CN101140676A

CN101140676A - Slot machine and playing method thereof

Info

Publication number: CN101140676A
Application number: CNA2007101491439A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 冈田和生
Original assignee: Universal Entertainment Corp
Current assignee: Universal Entertainment Corp; Aruze Gaming America Inc
Priority date: 2006-09-05
Filing date: 2007-09-04
Publication date: 2008-03-12
Also published as: ZA200707331B

Abstract

A slot machine according to the invention comprises: a display having an arrangement area to which a plurality of symbols are arranged; a selection switch for selecting a symbol that is to be a particular symbol out of the plurality of symbols; and a controller, the controller determining the symbol selected according to an input from the selection switch as the particular symbol, displaying outside the arrangement area that the symbol selected according to the input from the selection switch is the particular symbol, and allotting a prize in an event that a predetermined number or more of at least one particular symbol is arranged to the display as a result of rearrangement of the plurality of symbols arranged to the display.

Description

Slot machine and method for gaming thereof

Technical field

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

Background technology

In conventional slot machine, if the player will drop in the input port and push rotary knob such as the game media of game money or bank note, then on the display that is arranged on the casing front surface, show a plurality of symbols, and after this each symbol is stopped automatically with scroll mode.

In this slot machine, there is such slot machine: if the symbol combination that rearranges along the triumph line is the triumph combination of being scheduled to, then pay the game media of predetermined quantity, and no matter the what state of triumph line, also pay the game media of predetermined quantity according to being arranged in the quantity that is called as the symbol that scatters symbol on the display, for example, as United States Patent (USP) the 6th, in 604, No. 999 and the U.S. Patent Publication 2002-0065124-A1 number disclosed like that.

The invention provides a kind of slot machine and method for gaming thereof, they have the amusement characteristic that above-mentioned routine techniques does not provide.

With United States Patent (USP) the 6th, 604, the totality that No. 999 and U.S. Patent Publication are 2002-0065124-A1 number is combined in herein by reference.

Summary of the invention

Slot machine according to a first aspect of the invention provides a kind of slot machine with following configuration.

That is, slot machine according to a first aspect of the invention comprises: display, and it has layout area, is furnished with a plurality of symbols on this layout area; Selector switch is used for from the symbol of a plurality of symbols selection will becoming special symbols; And controller.In above-mentioned slot machine, controller will be defined as special symbol according to the symbol of selecting from the input of selector switch, at the outside symbol that shows that basis is selected from the input of selector switch of layout area is special symbol, if and as the result who rearranges who is arranged in a plurality of symbols on the display, at least a special symbol of predetermined quantity or greater number is disposed on the display, then distributes award.

Slot machine according to a second aspect of the invention provides a kind of slot machine with following configuration.

That is, slot machine according to a second aspect of the invention comprises: display is furnished with a plurality of symbols on it; Selector switch is used for from the symbol of a plurality of symbols selection will becoming special symbols; And controller.In above-mentioned slot machine, selector switch comprises to be arranged to and the corresponding a plurality of selector switch of a plurality of symbols, and each selector switch is provided with relative light source; And controller will be defined as special symbol according to the symbol of selecting from the input of selector switch, light the corresponding light source of selecting from the input of selector switch with basis of symbol, if and as the result who rearranges who is arranged in a plurality of symbols on the display, at least a special symbol of predetermined quantity or greater number is disposed on the display, then distributes award.

Slot machine according to a third aspect of the invention we provides a kind of slot machine with following configuration.

That is, slot machine according to a third aspect of the invention we comprises: display, and it has layout area, is furnished with a plurality of symbols on this layout area; Selector switch is used for from the symbol of a plurality of symbols selection will becoming special symbols; And controller.In above-mentioned slot machine, controller will be defined as special symbol according to the symbol of selecting from the input of selector switch, at the outside symbol that shows that basis is selected from the input of selector switch of the layout area of display is special symbol, if and as the result who rearranges who is arranged in a plurality of symbols on the display, at least a special symbol of predetermined quantity or greater number is disposed on the display, then distributes award.

Slot machine game method according to a forth aspect of the invention provides a kind of slot machine game method with following configuration.

That is, slot machine game method according to a forth aspect of the invention may further comprise the steps: receive the input from selector switch, this selector switch is used for from being arranged in the symbol of a plurality of symbols selection will the becoming special symbols on the display; To be defined as special symbol according to the symbol of selecting from the input of selector switch; The outside symbol that shows that basis is selected from the input of selector switch of layout area that shows the display of a plurality of symbols thereon is a special symbol; And if as the result who rearranges who is arranged in a plurality of symbols on the display, at least a special symbol of predetermined quantity or greater number is disposed on the display, then distribute award.

Slot machine game method according to a fifth aspect of the invention provides a kind of slot machine game method with following configuration.

Promptly, slot machine game method according to a fifth aspect of the invention may further comprise the steps: receive the input from selector switch, this selector switch is used for from being arranged in the symbol of a plurality of symbols selection will the becoming special symbols on the display, selector switch comprises to be arranged to and the corresponding a plurality of selector switch of a plurality of symbols, and each selector switch is provided with relative light source; To be defined as special symbol according to the symbol of selecting from the input of selector switch; Light the relevant light source of selecting from the input of selector switch with basis of symbol; And if as the result who rearranges who is arranged in a plurality of symbols on the display, at least a special symbol of predetermined quantity or greater number is disposed on the display, then distribute award.

Slot machine game method according to a sixth aspect of the invention provides a kind of slot machine game method with following configuration.

That is, slot machine game method according to a sixth aspect of the invention may further comprise the steps: receive the input from selector switch, this selector switch is used for from being arranged in the symbol of a plurality of symbols selection will the becoming special symbols on the display; To be defined as special symbol according to the symbol of selecting from the input of selector switch; The outside symbol that shows that basis is selected from the input of selector switch of layout area that shows the display of a plurality of symbols thereon is a special symbol; And if as the result who rearranges who is arranged in a plurality of symbols on the display, at least a special symbol of predetermined quantity or greater number is disposed on the display, then distribute award.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the diagrammatic sketch that is illustrated in example images shown when determining to scatter symbol;

Fig. 2 A illustrates the diagrammatic sketch that is arranged in the exemplary symbols on the downside image display panel;

Fig. 2 B is another diagrammatic sketch that the exemplary symbols that is arranged on the downside image display panel is shown;

Fig. 3 is the skeleton view that the outward appearance of slot machine according to an embodiment of the invention is shown;

Fig. 4 illustrates the symbol of each symbol and the diagrammatic sketch of code name;

Fig. 5 is the block diagram that the inner structure of the slot machine shown in Fig. 3 is shown;

Fig. 6 is the diagrammatic sketch that the relation between the game money number that makes up award and will be paid is shown;

Fig. 7 is the diagrammatic sketch that the relation between the game money number that scatters award and will be paid is shown;

Fig. 8 illustrates the process flow diagram that the subroutine of handling is carried out in recreation;

Fig. 9 illustrates to scatter the process flow diagram that symbol is selected the subroutine of processing;

Figure 10 is the process flow diagram that the subroutine of bonus game processing is shown;

Figure 12 A is the diagrammatic sketch that example images shown on the downside image display panel is shown;

Figure 12 B is another diagrammatic sketch that example images shown on the downside image display panel is shown.

Embodiment

Fig. 1 is the diagrammatic sketch that is illustrated in example images shown when determining to scatter symbol.Fig. 2 A and 2B are the diagrammatic sketch that an example of the symbol that is arranged on the downside image display panel is shown.Fig. 3 is the skeleton view that the outward appearance of slot machine according to an embodiment of the invention is shown.

Although slot machine 10 is the free-standing slot machines that are not connected to network, yet the present invention is also applicable to the slot machine that is connected to network.

Be included in according to the downside image display panel 16 in the slot machine 10 of the present invention, form, and in five row and triplex row, show 15 displaying blocks 28, shown in Fig. 2 A and 2B by display panels.Arrange a symbol in each displaying block 28.In the present embodiment, any one symbol in " CHERRY (cherry) ", " BELL (bell) ", " STRAWBERRY (strawberry) ", " ORANGE (orange) ", " PLUM (plum) ", " BLUE7 (blue 7) ", " JACKPOT7 (progressive jackpot 7) " and " APPLE (apple) " symbol is disposed in each displaying block 28.In the present embodiment, 15 all displaying blocks are corresponding to the arrangement according to the invention zone.

In addition, on downside image display panel 16, be formed with a triumph line L, five displaying blocks 28 that its middle body of flatly crossing over each row shows.The combination of triumph line L define symbol.

When the recreation beginning, just when connecting rotary knob 23, perhaps when the recreation number of times reaches pre-determined number, on upside image display panel 33, show image as shown in Figure 1.When showing this image, the player can select to scatter symbol.Scattering symbol is following symbol.That is, as the result who is rearranged as symbol, when the distribution symbol of the same type of predetermined quantity or greater number was arranged, this incident can cause triumph, and awarded payment thus.In the present embodiment, such situation will be described: when having arranged three or more distribution symbol, can distribute and scatter award.In slot machine 10, the one or more symbols among " CHERRY ", " BELL ", " STRAWBERRY ", " ORANGE " and " PLUM " can become the distribution symbol.The player can import his selected symbol as scattering symbol.When the image that shows as shown in Figure 1, it is corresponding with special symbol of the present invention to scatter symbol.

In the bottom of upside image display panel 33, show and select number image 201, its description " Please select three symbols (please select three symbols) ".In addition, part shows optional glyph image 200 in the central, and its indication can selecteed symbol.Optional glyph image 200 is by the image construction of indicating " CHERRY ", " BELL ", " STRAWBERRY ", " ORANGE " and " PLUM " by order from top to bottom.Image indication shown in Fig. 1 can select three symbols as scattering symbol from " CHERRY ", " BELL ", " STRAWBERRY ", " ORANGE " and " PLUM ".

As shown in Figure 3, on the control panel 20 that is arranged at below the downside image display panel 16, be provided with selector switch 82 (82A, 82B, 82C, 82D and 82E), they can realize selecting the operation of symbol.Selector switch 82 is the switches that can realize selecting as the operation of the symbol that scatters symbol, and is provided with relatively with symbol.More specifically, selector switch 82A is relevant with " CHERRY ", and selector switch 82B is relevant with " BELL ", and selector switch 82C is relevant with " STRAWBERRY ", and selector switch 82D is relevant with " ORANGE ", and selector switch 82E is relevant with " PLUM ".Selector switch 82 (82A, 82B, 82C, 82D and 82E) comprises that each display lamp 83 (83A, 83B, 83C, 83D and 83E) is as light source.

So that can import when expecting to become the symbol that scatters symbol, the display lamp 83 that is arranged in each selector switch 82 begins flicker when showing image as shown in Figure 1.Then, for example, if be operated corresponding to the selector switch 82 (82B, 82D and 82E) of " BELL ", " ORANGE " and " PLUM ", the display lamp 83 that then is arranged in the operated selector switch is lighted.More specifically, be arranged on the display lamp 83B among the selector switch 82B relevant with " BELL ", be arranged on the display lamp 83D among the selector switch 82D relevant, and the display lamp 83E that is arranged among the selector switch 82E relevant with " PLUM " is lighted with " ORANGE ".This indication " BELL ", " ORANGE " and " PLUM " are for scattering symbol.

After this, beginning scrolling symbol (referring to Fig. 2 A) on downside image display panel 16.After beginning scrolling symbol, forbidding importing expectation becomes the symbol that scatters symbol, and the display lamp 83 relevant with not being chosen as the symbol that scatters symbol be switched off, and the display lamp relevant with the symbol that is chosen as the distribution symbol then keeps being lighted.For example, if " BELL ", " ORANGE " and " PLUM " are chosen as the distribution symbol, then relevant with " CHERRY " that be not chosen as distribution symbol display lamp 83A and the display lamp 83C relevant with " STRAWBERRY " that be not chosen as the distribution symbol are switched off, and be chosen as " BELL " the relevant display lamp 83B that scatters symbol, the display lamp 83D relevant with being chosen as " ORANGE " that scatter symbol and with being chosen as " PLUM " that scatter symbol relevant display lamp 83E then keeps being lighted.

Through after the predetermined amount of time, rearranged by the symbol of scrolling, for example shown in Fig. 2 B.In addition, in Fig. 2 B, six " ORANGE " symbols, five " PLUM " symbols, two " CHERRY " symbols, " BELL " symbol and " APPLE " symbol have been rearranged.Therefore, distribution is awarded (referring to Fig. 7) with six corresponding distributions awards of " ORANGE " symbol with five corresponding distributions of " PLUM " symbol.

In addition, when having rearranged five " JACKPOT7 " symbols, five " BLUE7 " symbols, five " BELL " symbols, five " CHERRY " symbols, five " STRAWBERRY " symbols, five " PLUM " symbols, five " ORANGE " symbols or five " APPLE " symbols along triumph line L, the game money of payment predetermined quantity.In the example shown in Fig. 3 B,, make up corresponding award (referring to Fig. 6) with this so distribute owing to rearranged five " PLUM " symbols along triumph line L.

Although in above-mentioned example, described such situation: when selecting switch 82 to be operated, the display lamp 83 that is arranged in the operated selector switch 82 is lighted.But in the present invention, be used to indicate which symbol, promptly be used to refer to, be not limited to this situation according to from the input of selector switch and selecteed symbol is the method for special symbol for scattering the method for symbol.In the present invention, being used to refer to which symbol is that the method for scattering symbol can be: for example, at first turn off all light sources then in response to the method for the light source relevant that glimmer from the input of selector switch, perhaps at first open all light sources then in response to turning off from the input of selector switch or the method for the light source that flicker is relevant with selected symbol with selected symbol.

Although having described display lamp 83 which symbol of indication that are arranged in the selector switch 82 in above-mentioned example is the situation of scattering symbol, but in the present invention, can for example show on upside image display panel 33 also which symbol is for scattering symbol, and its position is not particularly limited, as long as this position is outside in the layout area that is used for the cloth set symbol.

In above-mentioned example, described according to elect the situation of scattering symbol as from the input of selector switch 82 and with symbol; Yet the present invention is not limited thereto, for example, can on the front surface of the display that is used for the cloth set symbol touch panel be set, and can be according to selecting symbol as special symbol from the input of touch panel.

Not only distribute the situation of scattering award but also distributing the combination award although in above-mentioned example, described, in the present invention, can also grant not combination award, perhaps can not provide combination to award under the situation that scatter award providing.

In above-mentioned example, described and selected three symbols as the situation of scattering symbol; Yet in the present invention, can select one, two, four or more symbols, perhaps will be chosen as the symbol quantity (selection number) that scatters symbol can change at every turn randomly.Although in above-mentioned example, the situation of selecting to scatter symbol from " CHERRY ", " BELL ", " STRAWBERRY ", " ORANGE " and " PLUM " this symbol of five types has been described; The quantity that the distribution symbol is selected from symbol wherein can be four or symbol still less or six or more symbol, perhaps also can be to change randomly at every turn yet in the present invention.In addition, in the present invention, can be not limited to " CHERRY ", " BELL ", " STRAWBERRY ", " ORANGE " and " PLUM " by selecteed symbol, and can be any symbol or can change randomly at every turn.

In above-mentioned example, described at the recreation number of times and received situation when having reached pre-determined number the input of the symbol selected from touch panel 69; Yet, in the present invention, be not particularly limited starting the required condition of input that receives the distribution symbol of selecting, for example, can when beginning, each recreation perhaps, receive input to selecting having distributed predetermined award or also having distributed under the situation of award.

Although in above-mentioned example, if described and arranged three or more distribution symbols then distribute the situation of scattering award, but in the present invention, can arrange one or more than one, two or more than two, perhaps four or distribute when scattering symbols and scatter award more than four.

Although in above-mentioned example, the situation that 15 symbols are arranged along 5 row and 3 row has been described altogether, the present invention is not limited to use 5 row and 3 to go.In addition, although in above-mentioned example, describe symbol and be shown (layout) situation on the downside image display panel 16 that constitutes by display panels, but the present invention is not limited thereto, for example, can mechanical reel be set at the back side of display (for example transparent liquid crystal display panel), and can use mechanical reel that symbol is arranged on the display.In addition,, described symbol and be listed in the situation of scrolling on the vertical direction, in the present invention, can show each symbol separately along each although in above-mentioned example.In addition, adopting under the situation of mechanical reel, can adopt the mechanical reel of the quantity identical with the symbol quantity that will be arranged, thus each symbol of scrolling individually.

Fig. 3 is the skeleton view that the outward appearance of slot machine according to an embodiment of the invention is shown.

In slot machine 10, game money, bank note or corresponding with it electronics have valency information to be used as game media.Yet in the present invention, game media is not subjected to special qualification, for example, can use prize coin, token, electronic money and ticket.Ticket is not subjected to special qualification, and can comprise: for example, and the ticket of describing later that has bar code, and similar ticket.

Slot machine 10 comprises: rack 11, the main door 13 that is arranged at the top case 12 of rack 11 upper ends and is arranged at rack 11 fronts.

Be arranged at the front of main door 13 as the downside image display panel 16 of display.Downside image display panel 16 comprises the liquid crystal panel of demonstration along 15 displaying blocks 28 of five row and triplex row.Each displaying block 28 is arranged a symbol.

In addition, on downside image display panel 16, be formed with a triumph line L who flatly crosses over five displaying blocks 28 that are presented at each row central authorities.The combination of triumph line L define symbol.

In downside image display panel 16, be provided with integration and count display part 31 and payment number display part 32.Integration is counted the image that display part 31 shows the quantity of indicating the game money of charging to integration.Payment number display part 32 shows that indication is at the image of having arranged the game money expenditure quantity under the situation of (setting up under the situation of combination award) or setting up the distribution award under the situation that predetermined symbol makes up along triumph line L.

In addition, although not shown, touch panel 69 is set on the front surface of downside image display panel 16, and it makes the player import various types of orders by operating touch panel 69.

The below of downside image display panel 16 is provided with: the control panel of being made up of player input and a plurality of buttons (button 23 to 27) that carry out relevant order of playing 20; Game money is received game money receiving port 21 in the rack 11; And Paper currency identifier 22.

Control panel 20 is provided with: rotary knob 23; Exchange button 24; CASHOUT button 25; 1-BET button 26; With maximum BET button 27.Rotary knob 23 is used for input command, with the scrolling of begin symbol.Exchanging button 24 asks the player to be used under the situation of waiter's currency exchange of recreational facilities.CASHOUT button 25 is used for input command, will charge to the game money Zhi Fuzhi game money pallet 18 of integration.

1-BET button 26 is used for input command, with the game money of making a bet from the game money of charging to integration.Maximum BET button 27 is used for input command, the game money (being 50 game moneys in the present embodiment) of the maximum quantity that can make a bet in once playing to make a bet from the game money of charging to integration.

Paper currency identifier 22 not only is used to distinguish counterfeit money and genuine note, and genuine note is received in the rack 11.Can dispose Paper currency identifier 22, make and to read the ticket 39 that has bar code described later.Ventral glass 34 is set on the front of the bottom of leading door 13, that is, the character of slot machine 10 etc. is wherein described in the below of control panel 20 on the ventral glass 34.

In the front of top box 12, be provided with upside image display panel 33.Upside image display panel 33 comprises that demonstration for example introduces the display panels of image of game content or explanation game rule.In addition, on upside image display panel 33, show the optional glyph image 200 that is used for showing with selecteed symbol.

Loudspeaker 29 is arranged in the top box 12.Ticket printer 35, card reader 36, data display equipment 37 and keyboard 38 are set at the below of upside image display panel 33.Ticket printer 35 is the type slug font code on ticket, and output has the ticket 39 of bar code, has wherein encoded in bar code such as the data of the identification number and the class likelihood data of integration number, date, time, slot machine 10.The player can make the ticket 39 that has bar code be read by second slot machine, and on second slot machine, play, the ticket 39 that perhaps will have bar code in the predetermined area (for example, the place of the cashier in recreation ground) of recreational facilities is exchanged into bank note.

Card reader 36 is used to from the smart card reading of data, and data are write on the smart card.Smart card is the card that is carried by the player, and stores the data of the history of the recreation that the data of for example discerning the player and relevant player carry out thereon.Also can be stored on the smart card with the corresponding data of game money, bank note or integration.As the substitute of smart card, can adopt magnetic stripe card.Data display equipment 37 is fluorescence displays etc., and it is used to for example show the data that read by card reader 36 and the player data from keyboard 38 inputs.Keyboard 38 is used to import the order or the data of issue ticket etc.

Fig. 4 is the diagrammatic sketch that the code name of symbol and each symbol is shown.

As shown in Figure 4, has sequence scrolling in each displaying block 28 that code name " 00 " arrives 22 symbols altogether of " 21 ".Each symbol sebolic addressing is constituted by " JACKPOT7 ", " BLUE7 ", " BELL ", " CHERRY ", " STRAWBERRY ", " PLUM ", " ORANGE " and " APPLE " symbol.

If rearranged five " JACKPOT7 " symbols, five " BLUE7 " symbols, five " BELL " symbols, five " CHERRY " symbols, five " STRAWBERRY " symbols, five " PLUM " symbols, five " ORANGE " symbols or five " APPLE " symbols (if having set up the combination award), then pay the game money (referring to Fig. 6) of predetermined quantity along triumph line L.In addition, if rearranged the symbol (scattering award) of the same type of predetermined quantity or greater number, then pay the game money (referring to Fig. 7) of predetermined quantity if set up.

When pushing rotary switch 23 when beginning to play, after having pushed 1-BET button 26 or maximum BET button 27, with mode displaying symbol along from top to bottom direction scrolling.After the predetermined amount of time, rearrange the symbol of scrolling in the past.When setting up award at this moment, the game money (referring to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7) of payment predetermined quantity.

Fig. 5 is the block diagram that demonstrates the internal configurations of the slot machine shown in Fig. 3.

Cribbage-board 50 comprises: CPU (CPU (central processing unit)) 51, the ROM55 and the boot ROM 52 that interconnect each other by internal bus; Accept the card slot 53S of storage card 53; Accept the IC socket 54S of GAL (generic array logic) 54.

Storage card 53 is made of the nonvolatile memory such as compact flash memory (registered trademark), and the storage games.Games comprise symbol and determine program.Symbol determines that program is the program that is used for determining the symbol (with the corresponding code name of symbol) that will arrange along triumph line L.

Card slot 53S is configured to make storage card 53 can be inserted into wherein, is connected to motherboard 40 perhaps from wherein extraction, and by the IDE bus.Therefore, can different games be write on the storage card 53, and after this storage card 53 is being inserted among the card slot 53S, change the kind or the content of the recreation of carrying out in the slot machine 10 by extracting storage card 53 out from card slot 53S.Games comprise the relevant program of carrying out with recreation.Games also comprise: the view data and the voice data of output when recreation is carried out.

CPU51, ROM55 and boot ROM 52 by internal bus interconnects each other are connected to motherboard 40 by pci bus.Pci bus is not only carried out the signal transmission between motherboard 40 and cribbage-board 50, and electric power is fed to cribbage-board 50 from motherboard 40.

Motherboard 40 adopts commercially available general motherboard (printed circuit board (PCB) of the basic element of character of personal computer is installed on it) to construct, and comprises: host CPU 41; ROM (ROM (read-only memory)) 42; RAM (random access memory) 43 and communication interface 44.Motherboard 40 is corresponding to controller of the present invention.

ROM42 is made of the storage arrangement 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 start the processing of catching that is used for the games stored on the storage card 53 by cribbage-board 50.In the present invention, the content of ROM42 can be rewritable or can be to rewrite.

Data and program that RAM43 uses when being stored in host CPU 41 work.RAM43 can store games.

RAM43 also stores the data about the quantity etc. of the input game money of integration number, once recreation or expenditure game money.

Body PCB (printed circuit board (PCB)) 60 that the back will be described and door PCB80 are connected to motherboard 40 by USB.Power supply unit 45 also is connected to motherboard 40.

Generation will be imported into the equipment and the device of the input signal of host CPU 41, and by equipment and the device of controlling its operation from the control signal of host CPU 41 outputs, be connected to body PCB60 and door PCB80.Based on the input signal that is input to host CPU 41, host CPU 41 is carried out the games that are stored among the RAM43, thereby and the predetermined computing of execution, store among the RAM43 with result computing, and control signal is sent to each equipment and device, as the control and treatment that is used for each equipment and device.

Lamp 30, go out coin bucket 66, game money test section 67, graphic boards 68, loudspeaker 29, touch panel 69, Paper currency identifier 22, ticket printer 35, card reader 36, bond switching 38S and data display equipment 37 and be connected to body PCB60.Lamp 30 is based on being lighted with predetermined pattern from the control signal of host CPU 41 outputs.

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

Graphic boards 68 shows based on the image of controlling on upside image display panel 33 and the downside image display panel 16 from the control signal of host CPU 41 outputs.In each displaying block 28 on downside image display panel 16, with scrolling or the mode displaying symbol that rearranges.Integration on the downside image display panel 16 is counted the integration number of storage in display part 31 display random access memories 43.Payment on the downside image display panel 16 is counted display part 32 and is shown game money expenditure number.

Graphic boards 68 is equipped with VDP (video display processor) and video-ram and similar equipment, and wherein VDP produces view data, the view data that the interim storage of video-ram is produced by VDP based on the control signal of exporting from host CPU 41.It should be noted that adopting VDP to produce the view data of using in the view data, read from storage card 53, and in the games that are comprised among the RAM43 to be stored.

Paper currency identifier 22 is not only distinguished genuine note and counterfeit money, also genuine note is received in the rack 11.When accepting genuine note, Paper currency identifier 22 is based on the denomination of bank note and input signal is outputed to host CPU 41.Host CPU 41 has the RAM 43 of storage and the corresponding integration number of denomination of the bank note that transmits with input signal.

Ticket printer 35 is based on the control signal from host CPU 41 outputs, type slug font code on ticket, and output has the ticket 39 of bar code, and wherein bar code is by obtaining encoding such as the data of the class likelihood data of storing among the identification number of integration number, date and time, slot machine 10 and the RAM43.

Card reader 36 will be sent to host CPU 41 from the data that smart card reads based on the control signal from host CPU 41, 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 data that read by card reader 36 and the data of being imported by keyboard 38 by the player based on the control signal from host CPU 41 outputs.

Control panel 20, recovery device (reverter) 21S, game money counter 21C, cold-cathode tube 81 and display lamp 83 are connected to a PCB80.Control panel 20 be provided with rotary knob 23 corresponding rotary switch 23S, with exchange button 24 corresponding exchange switch 24S, with CASHOUT button 25 corresponding CASHOUT switch 25S, with 1-BET button 26 corresponding 1-BET switch 26S, with maximum BET button 27 corresponding maximum BET switch 27S and selector switch 82 (82A, 82B, 82C, 82D and 82E).When player's action button 23 to 27, corresponding each switch 23S to 27S 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.Game money except that true game money is discharged from game money payment outlet 19.Game money counter 21C also outputs to input signal host CPU 41 when detecting true game money.

Recovery device 21S is based on carrying out work from the control signal of host CPU 41 output, and the game money that is identified as true game money by game money counter 21C is assigned to the cash box (not shown) that is arranged in the slot machine 10 or goes out in the coin bucket 66.In other words, when going out coin bucket 66 and fill game money, true game money is assigned in the cash box by recovery device 21S.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.Cold-cathode tube 81 serves as the backlight on the rear side that is installed in downside image display panel 16 and upside image display panel 33, and is lighted based on the control signal of exporting from host CPU 41.

Hereinafter, with the award of describing according to present embodiment.

Fig. 6 is the diagrammatic sketch that the relation between the game money number that makes up award and will be paid is shown.

If arranged five " APPLE " symbols along triumph line L, and therefore the triumph that bonus game triggers has taken place, then this can cause bonus game.In bonus game,, carry out the free game of pre-determined number based on being included in the random number that symbol determines that the random number generation program in the program produces owing to carrying out.

In addition, when having arranged five " JACKPOT7 " symbols, corresponding to 30 game moneys of game money payment of each input along triumph line L.Similarly, if arranged five " BLUE7 " symbols, five " BELL " symbols, five " STRAWBERRY " symbols, five " PLUM " symbols, five " CHERRY " symbols or five " ORANGE " symbols along triumph line L, the game money of the corresponding quantity of one of each combination award of Zhi Fuyu then.

Fig. 7 is the diagrammatic sketch that the relation between the game money number that scatters award and will be paid is shown.

Table shown in Fig. 7 has the award of distribution hurdle, arranges the symbolic number hurdle and scatters the mark hurdle.In scattering the award hurdle, store the symbol of eight types of " CHERRY ", " BELL ", " STRAWBERRY ", " ORANGE ", " PLUM ", " BLUE7 ", " JACKPOT7 " and " APPLE ".

Arrange that the symbolic number hurdle is divided into the hurdle of " three " cloth set symbol, the hurdle of the hurdle of " four " cloth set symbol and " five or more than five " cloth set symbol.Arrange in the symbolic number hurdle at each, store the game money number that to be paid relatively with the type of awarding.For example, if arranged three " BLUE7 " symbols, then will pay 20 game moneys corresponding to the game money of each input.If arranged four " BLUE7 " symbols, then will pay 40 game moneys corresponding to the game money of each input.

In addition, in scattering the award hurdle, store any one that scatter in the mark " 1 " and " 0 ".Scatter mark " 1 " indication and respective symbol has been arranged to scatter symbol (award of corresponding line has been configured to effectively).On the other hand, scattering mark " 0 " indicates the symbol of corresponding line also not to be configured to scatter symbol.

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

Host CPU 41 reads and carries out games so that recreation is carried out.

Fig. 8 illustrates the process flow diagram that the subroutine of handling is carried out in recreation.

In recreation carry out to be handled, host CPU 41 was at first determined game money whether made a bet (step S10).In processing, host CPU 41 when 1-BET button 26 or maximum BET button 27 are operated, determines whether to receive the input signal from 1-BET switch 26S or maximum BET switch 27S output respectively.When definite game money is not also made a bet, handle turning back to step S10.

On the other hand, when determining that game money is made a bet in step S10, host CPU 41 carries out subtraction process (step S11) according to the quantity of the game money of making a bet to the integration number of being stored among the RAM43.Under the situation of the integration number that the quantity of the game money of making a bet is stored in greater than RAM43, handle and turn back to step S10, and the integration number of being stored among the RAM43 is not carried out subtraction process.Surpass under the situation of the upper limit (being 50 game moneys in the present embodiment) that may reach of making a bet in the once recreation in the quantity of the game money of making a bet, handle the processing that deducts the game money quantity of making a bet in the integration number that advances to step S12 and do not carry out from RAM43, being stored.

Host CPU 41 determines in step S12 whether rotary knob 23 is switched on.In processing, host CPU 41 determines whether to receive the input signal from rotary switch 23S output when rotary knob 23 is pressed.

When definite rotary knob 23 is not switched on, handle turning back to step S10.It should be noted that under the situation (for example, imported and stopped the order of recreation, and do not connected the situation of rotary knob 23) that is not switched at rotary knob 23 result of subtraction among the host CPU 41 cancellation step S11.

On the other hand, when host CPU 41 was determined to have pushed rotary knob 23 in step S12, host CPU 41 scattered symbol and selects to handle (step S13).The back will be described in detail with reference to figure 9 and scatter the definite processing of symbol.

Then, host CPU 41 carries out definite handle (the step S14) of symbol.In symbol determine to be handled, host CPU 41 was carried out the symbol that is stored among the RAM43 and is determined the code name of program when determining that symbol stops.The back will be described this processing in detail with reference to Figure 10.In addition, in the present embodiment, will definite symbol that will be rearranged be described from polytype award, to determine the situation of one or more awards.Yet, in the present invention, also can be for example at first from polytype award, determine one or more with selecteed award, after this determine the combination of the symbol that will be rearranged based on above-mentioned award.

Then, in step S15, host CPU 41 carries out scrolling and shows control and treatment.This processing is to be used for controlling showing so that the processing that quilt is rearranged after the symbol that step S14 determines is beginning the scrolling symbol.

Then, host CPU 41 determines whether to set up bonus game and triggers, and promptly whether has arranged " APPLE " symbol (step S16) along triumph line L.When host CPU 41 determined to have set up the bonus game triggering, host CPU 41 read from RAM43 and is used to carry out the program of bonus game and carries out bonus game processing (step S17), and finishes this subroutine.The back will be described bonus game in detail with reference to Figure 11 and handle.

When host CPU 41 determined that in step S16 not setting up bonus game triggers, host CPU 41 determined whether to set up combination award (step S20).When host CPU 41 determines to have set up the combination award, host CPU 41 will be stored in (step S21) among the RAM43 with the game money number that drops into and combination award (referring to Fig. 6) the corresponding game money number that will be paid.

(step S20: not) or after the processing of step S21, host CPU 41 determines whether to set up and scatters award (step S22) when not setting up the combination award.Determine to have set up when scattering award when host CPU 41, host CPU 41 will and scatter award (referring to Fig. 7) the corresponding game money number that will be paid with the game money number that drops into be stored in (step S23) among the RAM43.

If in step S22, determine not set up and scatter award, perhaps after the processing of step S25, the game money that to be paid that host CPU 41 will be stored among the RAM 43 is counted addition, then the game money (step S24) of the corresponding quantity of summation that produces of Zhi Fuyu and finish this subroutine.

Fig. 9 illustrates to scatter the process flow diagram that symbol is selected the subroutine of processing.

At first, host CPU 41 calculates recreation number of times (step S80) based on the input signal of exporting from rotary switch 23S when pressing rotary knob 23.

Then, in step S81, host CPU 41 determines whether the recreation number of times has reached pre-determined number.When host CPU 41 determines that the recreation number of times does not also reach pre-determined number, finish this subroutine.On the other hand, when host CPU 41 determines that the recreation number of times has reached pre-determined number, determine the symbolic number (step S82) that is shown.

Then, in step S83, host CPU 41 is determined can selecteed symbol, and its quantity is corresponding to the symbolic number that will be shown.Therefore, for example, as shown in Figure 1, showing on upside image display panel 33 can selecteed five symbol.

Then, in step S84, host CPU 41 is determined selecteed symbolic number.Therefore, for example, as shown in Figure 1, show that on upside image display panel 33 indication should be from can selecting the selection of three symbols to count image 201 the selecteed symbol, and receive selection these three symbols.

Then, in step S85, host CPU 41 on upside image display panel 33, show based on determine with the symbolic number that is shown, can selecteed symbol and with the image (referring to Fig. 1) of selecteed symbolic number.

Then, in step S86, host CPU 41 determines whether to have selected symbol.In this was handled, host CPU 41 determined whether to receive the symbol of exporting by player's operation from selector switch 82 (82A, 82B, 82C, 82D and 82E) and selects signal.When host CPU 41 was determined also not select symbol, host CPU 41 determined whether to allow time period over and done with (step S87) of selecting.Determining the time period that allows to select when host CPU 41 does not also have past tense, and host CPU 41 turns back to step S86 with processing.On the other hand, when the time period that host CPU 41 definite permissions are selected was over and done with, host CPU 41 was selected symbol (step S88) randomly.

When having selected symbol in step S86 or after the processing of step S88, host CPU 41 is stored among the RAM 43 being chosen as the symbol that scatters symbol.More specifically, host CPU 41 is arranged to " 1 " with the distribution mark that is used for selected symbol in the table shown in Fig. 7.

Then, in step S90, host CPU 41 is lighted and the corresponding display lamp 83 of selected symbol.

Then, in step S91, host CPU 41 determines whether to finish all selections.If do not finish all selections, then host CPU 41 turns back to step S86 with processing.

If finished all selections in step S91, then host CPU 41 is removed the count value (step S93) of recreation number of times, and finishes this subroutine.

Figure 10 is illustrated in the process flow diagram that the symbol that is called among the step S14 of the subroutine shown in Fig. 8 and carries out is determined the subroutine handled.This processing is to determine the processing that program is carried out by carrying out the symbol that is stored among the RAM 43 by host CPU 41.Host CPU 41 is carried out and is included in symbol and determines random number generation program in the program, and selects random number in from 0 to 255 the numerical range, thereby makes each selected random number corresponding to each symbol sebolic addressing (step S31).In the present embodiment, the situation (using the situation of so-called software random number) that produces random number in the program will be described in.Yet, in the present invention, also can use randomizer, and can be from wherein extracting random number (can use so-called hardware random number).

Then, host CPU 41 is determined the code name (referring to Fig. 4) (step S32) of each symbol sebolic addressing based on five selected random numbers.The code name of symbol sebolic addressing is corresponding to stop the also code name of symbols displayed along triumph line L.Host CPU 41 is determined the code name of symbol sebolic addressing, so that determine award thus.For example, if the code name of symbol sebolic addressing is defined as " 00 ", " 00 ", " 00 ", " 00 " and " 00 ", this means that then host CPU 41 is defined as award " JACKPOT7 ".

Figure 12 is the process flow diagram that is illustrated in the subroutine that the bonus game that is called among the step S17 of the subroutine shown in Fig. 8 and carries out handles.In bonus game was handled, at first, host CPU 41 was determined the random number that the random number generation program in the program obtains based on the symbol that is included among the RAM43 by execution to be stored, and determines the number of times T (step S60) of bonus game from 10 to 25 recreation.Host CPU 41 with the recreation number of times of determined bonus game as data storage in RAM43.

Subsequently, host CPU 41 scatters symbol and selects to handle (step S61), definite (step S62) and the scrolling demonstration control and treatment (step S63) handled of symbol.Processing among the step S61 to S63 is basic identical with the processing of describing with reference to figure 8.This processing had been described, so in the description of this omission to it.

Whether then, host CPU 41 determines whether to set up bonus game and triggers, promptly stop and having shown " APPLE " symbol (step S64) along triumph line L.When determining that having set up bonus game triggers, determine the additional recreation number of times t (step S65) of bonus game, and determined additional recreation number of times t is added to the recreation number of times T last (step S66) of the bonus game of this moment.Therefore, when hitting bonus game in the bonus game process, remaining bonus game number of times increases.More specifically, for example, if game state is transformed into bonus game first 20 times, and when the tenth secondary recreation of carrying out bonus game, hit bonus game 17 times, then will carry out 25 times other bonus games (20 bonus game-12 time+17 bonus games of recreation award).

Trigger if set up bonus game at step S64, then host CPU 41 determines whether to set up combination award (step S71).The processing of step S71 to S75 is basic identical with the processing of the step S20 to S24 that had described, and in the description of this omission to it.

When having carried out the processing of step S66 or having carried out the processing of step S75, host CPU 41 is read the bonus game number of times T that is stored among the RAM43, and the bonus game number of times T that will therefrom read deducts 1.Then, the recreation number of times T after host CPU 41 will reduce is stored in (step S69) among the RAM43 once more.

Then, host CPU 41 determines whether bonus game number of times T reaches determined recreation number of times (step S70) among the step S60.More specifically, whether become 0 and make this and determine based on being stored in recreation number of times T among the RAM43, if and recreation number of times T is not 0, promptly when the bonus game number of times of determining to have carried out does not reach in step S60 determined recreation number of times, processing turns back to step S61, and repeats above-mentioned processing.On the other hand, when recreation number of times T is 0, promptly when the number of times T that determines to play has reached in step S60 determined recreation number of times, finish this subroutine after this.

As mentioned above, about slot machine 10 according to the present invention and method for gaming thereof, to be defined as scattering symbol (special symbol) according to the symbol of selecting from the input of selector switch 82, and be unlocked according to the relevant display lamp 83 (light source) of the symbol selected from the input of selector switch 82.Then, when as the result who rearranges who is arranged in a plurality of symbols on the downside image display panel 16 (display), when the distribution symbol of predetermined quantity or greater number is disposed on the downside image display panel 16, provide award.

In above-mentioned example, having described according to selecting from the input of selector switch 82 to become the symbol that scatters symbol, and display lamp 83 to be unlocked to indicate which symbol be the situation of scattering symbol.Hereinafter, will describe, and show on downside image display panel 16 which symbol is for scattering the situation of symbol according to the symbol of selecting to become special symbol from the input that is arranged on the touch panel on the display front surface that is used for the cloth set symbol.Except the method and demonstration which symbol method for distribution symbol of selection as the symbol of special symbol, slot machine according to present embodiment has and above-mentioned slot machine 10 essentially identical outward appearances, circuit structure etc., and also carry out and above-mentioned slot machine 10 essentially identical process flow diagrams, therefore, except these methods, will omit description to other same section.In addition, in the following description, will represent and the corresponding assembly of the assembly of slot machine 10 with identical reference symbol.

Figure 12 A and 12B are the diagrammatic sketch that is illustrated in the example images that shows on the downside image display panel.

(select three to scatter symbol! ) ".In addition, the middle body on displaying block 28 right sides shows the selection image 205 that is used to select symbol.Select image 205 by the image construction of indicating " CHERRY ", " BELL ", " STRAWBERRY ", " ORANGE " and " PLUM " by order from the top to bottom.These images are images that indication can selecteed symbol.On the front surface of downside image display panel 16, be provided with touch panel 69.The player can be by touching the appropriate section of selecting image 205, and importing expectation becomes the symbol that scatters symbol.

For example, when input " BELL ", " ORANGE " and " PLUM ", the image shown in the displayed map 12B.In selecting image 200, the image of " BELL ", " ORANGE " and " PLUM " is red.After this, the scrolling of DO symbol, and when symbol is arranged in a predefined manner (for example), will provide award referring to Fig. 2 B.

As mentioned above, according to above-mentioned slot machine 10 and method for gaming thereof, scatter symbol (special symbol) being specified to according to the symbol of selecting from the input of touch panel 69, and the color of the selection image 200 of displaying block 28 outsides to be changed with indication serve as to scatter symbol according to the symbol of selecting from the input of touch panel 69.Then,, on downside image display panel 16, be furnished with the distribution symbol of three (predetermined quantities) or greater number, then will provide award if as the result who rearranges who is arranged in a plurality of symbols on the downside image display panel 16.

Although described in the above according to embodiments of the invention, this description has only presented some instantiations, in any case and be not to be intended to limit the present invention, and can suitably change the concrete structure etc. of each device according to design.In addition, the effect of describing in the embodiments of the invention only is the most preferred effect that is produced by the present invention, and the effect that is produced by the present invention those effects of being not limited to describe in the embodiments of the invention.

In the superincumbent detailed description,, mainly characteristic aspect of the present invention is described in order to understand the present invention better and more easily.The present invention is not limited to the embodiment in the top detailed description, and can be applied in other modification of embodiment.In addition, wording that is appreciated that in this instructions to be adopted and term are to be used for accurately describing of the present invention, and should not be counted as explanation of the invention and limit.In addition, based on the notion of describing in this instructions, those skilled in the art can propose to be included in other configuration in the notion of the present invention, system and method etc. at an easy rate.So, what should illustrate is that claim comprises such equivalent constructions, as long as they do not break away from the spirit and scope of the present invention.In addition, the purpose of above-mentioned summary is to make United States Patent (USP) trademark office and general public organizations, and the those skilled in the art etc. who is unfamiliar with patent or law term, can be by simply probing into disclosed essence of technology and the marrow of determining the application apace.Therefore, this summary is not to be intended to limit scope of the present invention (this is to be weighed by the description of claim).In addition, in order to understand purpose of the present invention and characteristic effect fully, desirable is to wait with reference to disclosed publication and explain the present invention.

Can present above-mentioned detailed description with the performed processing of computing machine.Those descriptions and the term of setting forth above are in order to make those skilled in the art understand the present invention with effective and efficient manner.In this manual, be used for causing each step of a result to be understood as that being independently process.In each step, carry out transmission and the reception or the record etc. of electrical or magnetic signal.Although in the processing of each step, wait and represent these signals with bit, value, symbol, character, item, numeral; Yet, should be noted that importantly those expressions only are to be used to convenient explanation.In addition, the processing in each step is to use the expression way of having something in common with mankind's activity to describe in some cases, but is carried out by various devices on the treatment principle described in this instructions.In addition, according to foregoing description, be considered to not understand self-evident for carrying out some required other structures of each step.

Claims

1. slot machine comprises:

Display, it has layout area, is furnished with a plurality of symbols on this layout area;

Selector switch is used for from the symbol of described a plurality of symbols selection will becoming special symbols; And

Controller,

Described controller will be defined as special symbol according to the symbol of selecting from the input of described selector switch,

At the outside symbol that shows that basis is selected from the input of described selector switch of described layout area is special symbol, and

If as the result who rearranges who is arranged in a plurality of symbols on the described display, at least a special symbol of predetermined quantity or greater number is disposed on the described display, then distributes award.

2. slot machine as claimed in claim 1,

Wherein

A plurality of described selector switch are configured to corresponding with a plurality of symbols,

Each selector switch is provided with relative light source, and

Described controller is lighted the relevant light source of selecting from the input of described selector switch with basis of symbol.

3. slot machine as claimed in claim 1,

Wherein

Described controller further comprises, is special symbol at the outside symbol that shows that basis is selected from the input of described selector switch of the described layout area of described display.

4. slot machine comprises:

Display is furnished with a plurality of symbols on it;

Selector switch is used for from the symbol of described a plurality of symbols selection will becoming special symbols, and described selector switch comprises to be arranged to and the corresponding a plurality of selector switch of a plurality of symbols, and each selector switch is provided with relative light source; And

Controller,

Light the corresponding light source of selecting from the input of described selector switch with basis of symbol, and

5. slot machine comprises:

Controller,

At the outside symbol that shows that basis is selected from the input of described selector switch of the described layout area of described display is special symbol, and

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

Reception is from the input of selector switch, and described selector switch is used for from being arranged in the symbol of a plurality of symbols selection will the becoming special symbols on the display;

To be defined as special symbol according to the symbol of selecting from the input of described selector switch;

The outside symbol that shows that basis is selected from the input of described selector switch of layout area that shows the display of a plurality of symbols thereon is a special symbol; And

7. slot machine game method as claimed in claim 6,

Wherein

Each selector switch is provided with relative light source, and

Described step display further comprises, lights the relevant light source of selecting from the input of described selector switch with basis of symbol.

8. slot machine game method as claimed in claim 6,

Wherein

Described step display further comprises, is special symbol at the outside symbol that shows that basis is selected from the input of described selector switch of the described layout area of described display.

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

Reception is from the input of selector switch, described selector switch is used for from being arranged in the symbol of a plurality of symbols selection will the becoming special symbols on the display, described selector switch comprises to be arranged to and the corresponding a plurality of selector switch of a plurality of symbols, and each selector switch is provided with relative light source;

Light the relevant light source of selecting from the input of described selector switch with basis of symbol; And

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