U.S. patent application number 12/174197 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-17 for slot machine providing return and control method thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to ARUZE CORP.. Invention is credited to Kazumasa Yoshizawa.
Application Number | 20090233679 12/174197 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41063623 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090233679 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yoshizawa; Kazumasa |
September 17, 2009 |
Slot Machine Providing Return And Control Method Thereof
Abstract
A slot machine according to the present invention comprises: a
symbol display; and a controller programmed to execute the
processing of shifting a mode to an insurance mode on condition
that a game medium is inserted, stop-displaying plural symbols
sequentially after variable display thereof, determining, in a
state that only the last one symbol is variably displayed, whether
or not a stopping state of the stop-displayed symbols satisfies a
specific condition that may generate a payout of the game medium
when the last one symbol is stop-displayed, counting numbers of
specific games, in each of which the last one symbol is
stop-displayed after the specific condition has been determined to
be satisfied, for a plurality of the specific conditions
respectively, after shifting the mode to the insurance mode, and
paying out game media, when determining that any of the numbers of
the specific games has reached the predetermined number.
Inventors: |
Yoshizawa; Kazumasa; (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: |
41063623 |
Appl. No.: |
12/174197 |
Filed: |
July 16, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61037089 |
Mar 17, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3244 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A slot machine comprising: a symbol display capable of variably
displaying a plurality of symbols; and a controller, said
controller programmed to execute the processing of (A) shifting a
mode from a non-insurance mode to an insurance mode on condition
that a predetermined number of game media is inserted, (B)
stop-displaying said plurality of symbols sequentially, after
variably displaying said plurality of symbols to said symbol
display, (C) determining, in a state that said symbols have been
sequentially stop-displayed in said processing (B) and only the
last one of said symbols is variably displayed, whether or not a
stopping state of the stop-displayed symbols satisfies a specific
condition that may generate a payout of the game medium when the
last one of said symbols is stop-displayed, (D) determining whether
or not the stopping state of the stop-displayed symbols is a
stopping state not generating the payout of the game medium, when
the last one of said symbols is stop-displayed after said specific
condition has been determined to be satisfied in said processing
(C), (E) counting numbers of specific games, in each of which the
stopping state of said symbols has been determined to be the
stopping state not generating the payout of the game medium in said
processing (D), for a plurality of said specific conditions
respectively, after shifting the mode to said insurance mode, (F)
determining whether or not any of said numbers of the specific
games has reached a predetermined number, and (G) paying out a
predetermined number of game media, when determining that any of
said numbers of the specific games has reached said predetermined
number in said processing (F).
2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein said controller
is further programmed to execute the processing of (H) resetting
only said number of the specific game satisfying said specific
condition, said number of the specific game being determined to
have reached said predetermined number.
3. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein said controller
is further programmed to execute the processing of (I) resetting
both of said numbers of the specific games satisfying said specific
conditions, said numbers of the specific games each determined to
have reached or not to have reached said predetermined number.
4. A slot machine comprising a symbol display capable of variably
displaying a plurality of symbols; and a controller, said
controller programmed to execute the processing of (A)
stop-displaying said plurality of symbols sequentially, after
variably displaying said plurality of symbols to said symbol
display, (B) determining, in a state that said symbols have been
sequentially stop-displayed in said processing (A) and only the
last one of said symbols is variably displayed, whether or not a
stopping state of the stop-displayed symbols satisfies a specific
condition that may generate a payout of the game medium when the
last one of said symbols is stop-displayed, (C) determining whether
or not the stopping state of the stop-displayed symbols is a
stopping state not generating the payout of the game medium, when
the last one of said symbols is stop-displayed after said specific
condition has been determined to be satisfied in said processing
(B), (D) counting numbers of specific games, in each of which the
stopping state of said symbols has been determined to be the
stopping state not generating the payout of the game medium in said
processing (C), for a plurality of said specific conditions
respectively, (E) determining whether or not any of said numbers of
the specific games has reached a predetermined number, and (F)
paying out a predetermined number of game media, when determining
that any of said numbers of the specific games has reached said
predetermined number in said processing (E).
5. A control method of a slot machine, said control method
comprising the steps of: (A) shifting a mode from a non-insurance
mode to an insurance mode on condition that a predetermined number
of game media is inserted; (B) stop-displaying a plurality of
symbols sequentially, after variably displaying said plurality of
symbols to a symbol display; (C) determining, in a state that said
symbols have been sequentially stop-displayed in said step (B) and
only the last one of said symbols is variably displayed, whether or
not a stopping state of the stop-displayed symbols satisfies a
specific condition that may generate a payout of the game medium
when the last one of said symbols is stop-displayed; (D)
determining whether or not the stopping state of the stop-displayed
symbols is a stopping state not generating the payout of the game
medium, when the last one of said symbols is stop-displayed after
said specific condition has been determined to be satisfied in said
step (C); (E) counting numbers of specific games, in each of which
the stopping state of said symbols has been determined to be the
stopping state not generating the payout of the game medium in said
step (D), for a plurality of said specific conditions respectively,
after shifting the mode to said insurance mode; (F) determining
whether or not any of said numbers of the specific games has
reached a predetermined number; and (G) paying out a predetermined
number of game media, when determining that any of said numbers of
the specific games has reached said predetermined number in said
step (F).
6. A control method of a slot machine, said control method
comprising the steps of: (A) stop-displaying a plurality of symbols
sequentially, after variably displaying said plurality of symbols
to a symbol display, (B) determining, in a state that said symbols
have been sequentially stop-displayed in said step (A) and only the
last one of said symbols is variably displayed, whether or not a
stopping state of the stop-displayed symbols satisfies a specific
condition that may generate a payout of the game medium when the
last one of said symbols is stop-displayed, (C) determining whether
or not the stopping state of the stop-displayed symbols is a
stopping state not generating the payout of the game medium, when
the last one of said symbols is stop-displayed after said specific
condition has been determined to be satisfied in said step (B), (D)
counting numbers of specific games, in each of which the stopping
state of said symbols has been determined to be the stopping state
not generating the payout of the game medium in said step (C), for
a plurality of said specific conditions respectively, (E)
determining whether or not any of said numbers of the specific
games has reached a predetermined number, and (F) paying out a
predetermined number of game media, when determining that any of
said numbers of the specific games has reached said predetermined
number in said step (E).
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims benefit of priority based on U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/037,089 filed on Mar. 17,
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 providing a
return and a control method thereof.
[0004] 2. Discussion of the Background
[0005] Examples of a conventional slot machine are disclosed in:
U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,459, U.S. Pat. No. 6,695,697, US
2003/0069073-A1, EP 1192975-A, U.S. Pat. No. 6,254,483, U.S. Pat.
No. 5,611,730, U.S. Pat. No. 5,639,088, U.S. Pat. No. 6,257,981,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,234,896, U.S. Pat. No. 6,001,016, U.S. Pat. No.
6,273,820, U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,482, U.S. Pat. No. 4,669,731, U.S.
Pat. No. 6,244,957, U.S. Pat. No. 5,910,048, U.S. Pat. No.
5,695,402, U.S. Pat. No. 6,003,013, U.S. Pat. No. 4,283,709, EP
0631798-A, DE 4137010-A1, GB 2326830-A, DE 3712841-A1, U.S. Pat.
No. 4,964,638, U.S. Pat. No. 6,089,980, U.S. Pat. No. 5,280,909,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,702,303, U.S. Pat. No. 6,270,409, U.S. Pat. No.
5,770,533, U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,817, U.S. Pat. No. 6,932,704, U.S.
Pat. No. 6,932,707, U.S. Pat. No. 4,837,728, EP 1302914-A, U.S.
Pat. No. 4,624,459, U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,700, WO 03/083795-A, DE
3242890-A1, EP 0840264-A, DE 10049444-A1, WO 04/095383-A, EP
1544811-A, U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,963, EP 1477947-A, EP 1351180-A, WO
07/026396-A1, WO 07/026399-A1, WO 07/026400-A1, WO 07/026401-A1, WO
07/026402-A1, WO 07/026403-A1, WO 07/026404-A1, WO 07/026406-A1,
and WO 07/026407-A1. In a facility where a slot machine of this
kind is installed, a variety of game media such as coins or cash
are inserted into the slot machine to play a game. Each slot
machine is configured to conduct a payout according to a winning
state (game result) occurring along with the progress of games.
[0006] Among those conventional slot machines, there has been a
slot machine in which a return is provided to the player when loss
of the game media reaches a predetermined amount (for example, see
U.S. Pat. No. 5,910,048). However, in a slot machine of this kind,
there has been a problem that, since a return is not provided until
a great loss occurs, a player is made to have a fear of hardly
receiving a return. Further, in a conventional slot machine, a
payout is not conducted even in a case where a combination of
symbols after scrolling stops is only slightly different from a
winning combination. Therefore, there has been a problem that the
player feels frustrated.
[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a slot
machine capable of making a player feel less frustrated in the case
that a winning combination is not established, as well as making a
player realize a possibility of receiving a return, and a control
method thereof.
[0008] The contents of U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,459, U.S. Pat. No.
6,695,697, US 2003/0069073-A1, EP 1192975-A, U.S. Pat. No.
6,254,483, U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,730, U.S. Pat. No. 5,639,088, U.S.
Pat. No. 6,257,981, U.S. Pat. No. 6,234,896, U.S. Pat. No.
6,001,016, U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,820, U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,482, U.S.
Pat. No. 4,669,731, U.S. Pat. No. 6,244,957, U.S. Pat. No.
5,910,048, U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,402, U.S. Pat. No. 6,003,013, U.S.
Pat. No. 4,283,709, EP 0631798-A, DE 4137010-A1, GB 2326830-A, DE
3712841-A1, U.S. Pat. No. 4,964,638, U.S. Pat. No. 6,089,980, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,280,909, U.S. Pat. No. 5,702,303, U.S. Pat. No.
6,270,409, U.S. Pat. No. 5,770,533, U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,817, U.S.
Pat. No. 6,932,704, U.S. Pat. No. 6,932,707, U.S. Pat. No.
4,837,728, EP 1302914-A, U.S. Pat. No. 4,624,459, U.S. Pat. No.
5,564,700, WO 03/083795-A, DE 3242890-A1, EP 0840264-A, DE
10049444-A1, WO 04/095383-A, EP 1544811-A, U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,963,
EP 1477947-A, EP 1351180-A, WO 07/026396-A1, WO 07/026399-A1, WO
07/026400-A1, WO 07/026401-A1, WO 07/026402-A1, WO 07/026403-A1, WO
07/026404-A1, WO 07/026406-A1, and WO 07/026407-A1 are incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides a slot machine having the
following configuration.
[0010] Namely, the slot machine comprises: a symbol display capable
of variably displaying a plurality of symbols; and a controller.
The controller is programmed to execute the processing of (A)
shifting a mode from a non-insurance mode to an insurance mode on
condition that a predetermined number of game media is inserted,
(B) stop-displaying the plurality of symbols sequentially, after
variably displaying the plurality of symbols to the symbol display,
(C) determining, in a state that the symbols have been sequentially
stop-displayed in the processing (B) and only the last one of the
symbols is variably displayed, whether or not a stopping state of
the stop-displayed symbols satisfies a specific condition that may
generate a payout of the game medium when the last one of the
symbols is stop-displayed, (D) determining whether or not the
stopping state of the stop-displayed symbols is a stopping state
not generating the payout of the game medium, when the last one of
the symbols is stop-displayed after the specific condition has been
determined to be satisfied in the processing (C), (E) counting
numbers of specific games, in each of which the stopping state of
the symbols has been determined to be the stopping state not
generating the payout of the game medium in the processing (D), for
a plurality of the specific conditions respectively, after shifting
the mode to the insurance mode, (F) determining whether or not any
of the numbers of the specific games has reached a predetermined
number, and (G) paying out a predetermined number of game media,
when determining that any of the numbers of the specific games has
reached the predetermined number in the processing (F).
[0011] In a case where a game medium is eventually not paid out
though a possibility of payout of the game medium has been left in
a step prior to the step in which a result of a game is determined,
a player tends to be frustrated a lot.
[0012] However, according to the slot machine, a mode is shifted to
an insurance mode on condition that a predetermined number of game
media is inserted. There is counted a number of the game in which
the game medium is eventually not paid out after a specific
condition that a payout of the game medium may be generated when
the last one of symbols is stop-displayed has been satisfied, as a
number of a specific game. Then, in the case that the number of the
specific game has reached a predetermined number, the game medium
is paid out. Accordingly, the number of the game that may make the
player be frustrated a lot is counted as the number of the specific
game, so as to approach the predetermined number. Consequently, the
frustration of the player can be reduced.
[0013] Further, since only the number of the specific game is
counted, the predetermined number, which is to be a condition for
the payout of the game medium can be set to a small number. As a
result, the player can realize the possibility of receiving a
return.
[0014] Furthermore, there is a plurality of specific conditions and
the numbers of the specific games are respectively counted for
specific conditions in various states. Accordingly, it is possible
to significantly reduce the frustration of the player with the
games in various states, in which the player may be frustrated a
lot.
[0015] Further, since the predetermined number of game media are
required to be inserted to receive a return, it becomes possible
for the management side of a recreation hall to control a loss.
[0016] Moreover, it becomes possible to provide a new enjoyment of
expecting that the number of the specific game, which is nearly
reaching the predetermined number, is counted.
[0017] It is desirable that the slot machine further has the
following configuration.
[0018] The controller is further programmed to execute the
processing of (H) resetting only the number of the specific game
satisfying the specific condition, the number of the specific game
being determined to have reached the predetermined number.
[0019] According to the slot machine, only the number of the
specific game satisfying a specific condition, which is determined
to have reached the predetermined number, is reset. Namely, the
number of the specific game satisfying another specific condition,
which is not determined to have reached the predetermined number,
is not reset. Accordingly, even after receiving a payout based on
the number of the specific game corresponding to a single specific
condition having reached the predetermined number, a player is
allowed to keep expecting a payout of a game medium corresponding
to another specific condition.
[0020] It is desirable that the slot machine further has the
following configuration.
[0021] The controller is further programmed to execute the
processing of (I) resetting both of the numbers of the specific
games satisfying the specific conditions, the numbers of the
specific games each determined to have reached or not to have
reached the predetermined number.
[0022] According to the slot machine, both of the numbers of the
specific games each satisfying one specific condition, which is
determined to have reached or not to have reached the predetermined
number, are reset. Namely, when one of the numbers of the specific
games reaches the predetermined number, all the numbers of the
specific games are reset. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent
the game medium from being paid out to players excessively.
[0023] The present invention provides a slot machine having the
following configuration.
[0024] Namely, the slot machine comprises a symbol display capable
of variably displaying a plurality of symbols; and a controller.
The controller is programmed to execute the processing of (A)
stop-displaying the plurality of symbols sequentially, after
variably displaying the plurality of symbols to the symbol display,
(B) determining, in a state that the symbols have been sequentially
stop-displayed in the processing (A) and only the last one of the
symbols is variably displayed, whether or not a stopping state of
the stop-displayed symbols satisfies a specific condition that may
generate a payout of the game medium when the last one of the
symbols is stop-displayed, (C) determining whether or not the
stopping state of the stop-displayed symbols is a stopping state
not generating the payout of the game medium, when the last one of
the symbols is stop-displayed after the specific condition has been
determined to be satisfied in the processing (B), (D) counting
numbers of specific games, in each of which the stopping state of
the symbols has been determined to be the stopping state not
generating the payout of the game medium in the processing (C), for
a plurality of the specific conditions respectively, (E)
determining whether or not any of the numbers of the specific games
has reached a predetermined number, and (F) paying out a
predetermined number of game media, when determining that any of
the numbers of the specific games has reached the predetermined
number in the processing (E).
[0025] In a case where a game medium is eventually not paid out
though a possibility of payout of the game medium has been left in
a step prior to the step in which a result of a game is determined,
a player tends to be frustrated a lot.
[0026] However, according to the slot machine, a number of the game
in which the game medium is eventually not paid out after a
specific condition that a payout of the game medium may be
generated when the last one of symbols is stop-displayed has been
satisfied, is counted as a number of a specific game. Then, in the
case that the number of the specific game has reached a
predetermined number, the game medium is paid out. Accordingly, the
number of the game that may make the player be frustrated a lot is
counted as the number of the specific game, so as to approach the
predetermined number. Consequently, the frustration of the player
can be reduced.
[0027] Further, since only the number of the specific game is
counted, the predetermined number, which is to be a condition for
the payout of the game medium, can be set to a small number. As a
result, the player can realize the possibility of receiving a
return.
[0028] Furthermore, there is a plurality of specific conditions and
the numbers of the specific games are respectively counted for
specific conditions in various states. Accordingly, it is possible
to significantly reduce the frustration of the player with the
games in various states, in which the player may be frustrated a
lot.
[0029] Moreover, it becomes possible to provide a new enjoyment of
expecting that the number of the specific game, which is nearly
reaching the predetermined number, is counted.
[0030] The present invention further provides a control method of a
slot machine having the following configuration.
[0031] Namely, the control method of a slot machine comprises the
steps of: (A) shifting a mode from a non-insurance mode to an
insurance mode on condition that a predetermined number of game
media is inserted; (B) stop-displaying a plurality of symbols
sequentially, after variably displaying the plurality of symbols to
a symbol display; (C) determining, in a state that the symbols have
been sequentially stop-displayed in the step (B) and only the last
one of the symbols is variably displayed, whether or not a stopping
state of the stop-displayed symbols satisfies a specific condition
that may generate a payout of the game medium when the last one of
the symbols is stop-displayed; (D) determining whether or not the
stopping state of the stop-displayed symbols is a stopping state
not generating the payout of the game medium, when the last one of
the symbols is stop-displayed after the specific condition has been
determined to be satisfied in the step (C); (E) counting numbers of
specific games, in each of which the stopping state of the symbols
has been determined to be the stopping state not generating the
payout of the game medium in the step (D), for a plurality of the
specific conditions respectively, after shifting the mode to the
insurance mode; (F) determining whether or not any of the numbers
of the specific games has reached a predetermined number; and (G)
paying out a predetermined number of game media, when determining
that any of the numbers of the specific games has reached the
predetermined number in the step (F).
[0032] In a case where a game medium is eventually not paid out
though a possibility of payout of the game medium has been left in
a step prior to the step in which a result of a game is determined,
a player tends to be frustrated a lot.
[0033] However, according to the control method of the slot
machine, a mode is shifted to an insurance mode on condition that a
predetermined number of game media is inserted. There is counted a
number of the game in which the game medium is eventually not paid
out after a specific condition that a payout of the game medium may
be generated when the last one of symbols is stop-displayed has
been satisfied, as a number of a specific game. Then, in the case
that the number of the specific game has reached a predetermined
number, the game medium is paid out. Accordingly, the number of the
game that may make the player be frustrated a lot is counted as the
number of the specific game, so as to approach the predetermined
number. Consequently, the frustration of the player can be
reduced.
[0034] Further, since only the number of the specific game is
counted, the predetermined number, which is to be the condition for
the payout of the game medium, can be set to a small number. As a
result, the player can realize the possibility of receiving a
return.
[0035] Furthermore, there is a plurality of specific conditions and
the numbers of the specific games are respectively counted for
specific conditions in various states. Accordingly, it is possible
to significantly reduce the frustration of the player with the
games in various states, in which the player may be frustrated a
lot.
[0036] Further, since the predetermined number of coins are
required to be inserted to receive a return, it becomes possible
for the management side of the recreation hall to control a
loss.
[0037] Moreover, it becomes possible to provide a new enjoyment of
expecting that the number of the specific game, which is nearly
reaching the predetermined number, is counted.
[0038] The present invention further provides a control method of a
slot machine having the following configuration.
[0039] Namely, the control method of a slot machine comprises the
steps of: (A) stop-displaying a plurality of symbols sequentially,
after variably displaying the plurality of symbols to a symbol
display, (B) determining, in a state that the symbols have been
sequentially stop-displayed in the step (A) and only the last one
of the symbols is variably displayed, whether or not a stopping
state of the stop-displayed symbols satisfies a specific condition
that may generate a payout of the game medium when the last one of
the symbols is stop-displayed, (C) determining whether or not the
stopping state of the stop-displayed symbols is a stopping state
not generating the payout of the game medium, when the last one of
the symbols is stop-displayed after the specific condition has been
determined to be satisfied in the step (B), (D) counting numbers of
specific games, in each of which the stopping state of the symbols
has been determined to be the stopping state not generating the
payout of the game medium in the step (C), for a plurality of the
specific conditions respectively, (E) determining whether or not
any of the numbers of the specific games has reached a
predetermined number, and (F) paying out a predetermined number of
game media, when determining that any of the numbers of the
specific games has reached the predetermined number in the step
(E).
[0040] In a case where a game medium is eventually not paid out
though a possibility of payout of the game medium has been left in
a step prior to the step in which a result of a game is determined,
a player tends to be frustrated a lot.
[0041] However, according to the control method of the slot
machine, the number of the game in which the game medium is
eventually not paid out after a specific condition that a payout of
the game medium may be generated when the last one of symbols is
stop-displayed has been satisfied, is counted as a number of a
specific game. Then, in the case that the number of the specific
game has reached a predetermined number, the game medium is paid
out. Accordingly, the number of the game that may make the player
be frustrated a lot is counted as the number of the specific game,
so as to approach the predetermined number. Consequently, the
frustration of the player can be reduced.
[0042] Further, since only the number of the specific game is
counted, the predetermined number can be set to a small number. As
a result, the player can realize the possibility of receiving a
return.
[0043] Furthermore, there is a plurality of specific conditions and
the numbers of the specific games are respectively counted for
specific conditions in various states. Accordingly, it is possible
to significantly reduce the frustration of the player with the
games in various states, in which the player may be frustrated a
lot.
[0044] Moreover, it becomes possible to provide a new enjoyment of
expecting that the number of the specific game, which is nearly
reaching the predetermined number, is counted.
[0045] As just described, it become possible to provide a slot
machine capable of making a player feel less frustrated in the case
that a winning combination is not established, as well as making a
player realize a possibility of receiving a return, and a control
method thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF DRAWINGS
[0046] FIG. 1A is an exemplary view of an image displayed to a slot
machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 1B is another exemplary view of an image displayed to a
slot machine according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0048] FIG. 1C is another exemplary view of an image displayed to a
slot machine according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0049] FIG. 1D is another exemplary view of an image displayed to a
slot machine according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0050] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a slot
machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0051] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration
of the slot machine shown in FIG. 2.
[0052] FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of a payout table in the
present embodiment.
[0053] FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of a specific combination.
[0054] FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of a count value to be stored
in RAM.
[0055] FIG. 7A is an exemplary view of an image displayed to the
slot machine shown in FIG. 2.
[0056] FIG. 7B is another exemplary view of an image displayed to
the slot machine shown in FIG. 2.
[0057] FIG. 7C is another exemplary view of an image displayed to
the slot machine shown in FIG. 2.
[0058] FIG. 8A is an exemplary view of an image displayed to the
slot machine shown in FIG. 2.
[0059] FIG. 8B is another exemplary view of an image displayed to
the slot machine shown in FIG. 2.
[0060] FIG. 8C is another exemplary view of an image displayed to
the slot machine shown in FIG. 2.
[0061] FIG. 9A is an exemplary view of an image displayed to the
slot machine shown in FIG. 2.
[0062] FIG. 9B is another exemplary view of an image displayed to
the slot machine shown in FIG. 2.
[0063] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing main processing conducted in
the slot machine shown in FIG. 2.
[0064] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of insurance
setting processing.
[0065] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of game
execution processing A (non-insurance mode).
[0066] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of game
execution processing B (insurance mode).
[0067] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of
rescue-pay execution processing.
[0068] FIG. 15 is a chart illustrating a procedure of activation
processing executed by the mother board and the gaming board shown
in FIG. 3.
[0069] FIG. 16 is a chart illustrating a procedure of
peripheral-device initialization processing.
[0070] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of
to-be-stopped symbol determination processing.
[0071] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of reel
rotation control processing.
[0072] FIGS. 19A to 19D are side views for explaining the reel
rotation.
[0073] FIG. 20 is a schematic view showing a correspondence table
of the number of steps and code No.
[0074] FIG. 21 is a flow chart illustrating a subroutine of
rescue-pay execution processing according to another embodiment of
the present invention.
[0075] FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic view showing an entire
configuration of a game system according to another embodiment of
the present invention.
[0076] FIG. 23 is a chart illustrating a procedure of activation
processing executed by the central controller shown in FIG. 22.
[0077] FIG. 24 is a perspective view schematically showing a slot
machine according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0078] First, there will be described an outline of a slot machine
according to an embodiment of the present invention with reference
to FIG. 1A to FIG. 1D.
[0079] FIG. 1A to FIG. 1D are exemplary views of images displayed
to a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0080] As shown in FIG. 1A, on an upper image display panel 33
provided in a slot machine 10 (see FIG. 2), there are provided an
area 90 for displaying "No Pay Combination", an area 91 for
displaying "Remaining Games", and an area 92 for displaying "RESCUE
PAY". "No Pay Combination" refers to a combination of symbols
(hereinafter, also refers to as "specific combination") satisfying
a condition (X-1) and a condition (X-2) as below:
[0081] (X-1) when two symbols stop, out of three symbols to be
scrolled, a possibility of payout of a coin is left;
[0082] (X-2) when the last one of symbols stops, after the
condition (X-1) has been satisfied, a symbol combination is a
combination not generating the payout of the coin.
[0083] Here, in the present description, a game satisfying the
condition (X-1) and the condition (X-2) is referred to as a
specific game. Further, the number of establishment of the specific
game is referred to as the number of the specific game.
[0084] Here, in the present embodiment, the condition (X-1) is that
a combination of two stopped symbols is "DOUBLE-DOUBLE",
"3BAR-3BAR", "2BAR-2BAR", or "BAR-BAR".
[0085] In the case of "DOUBLE-DOUBLE", for example, the payout of
the coin is conducted when the last one of symbols is stopped at
"DOUBLE" (see the first line of PAY TABLE shown in FIG. 4).
[0086] Further, in the case of "3BAR-3BAR", "2BAR-2BAR", or
"BAR-BAR", for example, the payout of the coin is conducted when
the last one of symbols is stopped at "BAR" (see the 10.sup.th or
12.sup.th line of PAY TABLE shown in FIG. 4).
[0087] Namely, combinations of "DOUBLE-DOUBLE", "3BAR-3BAR",
"2BAR-2BAR", and "BAR-BAR" satisfy the condition (X-1).
[0088] The condition (X-1) corresponds to the specific condition of
the present invention.
[0089] "Remaining Games" shows the required number (set value) of
establishment of the specific game for the payout of the coin as
"RESCUE PAY" and the number of remaining games for "RESCUE PAY".
For example, in FIG. 1A, "Remaining Games" of "DOUBLE-DOUBLE" is
1/20. "20" of the denominator indicates that the required number of
establishment of the specific game for "RESCUE PAY" is 20. "1" of
the denomination indicates that the number of remaining games for
"RESCUE PAY" is 1. Here, in FIG. 1A, the specific game of
"DOUBLE-DOUBLE" has been established for 19 times, so that the
number of remaining games is 1. Here, the set value corresponds to
the predetermined number of the present invention.
[0090] "RESCUE PAY" shows the number of coins to be paid out when
the number of establishment of the specific game reaches the set
value, that is, the number of remaining games becomes 0.
[0091] Further, as shown in FIG. 1A, on the lower image display
panel 16 provided in the slot machine 10 (see FIG. 2), three
display windows 15 (15L, 15C, 15R) are formed in which their back
face are visible, and symbols drawn on the peripheral face of each
of reels 14 (14L, 14C, 14R) are scroll-displayed via each of the
display windows 15.
[0092] After satisfying the state of FIG. 1A, in the case that the
reel 14L and the reel 14C are stopped at "DOUBLE" as shown in FIG.
1B, and then the reel 14R is stopped at "BLANK" as shown in FIG.
1C, for example, the condition (X-1) and the condition (X-2) are
satisfied.
[0093] Consequently, the number of the specific game reaches the
set value, so that 360 coins are paid out as "RESCUE PAY" of
"DOUBLE-DOUBLE". At this time, to the upper image display panel 33,
an image 93a showing that the payout of the coin is conducted based
on the number of the specific game having reached the set value, is
displayed as shown in FIG. 1D. Further, the same image 93b is
displayed to the lower left side of the lower image display panel
16.
[0094] According to the slot machine 10, a number of the game in
which the coin is eventually not paid out after a specific
condition (condition (X-1)) that the payout of the coin may be
generated when the last one of symbols is stop-displayed has been
satisfied, is counted as the number of the specific game. Namely,
the number of remaining games is counted down. Then, in the case
that the number of the specific game has reached the predetermined
number, that is, in the case that the number of remaining games has
reached "0", the coin is paid out. Accordingly, the number of the
game that may make the player be frustrated a lot is counted as the
number of the specific game, so as to approach the set value
(predetermined number) for the payout of the coin. Consequently,
the frustration of the player can be reduced.
[0095] Further, since only the number of the specific game is
counted, the set value (predetermined number) for the payout of the
coin can be set to a small number. For example, in the case of
simply counting the number of the game in which the coin is not
paid out, the management side may have disadvantage unless the
predetermine number is set to about 1000. However, in the present
invention, only the number of the specific game is counted, so that
the management side may not have disadvantage even in a case that
the predetermined number is set to the smaller value (e.g. 20)
compared to the value set in the case of counting the number of the
game in which the coin is not paid out. As a result, the player can
realize the possibility of receiving a return.
[0096] Furthermore, there is a plurality of specific conditions
(condition (X-1)) and the numbers of the specific games are
respectively counted for specific conditions in various states.
Accordingly, it is possible to significantly reduce the frustration
of the player with the games in various states, in which the player
may be frustrated a lot.
[0097] Moreover, it becomes possible to provide a new enjoyment of
expecting that the number of the specific game, which is nearly
reaching the predetermined number, is counted.
[0098] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a slot
machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0099] In the slot machine 10, a coin, a bill, or electronic
valuable information corresponding to those is used as a game
medium. However, in the present invention, the game medium is not
particularly limited. Examples of the game medium may include a
medal, a token, electronic money and a ticket. It is to be noted
that the ticket is not particularly limited, and examples thereof
may include a ticket with a barcode as described later.
[0100] The slot machine 10 comprises a cabinet 11, a top box 12
installed 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, three reels 14 (14L, 14C, 14R) are rotatably provided. On the
peripheral face of each of the reels 14, a symbol sequence
consisting of 22 figures (hereinafter also referred to as symbols)
is drawn.
[0101] The reels 14 correspond to the symbol display of the present
invention.
[0102] The lower image display panel 16 is provided at the front of
the respective reels 14 on the main door 13. The lower image
display panel 16 is provided with a transparent liquid crystal
panel to which a variety of information concerning a game, an
effect image and the like are displayed during the game.
[0103] On the lower image display panel 16, three display windows
15 (15L, 15C, 15R) are formed in which their back faces are
visible, and three symbols drawn on the peripheral face of each of
the reels 14 are displayed via each of the display windows 15. On
the lower image display panel 16, one winning line L horizontally
crossing over the three display windows 15 is formed. The winning
line L is for determining a combination of symbols. When the
combination of symbols that are rearranged along the winning line L
is a predetermined combination, coins are paid out in number
according to the combination and the number of inserted coins (the
number of BETs).
[0104] In the present invention, it may be possible to provide a
configuration such that, for example, there are formed a plurality
of winning lines L crossing horizontally or diagonally over the
three display windows 15, and the winning lines L in number
according to the number of inserted coins are verified, and when a
combination of symbols rearranged along the verified winning line L
is a predetermined combination, coins are paid out in number
according to the combination.
[0105] Further, when a specific symbol (so-called scatter symbol)
is rearranged to the display window, coins may be paid out in
number according to the number of the symbol regardless of the
combination of symbols.
[0106] Moreover, although not shown, a touch panel 69 is provided
at the front face of the lower image display panel 16. The player
can operate the touch panel 69 to input a variety of commands.
[0107] Below the lower image display panel 16, there are provided a
control panel 20 including a plurality of buttons 23 to 27 with
each of which a command according to game progress is inputted by
the player, a coin receiving slot 21 through which a coin is
accepted into the cabinet 11, and a bill validator 22.
[0108] 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 rotation of the reels 14. The change button 24 is
used for making a request of staff in the recreation facility for
exchange. The CASHOUT button 25 is used for inputting a command to
pay out credited coins to a coin tray 18.
[0109] The 1-BET button 26 is used for inputting a command to bet
one coin on a game out of 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 (three coins in the present embodiment)
out of credited coins. In addition, the maximum number of BETs may
be configured so as to be set by the operator, staff or the like of
the casino.
[0110] The bill validator 22 not only discriminates a regular bill
from a false bill, but also accepts the regular bill into the
cabinet 11. It is to be noted that the bill validator 22 may be
configured so as to be capable of reading a later-described ticket
39 with a barcode. At the lower front of the main door 13, namely,
below the control panel 20, there is provided a belly glass 34 on
which a character or the like of the slot machine 10 is drawn.
[0111] The upper image display panel 33 is provided at the front
face of the top box 12. The upper image display panel 33 is
provided with a liquid crystal panel to display, for example, an
effect image, an image representing introduction of contents of a
game, and explanation of a rule of the game.
[0112] Also, a speaker 29 is provided on the top box 12. The
speaker 29 corresponds to an output device of the present
invention. Under the upper image display panel 33, there are
provided a ticket printer 35, a card reader 36 (see FIG. 2), a data
display 37, and a key pad 38. 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 the ticket as the ticket 39 with a barcode. The player can
make another slot machine read the ticket 39 with a barcode to play
a game thereon, or exchange the ticket 39 with a barcode with a
bill or the like at a predetermined place in the recreation
facility (e.g. a cashier in a casino).
[0113] The card reader 36 reads data from a smart card inserted
into the card slot 36a and writes data into the smart card. The
smart card is a card owned by the player, and for example, data for
identifying the player (identification data) and data concerning a
history of games played by the player are stored therein. Data
corresponding to a coin, a bill or a credit may be stored in the
smart card. Further, a magnetic stripe card may be adopted 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 key pad 38.
The key pad 38 is used for inputting a command and data concerning
issuing of a ticket, and the like.
[0114] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration
of the slot machine shown in FIG. 2.
[0115] A gaming board 50 is provided with 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, and an IC socket 54S corresponding to a GAL
(Generic Array Logic) 54.
[0116] The memory card 53 includes a nonvolatile memory such as
CompactFlash (registered trade mark), and stores a game program and
a game system program. The game program includes a to-be-stopped
symbol determination program. The to-be-stopped symbol
determination program is a program for determining a symbol (code
No. corresponding to the symbol) on each of the reels 14 to be
rearranged along the winning line L. The to-be-stopped symbol
determination program includes symbol weighing data respectively
corresponding to a plurality of types of payout ratios (e.g. 80%,
84%, 88%). The symbol weighing data is data showing the
corresponding relation between code No. (see FIG. 20) of each
symbol and one or a plurality of random numbers belonging to a
predetermined numerical range (0 to 255), for each of the three
reels 14. The payout ratio is set based on payout ratio setting
data which is outputted from the GAL 54, and a symbol to be
rearranged is determined based on the symbol weighing data
corresponding to the payout ratio.
[0117] Further, the card slot 53S is configured so as to allow the
memory card 53 to be inserted thereinto or removed therefrom, and
is connected to the mother board 40 by an IDE bus. Therefore, the
memory card 53 can be removed from the card slot 53S, and then
another game program and another game system program are written
into the memory card 53, and the memory card 53 can be inserted
into the card slot 53S, to change the type and contents of a game
played on the slot machine 10. Further, the memory card 53 storing
one game program and one game system program can be exchanged with
the memory card 53 storing another game program and another game
system program, to change the type and contents of a game played on
the slot machine 10.
[0118] The game program includes a program according to progress of
the game. Further, the game program includes image data and sound
data to be outputted during the game, image data and sound data for
notifying that the mode has been shifted to the insurance mode,
image data and sound data for notifying that the mode has been
shifted to the non-insurance mode, and the like.
[0119] The GAL 54 is a type of a PLD having an OR fixed type array
structure. The GAL 54 is provided with a plurality of input ports
and output ports. When predetermined data is inputted to the input
port, the GAL 54 outputs, from the output port, data corresponding
to the inputted data. The data outputted from the output port is
the above-mentioned payout ratio setting data.
[0120] Further, the IC socket 54S is configured such that the GAL
54 can be mounted thereon and removed therefrom, and the IC socket
54S is connected to the mother board 40 through the PCI bus.
Therefore, the GAL 54 can be removed from the IC socket 54S, and
then a program to be stored into the GAL 54 is rewritten, and the
GAL 54 is then mounted onto the IC socket 54S, to change the payout
ratio setting data outputted from the GAL 54. Further, the GAL 54
can be exchanged with another GAL 54 to change the payout ratio
setting data.
[0121] The CPU 51, the ROM 55 and the boot ROM 52 interconnected to
one another by an internal bus are connected to the mother board 40
through the PCI bus. The PCI bus not only conducts signal
transmission between the mother board 40 and the gaming board 50,
but also supplies power from the mother board 40 to the gaming
board 50. In the ROM 55, country identification information and an
authentication program are stored. In the boot ROM 52, an auxiliary
authentication program and a program (boot code) to be used by the
CPU 51 for activating the auxiliary authentication program, and the
like are stored.
[0122] The authentication program is a program (falsification check
program) for authenticating a game program and a game system
program. The authentication program is written along a procedure
(authentication procedure) for checking and proving that a game
program and a game system program to be subject to authentication
loading processing have not been falsified, namely authenticating
the game program and the game system program. The auxiliary
authentication program is a program for authenticating the
above-mentioned authentication program. The auxiliary
authentication program is written along a procedure (authentication
procedure) for proving that an authentication program to be subject
to the authentication processing has not been falsified, namely,
authenticating the authentication program.
[0123] The mother board 40 is configured using a commercially
available general-purpose mother board (a print wiring board on
which fundamental components of a personal computer are mounted),
and provided with a main CPU 41, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, a RAM
(Random Access Memory) 43, and a communication interface 44. The
main CPU 41, the ROM 42 and the RAM 43 mounted on the mother board
40 constitute the controller of the present invention.
[0124] The ROM 42 comprises a memory device such as a flash memory,
and stores a program such as a 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 for initializing a
predetermined peripheral device is conducted, concurrently with
start of processing for loading the game program and the game
system program stored in the memory card 53 via the gaming board
50. It is to be noted that, in the present invention, the ROM 42
may or may not be data rewritable one.
[0125] The RAM 43 stores data and a program to be used at the time
of operation of the main CPU 41. Further, the RAM 43 is capable of
storing an authentication program to be read via the gaming board
50, a game program and a game system program.
[0126] Further, the RAM 43 is provided with a storage area for an
insurance mode flag. The insurance mode flag is a flag for
indicating whether the mode is the insurance mode or the
non-insurance mode. The storage area for the insurance mode flag,
for example, comprises a storage area of a predetermined number of
bits, and the insurance mode flag is turned "ON" or "OFF" according
to the stored contents of the storage area. The insurance mode flag
being "ON" indicates the insurance mode, and the insurance mode
flag being "OFF" indicates the non-insurance mode.
[0127] Further, the RAM 43 is provided with a storage area for data
showing the number C of the games.
[0128] Moreover, the RAM 43 stores data of the number of credits,
the numbers of coin-ins and coin-outs in one game, and the like.
The communication interface 44 serves to communicate with an
external device such as a server of the casino, via the
communication line 101.
[0129] Moreover, the mother board 40 is connected with a
later-described body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60 and a door PCB
80 through respective USBs. Further, the mother board 40 is
connected with a power supply unit 45. When power is supplied from
the power supply unit 45 to the mother board 40, the main CPU 41 of
the mother board 40 is activated concurrently with supply of power
to the gaming board 50 via the PCI bus to activate the CPU 51.
[0130] The body PCB 60 and the door PCB 80 are connected with an
equipment and a device that generate an input signal to be inputted
into the main CPU 41 and an equipment and a device operations of
which are controlled by a control signal outputted from the main
CPU 41. The main CPU 41 executes the game program and the game
system program stored in the RAM 43 based on the input signal
inputted into the main CPU 41, and thereby executes the
predetermined arithmetic processing, stores the result thereof into
the RAM 43, or transmits a control signal to each equipment and
device as processing for controlling each equipment and device.
[0131] The body PCB 60 is connected with a lamp 30, a sub CPU 61, a
hopper 66, a coin detecting portion 67, a graphic board 68, the
speaker 29, the touch panel 69, the bill validator 22, the ticket
printer 35, the card reader 36, a key switch 38S and the data
display 37. The lamp 30 is lighted in a predetermined pattern based
on a control signal outputted from the main CPU 41.
[0132] The sub CPU 61 serves to control rotation and stop of the
reels 14 (14L, 14C, 14R). A motor driving circuit 62 having an FPGA
(Field Programmable Gate Array) 63 and a driver 64 is 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 a stepping
motor 70. The driver 64 functions as an amplification circuit of a
pulse to be inputted into the stepping motors 70. The stepping
motors 70 (70L, 70C, 70R) for rotating the respective reels 14 are
connected to the motor driving circuit 62. The stepping motor 70 is
a one-two phase excitation stepping motor.
[0133] In the present invention, the excitation method of the
stepping motor is not particularly limited, and for example, a two
phase excitation method, one phase excitation method or the like
may be adopted. Further, a DC motor may be adopted in place of the
stepping motor. In the case of adopting the DC motor, a deviation
counter, a D/A converter, and a servo amplifier are sequentially
connected to the sub CPU 61, and the DC motor is connected to the
servo amplifier. Further, a rotational position of the DC motor is
detected by a rotary encoder, and a current rotational position of
the DC motor is supplied as data from the rotary encoder to the
deviation counter.
[0134] Further, an index detecting circuit 65 and a position-change
detecting circuit 71 are connected to the sub CPU 61. The index
detecting circuit 65 detects the position (later-described index)
of the reels 14 during rotation, and is further capable of
detecting a loss of synchronism of the reels 14. Here, the control
of rotation and stop of reels 14 will be described later in detail
using the figures.
[0135] The position-change detecting circuit 71 detects the change
of the stop positions of the reels 14, after the stop of the
rotation of the reels 14. For example, the position-change
detecting circuit 71 detects the change of the stop positions of
the reels 14, in a case such that a player forcibly changes the
stop positions of the reels 14 to create a combination of symbols
in a winning state, even though the actual combination of symbols
is not in the winning state, or in some other cases. The
position-change detecting circuit 71 is configured, for example, to
detect fins (not shown) mounted to the inner sides of the reels 14
at predetermined intervals so as to detect the change of the stop
positions of the reels 14.
[0136] The hopper 66 is installed inside the cabinet 11, and pays
out a predetermined number of coins based on the control signal
outputted from the main CPU 41, from the coin payout exit 19 to the
coin tray 18. The coin detecting portion 67 is provided inside the
coin payout exit 19, and outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41
in the case of detecting payout of the predetermined number of
coins from the coin payout exit 19.
[0137] The graphic board 68 controls image display to the upper
image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16 based
on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41. The number of
credits stored in the RAM 43 is displayed to a number-of-credits
display portion 31 of the lower image display panel 16. Further,
the number of coin-outs is displayed to a number-of-payouts display
portion 32 of the lower image display panel 16.
[0138] The graphic board 68 comprises 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 generation of the image data by the VDP is
included in the game program read from the memory card 53 and
stored into the RAM 43.
[0139] The bill validator 22 not only discriminates a regular bill
from a false bill, but also accepts the regular bill into the
cabinet 11. Upon acceptance of the regular bill, the bill validator
22 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 face amount of the bill transmitted
with the input signal.
[0140] The ticket printer 35, based on the 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, and an
identification number of the slot machine 10, and the like, and
outputs the ticket as the ticket 39 with a barcode. The card reader
36 reads data from the smart card and transmits the read data to
the main CPU 41, and writes data onto the smart card based on the
control signal from the main CPU 41. The key switch 38S is provided
on the key pad 38, and outputs a predetermined input signal to the
main CPU 41 when the key pad 38 is operated by the player. The data
display 37 displays data read by the card reader 36 and data
inputted by the player via the key pad 38, based on the control
signal outputted from the main CPU 41.
[0141] The door PCB 80 is connected with a control panel 20, a
reverter 21S, a coin counter 21C, and a cold cathode tube 81. 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 the 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.
[0142] The coin counter 21C is provided inside the coin receiving
slot 21, and discriminates a regular coin from a false coin
inserted into the coin receiving slot 21 by the player. Coins other
than the regular coin are discharged from the coin payout exit 19.
Further, the coin counter 21C outputs an input signal to the main
CPU 41 in detection of the regular coin.
[0143] The reverter 21S operates based on the control signal
outputted from the main CPU 41, and distributes a coin recognized
by the coin counter 21C as the regular coin into a cash box (not
shown) or the hopper 66, which are disposed in the slot machine 10.
Namely, when the hopper 66 is filled with coins, the regular coin
is distributed into the cash box by the reverter 21S. On the other
hand, when the hopper 66 is not filled with coins, the regular coin
is distributed into the hopper 66. The cold cathode tube 81
functions as a back light installed on the rear face side of the
lower image display panel 16 and the upper image display panel 33,
and is lit up based on the control signal outputted from the main
CPU 41.
[0144] FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of a payout table in the
present embodiment.
[0145] "DOUBLE", "3BAR", "2BAR", "1BAR", and "CHERRY" in the payout
table represent types of symbols drawn on the reels 14. It is to be
noted that, other than the above-mentioned symbols, a bonus
trigger, which is a symbol corresponding to "GIFT BONUS", and other
symbols are also drawn on the reels 14. In the payout table, "ANY
BAR" represents "3BAR", "2BAR" or "1BAR", and "ANY" represents an
arbitrary symbol.
[0146] Combinations shown in the payout table represent winning
combinations, and the number of coin-outs according to the numbers
of BETs is set for each of the winning combinations.
[0147] When a combination of rearranged symbols on each of the
reels 14 is the combination of "GIFT BONUS", a predetermined number
of coins is paid out as a jackpot. It is to be noted that a numeric
value corresponding to "GIFT BONUS" in the payout table indicates
an expectation value of the number of coin-outs, and is constant
regardless of the number of BETs. Therefore, a setting is made such
that the probability for establishing "GIFT BONUS" is high and the
number of coin-outs is small in the case of 1BET, whereas the
probability for establishing "GIFT BONUS" is low and the number of
coin-outs is large in the case of the MAXBET. It should be noted
that this probability setting is conducted by using the symbol
weighing data.
[0148] Further, four types of jackpots "GRAND", "MAJOR", "MINOR"
and "MINI" are provided in decreasing order of the number of
coin-outs. The larger the number of coin-outs is, the lower the
jackpot occurrence ratio is set, and which jackpot to be
established is determined randomly using a random number. It should
be noted that the expectation value of the number of coin-outs
according to each jackpot is constant.
[0149] When a game is started by pressing of the spin button 23
after pressing of a 1-BET button 26 or a maximum BET button 27, the
sequences of symbols drawn on the respective reels 14 are
scroll-displayed downwardly in the display windows 15 with rotation
of the reels 14, and after the lapse of a predetermined period of
time, the sequences of symbols drawn on the respective reels 14 are
rearranged in the display windows 15 with the stop of rotation of
the reels 14. Further, a variety of winning combinations are
previously set based on the respective combinations of symbols, and
when the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning
combination stops along the winning line L, the number of coin-outs
according to the winning combination is added to credits owned by
the player. When the combination of the bonus triggers of "GIFT
BONUS" is established, a predetermined number of coin-outs is added
to the credits owned by the player.
[0150] It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, there is
described the case of paying out coins according to the jackpot
when the combination of bonus triggers is established. However, the
gaming state generated in establishment of the combination of bonus
triggers is not particularly limited in the present invention.
Examples of the gaming state may include a free game, a second
game, and a mystery bonus. Further, when the combination of bonus
triggers is established, the ticket 39 with a barcode may be issued
with predetermined information printed thereon.
[0151] Combinations of symbols in italic in the payout table are
combinations of which the number of coin-outs to be conducted is
equal to or more than 180 when established in a game played with a
MAXBET.
[0152] In the game played with a MAXBET in the insurance mode, when
any one of those combinations of symbols is established, the mode
is shifted from the insurance mode to the non-insurance mode.
[0153] Here, insurance in the slot machine 10 is described.
[0154] As for the insurance, the slot machine 10 has two modes: the
insurance mode "RESCUE PAY ON"; and the non-insurance mode "RESCUE
PAY OFF".
[0155] The non-insurance mode is set immediately after the power is
turned on in the slot machine 10, and the mode is then shifted to
the insurance mode by an insertion of a predetermined number of
game media.
[0156] In the insurance mode, the number of the specific game
established after shifting to the insurance mode, namely, the
number of the specific game is counted.
[0157] The specific game refers to, as already described with
reference to FIG. 1A, a game satisfying the condition (X-1) and the
condition (X-2). The number of the specific game refers to the
number of establishment of the specific game. Further, there is a
plurality of the specific games.
[0158] When the number of the specific game counted in the
insurance mode reaches the set value determined according to the
respective specific games, coins are paid out (RESCUE PAY). For
example, when the number of the specific game of "DOUBLE-DOUBLE"
reaches 20, 360 coins are paid out (see FIG. 1A to FIG. 1D).
[0159] However, in the game played with a MAXBET in the insurance
mode, when there is established a combination of which the number
of coin-outs is equal to or more than 180, the counted number of
the specific game is cleared and the mode is shifted from the
insurance mode to the non-insurance mode, as described above.
[0160] FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of a specific combination.
[0161] The specific combination refers to, as already described
with reference to FIG. 1A, the combination of symbols satisfying
the condition (X-1) and the condition (X-2). The specific
combinations are respectively associated with the number of payouts
as "RESCUE PAY" and with the set value indicating the required
number of establishment of the specific game for "RESCUE PAY". For
example, the specific combination of "DOUBLE-DOUBLE" is associated
with the number of payouts of "360" and the set value of "20".
[0162] In the game program, a table defining the correspondence of
the specific combination, the number of payouts as "RESCUE PAY",
and the set value, is included.
[0163] FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of a count value to be stored
in RAM.
[0164] As shown in FIG. 6, in the RAM 43, there is provided an area
for storing the count value (the number C of the specific game) of
the number of the specific game for each specific combination. For
example, in FIG. 6, the count value of "DOUBLE-DOUBLE" is "18".
This indicates that the specific game corresponding to
"DOUBLE-DOUBLE" has been conducted for 18 times, after the mode was
shifted to the insurance mode. Here, to the upper image display
panel 33, there is displayed 2/20, since the number of remaining
games is two.
[0165] Next, the flow of a game played on the slot machine 10 is
described by using FIG. 7A to FIG. 9B.
[0166] FIG. 7A to FIG. 9B are views showing images displayed to the
upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16
provided in the slot machine 10.
[0167] In the figures, a numeral 15 (15L, 15C, 15R) denotes a
display window. A numeral 31 denotes a number-of-credits display
portion. A numeral 32 denotes a number-of-payouts display portion.
A symbol L denotes a winning line.
[0168] In the non-insurance mode, as shown in FIG. 7A, an image 94a
showing "RESCUE OFF" is displayed to the upper image display panel
33. The image 94a is an image showing that the current gaming state
is the non-insurance mode.
[0169] Moreover, a button type image 94b showing "BET FOR RESCUE
PAY MORE INFO" is displayed to the lower right portion of the lower
image display panel 16. The button type image 94b is an image to
request an input of a command to output information concerning the
insurance mode. The player can input the command to output
information concerning the insurance mode by touching a
predetermined place of the touch panel 69 corresponding to the
display area of the button type image 94b.
[0170] When the above-mentioned command is inputted, an image 95
showing information relating to the insurance mode is displayed to
the lower image display panel 16 (see FIG. 7B)
[0171] The image 95 includes information concerning the insurance
mode as follows:
[0172] (I) the number of the game satisfying the condition (X-1)
and the condition (X-2) is counted as the number of the specific
game;
[0173] (II) a coin is paid out as "RESCUE PAY", when the number of
the specific game reaches the predetermined number.
[0174] Further, the image 95 includes information to make a request
for an option as to whether or not to shift the mode from the
non-insurance mode to the insurance mode, a button type image "YES"
95a, and a button type image "NO" 95b.
[0175] When a predetermined area of the touch panel 69
corresponding to the button type image "NO" 95b is touched by the
player, the image 94b shown in FIG. 7A is displayed to the lower
image display panel 16 again.
[0176] On the other hand, when a predetermined area of the touch
panel 69 corresponding to the button type image "YES" 95a is
touched by the player, the mode is shifted from the non-insurance
mode to the insurance mode.
[0177] When the mode is shifted to the insurance mode, as shown in
FIG. 7C, the area 90 for displaying "No Pay Combination", the area
91 for displaying "Remaining Games", and the area 91 for displaying
"RESCUE PAY" are provided on the upper image display panel 33.
[0178] To the area 90, an image showing each specific combination
is displayed. To the area 91, an image showing an initial value
(same value as the set value) of the number of remaining games is
displayed. To the area 92, an image showing "RESCUE PAY"
corresponding to each specific combination is displayed.
[0179] FIG. 8A is a view showing an image displayed to the upper
image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16 at a
certain instant after the mode is shifted to the insurance
mode.
[0180] As shown in FIG. 8A, there are provided the area 90, the
area 91, and the area 92 on the upper image display panel 33. For
example, to the area 91, 18/20 is displayed as "Remaining Games" of
"DOUBLE-DOUBLE".
[0181] To the lower image display panel 16, symbols drawn on the
peripheral faces of the reels 14 (14L, 14C, 14R) are
scroll-displayed.
[0182] After satisfying the state of FIG. 8A, in the case that the
reel 14L and the reel 14C are stopped at "DOUBLE" as shown in FIG.
8B, and then the reel 14R is stopped at "BLANK" as shown in FIG.
8C, for example, the condition (X-1) and the condition (X-2) are
satisfied.
[0183] Accordingly, the number of the specific game of
"DOUBLE-DOUBLE" is counted. As a result, 17/20 is displayed as
"Remaining Games" of "DOUBLE-DOUBLE".
[0184] On the other hand, in the case that the reel 14L and the
reel 14C are stopped at "DOUBLE" as shown in FIG. 8B, and then the
reel 14R is stopped at "DOUBLE" as shown in FIG. 9A, the condition
(X-1) and the condition (X-2) are not satisfied. Accordingly, the
number of the specific game is not counted.
[0185] Further, a combination of "DOUBLE-DOUBLE-DOUBLE" displayed
to the lower image display panel 16 is a winning combination that
generates payout of 180 coins or more (see the first line of PAY
TABLE shown in FIG. 4). Accordingly, the mode is shifted from the
insurance mode to the non-insurance mode. Consequently, an image
indicating that the mode is the non-insurance mode is displayed to
the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel
16, as shown in FIG. 9B.
[0186] Here, with regard to an image displayed when the number of
the specific game reaches the predetermined number in the insurance
mode, there has been described with reference to FIG. 1A to FIG.
1D.
[0187] Next, processing conducted in the slot machine 10 is
described.
[Main Processing]
[0188] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing main processing conducted in
the slot machine 10.
[0189] First, activation processing is conducted in the slot
machine 10 (step S101). The activation processing is specifically
described later by using FIG. 15.
[0190] It is to be noted that, upon receipt of a detection signal
outputted from the coin counter 21C when a coin inserted into the
coin receiving slot 21 is detected by the coin counter 21C after
the activation processing, the main CPU 41 conducts processing for
adding the amount of inserted coins to the number of credits stored
in the RAM 43 as interruption processing.
[0191] After the processing of step S101, the non-insurance mode
image is displayed in the slot machine 10 (step S102). In this
processing, the main CPU 41 transmits a drawing command of the
non-insurance mode image to the graphic board 68. On the graphic
board 68, based on the above-mentioned drawing command, the VDP
extracts image data from the RAM 43, expands it into a video RAM,
generates image data of one frame, and outputs this image data to
the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel
16. This results in display of an image, for example as shown in
FIG. 7, to the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image
display panel 16.
[0192] Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the current
gaming state is the insurance mode, namely whether or not the
insurance mode flag stored in the RAM 43 is "ON" (step S103).
[0193] When determining that the current gaming state is not the
insurance mode in step S103, the main CPU 41 executes game
execution processing A (non-insurance mode) (step S200), and then
returns the processing to step S103. The game execution processing
A is specifically described later by using FIG. 12.
[0194] On the other hand, when determining that the current gaming
state is the insurance mode in step S103, the main CPU 41 executes
game execution processing B (insurance mode) (step S300), and then
returns the processing to step S103. The game execution processing
B is specifically described later by using FIG. 13.
[0195] In the slot machine 10, insurance setting processing is
executed in a predetermined cycle, when the non-insurance mode
image is displayed (see FIG. 7A) as described above.
[0196] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the insurance
setting processing.
[0197] First, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the button
type image "RESCUE PAY" 94b (see FIG. 7A) has been touched, namely,
whether or not to have received a detection signal that is
outputted from the touch panel 69 when a predetermined place of the
touch panel 69 corresponding to the display area of the button type
image 94b is touched (step S110). When the main CPU 41 determines
that the button type image 94b has not been touched, the present
subroutine is terminated.
[0198] On the other hand, when determining that the button type
image 94b has been touched, the main CPU 41 displays an insurance
information image (see FIG. 7B), including the button type image
"YES" 95a and the button type image "NO" 95b for responding to
"RESCUE ON", to the lower image display panel 16 (step S111).
[0199] Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the button
type image "YES" 95a has been touched (step S112). When determining
that the button type image "YES" 95a has not been touched in step
S112, the main CPU 41 then determines whether or not the button
type image "NO" 95b has been touched (step S113). When the main CPU
41 determines that the image "NO" 95b has been touched, the present
subroutine is terminated. On the other hand, when the main CPU 41
determines that the button type image "NO" 95b has not been
touched, the processing is returned to step S111.
[0200] When the button type image "YES" 95a has been touched in
step S112, the main CPU 41 conducts processing for subtracting a
predetermined number of credits (1 in the present embodiment) from
the number of credits stored in the RAM 43 (step S115).
[0201] It should be noted that bills or coins that correspond to
the number of credits may be inserted in place of subtracting the
number of credits.
[0202] Next, the main CPU 41 sets the insurance mode flag stored in
the RAM 43 to "ON" so as to shift the mode to the insurance mode
(step S116).
[0203] The main CPU 41 then sets the number C of the specific games
to zero (the number C of the specific game=0) in the data storage
area showing the number C of the specific game which is provided in
the RAM 43, and starts counting the number of the specific game
(step S117).
[0204] In step S117, the main CPU 41 sets the number C1 of the
specific games specifically corresponding to "DOUBLE-DOUBLE", to
zero. Further, the main CPU 41 sets the number C2 of the specific
games corresponding to "3BAR-3BAR" to zero. Furthermore, the main
CPU 41 sets the number C3 of the specific games corresponding to
"2BAR-2BAR" to zero. Moreover, the main CPU 41 sets the number C4
of the specific games corresponding to "BAR-BAR" to zero.
[0205] Subsequently, the main CPU 41 displays the insurance mode
images shown in FIG. 7C to the upper image display panel 33 (step
S118). The insurance mode image includes an image showing the
number of remaining games until the number of the specific game to
be counted reaches the predetermined number. After the processing
of step S118, the present subroutine is terminated.
[Game Execution Processing A (Non-Insurance Mode)]
[0206] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the game
execution processing A called and executed in step S200 of the
subroutine shown in FIG. 10.
[0207] First, the main CPU 41 conducts processing for displaying
the non-insurance mode image (see FIG. 7A) to the upper image
display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16 (step
S201).
[0208] Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a coin has
been BET (step S202). In this processing, the main CPU 41
determines whether or not to have received an input signal that is
outputted from the 1-BET switch 26S when the 1-BET button 26 is
operated, or an input signal that is outputted from a maximum BET
switch 27S when the maximum BET button 27 is operated. When the
main CPU 41 determines that the coin has not been BET, the
processing is returned to step S202.
[0209] On the other hand, when determining that the coin has been
BET in step S202, the main CPU 41 conducts processing for making a
subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM 43
according to the number of coins BET (step S203). It is to be noted
that, when the number of coins BET is larger than the number of
credits stored in the RAM 43, the main CPU 41 does not conduct the
processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits
stored in the RAM 43, and the processing is returned to step S202.
Further, when the number of coins BET exceeds the upper limit of
the number of coins that can be BET in one game (three coins in the
present embodiment), the main CPU 41 does not conduct the
processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits
stored in the RAM 43, and the processing is proceeded to step
S204.
[0210] Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the spin
button 23 has been turned ON (step S204). In this processing, the
main CPU 41 determines whether or not to have received an input
signal that is outputted from the spin switch 23S when the spin
button 23 is pressed.
[0211] When the main CPU 41 determines that the spin button 23 has
not been turned on, the processing is returned to step S202.
[0212] It is to be noted that, when the spin button 23 is not
turned ON (e.g. when the spin button 23 is not turned ON and a
command to end the game is inputted), the main CPU 41 cancels a
subtraction result in step S203.
[0213] In the present embodiment, a case is described where, after
a coin is BET (step S202), the processing for making a subtraction
from the number of credits is conducted (step S203) before whether
or not the spin button 23 has been turned ON is determined (step
S204). However, the present invention is not limited to this
example. For example, after a coin was BET (step S202), whether or
not the spin button 23 has been turned ON may be determined (step
S204), and when it is determined that the spin button 23 has been
turned ON (step S204: YES), the processing for making a subtraction
from the number of credits may be conducted (step S203).
[0214] On the other hand, when determining that the spin button 23
has been turned ON in step S204 in FIG. 12, the main CPU 41
conducts to-be-stopped symbol determination processing (step S206).
In this to-be-stopped symbol determination processing, the main CPU
41 (arithmetic processing unit) executes a to-be-stopped symbol
determination program stored in the RAM 43 (storage device) so as
to determine a code No. in stopping each of the reels 14. Thereby,
a combination of symbols to be rearranged is determined. This
processing will be specifically described later by using FIG. 17
and FIG. 20. It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, a
case is described where a combination of symbols to be rearranged
is determined so as to determine one winning combination out of a
plurality of types of winning combinations. However, in the present
invention, for example, a random number may be used first so as to
determine one winning combination to be selected randomly from the
plurality of types of winning combinations, and thereafter, a
combination of symbols to be rearranged may be determined based on
the above-mentioned winning combination.
[0215] Next, the main CPU 41 conducts reel rotation control
processing (step S207). This is the processing for starting
rotation of all the reels 14 and then stopping rotation of the
reels 14 so that the combination of symbols corresponding to the
winning combination determined in step S206 is rearranged along the
winning line L. This processing will be specifically described
later by using FIG. 18 to FIG. 20.
[0216] Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a
combination of bonus triggers has been established (step S220).
When it is determined that the combination of bonus triggers has
been established, a single jackpot is selected out of four types of
jackpots "GRAND", "MAJOR", "MINOR" and "MINI" by using a random
number, and the number of coins set with respect to the selected
jackpot is paid out (step S223). In the case of accumulating coins,
the main CPU 41 conducts processing for adding a predetermined
number of credits to the number of credits stored in the RAM 43. On
the other hand, in the case of paying out coins, the main CPU 41
transmits a control signal to the hopper 66 in order to pay out a
predetermined number of coins. At that time, the coin detecting
portion 67 counts the number of coins paid out from the hopper 66,
and when the counted value reaches a designated number, the coin
detecting portion 67 transmits a payout completion signal to the
main CPU 41. Thereby, the main CPU 41 stops driving of the hopper
66 and ends the coin payout processing. Thereafter, the present
subroutine is terminated.
[0217] On the other hand, in step S220, when determining that the
combination of bonus triggers has not been established, the main
CPU 41 determines whether or not a winning combination has been
established (step S221). When determining that the winning
combination has been established, the main CPU 41 pays out coins
according to the number of BETs and the winning combination (step
S222). When it is determined that any of winning combinations has
not been established in step S221, or when the processing of step
S222 or S223 has been executed, the present subroutine is
terminated.
[Game Execution Processing B (Insurance Mode)]
[0218] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the game
execution processing B which is called and executed in step S300 of
the subroutine shown in FIG. 10.
[0219] First, the main CPU 41 conducts processing for displaying
the insurance mode image (see FIG. 7C) to the upper image display
panel 33 (step S301).
[0220] Subsequently, processing of steps S302 to S307 is conducted,
and the processing is the same as the processing of steps S202 to
S207 shown in FIG. 12.
[0221] Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a
combination of bonus triggers has been established (step S320), and
when determining that the combination of bonus triggers has been
established, the main CPU 41 conducts jackpot payout processing
(step S323).
[0222] On the other hand, when determining that the combination of
bonus triggers has not been established in step S320, the main CPU
41 determines whether or not a winning combination has been
established (step S321). When determining that the winning
combination has been established, the main CPU 41 pays out coins
according to the number of BETs and the winning combination (step
S322). When it is determined that any of winning combination has
not been established in step S321, the processing is shifted to
step 330.
[0223] In the case of having executed the processing of step S322
or the step S323, the main CPU 41 executes rescue-pay execution
processing (step S324) and terminates the present subroutine.
[Rescue-Pay Execution Processing]
[0224] FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating a subroutine of
rescue-pay execution processing.
[0225] First, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a winning
combination is established (step S401). When determining that the
winning combination is established, the CPU 41 determines whether
or not more than 180 coins have been paid out in the present game
(step S402). When determining that more than 180 coins have been
paid out in the present game, the main CPU 41 shifts the processing
to step S407. On the other hand, when determining more than 180
coins have not been paid out, the CPU 41 terminates the present
subroutine.
[0226] When determining that the winning combination is established
in step S401, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not any of the
specific combinations is established (step S403). The specific
combination refers to a combination of specific symbols, which
satisfies the condition (X-1) and the condition (X-2) described
with reference to FIG. 1A. Examples of the specific combinations
include "DOUBLE-DOUBLE-BLANK" (see FIG. 8C).
[0227] When determining that the specific combination is
established in step S403, the main CPU 41 adds "1" to the count
value (the number C of the specific games) of the number of the
specific game corresponding to the specific combination. For
example, in the case that the combination of symbols is
"DOUBLE-DOUBLE-BLANK", the main CPU 41 adds "1" to the number C1 of
the specific games corresponding to the specific combination
"DOUBLE-DOUBLE" (step S404).
[0228] Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the number
of the specific game has reached the predetermined number (set
value) (step S405). When determining that the number of the
specific game has reached the predetermined number, the main CPU 40
pays out "RESCUE PAY" corresponding to the specific combination
(step S406), which corresponds to the number of the specific game
determined to have reached the predetermined value, and shifts the
processing to step S407. For example, when determining the number
C1 of the specific games corresponding to the specific combination
"DOUBLE-DOUBLE" has reached the predetermined number (20 times),
360 credits of "RESCUE PAY" corresponding to the specific
combination "DOUBLE-DOUBLE" are paid out. On the other hand, when
determining that the number of the specific game has not reached
the predetermined number in step S405, the CPU 41 terminates the
present subroutine.
[0229] In step S407, the main CPU 41 sets the insurance mode flag
stored in the RAM 43 to "OFF" so as to shift the mode to the
non-insurance mode.
[0230] Next, in the storage area of data showing the number C of
the specific games provided in the RAM 43, the main CPU 41 sets all
the numbers C of the specific games (the number C1 of the specific
games, the number C2 of the specific games, the number C3 of the
specific games, the number C4 of the specific games) to zero (C=0)
so as to clear the number of the specific game (step S408).
Thereafter, the present subroutine is terminated.
[Activation Processing]
[0231] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a procedure of activation
processing called and executed in step S101 of the flowchart shown
in FIG. 10. This activation processing is the processing conducted
by the mother board 40 and the gaming board 50. It should be noted
that the memory card 53 is inserted into the card slot 53S in the
gaming board 50, and the GAL 54 is mounted onto the IC socket
54S.
[0232] First, when a power switch is turned on (power is turned on)
in the power supply unit 45, the mother board 40 and the gaming
board 50 are activated (steps S1-1, S2-1). In activation of the
mother board 40 and the gaming board 50, individual processing is
respectively executed in parallel. Namely, in the gaming board 50,
the CPU 51 reads the auxiliary authentication program stored in the
boot ROM 52, and conducts auxiliary authentication according to the
read auxiliary authentication program, to previously check and
prove that the authentication program is not falsified before
loading the program to the mother board 40 (step S2-2). Meanwhile,
in the mother board 40, the main CPU 41 executes the BIOS stored in
the ROM 42, and expands compressed data which is incorporated in
the BIOS into the RAM 43 (step S1-2). The main CPU 41 then executes
the BIOS expanded into the RAM 43 to diagnose and initialize a
variety of peripheral devices (step S1-3). The processing of step
S1-3 will be specifically described later with reference to FIG.
16.
[0233] Since the ROM 55 of the gaming board 50 is connected to the
main CPU 41 via the PCI bus, the main CPU 41 reads the
authentication program stored in the ROM 55, and stores the read
authentication program into the RAM 43 (step S1-4). At this time,
according to the standard BIOS function of BIOS, the main CPU 41
takes a checksum by ADDSUM system (normal checking system) and
stores the authentication program into the RAM 43, while conducting
processing for confirming whether or not the storage is certainly
conducted.
[0234] Next, after confirming what is connected to the IDE bus, the
main CPU 41 accesses, via the IDE bus, the memory card 53 inserted
in the card slot 53S, to read a game program or a game system
program from the memory card 53. In this case, the main CPU 41
reads data constituting the game program and the game system
program by 4 bytes. Subsequently, the main CPU 41 conducts
authentication to check and prove that the read game program and
game system program have not been falsified, following the
authentication program stored in the RAM 43 (step S1-5). When this
authentication processing is normally completed, the main CPU 41
writes and stores the game program and the game system program,
which have been the authentication targets (which have been
authenticated), into the RAM 43 (step S1-6). Next, the main CPU 41
accesses, via the PCI bus, the GAL 54 mounted on the IC socket 54S,
reads payout ratio setting data from the GAL 54, and writes and
stores the data into the RAM 43 (step S1-7). Subsequently, the main
CPU 41 conducts processing for reading country identification
information stored in the ROM 55 of the gaming board 50 via the PCI
bus, and writes and stores the read country identification
information into the RAM 43 (step S1-8).
[0235] After conducting the above-mentioned processing, the main
CPU 41 sequentially reads and executes the game program and the
game system program, thereby execute the processing shown in FIG.
10 and FIG. 11.
[0236] FIG. 16 is a chart illustrating a procedure of
peripheral-device initialization processing.
[0237] First, the main CPU 41 diagnoses and initializes a
reel-related device (step S3-1). In this processing, the main CPU
41 sequentially transmits request signals to the index detecting
circuit 65, the position-change detecting circuit 71, and the motor
driving circuit 62. Then, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not
to have received predetermined response signals and conducts
clearance of a predetermined storage area, and the like.
[0238] Next, the main CPU 41 diagnoses and initializes a display
(step S3-2). In this processing, the main CPU 41 transmits the
request signal to the graphic board 68. Then, the main CPU 41
determines whether or not to have received a predetermined response
signal and conducts clearance of a predetermined storage area, and
the like.
[0239] Next, the main CPU 41 diagnoses and initializes various
types of input devices (step S3-3). In this processing, the main
CPU 41 transmits request signals to the input devices such as the
spin switch 23S, the change switch 24S, the CASHOUT switch 25S, the
1-BET switch 26S, the maximum BET switch 27S, and the touch panel
11, and then determines whether or not to have received
predetermined response signals.
[0240] Subsequently, the main CPU 41 diagnoses and initializes
other peripheral devices connected to the main CPU 41 (step S3-4).
Then the present subroutine is terminated.
[To-Be-Stopped Symbol Determination Processing]
[0241] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the
to-be-stopped symbol determination processing called and executed
in step S206 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 12. This is the
processing conducted such that the main CPU 41 executes the
to-be-stopped symbol determination program stored in the RAM
43.
[0242] First, the main CPU 41 executes a random number generation
program included in the to-be-stopped symbol determination program,
to select random numbers respectively corresponding to three reels
14, out of the numbers falling in the numeric range of 0 to 255
(step S31). In the present embodiment, the case of generating
random numbers on the program (the case of using a so-called
software random number) is described. However, in the present
invention, a random number generator may be provided and random
numbers may be extracted from the random number generator (a
so-called hardware random number may be used).
[0243] Next, the main CPU 41 (arithmetic processing unit)
determines a code No. (see FIG. 20) of the respective reels 14
based on the selected three random numbers, by referring to symbol
weighing data according to the payout ratio setting data outputted
from the GAL 54 and stored in the RAM 43 (storage device) (step
S32). The code Nos. of the respective reels 14 correspond to code
Nos. of symbols to be rearranged along the winning line L. It
should be noted that later-described reel rotation control
processing is conducted based on these code Nos. of the reels.
[Reel Rotation Control Processing]
[0244] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the reel rotation control
processing called and executed in step S207 of the subroutine shown
in FIG. 12. It is to be noted that this is the processing conducted
between the main CPU 41 and the sub CPU 61.
[0245] First, the main CPU 41 transmits to the sub CPU 61 a start
signal to start rotation of the reels (step S40). Upon receipt of
the start signal from the main CPU 41, the sub CPU 61 conducts the
reel rotation processing (step S51). In this processing, the sub
CPU 61 supplies a pulse to the motor driving circuit 62. The pulse
outputted from the sub CPU 61 is amplified by the driver 64, and
then supplied to each of the stepping motors 70 (70L, 70C, 70R).
This results in rotation of each of the stepping motors 70, along
with which each of the reels 14 (14L, 14C, 14R) is rotated. In the
one-two phase excitation stepping motor 70, a step angle is 0.9
degrees and the number of steps per rotation is 400. Therefore,
when 400 pulses are supplied to the stepping motor 70, the reels 14
rotate one turn.
[0246] In starting rotation of the reels 14, the sub CPU 61
supplies a low frequency pulse to the motor driving circuit 62, and
gradually increases the pulse frequency. Along with this, a
rotational speed of the reels 14 increases. After a lapse of a
predetermined period of time, the pulse frequency is made constant.
This results in rotation of the reels 14 at a constant speed.
[0247] Here, the rotational operation of each of the reels 14 is
described by using FIGS. 19A to 19D.
[0248] FIGS. 19A to 19D are side views for explaining the
rotational operation of each of the reels 14.
[0249] As shown in FIG. 19A, a semicircular metal plate 14a is
provided on the side face of each of the reels 14. The metal plate
14a is rotated along with each of the reels 14. Further, 22 symbols
are provided on the peripheral face of each of the reels 14. Three
symbols out of the 22 symbols drawn on the peripheral face of each
of the reels 14 become visually identifiable via the display window
15 formed in front of each of the reels 14. In the figure,
heavy-line arrows indicate the rotational direction of each of the
reels 14. Further, an adjacent sensor 65a is provided on the side
face of each of the reels 14. The adjacent sensor 65a is for
detecting the metal plate 14a. The adjacent sensor 65a does not
move or rotate along with rotation of each of the reels 14.
[0250] FIG. 19A shows a position (hereinafter also referred to as
position A) of the metal plate 14a at the time of becoming detected
by the adjacent sensor 65a. When each of the reels 14 rotates with
the metal plate 14a located in the position A, the metal plate 14a
moves to a position shown in FIG. 19B. FIG. 19B shows a position
(hereinafter also referred to as position B) of the metal plate 14a
at the time of being detected by the adjacent sensor 65a. When each
of the reels 14 rotates with the metal plate 14a located in the
position B, the metal plate 14a moves to a position shown in FIG.
19C. FIG. 19C shows a position (hereinafter also referred to as
position C) of the metal plate 14a at the time of becoming
undetected by the adjacent sensor 65a.
[0251] When each of the reels 14 rotates with the metal plate 14a
located in the position C, the metal plate 14a moves to a position
shown in FIG. 19D. FIG. 19D shows a position (hereinafter also
referred to as position D) of the metal plate 14a at the time of
being not detected. When each of the reels 14 rotates with the
metal plate 14a located in the position D, the metal plate 14a
returns to the position A. As thus described, the position of the
metal plate 14a changes sequentially from the position A, the
position B, the position C, the position D, the position A, and so
forth, along with rotation of each of the reels 14.
[0252] The adjacent sensor 65a constitutes the index detecting
circuit 65 (see FIG. 3). Assuming that the state where the adjacent
sensor 65a is detecting the metal plate 14a is referred to as
"High" and the state where the adjacent sensor 65a is not detecting
the metal plate 14a is referred to as "Low", the index detecting
circuit 65 is in the "High" state when the metal plate 14a is
located in the position A.fwdarw.the position B.fwdarw.the position
C, and the index detecting circuit 65 is in the "Low" state when
the metal plate 14a is located in the position C.fwdarw.the
position D.fwdarw.the position A. It is to be noted that the sub
CPU 61 identifies the rotational position of each of the reels 14
such that a leading edge from "Low" to "High" as index (original
point) 1 and a falling edge from "High" to "Low" as index (original
point) 2.
[0253] After transmitting a start signal to the sub CPU 61 in step
S40, the main CPU 41 executes effects in rotation of the reels
(step S41). This is the processing for displaying an image to the
lower image display panel 16, outputting sound from the speaker 29,
and the like, during a period (e.g. 3 seconds) set according to a
result of the to-be-stopped symbol determination processing (FIG.
12, step S206) or the like.
[0254] Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the current
time point is the timing for instructing to stop rotation of the
reels 14 (step S42).
[0255] Here, the timing for instructing to stop rotation of the
reels 14 is the timing before the time point of stopping the
performance of effects in rotation of the reels only by the minimum
time required for stopping rotation of the reels 14. It is to be
noted that the minimum time required for stopping rotation of the
reels 14 is previously set.
[0256] In step S42, when determining that the current time point is
not the timing for instructing to stop rotation of the reels 14,
the main CPU 41 returns the processing to step S42, and
continuously executes the performance of effects in rotation of the
reels. On the other hand, when determining that the current time
point is the timing for instructing to stop rotation of the reels
14 in step S42, the main CPU 41 transmits code No. stored in the
RAM 43 to the sub CPU 61 (step S43).
[0257] In this processing, the main CPU 41 sequentially transmits
code No. of the reel 14L, code No. of the reel 14C, and the code
No. of reel 14R to the sub CPU 61 at predetermined time
intervals.
[0258] Upon receipt of code No. of the reels from the main CPU 41,
the sub CPU 61 converts code No. into the stop position (the number
of steps) of each reel from the index, based on the correspondence
table of the number of steps stored in ROM (not shown) provided in
the sub CPU 61 and code No. (step S52).
[0259] FIG. 20 is a schematic view showing a correspondence table
of the number of steps and code No. Each code No. is associated
with index and the number of steps.
[0260] It should be noted that each code No. corresponds to a
symbol drawn on the peripheral face of each of the reels 14.
Symbols of code No. "00" to "10" correspond to index 1. Symbols of
code No. "11" to "21" correspond to index 2. Further, the numbers
of steps in the correspondence table shown in FIG. 20 are the
numbers of steps set by regarding index 1 as a reference. For
example, when code No. is "08", a position 145 steps from index 1
is the stop position of the reel. Further, when code No. is "12", a
position 218 steps from index 1 is the stop position of the
reel.
[0261] Next, the sub CPU 61 executes a reel stoppage processing
(step S53). In this processing, the sub CPU 61 detects the leading
edge (index 1) from "Low" to "High" of each reel 14 in the index
detecting circuit 65, and supplies the index detecting circuit 65
with pulses corresponding to the number of steps into which code
No. has been converted in step S52, at the timing of detecting
index 1, and thereafter, the supply of the pulse is stopped.
[0262] For example, when it is determined that the stop position of
the reel is a position 145 steps away from index 1 in step S52, the
sub CPU 61 supplies the index detecting circuit 65 with 145 pulses
at the timing of detecting index 1, and then stops the supply of
the pulse. Further, in step S52, when it is determined that the
stop position of the reel is a position 218 steps away from index
1, the sub CPU 61 supplies the index detecting circuit 65 with 218
pulses at the timing of detecting index 1. As a result, the reels
14 stop with the code numbers as determined in step S32 in FIG. 17,
and a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning
combination determined in step S32 in FIG. 17 is rearranged along
the winning line L. Meanwhile, the main CPU 41 ends the performance
of effects in rotation of the reels. After completing the
processing of steps S44 and S53, the present processing is
terminated.
[0263] When index corresponding to code No. transmitted in step S43
differs from index detected by the index detecting circuit 65 in
stopping rotation of the reels 14, a loss of synchronism has
occurred in the reels 14, and therefore, the main CPU 41 conducts
processing for displaying an error message to the lower image
display panel 16, or the like, to discontinue the game.
[0264] For example, when the index 1 is detected by the index
detecting circuit 65 in stopping rotation of the reel 14L although
the main CPU 41 conducts the processing for stopping reel 14L at
code No. 12 which corresponds to index 2, the game is
discontinued.
[0265] According to the slot machine 10 and the control method
thereof, a number of the game in which the coin is eventually not
paid out after a specific condition (condition (X-1)) that the
payout of the coin may be generated when the last one of symbols is
stop-displayed has been satisfied, is counted as the number of the
specific game. Namely, the number of remaining games is counted
down. Then, in the case that the number of the specific game has
reached a predetermined number, that is, in the case that the
number of remaining games has reached "0", the coin is paid out.
Accordingly, the number of the game that may make the player be
frustrated a lot is counted as the number of the specific game, so
as to approach the set value (predetermined number) for the payout
of the coin. Consequently, the frustration of the player can be
reduced.
[0266] Further, since only the number of the specific game is
counted, the set value (predetermined number) for the payout of the
coin can be set to a small number. As a result, the player can
realize the possibility of receiving a return.
[0267] Furthermore, there is a plurality of specific conditions
(condition (X-1)) and the numbers of the specific games are
respectively counted for specific conditions in various states.
Accordingly, it is possible to significantly reduce the frustration
of the player with respect to the games in various states, in which
the player may be frustrated a lot.
[0268] Moreover, it becomes possible to provide a new enjoyment of
expecting that the number of the specific game, which is nearly
reaching the predetermined number, is counted.
[0269] Since the predetermined number of coins (in the present
embodiment, 1 coin) are required to be inserted to receive a return
(RESCUE PAY), it becomes possible for the management side of the
recreation hall to control a loss.
[0270] According to the slot machine 10, both of the numbers of the
specific games each corresponding to one specific combination, each
of which is determined to have reached or not to have reached the
predetermined number, are reset. Namely, when one of the numbers of
the specific games reaches the predetermined number, all the
numbers of the specific games are reset. Accordingly, it is
possible to prevent the game medium from being paid out to players
excessively.
[0271] In the above-described embodiment, there has been described
a case of clearing all the numbers of the specific games when a
single number of the specific game has reached the predetermined
number. However, in the present invention, only the number of the
specific game satisfying a specific condition, which is determined
to have reached the predetermined number, is reset, and the number
of the specific game satisfying a specific condition, whish is not
determined to have reached the predetermined number, may be not
reset. Hereinafter, a slot machine in this case will be described
with reference to FIG. 21.
[0272] FIG. 21 is a flow chart illustrating a subroutine of
rescue-pay execution processing according to another embodiment of
the present invention.
[0273] Here, a slot machine according to the present embodiment has
a virtually same configuration as the above-described slot machine
10, except that rescue-pay execution processing is different.
Therefore, descriptions except for the description of the
rescue-pay execution processing are omitted here. Further,
components corresponding to the above-described slot machine 10
will be described indicated by the same numerals.
[0274] First, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a winning
combination is established (step S501). When determining that the
winning combination is established, the CPU 41 determines whether
or not more than 180 coins have been paid out in the present game
(step S502). When determining that more than 180 coins have been
paid out in the present game, the main CPU 41 shifts the processing
to step S503. On the other hand, when determining more than 180
coins have not been paid out, the CPU 41 terminates the present
subroutine.
[0275] In step S503, the main CPU 41 sets the insurance mode flag
stored in the RAM 43 to "OFF" so as to shift the mode to the
non-insurance mode.
[0276] Next, in the storage area of data showing the number C of
the specific games provided in the RAM 43, the main CPU 41 sets all
the numbers C of the specific games (the number C1 of the specific
games, the number C2 of the specific games, the number C3 of the
specific games, the number C4 of the specific games) to zero (C=0)
so as to clear the numbers of the specific games (step S504).
Thereafter, the present subroutine is terminated.
[0277] When determining that a winning combination is established
in step S501, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not any of
specific combinations is established (step S505)
[0278] When determining that the specific combination is
established in step S505, the main CPU 41 adds "1" to the count
value (the number C of the specific games) of the number of the
specific game corresponding to the specific combination (step
S506).
[0279] Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the number
of the specific game has reached the predetermined number (set
value) (step S507). When determining that the number of the
specific game has reached the predetermined number, the main CPU 40
pays out "RESCUE PAY" corresponding to the specific combination,
which corresponds to the number of the specific game determined to
have reached the predetermined value, and shifts the processing to
step S509. On the other hand, when determining that the number of
the specific game has not reached the predetermined number in step
S507, the CPU 41 terminates the present subroutine.
[0280] In step S509, the main CPU 41 sets the number C of the
specific games corresponding to the specific combination, which is
determined to have reached the predetermined number, to zero (C=0)
in the data storage area of showing the number C of the specific
games which is provided in the RAM 43, so that the number of the
specific game corresponding to the specific combination, which is
determined to have reached the predetermined number, is cleared.
For example, in the case that the number C1 of the specific games
corresponding to the specific combination of "DOUBLE-DOUBLE" is
determined to have reached the predetermined number (20 times),
only the number C1 of the specific games is reset to zero (C1=0).
Then, the present subroutine is terminated.
[0281] According to the above-described slot machine 10, only the
number of the specific game corresponding to a specific
combination, which is determined to have reached the predetermined
number, is reset. Namely, the number of the specific game
corresponding to another specific combination, which is not
determined to have reached the predetermined number, is not reset.
Accordingly, even after receiving a payout based on the number of
the specific game corresponding to a single specific combination
having reached the predetermined number, a player is allowed to
keep expecting a payout of the coin corresponding to another
specific combination.
[0282] The slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment is a
stand-alone type slot machine and counts the number of the specific
game. However, in the present invention, the slot machine is not
necessarily a stand-alone type slot machine, and a server (central
controller) connected to a plurality of slot machines via a network
may count the number times of the specific game played in each slot
machine.
[0283] FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic view showing an entire
configuration of a game system according to one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0284] A game system 100 includes a plurality of slot machines 10
and a central controller 200 connected with these slot machines 10
via a predetermined communication line 101. Such a game system 100
may be constructed inside one recreation facility where a variety
of games can be played such as a bar or a casino, or constructed
among a plurality of recreation facilities. In the case of
constructing the game system inside one recreation facility, the
game system 100 may be constructed on each floor or in each section
of the recreation facility. The communication line 101 is not
particularly limited, and may be either wired or wireless, and an
exclusive line, an exchange line or the like can be adopted.
[0285] The central controller 200 controls the plurality of slot
machines 10. In the present embodiment, in particular, the central
controller 200 conducts the processing for counting the number of
the specific game played in each slot machine 10. The central
controller 200 may have a function as a so-called hall server which
is installed in a recreation facility having a plurality of slot
machines 10, a server to control a plurality of recreation
facilities in block, or the like. It is to be noted that each slot
machine 10 is provided with a unique identification number, and
according to the identification number, the central controller 200
determines from which slot machine data is transmitted. Also when
data is transmitted from the central controller 200 to the slot
machine 10, the central controller 200 specifies to which slot
machine the data will be transmitted, by using the identification
number.
[0286] FIG. 23 is a chart illustrating a procedure of activation
processing executed by the central controller shown in FIG. 22.
[0287] First, when the power switch is turned on (the power is
turned on) in the power unit, a mother board is activated (step
S4-1).
[0288] In the mother board, a CPU executes a BIOS stored in a ROM
so as to expand compressed data incorporated in the BIOS into a RAM
(step S4-2). Then, the CPU executes the BIOS expanded into the RAM,
and then, diagnoses and initializes various types of peripheral
devices such as a display (step S4-3).
[0289] Next, the CPU executes initialization processing of each
slot machine. In this processing, the CPU establishes a network
connection between the central controller and each slot machine,
and diagnoses if the network functions properly.
[0290] After the above-described processing, the CPU controls
proceeding of the game executed in a plurality of the slot machines
by reading and executing a game control program.
[0291] In the above-mentioned example, the case of using mechanical
reels 14 has been described. However, in the present invention,
symbols may be displayed to a display device such as a liquid
crystal display device in place of the mechanical reels.
[0292] FIG. 24 is a perspective view schematically showing a slot
machine according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0293] Except for displaying symbols to a lower image display
panel, a slot machine 300 has substantially the same appearance,
circuit configuration and the like as those of the slot machine 10,
and the flowchart of the slot machine 300 is substantially the same
as that of the slot machine 10. Therefore, descriptions of the slot
machine 300 are omitted except for a description of symbol display.
Further, constituent elements corresponding to those of the slot
machine 10 are provided with the same numerals as in the slot
machine 10.
[0294] The lower image display panel 16 included in the slot
machine 300 is provided with symbol display areas 250 having three
columns and three rows, and one symbol is displayed in each symbol
display area. In such a configuration, the scroll-display of
symbols may be displayed to the lower image display panel 16 in
place of the reel rotation control by the sub CPU 61.
[0295] Here, in the present invention, variable-display of symbols
refers to scroll-display of symbols by using a mechanical reel as
in the slot machine 10, and also refers to display of symbols in a
state of scrolling by using a image display such as a liquid
crystal display as in the slot machine 300.
[0296] Although the embodiments of the present invention were
described above, they were just illustrations of specific examples,
and hence do not particularly restrict the present invention. A
specific configuration of each step and the like is appropriately
changeable in terms of design. Further, the effects described in
the embodiments of the present invention are just recitations of
the most suitable effects generated from the present invention. The
effects of the present invention are thus not limited to those
described in the embodiments of the present invention.
[0297] Further, the foregoing detailed descriptions centered the
characteristic parts of the present invention in order to
facilitate understanding of the present invention. The present
invention is not limited to the embodiments in the foregoing
specific descriptions but applicable to other embodiments with a
variety of application ranges. Further, terms and phrases in the
present specification were used not for restricting interpretation
of the present invention but for precisely describing the present
invention. It is considered easy for the skilled in the art to
conceive other configurations, systems, methods and the like
included in the concept of the present invention from the concept
of the invention described in the specification. Therefore, it
should be considered that recitations of the claims include uniform
configurations in a range not departing from the range of technical
principles of the present invention. Moreover, an object of the
abstract is to enable a patent office, a general public
institution, an engineer belonging to the technical field who is
unfamiliar with patent, technical jargon or legal jargon, and the
like, to smoothly determine technical contents and an essence of
the present application with simple investigation. Accordingly, the
abstract is not intended to restrict the scope of the invention
which should be evaluated by recitations of the claims.
Furthermore, for thorough understanding of an object of the present
invention and an effect specific to the present invention, it is
desired to make interpretation in full consideration of documents
already disclosed and the like.
[0298] The foregoing detailed descriptions include processing
executed on a computer or a computer network. Explanations and
expressions above are described with the aim of being most
efficiently understood by the skilled person in the art. In the
specification, each step for use in deriving one result should be
understood as the self-consistent processing. Further, in each
step, transmission/reception, recording or the like of an
electrical or magnetic signal is performed. While such a signal is
expressed by using a bit, a value, a symbol, a letter, a term, a
number or the like in processing of each step, it should be noted
that those are used simply for the sake of convenience in
description. While there are cases where processing in each step
may be described using an expression in common with that of action
of a human, processing described in the specification is
essentially executed by a variety of devices. Further, another
configuration requested for performing each step should become
apparent from the above descriptions.
* * * * *