US20090137306A1

US20090137306A1 - Gaming Machine

Info

Publication number: US20090137306A1
Application number: US12/037,364
Authority: US
Inventors: Kazumasa Yoshizawa
Original assignee: Aruze Corp
Current assignee: Universal Entertainment Corp
Priority date: 2007-11-27
Filing date: 2008-02-26
Publication date: 2009-05-28
Also published as: JP2009125580A

Abstract

In a gaming machine, when the routine proceeds to a bonus game, display doors D1, D2, and D3 are displayed on a transparent liquid crystal panel 5B. The display doors D1, D2, and D3 mask mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 when they are displayed in a closed state on a liquid crystal panel 5B. In addition, if the display doors D1, D2, and D3 are displayed in an open state on the liquid crystal panel 5B, symbols of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 are rearranged. A player predicts one in which specific symbols are rearranged from among the display doors D1, D2, and D3. If the player's prediction is correct, the number of points relative to a jack pot corresponding to the specific symbol increases. The player repeats this prediction. In this manner, when the number of points relative to the jack pot reaches an arrival point, the jack pot is given to the player.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a gaming machine, which executes games based upon a player's selection.
2. Description of Related Art
Conventionally, a gaming machine has been known, which executes games based upon a player's selection. Such conventional gaming machine is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,217,189 B2, U.S. Pat. No. 7,220,180 B2, U.S. Pat. No. 7,222,857 B2, or U.S. Pat. No. 7,222,858 B2, for example.
In these games, a player is caused to make a selection operation, thereby making it possible to add a stimulus to the games and increase game entertainment properties.
Even in a case where a base game has a link with a bonus game, however, if the player is caused to make a selection operation in the bonus game, the consciousness of the player has been prone to dissociate from the link with the base game, which the bonus game has.
For example, when the bonus game is executed using a game result obtained by game control similar to the base game, the link of the bonus game with the base game becomes significant. In such bonus game also, if the progress of the game is temporarily interrupted due to change/update of a game screen in order for a player to be caused to make a selection operation, the consciousness of the player is compelled to drive to a selection operation and is dissociated from the link of the base game, which the bonus game has.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstance. It is an object to provide a gaming machine, which executes a new bonus game enabling a player to recognize a link with a base game.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine, comprising: a plurality of mechanical reels on which plural types of symbols are provided, respectively; a transparent liquid crystal display enabling a player to view such each mechanical reel; an operating part used by the player when a player selects any one of the mechanical reels; and a processor programmed to operate the steps of: (a) randomly determining symbols for such each mechanical reel; (b) rotating such each mechanical reel; (c) associating a plurality of masked images disabling the player to view such each mechanical reel by such each mechanical reel to be displayed on the transparent liquid crystal display; (d) permitting a player to select any one of the mechanical reels by using the operating part; (e) specifying a mechanical reel selected by the player at the operating part; (f) eliminating a masked image corresponding to the specific mechanical reel from the transparent liquid crystal display; (g) indicating to a player the symbols determined at the step (a) as to the specific mechanical reel by stopping the specific mechanical reel; and (h) in a case where the symbols indicated for the player are specific symbols for awarding a prize, executing processing for awarding the prize.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine, comprising: a plurality of mechanical reels on which plural types of symbols are provided, respectively; a transparent liquid crystal display enabling a player to view such each mechanical reel; an operating part used by the player when a player selects any one of such mechanical reels; and a processor programmed to operate the steps of: (a) randomly determining symbols for such each mechanical reel; (b) rotating such each mechanical reel; (c) associating a plurality of masked images disabling the player to view such each mechanical reel by such each mechanical reel to be displayed on the transparent liquid crystal display; (d) permitting a player to select any one of the mechanical reels by using the operating part; (e) specifying a mechanical reel selected by the player at the operating part; (f) eliminating a masked image corresponding to the specific mechanical reel from the transparent liquid crystal display; (g) indicating to a player the symbols determined at the step (a) as to the specific mechanical reel by stopping the specific mechanical reel; (h) repeating a series of operations from the step (a) to the step immediately preceding the step (h), and counting an incidence of symbols indicated to the player by stopping the specific mechanical reel by symbol types; and (i) awarding a prize to the player, based upon the incidence of such each symbol.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine, comprising: a plurality of mechanical reels on which plural types of symbols are provided, respectively; a transparent liquid crystal display enabling a player to view such each mechanical reel; an operating part used by the player when a player selects any one of the mechanical reels; and a processor programmed to operate the steps of: (a) randomly determining symbols for such each mechanical reel; (b) rotating such each mechanical reel; (c) associating a plurality of masked images disabling the player to view such each mechanical reel by such each mechanical reel to be displayed on the transparent liquid crystal display; (d) permitting a player to select any one of the mechanical reels by using the operating part; (e) specifying a mechanical reel selected by the player at the operating part; (f) eliminating a masked image corresponding to the specific mechanical reel from the transparent liquid crystal display; (g-1) indicating the player with the symbols determined at the step (a) as to the specific mechanical reel by stopping the specific mechanical reel; (g-2) eliminating from the transparent liquid crystal display the masked image corresponding to the non-specific mechanical reel deviating from the specific mechanical reel; (g-3) indicating the player with the symbols determined at the step (a) as to the non-specific reels, by stopping the non-specific mechanical reel; (h) repeating a series of operations from the step (a) to the step immediately preceding the step (h), and counting the incidence of symbols indicated to the player by stopping the specific mechanical reel by symbol types; (i) awarding a prize to the player, based upon the incidence of such each symbol; and (j) terminating the repeating operation from the step (a) to the step (h) on condition that the prize is awarded to the player.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaining machine, comprising: a plurality of mechanical reels on which plural types of symbols are provided, respectively; a transparent liquid crystal display enabling a player to view such each mechanical reel; an operating part used by the player when a player selects any one of such mechanical reels; and a processor programmed to operate the steps of: (a) randomly determining symbols for such each mechanical reel; (b) rotating such each mechanical reel; (c) associating a plurality of masked images disabling the player to view such each mechanical reel by such each mechanical reel to be displayed on the transparent liquid crystal display; (d) permitting a player to select any one of such mechanical reels by using the operating part; (e) specifying a mechanical reel selected by the player at the operating part; (f) eliminating a masked image corresponding to the specific mechanical reel from the transparent liquid crystal display; (g-1) indicating to the player the symbols determined at the step (a) as to the specific mechanical reel by stopping the specific mechanical reel; (g-2) selecting one mechanical reel in which the symbols determined at the step (a) are associated with the prize, from among the non-specific mechanical reels deviating from the specific mechanical reels; (g-3) eliminating the masked image corresponding to the selected mechanical reel from the transparent liquid crystal display; (g-4) indicating the player with the symbols determined at the step (a) as to the selected mechanical reel by stopping the selected mechanical reel; (h) repeating a series of operations from the step (a) to the step immediately preceding the step (h), stopping the specific mechanical reel, and counting an incidence of the symbols indicated to the player by stopping the specific mechanical reel by symbol types; (i) awarding a prize to the player, based upon the incidence of such each symbol; and (j) terminating the repeating operation from the step (a) to the step (h) on condition that the prize is awarded to the player.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view showing characteristics of a gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a payout table specifying payout amounts, specific symbols, and arrival points of jack pots in a case of executing a bonus game;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the gaming machine;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating arranged symbols drawn on reel bands of mechanical reels;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram depicting an internal configuration of the entire gamming machine;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram depicting an internal configuration of a sub control board;

FIG. 7 is a payout table showing winning combinations and payout amount thereof, in a case of executing a slot game using mechanical reels;

FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of an image displayed on a liquid crystal panel;

FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of an image displayed on a liquid crystal panel;

FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of an image displayed on a liquid crystal panel;

FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of an image displayed on a liquid crystal panel;

FIG. 12 is a view showing an example of an image displayed on a liquid crystal panel;

FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of an image displayed on a liquid crystal panel;

FIG. 14 is a view showing an example of an image displayed on a liquid crystal panel;

FIG. 15 is a view showing an example of an image displayed on a liquid crystal panel;

FIG. 16 is a view showing an example of an image displayed on a liquid crystal panel;

FIG. 17 is a view showing an example of an image displayed on a liquid crystal panel;

FIG. 18 is a view showing an example of an image displayed on a liquid crystal panel;

FIG. 19 is a view showing an example of an image displayed on a liquid crystal panel;

FIG. 20 is a view showing an example of an image displayed on a liquid crystal panel;

FIG. 21 is a view showing an example of an image displayed on a liquid crystal panel;

FIG. 22 is a view showing an example of an image displayed on a liquid crystal panel;

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a main control program;

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of a main game processing program;

FIG. 25 is a flowchart of a main game processing program;

FIG. 26 is a flowchart of a main game processing program; and

FIG. 27 is a flowchart of a main game processing program.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[1. Outline of the Present Invention]

Hereinafter, one embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described in detail with referring to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a view showing characteristics of a gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. A liquid crystal panel 5B is provided at the gamming machine of the embodiment. A touch panel 101 is provided on a front face of the liquid crystal panel 5B. The liquid crystal panel 5B is constituted of a publicly known transparent liquid crystal panel. A base game or a bonus game is executed on the liquid crystal panel 5B. The base game corresponds to a slot game.
One example of the liquid crystal panel 5B on which the slot game is executed is shown at the upper left of FIG. 1. On the liquid crystal panel 5B, three display windows W1, W2, and W3 are displayed in a transparent state. Further, one payline L is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 5B. This payline L is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 5B so as to horizontally cross display windows W1, W2, and W3. Three symbols of mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 are rearranged in display windows W1, W2, and W3, respectively. Symbol combinations are determined depending upon the three symbols rearranged on the payline L.
A payout amount display part 8 and a credit amount display part 9 are also displayed on the liquid crystal panel 5B.
As shown at the upper left of FIG. 1, when a slot game is executed on the liquid crystal panel 5B, if three symbols “FRANKENSTEIN” are rearranged on the payline L, a bonus trigger will be won. In this manner, in the gaming machine of the embodiment, a slot game proceeds to a bonus game. At this time, the liquid crystal panel 5B is changed from the state shown at the upper left of FIG. 1 to that shown at the upper right of FIG. 1.
In this change, as shown at the upper right of FIG. 1, the payout amount display part 8 and the credit amount display part 9 are eliminated from the liquid crystal panel 5B. A point acquisition field 201 is displayed at a portion from which the payout display part 8 and the credit display part were eliminated. “GRAND”, “MAJOR”, and “MINOR” are displayed in the point acquisition field 201. “GRAND”, “MAJOR”, and “MINOR” are jack pots, which a player can acquire in the bonus game. Therefore, there are three types of jack pots.
In addition, the display windows W1, W2, and W3 and the payline L are eliminated from the liquid crystal panel 5B. Display doors D1, D2, and D3 are displayed at a portion from which the display windows W1, W2, and W3 and the payline L were eliminated. The display doors D1, D2, and D3 masks mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 if the doors are displayed in a closed state on the liquid crystal panel 5B. In this manner, the display door D2 established in a closed state disables the player to visually recognize the mechanical reel R2. The display doors D1, D2, and D3 established in a closed state disable the player to visually recognize the mechanical reel R3.
At this time, however, the display doors D1, D2, and D3 are displayed in an open state, like the liquid crystal panel 5B shown at the upper right of FIG. 1. If the display doors D1, D2, and D3 are displayed in an open state on the liquid crystal panel 5B, the insides of their respective frames are established in a transparent state. In this manner, among the symbols of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3, the player can visually recognize three symbols rearranged on the eliminated payline L, through the display doors D1, D2, and D3.
As shown at the middle right of FIG. 1, if the display doors D1, D2, and D3 are displayed in an open state on the liquid crystal panel 5B, all of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 automatically rotate. At this time, the player can view the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 in rotation through the display doors D1, D2, and D3.
After that, the liquid crystal panel 5B is changed from the state shown at the middle right of FIG. 1 to that shown at the middle left of FIG. 1. In this change, the display doors D1, D2, and D3 on the liquid crystal panel 5B are changed from an open state, and then, are displayed in a closed state. In this manner, through the display doors D1, D2, and D3, the player can view the mechanical reels R1, R2, and 3 in rotation.
Further, a message field 202 is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 5B. A message “CHOOSE DOOR!” is displayed in the message field 202. Then, the player selects any one of the display doors D1, D2, and D3. This selection operation is performed by the player touching a selection via a touch panel 101.
On the liquid crystal panel 5B, after the player has made a selection operation, a door selected by the player from among the display doors D1, D2, and D3 (hereinafter, referred to as a “specific door”) is changed from a closed state, and then, is displayed in an open state. Through the “specific door” established in an opened state, the player can view a reel masked by the closed “specific door” (hereinafter, referred to as a “specific reel”) among the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3. At this time, the “specific reel” is established in a rotating state.
After the “specific door” is displayed in an open state on the liquid crystal panel 5B, rotation of the “specific reel” is stopped. In this manner, one of the symbols of the “specific reels” is rearranged at the “specific door”. At this time, as described above, the “specific door” is established in an open state. Therefore, the player can view one symbol of the “specific reel” rearranged at the “specific door”. The symbols to be viewed by the player are rearranged on the eliminated payline L, among the symbols of the “specific reels”.
Incidentally, as to three types of jack pots that the player can acquire in a bonus game, payout amounts, specific symbols, and arrival points are predetermined depending upon the jack pots, respectively (see FIG. 2). The specific symbol denotes a symbol of the “specific reel” required to be rearranged at the “specific door” when the player acquires one point for the corresponding jack pot. The arrival point denotes the number of points required for the player to acquire when the corresponding jack pot is given to the player.
In the point acquisition field 201, open circles “o”, which are equal to the respective arrival points in number, are displayed in line at the right of “GRAND”, “MAJOR”, and “MINOR”. In this manner, the arrival points of jack points are indicated for the player.
In a bonus game, if one of the specific symbols of any jack pot is rearranged at the “specific door”, the number of points relative to the jack pot is added by one point. When the number of points is added by one point, one of the open circles “o” relative to the number of points is changed to a filled circle “”. In other words, the number of points for each jack pot is individually calculated, respectively.
After one symbol of the “specific reel” is rearranged at the “specific door”, among the display doors D1, D2, and D3, a door other than the “specific door” (hereinafter, referred to as a “non-specific door”) is changed from a closed state, and then, is displayed in an open state. In this manner, all of the display doors D1, D2, and D3 are established in an open state. Further, among the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3, one(s) other than the “specific reel(s)” (hereinafter, referred to as a “non-specific reel) is(are) stopped. In this manner, rotation of all of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 is stopped. Symbols, which the player views through the “non-specific door”, are rearranged on the eliminated payline L, among the symbols of the “non-specific reels”.
Then, all of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 automatically rotate again. Subsequently, processing operations are performed again until rotation of all of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 is stopped. This repetition is performed until the number of points responsive to any jack pot reaches an arrival point relative to such any jack pot.
A specific description will be given hereinafter. For example, on the liquid crystal panel 5B shown at the middle left of FIG. 1, the player's finger touches a display door D3 via a touch panel 101. Therefore, the display door D3 is selected as a “specific door” by the player. In this case, like the liquid crystal panel 5B shown at the lower left of FIG. 1, the display door D3 selected as the “specific door” is displayed in an open state. Thereafter, the mechanical reel R3 that is a “specific reel” stops.
At this time, on the liquid crystal panel 5B shown at the lower left of FIG. 1, one symbol “CHERRY” of the mechanical reel R3 that is the “specific reel” is arranged at the display door D3 that is the “specific door”. As described later, the symbol “CHERRY” is a specific symbol of a jack pot “MINOR” (see FIG. 2). Therefore, one point is added to the number of points relative to the jack pot “MINOR”. In the point acquisition field 201, one open circle “o” of the jack pot “MINOR” is changed to a filled circle “”.
After that, on the liquid crystal panel 5 b shown at the lower left of FIG. 1, although not shown, the display doors D1 and D2, which are “non-specific doors”, are displayed in an open state. In this manner, all of the display doors D1, D2, and D3 are established in an open state. Further, rotation of the mechanical reels, which are “non-specific reels”, is stopped. In this manner, rotation of all of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 is stopped.
Then, all of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 rotate again. At this time, the display doors D1, D2, and D3 displayed on the liquid crystal panel 5B revert to the state shown at the middle right of FIG. 1. Thereafter, processing operations are performed again until rotation of all of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 is stopped.
When the liquid crystal panel 5B is established in the state shown at the lower right of FIG. 1, for example, by means of this repetition, a bonus game is exited from the repetition mentioned above. In this case, on the liquid crystal panel 5B shown at the lower right of FIG. 1, one symbol “BLUE7” of the mechanical reel R1 that is a “specific reel” is rearranged at the display door D1 that is a “specific door”. As described later, the symbol “BLUE7” is a specific symbol of a jack pot “MAJOR” (see FIG. 2). Therefore, one point is added to the number of points relative to the jack pot “MAJOR”. In the point acquisition field 201, one open circle of the jack pot “MAJOR” is changed to a filled circle “”.
At this time, in the point acquisition field 201, the open circle “o” of a jack pot “GRAND” remains. Therefore, the number of points relative to the jack pot “GRAND” is not equal to an arrival point relative to the jack pot “GRAND”.
Further, in the point acquisition field 201, the open circle “o” of the jack pot “MINOR” still remains. Therefore, the number of points relative to the jack pot “MINOR” is not equal to an arrival point relative to the jack pot “MINOR”.
In contrast, in the point acquisition field 201, the open circle “o” of the jack pot “MAJOR” does not remain. In other words, the number of points relative to the jack pot “MAJOR” is equal to an arrival point relative to the jack pot “MAJOR”. Therefore, a message field 203 is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 5B. A message “WIN MAJOR!” is displayed in the message field 203. In this manner, it is notified that a payout amount of the jack pot “MAJOR” is given to the player.
Therefore, when the liquid crystal panel 5B is established in the state shown at the lower right of FIG. 1, the bonus game is exited from the repetition mentioned above. Thereafter, in the game machine according to the embodiment, a bonus game terminates, and then, a slot game is restarted.

[2. Schematic Configuration of the Gaming Machine]

Next, a schematic configuration of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described with referring to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an appearance of the gaming machine 1.
As shown in FIG. 3, the gaming machine 1 is an upright type slot machine to be set up in gaming facilities such as casinos, and has a cabinet 3 for housing electrical or mechanical parts for executing a predetermined gaming mode. A display unit 4 for displaying information concerning a game includes an upper display part 4A, a middle-sided variable display part 4B, and an under display part 4C, for example, and the display parts 4A to 4C are mounted to a front face of an elongated cabinet 3. The upper display part 4A has a liquid crystal panel 5A disposed upwardly of the variable display part 4B, and the liquid crystal panel 5A displays an effect image, a presentation of the contents of games, and an explanation of rules on games or the like. The under display part 4C is disposed downwardly of the variable display part 4B, and has a plastic panel 5C on which an image was printed. This plastic panel 5C is illuminated by means of a backlight.
The variable display part 4B for displaying a game execution state has a transparent liquid crystal panel 5B fixed to a front door of the cabinet 3, so that the player can view the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 disposed inside the cabinet 3 from the outside via transparent areas of this liquid crystal panel 5B (i.e., the above-mentioned display windows W1, W2, and W3 of FIG. 1). At the variable display part 4B, in an area corresponding to each of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3, one horizontally crossing payline is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 5B. Further, at the upper part of the variable display part 4B, a payout number display part 8 and a credit amount display part 9 are displayed on the liquid crystal panel 5B. Moreover, the middle-sided variable display part 4B is inclined to be fall rearward at the upper part thereof, so that the player can play a game at a comfortable posture.
Now, an image pertinent to a slot game displayed on the liquid crystal panel 5B will be described. FIGS. 8 and 9 are views showing the contents displayed on the liquid crystal panel 5B as one example. On the liquid crystal panel 5B, in the slot game, the display windows W1, W2, and W3 are established in a transparent state, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, so that the player can visually recognize symbols drawn on the reel bands of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3. FIG. 8 shows a state in which the symbols drawn on the reel bands of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 are arranged or rearranged via the display windows W1, W2, and W3 of the liquid crystal panel 5B. FIG. 9 shows a state in which symbols drawn on the reel bands of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 are displayed in a scrolling manner via the display windows W1, W2, and W3 of the liquid crystal panel 5B. Arranged symbols (see FIG. 4), each of which is made of 22 symbols, are drawn on the reel bands of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3, respectively.
In addition, a touch panel 101 is provided on a front face of the liquid crystal panel 5B, so that the player can input various instructions by operating the touch panel 101.
Further, the payout number display part 8 and the credit amount display part 9 are displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 5B. A payout amount acquired by a player in a slot game is displayed at the payout number display part 8. A credit amount currently owned by the player is displayed at the credit number display part 9. A payout amount acquired by the player in a bonus game is also displayed at the payout number display part 8.
On the liquid crystal panel 5B in a slot game, therefore, the display windows W1, W2, and W3 are established in a transparent state, and then, symbols drawn on the reel bands of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 via the display windows W1, W2, and W3 are arranged on a three-by-three reels basis, respectively. Further, on the liquid crystal panel 5B, in a slot game, one payline L horizontally crossing the display windows W1, W2, and W3 are displayed, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The payline L specifies a combination of symbols.
Turning to FIG. 3, between the middle-sided variable display part 4B and the under display part 4C, an operating table 10 extending forwardly is provided on a front face of the cabinet 3. On this operating table 10, various operating buttons 11 such as a BET button, a COLLECT button, a SPIN button, and a CASHOUT button are arranged as operating parts for instructing execution of a game. A coin insertion slot 12 and a bill insertion slot 13 are provided on the operating table 10. In addition, a ticket printer 14 and a card reader 15 are provided between the operating table 10 and the middle-sided variable display part 4B. Further, a coin tray 6 is provided at the bottom of the cabinet 3.
In the gaming machine 1, coins, bills, or electronic value information (credits) equivalent thereto are employed as gaming media. The gaming media applicable to the present invention are not limitative thereto and can include metals, tokens, electronic money, and tickets, for example.
A light emitting part 20 is disposed in the cabinet 3 of the gaming machine 1 so as to surround a game area inclusive of the upper display part 4A, the middle-sided variable display part 4B, the under display part 4C, and the operating table 10.
In addition, the gaming machine 1 is further provided with a topper announcement effect device 28 mounted on the cabinet 3. This topper announcement effect device 28 is formed in a rectangular board shape, and is disposed so as to be substantially parallel to a liquid crystal panel 5A of the upper display part 4A. Further, a speaker 23 is provided at each face of the cabinet 3.

[3. Outline of Symbols of Mechanical Reels]

Referring now to FIG. 4, a description will be furnished as to symbols, which are drawn on the reel bands of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 and are disposed in a scrolling manner via the display windows W1, W2, and W3 on the liquid crystal panel 5B at the time of execution of a slot game. FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing arranged symbols drawn on the reel bands of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3.
22 symbols are drawn on the reel band of each of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3. Each arranged symbol is constituted of symbols “FRANKENSTEIN”, “BLUE7”, “BELL”, “APPLE”, “CHERRY”, “STRAWBERRY”, “PLUM”, and “ORANGE”, in combination. Symbols of given types are arranged in given order, respectively.
In this regard, if three of the symbols “BLUE7”, “BELL”, “APPLE”, “CHERRY”, “STRAWBERRY”, “PLUM”, and “ORANGE” are rearranged on the payline L of the liquid crystal panel 5B, a player is given an amount obtained by multiplying a bet number for a predetermined payout amount (see FIG. 7). In addition, as to the symbols “CHERRY” and “ORANGE”, even if one or two are rearranged on the payline L of the liquid crystal panel 5B, the player is given an amount obtained by multiplying a bet number for a predetermined payout amount, in response to the arranged number (see FIG. 7).
In addition, if three symbols “FRANKENSTEIN” are arranged on the payline L of the liquid crystal panel 5B, the player is given an amount obtained by multiplying a bet number for a predetermined payout amount and the routine proceeds to a bonus game.
As to the arranged symbols shown in FIG. 4, symbol numbers are assigned in descending order to symbols constituting them.

[4. Internal Configuration of the Gaming Machine]

Next, an internal configuration of the gaming machine 1 mentioned above will be described with referring to FIGS. 5 and 6.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram depicting an internal configuration of the entire gaming machine 1. As depicted in FIG. 5, the gaming machine 1 has a plurality of constituent elements such as a main control board 71 including a microcomputer 31. The main control board 71 has a microcomputer 31, a sampling circuit 36, a clock pulse generation circuit 37, and a frequency divider 38. In addition, the main control board 71 has a lighting effect drive circuit 61, a hopper driver circuit 63, and a payout completion signal circuit 65.
The microcomputer 31 has a main CPU32, a RAM33, and a ROM34. The main CPU32 is actuated in accordance with programs stored in the ROM34. This CPU inputs/outputs a signal from/to another constituent element via an I/O port 39, thereby performing overall operation control of the gaming machine 1. The RAM33 stores data and programs used when the main CPU32 is actuated. For example, this RAM temporarily saves the random number values sampled by the sampling circuit 36 described later after a game has started, and stores code numbers and symbol numbers of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3. In addition, the RAM stores the number of points relative to each jack pot, and the ROM34 stores programs, which are executed by the main CPU32, and permanent data (such as payout tables of FIGS. 2 and 7, for example).
In particular, the programs stored in the ROM34 include game programs and game system programs (hereinafter, referred to as game programs or the like). These game programs include a tottery program described later.
The lottery program is for determining the code numbers of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 that correspond to symbols rearranged on the payline L of the liquid crystal panel 5B. This lottery program includes symbol weighting data corresponding to a respective one of plural types of payout rates (80%, 84%, and 88%, for example). The symbol weighting data is indicative of correspondence between code numbers and one or plural random numbers belonging to a predetermined numeric range (0 to 255) as to a respective one of three mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3. In other words, one or plural random numbers are associated with one code number in accordance with a payout rate. Random numbers are extracted by means of lottery, whereby symbols finally specified from the random numbers are rearranged on the payline L of the liquid crystal panel 5B.
A random number generation circuit 35 is actuated in accordance with an instruction from the main CPU32, and generates a predetermined range of random numbers. A sampling circuit 36 extracts any random number from among the random numbers generated by the random number generation circuit 35, and inputs the extracted random number to the main CPU32. A clock pulse generation circuit 37 generates a reference clock for actuating the main CPU32. A frequency divider 38 frequency-divides, in a given cycle, the reference clock generated by the clock pulse generation circuit 37, and then, inputs the frequency-divided reference clock to the main CPU32.
In addition, a reel drive unit 50 is connected to a main control board 71, as shown in FIG. 5. The reel drive unit 50 has: a reel position detection circuit 51 for detecting the respective positions of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3; and a motor drive circuit 52 for inputting a drive signal to motors M1, M2, and M3 for rotating the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3. A drive signal is inputted from the motor drive circuit 52 to the motors M1, M2, and M3, whereby the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 corresponding to the motors 1, M2, and M3 are rotated, and then, are stopped at desired positions.
Further, a touch panel 101 is connected to the main control board 71, as shown in FIG. 5. The touch panel 101 is disposed on a front face of the liquid crystal panel 5B. This touch panel 10 is capable of specifying a coordinate position of a portion touched by a player, and then, determining where on the touch panel the player touched based upon the specified coordinate position information and in which direction the touched portion moved. A signal responsive to this determination is input to the main CPU32 via an I/O port 39.
Further, operating buttons 11 are connected to the main control board 71, as shown in FIG. 5. The operating buttons 11 include a SPIN button, a COLLECT button, and a BET button or the like, for instructing execution of a game. A signal responsive to depressing of the operating buttons 11 is input to the main CPU32 via the I/O port 39.
A lighting effect drive circuit 61 outputs an effect signal for causing the above-mentioned light emitting part 20 and the topper announcement effect device 28 to perform a lighting effect. A topper effect device 28 is serially connected to the lighting effect drive circuit 61 via the light emitting part 20.
A hoper drive circuit 63 drives a hopper 64 under the control of the main CPU32. The hopper 64 performs an operation for paying out coins, and then, pays out coins from a coin tray 16. A payout completion signal circuit 65 inputs the coin count value data from a coin detection part 66 connected, and then, inputs to the main CPU32 a signal notifying the completion of coil payout when the coin count value reached a set value of the coin count. The coin detection part 66 counts the coins that were paid out by the hopper 64, and then, inputs data on the counted number of coins to the payout completion signal circuit 65.
Further, a sub control board 72 is connected to the main control board 71, as shown in FIG. 5. A liquid crystal panel 5A, a liquid crystal panel 5B, and a speaker 23 are connected to the sub control board 72.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram depicting an internal configuration of the sub control board 72. The sub control board 72 performs display control of the liquid crystal panel 5A and the liquid crystal panel 5B and voice output control by the speaker 23 by entering a command from the main control board 71, as depicted in FIG. 6. This sub control board 72 is constituted on a circuit board other than that constituting the main control board 71. In addition, the sub control board 72 has: a microcomputer that is a primary constituent element (hereinafter, referred to as a “sub microcomputer”) 73; a sound source IC78, which controls a voice outputted from the speaker 23; a power amplifier 79; and an image control circuit 81 actuated as display control means of the liquid crystal panels 5A and 5B.
The sub microcomputer 73 has: a sub CPU74, which performs a control operation in accordance with a control command transmitted from the main control circuit 71; a program ROM75 that is storing means; a work RAM76; and I/ O ports 77 and 80. This sub microcomputer is constituted so that random number sampling is executed on an operating program of the sub CPU74. Therefore, the sub control board 72 is not provided with a clock pulse generation circuit, a frequency divider, a random number generation circuit, and a sampling circuit. The program ROM75 stores a control program to be executed by the sub CPU74. The work RAM76 is constituted as temporary storing means when the CPU74 executes the above control program.
An image control circuit 81 has an image control CPU82, an image control work RAM83, a image control program 84, an IN port 85, an image ROM86, a video RAM87, and an image control IC88. The image control CPU82 determines images displayed on the liquid crystal panels 5A and 5B, based upon the parameters set by the sub microcomputer 73. The images are displayed on the liquid crystal panels 5A and 5B in accordance with an image control program stored in the image control program ROM84.
The image control program 84 stores an image control program or various selection tables, pertinent to display on the liquid crystal panels 5A and 5B. The image control work RAM83 is constituted as temporary storing means when the image control CPU82 executes the image control program. The image control IC88 forms an image responsive to the contents determined by the image control CPU82, and then, outputs the image signal to the liquid crystal panels 5A and 5B.
The image ROM86 stores dot data for forming an image. The video RAM87 is actuated as temporary storing means when the image control IC88 forms an image.
In addition, the image control circuit 81 controls a display operation relative to the payout number display part 8 and the credit amount display part 9, based upon a control signal from the main CPU32.

[5. Outline of Slot Game]

Next, referring to FIG. 7, a description will be furnished as to winning combinations and payout amounts thereof, when a slot game is executed using the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 of the gaming machine 1. FIG. 7 is a payout table showing winning combinations and payout amounts thereof, in a case where a slot game is executed using the mechanical reels R1, R2 and R3.
FIG. 7 shows the payout amounts in a case where the number of bets is “1”. Therefore, in a case where the number of bets is “1”, the payout amounts shown in FIG. 7 are paid out, whereas, in a case where the number of bets is “2” or more, amounts obtained by multiplying the number of bets for the payout amounts shown in FIG. 7 are paid out.
If three “FRANKENSTEIN” symbols are rearranged on the payline L of the panel 5B, the amount obtained by multiplying the number of bets for 10 credits is paid out, as shown in the payout amounts of FIG. 7. Further, a bonus game trigger is won, and a bonus game takes place.
If three “BLUE7” symbols are rearranged on the payline of the liquid crystal panel 5B, the amount obtained by multiplying the number of bets for 10 credits is paid out, as shown in the payout amount of the liquid crystal panel 5B. In addition, if three “BELL” symbols are rearranged on the payline L of the liquid crystal panel 5B, the amount obtained by multiplying the number of bets for 8 credits is paid out, as shown in the payout amount of FIG. 7. Similarly, the payout amount is set for each of the winning combinations shown in FIG. 7. In a case where a combination comprised of three symbols rearranged on the payline L of the liquid crystal panel 5B is none of the winning combinations shown in FIG. 7, the result is a losing combination such that no payout is made.
A slot game is executed in the gaming machine 1 in this manner.
As described above, a slot game is performed such that a combination of specific symbols is rearranged by the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 on the payline L of the liquid crystal panel 5B. With the slot game, first, some of the arranged symbols (three symbols) drawn on the reel bands of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 shown in FIG. 4 are arranged, respectively, on the liquid crystal panel 5B via the display windows W1, W2, and W3 established in a transparent state (see FIG. 8). After a player has set the number of bets by depressing an operating button 11 of a BET button, if the player depresses an operating button 11 of a SPIN button, the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 rotate. The arranged symbols drawn on the reel bands of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 shown in FIG. 4 are displayed in a scrolling manner from an upward direction to a downward direction in the liquid crystal panel 5B via the display windows W1, W2, and W3 established in a transparent state (see FIG. 9).
After a predetermined time has elapsed, the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 automatically stops, so that some of the arranged symbols (three symbols) drawn on the reel bands of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 shown in FIG. 4 are rearranged, respectively, on the liquid crystal panel 5B via the display windows W1, W2, and W3 established in a transparent state (see FIG. 8). On the other hand, when various winning combinations are predetermined based upon combinations of symbols (see FIG. 7), when a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination is realized by three symbols rearranged on the payline L of the liquid crystal panel 5B, the payout amount responsive to the realized winning combination is multiplied by the number of bets, and then, is given to a player.

[6. Outline of Bonus Game]

Next, jack pots of a bonus game performed by the gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a payout table specifying payout amounts, specific symbols, and arrival points corresponding to jack pots of a bonus game.
According to the payout table shown in FIG. 2, there are three types of jack pots, which a player can acquire in a bonus game. The three types of jack pots are “GRAND”, “MAJOR”, and “MINOR”.
The jack pot “GRAND” is characterized in that a payout amount is “500” and a specific symbol is “FRANKENSTEIN”. The number of arrival points is 3 from the fact that there are three “FRANKENSTEIN” symbols.
The “MAJOR” jack pot is characterized in that a payout amount is “100” and a specific symbol is “BLUE7”. The number of arrival points is 4 from the fact that there are four “BLUE7” symbols.
The “MINOR” jack pot is characterized in that a payout amount is “50” and a specific symbol is “CHERRY”. The number of arrival points is 5 from the fact that there are five “CHERRY” symbols.
In other words, when a bonus game is executed, the number of points is calculated as to each of the “GRAND”, “MAJOR”, and “MINOR” jack pots. Then, as to any one of the “GRAND”, “MAJOR”, and “MINOR” jack pots, a bonus game is continued until the number of points relative to the jack pot reaches the arrival point relative to the jack pot.
In this regard, as to the number of points relative to the “GRAND” jack pot, when a symbol of a “specific reel” rearranged at a “specific door” is a “FRANKENSTEIN” symbol, one point is added. As to the number of points relative to the “MAJOR” jack pot, when a symbol of a “specific reel” rearranged at a “specific door” is a “BLUE7” symbol, one point is added. As to the number of points relative to the “MINOR” jack pot, when a symbol of a “specific reel” arranged at a “specific door” is a “CHERRY” symbol, one point is added.
While in a bonus game, a process of acquisition of the number of points relative to jack pots is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 5B. FIGS. 10 to 22 are views each showing one example of the contents displayed on the liquid crystal panel 5B in a bonus game. As shown in FIGS. 10 to 22, while in a bonus game, a point acquisition field 201 is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 5B.
The point acquisition field 201 indicates names of jack pots, “GRAND”, “MAJOR”, and “MINOR”. FIG. 10 is a view showing the content displayed on the liquid crystal panel 5B if a bonus game takes place. If a bonus game takes place, the point acquisition field 201 is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 5B as follows. At the right side of “GRAND”, three open circles “o” identical to 3 arrival points are displayed in line. In addition, at the right side of “MAJOR”, four open circles “o” identical to 4 arrival points are displayed in line. Further, at the right side of “MINOR”, five open circles “o” identical to 5 arrival points are displayed in line.
When a player acquires one point, one of the open circles “o” of a jack pot corresponding to a point is changed to a filled circle “e”. Therefore, when all of open circles “o” of a jack pot are changed to filled circles “o”, it means that the number of points relative to the jack pot has reached an arrival point. As described above, the point acquisition field 201 indicates a process of point acquisition of each jack pot.
In a bonus game, a player selects any of the display doors D1, D2, and D3 of the liquid crystal panel 5B in a bonus game, whereby a “specific door” is specified. The display contents or the like of the liquid crystal panel 5B are changed as shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, until the player can make this player's selection operation on the liquid crystal panel 5B.
In other words, in a slot game, the liquid crystal panel 5B displays a payout number display part 8, a credit amount display part 9, a payline L, and display windows W1, W2, and W3 or the like established in a transparent state, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. In addition, if a bonus game takes place, the payout number display part 8, the credit amount display part 9, the payline L, and the display windows W1, W2, and W3 or the like established in a transparent state, are eliminated from the liquid crystal panel 5B, as shown in FIG. 10.
In addition, display doors D1, D2, and D3 are displayed in an open state on the liquid crystal display 5B. When the display doors D1, D2, and D3 are established in an open state, the inside of each frame of the display door is displayed in a transparent state on the liquid crystal panel 5B. In the open state of each of the display doors D1, D2, and D3, therefore, a player can view one symbol, respectively. The symbols, which the player can view through the display doors D1, D2, and D3, are those of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 rearranged, respectively, on the eliminated payline L.
After a predetermined time has elapsed, the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 are rotated. FIG. 11 shows the liquid crystal panel 5 in the case where the reels are rotated. As shown in FIG. 11, a player can view the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 in rotation, respectively.
Then, as shown in FIG. 12, on the liquid crystal panel 5B, all of the display doors D1, D2, and D3 are changed from an open state, and then, is displayed in a closed state. In this manner, the player cannot visually recognize the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 in rotation.
After that, as shown in FIG. 13, a message field 202 is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 5B. This message field 202 displays a message “Choose Door!” This message prompts the player to select any one of three display doors D1, D2, and D3. The player can make, on the liquid crystal panel 5B, an operation of specifying any one of the display doors D1, D2, and D3 as a “specific door”.
As shown in FIG. 13, let us consider a case where the player's finger touches the display door D3 via the touch panel 101 on the liquid crystal panel 5B, and then, the player selects the display door D3 as a “specific door”.
As shown in FIG. 14, on the liquid crystal panel 5B, the display door D3 that is a “specific door” is changed from a closed state, and then, is displayed in an open state. When the display door D3 that is the “specific door” is displayed in an open state on the liquid crystal panel 5B, the player can view, as a “specific reel, the mechanical reel R3 in rotation.
After a predetermined time has elapsed, rotation of the mechanical reel R3 is stopped. Therefore, the player can view a symbol of the mechanical reel R3 through the display door D3 displayed in an open state on the liquid crystal panel 5B. In this manner, one symbol of a “specific reel” is rearranged at a “specific reel”.
At this time, in a case where a symbol of the “specific reel” rearranged at the “specific door” comes under a specific symbol corresponding to any of three types of jack pots, the number of points corresponding to the target jack pot is added by one point.
As shown in FIG. 15, the liquid crystal panel 5B displays a “CHERRY” symbol of the mechanical reel R3 that is a “specific reel”, through the display door D3 that is a “specific door”. The player can view the “CHERRY” symbol through the display door D3 that is the “specific door”. In other words, the symbol of the “specific reel” rearranged at the “specific door” is a “CHERRY” symbol. Therefore, the number of points corresponding to the “MINOR” jack pot is added by one point. In this manner, in the point acquisition field 201, as shown in FIG. 15, one open circle “o”, which is the closest to the right side of the “MINOR” jack pot, is changed to a filled circle “”.
After that, on the liquid crystal panel 5B, the display doors D1 and D2, which are “specific doors”, are changed from a closed state, and then, is displayed in an open state. In this case, the liquid crystal panel 5B first displays either of the display doors D1 and D2 that are “specific doors”, at which a specific symbol of any jack pot is rearranged (hereinafter, referred to as a “selected door”). As to a “selected door” displayed in an open state, the player can view what the “selected door” has masked in a closed state (hereinafter, referred to as a “selected door”) from among the mechanical reels R1 and R2. At this time, the “selected reel” is established in a rotational state.
After that, among the display doors D1 and D2 that are “non-specific doors”, those other than the “selected door” (hereinafter, referred to as “non-specific doors”) are also displayed in an open state. Among the display doors D1 and D2 that are “non-specific doors”, the “non-specific door” displayed in an open state rotates one other than the “selected reel” (hereinafter, referred to as the “non-selected reel) from among the mechanical reels R1 and R2 that are “non-selected reel”. The player can view a non-selected reel via the non-selected door.
As shown in FIG. 19, for example, let us consider a case where a “Blue7”, which is a specific symbol of the “MAJOR” jack pot, is rearranged at the display door D2 that is a “non-specific door” and where an “ORANGE” symbol, which is not a specific symbol of any jack pot, is rearranged at the display door D1 that is a “non-specific door”. In this case, the display door D2 is obtained as a “selected door” because a specific symbol of the MAJOR” jack pot is rearranged. In addition, the display door D1 is obtained as a “non-selected door” because a symbol is rearranged, which is not a specific symbol of any jack pot. Therefore, the display door D2 that is a “selected door” is displayed in an open state more preferentially than the display door D1. Then, the display door D1 that is a “non-specific door” is displayed in an open state.
A specific example is shown in FIG. 16. First, the display door D2 that is a “selected door” is displayed in an open state on the liquid crystal panel 5B. When the display door D2 is displayed in an open state, the mechanical reel R2 that is a “selected reel” rotates, and the player views such rotation. After that, when a predetermined time has elapsed, rotation of the mechanical reel R2 that is a “selected reel” is stopped. In this manner, as shown in FIG. 17, a symbol “BLUE7” that is a specific symbol of the “MAJOR” jack pot is rearranged at the display door D2 that is a “selected door”. The player views the “BLUE7” symbol through the display door D2 displayed in an open state.
After that, as shown in FIG. 18, the display door D1 that is a “non-selected door” is displayed in an open state on the liquid crystal panel 5B. At this time, at the display door D1, the mechanical reel R1 that is a “non-selected reel” is rotationally displayed. The player views the mechanical reel R1 that is a rotationally displayed “non-selected reel”, through the display door D1 established in an open state. After that, when a predetermined time elapsed, rotation of the mechanical reel R1 that is a “non-selected reel” is stopped. In this manner, as shown in FIG. 19, an “ORANGE” symbol that is not a specific symbol of any jack pot is rearranged at the display door D1 that is a “non-selected door”. The player views this “ORANGE” symbol through the display door D1 displayed in an open state.
Let us consider a case where a specific symbol of any jack pot is not rearranged in either of the display doors D1 and D2 that are “non-specific doors”. In this case, both of the display doors D1 and D2 are specified as “non-selected doors”. Therefore, on the liquid crystal panel 5B, the display doors D1 and D2 specified as “non-selected doors” are changed from a closed state, and then, are displayed in an open state, at the same time.
The above-mentioned example is shown in FIG. 21. Let us consider a case where the “ORANGE” symbol that is not a specific symbol of any jack pot is rearranged at the display door D1 of the liquid crystal panel 5B and where an “APPLE” symbol that is not a specific symbol of any jack pot is rearranged at the display door D2 of the liquid crystal panel 5B. In this case, the display doors D1 and D2 are specified as “non-selected doors”. On the liquid crystal panel 5B, therefore, both of the display doors D1 and D2 that are “non-selected doors” are changed from a closed state, and then, are displayed in an open state, at the same time.
A specific example is shown in FIG. 20. On the liquid crystal panel 5B, both of the display doors D1 and D2 that are “non-selected doors” are displayed in an open state at the same time. At this time, the mechanical reels R1 and R2 that are “non-selected reels” are rotationally displayed at the display doors D1 and D2 displayed in an open state. The player views the rotationally displayed mechanical reels R1 and R2 through the display doors D1 and D2 displayed in an open state. After that, when a predetermined time has elapsed, rotation of the mechanical reels R1 and R2 that are “non-selected reels” is stopped.
In this manner, as shown in FIG. 21, an “ORANGE” symbol that is not a specific symbol of any jack pot are rearranged at the display door D1 that is a “non-selected door”, of the liquid crystal panel 5B. The player views this “ORANGE” symbol through the display door D1 displayed in an open state. In addition, an “APPLE” symbol, which is not a specific symbol of any jack pot, is rearranged at the display door D2 that is a “not-selected door”, of the liquid crystal panel 5B. The player views this “APPLE” symbol through the display door D2 displayed in an open state.
As described above, when all of the display doors D1, D2, and D3 are displayed in an open state on the liquid crystal panel 5B, all of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 rotate. At this time, the display doors D1, D2, and D3 established in an open state revert to the state shown in FIG. 11. Then, the display panel 5B displays the number of points relative to jack pots calculated based upon one symbol of a new “specific reel” rearranged at a new “specific door”. In addition, the liquid crystal panel 5B causes the player to view symbols rearranged at the display doors D1, D2, and D3. The liquid crystal panel is repeatedly displayed as mentioned previously.
By means of such repetition, in the point acquisition field 201 of the liquid crystal panel 5B, in a case where all of the open circles “o” displayed in line at the right side of any jack pot have been changed to filled circles “”, a payout amount of such any jack pot is given to the player.
The above-mentioned example is shown in FIG. 22. If one “BLUE7” symbol is disposed at the display door D 1 that is a “specific door”, of the liquid crystal panel 5B, one point is added to the number of points relative to the “MAJOR” jack pot. In this case, in the point acquisition field 201, one of the open circles “o” displayed in line at the right side of the “MAJOR” jack pot is changed to a filled circle “”. In this manner, in the point acquisition field 201, if all of the open circles displayed in line at the right side of the “MAJOR” jack pot are changed to filled circles “”, the number of points relative to the “MAJOR” jack pot reaches an arrival point relative to the “MAJOR” jack pot. Thus, a payout amount of the “MAJOR” jack pot is given to the player. In addition, a message display 203 is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 5B. In the message field 203, a message “WIN MAJOR!” is displayed. In this manner, it is notified that the payout amount of the “MAJOR” jack pot is given to the player.
If the payout amount of any jack pot is given to the player, a bonus game terminates.

[7. Operation of the Gaming Machine]

A main control program executed in the gaming machine 1 will be described in detail with referring to the drawings. FIG. 23 is a flowchart of the main control program.
As shown in FIG. 23, first, when a power switch is turned ON (when power is supplied), a microcomputer 31 boots, and then, the microcomputer 31 executes an initial setting process of step 1 (hereinafter, referred to as S1). At S1, a main CPU32 executes a BIOS stored in a ROM34, and then, decompresses, in a RAM33, compression data incorporated in the BIOS. This main CPU also executes the BIOS decompressed in the RAM33, and then, diagnoses and initializes various peripherals. In addition, the main CPU32 writes a game program or the like from the ROM34 to the RAM33, and then, acquires payout rate setting data and country identification information. The main CPU32 performs authentication processing relative to program while executing the initial setting processing.
Next, at S2, the main CPU32 sequentially reads out and executes game programs or the like from the RAM33, and then, performs a main game processing. The main CPU32 executes the main game processing, whereby a game is performed by the gaming machine 1. This main game processing is repeatedly executed while power is supplied to the gaming machine 1.
Next, sub processing of the main game processing of S2 will be described with referring to FIG. 24. FIG. 24 is a flowchart of the main game processing program in the gaming machine 1. The programs shown in the flowchart of FIG. 24 are stored in the ROM34 and the RAM33, and are executed by the main CPU32.
As shown in FIG. 24, first, at S11, the main CPU32 performs a start accepting process. In this start accepting process, the player enters a coin, and then, performs a BET operation using an operating button 11 of a BET button. In addition, the main CPU32 transmits a control signal to a sub control board 72, whereby display windows W1, W2, and W3 of the liquid crystal panel 5B are proceeded to or maintained in a transparent state.
Next, at S12, the main CPU32 determines whether or not the player has depressed an operating button 11 of a SPIN button. This determination is made based upon a signal input to the main CPU32 responsive to depressing of the operating button 11. If the operating button 11 of the SPIN button has not been depressed (S12: NO), the routine reverts to the start accepting process (S11). In this manner, operation of modifying the number of bets or the like is possible. On the other hand, if the operating button 11 of the SPIN button has been depressed (S12: YES), the number of bets set based upon the BET operation is subtracted from the credit amount currently owned by the player, and bet information is stored in the RAM33. The credit amount after subtracted is stored as credit information in the RAM33. In addition, the main CPU32 transmits a control signal to a sub control board 72, thereby causing a credit number display part 9 of the liquid crystal panel 5B to display the credit information stored in the RAM (a credit amount after subtracted).
Next, at S13, the main CPU32 performs base game lottery processing. Specifically, the main CPU32 executes a lottery program included in a game program, thereby selecting, from a numeric range of “0 to 255”, random numbers corresponding to a respective one of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3. In addition, the main CPU32 determines code numbers of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3, based upon the selected three random numbers, with referring to symbol weighting data responsive to payout rate setting data. Further, the main CPU32 stores in the RAM33 the determined code numbers of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3.
The code numbers of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 correspond to symbol numbers rearranged on the payline L of the liquid crystal panel 5B (symbol numbers of FIG. 4). Thus, the main CPU32 determines the code numbers of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3, thereby determining a combination of symbols in the unit game. For example, in a case where the main CPU32 determines the cord numbers of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3, whereby all of the symbol numbers of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 are determined to be “21”, “21”, “21”, the main CPU32 determines a combination of symbols constituted of three “FRANKENSTEIN” symbols as that of symbols included in the unit game (see FIG. 4). In this manner, the main CPU32 determines the code numbers of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3, thereby performing a lottery of a combination of symbols according to a unit game of a slot game.
Next, at S14, the main CPU32 performs symbol display control processing. Specifically, the main CPU32 first performs reel rotation processing. In other words, the main CPU32 is caused to drive motors M1, M2, and M3 by means of a motor drive circuit 52 and to start rotation of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3. In addition, the main CPU32 determines an effect mode relative to a unit game (a mode of image display on the liquid crystal panel 5 or sound output from the speaker 23 and the like), and then, instructs a sub control board 72 or the like to start effecting by the determined effect pattern. The main CPU32 performs reel stop processing when a predetermined stop timing of stopping rotation of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 is reached. Then, the main CPU32 stops the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 based upon the code numbers stored in the RAM33, through control of a motor drive circuit 52. In this manner, the combination of symbols determined at S13 is rearranged on the payline L of the liquid crystal panel 5B.
Next, at S15, the main CPU32 determines whether or not a winning combination is realized. This determination is made based upon the code numbers or the like of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 stored in the RAM33. In a case where the main CPU32 determines that no winning combination is realized (S15: NO), the main game processing of FIG. 24 is executed again. On the other hand, in a case where the main CPU32 determines that a winning combination is realized (S15: YES), the routine proceeds to S16.
At S15, the main CPU32 performs payout number display processing. Specifically, the main CPU32 first calculates an amount obtained by multiplying the number of bets for a payout amount responsive to the winning combination rearranged on the payline L of the liquid crystal panel 5B. This calculation is performed based upon bet information of the RAM33 and the payout table or the like of FIG. 7. This calculated amount is stored as payout information in the RAM33. Then, the main CPU32 causes the payout number display part 8 of the liquid crystal panel 5B to display payout information (calculated amount) stored in the RAM33 by transmitting a control signal to the sub control board 72.
Next, at S16, the main CPU32 determines whether or not a bonus game trigger is established. Specifically, in a case where three “FRANKENSTEIN” symbols are rearranged on the payline L of the liquid crystal panel 5B, it is determined that the bonus game trigger is established. This determination is made based upon the code numbers or the like, of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 stored in the RAM33. In a case where the main CPU32 determines that the bonus game trigger is established (S16: YES), the main CPU32 executes bonus game processing of S17. A detailed description of the bonus game processing will be given later.
In addition, in a case where the main CPU32 determines that the bonus game trigger is not established (S16: NO), the main CPU32 performs payout processing of S18. In this payout processing, the main CPU32 pays out a payout amount acquired by the player in a slot game and a bonus game, respectively, to the player based upon payout information of the RAM33.
When a payout is given to the player, the main CPU32 adds the credit amount stored as payout information in the RAM33 (payout amount acquired by the player in a slot game and a bonus game, respectively) relative to the credit amount stored as credit information in the RAM33, and then, overwrites the added value as credit information in the RAM33. In addition, the main CPU32 causes the credit amount display part 9 of the liquid crystal panel 5B to display credit information stored in the RAM33 (the additive value obtained at S18) by transmitting a control signal to the sub control board 72. Further, the main CPU32 causes the payout number display part 8 of the liquid crystal panel 5B to display “0” by overwriting “0” as payout information in the RAM33 and transmitting a control signal to the sub control board 72.
In the payout processing of S18, the player depresses an operating button 11 of a CASHOUT button, thereby making it possible to pay out the number of credits currently owned by the player by means of the corresponding coin (one credit corresponding to one coin) or a bar code-attached ticket to be printed by a ticket printer 14. The main CPU32 executes the main game processing of FIG. 24 again after performing the payout processing of S18.
Next, sub processing of the bonus game processing of S17 will be described with referring to FIGS. 25 and 26. FIGS. 25 and 26 are flowcharts of a bonus game processing program in the gaming machine 1. The programs shown by the flowcharts of FIGS. 25 and 26 are stored in the ROM34 or the RAM33, and the stored programs are executed by the main CPU32.
As shown in FIG. 25, at S21, the main CPU32 first performs all-door display processing. Specifically, the main CPU32 performs control of eliminating the payout number display part 8, the credit amount display part 9, the payline L, and the display windows W1, W2, and W3 from the liquid crystal panel 5B by transmitting a control signal to the sub control board 72. In addition, the main CPU32 causes the liquid crystal panel 5B to display the point acquisition field 201 and the display doors D1, D2, and D3 established in an open state, as shown in FIG. 10.
Next, at S22, the main CPU32 performs symbol determination processing. In this symbol determination processing, the main CPU32 determines code numbers of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3, like the above-mentioned base game lottery processing of S13. The code numbers of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 correspond to symbol numbers rearranged on the eliminated payline L (symbol numbers of FIG. 4). Thus, the main CPU32 determines code numbers of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3, thereby determining the symbols to be rearranged at the display doors D1, D2, and D3.
Next, at S23, the main CPU32 performs all-reel rotation processing. In this all-reel rotation processing, the main CPU32 causes a motor drive circuit 52 to drive motors M1, M2, and M3, and then, start rotation of the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 (see FIG. 11).
Next, at S24, the main CPU32 performs all-door closing display processing. In this all-door closing display processing, the main CPU32 causes the liquid crystal panel 5B to display the display doors D1, D2, and D3, as shown in FIG. 12, by transmitting a control signal to the sub control board 72. In addition, the main CPU32 causes the liquid crystal panel 5B to display a message field 202, as shown in FIG. 13, by transmitting a control signal to the sub control board 72. A message “Choose Door!” is displayed in this message field 202.
Next, at S25, the main CPU32 performs selection enable processing. In this selection enable processing, the main CPU32 accepts a specific signal from the touch panel 101.
Next, at S26, the main CPU32 determines whether or not a “specific door” has been selected. In this determination, the main CPU32 specifies any one of the display doors D1, D2, and D3, based upon the specific signal from the touch panel 101. For example, even in a case where the “specific door” has been selected, if any of the display doors D1, D2, and D3 cannot be specified, it is determined that the “specific door” has not been selected. Here, the main CPU32 waits until the “specific door” has been selected (S26: NO), and then, proceeds to S27 if the “specific door” is selected (S26: YES).
Next, at S27, the main CPU32 performs specifying processing. In this specifying processing, the main CPU32 first specifies a coordinate position of a portion touched by the player, based upon a specifying signal from the touch panel 101, and then, specifies a “specific door” from among the display doors D1, D2, and D3, in accordance with the specified coordinate position. Subsequently, the main CPU32 specifies a “specific reel” corresponding to the “specific door” from among the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, in a case where the player has touched the display door D3, the display door D3 is specified as a “specific door”, and the mechanical reel R3 is specified as a “specific reel”. In a case where the “specific door” is the display door D1, the mechanical reel R1 is specified as a “specific reel”. In addition, in a case where the “specific door” is the display door D2, the mechanical reel R2 is specified as a “specific reel”.
Next, at S28, the main CPU32 performs specific door opening display processing. In this specific door opening display processing, the main CPU32 causes the liquid crystal display panel 5B to display the “specific door” in an open state by transmitting a control signal to the sub control board 72. Specifically, in a case where the display door D3 is specified as a “specific door”, as shown in FIG. 14, the main CPU32 causes the liquid crystal panel 5B to display the display door D3 that is the specific door” in an open state.
Next, at S29, the main CPU32 performs specific reel stop processing. In the specific reel stop processing, the main CPU32 is caused to stop a “specific reel”, based upon code numbers stored in the RAM33, through the control of the motor drive circuit 52. In this manner, one symbol of the “specific reel” is rearranged at the “specific door”. Specifically, for example, let us consider a case where the “specific door” is the display door D3. In this case, when the code number relative to the mechanical reel R3 that is a “specific reel” is a code number corresponding to a “CHERRY symbol, as shown in FIG. 15, one “CHERRY” symbol of the mechanical reel R3 is rearranged at the display door D3.
Next, at S30, the main CPU32 performs point acquisition processing. In this point acquisition processing, the main CPU32 performs display control relative to the acquisition field 201 on a point of the liquid crystal panel 5B by transmitting a control signal to the sub control board 72. When a code number relative to a “specific reel” corresponds to a symbol specified as any specific symbol, the main CPU32 changes, to a filled circle “”, one of the open circles “o” of a jack pot relative to the specific symbol. In addition, the main CPU32 overwrites the number of points for a jack pot relative to the specific symbol by one point, and then, overwrites the added number of points in the RAM33.
Specifically, let us consider a case where the “specific door” is the display door D3, for example. In this case, when the code number relative to the mechanical reel R3 that is the “specific reel” corresponds to a “CHERRY” symbol, the “CHERRY” symbol is specified as a specific symbol of a “MINOR” jack pot. Thus, as shown in FIG. 15, one of the open circles “o” situated at the right-most side of the jack pot is changed to a filled circle “”. In addition, as to the number of points for jack pots stored in the RAM33, the number of points relative to the “MINOR” jack pot is added by one point.
In addition, the main CPU32 does not perform display control relative to the acquisition field 201 on a point of the liquid crystal panel 5B when the code number relative to a “specific reel” does not correspond to a symbol of any specific symbol. In addition, a current state is maintained as to the number of points stored in the RAM33.
Next, as shown in FIG. 26, the main CPU32 performs selection processing at S41. In this selection processing, the main CPU32 first verifies a code number relative to a “non-specific reel” from among the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3. In a case where the code number targeted for check comes under that corresponding to a specific symbol of any jack pot, the mechanical reels R1, R2, and R3 relative to the corresponding code number are specified as “selected reels”. In addition, the main CPU32 specifies, as a “selected door”, one which is capable of masking a “selected reel” from among the display doors D1, D2, and D3.
Specifically, let us consider a case where the mechanical reel R2, for example, is a “non-specific reel”. In this case, when the code number is equivalent to a code number corresponding to “BLUE7” that is a specific symbol of a “MAJOR” jack pot, the mechanical reel R2 is obtained as a “selected reel” and the display door D2 is obtained as a “selected door”.
Next, at S42, the main CPU42 performs selected-door opening display processing. In this selected-door opening display processing, the main CPU32 causes the liquid crystal panel 5B to display a “selected door” in an open state by transmitting a control signal to a sub control board 72. Specifically, in a case where the display door D2 is selected as a “selected door”, as shown in FIG. 16, the display door D2 that is a “selected door” is displayed in an open state on the liquid crystal panel 5B.
Next, at S43, the main CPU32 performs selected-reel stop processing. In this selected-reel stop processing, the main CPU32 stops a “selected reel”, based upon the code numbers stored in the RAM33, through the control of the motor drive circuit 52. In this manner, one symbol of the “selected reel” is rearranged at a “selected door”. Specifically, let us consider a case where the “selected door” is the display door D2, for example. In this case, when the code number relative to the mechanical reel R2 that is the “selected reel” corresponds to a “BLUE7” symbol, as shown in FIG. 17, one “BLUE7” symbol of the mechanical reel R2 is rearranged at the display door D2.
Next, at S44, the main CPU32 performs non-selected door opening display processing. In this non-selected door opening display processing, the main CPU32 causes the liquid crystal panel 5B to display a “non-selected door” in an open state by transmitting a control to the sub control board 72. Specifically, in a case where the “specific door” is the display door D3 and the “selected door” is the display door D2, the display door D1 is obtained as “non-selected door”. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 18, the display door D1 that is a “non-selected door” is displayed in an open state on the liquid crystal panel 5B.
Next, at S45, the main CPU32 performs non-selected reel stop processing. In this non-selected reel stop processing, the main CPU32 stops a “non-selected reel”, based upon the code number stored in the RAM33, through the control of a motor drive circuit 52. In this manner, one symbol of the “non-selected reel” is rearranged at the “non-selected door”. Specifically, for example, let us consider a case where the “non-selected door” is the display door D1. In this case, when the code number relative to the mechanical reel R1 that is a “non-selected reel” corresponds to an “ORANGE” symbol, as shown in FIG. 19, one “orange” symbol of the mechanical reel R1 is rearranged at the display door D1. After that, the routine proceeds to S31 of FIG. 25.
Next, as shown in FIG. 25, at S31, the main CPU32 determines whether or not it is possible to give a jack pot to a player. This determination is made based upon the number of points relative to jack pots stored in the RAM33 and the payout table of FIG. 2, and is made by means of comparison between the number of points and that of arrival points relative to each of the jack pots. The main CPU32 does not give any jack pot to the player in a case where the number of arrival points and the number of points are not coincident with each other as to any jack pot, such any jack pot is not given to the player (S31: NO). Thus, the routine reverts to aforementioned S22 in which the above processing operations at and after S22 are repeated.
In addition, in a case where the main CPU32 of S31 determines that the number of arrival points and the number of points are coincident with each other as to any jack pot, the payout amount corresponding to such any jack pot is given to the player (S31: YES). Specifically, like the liquid crystal panel 5B shown in FIG. 22, in the point acquisition field 201, in a case where all of the open circles “o” displayed in line at the right side of a “MAJOR” jack pot have been changed to filled circles “”, it means that the number of points relative to the “MAJOR” jack pot reaches the arrival point relative to the “MAJOR” jack pot. Thus, “100” that is the payout amount corresponding to the “MAJOR” jack pot is given to the player. The number of points relative to jack pots stored in the RAM33 is reset. Thereafter, the routine proceeds to S18 of FIG. 24.

[8. Miscellaneous]

The present invention is not limitative to the aforementioned embodiment, and various modifications can occur without departing from the essence of the claimed inventions. For example, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment may proceed to S51 of FIG. 27 after executing the point acquisition processing of S30 in FIG. 25. In this case, the main CPU32 performs non-specific door opening display processing at S51. In this non-specific door opening display processing, the main CPU32 causes the liquid crystal panel 5B to display a “non-specific door” in an open state by transmitting a control signal to the sub control board 72. Specifically, in a case where the “specific door” is the display door D3, as shown in FIG. 20, the display doors D1 and D2 that are “non-specific doors” are displayed in an open state on the liquid crystal panel 5B. After that, the routine proceeds to S52.
Next, at S52, the main CPU32 performs non-specific reel stop processing. In this non-specific reel stop processing, the main CPU32 stops a “non-specific reel”, based upon the code numbers stored in the RAM33, through the control of the motor drive circuit 52. In this manner, one symbol of the “non-specific reel” is rearranged at the “non-specific door”. Specifically, for example, in a case where the “non-specific doors” are the display door D1 and D2, the mechanical reels R1 and R2 are obtained as “non-specific reels”. Then, the code number relative to the mechanical reel R1 that is a “non-specific reel” corresponds to an “APPLE” symbol, as shown in FIG. 21, the “ORANGE” symbol of the mechanical reel R1 is rearranged on the display door D1, and the “APPLE” symbol of the mechanical reel R2 is rearranged at the display door D2. After that, the routine proceeds to S31 of FIG. 25.
In such a case, even if the “selected door” as mentioned above exists in a “non-specific door”, such “selected door” is not preferentially displayed in an open state on the liquid crystal panel 5B. In addition, a “selected reel” is not preferentially controlled to be stopped.
In a case where there is neither a “selected door” nor a “selected reel” in the selection processing of S41 in FIG. 26, the modified aspect on the liquid crystal panel 5B becomes identical in the control according to the flowchart of FIG. 26 and in the control according to the flowchart of FIG. 27 as well.
In addition, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, one point is added to the arrival point of each jack pot, so that the routine may surely proceed to S18 of FIG. 24 after the determination processing of S31 in FIG. 25, irrespective of the determination result in the determination processing of S31 in FIG. 25. In this case, in a bonus game, the processing operations of S22 to S31 of FIG. 24 are not repeated, so that the player can select only one “specific door”, and further, a symbol of a “specific reel” is rearranged at a “specific door” only once.

Claims

1. A gaming machine, comprising:

a plurality of mechanical reels on which plural types of symbols are provided, respectively;

a transparent liquid crystal display enabling a player to view each of said mechanical reels;

an operating part used by the player when a player selects any one of said mechanical reels; and

a processor programmed to operate the steps of:

(a) randomly determining symbols for each of said each mechanical reels;

(b) rotating each of said mechanical reels;

(c) associating a plurality of masked images disabling the player to view each of said mechanical reels by each of said each mechanical reels to be displayed on the transparent liquid crystal display;

(d) permitting a player to select any one of said mechanical reels by using the operating part;

(e) specifying a mechanical reel selected by the player at the operating part;

(f) eliminating a masked image corresponding to the specific mechanical reel from the transparent liquid crystal display;

(g) indicating to a player the symbols determined at the step (a) as to the specific mechanical reel by stopping the specific mechanical reel; and

(h) in a case where the symbols indicated for the player are specific symbols for awarding a prize, executing processing for awarding the prize.

2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein

when making operation at the step (g), the processor operates the steps of:

(1) eliminating from the transparent liquid crystal display a masked image corresponding to a non-specific mechanical reel deviating from the specific mechanical reel; and

(2) indicating to the player the symbols determined at the step (a) as to the non-specific mechanical reel by stopping the non-specific mechanical reel.

3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein

when making operation at the step (g), the processor operates the steps of:

(1) selecting one mechanical reel in which the symbols determined at the step (a) are associated with the prize from among the non-specific mechanical reels deviating from the specific mechanical reels;

(2) eliminating the masked image corresponding to the selected mechanical reel from the transparent liquid crystal display; and

(3) indicating to the player the symbols determined at the step (a) as to the selected mechanical reel, by stopping the selected mechanical reel.

4. A gaming machine, comprising:

a transparent liquid crystal display enabling a player to view each of said mechanical reel;

a processor programmed to operate the steps of:

(a) randomly determining symbols for each of said mechanical reels;

(b) rotating each of said mechanical reels;

(c) associating a plurality of masked images disabling the player to view said each mechanical reel by each of said mechanical reel to be displayed on the transparent liquid crystal display;

(e) specifying a mechanical reel selected by the player at the operating part;

(g) indicating to a player the symbols determined at the step (a) as to the specific mechanical reel by stopping the specific mechanical reel;

(h) repeating a series of operations from the step (a) to the step immediately preceding the step (h), and counting an incidence of symbols indicated for the player by stopping the specific mechanical reel by symbol types; and

(i) awarding a prize to the player, based upon the incidence of each of said symbols.

5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein

when making operation at the step (g), the processor operates the steps of:

(1) eliminating from the transparent liquid crystal display the masked image corresponding to the non-specific mechanical reel deviating from the specific mechanical reels; and

(2) indicating to the player the symbols determined at step (a) as to the non-specific mechanical reel, by stopping the non-specific mechanical reel.

6. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein

when making operation at the step (g), the processor operates the steps of:

(1) selecting one mechanical reel in which the symbols determined at the step (a) are associated with the prize, from among the non-specific mechanical reels deviating from the specific mechanical reels;

(2) eliminating from the transparent liquid crystal display the masked image corresponding to the selected mechanical reel; and

7. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein

the processor operates the step of:

(j) terminating a repeating operation from the step (a) to the step (h) on condition that the prize is awarded to the player.

8. A gaming machine, comprising:

a processor programmed to operate the steps of:

(a) randomly determining symbols for each of said mechanical reel;

(b) rotating each of said mechanical reel;

(c) associating a plurality of masked images disabling the player to view each of said mechanical reel by each of said mechanical reel to be displayed on the transparent liquid crystal display;

(e) specifying a mechanical reel selected by the player at the operating part;

(g-1) indicating to the player the symbols determined at step (a) as to the specific mechanical reel by stopping the specific mechanical reel;

(g-2) eliminating from the transparent liquid crystal display the masked image corresponding to the non-specific mechanical reel deviating from the specific mechanical reel;

(g-3) indicating to the player the symbols determined at step (a) as to the non-specific reels, by stopping the non-specific mechanical reel;

(h) repeating a series of operations from the step (a) to the step immediately preceding the step (h), and counting the incidence of symbols indicated for the player by stopping the specific mechanical reel by symbol types;

(i) awarding a prize to the player, based upon the incidence of said each symbol; and

(j) terminating the repeating operation from the step (a) to the step (h) on condition that the prize is awarded to the player.

9. A gaming machine, comprising:

a processor programmed to operate the steps of:

(a) randomly determining symbols for each of said mechanical reels;

(b) rotating each of each of said mechanicals;

(c) associating a plurality of masked images disabling the player to view each of said mechanical reels by each of said mechanical reels to be displayed on the transparent liquid crystal display;

(d) permitting the player to select any one of said mechanical reels by using the operating part;

(e) specifying a mechanical reel selected by the player at the operating part;

(g-1) indicating to the player the symbols determined at the step (a) as to the specific mechanical reel by stopping the specific mechanical reel;

(g-2) selecting one mechanical reel in which the symbols determined at the step (a) are associated with the prize, from among the non-specific mechanical reels deviating from the specific mechanical reels;

(g-3) eliminating the masked image corresponding to the selected mechanical reel from the transparent liquid crystal display;

(g-4) indicating to the player the symbols determined at the step (a) as to the selected mechanical reel by stopping the selected mechanical reel;

(h) repeating a series of operations from the step (a) to the step immediately preceding the step (h), and counting an incidence of the symbols indicated to the player by stopping the specific mechanical reel by symbol types;

(i) awarding a prize to the player, based upon the incidence of each of said symbols; and