AU2004200897A1 - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION NAME OF APPLICANT(S):: Aruze Corp.

ADDRESS FOR SERVICE: DAVIES COLLISON CAVE Patent Attorneys 1 Nicholson Street, Melbourne, 3000, Australia INVENTION TITLE: Gaming machine The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:- 5102 FROM 2004~ 2 260( )13:44/.l11 :46/ fl06217374954 P 3 Field of Ibehn-alogv The present invention relates to a gaming machine having a liquid crystal display deviLce.

Descrivtion of Relate dArt The present invention relates to a gaming machine having variable display means for variably displaying various symbols necessary for a game and control means such as microcomputer and the like for controlling the variable display, the gaming machine including so-called Japanese pachi-slot machine; slot machine; ball flipping machine such as the first grade third grade Japanese pachinko machine, arrange ball machine, mah-jong ball gaming'machine or slit-slot machine; video slot machine; video poker machine and the like.

For example, the Japanese pachi-slot machine has a mechanically variable display device in which it is provided a plurality of rotating reels each of which variably displays plural symbols within a display window arranged in front of the machine, the reels being parallel provided in plural lines. According to start operation by a player, the control means drives and controls the variable display device and the reels are rotated, thereby symbols on the reels are variably displayed. And rotation of each reel is stopped automatically or based on stop operation by the player. At that time, in a case that the symbols of each reel appearing within the display window comprises a predetermined combination (the winning mode), game media such as medals or coins are paid out, thereby a predetermined benefit is given to the player.

Further, it is previously proposed a gaming machine having a plurality of reel drums, reel strips each of which is arranged on an outer periphery of FROM 2004~ 2 266(*)13:44/h11 :46/ fl"6217374954 P 4 2 each re el drum and on each outer surface of which the symbols are described in a divided manner, light sources each of which illuminates the symbol division on each reel strip from the backside thereof and is arranged within each reel drum and control means for controlling illumination by the light sources. Here, in the reel strip, the symbol portion is made semitransparent and the background of the symbol is8 made transparent or semitransparent, and the light source is constructed from a plurality of luminous diodes arranged in a dot-matrix manmer. The control means controls light emission of each luminous diode, thereby light emission of the light source is controlled so as to display characters or figures by the emitted diodes.

See, for example, Japanese unexamined Publication No. 2001-353255.

Summar of the nvention However, as mentioned above, in the gaming machine that the light source is arranged in each of the reel drums to illuminate the reel strips from the backside, the light source has only a use for iluminating the reel strip.

The object of the present invention is to provide a gamning machine in which each illumination means can illuminate with low cost so that the player can clearly see and recognize display contents with enough brightness, in spite whether the illumination means is exclusively provided for each display means, comparing with a case that the illumination means is exclusively provided for each display means.

The gaming machine according to the present invention comprises: game result display means for displaying a game result thereon; and beneficial state generating means (for example, the main control circuit 41 mentioned later) for generating a beneficial state for a player when a predetermined game result is displayed on the game result display means; wherein the game result display means includes first display means (for 2004~ 2 26()13:45/H11ll:46/ tI"6217374954 P 3 example, the reels 3L, 30, 311 mentionecd later) and second display means (for example, the liquid crystal display device 31 mentioned later) arranged at a more front side than a display area of the first display means when ween from a front side of the gaming machine, and wherein common illumination means (for example, the LED lamps 29 or fluorescent lamps 38a,. 38b) for illuminating both the first display means and the second display means is provided.

In the gaming machine of the present invention, the common illumination means may include front illumination means (for example, the fluorescent lamps 38a, 38b) for illuminating the first display means from a front side thereof and rear illumination means (for example, the LED lamps 29) for illuminating the first display means from a rear side thereof.

In the gaming madhine of the present invention, the fist display means may include a plurality of symbol display parts (for example, the reels 16 3L, 30, 3R mentioned later) capable of variably displaying and stopping a symbol or plural symbols, and may be constructed so that one of the symbol display parts (for example, the reel sheets mentioned later) positioned between the second display means and the common illuminiation means has light transmittance; wherein the second display means may be constructed from a liquid crystal display device (for example, the liquid crystal display device 31 mentioned later) comprising a liquid crystal panel (for example, the liquid crystal panel 34 mentioned later), light guide means (for example, the light guide plate 35) arranged at a rear side of the liquid crystal panel, individual illumination means (for example, the fluorescent lamps 37a, 37b mentioned later) for guiding light to the light guide means and reflection means (for example, the reflection film 36 mentioned later) for reflecting light guided to the light guide means toward the liquid crystal panel positioned at a front side of the light guide means, and wherein an area (for example, the FROM ROM20044 2 26B(t)13:45/Uh1 l:46/ 1W106217374954 P 6 4 non-reffection area SCE3L, 3613C, 36BR mentioned later) of the reflection means corresponding to the symbol display part may be made light transmitting part.

In the gamning machine of the present invention, the liquid crystal panel may be set to normally white.

The gaming machine of the present invention may further comprise: game start instruction means which is operable by a player; internal winning combination determining means for determination an internal winning combination based on an output from the game start instruction means; and game result display control means for conducting display control of the game result display means based on a determined result by the internal wi*ning combination determination means; wherein the game result display control means may 'turn off all illumination means included in the common illumination means in a case that the internal winning combination is determination means determine a predetermined combination as the internal winning combination.

In the gaming machine of the present invention, the illumination means included in the common illumination means may variably display the Symbols.

According to the present invention, since it is provided the game result display means for displaying a game result thereon and the beneficial state generating means for generating a beneficial state for a player when a predetermined game result is displayed on the game result display means, wherein the game result display means includes first display means and second display means arranged at a more front side than a display area of the first display means when seen from a front side of the gaming machine, and wherein the common illumination means for illuminating both the first display means and the second display means is provided. Thereby, it cain be

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provided the gaming machine in which each illumination means can illuminate with low cost so that the player can clearly see and recognize display contents with enough brightness, in spite whether the illumination means is exclusively provided for each display means, compaixing with a case that the illumination means is exclusively provided for each display means.

BILef Description of -Drawings Fig. I is a perspective view of a slot machine according to the embodiment; Fig. 2 is an explanatory view showing a panel display part and a liquid crystal display part: Fig. 3 is an explanatory view showing an external appearance of a reel mechanism in which lamps are arranged within each reel; Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a reel and a circuit board for 16 receiving LEDs therein arranged in the reel; Fig. 5 is a perspective view roughly showing a construction of the liquid crystal display device; Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the liquid crystal display device; Fig. 7 is an explanatory view for explaining function of the LED lamps and fluorescent lamps; Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing an electrical circuit in the em~bodiment; and Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing a construction of a sub-control circuit.

Detailed DeggdRition of the invention Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an outlined shape of a gamin r h viv 20044 2 26HG*)13:45/i.111:46/ 1g106217374954

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6 machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Here, the gaing macinhe I is a so-called Japanese pachi-slot machine. Though, in the gaming machine 1, a player plays games by *using game media such as coins, medals or tokens, or a card in which information of game value given to the player is stored, it will be described hereinafter the gaming machine 1 in which medals are used.

Presently, the Japanese pachi-slot machine in the main current has a plural inds of winning modes. In particular, when a predetermined winning combination is accepted, the player can obtain a more beneficial gaming state than a normal gaming state for a predetermined period without finishing the game by only one payout of medals. As such winning combination, there exist one winning combination in which the game relatively giving large benefit to the player can be done in predetermined, times (this winning combination is called "BIG BONUS" and abbreviated as "BB" hereinafter) and another winning combination in which the game relatively giving small benefit to the player in predetermined times (this winning combination is called "REGULAR BONUS" and abbreviated "RB" hereinafter).

And in the Japanese pachi-slot machine in the main current, in order to materialize the winning combination that medals or coins are paid out when a predetermined symbol combination stands side by side along pay lines made activatcd (abbreviated as "activated line" hereinafter), it is required to internally win the winning combination (abbreviated as "internal winning" hereinafter) by the internal lottery treatment (abbreviated as "internal lottery" hereinafter) and to conduct stop operation of the symbols by the player at the timing that the symbol combination indicating the winning combination internally won (abbreviated as "internal winning combination" hereinafter) can stop along the activated lines. That is to say, even if the FROM 2004~ 2 26B(*)13:45/vm11 :46/ 1tt06217374954 P 9 7 winning combination is internally won, the winning according to the internal winning combination cannot be realized when the stop operation by the.

player is out of the timing. Namely, in the present Japanese pachi-slot machine in the main current, it is required technique to conduct stop operation of the symbols at good timing. This technique is called "observation push!', thus it is highly appreciated the technical intervention in the present Japanese pachi-slot machine.

At the front surface of a cabinet 2 entirely forming the gaming machine 1, a panel display unit 2a, a liquid crystal display unit 2b and a fixed display unit 2c,- which have substantially vertical planes, are formed. As for the panel display unit 2a, the liquid crystal display unit 2b and the fixed display unit 2c, they will be described with reference to IFig. 2, hereinafter. In the cabinet 2 (at the rear side of the liquid crystal display unit 2b), three reels 3L, 3C, 3R (the first display means comprising the game result display means), on each outer periphery of which symbol line comprising a plural kinds of symbols is described, are rotatably arranged along a horizontal line. The reels 3L, 3C, SR form the variable display means. Symbols on each reel (rotational drum type display device) can be seen through symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R (shown in Fig. 2 hereinafter). Each reel is constructed so as to be able to rotate at a constant rotational speed (for example, rotations minute).

At a lower position of the panel display unit 2a, the liquid crystal display unit 2b and the fixed display unit 2c, a frontward projection portion 4 having a substantially horizontal planme is formed. At the left side of the frontward, projection portion 4, it is arranged a BET switch 5 for betting medals credited by button pressing operation. At the right side of the frontward projection portion 4, a medal insertion slot 6 is formed. At the front left side of the frontward projection portion 4, it is provided a c/p switch FROM 2004~ 2A26 13: 46/ql 1: 46/ ?t#"621 7374954 P 7 for switching credit/payout of medals obtained in the game by the player based on button pressing operation. On the basis of switching by the Clp switch 7, medals are paid out fromi a medal payout opening 8 and the paid medals are accumulated in a meda receiving tray 9.

At the right side of the U/P switch 7, a start lever 10 (game start instruction means operable by the player), which starts rotation of the reels when operated by the player and starts variable display of the symbols (starts the game) within each of the symbol display areas 21L. 21C, 21R (see Fig. 2), is provided so as to be able to rotate within a predetermined angle. At thc front center of the frontward projection portion 4 and the right side of the start lever 10, three stop buttons 11L 110, 11R (game result leading means operable by the player), which is operated to stop rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, respectively, are arranged. At the upper left and -right sides of the cabinet 2, speakers 12L, 12R are arranged. Between the speakers 12L, 12R, a payout table panel 13 which shows winning combinations of the symbols and the number of medals paid out as awards, is provided.

With reference to Fig. 2, the panel display unit 2a, the liquid crystal display unit 2b and the fixed display unit 2c will be explained.

The panel display unit 2a comprises a bonus game information display part 16, BET lamps 17a 17c, a payout display part 18 and a credit display part 19. Here, the bonus display part 16 is constructed from 7-segment LEDs and displays the game information during the bonus game. The 1-BET lamp 17la, 2-BET lamp 17b and MAXBET lamp 17c are turned on according to the medal number betted to conduct the game. The 1-BET lamp 17a is turned on when the betted medal number is The 2-BET lamp 17b is turned on when the betted medal number is And the MAX-BET lamp 17c is turned on when the betted medal number is The payout display part 18 and the credit display part 19 are constructed from 7-segment LEDs FROM RM20044 2 26(*)13:46/tml11:46/ t#'6217374954 P 11 9 respectively. The payout display part 18 displays the payout medal number when the winning is materialized. The credit display part 19 displays the medal number accumulated (credited).

The liquid crystal display unit 2b comprises the symbol display areas 21L, 210, 21R, window frame display areas 22L, 22C, 22R and effect display area 23. The display contents displayed on the liquid crystal display 2b are variably changed according to the variable symbol display mode of the reels 3L, 3C, 3X, stop display mode of the symbols and operation of a liquid crystal display device 31 mentioned hereinafter.

The symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R are provided corresponding to the reels 3L, 30, 3R, respectively, and display the symbols arranged on the outer periphery of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R and various effects thereon. Here, in a case that the reels 3L, 3C, 3R corresponding to the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R are rotating or the stop buttons i1L, 11C, 11R corresponding to the symbol display areas 21L, 210, 21R are in a operable state for stop operation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, each symbol display area 21-, 210, 21R is transparently displayed so as to be able to easily recognize the symbols arranged on the outer peripheries of the reels 24 3C, SR, and effect effected through still images or moving images by, for example, symbols, letters, figures, marks, characters is not displayed.

The window frame display areas 22L, 220, 22R are formed so as to enclose each symbol display area 21L, 210, 21R and represents the frames of the symbols arranged on the outer peripheries of the reels 3L, SC, 3R.

The effect display area 23 is formed in an area other than the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R and the window frame display areas 22L, 220, 22R in the liquid crystal display unit 2b. This effect display area 23 displays the image (representing so-called "WIN LAMP") conclusively indicating that bonus winning is realizable, the effect to increase interest for games and the

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information necessary for the player to beneficially advance the game.

The fixed display unit 2c is an area to display the images determined beforehand. Concretely, the fixed display unit 2c displays" a part of row houses" which is described on a display plate 33 mentioned hereinafter. By comblining the image displayed on the fixed display unit 2c and the image displayed on the effect display area 23, one still image or moving image can be displayed. In the embodiment, one complete image of the row houses can be displayed.

Further, with reference to Figs. 3 and 4, LED lamps 29 arranged in the reels 3L, 30, 3R will be described. -The LED lamps 29 function as illumination means for illuminate the symbols arranged on the outer peripheries of the reels 3L, 3C, SR and one of illumination means for illuminatig the areas mainly corresponding to the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R within an area of a liquid crystal panel 34 (mentioned later). Thus, the LED lamps 29 function as common illumination means for commonly illuminating the above symbols and the areas. And the LED lamps 29 also function as rear iluiain means for illuminating the first display means from the backside thereof.

As shown in Fig. 3, in the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, there are arranged LED receiving circuit boards 24 which are positioned behind the symbols of three symbol lines (totally nine symbols), each symbol line appearing in each of symbol display areas 21L, 210, 211R when rotation of the reels 3L, 30, 311 stops. Each LED receiving circuit board 24 has three LED receiving portions in each of which a plurality of LED lamps 29 are provided.

Hereinafter, among nine LED receiving portions, the LED receiving portion is serially represented by Z1, Z2 and Z3 from the left portion in the horizontal upper line, the LED receiving portion is serially represented by Z4, Z5 and Z6 from the left portion in the horizontal center line and the LED receivig FROM ROM2004~ 2 268(*)13:46/f,11 :46/ I#lo6217374954 P 13 portion is serially represented by ZV, Z8 and Z9 from the left portion in the bottom horizontal line. The LED lamp 29 illuminates the rear side of the reel sheet by white light, the reel sheet being attached to the reel 34, 30, 3R along the outer periphery thereof. The reel sheet is made translucent, thus light emitted from the LED lamp 29 permeates to the front plane of the reel sheet.

As shown in Fig. 4, the reel 3L is constructed from a cylindrical frame construction in which two circular frames 25 and 26 with the same shapes are connected by a plurality of connecting members 27 while separating with a distance (corresponding to the reel width) therebetween, and transmitting members 28 for transmitting driving force of a stepping motor 53L (see Fig. 8) arranged in the center position of the frame con.struction to the circular frames 25 and 26. Here, the reel sheet attached to the outer periphery of the reel 3L is omitted.

The LED receiving circuit board 24 arranged within the reel 3L has three LED receiving portions Z1, Z4 and V7, each receivig a plurality of LED lamps 29. The LED receiving circuit board 24 is arranged so that the LED receiving portions ZI, Z4, Z7 position at rear sides of the symbols (totally three symbols), respectively, the symbols being seen through the symbol display area 21L by the player. Here, though the reels 30 and 3R are not shown, both reels have the same construction and the LED receiving circuit board 24 is arranged within each reel.

Next, with reference to Figs. 5 and 6, a transmission type liquid crystal display device 31 (corresponding to the second display means constructing the game result display means) will be described. Fig. 5 is a perspective view (seeing from the rear side of the cabinet 2) showing outline construction of the liquid crystal display device 31. Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a partial construction of the liquid crystal display device 31.

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ROM2004 2A266(*)13:46/sm11 :46/X3#'06217374954 P 14 12 The liquid crystal display device 31 is constructed from a protect glass 32; a display plate 33, a liquid crystal panel 34, a light guide plate 35, a reflection film 36, fluorescent lamps; 37a, 37b, 38a, 38b functioning as so-called white light sources (capable of emitting light including light having all wavelengths with a predetermined ratio so that specific colors are inconspicuous to eyes of persons), lamp holders 39a 39h and a flexible circuit board (not shown) comprising a table carrier package (TOP) mounting an IC for driving the liquid crystal panel, the TCP being connected to a terminal portion of the liquid crystal panel 34. The liquid crystal display device 31 is arranged at a more front side than the display areas of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R1 (more front side than the display planes thereof) so as to spread over the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. And the rools 3L, 3C, .3R and the liquid crystal display device 31 are independently arranged (with a predetermined distance therebetween).

The protect glass 32 and the display plate 33 are made of light transmittable material. The protect glass 32 is provided with an object to protect the liquid crystal panel 34. At the areas corresponding to the panel display unit 2a of the display plate 33 and the fixed display unit 2c, images are described. Here, va-rious display parts positioned at the rear side of the area in the display plate 33 corresponding to the panel display unit 2a and electric circuits for operating the BET lamps 17a 17c are omitted to show.

The liquid crystal panel 34 is formed by filling liquid crystal material in clearance formed between the transparent plate such. as a glass plate on which thin film transistor layer is formed and the transparent plate facing thereto. The display mode of the liquid crystal panel 34 is set to normally white. Here, "normally white"' means a construction that the liquid crystal panel 34 becomes in a white display state (light can advance toward the display plane, that is, light transmitted can be seen from outside) when the FROM OM2004~ 2 26E(*)13:47/'9,111:46/ 1I106217374954 P 13 liquid crystal panel 34 is not driven. By utilizing the liquid crystal panel 34 constructed to have the normally white mode, the -symbols (variable display and stop display of the symbol display parts) arranged on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R can be seen and recognized through the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R even if it occurs a trouble that the liquid crystal panel cannot be driven, Thereby, the player can continue the game. That is to say, if the above trouble occurs, it can be conducted the game based on the basic function such as the variable display and the stop display of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

The light guide plate 35 is arranged at the rear side of the liquid crystal panel 34 in order to lead the light emitted from the luminescent lamps 37a, 37b to the liquid crystal panel 34 (to illuminate the liquid crystal panel).

For example, the light guide plate 35 is constructed from the light transmittable member with thickness of about 2 cm. (having light transmitting ability) made of acrylic resin.

As the reflection film 36, for example, it is used the member that silver deposition layer is formed on white polyester film or alumnium thin film.

The reflection film 36 reflects light led to the light guide plate 35 toward the front side thereof. This reflection film 36 is constructed from a reflection area 36A and non-reflection areas (non-transmittable areas) 36BL, 36B0, 36BR. The noix-reffection areas 36BL, 36B0, 36BR are formed as the light transmittable areas which are made of transparent material and transmit the light led thereto without reflecting, and are arranged at each front position of symbols (totally three symbols) displayed when rotation of the reels 8L, 3IR is stopped. In this case, areas corresponding to the reel sheet function as the light transmittable areas. ,Concretely, sizes and positions of the non-reflection areas 36BL, 3633C, 36BA coincide with those of the symbol display areas 21L, 210, 21R. The reflection area 36A reflects the light led thereto and functions as one of the illumination means for the area mainly 20044 2 26B ()13:471111 :46/3#l6217374954 P 16 14 corresponding to the window frame display areas 22L, 22C, 22R and the effect display area 23 within the area on liquid crystal panel 34. According to the above construction, since the player can see and recognize variable display and stop display of the symbols in the symbol display areas through the light transmittable areas in reflection means, the player can enjoy the game based on the display mode in the symbol display areas and the liquid crystal display device.

The fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b are arranged along the upper edge and the lower edge of the light guide plate 35 and both ends of the fluorescent lamp 37a, 37b are supported by lamp holders 39. The fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b function as illumination means for the area mainly corresponding to the window frame display areas 22L, 22C, 22R and the effect display area 23 within the area on the liquid crystal panel 34. Namely, the fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b emit light led to the light guide plate 35 (the lamps separately lead light to the light guide plate And the fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b are arranged so as to face toward the reels 3L, 3C, 3R at the upper and lower positions on the rear side of the reflection film 36. The light, which is emitted from the fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b and reflected on the surface of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, further entered in the non-reflection areas 36BL, 36BC, 36BR, illuminates the liquid crystal panel 34. Therefore, the fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b function as the illumination means for illuminating the symbols arranged on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R and one of the illumination means for the areas mainly corresponding to the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R within the area on the liquid crystal panel 34. The fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b function as common illumination means for illuminating both the above symbols and areas. Further, the fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b also function as the forward illumination means for illuminating the first display means from the 20044 2 260( )13:47/f,111:46/ lIi6217374954 P 17 front side thereof.

As mentioned above, the first display means and the secondl display means are commonly illuminated by the common illumination means. That is to say, since not only the first display means but also the second display means are illuminated by the light emitted from the common illumination means, cost becomes cheaper than a case that the illumination means is independently arranged for each display means. Further, by controlling the common ilumnain means illumination control can made simple and the.

same illumination for two display means can be also realized at the same time.

Next, with reference to Fig. 7, function of the LED lamp 29 and the fluorescent lamps9 37a, 37b, 38a, 38b will be described. In Fig. 7, moving direction of the emitted light from the lamp is shown by arrows.

Fig. 7 schematically shows function of each lamp when the liquid crystal existing at the symbol display areas 12L, 21C, 21R is not driven (voltage is not added between the transparent plates of portions corresponding to the symbol display areas in the liquid crystal panel 34).

A part of the *light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 38a. 38b is reflected on the reel sheet. And a part of the light emitted from the LED lamps 29 arranged on the LED receiving circuit board 24 penetrates through the reel sheet. Since the above light penetrates through the non-reflection areas 36BL, 36BC, 3613R, the light guide plate 35 and the liquid crystal panel 36 both of which constructs the liquid crystal display device 31, the player can see and recognize the symbols arranged on the reels. Therefore, in a case that the liquid crystal existing at the symbol display areas 12L, 210, 21R is not driven, the LED lamps 29 and the fluorescent lamps 38a, 38b functiorn as the illumination means for the symbols arranged on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

On the contrary, the light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 37a, 37b 2004~ 2 26U( )13:47/.ill1:46/ fl#"6217374954 P 18 16 and led into the light guide plate 35 penetrates through the liquid crystal panel 34 and enters in eyes of the player. That is, the fluorescent lamps 37a, 37b function as the illumination means the area in the liquid crystal panel 34 corresponding to the above window frame display areas 2214 22C, 22R and the effect display area 23.

Fig. 7 schematically shows function of each lamp when the liquid crystal existing at the symbol display areas 12L, 21C, 21R is driven (voltage is added between the transparent plates of portions corresponding to the symbol display areas in the liquid crystal panel 34).

Apart of the light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 38a, 38b is reflected on the reel sheet. And a part of the light emitted from the LED lamps 29 penetrates through the reel sheet. Since a part of the above light is reflected on or absorbed in or penetrated through the areas that the liquid crystal is driven within the area of the liquid crystal panel 34, the player can see and recognize the effect display and the like displayed on the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R. Therefore, in a case that the liquid crystal existing at the symbol display areas 12L, 21C, 21R is driven, the LED lamps 29 and the fluorescent lamps 38a, 38b function as the illumination means corresponding to the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R within the area of the liquid crystal panel 34.

Here, in a case that a part of the areas corresponding to the symbol display areas 21L, 210, 21R within the area of the liquid crystal panel 34 is driven, the LED lamps 29 and the fluorescent lamps 38a, 38b function as the illumination means for the symbols arranged on the reels 3L, 30, 3R and for the areas corresponding to the liquid crystal not driven in the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R within the liquid crystal panel 34.

Fig. 8 shows the circuitry construction including a main control circuit 41 for controlling game treatment operation in the gaming machine 1, FROM RM20044 2 26B(*)13:48/lm111:46/ t'06217374954 P 19 17 peripheral devices electrically connected to the main control circuit 41, and a sub-control circuit 71 for controlling the liquid crystal display device. 31 and speakers 12L, 12R based on the control coymd transmitted from the main control circuit 41. The main control circuit 41 and the sub-control circuit 71 construct the game result display control means, The main control circuit 41 has functions as the internal winning combination determination means, the first display control means and the beneficial state producing means. The internal winning combination determination means determines the internal winning combination among plural winning combinations based on the output from the game start instruction means. The first display control means controls the first display means based on the determined result by the internal winning combination determination means and the output by the game result leading me ans. The beneficial state -producing means produces beneficial state for the player when a predetermined game result is displayed on the game result display mens. And the sub-control circuit 71 controls the second display means based on the determined result by the internal winning combination determination means and the output from the game result leading means.

The main control circuit 41 is mainly constructed from a microcomputer 42 arranged on the circuit board, in addition to a circuit for sampling random number. The microcomputer 42 includes a CPU 43 conducting control operation according to preset -program, a ROM 44 and a RAM To the CPU 43, a clock pulse generator 46 generating reference clock pulses, a frequency divider 47, a random number generator 48 for generating random numbers sampled and a sampling circuit 49 are connected respectively. Here, as the means for sampling random number, it may construct that random number sampling is done according to the operation FROM ROM2004~ 2 26B(*)13:48/f.111:46/ #'6217374954 P 18 program of the CPU 43 in the microcomputer 42. In this case, the random number generator 48 and the sampling circuit 49 may be omitted, or these may be remained to back up random number sampling operation.

In the ROM 44 of the microcomputer 42, there are stored a probability lottery table utilized for judging random number sampling conducted every operation of the start lever 10 (start operation), a stop control table for determining stop combination of the reels according to operation of the stop buttons and various control instructions (commands) to transmit to tbe sub-control circuit 71. Here, the sub-control circuit 71 never transmits commands, information and the like to the main control circuit 41, but one-way transmission from the main control circuit 41 to the sub-control circuit 71 is only dlone.

In the circuit of Fig. 8, as main actuators controlled based on control signal from the microcomputer 42, there are various Lamps (i-BET lamp 17a, 2-BET lamp 17b, MAX-BET lamp 17c), various display parts (bonus game information display part 16, payout display part 18, credit display part 19), a hopper 52 as the game value giving means (including drive part for payout) accumulating medals and paying out a predetermined number of medals according to instruction by a hopper drive circuit 51 and stepping motors 53L, 63C, 53R for driving the reels 3L, 3C, 3R to be rotated.

A motor drive circuit 54 for driving and controlling the stepping motors 53L, 530, 53R, a hopper drive circuit 51 for driving and controlling the hopper 52 and a lamp drive circuit 56 for driving and controlling various lamps and a display drive circuit 56 for driving and controlling display parts are connected to the output part of the CPU 43 through an 1/0 port 57.

These drive circuits controls operation in each of the actuators when receiving control commands such as drive commands each of which is output from the CPU 43.

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ROM20044 2 26B(*)13:48/X.9111:46/ 1t10621 7374954 P 21 19 Further, as for the input signal Producing means mainly producing input signals which are necessary for the microcomputer 42 to produce the control commands, there are provided the BET switch 5, the medal sensor 6S for detecting the inserted medals, the C/P switch 7, the start switch 10S, the reel stop signal circuit 58, the reel position detecting circuit 59 and the payout completion signal circuit 60. These are also connected to the CPU 43 through the 110 port 57.

The medal sensor 6S detects the medals inserted in the medal insertion slot 6. The start switch 10S detects operation of the start lever 10. The reel stop signal circuit 58 produces stop signal corresponding to operation of each stop button 11L, 11C,, 11R. The reel position detecting circuit 59 provides signal to detect the position of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R with the CPU 43 when receiving pulse signal from the reel rotation -sensor. The payout completion signal circuit 60 produces signal for detecting the medal payout completion when the count number (corresponding to the medal number paid out from the hopper 52) by the medal detection unit 52S reaches to. data of a designated number.

In the circuit shown in Fig. 8, the random number generator 48 generates random numbers within a predetermined numeral range and the sampling circuit 49 conducts sampling of one random number at the suitable timing after the start lever 10 is operated. Based on the thus sampled random number and the probability lottery table stored in the ROM 44, the internal winning combination of the symbols is determined. And after the internal winning combination is determined, sampling of the random num.ber 26 is conducted again to. select the "stop control table".

After rotation of the reels 3L, 30, 3R is started, it is counted the number of the drive pulses each of which is provided with each of the stepping motors 53L, 530, 53R, and the counted number is written ixn the

FROM

ROM2004~ 2 26fl(*)13:48/Il111:46/ 1I106217374954 P 22 predetermined area of the RAM 45. The reset pulse is generated from each of the reels 3L, 30 311 every one rotation thereof; and these reset pulses are input to the CPU 43 through the reel position detecting circuit 59. Based on the thus obtained reset pulses, the count number of drive pulses counted in the RAM 45 is cleared to Thereby, in the RAM 45, the count number corresponding to the rotational position within one rotation in each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stored.

In order to connect thc rotational positions of the reels 3L, 3C, SR with the symbols described on the outer periphery of the reels, a symbol table is stored in the ROM 44. In this symbol table, both code numbers, each of which is serially given every a predetermined rotational pitch of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R by setting the rotational position producing the reset pulse as the reference rotational position, and symbol codes, each of which indicates the symbol provided corresponding to. each of the code numbers, are connected with each other.

Further, in the ROM 44, a winning symbol combination table is stored.

In the, winning symbol combination table, winning symbol combinations corresponding to various winnings, medal payout numbers each of which corresponds to each winning and winning determination codes each of which represents each winning, are corresponded with each other. The above winning symbol combination table is referred when the stop control of the left reel 3L, the center reel 8C and the right reel 3R is conducted and when the winning is confirmed after all reels 3L, SC, 3R are stopped.

When one of winning combinations is internally won by the lottery treatment (probability lottery treatment) based on the above sampling of the random number, the CPU 43 sends stop signals for conducting stop control of the reels 3L, 30, 8R to the motor drive circuit 54, based on the operation signals sent from the reel stop signal circuit 58 at the timing that the player 2004~ 2 260(*)13:49/lh1 :46/ t#'0621 7374954 P 23 21 operates the stop buttons 11L, 110, 11R and the selected stop control table.

If the symbols stop in a stop -mode .that the winning combination internally woni is realized, the CPU 43 provides the payout command signal to the hopper drive circuit 51, thereby a predetermined number of the medals are paid out from the hopper 52. At that time, the medal detection unit 52S counts the number of medals paid out, and when the number of medals paid out reaches to the designated number, the medal payout completion signal is input to the CPU 43. Thereby, the CPU 43 stops driving of the hopper 52 through the hopper drive circuit 51, as a result, the payout treatment of the medals is terminated.

Fig. 9 shows a construction of the sub-control circuit 71. The sub-control circuit 71 conducts turning on and off treatment of the LED lamps 29 based on the control command from the main control circuit 41, display control of the liquid crystal display device 31 and output control of sounds output from the speakers 12L, 12R. This sub-control circuit 71 is constructed on a separate circuit board from the circuit board on which the main control circuit 41 is formed and is mainly constructed from a microcomputer (abbreviated as "sub-microcomputer" hereinafter) 72. The sub-control circuit 71 is constructed from a LED drive circuit 77 as the display control means for controlling a plurality of ornamental lamps, the LED lamps 29 and the fluorescent lamps 37a, 37b which are arranged on the cabinet of the gaming machine 1, an image control circuit 81 as the display control means of the liquid crystal display device 31, a sound source IC 78 for controlling sounds output from the speakers 12L, 12R and a power amplifier 79 acting as the amplifier, The sub-microcomputer 72 ineludes a sub-CPU 73 conducting control operation according to the control command sent from the main control circuit 41, a program ROM 74 acting as the memory means and a work RAM

FROM

20044 2 26B(*)13:49/,411 :46/ tI6217374954 P 24 .22 Though the eub-control circuit 71 does not have the clock pulse generator, the frequency divider, the random number- generator and the sampling circuit, it is constructed so that the random sampling is conducted in the operation program of the sub-CPU 73. And the program ROM 74 stores the control program executed in the sub-CPU 73. Further, the program ROM 74 also stores the image control 'program concerning with display on the liquid crystal display device 31 and various select tables. The work RAM 75 is constructed as the temporary memory means utilized when the control program is executed by the sub-CPU 73.

The image control circuit 81 is constructed form an image control work -RAM 83, an image ROM 86, a video RAM 87 and an image control IC 82.

The image control IC 82 determines the display contents displayed on the liquid crystal display' device 31 based on parameters designated -by the sub-CPU 73. The image con trol work RAM 83 is used for temporarily storing images when images are formed by the image control IC082 and when images followingly displayed on the liquid crystal display device 31 are designated to the image control IC082 by the sub-CPU 73. The image control IC 82 forms images correisponding to* display contents determined by the sub-CPU 7.3 and outputs to the liquid crystal display device 31. The image ROM 86 stores various images to form the images to be displayed. And the video RAM 87 is constructed as the temporary memory means utilized when images are formed in the image control IC 82.

Though description is done according to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above.

And in the embodiment, though the reels 3L, 30, 3R are adopted as the first display means and the liquid crystal display device 31 is adopted as the second display means, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, CRT, LCD, plasma display, 7-segment LED, LED dot-matrix, lamp,

FROM

ROM2004~ 2 26a(*)13:4g/I8111 :46/ ifl6217374954 P 23 LED, fluorescent lamp, organic EL display, disc, electronic paper, fleible LED, flexible liquid crystal, liquid crystal projector,. FED and the like can be adopted as the first display means, the second display means or the third display means. Further, the third display means different from the first display means and the second display means can be arranged at a more front side than the second display means when seeing the front side of the gaming machine, between the first display means and the second display means, or at a more rear side than the first display means when seeing the front side of the gaming machine. The display result displayed on the first display means, the second display means or the third display means is constructed from still images or moving images. The combination, 'in which two or more or all of the first display means, the second display means and the third display means are combined, can be integrally constructed. In this case, there may be a case that the unit integrally constructed can be wholly exchanged, and this case is preferable since time and labor for decomposing work or assembling work thereof can be omitted and maintenance work can be improved. Further, if parts and construction can be commonly used in the unit, this case is preferable since it can contribute to cost reduction. Of course, if the illumination means commonly utilizable for the common illumination means is included in the unit, the same effect similar to the above can be expected.

Further, the beneficial state includes: a state that a predetermined combination (for example, replay, BB, RB, small combination, single bonus and the like) is materialized; free game; a state that information necessary for the player to favorably advance the game is notified; a state that probability to get internal winning of a predetermined combination is high; a state that winnng of a predetermined combination is materialized with high probability; winning of a predetermined combination or a predetermined

FROM

ROM20044 2 26B(*)13:49/iI11 :46/ #10621 7374954 P 26 24 combination carried over is permitted to materialize with high probability; so-called "challenge time" that the reels are basically stopped based on the operation timing of the stop buttons by the player; small combination; medium combination; big combination; combination (state that so-called "symbol start opening"' (symbol variable movement is started when a ball enters in the symbol start opening) is opened or enlarged; .so-called "probability changing state". so-called "time shortening state"); or combination of the above states. Here, the small combination, the medium combination and the big combination concern with a state that so-called "big winning opening" is opened in the so-called Japanese Pachinko gamwing machine.

And when the internal winning combination determination means determines a predetermined combination (for example, bonus) as the internal wunnng combination, one or plural or all of the illumination means included in the common illuminations means can be turned off. F'or example, the LED lamps 29 arranged for each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R can be turned off every the operation button corresponding thereto is operated or every the operation button other than the above -operation button is operated. Based on the above constructions, interest for games increases. And the forward illumination means (the fluorescent lamps 38a, 38b) can be provided for each of the symbol display parts (the reel 3L, 3C, 3R).

Further, one or plural or all of the illumnination means included in the common illumination means can be constructed so as to variably display.

For example, still images or moving images can be displayed on the first display means (reel sheet) by changing the turning on mode of the LED lamps 29 or light colors emitted therefrom or by continuously changing those. And self-emitting type plasma display, organic IEL display and the lie may be adopted as the illumination means (one example of the third illumination FROM FM20044 2 26B(*)13:5O/?9,111:46/ ?il''6217374954 P 27 weans), thereby images can be displayed on the first display means. By this constructions,- interest for games increases.

In a case that the special game result (for example, the symbol combination indicating that bonus wning is materialized) is displayed on the first display means or the second display means, it can be provided the special gamning state producing means that the beneficial state for the player is displayed thereon. And both the special gaming state producing means and the second display means can be formed on single control circuit board.

And the gaming state can be displayed by superimposing the images displayed on the first display means and the images displayed on the second display means. Further, based on the trigger that a predetermined state is realized, the effect display on the second display means can be done so as to avoid the specific symbols stopped and displayed on the symbol display part or so as to superimpose the specific symbols. If the gaming state is displayed by the superimposed images, the beneficial state for the player may be produced with high probability in comparison with the case in which the superimposed images is not displayed. Thereby, it can include the effect that the player's expectation increases, in excess of the previous case. Thus, such effect can contribute to increase of interest.

In the embodiment, though the start lever 10 is adopted as the game start instruction means, the present invention is* not limited to this. For example, the BET switch 5, the medal insertion slot 6, the medal sensor 6S or the start switch 10S can be adopted.

The display includes: display by the sense of sight, display by the sense of hearing, notification by the sense of smelling, turning on of the lamps or combination of those. The display mode includes: colors, patterns, shapes (outline shapes, interior shapes) and the like.' And the game result can be displayed after operation of the game start instruction means or the game

FROM

ROM2004 2,q260(*)13:5O/-VI111:46/ It#"6217374954 P 28 26 result leading means.

In the embodiment, though. the-above mentioned LED drive circuit is utilized as the display control means for a plurality of the ornamental lamps, the LED lamps and the fluorescent lamps, each of which is arranged in the cabinet, the present invention is not limited to this. Turning on control of the LED lamps may be conducted by another display control means. In this case, for example, in turning on control of the LED lamps, electric power may be provided so that the LED lamps are always turned on during a period from power-on. of the gaming machine till power-off thereof. Here, turning on includes blinking mode that the LED lamps are intermittently blinked with a very short time interval. Thus, since the LED lamps are always turned on, light emitted from the LED lamps always illuminates each symbol. display area even if abnormality occurs in the mentioned LED drive circuit. Thereby, the player can always see the symbols arranged on each of the reels through the each symbol display areas, thus the above turning on control is preferable.

Further, turning on control of the above mentioned fluorescent lamps may be clone by another display control means. In this case, for example, in the turning on control of the fluorescent lamps, electric power may be provided so that the fluorescent lamps are always turned on during a period from power-on of the gaming machine till power-off thereof. Thereby, similar to the above, light emitted from the fluorescent lamps always illuminates each symbol display area, even if abnormality occurs in the mentioned

LED

drive circuit. Thereby, the player can always see and recognize the symbos arranged on each of the reels through the each symbol display areas Further, in the embodiment, though the above mentioned sub-CPU conducts display control of a plurality of the ornamental lamps arranged in the cabinet, sound output control and image display control of the liquid

FROM

2004t 2,26B( )13:50/l11:46/a -H6217374954 P 29 27 crystal display device, the present invention is not limited to this. Another sub-CPU separate from the above sub-CPU may conduct the above various controls. For example, in a case that another sub-CPU separate from the above sub-CPU conducts the control of a plurality of the ornamental lamps arranged in the cabinet and, for example, in a case that abnormality occurs in the display control, it is enough to exchange only the sub-CPU with abnormality occurrence or only the circuit construction including the sub-CPU with abnormality occurrence to the normal sub-CPU or circuit construction having the normal sub-CPU. Therefore, time and labor for removing the cause of the abnormality occurrence can be omitted and such construction is very preferable. And in a case that another sub-CPU other than the above sub-CPU conducts sound output control or image display control, or for example, in a case that abnormality occurs in the sound output control or the image display control, it is enough to exchange only the sub-CPU with abnormality occurrence or only circuit construction including the sub-CPU with abnormality occurrence.

Further, the liquid crystal display device described in the embodiment may have image enlarging means for enlarging the input images by a predetermined magnification. For example, the image enlarging means may convert the image data for 640 x 480 dots into the image data for 1024 x 768 dots and output the converted image data to the display part (above mentioned terminal part). Thereby, it can use the image data for small display area, the data quantity thereof being less in comparison with that for the factual display area. As a result, memory quantity of the ROM and image data forming time can be reduced.

And in the embodiment, though the symbol display area is divided corresponding to each of three reels 3L, 3C, 3R, the present invention is not limited to this and the symbol display area may be formed so as not to be

FROM

ROM2004~ 2 26fl( )13:50/I,11 :46/ 1#1"6217374954 P 28 divided. For example, it may be conceivable that two or three of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R-can be seen and recognized through one symbol display area. And if the first display means and the third display means are arranged at the rear face or side of the second display means, it may be constructed that the player sees and recognizes through one symbol display area a part or whole of the first display means and a part or whole of the third display means. When the reflection means is produced, there may be a case that the reflection means can be easily produced in comparison with a case that a plurality of transparent portions are formed dividedly.

Further, the present invention can apply to Japanese Pachixiko gaming machine, arrange ball gaming machine, mab-jong ball gaming machine, video-slot machine, video poker machine and the other machines, in addition to the slot machine in the embodiment. And even in the game program imitatively executing operation of the above mentioned slot machine in a family gaming machine, the present invention can apply and execute the game. In this case, CD-ROM, FD (flexible disc) and the simailar memory medium can be utilized for the memory medium for storing the game program Here, recently in the Japanese Pachinko, gaming machine in the main current, the gaming machine, in which an electric display device such as the liquid crystal display device is arranged at the center of gaming plate, is popularized. In this electric display device, a plurality of symbols (abbreviated as "special symbols" hereinafter) represented by images are variably' displayed, thereby three lines of reels in the slot machine are imitatively displayed. When variable display of the special symbols stops and a predeterminued stop mode (in which the samre special symbols stop such as 77- and this stop mode is generally called "big comabination"), the game shifts to the special gaming, state beneficial for the player. In general

FROM

ROM2004~ 2 268(t)13:50/sfll1:46/ t'06217374954 P 31 29 Japanese Pacbinko gamiing machine, the variable display of the Special symbols is started on condition that balls shot within the gaming Plate by operation of the shooting handle enter into a predetermined winning hole (so-called "variable display start hole"). After a predetermined time is elapsed the variable display of the special symbols stops.

In this kind of Japanese Pachinko gaming machine, it may be arranged the liquid crystal display device (the second display means) and the first display means (for example, drum.-type reels) at a more rear side than the display area (display plane) of the liquid crystal display device when seeing the front side of the gaming machine. And the special symbols may be variably displayed on one or both of the first display means (for example, the liquid crystal display device) and the second display means (for example, drum-type reels).

The above mentioned game result display means may be constructed so as to include the first display means and the second display means provided at a more front side than the display area of the first display means when seeing the front surface of the gaming machine. And the game result display means may be constructed so as to include the first display means and the second display means provided at a more front side than the display area of the first display means when seeing the front side of the gaming machine.

The above mentioned rear illumination means illuminates the second dlisplay means from the backside thereof. And the above mentioned front illumination means illuminates the second display means from the backside of thereof. And the front illumination means may illuminate the second display means from the side plane thereof.

The above mentioned first display means and/or the second display means may be formed in a curved shape. As for extent of the curvature, the first display means and the second display means may have substantially the FROM 2004~ 2926B(*)13:51/Il911 :46/ t#'6217374954 P 32 same curvature. Thereby, there may be a case that dlesign of the gaining machine is improved and the gaming machine is made attractive- Even if the first display means is curved with a small radius of curvature or with a large radius of curvature, the above same effect can be obtained.

The above mentioned reflection means corresponds to means which has at least function to refract a part or whole of light led by the light leading means toward the liquid crystal panel and illumi nate the liquid crystal panel.

The above mentioned game start instruction means may be a variable symbol display start hole which produces an output signal whent the winning combination or passage of the ball is detected. The game start instruction means in the ball flipping machine corresponds to the variable display start hole for the special symbols (or the start gate), the variable display start hole for the common symbols, the vario~us judgig symbol display start holes (or the start gates).

In a case that the above mentioned internal winning combination determination means determines the predetermined combination as the internal winning combination, one or plural illumninatio n means included in the common illumination means is/are turned off Or the illumination means may always be turned off.

There may be a case that- one or plural illumination means included in the common illumination means is/are* turned off at the substantially same timing that the above mentioned internal win nig combination determining means determines the predetermined combination as the internal winnin combination. Or the illumination means may always be turned off.

As for variable display by the illumination means included in the common illumination means, it is conceivable various display modes. For example, it may be constructed so as to be able to execute the special symbol variable display. Here, the special symbol variable display can be executed

FROM

ROM20044 2 26B0*)13:51/I.111:46/ tg"'621 7374954 P 33 31 in the mode such as: brightness in a part or whole of the display part in the illumination means differs from that in the nonspecific symbol variable display; still images, moving images, specific letters, numbers, figures, characters, which are not displayed in the non-specific symbol variable display, are displayed; variable display speed, differs from that in the non-specific symbol variable display. Further, voluntary display modes may be utilized. And in a case that the specific symbol variable display is conducted, it may be constructed that the beneficial state for the player occurs with high probability in comparison with the case that the specific symbol variable display is not done. Thereby, it can be included the effect that the player's expectation increases, in excess of the previous case. Thus, such effect can contribute to increase of interest.

'As for the means adopted as the third di"lay means, it may be adopted display devices which is applicable as; the first display means and the second display means, as mentioned above. It may be a case that one or plural effect display reels is/are utilized as the third display means, and both the first display means and the third means are arranged at the rear surface or side of the second display means. In this case, the symbol display area through which the player sees the display area of the third display means may be provided in the second display means. Thereby, the player can easily recognize the display contents on the display area of the third display means, thus this construction is very preferable.

Further, it may be controlled so that the images formed by superimposing the images of the second display means and the images of the third display means are seen by the player, and when such control occurs, the beneficial state occurs with higher probability than the case that such control does not occur. Thereby, it can be included the effect that the player's expectation increases, in excess of the previous case. Thus, such effect can 2OO4 2 26H )13:51/,ul1:46/ 1tt6217374g54 P 34 32 contribute to increase of interest.

Further, any one of the first display means, the. second display means and the third display means may be constructed form a movable structure with shapes such as figures, dolls, animals, insects, famous structures, fishes, vehicles. For example, the above structures may be moved with rotation, swing, reciprocal movement or vibration in cases that: the special combination is internally won, the special combination is materialized, the number of the combination which is as same as the special combination internally won but not materialized exceeds a predetermined number, the special images are displayed on the display means different from the above structures. And there may be a case that the above structure is constr~ucted from plural members and a part of the members is/are moved. In this case, there may be a case Ithat it can be further expected more various effects by displaying on other than the image display device.

Further, the front ilumination means may be arranged at the front side of the first display means and the second display means. In this case, if the inside of the game arcade is dark, the front illumination means can illuminate both the first display means and the second display means with enough light. Therefore, there may be a case that the player can clearly recognize the images displayed on the -display means, thus it can be expected that the player can enjoy more various effects in the gaming machine.

Although only some exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciated that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages o f this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention.

33 The reference numerals in the following claims do not in any way limit the scope of the respective claims.

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

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 that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.

Claims (8)

1. A gaming machine COMPising game result display means for iplaying a game result thereon;,n beneficial state generating means (41) for generating a beneficial state for a player when a predetermined game result is displayed on the game result display means; wherein the game result display means includes first display means M3, 3C, 8R) and second display means (31) arranged at a more front side than a display area of the first display means when seen from a front side of the gaming machine, and wherein common illumination means (29, 38a, 38b) for illuminating both the first display means and the second display means is provided.

2. The gaming macbine according to claim 1, wherein the common illumination means comprises front iffiuminatin means (38a, 38b) for illuminating the first display means from a front side thereof and rear illumination means (29) for illuminating the first illumination means from a rear side thereof.

3. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first display means includes a plurality of symbol display parts (3L, 3C, 3R) capable of variably displaying and stopping a symbol or plural symbols, and is constructed so that one of the symbol display parts positioned between the second d&splay means and the common illumination means has light transmittance, wherein the second display means is constructed from a liquid crystal display device (31) comprising a liquid crystal panel light guide means FROM _,e ROM20044 2 266(*)13:51/sm11 :46/ t#'0621 7374954 P 36 arranged at a rear side of the liquid cryetal panel, individual illumination means (37a, 37b) for guiding light to the light guide means and reflection means (36) for reflecting light guided to the light guide means toward the liquid crystal panel positioned at a front side of the light guide means, and wherein an area (36BL, 36BC, 36BR) of the reflection means corresponding to the symbol display part is made light transmitting part.

4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the liquid crystal panel is set to a normally white state in which the fwst display means is seen anid recognized from outside of the liquid crystal panel when the liquid crystal panel is not driven.

The gaming machine' according to one of claims 1 further comprising: game start instruction means (10) which is operable by a player;r internal winning combination determination means for determining an internal winning combination based on an output from the game start instruction means; and game result display control means (43, 73) for conducting display control of the game result display means based on a determined result by the internal winning combination determination means; wherein the game result display control means turns off all illumination means included in the commoni illumination means in a case that the internal winning combination determination means determine a predetermined combination as the internal winning combination.

6. The gaming machine according to one of claims 1 5, wherein the illumination means included in the common illumination means variably 2004~ 2A26B(*)13:52/,l11 :46/ t"6217374954 P 37 36 displays the symbols. 4 37

7. Gaming machine substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings and/or Examples.

8. The steps, features, compositions and compounds disclosed herein or referred to or indicated in the specification and/or claims of this application, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of said steps or features. DATED this FIRST day of MARCH 2004 Aruze Corp. by DAVIES COLLISON CAVE Patent Attorneys for the applicant(s) 5108