U.S. patent application number 12/540787 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-25 for slot machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to ARUZE CORP.. Invention is credited to Yuya Konno, Kazumasa Yoshizawa.
Application Number | 20100048287 12/540787 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41696891 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100048287 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yoshizawa; Kazumasa ; et
al. |
February 25, 2010 |
Slot Machine
Abstract
A processer randomly designates the predetermined number of
special symbol display areas from among symbol display areas when a
free game starts. Subsequently, reels stop rotating to position a
symbol in each of the symbol display areas. In case wild symbol(s)
is/are repositioned in the specific symbol display area(s), the
wild symbol(s) repositioned in the specific display area(s) will be
placed and maintained in a hold state in subsequent free game(s).
In the subsequent free game(s), symbols will be repositioned in
symbol display areas other than one(s) in which the wild symbol(s)
has/have been placed in a hold state.
Inventors: |
Yoshizawa; Kazumasa; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Konno; Yuya; (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: |
41696891 |
Appl. No.: |
12/540787 |
Filed: |
August 13, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61090324 |
Aug 20, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3267 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 display including a plurality of
symbol display areas for displaying symbols; and a processor
executing processes of: (a) repositioning symbols in the plurality
of symbol display areas; (b) executing a free game in case a
predetermined condition is satisfied during a base game; (c)
designating one or more specific symbol display area(s) from among
the plurality of symbol display areas during a free game; (d)
placing, in case specific symbol(s) is(are) repositioned in the one
or more specific symbol display area(s) during a free game, the
specific symbol(s) repositioned in the one or more specific symbol
display areas in a hold state; and (e) repositioning symbols not
placed in the hold state and awarding a prize based on a symbol
combination consisting of the specific symbol(s) placed in the hold
state at the process (d) and symbols currently repositioned.
2. A slot machine comprising: a display including a plurality of
symbol display areas for displaying symbols; and a processor
executing processes of: (a) repositioning symbols in the plurality
of symbol display areas; (b) executing a free game in case a
predetermined condition is satisfied during a base game; (c)
designating one or more specific symbol display area(s) randomly
selected from among the plurality of symbol display areas during a
free game; (d) placing, in case specific symbol(s) is(are)
repositioned in the one or more specific symbol display area(s)
during a free game, the specific symbol(s) repositioned in the one
or more specific symbol display areas in a hold state; and (e)
repositioning symbols not placed in the hold state and awarding a
prize based on a symbol combination consisting of the specific
symbol(s) placed in the hold state at the process (d) and symbols
currently repositioned.
3. A slot machine comprising: a display including a plurality of
symbol display areas for displaying symbols; and a processor
executing processes of: (a) repositioning symbols in the plurality
of symbol display areas; (b) executing a free game in case a
predetermined condition is satisfied during a base game; (c)
designating one or more specific symbol display area(s) randomly
selected from among the plurality of symbol display areas every
game or every plurality of games in a free game; (d) placing, in
case specific symbol(s) is(are) repositioned in the one or more
specific symbol display area(s) during a free game, the specific
symbol(s) repositioned in the one or more specific symbol display
areas in a hold state; and (e) repositioning symbols not placed in
the hold state and awarding a prize based on a symbol combination
consisting of the specific symbol(s) placed in the hold state at
the process (d) and symbols currently repositioned.
4. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein, in case wild
symbol(s) is (are) repositioned in the one or more specific symbol
display area(s) during the free game, the processor places the wild
symbol(s) repositioned in the one or more specific symbol area(s)
in the hold state.
5. The slot machine according to claim 1, further comprising a main
body having a decoration part; and a light emitting device arranged
outside the main body; wherein the light emitting device has a
replaceable light emitter; light emitted from the replaceable light
emitter is transmitted to the decoration part; and the decoration
part diffuses the light transmitted thereto.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based upon and claims a priority from
the U.S. provisional Patent Application No. 61/090,324 filed on
Aug. 20, 2008, the entire contents thereof are incorporated herein
by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The slot machine according to one more aspects of the
disclosure relates to a slot machine that executes a free game, in
addition to a base game, when a predetermined condition has been
satisfied during the base game.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Conventionally, in a slot machine, which is one type of a
gaming machine, a game is started by inserting coins, or the like,
in the gaming machine. In the game, a symbol columns is variably
displayed in a predetermined area in the gaming machine, and after
the lapse of a predetermined period of time, the symbol string is
stopped and displayed. Then a payout is awarded based on a
combination of the symbols thus stopped.
[0006] Generally, whether or not a winning combination for which a
payout is awarded is established is determined depending on whether
a predetermined number of the same kind of symbols (for instance,
"CHERRY" and "7") are positioned along a pay line set in advance.
Conventionally, if a predetermined number or more of the same kind
of symbols are positioned, a payout was also awarded based on the
number of symbols thus positioned, irrespective of the pay
line.
[0007] A large number of conventional slot machines execute two
kinds of games, including a base game and a free game. The base
game is executed by consumption of a gaming value (coins, credits,
etc) corresponding to a bet amount. Alternatively, the free game is
executed without consumption of any gaming value corresponding to
the bet amount.
[0008] Switching from the base game to the free game occurs if a
predetermined condition is satisfied, such as the case that a
specific symbol(s) is(are) stopped and displayed during the base
game. Switching from the free game to the base game occurs if a
predetermined condition is satisfied, such as the case that a free
game has been carried out by a predetermined number of times.
[0009] Further, in a conventional slot machine, the sense of
expectancy of the player for a free game is improved by making it
easier to establish a combination for which payout is awarded in
the free game in comparison with the case of the base game.
[0010] However, it is difficult to grasp whether or not
winning-prize probability is heightened on the surface of the slot
machine. Therefore, it was actually difficult to make the player
recognize the heightened winning-prize probability, which caused
the player to decrease his/her sense of expectancy for a free
game
[0011] The object of the disclosure is to provide a slot machine
capable of providing games contents of which are visually easy to
understand and attractive enough for the player who expects winning
large-amount prize by executing a next game with specific symbol(s)
being placed in a hold state at specific symbol display area(s), in
case specific symbol(s) is(are) repositioned in specific symbol
display area(s).
SUMMARY
[0012] Therefore, in order to achieve the object, according to a
slot machine of the disclosure encompassing one or more aspects
thereof, there is provided a slot machine. The slot machine
comprises a display including a plurality of symbol display areas
for displaying symbols; and a processor. The processor repositions
symbols in the plurality of symbol display areas. The processor
executes a free game in case a predetermined condition is satisfied
during a base game. The processor designates one or more specific
symbol display area(s) from among the plurality of symbol display
areas during a free game. The processor places, in case specific
symbol(s) is(are) repositioned in the one or more specific symbol
display area(s) during a free game, the specific symbol(s)
repositioned in the one or more specific symbol display areas in a
hold state. The processor repositions symbols not placed in the
hold state and awards a prize based on a symbol combination
consisting of the specific symbol(s) placed in the hold state at
the process (d) and symbols currently repositioned. Thereby, the
contents of games are made visually easy for the player to
understand and the sense of expectancy of the player for a free
game is improved. As games in a free game advance, the number of
specific symbol(s) placed in a hold state may increase gradually.
Thereby, it makes it possible to provide a game which attracts the
player who expects to win a high payout is enhanced.
[0013] According to the disclosure encompassing one or more
aspects, there is provided a slot machine. The slot machine
comprises a display including a plurality of symbol display areas
for displaying symbols; and a processor. The processor repositions
symbols in the plurality of symbol display areas. The processor
executes a free game in case a predetermined condition is satisfied
during a base game. The processor designates one or more specific
symbol display area(s) randomly selected from among the plurality
of symbol display areas during a free game. The processor places,
in case specific symbol(s) is(are) repositioned in the one or more
specific symbol display area(s) during a free game, the specific
symbol(s) repositioned in the one or more specific symbol display
areas in a hold state. The processor repositions symbols not placed
in the hold state and awards a prize based on a symbol combination
consisting of the specific symbol(s) placed in the hold state at
the process (d) and symbols currently repositioned. Thereby, the
contents of games are made visually easy for the player to
understand and the sense of expectancy of the player for a free
game is improved. Furthermore, the number of specific symbol
display areas and locations thereof are randomly selected through a
lottery process. Therefore the game will not go monotonous and
entertainment characteristics of the slot machine can be
improved.
[0014] According to the disclosure encompassing one or more
aspects, there is provided a slot machine. The slot machine
comprises a display including a plurality of symbol display areas
for displaying symbols; and a processor. The processor repositions
symbols in the plurality of symbol display areas. The processor
executes a free game in case a predetermined condition is satisfied
during a base game. The processor designates one or more specific
symbol display area(s) randomly selected from among the plurality
of symbol display areas every game or every plurality of games in a
free game. The processor places, in case specific symbol(s) is(are)
repositioned in the one or more specific symbol display area(s)
during a free game, the specific symbol(s) repositioned in the one
or more specific symbol display areas in a hold state. The
processor repositions symbols not placed in the hold state and
awards a prize based on a symbol combination consisting of the
specific symbol(s) placed in the hold state at the process (d) and
symbols currently repositioned. Thereby, the contents of games are
made visually easy for the player to understand and the sense of
expectancy of the player for a free game is improved. Furthermore,
the number of specific symbol display areas and locations thereof
are randomly selected for each game or every certain number of
games through a lottery process. Therefore the game will not go
monotonous and entertainment characteristics of the slot machine
can be improved.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification illustrate embodiments of
the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain
the objects, advantages and principles of the disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a view showing a characteristic part of a slot
machine in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure
directed to the first embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an outer appearance of
the slot machine in accordance with one or more aspects of the
disclosure directed to the first embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a front view showing a symbol display portion of
the slot machine in accordance with one or more aspects of the
disclosure directed to the first embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 4 shows an example of a symbol column positioned in
reel during a base game and a free game of the slot machine in
accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure directed to
the first embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a chart showing relation of variety of symbols and
payouts which are used in the slot machine in accordance with one
or more aspects of the disclosure directed to the first
embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration
of the entirety of the slot machine in accordance with one or more
aspects of the disclosure directed to the first embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration
of a sub control board installed in the slot machine in accordance
with one or more aspects of the disclosure directed to the first
embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 8 is an explanatory view explaining about the base game
and the free game executed in the slot machine in accordance with
one or more aspects of the disclosure directed to the first
embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a main control process program
executed in the slot machine in accordance with one or more aspects
of the disclosure directed to the first embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a main game process program
executed in the slot machine in accordance with one or more aspects
of the disclosure directed to the first embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a free-game process program
executed in the slot machine in accordance with one or more aspects
of the disclosure directed to the first embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an outer appearance of
the slot machine in accordance with one or more aspects of the
disclosure directed to the another embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a free game process in accordance
with one or more aspects of the disclosure directed to the second
embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 14 is an external perspective view of a slot machine in
accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure directed to
the second embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 15 is an explanatory view showing reel display portions
of the slot machine in accordance with one or more aspects of the
disclosure directed to the second embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 16 is an explanatory view showing symbol display
portions of the slot machine in accordance with one or more aspects
of the disclosure directed to the second embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an internal constitution
of the slot machine in accordance with one or more aspects of the
disclosure directed to the second embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an internal constitution
of the sub-control board of the slot machine in accordance with one
or more aspects of the disclosure directed to the second
embodiment;
[0034] FIG. 19 is an explanatory view showing a symbol displayed on
a reel of the slot machine in accordance with one or more aspects
of the disclosure directed to the second embodiment;
[0035] FIG. 20 is an explanatory view showing a symbol row
displayed on the reel of the slot machine in accordance with one or
more aspects of the disclosure directed to the second
embodiment;
[0036] FIG. 21 is an explanatory view showing a state that the
reels are variably displayed on the reel display portions of the
slot machine in accordance with one or more aspects of the
disclosure directed to the second embodiment;
[0037] FIG. 22 is an explanatory view showing a state that symbols
are stopped on the symbol display portions of the slot machine in
accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure directed to
the second embodiment;
[0038] FIG. 23 is an explanatory view showing content of a payout
table of the slot machine in accordance with one or more aspects of
the disclosure directed to the second embodiment;
[0039] FIG. 24 is a flowchart of a first main control process in
the slot machine in accordance with one or more aspects of the
disclosure directed to the second embodiment;
[0040] FIG. 25 is a flowchart of a first main game process in the
slot machine in accordance with one or more aspects of the
disclosure directed to the second embodiment;
[0041] FIG. 26 is an explanatory view showing a table which
associates code numbers with symbols in accordance with one or more
aspects of the disclosure directed to the second embodiment;
[0042] FIG. 27 is an explanatory view showing a table which
associates random number values with code numbers in accordance
with one or more aspects of the disclosure directed to the second
embodiment;
[0043] FIG. 28 is an explanatory view showing a table which
associates random number values with symbols in accordance with one
or more aspects of the disclosure directed to the second
embodiment;
[0044] FIG. 29 is a flowchart of the free game process in
accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure directed to
the second embodiment;
[0045] FIG. 30 is a flowchart of the free game process in
accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure directed to
the second embodiment;
[0046] FIG. 31 is an explanatory view showing one example of a
symbol combination table in accordance with one or more aspects of
the disclosure directed to the second embodiment;
[0047] FIG. 32 is an explanatory view showing a state that
additional payout amount is displayed on a background portion of a
main display in accordance with one or more aspects of the
disclosure directed to the second embodiment;
[0048] FIG. 33 is a flowchart of the free game process in
accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure directed to
the second embodiment;
[0049] FIG. 34 is an explanatory view showing one example of
patterns to change color of an object in accordance with one or
more aspects of the disclosure directed to the second
embodiment;
[0050] FIG. 35 is an explanatory view showing one example of a
table which defines patterns regarding timing to change color of
the object in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure
directed to the second embodiment;
[0051] FIG. 36 is an explanatory view showing one example of a
table which defines patterns regarding timing to change color of
the object in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure
directed to the second embodiment;
[0052] FIG. 37 is an explanatory view showing a state that a small
size ball moves from left side to right side on the background
portion of the main display in accordance with one or more aspects
of the disclosure directed to the second embodiment;
[0053] FIG. 38 is an explanatory view showing a state that a middle
size ball moves from the left side to the right side on the
background portion of the main display in accordance with one or
more aspects of the disclosure directed to the second
embodiment;
[0054] FIG. 39 is an explanatory view showing a state that a large
size ball moves from the left side to the right side on the
background portion of the main display in accordance with one or
more aspects of the disclosure directed to the second
embodiment;
[0055] FIG. 40 is an explanatory view showing a table which defines
patterns regarding size and timing of the moving ball on the
background portion of the main display in accordance with one or
more aspects of the disclosure directed to the second
embodiment;
[0056] FIG. 41 is an explanatory view showing a table which defines
patterns regarding size and timing of the moving ball on the
background portion of the main display in accordance with one or
more aspects of the disclosure directed to the second
embodiment;
[0057] FIG. 42 is an explanatory view showing one example of the
display content on the background portion of the main display in
accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure directed to
the second embodiment;
[0058] FIG. 43 is an explanatory view showing one example of the
display content on the background portion of the main display in
accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure directed to
the second embodiment;
[0059] FIG. 44 is an explanatory view showing one example of the
display content on the background portion of the main display in
accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure;
[0060] FIG. 45 is an explanatory view showing one example of the
display content on the background portion of the main display in
accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure directed to
the second embodiment;
[0061] FIG. 46 is an explanatory view showing one example of a
table which defines display patterns on the background portion of
the main display in accordance with one or more aspects of the
disclosure directed to the second embodiment;
[0062] FIG. 47 is an explanatory view showing one example of a
table which defines display patterns on the background portion of
the main display in accordance with one or more aspects of the
disclosure directed to the second embodiment;
[0063] FIG. 48 is a flowchart of a second main control process in
the slot machine in accordance with one or more aspects of the
disclosure directed to the second embodiment;
[0064] FIG. 49 is a flowchart of a second main game process in the
slot machine in accordance with one or more aspects of the
disclosure directed to the second embodiment;
[0065] FIG. 50 is an explanatory view showing a table which
associates code numbers with symbols in accordance with one or more
aspects of the disclosure directed to the second embodiment;
[0066] FIG. 51 is an explanatory view showing a table which
associates random number values with code numbers in accordance
with one or more aspects of the disclosure directed to the second
embodiment;
[0067] FIG. 52 is an explanatory view showing a table which
associates random number values with symbols in accordance with one
or more aspects of the disclosure directed to the second
embodiment;
[0068] FIG. 53 is a flowchart of the free game process in
accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure directed to
the second embodiment;
[0069] FIG. 54 is a flowchart of the free game process in
accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure directed to
the second embodiment;
[0070] FIG. 55 is an explanatory view showing a state that an
additional number of games is displayed on a background portion of
the main display in accordance with one or more aspects of the
disclosure directed to the second embodiment;
[0071] FIG. 56 is an explanatory view showing one example of
patterns to change color of the object in accordance with one or
more aspects of the disclosure directed to the second
embodiment;
[0072] FIG. 57 is an explanatory view showing one example of a
table which defines patterns regarding timing to change color of
the object in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure
directed to the second embodiment;
[0073] FIG. 58 is an explanatory view showing one example of a
table which defines patterns regarding timing to change color of
the object in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure
directed to the second embodiment;
[0074] FIG. 59 is an explanatory view showing a state that the
small size ball moves from the left side to the right side on the
background portion of the main display in accordance with one or
more aspects of the disclosure directed to the second
embodiment;
[0075] FIG. 60 is an explanatory view showing a state that the
middle size ball moves from the left side to the right side on the
background portion of the main display in accordance with one or
more aspects of the disclosure directed to the second
embodiment;
[0076] FIG. 61 is an explanatory view showing a state that the
large size ball moves from the left side to the right side on the
background portion of the main display in accordance with one or
more aspects of the disclosure directed to the second
embodiment;
[0077] FIG. 62 is an explanatory view showing a table which defines
patterns regarding size and timing of the moving ball on the
background portion of the main display in accordance with one or
more aspects of the disclosure directed to the second
embodiment;
[0078] FIG. 63 is an explanatory view showing a table which defines
patterns regarding size and timing of the moving ball on the
background portion of the main display in accordance with one or
more aspects of the disclosure directed to the second
embodiment;
[0079] FIG. 64 is an explanatory view showing one example of
display content on the background portion of the main display in
accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure directed to
the second embodiment;
[0080] FIG. 65 is an explanatory view showing one example of the
display content on the background portion of the main display in
accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure directed to
the second embodiment;
[0081] FIG. 66 is an explanatory view showing one example of the
display content on the background portion of the main display in
accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure directed to
the second embodiment;
[0082] FIG. 67 is an explanatory view showing one example of the
display content on the background portion of the main display in
accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure directed to
the second embodiment;
[0083] FIG. 68 is an explanatory view showing one example of a
table which defines display patterns on the background portion of
the main display in accordance with one or more aspects of the
disclosure directed to the second embodiment;
[0084] FIG. 69 is an explanatory view showing one example of a
table defines display patterns on the background portion of the
main display in accordance with one or more aspects of the
disclosure directed to the second embodiment;
[0085] FIG. 70 is a flowchart of a third main control process in
the slot machine in accordance with one or more aspects of the
disclosure directed to the second embodiment;
[0086] FIG. 71 is a flowchart of a third main game process in the
slot machine in accordance with one or more aspects of the
disclosure directed to the second embodiment;
[0087] FIG. 72 is an explanatory view showing a table which
associates code numbers with symbols in accordance with one or more
aspects of the disclosure directed to the second embodiment;
[0088] FIG. 73 is an explanatory view showing a table which
associates random number values with code numbers in accordance
with one or more aspects of the disclosure directed to the second
embodiment;
[0089] FIG. 74 is an explanatory view showing a table which
associates random number values with symbols in accordance with one
or more aspects of the disclosure directed to the second
embodiment;
[0090] FIG. 75 is a flowchart of a free game process in accordance
with one or more aspects of the disclosure directed to the second
embodiment;
[0091] FIG. 76 is an explanatory view showing a state that an
additional payout amount is displayed on the background portion of
a main display in accordance with one or more aspects of the
disclosure directed to the second embodiment;
[0092] FIG. 77 is an explanatory view showing one example of
patterns to change color of the object in accordance with one or
more aspects of the disclosure directed to the second
embodiment;
[0093] FIG. 78 is an explanatory view showing one example of a
table which defines patterns regarding timing to change color of
the object in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure
directed to the second embodiment;
[0094] FIG. 79 is an explanatory view showing another example of
patterns to change color of the object in accordance with one or
more aspects of the disclosure directed to the second
embodiment;
[0095] FIG. 80 is an explanatory view showing a state that the
small size ball moves from the left side to the right side on the
background portion of the main display in accordance with one or
more aspects of the disclosure directed to the second
embodiment;
[0096] FIG. 81 is an explanatory view showing a state that the
middle size ball moves from the left side to the right side on the
background portion of the main display in accordance with one or
more aspects of the disclosure directed to the second
embodiment;
[0097] FIG. 82 is an explanatory view showing a state that the
large size ball moves from the left side to the right side on the
background portion of the main display in accordance with one or
more aspects of the disclosure directed to the second
embodiment;
[0098] FIG. 83 is an explanatory view showing a table which defines
patterns regarding size and timing of the moving ball on the
background portion of the main display in accordance with one or
more aspects of the disclosure directed to the second
embodiment;
[0099] FIG. 84 is an explanatory view showing a table which defines
patterns regarding size and timing of the moving ball on the
background portion of the main display in accordance with one or
more aspects of the disclosure directed to the second
embodiment;
[0100] FIG. 85 is an explanatory view showing one example of the
display content on the background portion of the main display in
accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure directed to
the second embodiment;
[0101] FIG. 86 is an explanatory view showing one example of the
display content on the background portion of the main display in
accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure directed to
the second embodiment;
[0102] FIG. 87 is an explanatory view showing one example of the
display content on the background portion of the main display in
accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure directed to
the second embodiment;
[0103] FIG. 88 is an explanatory view showing one example of the
display content on the background portion of the main display in
accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure directed to
the second embodiment;
[0104] FIG. 89 is an explanatory view showing one example of a
table which defines display patterns on the background portion of
the main display in accordance with one or more aspects of the
disclosure directed to the second embodiment;
[0105] FIG. 90 is an explanatory view showing one example of a
table which defines display patterns on the background portion of
the main display in accordance with one or more aspects of the
disclosure directed to the second embodiment;
[0106] FIG. 91 is a view showing an external appearance of a slot
machine in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure
directed to the third embodiment;
[0107] FIG. 92 is a block diagram schematically showing a control
system of the slot machine in accordance with one or more aspects
of the disclosure directed to the third embodiment;
[0108] FIG. 93 is a view showing an external appearance of the slot
machine in a condition where a front door of the slot machine is
opened in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure
directed to the third embodiment;
[0109] FIG. 94 is a schematic diagram showing an internal
configuration of a light emitting device in accordance with one or
more aspects of the disclosure directed to the third
embodiment;
[0110] FIG. 95 is a schematic diagram showing an internal
configuration of the light emitting device and a cabinet in
accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure directed to
the third embodiment;
[0111] FIG. 96 is a schematic diagram showing a condition where the
light emitted from LED is transmitted to a decoration part in
accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure directed to
the third embodiment;
[0112] FIG. 97 is a view showing an external appearance of the slot
machine in a condition where a front door of the slot machine is
opened in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure
directed to the third embodiment;
[0113] FIG. 98 is a schematic diagram showing the internal
configuration of the light emitting device in accordance with one
or more aspects of the disclosure directed to the third
embodiment;
[0114] FIG. 99 is a schematic diagram showing a condition where the
light emitted from the LED is transmitted to the decoration part in
accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure directed to
the third embodiment;
[0115] FIG. 100 is a schematic diagram showing a condition where
the light emitted from the LED is transmitted to the decoration
part in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure
directed to the third embodiment;
[0116] FIG. 101 is a schematic diagram showing a condition where
the light emitted from the LED is transmitted to the decoration
part in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure
directed to the third embodiment; and
[0117] FIG. 102 is a schematic diagram showing a condition where
the light emitted from the LED is transmitted to the decoration
part in accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure
directed to the third embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0118] The various aspects summarized previously may be embodied in
various forms. The following description shows by way of
illustration of various combinations and configurations in which
the aspects may be practiced. It is understood that the described
aspects and/or embodiments are merely examples, and that other
aspects and/or embodiments may be utilized and structural and
functional modifications may be made, without departing from the
scope of the present disclosure.
[0119] It is noted that various connections are set forth between
items in the following description. It is noted that these
connections in general and, unless specified otherwise, may be
direct or indirect and that this specification is not intended to
be limiting in this respect.
[0120] A slot machine according to one or more aspects of the
disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the
drawings based on an embodiment embodying one or more aspects of
the disclosure. However, it is appreciated that one or more aspects
of the disclosure may be embodied in distributable (via CD and the
like) or downloadable software games, console games, and the like.
In this regard, the slot machine may be a virtual slot machine that
is displayed on a multi-purpose computer and/or dedicated kiosk.
Aspects of the disclosure are described by way of hardware
elements. However, it is appreciated that these elements may also
be software modules that are executable in a computer. The software
modules may be stored on a computer readable medium, including but
not limited to a USB drive, CD, DVD, computer-readable memory,
tape, diskette, floppy disk, and the like. For instance, aspects of
the disclosure may be embodied in a JAVA-based application or the
like that runs in a processor or processors. Further, the terms
"CPU", "processor", and "controller" are inclusive by nature,
including at least one of hardware, software, or firmware. These
terms may include a portion of a processing unit in a computer (for
instance, in multiple core processing units), multiple cores, a
functional processor (as running virtually on at least one of
processor or server, which may be local or remote). Further, in
network-based gaming systems, the processor may include only a
local processor, only a remote server, or a combination of a local
processor and a remote server.
[0121] It is contemplated that one or more aspects of the
disclosure may be implemented as computer executable instructions
on a computer readable medium such as a non-volatile memory, a
magnetic or optical disc. Further, one or more aspects of the
disclosure may be implemented with a carrier signal in the form of,
for instance, an audio-frequency, radio-frequency, or optical
carrier wave.
[0122] Hereinafter, a slot machine according to the disclosure will
now be described in detail in a first to third embodiments relating
to the slot machine, while referring to the drawings.
First Embodiment
[0123] The slot machine according to the first embodiment to be
described hereinafter is a so-called video slot machine which has
an image display device such as a liquid crystal display and in
which a game is executed by displaying various kinds of symbol
image on the image display device.
[0124] The slot machine according to the disclosure executes two
types of games: a base game which is executed with consuming a
gaming value corresponding to the bet amount placed by a player;
and a free game (bonus game) which is executed without consuming a
gaming value. Also in a free game, from among a plurality of symbol
display areas, symbol display area(s) at specific location(s)
is/are previously designated as specific symbol display areas. As
shown in FIG. 1, in case a wild symbol 11 is repositioned in a
designated specific symbol display area, the wild symbol
repositioned in the specific symbol display area will be placed and
maintained in a hold state in subsequent free game(s). In the
subsequent free game(s), symbols will be repositioned in symbol
display areas other than the one(s) in which the wild symbol(s)
has/have been placed in a hold state. Furthermore, location(s) and
the number of symbol display areas designated as specific symbol
display area(s) varies in each game which constitutes the free
game.
[0125] Hereinafter, a schematic configuration of the slot machine 1
according to the first embodiment will be described based on FIG.
2. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an outer appearance of the
slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment.
[0126] The slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment is an
upright-type slot machine installed in a gaming arcade such as a
casino or the like. This slot machine 1 has a cabinet 2, a main
door 3 provided at a front face of the cabinet 2, and a topper
effect device 4 arranged at an upper side of the cabinet 2.
[0127] The cabinet 2 is a housing portion that houses electrical or
mechanical components. These electrical or mechanical components
are used in execution of a predetermined game aspect.
[0128] The main door 3 has an upper display portion 10A, a
mid-stage variable display portion 10B and a lower display portion
10C, functioning as a display portion 10 that displays information
with respect to the game. The upper display portion 10A has an
upper liquid crystal panel 11A which is arranged at an upper side
of the variable display portion 10B. The upper liquid crystal panel
11A displays, for instance, effect images, an introduction to the
game contents, explanation of game rules, payout tables, a sub game
result to be later described and the like. The lower display
portion 10C is arranged at a lower side of the variable display
portion 10B and has a plastic panel 11C onto which an image has
been printed. This plastic panel 11C is lit up with a
backlight.
[0129] The variable display portion 10B that displays an execution
state of the game has a main liquid crystal panel 11B constituted
of a heretofore known transparent liquid crystal panel which is
fixedly mounted to the main door 3. Here, the main liquid crystal
panel 11B is constituted of a heretofore known liquid crystal panel
and has a symbol display portion 12 which comprises a 3.times.5
matrix of symbol display areas. The symbol display portion 12 is
constituted of five reels 13 through 17. With respect to the
respective reels 13 through 17, the symbol columns with the
alignment set in advance (FIG. 4) are displayed in a scrolled
manner during a base game and a free game, and after the lapse of a
predetermined period of time, three symbols are respectively
stopped and displayed in each reel. As a result, fifteen symbols
are displayed in accordance with the progress of the game as will
be described later, and a predetermined payout is awarded to the
player in accordance with the combination of the displayed symbols
and the credit amount (bet amount) thus betted. The number of reels
may be three, and further, the number of displayed symbols is not
limited to fifteen.
[0130] Particularly, in a free game, frame(s) 101 is(are) indicated
at symbol display area(s) designated as specific symbol display
area(s) in the 3.times.5 symbol display areas (see FIG. 1).
[0131] Further, a touch panel 18 is provided at a front face of the
main liquid crystal panel 11B. The player can operate the touch
panel 18 to input various types of commands.
[0132] At a right lower side of the variable display portion 10B,
there are provided a payout amount display portion 19 and a credit
amount display portion 20. The payout amount display portion 19
displays, as a payout amount, a payout amount to be awarded in a
case where the symbol combination which is stopped and displayed on
the pay line in a base game is a predetermined combination, and an
accumulated payout amount acquired in a free game. The credit
amount display portion 20 displays the credit amount that the
player currently possesses.
[0133] The cabinet 2 has an operation table 25 provided at a front
face thereof, between the variable display portion 10B and the
lower display portion 10C, and bulging out at the front side. On
this operation table 25 are arranged various kinds of operation
buttons 26, forming an operation unit that commands execution of
the game. The buttons 26 include a BET button, a COLLECT button, a
START button, a CASHOUT button and the like. The operation table 25
has a coin slot 27 adapted to accept coins, representing gaming
values, inside the cabinet 2, and a bill slot 28 adapted to accept
bills inside the cabinet 2.
[0134] The slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment employs
coins, bills or electronic value information (credit) corresponding
to these, as gaming values. The gaming values applicable to the
disclosure are not limited to those described above, and can
include, for instance, medals, tokens, electronic money and
tickets.
[0135] At a lowermost part of the cabinet 2, there is provided a
coin tray 29 adapted to accept coins paid out from the hopper.
Further, at a periphery of the cabinet 2 in the slot machine 1,
there is arranged a light emitting portion 30 which lights up in a
predetermined lighting fashion during a free game, or if a win
occurs. Further, at a side face of the cabinet 2 is provided a
speaker 31 for audio output.
[0136] Further, the slot machine 1 has a topper effect device 4
provided at an upper side of the cabinet 2. This topper effect
device 4 has a rectangular board shape and is arranged so as to be
substantially parallel with the upper liquid crystal panel 11A of
the upper display portion 11A.
[0137] Next, a symbol display portion 12 provided in the main
liquid crystal panel 11B and symbols 111 through 117 to be
displayed on the symbol display portion 12 will be described based
on FIG. 3 through FIG. 5. FIG. 3 is a front view showing a symbol
display portion 12 in a slot machine according to the first
embodiment. FIG. 4 shows a symbol column arranged on each reel in a
slot machine according to the first embodiment of the disclosure.
FIG. 5 is a view showing a list of contents for various symbols and
payouts which are used during a game and free game in a slot
machine according to the first embodiment of the disclosure.
[0138] First, there will be described the symbol display portion 12
and symbols 111 through 117 displayed on the symbol display portion
12 during the execution of the base game.
[0139] As shown in FIG. 3, the symbol display area 12 in the base
game, according to the first embodiment, is constituted of five
reels 13 through 17. The reels 13 through 17 have symbol display
areas 32 through 46, each symbol display area respectively
displaying three symbols when the respective rotating reels 13
through 17 are stopped. In the first embodiment, there are used one
kind of wild symbol 111 and six kinds of scatter symbols (namely,
"SUN" symbol 112, "THUNDER" symbol 113, "A" symbol 114, "K" symbol
115, "Q" symbol 116 and "J" symbol 117). When a game is started,
the respective symbol display areas 32 through 46 each display one
symbol (total fifteen symbols), as shown in FIG. 8. In the drawing,
a dotted line is drawn to divide the respective symbol display
areas 32 through 46, however, a configuration is possible where the
dotted line is not shown.
[0140] Next, the symbol columns displayed in a scrolled manner with
the rotation of the reels 13 through 17 at the slot machine
according to the first embodiment will be described.
[0141] As shown in FIG. 4, each of the reels 13 through 17 is
comprised of wild symbol(s) 111, "SUN" symbol(s) 112, "THUNDER"
symbol(s) 113, "A" symbol(s) 114, "K" symbol(s) 115, "Q" symbol(s)
116, and "J" symbol(s) 117, wherein those symbols are arranged in a
predetermined order. It is to be noted that FIG. 4 partially
illustrates the symbol column of the reel 13. Other reels 14
through 17 also have symbol columns such like the symbol column of
the reel 13.
[0142] Regarding respective symbol columns on the reels 13 through
17, a code number is assigned to each of the symbols in order from
top one and code numbers are used in a lottery process so as to
determine symbols to be position in the symbol display areas 32
through 46.
[0143] Next, there will be described combinations determined with
respective symbols 111 through 117 stopped and displayed on the
symbol display portion 12 by referring to FIG. 5.
[0144] A wild symbol 111 is substituted for any one of all the
symbols if it is positioned in any one of the symbol display areas
38 through 46. If three wild symbols 111 are positioned in any
three of the symbol display areas 38 through 46, 50 credits are
paid as payout. If four wild symbols 111 are positioned in any four
of the symbol display areas 38 through 46, 200 credits are paid as
payout. If five wild symbols 111 are positioned in any five of the
symbol display areas 38 through 46, 1000 credits are paid as
payout. Additionally, if three or more of wild symbols 111 are
positioned in any of the symbol display areas 38 through 46, free
games will be executed the predetermined number of times (e.g.,
five times) as payout.
[0145] (1) If three "SUN" symbols 112 are positioned in any three
of the symbol display areas 32 through 46, 8 credits are paid as
payout. If four "SUN" symbols 112 are positioned in any four of the
symbol display areas 32 through 46, 30 credits are paid as payout.
If five "SUN" symbols 112 are positioned in any five of the symbol
display areas 32 through 46, 200 credits are paid as payout.
[0146] (2) If three "THUNDER" symbols 113 are positioned in any
three of the symbol display areas 32 through 46, 5 credits are paid
as payout. If four "THUNDER" symbols 113 are positioned in any four
of the symbol display areas 32 through 46, 20 credits are paid as
payout. If five "THUNDER" symbols 113 are positioned in any five of
the symbol display areas 32 through 46, 150 credits are paid as
payout.
[0147] (3) Similar to the cases of "SUN" symbol 112 and "THUNDER"
symbol 113, if three or more "A" symbols 114, three or more "K"
symbols 115, three or more "Q" symbols 116 and three or more "J"
symbols 117 are positioned in any of the symbol display areas 32
through 46, credits shown in FIG. 5 are paid as payout.
[0148] It is to be noted that the payout table shown in FIG. 5
indicates payouts in case the bet amount placed at the beginning of
a game is one. Therefore, in case the bet amount is two or more,
there is paid out amount corresponding to the product of a payout
multiplied by the bet amount.
[0149] In the first embodiment, only scatter symbols may constitute
symbols and a winning combination may be established if the
predetermined number or more of same kind of symbols are in the
symbol display areas 32 through 46 irrespective of the pay line. In
this case, a payout is awarded. A payout may also be awarded for a
win according to a pay line. In that case, a payout may be awarded
if the predetermined number or more of same kind of symbols are
displayed along the pay line. Also, both a payout depending on the
pay line and a payout irrespective of the pay line may be
awarded.
[0150] Next, the internal configuration of the above-mentioned slot
machine 1 will be described while referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the
entire slot machine 1. As shown in FIG. 7, the slot machine 1 has a
plurality of constituent elements arranged around a main control
board 71 including a controller 51 that executes control programs
that will be described later (FIG. 9 through FIG. 11). The main
control board 71 has a controller 51, a random number generation
circuit 55, a sampling circuit 56, a clock pulse generation circuit
57, a divider 58, an illumination effect driving circuit 61, a
hopper driving circuit 63, a payout completion signal circuit 65
and a display portion driving circuit 67.
[0151] The controller 51 has a main CPU 52, a RAM 53 and a ROM 54.
The main CPU 52 operates in accordance with the programs stored in
the ROM 54 and performs signal input and output with respect to the
other constituent elements through an I/O port 59. Specifically,
the main CPU 53 controls the operation of the entire slot machine
1. The RAM 53 stores data and programs to be used when the main CPU
52 is operating. For instance, the RAM 53 temporarily retains the
random number values which have been sampled by the sampling
circuit 56 after the game has started. The RAM 53 stores code
numbers corresponding to the respective reels 13 through 17. The
ROM 54 stores various types of programs that will be executed by
the main CPU 52, as well as permanent data.
[0152] More particularly, the programs stored in the ROM 54 include
game programs and game system programs (hereinafter referred to as
game programs or the like). Further, the game programs include
lottery programs as will be described later.
[0153] There is used a first lottery program to determine the code
numbers for the respective reels 13 through 17 corresponding to the
respective symbols which are to be repositioned on the main liquid
crystal panel 11B. This first lottery program includes symbol
weighing data for each of the respective five reels 13 through 17.
The symbol weighing data shows correspondence relationship between
the respective code numbers and one or a plurality of random number
values within a predetermined number value range (for instance, 0
through 255). The probability of lottery with respect to each
symbol is set by associating one or a plurality of random number
values to one code number. The random number values are drawn by
lottery and symbol which have been finally identified from the
random number values are repositioned on the main liquid crystal
panel 11B.
[0154] The first lottery program for determining the symbols to be
positioned may also employ weighing data in which the predetermined
random number range is associated with the symbol combination. In
this case, first, the symbol combination is selected by lottery
based on the lottery program, and thereafter, the symbol
combination thus determined is repositioned on the main liquid
crystal panel 11B.
[0155] There is used a second lottery program to select specific
symbol display area(s) in a free game from among the symbol display
areas 32 through 46. This second lottery program includes data
(table) concerning relationship between each of the symbol display
areas 32 through 46 and one or a plurality of random number values
within a predetermined number value range (for instance, 0 through
255). The random number values are drawn by lottery and one or more
symbol display areas to be designated as specific symbol display
are(s) from among the symbol display areas 32 through 46.
[0156] The random number generation circuit 55 operates in
accordance with the commands from the main CPU 52 and generates
random numbers within a predetermined range. The sampling circuit
56 selects, by lottery, an arbitrary random number from the random
numbers generated by the random number generation circuit 55 in
response to a command from the main CPU 52. At the same time, the
sampling circuit 56 inputs the random number thus selected to the
main CPU 52. The clock pulse generation circuit 57 generates a
reference clock for causing the main CPU 52 to operate. The divider
58 inputs a signal obtained by dividing the reference clock by a
constant frequency to the main CPU 52.
[0157] The main control board 71 is connected to the touch panel
18. The touch panel 18 is arranged at a front face of the main
liquid crystal panel 11B and is adapted to identify a coordinate
position of the portion that was touched by the player.
Specifically, the touch panel 18 can discriminate the portion that
the player has touched, and in what direction the touched portion
was moved based on the coordinate position information that was
thus identified. A signal in accordance with the above
discrimination is then inputted to the main CPU 52 through the I/O
port 59.
[0158] The main control board 71 is connected to the operation
buttons 26, including a START button for commanding execution of a
game, a COLLECT button, a BET button and the like. Accordingly, a
signal in accordance with a depression operation of these buttons
is inputted to the main CPU 52 through the I/O port 59.
[0159] The illumination effect driving circuit 61 outputs an effect
signal for causing the light emitting portion 30 and the topper
effect device 4 as mentioned above to perform illumination effects.
The topper effect device 4 is connected in series with the
illumination effect driving circuit 61 through the light emitting
portion 30.
[0160] The hopper driving circuit 63 drives the hopper 64 under the
control of the main CPU 52. As a result, the hopper 64 carries out
an operation to payout coins to the coin tray 29. The payout
completion signal circuit 65 receives coin amount value data from
the coin detecting portion 66 to which it is connected. Then, when
the received coin amount value has reached the set coin amount
value, the payout completion signal circuit 65 inputs a signal that
notifies the completion of coin payout to the main CPU 52. The coin
detecting portion 66 detects the number of coins that were paid out
by the hopper 64 and then inputs coin amount value data showing the
amount of coins that was detected to the payout completion signal
circuit 65. The display portion driving circuit 67 controls the
display operation of the respective display portions including the
reels 13 through 17, a payout amount display portion 19 and the
credit amount display portion 20 and the like.
[0161] The main control board 71 is connected to the sub-control
board 72. As shown in FIG. 7, the sub-control board 72 carries out
display control of the upper liquid crystal panel 11A in the upper
display portion 10A and the main liquid crystal panel 11B in the
variable display portion 10B, as well as output control of the
audio outputted by the speaker 31, based on the commands received
from the main control board 71. This sub-control board 72 is
constituted on a separate circuit board from the circuit board that
constitutes the main control board 71. The sub-control board 72 has
a micro computer (hereinafter referred to as "sub-micro computer")
73 which is provided as a main constituting element. Then, the
sub-control board 72 has a sound source IC 78, a power amplifier
79, and an image control circuit 81.
[0162] The sub-micro computer 73 has a sub-CPU 74, a program ROM
75, a work RAM 76 and I/O ports 77 and 80. Although the sub-control
board 72 does not have a clock pulse generation circuit, a divider,
a random number generation circuit and a sampling circuit, it is
constituted so as to execute sampling of random numbers based on an
operation program of the sub-CPU 74. The program ROM 75 stores a
control program to be executed by the sub-CPU 74. The work RAM 76
is constituted as a temporary memory to be used by the sub CPU 74
in executing the control program.
[0163] The image control circuit 81 has an image control CPU 82, an
image control work RAM 83, an image control program ROM 84, an
image ROM 86, a video RAM 87 and an image control IC 88. The image
control CPU 82 determines the image to be displayed on the upper
liquid crystal panel 11A and the main liquid crystal panel 11B
based on the parameters set in the sub-micro computer 73 and the
image control programs stored in the image control program ROM 84.
For instance, the upper liquid crystal panel 11A displays a payout
table and a help screen. The main liquid crystal panel 11B carries
out scrolled display and stopped display of the respective symbols
111 through 117 concurrent with the rotation of the reels 13
through 17 in a base game and free game, with respect to the symbol
display portion 12.
[0164] The image control program ROM 84 stores an image control
program and various types of selection tables relating to display
on the upper liquid crystal panel 11A and the main liquid crystal
panel 11B. The image control work RAM 83 functions as a temporary
memory to be used in execution of the image control program in the
image control CPU 82. The image control IC 88 forms an image in
accordance with the contents determined by the image control CPU 82
and then outputs the image thus formed to the upper liquid crystal
panel 11A and the main liquid crystal panel 11B.
[0165] The image ROM 86 stores dot data for forming an image. The
video RAM 87 functions as a temporary memory to be used by the
image control IC 88 in forming an image.
[0166] Next, the base game and the free game which are carried out
in the slot machine 1 having the above configuration will be
described by referring to FIG. 8. First, the base game will be
described. The base game is a slot game in which a predetermined
symbol combination is repositioned on the main liquid crystal panel
11B, through the respective reels 13 through 17. More specifically,
the player operates the operation button 26 to set the bet amount,
and when he/she depresses the START button, a lottery process is
executed to select, by lottery, the symbols that will be positioned
in the symbol display portion 12. After the start button has been
depressed and the reels 13 through 17 start rotating following the
lapse of a predetermined period of time, the symbol columns are
displayed in a scrolled manner (refer to the upper one in FIG. 8).
On the reels 13 through 17 there are arranged the respective
symbols 21 through 24 in an alignment shown in FIG. 4. Then, after
the lapse of a predetermined period of time, a total of fifteen
symbols will be sequentially stopped and displayed in the symbol
display areas 32 through 46, as shown at the lower one in FIG.
8.
[0167] Here, in the base game, various kinds of winning
combinations are determined in advance based on the respective
symbol combination repositioned in the main liquid crystal panel
11B (see FIG. 5). If a symbol combination corresponding to the
winning combination is realized through the symbols repositioned in
the symbol display areas 32 through 46, a gaming value obtained by
multiplying the payout corresponding to the winning combination
thus established by the bet amount is awarded to the player.
[0168] On the other hand, the free game carried out in the slot
machine executed after the game mode has switched from the base
game in a case where a winning combination including three or more
of wild symbols 111 has been positioned in the symbol display areas
32 through 46. After the game has been successively carried out by
a predetermined number of times (for instance, five times), the
free game terminates and the game mode switches again to the base
game. With respect to the procedure of the game, the free game is
the same as the base game, except that in the free game, gaming
values (credits) corresponding to the bet amount are not consumed
at the start of the game, and the game is continuously carried out
automatically without requiring the player to operate the operation
button 26.
[0169] However, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, in
case wild symbol(s) is/are repositioned in specific symbol display
area(s) randomly selected by a lottery in a free game, the wild
symbol(s) repositioned in the specific display area(s) will be
placed and maintained in a hold state in subsequent free
game(s).
[0170] The details of the free game will be described by referring
to FIG. 1.
[0171] When a free game is started, a lottery process is executed
by using random number values so as to randomly select a
predetermined number of specific symbol display are(s) from among
the symbol display areas 36 through 46.
[0172] Next, each of the reels 13 through 17 starts rotating and
each of their symbol columns is displayed in a scrolled manner.
While the symbol columns are being scrolled, frames 101
corresponding to the predetermined number of specific symbol
display areas randomly selected through the lottery are displayed
on the symbol display portion 12. The uppermost illustration in
FIG. 1 shows an example that five symbol display areas 33, 35, 39,
43 and 45 are selected as specific symbol display areas.
[0173] When a predetermined period of time has lapsed, the reels 13
through 17 sequentially stop rotating in turn, starting from the
left, so as to reposition a symbol in each of the symbol display
areas 32 through 46. In case symbols repositioned in the symbol
display areas 32 through 46 realizes a symbol combination
corresponding to a winning combination, a payout associated with
the realized winning combination is awarded to the player.
[0174] In case the reels 13 through 17 stop rotating to reposition
a symbol in each of the symbol display areas 32 and wild symbol(s)
111 is(are) repositioned within frame(s) 101 (i.e., specific symbol
display area), the wild symbol(s) 111 repositioned in the specific
display area(s) will be placed and maintained in a hold state in
subsequent free game(s). The second-uppermost illustration in FIG.
1 shows an example that two wild symbols 111 are repositioned in
the symbol display areas 33 and 45 which are specific symbol
display areas. Accordingly, in the subsequent free game(s), the two
wild symbols 111 will remain positioned in the symbol display areas
33 and 45 until remaining free games terminate.
[0175] Accordingly, when a new game constituting the free game is
started, a lottery process is executed again by using random number
values to randomly select specific symbol display area(s) from
among the symbol display areas 32 through 46.
[0176] After that, each of the reels 13 through 17 starts rotating
and each of their symbol columns is displayed in a scrolled manner.
However, the wild symbols 111 placed in a hold state will not be
changed. The second-bottommost illustration in FIG. 1 shows an
example that symbol columns are being displayed in a scrolled
manner in each of the symbol display areas other than the symbol
display areas 33 and 45 in which the wild symbols 111 have been
placed in a hold state.
[0177] After that, the frames 101 indicating specific symbol
display areas randomly selected though the lottery are displayed on
the symbol display portion 12. For instance, the example at the
second-bottommost in FIG. 1 shows that six symbol display areas 36,
37, 39, 40, 42 and 43 are selected as specific symbol display
areas.
[0178] When a predetermined period of time has lapsed, the reels 13
through 17 sequentially stop rotating in turn, starting from the
left, so as to reposition a symbol in each of the symbol display
areas other than the ones where the wild symbols 111 have been
displayed. For instance, in case of the bottommost in FIG. 1,
symbols are repositioned in symbol display areas other than the
symbol display areas 33 and 45. If a symbol combination
corresponding to a winning combination is realized through the
symbols repositioned in the symbol display areas 32 through 46, a
payout corresponding to the winning combination is awarded to the
player.
[0179] In case wild symbol(s) 111 is(are) repositioned within
frame(s) 101, the wild symbol(s) 111 repositioned in the specific
display area(s) will be placed and maintained in a hold state in
subsequent free game(s). The bottommost illustration in FIG. 1
shows an example that a wild symbol 111 is repositioned in the
symbol display area 37 which is a specific symbol display area.
Accordingly, in the subsequent free game(s), the three wild symbols
111 will remain repositioned in the symbol display areas 33, 37 and
45 until remaining free games terminate.
[0180] As described, as games in a free game advance, the number of
wild symbols 111 placed in a hold state may increase gradually,
whereby player's expectancy to win a high payout is enhanced.
[0181] Next, a main control program to be executed in the slot
machine 1 according to the first embodiment will be described in
detail while referring to the drawings. FIG. 9 is a flow chart
showing a main control program.
[0182] First, when the power switch is turned on (upon power on),
the main control board 71 activates the sub-control board 72 and
the controller 51 executes an initial setting process at step
(hereinafter abbreviated as S) 1. In the initial setting process,
the main CPU 52 executes the BIOS stored in the ROM 54 and expands
the compressed data incorporated in the BIOS in the RAM 53. In
executing the BIOS that was expanded in the RAM 53, the main CPU 52
carries out a diagnosis and initialization of the different types
of peripheral devices. Further, the main CPU 52 writes the game
programs and the like from the ROM 54 into the RAM 53 to acquire
payout rate setting data and country identification information.
While executing the initial setting process, the main CPU 52 also
carries out an authentication process with respect to each
program.
[0183] Then, at S2, the main CPU 52 sequentially reads the game
programs and the like from the RAM 53 and executes these programs
to carry out a main game process. The slot machine 1 according to
the first embodiment carries out the game by executing this main
game process. The main game process is repeatedly executed while
power is supplied to the slot machine 1.
[0184] Next, a sub-process of the main game process at the
above-described S2 will now be described based on FIG. 10. FIG. 10
is a flow chart of a main game process program to be executed in
the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment. The programs
shown in the flow charts at FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 as will be
described later are stored in the ROM 54 and RAM 53 provided in the
slot machine 1 and are executed in the main CPU 52.
[0185] As shown in FIG. 10, the main CPU 52 first executes a start
acceptance process at S11. In the start acceptance process, the
player inserts coins and places a bet using the BET button from
amongst the operation buttons 26.
[0186] At S12, the main CPU 52 determines whether or not the start
button from amongst the operation buttons 26 has been depressed.
This determination is carried out based on the signal inputted to
the main CPU 52 in response to depression of the start button.
Here, if the start button has not been depressed (S12: NO), the
flow returns to the start acceptance process (S11). As a result,
the player can carry out an operation to correct, etc. the bet
amount. Alternatively, if the start button has been depressed (S12:
YES), the main CPU 52 subtracts the bet amount set based on the
above-described bet operation from the credit amount that the
player currently possesses and at the same time stores the result
as bet information in the RAM 53.
[0187] At S13, the main CPU 52 executes a symbol lottery process
for the base game. In this symbol lottery process, the main CPU 52
selects, by lottery, the symbols to be positioned on the main
liquid crystal panel 11B. More specifically, the main CPU 52
executes the first lottery program stored in the RAM 53, thereby
sampling a random number value from a number value range within a
predetermined random number value range. The main CPU 52 determines
the respective fifteen symbols (specifically, stop position of
reels 13 through 17), from among the wild symbols 111 and the six
kinds of scatter symbols 112 through 117, that will be repositioned
in the symbol display areas 32 through 46, based on the sampled
random number value and the symbol weighing data.
[0188] Next, at S14, the main CPU 52 carries out a reel rotation
process. Namely, the reels 13 through 17 start rotating and the
symbol columns positioned in the respective reels 13 through 17 are
displayed in a scrolled manner at a predetermined speed. Then,
after the lapse of a predetermined period of time, the rotating
reels 13 through 17 are stopped in turn, starting from the left,
and one symbol is respectively displayed in each of symbol display
areas 32 through 46 (refer to FIG. 8). Thus, the symbol combination
determined at the above-mentioned S13 is repositioned in the symbol
display areas 32 through 46 of the main liquid crystal panel
11B.
[0189] Then, at S15, the main CPU 52 carries out a winning
determination process to determine whether the symbol combination
positioned in the main liquid crystal panel 11B is any of the
winning combinations for which a payout is awarded. This
determination is carried out based on the code numbers of the
respective reels 13 through 17 stored in the RAM 53.
[0190] If it is determined, at the above-mentioned S15 that the
winning combination has been established (S16: YES), the flow
shifts to S17. Alternatively, if it is determined that the winning
combination has not been established (S16: NO), the main game
process is ended. The processes following S11 are again carried out
in a case a game is next started.
[0191] At S17, the main CPU 52 calculates a payout based on the
winning combination thus established. For instance, if a
predetermined number or more of the same kind of symbols have been
positioned, as shown in FIG. 5, a payout is calculated in
accordance with the kind of symbol and the number of positioned
symbols.
[0192] Next, at S18, the main CPU 52 notifies the player by
displaying the kind of the winning combination thus established and
the contents of the payout with respect to the main liquid crystal
panel 11B. For instance, if three wild symbols 111 and three "A"
symbols 114 have been indicated, a message "WIN 53" and a message
"Go Free Game" are displayed, as shown in FIG. 8. The former
message notifies that 53 credits will be paid out as a payout, and
the latter message notifies that the game mode shifts to a free
game.
[0193] Next, at S19, the main CPU 52 determines whether or not the
trigger for shifting to the free game has been established. More
specifically, if the winning combination including three wild
symbols 111 has been established, a determination is made that the
trigger for shifting to the free game has been established.
[0194] As a result, if it is determined that the free-game shift
trigger has been established (S19: YES), the value for the payout
which will be awarded at present is stored (S20), and then, the
flow shifts to the free game process (FIG. 11) as will be described
later (S21). The payout which is stored at the above-described S20
will be paid out at a payout process (S22) altogether with other
payouts. Alternatively, if it is determined that the free-game
shift trigger is not established (S19: NO), the flow shifts to
S22.
[0195] At S22, the main CPU 52 awards a payout to the player in
accordance with the winning combination established in the current
game, based on the calculation result of the above-described S17.
At this time, the payout can be made using coins corresponding to
the credit amount (1 credit corresponds to 1 coin), and the payout
can be made by using bar-code attached tickets, in response to the
depression of the CASHOUT button from among the operation buttons
26. If a free game has been carried out, a payout which was
accumulated during the free game is paid out altogether to the
player.
[0196] Next, the sub-process for the free game process at the above
S21 will be described based on FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a flow chart of
a sub-process program for the free game process in the slot machine
1 according to the first embodiment.
[0197] First, at S31, the main CPU 52 designates specific symbol
display areas from among the symbol display areas 32 through 46. To
be more specific, the main CPU 52 first executes the second lottery
program stored in the RAM 53 for sampling random number values from
the predetermined number value range. Next, the main CPU 52
randomly selects a predetermined number of symbol display areas
from among the symbol display areas 32 through 46 as specific
symbol display areas based on the sampled random number values and
a not-shown table. Then, the CPU 52 designate the selected symbol
display areas as specific symbol display areas.
[0198] Next, at S32, the main CPU 52 executes a symbol lottery
process for the free game in which a symbol to be positioned on the
main liquid crystal panel 11B is selected by lottery. The
substantial processing method of the lottery process is similar to
the symbol lottery process for the base game at the above S13,
therefore a detailed description is omitted.
[0199] Next, at S33, the main CPU 52 carries out a reel rotation
process. Specifically, the reels 13 through 17 start rotating and
the respective symbol columns positioned in the respective reels 13
through 17 are displayed in a scrolled manner at a predetermined
speed.
[0200] At S34, the main CPU 52 displays frames 101 (refer to FIG.
1) on the symbol display portion 12 so as to specify specific
symbol display areas designated at S1.
[0201] At S35, the main CPU 52 stops rotation of the reels 13
through 17 in turn, starting from the left, and then displays a
symbol in each of the symbol display areas 32 through 46, after the
lapse of a predetermined period of time. As a result, the symbol
combination determined at the above-mentioned S32 is displayed on
the symbol display areas 32 through 46 of the liquid crystal panel
11B in a matrix. However, in case there is(are) symbol display
area(s) where wild symbol(s) 111 is(are) placed in a hold state
through S42 to be described later, the CPU 52 repositions symbols
in symbol display areas other than the one(s) where the wild
symbol(s) 11 is(are) placed in a hold state.
[0202] Next, at S36, the main CPU 52 carries out a winning
determination process in which a determination is made whether or
not the symbol combination repositioned on the main liquid crystal
panel 11B is any of the winning combinations for which any of the
payout is awarded. In case there is(are) symbol display area(s)
where wild symbol(s) 111 is(are) placed in a hold state, the main
CPU 52 determines whether or not a symbol combination including the
wild symbol(s) 111 establishes any of the winning combinations for
which any of the payout is awarded.
[0203] If it is determined at S36, that the winning combination has
been established (S37: YES), the flow shifts to S38. Alternatively,
if it is determined that the winning combination has not been
established (S37: NO), the flow shifts to S41.
[0204] At S38, the main CPU 52 calculates the payout based on the
winning combination thus established. For instance, if
predetermined number of more of the same kind of symbols have been
positioned, as shown in FIG. 5, a payout is calculated in
accordance with the kind symbol and the number of positioned
symbols. In case there is(are) wild symbol(s) 111 placed in a hold
state in symbol display area(s), the main CPU calculates a payout
based on a symbol combination including the wild symbol(s) 111
placed in a hold state in the symbol display area(s).
[0205] Next, at S39, the main CPU 52 sends a notification to the
player by displaying the kind of the established winning
combination and the contents of the payout on the main liquid
crystal panel 11B.
[0206] Next, at S40, the main CPU 52 accumulatively stores a payout
corresponding to the winning combination established in the current
game in the RAM 53, based on the calculation results at the
above-described S38. The payout thus stored is awarded to the
player altogether, after the free game ends (S22).
[0207] Nest, at S41, the main CPU 52 stops rotation of the reels 13
through 17 to reposition a symbol in each of the symbol display
areas 32 through 46 and determine judges whether or not wild
symbol(s) 111 has(have) been positioned within frame(s) 101 (i.e.,
specific symbol display area(s)).
[0208] If it is determined that wild symbol(s) 111 has(have) been
positioned in specific symbol display area(s) (S41: YES), the flow
shifts to S42. Alternatively, if it is determined that wild
symbol(s) 111 has(have) not been positioned in specific symbol
display area(s) (S41: NO), the flow shift to S 43.
[0209] At S42, the main CPU 52 places and maintains the wild
symbol(s) 111 positioned in the specific symbol display area(s) in
a hold state in subsequent free game(s). The wild symbol(s) once
place in a hold state will remain positioned in the specific symbol
display area(s) until remaining free games terminate. continuously
be placed.
[0210] Then, at S43, the main CPU 52 determines whether or not the
free game completion condition has been satisfied. The free game
completion condition in the slot machine 1 according to the first
embodiment includes five times of free-game execution after
shifting to the free game.
[0211] If it is determined that the free game completion condition
has been satisfied (S43: YES), the flow shifts to S44.
Alternatively, if it is determined that the free game completion
condition is not satisfied (S43: NO), the flow returns to S31 at
which the free game is then executed.
[0212] At S44, the main CPU 52 cancels the hold state of the wild
symbol(s) 111 placed as so at S42. After the game mode is switched
from the free game mode to the base game mode, the flow shifts to
S22.
[0213] As explained above, in the slot machine 1 of the first
embodiment, if a free-game shift trigger is established in a base
game (S19:YES), a free game is executed (S21). When the free game
is started, the main CPU 52 randomly designates a predetermined
number of specific symbol display areas from among the symbol
display areas 32 through 46 (S31). Subsequently, the main CPU 52
displays frames 111 for specifying the predetermined number of
specific symbol display areas thus designated on the symbol display
portion 12 while symbol columns are being scrolled (S34). After
that, the reels 13 through 17 stop rotating to position a symbol in
each of the symbol display areas 32 through 46. If wild symbol(s)
111 is(are) repositioned in specific symbol display area(s), the
wild symbol(s) 111 repositioned in the specific symbol display
area(s) will placed and maintained in a hold state thereat in
subsequent free game(s) (S42). In the subsequent free game(s),
symbols will be repositioned in symbol display areas other than
one(s) in which the wild symbol(s) has/have been placed in a hold
state (S35). Thereby, the contents of games are made visually easy
for the player to understand and the sense of expectancy of the
player for a free game is improved. As games in a free game
advance, the number of wild symbols 111 placed in a hold state may
increase gradually. Thereby, it makes it possible to provide a game
which attracts the player who expects to win a high payout is
enhanced.
[0214] Furthermore, the number of specific symbol display areas and
locations thereof are randomly selected for each game through a
lottery process. Therefore the game will not go monotonous and
entertainment characteristics of the slot machine can be
improved.
[0215] The disclosure is not limited to the above-described
embodiment and various modification and alternations can be made
there to without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
[0216] For instance, in the first embodiment, the conditions for
shifting to the free game include establishment of a winning
combination including a predetermined number of wild symbols 111.
However, the conditions for shifting to the free game may also
include other conditions. For instance, such condition may occur
unexpectedly, like a mystery.
[0217] Also, the first embodiment is configured in such a manner
that, if wild symbol(s) 111 is(are) repositioned in specific symbol
display area(s), the wild symbol(s) 111 repositioned in specific
symbol display area(s) will be placed and maintained in a hold
state in subsequent free game(s). However, symbols other than the
wild symbol 111 may be the symbol to be placed in a hold state. For
instance, if a "SUN" symbol 112 or a "THUNDER" symbol 113 is
repositioned in a specific symbol display area, the "SUN" symbol
112 or the "THUNDER" symbol 113 repositioned in the specific symbol
display area may be placed and maintained in a hold state in
subsequent free game(s).
[0218] Also, the first embodiment is configured in such a manner
that the process to designate specific symbol display area(s) from
among the symbol display areas 32 through 46 based on a lottery
result (S31) for each game which constitutes the free game.
However, S31 may be executed for every certain number of games
(e.g. every two games or every three games).
[0219] Also, the first embodiment is configured in such a manner
that the wild symbol 111 once placed in a hold state in a symbol
display area will remain at the symbol display area until remaining
free games terminate. However, such wild symbol 111 may be
maintained in a hold state only in a predetermined number of free
games (e.g., two games).
[0220] The disclosure is not limited to video reels only, but is
also applicable with respect to slot machines using mechanical
reels. For instance, the slot machine 201 shown in FIG. 12 is a
so-called hybrid-type slot machine having a heretofore known
transparent liquid crystal panel installed at a front face of the
plurality of mechanical reels which are rotatably supported, and a
game is carried out therein by displaying images of the respective
symbols positioned on the outer periphery of the mechanical reels,
through the transparent liquid crystal panel.
[0221] The slot machine 201 has three reels, namely, a left reel
203, a center reel 204 and a right reel 205 which are rotatably
supported. The respective reels 203 through 205 have symbol columns
drawn on their outer periphery, each symbol column being made up of
a plurality of symbols. Further, the respective reels 203 through
205 have, at a front side thereof, a main liquid crystal panel 202
which is made up of a heretofore known transparent liquid crystal
panel provided in the main door. Here, the main liquid crystal
panel 202 has three display windows 206, 207, and 208 formed
therein, the back faces thereof being visible.
[0222] In the above-described slot machine 201, the base game and
the free game may be carried out employing the reels 203 through
205. Furthermore, a frame for designating a specific symbol display
area is displayed on the main liquid crystal panel 20. Furthermore,
in case a wild symbol 111 is repositioned in a specific symbol
display area, the wild symbol 111 will be continuously displayed in
the location corresponding to the specific symbol display area in
which the wild symbol has been repositioned until remaining free
game terminate.
[0223] It is to be note that aspects of the disclosure may be
realized as a playing method for executing the above-described
processes and may be realized in a form of a program for executing
the playing method with a computer and a recording medium in which
said program is recorded.
Second Embodiment
[0224] Hereinafter, a gaming machine related to one or more aspects
of the disclosure directed to the second embodiment will be
described in detail based on an embodiment embodying a slot machine
with reference to drawings.
[0225] The slot machine 1001 of the embodiment includes image
display devices such as the liquid crystal display and the like,
the game is executed by displaying the images of various symbols on
the image display device. In other words, the slot machine 1001 of
the embodiment can be implemented as a video slot machine.
[0226] Also, the slot machine 1001 of the embodiment can be
implemented as hybrid-type slot machine which is constructed from
mechanical reels and a transparent liquid display device provided
in front of the mechanic reels. Also, the slot machine 1001 of the
embodiment can be implemented as a mechanical slot machine having
mechanical reels.
[0227] In the following description, a slot machine using video
reels will mainly be described. However, one or more aspects of the
disclosure may also be applied to a slot machine using mechanical
reels as much as possible.
[0228] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, additional payout
amount is determined in a free game process (S1041). Also, when the
free game is executed by the predetermined number of times (S1043:
YES), an outcome based on the game result of the free games will be
provided to the player (S1044). Thereafter, a symbol combination
stopped on the symbol display portions is determined based on the
determined payout amount (S1045). After that, reels spin on reel
display portions, and reels are stopped so that the combination of
symbols becomes the determined symbol combination (S1047). Then, an
additional payout amount which has been determined is displayed
(S1048). And, the determined additional payout amount is paid out
(S1049).
[0229] The slot machine 1001 according to the embodiment will be
explained in detail with reference with the drawing. FIG. 14 shows
an external appearance of the slot machine 1001 according to the
embodiment.
[0230] The slot machine 1001 according to the embodiment is an
upright type slot machine which is provided in a game hall such as
the casino. Here, it is to be noted that the exterior appearance of
the slot machine 1001 shown in FIG. 14 is merely one example in the
disclosure, and one or more aspects of the disclosure is not
limited to the exterior appearance.
[0231] The slot machine 1001 includes a cabinet 1002. The cabinet
1002 is a housing portion which houses the electric and mechanic
components for executing the predetermined gaming modes in the slot
machine 1001.
[0232] The slot machine 1001 includes an upper display 1010A, a
main display 1010B and a lower display 1010C at the front side of
the cabinet 1002 to display various gaming information. The upper
display 1010A is arranged on the upper portion of the cabinet 1002,
the main display 1010B is arranged on the middle portion of the
cabinet 1002 and the lower display 1010C is arranged on the lower
portion of the cabinet 1002.
[0233] The upper display 1010A is constructed from the liquid
crystal panel. The effect images, the payout table in the game, the
game rules and the like are displayed on the upper display
1010A.
[0234] The main display 1010B is constructed from the liquid
crystal panel. The main display 1010B includes five columns of reel
display portions 1101 to 1105, as shown in FIG. 15. On each of the
reel display portions, variable display and stop display of the
symbol rows are executed. Three symbols are displayed on each of
the reel display portions 1101 to 1105. In other words, symbols are
displayed in a 3.times.5 matrix shape on the main display 1010B, as
shown in FIG. 16. The reel display portions 1101 to 1105 include
symbol display portions 1111A to 1111C, 1112A to 1112C, 1113A to
1113C, 1114A to 1114C and 1115A to 1115C. The number of the reels
and the number of the displayed symbols on respective reel display
portions are variable.
[0235] The image effect is made on the main display 1010B based on
the number of executed free games and the determined additional
payout amount in the free game, as will described later.
[0236] A touch panel 1018 is arranged on the front side of the
liquid crystal panel on the main display 1010B. A player can input
various instructions by operating the touch panel 1018. Also, a
payout amount display portion 1005 and a credit number display
portion 1006 are provided on the main display 1010B. The display
positions of the payout amount display portion 1005 and the credit
number display portion 1006 are arranged arbitrarily. For example,
the payout amount display portion 1005 and the credit number
display portion 1006 may be arranged on the right lower portion of
the main display 1010B. Also, a bet number display portion which
displays the bet number may also be provided. The payout amount
(namely, the payout amount when a predetermined number of
predetermined symbols are displayed in the base game and the free
game) provided to the player may be displayed on the payout amount
display portion 1005. And, the credit number which is presently
owned by the player is displayed on the credit number display
portion 1006.
[0237] Also, a background portion 1121 is arranged on the main
display 1010B. Here, the background portion 1121 is an area on the
main display 1010B other than the reel display portions 1101
through 1105, the payout display portion 1005, and credit number
display portion 1006.
[0238] The upper display 1010A and the main display 1010B, for
example, are constructed from the liquid crystal panel as described
above. However, one or more aspects of the disclosure are not
limited to the liquid crystal panel. In other words, either display
portion may also be the CRT display, the plasma display, the LED
display, and the other well-known display device.
[0239] The lower display 1010C is arranged on the lower portion of
the cabinet 1002, and is constructed from a plastic panel. The
drawings of the characters relating to the gaming machine, the name
of the gaming machine and the like are drawn on the lower display
1010C, and are lit up by the back lights. The lower display 1010C
may also be the liquid crystal panel, the CRT display, the plasma
display, the LED display, and the other well-known display
device.
[0240] Also, the main display 1010B may also be configured as a
hybrid type which is constructed from a mechanical reel and a
transparent liquid crystal display device arranged in front of the
mechanical reel. As a result, the symbols drawn on the mechanical
reel may be visible via the transparent liquid crystal display
device. Display windows the number of which is equal to that of the
mechanical reels are arranged on the transparent liquid crystal
display device, so that the symbols drawn on the mechanical reels
may be visible via the display windows. The slot machine using
video reels will be mainly described in the below description,
however, one or more aspects of the disclosure may also be applied
to the slot machines using the mechanical reels as much as
possible. When mechanical reels are used, the spin and the stop of
the mechanical reels are controlled by a motor which is not
shown.
[0241] An operation table 1025 is arranged in front of the cabinet
1002. The operation table 1025 is arranged so as to extend forward
between the main display 1010B and the lower display 1010C. Plural
types of operation buttons 1026 are provided on the operation table
1025. The operation buttons 1026 include a BET button, a collect
button, a start button, a CASHOUT button and the like. A coin
insertion slot 1027 and a bill insertion slot 1028 are arranged on
the operation table 1025. The coin insertion slot 1027 is used to
receive coins which are the gaming media to the cabinet 1002. The
bill insertion slot 1028 is used to receive the bills to the
cabinet 1002.
[0242] Here, coins, bills or electronic value (credits) which are
equivalent to coins or bills are used as the gaming media in the
slot machine 1001 according to the embodiment. However, the gaming
media applicable in the present disclosure are not limited to
coins, bills or electronic value. For example, the gaming media may
also be medals, tokens, electric moneys, and tickets.
[0243] A coin tray 1029 is provided at the bottommost of the
cabinet 1002. The coin tray 1029 is used to receive the coins paid
out by a hopper 1064. A light emitting portion 1030 is provided
around the cabinet 1002 of the slot machine 1001. The light
emitting portion 1030 is lighted up in a predetermined lighting
pattern when the player wins the game or during the event game. A
speaker 1031 is provided on the side surface of the cabinet 1002.
The speaker 1031 outputs sound in accordance with the progressing
of the game.
[0244] The topper effect device 4 has a rectangular board shape,
and is arranged almost parallel to the upper display 1010A.
[0245] Next, the internal constitution of the slot machine 1001
according to the embodiment will be explained in detail with
reference to the drawing. FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 are block diagrams
showing the internal constitution of the slot machine 1001.
[0246] As shown in FIG. 17, the slot machine 1001 includes plural
constitution elements around the main control board 1071.
[0247] A controller 1041 includes a main CPU 1042, a ROM 1043, and
a RAM 1044. The main CPU 1042 inputs or outputs signals with other
constitution elements via I/O port 1049, and executes the programs
stored in the ROM 1043. Herewith, the main CPU 1042 serves as a
control center of the slot machine 1001. The RAM 1044 stores
temporarily the data and the programs when the main CPU 1042 runs.
For example, the RAM 1044 temporarily stores the random number
value sampled by a sampling circuit 1046 to be described later. And
the identification number of the slot machine 1001 is stored in the
ROM 1043 or the RAM 1044. The ROM 1043 stores the programs executed
by the main CPU 1042 and the permanent data.
[0248] The main control board 1071 includes a random number
generation circuit 1045, a sampling circuit 1046, a clock pulse
generation circuit 1047, and a frequency divider 1048.
[0249] The random number generation circuit 1045 operates based on
the instruction of the main CPU 1042, and generates a predetermined
range of random numbers. The sampling circuit 1046 extracts an
arbitrary random number from the random numbers generated by the
random number generation circuit 1045 based on the instruction of
the main CPU 1042. The sampling circuit 1046 inputs the extracted
random number to the main CPU 1042. The clock pulse generation
circuit 1047 generates a basic clock to run the main CPU 1042. The
frequency divider 1048 divides the basic clock in a predetermined
frequency, and inputs the divided signals to the main CPU 1042.
[0250] The touch panel 1018 is connected to the main control board
1071. The touch panel 1018 may specify the coordinate position of
the part to which the player touches. The touch panel 1018 may
determine the portion to which the player touches based on the
specified coordinate position information, and determines the
direction to which the touched place moves. The touch panel 1018
inputs the signal corresponding to the determination result via the
I/O port 1049 to the main CPU 1042.
[0251] The operation buttons 1026 are connected to the main control
board 1071. As described above, the operation buttons 1026 include
the start button, the collect button, the BET button and the like
to instruct the execution of the game. When each button included in
the operation buttons 1026 is pressed, the operation signal is
inputted to the main CPU 1042 via the I/O port 1049.
[0252] The main control board 1071 also includes an illumination
effect driving circuit 1061, a hopper driving circuit 1063, a
payout completion signal circuit 1065 and a display portion driving
circuit 1067.
[0253] The illumination effect driving circuit 1061 outputs effect
signals to the above-mentioned light emitting portion 1030 and the
topper effect device 1004. And the topper effect device 1004 is
serially connected to the illumination effect driving circuit 1061
through light emitting portions 1030. When the effect signal is
inputted, the light emitting portions 1030 and the topper effect
device 1004 emit light in a predetermined light emitting pattern.
As a result, the slot machine 1001 executes light emitting effect
in accordance with the progressing of the game.
[0254] The hopper driving circuit 1063 drives the hopper 1064 based
on the control of the main CPU 1042. The hopper 1064 executes the
payout of coins, and thereby, coins are paid out to the coin tray
1029. The display portion driving circuit 1067 executes the display
control of various display portions such as the payout amount
display portion 1005, the credit number display portion 1006 and
the like.
[0255] A coin detecting portion 1066 is connected to the payout
completion signal circuit 1065. The coin detecting portion 1066
calculates the number of the coins paid out by the hopper 1064. The
coin detecting portion 1066 inputs the data of the calculated
number of coins to the payout completion signal circuit 1065. The
payout completion signal circuit 1065 determines whether the
predetermined number of coins is paid out based on the data of the
number of coins input by the coin detecting portion 1066. When the
coins with the predetermined number are all paid out, the signal
indicating the completion of the coins is inputted to the main CPU
1042 by the payout completion signal circuit 1065.
[0256] A sub-control board 1072 is connected to the main control
board 1071. The sub-control board 1072 is formed on a circuit board
different from that of the main control board 1071. The display
control of the upper display 1010A, the main display 1010B and the
output control of sound by the speaker 1031 are executed by the
sub-control board 1072, based on the commands inputted from the
main control board 1071.
[0257] As shown in FIG. 18, the sub-control board 1072 includes a
microcomputer 1073 (termed as "sub-microcomputer" hereinafter) as a
main constitution element. The sub-microcomputer 1073 includes a
sub-CPU 1074, a program ROM 1075, a work RAM 1076, an IN port 1077
and an OUT port 1080. The sub-CPU 1074 executes the control
operations based on the control orders (commands) sent from the
main control board 1071. The program ROM 1075 stores the control
programs executed by the sub-CPU 1074. The work RAM 1076 is
configured as a temporary storing device when the above control
programs are executed by the sub-CPU 1074.
[0258] The sub-control board 1072 executes the random number
sampling on the running program of the sub-CPU 1074. As a result,
the sub-control board 1072 may execute the same processes as the
processes executed by the clock pulse generation circuit 1047, the
frequency divider 1048, the random number generation circuit 1045,
and the sampling circuit 1046 in the main control board 1071.
[0259] The sub-control board 1072 includes a sound source IC 1078,
a power amplifier 1079 and an image control circuit 1081. The sound
source IC 1078 controls the sound output from the speaker 1031. The
power amplifier 1079 is used as an amplifier for the output of the
sound. And the image control circuit 1081 is running as the display
control device of the upper display 1010A and the main display
1010B.
[0260] The image control circuit 1081 includes an image control CPU
1082, an image control work RAM 1083, an image control program ROM
1084, an image ROM 1086, a video RAM 1087 and an image control IC
1088. The image control CPU 1082 determines the images displayed on
the upper display 1010A and the main display 1010B based on the
parameters set by the sub-microcomputer 1073 and the image control
programs.
[0261] The image control programs regarding to the display of the
upper display 1010A and the main display 1010B and a variety of the
selection tables are stored in the image control program ROM 1084.
The image control work RAM 1083 serves as a temporary storing
device when the image control programs are executed by the image
control CPU 1082. IN port 1085 is connected to the OUT port 1080.
Images corresponding to the content determined by the image control
CPU 1082 are formed by the image control IC 1088, and are output to
the upper display 1010A and the main display 1010B. The dot data
used to form images are stored in the image ROM 1086. The video RAM
1087 serves as a temporary storing device when the images are
formed by the image control IC 1088.
[0262] Here, the internal constitution described above is merely
one example, and one or more aspects of the disclosure are not
limited to the internal constitution. For example, the internal
constitution may also be configured by detachably mount a memory
card and/or a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) so as to read out the
necessary information from the memory card and/or PLD.
[0263] Next, symbols which are variably displayed on the symbol
display portion will be described with reference to FIG. 19. FIG.
19 shows one example of a type of symbols displayed in the reel
which are variably displayed on the symbol display portion.
[0264] The symbols used in the embodiment include KING symbol
1051A, QUEEN symbol 1051B, JACK symbol 1051C, ACE symbol 1051D, TEN
symbol 1051E, BELL symbol 1051F, THUNDER symbol 1051G, and STAR
symbol 1051H.
[0265] The number of the symbols displayed on one reel may be
determined arbitrarily. Also, the types of to-be displayed symbols
may be determined arbitrarily.
[0266] FIG. 20 shows one example of a reel which is variably
displayed on each reel display portion. As shown in FIG. 20, the
symbols shown in FIG. 19 are displayed on the reel in a
predetermined sequence.
[0267] The sequence of symbols shown in FIG. 20 is merely one
example, and the sequence of the symbols may be set
appropriately.
[0268] Different reels may be used in respective reel display
portions. Each reel display portion may include plural reels, and
the reel may be set to be selectable through the payout ratio which
is set.
[0269] Next, the game executed in the slot machine 1001 according
to the embodiment will be described. The games executed in the
embodiment include two types of game mode. These game modes are a
base game and a free game.
[0270] First, the base game will be described. In the base game, a
winning combination is determined based on the number of the same
symbols displayed on each of the symbol display portions 1111A to
1111C, 1112A to 1112C, 1113A to 1113C, 1114A to 1114C and 1115A to
1115C of the main display 1010B, and an award corresponding to the
winning combination is provided.
[0271] When the player sets bet amount by operating the BET button
and presses the start button, reel rows start spinning on their
respective display portions 1101 to 1105 in response to the
pressing of the start button. Thereby, symbol rows displayed on the
reel rows are scrolled from up to down on their respective reel
display portions 1101 to 1105 as shown in FIG. 21. The reel rows
are stopped and displayed on their respective reel display portions
1101 to 1105 when a predetermined time has passed. In the meantime,
a part of the symbol rows of each reel (three symbols on each of
the reel display portion 1101 to 1105 with a total of fifteen
symbols) are displayed on each symbol display portion in the main
display 1010B as shown in FIG. 22. Also, the scrolling direction is
not only limited to the direction from up to down, the direction
may also be from down to up. Further, the scrolling direction may
differ on each reel display portion. Also the scrolling direction
may also be set differently to each game.
[0272] In the embodiment, the stop sequence of the symbols on the
reel display portions may be set appropriately. For example, all
the reels may be stopped simultaneously on the reel display
portions (reel display portions 1101 to 1105).
[0273] A winning combination is determined based on the number of
the same symbols displayed after the reels are stopped, and award
corresponding to the winning combination is provided. If the
winning combination is won, the amount, which is obtained by
multiplying a payout amount corresponding to the winning
combination by a bet number, will be provided to the player.
[0274] Next, the free game will be described. The free game is
executed in a condition that a predetermined number (for example,
three) or more of scatter symbols (in this embodiment, STAR symbol
1051H) are displayed on the symbol display portions 1111A to 1111C,
1112A to 1112C, 1113A to 1113C, 1114A to 1114C and 1115A to 1115C.
The sequence of the free game is almost same as the base game
except that no gaming value (credit) equal to the bet amount is
expensed at the beginning of the game and the game is automatically
executed in succession without any player's operation on the
operation buttons.
[0275] Next, the winning combination and the award which are
provided at the base game and the free game in the slot machine
1001 according to the embodiment will be described based on FIG.
23. FIG. 23 shows the content of a payout table used in the
embodiment. In the payout table, the winning combinations
correspond to the awards.
[0276] Here, the payout amount shown in FIG. 23 shows the payout
amount when the bet number is one. In other words, when the bet
number is one, the payout amount shown in FIG. 23 is paid out, and
when the bet number is two or more, an amount obtained by
multiplying the payout amount shown in FIG. 23 by the bet number
will be paid out.
[0277] For example, when five KING symbols 1051A are displayed on
the symbol display portions 1111A to 1111C, 1112A to 1112C, 1113A
to 1113C, 1114A to 1114C and 1115A to 1115C, an amount obtained by
multiplying 50 credits by the bet number will be paid out. For
example, if the bet number is "2", 100 credits will be
provided.
[0278] Also, when four ACE symbols 1051D are displayed on the
symbol display portions 1111A to 1111C, 1112A to 1112C, 1113A to
1113C, 1114A to 1114C and 1115A to 1115C, an amount obtained by
multiplying 80 credits by the bet number will be paid out. For
example, if bet number is "3", 240 credits will be provided.
[0279] A payout amount corresponding to each winning combination
shown in FIG. 23 is set in a same way as described above. However,
when the symbols displayed on the symbol display portions 1111A to
1111C, 1112A to 1112C, 1113A to 1113C, 1114A to 1114C and 1115A to
1115C are none of the winning combinations shown in FIG. 23, this
means that the player has lost the game, and no credit will be paid
out as the player has lost the game.
[0280] Here, the payout table shown in FIG. 23 is one example, the
types of the winning combinations and the payout amount may be set
appropriately. And, the game may be configured to contain plural
payout tables, and the payout tables may be selectable in
accordance with the payout ratio which is set. Also, the payout
table used in the free game may be different from the payout table
used in the base game.
[0281] Next, the first main control process executed in slot
machine 1001 according to the embodiment will be explained with
reference to the drawing. FIG. 24 is a flowchart of the first main
control process.
[0282] When the power switch is ON (the power is turned ON), each
of the main control board 1071 and the sub-control board 1072 is
activated and the controller 1041 executes the initial setting
process of S1001. In the initial setting process S1001, the main
CPU 1042 executes the BIOS stored in the ROM 1043 and extracts the
compressed data incorporated in the BIOS to the RAM 1044. And once
the BIOS extracted in the RAM 1044 is executed, diagnosis of the
variety of peripheral devices and initialization are executed by
the main CPU 1042. Further, the CPU 1042 writes the game programs
from the ROM 1043 to the RAM 1044 and obtains payout ratio setting
data and nation identification information. And also the CPU 1042
executes the certification process to each program during the
execution of the initial setting process.
[0283] In S1002, the game program and the like are read out from
the RAM 1044 in sequence and are executed so as to progress the
first main game process. The game in the slot machine 1001
according to the embodiment is progressed by the execution of the
first main game process. And the first main game process is
repeatedly executed while the power of the slot machine 1001 is
supplied.
[0284] Next, a sub process of the first main game process in S1002
will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 25. FIG. 25 is a
flowchart of the first main game process executed in slot machine
1001 according to the embodiment. The programs to execute the first
renewing process are stored in the ROM 1043 or RAM 1044 of the slot
machine 1001 and are executed by the main CPU 1042.
[0285] In S1011, the start acceptance process is executed. In the
start acceptance process, insertion of coins and the bet operation
using the BET button in the operation buttons 1026 are made by the
player.
[0286] In S1012, it is determined whether or not the start button
in the operation buttons 1026 is operated. The determination is
executed based on the input signal to the main CPU 1042
corresponding to the start button. Here, when it is determined that
the start button is not operated (S1012: NO), the game returns to
the start acceptance process. The operation such as correction of
the bet number is possible in S1011. On the other hand, when it is
determined that the start button is operated (S1012: YES), the bet
number which is set is deducted from the credits owned by the
player, and the subtraction result is stored in the RAM 1044 as the
betting information. And then, the game proceeds to S1013.
[0287] In S1013, a symbol lottery process is executed. Concretely,
first, random number values are sampled from a predetermined range
of random number values by executing a lottery program stored in
the RAM 1044. Thereafter, the symbols to be stopped and displayed
on each symbol display portion are determined based on the sampled
random number value and the table.
[0288] Process in S1013 will be described in detail. FIG. 26 is one
example of a table in which symbols displayed on the reels shown in
FIG. 20 are associated with code numbers. FIG. 27 is one example of
a table in which random number values are associated with code
numbers. Code numbers are determined based on the random number
values sampled from a predetermined random number value range (for
example, 0 to 65535) by using the table shown in FIG. 27. The
symbols to be stopped are determined by the determined code number
and the table shown in FIG. 26.
[0289] Here, since the number of the random number values
corresponding to each code number is different as shown in FIG. 27,
appearance probability of each symbol shown in FIG. 26 may be
controlled. For example, in FIG. 27, a random number value range
"512" to "720" corresponds to code number "4", and a random number
value range "761" to "767" corresponds to code number "5". As a
result, since the code number "4" may appear more often than the
code number "5", JACK symbol 1051C corresponding to the code number
"4" may have a higher appearance probability than the THUNDER
symbol 1051G corresponding to the code number "5".
[0290] Also, with respect to the reel display portion 1101, in a
case that the reel shown in FIG. 20 is used, and when "136" is
sampled, it is determined that code number is "08" based on the
table shown in FIG. 27. And then, it is determined that the TEN
symbol 1051E corresponding to the code number "08" is determined as
the symbol to be stopped on the symbol display portion 1111B with
the use of the table shown in FIG. 26.
[0291] Also, as shown in FIG. 28, the sampled random number values
may correspond directly to symbols.
[0292] Returning to FIG. 25, in S1014, a reel spin control process
is executed. Specifically, the reels are variably displayed on the
reel display portions 1101 to 1105. After that, effect pattern
(image display state on the main display 1010B or sound output
pattern of the speaker 1034, or the like) in a unit game is
started. Here, the unit game is defined as a sequence of processes
which include starting of the variable display on each reel,
stopping and displaying of all reels, and a payout process in which
a predetermined amount of gaming medium is provided, when a
predetermined condition is satisfied.
[0293] Then, after a predetermined period of time has passed, reels
stop spinning on the reel display portions 1101 to 1105 in a
predetermined sequence. As a result, symbols are stopped and
displayed on the symbol display portions 1111A to 1111C, 1112A to
1112C, 1113A to 1113C, 1114A to 1114C, and 1115A to 1115C.
[0294] Here, the symbol determined in S1013 is stopped on the
symbol display portion 1111B. For example, when a BELL symbol 1051F
(code number: 9) is stopped, a TEN symbol 1051E (code number: 8) is
displayed on the symbol display portion 1111A, and a KING symbol
1051A (code number: 10) is displayed on the symbol display portion
1111C (see FIG. 26).
[0295] After that, in S1015, it is determined whether or not a
symbol combination displayed on the main display 1010B is a winning
combination. This determination is made based on the code number of
each of the reel display portion 1101 to 1105 stored in the RAM
1044.
[0296] If it is determined that the winning combination is realized
(S1015: YES), the procedure will be shifted to S1016. On the other
hand, if it is determined that none of the winning combinations is
realized (S1015: NO), the procedure will be shifted to S1017.
[0297] In S1016, the payout process is executed. In the payout
process, the payout amount corresponding to the winning combination
which is determined in S1015 is provided to the player.
[0298] In S1017, in case that it is determined whether or not a
free game trigger is realized. In the embodiment, three or more
STAR symbols 1051H are stopped, it is determined "YES" at
S1017.
[0299] If it is determined that the free game trigger is realized
in S1017 (S1017: YES), the procedure will be shifted to S1018. In
S1018, a free game process is executed. Here, detail of the free
game process will be described later.
[0300] On the other hand, in S1017, if it is determined that the
free game trigger is not realized (S1017: NO), the first main game
process will be terminated.
[0301] Next, the free game process will be described. FIG. 29 and
FIG. 30 are flowcharts of the free game process.
[0302] In S1021, the additional payout amount is determined. The
additional payout amount is determined from among "100", "50", "20"
and "10" by lottery. The additional payout amount may be set
appropriately. Also, the method of lottery may be set
appropriately.
[0303] In S1022, the symbol lottery process is executed. Since the
symbol lottery process is the same as S1013 in the first main game
process (see FIG. 25), description will be omitted here.
[0304] In S1023, the reel spin control process is executed. Since
the reel spin control process is the same as S1014 in the first
main game process (see FIG. 25), description will be omitted
here.
[0305] In S1024, it is determined whether or not the symbol
combination displayed in the main display 1010B is a winning
combination. This determination is made based on the code number of
each of the reel display portions 1101 to 1105 stored in the RAM
1044.
[0306] If it is determined that the winning combination is realized
(S1024: YES), the procedure will be shifted to S1025. On the other
hand, if it is determined that none of the winning combinations is
realized (S1024: NO), the procedure will be shifted to S1026.
[0307] In S1025, a payout amount addition process is executed. In
the payout amount addition process, a payout amount corresponding
to the winning combination determined in S1024 will be added. Here,
the added payout amount will be provided to the player in the
payout process of S1029 which is to be described later.
[0308] In S1026, it is determined whether or not the free game is
executed by the predetermined number of times. If it is determined
that the free game is executed by the predetermined number of times
(S1026: YES), the procedure will be shifted to S1027. On the other
hand, if it is determined that the free game is not executed by the
predetermined number of times (S1026: NO), the procedure will be
returned to S1022.
[0309] In S1027, a payout process is executed. In the payout
process, a payout amount which is obtained in S1025 is paid out to
the player. Here, in above process, the added payout amount is paid
out at once after the free game is executed by the predetermined
number of times. However, the payout amount may also be paid out
after termination of each free game has been executed.
[0310] In S1028, the symbol combination to be stopped is
determined. Here, a symbol combination table is referred. FIG. 31
shows one example of a symbol combination table.
[0311] In the symbol combination table shown in FIG. 31, to each
additional payout amount, code numbers of the symbols stopped on
symbol portions 1111B to 1115B, and symbol combinations on the main
display are defined. Here, the code number in FIG. 29 corresponds
to the table in FIG. 26. Also, in FIG. 29, symbol combination may
be not defined.
[0312] For example, when the additional payout amount is "100", the
code numbers directed to the symbols to be stopped on the symbol
display portions 1111B, 1112B, 1113B, 1114B, 1115B, are determined
as ["13"-"13"-"13"-"13"-"13"] or ["6"-"6"-"6"-"6"-"14"].
[0313] In FIG. 31, when the code numbers on the symbol display
portions 1111B to 1115B are ["13"-"13"-"13"-"13"-"13"], fifteen of
ACE symbol are displayed on the main display 1010B. As a result,
["15 of a kind" of ACE symbols 1051D] is realized, and the
additional payout amount is "300" (see FIG. 23).
[0314] In FIG. 31, when the code numbers on the symbol display
portions 1111B to 1115B are ["6"-"6"-"6"-"6"-"14"], eight of BELL
symbols 1051F, four of THUNDER symbols 1051G, two of ACE symbols
1051D, and one JACK symbol 1051C are displayed. As a result, ["8 of
a kind" of BELL symbols 1051F] and ["4 of a kind" of THUNDER
symbols 1051F] are realized, and the additional payout amount is
"300 (200+100)" (see FIG. 23).
[0315] In FIG. 31, when the code numbers on the symbol display
portions 1111B to 1115B are ["14"-"14"-"11"-"12"-"13"], ten of ACE
symbols 1051D, two of JACK symbols 1051C, two of the STAR symbols
1051H, and one KING symbol 1051A are displayed. As a result, ["10
of a kind" of ACE symbol 1051D] is realized, and the additional
payout amount is "200" (see FIG. 23).
[0316] In FIG. 31, when the code numbers on the symbol display
portions 1111B to 1115B are ["4"-"15"-"17"-"16"-"16"], four of BELL
symbols 1051F, four of THUNDER symbols 1051G, two of KING symbols
1051A, two of JACK symbols 1051C, one QUEEN symbol 1051B, one ACE
symbol 1051D, and one TEN symbol 1051E are displayed. As a result,
["4 of a kind" of BELL symbols 1051F] and ["4 of a kind" of THUNDER
symbols 1051F] are realized, and the additional payout amount is
"200 (100+100)" (see FIG. 23).
[0317] In FIG. 31, when the code numbers on the symbol display
portions 1111B to 1115B are ["7"-"10"-"10"-"16"-"16"], four of BELL
symbols 1051F, two of KING symbols 1051A, two QUEEN symbols 1051B,
two JACK symbols 1051C, one TEN symbol 1051E, two THUNDER symbols
1051G, and two STAR symbols 1051H are displayed. As a result, ["4
of a kind" of BELL symbols 1051F] is realized, and the additional
payout amount is "100" (see FIG. 23).
[0318] In FIG. 31, when the code numbers on the symbol display
portions 1111B to 1115B are ["11"-"11"-"15"-"9"-"9"], four of KING
symbols 1051A, three of ACE symbols 1051D, two of TEN symbols
1051E, two of BELL symbols 1051F, two of STAR symbols 1051H, one
JACK symbol 1051C, and one THUNDER symbol 1051G are displayed. As a
result, ["4 of a kind" of KING symbols 1051A] and ["3 of a kind" of
ACE symbols 1051D] are realized, and the additional payout amount
is "100 (40+60)" (see FIG. 23).
[0319] In FIG. 31, when the code numbers on the symbol display
portions 1111B to 1115B are ["18"-"19"-"4"-"12"-"16"], five of JACK
symbols 1051C, two of QUEEN symbols 1051B, two of ACE symbols
1051D, two of BELL symbols 1051F, two of THUNDER symbols 1051G, one
KING symbol 1051A, and one STAR symbol 1051H are displayed. As a
result, ["5 of a kind" of JACK symbols 1051F] and ["4 of a kind" of
THUNDER symbols 1051F] are realized, and the additional payout
amount is "50" (see FIG. 23).
[0320] In FIG. 31, when the code numbers on the symbol display
portions 1111B to 1115B are ["9"-"9"-"11"-"11"-"4"], five of KING
symbols 1051A, two of ACE symbols 1051D, two of TEN symbols 1051E,
two of BELL symbols 1051F, two of STAR symbols 1051H, one JACK
symbol 1051C, and one THUNDER symbol 1051G are displayed. As a
result, ["5 of a kind" of KING symbols 1051A] is realized, and the
additional payout amount is "50" (see FIG. 23).
[0321] Now return the description to FIG. 30.
[0322] In S1029, reels are spun on their respective reel display
portions (see FIG. 21).
[0323] In S1030, reels are stopped by a timing in which the symbol
combination determined in S1028 is displayed.
[0324] In S1031, the payout amount determined in S1021 is displayed
in a part of area on the background portion 1121 of the main
display 1010B. FIG. 32 shows a state that the additional payout
amount is displayed on the background portion 1121 of the main
display 1010B.
[0325] In S35, a payout process is executed. In the payout process,
the payout amount determined in S1021 is paid out to the
player.
[0326] As described above, according to the first embodiment of one
or more aspects of the disclosure, additional payout amount is
determined in the free game process. When the free game is executed
a predetermined number, an outcome based on the game result of the
free games will be provided to the player. Thereafter, the symbol
combination to be stopped on the symbol display portion is
determined based on the additional payout amount. And, reels are
spun on the reel display portion, and are stopped so that the
determined symbol combination is displayed on the reel display
portion. Then, the determined additional payout amount is
displayed. And, the determined additional payout amount is paid out
to the player.
[First Variant of Second Embodiment]
[0327] Next, the first variant of the second embodiment embodying
one or more aspects of the disclosure will be described with
reference to the drawings. In the first variant of the second
embodiment, in addition to the processes executed in the above
described second embodiment, an image effect process is executed in
the free game process. Also, since the first main control process
and the first main game process of the second embodiment are the
same as those in the first variant of the second embodiment, the
detailed description will be omitted here.
[0328] Hereinafter, the free game process in the first variant will
be described. FIG. 33 is a part of the flowchart of the free game
process in the first variant of the second embodiment. Since the
processes of S1061 to S1066, and S1068 are the same as the process
of S1021 to S1027 (see FIG. 30), description will be omitted here.
And after S1068, the procedure will be shifted to the S1028 in FIG.
30.
[0329] Also, the image effect process may be also executed at S1066
after S1064 or S1065.
FIRST EXAMPLE OF IMAGE EFFECT PROCESS FOR FIRST VARIANT
[0330] Next, a first example of the image effect process in S1066
will be described. Here, in the following description, as one of
the examples, description will be given by defining the
predetermined number of times (namely, the executable number of
free games) as "10".
[0331] In the first example, when a predetermined condition is met,
color of a predetermined object which is displayed on the
background portion 1121 will be changed.
[0332] The predetermined object may be defined as, for example, the
color of the background in the background portion 1121, the color
of a predetermined character, or the like. In the below
description, when the game mode is shifted to free game, the color
of the object is defined as "green".
[0333] In the first example, the color of the object is changed
based on the number of the executed free games and the additional
payout amount determined in S1021. FIG. 34 shows one example of a
changing pattern regarding to the color of the object.
[0334] As shown in FIG. 34, when the additional payout amount is
"100", the color of the object may be changed
"green".fwdarw."blue".fwdarw."yellow".fwdarw."red", in accordance
with the executed number of the free games.
[0335] When the additional payout amount is "50", the color of the
object may be changed "green".fwdarw."blue".fwdarw."yellow", in
accordance with the executed number of the free games.
[0336] When the additional payout amount is "20", the color of the
object may be changed "green".fwdarw."blue", in accordance with the
executed number of the free game.
[0337] When the additional payout amount is "10", the color of the
object may remain "green".
[0338] Also, a table may be used to define color change timing of
the object. FIG. 35 is one example of a table in which the color
change timing of the object is defined.
[0339] In the case where the additional payout amount is "100" in
FIG. 35, when three free games are terminated, the color of the
object is changed from "green" to "blue".
[0340] When five free games are terminated, the color of the object
is changed from "blue" to "yellow".
[0341] When nine free games are terminated, the color of the object
is changed from "yellow" to "red".
[0342] Also, in the case where the additional payout amount is "50"
in FIG. 35, when four free games are terminated, the color of the
object is changed from "green" to "blue".
[0343] Also, when seven free games are terminated, the color of the
object may be changed from "blue" to "yellow".
[0344] Also, in the case where the additional payout amount is "20"
in FIG. 35, when six free games are terminated, the color of the
object is changed from "green" to "blue".
[0345] Also, in the case where the additional payout amount is "10"
in FIG. 35, the color of the object is not changed regardless of
the number of the free games.
[0346] As a result, since image effect (namely, the color change of
the object) is made based on the number of executed free games and
the additional payout amount, the player may presume the additional
payout amount. Therefore, the entertainment aspect is enhanced, and
the slot machine may attract the players.
[0347] Also, each of additional payout amounts has plural patterns
to change timing, and one of the patterns to change timing can be
selected by lottery.
[0348] FIG. 36 shows a table which defines patterns to change
timing in case additional payout amount "100" are defined.
[0349] In the case where a "Pattern A" is selected in FIG. 36, when
three free games are terminated, the color of the object is changed
from "green" to "blue".
[0350] Also, when five free games are terminated, the color of the
object is changed from "blue" to "yellow".
[0351] Also, when nine free games are terminated, the color of the
object is changed from "yellow" to "red".
[0352] Also, in the case where a "Pattern B" is selected in FIG.
36, when two free games are terminated, the color of the object is
changed from "green" to "blue".
[0353] Also, when three free games are terminated, the color of the
object is changed from "blue" to "yellow".
[0354] Also, when eight free games are terminated, the color of the
object is changed from "yellow" to "red".
[0355] Also, in the case where a "Pattern C" is selected in FIG.
36, when nine free games are terminated, the color of the object is
changed from "green" to "red".
[0356] Here, FIG. 36 shows the patterns to change timing in the
case the additional payout amount is "100". Plural patterns to
change timing, however, may be defined in the cases that the
additional payout amounts are "50", "20" and "10".
[0357] Since each of the additional payout amounts has the plural
patterns to change timing, the game may have further variety. Also,
in the above "Pattern C", since the color changes from "green"
directly to "red" without going through "blue" and "yellow", an
entertainment aspect will be enhanced.
SECOND EXAMPLE OF IMAGE EFFECT PROCESS FOR FIRST VARIANT
[0358] Next, a second example of the image effect process in S1066
will be described. Here, in the following description, as one of
the examples, description will be given by defining the
predetermined number (namely, executable number of free games) as
"10".
[0359] In the second example, when a predetermined condition is
met, a predetermined object moves on the background portion 1121.
For example, an image effect in which a ball with a predetermined
size moves from left side to right side may be made.
[0360] FIG. 37 shows a state that the small size ball moves from
left side to right side on the background portion 1121 of the main
display 1010B.
[0361] FIG. 38 shows a state that the medium size ball moves from
left side to right side on the background portion 1121 of the main
display 1010B.
[0362] FIG. 39 shows a state that big size ball moves from left
side to right side on the background portion 1121 of the main
display 1010B.
[0363] Also the moving direction of the ball is merely one example.
And, the shape of the object is also merely one example.
[0364] In the second example, a ball with a predetermined size
moves on the background portion 1121 based on the number of
executed free games and the additional payout amount determined in
S1021. The size and the timing of the moving ball may be defined by
a table. FIG. 40 is one of examples of the table in which patterns
regarding size and the timing of the moving ball are defined.
[0365] In the case where the additional payout amount is "100" in
FIG. 40, when two free games are terminated, a small size ball
moves on the background portion 1121.
[0366] Also, when six free games are terminated, the medium size
ball moves on the background portion 1121.
[0367] Also, when nine free games are terminated, the big size ball
moves on the background portion 1121.
[0368] In the case where the additional payout amount is "50" in
FIG. 40, when one free game is terminated, the small size ball
moves on the background portion 1121.
[0369] Also, when seven free games are terminated, the medium size
ball moves on the background portion 1121.
[0370] In the case where the additional payout amount is "20" in
FIG. 40, when three free games are terminated, the small size ball
moves on the background portion 1121.
[0371] Also, in the case where the additional payout amount is "10"
in FIG. 40, no ball moves on the background portion 1121 regardless
of the number of the free games.
[0372] As a result, since image effect (namely, the movement of a
ball with a predetermined size) is made based on the number of
executed free games and the additional payout amount, the player
may presume the additional payout amount. Therefore, the
entertainment aspect may be enhanced, and the slot machine may
attract more players.
[0373] Also, each of additional payout amounts has plural patterns
regarding "size and timing of moving ball", and one of the patterns
regarding "size and timing of moving ball" can be selected by
lottery.
[0374] FIG. 41 shows a table which defines patterns regarding "size
and timing of the moving ball" in case the additional payout amount
is "100".
[0375] In the case where a "Pattern A" is selected in FIG. 41, when
three free games are terminated, the small size ball moves on the
background portion 1121.
[0376] Also, when six free games are terminated, the medium size
ball moves on the background portion 1121.
[0377] Also, when nine free games are terminated, the big size ball
moves on the background portion 1121.
[0378] In the case where a "Pattern B" is selected in FIG. 41, when
one free game is terminated, the small size ball moves on the
background portion 1121.
[0379] Also, when three free games are terminated, the medium size
ball moves on the background portion 1121.
[0380] Also, when four free games are terminated, a big size ball
moves on the background portion 1121.
[0381] In the case where a "Pattern C" is selected FIG. 41, when
nine free games are terminated, a big size ball moves on the
background portion 1121.
[0382] Here, FIG. 41 shows patterns regarding size and timing of
the moving ball in the case the additional payout amount is "100".
Plural patterns regarding size and timing of the moving ball,
however, may be defined in the cases that the additional payout
amounts are "50", "20" and "10".
[0383] Since each of the additional payout amounts has plural
patterns regarding "size and timing of moving ball", the game may
have further variety. Also, in the above "Pattern C", since only
the big size ball moves without allowing small size ball and medium
size ball to move, an entertainment aspect will be enhanced.
THIRD EXAMPLE OF IMAGE EFFECT PROCESS FOR FIRST VARIANT
[0384] Next, a third example of the image effect process in S1066
will be described. Here, in the following description, as one of
the examples, description will be given by defining the
predetermined number (namely, executable number of free games) as
"10".
[0385] In the third example, when a predetermined condition is met,
display pattern regarding additional payout amount candidates
displayed on the background portion 1121 is changed. For example,
except an area indicating the additional payout amount determined
and selected in S1021, other areas indicating not-selected
additional payout amounts turn dark.
[0386] FIG. 42 shows a display example of the main display 1010B
when the game shifts to a free game.
[0387] FIG. 43 shows a display example of the main display 1010B
showing a state that where "50" is dropped out from the additional
payout amount candidates.
[0388] FIG. 44 shows a display example of the main display 1010B
showing a state that "50" and "10" are dropped out from the
additional payout amount candidates.
[0389] FIG. 45 shows a display example of the main display 1010B
showing a state that only "100" remains as the additional payout
amount candidate.
[0390] In the third example, display state on the background
portion 1121 is determined based on the number of executed free
games and the additional payout amount determined in S1021. A table
may be used when determining the display pattern. FIG. 46 is one of
examples of the table in which display patterns on the background
portion 1121 are defined.
[0391] In the case where the additional payout amount is "100" in
FIG. 46, when the two free games are terminated, a display state is
changed to a pattern showing that "10" is dropped out from the
additional payout amount candidates.
[0392] Also, when six free games are terminated, the display state
is changed to a pattern showing that "20" is further dropped out
from the additional payout amount candidates.
[0393] Also, when nine free games are terminated, the display state
is changed to a pattern showing that "50" is further dropped out
from the additional payout amount candidates.
[0394] In the case where the additional payout amount is "50" in
FIG. 46, when three free games are terminated, the display state is
changed to a pattern showing that "20" is dropped out from the
additional payout amount candidates.
[0395] Also, when seven free games are terminated, the display stat
is changed to a pattern showing that "10" is further dropped out
from the additional payout amount candidates.
[0396] Also, when ten free games are terminated, the display state
is changed to a pattern showing that "100" is further dropped out
from the additional payout amount candidates.
[0397] In the case where the additional payout amount is "20" FIG.
46, when one free game is terminated, a display state is changed to
a pattern showing that "10" is dropped out from the additional
payout amount candidates.
[0398] Also, when five free games are terminated, the display state
is changed to a pattern showing that "50" is further dropped out
from the additional payout amount candidates.
[0399] Also, when eight free games are terminated, the display
state is changed to a pattern showing that "100" is further dropped
out from the additional payout amount candidates.
[0400] In the case where the additional payout amount is "10" in
FIG. 46, when two free games are terminated, the display state is
changed to a pattern showing that "50" is dropped out from the
additional payout amount candidates.
[0401] Also, when seven free games are terminated, the display
state is changed to a pattern showing that "20" is further dropped
out from the additional payout amount candidates.
[0402] Also, when nine free games are terminated, a display state
is changed to a pattern showing that "100" is further dropped out
from the additional payout amount candidates.
[0403] As a result, since image effect (namely, the display pattern
regarding the to-be-displayed additional payout amount candidates)
is made based on the number of executed free games and the
additional payout amount, the player may presume the additional
payout amount. Therefore, the entertainment aspect is enhanced, and
the slot machine may attract more players.
[0404] Also, a sequence of dropped-out additional payout amounts
among from the candidates can be set so that the larger payout
amount (in the above example, "100") is dropped out among from the
candidate at last. Herewith, the entertainment aspect will be more
enhanced.
[0405] Also, the sequence of dropped-out payout amounts among from
the candidates can be set so that the smaller payout amount (in the
above example, "10") is dropped out among from the candidates at
first. Herewith, the entertainment aspect will be more
enhanced.
[0406] Also, each of additional payout amounts has plural display
patterns, and one of the display patterns can be selected by
lottery.
[0407] FIG. 47 shows a table which defines the display patterns in
case the additional payout amount is "100".
[0408] In the case where a "Pattern A" is selected FIG. 47, when
three free games are terminated, a display state is changed to a
pattern showing that "10" is dropped out from the additional payout
amount candidates.
[0409] Also, when six free games are terminated, the display state
is changed to a pattern showing that "20" is dropped out from the
additional payout amount candidates.
[0410] Also, when nine free games are terminated, the display state
is changed to a pattern showing that "50" is dropped out from the
additional payout amount candidates.
[0411] In the case where a "Pattern B" is selected in FIG. 47, when
two free games are terminated, the display state is changed to a
pattern showing that "10" is dropped out from the additional payout
amount candidates.
[0412] Also, when eight free games are terminated, the display
state is changed to a pattern showing that "20" is dropped out from
the additional payout amount candidates.
[0413] Also, when nine free games are terminated, the display state
is changed to a pattern showing that "50" is dropped out from the
additional payout amount candidates.
[0414] In the case where a "Pattern C" is selected in FIG. 47, when
eight free games are terminated, the display state is changed to a
pattern showing that "10" and 20 are dropped out from the
additional payout amount candidates.
[0415] Also, when ten free games are terminated, the display state
is changed to a pattern showing that "50" is dropped out from the
additional payout amount candidates.
[0416] Here, FIG. 47 shows the case where the additional payout
amount is "100". Plural display patterns, however, may be defined
in the cases that the additional payout amounts are "50", "20" and
"10".
[0417] Since each of the additional payout amounts has the plural
display patterns, the game may have further variety. Also, in the
above "Pattern C", since plural payout amounts are dropped out at
the same time, an entertainment aspect will be enhanced.
[0418] It is preferable that a gaming machine according to one or
more aspects of the disclosure directed to the second embodiment
and the first variant thereof comprises a display that displays
symbol display portions and a background portion, the display
portions displaying reels and symbols displayed on the reels, and a
processor that executes a game. The game is executed in plural game
modes and the plural game modes include a first game mode and a
second game mode. Also, the reels are spun and then stopped in the
game. Also, a part of the symbols is displayed on the symbol
display portions. Also, the processor changes the game mode from
the first game mode to the second game mode if a predetermined
number or more of specific symbols are displayed in the first game
mode, determines an additional payout amount when the game mode is
changed to the second game mode, execute the games a predetermined
number of times, provides an outcome corresponding to a result of
the executed games to a player, spins the reels, stops the reels at
a time when a symbol combination corresponding to the additional
payout amount is displayed, provides an outcome corresponding to
the additional payout amount, and changes the game mode from the
second game mode to the first game mode.
[0419] Herewith, since the timing of the stops of the reels is
determined based on the determined additional payout amount,
entertainment aspects are enhanced and it can attract a player.
[0420] As described above, according to one or more aspects of the
disclosure directed to the second embodiment and the first variant
thereof, the additional payout amount is determined in the free
game process. Also, in the free game process, an image effect is
made based on the number of executed free games and the determined
additional payout amount. When the free game is executed by the
predetermined number of times, an outcome based on the game result
of the free game is provided to the player. Thereafter, the symbol
combination to be stopped on the symbol display portion is
determined based on the additional payout amount. And, reels are
spun on the reel display portion, and are stopped so that the
determined symbol combination is stopped on the reel display
portion. Then, the determined additional payout amount is
displayed. And, the determined additional payout amount is provided
to the player.
[0421] Here, in the above second embodiment and the first variant
thereof, it is configured that the image effect is made after the
symbol lottery process and reel spin control process. However, the
image effect may be made during the symbol lottery process or the
reel spin control process. In this case, the above described image
effect process (S1066) may be configured to be executed in parallel
with the above described free game process (FIG. 33 and FIG. 30) as
a multi-process.
[Second Variant of Second Embodiment]
[0422] Next, the second main control process executed in slot
machine 1001 according to the second variant of the second
embodiment will be explained with reference to the drawing. FIG. 48
is a flowchart of the second main control process.
[0423] When the power switch is ON (the power is turned ON), each
of the main control board 1071 and the sub-control board 1072 is
activated and the controller 1041 executes the initial setting
process of S1101. In the initial setting process S1101, the main
CPU 1042 executes the BIOS stored in the ROM 1043 and extracts the
compressed data incorporated in the BIOS to the RAM 1044. And once
the BIOS extracted in the RAM 1044 is executed, diagnosis of the
variety of peripheral devices and initialization are executed by
the main CPU 1042. Further, the CPU 1042 writes the game programs
from the ROM 1043 to the RAM 1044, and obtains payout ratio setting
data and nation identification information. And also the CPU 1042
executes the certification process to each program during the
execution of the initial setting process.
[0424] In S1102, the game program and the like are read out from
the RAM 1044 in sequence and are executed so as to progress the
second main game process. The game in the slot machine 1001
according to the embodiment is progressed by the execution of the
second main game process. And the second main game process is
repeatedly executed while the power of the slot machine 1001 is
supplied.
[0425] Next, a sub process of the second main game process in S1102
will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 49. FIG. 49 is a
flowchart of the second main game process executed in slot machine
1001 according to the embodiment. The programs to execute the first
renewing process are stored in the ROM 1043 or RAM 1044 of the slot
machine 1001 and are executed by the main CPU 1042.
[0426] In S1111, the start acceptance process is executed. In the
start acceptance process, insertion of coins and the bet operation
using the BET button in the operation buttons 1026 are made by the
player.
[0427] In S1112, it is determined whether or not the start button
in the operation buttons 1026 is operated. The determination is
executed based on the input signal to the main CPU 1042
corresponding to the start button. Here, when it is determined that
the start button is not operated (S1112: NO), the game returns to
the start acceptance process. The operation such as correction of
the bet number is possible in S1111. On the other hand, when it is
determined that the start button is operated (S1112: YES), the bet
number which is set is deducted from the credits owned by the
player, and the subtraction result is stored in the RAM 1044 as the
betting information. And then, the game proceeds to S1113.
[0428] In S1113, a symbol lottery process is executed. Concretely,
first, random number values are sampled from a predetermined range
of random number values by executing a lottery program stored in
the RAM 1044. Thereafter, the symbols to be stopped and displayed
on each symbol display portion are determined based on the sampled
random number value and the table.
[0429] Process in S1113 will be described in detail. FIG. 50 is one
example of a table in which symbols displayed on the reels shown in
FIG. 20 are associated with code numbers. FIG. 51 is one example of
a table in which random number values are associated with code
numbers. Code numbers are determined based on the random number
values sampled from a predetermined random number value range (for
example, 0 to 65535) by using the table shown in FIG. 51. The
symbols to be stopped are determined by the determined code number
and the table shown in FIG. 50.
[0430] Here, since the number of the random number values
corresponding to each code number is different as shown in FIG. 51,
appearance probability of each symbol shown in FIG. 50 may be
controlled. For example, in FIG. 51, a random number value range
"512" to "720" corresponds to code number "4", and a random number
value range "761" to "767" corresponds to code number "5". As a
result, since the code number "4" may appear more often than the
code number "5", JACK symbol 1051C corresponding to the code number
"4" may have a higher appearance probability than the THUNDER
symbol 1051G corresponding to the code number "5".
[0431] Also, with respect to the reel display portion 1101, in a
case that the reel shown in FIG. 20 is used, and when "136" is
sampled, it is determined that code number is "08" based on the
table shown in FIG. 51. And then, it is determined that the TEN
symbol 1051E corresponding to the code number "08" is determined as
the symbol to be stopped on the symbol display portion 1111B with
the use of the table shown in FIG. 50.
[0432] Also, as shown in FIG. 52, the sampled random number values
may correspond directly to symbols.
[0433] Returning to FIG. 49, in S1114, a reel spin control process
is executed. Specifically, the reels are variably displayed on the
reel display portions 1101 to 1105. After that, effect pattern
(image display state on the main display 1010B or sound output
pattern of the speaker 1034, or the like) in a unit game is
started.
[0434] Then, after a predetermined period of time has passed, reels
stop spinning on the reel display portions 1101 to 1105 in a
predetermined sequence. As a result, symbols are stopped and
displayed on the symbol display portions 1111A to 1111C, 1112A to
1112C, 1113A to 1113C, 1114A to 1114C, and 1115A to 1115C.
[0435] Here, the symbol determined in S1113 is stopped on the
symbol display portion 1111B. For example, when a BELL symbol 1051F
(code number: 9) is stopped, a TEN symbol 1051E (code number: 8) is
displayed on the symbol display portion 1111A, and a KING symbol
1051A (code number: 10) is displayed on the symbol display portion
1111C (see FIG. 50).
[0436] After that, in S1115, it is determined whether or not a
symbol combination displayed on the main display 1010B is a winning
combination. This determination is made based on the code number of
each reel display portion 1101 to 1105 stored in the RAM 1044.
[0437] If it is determined that the winning combination is realized
(S1115: YES), the procedure will be shifted to S1116. On the other
hand, if it is determined that none of the winning combinations is
realized (S1115: NO), the procedure will be shifted to S1117.
[0438] In S1116, the payout process is executed. In the payout
process, the payout amount corresponding to the winning combination
which is determined in S1115 is provided to the player.
[0439] Next, in S1117, it is determined whether or not a free game
trigger is realized. In the embodiment, in case that three or more
STAR symbols 1051H are stopped, it is determined "YES" at
S1117.
[0440] If it is determined that the free game trigger is realized
in S1117 (S1117: YES), the procedure will be shifted to S1118. In
S1118, a free game process is executed. Here, detail of the free
game process will be described later.
[0441] On the other hand, in S1117, if it is determined that the
free game trigger is not realized (S1117: NO), the second main game
process will be terminated.
[0442] Next, the free game process will be described. FIG. 53 and
FIG. 54 are flowcharts of the free game process.
[0443] In S1121, the additional number of games is determined. For
example, the additional number of games may be determined and
selected from among "10", "8", "5" and "3" by lottery. The
additional number of games may be set appropriately. Also, the
method of lottery may be set appropriately.
[0444] In S1122, the symbol lottery process is executed. Since the
symbol lottery process is the same as S1113 in the second main game
process (see FIG. 49), description will be omitted here.
[0445] In S1123, the reel spin control process is executed. Since
the reel spin control process is the same as S1114 in the second
main game process (see FIG. 49), description will be omitted
here.
[0446] In S1124, it is determined whether or not the symbol
combination displayed in the main display 1010B is a winning
combination. This determination is made based on the code number of
each reel display portion 1101 to 1105 stored in the RAM 1044.
[0447] If it is determined that the winning combination is realized
(S1124: YES), the procedure will be shifted to S1125. On the other
hand, if it is determined that none of the winning combinations is
realized (S1124: NO), the procedure will be shifted to S1126.
[0448] In S1125, a payout amount addition process is executed. In
the payout amount addition process, a payout amount corresponding
to the winning combination determined in S1124 will be added. Here,
the added payout amount will be provided to the player in the
payout process of S1128 which is to be described later.
[0449] In S1126, an image effect process is executed. The detail of
the image effect process will be described later.
[0450] In S1127, it is determined whether or not the free game is
executed by the predetermined number of times. If it is determined
that the free game is executed by the predetermined number of times
(S1127: YES), the procedure will be shifted to S1128. On the other
hand, if it is determined that the free game is not executed by the
predetermined number of times (S1127: NO), the procedure will be
returned to S1122.
[0451] In S1128, a payout process is executed. In the payout
process, a payout amount which is accumulated in S1125 is paid out
to the player. Here, in above process, the added payout amount is
paid out at once after the free game is executed by the
predetermined number of times. However, the payout amount may also
be paid out after termination of each free game.
[0452] In S1129, the additional number of games will be displayed
in a part of a background portion 1121 on the main display 1010B.
FIG. 55 shows a state that the additional number of games is
displayed on the part of the background portion 1121 of the main
display 1010B.
[0453] In S30, a symbol lottery process is executed. Since the
symbol lottery process is the same as S1113 in the second main game
process (see FIG. 49), description will be omitted here.
[0454] In S1131, a reel spin control process is executed. Since the
reel spin control process is the same as S1114 in the second main
game process (see FIG. 49), description will be omitted here.
[0455] In S1132, it is determined whether or not the symbol
combination displayed in the main display 1010B is a winning
combination. This determination is made based on the code numbers
of respective reel display portions 1101 to 1105 stored in the RAM
1044.
[0456] If it is determined that the winning combination is realized
(S1132: YES), the procedure will be shifted to S1133. On the other
hand, if it is determined that none of the winning combinations is
realized (S1132: NO), the procedure will be shifted to S1134.
[0457] In S1133, a payout amount addition process is executed. In
the payout amount addition process, a payout amount corresponding
to the winning combination determined in S1132 will be added. Here,
the added payout amount is paid out to the player in the payout
process of S1135 which is to be described later.
[0458] In S1134, it is determined whether or not the free game is
executed by the additional number of times. If it is determined
that the free game is executed by the additional number of times
(S1134: YES), the procedure will be shifted to S1135. On the other
hand, if it is determined that the free game is not executed by the
additional number of times (S1134: NO), the procedure will be
returned to S1130.
[0459] In S1135, a payout process is executed. In the payout
process, a payout amount added in S1132 is paid out to the player.
Here, in above process, the added payout amount is paid out at once
after the free game has been executed by the predetermined number
of times. The added payout amount may also be paid out after
termination of each free game.
FIRST EXAMPLE OF IMAGE EFFECT PROCESS FOR SECOND VARIANT
[0460] Next, a first example of the image effect process in S1126
will be described. Here, in the following description, as one of
the examples, description will be given by defining the
predetermined number of times (namely, the executable number of
free games) as "10".
[0461] In the first example, when a predetermined condition is met,
color of a predetermined object which is displayed on the
background portion 1121 will be changed.
[0462] The predetermined object may be defined as, for example, the
color of the background in the background portion 1121, the color
of a predetermined character, or the like. In the below
description, when the game mode is shifted to free game, the color
of the object is defined as "green".
[0463] In the first example, the color of the object is changed
based on the number of the executed free games and the additional
number of games determined in S1121. FIG. 56 shows one example of a
changing pattern regarding the color of the object.
[0464] As shown in FIG. 56, when the additional number of games is
"10", the color of the object may be changed
"green".fwdarw."blue".fwdarw."yellow".fwdarw."red", in accordance
with the executed number of the free games.
[0465] When the additional number of games is "8", the color of the
object may be changed "green".fwdarw."blue".fwdarw."yellow", in
accordance with the executed number of free games.
[0466] When the additional number of games is "5", the color of the
object may be changed "green".fwdarw."blue", in accordance with the
executed number of the free game.
[0467] When the additional number of games is "3", the color of the
object may remain "green".
[0468] Also, a table may be used to define color change timing of
the object. FIG. 57 is one example of a table in which color change
timing of the object is defined.
[0469] In the case where the additional number of games is "10" in
FIG. 57, when three free games are terminated, the color of the
object is changed from "green" to "blue".
[0470] When five free games are terminated, the color of the object
is changed from "blue" to "yellow".
[0471] When nine free games are terminated, the color of the object
is changed from "yellow" to "red".
[0472] In the case where the additional number of games is "8" in
FIG. 57, when four free games are terminated, the color of the
object is changed from "green" to "blue".
[0473] When seven free games are terminated, the color of the
object may be changed from "blue" to "yellow".
[0474] In the case where the additional number of games is "5" in
FIG. 57, when six free games are terminated, the color of the
object is changed from "green" to "blue".
[0475] In the case where the additional number of games is "3" in
FIG. 57, the color of the object is not changed regardless of the
number of the free games.
[0476] As a result, since image effect (namely, the color change of
the object) is made based on the number of executed free games and
the additional number of games, the player may presume the
additional number of games. Therefore, the entertainment aspect is
heightened, and the slot machine may attract more players.
[0477] Also, each of additional number of games has plural patterns
to change timing, and one of the patterns to change timing can be
selected by lottery.
[0478] FIG. 58 shows a table that defines patterns to change timing
in case the additional number of games is "10".
[0479] In the case where a "Pattern A" is selected in FIG. 58, when
three free games are terminated, the color of the object is changed
from "green" to "blue".
[0480] When five free games are terminated, the color of the object
is changed from "blue" to "yellow".
[0481] When nine free games are terminated, the color of the object
is changed from "yellow" to "red".
[0482] In the case where a "Pattern B" is selected in FIG. 58, when
two free games are terminated, the color of the object is changed
from "green" to "blue".
[0483] When three free games are terminated, the color of the
object is changed from "blue" to "yellow".
[0484] When eight free games are terminated, the color of the
object is changed from "yellow" to "red".
[0485] In the case where a "Pattern C" is selected in FIG. 58, when
nine free games are terminated, the color of the object is changed
from "green" to "red".
[0486] Here, FIG. 58 shows patterns to change timing in the case
where the additional number of games is "10". Plural patterns to
change timing, however, may be defined in the cases that the
additional numbers of games are "8", "5" and "3".
[0487] Since each additional number of games has the plural
patterns to change timing, the game may have further variety. Also,
in the above "Pattern C", since the color changes from "green"
directly to "red" without going through "blue" and "yellow", an
entertainment aspect will be enhanced.
SECOND EXAMPLE OF IMAGE EFFECT PROCESS FOR SECOND VARIANT
[0488] Next, a second example of the image effect process in S1126
will be described. Here, in the following description, as one of
the examples, description will be given by defining the
predetermined number of times (namely, the executable number of
free games) as "10".
[0489] In the second example, when a predetermined condition is
met, a predetermined object moves on the background portion 1121.
For example, an image effect in which a ball with a predetermined
size moves from left side to right side may be made.
[0490] FIG. 59 shows a state that a small size ball moves from left
side to right side on the background portion 1121 of the main
display 1010B.
[0491] FIG. 60 shows a state that a medium size ball moves from
left side to right side on the background portion 1121 of the main
display 1010B.
[0492] FIG. 61 shows a state that big size ball moves from left
side to right side on the background portion 1121 of the main
display 1010B.
[0493] Also the moving direction of the ball is merely one example.
And, the shape of the object is also merely one example.
[0494] In the second example, a ball with a predetermined size
moves on the background portion 1121 based on the number of
executed free games and the additional number of games determined
in S1121. The size and the timing of the moving ball may be defined
by a table. FIG. 62 is one of examples of the table in which
patterns regarding size and the timing of the moving ball are
defined.
[0495] In the case where the additional number of games is "10" in
FIG. 62, when two free games are terminated, the small size ball
moves on the background portion 1121.
[0496] When six free games are terminated, the medium size ball
moves on the background portion 1121.
[0497] When nine free games are terminated, the big size ball moves
on the background portion 1121.
[0498] In the case where the additional number of games is "8" in
FIG. 62, when one free game is terminated, the small size ball
moves on the background portion 1121.
[0499] When seven free games are terminated, the medium size ball
moves on the background portion 1121.
[0500] In the case where the additional number of games is "5" in
FIG. 62, when three free games are terminated, the small size ball
moves on the background portion 1121.
[0501] Also, in the case where the additional number of games is
"3" in FIG. 62, no ball moves on the background portion 1121
regardless of the number of the free games.
[0502] As a result, since image effect (namely, the movement of a
ball with a predetermined size) is made based on the number of
executed free games and the additional number of games, the player
may presume the additional number of games. Therefore, the
entertainment aspect may be enhanced, and the slot machine may
attract more players.
[0503] Also, each of additional number of games may have plural
patterns regarding "sizes and timing of moving ball", and one of
the patterns regarding "size and timing of moving ball" can be
selected by lottery.
[0504] FIG. 63 shows a table that defines patterns regarding "size
and timing of moving ball" in the case the additional number of
games is "100".
[0505] In the case where a "Pattern A" is selected in FIG. 63, when
three free games are terminated, the small size ball moves on the
background portion 1121.
[0506] When six free games are terminated, the medium size ball
moves on the background portion 1121.
[0507] When nine free games are terminated, the big size ball moves
on the background portion 1121.
[0508] In the case where a "Pattern B" is selected in FIG. 63, when
one free game is terminated, a small size ball moves on the
background portion 1121.
[0509] When three free games are terminated, the medium size ball
moves on the background portion 1121.
[0510] When four free games are terminated, the big size ball moves
on the background portion 1121.
[0511] In the case where a "Pattern C" is selected in FIG. 63, when
nine free games are terminated, the big size ball moves on the
background portion 1121.
[0512] Here, FIG. 63 shows patterns regarding size and timing of
the moving ball in the case where the additional number of games is
"10". Plural patterns regarding size and timing of the moving ball,
however, may be defined in the cases that the additional numbers of
games are "8", "5" and "3".
[0513] Since each of the additional number of games has the plural
patterns regarding "size and timing of moving ball", the game may
have further variety. Also, in the above "Pattern C", since only
the big size ball moves without allowing the small size ball and
the medium size ball to move, an entertainment aspect will be
enhanced.
THIRD EXAMPLE OF IMAGE EFFECT PROCESS FOR SECOND VARIANT
[0514] Next, a third example of the image effect process in S1126
will be described. Here, in the following description, as one of
the examples, description will be given by defining the
predetermined number of times (namely, executable number of free
games) as "10".
[0515] In the third example, when a predetermined condition is met,
display pattern regarding additional-number-of-games candidates
displayed on the background portion 1121 is changed. For example,
except an area indicating an additional number of games determined
and selected in S1121, areas indicating not-selected additional
number of games turn dark.
[0516] FIG. 64 shows a display example of the main display 1010B
when the game mode is shifted to free game.
[0517] FIG. 65 shows a display example of the main display 1010B
showing a state that "8" is dropped out from the
additional-number-of-games candidates.
[0518] FIG. 66 shows a display example of the main display 1010B
showing a state that "8" and "5" are dropped out from the
additional-number-of-games candidates.
[0519] FIG. 67 shows a display example of the main display 1010B
showing a state that only "10" remains as the
additional-number-of-games candidate.
[0520] In the third example, display state on the background
portion 1121 is determined based on the number of executed free
games and the additional number of games determined in S1121. A
table may be used when determining the display pattern. FIG. 68 is
one of examples of the table in which display patterns on the
background portion 1121 are defined.
[0521] In the case where the additional number of games is "10" in
FIG. 68, when the two free games are terminated, a display state is
changed to a pattern showing that "3" is dropped out from the
additional-number-of-games candidates.
[0522] When six free games are terminated, the display state is
changed to a pattern showing that "5" is further dropped out from
the additional-number-of-games candidates.
[0523] When nine free games are terminated, the display state is
changed to a pattern showing that "8" is further dropped out from
the additional-number-of-games candidates.
[0524] In the case where the additional number of games is "8" in
FIG. 68, when three free games are terminated, the display state is
changed to a pattern showing that "5" is dropped out from the
additional-number-of-games candidates.
[0525] When seven free games are terminated, the display state is
changed to a pattern showing that "3" is further dropped out from
the additional-number-of-games candidates.
[0526] When ten free games are terminated, the display state is
changed to a pattern showing that "10" is further dropped out from
the additional-number-of-games candidates.
[0527] In the case where the additional number of games is "5 in
FIG. 68", when one free game is terminated, a display state is
changed to a pattern showing that "3" is dropped out from the
candidate of the additional-number-of-games candidates.
[0528] When five free games are terminated, the display state is
changed to a pattern showing that "8" is further dropped out from
the additional-number-of-games candidates.
[0529] When eight free games are terminated, the display state is
changed to a pattern showing that "10" is further dropped out from
the additional-number-of-games candidates.
[0530] In the case where the additional number of games is "3" in
FIG. 68, when two free games are terminated, the display state is
changed to a pattern showing that "8" is dropped out from the
additional-number-of-games candidates.
[0531] When seven free games are terminated, the display state is
changed to a pattern showing that "5" is further dropped out from
the additional-number-of-games candidates.
[0532] When nine free games are terminated, a display state is
changed to a mode showing that "10" is further dropped out from the
additional-number-of-games candidates.
[0533] As a result, since image effect (namely, the display pattern
regarding to-be-displayed additional-number-of-games candidates) is
made based on the number of executed free games and the additional
number of games, the player may presume the additional number of
games. Therefore, the entertainment aspect is enhanced, and the
slot machine may attract more players.
[0534] Also, the sequence of dropped-out numbers among from the
candidates can be set so that a larger additional number of games
(in the above example, "10") is dropped out among from the
candidates at last. Herewith, the entertainment aspect will be more
enhanced.
[0535] Also, the sequence of dropped-out number among from the
candidates can be set so that a smaller additional number of games
(in the above example, "3") is dropped out among from the
candidates at first. Herewith, the entertainment aspect will be
more enhanced.
[0536] Also, each additional number of games may have plural
display patterns, and one of the display patterns can be selected
by lottery.
[0537] FIG. 69 shows a table that defines the display patterns in
case that the additional number of games is "10".
[0538] In the case where a "Pattern A" is selected in FIG. 69, when
three free games are terminated, a display state is changed to a
pattern showing that "3" is dropped out from the
additional-number-of-games candidates.
[0539] When six free games are terminated, the display state is
changed to a pattern showing that "5" is dropped out from the
additional-number-of-games candidates.
[0540] When nine free games are terminated, the display state is
changed to a pattern showing that "8" is dropped out from the
additional-number-of-games candidates.
[0541] In the case where a "Pattern B" is selected in FIG. 69, when
two free games are terminated, the display state is changed to a
pattern showing that "3" is dropped out from the
additional-number-of-games candidates.
[0542] When eight free games are terminated, the display state is
changed to a pattern showing that "5" is dropped out from the
additional-number-of-games candidates.
[0543] When nine free games are terminated, the display state is
changed to a pattern showing that "8" is dropped out from the
additional-number-of-games candidates.
[0544] In the case where a "Pattern C" is selected in FIG. 69, when
eight free games are terminated, the display state is changed to a
pattern showing that "3" and "5" are dropped out from the
additional-number-of-games candidates.
[0545] When ten free games are terminated, the display state is
changed to a pattern showing that "8" is dropped out from the
additional-number-of-games candidates.
[0546] Here, FIG. 69 shows the case where the additional number of
games is "10". Plural display patterns, however, may be defined in
the cases that the additional numbers of games are "8", "5" and
"3".
[0547] Since each of the additional number of games has the plural
display patterns, the game may have further variety. Also, in the
above "Pattern C", since plural additional-number-of-games
candidates are dropped at the same time, an entertainment aspect
will be enhanced.
[0548] It is preferable that a gaming machine according to one or
more aspects of the disclosure directed to the second embodiment
and the second variant thereof comprises a display that displays
symbol display portions and a background portion, the display
portions displaying reels and symbols displayed on the reels, and a
processor that executes a game. The game is executed in plural game
modes and the plural game modes include a first game mode and a
second game mode. Also, the reels are spun and then stopped in the
game. Also, a part of the symbols is displayed on the symbol
display portions. Also, the processor changes the game mode from
the first game mode to the second game mode if a predetermined
number or more of specific symbols are displayed in the first game
mode, determines an additional number of games when the game mode
is changed to the second game mode, executes the games a
predetermined number in the second game mode, makes an image effect
on the background portion of the display based on a number of the
executed games and the additional number of games in the second
game mode, displays the additional number of games after the games
are executed the predetermined number, execute the games the
additional number, provide an outcome corresponding to a game
result of the games executed the predetermined number and a game
result of the games executed the additional number, and changes the
game mode from the second game mode to the first game mode.
[0549] Herewith, since the image effect is made based on the number
of executed games and the additional number of games, entertainment
aspects are enhanced and it can attract a player.
[0550] As described above, according to one or more aspects of the
disclosure directed to the second embodiment and the second variant
thereof, the additional number of games is determined in the free
game process. Also, in the free game process, an image effect is
made based on the number of executed free games and the determined
additional number of games. When the free game is executed by the
predetermined number of times, an outcome based on the game result
of the free game is provided to the player. Thereafter, the symbol
combination to be stopped on the symbol display portion is
determined based on the additional number of games. And, reels are
spun on the reel display portion, and are stopped so that the
determined symbol combination is stopped on the reel display
portion. Then, the determined additional number of games is
displayed. And, the determined additional number of games is
provided to the player.
[0551] Here, in the above second embodiment and the second variant
thereof, it is configured that the image effect is made after the
symbol lottery process and reel spin control process. However, the
image effect may be made during the symbol lottery process or the
reel spin control process. In this case, the above described image
effect process (S1126) may be configured to be executed in parallel
with the above described free game process (FIG. 53 and FIG. 54) as
a multi-process.
[Third Variant of Second Embodiment]
[0552] Next, the third main control process executed in slot
machine 1001 according to the third variant of the second
embodiment will be explained with reference to the drawing. FIG. 70
is a flowchart of the third main control program.
[0553] When the power switch is ON (the power is turned ON), each
of the main control board 1071 and the sub-control board 1072 is
activated and the controller 1041 executes the initial setting
process of S1201. In the initial setting process S1201, the main
CPU 1042 executes the BIOS stored in the ROM 43, and extracts the
compressed data incorporated in the BIOS to the RAM 1044. And once
the BIOS extracted in the RAM 1044 is executed, diagnosis of the
variety of peripheral devices and initialization are executed by
the main CPU 1042. Further, the CPU 1042 writes the game programs
from the ROM 1043 to the RAM 1044, and obtains payout ratio setting
data and nation identification information. And also the CPU 1042
executes the certification process to each program during the
execution of the initial setting process.
[0554] In S1202, the game program and the like are read out from
the RAM 1044 in sequence and are executed so as to progress the
third main game process. The game in the slot machine 1001
according to the embodiment is progressed by the execution of the
third main game process. And the third main game process is
repeatedly executed while the power of the slot machine 1001 is
supplied.
[0555] Next, the third main game process in S1202 will be described
in detail with reference to FIG. 71. FIG. 71 is a flowchart of the
third main game process executed in slot machine 1001 according to
the embodiment. The programs to execute the first renewing process
are stored in the ROM 1043 or RAM 1044 of the slot machine 1001 and
are executed by the main CPU 42.
[0556] In S1211, the start acceptance process is executed. In the
start acceptance process, insertion of coins and the bet operation
using the BET button in the operation buttons 1026 are executed by
the player.
[0557] In S1212, it is determined whether or not the start button
in the operation buttons 1026 is operated. The determination is
executed based on the input signal to the main CPU 42 corresponding
to the start button. Here, when it is determined that the start
button is not operated (S1212: NO), the game returns to the start
acceptance process. The operation such as correction of the bet
number is possible in S1211. On the other hand, when it is
determined that the start button is operated (S1212: YES), the bet
number which is set is deducted from the credits owned by the
player, and the subtraction result is stored in the RAM 1044 as the
betting information. And then, the game proceeds to S1213.
[0558] In S1213, a symbol lottery process is executed. Concretely,
first, random number values are sampled from a predetermined range
of random number values by executing a lottery program stored in
the RAM 1044. Thereafter, the symbols to be stopped and displayed
on each symbol display portion are determined based on the sampled
random number value and the table.
[0559] Process in S1213 will be described in detail. FIG. 72 is one
example of a table in which symbols displayed on the reels shown in
FIG. 8 are associated with code numbers. FIG. 73 is one example of
a table in which random number values are associated with code
numbers. Code numbers are determined based on the random number
values sampled from a predetermined random number value range (for
example, 0 to 65535) by using the table shown in FIG. 73. The
symbols to be stopped are determined by the determined code number
and the table shown in FIG. 72.
[0560] Here, since the number of the random number values
corresponding to each code number is different as shown in FIG. 73,
appearance probability of each symbol shown in FIG. 72 may be
controlled. For example, in FIG. 73, a random number value range
"512" to "720" corresponds to code number "4", and a random number
value range "761" to "767" corresponds to code number "5". As a
result, since the code number "4" may appear more often than the
code number "5", JACK symbol 1051C corresponding to the code number
"4" may have a higher appearance probability than the THUNDER
symbol 1051G corresponding to the code number "5".
[0561] For example, with respect to the reel display portion 1101,
in a case that the reel shown in FIG. 20 is used, and when "136" is
sampled, it is determined that code number is "08" based on the
table shown in FIG. 73. And then, it is determined that the TEN
symbol 1051E corresponding to the code number "08" is determined as
the symbol to be stopped on the symbol display portion 1111B with
the use of the table shown in FIG. 72.
[0562] Also, as shown in FIG. 74, the sampled random number values
may correspond directly to symbols.
[0563] Returning to FIG. 71, in S1214, a reel spin control process
is executed. Specifically, the reels are variably displayed on the
reel display portions 1101 to 1105. After that, effect pattern
(image display state on the main display 1010B or sound output
pattern of the speaker 1034, or the like) in a unit game is
started.
[0564] Then, after a predetermined period of time has passed, reels
stop spinning on the reel display portions 1101 to 1105 in a
predetermined sequence. As a result, symbols are stopped and
displayed on the symbol display portions 1111A to 1111C, 1112A to
1112C, 1113A to 1113C, 1114A to 1114C, and 1115A to 1115C.
[0565] Here, the symbol determined in S1213 is stopped on the
symbol display portion 1111B. For example, when a BELL symbol 1051F
(code number: 9) is stopped, a TEN symbol 1051E (code number: 8) is
displayed on the symbol display portion 1111A, and a KING symbol
1051A (code number: 10) is displayed on the symbol display portion
1111C (see FIG. 72).
[0566] After that, in S1215, it is determined whether or not a
symbol combination displayed on the main display 1010B is a winning
combination. This determination is made based on the code number of
each reel display portion 1101 to 1105 stored in the RAM 1044.
[0567] If it is determined that the winning combination is realized
(S1215: YES), the procedure will be shifted to S1216. On the other
hand, if it is determined that none of the winning combinations is
realized (S1215: NO), the procedure will be shifted to S1217.
[0568] In S1216, the payout process is executed. In the payout
process, the payout amount corresponding to the winning combination
which is determined in S1215 is provided to the player.
[0569] Next, in S1217, it is determined whether or not a free game
trigger is realized. In the embodiment, in case that three or more
STAR symbols 1051H are stopped, it is determined "YES" at
S1217.
[0570] If it is determined that the free game trigger is realized
in S1217 (S1217: YES), the procedure will be shifted to S1218. In
S1218, a free game process is executed. Here, detail of the free
game process will be described later.
[0571] On the other hand, in S1217, if it is determined that the
free game trigger is not realized (S1217: NO), the third main game
process will be terminated.
[0572] Next, the free game process will be described. FIG. 75 is a
flowchart of the free game process.
[0573] In S1221, the additional payout amount is determined. The
additional payout amount is determined and selected from among
"100", "50", "20" and "10" by lottery. The additional payout amount
may be set appropriately. Also, the method of lottery may be set
appropriately.
[0574] In S1222, the symbol lottery process is executed. Since the
symbol lottery process is the same as S1213 in the third main game
process (see FIG. 71), description will be omitted here.
[0575] In S1223, the reel spin control process is executed. Since
the reel spin control process is the same as S1214 in the third
main game process (see FIG. 71), description will be omitted
here.
[0576] In S1224, it is determined whether the symbol combination
displayed in the main display 1010B is a winning combination. This
determination is made based on the code number of each reel display
portion 1101 to 1105 stored in the RAM 1044.
[0577] If it is determined that the winning combination is realized
(S1224: YES), the procedure will be shifted to S1225. On the other
hand, if it is determined that none of the winning combinations is
realized (S1224: NO), the procedure will be shifted to S1226.
[0578] In S1225, a payout amount addition process is executed. In
the payout amount addition process, a payout amount corresponding
to the winning combination determined in S1224 will be added. Here,
the added payout amount will be provided to the player in the
payout process of S1229 which is to be described later.
[0579] In S1226, an image effect process is executed. The detail of
the image effect process will be described later.
[0580] In S1227, it is determined whether or not the free game is
executed by the predetermined number of times. If it is determined
that the free game is executed by the predetermined number of times
(S1227: YES), the procedure will be shifted to S1228. On the other
hand, when it is determined that the free game is not executed by
the predetermined number of times (S1227: NO), the procedure will
be returned to S1222.
[0581] In S1228, the additional payout amount determined in S1221
is displayed in a part of area on the background portion 1121 of
the main display 1010B. FIG. 76 shows a state that the additional
payout amount is displayed on the background portion 1121 of the
main display 1010B.
[0582] In S1229, a payout process is executed. In the payout
process, a payout amount which is accumulated in S1225 is paid out
to the player. Further, in above process, the added payout amount
is paid out in at once after the free game is executed by the
predetermined number of times. However, the payout amount may also
be paid out after termination of each free game.
FIRST EXAMPLE OF IMAGE EFFECT PROCESS FOR THIRD VARIANT
[0583] Next, a first example of the image effect process in S1226
will be described. Here, in the following description, as one
example, description will be given by defining the predetermined
number of times (namely, the executable number of the free games)
as "10".
[0584] In the first example, when a predetermined condition is met,
color of a predetermined object which is displayed on the
background portion 1121 will be changed.
[0585] The predetermined object may be defined as, for example, the
color of the background in the background portion 1121, the color
of a predetermined character, or the like. In the below
description, when the game mode is shifted to free game, the color
of the object is defined as "green".
[0586] In the first example, the color of the object is changed
based on the number of the executed free games and the additional
payout amount determined in S1221. FIG. 77 shows one example of a
changing pattern regarding the color of the object.
[0587] As shown in FIG. 77, when the additional payout amount is
"100", the color of the object may be changed
"green".fwdarw."blue".fwdarw."yellow".fwdarw."red", in accordance
with the executed number of free games. When the additional payout
amount is "50", the color of the object may be changed
"green".fwdarw."blue".fwdarw."yellow", in accordance with the
number of executed free games. When the additional payout amount is
"20", the color of the object may be changed "green".fwdarw."blue",
in accordance with the executed number of free games. And when the
additional payout amount is "10", the color of the object may
remain "green".
[0588] Also, a table may be used to define color change timing of
the object. FIG. 78 is one example of a table in which color change
timing of the object is defined.
[0589] In the case that the additional payout amount is "100" in
FIG. 78, when three free games are terminated, the color of the
object is changed from "green" to "blue". When five free games are
terminated, the color of the object is changed from "blue" to
"yellow". When nine free games are terminated, the color of the
object is changed from "yellow" to "red".
[0590] In the case that the additional payout amount is "50" in
FIG. 78, when four free games are terminated, the color of the
object is changed from "green" to "blue". When seven free games are
terminated, the color of the object may be changed from "blue" to
"yellow".
[0591] In the case that the additional payout amount is "20" in
FIG. 78, when six free games are terminated, the color of the
object is changed from "green" to "blue".
[0592] In the case that the additional payout amount is "10" in
FIG. 78, the color of the object is not changed regardless of the
number of free games.
[0593] As a result, since the image effect (namely, the change of
the color of the object) is made based on the number of executed
free games and the additional payout amount, the player may presume
the additional payout amount. Therefore, the entertainment aspect
is heightened, and the slot machine may attract more players.
[0594] Also, each additional payout amount has plural patterns to
change timing, and one of the patterns t o change timing can be
selected by lottery.
[0595] FIG. 79 shows a table which defines patterns to change
timing in the case that the additional payout amount is "100".
[0596] In the case that a "Pattern A" is selected in FIG. 79, when
three free games are terminated, the color of the object is changed
from "green" to "blue". When five free games are terminated, the
color of the object is changed from "blue" to "yellow". When nine
free games are terminated, the color of the object is changed from
"yellow" to "red".
[0597] In the case that a "Pattern B" is selected in FIG. 79, when
two free games are terminated, the color of the object is changed
from "green" to "blue". When three free games are terminated, the
color of the object is changed from "blue" to "yellow". When eight
free games are terminated, the color of the object is changed from
"yellow" to "red".
[0598] In the case that a "Pattern C" is selected FIG. 79, when
nine free games are terminated, the color of the object is changed
from "green" to "red".
[0599] FIG. 79 shows patterns to change timing in the case that the
additional payout amount is "100". Plural patterns to change
timing, however, may be defined in the cases that the additional
payout amounts are "50", "20" and "10".
[0600] Since each of the additional payout amounts has the plural
patterns to change timing, the game may have further variety. Also,
in the above "Pattern C", since the color changes from "green"
directly to "red" without going through "blue" and "yellow", an
entertainment aspect will be enhanced.
SECOND EXAMPLE OF IMAGE EFFECT PROCESS FOR THIRD VARIANT
[0601] Next, a second example of the image effect process in S1226
will be described. Here, in the following description, as one
example, description will be given by defining the predetermined
number of times (namely, the executable number of the free games)
as "10".
[0602] In the second example, when a predetermined condition is
met, a predetermined object moves on the background portion 1121.
For example, an image effect in which a ball with a predetermined
size moves from left side to right side may be made.
[0603] FIG. 80 shows a state that a small size ball moves from left
side to right side on the background portion 1121 of the main
display 1010B.
[0604] FIG. 81 shows a state that a medium size ball moves from
left side to right side on the background portion 1121 of the main
display 1010B.
[0605] FIG. 82 shows state that a big size ball moves from left
side to right side on the background portion 1121 of the main
display 1010B.
[0606] Also the moving direction of the ball is merely one example.
And the shape of the object is also merely one example.
[0607] In the second example, the ball with a predetermined size
moves on the background portion 1121 based on the number of
executed free games and the additional payout amount determined in
S1221. The size and the timing of the moving ball may be defined by
a table. FIG. 83 is one example of a table in which patterns
regarding size and timing of the moving ball are defined.
[0608] In the case that the additional payout amount is "100" in
FIG. 83, when two free games are terminated, a small size ball
moves on the background portion 1121. When six free games are
terminated, a medium size ball moves on the background portion
1121. When nine free games are terminated, a big size ball moves on
the background portion 1121.
[0609] In the case that the additional payout amount is "50" in
FIG. 83, when one free game is terminated, a small size ball moves
on the background portion 1121. When seven free games are
terminated, a medium size ball moves on the background portion
1121.
[0610] In the case that the additional payout amount is "20" in
FIG. 83, when three free games are terminated, a small size ball
moves on the background portion 1121.
[0611] In the case that the additional payout amount is "10" in
FIG. 83, no ball moves on the background portion 1121 regardless of
the number of free games.
[0612] As a result, since image effect (namely, the movement of a
ball with a predetermined size) is made based on the number of
executed free games and the additional payout amount, the player
may presume the additional payout amount. Therefore, the
entertainment aspect is enhanced, and the slot machine may attract
more players.
[0613] Also, each additional payout amount may have plural patterns
regarding "sizes and timings of moving ball", and one of the
patterns regarding "size and timing of moving ball" can be selected
by lottery.
[0614] FIG. 84 shows a table which defines patterns regarding "size
and timing of the moving ball" in the case that the additional
payout amount is "100".
[0615] In the case that a "Pattern A" is selected in FIG. 84, when
three free games are terminated, the small size ball moves on the
background portion 1121. When six free games are terminated, the
medium size ball moves on the background portion 1121. When nine
free games are terminated, the big size ball moves on the
background portion 1121.
[0616] In the case that a "Pattern B" is selected in FIG. 84, when
one free game is terminated, the small size bail moves on the
background portion 1121. When three free games are terminated, the
medium size ball moves on the background portion 1121. When four
free games are terminated, the big size ball moves on the
background portion 1121.
[0617] In the case that a "Pattern C" is selected in FIG. 84, when
nine free games are terminated, the big size ball moves on the
background portion 1121.
[0618] Here, FIG. 84 shows patterns regarding size and the timing
of moving ball in the case that the additional payout amount is
"100". Plural patterns regarding size and timing of moving ball,
however, may be defined in the cases that the additional payout
amounts are "50", "20" and "10".
[0619] Since each of the additional payout amounts has the plural
patterns regarding "size and timing of moving ball", the game may
have further variety. Also, in the above "Pattern C", since the
only the big size ball moves without allowing small size ball and
medium size ball to move, an entertainment aspect will be
enhanced.
THIRD EXAMPLE OF IMAGE EFFECT PROCESS FOR THIRD VARIANT
[0620] Next, a third example of the image effect process in S1226
will be described. Here, in the following description, as one of
the examples, description will be given by defining the
predetermined number of times (namely, the executable number of the
free games) as "10".
[0621] In the third example, when a predetermined condition is met,
a display pattern regarding additional payout amount candidates
displayed on the background portion 1121 is changed. For example,
except an area indicating the additional payout amount determined
in S1221, other areas indicating not-selected additional payout
amount turn dark.
[0622] FIG. 85 shows a display example of the main display 1010B
when the game mode is shifted to free game. In FIG. 85, all the
additional payout amount candidates are displayed.
[0623] FIG. 86 shows a display example of the main display 1010B
showing a state that "50" is dropped out from the additional payout
amount candidates.
[0624] FIG. 87 shows a display example of the main display 1010B
showing a state that "50" and "10" are dropped out from the
additional payout amount candidates.
[0625] FIG. 88 shows a display example of the main display 1010B
showing a state that only "100" remains as additional payout amount
candidate.
[0626] In the third example, display state on the background
portion 1121 is determined based on the number of executed free
games and the additional payout amount determined in S1221. A table
may be used when determining the display pattern. FIG. 89 is one
example of a table in which display patterns on the background
portion 1121 are defined.
[0627] In the case where the additional payout amount is "100" in
FIG. 89, when two free games are terminated, a display state is
changed to a pattern showing that "10" is dropped out from the
additional payout amount candidates. When six free games are
terminated, a display state is changed to a pattern showing that
"20" is further dropped out from the additional payout amount
candidates. When nine free games are terminated, a display state is
changed to a pattern showing "50" is further dropped out from the
additional payout amount candidates.
[0628] In the case where the additional payout amount is "50" in
FIG. 89, when three free games are terminated, a display state is
changed to a pattern showing that "20" is dropped out from the
additional payout amount candidates. When seven free games are
terminated, a display state is changed to a pattern showing that
"10" is further dropped out from the additional payout amount
candidates. When ten free games are terminated, a display state is
changed to a pattern showing that "100" is further dropped out from
the additional payout amount candidates.
[0629] In the case where the additional payout amount is "20" in
FIG. 89, when one free game is terminated, a display state is
changed to a pattern showing that "10" is dropped out from the
additional payout amount candidates. When five free games are
terminated, a display state is changed to a pattern showing that
"50" is further dropped out from the additional payout amount
candidates. When eight free games are terminated, a display state
is changed to a pattern showing that "100" is further dropped out
from the additional payout amount candidates.
[0630] In the case where the additional payout amount is "10" in
FIG. 89, when two free games are terminated, a display pattern is
changed to a state showing that "50" is dropped out from the
additional payout amount candidates. When seven free games are
terminated, a display state is changed to a pattern showing that
"20" is further dropped out from the additional payout amount
candidates. When nine free games are terminated, a display state is
changed to a pattern showing that "100" is further dropped out from
the additional payout amount candidates.
[0631] As a result, since the image effect (namely, the display
pattern regarding to-be-displayed additional payout amount
candidates) is made based on the number of executed free games and
the additional payout amount, the player may presume the additional
payout amount. Therefore, the entertainment aspect is enhanced, and
the slot machine may attract more players.
[0632] Also, the sequence of dropped-out additional payout amount
from the candidates can be set so that a larger additional payout
amount (in the above example, "100") is dropped out among from the
candidates at last. Also, the sequence of dropped-out additional
payout amount from the candidates can be set so that a smaller
additional payout amount (in the above example, "10") from the
candidates at first. Herewith, the entertainment aspect will be
more enhanced.
[0633] Also, each additional payout amount may have plural display
patterns, and one of the display patterns can be selected by
lottery.
[0634] FIG. 90 shows a table which defines the display patterns the
case that the additional payout amount is "100".
[0635] In the case that a "Pattern A" is selected in FIG. 90, when
three free games are terminated, the display state is changed to a
pattern showing that "10" is dropped out from the additional payout
amount candidates. When six free games are terminated, the display
state is changed to a pattern showing that "20" is dropped out from
the additional payout amount candidates. When nine free games are
terminated, the display state is changed to a pattern showing that
"50" is dropped out from the additional payout amount
candidates.
[0636] In the case that a "Pattern B" is selected in FIG. 90, when
two free games are terminated, the display state is changed to a
pattern showing that "10" is dropped out from the additional payout
amount candidates. When eight free games are terminated, the
display state is changed to a pattern showing that "20" is further
dropped out from the additional payout amount candidates. When nine
free games are terminated, the display state is changed to a
pattern showing that "50" is further dropped out from the
additional payout amount candidates.
[0637] In the case that a "Pattern C" is selected in FIG. 90, when
eight free games are terminated, the display state is changed to a
pattern showing that "10" and 20 are dropped out from the
additional payout amount candidates. When ten free games are
terminated, the display state is changed to a pattern showing that
"50" is further dropped out from the additional payout amount
candidates.
[0638] Further, FIG. 90 shows patterns regarding size and timing of
moving ball in the case that the additional payout amount is "100".
Plural patterns regarding size and timing of moving ball, however,
may be defined in the cases that the additional payout amounts are
"50", "20" and "10".
[0639] Since each of the additional payout amounts has the plural
patterns regarding "size and timing of moving ball", the game may
have further variety. Also, in the above "Pattern C", since the
only the big size ball moves without allowing small size ball and
medium size ball to move, an entertainment aspect will be
enhanced.
[0640] It is preferable that a gaming machine according to one or
more aspects of the disclosure directed to the second embodiment
and the third variant thereof comprises plural reels; a display
device having a display portion and a background portion, the
display portion displaying plural symbols displayed on each of the
plural reels; and a processor to execute a game, wherein the game
is executed in plural game modes, the plural game modes comprising
a first game mode and a second game mode, in the game, the plural
reels spin and then stop, a part of the plural symbols are
displayed on a symbol display portion of the display device as a
result of the game, the processor changes the game mode from the
first game mode to the second game mode, during the first game
mode, when predetermined symbols with a predetermined number or
more are displayed, determines an additional payout amount when the
game mode changes to the second game mode, executes the game for a
predetermined number in the second game mode, executes an image
effect corresponding to a number of executed games and the
additional payout amount on the background portion of the display
device during the second game mode, displays the determined
additional payout amount is displayed after the game is executed
for the predetermined number, payouts an outcome, based on a game
result of the game executed for the predetermined number and the
additional payout amount to a player, changes the game mode is
changed from the second game mode to the first game mode.
[0641] As a result, since image effect is executed corresponding to
the number of executed free games and the additional payout amount,
the player may presume the additional payout amount. Therefore, the
entertainment aspect is heightened, and the slot machine may
attract more players.
[0642] As described above, according to one or more aspects of the
disclosure directed to the second embodiment and the third variant
thereof, additional payout amount is determined in the free game
process. Also, in the free game process, an image effect process is
executed based on the number of executed free games and the
determined additional payout amount. Here, in the image effect
process, various image effects may be executed. When the free game
is executed by the predetermined number of times, a determined
payout amount is displayed. Thereafter, an outcome based on the
game result of the free game and the additional payout amount is
paid out to the player.
[0643] Here, in the above second embodiment and the third variant
thereof, it is configured that the image effect is made after the
symbol lottery process and the reel spin control process. However,
the image effect may be made during the symbol lottery process or
the reel spin control process. In this case, the above described
image effect process (S1226) may be configured to be executed in
parallel to the above described free game process (FIG. 75) as a
multi-process.
[0644] Here, the one or more aspects of the disclosure directed to
the second embodiment including the first through third variants
are not limited to the above embodiment and various changes and
modifications can be done within the scope of the present
disclosure. For example, the reels used in the base game and the
free game may be different. In this case, the reels used in the
free game may be more favorable to the player than the reels used
in the base game.
[0645] One or more aspects of the disclosure directed to the second
embodiment and any variants of the second embodiment may be applied
to the game system with link progressive bonus. And, one or more
aspects of the disclosure may be applied to various card games.
[0646] Also, one or more aspects of the disclosure may be applied
as a gaming method to execute the above process. Further, one or
more aspects of the disclosure may be applied to the program for
executing the gaming method by computer, or may be applied as
record medium (tangible medium) in which the program is
recorded.
Third Embodiment
[0647] Hereinafter, an embodiment embodying the disclosure as a
slot machine will be described in detail with reference to the
drawings based on the embodiment embodying a slot machine.
[0648] A slot machine 2100 according to the embodiment, for
example, has an image display device such as a liquid crystal
display and the like, and executes a game by displaying various
symbol images on the image display device. That is, the slot
machine 2100 according to the embodiment is realized as a video
slot machine.
[0649] Also, the slot machine 2100 according to the embodiment may
also be implemented as a hybrid type slot machine which is
configured from a mechanical reel and a transparent liquid crystal
display device arranged in front of the mechanical reel.
[0650] Also, the slot machine 2100 according to the embodiment may
also be implemented as a mechanical slot machine having mechanical
reels.
[0651] In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 91, decoration parts
2020, 2021 and 2022 are arranged around a main display 2004 of the
slot machine 2100. The decoration parts 2020, 2021 and 2022 diffuse
the light irradiated from the backside thereof. As a result, it
looks like as if the decoration parts 2020, 2021 and 2022 emit
light when they are seen from the front side of the slot machine
2100. Also, the light irradiated to the backside of the decoration
parts 2020, 2021 and 2022 is that light emitted inside an emitting
device 2300 is transmitted. The light emitting device 2300 is
arranged at a side surface on a cabinet 2002 of the slot machine
2100. Further, the light emitted in the light emitting device 2300
is transmitted by an optical cable 2090.
[0652] First, a schematic structure of a slot machine 2100
according to the embodiment will be explained in detail with
reference to the drawings. FIG. 91 shows an external perspective of
the slot machine 2100 according to the embodiment.
[0653] The slot machine 2100 according to the embodiment is an
upright type slot machine which is provided in a game hall such as
a casino. The external perspective of the slot machine 2100 as
shown in FIG. 91 is merely one example, and one or more aspects of
the disclosure is not limited to the external perspective of the
slot machine 2100.
[0654] The slot machine 2100 includes a cabinet 2002. The cabinet
2002 is an accommodation portion which accommodates the electric or
the mechanic elements.
[0655] The cabinet 2002 includes a front door 2024. The front door
2024 is attached to the main body of the cabinet 2002 by hinge
members and the like.
[0656] The slot machine 2100 includes an upper display 2003 and a
main display 2004 at the front side of the cabinet 2002. The upper
display 2003 is located on the upper column of the cabinet 2002 and
the main display 2004 is located on the middle column of the
cabinet 2002.
[0657] The upper display 2003 is constructed from the liquid
crystal panel. Effect images, a payout table in the game, game
rules and the like are displayed on the upper display 2003.
[0658] The main display 2004 is constructed from the liquid crystal
panel. The main display 2004, for example, has plural reel display
parts. Each of the reels are variably displayed and stopped.
[0659] A touch panel 2201 is arranged on the front side of the main
display 2004. A player can input various instructions by operating
the touch panel 2201.
[0660] The decoration parts 2020, 2021 and 2022 are arranged around
the main display 2004. Arrangement places of the decoration parts
may be arbitrary, for example, the decoration parts may also be
arranged around the cabinet 2002. The decoration parts 2020, 2021
and 2022 diffuse the light emitted from the backside thereof. As a
result, it looks like as if the decoration parts 2020, 2021 and
2022 are emitting light when they are seen from the front side (the
player side) of the slot machine 2100.
[0661] Since the decoration parts 2020, 2021 and 2022 are arranged
around the main display 2004, the movement of the player's
viewpoint between the main display 2004 and each decoration part
may be reduced. Also, the display in which the game is executed
will become highly visible so that the player may concentrate in
the game.
[0662] Also, the slot machine becomes more noticeable than the
other slot machines by arranging the decoration parts around the
cabinet 2002, so that it may attract more players.
[0663] Also, the light emitting device 2300 is arranged on the side
surface of the cabinet 2002. Also, the arrangement place of the
light emitting device 2300 may be arbitrary, the light emitting
device 2300 may be arranged at any place wherever the staff in the
game hall may operate it easily. The light emitted inside the light
emitting device 2300 is transmitted to the backside of the
decoration parts 2020, 2021 and 2022, and is diffused by the
decoration parts 2020, 2021 and 2022. The structure of the light
emitting device 2300 and the transmission of the light will be
described in detail later.
[0664] An operation table 2005 is arranged below the main display
2004 with one side extending to a front side of the main display
2004. An exchange button 2006, a payback button 2007, a help button
2008, a coin insertion slot 2009, a bill insertion slot 2010, a
1-BET button 2011, a spin button 2012, a 3-BET button 2013, a 5-BET
button 2014, and a 8-BET button 2015 are arranged on the operation
table 2005. The arrangement positions of these buttons may be set
arbitrarily. Also, a part of the above buttons may be deleted or
new buttons may be added or replaced if necessary.
[0665] The exchange button 2006 is a button to be pressed when a
bill inserted from the bill insertion slot 2010 needs to be
exchanged. The exchanged coins by the pressing of the exchange
button 2006 are paid out to a coin receiving part 2017 from a coin
payout slot 2016. The coin payout slot 2016 is provided at the
bottom of the cabinet 2002. An exchange switch 2062 is connected to
the exchange button 2006.
[0666] The payback button 2007 is a button to be pressed when a
game is terminated. When the payback button 2007 is pressed, the
coins which are obtained in the game will be paid out to the coin
receiving part 2017 from the coin payout slot 2016. A payback
switch 2063 is connected to the payback button 2007.
[0667] The help button 2008 is a button to be pressed when an
operation method of a game will be displayed. When the help button
2008 is pressed, various help information will be displayed on the
upper display 2003. A help switch 2064 is connected to the help
button 2008.
[0668] A coin sensor 2065 is connected to the coin insertion slot
2009. When coins are inserted in the coin insertion slot 2009, coin
detecting signal is output to a CPU 2050 through the coin sensor
2065.
[0669] A bill sensor 2066 is connected to the bill insertion slot
2010. When bills are inserted in the bill insertion slot 2010, bill
detecting signal is output to the CPU 2050 through the bill sensor
2066.
[0670] When the 1-BET button 2011 is pressed, one bet is conducted
each time the 1-BET button 2011 is pressed. A 1-BET switch 2058 is
connected to the 1-BET button 2011.
[0671] The spin button 2012 is operated when the game is started by
a current bet number or a previous bet number. When the spin button
is pressed, variable display of the symbol rows is started on each
reel display part. A spin switch 2057 is connected to the spin
button 2012.
[0672] The 3-BET button 2013, the 5-BET button 2014 and the 8-BET
button 2015 are the buttons to be pressed when three credits, five
credits and eight credits are betted. A 3-BET switch 2059, a 5-BET
switch 2060 and a 8-BET switch 2061 are connected to the 3-BET
button 2013, the 5-BET button 2014 and the 8-BET button 2015
respectively.
[0673] A coin detecting portion 2073 constructed from sensors and
the like is arranged inside the coin payout slot 2016. The coin
detecting portion 2073 detects number of coins paid out from the
coin payout slot 2016.
[0674] Next, the configuration of a control system of the slot
machine 2100 will be described with reference to FIG. 92. FIG. 92
is a block diagram schematically showing the control system of the
slot machine.
[0675] As shown in FIG. 92, the CPU 2050 is configured as a core of
the slot machine 2100. A ROM 2051 and a RAM 2052 are connected to
the CPU 2050. Various programs and data tables and the like which
are necessary in the control of slot machine 2100 are stored in the
ROM 2051. For example, various control programs and data tables and
the like are stored in the ROM 2051, wherein various control
programs include main process programs and the like to be described
later, data tables include a lottery table to determine the stop
display symbols of the game by lottery and the like. The RAM 2052
is a memory to temporarily store various data calculated by the CPU
2050.
[0676] A clock pulse generation circuit 2053, a frequency divider
2054, a random number generation circuit 2055 and a random number
sampling circuit 2056 are connected to the CPU 2050. The clock
pulse generation circuit 2053 is used to generate a basic clock
pulse, and the random number generation circuit 2055 is used to
generate random numbers. The random numbers sampled through the
random number sampling circuit 2056 is used in the various
lotteries of the winning combinations and the like.
[0677] Each switch provided in each button of the operation table
2005 is connected to the CPU 2050 respectively. That is, the spin
switch 2057, the 1-BET switch 2058, the 3-BET switch 2059, the
5-BET switch 2060, the 8-BET switch 2061, the exchange switch 2062,
the payback switch 2063, the help switch 2064 are connected to the
CPU 2050, respectively.
[0678] When the CPU 2050 receives the switch signal from each
switch based on the pressing of each button, the control to conduct
various movements corresponding to the button which is connected to
the received switch signal is executed by the CPU 2050.
[0679] The coin sensor 2065 and the bill sensor 2066 are connected
to the CPU 2050, respectively. The coin sensor 2065 detects coins
which are inserted from the coin insertion slot 2009. As a result,
the CPU 2050 calculates the number of inserted coins based on the
coin detecting signal output from the coin sensor 2065. The bill
sensor 2066 detects the type and the amount of the bills which are
inserted from the bill insertion slot 2010, and outputs a bill
detecting signal. And the CPU 2050 may calculate an equivalent
number of coins to the amount of bills based on the bill detecting
signal.
[0680] A hopper 2071 is connected to the CPU 2050 via a hopper
driving circuit 2070. When a driving signal is output from the CPU
2050 to the hopper driving circuit 2070, the hopper 2071 payouts a
predetermined number of coins from the coin payout slot 2016.
[0681] A coin detecting portion 2073 located inside the coin payout
slot 2016, is connected to the CPU 2050 via a payout completion
signal circuit 2072. When the coin detecting portion 2073 detects
that a predetermined number of coins are paid out from the coin
payout slot 2016, a coin payout detecting signal is output to the
payout completion signal circuit 2072. The payout completion signal
circuit 2072 outputs a payout completion signal to the CPU 2050
based on the coin payout detecting signal.
[0682] The upper display 2003 and the main display 2004 are
connected to the CPU 2050 via a liquid crystal driving circuit
2074. As a result, display modes of the upper display 2003 and the
main display 2004 are controlled by the CPU 2050, respectively.
[0683] A touch panel 2201 is connected to the CPU 2050 via a touch
panel driving circuit 2202. The touch panel 2201 is provided on the
screen of the main display 2004 as described above. The CPU 2050
may determine where the player has touched by referring to the
coordinate position information of the part that the player
touches, via the touch panel driving circuit 2202. That is, the CPU
2050 can determine the operation mode of the touch panel 2201.
[0684] A LED 2078 is connected to the CPU 2050 via a LED driving
circuit 2077. The LED 2078 is arranged at the light emitting device
2300. The LED 2078 is lighting controlled by the LED driving
circuit 2077. In other words, the lighting mode of the decoration
parts 2020, 2021, 2022 is controlled by the LED driving circuit
2077.
[0685] A sound output circuit 2079 and a speaker 2080 are connected
to the CPU 2050. The speaker 2080 generates various sound effect
based on the output signal from the sound output circuit 2079 when
various performances are conducted.
[0686] Next, the internal configuration of the slot machine 2100
according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 93 shows an
external view of the slot machine 2100 when the front door 2024 is
in an open state.
[0687] Here, for the convenience in description, a part of elements
among the elements inside the cabinet in FIG. 93 will be
omitted.
[0688] As shown in FIG. 93, the hopper 2071 and a control box 2500
are arranged inside the cabinet 2002. Here, in FIG. 93, the
elements to connect the hopper 2071 and the coin detecting slot
2016 is omitted.
[0689] The control box 2500 contains the CPU 2050, the ROM 2051,
the RAM 2052 and various driving circuit and the like. An
arrangement position of the control box 2500 is arbitrary, and may
be determined with consideration of heat and/or noise.
[0690] As shown in FIG. 93, the optical cable 2090 and cable
storage parts 2025, 2026 and 2027 are provided inside the cabinet
2002. When the front door 2024 is closed, cable storage parts 2025,
2026 and 2027 are facing to the decoration part 2020, 2021 and
2022, respectively. In each cable storage part 2025, 2026 and 2027,
one end of the optical cable 2090 is stored. The light received on
the other end of the optical cable 2090 is transmitted to the end
of the optical cable 2090 which is stored in the cable storage part
2025, 2026 and 2027, and the transmitted light is diffused by the
decoration parts 2020, 2021 and 2022.
[0691] Here, coins, bills or electronic value (credits) which are
equivalent to coins or bills are used as the gaming media in the
slot machine 2100 according to the embodiment. However, the gaming
media applicable in the disclosure are not limited to coins, bills
or electronic value. For example, the gaming media may also be
medals, tokens, electric moneys, and tickets.
[0692] Next, the internal configuration of the light emitting
device 2300 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 94
is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the
light emitting device 2300. FIG. 94 is a view seen from a X
direction of FIG. 91. As shown in FIG. 94, plural LEDs 2078 are
arranged inside the light emitting device 2300. A LED driving
circuit 2077 is connected to each LED 2078 respectively. Here, a
light emitter other than the LED (for example, light bulbs and the
like) may be arranged inside the light emitting device 2300. In
other words, the LED in the embodiment is merely one example of the
light emitter according to the disclosure.
[0693] Also, the light emitting device 2300 may be sized down by
arranging the LED driving circuit 2077 inside the cabinet 2002.
Since the length of the cable between the LED driving circuit 2077
and the light emitting device 2300 is shorten by placing the LED
driving circuit 2077 close to the light emitting device 2300, it is
preferred in the countermeasure of noise.
[0694] Convex lenses 2091 corresponding to the LEDs 2078 are
arranged inside the light emitting device 2300. Also, plural
optical cables 2090 each correspond to each convex lens 2091 are
provided. As a result, the light emitted from each LED 2078 is
condensed at each convex lens 2091, and is received at one end of
the optical cable 2090.
[0695] FIG. 95 is a schematic diagram showing the internal
configuration of the light emitting device 2300 and the cabinet
2002. FIG. 95 is a view seen from a Y direction in FIG. 91. As
shown in FIG. 95, a LED driving circuit 2077 is arranged inside the
cabinet 2002. One end of each optical cable 2090 is stored in the
cable storage part 2025, 2026 and 2027. As a result, the light
emitted from the LEDs 2078 inside the light emitting device 2300 is
transmitted to the decoration parts 2020, 2021 and 2022.
[0696] Next, the transmission of the light emitted from the LED
2078 will be described. FIG. 96 is a schematic diagram showing a
condition where the light emitted from the LED 2078 is transmitted
to the decoration parts 2020, 2021 and 2022. The light emitted from
the LED 2078 is condensed at convex lens 2091, and the condensed
light is received at one end of the optical cable 2090. And, the
light is transmitted in the optical cable 2090, from one end to the
other end. And, the light emitted from the other end is irradiated
toward the decoration parts 2020, 2021 and 2022, and then the light
is diffused by the decoration parts 2020, 2021 and 2022.
[0697] Also, since the light emitting mode of the LED 2078 is
determined by the LED driving circuit 2077, effects in which each
decoration part is lighted at a predetermined timing in the game
may be conducted.
[0698] In the third embodiment as described above, the decoration
parts 2020, 2021 and 2022 are arranged around the main display 2004
of the slot machine 2100. The decoration parts 2020, 2021 and 2022
diffuse the light irradiated from the backside thereof. As a
result, it looks like as if the decoration parts 2020, 2021 and
2022 are emitting light when they are seen from the front side of
the slot machine 2100. Also, the light irradiated to the backside
of the decoration parts 2020, 2021 and 2022 is that light emitted
inside an emitting device 2300 is transmitted. The light emitting
device 2300 is arranged on the side surface of the cabinet 2002 in
the slot machine 2100. Further, the light emitted inside the light
emitting device 2300 is transmitted by the optical cable 2090.
[0699] The convex lens 2091 may be omitted by providing the LED
2078 close to the one end of the optical cable 2090 inside the
light emitting device 2300. Also, the convex lens 2091 may be
omitted by increasing the directional quality of the LED 2078.
[0700] According to above configuration, since the LEDs 2078 are
arranged outside the cabinet 2002, the exchange of the LED 2078 may
be easily conducted. And, the game in the slot machine 2100 may be
executed even when the exchange of the LED 2078 is conducted. This
is very favorable in the case where the slot machine 2100 according
to the embodiment is provided in the environment in which the slot
machine 2100 is kept on working for 24 hours (for example, a
casino). Further, the heat generated by the LEDs 2078 will not
influence the elements inside the cabinet 2002. And, since the
light emitted from the LED 2078 is transmitted by the optical cable
2090, the transmission efficiency of the light is high.
[Variant of Third Embodiment]
[0701] Next, the other embodiment embodying a disclosure as a slot
machine will be described.
[0702] FIG. 97 shows a condition where the front door 2024 of the
slot machine according to the embodiment is opened. Here, the same
number as that used in the slot machine 2100 of the third
embodiment indicates the same or corresponding part in the
construction of the slot machine 2100 according to the above third
embodiment.
[0703] As shown in FIG. 97, a slot machine 2101 according to the
embodiment does not include an optical cable and a cable storage
part. In the slot machine 2101 according to the embodiment,
reflecting plates 2092 are arranged in predetermined positions
inside the cabinet 2002 and light emitting device 2301.
[0704] Here, since the control system of the slot machine 2101 is
the same as that of the slot machine 2100 according to the third
embodiment, description on the control system will be omitted.
[0705] Next, an internal configuration of the light emitting device
2301 will be described. FIG. 98 is a schematic diagram showing the
internal configuration of the light emitting device 2301. FIG. 98
is a view seen from a X direction in FIG. 97. As shown in FIG. 98,
plural LEDs 2078 are arranged inside the light emitting device
2301. A LED driving circuit 2077 is connected to each LED 2078,
respectively. Further, a light emitter other than the LED (for
example, light bulbs and the like) may be arranged inside the light
emitting device 2301. In other words, the LED in this embodiment is
merely one example of the light emitter according to the
disclosure. The transmission efficiency of the light emitted from
the LED 2078 may be increased by strengthening the directional
quality of the LED 2078.
[0706] Reflecting plates 2092 each corresponds to each LED 2078 are
arranged inside the light emitting device 2301, respectively. Each
of reflecting plates 2092 is provided with a predetermined angle
inside the light emitting device 2301. That is, each reflecting
plate 2092 is arranged in a necessary angle to transmit the
incident light so as to any of the decoration parts 2020, 2021 and
2022.
[0707] FIG. 99 is a schematic diagram showing a condition where the
emitted light from the LED 2078 is transmitted to the decoration
part 2020. Also, FIG. 99 is a view seen from a Y direction in FIG.
97.
[0708] As shown in FIG. 99, the light emitted from the LED 2078
inside the light emitting device 2301 is reflected at the
reflecting plate 2092 provided inside the light emitting device
2301, and is transmitted to the interior of the cabinet 2002. The
light transmitted to the interior of the cabinet 2002 is reflected
at the reflecting plate 2092 provided inside the cabinet 2002, and
is transmitted to the decoration part 2020.
[0709] FIG. 100 is a schematic diagram showing a condition where
the emitted light from the LED 2078 is transmitted to the
decoration part 2021. Also, FIG. 100 is a view seen from a Y
direction in FIG. 97.
[0710] As shown in FIG. 100, the light emitted from the LED 2078
inside the light emitting device 2301 is reflected at the
reflecting plate 2092 provided inside the light emitting device
2301, and is transmitted to the interior of the cabinet 2002. The
light transmitted to the interior of the cabinet 2002 is reflected
at the reflecting plate 2092 provided inside the cabinet 2002, and
is transmitted to the decoration part 2021.
[0711] FIG. 101 and FIG. 102 are schematic diagrams showing
conditions where the emitted light from the LED 2078 is transmitted
to the decoration part 2022. Also, FIG. 102 is a view seen from a Y
direction in FIG. 97.
[0712] As shown in FIG. 101 and FIG. 102, the light emitted from
the LED 2078 inside the light emitting device 2301 is reflected at
the reflecting plate 2092 provided inside the light emitting device
2301, and is transmitted to the interior of the cabinet 2002. The
light transmitted to the interior of the cabinet 2002 is reflected
at the reflecting plate 2092 provided inside the cabinet 2002, and
is transmitted to the decoration part 2022.
[0713] In the variant of third embodiment as described above, the
decoration parts 2020, 2021 and 2022 are arranged around the main
display 2004 of the slot machine 2101. The decoration parts 2020,
2021 and 2022 diffuse the light irradiated from the backside. As a
result, it looks like as if the decoration parts 2020, 2021 and
2022 are emitting light when they are seen from the front side of
the slot machine 2101. Also, the light irradiated to the backside
of the decoration parts 2020, 2021 and 2022 is that light emitted
inside an emitting device 2301 is transmitted. The light emitting
device 2301 is arranged on the side surface of the cabinet 2002 in
the slot machine 2101. Further, the light emitted inside the light
emitting device 2301 is transmitted by the reflecting plate
2092.
[0714] According to above configuration, since the LED 2078 is
arranged outside the cabinet 2002, the exchange of the LED 2078 may
be easily conducted. And the game in the slot machine 2101 may be
executed even when the exchange of the LED 2078 is conducted. This
is very favorable in the case that the slot machine 2101 according
to the embodiment is provided in the environment where the slot
machine 2101 is kept on working for 24 hours (for example, a
casino). Further, the heat generated by the LED 2078 will not
influence the elements inside the cabinet 2002. Further, since the
light is transmitted through the reflecting plate, there is no need
to wire inside the main body.
[0715] Here, aspects of the disclosure are not limited to the above
embodiments and various changes and modification can be done within
the scope of the disclosure. For example, the optical cable 2090
and the reflecting plate 2092 may be used in combination.
[0716] Also, the disclosure may also be applied to various card
gaming machines and roulette machines.
[0717] The disclosure directed to the third embodiment is
applicable to the slot machines directed to the first and second
embodiments. More specifically, the slot machines as described in
the first and second embodiments may be configured to include a
main body having a decoration part and a light emitting device
arranged outside the main body. Further, light emitted from the
replaceable light emitter is transmitted to the decoration part.
Further, the decoration part diffuses the light transmitted
thereto.
[0718] It is preferable that a gaming machine according to one or
more aspects of the disclosure directed to the third embodiment
comprises a main body having a decoration part and a light emitting
device arranged outside the main body. Also, the light emitting
device has a replaceable light emitter. Also, light emitted from
the replaceable light emitter is transmitted to the decoration
part. Also, the decoration part diffuses the light transmitted
thereto.
[0719] As a result, since the light emitter is arranged outside the
main body, the exchange of light emitter will be easily conducted.
And, the game in the gaming machine may be executed even when the
exchange of the light emitter is conducted. This is very favorable
in the case that the gaming machine is provided in the environment
where the gaming machine is kept on working for 24 hours (for
example, a casino). Further, the heat generated by the light
emitter will not influence the elements inside the main body.
Further, since the cable length from the power source device, the
control board or the like may be shortened, it is advantageous in
the countermeasure of noise.
[0720] It is preferable that a gaming machine according to one or
more aspects of the disclosure directed to the third embodiment
comprises a main body having a decoration part, a light emitting
device arranged outside the main body, and an optical cable. Also,
the light emitting device has a replaceable light emitter and a
lens condensing light emitted from the light emitter. Also, the
optical cable transmits the condensed light to the decoration part.
Also, the decoration part diffuses the transmitted light.
[0721] As a result, since the light emitter is arranged outside the
main body, the exchange of light emitter will be easily conducted.
And, the game in the gaming machine may be executed even when the
exchange of the light emitter is conducted. This is very favorable
in the case that the gaming machine is provided in the environment
where the gaming machine is kept on working for 24 hours (for
example, a casino). Further, the heat generated by the light
emitter will not influence the elements inside the main body.
Further, since the cable length from the power source device, the
control board or the like may be shortened, it is advantageous in
the countermeasure of noise. Further, since the light emitted from
the light emitter is transmitted by the optical cable, transmission
efficiency of the light is high.
[0722] It is preferable that a gaming machine according to one or
more aspects of the disclosure directed to the third embodiment
comprises a main body having a decoration part, a light emitting
device arranged outside the main body, and a reflecting plate.
Also, the light emitting device has a replaceable light emitter.
Also, the reflecting plate reflects light emitted from the
replaceable light emitter. Also, light reflected by the reflecting
plate is transmitted to the decoration part. Also, the decoration
part diffuses the light transmitted thereto.
[0723] As a result, since the light emitter is arranged outside the
main body, the exchange of light emitter will be easily conducted.
And, the game in the gaming machine may be executed even when the
exchange of the light emitter is conducted. This is very favorable
in the case that the gaming machine is provided in the environment
where the gaming machine is kept on working for 24 hours (for
example, a casino). Further, the heat generated by the light
emitter will not influence the elements inside the main body.
Further, since the cable length from the power source device, the
control board or the like may be shortened, it is advantageous in
the countermeasure of noise. Further, since the light is
transmitted through the reflecting plate, there is no need to wire
inside the main body.
[0724] Although the subject matter has been described in language
specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is
to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended
claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts
described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described
above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the
claims.
* * * * *