AU2003266468B2

AU2003266468B2 - Game machine, slot machine, and game program

Info

Publication number: AU2003266468B2
Application number: AU2003266468A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Satoshi Suda; Katsumi Takahashi
Original assignee: Konami Gaming Inc
Current assignee: Konami Gaming Inc
Priority date: 2002-12-05
Filing date: 2003-12-05
Publication date: 2006-11-23
Anticipated expiration: 2023-12-05
Also published as: US20040110558A1; AU2003266468A1; JP4402876B2; JP2004181028A

Description

Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT

APPLICANT:

Invention Title: KONAMI CORPORATION GAME MACHINE, SLOT MACHINE, AND GAME

PROGRAM

The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: MD -la-

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GAME MACHINE, SLOT MACHINE, AND GAME PROGRAM O TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 0 The present invention relates to a game machine and a game program displaying, before a bonus game starts, the possible payout value that can be awarded to a player as 00 0payout in the bonus game.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be to considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

Conventional game machines provide, in addition to normal games, bonus games that are more likely to be advantageous to a player as compared to normal games. In addition to providing an attractive game, bonus games provide differences from normal games such as increased win rates and higher payouts for wins. As a result, the player generally experiences a high degree of anticipation for bonus games.

Another conventional game machine displays a number or a multiplication factor in a symbol display region. The number or multiplication factor serves as a wild symbol, and the number is added to or the multiplication factor is multiplied to the payout which corresponds to the symbols lined up on a win line.

A conventional game machine is disclosed in Japanese Utility-Model Laid-Open Publication Number Hei 520383, for example.

However, game machines are not known that indicate the payout value that can be obtained by the player in a bonus game. In particular, there are no game machines that indicate the payout values that the player can obtain in a bonus game based on the total bet count. Thus, a player's curiosity can be increased further by displaying, before a bonus game, the payout value that can be obtained by the player in the bonus game.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

To this end, a first aspect of the present invention provides a game machine comprising: I-2a display module that, at a start of a game comprising a normal game and a bonus game having a high probability of being advantageous to a player, provides a changing O display of symbols initially in a static state in a plurality of display regions, said symbols 0 being capable of changing continuously to other symbols in said changing display; said display module providing a static display stopping said symbols in said 0 changing display and statically displaying said symbols in said display regions, said symbols that are displayed statically optionally comprising at least one bonus symbol ID when said game is in said normal game; an evaluation module that determines, when said game is in said normal game, whether said at least one statically displayed bonus symbol meets a condition for starting said bonus game; wherein when said condition is met, said display module displays a possible payout value that can be awarded to the player as payout for said bonus game before said bonus game starts.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a slot machine for performing a game comprising a normal game and a bonus game having a high probability of being advantageous to a player, said slot machine comprising: a display module that, at a start of said game, provides a changing display of symbols initially in a static state in a plurality of display regions, said symbols being capable of changing continuously to other symbols in said changing display; said display module providing a static display stopping said symbols in said changing display and statically displaying said symbols in said display regions, said symbols that are displayed statically optionally comprising at least one bonus symbol when said game is in said normal game; an evaluation module that determines, when said game is in said normal game, whether said at least one said statically displayed bonus symbol meets a condition for starting said bonus game; wherein when said condition is met, said display module displays a possible payout value that can be awarded to the player as payout for said bonus game before said bonus game starts; said display module displays said possible payout value that can be awarded to the player and also displays said bonus symbol in said display region that displayed said statically displayed bonus symbol; and ID -2a-

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said possible payout value displayed along with said statically displayed bonus symbol corresponds to a number of win lines selected ahead of time by the player.

O A third aspect of the present invention provides a computer-readable medium Ie encoded with processing instructions for implementing a method for providing a game, said method comprising the steps of: 0 displaying a symbol in a static state in each of a plurality of display regions in a display module; IN providing, at a start of said game comprising a normal game and a bonus garnme having a high probability of being advantageous to a player, a changing display of said 10 symbols that were in said static state in said display regions, said symbols changing continuously to various symbols in said changing display; providing a static display stopping said symbols in said changing display state and statically displaying said symbols in said display regions, said statically displayed symbols optionally comprising at least one statically displayed bonus symbol when said game is in said normal game; evaluating, when said game is in said normal game, whether said at least one statically displayed bonus symbol meets a condition for starting said bonus game; calculating a possible payout value that can be awarded to the player as payout for said bonus game before said bonus game starts when said condition is met as a result of said evaluation; and displaying results of said calculation on said display module before said bonus game begins.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a method for providing a game, said method comprising the steps of: displaying symbols in a static state in a plurality of display regions; continuously changing said symbols that were in a static state to various symbols at a start of said game comprising a normal game and a bonus game having a high probability of being advantageous to a player; displaying a changing display of said changing symbols in said display regions; stopping said symbols in said changing display; displaying a static display statically displaying said symbols in said display regions, said statically displayed symbols optionally comprising at least one statically displayed bonus symbol when said game is in said normal game; IN- 2b

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determining, when said game is in said normal game, whether said at least one statically displayed bonus symbol meets a condition for starting said bonus game; and O displaying, when said condition is met, a possible payout value that can be

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awarded to the player as payout for said bonus game before said bonus game starts.

Advantageously, in at least a preferred embodiment, the present invention 0 increases the player's curiosity by displaying, before a bonus game, the payout value ,that can be obtained in the bonus game by the player.

ID In order to achieve the object described above, a game machine of the present invention provides a normal game and a bonus game having a high probability of being

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advantageous to a player. The game machine includes: a display module that, at a start of a game, provides a changing display of symbols that were in a static state in a plurality of display regions, the symbols are capable of changing continuously to other or various symbols, including a bonus symbol, and that provides a static display in which the symbols in the changing display state are stopped and are statically displayed in the display regions; and an evaluation module that determines, if a game state is the normal game state, whether or not at least one of the bonus symbols that is or will be displayed statically meets conditions for starting the bonus game. If the condition is met, the display module displays the possible payout value that can be awarded to the player as payout for the bonus game before the bonus game starts.

Thus, when it is determined that the above condition is met, a display is provided before the bonus game of a possible payout value that can be awarded to the player as the bonus game payout. Thus, the player knows ahead of time the payout value that can be obtained in the bonus game. As a result, the player's anticipation and curiosity regarding the bonus game is increased, and this heightens the player's interest in the game.

According to another aspect, in a game machine according to the present invention, the possible value for the payout value to be awarded to the player is identified as a value range Since the possible payout value that can be obtained is indicated as a. vulue range, the player knows ahead of tirm the payout value that canl be obtained in the bonus game. A payout range is a numerical range defined by a, lower limit and an upper limit, "30 100". As a result, the player's anticipation and curiosity regarding the bonus game is increased, and the player's interest i the game is heightened.

According to another aspet, in a game machine according to the present inyention, the possible value for the payout value to be awarded to the player is identified as a plurality of independent values, Since the possible payout values that can be obtained are indicated as muxltiple independent values, the player knows the payout values that can be obtained in the bonus game ahead of time.

Multiple, independent values are independent numerical values unrelated to eachi other, and 100". As a result, the player's anticipation and curiosity regarding the bonus game are increased, and the player's curiosity regarding the game is heightened.

According to another aspect, in a game muachine according to the present invention, the possible value for the payout value defned as a value expressed using an addition or multiplication operator.

Since the possible payout value that can be obtained is defined as a value notation using the addition or multiplication operator, the player is able to easily predict the size of the payout value that can be obtained in the bonus game. As a result, the player's anticipardon and curiosity regarding the bonus game is increased, and the player's curiosity regarding the game is heightened.

According to another aspect, in a game machine according to the present invention, the display module displays the possible value for the payout value to be awarded to The player and also displays the bonus symbol in the display region at which the bonus symbo[ was displayed.

Since the possible payout value that can be obtained is displayed along the with the bonus symbols in the display regions displaying the bonus symbol, the player can dirctly see the size of the payout value that can be obtained in the bonus game. As a result, the player's anticipation and curiosity regarding the bonus game are increased, and the player's curiosity regarding the game is heightened.

According to another aspect, in a game machine according to the present invention, the possible value for the payout value displayed along with the bonus symbol is changed according to a number of bets made by the player.

Thus, the payout value that can be obtained that is displayed along with each bonus symbol changes according to the player's bet count. For example, if the bet count increases by a multiplication factor of 2 or 3, the possible payout values are correspondingly doubled or tripled.

The higher the bet count is, the greater the payout from the bonus game, thereby making the player tend to set a higher bet count. As a result, the player's anticipation and curiosity regarding the bonus game is increased, and the player's curiosity regarding the game is heightened.

According to another aspect, a slot machine according to the present invention includes a game machine as described above wherein the possible value for the payout value displayed along with the bonus symbol corresponds to a number of win lines selected ahead of time by the player.

Thus, the possible payout value displayed along with each bonus symbol ccrresponds to the number of win lines selected ahead of time by the player. For example, if the number of win lines selected ahead of time by the player is doubled or tripled, the possible payout values are correspondingly doubled or tripled. Since the higher the number of win li es selected by the player ahead of time, the larger the possible payout value in the bonus gante. Therefore, the player tends to select a larger number of win lines. As a result, the player's anticipation and curiosity regarding the bonus game is increased, thus heightening the player's iaterest in the game.

According to another aspect, a game program according to the pleet invention is a computer-executable game program providing a normal game and a bonus game having a high probability of being advantageous to a player. A computer-readable medium encoded with processing instructions can implement a method for providing the computer-,executable game program. The game program includes: an operation for displaying a symbol in each of a plurality of display regions in a game display module; an operation for providing, at a start of a game, a changing display of symbols that were in a static state in a plurality of display regions, the symbols are capable of changing continiuously to other or various symbols, including a bonus symbol, and for providing a static display stopping the symbols in the changing displa) state and statically displaying the symbols in the display regions; an operation for evaluating, if 2 game state is in the normal game state, whether or not at least one of the bonus symbols that is or wifl be displayed statically meets conditions for startng the bonus game; an operation for cdculating a possible payout value that can be awarded to the player as payout for the bonus game before the bonus game starts if the condition is met as a result of the evaluation; and an operation for displaying results of the calculation on the game machine display module before the bonui. gxne is begun.

Thus, when it is determined that the above condition is met, a display is provided before the bonus game of a possible payout value that can be awarded to the playeC as the bonus game payout. Thus, the player knows ahead of time the payout value that can be cbtained in the bonus game. As a result, the player's anticipation and curiosity regarding the bonus game is increased, and this heightens the player's interest in the game, -6- BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of O example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

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Fig. I is a perspective drawing showing the exterior of a game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; 0 Figs. 2A and 2B are block diagrams showing the electronic architecture of a game ,machine according to the embodiment of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the operations performed by a game machine according to the embodiment of Fig. 1;

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Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the operations performed by a game machine according to the embodiment of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a drawing showing a sample display of a symbol display module; Fig. 6 is a drawing showing a sample display of a symbol display module; Fig. 7 is a drawing showing a sample display of a symbol display module; Fig. 8 is a drawing showing a sample display of a symbol display module; Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the operations performed by a game machine according to another embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the operations performed by a game machine according to the embodiment of Fig. 9; Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the operations performed by a game machine according to the embodiment of Fig. 9; Fig. 12 is a drawing showing a sample display of a symbol display module; Fig. 13 is a drawing showing a sample display of a symbol display module; and Fig. 14 is a drawing showing a sample display of a symbol display module; LIST OF DESIGNATORS 1: game machine; 7: symbol display module; 30: CPU; 31: ROM; 32; R.A.Vf; 81 83: bonus symbol; 100 102: bonus symbol DETAILED DESCRIPTON OF THlE PREFERRED EMBODIMNTS EMODIMENT OF FIGS. I 4 A game machine according to an embodiment of the present inventior provides a normal game and a bonus game that is more likely to be advantageous to the player compared to the normal game. When the game machine is in the normal game state, the condition for starting a bonus game is met when at least one bonus symbol is statically displayed in a display module.

When it is determined that this condition is met, the possible payout that car be awarded to the player as the bonus game payout is displayed before the start of the bonus game.

In this embodiment, an example of the condition needed for starting Ebonus game is for three mole nest symbols to be displayed iii the display module, which has five reets. As shown in Fig. 6, when a first reel 71 through fifth reel 75 have stopped and three mole niest symbols 81 83 appear, the next gam will be a bonus game. If the results are determined ahead of time by random selection, it is known before the reels actually stop whether or not div above condition is met.

In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6, the possible payout values that the player can be awarded as a bonus game payout are displayed on each of the mole nest symbols. In Fig. 6, the mole nest symbol 81 displays the mole nest symbol 82 displays "50' and the mole nest symbol 83 displays 100". These payout values signify that 30, 50, or 100 coins can be obtained.

As a result, the player is able to know ahead of time the possible payout value that can be obtained in the bonus game.

The present invention can be implemented for any device a device that provides a game) that can display symbols. This.-embodiment presents a game machine that provides a changing display in the vertical (horizontal is also possible) display of multiple types of symbols and provides a static display of the changing symbols based on the results of ;Ln internal random selection. For the section of the game machine that displays the symbols in a changing manner, a mechanical reel can be used. Alternatively, video reels can be used, where syrnbois are displayed in a changing manner as images on a liquid crystal display or the like. In addition to game machines, slot machines installed in pachinko parlors, where a player actively operates a stop button to determine a stopping timing and a stopping sequence for the reels, the present invention can also be implemented for game machines, in pachinko machines and slot machines in casinos, where the reels automatically stop in sequence regardless of the player's intentions. This embodiment presents an example in which the present invention is implemenied for a video slot machine.

In this embodiment, coins are used as examples of game prizes, but the present invention is not restricted to this and any medium, pachinko balls, that can provide game value can be used. The present invention can be implemented for any game machine A hich provides both normal games and bonus games. The present invention can be implemented on any game machine, a game machine providing card games, as long as there are both normd games and bonus games.

In Fig. 1, a game machine 1 includes a case 2 and a front panel 3 attached to the front of the case 2 so that it can open and close. A symbol display module 7, disposed behind the front panel 3, is formed from a liquid crystal panel or a CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube) and displays columns of symbols, five columns, This embodiment uses video reels. A program is executed and five reels are displayed in the symbol display module 7.

As shown in Fig. 5 through Fig. 7, the symbol display module '7 includes five reels that display symbols in a changing and static manner i columns (vertically, with respect to the game machine). More specifically, there is a first reel 71, a second reel 72, a third reel 73, a fourth reel 74, and a fifth reel 75. Symbols can be changingly and statically displayed on eacii reel.

The symnbol display module 7 contains bonus symabols rendering mole aests, wild symbols, and- various other symbols, As described above, multiple types of symr )ols are chanigingly displayed vertically, and1 then the changing symbols are statically displayed based on internal random selection results.

On the front of the case 2, there is disposed a coin deposit opening 10 and a coin retur button 1iOa for getting coins back when a deposited coin is stuck or the Like. A star lever 11 is a lever for starting the spinning display (changing display) on the symbol display module 7.

The game on the game machine I is started when the player performs; i bet operation and a valid win line is established. A win line is a line where a win is established when a predetermined combination of symbols is arranged on the line. Different types of win line :~tnsare possible, a horizontal center line, upper and lower horizontal lines, and diagonal lines, A bet operation takes place when a coin is dropped into the coin deposit opening 10, described later, or when a stored coin deposit button 21 is used to bet a stored coin. A bet operation is also possible by combining these bet operatons.

As described above, the win line can be set up ahead of time at i he start of a game.

Alternatively, wins can be established based on a predetermined arrangement of symbols. For example, in this embodiment, a bonus game is won if three bonus symbols are displayed in any three regions in the symbol display module 7. When wins can be established in this manner based on a predetermined symbol arrangement unrelated to the win line, wins can ,be established with a greater degree of freedom compared to when a win line is set up ahead of time in a fixed manner.

This also increases the player's anticipation.

When a win tine is set up by a player's bet operation and the start levcr 11 is operated, the symbol display module 7 displays symbols in a changing manner. Then, when a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the symbol display module 7 sequentially displays the changingly displayed symbols in a static manner. The stopping sequence can be, for example, from left to right when facing the symbol display module 7. When stopping, the stopping operations are separated by a time interval, 0.5 seconds. If, in this stopped state, a predetermined symbol combination is displayed on a win line, a win corresponding to the predetermined symbol combination is obtained.

A coin deposit opening 15 and a coin holding tray 16 are disposed below the front panel 3.

Above the front panel 3 is disposed a game effects display 17, which is dliven to provide game effects. The game effects display 17 can be formed from an LCD (Liquid CrystaL Device), various types of lamps, or the like. In this embodiment, an LCD is used. Also, a bonus game display 18 is disposed above the front panel 3. The bonus game display 18 is formed from LED's (Light Emitting Diodes) and is used when the player is awarded a win or a bonus that gives the player a high game value, as well as for game effects and when an error takes place. A speaker 19 2o generates voice imtnictions, music, sound effects, and the like. When a bojtus is won, the game proceeds in a manner that is advantageous to the player, the win rate becomes 1/3.

Multiple lamps 20 disposed on the front panel 3 can be lit up, turned off, and made to blink in order to provide game-related display operations, displaying the active win lines based on the number of deposited cois (or the number of credits that were bet), display ing wins, and the like, The stored coin deposit button 21 is a bution for using a predeterminedl number of coins stored (credited) in a coin storage device not shown in The figure. A stored coin deposit button 22 is a button for using the maximum allowable number of coins stored in the coin storage device not shown in the figure. A coin storage count display module 23 displays the number of coins stored in a the coin storage display, not shown in the figure. A win count display modu Le 24 displays the number of remaining rounds, the number of wins, and the like when a bonus prize is won. A coin payout count display module 25 displays the number of coins paid out and th-- like. The coin storage count display module 23, the win count display module 24, and the ooin payout count display module 25 can be formed, for example, from LED's. An accounts button 26 is for settling accounts with regard to the stored coins. A locking device 27 locks or unlocks a door depending on the direction in which it is turned. A label 28 indicates the type of the gamie machine 1, the name of the manufacturer, or the like.

Figs. 2A and 2B are drawings showing the electronic architecture of tbhe game machine according to this embodiment. As shown in Figs. 2A and 2B, electronically, th-- game machine 1 is formed from a main substrate A (Fig. 2A) and a sub-substrate B (Fig. 2B). The main substrate A seupe ihaCU3,aRM3,adaRM3 n efrs;wloeain according to a program set up ahead of time. The ROM 31 contains a contol program for controlling the operations of the game machine I a~s well as information such as a prize group selection table used to determine prize groups ahead of time (internal random seltctin). The CPU the ROM 31, and the RAM 32 forma an evaluation module.

The CPUJ 30 is connected to a clock generator circuit 33 generating a reference clock pulse and a random mnme generator circuit 34 generating a fixed random number. Control signas sent from-the CPU 30 are sent by way of an output port 35 to a coin payout device 56 paying out coins and a display control circuit 37 controlling tile symbol display module 7. The symbol display module 7 and the display contol circuit 37 form a display module.

Signals from a coin evaluation device 38 evaluating whether or not coins are appropriate, a payout coin counter 40 counting the number of coins to pay out, and a start lever 41 starting the spinning of the reel-s are received by the CPU 30 by way of an input port 43. Signals output from the CPU 30 are controlled by a transmission timing control circuit 45 controlling the timing of signal transmission to the sub-substrate B and are sent to the sub-substrate B by way of a data transmission circuit 46.

In the sub-substrate B, signals output from the data transmission circuit 46 are received by a data input circuit 47. Signals received by the data input circuit 47 are procesed by a CPU 48.

The CPU 48 is connected to a clock genemaor circuit 49 generating a reference clock pulse, a control/imnage ROM 50 containing various programs and imiage data, and a RAkM 51. Lnagerelated data is sent from the CPU 48 to a liquid crystal display 53 by way of b display circuit 52 performing image processing. The liquid crystal display 53 displays text, images, and animation.

Audio-related data is sent from the CPU 48 to an amplifier circuit 56 by w-ay of a sound LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit) 54 performing audio processing. The sound LSI 54 extracts necessary audio data from an audio ROM 55 when processing audio data, The audio data is amplified by the amplifier circuit 56 and is sent to a speaker 58 by way of an aadia adjustment Circuit 57 performing audio adjustments, Next, the operations performed by this embodiment described above will be described.

Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 are flowcharts showig the characteristic operations performed by a game machine according to this embodiment. Also, Fig. 5 through Fig. 7 show samiple displays on the symbol display module 7.

First, there is a normal game start operation in the form of player input (step Si). In this case, as described above, the win line is established by the player's bet operaticn, and the start lever I1I is then operated. In this embodiment, as described above, wins cant be established not onywt i ieatu ha ftm ttestr fagm u lobsdo h ragmn of bonus symbols. Since a win can be established based on the arrangement of blonus symbols in this manner, there is a greater degree of freedom in wins compared to when wins can only be established with a win line set up ahead of time. As a result, the player's anticipation is increased.

Next, random values are obtained to be used for stopping numbers of the first reel 71 through the fifth reel 75 (step S2), and the first reel 71 through the fifth reel 75 begin spinnin (step S3). At this point, the symbol display module 7 is as shown in Fig. 5, where symbols appear to be spinning and changing in the display regions of the reels. The direction in which the reels spin can be, for example, from top to bottom or from bottom to top, Also, the spinning does not need to be along the vertical direction. It is possible for the reels to be arranged horizontally so is that they spin from left to right or from right to left.

Next, the spinning of the first reel 71 through the fifth reel 75 is stopped sequentially (step S4). In this case, stopping takes place in sequence from the first reel 71 to zhe fifth reel separated by predetermined intervals. The intervals can be, for example, 0.5S sco-nds. Next, an evaluation is made to see if there is a normal game win as well as whether there are three mole nest symbols in the symbol display module 7 (step S5). If three mole nest symbols did not appear, control proceeds to step S14.

As shown in Fig. 6, if three mole nest symbols 81 83 appear irt the symbol display module 7, the game changes from a normal game to a bonus game (step S6). In this case, the values displayed along witth the three mole nest symbols appearing in the symbol display module 7 are carried over to the bonus game (step S7). More specifically, the values d~splayed along with the three mole nest symbols indicate the possible payout value that can be obtained by the player in the subsequent bonus game. Since the payout value that can be obtained is &~splayed along with the bonus symbol, the player is able to directly see the size of the payout value That can be obtained in the bonus game.

In this embodiment, the possible payout Values that can be awardec to the player are indicated as multiple, independent values. More specifically, the symbol 81 indicates the symbol 82 indicates and the symbol 83 indicates "100" S ince the possib] e payout values are indicated as multiple, independent values, the player knows ahead of time 1 he possible payout values that can be obtained in the bonus game. In addition to using multiple independent values to indicate possible payout values, it would also be possible to indicate possible payout value ranges, "30 100", on the mole nest symboLs.

Next, player performs a bonus game starting operation (step S8). The player performs a bet operation again, and the numbers rendered along with the images of mole ne.sts in the mole nest symbols change corresponding to the number of bets. More specifically, in Fig. 6, the symbol 81 displays the symbol 82 displays and the symbol 83 displays "10C, 3ut if the player triples the number of bets, the symbol 81 correspondingly changes to the symbol 82 changes to 150"1, and the symbol 83 changes to "300", as shown in Fig. 7.

In this manner, the bonus game payout value increases when the ntumb-,r of bets is higher.

This makes the player increase the number of bets. As a result, the player's anticipation and curiosity regarding the bonus game is heightened. It is also possible to have the possible payout values displayed along with the bonus symbols change corresponding to the number of win lines selected ahead of time by the player. More specifically, in Fig. 6, the symbol 81 displays the symbol 82 displays and the symbol 83 displays but if the number of win lines selected ahead of time by the player is tripled, the symbol 81 can be changed crrespondingly to the symbol 82 can be changed to "150", and the symbol 83 can be changed to "300", as s shown in Fig. 7. Since bonus game payouts increase when there are more win Lines selected by the player ahead of time, the player tendIs to set up more win lines. As a result, the player's anticipation and curiosity regarding the bonus game is increased. As a result. the player is more interested in the game.

A bonus game is started in response to the bonus game starting operatio)n at step S8, and a random value is obtained for the bonus game (step S9). The symbol display module 7 displays a bonus game screen, as shown in Fig, 8. In this example, an animation is d-isplayed in which a mole character 85 passes tbrougb one of underground tunnels 86 88 and reache s a goal 89 91 on which payout values are displayed. More specifically, the mole character 85 begins burrowing in one of dhe underground tunnels 86 88 (step SIO). The intermediate sections of the tunnels 86 88 appears as a black box so that the player cannot kno0w what is happening in the intermediate sections of the tunnels 86 88.

When the mole character 85 reaches one of the goals 89 91 (step S 11), the payout value to be obtained by the player is established. More specifically, the player obtains a payout that is either "150", or "300". The bonus game payout is then displayed (step and the game changes from the bonus game to the normal game (step 5-13). Next, if there is a WIN~ in Fig. 3, this is added directly to the credits (step S14), and control returns to the calling toutine.

With a game machine according to this embodiment as described above, payout values that can be obtained by the player in a bonus game are displayed before the bonus game starts. As a result, the player's anticipation regarding the bonus game can be increased.

EMBODIMENT OF FIGS, 9-11 Next, a game machine according to another embodiment will be described with reference to s Figs. 9-11. The structure of a game machine of this embodiment is simi ar to that of the embodiment of Figs. 1-4. In the embodiment of Figs. 9-11, th e bonus symbol is a symbol showing a hammer. A bonus game is started when, as shown in Fig. 12, three hammer )onus symbols are statically displayed in the symbol display module 7. The hammer symbols are shown with different colors. In this example, there are two types of hammer symbols: a gold hammer symbol 100 and red hammer symbols 101, 102. The gold hammer symbol 100 doubles the payout value obtained by the player. With the red hammer symbols 101, 102 the payout valne is multiplied by 1, the red hammer symbols do not change the payout value. The display a f the gold and red hammer symbols in the symbol display module 7 is determined by internal random selection.

Thus, there may be cases where three gold hammer symbols are displayed, and Ither-- may be came where three red hammer symbols are displayed.

Next, the operations performed by the game machine according to this emnbodimnent will be described. Fig. 9 through Fig, 11 are flowcharts showing the characteristic operatons performed by the game machine according to this embodiment. Fig. 12 through Fig. 14 shc~w sample displays on the symbol display module 7.

In Fig. 9, a normal game starting operation is performed in response to player input (step T In this case, a win line is established by the player's bet operation, and thea the start lever I11 is operated. In this embodiment, as in the embodiment of Figs. 1-4, wins can be established based on arrangements of bonus symbols in addition to win lines set up when the game starts. Since a win can be established based on the arrangement of bonus symbols, there is a greater degree of freedom in how wins can be achieved compared with when wins are achieved only through win lines set up ahead of time, This also increases the player's anticipation.

Next, a random value is obtained to be used for stopping numbers in the first reel 71 through the fifth reel 75 (step T2), and spinning is begun for the first reel 71 through the fifth reel (step T3). At this point, the symbol display module 7 provides a display of symbols spinning and changing in the display regions of the reels, as shown in Fig. 5. In this example, spinning takes place from top to bottom, but it would also be possible for spinning to be from bottom to top.

Also, spinning does not have to be vertical. The reels can be disposed horizontally so that they spin from left to right or right to left.

Next, the spinning of the first reel 71 through the fifth reel 75 is stopped sequentially (step T4). In this case, the stopping takes place sequentially going from the first reel 71 to the fifth reel separated by a predetermined time interval. The time interval can be, for example, seconds. Next, an evaluation is performed to see if there is a normal game win or if there are three hammer bonus symbols (step T5). If three hammer symbols are not presen, control proceeds to step If there are three hammer symbols, the game changes from the normal game to a bonus game as shown in Fig. 10 (step T6). The combination of three hammers is carried over to the bonus game (step T7). In Fig. 12, there a single gold hammer symbol 100 and two red hammer symbols 101, 102, thus.providing three hammer symbols.

When a bonus game is started, the symbol display module 7 displays a screen similar to Fig. 13. In Fig. 13, nine holes 105 113 are shown as mole tunnel exits appeanng on the ground.

The player selects the gold hammer symbol 100, and the red hammer symbols 101, '.02 and sets up each. hammer over one of the holes 105 113. In Fig. 13, the gold hamaner syinbol 100 is set up over the hole 109 and the red hammer symbols 101, 102 are set up over the hole 108 and the hole 112, respectively.

In the game machine 1 according to this embodiment, the symbol displa module 7 includes a touch panel. The player touches the screen to select a hammer, and one of the holes 105 -113 can be selected for the selected hammner. Alternatively, various methods can be used for the onscreen selection, a pointing device or a cursor.

Next, a random number is obtained for selecting the hole 105 113 from which the mole character will appear, as shown in Fig, I11 (stop T9). Then, the mole is made to emerge (step T10). An evaluation is made to determine if the mole emerged from the hole 108 or the. hole 112 where the red hammers are set up (step TI If the mole did not emerge from the hole 108 or the hole 112 where the red hammers are set up, contol proceeds to step T14, If the mole emerges from a hole at which a red hammer is set up, an animation is played showing the red hammer hitting the mole at the hole 112, as shown in Fig. 14 (step T12). Then, the payout value is displayed (step T13). In Fig. 14, the payout value for the hole .112 is shown as Next, an evaluation is made to determine if the mole emerged from the bole 109, where the gold hammer is set up (step T14). If the mole did not emerge from the hole 109, where the gold hammer is set up, control proceeds to step T17. If the mole appears from the hole 109, where the gold hammer is set up, an animation is shown at the hole 109 of Fig. 14 of the taole being hit with 2o the gold hammer (step T15). Since the gold hammer doubles the payout value, a display is provided showing the payout value for the hole 109 being doubled (step T16). La this case, the multiplication operator is used, but it would also be possible to use the addition operator Since the possible payout values that can be obtained are defined as expression,. using an addition or multiplication operator, the player can easily predict the size of possible payout values from tile bonus game.

In Fig. 14, the mole does not emerge from the hole 108, where a red htammer is set up, but a mole emerges from the hole 105, where no hammer is set up. in this the player cannot obtain a payout.

Next, an evaluation is made to determine if all the moles have emerg-ed 'step T17). If all the moles have not emerged, control proceeds to step T9. If all the moles have emerged, the bonus game payout is displayed (step T18) and the game shifts from the bonus game to the normal game (step T19).

Next, if there is a WIN, the value is added to the credit, as shown in Fig. 9 (step. T20), and the procedure returns.

As described above, with the game machne according to this emnbodimen, the gold hammer bonus symbol itself serves to double the payout value. Thus, if the gold hammer appears, the game shifts to the bonus game, and the gold hammer is able to hit a mole. the payout value is doubled- As a result, the player's anticipation can be increased.

The characteristic operations of the present invention described above are performed by having a computer execute a control program. More specifically, this contol program is a game program that allows a computer to execute and provide a normal game and a bonus game having a high probability of being more advantageous to the player compared to the aorinal game, The game program provides the following operations in the form of computer-readabie and computerexecutable commands: an operation for displaying symbols in a plurality of dtisplay regions in a game machine display module; an operation for, at a start of a game, providingr a changing display of the symbols that were in a static state i the plurality of display regions, the symbols are capable of changing continuously to other or various symbols, including a bonus symbol, and for providing a static display stopping the symbols in the changing display state and statically displaying the symbols in the display regions; an operation for evaluating, if a game state is in the normal game state, whether or not at least one of the bonus symbols that is or will be displayed statically meets conditions for starting the bonus game; an operation for calculating a possible payout value that can be awarded to a player as payout for the bonus game if, as a result of the evaluation, the condition is met; and an operation to display results of the calculation on the game display module before the bonus game is started.

As described above, when the above conditions are met, the possible payout value that can be awarded to the player is displayed before the start of the bonus game, allowing the player to know ahead of time the payout value that can be obtained in the bonus game. As a result, the player's anticipation and curiosity regarding the bonus game is increased, thus provoking the player's interest in the game.

The program described above can be obtained in recorded form on a recording medium, CD-ROM or DVD. This type of program can also be obtained by receiving a signal sent from a computer serving as a transmission device by way of a transmission medium such as a communication network formed from public telephone lines, dedicated phone lines, cable TV lines, and wireless communication lines. The signal referred to here is a computer data signal in the form of a predetermined carrier wave containing the program. Regarding this transmision, it is sufficient for at least one section of the program to be transmitted through the transmission medium-. More specifically, the entirety of the data for the above program does not need to be present simultaneously in the transmission medium. Also, transmission methods for transmitting the program from the computer include transmitting the data for the program continuously and

II

transanitting interxnitteiiily.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTON As described above, the game machine of the present invention is a game machine providing a normal game and a bonus game providing a higher possibility of being more advantageous than the normal game. A display module, at the start of a game, provides a changing display of the symbols that were in a static state in the plurality of display regions, the symbols being~ capable of changing continuously to other or various symbols, including a bonus symbol, and provides a static display stopping the symbols in the changing display state and statically displaying the symbols in. the display regions. An evaluation module determines, if a game state is in the normal game state, whether or not at least one of the bonus symbols that is or will be displayed statically meets conditions for starting the bonus game. If the condition is meE, tke display module displays the possible payout value that can be awarded to the player as payout forr the bonus game before the bonus game starts.

Since, as described above, when the above conditions are met, the possible payout value that can be awarded to the player as the bonus game payout is displayed before the bonus game is started. Thus, the player can know beforehand the payout value that can be ob~tained. As a result, the player's anticipation and curiosity regarding the bonus gamne is increased, and the player's curiosity about the game is provoked.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word 'comprise", and variations such as "1comprises' and "comprising". will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated1 integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integyer or step or group of integers or steps.

I

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.

Claims

1. A game machine comprising: 2 a display module that, at a star of a game comprising a normal game and a bonus 3 game having a high probability of being advantageous to a player, provides a changing display of 4 symbols initially in a static state in a plurality of display regions, said symbols being capable of changing continuously to other symbols in sid changing display-, 6 said display module providing a static display stopping said symbols in said 7 changing display and Statically displaying said symbols in said display regions, said symbols that s are displayed statically optionally comprising at least one bonus symbol when sa d Same is in said 9 normal game; an evaluation module that determines, when said game is in said normal game, ni whether said at least onie statically displayed bonus symbol meets a condition for starting said 12 bonus game; 13 wherein when said condition is met, said display module displays a possible payout 14 value that can be awarded to the player as payout for said bonus game before said bonus game starts. 1

2. The game machine, as described in claim 1, wherein said possible payout value that can 2 be awarded to the player is identified as a value range. 1

3. The game machine, as described in claim 1, wherein said possible payout value that can 2 be awarded to the player is identified as a plurality of independent values. 1

4. The game maChine, as described in claim 1 wherein said possible payout value that can 2 be awarded to the player is defined as a value expressed using one of an addition and a 3 multiplication operator, 1 The game machine, as described in claim 1, wherein said display module displays said 2 possible payout value that can be awarded wo the player in said display region th-It is displaying said 3 statically displayed bon]us symbol. 1

6. The game machine, as described in claim 5, wherein said possible payout value ,2 displayed along with said statically displayed bonu symbol is changed correspond ung to a number 3 of bets made by the player, 1

7. A slot machine for performnifg a game comprising a normal game and a bonus game 2 having a high probability of being advantageous to a player, said slot machine comprising: 3 a display module that, at a star of said game, provides a changing display 4 of syumbols initially in a static state in a plurality of display regions, said symbols being capable of changing continuously to other symbols in said changing display; 6 said display module providing a static display stopping 3aid symbols in said 7 changing display and statically displaying said symbols in said display regions, said symbols that 8 arc displayed statically optionally comprising at least one bonus symbol when said game is in said 9 normal game,, 1o an evaluation module that determnles, when said game is in said normnal 11 game, whether said at least one said statically displayed bonus symbol meets a&condition for 12 starting said bonus game; 13 wherein when said condition is met, said display module displays a possible 14 payout value that can be awarded to the player as payout for said bonus game before said bonus gamte starts; 16 said display module displays said possible payout value that can be awarded 1-7 to the player and also displays said bonus symbol in said display region thax displayed said 18 statically displayed bonus symbol, and 19 said possible payout value displayed along with said statically displayed 2o bonus symbol corresponds to a number of win lines selected ahead of time by die player. I S. A computer-readable medium encoded with processing instructions for 2 implementing a method for providing a gwne, said method comprising the steps of 3 displaying a symbol in a static state in each of a plurality of -display regions in a 4 display module; providing, at a start of sid game comprising a normal game and a bonus game 6 having a high probability of being advantageous to a player, a changing display of said symbols 7 that were in said static state in said display regions, said symbols changing con tinnously to various 8 symbols in said changing display', 9 providing a static display stopping said symbols in said changi: ig display state and io statically displaying said symbols in said display regions, said statically displayed symbols ii optionally comprising at least one staticaly displayed bonus symbol when said game is in said 12 normal game 13 evaluating, when said gamne is in said naormnal game, whether said at least one -ii 14 statically displayed bonus symbol meets a condition for starting said bonus game; calculating a possible payout value that can be awarded to the player as payout for 16 said bonus game before said bonus gam-e starts when said condition is met as a result of said 17 evaluation; and 18 displaying results of said calculation on said display module before said bonus game 19 begins- 1

9. The game machine, as deseribed in claim 1, wherein said tvauaton module 2 determinles, whiile said symbols are in said changing display andi when said gamo is in said normal 3 game, whiether said at least one statically displayed bonus symbol meets said condition. 1 10, The game machine, as described in claim 9, wherein said possibir payout value that 2 can be awarded to the player is identified as a value range. 1

11. The game machine, as described in claim 9, wherein said possible payout value that .2 can be awarded to the player is identified as a plurality of independent values. 1

12. The game machine, as described in claim 9, wherein said possibL'.- payout value that 2 can be awarded to the player is defined as a value expressed using one of an addition and a 3 multiplication operator. 1 13. The game machine, as described in claim 9, wherein said display module disphlys said 2possible payout value that can be awarded to the player in said display region that is displaying said 3 statically displayed bonus symbol. 1 14. The game machine, as descfibed in claim 13, wherein said possible payout value ,2 displayed along with said staftically displayed bonus symbol is changed corresponding to a number 3 of bets made by the player. 1 15. The slot machine, as described in claim 7, wherein said evaluation module of said 2 game machine determines, while said symbols are in said changing display and when said game is 3 in said normal game, whether said at least one statically displayed bonus symbol meets said 4 condition. 1 16. The method, as described in claim 8, wherein said evaluation step occurs while said 2 symbols are in said changing display. 1 17. A method for providing a game, said method comprising the steps of: 2 displaying symbols in a static state in a plurality of display regions; 3 coinmously changing said symbols that were in a static state to various symbols at 4 a start of said game comprising a normal game and a bonus game having a high probability of being akdvantageous to a player; 6 displaying a changing display of said changing symbols in said display regions; 7 stopping said symbols in said chianging display; a displaying a static display statically displaying said symbols in said display regions, 9 said statically displayed symbols opcionally comprising at least one statically displayed bonus symbol when said game is in said normal game; 11 determining, when said game is in said normal game, whether said at least one 12 statically displayed bonus symbol meets a condition for starting said bonus game; and 13 displaying, when said condition is met, a possible payout value that can be awarded 14 to the player as payout for said bonus game before said bonus game starts. 1 18. The method, as described in claim 17, wherein said determining step occurs while said 2 symbols are in said changing display. 1 19. The method, as described in claim 17, wherein said possible payout value that can be 2 awarded to the player is identified as a value range. 1 20. The method, as described in claim 18, wherein said possible payout value that can be 2 awarded to the player is identified as a value range. 1 21. The method, as described in claim 17, wherein said possible payouc value that can be 2 awarded to the player is identified as a plurality of independent values. 1 22. The method, as described in claim 18, wherein said possible payouc value that can be 2 awarded to the player is identified as a plurality of independent values. 1 23. The method, as described in claim 17, wherein said possible payour value that can be 2 awarded to the player is defined as a value expressed using one of an addition and a multiplication 3 operator. 1 '24. The Method, as descibed in claim. 18, wherein said possible payout value that can be 2aw-arded to the player is defied as a value e-xpressed using one of an addition and a multiplicanon 3 operator. 1 25. The method, as described in claim 17, wherein said possible payout value to be 2 awarded to ttie player is displayed in said display region that is displaying saiul statically displayed 3 bonus symbol. 1 26. The method, as described in claim 18, wherein said possible payout value that can be 2 awarded to the player is displayed in said display region tha is displaying saici statically displayed 3 bonus symbol. 1 27. The method, As described i clairn 25, ftirther comprising te siep of changing said -2 possible payout value displayed along with said statically dislayed bonu symblol corresponding to 3 a number of bets made by the Player. 1 28. The method, as described i claim 26, further comprising the step of changing said ,2 possible payout value displayed along with said statically displayed bonus symbol corresponding to 3 a number of bets made by the player. 1 29. A game machine iubstantialiy as herein described. A slot machine for performing a game substantially as herein described.

31. A computer-readable medium substantially as herein described.

32. A method for providing a game substantially as herein described.