CN101131783A

CN101131783A - Slot machine and playing method thereof

Info

Publication number: CN101131783A
Application number: CNA2007101466460A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 冈田和生
Original assignee: Universal Entertainment Corp
Current assignee: Universal Entertainment Corp; Aruze Gaming America Inc
Priority date: 2006-08-25
Filing date: 2007-08-23
Publication date: 2008-02-27
Also published as: ZA200706121B; JP2008049131A

Abstract

A slot machine according to the present invention comprises: a display to which a plurality of symbols are to be arranged; and a controller, the controller rearranging a plurality of symbols sequentially over a plurality of times within the display, selecting a type of symbol not subject to any winning combination with the possibility of being established in rearrangement of symbols not yet rearranged, based upon the rearranged symbols, the type of symbol selected out of a plurality of types of winning combinations with the possibility of being established by the symbols rearranged within the display and during one of the sequential rearrangement processes, and changing a display mode of the selected symbol out of the rearranged symbols.

Description

Slot machine and method for gaming thereof

The cross reference of related application

The application requires the U.S. Provisional Application No.60/840 of submission on August 25th, 2006, the U.S. Patent application No.11/790 that on April 24th, 049 and 2007 submitted to, and 189 right of priority, and the full content of application is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical field

This present invention relates to a kind of slot machine and method for gaming thereof.

Background technology

As United States Patent (USP) the 6th, 960,133,6,012,983 and 6,093,102 is disclosed, in traditional slot machine, if the player will put in the input port of slot machine such as the game media of prize coin, game money or bank note, and press rotary knob, and then on the display that is provided with on the front surface of casing, showing a plurality of symbols with scroll mode, each symbol stops automatically thereafter.In this case, when input by rotary knob, when each symbol begins to show with scroll mode, use random number to select symbol, if and the symbol combination of choosing is predetermined the triumph when making up, this causes that (for example, mysterious award, second recreation etc. bonus game is carried out in) transformation then from the basic game to the bonus game.In addition, such slot machine is configured to pay according to the triumph state that occurs along with game process.

In addition, as United States Patent (USP) the 6th, 604,999 and U.S. 2002-0065124-A1 disclosed, in traditional slot machine, there are some slot machines to carry out the payment of two type types, promptly, determine payment and determine payment according to the symbol combination that rearranges (rearrange) along the triumph line according to the quantity of the distribution symbol that shows.

The objective of the invention is in the process that symbol is rearranged, along with the past of time, the variation of notifying the game player to form the probability of triumph combination, and new entertainment factor is provided.

This by reference the full content of United States Patent (USP) the 6th, 960,133,6,012,983,6,093,102 and 6,604,999 and U.S. Patent Publication 2002-0065124-A1 be incorporated into this.

Summary of the invention

The invention provides a kind of slot machine with following configuration.

That is, slot machine comprises: a plurality of symbols will be arranged display thereon; And controller.Controller rearranges a plurality of symbols several times in order in display, and in the single treatment process in the processing that rearranges in order, from the multiple triumph combination that the symbol that rearranges display may form, based on the symbol that rearranges, be chosen in any triumph that may form when the symbol that does not rearrange as yet is rearranged and make up the sign pattern that does not all comprise, change the display mode of the symbol of from the symbol that rearranges, selecting subsequently.

In addition, except above-mentioned configuration, the present invention can also adopt following configuration.

Above-mentioned controller also comprises: in the processing that rearranges, the result who rearranges as symbol when the sign pattern that comprises when the triumph combination that may form in the rearranging of the symbol that does not rearrange does not as yet reduce, changes the effect in the display.

In addition, except above-mentioned configuration, the present invention can adopt following configuration.

Controller is also wanted: in rearranging processing, as the result who rearranges of symbol, when whole triumphs combinations that may form in the rearranging of the symbol that is not rearranging have as yet all lost the possibility that forms, finish the recreation of current bout.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the example images that shows on the display of slot machine according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is another example images that shows on the display of slot machine according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3 is another example images that shows on the display of slot machine according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4 is another example images that shows on the display of slot machine according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 5 is the skeleton view that schematically shows slot machine according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 6 A is the view of an example of displaying symbol array (symbol array).

Fig. 6 B shows to form every kind of the win probability of combination and the view of payout;

Fig. 7 is the block diagram of the internal configurations of slot machine shown in the displayed map 5;

Fig. 8 is the process flow diagram that shows the subroutine of slot machine game execution processing;

Fig. 9 is the process flow diagram that displaying symbol rearranges the subroutine of processing;

Figure 10 schematically shows the skeleton view of slot machine in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 11 schematically shows the skeleton view of slot machine in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiment

Among Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 each all is that the display (hypograph display panel 16) in slot machine 10 according to an embodiment of the invention is gone up the example images that shows.It should be noted that although slot machine 10 is the self slot machines that do not link to each other with network, the present invention also can be applied to the slot machine that links to each other with network.

Sign matrix SM shown in Figure 1 is displayed on (see figure 5) on the hypograph display panel 16 in the slot machine 10 of the present invention.Sign matrix SM has five row triplex rows, is made up of 15 symbols altogether of S1 to S15.In the drawings, five row are shown as C1 to C5.In sign matrix SM, five triumph line WL1 to WL5 are configured to pass whole row C1 to C5.In the present embodiment, be configured to effectively the to win number of line depends on the number of making a bet and difference.

Each symbol S (S1 to S15) is along scrolling on the direction of row C (C1 to C5) arrow shown in the figure.For example, on row C1, symbol S1 to S3 make call sign S1 be displaced to symbol S2 place, and symbol S2 is displaced to symbol S3 place by scrolling.Subsequently, each symbol S stops scrolling and is rearranged.Determine payoff according to each the symbol S that rearranges among the sign matrix SM.How each symbol S1, S2 that Fig. 1 shows on the row C1 are rearranged " PLUM ", " ORANGE " and " PLUM " respectively with S3, and the symbol S4 to S15 on the row C2 to C5 is shown by scrolling.The scrolling of thick lines arrow conventional letter S shown in the figure shows.

In slot machine 10, begin sequentially to rearrange symbol S by row from leftmost row C1.In this was handled, the symbol that any triumph combination that may form in the rearranging of the symbol that is not rearranged does not as yet all comprise was shown as dark-coloured pattern.The aspect of this demonstration has hereinafter been described

Fig. 2 shows after state shown in Figure 1, shown example images when the symbol S4 to S6 of row on the C2 further rearranged.

Symbol S4 " ORANGE ", symbol S5 " PLUM " and symbol S6 " CHERRY " are rearranged on row C2.In this case, might on triumph line WL4 or WL5, form the triumph combination that constitutes by " PLUM ".That is, symbol S1, S3 and S5 " PLUM " are the symbols that the triumph combination that may form in the rearranging of the symbol S7 to S15 that is not rearranged as yet comprises.Simultaneously, can not on triumph line WL1 to WL3, form the combination of winning.That is, symbol S2 and S4 " ORANGE " and symbol S6 " CHERRY " all is the symbol that any triumph combination that may form in the rearranging of the symbol that is not rearranged does not as yet all comprise.

Therefore, the display mode of symbol S2, S4 and S6 is transformed into dark-coloured pattern.Simultaneously, the display mode of symbol S1, S3 and S5 is kept intact.

Fig. 3 shows after state shown in Figure 2, the example images that the symbol S7 to S9 on the row C3 shows when further being rearranged.

Symbol S7 " APPLE ", symbol S8 " SCATTER " and symbol S9 " PLUM " are rearranged on the row C3.In this case, the triumph combination that is made of " PLUM " might be formed on the triumph line WL4.In addition, also may form combination " SCATTER * 3 " (the seeing Fig. 6 B) of winning.That is, each of symbol S1, S5 and S9 " PLUM " and symbol S8 " SCATTER " all is the symbol that the triumph combination that may form in the rearranging of the symbol S10 to S15 that is not rearranged as yet comprises.Simultaneously, can not on triumph line WL1 to WL3 and WL5, form the combination of winning.That is, each of symbol S2 and S4 " ORANGE ", symbol S3 " PLUM ", symbol S6 " CHERRY " and symbol S7 " APPLE " they are the symbols that any triumph combination that may form in the rearranging of the symbol that is not rearranged does not as yet comprise.

Therefore, the display mode of symbol S2 to S4, S6 and S7 is transformed into dark-coloured pattern.Simultaneously, in state shown in Figure 2, the symbol that the triumph combination that may form comprises is " PLUM ", and in state shown in Figure 3, the symbol that the triumph combination that may form comprises is " PLUM " and " SCATTER ".The conversion process from state shown in Figure 2 to state shown in Figure 3, the sign pattern that the triumph combination that may form comprises does not reduce.Therefore, carry out the effect that the display mode of the symbol that the triumph combination that may form is comprised amplifies.

Fig. 4 shows after state shown in Figure 3, the example images that shows when the symbol S10 to S15 on row C4 and the C5 is further rearranged.

Symbol S10 " SCATTER ", symbol S11 " PLUM " and symbol S12 " CHERRY " are rearranged on row C4.Symbol S13 " PLUM ", symbol S14 " SCATTER " and symbol S15 " ORANGE " are rearranged on row C5.As a result, formed the combination " PLUM " and " SCATTER * 3 " of winning.The display mode of the symbol that these combinations of winning do not comprise is transformed into dark-coloured pattern.In addition, the conversion process from state shown in Figure 3 to state shown in Figure 4, the sign pattern that the triumph combination that may form comprises does not reduce.The amplification effect of the display mode of the symbol that the triumph combination that therefore, may form comprises is continued to carry out.

Show that the columns and the line number that constitute sign matrix in the present invention are not particularly limited by the situation of the sign matrix SM of 15 symbols (five row * triplex rows) formation altogether although described in the present embodiment on the hypograph display panel 16 of slot machine 10.In addition, in the present invention, must not come configuration symbols matrix S M with symbol.But the position of symbol and configuration appropriate change.

Although described the situation of displaying symbol on hypograph display panel 16 in the present embodiment, each symbol must be shown as image in the present invention.For example, also the present invention can be used to comprise the slot machine (seeing Figure 10 and 11) of reel.

In the present embodiment, describe each row and come situation that 15 symbols (five row * triplex rows) are altogether rearranged totally for five times.Yet number of times that rearranges (hereinafter, be also referred to as and rearrange number of times) and the number of symbols that will rearrange in rearranging each time are not particularly limited, as long as several times a plurality of symbols are rearranged.In addition, in each recreation, rearrange number of times and rearrange each time in the number of symbols that will arrange can change.

In the present embodiment, described such a case, when the symbol that does not comprise when the triumph combination that may form in the rearranging of the symbol that is not rearranged as yet was generated, the display mode of this symbol was transformed into dark-coloured pattern.Yet the change of this symbol display mode is not limited to this example according to the present invention.The symbol that the triumph combination that for example, may form does not comprise can not be shown.The display mode of the symbol that the triumph combination that may form in addition, does not comprise can be retracted.And the display mode that replaces the triumph that may form being made up the symbol that does not comprise changes, and the display mode of the symbol that can comprise the triumph combination that may form changes.

Promptly, in the present invention, the display mode of the symbol that the triumph that may form combination is comprised changes the display mode that means symbol and changes, thereby the player can visually recognize the symbol that the symbol that the triumph combination that may form do not comprise and the triumph combination that may form comprise.

In the present embodiment, such situation has been described, promptly in rearranging processing, rearrange the result of symbol when conduct, when the sign pattern that the triumph combination that may form in the rearranging of the symbol that is not rearranged as yet comprises did not reduce, the display mode of the symbol that the triumph combination that may form in the rearranging of the symbol that does not rearrange as yet comprises was exaggerated (seeing Fig. 3 and Fig. 4).Yet in the present invention, under the situation that the effect when the triumph that may form is made up the sign pattern that comprises and minimizing is arranged changes, the change in the effect also is not particularly limited.The example that changes can comprise that the effect image that will show changes over different images on display, the color of effect image is become brighter, or the like.

In addition, in the present invention, in the time of can reducing in the sign pattern that the triumph combination that may form comprises, change the effect in the display.The example that the effect of carrying out in this case changes can comprise that the effect image that will show changes over different images on display, the color change one-tenth of effect image is darker, or the like.

Fig. 5 is the skeleton view that schematically shows slot machine according to an embodiment of the invention.

Slot machine 10 comprises: rack 11; Be placed on the top box 12 of rack 11 upsides; Main door 13 with the front that is arranged on rack 11.Hypograph display panel 16 is arranged on the front of main door 13.Hypograph display panel 16 comprises display panels, shows on display panels by the sign matrix SM (seeing Fig. 1 to Fig. 4) of 15 symbols (five row * triplex rows) formation altogether.Integration counts display part 31 and payment number display part 32 (not shown) are set on the hypograph display panel 16.Counting the image that the game money number of integration counts on the display part 31 by integration shows.The game money number that is used as payment and pays is shown by the image of paying number display part 32 places.

In addition, although also not shown, be provided with touch panel 69 on the front of hypograph display panel 16, the player can import multiple order by operating touch panel 69.

What be arranged on hypograph display panel 16 belows is: the control panel 20 that a plurality of buttons 23 to 27 are formed, and the player uses each input command in these a plurality of buttons 23 to 27 according to game process; By it game money is received game money receiving port 21 in the rack 11; With Paper currency identifier 22.

Control panel 20 is provided with: start button 23; Exchange button 24; Cash button 25; The 1-button 26 of making a bet; With the maximum button 27 of making a bet.Start button 23 is used for input command to begin recreation.Exchanging button 24 is used to ask the operator on duty of public place of entertainment to exchange.Cash button 25 and be used for input command, will charge to the game money Zhi Fuzhi game money pallet 18 of integration.

The 1-button 26 of making a bet is used for input command, with the recreation of from the game money that counts integration a game money being made a bet.The maximum button 27 of making a bet is used for input command, with game money (being three game moneys in the present embodiment) recreation of making a bet of the maximum number that can make a bet in will once playing from the game money that counts integration.

Paper currency identifier 22 not only is used to distinguish genuine note and counterfeit money, and is used for genuine note is received rack 11.It should be noted that Paper currency identifier 22 can be configured to read the document of hereinafter describing with bar code 39.Ventral glass 34 is set on the front of the bottom of leading door 13, that is, control panel 20 belows wherein show the characteristic of slot machine 10 etc. on the ventral glass 34.

On the front of top box 12, be provided with epigraph display panel 33.Epigraph display panel 33 comprises display panels, and shows as introduce the image of game content and explanation game rule.

In addition, top box 12 is provided with loudspeaker 29.Document printer 35, card reader 36, data display equipment 37 and keyboard 38 are set at the below of epigraph display panel 33.Document printer 35 is the type slug font code on document, and output has the document 39 of bar code, has wherein encoded such as the identification number of integration number, date, slot machine 10 in this bar code etc.The player can make the document 39 that has bar code be read by another slot machine, and plays on this game machine, and the document 39 that perhaps will have bar code in the predetermined area of public place of entertainment (for example, the cashier at public place of entertainment locates) is exchanged into bill etc.

Card reader 36 is used to from the smart card reading of data, and data are write smart card.Smart card is had by the player, and storage for example identifies player's the data and the historical data of the recreation that the player carries out therein.The data corresponding with game money, bill or integration also can be stored in the smart card.As the substitute of smart card, can adopt magnetic stripe card.Data display equipment 37 is made of fluorescence display etc., and is used to show the data that read as card reader 36 and the player data by keyboard 38 inputs.Keyboard 38 is used to import relevant order or the data such as output with document.

Fig. 6 A is the view that shows the character array of an embodiment of slot machine according to the present invention.In row C1 to C5 each lists, and has arranged 22 symbols.The symbol " APPLE ", " JACKPOT7 ", " BLUE7 ", " BELL ", " STRAWBERRY ", " PLUM ", " CHERRY ", " ORANGE " and " SCATTER " that have nine type types.In the present embodiment, based on character array symbol is carried out scrolling.For example, symbol S1 to S3 (see figure 1) at the first row C1 is " JACKPOT7 ", under the situation of " PLUM " and " ORANGE " (

Code Number

00,01 and 02), when symbol S1 to S3 by scrolling once and when being shown, symbol S1 to S3 is respectively " CHERRY ", " JACKPOT7 " and " PLUM " (

Code Number

21,00 and 01).

When the symbol of five same types except that " SCATTER " is arranged on the triumph line WL, form the combination of winning.Simultaneously, for " SCATTER ",, form the combination of winning when three or more than three " SCATTER " when being rearranged.

Fig. 6 B is the view that has shown the number of the formation probability of each combination of winning and payment.

When five bonus game trigger points " APPLE " are arranged on the triumph line WL, form the combination of winning, and the free game of carrying out pre-determined number (for example, 10 times).Although do not drop into game money, still carry out free game, as when producing free game, having dropped into the game money of equal number.

" JACKPOT7 " is the progressive jackpot trigger point.If arranged five " JACKPOT7 ", then pay according to the progressive jackpot of accumulative total along triumph line WL.Because slot machine 10 is slot machines of self, be the summation of aggregate-value (part accumulative total of input game media number and obtain value) and initial payoff in separate unit slot machine 10 based on the payment of the progressive jackpot of accumulative total.

Yet in the present invention, employed aggregate-value is not limited thereto in the progressive jackpot incident of accumulative total.For example, under slot machine and situation that network links to each other, aggregate-value can be aggregate-value in the slot machine of aggregate-value, the same type in the same area (for example, state or country) in the slot machine of same type in single public place of entertainment etc.

For " BLUE7 ", " BELL ", " STRAWBERRY ", " PLUM ", " CHERRY " and " ORANGE ", be provided with game money payment number to each game money that drops into.In addition, have " SCATTER * 3 " set up by " SCATTER ", the triumph combination of " SCATTER * 4 " and " SCATTER * 5 ", and for these win make up each be provided with different game moneys and pay number.

Fig. 7 is the in-built block diagram that shows slot machine shown in Figure 5.

Cribbage-board 50 comprises: CPU (CPU (central processing unit)) 51, the ROM 55 and the boot ROM 52 that interconnect each other by internal bus; Receive the card slot 53S of storage card 53; Receive the IC socket 54S of GAL (generic array logic) 54.

Storage card 53 is made of the nonvolatile memory such as CompactFlash (registered trademark), and storage games and games system program.Games comprise the symbol option program.Above-mentioned symbol option program is the program that is used for determining the symbol that will be rearranged at sign matrix.Above-mentioned symbol option program comprises the symbol weight data relevant with multiple payment rate (for example, 80%, 84%, 88%).Symbol weight data are data of the corresponding relation between each symbol of indication and the one or more random numbers that fall into predetermined value scope (0 to 255).Based on payment rate data are set and determine the payment rate, and, determine the symbol that will be rearranged in the sign matrix based on the symbol weight data relevant with the payment rate from GAL 54 outputs.In addition, games comprise the list data (referring to Fig. 2) of the corresponding relation between designated symbol and the payment rate.

In addition, card slot 53S is configured to allow storage card 53 to insert wherein, perhaps from wherein withdrawing from, and is connected to motherboard 40 by the IDE bus.Thereby storage card 53 can withdraw from from card slot 53S, other games and other games system program can be written in the storage card 53 then, storage card 53 can be inserted among the card slot 53S then, to change the type and the content of the recreation of in slot machine 10, carrying out.Games comprise the program relevant with game process.In addition, games are included in the view data and the voice data that will be output in the game process.View data comprises the view data of designated symbol matrix etc.

GAL 54 is a kind of PLD with fixing OR array structure.GAL 54 comprises a plurality of input ends and output terminal, and if tentation data be imported into input end, then GAL 54 will export from output terminal with the corresponding data of above-mentioned data.From the data of this output terminal output is that above-mentioned payment rate is provided with data.

In addition, IC socket 54S is configured to allow GAL 54 to be connected thereto, and breaks away from from it, and is connected to motherboard 40 by pci bus.Thereby GAL 54 can be replaced by another GAL54, to change the payment rate data is set.

CPU 51, the ROM 55 and the boot ROM 52 that are interconnected with one another by internal bus are connected to motherboard 40 by pci bus.

Motherboard 40 adopts the general motherboard (printed circuit board (PCB) of the basic components of personal computer is installed on it) that can buy on the market to form, and comprises: host CPU 41; ROM (ROM (read-only memory)) 42; RAM (random access memory) 43 and communication interface 44.Motherboard 40 is controllers of the present invention.

ROM 42 is made of the memory storage such as flash memories, and stores program and permanent data such as the BIOS (basic input/output) that is carried out by host CPU 41 thereon.When BIOS is carried out by host CPU 41, not only be used for the initialization process of predetermined peripheral unit, but also started the processing of obtaining of the games of storage on the memory board 53 and games system program by cribbage-board 50.In the present invention, the content of ROM 42 can be rewritable or can not be rewritten.

RAM 43 has stored data and program that host CPU 41 used in the working time.RAM 43 also can store games.RAM 43 also stores the data of the quantity about integration, the game money input number of once playing and game money payment number etc.

Hereinafter the main body PCB (printed circuit board (PCB)) 60 with explanation is connected with motherboard 40 by USB with door PCB 80.Power supply unit 45 also is connected with motherboard 40.

Generation will be imported into the equipment and the device of the input signal of host CPU 41, and all is connected to main body PCB60 and door PCB 80 by control its apparatus operating and device from the control signal of host CPU 41 outputs.Host CPU 41 is carried out the games of storage among the RAM 43 based on the input signal that is input to host CPU 41, thereby and the predetermined computing of execution, result calculated is stored among the RAM 43, and control signal is sent to each equipment and device, as the control and treatment of each equipment and device.

Lamp 30, go out coin bucket 66, game money test section 67, image plate 68, loudspeaker 29, touch panel 69, Paper currency identifier 22, document printer 35, card reader 36, bond switching 38S and data display equipment 37 and all be connected to main body PCB 60.Lamp 30 is based on being lighted in a predefined manner from the control signal of host CPU 41 outputs.

Go out coin bucket 66 and be installed in the rack 11, and the game money of predetermined quantity is paid game money pallet 18 from game money payment mouth 19 based on the control signal of exporting from host CPU 41.Game money test section 67 is installed in the game money payment mouthfuls 19, and when the game money that detects predetermined quantity when game money payment mouthfuls 19 is paid, input signal is outputed to host CPU 41.

Image plate 68 is controlled at the image of

epigraph display panel

33 and 16 demonstrations of hypograph display panel based on the control signal from host CPU 41 outputs.The integration number of storing among the RAM 43 is displayed on the integration of hypograph display panel 16 and counts on display part 31 (not shown)s.The game money number of paying is displayed on the payment of hypograph display panel 16 and counts on display part 31 (not shown)s.Image plate 68 is equipped with VDP (video display processor) and video-ram and similar device, and wherein VDP generates view data, the view data that the interim storage of video-ram is generated by VDP based on the control signal of exporting from host CPU 41.Should notice that the view data of using is included in from the games that storage card 53 reads in the process that adopts VDP generation view data, and be stored among the RAM 43.

Paper currency identifier 22 is not only distinguished true bill and fictitious bill, also true bill is received in the rack 11.When receiving true bill, Paper currency identifier 22 outputs to host CPU 41 based on the face amount of bill with input signal.Host CPU 41 will be stored among the RAM 43 with the corresponding integration number of value of the bill that utilizes input signal to transmit.

Document printer 35 is based on the control signal from host CPU 41 outputs, type slug font code on document, and the document of output as the document 39 that has bar code, wherein bar code is by obtaining encoding such as the data of the identification number of the integration number of storing among the RAM 43, date and time, slot machine 10 and class likelihood data.

Card reader 36 is based on from the control signal of host CPU 41 and will be sent to host CPU 41 from the data that smart card reads, and data are write on the smart card.Bond switching 38S is set on the keyboard 38, and when player's operation keyboard 38, will be scheduled to input signal and output to host CPU 41.Data display equipment 37 shows that based on the control signal from host CPU 41 outputs the data and the player that are read by card reader 36 pass through the data that keyboard 38 is imported.

Control panel 20, divider (reverter) 21S, game money counter 21C and cold-cathode tube 81 are connected to a PCB 80.Control panel 20 setting have with start button 23 corresponding beginning switch 23S, with exchange button 24 corresponding exchange switch 24S, with CAHSOUT button 25 corresponding CASHOUT switch 25S, with 1-make a bet button 26 corresponding 1-BET switch 26S and with the maximum button 27 corresponding maximum BET switch 27S that make a bet.When player's action button 23-27, each of the switch 23S to 27S corresponding with it outputs to host CPU 41 with input signal.

Game money counter 21C is installed in the game money receiving port 21, and distinguishes that the player puts into the true and false of game money in the game money receiving port 21.The game money that is not true game money is from game money payment mouthful 19 discharges.Game money counter 21C also outputs to input signal host CPU 41 when detecting true game money.

Divider 21S is based on operating from the control signal of host CPU 41 output, and will be assigned to the cash box (not shown) that is arranged in the slot machine 10 by the game money that game money counter 21C is identified as true game money or go out in the coin bucket 66.In other words, when going out coin bucket 66 and fill game money, true game money is assigned with device 21S and is assigned in the cash box.On the other hand, when going out coin bucket 66 and also do not fill game money, true game money is assigned to out in the coin bucket 66.Backlight as on the back side that is installed in hypograph display panel 16 and epigraph display panel 33 of cold-cathode tube 81, and based on being lighted from the control signal of host CPU 41 outputs.

Next, will the processing of carrying out in the slot machine 10 be described.

Host CPU 41 reads and carries out games to advance recreation.

Fig. 8 is the process flow diagram that shows the subroutine of slot machine game execution processing.

In slot machine game carry out to be handled, host CPU 41 was at first determined game money whether made a bet (step S11).In processing, host CPU 41 is made a bet button 27 when being operated respectively in make a bet button 26 or maximum of 1-, determines whether to receive the input signal from 1-BET switch 26S or maximum BET switch 27S output.If determine that game money is not made a bet, then handle turning back to step S11.

On the other hand, if determine that at step S11 game money is made a bet, then host CPU 41 is handled, and is used for the quantity according to the game money of making a bet, and the integration number of storing in RAM 43 is carried out subtraction process (step S12).The quantity of the game money of making a bet greater than RAM 43 under the situation of integration number of storage, handle turning back to step S11 and the integration number of storage among the RAM 43 is not carried out subtraction process.Quantity at the game money of making a bet surpasses under the situation of the upper limit (3 game moneys in the present embodiment) that can make a bet in once playing, processing advances to step S12, and deducts the processing of the number of the game money of making a bet in the integration number that can not carry out storing from RAM 43.In addition, host CPU 41 part (for example, predetermined ratio) to the integration number that deducts in RAM 43 adds up, as the aggregate-value of the progressive jackpot of accumulative total.

Then, host CPU 41 determines whether start button 23 connects (step S13).In processing, host CPU 41 determines whether to receive the input signal from beginning switch 23S output when start button 23 is pressed.

Also do not connect if determine start button 23, handle turning back to step S11.Should note under the situation that start button 23 does not have to connect (for example,, and not connecting the situation of start button 23), the result of subtraction of host CPU 41 cancellation step S12 in the order of end of input recreation.

On the other hand, if host CPU 41 determines that at step S13 start button 23 connected, then host CPU 41 carries out symbol and rearranges processing (step S14).

Hereinafter, descriptor is rearranged processing.

Fig. 9 is the process flow diagram that the explanation symbol rearranges the subroutine of processing.

At first, as shown in Figure 1, the whole symbols (step S30) that comprise among the sign matrix SM on the host CPU 41 beginning scrollings demonstration hypograph display panels 16.At this moment, make the triumph line WL1 to WL5 that is provided with among the sign matrix SM effective according to the number of making a bet.

Next, 41 pairs of host CPUs belong to sign matrix SM one row C symbol S rearrange (step S31).In the reason, host CPU 41 is carried out above-mentioned symbol option program, to determine to belong to the symbol S that is listed as C herein.It should be noted that the row that rearrange symbol thereon can select at random, perhaps select with predetermined order.

Next, host CPU 41 is according to the symbol that rearranges, and selects the triumph combination (step S32) that may form in the rearranging of the symbol that does not rearrange as yet from the above-mentioned 11 kinds combinations of winning.Next, host CPU 41 selections are made up the symbol (step S33) that does not comprise as the triumph of the possibility of result formation of step S32.Subsequently, the result that host CPU 41 is determined as step S33, whether the sign pattern that the triumph that may form combination does not comprise increases (step S34).

When the sign pattern that does not comprise when the triumph combination of determining to form had increased, the display mode of the symbol that the triumph combination that may form does not comprise was transformed into dark-coloured pattern (step S35).Then, determine whether the triumph combination that may form has all lost the possibility (step S36) that forms, and when the triumph combination of determining to form has all lost the possibility that forms, be rearranged on the symbol of remaining columns (step S37).Therefore, when the triumph combination that may form has all lost the possibility that forms, when the previous round recreation can finish.

When the sign pattern that does not comprise when the triumph combination of determining to form in step S34 does not increase, perhaps determine not to be that the triumph that possible form is made up when all having lost the possibility of formation in step S36, whether the sign pattern that host CPU 41 definite triumphs combinations that may form comprise reduces (step S38).When the sign pattern that comprises when the triumph combination of determining to form did not reduce, the display mode of the symbol that the triumph combination that may form comprises was exaggerated (step S39), as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4.

Under the situation of the processing of execution in step S37 or step S39, under the situation that the Symbol Type that the triumph combination of perhaps determining to form in step S38 comprises reduces, host CPU 41 determines whether to finish rearrange (the step S40) of symbol S on whole row C.When the symbol S on determining row C was not also all rearranged, step S31 was returned in this processing.Simultaneously, when determining that the symbol S that all lists has been rearranged, current subroutine is finished, and processing turns back to subroutine shown in Figure 8.

Finished after symbol rearranges processing at host CPU 41, host CPU 41 determines whether to generate the progressive jackpot trigger point, promptly whether has generated combination " JACKPOT7 " (the step S15) that win along the triumph line.If determine to have generated the progressive jackpot trigger point, then carry out the rewards accumulation (step S16) of accumulative total.Add initial payoff based on the game money number of the progressive jackpot payment of accumulative total corresponding to being stored in aggregate-value among the RAM 43 (value that produces by the part accumulative total of the number of the game media that drops into), and carry out such payment by artificial payment.At step S16 place, host CPU 41 carry out as from loudspeaker 29 output notice sound, the processing of lighting lamp 30, printing the document 39 of its bar code that is printed on the game money number that indication will pay.Afterwards, current end of subroutine.

On the other hand, if host CPU 41 is determined at step S15 place not generate the progressive jackpot trigger point, then host CPU 41 determines whether to generate award (step S17).In this case, the generation of award means along the triumph line and has generated at least a triumph combination (seeing Fig. 6 B) in " BLUE7 ", " BELL ", " STRAWBERRY ", " PLUM ", " CHERRY ", " ORANGE ", " SCATTER * 3 ", " SCATTER * 4 " and " SCATTER * 5 ".

If host CPU 41 determines to have generated award, then host CPU 41 is according to paying game money (step S18) for the win defined game money number that will pay of combination and the number of making a bet.If game money will be by accumulative total, then host CPU 41 carries out predetermined integration number is added to the processing of the integration number of storage among the RAM 43.On the other hand, if the payment game money, then host CPU 41 sends control signal and provides coin bucket 66, so that the game money of its payment predetermined number.

If determine not generate to reward at step S17 place, if perhaps the processing at step S18 place is performed, then host CPU 41 determines whether to generate the bonus game trigger point, promptly whether generates " APPLE " (step S19) along the triumph line.If host CPU 41 is determined to have generated the bonus game trigger point, then host CPU 41 reads the program that is used to carry out as the pre-determined number free game of bonus game from RAM 43, and carries out bonus game and handle (step S20).If host CPU 41 is determined not generate the bonus game trigger point at step S19, if perhaps the processing at step S20 place is performed, then current end of subroutine.

As mentioned above, comprise hypograph display panel 16 (display) according to the slot machine 10 of present embodiment, this image display panel can show 15 symbols (five row * triplex rows) altogether thereon.In addition, slot machine 10 comprises host CPU 41, and this host CPU 41 rearranges a plurality of symbol S several times in order.In this was handled, the symbol that does not comprise was made up in the triumph that host CPU 41 is selected to form.Subsequently, host CPU 41 changes the display mode of the symbol of selecting from the symbol that rearranges.

In addition, in slot machine 10, press execution as mentioned below according to the method for gaming of slot machine of the present invention.

Host CPU 41 rearranges a plurality of symbols in hypograph display panel 16 several times in order.In this is handled,, select the sign pattern that any triumph combination that may form does not comprise in the rearranging of the symbol that does not rearrange as yet based on the symbol that rearranges.Here, this sign pattern is selected from and may be made up by the multiple triumph that the symbol that rearranges on the hypograph display panel 16 forms.Subsequently, host CPU 41 changes the display mode of the symbol of selecting from the symbol that rearranges.

Although described the situation of displaying symbol on display in the above-described embodiments, the present invention is not limited to this example, and for example, can described in hereinafter, adopt mechanical reel.

Figure 10 is the skeleton view that schematically shows slot machine according to another embodiment of the invention.Slot machine 100 comprises hypograph display panel 16.Hypograph display panel 16 has the transparent liquid crystal panel that can switch to pellucidity or opaque state.Five reels 14 are arranged side by side in the back side of hypograph display panel 16, and are formed for being presented at the display window 15 of three symbols drawing on the outside surface of each reel 14 with each reel 14 corresponding position on the hypograph display panel 16.Five reels 14 and the display window 15 that shows three symbols of each reel 14 form the sign matrix SM that the individual symbol in 15 (5 * 3) altogether constitutes.In the sign matrix SM of slot machine 100,, rearrange symbol in the mode identical with sign matrix SM among Fig. 4 although show.

Shown image on hypograph display panel 16, this image shows the square frame of the periphery, the corresponding position of each symbol of the triumph combination that is looped around and may forms.Simultaneously, be switched into nontransparent state with the corresponding position of each symbol that can not form the combination of winning.

Figure 11 is the skeleton view that schematically shows slot machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.Slot machine 110 comprises hypograph display panel 16.Hypograph display panel 16 has the transparent liquid crystal panel that can switch to pellucidity or opaque state.The individual reel 140 in 15 (5 * 3) is arranged on the back side of hypograph display panel 16, and is forming the display window 150 that is presented at a symbol of drawing on the peripheral surface of each reel 140 with each reel 40 corresponding position.15 reels 140 and the display window 150 that shows a symbol of each reel 140 form the sign matrix SM that is made of the individual symbol in 15 (5 * 3) altogether.In the sign matrix SM of slot machine 110,, rearrange symbol in the mode identical with sign matrix SM among Fig. 4 although not shown.Shown image at hypograph display panel 16, this image shows the square frame of the periphery of each the corresponding position of symbol that is looped around and may forms the triumph combination.Simultaneously, be switched into nontransparent state with the corresponding position of each symbol that can not form the combination of winning.

Although described according to embodiments of the invention, described description has only shown the example that some are specific, and does not limit the present invention in any way, and the ad hoc structure of each device etc. can be according to design and appropriate change.In addition, described in an embodiment of the present invention effect only is the most preferably effect that the present invention generated, and the effect that the present invention reached is not limited to described in an embodiment of the present invention those effects.

Therefore above-mentioned only is main points, but not has discussed prior feature of the present invention widely, and its purpose is to understand above-mentioned detailed description more thoroughly, and understands the contribution to prior art better.Certainly, the present invention also has other feature, and described the present invention is for as described above, and constitutes the theme of claims.

In this, above explain in detail at least one embodiment of the present invention, should be understood that: the present invention does not really want its application is limited to concrete structure, and is limited in the above description set forth or illustrated in the accompanying drawings arrangement of components.The present invention can adopt other embodiment, and can put into practice in many ways and carry out.In addition, should be understood that: at the wording of this employing and term is to be used for illustrative purposes and should not to be considered to restriction.

Thereby it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that: the notion of disclosure institute foundation can be utilized at an easy rate that other are used to carry out the basis of the system and method for some purposes of the present invention as design.Therefore importantly, claim is considered to comprise this equivalent structure that does not break away from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In addition, the purpose of above-mentioned summary is feasible generally speaking the United States Patent (USP) trademark office and the public, and the scientist, slip-stick artist and the professional that are unfamiliar with patent or law term or wording in this area is by rough disclosed spirit of technology and the essence that just can determine the application rapidly of browsing in particular.Summary is not to be intended to limit the scope of the invention howsoever neither be intended to limit the application's invention (this by claim weigh) yet.

These and other purpose of the present invention together with the various features that characterizes novelty of the present invention, is pointed out in claims in detail, and constitutes a part of this disclosure.In order to understand the present invention better, use its operating advantage and the specific purpose that is reached by it, should be with reference to the accompanying drawings and illustrative content, this has wherein set forth the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

The detailed description above that can adopt the program step carried out on the network of computing machine or computing machine to describe.The description of these steps and expression are the means of those skilled in the art to its work essence of the most effective reception and registration of others skilled in the art.

Here, step is envisioned for the series of steps of providing for oneself of guiding expected results usually.These steps are the steps that need carry out physical manipulation to physical quantity.Usually, although be not necessary, the form of the electrical or magnetic signal that this tittle adopts and can be stored, transmits, makes up, compares and otherwise handles.Main for consideration to general applications, these signals are proved to be suitable often as bit, numerical value, element, symbol, character, term, numeral etc.Yet, should be noted that all these and similar term with relevant, and only be the sign easily that is applied to this tittle with the suitable physical amount.

In addition, performed operation often relates to the term such as adding or comparing, and described term is relevant with the intellection that the operator carries out usually.In most of the cases, in any operation of a formation described here part of the present invention, do not need or do not wish to require operator's this ability; Described operation is machine and/or manual operation.The useful machine of carrying out the present invention's operation comprises universal digital computer or similar devices.

The invention still further relates to the device that is used to carry out these operations.These devices can ad hoc be configured for the purposes of needs, and perhaps it can comprise by being stored in computer program selective activation in the computing machine or the multi-purpose computer that reconfigures.Not related with certain computer or other device inherently in this step that presents.Various general-purpose machinerys can utilize according to this instruction written program, perhaps make up more special-purpose device more easily and carry out required method step.According to given description, from the description that provides, can find out the desired structure of various such machines.

Claims

1. slot machine comprises:

A plurality of symbols will be arranged display thereon; With

Controller,

Described controller rearranges a plurality of symbols several times in order in described display,

In the single treatment process in the processing that rearranges in order, from the multiple triumph combination that the described symbol that rearranges described display may form, based on the symbol that is rearranged, be chosen in any triumph that may form when the symbol that does not rearrange as yet is rearranged and make up the sign pattern that does not all comprise, and

The display mode of the symbol that change is selected from the described symbol that rearranges.

2. slot machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein

Described controller also comprises:

Rearrange in the processing described,, when the described sign pattern of the described triumph combination that may form in the rearranging of the symbol that is not rearranging does not as yet reduce, change the effect in the described display as the result who rearranges of symbol.

3. slot machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein

Described controller also comprises:

Rearrange in the processing described,, when whole triumphs combinations that may form in the rearranging of the symbol that is not rearranging have as yet all lost the possibility that forms, finish the recreation of current bout as the result who rearranges of symbol.

4. slot machine, it comprises:

A plurality of symbols will be arranged display thereon; With

Controller,

In the single treatment process in the processing that rearranges in order, from the multiple triumph combination that the described symbol that rearranges described display may form, based on the symbol that is rearranged, be chosen in any triumph that may form when the symbol that does not rearrange as yet is rearranged and make up the sign pattern that does not all comprise

The display mode of the symbol that change is selected from the described symbol that rearranges, and

Rearrange in the processing described,, when the described sign pattern that comprises when the described triumph combination that may form in the rearranging of the symbol that does not rearrange does not as yet reduce, change the effect in the described display as the result who rearranges of symbol.

5. slot machine as claimed in claim 4, wherein

Described controller also comprises:

6. slot machine, it comprises:

A plurality of symbols will be arranged display thereon; With

Controller,

The display mode of the symbol that change is selected from the described symbol that rearranges,

Rearrange in the processing described,, when the described sign pattern that comprises when the described triumph combination that may form in the rearranging of the symbol that does not rearrange does not as yet reduce, change the effect in the described display as the result who rearranges of symbol, and

7. slot machine game method may further comprise the steps:

In will being arranged thereon display, a plurality of symbols rearrange described a plurality of symbol several times in order;

The display mode of the symbol that change is selected from the described symbol that rearranges, each step of described step is carried out by controller.

8. slot machine game method as claimed in claim 7, wherein

Described controller also comprises:

9. slot machine game method as claimed in claim 7, wherein

Described controller also comprises:

10. the method for gaming of a slot machine may further comprise the steps:

Rearrange in the processing described, the result who rearranges as symbol, when the described sign pattern that comprises when the described triumph combination that may form in the rearranging of the symbol that does not rearrange does not as yet reduce, change the effect in the described display, each step of described step is carried out by controller.

11. slot machine game method as claimed in claim 10,

Wherein, described controller also comprises:

12. the method for gaming of a slot machine, it may further comprise the steps:

Rearrange in the processing described,, when the described sign pattern that comprises when the described triumph combination that may form in the rearranging of the symbol that does not rearrange does not as yet reduce, change the effect in the described display as the result who rearranges of symbol, and,

Rearrange in the processing described, the result who rearranges as symbol, when whole triumphs combinations that may form in the rearranging of the symbol that is not rearranging have as yet all lost the possibility that forms, finish the recreation of current bout, each step of described step is carried out by controller.