AU2004205207A1 - 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 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and in particular, relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine, a Japanese pachi-slot machine, a video poker gaming machine, the gaming machine having a variable display device for displaying a plural kinds of symbols necessary for a game and a controller such as a microcomputer for conducting stop control of the variable display device.

2. Description of Related Art Conventionally, as the gaming machines mentioned above, there exists, for example the slot machine. Game in the slot machine is started by inserting medals therein or betting medals within the number of medals credited in the slot machine, and thereafter by operating a start lever or spin button by a player. When the game in the slot machine is started, reels on which a plurality of symbols are described start to rotate and thereafter each of the reels is stopped in a predetermined order. And if the winning combination is won according to the symbol combination displayed by the reels, medals are paid out to the player. And one game is terminated.

The slot machines in current at present have plural modes of winning combinations. In particular, when the predetermined winning combination is won, a gaming state more beneficial for the player than the base game is obtained for a predetermined time, in addition to one time of medal payout. As such winning combination, there is a bonus game in which games giving a relatively large award to the player can be done. And the gaming machine such as the slot machine has decoration parts and display devices to joyfully effect the above award. These decoration parts or the display devices are generally designed so as to reflect the image of theme set in every gaming machine. And characters or things or background pictures according to the theme are displayed on the cabinet of display panel to exercise the machine's ingenuity. Further, as shown in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-62177, it is known the gaming machine in which these pictures are displayed on the reels as the symbols.

2 However, the symbols described on the reels has function to inform the winning combination including the bonus of the player, the winning combination being determined when the reels are stopped. Therefore, if the symbols are designed by reflecting the image of the machine's own theme, there is a case that it is difficult for the player not accustomed to the gaming machine to recognize whether the winning combination is realized or not. Further, if a plurality of bonuses capable of being won are set and the symbols based on the characteristic theme are described on the reels, there will be fear that it takes long time for the player to learn the symbol corresponding to the bonus and to be accustomed to the game. And if each of the symbol combinations corresponding to plural bonuses is constructed from the symbols reflecting the machine's own image, it can be predicted which bonus among plural bonuses will be won at the time that the first reel is stopped. Thus, it lacks in interest and the player loses interest for the game.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been done to dissolve the above problems and has an object to provide a gaming machine in which it can be easily judged that the bonus is won even if the symbols displayed on the variable display device such as reels are designed so as to reflect an image of theme concerning with the gaming machine.

In order to accomplish the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, it is provided a gaming machine comprising: a plurality of variable display devices for variably displaying plural kinds of symbols utilized in a game; a stop symbol determination device for determining the symbols stopped along a pay line every each of the variable display devices based on a random number value sampled every game; and a stop controller for conducting stop control of variable display in the variable display devices based on a determination result determined by the stop symbol determination device; wherein symbol combinations each of which is constructed from the symbols determined by the stop symbol determination device include a plurality of specific display modes each of which corresponds to a specific award, and wherein at least two of the specific display modes form one picture and at least one of the symbols is commonly utilized in the specific display mode.

According to the gaming machine, at least two of the specific display modes, which are included in the symbol combinations and each of which corresponds to a specific award, form one picture and at least one symbol is commonly utilized in the specific display mode. Thereby, the specific award is easily indicated to the player through the method that the symbol combination displays one picture. Further, plural symbol combinations corresponding to plural bonuses are constructed from at least one symbol which is commonly utilized. Therefore, even in the complexed gaming machine in which it is designed so that the image of the theme concerning with the gaming machine is reflected on the symbols described on the reels and a plural kinds of bonuses are set, if the symbol is commonly utilized, it can be shown to the player that any specific display mode can be realized. Thereby, even in a case that the player is not accustomed to the gaming machine, the player can easily judge whether or not the specific display mode is determined.

And in a case that the symbol which is commonly utilized is first displayed when the variable display device is stopped, it can be judged whether or not the specific display mode is realized. However, it cannot be judged the kind of the specific display mode till the other reels are stopped. Therefore, interest for games can be raised if the gaming machine is constructed so that the kind of the specific display mode cannot be predicted at early stage of the game.

And according to another aspect of the present invention, it is provided a gaming machine comprising: a plurality of variable display devices for variably displaying a plurality of symbols utilized in a base game; a stop symbol determination device for determining the symbols variably displayed on the variable display devices based on a random number value sampled every game; a bonus game execution device for executing a bonus game corresponding to specific symbols among a plurality of bonus games when variable display of the 4 variable display devices is stopped while the specific symbols are stopped and displayed through the variable display devices; wherein at least one bonus game is executed when the variable display devices are stopped with the specific symbols or when a specific result is obtained in another bonus game.

According to the gaming machine, at least one bonus game among a plurality of bonus games executed in the gaming machine is executed when the variable display devices are stopped with the specific symbols or when a specific result is obtained in another bonus game by the player's selection. Thereby, in the bonus game in which the player participates while conducting various selection, if the predetermined condition is satisfied, it is determined whether or not game condition shifts to another bonus game. Therefore, the player can enjoy the bonus game while expecting to continuously conduct another bonus game, thus interest for games can be raised.

Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, it is provided a gaming machine comprising: a plurality of variable display devices for variably displaying a plurality of symbols utilized in a game; a stop symbol determination device for determining a symbol combination stopped at a predetermined position in the variable display devices based on a random number value sampled every game; a stop control device for conducting stop control of the variable display devices based on a result determined by the stop symbol determination device; and a blank bonus determination device for determining winning of the bonus with a predetermined probability when blank symbols are stopped at the predetermined positions.

According to the gaming machine, the blank bonus determination device determines winning of the bonus with a predetermined probability when blank symbols are stopped at the predetermined positions. Thereby, even if the blank symbols are displayed on the variable display devices, not only the game is merely terminated but also there remains a probability to occur the bonus game. Therefore, the player has unexpected feeling and interest for games can be raised.

According to further another aspect of the present invention, it is provided a gaming machine comprising: a plurality of variable display devices for variably displaying a plurality of symbols utilized in a game; a stop symbol determination device for determining symbols stopped at predetermined positions in the variable display devices based on a random number value sampled every game; a bonus game start device for starting a bonus game when the variable display devices are stopped with specific symbols; a measurement device for determining a score accumulated according to progress of the bonus game and for increasing or decreasing an upper limit of the score; and a bonus game termination device for terminating the bonus game when the score exceeds the upper limit.

According to the gaming machine, in the bonus game activated when the variable display devices of the gaming machine stop variable display with the specific symbols, the measurement device determines the score while accumulating according to progress of the bonus game and the bonus game determination device terminates the bonus game when the score exceeds the upper limit. That is to say, the bonus game is progressed till the score reaches to the upper limit. Thereby, it can roughly indicate to the player when the bonus game is terminated. Therefore, the player can predict the termination of the bonus game to some extent. Thus, there scarcely occurs a case that the bonus game is suddenly terminated contrary to the player's expectation. Accordingly, the bonus game can be done while retaining interest of the player and the base game which is restarted continuous to the bonus game can be conducted.

The above and further objects and novel features of the invention will more fully appear from the following detailed description when the same is read in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for purpose of illustration only and not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

6 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the objects, advantages and principles of the invention.

In the drawings, Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a slot machine according to the embodiment, Fig. 2 is a sectional view of a main display in the slot machine according to the embodiment, Fig. 3 is a sectional view of a sub-display in the slot machine according to the embodiment, Fig. 4 is an explanatory view showing symbol rows each of which is described on each reel in the slot machine according to the embodiment, Fig. 5 is an explanatory view of a payout table utilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment, Fig. 6 is an explanatory view showing one example of symbol combination utilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment, Fig. 7 is an explanatory view showing one example of symbol combination utilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment, Fig. 8 is an explanatory view showing one example of probability lottery table corresponding to each of the reels, the probability lottery table being utilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment, Fig. 9 is an explanatory view showing a block diagram of electric circuits utilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment, Fig. 10 is an explanatory view showing one example of variable display motion of the reels conducted in the slot machine according to the embodiment, Fig. 11 is an explanatory view showing one example of variable display motion of the reels conducted in the slot machine according to the embodiment, Fig. 12 is an explanatory view showing one example of variable display motion of the reels conducted in the slot machine according to the embodiment, Fig. 13 is an explanatory view showing one example of variable display motion of the reels conducted in the slot machine according to the embodiment, Fig. 14 is an explanatory view showing one example of variable display motion of the reels conducted in the slot machine according to the embodiment, Fig. 15 is an explanatory view showing a lottery table to determined whether a bonus game is realized or not, the lottery table being utilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment, Fig. 16 is an explanatory view showing a block diagram of electric circuits in a sub-control circuit utilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment, 0 Fig. 17 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus game utilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment, Fig. 18 is an explanatory view showing an image of the the slot machine according to the embodiment, Fig. 19 is an explanatory view showing an image of the the slot machine according to the embodiment, bonus game utilized in bonus game utilized in Fig. 20 is an explanatory view showing an image the slot machine according to the embodiment, Fig. 21 is an explanatory view showing an image the slot machine according to the embodiment, Fig. 22 is an explanatory view showing an image the slot machine according to the embodiment, Fig. 23 is an explanatory view showing an image the slot machine according to the embodiment, Fig. 24 is an explanatory view showing an image the slot machine according to the embodiment, of the bonus game utilized in of the bonus game utilized in of the bonus game utilized in of the bonus game utilized in of the bonus game utilized in Fig. 25 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus game utilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment, Fig. 26 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus game utilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment, Fig. 27 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus game utilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment, 8 Fig. 28 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus game utilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment, Fig. 29 is an explanatory view showing an image of the the slot machine according to the embodiment, Fig. 30 is an explanatory view showing an image of the the slot machine according to the embodiment, Fig. 31 is an explanatory view showing an image of the the slot machine according to the embodiment, Fig. 32 is an explanatory view showing an image of the the slot machine according to the embodiment, Fig. 33 is an explanatory view showing an image of the the slot machine according to the embodiment, bonus game utilized in bonus game utilized in bonus game utilized in bonus game utilized in bonus game utilized in Fig. 34 is a flowchart executed in a main control circuit in the slot machine according to the embodiment, Fig. 35 is a flowchart executed in the main control circuit in the slot machine according to the embodiment, Fig. 36 is a flowchart executed in the sub-control circuit in the slot machine according to the embodiment, Fig. 37 is a flowchart executed in the sub-control circuit in the slot machine according to the embodiment, Fig. 38 is a flowchart executed in the sub-control circuit in the slot machine according to the embodiment, and Fig. 39 is a flowchart executed in the sub-control circuit in the slot machine according to the embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED

EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, one example of the preferred embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As game media utilized in the gaming machine, coins, medals, tokens are generally used. Here, explanation of the gaming machine in which coins are utilized will be done.

[construction of the gaming machine] The slot machine 1 according to one embodiment is shown in Fig. 1, which is a perspective view of the slot machine 1.

In front of a cabinet 2 which wholly constructs the gaming machine 1, a main display 5 is arranged at the center of which rectangular display windows 4L, 4C, 4R are formed. At the center of each of the windows 4L, 4C, 4R, one pay line 8 is described.

At the front side of the slot machine 1 in the cabinet 2, three reels 3L 3C, 3R are rotatably supported. On an outer periphery of each of the reels 3L 3C, 3R, a symbol row constructed from a plural kinds of symbols is described. The reels 3L, 3C, 3R are arranged along a horizontal line and each reel functions as a variable display device.

In the cabinet 2, the main display 5 is provided in front of the reels 3L 3C, 3R, the main display 5 being utilized for displaying images of slot games and bonus games. In the main display 5, three display windows 4L, 4C, 4R are formed. Here, the main display 5 is arranged so that the symbols of each of the reels can be observed through the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R formed in the main display 5. The variable display device has the reels 3L, 3C, 3R as the first display portion and a liquid crystal display as the second display portion. And at an upper side of the cabinet 2, a subdisplay 6 for displaying the image of the bonus game is provided as the third display portion.

On a display area 5a of the main display 5, there are formed two display areas, one of which is a PAID meter 7 for indicating payouts paid out when winning combinations are got in the slot game which is a base game in the slot machine 1, and the other of which is a BET meter 9 for indicating coin numbers which can be betted in one game. And on the display area 5a of the main display 5 and at the upper of the display window 4R, a CREDIT meter 10 indicating coin number presently stored in the slot machine 1 is displayed.

In a control panel 11 arranged under the main display 5, it is formed a coin insertion slot 12 into which a player inserts coins.

And on the control panel 11, a spin switch 15 for starting rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is arranged. Further, on the control panel 11, there are provided an error switch 13, a help switch 14, a cash-out switch 16, a BET switch 17, a maximum BET switch 18 and a repeat BET spin switch 19.

Here, the error switch 13 is a switch pressed when troubles occur in the slot machine 1, thereby an error lamp 23 arranged on a ceiling portion of the cabinet 2 is turned on. Thus, an attendant in a game arcade is called.

The help switch 14 is pressed when the player cannot understand gaming method in the slot machine 1 or game contents of the bonus game, thereby explanation thereof is displayed on the sub-display 6.

The cash-out switch 16 is a switch which is utilized to pay out coins stored in the slot machine 1 to a coin tray 21 from a payout chute The BET switch 17 is a switch which is utilized when coins stored in the slot machine 1 are betted for the game. Every the BET switch 17 is pressed one time, one coin is betted. Here, the coin number betted for one game is called the "BET number".

The maximum BET switch 18 is a switch to bet a maximum number of coins which can be betted for one game, for example, four coins for the game. When the maximum BET switch 18 is pressed, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are started to rotate.

The repeat BET spin switch 19 is a switch to bet for the game the same number of coins as the BET number in the previous game and to start rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

And at the upper side of the coin tray 21, which becomes a receiving dish for coins paid out from the payout chute 20, there are formed speaker grills 22 to output toward outside of the cabinet 2 sounds emitted from speakers 43 (see Fig. 9) installed in the cabinet 2.

[main display and sub-display] With reference to Fig. 2, construction of the main display 5 will be described.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view showing the main display 5 and the reel 3C. The main display 5 is constructed from a picture sheet 53 formed from the transparent film material on which various pictures are printed, the picture sheet 53 being arranged inside of an acrylic resin plate 52 functioning as a protect cover, a liquid crystal display device 54 formed from a transparent liquid crystal display device in which transparent electrodes are arranged and a light guiding plate 36. The picture sheet 53, the liquid 11 crystal display device 54 and the light guiding plate 36 are stacked with each other.

And in front of the main display 5, it is arranged a touch panel 51 which detects coordinates corresponding to the contact area on which the player contacts.

And at the upper side and the lower side of the liquid crystal display device 54, liquid crystal backlights 292, 293 as illumination of the liquid crystal display device 54 are arranged. By turning on the liquid crystal backlights 292, 293, the player can clearly seen and recognize the image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 54.

At the inner upper side and the lower side of the main display 5, symbol illumination lamps 57, 58 for illuminating the symbols on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are arranged. The symbol illumination lamps 57, 58 are controlled so as to turn on when electric power is supplied, thereby the symbols on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R can be clearly seen and recognized. As the symbol illumination lamps 57, 58, although cold cathode ray tubes are generally utilized, the present invention is not limited to this.

The pictures described on the picture sheet 53 are always seen and recognized by the player, in spite of effect control state in the slot machine 1. The liquid crystal display device 54 constructs the effect area of image not only in the slot game mentioned later but also in the bonus game.

Near the front inner side of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, it is provided a lamp housing 62 in which reel back lamps (not shown) turned on to easily see and recognize the symbols are installed.

In Fig. 3, the sectional of the sub-display 6 is shown. Similar to the main display 5, the sub-display 6 is constructed from a picture sheet 63, a liquid crystal display device 64 and a light guiding plate 67, which are stacked with each other at the inner side of a transparent acrylic resin plate 65. And at the upper side and the lower side of the liquid crystal display device 64, liquid crystal backlights 296, 297 are provided. Since the reels are not arranged behind the sub-display 6, symbol illumination lamps are not arranged.

Although the main display 5 and the sub-display 6 in the slot machine 1 of the embodiment are constructed from the liquid crystal display device (LCD), the present invention is not limited to this. For example, CRT or plasma display may be utilized.

And although the main display 5 and the sub-display 6 are constructed from one

I

12 display device, the main display 5 and the sub-display 6 may be constructed from a plurality of display devices which mutually belong to different kinds.

[symbol rows] In Fig. 4, it is shown symbol rows in each of which different kinds of symbols are arranged, the symbols being formed on the outer periphery of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R.

The symbol row is constructed from plural kinds of symbols which are positioned at odd positions and plural blank symbols 92 positioned at even positions. To each symbol, a code number among 1 to 22 is attached and these code numbers are stored in a ROM 122 (see Fig. 9 mentioned later) as a data table. On each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, the "WILD" symbol 91 represented by the word "WILD", the "1BAR" symbol 100 represented by one "BAR", the "2BAR" symbol 93 represented by two "BAR"s, the "3BAR" symbol 94 represented by three "BAR"s and the "RED7" symbol represented by the red numeral are described. And on the reel 3L, the "map 1" symbol 96 which shows a part of the map is described. On the reel 3C, the "map 2" symbol 97 which shows another part of the map is described. Further, on the reel 3R, the "map 3" symbol 98, which includes a condor in a part of the map and completes one map picture with the "map 1" symbol 96 and the "map 2" symbol 97, is described.

Further, on the reel 3R, the "map 4" symbol 99, which includes a gate in a part of the map and completes one map picture with the "map 1" symbol 96 and the "map 2" symbol 97, is described. Here, the map picture represents a treasure map and an item appearing in a treasure-hunting which is a theme of the slot machine 1. Thus, by representing things concerning with the theme as the symbols of the reels, the image of the theme is strongly effected, thereby interest of the player for games can be highly raised.

Fig. 5 shows a payout table displayed on the sub-display 6 when the slot game, which is the base game in the slot machine 1, is conducted. The payout table indicates how many coins are paid out corresponding to each of the winning combinations.

As game state in the embodiment, there are tow states, one of which is the slot game and the other of which is the bonus game as the secondary game. In the slot game, after coins are betted by pressing the BET switch 17, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are 13 started to rotate by depressing the maximum BST spin switch 18 or the repeat BET spin switch 19. And after a predetermined time is elapsed, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped in a predetermined order. At that time, if the symbol combination stopped along the pay line 8 corresponds to the predetermined symbol combination, that is, the winning combinations is won, coins are paid out to the player.

The bonus game is a game which occurs when the specific symbol combination, for example, the combination of the "map 1" symbol 96, the "map 2" symbol 97 and the "map 3" symbol 98 is stopped along the pay line 8. In the bonus game, more coins than coins obtained in the slot game are paid out to the player as the specific award.

Hereinafter, the description "map 1-map 2-map 3" means a case that the "map 1" symbol, the "map 2" symbol and the "map 3" symbol are stopped along the pay line 8 which positions in the center of each of the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R.

In the slot game, the payouts will be described according to Fig. 5 when the symbol combinations stopped along the pay line 8 become the predetermined combinations. Here, when the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped in the slot game, the symbol combination stopped along the pay line 8 is determined based on the probability lottery table (mentioned later) by utilizing the random number sampled every the game.

As shown in Fig. 5, in spite of kind of the "BAR, if any "BAR" of the "1BAR", the "2BAR" and the "3BAR" lines up along the pay line 8 when all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, five coins are paid out in a case that one coins is betted, ten coins are paid out in a case that two coins are betted and fifteen coins are paid out in a case that three or four coins are betted. Thus, the payout is given to the player.

And if three "IBAR"s are line up along the pay line 8 when all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, ten coins are paid out in a case that one coins is betted, twenty coins are paid out in a case that two coins are betted and thirty coins are paid out in a case that three or four coins are betted. Thus, the payout is given to the player.

Further, three "2BAR"s are line up along the pay line 8 when all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, twenty coins are paid out in a case that one coins is betted, forty coins are paid out in a case that two coins are betted and sixty coins are paid out in a case that three or four coins are betted. Thus, the payout is given to the player.

14 And if three "3BAR"s line up along the pay line 8 when all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, forty coins are paid out in a case that one coins is betted, eighty coins are paid out in a case that two coins are betted and one hundred and twenty coins are paid out in a case that three or four coins are betted. Thus, the payout is given to the player.

And if three "RED7" line up along the pay line 8 when all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, fifty coins are paid out in a case that one coins is betted, one hundred coins are paid out in a case that two coins are betted and two hundreds coins are paid out in a case that three or four coins are betted. Thus, the payout is given to the player.

And if three "WILD" line up along the pay line 8 when all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, one hundred coins are paid out in a case that one coins is betted, two hundreds coins are paid out in a case that two coins are betted and four hundreds coins are paid out in a case that three or four coins are betted. Thus, the payout is given to the player. Here, the "WILD" symbol has substitutional function for each symbol of the "1BAR" symbol, the "2BAR" symbol, the "3BAR" symbol and the "RED7" symbol, which are mentioned above. For example, in the symbol combination "IBAR-1BAR- WILD", the "WILD" symbol substitutes for the "IBAR" and it concludes that the symbol combination "IBAR-1BAR-1BAR", that is, the winning combination "IBAR" is won.

And if the symbol combination "map 1-map 2-map 3" or "map 1-map 2-map 4" lines up along the pay line 8 when all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, two hundreds coins are paid out in a case that one coin is betted, four hundreds coins are paid out in a case that two coins are betted and one thousand coins are paid out in a case that three or four coins are betted. Thereafter, game condition shifts to the bonus game from the slot game, thereby there occurs a chance that the specific award is given to the player.

That is to say, in each bonus game, there is probability that the player can get further more coins with high payout than those in the slot game by conducting the predetermined game play. Here, the bonus game will be described hereinafter.

[common use of the symbols] In Fig. 6, it is shown a line up mode that the symbol combination "map 1-map 2map 3" line up along the pay line 8 in the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, such symbol combination forming a chance to shift to one of bonus games. One picture representing the treasure map is formed base on that the "map 1" symbol 96, the "map 2" symbol 97 and the "map 3" symbol 98 line up along the pay line 8.

In Fig. 7, it is shown a line up mode that the symbol combination "map 1-map 2-map 4" line up along the pay line 8, such symbol combination forming a chance to shift to another bonus game. In this case, similarly to the above, one picture representing the treasure map is formed based on that the "map 1" symbol 96, the "map 2" symbol 97 and the "map 4" symbol 99 line up along the pay line 8. As mentioned, if the symbol combination forms one picture, game condition shifts to the bonus game by which the specific award is given to the player. Therefore, for example, if new theme of the treasure-hunting is introduced in the gaming machine, the player can easily judge the symbol combination to shift to the bonus game as the completed one picture if the player is not accustomed to the gaming machine. Thus, the player can rapidly learn the symbol combination and can be accustomed to the game.

Here, in the symbol combinations shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the "map 1" symbol 96 and the "map 2" symbol 97 are commonly used. By commonly using the symbol if a plurality of symbol combinations giving a chance to shift to the bonus game are set, the number of symbols forming such combinations can be reduced, thereby the player can rapidly learn the symbols and can be accustomed to the game. And one picture formed by the symbol combination in which the symbols are commonly used can easily form the common image. Therefore, the player can rapidly learn the common image and can be accustomed to the game.

[probability lottery table] Next, with reference to Fig. 8, the probability lottery table for the reels 3L, 3C, 3R will be explained. The probability lottery table is a table utilized when the symbols which line up along the pay line 8 are determined at the time that all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped in the slot game.

Fig. 8 shows the probability lottery table for the reels 3L, 3C, 3R to determine the symbols which line up along the pay line 8 when all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped in a case that four coins are betted, that is, the bet number is four. Here, there exist another probability lottery tables in a case that the bet number is one three although I I e 16 such tables are not shown.

In each of the probability lottery tables, it is indicated the range of the random number every symbol on each reel 3L, 3C, 3R which line up along the pay line 8. The concrete method to determine the symbol which line up along the pay line 8 by lottery is as follows. The CPU 21 (see Fig. 9) refers the random number value extracted from the predetermined random number range (for example, the range of 0 255) every each reel 3L, 3C, 3R with the probability lottery table shown in Fig. 6. Further, the CPU 21 judges that the extracted random number value lies in the random number range corresponding to which symbol and determines the symbol which line up along the pay line 8. For example, if the extracted random number value to determine the symbol on the left reel 3L lies in a range of 116 170, the symbol which line up along the pay line 8 when the left reel 3L is stopped becomes the "2BAR" symbol.

Here, in the embodiment, although the lottery is done every each reel 3L, 3C, 3R and the symbol which line up along the pay line 8 is determined, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, at first the winning combination corresponding to the symbol combination, that is, the internal winning combination may be determined and the symbol which line up along the pay line 8 may be determined according to the internal winning combination. That is to say, the slot machine 1 may have internal winning combination determination means to determine the winning combination based on the random number value sampled every game.

[construction of control system in the slot machine] Fig. 9 shows circuitry construction including a main control circuit 71 for controlling game process operation in the slot machine 1, periphery device (actuator) connected to the main control circuit 71 and a sub-control circuit 171 for controlling the main display 5 and the sub-display 6 based on control instruction transmitted from the main control circuit 71.

The main control circuit 71 is mainly constructed from a microcomputer 120 arranged on a circuit board to which a circuit for sampling the random number. The microcomputer 120 includes the CPU 121 as a control device for conducting control operation according to a preset program and a ROM 122 and a RAM 123 which are memory means.

To the CPU 121, a clock pulse generator 124 for generating standard clock pulses, a frequency divider 125, a random number generator 126 for generating random numbers sampled and a random number sampling circuit 127 are connected.

Here, as the means for sampling the random number, random number generation and sampling thereof may be executed by calculation through the CPU 121 in the microcomputer 120.

In the ROM 122 of the microcomputer 120, a program for controlling game in the slot machine 1, a symbol table referred when the symbols lining up along the pay line 8 are determined in a case that all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, a winning symbol combination table referred after stop control of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is done and thereafter the reels are stopped and a probability lottery table referred when the symbols lining up along the pay line 8 are determined in a case that all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, are stored.

And in the ROM 122 of the microcomputer 120, various instructions (commands) for transmitting to the sub-control circuit 171. Among the commands, a demonstration display command, an all reels stop command, a bonus game start command to start image display of the bonus game on the sub-display 6 and the like are included.

In the circuit of Fig. 9, as the actuator controlled its operation by a control signal from the microcomputer 120, stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R for rotating the reels 3L, 3C, 3R respectively, a hopper 30 including a drive part to pay out and storing coins therein, the main display 5 and the sub-display 6, various lamps 60 (error lamp 23, symbol illumination lamp 57 and the like). These are connected to the CPU 121 through a motor drive circuit 31, a hopper drive circuit 32, a sub-control circuit 171, a lamp drive circuit 45, respectively. These drive circuits controls operation of each actuator by receiving control signals such as drive instructions output from the CPU 121.

The sub-control circuit 171 conducts display control of the main display 5 and the sub-display 6 based on the control command from the microcomputer 120. The sub-control circuit 171 will be described hereinafter.

A power amplifier 42 functioning as an amplifier for amplifying sounds output from the speaker 43 is connected to the output terminal of the CPU 121 through a sound source IC 41. The sound source IC 41 controls the power amplifier 42 and the speaker 43 based on the control signal such as control command output from the CPU 121.

As the input signal generation means generating input signals necessary for the microcomputer 120, a coin sensor 12S for detecting coins inserted in the coin insertion slot 12, an error switch 13, a help switch 14, a spin switch 15, a cash-out switch 16, a BET switch 17, a maximum BET spin switch 18, a repeat BET spin switch 19, a reel position detection circuit 34 supplying signals to detect positions of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R to the CPU 121 based on pulse signals output from a reel position detector (not shown) and a payout completion signal circuit 36 supplying a signal to detect coin payout completion to the CPU 121 in a case that the count number counted by a coin detection portion 35, which detects coins paid out from the hopper 30, reaches to the predetermined coin number data.

And if all reels are stopped and the symbol combination stopped along the pay line 8 becomes the stop mode indicating realization of the winning combination, the CPU 121 supplies the payout command signal to the hopper drive circuit 32, thereby the hopper 30 pays out the predetermined number of coins. At that time, the coin detection portion 35 counts the number of coins paid out from the hopper 30 and when the counted number of coins reaches to the predetermined number, the coin payout completion signal is input to the CPU 121. Thereby, the CPU 121 stops drive of the hopper 30 through the hopper drive circuit 32 and coin payout process is finished.

Here, the main control circuit 71, the hopper 30 and the hopper drive circuit 32 constructs award providing means for providing award to the player when the symbol combination determined by stop symbol determination means and stopped along the pay line 8 becomes the predetermined display mode.

In the circuit of Fig. 9, the random number generator 126 generates random numbers within a predetermined value range and the random number sampling circuit 127 samples the random number at a voluntarily timing after the spin switch 15, the maximum BET spin switch 18 and the repeat BET spin switch 19 are pressed.

The sample random number is determined whether such random number belongs to which range in the probability lottery table stored in the storing part in the ROM 122.

If the sampled random number belongs to a predetermined range, the stop symbol signal is generated, thereby control of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R mentioned later is conducted and the determined symbol is stopped along the pay line 8.

After the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are started to rotate, the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R are counted, and the counted number value is written in a predetermined area in the RAM 123. A reset pulse is obtained from each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R every one rotation thereof and such reset pulses are input to the CPU 121 through the reel position detection circuit 34. The CPU 121 clears the counted number of drive pulses stored in the RAM 123 to based on the reset pulses obtained as mentioned. Thereby, in the RAM 123, the count number value corresponding to the rotational position of each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R within one rotation thereof.

And in order to correspond the rotational position of each of reels 3L, 3C, 3R to the symbol, the symbol table is stored in the ROM 122. In this symbol table, by utilizing the rotational position generated on the basis of the above mentioned reset pulse as the standard, code number serially given every a predetermined rotation pitch of each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R and symbol code representing the symbol provided every each code number are corresponded with each other.

And the sub-control circuit 171 is connected to the main control circuit 71.

Here, the main control circuit 71 including the CPU 121, the ROM 122, the clock pulse generator 124, the frequency divider 125, the random number generator 126 and the random number sampling circuit 127, constructs stop symbol determination means for determining the symbol stopped along the pay line 8 every the variable display device based on the random number value sampled every game.

And the main control circuit 71 including the CPU 121 and the ROM 122 constructs stop control means for stopping and controlling variable display operation of a plurality of the variable display devices based on a determination result by the stop symbol determination means.

Further, in Th ROM 122, the winning symbol combination table is also stored.

In he winning symbol combination table, the symbol combinations corresponding to the winning combinations, the coin payout number corresponding to the winning combinations and the winning judgement codes representing the winning combinations are corresponded. The winning symbol combination table is referred when variable display operation of the left reel 3L, the center reel 3C and the right reel 3R is controlled to stop and when the winning combination is confirmed after all reels are stopped.

[variable display operation of reels 3L, 3C, 3R] Next, variable display operation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R will be described. As mentioned, in the slot game, after coins are betted all reels 3L, 3C, 3R start to rotate based on a predetermined switch operation. Each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped in a predetermined order after a predetermined time is elapsed.

Fig. 10 indicates a display state of the main display 5 while all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotating. In the main display 5, areas for the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R are formed, and through these areas a part of each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R which are rotating can be seen. Under the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R it is displayed a character 501 who is riding in a boat and going for the treasure-hunt which is the theme of the slot machine 1. Thereby, the effect of the image of treasure-hunt is conducted on the main display Fig. 11 indicates a state that the reels 3L and 3C are serially stopped after a predetermined time is elapsed since the reels 3L, 3C, 3R start to rotate. The sopped reel 3L and 3C display the "map 1" symbol 96 and the "map 2" symbol 97 along the pay line 8, respectively. This state is the state just before game condition shifts to the bonus game based on that the remaining map symbol is displayed by the reel 3R.

And under the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R it is displayed a state that the an alligator 503 attacks the character 501.

Fig. 12 indicates a state that the reel 3R is stopped after a predetermined time is elapsed since the reels 3L and 3C are serially stopped. The stopped reel 3R displays the "map 3" symbol 98 along the pay line 8 and the treasure map picture is completed by combining the "map 3" symbol 98 with the "map 2" symbol 96 and the "map 2" symbol 97. And This state indicates that game condition shifts to a condor treasure bonus game which is one of the bonus games. Further, under the display 21 windows 4L, 4C, 4R it is displayed a state that the character 501 gets rid of the alligator 503.

As mentioned, among the symbols constructing the symbol combination which makes a chance to shift to the bonus game, the reel 3L and 3C, which displays the "map 1" symbol 96 and the "map 2" symbol 97, respectively, the "map 1" symbol 96 and the "map 2" symbol 97 being commonly used, are first stopped, and the reel 3R which displays the "map 3" symbol 98 is finally stopped. Thereby, it can make the player recognize the probability to win the bonus game at the time that the "map 1" symbol 96 and the "map 2" symbol 97 are displayed. Here, the player cannot know what kind of bonus is won till the "map 3" symbol 98 or the "map 4" symbol 99 is displayed.

Therefore, although the player can easily judge that the bonus is won, the player cannot predict the kind of the bonus at the time that the "map 1" symbol 96 and the "map 2" symbol 97 which are commonly used are stopped. Thereby, interest and expectation of the player can be highly raised.

[blank bonus] In addition to the above, a blank bonus which is realizable based on that blank symbols are stopped along the pay line 8 will be described.

Fig. 13 indicates a state that all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped after a predetermined time is elapsed since the reels 3L 3C, 3R start to rotate. The stopped reels 3L, 3C, 3R respectively display the symbol combination "blank-blank-blank" by the blank symbols 92. If the blank symbols 92 line up along the pay line 8, it is continuously conducted the lottery of mysterious sun bonus game which is the blank bonus. On the basis of the lottery result, if this blank bonus is realized, game condition shifts to the mysterious sun bonus game which is one of the bonus games.

Fig. 14 indicates the display when the blank bonus is realized according to the lottery result. Near each of the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R in the display area 5a of the main display 5, symbols 505, 506 and 507 representing the sun are displayed.

Thereby, the blank symbols 92 of the stopped reels 3L, 3C, 3R change just like to the specific symbols and line up along the pay line 8. And under the display windows 4L 4C, 4R it is displayed a state that the character 501 is surprised to find anything in the upper direction. Thus, when the reels 3L, 3C, 3R as the variable display means 22 display the blank symbols 92, it is determined that game condition shifts to the bonus game with a predetermined probability. Thereby, even if the symbol combination of the blank symbols is displayed, the game is not only merely terminated but also there remains probability to occur the bonus game. Therefore, unexpected feeling occurs in the game and interest for games can be raised. And among the reels 3L, 3C, 3R as the first display part constructing the variable display means and the liquid crystal display device 54 as the second display part, as mentioned, by displaying the symbols 505, 506, 507 as the bonus symbols so as to superimpose the blank symbols 92 on the liquid crystal display device 54, the unexpected feeling can occur as if the blank symbols 92 are suddenly changed to the bonus symbols.

[blank bonus selection lottery table] In fig. 15, it is shown a lottery table to shift to the mysterious sun bonus game.

This table is a table to determine to shift to the mysterious sun bonus game when the blank symbols 92 of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped along the pay line 8.

The CPU 21 extracts the random number form the predetermined random number range (for example, the range of 0 255) and determines that the extracted random number belongs to which range in the lottery table to shift to the mysterious sun bonus game, thereafter the CPU 21 determines to shift to the mysterious sun bonus game. For example, the random number lies within the range of 0 5, shifting to the mysterious sun bonus game is realized.

Next, the sub-control circuit 171 shown in Fig. 16 will be explained. The subcontrol circuit 171 is constructed from the sub-CPU 221, the sub-ROM 222, the subram 223 and the image display control circuit 224, 225. Here, between the main control circuit 71 and the sub-control circuit 171 and between the sub-CPU 221 and each of the actuators, IN port and OUT port are voluntarily arranged.

The sub-CPU 221 determines how to make the main display 5 and the subdisplay 6 display based on a game information command transmitted from the main control circuit 71 and transmits data of display contents to the image display control circuits 224 and 225.

In the sub-ROM 222, a sequence program to utilized for transmission to the main control circuit 71, programs necessary for the slot game and the bonus game and 23 various data are stored.

The sub-ram 223 is utilized for work area when these programs are executed.

The image display control circuit 224 has a video RAM (not shown) and controls display contents of the main display 5. The image display control circuit 225 has a video RAM (not shown) and controls display contents of the sub-display 6. In particular, the image display control circuit 225 controls the sub-display 6 so as to display the image of the bonus game based on a bonus game start command transmitted from the main control circuit 71.

And the touch panel 51 is connected to the sub-CPU 221. The touch panel 51 detects coordinate position of the portion contacted by the player and transmits information of the coordinate position to the sub-CPU 221. Thereby, the sub-CPU 221 determines which one of plural selection buttons displayed on the main display is selected by the player.

Here, the main control circuit 71 constructs the secondary game start means to start the bonus game as the secondary game to give the specific award to the player, on condition that the symbol combination stopped along the predetermined pay line determined by the stop symbol determination means becomes the specific display mode.

Next, with reference to Figs. 17 to 32, the bonus game as the secondary game will be described in detail. There are three kinds of bonus games, one of which is the "golden gate bonus game", another of which is the "condor treasure bonus game" and further another of which is the "mysterious sun bonus game". When the bonus game is displayed, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are not utilized, and the main display 5 and the liquid crystal display device of the sub-display 6 are used. By utilizing the image display device different from the reels as the variable display device, it can provide the unique game freely reflecting the image of the theme of the gaming machine.

[golden gate bonus] With reference to Figs. 17.to 21, the golden gate bonus game will be explained.

In the golden gate bonus game, the character sequentially passes five passing points while selecting the correct direction continuous to the next passing point on the basis of selection by the player.

24 In Fig. 17, the display example of the display area 6a in the sub-display 6 is shown when the golden gate bonus game is started. At the center position of the display area 6a, it is displayed a state that the character 501 is running on the corridor toward the gate. And at the lower position of the display area 6a, a route map 622 indicating five passing points 621a, 621b, 621c, 621d and 621e is displayed. At the upper position of the display area 6a, the accumulated points 623 obtained in the game is indicated.

In Fig. 18, the display example of the display area 5a of the main display 5 is shown when the golden gate bonus game is started. At the lower position of the display area 5a, there are displayed the left direction arrow indication button 625, the upper direction arrow indication button 626 and the right direction arrow indication button 627. At the center of the display area 6a it is displayed the message "SELECT ESCAPE ROUTE" 628 to suggest the player to conduct select operation of progress direction of the character.

Fig. 19 sows a display example in the display area 5a when the player contacts the right direction arrow indication button 627 based on that the player selects the right progress direction. When the player contacts the right direction arrow indication button 627, the slot machine 1 detects the contacted position on the touch panel 51 arranged in front of the main display 5, thereby it can be judged the button contacted by the player based on the detected position. In Fig. 19, the left direction arrow indication button 626 and the upper direction arrow indication button 627, both of which are not selected by the player, are darkly displayed, thereby it is indicated that the right direction arrow indication button 627 is selected.

Fig. 20 sows a display example in the display area 6a of the sub-display 6 after the player selects the correct button. If the right direction arrow indication button 627 selected by the player is the predetermined correct button, it is displayed a state that the character 501 passes the gate of the passing point and runs on the corridor toward the next gate of the passing point. At the upper position of the display area 6a. It is displayed the score 623, for example as 20, in which the score obtained in the previous game is accumulated. And in the route map 622 displayed at the lower position of the display area 6a, the first passing point 621a is darkly displayed, thereby it is indicated that the character 501 could safely pass such passing point. When the player selects the correct button at the second passing point, the character 501 can safely pass the second passing point, thereby the score is accumulated. Here, the correct button switch is the button to clear the passing point and to progress to the next passing point, is determined in advance by the lottery before selection thereof is conducted and is made different at each of the passing points. When the button other than the correct button is selected by the player, the golden gate bonus is terminated and the score accumulated just before the golden gate bonus game is terminated is paid out as coins corresponding to the bonus payout of the player. If the golden gate bonus game is terminated, game condition shifts to the slot games the base game.

Fig. 21 shows a display example of the display area 6a in the sub-display 6 in a case that the correct button is not selected at the fourth passing point although the correct button is selected at all of the first passing point, the second passing point and the third passing point. At the lower position of the display area 6a, the first passing point 621a, the second passing.point 621b and the third passing point 621c, which are safely passed, are darkly displayed. And at the center position of the display area 6a, the score obtained in the golden gate bonus game by the player is indicated through the message "BONUS WIN 60" 630.

Fig. 22 shows a display example of the display area 6a in the sub-display 6 when the correct button is selected at all of the first to the fifth passing points. At the lower position of the display area 6a, all of the first passing point 621a, the second passing point 621b, the third passing point 621c, the fourth passing point 621d and the fifth passing point 621e, which are safely passed, are darkly displayed. And at the center of the display area 6a, the message "SHIFT TO THE CONDOR TREASURE BONUS" 632 in addition to the message "BONUS WIN 100" 631 is displayed. As shown in the display area 6a, if the correct button is selected at all passing points, it concludes that the character cold reach to the end and the condor treasure bonus game, which is the other bonus game, is executed. The condor treasure bonus game which is one of the bonus games is executed in spite of the game result in the slot game when the symbol combination "map 1-map 2-map 3" line up in the slot game and further when all selections by the player are correctly done in the golden gate bonus which is 26 the other bonus game. Thereby, since the golden gate bonus game is conducted by the player while giving to the player probability with expectation to execute the condor treasure bonus game continuous to the golden gate bonus game, interest for bonus games can be raised.

[condor treasure bonus game] Next, with reference to Figs. 23 to 26, the condor treasure bonus game will be described. In the condor treasure bonus game, the player selects one treasure among five treasures only one time as the treasure that the character falling in the well picks up. And the character climbs the wall of the well according to magnification set to the selected treasure and it is given to the player coins obtained by magnifying the magnification set to the treasure with the score set to the treasure.

It is shown in Fig. 23 a display example of the display area 5a in the main display 5 when the condor treasure bonus is started. Under the display area 5a five buttons 641a, 641b, 641c, 641d, 641e, which represent five treasures respectively, are displayed. And at the center of the display area 5a the message "SELECT TREASURE" 642 is displayed. This message 642 urges the player to conduct select operation of the direction toward which the character 501 goes ahead. Here, at that time, the display area 6a of the sub-display 6 is entirely changed to black color to indicate that the character 501 has fallen in the well.

In Fig. 24, it is shown a display example of the display area 5a in a case that the player selects one of five treasures displayed at the lower position of the display area 5a and contacts the button 641a displayed at the most right position. When the player contacts the button 641a of the display area 5a, the contacted position is detected by the touch panel 51 arranged in front of the main display 5 in the slot machine 1 and it can be judged which button is contacted based on the contacted position. In this case, the buttons 641b, 641c, 641d, 641e which are not contacted are darkly displayed, thereby it is indicated that only the button 641a is selected. And to each of all buttons 641a, 641b, 641c, 641d, and 641e, the score preset every button is displayed such as 300 (the button 641a), 30 (the button 641b), 150 (the button 641c), 100 (the button 641d) and 50 (the button 641a). Thus, it is informed to the player that the score corresponding to the selected button 641a is 50 points.

In Fig. 25, it is shown a display example of the display area 6a of the subdisplay 6 after the button 641a is contacted. At the center of the display area 6a it is displayed a state that the character 501 climbs the well by means of a rope after the treasure is selected. Here, the character 501 climbs the well to a predetermined position. At the right part of the display area 6a it is displayed the indicator 644 which indicates the position that the character 501 climbs. The indicator 644 indicates height of the well by eleven stages. In Fig. 25, five stages from the bottom thereof are darkly displayed, thereby it is indicated that the character 501 climbs to the fifth stage. And at side of each of stages in the indicator 644 the magnification number which is magnified to the score is displayed. Finally, the score of the player is calculated by magnifying the magnification number corresponding to the stage to which the character reaches to the score set to the button selected by the player at the first of the game. Under the display area 6a the score equation "WIN 20 x 50" 645 corresponding to the state that the character 501 reaches is displayed. Further, at the upper right part of the display area 6a it is displayed the numeral "10001 as the score 646 at that time, the score 646 being obtained based on the score equation 645.

Here, the stage that the character 501 climbs is determined corresponding to the button selected at the first of the game by the player. That is to say, the magnification number of the score determined corresponding to the stage and the player's score determined based on the magnification number of the score are beforehand determined according to the button selected by the player at the first of the game.

In Fig. 26, it is shown a display example of the display area 6a in the subdisplay 6 after the character 501 reaches to the fifth state when the stage corresponding to the button selected at the first of the game is the fifth state. When the character 501 reaches to the state set beforehand, the character finds out an exit by kicking and breaking the wall of the well. Thereby, the condor treasure bonus game is terminated. At that time, the player's score is paid out by coins. When the condor treasure bonus game is terminated, game condition shifts to the slot game which is the base game.

With reference to Figs. 27 to 33, the mysterious sun bonus game will be described. In the mysterious bonus game, according to the treasure which the character takes out from one of the relieves having sun-like shapes based on the player's selection, the score is increased, and the character can take out the treasure till the score of fear degree through the fear item taken out by the character reaches to a predetermined upper limit.

In Fig. 27, it is shown a display example of the display area 6a in the subdisplay 6 when the mysterious sun bonus game is started. In the center of the display area 6a, it is shown the character 501 who is facing to three relieves 661 each of which has a sun-like shape. AT the upper position of the display area 6a, the accumulated score 663 obtained in games is displayed. And at the right side of the display area 6a, it is displayed a fear degree meter 664 which indicates a degree of fear feeling that the character 501 has. And the character's expression 665 reflecting the fear degree is displayed at the upper position of the fear degree meter 664. In this game, the score of the fear degree is accumulated and when such score reaches to the upper limit, the game is terminated.

Fig. 28 shows a display example of the display area 5a in the main display when the mysterious sun bonus game is started. Under the display area 5a three selection buttons 667a, 667b, 667c are displayed. And in the center of the display area 5a, it is displayed the message "SELECT RELIEF" 628 which urges the player to conduct selection operation of the selection buttons 667a, 667b, 667 c.

In Fig. 29, it is shown a display example of the display area 5a when the player contacts the most right selection button 667a. When the player contacts the selection button 667a, the contacted portion is detected by the touch panel 51 arranged in front of the main display 5 in the slot machine 1, thereby it can be judged the contacted selection button by the player based on the detected position. In Fig. 29, the selection buttons 667b and 667c not selected are darkly displayed, thereby it is indicated that the selection button 667a is selected. And to all of the selection buttons 667a, 667b, 667c the scores 20, 10, 5 set every the selection button are displayed. Thus, it is informed to the player that the score set to the selection button 667a selected by the player is 5. To each selection button corresponding to each relief, there are set one of snake, spider and specific item other than treasure, and it is displayed a state that the character takes out the item from a mouth of the relief.

In Fig. 30, it is shown a display example of the display area 6a in the subdisplay 6 when the player contacts to the selection button 667a. In the center of the display area 6a, it is displayed a state that the character 501 who takes out the treasure corresponding to the selection button 667a is standing. At the upper position of the display area 6a, the numeral 5 corresponding to the selection button 667a is displayed as the accumulated score 663. And at the upper position of the display area 6a the expression 665 of the character who is delighted is effected and displayed. According to the above, the mysterious sun bonus game is progressed by making the player repeatedly select.

In Fig. 31, as the example in a case that the player conducts next selection, it is shown a display example of the display area 6a in the sub-display 6 when the snake as the fear item is taken out by the character. In the center of the display area 6a, it is displayed a state that the character 501 who takes out the snake on the basis of the selection button 667a is standing. When the snake which is the fear item is taken out, since the score to be added is 0 the accumulated score 663 displayed at the upper position of the display area 6a is held to 5. And at the upper position of the fear degree meter 664, stages up to the three stages from the bottom are darkly displayed corresponding to the snake taken out. Thereby, it is shown that the fear degree becomes 3 points. Further, the character's expression 665 reflecting the fear degree is displayed. The point of the fear degree is accumulated every the fear item is taken out and when the point reaches to the upper limit the mysterious sun bonus game is terminated.

In Fig. 32, as the example in a case that the player conducts next selection, it is shown a display example of the display area 6a in the sub-display 6 when the specific item is taken out. In the center of the display area 6a, it is displayed a state that the character 501 who takes out the specific item is standing. When the specific item is taken out and the score of the fear degree is 0, two points are added to the upper limit at which the game is terminated and it is displayed in the fear degree meter 664 that the score of the fear degree becomes 7 points.

In Fig. 33, as the example in a case that the player conducts next selection, it is shown a display example of the display area 6a in the sub-display 6 when the spider as the fear item is taken out. In the center of the display area 6a, it is displayed a state that the character 501 who takes out the spider is standing. In a case that the spider is taken out and the score of the fear degree is 0, two points are subtracted from the upper limit at which the game is terminated. As a result, it is displayed in the fear degree meter 664 that the score of the fear degree becomes 3 points.

As mentioned in the above, addition or subtraction of the upper limit of the point in the fear degree is done on the basis of selection by the player. Thereby, in a case that the score in the bonus game is reaching to the upper limit or in a case that the point cannot be subtracted, there will be a case that the upper limit is increased according to player's selection. Thus, the bonus game can be made longer or shorter.

Accordingly, the bonus game can be conducted while retaining player's interest.

[operation of the gaming machine] Next, with reference to flowcharts shown in Figs. 34 and 35, operation of the CPU 21 in the main control circuit 71 will be described.

As shown in Fig. 34, the CPU 121 at first conducts initialization process of the main control circuit 71 in step 1 (abbreviated "Si" hereinafter). Concretely, the CPU 121 writes initial data in the RAM 123 and makes each of the actuators initial state that game can be started.

In S2, the CPU 121 determines whether an input for stating game is done or not. Concretely, the CPU 121 determines whether the start signal from the spin switch 15, the maximum BET spin switch 18 or the repeat BET spin switch 19 is input or not. In S2, when it is determined that is, it is determined that the start signal is not input from the spin switch 15, the maximum BET spin switch 18 or the repeat BET spin switch 19, the CPU 121 repeats process in S2. On the other hand, when it is determined "YES", that is, it is determined that the start signal is input, the CPU 121 shifts procedure to S3.

In S3, the CPU 121 executes rotation process of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

Concretely, the CPU 121 sends the drive signal to the motor drive circuit 31 and drives the reels 3L, 3C, 3R to rotate.

In S4, the CPU 121 conducts random number sampling. The CPU 121 sends 31 the signal to generate random numbers to the random number generator 126 and makes the random number sampling circuit 127 extract a random number every each of three reels 3L, 3C, 3R. And the CPU 121 stores the extracted random number value in a predetermined area of the RAM 123.

In S5, the CPU 121 executes symbol determination process. The CPU 121 judges that the random number value stored in the RAM 123 belongs to which range of the probability lottery table stored beforehand in the ROM 122, every each of three reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and determines the symbols to be stopped along the pay line 8. And the CPU 121 stores determined symbols. Here, the symbol determination process is done by S4 and Next, in S6, the CPU 121 conducts consumption of wait time, thereafter in S7 the CPU 121 executes stop process of the left reel 3L. The CPU 121 sends the signal to stop and control the variable display operation of the left reel 3L to the motor drive circuit 31, corresponding to the determined stop symbol. And the motor drive circuit 31 stops the left reel 3L through the stepping motor 49L.

Next, in S8 the CPU 121 conducts further consumption of wait time, thereafter in S9 the CPU 121 executes stop process of the center reel 3C, similar to the left reel 3L.

Next, in S10 the CPU 121 further conducts consumption of wait time, thereafter in S11 the CPU 121 executes stop process of the right reel 3R, similar to the reel 3L. In these S6 to Sil, process of the stop control means is done.

Next, in S12 the CPU 121 judges whether the blank symbols line up along the pay line 8. In this step, in a case that it is judged that the blank symbols line up along the pay line 8, the CPU 121 shifts procedure to S13. On the other hand, when it is judged that is, it is judged that the blank symbols do not line up along the pay line 8, he CPU 121 shifts procedure to In S13, the CPU 121 conducts random number sampling to determine start of the mysterious sun bonus game as the blank bonus. The CPU 121 sends the signal to generate random number to the random number generator 126, thereby the CPU 121 makes the random number sampling circuit 127 extract a random number. And the CPU 121 stores the extracted random number value in a predetermined area of the RAM 123.

In S14, the CPU 121 conducts blank bonus determination process. Concretely, with reference to the table sown in Fig. 15, the CPU 121 determines whether the random number value stored in S13 belongs to the case that the mysterious sun bonus game is activated or to the case that the mysterious sun bonus game is not activated.

In S15, with reference to the payout table shown in Fig. 5, the CPU 121 pays out coins according to the winning combination on the basis of the symbol combination stopped along the pay line 8 when the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped and the bet number betted by the player.

In S16 (Fig. 35), the CPU 121 judges whether the bonus game is executed or not.

If the bonus game is executed, the CPU 121 shifts procedure to S 17. On the other hand, if the bonus game is not executed, the CPU 121 shifts procedure to S2 (Fig. 34).

In S17, the CPU 121 conducts start process of the bonus game. The CPU 121 sends the bonus start command with information of kind of the bonus game to the sub-CPU 221. By the process in S17, function of the bonus start means is realized.

In S18, the CPU 121 waits for termination of the bonus game. Since execution of the bonus game is mainly done by the sub-CPU 221, the CPU 121 stops the slot game as the base game till the bonus game is terminated by the sub-CPU 221.

Thereafter, the CPU 121 shifts procedure to S2 (Fig. 34) in order to restart the slot game.

[operation of the sub-CPU] Next, with reference to the flowcharts shown in Figs. 36 to 39, operation of the sub-CPU 221 in the cub-control circuit 171 will be described.

At first, with reference to Fig. 36, bonus game start command reception process will be described.

In S31, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether the kind of the bonus is the golden gate bonus or not. Concretely, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether the information concerning with the kind of the bonus game accompanied by the bonus game start command. In this step, if it is judged "YES", that is, it is judged that the golden gate bonus game is started, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S32. On the other hand, if it is judge that is, it is judged that the golden gate bonus game is not started,

L

33 the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S34.

In S32, the sub-CPU 221 conducts golden gate bonus game process. As for the process in this step, it will be described hereafter.

In S33, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether the correct selection is done or not by the player in the golden gate bonus game (S32). Concretely, it is judged whether or not the buttons indicating the predetermined direction by which the next passing point is led are selected by the player in all of five passing points, and the character 501 reaches to the goal. In this step, it is judged "YES", that is, if it is judged that the correct selections are done, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S35. On the other hand, if it is judged that is, it is judged that at least one correct selection is not done, the sub-CPU 221 terminates this routine.

In S34, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether the kind of the bonus is the condor treasure bonus or not. In this step, if is judged "YES", that is, it is judged that the condor treasure bonus game is started, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S35. On the other hand, if it is judged that is, it is judged that the condor treasure bonus game is not started, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S36.

In S35, the sub-CPU 221 conducts condor treasure bonus game process. As for the process in this step, it will be described hereinafter. After this step, the sub-CPU 221 terminates this routine.

By the processes in S32 to S35, the condor treasure bonus game, which is at least one of plural bonus games, is conducted in any of both cases that plural reels as the variable display means are stopped with the specific symbol combination "map 1map 2-map 3" and that it can be obtained the specific result in which the character can reach to the goal in the golden gate bonus game as the other bonus game Thereby, in the golden gate bonus game in which the paler takes part in while conducting various selection, if a predetermined condition is satisfied, it is determined whether or not game condition shifts to the condor treasure bonus game which is the other bonus game. Therefore, since the player conducts the bonus game while expecting that the player may continuously enjoy the other bonus game, interest for games can be raised.

In S36, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether the kind of the bonus game is the mysterious sun bonus game or not. In this step, if it is judged "YES", that is, it is judged that the mysterious sun bonus game is started, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S 37. On the other hand, if it is judged that is, it is judged that the mysterious sun bonus game is not started, the sub-CPU 221 terminates this routine.

In S37, the sub-CPU 221 executes mysterious sun bonus game process. As for the process in this step, it will be described hereinafter. After this step is done, the sub-CPU 221 terminates this routine.

Next, with reference to Fig. 37, the golden gate bonus game process will be described.

In S41, the sub-CPU 221 conducts image display process. Concretely, the sub-CPU 221 sends the image display command to the image display control circuit 224 in order to display the image shown in Fig. 18 in the display area 5a of the main display 5, and sends the image display command to the image display control circuit 225 in order to display the image shown in Fig. 17 in the display area 6a of the subdisplay 6.

In S42, the sub-CPU 221 conducts selection process according to the correct direction at the present passing point. Concretely, the sub-CPU 221 generates random number by calculation and determines based on the generated random number which is the button with the predetermined correct direction among the left direction arrow indication button 625, the upper direction arrow indication button 626 and the right direction arrow indication button 627.

In S43, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether the touch panel 51 is contacted or not.

In this step, if it is judged "YES", that is, it is judged that the touch panel 51 is contacted by the player, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S 44. On the other hand, if is judged that is, it is judged that the touch panel 51 is not contacted by the player, S43 is repeated.

In S44, the sub-CPU 221 conducts button display process concerning with the selected button. Concretely, the sub-CPU 221 judges the selected button based on the coordinate position information of the contacted portion output from the touch panel 51, and as shown in Fig. 19, the sub-CPU 221 sends the image display command to the image display control circuit 224 in order to darkly display the buttons other than the selected button.

In S45, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether the direction selected by the player is correct direction or not. Concretely, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether not the selected button in S44 coincides with the button with the predetermined correct direction determined in S42. In this step, if it is judged "YES", that is, it is judged that the button is the button with the predetermined correct direction, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S46. On the other hand, if it is judged that is, it is judged the button is not the button with the predetermined correct direction, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S In S46, the sub-CPU 221 conducts image display process indicating that the character succeeds to pass the passing points. For example, the sub-CPU 221 sends the image display command to the image display control circuit 224 in order to display the image that the character 501 passes the gates on the sub-display 6.

In S47, the sub-CPU 221 conducts addition process of the score. The sub-CPU 221 adds the points set to the present passing point to the score as the points obtained by the player.

In S48, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether or not the present passing point is the fifth passing point, that is, the final passing point. In this step, if is judged "YES", that is, it is judged that the present passing point is the final passing point, the sub- CPU 221 terminates the game and shifts procedure to S 49 in order to shift to the other bonus game. On the other hand, if it is judged that is, it is judged that the present passing point lies between the first passing point and the fourth passing point, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S41 and game is repeated.

In S49, the sub-CPU 221 conducts the process to shift to the condor treasure bonus game. Concretely, the sub-CPU 221 sends the image display command to the image display control circuit 225 in order to display the image shown in Fig, 21. The sub-CPU 221 terminates this routine after the process in this step is done.

In S50, the sub-CPU 221 conducts the display process indicating that the ordinal bonus game is terminated. Concretely, the sub-CPU 221 sends the image display command to the image display control circuit 225 in order to display the image shown in Fig. 21. The sub-CPU 221 terminates this routine after the process in this state is done.

Next, with reference to Fig. 38, the condor treasure bonus game process will be described.

In S51, the sub-CPU 221 conducts the image display process. Concretely, the sub-CPU 221 sends the image display command to the image display control circuit 224 in order to display the image shown in Fig. 23 in the display area 5a of the main display 5. And the sub-CPU 221 sends the image display command to the image display control circuit 225 in order to display the image entirely colored with black color in the display area 6a of the sub-display 6.

In S52, the sub-CPU 221 conducts payout determination process for each button displayed on the display area 5a. Concretely, the sub-CPU 21 generates random number by calculation and based on the generated random number the sub- CPU 221 gives, for example, 300 points, 30 points, 150 points, 100 points, 50 points for each of five switches 641a, 641b, 641c, 641d, 641 d, 641e, respectively, the switches representing treasures displayed on the display area 5a. And the sub-CPU 221 arranges the stages which the character climbs for each of the buttons.

In S53, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether the touch panel 51 is contacted or not.

Concretely, in this step, if it is judged "YES", that is, it is judged that the button representing portion on the touch panel 51 is contacted by the player, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S54. On the other hand, if it is judged that is, it is judged that the touch panel 51 is not contacted, the sub-CPU 221 repeats process in S53.

In S54, the sub CPU 221 conducts display process of the selected button.

Concretely, the sub-CPU 221 judges the selected button based on the coordinate position information of the contacted portion output from the touch panel 51, and as shown in Fig. 24, the sub-CPU 221 sends the image display command to the image display control circuit 224 in order to darkly display the buttons other than the selected button.

In S55, the sub-CPU 221 conducts display process of the image so that the character 501 climbs up one stage, corresponding to the selected button by the player.

Concretely, the sub-CPU 221 displays the image shown in Fig. 25 on the display area 6a.

In S56, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether the character 501 climbs the well by the predetermined stages. Concretely, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether or not the process that the character 501 climbs the well by states as same as the stages arranged corresponding to the button selected in S54 is done. In this step, if it is judged "YES", that is, it is judged that the character climbs the well by the predetermined stages, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S57. ON the other hand, if it is judged that is, it is judged that the character does not climb the well by the predetermined stages, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S55 and repeats the display that the character climbs the well.

In S57, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether or not the character climbs the well by stages, that is, whether or not the character climbs up the well. In this step, if it is judged that is, it is judged that the character does not climb by 10 stages, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S 58 in order to terminate the game by finding out the exit. On the other hand, if is judged that "YES", that is, it is judged that the character climbs the well by 10 stages, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S59 in order to terminate the game by climbing up the well.

In S58, the sub-CPU 221 conducts game termination display process by finding out the exit. The sub-CPU 221 sends image display command to the image display control circuit 225 in order to display the image shown in Fig. 26 on the display area 6a. And the sub-CPU 221 terminates this routine after this step is done.

In S59, the sub-CPU 221 game termination display process by climbing up the well. The sub-CPU 221 sends image display command to the image display control circuit 225 in order to display the top image of the well on the display area 6a. The sub-CPU 221 terminates this routine after this step is done Next, with reference to Fig. 39, the mysterious sun bonus game process will be described.

In S61, the sub CPU 221 conducts image display process. Concretely, the sub-CPU 221 sends the image display command to the image display control circuit 224 in order to display the image shown in Fig. 28 on the display area 5a of the main display 5 and sends image display command to the image display control circuit 225 in order to display the image shown in Fig. 27 on the display area 6a of the sub-display 6.

In S62, the sub-CPU 221 conducts payout determination process of each of the buttons displayed on the display area 5a. Concretely, the sub-CPU 221 generates random number by calculation and based on the generated random number the sub- CPU 221 arranges, for example, 20 points, 10 points, 5 points corresponding to each of three buttons 667a, 667b, 667c, the buttons representing treasures displayed on the display area 5a. And the sub-CPU 221 selects the item to be taken out among the treasure, the snake, the spider, the specific item for each button.

In S63, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether the touch panel 51 is contacted or not.

Concretely, in this step, if it is judged "YES", that is, it is judged that the portion where the button of the touch panel 51 is displayed is contacted by the player, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S64. On the other hand, if it is judged that is, it is judged that the touch panel 51 is not contacted, the sub-CPU 221 repeats process in S63.

In S64, the sub-CPU 221 conducts display process of the selected button.

Concretely, the sub-CPU 221 judges the selected button based on the coordinate position information of the contacted portion output from the touch panel 51, and as shown in Fig. 29, the sub-CPU 221 sends the image display command to the image display control circuit 224 in order to darkly display the buttons other than the selected button.

In S65, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether or not the item arranged in the relief corresponding to the selected button by the player is the snake. In this step, if it is judged "YES", that is, it is judged that such item is the snake, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S66. On the other hand, if it is judged that is, it is judged that such item is not the snake, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S69.

In S66, the sub-CPU 221 conducts accumulation process to add points corresponding to the snake to the fear degree score.

In S67, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether or not the accumulated score of the fear degree reaches to the upper limit. In this step, if it is judged "YES", that is, it is judged that the score of the fear degree reaches to the upper limit, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S68. On the other hand, it is judged that is, it is judged that the score of the fear degree does not reach to the upper limit, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S 61 in order to continue the bonus game. By S67, function of the bonus termination judgement means is realized. Here, although the upper limit of points of the fear degree is changed, the initial value of the fear degree is set to a constant value, for example 5 points, at the start of the mysterious sun bonus game.

In S68, the sub-CPU 221 conducts bonus game termination display process.

In S69, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether or not the item arranged in the relief corresponding to the selected button by the player is the spider. In this step, if it is judged "YES", that is, it is judged that such item is the spider, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S70. On the other hand, if it is judged that is, it is judged that such item is not the spider, the sub-CPU 221 judges that such item is the specific item and shifts procedure to S71.

In S70, the sub-CPU 221 conducts the process to subtract 2 points from the upper limit of the fear degree. The sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S67 after the process in this step is done.

In S71, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether or not the item arranged in the relief corresponding to the selected button by the player is the treasure. In this step, if it is judged "YES", that is, it is judged that such item is the treasure, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S73. On the other hand, if it is judged that is, it is judged that such item is not the treasure, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S73.

In S72, the sub-CPU 221 conducts addition process of the score. The sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S61 after the process in this step is done.

In S73, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether or not the score of the present fear degree is 0. In this step, if it is judged "YES", that is, it is judged that the score of the fear degree is 0, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S75. On the other hand, if it is judged that is, it is judged that the score of the fear degree is not 0, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S74.

In 574, the sub-CPU 221 conducts the process to subtract 2 points of the score of the fear degree. The sub-CPU 221 terminates this routine after the process in this step is done.

In S75, the sub-CPU 221 conducts the process to add 2 points to the upper limit.

By the process in this step, the accumulated value of the score of the fear degree is F t I added, thereby the time that the bonus game is terminated is lengthened. The sub- CPU 221 terminates this routine after the process in this step is done. According to the above mentioned processes in S66, S72, S74, S75, the score of the fear degree which is accumulated corresponding to progress of the mysterious sun bonus game is determined and function of the measurement means to add to or subtract from the upper limit is realized According to the above mentioned processes in S41 to S75, function of bonus game execution means is realized.

Here, in the embodiment, although description is done that the variable display device is constructed from the reels which are rotated, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be conceivable to utilized devices that the symbol images are sequentially displayed in the LCD or CRT.

And in the embodiment, although it is explained that the symbols which are commonly used are two, one symbol may be commonly used. And three symbols may be commonly used according to the number of reels.

Further, in a case that there exist more than three symbol combinations to shift to the bonus game, the symbol not commonly used may be included according to the symbol combination corresponding to the symbol combination to shift to the bonus game.

And in the embodiment, in a case that the specific result is obtained based on the player's selection in one bonus game, the other bonus game is executed. However, the bonus game is not limited to one. And in a case that the specific result is obtained based on the player's selection in one of plural bonus games, the other bonus game may be continuously executed.

And in the embodiment, when the blank bonus determination means determined the bonus with a predetermined probability, it is utilized the table in which random numbers are fixed. However, the predetermined probability may be changed.

For example, such probability may be changed according to the state that the winning combination is realized at the predetermined past time.

And in the embodiment, although the upper limit which becomes the standard to terminate the bonus game is added or subtracted only when the predetermined item 41 such as the spider or the specific item is selected, the present invention is not limited to this. The upper limit may be added or subtracted according to the treasure determining the score.

Further, although the score of the fear degree is utilized as the points to judge the termination of the bonus game, the score obtained by taking out the treasure may be utilized.

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 (11)

1. A gaming machine comprising: a plurality of variable display devices for variably displaying plural kinds of symbols utilized in a game; a stop symbol determination device for determining the symbols stopped along a pay line every each of the variable display devices based on a random number value sampled every game; and a stop controller for conducting stop control of variable display in the variable display devices based on a determination result determined by the stop symbol determination device; wherein symbol combinations each of which is constructed from the symbols determined by the stop symbol determination device include a plurality of specific display modes each of which corresponds to a specific award, and wherein at least two of the specific display modes form one picture and at least one of the symbols is commonly utilized in the specific display mode.

2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the stop controller conducts stop control of the variable display in the variable display device which displays the symbol commonly utilized earlier than the other variable display devices.

3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the specific display modes corresponds to a timing at which a secondary game is activated, the secondary game being conducted by utilizing other image display device than the variable display devices.

4. A gaming machine comprising: a plurality of variable display devices for variably displaying a plurality of symbols utilized in a base game; a stop symbol determination device for determining the symbols variably displayed on the variable display devices based on a random number value sampled 43 every game; a bonus game execution device for executing a bonus game corresponding to specific symbols among a plurality of bonus games when variable display of the variable display devices is stopped while the specific symbols are stopped and displayed through the variable display devices; wherein at least one bonus game is executed when the variable display devices are stopped with the specific symbols or when a specific result is obtained in other bonus game.

5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the bonus game is done by utilizing other image display device other than the variable display devices.

6. A gaming machine comprising: a plurality of variable display devices for variably displaying a plurality of symbols utilized in a game; a stop symbol determination device for determining a symbol combination stopped at a predetermined position in the variable display devices based on a random number value sampled every game; a stop control device for conducting stop control of the variable display devices based on a result determined by the stop symbol determination device; and a blank bonus determination device for determining winning of the bonus with a predetermined probability when blank symbols are stopped at the predetermined positions.

7. The gaming machine according to claim 6, further comprising: a first display portion for displaying a plural kinds of the symbols; a second display portion arranged in front of the first display portion, the second display portion being made transparent so as to be able to see the symbols displayed on the first display portion through the second display portion; wherein when the first display portion displays the blank symbols and the blank bonus determination device determines winning of the bonus, the second display 44 portion displays bonus symbols so as to superimpose with the blank symbols.

8. A gaming machine comprising: a plurality of variable display devices for variably displaying a plurality of symbols utilized in a game; a stop symbol determination device for determining symbols stopped at predetermined positions in the variable display devices based on a random number value sampled every game; a bonus game start device for starting a bonus game when the variable display devices are stopped with specific symbols; a measurement device for determining a score accumulated according to progress of the bonus game and for increasing or decreasing an upper limit of the score; and a bonus game termination device for terminating the bonus game when the score exceeds the upper limit.

9. The gaming machine according to claim 8, wherein the measurement device increases or decreases the upper limit based on a selection by a player.

10. The gaming machine according to claim 8, wherein the variable display device has a first display portion for displaying a plural kinds of symbols utilized in the game and a second display portion arranged in front of the first display portion, the second display portion being made transparent so as to be able to see the symbols displayed on the first display portion through the second display portion, wherein the gaming machine has a third display portion other than the variable display device, the third display portion displaying the bonus game, and wherein an operation input portion through which a player conducts selective operation is formed on the second display portion. 9L. 1 A gaming machine substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings and/or examples.

12. 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 TWENTY FOURTH day of AUGUST 2004 Aruze Corp. by DAVIES COLLISON CAVE Patent Attorneys for the applicant(s)