U.S. patent application number 12/723584 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-15 for gaming machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to KONAMI GAMING, INCORPORATED. Invention is credited to Hayato Mizue.
Application Number | 20110223985 12/723584 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44560491 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110223985 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mizue; Hayato |
September 15, 2011 |
GAMING MACHINE
Abstract
In a gaming machine including a symbol region where reels having
symbols are arranged in predetermined arrangement, so that the
symbols are displayed in an arranged manner in longitudinal and
transverse directions, there are provided a reel control unit that
independently controls movement and stop of each of the reels, such
that the symbols appearing in the symbol region change and a
winning determination unit that determines whether the symbols
appearing on a valid line set to span the reels form a
predetermined winning pattern, when each of the reels is stopped,
layers are set in the symbol region, and in the gaming machine, at
least one reel is disposed in each layer, a symbol group is
provided in at least one specific reel arranged in a specific layer
of the layers in such a manner that symbols capable of forming at
least portion of the winning pattern are arranged in the symbol
group, at least one of the symbols capable of forming at least
portion of the winning pattern overlaps the other reel in the other
layer different from the specific layer, and that the symbol group
move integrally with the specific reel, the symbols that are
disposed in the symbol group in the specific reel can be viewed
from a player, and when the symbol group is stopped on the valid
line, the winning determination unit make the symbols disposed in
the symbol group be included in a determination target and
determines whether the winning pattern is formed.
Inventors: |
Mizue; Hayato; (Las Vegas,
NV) |
Assignee: |
KONAMI GAMING, INCORPORATED
Las Vegas
NV
|
Family ID: |
44560491 |
Appl. No.: |
12/723584 |
Filed: |
March 12, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/34 20130101; G07F 17/3211 20130101; G07F 17/3213 20130101;
G07F 17/3227 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A gaming machine including a symbol region in which plural reels
having plural symbols are arranged in predetermined arrangement, so
that the symbols are displayed in an arranged manner in
longitudinal and transverse directions, comprising: a reel control
unit that independently controls movement and stop of each of the
reels, such that the symbols appearing in the symbol region change;
and a winning determination unit that determines whether the plural
symbols appearing on a valid line set to span the plural reels form
a predetermined winning pattern, when each of the reels is stopped,
wherein plural layers are set in the symbol region, at least one
reel is disposed in each layer, a symbol group is provided in at
least one specific reel arranged in a specific layer of the plural
layers in such a manner that plural symbols capable of forming at
least a portion of the winning pattern are arranged in the symbol
group, at least one of the plural symbols capable of forming at
least a portion of the winning pattern overlaps the other reel in
the other layer different from the specific layer, and that the
symbol group moves integrally with the specific reel, the symbols
that are disposed in the symbol group in the specific reel can be
viewed from a player, and when the symbol group is stopped on the
valid line, the winning determination unit make the symbols
disposed in the symbol group be included in a determination target
and determines whether the winning pattern is formed.
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a relationship
between the specific layer and the other layer is configured in
such a manner that the symbol group in the specific reel is
overlapped on the other reel when viewed from a side of the player,
thereby allowing the symbols disposed in the symbol group to be
visible from the player.
3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein each of the
plural reels is a virtual reel to be displayed as an image on a
screen of a display, and images of the reels in the plural layers
are synthesized according to an upper and lower relationship
between the layers to be displayed on the screen, thereby allowing
the symbols disposed in the symbol group to be visible from the
player.
4. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the plural
reels include plural first reels, in which the plural symbols are
continuously arranged in a predetermined direction, respectively
and which are arranged parallel to each other in a direction
perpendicular to the predetermined direction over an entire region
of the symbol region and a second reel disposed in the specific
layer so as to overlap at least two of the first reels, the reel
control unit moves the first reels along the predetermined
direction, at least one of the first reels is disposed in the other
layer to serve as the other reel, and the second reel is provided
with the symbol group and a transparent region enabling the symbols
in the first reel to be visible, thereby the second reel serving as
the specific reel.
5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the second reel
has a size in which the second reel overlaps all of the first reels
to be disposed in the symbol region.
6. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the reel
control unit moves the second reel along the predetermined
direction.
7. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the reel
control unit controls the movement and stop of the plural reels
such that the first reels stop and then the second reel stops.
8. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the plural
symbols capable of forming at least portion of the winning pattern
are also arranged in the predetermined direction.
9. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the plural
symbols are continuously arranged in a predetermined direction in
each of the plural reels, the plural reels are arranged separately
into the plural layers such that the plural reels are arranged
parallel to each other in a direction perpendicular to the
predetermined direction over an entire region of the symbol region,
the reel control unit moves the plural reels along the
predetermined direction, and the symbol group is provided in at
least one reel disposed in the specific layer, so that such reel
serves as the specific reel.
10. The gaming machine according to claim 9, wherein the plural
symbols capable of forming at least portion of the winning pattern
are also arranged in the predetermined direction.
11. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the symbol
group is provided with the plural symbols in such a manner that the
winning pattern can be formed by only the plural symbols disposed
in the symbol group.
12. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein universal
symbols that can be used as any one of other symbols in a
determination as to whether the winning pattern is formed in the
winning determination unit are disposed in the symbol group.
13. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein plural symbols
of the same kind are disposed in the symbol group as the plural
symbols capable of forming at least portion of the winning pattern.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which
plural reels where symbols are arranged are layered and
combined.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] As a gaming machine of a type of so-called slot machine for
playing competitions as to whether or not a combination of symbols
forms a winning pattern, for example, there is known a gaming
machine in which inner reels and outer reels are combined, symbols
of the inner reels are appropriately appeared in windows of the
outer reels to thereby change an appearance configuration of the
symbols (for example, refer to patent documents 1 and 2).
[0005] [Patent Document1] U.S. Pat. No. 7,473,173B2
[0006] [Patent Document2] U.S. Pat. No. 5,395,111A
[0007] In the conventional gaming machines, reels are only layered
in the same column. For this reason, a player's expectation for
winning may not be sufficiently heightened.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] A gaming machine according to the present invention is
configured to include a symbol region in which plural reels having
plural symbols are arranged in predetermined arrangement, so that
the symbols are displayed in an arranged manner in longitudinal and
transverse directions. The gaming machine includes a reel control
unit that independently controls movement and stop of each of the
reels, such that the symbols appearing in the symbol region change,
and a winning determination unit that determines whether the plural
symbols appearing on a valid line set to span the plural reels form
a predetermined winning pattern, when each of the reels is stopped.
In the gaming machine, plural layers are set in the symbol region,
at least one reel is disposed in each layer, a symbol group is
provided in at least one specific reel arranged in a specific layer
of the plural layers in such a manner that plural symbols capable
of forming at least portion of the winning pattern are arranged in
the symbol group, at least one of the plural symbols capable of
forming at least portion of the winning pattern overlaps the other
reel in the other layer different from the specific layer, and that
the symbol group move integrally with the specific reel, the
symbols that are disposed in the symbol group in the specific reel
can be viewed from a player, and when the symbol group is stopped
on the valid line, the winning determination unit make the symbols
disposed in the symbol group be included in a determination target
and determines whether the winning pattern is formed.
[0009] In the gaming machine according to the present invention,
the plural symbols capable of forming at least portion of the
winning pattern are previously disposed in the symbol group, at
least one symbol in the symbol group overlaps the other reel in the
other layer, and the symbols in the symbol group can be viewed from
the player. When the symbol group is stopped on the valid line, it
is determined whether the winning pattern is formed with the
symbols in the symbol group being included in the winning
determination target. Since the symbols in the symbol group are
integrally moved and stopped, these symbols form at least portion
of the winning pattern if such symbols are stopped on the valid
line. Accordingly, the winning pattern can be easily formed, as
compared with the related art in which only symbols on the reel of
one column are layered and some symbols are changed. Accordingly, a
player's expectation for winning can be sufficiently
heightened.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine according
to an embodiment of the invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system in the gaming
machine of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a symbol
region that is displayed on a screen of a display;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a
relationship between layers of a symbol region and arrangement of
reels in the first embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state where a symbol
group of an outer reel overlaps an inner reel;
[0015] FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an example of the case
where a symbol group is disposed in a row direction;
[0016] FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating another example of the
case where a symbol group is disposed in a row direction;
[0017] FIG. 6C is a diagram illustrating an example of the case
where a symbol group is disposed like a block in row and column
directions;
[0018] FIG. 6D is a diagram illustrating an example of the case
where a symbol group is formed in an L shape;
[0019] FIG. 6E is a diagram illustrating an example of the case
where a symbol group is further deformed;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the case
where a symbol group is disposed to be capable of forming a winning
pattern;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a symbol region when the
winning pattern is formed by the symbol group of FIG. 7;
[0022] FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating an example of the case
where WILD symbols are disposed in a symbol group;
[0023] FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating an example of the case
where symbols of a figure are disposed in a symbol group;
[0024] FIG. 9C is a diagram illustrating an example of the case
where symbols of another figure are disposed in a symbol group;
[0025] FIG. 9D is a diagram illustrating an example of the case
where symbols of a numeral are disposed in a symbol group;
[0026] FIG. 9E is a diagram illustrating an example of the case
where different symbols are disposed in plural symbol groups,
respectively;
[0027] FIG. 9F is a diagram illustrating an example of the case
where inner symbols are disposed in a symbol group;
[0028] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modification of FIG.
4;
[0029] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a routine that is
executed by a CPU according to the first embodiment to realize a
slot game;
[0030] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating another example of a
relationship between layers of a symbol region and arrangement of
reels;
[0031] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the
configuration of an outer reel of FIG. 11;
[0032] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a status where an outer
reel of FIG. 12 is synthesized with inner reels;
[0033] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a symbol region when a
winning pattern is formed using a symbol group provided in the
outer reel of FIG. 11;
[0034] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a modification of FIG. 12;
and
[0035] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a routine that is
executed by a CPU according to the second embodiment to realize a
slot game.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
First Embodiment
[0036] Hereinafter, an embodiment where the invention is applied to
a gaming machine of a slot machine type will be described with
reference to the accompanying drawings. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a
gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment has an upright casing
2 and a display 3 is provided on a foreside of the casing 2. The
display 3 is, for example, a liquid crystal display unit. A control
panel 4 is provided below the display 3. In the control panel 4,
there are provided a coin slot 5 and a bill inlet 6 to deposit
coins and bills, which are paid as a price on playing a game, in
the gaming machine 1 and an operating device 7 to allow a player to
input various instructions to the gaming machine 1. In the
operating device 7, there are provided a bet button group 7A to
allow the player to instruct the amount of money to be betted by
the predetermined unit amount, a line designation button group 7B
to designate a line becoming a winning determination target
(hereinafter, the line is referred to as a valid line), a maximum
betting button 7C to instruct maximum betting, a payout button 7D
to instruct the payout, and a spin button 7E to instruct to start a
game (start the spin of reels). Below the control panel 4, a payout
tray 8 to pay coins or bills is provided.
[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates the outline of a control system in the
gaming machine 1. The gaming machine 1 is provided with a control
device 20. The control device 20 is configured as a computer unit
including a central processing unit (hereinafter, simply referred
to as CPU) 21 and a memory 22 for the CPU 21. The memory 22
includes a nonvolatile storage medium, such as a magnetic or
optical storage medium and an EEPROM. The storage medium stores a
game program that is needed to execute a game and game data that is
referred to by the game program. The CPU 21 progress a slot game in
a predetermined sequence by reading and executing the game
program.
[0038] The display 3 and the operating device 7 are connected to
the CPU 21 through an input/output port (I/O port) 23. Further to
the CPU 21, there are connected a coin identification device 25, a
bill identification device 26, and a payout device 27 through the
I/O port 23. The coin identification device 25 identifies coins
inserted from the coin slot 5 and outputs a signal according to the
identified amount to the CPU 21. The bill identification device 26
identifies bills inserted from the bill inlet 6 and outputs a
signal according to the identified amount to the CPU 21. The payout
device 27 manages the payout of the coins or bills to the payout
tray 8 according to an instruction to be output from the CPU 21. In
addition, devices needed to execute a slot game are appropriately
connected to the control device 20, which is not illustrated in the
drawings.
[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a game screen that is
displayed on the display 3 according to the control of the CPU 21.
On a game screen 30 of FIG. 3, a symbol region 31 is provided. As
illustrated by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 3, the symbol region 31
is defined such that plural cells 32 serving as symbol stop
positions form a matrix of 3.times.5 in longitudinal and transverse
directions. In the following description, the transverse direction
in the game screen 30 may be referred to as a row direction and the
longitudinal direction may be referred to as a column direction.
Boundary lines of the cells 32 that are illustrated by the one-dot
chain line in FIG. 3 may be displayed on the display 3 in an aspect
where a player may visually grasp the lines or may not be
displayed. That is, the cells 32 may be logically or ideally
defined in the gaming machine 1 as the symbol stop positions, and
the boundaries thereof do not need to be viewed.
[0040] In the symbol region 31, symbol 33 are displayed for
respective cells 32. These symbols 33 are arranged on plural
virtual reels, respectively. By arranging the reels in the
predetermined arrangement, the symbols 33 are displayed in the
symbol region 31 in a state where the symbols 33 are arranged in a
matrix in longitudinal and transverse directions. The details of
the reels will be described below. As the symbol 33, a numeral, a
character, and a figure such as a sheep or a rabbit is
appropriately adopted. A symbol 33a (hereinafter, referred to as
WILD symbol) to which a character of "WILD" is added serves as a
universal symbol that can be used as the other symbols 33, in a
winning determination. In the following description, when the
symbols 33 need to be classified according to kinds thereof,
suffixes a, b, . . . are added to the reference numerals 33 and the
symbols are denoted by reference numerals 33a, 33b, . . . . When
the symbols 33 do not need to be classified, the symbols are
denoted by the reference numerals 33 without using the
suffixes.
[0041] On both sides of the symbol region 31, valid line display
regions 34 that indicate valid lines are provided. The valid line
is a line to designate the plural cells 32 becoming a winning
determination target in the slot game and is set to span plural
inner reels 35 (see FIG. 4). If the player operates the line
designation button group 7B of the operating device 7, the valid
line is appropriately set. For example, a horizontal line A that
connects all of the cells 32 positioned at the center of the symbol
region 31 in a column direction can be set as the valid line. In
addition, as the valid lines, a line that extends in a diagonal
line direction of the symbol region 31 and a line that draws a
V-shape or an inverse V-shape in the symbol region 31 may be set.
If the player operates the betting button group 7A, designates the
number of bet units (called credits) of a one-time slot game, and
selects the valid line by the line designation button group 7B, the
CPU 21 recognizes the selected contents. Then, if the player
operates the spin button 7E, the CPU moves (scrolls) each symbol 33
in a column direction in the symbol region 31, causes one symbol 33
to appear in one cell 32 at a predetermined stop time, and stops
scrolling of the symbols 33. When the symbols 33 are stopped, if
the figures of the symbols 33 that are displayed in the cells 32 on
the valid line are matched with each other or form a predetermined
relationship, it can be determined that a winning pattern is
formed.
[0042] The display of the symbols 33 is controlled by the CPU 21.
The CPU 21 sets plural layers to the symbol region 31, arranges the
plural reels where the symbols 33 are disposed on the individual
layers in the predetermined arrangement, and synthesizes images of
the reels of the individual layers to generate an image of the
symbol region 31. When the symbols 33 are scrolled, the CPU 21
independently moves the symbols 33 in the column direction of the
game screen 30 using one reel as a unit to thereby realize the
scrolling.
[0043] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a layer structure of the
symbol region 31. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the symbol
region 31 has a two-layered structure in which the symbol region 31
is divided into the first layer 31a and the second layer 31b. An
upper and lower relationship of the layers 31a and 31b is set such
that the first layer 31a becomes the lower side and the second
layer 31b becomes the upper side, as viewed from the player. In the
first layer 31a, the five inner reels (first reels) 35 are arranged
parallel to each other in the row direction over the entire region
of the symbol region 31. Each inner reel 35 has the same width
(dimension of the row direction) as one cell 32 and extends along
the column direction of the game screen 30. The entire length of
the inner reel 35 in the column direction is sufficiently longer
than the length of the symbol region 31 in the column direction
(that is, the length when the three cells 32 are continuously
arranged in the column direction). In the symbol region 31, only a
portion of the inner reel 35 is displayed. In each inner reel 35,
the symbols 33 are continuously arranged over the entire length of
the column direction at the same pitch as the cells 32. The inner
reels 35 are scrolled in the column direction independently from
each other.
[0044] On the other hand, in the second layer 31b, a single outer
reel (second reel) 36 is disposed. The width of the outer reel 36
in the row direction is the same as the entire width of the symbol
region 31 in the row direction. The entire length of the outer reel
36 in the column direction is set to be sufficiently longer than
the length of the symbol region 31 in the same direction. That is,
the outer reel 36 has a size where the outer reel overlaps all of
the inner reels 35 disposed in the symbol region 31. In the outer
reel 36, two symbol groups 37a and 37b are provided. The symbol
group 37a has a size that corresponds to the two cells 32
continuously arranged in the row direction, and the two symbols 33
of the same kind are disposed therein. Meanwhile, the symbol group
37b has a size that corresponds to the four cells 32 continuously
arranged in the row and column directions, respectively, and the
four symbols 33 of the same kind are disposed therein. The symbols
33 that are disposed in the symbol groups 37a and 37b may be
appropriately selected. For example, the WILD symbols 33a may be
selected. In the following description, symbol groups (including a
modification to be described in detail below) having various shapes
or sizes may be denoted by the reference numeral 37.
[0045] The region except the symbol groups 37a and 37b of the outer
reel 36 is set to a transparent region 38 (hatched region in FIG.
4). The transparent region 38 is a portion of the outer reel 36.
However, a transparent attribute is set to an image synthesis, and
the symbols 33 of the inner reel 35 can be viewed through the
transparent region 38. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the outer
reel 36 is overlapped to the inner reels 35, resulting in that the
symbol groups 37a and 37b are displayed to partially cover the
inner reels 35 that overlap the symbol groups. On the other hand,
the inner reels 35 appear on the symbol region 31 in a range
overlapping the transparent region 38, and the symbols 33 that are
disposed on the inner reels 35 can be viewed from the player. In
the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the WILD symbols 33a of the
symbol groups 37a and 37b are displayed, and the symbols 33 that
are disposed on the inner reels 35 are viewed in a portion of the
transparent region 38. If the central row is assumed as the valid
line A, on the valid line A, the four WILD symbols 33a of the
symbol group 37 are arranged. In the remaining one cell 32, there
is appeared a symbol 33b where an alphabet Q of the inner reel 35
is displayed. In this case, it is determined that a winning pattern
where the five symbols 33b are arranged is formed. The symbol
groups 37a and 37b and the transparent region 38 of the outer reel
36 are integrally scrolled in the column direction independently
from the inner reels 35.
[0046] The above-described configuration of the outer reel 36 is
only exemplary. For example, the size and the shape of the symbol
group 37 may be appropriately changed. Various modifications can be
made in such a manner that, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B,
symbol groups 37c and 37d having a size where the three or more
cells 32 are continuously arranged in the row direction, as
illustrated in FIG. 6C, a symbol group 37e having a block shape of
a size where the plural cells 32 (nine cells) are continuously
arranged in the row and column directions, as illustrated in FIG.
6D, a symbol group 37f having a shape where the cells 32 are
continuously arranged in an L-shape, and as illustrated in FIG. 6E,
a symbol group 37g having a shape where the plural cells 32 are
appropriately combined in the row and column directions. When the
symbol group 37 is set to have the size over the plural cells 32 in
regard to the column direction, the probability of a winning
pattern being formed by the symbols 33 of the symbol group 37 can
be increased.
[0047] The symbol group 37 does not need to have a shape where the
cells 32 are continuously arranged in the row direction or the
column direction. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, symbols
groups 37i and 37j having a shape where the cells 32 are arranged
in the V-shape or the inverse V-shape becoming the valid line A may
be provided. That is, the symbol group 37 having a shape that
corresponds to a group of cells 32 of the arrangement capable of
constituting the valid line may be provided. In this case, as
illustrated in FIG. 8, if the outer reel 36 is stopped such that
the symbol group 37i or 37j appears in the symbol region 31, a
winning pattern can be formed by only the symbols 33 disposed in
the symbol group 37 of the outer reel 36, regardless of the stop
positions of the inner reels 35. In the example illustrated in FIG.
8, symbols 33c where figures of a treasure box are displayed are
arranged on the valid line A, and it is determined that a winning
pattern is formed.
[0048] The symbols 33 that are disposed in the symbol group 37 may
be appropriately selected. FIGS. 9A to 9D illustrate examples where
various symbols 33a to 33d are arranged. When the WILD symbols 33a
are disposed in the symbol group 37, the probability that a
combination with the symbols 33 on the inner reels 35 forms a
winning pattern increases. If a privilege in which the bonus game
is allowed to be carried out when the specific symbols 33 of a
predetermined number (for example, three) are arranged on the valid
line, a player's expectation for acquiring the right to execute the
bonus game can be heightened by disposing the specific symbols 33
in the symbol group 37. When the two or more symbol groups 37 are
disposed on the outer reel 36, the symbols 33 may become different
between the two symbol groups 37. An example thereof is illustrated
in FIG. 9E. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 9F, an inner portion of
the symbol group 37 may be previously set as inner symbols 33i
where kinds of the symbol 33 are not fixed, and the symbol 33 of
any one kind may be made to appear in each inner symbol 33i by
lottery, at appropriate timing like when the outer reel 36 is
stopped. Even in this case, the same symbols 33 may be allocated to
one symbol group 37, and the kinds of the symbols 33 may be
different between the symbol groups 37.
[0049] The outer reel 36 does not need to have a size where the
outer reel overlaps all of the inner reels 35 disposed in the
symbol region 31. The outer reel 36 may have a size where the outer
reel 36 overlaps at least two inner reels 35. In an example
illustrated in FIG. 10, the outer reel 36 is disposed so as to
overlap the three inner reels 35, that is, the inner reel 35 at the
center of the symbol region 31 in the row direction and the inner
reels 35 on both sides thereof. The inner reels 35 on both ends in
the row direction can be viewed without being obstructed by the
symbol group 37 of the outer reel 36.
[0050] The above-described arrangement of the symbols 33 in each of
the inner reels 35 and the outer reel 36 is previously determined
and stored in the memory 22 as a portion of the game data. The CPU
21 controls the display of the inner reels 35 and the outer reel 36
on the game screen 30, referring to the data stored in the memory
22. In this case, since the inner reels 35 are disposed in the
first layer 31a below the outer reel 36 existing in the second
layer 31b, images of the inner and outer reels 35 and 36 of the
first and second layers 31a and 31b are synthesized to generate an
image of the symbol region 31, such that the portion of the inner
reels 35 overlapped by the symbol group 37 is overwritten by the
symbols 33 disposed in the symbol group 37 or that the symbols 33
disposed in the symbol group 37 are preferentially displayed.
[0051] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a routine that is
executed by the CPU 21 with an appropriate cycle to control the
display of the inner and outer reels 35 and 36, when the slot game
is executed. When the routine of FIG. 11 starts, first of all, the
CPU 21 determines whether the player operates the spin button 7E to
thereby determine whether a start of the game is instructed. When
the start of the game is not instructed, the determination of step
S1 is repeated, and when the start of the game is instructed, the
process proceeds to step S2. In step S2, the CPU 21 starts to spin
the inner reels 35 and the outer reel 36, that is, scroll the
symbols 33 in the column direction. Next, in step S3, the CPU 21
stops the inner reels 35. Then, the CPU 21 proceeds to step S4 and
stops the outer reels 36. As such, when the outer reel 36 is
stopped later than the inner reels 35, a user's expectation for
forming a winning pattern by the symbol groups 37 of the outer reel
36 can be heightened. As a result, amusement of the game can be
heightened.
[0052] Next, in step S5, the CPU 21 determines whether a
combination of the symbols 33 appearing in the cells 32 of the
symbol region 31 form a predetermined winning pattern. At this
time, with respect to the cells 32 where the symbol group 37 of the
outer reel 36 is stopped, instead of the symbols 33 of the inner
reels 35, the symbols 33 of the outer reel 36 are selected as a
determination target of the winning pattern. When the winning
pattern is formed, the CPU 21 proceeds to step S6, calculates the
winning amount corresponding to the formed winning pattern. Next,
in step S7, the CPU 21 provides the player with credits
corresponding to the calculated winning amount. The provided
credits can be used at the time of betting of the following slot
game. If the player operates the payout button 7D, the winning
amount that corresponds to the credits accumulated by the point of
time the payout button is operated is paid from the payout device
27 to the payout tray 8. When the provision of the credits is
terminated, the process returns to step S1. Even when it is
determined in step S5 that the winning pattern is not formed, the
process returns to step S1.
[0053] In the first embodiment, the second layer 31b corresponds to
the specific layer and the outer reel 36 corresponds to the
specific reel. The first layer 31a corresponds to the other layer
and the inner reels 35 that is overlapped by the outer reel 36
correspond to the other reels. In the first embodiment, all of the
inner reels 35 are disposed in the same layer 31a, but the inner
reels 35 may be divisionally disposed in plural layers. The plural
outer reels 36, each of which serves as the specific reel, may be
disposed in the same layer or divisionally disposed in the
different layers. The outer reel 36 is not necessarily moved in the
same direction (column direction) as the inner reels 35. For
example, the outer reel 36 may be moved in the row direction.
Second Embodiment
[0054] Next, a second embodiment of the invention will be
described. The second embodiment corresponds to the case where the
correspondence relationship between the layers and the reels of the
symbol region is changed in the first embodiment. Accordingly, the
changed portion will be mainly described below, while the
components are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of
the first embodiment.
[0055] FIG. 12 illustrates a layer structure of a symbol region 31
according to the second embodiment. The second embodiment is the
same as the first embodiment in that the first layer 31a and the
second layer 31b are set to the symbol region 31. However, in the
first layer 31a, the four inner reels 35 are disposed in such a
manner that an empty region 39 that corresponds to one inner reel
is generated at the center of the row direction. On the other hand,
in the second layer 31b, one outer reel 40 is disposed to overlap
the empty region 39. The inner reel 35 does not exist below the
outer reel 40. That is, in the second embodiment, the inner reels
35 and the outer reel 40 are arranged separately into the plural
layers 31a and 31b, such that the inner reels 35 and the outer reel
40 are arranged parallel to each other in the row direction over
the entire region of the symbol region 31.
[0056] The outer reel 40 has a base portion 41 that has the same
width as that of the inner reel 35 and a symbol group 37 that is
provided to protrude in the row direction from the base portion 41.
The symbol group 37 overlaps at least one inner reel 35 (two inner
reels in an example illustrated in FIG. 12) of the first layer 31a.
As also illustrated in FIG. 13, the symbol group 37 has a size
corresponding to at least two cells 32 in regard to the row
direction, and the symbols 33 of the same kind are disposed in the
symbol group 37. In an example illustrated in FIG. 13, the WILD
symbols 33a are disposed in the symbol group 37a. In the base
portion 41, various symbols 33 are continuously disposed in the
column direction at the same pitch as the cells 32. In summary, the
second embodiment corresponds to a modification in which the outer
reel 36 in the first embodiment is omitted, at least one of the
five inner reels 35 that are disposed in the first layer 31a is
moved to the second layer 31b and used as the outer reel, and the
symbol group 37 is provided in the outer reel.
[0057] FIG. 14 illustrates a status where a portion of the outer
reel 40, that is, one symbol group 37 and the anterior and
posterior base portions 41 thereof are overlapped to the inner
reels 35 disposed in the symbol region 31. Since the inner reels 35
are disposed in the lower first layer 31a and the outer reel 40 is
disposed in the upper second layer 31b, the symbol group 37 of the
outer reel 40 is disposed to cover the symbols 33 of the inner
reels 35. For this reason, on the game screen 30 after the images
of the reels 35 and 40 of the first and second layers 31a and 31b
are synthesized, as illustrated in FIG. 15, the three WILD symbols
33a of the symbol group 37 are arranged in the row direction. In
this case, if the valid line A is set to the central row, on the
valid line A, the WILD symbol 33a of the inner reel 35 appears so
as to be adjacent to the right side of the symbol group 37, and a
symbol 33g where a numeral of 9 is displayed appears to be adjacent
to the left side of the symbol group 37. Therefore, it is
determined that a winning pattern where the five symbols 33g are
arranged is formed. The number of outer reels 40 is not limited to
one. As exemplified in FIG. 16, the plural outer reels 40 may be
disposed in the second layer 31b. In the case where the plural
outer reels 40 are disposed in the second layer 31b, there may be
occurred the possibility that the symbol groups 37 overlap each
other depending on the arrangement of the symbol groups 37. In such
case, it is necessary to display one of the symbol group 37 prior
to the other symbol group 37. Various measures can be used as to
which symbol group the priority should be given. For example, the
priority order may be determined in accordance with properties of
the symbol groups, such that the priority is given to the symbol
group 37 of the reel which is positioned on the left side in the
symbol region 31. Alternatively, as to which group the priority
should be given, a lottery may be carried out just before the
symbol groups overlap each other. The priorities for the kinds of
the symbols may be set in advance, and the symbol of high priority
may be displayed preferentially to the symbol of low priority. In
the second embodiment, the shape or the size of the symbol group 37
of the outer reel 40 may be appropriately changed, similar to the
first embodiment. The symbols 33 that are disposed in the symbol
group 37 may be appropriately changed.
[0058] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a routine that is
executed by the CPU 21 with an appropriate cycle to control display
of the inner and outer reels 35 and 40, in the second embodiment.
In the routine, steps S3 and S4 of the routine of FIG. 11 is
replaced by step S3A. That is, the CPU 21 caused to start spinning
the inner reels 35 and the outer reel 40 in step S2. Next, in step
S3A, the CPU 21 stops the inner reels 35 and the outer reel 40.
Next, the CPU 21 determines whether a combination of the symbols 33
appearing in the cells 32 of the symbol region 31 form a
predetermined winning pattern. At this time, with respect to the
cells 32 where the symbol group 37 of the outer reel 40 is stopped,
instead of the symbols 33 of the inner reels 35, the symbols 33 of
the outer reel 40 are selected as a determination target of a
winning pattern. The following processes are the same as those of
FIG. 11.
[0059] As described above, according to the above-described
embodiments, since the symbols 33 of the same kind are disposed in
the symbol group 37, the probability of forming a winning pattern
can be increased and a player's expectation for winning can be
heightened. In the above-described embodiments, the CPU 21 serves
as a reel control unit and a winning determination unit.
[0060] The invention is not limited to the above-described
embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made. For
example, in the above-described embodiments, the symbol group 37 is
disposed to be closer to the side of the player (upper side) than
the reels of the other layer. However, a relationship between the
layers and the reels may be set such that the transparent regions
are provided in the reels disposed in the upper layer and the
symbol group on the reel disposed in the lower layer can be viewed
through transparent regions. The number of reels that are disposed
in the symbol region is not limited to the number of the
above-described embodiments. In the above-described embodiments,
all of the reels are configured as the virtual reels (video reels)
that are displayed as the images on the screen of the display, but
a portion or all of the reels may be configured as physical reels.
For example, the inner reels may be configured as the physical
reels, a transparent display may be disposed on the inner reels,
and the outer reel as the virtual reel may be displayed on a screen
thereof. Alternatively, the inner reels may be provided as virtual
reels based on images and a physical reel may be disposed outside
the inner reels. When the outer reel according to the first
embodiment is provided as the physical reel, the transparent region
may be formed of a transparent material. In the symbol group, the
symbols of the same kind do not need to be continuously provided.
Even when the symbols of the same kind are disposed through a gap
corresponding to one or more cells, if at least one of the symbols
overlaps the other reel of the other layer and the symbols are
provided so as to integrally move and are in the state capable of
being viewed from the player, a combination of the symbols serves
as the symbol group according to the invention.
[0061] In the above embodiments, even though the plural symbols of
the same kind are disposed in one symbol group, the invention is
not limited to such embodiments. For example, in the case that the
gaming machine where a winning combination is formed when symbols
of different figures are arranged on a valid line in specific
arrangement, at least two of these symbols may be disposed in the
symbol group in arrangement according to the winning pattern.
Namely, in the invention, it is sufficient that plural symbols
capable of forming at least portion of a winning pattern are
disposed in a symbol group. That is, the plural symbols may need to
have a predetermined relationship allowing a winning pattern to be
easily formed. As an example thereof, a combination of the WILD
symbol and the other symbol, a combination of a special symbol
solely providing a winning and the other symbol, a combination a
special symbol capable of transforming to a symbol as same as the
adjacent symbol and the other symbol or the like may be conceivable
in the above embodiments. The symbol group may contain symbols
having no relationship with forming of the winning pattern, so far
as the remaining symbols in the symbol group can form at least
portion of the winning pattern.
* * * * *