BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
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The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a first game is
executed in a normal state and a second game is executed under a rule different from
that of the first game if a specific condition is realized.
2. Description of Related Art
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Conventionally, a video-slot machine and a slot machine (hereinafter, such
machines are sometimes called as slot machine and the like) are generally well-known
and favored as gaming machines in which winning states are determined based on
symbol combinations and coins such as medals are paid out according to the symbol
combination. In the slot machine and the like, when a start lever is operated after
coins are inserted, a so-called first game is conducted. The first game is a variable
displaying game, in which a plurality of reels (for example, three reels), on each outer
periphery of which a plural kinds of symbols are arranged, are rotated and symbols are
scrolled, and in a case that the symbol combination corresponds to a predetermined
winning state when the reels are stopped, coins a number of which corresponds to the
winning state are paid out. As a winning state in the first game, for example, there
exist a so-called big prize that coins more than 1000 are paid out and a so-called small
prize that coins less than 1000 are paid out.
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And it will exist a gaming machine, as disclosed in Unexamined Japanese
Publication No. 11-244453, in which, as the winning state in the first game, there
exists a so-called "obtainment of a second game" in which the second game can be done
other than the "big prize" and "small prize", and if the winning state corresponds to the
"obtainment of a second game", the second game can be conducted without newly
inserting coins. Such second game is done under a rule different from that of the first
game, and is, for example, generally called as bonus game or free game. In most
cases, the second game becomes beneficial for a player, thus many coins can be
obtained according to a reeult of the second game.
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However, the second game in the conventional gaming machine scarcely
concerns with the first game, therefore it is not enough to raise interest for games so
that the player is not tired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
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The present invention has been done to dissolve the above problems and has an
object to provide a gaming machine in which interest for games can be improved.
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In order to accomplish the above object, according to one aspect of the present
invention, it is provided a gaming machine comprising:
- a display device;
- a first game controller for executing a first game in which symbols are scrolled
in each of plural rows on the display device and a game result is determined
corresponding to the symbol or a symbol combination stopped and displayed on the
display device;
- a determination device for determining whether or not a predetermined
condition is realized in the first game; and
- a second game controller for executing a second game in which the symbols are
scrolled in each of plural rows on the display device when the determination device
determines that the predetermined condition is realized in the first game;
wherein the second game controller substitutes one or more symbols displayed
while being scrolled on the display device to one or more specific symbols each of which
is replaceable by any one of all kinds of the symbols; and
wherein the second game controller makes a probability capable of winning in
the second game higher than a probability capable of winning in the first game and
makes a payout rate in the second game higher than a payout rate in the first game.-
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According to the present invention, a variable display game similar to the first
game of the same kind is conducted as the second game under a condition beneficial for
a player that one or more specific symbols appear and the payout rate becomes high.
Thereby, connection between the first game and the second game can be raised and
interest for games can be enhanced. Therefore, when the second game is executed,
expectation and excitement of a player can be raised. And since it is determined on a
basis of a result of the first game whether or not the second game conducted under a
more beneficial condition for the player is executed, interest and concern for the first
game can be raised, thus interest for games can be improved.
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Here, in a case that the number of specific symbol is determined based on the
symbol or the symbol combination stopped and displayed in the first game by the
second game controller, since the number of the specific symbol utilized in the second
game is affected by the result in the first game, connection between the first game and
the second game can be improved. Thereby, interest and concern for both the first
game and the second game can be increasingly raised and interest for whole game can
be improved.
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According to the present invention, it can be provided the gaming machine
through which interest of the player for games can be improved.
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The above and further objects and novel features of the invention will more
fully appear from the following detailed description when the same is read in
connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be expressly understood,
however, that the drawings are for purpose of illustration only and not intended as a
definition of the limits of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of
this specification illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the
description, serve to explain the objects, advantages and principles of the invention.
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- Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing one example of a gaming
machine according to the present invention,
- Fig. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing an electrical construction of the
gaming machine shown in Fig. 1,
- Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a display control device provided in the
gaming machine shown in Fig. 1,
- Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine for conducting a first game, the
sub-routine being executed in a main control circuit,
- Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine for conducting a winning process
executed in the main control circuit,
- Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine for conducting a second game
executed in the main control circuit,
- Fig. 7 is an explanatory view showing one example of a WILD symbol number
determination table which is utilized in S110 in the sub-routine shown in Fig. 6,
- Fig. 8 is an explanatory views schematically showing images displayed on an
upper display device and a lower display device in the gaming machine,
- Fig. 9 is another explanatory view showing one example of a WILD symbol
number determination table which is utilized in S110 in the sub-routine shown in Fig.
6,
- Fig. 10 is further another explanatory view showing one example of a WILD
symbol number determination table which is utilized in S110 in the sub-routine shown
in Fig. 6,
- Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a slot machine as another gaming machine
according to the present invention,
- Fig. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of a lower liquid crystal display and a
reel provided in the slot machine shown in Fig. 11,
- Fig. 13 an exploded perspective view of the lower liquid crystal display provided
in the slot machine shown in Fig. 11,
- Fig. 14 is an explanatory view schematically showing symbol examples formed
on an outer periphery of the reel,
- Fig. 15 is a block diagram schematically showing an electrical construction of
the slot machine shown in Fig. 11 and
- Fig. 16 is an explanatory view schematically showing a progressive game
system.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
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An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the
drawings.
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In the embodiment described hereinafter, it will be described a video-slot
machine in which the present invention is adopted, the video-slot machine being
embodied as the preferred embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present
invention.
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Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing one example of a gaming
machine according to the present invention.
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A gaming machine 2 has a cabinet 30 in central front of which it is formed a
plane inclined somewhat in a rearward direction against a vertical direction. On the
inclined plane, two display devices 32 (upper display device 32U and lower display
device 32D) are formed so that two display devices are arranged in an up-and-down
relation.
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Here, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the number of the
display devices are not especially limited, thus it is not necessary to arrange two
display devices (upper display device 32U and lower display device 32D), as in the
gaming machine 2.
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On the display devices 32 (upper display device 32U and lower display device
32D), images indicating the first game or the second game are displayed and both the
first game and the second game are progressed on the display devices 32. In variable
display games conducted as the first game and the second game, a plurality of symbols
or marks to conduct a game similar to a slot game done in the slot machine and pay
lines are displayed on the upper display device 32U and various effect images are
displayed on the lower display device 32D.
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Here, in the embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of symbols and
marks to conduct a game similar to a slot game done in the slot machine and the pay
lines may be displayed on the lower display device 32D and various effect images may
be displayed on the upper display device 32U.
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The above symbols and marks are displayed on the upper display device 32U so
as to be described on the outer periphery of reels which arc displayed as images. And
when the game is started, the symbols are variably moved so that they are scrolled in a
predetermined direction and are stopped and displayed at a predetermined timing.
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Further, when a 1-BET switch 20, a 3-BET switch 22 or a maximum BET
switch 24 mentioned later is pressed, the pay lines are activated according to the BET
switch which is pressed. Here, the present invention can be adopted to, for example,
a video-slot machine with 5 reels and 9 pay lines.
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When the symbol combination stopped on the activated pay line becomes, for
example, a winning state corresponding to the "big prize" or the "small prize", coins a
number of which corresponds to the winning state are paid out. And when the
symbol combination stopped on the activated pay line becomes a winning state
corresponding to the "obtainment of the second game", images representing the second
game are displayed on the display device 32 and the second game is progressed on the
display device 32. Here, as for the second game, it will be described in detail
hereinafter.
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Hereinafter, it will be explained a case that a specific condition based on which
the second game is executed in the gaming machine 2 corresponds to that the symbol
combination stopped on the activated pay line becomes the winning state of the
"obtainment of the second game". Here, as the above specific condition, for example,
it can be indicated a case that a specific symbol (for example, the "JOKER" symbol) is
stopped and displayed on the display device 32, a case that a specific symbol
combination (for example, a specific symbol combination that four "ACE" symbols are
aligned along the pay line) is realized in a predetermined number of times (for example,
five times), or a case that a specific symbol combination (for example, five "7" symbols
are aligned on the pay line) is realized. Of course, the specific condition is not limited
to the above cases and can be voluntarily set.
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At a lower position of the lower display device 32D, a base portion 50 projected
horizontally is formed, and on the upper left side of the base portion 50, there are
provided the 1-BET switch 20 to bet one coin among coins already inserted, the 3-BET
switch 22 to bet three coins among coins already inserted and the maximum BET
switch 24 to bet the maximum number of coins for one game among coins already
inserted. Based on that the BET switch 20, 22 or 24 is pressed, the pay lines are
activated according to the pressed BET switch. And on the upper left side of the base
portion 50, a spin switch 25 to start the game is arranged. The player inserts coins
through a coin insertion slot 44 mentioned later and presses one of the BET switches
20, 22 and 24, thereby a predetermined number of coins are betted. Thereafter, the
player presses the spin switch 25, thereby the game is started.
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On the rear side of the BET switches 20, 22, 24 arranged on the upper left side
of the base portion 50, an operation portion 42 constructing from a plurality of push
buttons and a cross key is provided. This operation portion 42 is operated when the
second game is conducted, as mentioned hereinafter. And on the upper right side of
the base portion 50, a coin insertion slot 44 and a bill insertion slot 46 are provided.
Coins or bills are inserted in the coin insertion slot 44 or bill insertion slot 44, thereby
games can be executed.
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And a payout switch 48 is arranged near the coin insertion slot 44 and when the
payout switch 48 is pressed, coins inserted in the gaming machine 2 are paid out
through a coin payout opening 52 formed at the lower front position of the cabinet 30.
Coins paid out are stored in a coin receiving tray 54.
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Further, on the upper part of the cabinet 30, it is provided an information lamp
56 which is turned on or blinked when abnormality of the gaming machine 2 is
detected and the player calls a shop keeper in a game arcade, and is utilized to inform
the shop keeper of abnormality in the gaming machine 2.
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Fig. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing an electrical construction of the
gaming machine shown in Fig. 1.
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The above mentioned 1-BET switch 20, 3-BET switch 22 and maximum BET
switch 24 are connected to an interface circuit group 62 of the main control circuit 60,
and the interface circuit group 62 is connected to a input / output bus 64. Each of the
switches produces a predetermined signal when pressed and outputs such signal to the
input / output bus 64.
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And the operation portion 42 having a plurality of push buttons and the cross
key and the spin switch 25 for starting the game are connected to the interface circuit
group 62 of the main control circuit 60. Each of the operation portion 42 and the spin
switch 25 produces a predetermined signal when pressed respectively and outputs
such signal to the input / output bus 64.
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The input / output bus 64 is constructed so as to be able to input and output
data signals or address signals. Here, in the embodiment, although a CPU 66
conducts transmission and reception of signals with an external through the bus, the
CPU 66 may conduct transmission and reception of signals through ports.
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A bill validator 40 and a coin detection sensor 58 are connected to the above
mentioned interface group 62. The bill validator 40 produces a signal based on kind
and number of bill when a bill is inserted therein and transmits such signal to the
interface circuit group 62. And the coin detection sensor 58 produces signal based on
kind and number of coin when coins are inserted in the coin insertion slot 44 and
transmits such signal to the interface circuit group 62.
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The payout switch 48 is connected to the above mentioned interface circuit
group 62 and when the player presses the payout switch 48 a predetermined signal is
output to the input / output bus 64. Based on this signal, coins inserted are paid out
to the coin payout opening 52 through a payout device 82 mentioned later.
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And a ROM 68 and a RAM 70 are connected to the above mentioned input /output
bus 64. The ROM 68 stores control program for wholly controlling procedures
done by the system of the gaming machine 2. Further, the ROM 68 stores initial data
for executing the control program and a part of program for conducting display control
of the display device 32 and the like. The RAM 70 temporarily stores the above
program and data, flags as calculation result and process result and values of
variables.
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And a hard-disc drive 74 is also connected to the input / output bus 64, and
programs for conducting games and various data such as image data are stored in the
hard-disc drive 74. Here, in the present invention, instead of the hard-disc drive 74,
for example, it may be utilized a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory which
has comparatively large memory capacity, or a volatile memory may be utilized.
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Further, a random number generator 78 for generating random numbers is
connected to the input / output bus 64. When a command to generate random
numbers is input to the random number generator 78 from the CPU 66, the random
number generator 78 generates random numbers within a predetermined range and
outputs a signal indicating the value of random number to the input / output bus 64.
And the CPU 66 progresses the game according to the generated random number.
Further, such random number is stored in the RAM 70 as the data indicating a lottery
result. Here, the random number generator 78 may be realized, for example, by
software through the program stored in the ROM 68 and the RAM 70.
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Further, an interface circuit group 72 is connected to the input / output bus 64.
A speaker 80, an information lamp 56 and a payout device 82 are connected to the
interface circuit group 72 and the interface circuit group 72 provides drive signals and
drive power to control each of the above mentioned devices, based on a result of
calculation process done in the CPU 66. And the information lamp 56 is turned on or
blinked when abnormality of the gaming machine 2 is detected and the player calls the
shop keeper of the game arcade, thereby the information lamp 56 informs the shop
keeper of occurrence of abnormality in the gaming machine 2. As the information
lamp 56, for example, LED, lamp or fluorescent lamp may be utilized.
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Further, a display control device 200 is also connected to the interface circuit
group 72 and the display control device 200 produces a drive signal to drive the display
device 32 (upper display device 32U and lower display device 32D) connected to the
display control device 200, based on an image instruction signal output from the main
control circuit 60.
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Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a construction of the display control device
200 provided in the gaming machine 2 shown in Fig. 1.
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An interface circuit 202 is connected to an input / output bus 204 and an image
display command output from the above mentioned main control circuit 60 is input to
the input / output bus 204 through the interface circuit 202. Data signal and address
signal are input to and output from a CPU 206 through the input / output bus 204. In
the embodiment, although the CPU 206 conducts transmission and reception of signals
with an external through the bus, the CPU 206 may conduct transmission and
reception of signals through ports.
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To the above mentioned input / output bus 204, a ROM 208 and a RAM 210 are
also connected. The ROM 208 stores display control program to produce a drive
signal provided to the display device 32 (upper display device 32U and lower display
device 32D), based on image display command output from the main control circuit 60.
On the other hand, the RAM 210 stores flags used in the display control program and
values of variables.
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Further, an image data processor (abbreviated as VDP hereinafter) 212 is also
connected to the input / output bus 204. The VDP 212 includes a splite circuit, a
screen circuit and a palette circuit, thus the VDP 212 is a processing device capable of
conducting various processes to display images on the display device 32 (upper display
device 32U and lower display device 32D).
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And to the VDP 212, it is connected a video RAM 214 for storing various image
data corresponding to the image display command output from the main control circuit
60 and an image data ROM 216 for storing various image data necessary to conduct
the first game and the second game. Further, to the VDP 212, it is connected a drive
circuit 218 for producing a drive signal to drive the display device 32 (upper display
device 32U and lower display device 32D).
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The above mentioned CPU 206 reads the display control program stored in the
ROM 208 and executes it, and stores in the video RAM 214 the image data displayed
on the display device 32 (upper display device 32U and lower display device 32D)
corresponding to the image display command output from the main control circuit 60.
And the image data stored in the video RAM 214 are output to the display device 32
(upper display device 32U and lower display device 32D) through the drive circuit 218.
Of course, the electrical construction of the gaming machine 2 according to the present
invention is not limited to examples shown in Figs. 3 and 4.
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A sub-routine executed by the main control circuit 60 to control the gaming
machine 2 is shown in Figs. 4 to 6. Hereinafter, explanation will be done supposed
that the gaming machine 2 is operated beforehand and variables used in the
mentioned CPU 66 is initialized to a predetermined values and the gaming machine 2
normally operates.
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Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine for conducting the first game process
executed in the main control circuit 60.
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This sub-routine is a sub-routine called out and executed at a predetermined
timing by a main routine which is executed beforehand.
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At first, it is determined whether or not coins are betted (step S11). In this
process, the CPU 66 determines whether or not a signal indicating that the player
conducts BET process is received. If it is determined that such signal is received, the
procedure shifts to step S12, and on the other hand, if it is determined that such signal
is not received, the sub-routine is terminated.
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The above BET process may be automatically done when the player inserts
coins, and may be first done when the player presses any one of the 1-BET switch 20,
the 3-BET switch 22 and the maximum BET switch 24.
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Next, it is determined whether or not the spin switch 25 to instruct game start
is pressed (step S12). In this process, the CPU 66 determines whether or not a signal
indicating that the player presses the spin switch 25 is received. If it is determined
that such signal is received, the procedure shifts to step S13, and on the other hand, if
it is determined that such signal is not received, the process in step S12 is executed
again.
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Next, an internal lottery process is conducted (step S13). In this process, the
CPU 66 produces a command indicating that random numbers should be generated by
the random number generator 78 and the random number generator 78 generates
random numbers based on the above command. And the CPU 66 stores in a
predetermined area in the RAM 70 internal lottery data determined based on the
random number obtained and a probability table set in the RAM 70. Here, the
internal lottery data include data indicating a symbol combination mode which can be
stopped and displayed if the "big prize" or "small prize" is won. And hereinafter
explanation will be done supposed that it is set in the ROM 70 the lottery table
according to which probability to win the "big prize" is 1/1024, probability to win the
"small prize" is 3/1024 and probability to lose prize (including "obtainment of the
second game") is 1020/1024.
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Here, in the present invention, random numbers may be produced according to
the software by the CPU 66, the program stored in the ROM 68 and the RAM 70 (for
example, by renewing a value with a constant frequency or irregular frequency) and
the internal lottery data may be stored in the predetermined area in the RAM 70 based
on the obtained random number. In this case, the random number generator 78 can
be omitted.
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Next, rotation and display process of the reels is done (step S14). In this
process, the CPU 66 transmits signals to the display control device 200 so that the
game similar to the slot machine is started on the upper display device 32U, that is,
the reels displayed on the upper display device 32U as images are rotated. In these
signals, symbol image data to determine the symbol combination when stopped based
on the above internal lottery data are included. Further, the display control device
200 displays the reels so that the reels are rotated on the upper display device 32U,
based on the above signals, thereby variable display of the plural symbols is started.
And while the first game is executed, the display control device 200 also executes
display process of various effect images on the lower display device 32D, based on the
signals transmitted from the CPU 66.
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Next, stop display process of the reels is done (step S15). In this process, the
CPU 66 transmits the signal to the display control device 200 so that the game similar
to the slot machine is terminated on the upper display device 32U, that is, rotation of
the reels displayed on the upper display device 32U as images is stopped. And the
display control device 200 conducts variable display of the plural symbols for a
predetermined time, thereafter stops the symbols.
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Next, winning process is conducted (step S16). In this process, the CPU 66
executes the winning process based on the symbols stopped or the symbol combination,
or the internal lottery data. This winning process will be described hereinafter.
After the process in the step S16 is terminated, the sub-routine is terminated.
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Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine for conducting the winning process
executed by the main control circuit 60.
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This sub-routine is a sub-routine which called out in step S16 in the above
mentioned sub-routine shown in Fig. 4, and is executed.
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At first, it is determined whether or not the symbols or the symbol combination
stopped and displayed is the winning state corresponding to the "obtainment of the
second game" (step S21). In this process, the CPU 66 determines whether or not the
symbols or the symbol combination stopped and displayed in step S15 of the sub-routine
shown in Fig. 4 indicates a case that the procedure shifts to the second game.
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If it is determined that the symbols or the symbol combination indicates the
case that the procedure shifts to the second game, the CPU 66 executes the second
game process (step S22). In the second game, variable display of the symbols
substantially similar to game contents of the first game is done. At that time, the
second game can be done without newly inserting coins and a payout rate of game
worth (coins) is set higher than that of the first game. Here, the second game may be
executed when coins are inserted. The second game will be explained in detail
hereinafter.
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Here, the above payout rate is defined as the expectation value of the game
worth (coins) which is paid out per a predetermined number of games (for example,
100 games). This payout rate can be, for example, calculated based on that the game
worth (coins) paid out is measured every 100 games and the average value of the
measured values is obtained.
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In step S21, if it is determined that the symbols or the symbol combination
stopped and displayed does not indicate the case that the procedure shifts to the
second game, it is continuously determined whether or not the symbols or the symbol
combination is the winning state of the prize (the state that the big prize or the small
prize is won)(step S23). And if it is determined that the symbols or the symbol
combination stopped and displayed is the winning state of the prize, the CPU 66 drives
the payout device 82. That is to say, the CPU 66 drives the payout device 82 so that
coins the number of which corresponds to the winning state are paid out to the coin
receiving tray 54 through the coin payout opening 52 (step S24), for example so that
1000 coins are paid out if the winning state is the big prize and 500 coins are paid out
if the winning state is the small prize. In step S23, if it is determined that the
symbols or the symbol combination is not the winning state of the prize, or if the
process in step S22 or step S24 is executed, the sub-routine is terminated. When the
sub-routines shown in Figs. 4 and 5 are executed, the main control circuit 60 functions
as the first game controller.
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Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine for conducting the second game
process executed by the main control circuit 60. This sub-routine is a sub-routine
called out and executed in step S22 in the sub-routine shown in Fig. 5.
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At first, the CPU 66 determines the number of the symbols each of which is
substituted to a WILD symbol as a specific symbol among the plural symbols displayed
while the variable display game as the second game is conducted (step S110). This
WILD symbol can be replaced by each of all kinds of symbols displayed in the second
game.
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For example, in a case that the winning state of the big prize is obtained if five
"7" symbols are aligned on the pay line, when five symbols of the WILD symbol (s) and
the "7" symbol (s) in total are aligned on the pay line, the winning state of the big prize
is realized.
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And in a case that the winning state of the small prize is obtained if five "3"
symbols are aligned on the pay line, when five symbols of the WILD symbol (s) and the
"3" symbol (s) in total are aligned on the pay line, the winning state of the small prize
is realized.
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Here, it is not necessary that the above specific symbol can be replaced by each
of all kinds of symbols displayed in the second game, and it is enough that the specific
symbol can be replaced by plural kinds of the symbols.
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The process in step S110 is, for example, done based on a WILD symbol number
determination table shown in Fig. 7.
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Fig. 7 is an explanatory view showing one example of the WILD symbol number
determination table which is utilized in step S110 of the sub-routine shown in Fig. 6.
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In the WILD symbol number determination table, "symbol combination" in the
most left column indicates the symbol combination stopped and displayed in the first
game. And "WILD symbol number" in the center column of the table indicates the
number of WILD symbol which is replaceable by the symbol displayed in the second
game among a plurality of symbols. And "winning probability" in the most right
column indicates kinds of the probability tables set in the RAM 70 in the process of
step S110.
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For example, if the "symbol combination" is "Ace", the WILD symbol number
becomes "3". At that time, it is set in the RAM 70 the probability table, in which the
probability that the "big prize" is won is 3/512, the probability that the "small prize" is
won is 9/512 and the probability that the winning state becomes the "loss of winning"
is 500/512.
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And if the "symbol combination" is "Jack" (other symbol combination), the
WILD symbol number becomes "1". At that time, it is set the probability table, in
which the probability that the "big prize" is won is 1/512, the probability that the
"small prize" is won is 3/512 and the probability that the winning state becomes the
"loss of winning" is 508/512.
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Here, in the probability table shown in Fig. 7 the winning probability (the
probability of the "big prize" and the probability of the "small prize") is made higher
than the winning probability in the first game.
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After the process in step S110 is executed, it is continuously determined
whether or not the spin switch 25 to instruct game start is pressed (step S112). In
this process, the CPU 66 determines whether or not a signal indicating that the spin
switch 25 is pressed by the player is received. If it is determined that such signal is
received, the procedure shifts to S113, and on the other hand, if it is determined that
such signal is not received, the process in step S112 is executed again.
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Next, the internal lottery process is conducted (step S113). In this process, the
CPU 66 transmits a command to generate the random numbers to the random number
generator 78 and the random number generator 78 which receives the above command
generates the random numbers. Further, the CPU 66 stores in the predetermined
area in the RAM 70 the internal lottery data calculated based on the obtained random
number and the probability table set in the RAM 70 through the above process in step
S110. Here, the internal lottery data include the data indicating the symbol
combination which can be stopped and displayed based on that the "big prize" or the
"small prize" is won.
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Next, WILD symbol conversion process is conducted (step S120). In this step
S120, the CPU 66 conducts conversion process in which the WILD symbol is
substituted to any one of plural symbols displayed so as to be described on each outer
periphery of the reels, based on the WILD symbol number determined in step S110.
Concerning with that the WILD symbol is substituted to which symbol among plural
symbols displayed on each of outer periphery of the reels, for example, such symbol
may be determined based on the random number generated by the random number
generator 78. Here, it is not adopted the manner that the symbol is substituted to
the specific symbol (WILD symbol) as in the embodiment, but it may be adopted the
manner that the symbol is retained as it is and function as the specific symbol is given
to the symbol (that is, function that the symbol can be replaced by plural kinds of
symbols).
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Next, rotation process of the reels is done (step S114). In this rotation process,
the CPU 66 transmits a signal to the display control device 200 so that the game like
the slot machine is started on the upper display device 32U, that is, the reels displayed
as images on the upper display device 32U are rotated. Such signal includes the
symbol image data for determining the symbol combination when stopped and
displayed based on the above internal lottery data. Based on the above signal, the
display control device 200 controls the upper display device 32U so that the reels are
rotated on the upper display device 32U, thereby variable display of plural symbols is
started. Further, while the second game is executed, the display control device 200
also conducts the process in which various effect images are displayed on the lower
display device 32D based on the signal transmitted from the CPU 66.
-
Next, stop display process of the reels is conducted (step S115). In this process,
the CPU 66 transmits a signal to the display control device 200 so that the game like
the slot machine is terminated, that is, rotation of the reels displayed as images on the
upper display device is stopped. And the display control device 200 conducts variable
display of plural symbols for a predetermined time, thereafter stops and displays
plural symbols.
-
After the process in step S115 is executed, the CPU 66 determines whether or
not the stopped and displayed symbols or the symbol combination corresponds to the
winning state that the prize (big prize or small prize) is won (step S116). And if it is
determined that the stopped and displayed symbols or the symbol combination
corresponds to the winning state that the prize is won, the CPU 66 drives the payout
device 82 so that coins the number of which corresponds to the winning state are paid
out to the coin receiving tray 54 through the coin payout opening 52 (step S117), for
example so that 1000 coins are paid out if the winning state is the big prize and 500
coins are paid out if the winning state is the small prize. In step S116, if it is
determined that the symbols or the symbol combination is not the winning state of the
prize, the sub-routine is terminated. Here, when the sub-routine shown in Fig. 6 is
executed, the main control circuit 60 functions as the second game controller.
-
Figs. 8 (a) ∼ (d) are explanatory views schematically showing images displayed
on the upper display device 32U and the lower display device 32D when the sub-routines
shown in Figs. 4 ∼ 6 are executed.
-
The images shown in Fig. 8 (a) show an example of images displayed on the
display device 32 right after the first game is terminated. On the upper display
device 32U, the image showing a game like the slot machine having five (5) reels and
nine (9) pay lines is displayed. In such image, five (5) "ACE" symbols are stopped and
displayed on the central pay line. And on the lower display device 32D, the effect
image is displayed.
-
Thereafter, when the second game is started, images shown in Fig. 8 (b) are
displayed.
-
These images show an example of images displayed on the display device 32
right after the second game is terminated, and become substantially as same as those
shown in Fig. 8 (a) which is displayed right after the first game is terminated. On the
upper display device 32U, the image showing a game like the slot machine having five
(5) reels and nine (9) pay lines is displayed. In such image, three WILD symbols and
two "7" symbols are displayed. As mentioned in the above, since each of the WILD
symbols can be replaced by each of all kinds of symbols, the symbol combination of
these WILD symbols and the "7" symbols constructs the winning state of the "big
prize".
-
And the effect image displayed on the lower display device 32D includes the
image indicating while the second game called "bonus game" is executed and the image
indicating that 1000 coins are paid out based on that the "big prize" is won.
-
The images shown in Fig. 8 (c) show an example of images displayed on the
display device 32 right after the first game is terminated. On the upper display
device 32U, the image showing a game like the slot machine having five (5) reels and
nine (9) pay lines is displayed. In such image, five (5) "JACK" symbols are stopped
and displayed on the central pay line. And on the lower display device 32D, the effect
image is displayed.
-
Thereafter, when the second game is started, the images shown in Fig. 8 (d) is
displayed.
-
These images show another example of images displayed on the display device
32 right after the second game is terminated, and become substantially as same as
those shown in Fig. 8 (c) which is displayed right after the first game is terminated.
On the upper display device 32U, the image showing a game like the slot machine
having five (5) reels and nine (9) pay lines is displayed. In such image, one WILD
symbol and four "3" symbols are displayed. As mentioned in the above, since each of
the WILD symbols can be replaced by each of all kinds of symbols, the symbol
combination of the WILD symbols and the "3" symbols constructs the winning state of
the "small prize".
-
And the effect image displayed on the lower display device 32D includes the
image indicating while the second game called "bonus game" is executed and the image
indicating that 500 coins are paid out based on that the "small prize" is won.
-
As mentioned, according to the gaming machine 2, the variable display game
similar to the first game is conducted in the second game, and the WILD symbol
(specific symbol) appears, thus the payout rate becomes higher since the probability
winning the "big prize" and the "small prize" becomes high, as a result, the player can
get a beneficial condition. Therefore, connection between the first game and the
second game can be enhanced and interest for games can be raised, thus expectation
and excitement of the player can be raised. And since it is determined whether or not
the second game is executed, the second game being done under a more beneficial
condition according to the result in the first game, interest and connection for the first
game can be raised, therefore interest for games can be improved.
-
And the number of symbol which is substituted to the WILD symbol (specific
symbol) is determined corresponding to the symbols or symbol combination stopped
and displayed in the first game, thereby connection between the first game and the
second game can be improved, and interest and connection for the first game and the
second game can be synergistically raised and interest for whole game can be
improved.
-
In the gaming machine 2 mentioned in the above, although the kind of the
specific symbol substituted in the second game is determined based on the symbol
combination stopped and displayed in the first game, the number of the specific symbol
may be determined corresponding to the symbols stopped and displayed in the first
game except for the symbol combination stopped and displayed, in the present
invention. For example, if the specific symbol is included in any of the plural symbols
stopped and displayed in the first game, two symbols are substituted to the specific
symbols, and if the specific symbol is not included in any of the plural symbols stopped
and displayed in the first game, one symbol is substituted to the specific symboL
-
Further, in the present invention, it is not necessary to determine the number
of the specific symbol substituted in the second game corresponding to only the
symbols or the symbol combination stopped and displayed in the first game.
-
In the present invention, it may be determined the number of the specific
symbol substituted in the second game corresponding to the lottery result obtained by
the lottery done when the number of the specific symbol is determined in the second
game and the symbols or the symbol combination stopped and displayed in the first
game. In this case, the lottery is conducted in step S110 (WILD symbol number
determination process) shown in Fig. 6 while referring the WILD symbol number
determination table shown in Fig. 9, and the number of the WILD symbol substituted
in the second game can be determined corresponding to the lottery result and the
symbols or the symbol combination stopped and displayed in the first game.
-
Fig. 9 is an explanatory view schematically showing another example of the
WILD symbol number determination table which is utilized in step S110 of the sub-routine
shown in Fig. 6.
-
In the WILD symbol number determination table, the "symbol combination" in
the most left column indicates the symbol combination stopped and displayed in the
first game. In the center column of the table, the "lottery result" indicates a random
number range extracted in the lottery. Here, one random number is extracted in a
random number range of 0 ∼ 63 in the above lottery.
-
For example, in a case that the "symbol combination" is "ACE" and the lottery
result is "1", the WILD symbol number is "3". And the "symbol combination" is
"JACK" (other symbol combination) and the lottery result is "47", the WILD symbol
number is "2".
-
Here, although not shown in Fig. 9, the probability table corresponding to the
WILD symbol number determined in S110 is set in the RAM 70. Further, in the
probability table set in the RAM 70 during the second game, the probability for
winning prizes (the probability for winning the "big prize" and the probability for
winning the "small prize") is made higher than that in the first game.
-
As mentioned in the above, the WILD symbol number, the WILD symbol being
substituted in the second game, is not determined corresponding to only the symbols or
the symbol combination stopped and displayed in the first game, but is determined
corresponding to both the symbols or the symbol combination and the lottery result
obtained by the lottery done thereafter. Thereby, determination of the WILD symbol
number, the WILD symbol being substituted, can be further variegated, as a result,
interest for games can be improved.
-
And in the present invention, corresponding to both the symbols or the symbol
combination stopped and displayed in the first game and the game worth (coins) betted
in the first game, the specific symbol (WILD symbol) number, the specific symbol being
substituted in the second game, may be determined.
-
In this case, in step S110 of the sub-routine shown in Fig. 6, a WILD symbol
number determination table shown in Fig. 10 is referred and the WILD symbol
number may be determined corresponding to the symbols or the symbol combination
stopped and displayed in the first game and the game worth (coins) betted in the first
game.
-
Fig. 10 is further another explanatory view showing one example of a WILD
symbol number determination table which is utilized in S110 in the sub-routine shown
in Fig. 6.
-
In the WILD symbol number determination table, the "symbol combination" in
the most left column indicates the symbol combination stopped and displayed in the
first game. In the center column of the table, the "bet number in the first game"
indicates a range of the game worth (coins) betted in the first game. Here, the game
worth (coins) in the range of 1 ∼ 45 can be betted. And the "bet number" in Fig. 10
indicates a total bet number betted in the first game.
-
For example, in a case that the "symbol combination" is "ACE" and the "bet
number in the first game" is "10", the WILD symbol number is "3". And in a case that
the "symbol combination" is "JACK" (other symbol combination) and the "bet number
in the first game" is "25", the WILD symbol number is "2".
-
Here, although not shown in Fig. 10, the probability table corresponding to the
WILD symbol number determined in S110 is set in the RAM 70. Further, in the
probability table set in the RAM 70 during the second game, the probability for
winning prizes (the probability for winning the "big prize" and the probability for
winning the "small prize") is made higher than that in the first game.
-
As mentioned in the above, the WILD symbol number, the WILD symbol being
substituted in the second game, is not determined corresponding to only the symbols or
the symbol combination stopped and displayed in the first game, but is determined
corresponding to both the symbols or the symbol combination and the number of game
worth (coins) betted in the first game. Thereby, determination of the WILD symbol
number, the WILD symbol being substituted, can be further variegated. And the
player can change the number of the WILD symbol substituted in the second game
according to his or her own intention, by increasing or decreasing the game worth
(coins) betted in the first game, thereby strategy can he given to the second game.
-
Further, in the present invention, the number of the specific symbol substituted
in the second game may be determined corresponding to the number of the specific
symbol stopped and displayed in the first game.
-
For example, in a case that the number of the specific symbol "7" stopped and
displayed in the first game is "3", the number of the specific symbol substituted in the
second game may be "3", and in a case that the number of the specific symbol "7"
stopped and displayed in the first game is "5", the number of the specific symbol
substituted in the second game may be "5". According to this, connection between the
first game and the second game can be improved, thereby interest for games can be
further raised.
-
In the gaming machine of the present invention, the timing at which the symbol
is substituted in the specific symbol during variable display game conducted as the
second game, is not especially limited. For example, such timing may be a time that
the symbols are stopped before variable display of a plurality of symbols is done or a
time that the symbols are stopped and displayed after variable display is started.
-
And in the gaming machine 2, although it is explained a case that images
indicating the second game arc displayed over the upper display device 32U and the
lower display device 32D, images indicating the second game may be displayed on one
of the upper display device 32U and the lower display device 32D in the gaming
machine of the present invention. Further, the gaming machine may be constructed
so that images indicating the second game is displayed on each of the upper display
device 32U and the lower display device 32D and two second games can be
simultaneously conducted.
-
Further, the present invention may be adopted to the slot machine mentioned
hereinafter.
-
Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a slot machine as another gaming machine
according to the present invention.
-
In Fig. 11, the slot machine 301 has a cabinet 302 constructing a whole of the
slot machine 301. At a front upper part of the cabinet 302 an upper liquid crystal
display 303 is arranged, and at a front central part of the cabinet 302 a lower liquid
crystal display 304 is arranged. Here, the upper liquid crystal display 303 is
constructed from a liquid crystal display device which is generally used, and the lower
liquid crystal display 304 is constructed from, so-called, a transparent liquid crystal
display device. A detailed construction of the transparent liquid crystal display
device will be explained hereinafter.
-
An operation table 305, which is projected frontward, is formed below the lower
liquid crystal display 304, and from the most left side on the operation table 305, a
change button 306, a payout (cash out) button 307, a help button 308 are arranged.
And a coin insertion slot 309 and a bill insertion portion 310 are arranged at the right
aide of the help button 308. Further, from the left side, a 1-BET button 311, a
SPIN/REPEAT BET button (hereinafter, abbreviated as "spin button") 312, a 3-BET
button 313 and a 5-BET button 314 arc positioned at the front side on the operation
table 305.
-
Here, the change button 306 is pressed when exchanging the bill inserted in the
bill insertion portion 311, and the exchanged coins are paid out through a coin payout
opening 315 to a coin tray 316 which is formed at the lower part of the cabinet 302.
To the change button 306, a change switch 362 (explained hereinafter) is attached, and
the. a switch signal is output to a CPU 350 (mentioned hereinafter) from the change
switch 362 based on press of the change button 306.
-
The payout button 307 is usually pressed when games are terminated, and
when the payout button 307 is pressed coins got in games are paid out through the coin
payout opening 315 to the coin tray 316. Here, to the payout button 307, a payout
(cash out) switch 363 (mentioned hereinafter) is attached and a switch signal is output
to the CPU 350 from the payout switch 363 based on press of the payout button 307.
-
The help button 308 is pressed when the player cannot understand game
operation method, and when the help button 308 is pressed, various help information
is displayed on the upper liquid crystal display 303 or the lower liquid crystal display
304. To this help button 308, a help switch 364 (mentioned hereinafter) is attached
and a switch signal is output to the CPU 350 from the help switch 364 based on press
of the help button 308.
-
To the coin insertion slot 309 a coin sensor 365 (mentioned hereinafter) is
positioned, and when the coin is inserted in the coin insertion slot 309 a coin detection
signal is output to the CPU 350 through the coin sensor 365. And to the bill insertion
portion 310 a bill sensor 366 (mentioned hereinafter) is positioned, and when the bill is
inserted in the bill insertion portion 310 a bill detection signal is output to the CPU
350 through the bill sensor 366.
-
As for the 1-BET button 311, every the 1-BET button 311 is pressed one credit
is betted, and the 1-BET button 311 can bet by pressing up to tree times as the
maximum pressing time. To the 1-BET button 311, a 1-BET switch 359 is attached
and when the 1-BET button 311 is pressed a switch signal is output to the CPU 350
from the 1-BET switch 359 based on press of the 1-BET button 311.
-
The spin button 312 is the button to start games from the present bet number
or the previous bet number by press thereof, thereby reels 322 (mentioned later) are
started to rotate. To the spin button 312, a spin switch 358 (mentioned later) is
attached, and when the spin button 312 is pressed a switch signal is output to the CPU
350 from the spin switch 358 based on press of the spin button 312. Here, as the bet
number which can be betted by press of the spin button 312, there may exist 1, 2, 3
and 5 bets.
-
The 3-BET button 313 is the button to start games from 3 bets on the basis of
press thereof. To this 3-BET button 313, a 3-BET switch 360 (mentioned hereinafter)
is attached and when the 3-BET button 313 is pressed a switch signal is output to the
CPU 350 from the 3-BET switch 360. And the 5-BET button 314 is the button to
start games from 5 bets on the basis of press thereof. To the 5-BET button 314, a 5-BET
switch 361 is attached and when the 5-BET button is pressed a switch signal is
output to the CPU 350 from the 5-BET switch 361 on the basis of press thereof.
-
Further, at the lower part of the cabinet 302, the coin payout opening 315 is
formed and the coin tray 316 to receive coins paid out from the coin payout opening
315 is provided. In the coin payout opening 315, a coin detection part 373 constructed
from a sensor and the like is positioned and the coin detection part 373 detects number
of coins paid out from the coin payout opening 315.
-
Further, at the side plane (the right side plane in Fig. 11) of the cabinet 302, a
start lever 317 is arranged rotatably within a predetermined angle range. To the
start lever 317, a start switch 357 is attached and when the start lever 317 is rotated a
switch signal occurring from the start switch 357 is output to the CPU 350.
-
Next, it will be described a detailed construction of the lower liquid crystal
display 304 and reels rotatably arranged behind the lower liquid crystal display 304 in
the cabinet 302, with reference to Figs. 12 and 13. Fig. 12 is a longitudinal sectional
view of the lower liquid crystal display 304 and the reels 322, and Fig. 13 is an
exploded perspective view of the lower liquid crystal display 304.
-
In Figs. 12 and 13, the lower liquid crystal display 304 is arranged within a
display window 321 of a device front panel 320 positioned at the front center part of
the cabinet 302 in the slot machine 301, with a transparent touch panel 330
(abbreviated as "touch panel 330" hereinafter) arranged at the front side (the left side
in Fig. 12) of the lower liquid crystal display 304. And at the rear side (the right side
in Fig. 12) of the lower liquid crystal display 304, three reels 322 (only one reel 322 is
indicated in Fig. 12) are supported in a parallel state so that the reels 322 become
independently rotatable.
-
Here, each reel 322 will be described. Among three reels 322, the left reel 322
when seeing the front plane of the slot machine 301 faces to a left display window 323
(see Fig. 11) formed in the lower liquid crystal display 304, the center reel 322 faces to
a center display window 324 (see Fig. 11) similarly formed in the lower liquid crystal
display 304 and the right reel 322 faces to a right display window 325 (see Fig. 11)
similarly formed in the lower liquid crystal display 304. Construction of each of the
display windows 323, 324, 325 will described hereinafter.
-
Further, on an outer periphery of each reel 322, various kinds of symbols shown
in Fig. 14 (6 kinds of symbols are indicated in Fig. 14) are formed. Concretely, as
kinds of symbols formed on the outer periphery of the reel 322, concerning with game
contents conducted in the slot machine 301, it is utilized a wild symbol, a pendant
symbol, a trigger symbol, a red 7 symbol to which a beautiful girl is attached, a bill
bundle symbol and a gold coin symbol. And these 6 kinds of symbols and blank (s)
(area where the symbol do not exist) are combined based on a predetermined
combination and the combinations in which the symbols and the blanks are totally
combined (the total number of the symbols and the blanks is 22) is formed. On the
outer periphery of each reel 322, such combination with of symbols and blanks (total
number of which is 22) is formed.
-
Here, various winning combinations are determined beforehand based on plural
kinds of combinations of the symbols and when the symbol combination corresponding
to the winning combination is stopped along a pay line L (see Fig. 11), coins are paid
out from the coin payout opening 315 according to the winning combination. These
points are as same as those in the conventional slot machine, therefore explanation
thereof will be omitted. And formation of the symbols on the outer periphery of the
reel 322 is generally done as follows. First, symbols and blanks (total number of
which is 22) are printed on a long seal having a width and a length corresponding to
the width and the periphery length of the reel 322, respectively. And such seal is
adhered on the peripheral plane of the reel 322. Of course, the symbols may be
formed by different method other than the above method. These symbols and blanks
correspond to a plurality of symbols in the first game, and are variably displayed by
rotating the reels 322 and are stopped and displayed by stopping rotation of the reels
322.
-
In the embodiment, the pay line L is determined to only the center line, and
such pay line L is displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 304 when the game,
namely the first game, is conducted by rotating and stopping the reels 322 based on
press of the spin button 312, the 3-BET button 313 and the 5-BET button 314 or
rotation of the start lever 317.
-
Further, the above mentioned trigger symbol functions as a trigger to obtain the
second games. In the embodiment, one trigger symbol is formed only on the
peripheral plane of the right reel 322. Based on that the trigger symbol existing on
the peripheral plane of the right reel 322 is stopped on the pay line L in the first game,
the second game can be obtained.
-
That is to say, the specific condition to execute the second game is that the
trigger symbol stops on the pay line L.
-
Next, construction of the lower liquid crystal display 304 will be described with
reference to Figs. 12 and 13. In Figs. 12 and 13, the lower liquid crystal display 304
is constructed by arranging from the front side of the slot machine 301; the touch panel
330, the reel glass base 331, the bezel metal frame 332, the transparent liquid crystal
panel 333, the liquid crystal holder 334, the scattering sheet 335, the light leading
plate 336, the white reflector 337, the rear holder 338 and the antistatic sheet 339.
In the scattering sheet 335, three openings 335A, 335B, 335C are formed. Similarly,
in the light leading plate 336, the reflector 337 and the rear holder 338, three openings
336A, 336B, 336C, 337A, 337B, 337C, 338A, 338B, 338C are formed respectively, so as
to coincide with the openings 335A, 335B, 335C. Here, the openings 335A ∼ 338A
construct the left display window 323 (see Fig. 11) by superimposing so as to coincide
with each other. Similarly, the openings 335B ∼ 338B construct the center display
window 324 (see Fig. 11) by superimposing so as to coincide with each other and the
openings 335C ∼ 338C construct the right display window 325 (see Fig. 11) by
superimposing so as to coincide with each other.
-
Here, the openings 335A ∼ 335C in the scattering sheet 335 and the openings
336A ∼ 336C in the light leading plate 336 construct the light transmitting areas to
retain visibility while variable displaying is conducted by rotating reels 322.
-
In order to install the lower liquid crystal display 304 to the display window 321
of the device front panel 320, as shown in Fig. 12, brackets 340 are screwed to the rear
side of the device front panel 320 by screws 341.
-
And at an upper and lower end of the light leading panel 336, a pair of cold
cathode ray tubes 342 are arranged as light sources of the liquid crystal panel 333.
And at an upper and lower positions in the rear side of each of openings 338A ∼ 338C
in the rear holder 338, a pair of cold cathode ray tubes 343 are arranged to illuminate
the symbols on the outer periphery of each of the reels 322.
-
The liquid crystal panel 333 is a transparent electric display panel on which
transparent electrodes such as ITO are formed, and arranged in front of each of the
reels 322 which can be seen therethrough. And the circumference in rear side of the
display part of the liquid crystal panel 333 is held by the liquid crystal holder 334.
The light leading plate 336 is made from the light transmitting resin panel, and in the
light leading plate 336 lens cut portions are formed, the lens cut portions leading light
emitted from the cold cathode ray tubes 343 positioned at side positions to the rear
side of the liquid crystal panel 333. The light scattering sheet 335 is made from a
light transmitting resin sheet and scatters light led by the light leading panel 336 and
levels light irradiated to the liquid crystal panel 333. The liquid crystal holder 334
for holding the liquid crystal panel 333, the scattering sheet 335 and the light leading
plate 336 are assembled into one body and circumference thereof is inserted in the
bezel metal frame 332. Thereby, the front side of the display part in the liquid crystal
panel 333 is retained by the bezel metal frame 332.
-
Circumference of the liquid crystal holder 334, the light scattering sheet 335
and the light leading plate 336, which are inserted in the bezel metal frame 332 and
assembled into one body, is further inserted in the reel glass base 331 and retained by
the reel glass base 331 in a state that the front display plane of the liquid crystal panel
333 is opened. The transparent touch panel 330 is pressed and contacted to the front
side of the reel glass base 331 by installing the reel glass base 331 to the device front
panel 320 through the screws 341, thereby the transparent touch panel 330 is
superimposed on the front display plane of the liquid crystal panel 333.
-
The rear holder 338 is made from a white resin plate and retains to the reel
glass base 331 the bezel metal frame 332 supported to the reel glass base 331, the
liquid crystal holder 334 holding the liquid crystal panel 333, the light scattering sheet
335 and the light leading plate 336 from the rear sides thereof. The rear holder 338
also functions as a reflecting plate for reflecting light emitted from the cold cathode ray
tubes 343 to the light leading plate 336 toward the liquid crystal panel 333. The
antistatic sheet 339 is made transparent and adhered to the rear plane of the rear
holder 338 by double-sided adhesive tape, thereby the antistatic sheet 339 covers the
rear plane of each of the openings 338A ∼ 338C formed in the rear holder 338.
-
Next, construction of the control system in the slot machine 301 will be
described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a block diagram schematically showing
the control system in the slot machine 301.
-
In Fig. 15, the control system of the slot machine 301 is basically constructed
from the CPU 350, and a ROM 351 and a RAM 352 are connected to the CPU 350.
The ROM 351 stores game control program (mentioned later), various effect programs
for executing various effects on the upper liquid crystal display 303 and the lower
liquid crystal display 304 according to progress in games, lottery program for
conducting lottery of various winning combinations, various programs necessary for
controlling the slot machine 301 and various data tables and the like. And the RAM
352 is a memory for temporarily storing various data calculated by the CPU 350.
-
The CPU 350 executes the first game based on the various programs stored in
the ROM 351 and the second game when the specific condition is realized in the first
game.
-
And to the CPU 350, a clock pulse generator 353 for generating standard clock
pulses and a frequency divider 354 are connected, and a random number generator 355
and a sampling circuit 356 are also connected. Random number sampled by the
random number generator 356 is utilized in various lotteries of the symbol every each
reel 322, the effects and the like. Here, the symbols stopped on the pay line L are
determined as follows. That is, a random number range corresponding to the symbols
every each reel 322 is set beforehand and the random number every each reel 322
extracted from a predetermined random number range (for example, the range of "0" ∼
"255") and the "probability lottery table" (not shown) are referred with each other.
Thereby, the symbols are determined by judging that the extracted random number
lies in the random number range of which symbol. Further, to the CPU 350, the start
switch 357 attached to the start lever 317, the spin switch 358 attached to the spin
button 312, the 1-BET switch 359 attached to the 1-BET button 311, the 3-BET switch
360 attached to the 1-BET button 313, the change switch 362 attached to the change
button 306, the cashout switch 363 attached to the cashout button 307 and the help
switch 364 attached to the help button 308 are connected respectively. The CPU 350
controls the slot machine 301 to execute various operations corresponding to each
button, based on the switch signal output from each switch when such buttons are
pressed.
-
Further, to the CPU 350, the coin sensor 365 positioned in the coin insertion
slot 309 and the bill sensor 366 positioned in the bill insertion portion 310 are
connected respectively. The coin sensor 365 detects coins inserted from the coin
insertion slot 309 and the CPU 350 calculates the number of inserted coins based on
the coin detection signal output from the coin sensor 365. The bill sensor 366 detects
the kind and sum of bill and the CPU 350 calculates the number of coins equivalent to
sum of bill, based on the bill detection signal output from the bill sensor 366.
-
To the CPU 350, three stepping motors 368 for rotating each of the reels 322
through a motor drive circuit 367 are connected, and also a reel position detection
circuit 369 is connected. When a motor drive signal is output to the motor drive
circuit 367, each stepping motor 368 is driven to rotate by the motor drive circuit 367,
thereby each reel 322 is rotated.
-
At that time, after each reel 322 is started to rotate, the number of drive pulses
provided to each stepping motor 368 is calculated and the calculated value is written
in the predetermined area of the RAM 352. And the reset pulse is output every one
rotation of the reel 322 and such reset pulse is input to the CPU 350 through the reel
position detection circuit 369. When the reset pulse is input to the CPU 350, the
calculated value written in the RAM 352 is cleared in "0", and the CPU 350 recognizes
the symbol rotational position in the reel 322, based on the calculated value
corresponding to the rotational position of the reel 322 within one rotation and the
symbol table in which the rotational position of the reel 322 stored in the ROM 351
and the symbols formed on outer peripheral plane of the reel 322 are corresponded
with each other.
-
To the CPU 350, a hopper 371 is connected through a hopper drive circuit 370.
When a drive signal is output to the hopper drive circuit 370 from the CPU 350, the
hopper 371 pays out predetermined number of coins from the coin payout opening 315.
-
And to the CPU 350, a coin detection part 373 is connected through a payout
completion signal circuit 372. The coin detection part 373 is arranged in the coin
payout opening 315 and when the coin detection part 373 detects that a predetermined
number of coins are paid out from the coin payout opening 315, the payout completion
signal is output to the payout completion signal circuit 372 from the coin detection part
373. Based on this, the payout completion signal circuit 372 outputs the payout
completion signal to the CPU 350.
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Further, to the CPU 350, the upper liquid crystal display 303 is connected
through a liquid crystal drive circuit 374 and the lower liquid crystal display 304 is
connected through a liquid crystal drive circuit 375. And to the CPU 350, the touch
panel 330 is connected through a touch panel drive circuit 376.
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Further, to the CPU 350 LEDs 378 are connected through a LED drive circuit
377. A plurality of the LEDs 378 are arranged on the front plane of the slot machine
301 and the LEDs 378 are controlled so as to turn on based on the drive signals from
the CPU 350. Further, a speaker 380 and a sound output circuit 379 are connected to
the CPU 350 and the speaker 380 produces various effective sounds when various
effects are conducted based on the output signal from the sound output circuit 379.
And to the CPU 350, a progressive interface (I/F) 381 is provided.
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In the slot machine 301, the symbols formed on the outer periphery of each reel
322 variably displayed by rotation of the reel 322 and the symbols are stopped and
displayed by stopping rotation of the reel 322, thereby the first game is progressed.
The player can see and recognize the symbols, which are variably displayed and
stopped and displayed, through the lower liquid crystal display 304 which is the so-called
transparent liquid crystal display.
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And according to the result in the first game, in a case that the symbol
combination stopped and displayed becomes the predetermined symbol combination or
in a case that the trigger symbol (see Fig. 14) is included in plural symbols stopped and
displayed, the second game is executed. The game contents of the second game itself
is as same as those of the first game and the game contents of the first game are
already explained, thus explanation of the second game will omitted. Here, in the
slot machine 301, the second game may be executed on the upper display device 303 or
the lower display device 304. Further, the second game may be executed on each of
the upper display device 303 and the lower display device 304.
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Further, the second game may be executed on three reels 322, the lower liquid
crystal display 303 and the lower liquid crystal display 304. In this case, the specific
symbols can be displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 304 so as to cover the
symbols formed on the reels 322.
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And according to the result of the second game, the game worth (for example,
coins) paid out to the player may be determined based on the number of coins betted in
the first game and the point number obtained in the second game, as in the gaming
machine 2. For example, as mentioned later, the common bonus (so-called
progressive bonus) in common with a plurality of slot machines 301 is accumulated
and the game worth as the common bonus may be paid out from the slot machine 301
in which the points more than a predetermined number are obtained in the second
game.
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Next, it will be described a progressive gaming system in which a plurality of
slot machines 301 are connected through the progressive interface (I/F) 381 provided
in each slot machine 301, with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is an explanatory view
schematically showing the progressive gaming system.
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In the progressive gaming unit 382 shown in Fig. 16, a plurality of slot
machines 301 (in the embodiment, four slot machines 301) are connected to a
transmission control part 384 in the progressive unit 383 through the progressive
interface (I/F) 381 provided in each slot machine 301. As for connection between the
progressive unit 383 and each slot machine 301, any one of wire connection and
wireless connection can be utilized. Thereby, mutual transmission can be done
through the transmission control part 384 between the progressive unit 383 and each
slot machine 301.
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As the information transmitted to the progressive unit 383 from each slot
machine 301, coin insertion information betted in each slot machine 301, winning
information indicating that the first game or the second game is won. And as
information transmitted to each slot machine 301 from the progressive unit 383, pool
number information of coins as the common bonus in common with each slot machine
301.
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Such pool number information of coins is transmitted from the progressive unit
383 to each slot machine 301 through the transmission control part 384 and displayed
on the upper liquid crystal display 303 in each slot machine 301. And a pool number
calculation part 385 in the progressive unit 383 adds the common bonus based on the
coin insertion information transmitted from each slot machine 301.
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Here, in each slot machine 301, in a case that any one of the progressive
bonuses is won in the first game or the second game, the coin number corresponding to
the common bonus won is rest to the initial number of coins. And the pool number
storing part 386 stores the above mentioned coin number calculated by the pool
number calculation part 385.
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The progressive unit 383 constructed according to the above periodically
transmits from the transmission control part 384 to each slot machine 301 the coin
pool number information stored in the pool number storing part 386. And each slot
machine 301 periodically compares the coin pool number information transmitted in
previous time with the coin pool number information transmitted in present time,
based on the coin pool number information transmitted from the progressive unit 383.
And in a case that the coin pool number in present time reduces than the coin pool
number in previous time, each slot machine 301 notifies that the common bonus in
which the coin pool number reduces is won.
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In the above case, if the predetermined winning state such as the "big prize" or
the "small prize" is realized in the variable display game corresponding to the second
game, the game worth (for example, coins) as the common bonus accumulated from a
plurality of slot machines 301 can be obtained. Therefore, it concludes that
competitive spirit of the other players is stirred up, as a result, interest and connection
for the second game can be raised. And according to the symbols or the symbol
combination stopped and displayed in the first game, the number of the specific symbol
substituted in the second game is determined and the second game result is affected by
the number of the specific symbol. Therefore, interest and connection for not only the
second game but also the first game can be raised, thus interest for games can be
improved.