the lower image display
panel 16 displays the number of coins credited by way of an image.
A payout amount display unit 32 displays by way of an image the
number of coins to be paid if a predetermined combination of
symbols are rearranged on the winning line.
[0049] Provided on a lower side of the lower image display panel 16
are a control panel 20 having a plurality of buttons 23 to 27
through which command regarding the process of the game will be
input by a player, a coin receiving slot 21 for receiving coins
into the cabinet 11, and a bill validator 22.
[0050] On the control panel 20, a start button 23, a change button
24, a cashout button 25, a 1-BET button 26, and a max-BET button 27
are provided. The start button 23 is intended for entering a
command for starting the game. The change button 24 is intended for
use in asking an attendant of the gaming facility for change. The
cashout button 25 is intended for entering a command for paying the
credited coins to a coin tray 18 through a coin payout exit 19.
[0051] The 1-BET button 26 is intended for entering a command for
betting one coin among the credited coins on the game. The max-BET
button 27 is intended for entering a command for betting the upper
number (50 in this embodiment) of coins that can be bet per game
among the credited coins on the game.
[0052] The bill validator 22 validates whether or not a bill is
legitimate and accepts a legitimate bill into the cabinet 11. The
bill validator 22 may be configured so that a barcode-attached
ticket 39 described later is readable thereby. Provided on a lower
front surface of the main door 13, that is, at a lower part of the
control panel 20, is a berry glass 34 on which characters of the
slot machine 10 and the like are depicted.
[0053] On a front surface of the top box 12, an upper image display
panel 33 is provided. The upper image display panel 33 has a liquid
crystal panel, which displays images for introducing the game
contents or explaining game rules, for example.
[0054] Also, on the top box 12, a lamp 30 and a speaker 29 are
provided. On a lower side of the upper image display panel 33, a
ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a data display 37, and a key
pad 38 are provided. The ticket printer 35 prints on the ticket, a
barcode having encoded thereon data such as the credit amount, the
date and time, and the identification number of the slot machine
10, and outputs the printed ticket as the barcode-attached ticket
39. The player can play the game on another slot machine with the
barcode attached ticket 39 by causing this slot machine to read the
barcode attached ticket 39. Alternatively, the player can exchange
the barcode-attached ticket 39 with the bills or the like at a
predetermined place (at a cashier inside a casino, for example) of
the gaming facility.
[0055] The card reader 36 reads data from and write data into a
smart card. The smart card is to be owned by the player, which
stores data for identifying the player or data regarding the log of
games executed by the player, for example. The smart card may store
data corresponding to coins, bills, or a credit. As an alternative
of a smart card, a magnetic stripe card may be employed. The data
display 37 is made up of a fluorescent display and the like, and
displays the data read by the card reader or the data input by the
player through the key pad 38, for example. The key pad 38 inputs
data and commands regarding the ticket issuance or the like.
[0056] FIG. 4 is a block diagram depicting the internal
construction of the slot machine shown in FIG. 2. A gaming board 50
includes: a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a ROM (Read Only
Memory) 55 and a boot ROM 52 interconnected by an internal bus; a
card slot 53S corresponding to a memory card 53; and an IC socket
54S corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 54.
[0057] A memory card 53 is composed of a non-volatile memory, such
as CompactFlash (registered trademark), and stores a game program.
The game program includes a symbol selection program. The symbol
selection program is intended for determining symbols to be
rearranged in the display windows 103a to 103o inside the symbol
display area 28. The symbol selection program includes symbol
weighing data corresponding to each of a plurality of kinds of
payout ratios (for example, 80%, 84%, and 88%). The symbol weighing
data is indicative of the correspondence relationship between a
code number of each of symbols and level-up symbols, and one or
more random number values which come under a predetermined
numerical range (0 to 256), with respect to each of the reels 101a
to 101o and the level-up reels 102a to 102e. The payout ratio is
determined according to the payout-ratio setting data output from
the GAL 54. The symbols to be stopped and displayed are determined
depending upon the symbol weighing data corresponding to this
payout ratio.
[0058] Also, the card slot 53S is configured to allow the memory
card 53 to be inserted thereinto or ejected therefrom, and is
connected to a motherboard 40. Accordingly, the memory card 53 can
be ejected from the card slot 53S, other game programs and other
game system programs can then be written into the memory card 53,
and further, the memory card 53 can be inserted into the card slot
53S, thereby allowing the player to change the types and contents
of games executed in the slot machine 10. The game program includes
a program related to a game progress. Furthermore, the game program
includes image data or sound data to be output during the game. The
image data include, for example, image data indicative of the
symbol matrix.
[0059] The GAL 54 is a type of a PLD having a fixed OR array
structure. The GAL 54 includes plural input ports and plural output
ports. Where predetermined data is input to the input port, the GAL
54 outputs data corresponding to the aforementioned data from the
output port. The data output from this output port is equivalent to
the aforementioned payout-ratio setting data. Further, the IC
socket 54S is configured to allow the GAL 54 to be attached thereto
and detached therefrom, and is connected to the motherboard 40 by a
PCI bus. Accordingly, the GAL can be replaced with the replacement
GAL 54 to change the payout-ratio setting data.
[0060] The CPU 51, the ROM 55, and the boot ROM 52 interconnected
by the internal bus are connected to the motherboard 40 by the PCI
bus. The PCI bus serves to transmit signals between the motherboard
40 and the gaming board 50 and supply power from the motherboard 40
to the gaming board 50.
[0061] The motherboard 40 is constructed using a general-purpose
motherboard commercially available (a printed circuit board on
which essential parts 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.
[0062] The ROM 42 is made up of a memory device such as a flash
memory and stores thereon 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, processing of
initializing predetermined peripheral devices is carried out and
processing of capturing game programs and game system programs
stored in the memory card 53 through the gaming board 50 is
started. In the present invention, the contents of the ROM 42 may
be rewritable or not.
[0063] The RAM 43 stores data and a program used when the main CPU
41 is activated. The RAM 43 can also store game programs. The RAM
43 further stores data concerning the credit amount, the number of
coin-in or coin-out for one game, and the like.
[0064] Both a main body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60 and a door
PCB 80, which will be described later, are connected to the
motherboard 40 by USB. A power supply unit 45 is also connected to
the motherboard 40.
[0065] Connected to the main body PCB 60 and the door PCB 80 are:
equipment and devices which generate input signals to be input to
the main CPU 41; and equipment and devices of which operations are
controlled by a control signal output from the main CPU 41. The
main CPU 41 executes a game program stored in the RAM 43 based on
an input signal having been input to the main CPU 41 and performs a
predetermined computational process, thereby storing results
thereof in the RAM 43 or transmitting a control signal to each of
equipment and devices as a control process therefor.
[0066] Connected to the main body PCB 60 are 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 illuminates in a predetermined pattern,
based on a control signal output from a main CPU 41.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 5, a sub CPU 61 included in the reel
controller 72 controls rotation and stop of the reels 101a to 101o
and the level-up reels 102a to 102e. A motor driving circuit 62
including an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) 63 and a driver
64 are connected to the sub CPU 61. The FPGA 63 is an electronic
circuit, such as a programmable LSI, and functions as a control
circuit of stepping motors 70 and 71. The driver 64 functions as an
amplifier circuit of a pulse input to the stepping motors 70 and
71. The motor driving circuit 62 is connected to stepping motors
70a to 70o that rotate the reels 101a to 101p, respectively, and
stepping motors 90a to 90e that rotate the level-up reels 102a to
102e, respectively. The stepping motors 70 and 90 are stepping
motors of one-two phase excitation mode.
[0068] In addition, an index detection circuit 65 and a position
change detection circuit 71 are connected to the sub CPU 61. The
index detection circuit 65 detects positions (indices described
later) of the reels 101a to 101o and the level-up reels 102a to
102e being rotated. Further, the index detection circuit 65 can
detect loss of synchronization between the reels 101a to 101o and
the level-up reels 102a to 102e.
[0069] The position change detection circuit 71 detects change of
positions where the reels 101a to 101o and the level-up reels 102a
to 102e stop after rotation. For example, the position change
detection circuit 71 detects change of positions where the reels
101a to 101o and the level-up reels 102a to 102e are stopped, in
the case where a player forcibly changes the positions which
actually do not result in a winning combination, to the positions
corresponding to a winning combination. The position change
detection circuit 71 is constituted so as to detect change of the
positions of the reels 101a to 101o and the level-up reels 102a to
102e by detecting, for example, fins (not shown) mounted at
predetermined intervals to an inner part of the reels 101a to 101o
and the level-up reels 102a to 102e.
[0070] The hopper 66 is installed in the cabinet 11 and pays out a
predetermined number of coins from the coin payout exit 19 to the
coin tray 18 based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41.
The coin detecting section 67 is installed inside the coin payout
exit 19 and outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 upon
detecting that a predetermined number of coins have been paid out
from the coin payout exit 19.
[0071] The graphic board 68 controls, based on a control signal
output from the main CPU 41, images to be displayed on the upper
image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16. The
credit amount stored in the RAM 43 is displayed on a credit amount
display section (not shown) of the lower image display panel 16.
The number of coins to be paid out is displayed at a payout amount
display section (not shown) of the lower image display panel 16.
The graphic board 68 is equipped with a VDP (Video Display
Processor) which generates image data based on a control signal
output from the main CPU 41 and a video RAM which temporarily
stores image data generated by the VDP, and the like. The image
data used in generating image data with VDP is contained in the
game program read from the memory card 53 and stored in the RAM
43.
[0072] The bill validator 22 validates whether or not a bill is
legitimate and accepts a legitimate bill into the cabinet 11. Upon
accepting a legitimate bill, the bill validator 22 outputs an input
signal to the main CPU 41 based on the amount of the bill. The main
CPU 41 stores in the RAM 43 the credit amount corresponding to the
amount of bills transmitted by the input signal.
[0073] Based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41, the
ticket printer 35 prints on a ticket a barcode having encoded
thereon data such as the credit amount, data and time, and the
identification number of the slot machine 10 stored in the RAM 43.
Further, this printer outputs the printed ticket as a
barcode-attached ticket 39. The card reader 36 transmits to the
main CPU 41 the data read from the smart card and writes the read
data onto the smart card, based on a control signal from the main
CPU 41. The key pad switch 38S is provided on the key pad 38, and
outputs a predetermined input signal to the main CPU 41 when the
player operates the key pad 38. The data display 37, based on a
control signal output from the main CPU 41, displays the data read
by the card reader 36 and the data input by the player through the
key pad 38.
[0074] A control panel 20, a reverter 21S, a coin counter 21C, and
a cold cathode tube 81 are connected to a door PCB 80. The control
panel 20 is provided with: a start switch 23S corresponding to the
start button 23; a change switch 24S corresponding to the change
button 24; a cashout switch 25S corresponding to a cashout button
25; a 1-BET switch 26S corresponding to a 1-BET button 26; and a
max-BET switch 27S corresponding to the max BET button 27. When the
player operates the buttons 23 to 27, the corresponding switches
23S to 27S output input-signals to the main CPU 41,
respectively.
[0075] The coin counter 21C is provided inside the coin receiving
slot 21, and validates whether or not a legitimate coin is inserted
into the coin receiving slot 21. Those other than the legitimate
coins are discharged from the coin payout exit 19. The coin counter
21C outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when a legitimate
coin is detected.
[0076] The reverter 21S operates based on a control signal output
from the main CPU 41 and distributes coins recognized as being
legitimate by the coin counter 21C into a cash box (not shown in
the drawings) or the hopper 66 which is arranged in the slot
machine 10. In other words, when the hopper 66 is filled with
coins, legitimate coins are distributed by the reverter 21S into
the cash box. On the other hand, when the hopper 66 is not filled
with coins, legitimate coins are distributed into the hopper 66. A
cold cathode tube 81 functions as a backlight installed on rear
face side of each of the lower image display panel 16 and the upper
image display panel 33, and is lit up based on a control signal
output from the main CPU 41.
[0077] FIG. 6 is a view showing a correspondence relationship
between each of various symbols and payouts. A table indicative of
this correspondence relationship between various types of symbols
and payouts is stored in the ROM 42 and is used to determine the
payout. As shown in FIG. 6A, where a predetermined symbol is
rearranged on a winning line on which the player has bet, LIN
payout is determined based on a winning combination. Furthermore,
where the predetermined number of identical symbols are rearranged
in the symbol display area 28, as shown in FIG. 6B, ANY payment is
determined based on a winning combination. The LIN payout is
obtained in the case where a winning combination appears as one of
the combinations of symbols "7-7-7", "3Bar-3Bar-3Bar",
"2Bar-2Bar-2Bar", and "1Bar-1Bar-1Bar" on the basic line BL as the
winning lines set in symbol display area. The ANY payout is
obtained according to the number of symbols, "WILD", "7", "3Bar",
"2Bar", and "1Bar", which are rearranged in the symbol display area
28.
[0078] FIGS. 7A and 7B are views each showing one example of an
image displayed in the slot machine shown in FIG. 2 according to
the first embodiment. FIG. 7A is a view showing one example of
symbol rearrangement according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7B is
a view showing one example of level-up symbol rearrangement
according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7A, the lower
image display panel 16 is made up of display-related sections such
as a display area section 92, an information display section 93,
and an effect image display section 94. The display area section 92
is for displaying a symbol matrix SM. In addition, the information
display section 93 is arranged above the display area section 92.
This display section is made up of a credit amount display section
93a, a BET amount display section 93b, a character information
display portion 93c, a PAID amount display section 93d, and a
charge display section 93e.
[0079] The number of coins presently credited is displayed at the
credit amount display section 93a while the number of coins bet in
one game is displayed at the BET amount display section 93b. The
character information indicative of a current status of the game is
displayed at the character information display section 93. The
characters of "PLAYNOW" are displayed during the play of the game,
whereas the characters of "GAMEOVER" are displayed at the intervals
between the plays of the game. The number of coins that has been
successfully obtained in one game is displayed at the PAID amount
display section 93d, whereas a conversion value of the credit
amount based on a predetermined charge is displayed at the charge
display section.
[0080] At the effect image display section 94, effect images in
accordance with a type of the present slot game are displayed.
Therefore, the effect image display section 94 displays effects
images which are different depending on the basic and free
games.
[0081] In the symbol display area 28 of the lower image display
panel 16, when the reels 101a to 101o are stopped, a total of
fifteen symbols in three rows and five columns are rearranged in
the display window 103. In the display window 103, any of the
symbols "Blank", "1Bar", "2Bar", "3Bar", "7", and "WILD" is
rearranged. In this case, when the reels 101a to 101o are stopped,
the symbols "7" are rearranged in the reels 101a, 101d, 101g, 101j;
the symbols "1Bar" are rearranged in the reels 101b, 101f, 101h,
101l, 101o; and the symbols "Blank" are rearranged in the other
reels.
[0082] As shown in FIG. 7B, after any of the symbols "Blank",
"1Bar", "2Bar", "3Bar", "7", and "WILD" is rearranged in the
display windows 103 inside the symbol display area 28 of the lower
image display panel 16, the level-up reel 102a to 102e are stopped,
and then, the level-up symbols 120 are rearranged. In this case,
when the level-up symbol 120 of "WILD" are rearranged in a
superimposed manner on the reels 101a, 101b, 101c, 101h, 101i,
101m, 101n, a payment is determined for the symbols rearranged on
the reels 101a, 101b, 101c, 101h, 101i, 101m, and 101n, based on
the symbols "WILD", so that a prize is awarded.
[0083] Next, a process executed in the slot machine 10 according to
the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to
the accompanying drawings. The main CPU 41 reads out and executes a
game program, thereby conducting the game.
[0084] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a main
process. In the main process, when a power switch is turned on
(that is, when power is supplied) first, a motherboard 40 and a
gaming board 50 are activated respectively, and then, the CPU 51
executes an initial setting process (step S101). In the initial
setting process, the main CPU 41 executes a BIOS stored in the ROM
42 to decompress the compressed data incorporated in the BIOS to
the RAM 43, and executes the BIOS decompressed in the RAM 43, and
performs diagnosis and initialization of each of the peripheral
devices. Further, the main CPU 41 writes game programs or the like
from the ROM 42 into the RAM 43, and acquires payout-ratio setting
data and country-identification information. The main CPU 41 also
performs an authentication process for each program during
execution of the initial setting process.
[0085] Next, the main CPU 41 performs a game execution process
described later with reference to FIG. 9 (step S102). In the game
execution process, the main CPU 41 sequentially reads and executes
game programs or the like from the ROM 42. By performing the game
execution process, the slot machine 10 executes the game according
to the first embodiment. The game execution process is repeatedly
performed while power is supplied to the slot machine 10.
[0086] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the game
execution process invoked and performed at step S102 of the
subroutine shown in FIG. 8. First, the main CPU 41 judges whether
or not a coin has been bet (step S201). Specifically, the main CPU
41 judges whether an input signal output from the 1-BET switch 26S
at the time of operation of the 1-BET button 26 has been received
or whether an input signal output from the max BET switch 27S at
the time of operation of the max BET switch 27S has been received.
The main CPU 41 controls the current step to return to the process
at the step S201 upon judging that no coin has been bet (step S201:
NO).
[0087] On the other hand, the main CPU 41 subtracts the number of
bet coins from the credit amount stored in the RAM 43 upon judging
that a coin has been bet (step S201: YES). Where the number of bet
coins is larger than the credit amount stored in the RAM 43, the
main CPU 41 controls the current step to return to step S201
without performing the process for subtracting (step S202) the
number of bet coins from the credit number stored in the RAM 43.
Where the number of bet coins exceeds the upper limit (50 coins in
this embodiment) of coins that can be bet in one game, the main CPU
41 controls the step to return to step 203 without performing the
process for subtracting the number of bet coins from the credit
number stored in the RAM 43.
[0088] At step S203, the main CPU 41 judges whether or not the
start button 23 has been set to ON (step S203). Specifically, the
main CPU 41 judges whether or not an input signal output from the
start switch 23S at the time of pushing of the start button 23 has
been received. The main CPU 41 controls the step to return to step
201 upon judging that the start button 23 has not been set to ON
(step S203: NO). Where the start button 23 has not been set to ON
(for example, where an instruction has been input to terminate the
game without setting the start button 23 to ON), the main CPU 41
cancels acceptance of a subtraction result at step S202.
[0089] On the other hand, when the main CPU 41 judges that the
start button 23 has been set to ON (step S203: YES), the main CPU
41 carries out symbol rearrangement process which will be described
later with reference to FIG. 10 (step S204). Specifically, with
respect to the symbols and the level-up symbols rearranged on the
lower image display panel 16, the CPU 41 executes a program stored
in the RAM 43 to sample a random number value from a numerical
value range of a predetermined random number value range. On the
basis of the sampled random number value and symbol weighing data,
the CPU 41 determines and rearranges the symbols "Blank", "1Bar",
"2Bar", "3Bar", "7", and "WILD", and the level-up symbols "Blank"
and "WILD".
[0090] Next, the main CPU 41 judges whether a prize is established
or not (step S205). Specifically, the main CPU 41 judges whether or
not a combination of symbols rearranged in the symbol display area
28 is a winning combination in which any payout is performed. In
this case, the prize is established when a winning combination
appears, the winning combination based on a combination of the
symbols rearranged on the basic line BL as the winning line or
based on the number of symbols rearranged in the symbol display
area 28 (see FIG. 6).
[0091] Upon judging that the prize is established (step S205: YES),
the main CPU 41 then performs a coin-payout process in accordance
with the bet amount and the number of coins set for the winning
combination (step S206). Where the coins are deposited, the main
CPU 41 performs a process for adding the number of paid-out coins
to the credit amount stored in the RAM 43. On the other hand, upon
execution of the coin-payout process, the main CPU 41 pays out the
predetermined number of coins by transmitting a control signal to
the hopper 66.
[0092] On the other hand, upon judging that the prize is not
established (step S205: NO), or when the main CPU 41 executes the
process of step S206, the main CPU 41 judges whether or not a bonus
game trigger is established (step S207). Specifically, the main CPU
41 executes a program stored in the RAM 43 to sample a random
number value from a numerical value range of a predetermined random
number value range. On the basis of the sampled random number
value, the main CPU 41 judges whether or not the bonus game trigger
is established. When the main CPU 41 judges that the bonus game
trigger is established (step S207: YES), the main CPU 41 carries
out a bonus game execution process (step S208). In the bonus game
execution process, the main CPU 41 sequentially reads and executes
game programs or the like from the ROM 42 to carry out the bonus
game execution process.
[0093] On the other hand, when the main CPU 41 judges that the
bonus game trigger is not established (step S207: NO) or when the
main CPU 41 executes the process in step S208, the main CPU 41
terminates the game execution process.
[0094] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the symbol
rearrangement process invoked and executed in step S204 of the
subroutine shown in FIG. 9. First, the main CPU 41 displays symbols
in the symbol display area 28 in a scrolling manner (step S301).
Specifically, the main CPU 41 starts rotation of the reels 101a to
101o. At this time, in the symbol display area 28, six basic lines
BL are set along the column or row direction.
[0095] Next, the main CPU 41 carries out a symbol determining
process (step S302). Specifically, with respect to symbols
rearranged in the symbol display area 28, the CPU 41 executes a
program stored in the RAM 43 to sample a random number value from a
numerical value range of a predetermined random number value range.
On the basis of the sampled random number value and symbol weighing
data, from among the symbols "Blank", "1bar", "2Bar", "7", and
"WILD", and the level-up symbols "Blank" and "WILD", the CPU 41
determines those to be rearranged in the symbol display area
28.
[0096] Next, the main CPU 41 carries out rearrangement of symbols
(step S303). Specifically, the main CPU 41 stops rotation of the
reels 101a to 101o so as to display, in a stopped manner, the
symbols determined at step S302, thereby rearranging the symbols
(see FIG. 7A).
[0097] Next, the main CPU 41 stores the rearranged symbols (step
S304). Specifically, the main CPU 41 stores in the RAM 43 the
symbols rearranged in the symbol display area 28 at step S303.
[0098] First, the main CPU 41 displays level-up symbols in the
symbol display area 28 in a scrolling manner (step S305).
Specifically, the main CPU 41 starts rotation of the level-up reels
102a to 102e.
[0099] Next, the main CPU 41 carries out rearrangement of level-up
symbols (step S306). Specifically, the main CPU 41 stops rotation
of the level-up reels 103a to 103e so as to display, in a stopped
manner, the level-up symbols determined at step S302, thereby
rearranging the level-up symbols (see FIG. 7B).
[0100] Next, the main CPU 41 judges whether or not a payout of
symbols is higher than that of previously arranged ones (step
S307). Specifically, the main CPU 41 judges whether or not a payout
of the symbols stored in step S304 is higher than that of level-up
symbols after rearranged. When the main CPU 41 judges that the
payout of the symbols is higher than that of the previously
arranged ones (step S307: YES), the main CPU 41 determines a payout
based on the level-up symbols (step S308). For example, in the case
where the level-up symbol 120 of "WILD" is rearranged on the symbol
"1Bar" in a superimposed manner, a level of the symbol "1Bar" is
increased to that of the symbol "WILD", so that a payout that is to
be awarded in the case where the symbol "WILD" is rearranged is
determined (see FIG. 7B). The main CPU 41 terminates the symbol
rearrangement process when executing the process in step S308.
[0101] On the other hand, when the main CPU 41 judges that a payout
of the symbols is not higher than that of the previous one (step
S307: NO), the main CPU 41 determines a payout based on the symbols
(step S309). For example, in case a combination of the symbols
stored in step S304 is a winning combination and the combination of
the symbols is no longer a winning combination due to the level-up
symbols rearranged at step S306, a payout is determined based on
the winning combination of the symbols stored in step S304. The
main CPU 41 terminates the symbol rearrangement process when
executing the process in step S309.
[0102] Next, a slot machine 10 according to a second embodiment
will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The
slot machine according to the third embodiment below has an
appearance, a circuit configuration, and the like that are
substantially the same as those of the slot machine 10 according to
the first embodiment of the present invention. Thus, a duplicated
explanation is omitted hereinafter. In addition, the constituent
elements corresponding to those of the slot machine 10 are
designated by the same reference numerals and are explained.
[0103] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the game
execution process according to the second embodiment, the process
being invoked and performed at step S102 of the subroutine shown in
FIG. 8. First, the main CPU 41 judges whether or not a coin has
been bet (step S401). Specifically, the main CPU 41 judges whether
an input signal output from the 1-BET switch 26S at the time of
operation of the 1-BET button 26 has been received or whether an
input signal output from the max BET switch 27S at the time of
operation of the max BET switch 27 has been received. The main CPU
41 controls the current step to return to the process at the step
S401 upon judging that no coin has been bet (step S401: NO).
[0104] On the other hand, the main CPU 41 subtracts the number of
bet coins from the credit amount stored in the RAM 43 (step S402)
upon judging that a coin has been bet (step S401: YES). Where the
number of bet coins is larger than the credit amount stored in the
RAM 43, the main CPU 41 controls the current step to return to step
S401 without performing the process for subtracting the number of
bet coins from the credit number stored in the RAM 43. Where the
number of bet coins exceeds the upper limit (50 coins in this
embodiment) of coins that can be bet in one game, the main CPU 41
controls the step to return to step 403 without performing the
process for subtracting the number of bet coins from the credit
number stored in the RAM 43.
[0105] At step S403, the main CPU 41 judges whether or not the
start button 23 has been set to ON (step S403). Specifically, the
main CPU 41 judges whether or not an input signal output from the
start switch 23S at the time of pushing of the start button 23 has
been received. The main CPU 41 controls the step to return to step
401 upon judging that the start button 23 has not been set to ON
(step S403: NO). Where the start button 23 has not been set to ON
(for example, where an instruction has been input to terminate the
game without setting the start button 23 to ON), the main CPU 41
cancels acceptance of a subtraction result at step S402.
[0106] On the other hand, the main CPU 41 performs a symbol
rearrangement process of the basic game (step S404) upon judging
that the start button 23 has been set to ON (step S403: YES).
Specifically, with respect to symbols and level-up symbols
rearranged on the lower image display panel 16, the CPU 41 executes
a program stored in the RAM 43 to sample a random number value from
a numerical value range of a predetermined random number value
range. On the basis of the sampled random number value and symbol
weighing data, the CPU 41 determines and rearranges the symbols
"Blank", "1Bar", "2Bar", "3Bar", "7", and "WILD", and the level-up
symbols "Blank" and "WILD".
[0107] Next, the main CPU 41 judges whether or not a prize has been
established (step S405). Specifically, the main CPU 41 judges
whether or not a combination of symbols rearranged in the symbol
display area 28 is a winning combination in which any payout is
performed. In this case, the prize is established when a winning
combination appears, the winning combination based on a combination
of the symbols rearranged on the basic line BL as the winning line
or based on the number of symbols rearranged in the symbol display
area 28 (see FIG. 6).
[0108] Thereafter, upon judging that the prize has been established
(step S405: YES), the main CPU 41 performs a coin-payout process in
accordance with the bet amount and the number of coins set for the
winning combination (step S406). Where the coins are deposited, the
main CPU 41 performs a process for adding the number of paid-out
coins to the credit amount stored in the RAM 43. On the other hand,
upon execution of the coin-payout process, the main CPU 41 pays out
the predetermined number of coins by transmitting a control signal
to the hopper 66.
[0109] On the other hand, the main CPU 41 judges whether a free
game trigger has been established or not (step S407) when judging
that the prize has not been established (step S405: NO) or when
executing the process at step S406. Specifically, the main CPU 41
executes the program stored in the RAM 43 to sample the random
numeric values in a numerical range which comes under a
predetermined range of random numeric values, thereby judging
whether or not the free game trigger condition has been satisfied
based on the sampled random numeric values. Upon judging that the
free game trigger is established (step S407: YES), the main CPU 41
performs a free-game execution process described later with
reference to FIG. 12 (step S408). In this free-game execution
process, the main CPU 41 sequentially reads and executes the game
programs or the like from the ROM 42 and performs the free-game
execution process.
[0110] On the other hand, the CPU 41 terminates the game execution
process when judging that the free game trigger is not established
(step S407: NO) or when executing the process at step S408.
[0111] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a free-game
execution process according to the second embodiment, the process
being invoked and executed at step S408 of the subroutine shown in
FIG. 11. First, the main CPU 41 determines a free-game number T as
a number of times in executing the free game (step S501).
Specifically, the main CPU 41 executes the program stored in the
RAM 43, thereby reading the number of times in executing the free
game that is set in association with a random number using a random
numeric value sampled in a numerical range which comes under a
predetermined range of random numeric values 1 to 256. After that,
the main CPU 41 determines the free-game number T.
[0112] Next, the main CPU 41 sets the free-game number B to T (step
S502). Specifically, the main CPU 41 sets B=T to a value of the
remaining free-game number stored in a storage area of data
indicative of the number of remaining games, the area being set in
the RAM 43. A value of T is equal to the free-game number T
determined at step S501.
[0113] The main CPU 41 then judges whether the start button 23 has
been set to ON or not (step S503). Specifically, the main CPU 41
judges whether or not an input signal output from the start switch
23S at the time of pushing of the start button 23 has been
received. The main CPU 41 controls the step to return to step S503
upon judging that the start button 23 has not been set to ON (step
S503: NO).
[0114] Upon judging that the start button 23 has been set to ON
(step S503: YES), the main CPU 41 performs a process for displaying
effect images (step S504). Specifically, the main CPU 41 displays a
free-game-number display images 90a (see FIG. 14) corresponding to
the free-game number on the upper image display panel 33.
[0115] Next, the main CPU 41 performs a symbol rearrangement
process of the free game described later with reference to FIG. 13
(step S505). Specifically, the CPU 41 executes a program stored in
the RAM 43 and determines the symbols to be rearranged in symbol
matrix elements SM, from among the symbols "Blank", "1Bar", "2Bar",
"3Bar", "7", and "WILD". This determination is based on the symbol
weighting data and random numeric values sampled by sampling the
random numeric values in a numerical range which comes under a
predetermined range of random numeric values. The CPU 41 then
rearranges the symbols in the display windows 103a to 103o inside
the symbol display area 28 displayed on the lower image display
panel 16.
[0116] Next, the main CPU 41 judges whether or not a prize has been
established (step S506). Specifically, the main CPU 41 judges
whether or not a combination of symbols rearranged in the display
windows 103 inside the symbol display area 28 is a winning
combination in which any payout is performed. In this case, the
prize is established when a winning combination appears, the
winning combination based on a combination of the symbols
rearranged on the basic line BL as the winning line or based on the
number of symbols rearranged in the symbol display area 28 (see
FIG. 6).
[0117] Thereafter, upon judging that the prize has been established
(step S506: YES), the main CPU 41 performs a coin-payout process in
accordance with the bet amount and the number of coins set for the
winning combination (step S507). Where the coins are deposited, the
main CPU 41 performs a process for adding the number of paid-out
coins to the credit amount stored in the RAM 43. On the other hand,
upon execution of the coin-payout process, the main CPU 41 pays out
the predetermined number of coins by transmitting a control signal
to the hopper 66.
[0118] On the other hand, upon judging that the prize has not been
established (step S506: NO), or executing the process at step S507,
the main CPU 41 sets the remaining free-game number B to B-1 (step
S508). Specifically, the main CPU 41 sets B=B-1 at a value of the
free-game number B stored in the RAM 43.
[0119] The main CPU 41 then judges whether the number of symbols
"WILD" is equal to fifteen or not (step S509). Specifically, the
main CPU 41 judges whether or not the symbols "WILD" have been
rearranged in all of the display windows 103a to 103o inside the
symbol display area 28 (see FIG. 14C). Upon judging that the
symbols "WILD" have been rearranged in all of the display windows
103a to 103o (step S509: YES), the main CPU 41 performs the
coin-payout process in accordance with the bet amount and the
number of coins set for the winning combination (step S510). Where
the coins are deposited, the main CPU 41 performs a process for
adding the number of paid-out coins to the credit amount stored in
the RAM 43. On the other hand, upon execution of the coin-payout
process, the main CPU 41 pays out the predetermined number of coins
by transmitting a control signal to the hopper 66. The main CPU 41
controls the current step to shift to the process at step S512.
[0120] On the other hand, upon judging that the number of symbols
"WILD" is not equal to fifteen (step S509: NO), the main CPU 41
judges whether or not the remaining free-game number B is equal to
zero (step S511). Specifically, the main CPU 41 judges whether or
not a value of the remaining game number stored in the RAM 43 is
equal to zero. Upon judging that the value of the remaining
free-game number B is not zero (step S511: NO), the main CPU 41
controls the step to return to step S503. On the other hand, upon
executing the process at step S510 or judging that a value of B is
equal to zero (step S511: YES), the main CPU 41 performs a
free-game termination process (step S512). Specifically, the main
CPU 41 terminates a control operation over the level-up reels at
step S607 in FIG. 13 to be described later. The main CPU 41
terminates the free-game execution process when executing the
process at step S512.
[0121] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the symbol
rearrangement process of the free game according to the second
embodiment, the process being invoked and executed at step S505 of
the subroutine shown in FIG. 12. First, the main CPU 41 displays
symbols in the symbol display area 28 in a scrolling manner (step
S601). Specifically, the main CPU 41 starts rotation of the reels
101a to 101o. At this time, in the symbol display area 28, six
basic lines BL are set along the column or row direction.
[0122] Next, the main CPU 41 carries out a symbol determination
process (step S602). Specifically, with respect to symbols
rearranged in the symbol display area 28, the CPU 41 executes a
program stored in the RAM 43 to sample a random number value from a
numerical value range of a predetermined random number value range.
On the basis of the sampled random number value and symbol weighing
data, from among the symbols "Blank", "1Bar", "2Bar", "3Bar", "7",
and "WILD", and the level-up symbols "Blank" and "WILD", the CPU 41
determines those to be rearranged in the symbol display area
28.
[0123] Next, the main CPU 41 carries out rearrangement of symbols
(step S603). Specifically, the main CPU 41 stops rotation of the
reels 101a to 101o so as to display, in a stopped state, the
symbols determined at step S602, thereby rearranging the
symbols.
[0124] Next, the main CPU 41 displays level-up symbols in the
symbol display area 28 in a scrolling manner (step S604).
Specifically, the main CPU 41 starts rotation of the level-up reels
102a to 102e.
[0125] Next, the main CPU 41 carries out rearrangement of level-up
symbols (step S605). Specifically, the main CPU 41 stops rotation
of the level-up reels 103a to 103e so as to display, in a stopped
state, the level-up symbols determined at step S602, thereby
rearranging level-up symbols (see FIG. 14B).
[0126] The main CPU 41 then judges whether or not the number of
symbols "WILD" on the basic line in a column direction is equal to
three (step S606). Specifically, the main CPU 41 judges whether or
not three of the level-up symbols "WILD" are rearranged in the
level-up reel 103a to 103e in a column direction. Upon judging that
the number of symbols "WILD" rearranged in a column direction is
not equal to three (step S606: NO), the main CPU 41 terminates the
free-game symbol rearrangement process when the process at step
S606 is executed.
[0127] On the other hand, upon judging that the number of symbols
"WILD" rearranged in a column direction is equal to three (step
S606: YES), the main CPU 41 controls the level-up reels (step
S607). Specifically, the main CPU 41 controls the level-up reels
103a to 103e in a manner to stop rotation of the level-up reels 103
having three of the level-up symbols 120 of "WILD" rearranged
thereon, on the basic line in a column direction during the free
game. The main CPU 41 terminates the free-game symbol rearrangement
process when executing the process at step S607 (see FIG. 14C).
[0128] FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C are views each showing one example
of an image displayed during the free game in the slot machine
shown in FIG. 2 according to the second embodiment. As shown in
FIG. 14A, upon start of the free game, the upper image display
panel 33 displays the free-game-number display image 90a indicative
of the number of times in executing the free game. In this case,
the free-game-number display image 90a of "10 FREE GAME" is
displayed indicating that the number of times in executing the free
game has been set to ten.
[0129] As shown in FIG. 14B, after any of the symbols "Blank",
"1Bar", "2Bar", "3Bar", "7", and "WILD" is rearranged in any of the
display windows 103 inside the symbol display area 28 of the lower
image display panel 16, rotation of the level-up reels 102a to 102e
is stopped, and then the level-up symbols are rearranged. In this
case, when the level-up symbols 120 of "WILD" are rearranged in a
superimposed manner on the reels 101 in the display windows 103a,
103b, 103c, 103g, 103h, 103i, 103m, 103n, three of the symbols
"WILD" are rearranged on each of the level-up reels 102a and 102c
in a column direction. Therefore, rotation of the level-up reels
102a and 102c is stopped during the free game in which the symbols
"WILD" are contiguously rearranged.
[0130] As shown in FIG. 14C, in the case where fifteen of the
symbols "WILD" and the level-up symbol 120 of "WILD" are rearranged
in the display windows 103a to 103o inside the lower image display
panel 16, the main CPU 41 terminates the free game and determines a
payout that corresponds to a winning combination of the symbols
"WILD" (see FIG. 6).
[0131] In the foregoing, while the embodiments of the present
invention have been described, these embodiments merely present
specific examples. An appropriate design change can be made for the
specific configuration of each means or the like. Also, the effects
described in the embodiments of the present invention are only
listing the most preferable effects arising from the present
invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited
to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.
* * * * *