EA007527B1 - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Abstract

It is disclosed a gaming machine comprising: a display device with a first display area and a second display area; a first game controller for executing a first game in which symbols are scrolled in each of plural rows on the first display area and a game result is determined corresponding to the symbol or a symbol combination stopped and displayed on the first display area; a first determination device for determining whether or not a predetermined symbol is included in the symbols stopped and displayed in the first game; a second game controller for executing a second game in which the symbols are scrolled in each of plural rows on the first display area when the first determination device determines that the predetermined symbol is included in the symbols stopped and displayed in the first game; and a payout device for paying out a game medium corresponding to a game result in the first game or the second game; wherein the second game controller controls the display device so that a specific symbol characterizing the second game is displayed on the second display area and controls the payout device to pay out the game medium when any one of the symbols stopped and displayed on the first display area in the second game coincides with the specific symbol.

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which the first game is played in the usual way, and if a special condition is fulfilled, then the second game is played according to different rules different from the rules of the first game.

Description of the prior art

Usually, a video game slot machine and a slot game machine (below, these devices are sometimes referred to simply as slot machine games and similar games) are widely known and popular slot machines, in which win conditions are determined based on the availability of winning games. combinations and payout coins, for example, tokens, in accordance with the winning combination. In such a slot machine for playing games and in similar games, when the start lever is activated, the so-called first game is carried out after the coins are inserted. The first game is a game with alternate display on the screen of images, in which a plurality of reels are rotated (for example, three reels), on the outer circumference of each of which there are many types of symbols and scrolling symbols, and in the case when the combination of symbols when these reels stop, corresponds to a predetermined win state, they pay out a certain number of coins, the number of which corresponds to the win state. For example, as a win condition in the first game, there is a so-called big prize, with a win that pays out more than 1000 coins, and a so-called small prize, at a win that pays less than 1000 coins.

There is a gaming machine, disclosed in published Japanese patent application No. 11-244453, in which there is a so-called second game entitlement as a win state in the first game, while the second game can be implemented in a different way than providing a large prize or small prize, and if the state of winning corresponds to obtaining the right to the second game, then you can play the second game without inserting new coins. This second game is played by different rules than the rules of the first game, and an example of this game is a game, usually called a bonus game or a free game. In most cases, the second game is profitable for the player, giving him the opportunity to receive a large number of coins in accordance with the result of the second game.

However, in the usual gaming machine, the second game is characterized by the fact that it is only a very simple game, therefore, it is not enough to increase interest in the games so that they don’t bore the player.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The present invention was created to solve the above problems, and its goal is to create a gaming machine that can increase interest in games.

To achieve the above objective, according to a first aspect of the present invention, it proposes a gaming machine comprising: a display having a first working portion of a display screen and a second operating portion of a display screen;

a first game controller providing the first game in which the characters in each of the plurality of rows are scrolled in the aforementioned first working area of the display screen and determine the result of the game according to the presence of a symbol or combination of characters stopped and displayed in the above first working area of the display screen;

the first determination device, which serves to determine whether the predetermined symbol is contained in the symbols stopped and displayed on the above display at the first game, or not;

a second game controller providing a second game in which the characters in each of the plurality of rows are scrolled in the aforementioned first working area of the display screen in the case where the aforementioned first determination device determines that in the characters stopped and displayed on the above display during the first game , contains the aforementioned predefined symbol; and a payout device serving to pay out the game media according to the result of the game in the first game or in the second game;

while the above-mentioned second gaming controller controls the display in such a way that it provides a visual display of a special character characterizing the second game in the aforementioned second working section of the display screen and controls the payout device in such a way that it provides payment of the aforementioned game payment means in the event that when any of the symbols stopped and displayed in the aforementioned first working area of the display screen in the second game coincides with the above special symbol.

According to the present invention, in the gaming machine, as a second game, a game similar to the first game is played, in which images are displayed alternately displayed outside, under completely different conditions that differ from the conditions of the first game, and hence Different content of both games was implemented: the first game and the second game, while maintaining the connection with the first game. Thus, the player may be given the opportunity to feel that he is able to enjoy one game, conducted in two ways, and, as a result, heightened interest in games can be provided. And since the determination of whether the second game will be held or not is carried out on the basis of the result of the first game, an increase in interest and enthusiasm for the first game, as well as an increase in interest in both games, can be provided.

According to the present invention, a gaming machine can be created by which an increase in player interest in games can be secured.

The above and other objectives and novel features of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description below when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, it should be clearly understood that the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and imply that they do not limit the scope of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention, and together with the description, they serve to explain the objects, advantages, and principles of the present invention.

The drawings depict the following:

in fig. 1 in a perspective view schematically shows one example of a gaming machine according to the present invention;

in fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the structure of the electrical components of the gaming machine of FIG. one;

in fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the display control device with which the gaming machine of FIG. one;

in fig. 4 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a method for conducting the first game, this subroutine being executed in the main control circuit;

in fig. 5 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for conducting a win-win procedure in the first game, performed in the main control scheme;

in fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the method for conducting the second game, performed in the main control circuit;

in the explanatory drawing of FIG. 7 shows one example of the symbol definition table ANY (ΑΝΥ) used in the execution of routine 8110 of the subroutine of FIG. 6;

in fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for conducting a win-win procedure in the second game, performed in the main control scheme;

in the explanatory drawings of FIG. 9A-9G schematically shows the images displayed on the screen of the upper display and lower display of the gaming machine;

in the explanatory drawing of FIG. 10 shows another example of the symbol definition table ANY (ΑΝΥ) used in performing routine 8110 of the subroutine of FIG. 6;

in the explanatory drawing of FIG. 11 shows another example of the symbol definition table ANY (ΑΝΥ) used in the execution of routine 8110 of the routine of FIG. 6;

in fig. 12 is a perspective view of a slot machine for gaming, which is another variant of a slot machine according to the present invention;

in fig. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the lower liquid crystal display and the drum with which the gaming machine for playing in the slot of FIG. 12;

in fig. 14 shows in perspective view with a spatial separation of parts the lower display on liquid crystals, with which the gaming machine for playing in the slot of FIG. 12;

in the explanatory drawing of FIG. 15 schematically shows examples of symbols formed on the outer circumference of the drum;

in fig. 16 is a block diagram showing schematically the structure of the electrical components of the gaming machine in the slot of FIG. 12; and in the explanatory drawing of FIG. 17 schematically shows a system for conducting games on a progressive system.

The implementation of the invention

The following is a description of an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

In the embodiment of the invention described below, a gaming machine is described for a video game variant in a slot in which the present invention is used, and the aforementioned embodiment of the gaming machine for a video game variant in a slot is the preferred embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 1 in a perspective view schematically shows one example of a gaming machine according to the present invention.

The gaming machine 2 comprises a housing 30, in the front central part of which a

- 2 007527 plane with a slight slope in the backward direction relative to the vertical direction.

Two displays 32 are formed on this inclined plane (upper display 32 дисплей and lower display

32Ό) in such a way that with respect to each other the two displays are located one above the other.

In this case, there are no special restrictions on the number of displays in the gaming machine of the present invention, and it is not necessary to have two displays in the design (upper display 32ϋ and lower display 32Ό), which is the case in gaming machine 2.

The displays 32 (the upper display 32 and the lower display 32 осуществляют) display images that show the first game or the second game, and on the 32 displays reflect the progress of both games: the first game and the second game. In games with alternate display of images played as the first game and the second game, images of a multitude of symbols or characters used in playing a game like a slot played on a slot machine play are displayed on the upper display screen 32. , and pay lines, and on the lower display screen 32Ό, various images are output, creating the accompanying effects.

In this embodiment of the invention, images of a plurality of symbols and characters used in playing a game, like playing a slot game played on a slot game machine, and pay lines can be displayed on the lower display 32Ό, and various images creating accompanying effects can be displayed on the upper display screen 32.

A visual display of the above-mentioned symbols and signs on the upper display 32ϋ is carried out in such a way that they seem to be located on the outer circumference of the reels, represented as images displayed on the display screen. At the beginning of the game, the characters are moved in such a way that they change and they scroll in a predetermined direction at the moment the game starts, and then at a predetermined point in time they are stopped and displayed on the display.

In addition, when you press the switch 20 single rate (1-BET), switch 22 triple rate (3-BET) or switch 24 maximum rate (tah1tit-BET), described below, the pay lines corresponding to the pressed rate selector switch are activated. . At the same time, the present invention can be applied, for example, in a gaming machine for a video game variant in a slot with five reels and nine pay lines.

In the case when the combination of symbols stopped on the activated payline is a win state, corresponding to, for example, a large prize or a small prize, coins are paid, the number of which corresponds to the win state. And in the event that in the first game among the set of stopped symbols a predetermined symbol is contained, then the images displaying the second game are displayed on the display screen 32 and the second game is played on the display 32. A detailed description of the second game is given below. And although the explanation below states that the predetermined symbol initiating the transition to the second game is the symbol of seven (7), the predetermined symbol is not limited to the symbol of seven (7).

Under the lower display 32Ό, a part 50 is formed, which is a base protruding in the horizontal direction, and on the upper left side of the part 50, which is a base, there is a single rate switch (1-BET) 20, which serves to make a bet equal to one a coin of already inserted coins, switch 22 is a triple bet (3-BET), which serves to make a bet equal to three coins of already inserted coins, and switch 24 is the maximum bet (takh1tit-BET), which serves to bet on one game equal to the maximum number of coins from coins already inserted. Based on the fact that the selector switch 20, 22 or 24 is pressed, the pay lines are activated according to which particular bet select switch was pressed. And on the upper left side of the part 50, which is the base, is located the switch 25 rotation, which serves to start the game. The player inserts coins through the coin insertion slot 44, which is described below, and presses one of the bet selectors 20, 22, or 24, making a bet equal to a predetermined number of coins. The player then presses the spin switch 25, thus starting the game.

Behind the selection switches 20, 22, and 24, located on the upper left side of the portion 50, which is the base, is the control panel 42, made in the form of a set of push buttons and a cross key. As mentioned below, this control panel 42 is activated during the second game. And on the upper right side of the portion 50, which is the base, there is a slot 44 for inserting coins and a slot 46 for inserting banknotes. Coins or banknotes are inserted into this slot 44 for inserting coins and into this slot 46 for inserting banknotes, thereby ensuring the possibility of playing a game.

And next to the coin insertion slot 44, the payout switch 48 is located, and when the switch 48 is pressed, the payout pays out 2 coins inserted into the gaming machine from the coin withdrawal hole 52 formed in the front lower part of the housing 30. The paid coins are accumulated in the tray 54 for collecting coins.

In addition, the upper part of the housing 30 is provided with an information lamp 56, which is included in

- 3 007527 continuous or in pulse mode in cases when a deviation from the normal operation of the gaming machine 2 is detected, and the player calls the caretaker of the gambling establishment serving the gaming arcade, and which is used to notify this caretaker of the gaming establishment of the presence of the gaming machine 2 deviations from normal operation.

In the block diagram of FIG. 2 schematically shows the structure of the electrical components of the gaming machine of FIG. one.

The above-mentioned switches, which are the single-rate switch 20 (1BET), the triple-rate switch 22 (3-BET), and the maximum-rate switch 24 (tach1SHILT) are connected to the interface circuit group 62 of the main control circuit 60, and the interface circuit group 62 is connected to the bus 64 I / O. Each of the switches, when pressed, creates a predetermined signal and outputs this signal to the I / O bus 64.

And the control panel 42 containing a plurality of push buttons and a cross key, and a rotation switch 25 serving to start the game are connected to the interface group 62 of the main control circuit 60. Each of the devices: the control panel 42 and the rotation switch 25, when pressed, creates a corresponding predetermined signal and outputs this signal to the I / O bus 64.

Bus 64 I / o is designed in such a way that is able to provide input and output of information signals or addressing signals. Although in this embodiment of the invention, central processor 66 transmits signals to external devices and receives signals from external devices via the bus, central processor 66 can perform transmission and reception of signals through ports.

A banknote authentication device 40 and a coin detection sensor 58 are connected to the aforementioned interface circuit group 62. When a banknote is inserted into the banknote authentication device 4 0, this device, based on the type and number of banknotes, creates a signal and transmits this signal to the interface circuit group 62. And when inserting coins into slot 44 for inserting coins, the coin detection sensor 58, based on the type and number of coins, creates a signal and transmits this signal to the interface circuit group 62.

A switch 48 is connected to the above-mentioned group 62 of interface circuits, and when the player presses switch 48, the payout on the I / O bus 64 serves a predetermined signal received from its output. Based on this signal, the inserted coins are paid out from the coin payout opening 52 via the payout device 82, which is described below.

A permanent storage device (ROM) 68 and a random access memory 70 (RAM) are also connected to the above I / O bus 64. In the ROM 68, a control program is stored which serves to control all the procedures performed in the system of the gaming machine 2. In addition, in the ROM 68, the initial data for the execution of the control program is stored, a part of the program through which the display information on the display 32 is controlled, and similar data . In RAM 70, temporary storage of the above program and data, flags serving as a result of calculations and a result of processing, and values of variables are carried out.

A hard disk drive 74 is also connected to the I / O bus 64, and on this hard disk drive 74, game programs and various data such as image data are stored on hard disks. In this case, in the present invention, instead of a hard disk drive 74, for example, non-volatile memory can be used, which is, for example, flash memory having a relatively large memory capacity, or volatile memory.

In addition, a random number generator 78 is connected to the I / O bus 64 and serves to generate random numbers. When you enter into the generator 78 random numbers command generate random numbers received from the CPU 66, the generator 78 random numbers generates random numbers within a predetermined interval and outputs a signal indicating the value of the generated random number, which serves on the bus 64 I / O . And the central processor 66 ensures the game to be continued in accordance with the random number obtained as a result of its generation. This random number is then stored in the RAM 70 as data indicating the result of the lottery. In this embodiment, the random number generator 78 may be implemented, for example, by software in the form of a program stored in the ROM 68 and in the RAM 70.

In addition, a group of 72 interface circuits is connected to the I / O bus 64. A loudspeaker 80, an information lamp 56 and a payout device 82 are connected to the interface circuit group 72, and the interface circuit group 72 provides control signals and power supply for controlling each of the above-mentioned devices depending on the result of the computational processing performed by the central processor 66. The information lamp 56 include in continuous or pulsed mode in cases where a deviation from the normal mode of operation of the gaming machine 2 is detected, and the player calls the gambling supervisor gallery servicing

- 4 007527 gaming machines, and thus, the information lamp 56 notifies the caretaker of a gambling establishment about the presence of deviations from the normal operation of the gaming machine 2. The following devices can be used, for example, as an information lamp 56: LED, incandescent lamp or fluorescent lamp .

In addition, the display control device 200 is also connected to the interface circuit group 72, and this display control device 200, based on the image output command signal from the output of the main control circuit 60, generates a control signal for controlling the display 32 (the upper display 32I and the lower display 32Ό) connected to the display control device 200.

In the block diagram of FIG. 3 shows the structure of the display control device 200 with which the gaming machine 2 of FIG. one.

The interface circuit 202 is connected to the I / O bus 204, and through this interface circuit 202 to the input / output bus 204, an image output command is issued to the display screen, output from the aforementioned main control circuit 60. The input of the information signal or the addressing signal to the central processing unit (CPU) 206 and the output of these signals from it are carried out via the input-output bus 204. Although in this embodiment of the invention, the central processor 206 transmits signals to external devices and receives signals from external devices via the bus, the central processor 206 can perform transmission and reception of signals through the ports.

ROM 208 and RAM 210 are also connected to the aforementioned I / O bus 204. ROM 208 stores a display management program for generating a control signal supplied to display 32 (to the upper display 32I and to the lower display 32Ό) based on the image display command on the display screen, coming from the output of the main circuit 60 controls. On the other hand, in the RAM 210, the flags used in the display control program and the values of the variables are stored.

In addition, a video information processor 212 is also connected to the input-output bus 204 (hereinafter referred to as VIR). PVI 212 contains a scheme for creating sprites, a scheme for creating screen contents, and a scheme for creating a palette, therefore, PVI 212 is a processing device capable of implementing various ways of displaying images on a display 32 (upper display 32 and lower display 32Ό).

The VIR 212 is also connected to video RAM 214, which serves to store various video information in accordance with an image display command received from the output of the main control circuit 60, and ROM 216 for image data, which serves to store data about various images required for the first game and the second game. In addition, a control circuit 218 is connected to the MDP 212 and is used to generate a control signal for controlling the display 32 (the upper display 32I and the lower display 32Ό).

The aforementioned central processor 206 reads and executes a display control program stored in ROM 208 and stores in the video RAM 214 information about images displayed on the display 32 (upper display 32I and lower display 32Ό) in accordance with the image display command display received from the output of the main circuit 60 controls. And the output of data about the images stored in video RAM 214 to the display 32 (to the upper display 32I and to the lower display 32Ό) is performed through the control circuit 218. Of course, the structure of the electrical components of the gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to those examples shown in FIG. 2 and 3.

FIG. 4-6, the gaming machine 2 control routine is shown as executed by the main control circuit 60. In the description below, it is assumed that the gaming machine 2 was pre-activated, that the variables used in the central processor 66 were initialized in such a way that they have predetermined values, and the gaming machine 2 functions in the normal mode of operation.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a subroutine of the method of conducting the first game, executed in the main control circuit 60.

This subroutine is a subroutine that is called and executed at a predetermined point in time by the main program that was started earlier.

First, it is determined whether a coin bet has been made or not (operation 811). In this operation, the CPU 66 determines whether a signal has been received, indicating that the player has performed the operation to make a bet or not. In the event that it is determined that this signal is received, the method proceeds to step 812, and otherwise, when it is determined that the above signal is not received, the subroutine is terminated.

The aforementioned betting operation can be performed automatically when a player inserts coins, and can be performed first in order when the player presses any of the following switches: switch 20 single bet (1-BET), switch 22 triple bet (3-BET ) or switch 24 maximum bet (taktit-BET).

Then, it is determined whether the switch 25 is rotated to issue the game start command or not (operation 812). In this operation, the CPU 66 determines whether

- 5 007527 received a signal indicating that the player was pressed switch 25 rotation, or not. If it is determined that this signal is received, the method proceeds to step 813, and otherwise, when it is determined that this signal is not received, step 812 is performed again.

After that, the operation of carrying out the internal lottery is performed (operation 813). In this operation, the CPU 66 issues a command indicating that the random number generator 78 is to generate random numbers, and the random number generator 78 based on the aforementioned command generates random numbers. And the CPU 66 stores the internal lottery data determined based on the random number obtained in a predetermined area of RAM 70. In this embodiment, the internal lottery data contains data indicating the type of possible combination of stopped and displayed symbols when a big prize is won or small prize. And in the explanation given below, it was assumed that the probability of winning a large prize is 1/512, the probability of winning a small prize is 3/512, and the probability of losing the prize (including obtaining the right to the second game) is 508/512.

In this case, in the present invention, the generation of random numbers can be carried out by the central processor 66 in accordance with a computer program, and this program is stored in the ROM 68 and in the RAM 70 (for example, by updating a numerical value with a constant frequency or with a non-constant frequency), and remembering data about the internal lottery can be carried out in a predetermined area of the memory of the RAM 70 based on the random number obtained. In this case, the random number generator 78 may be missing.

Then perform the operation of rotation and visual display of video drums (operation 814). In this operation, the central processor 66 transmits to the display control device 200 signals that ensure the launch of a game similar to that in a slot on a gaming machine, on the upper display 32I, i.e. rotating the video drums displayed on the upper display screen 32 and in the form of images. These signals contain data about the images of characters, which are used to specify a combination of characters in the stopped state based on the above-mentioned data about the internal lottery. Then, based on the above-mentioned signals, the display control device 200 displays the image of the video reels on the upper display 32I in such a way that they appear to be rotating, thus starting the alternate display of a plurality of symbols. And during the first game, the display control device 200, based on signals transmitted from the central processor 66, also performs an operation of displaying a lower display 32 Ό of various images creating accompanying effects.

After that, the operation of visual display of the stop of the video reels is performed (operation 815). In this operation, the central processor 66 transmits to the display control device 200 a signal leading to the completion of the game, similar to the game in the slot on the gaming machine, on the upper display 32I, i.e. to stop the rotation of video drums, displayed in the form of images on the upper display screen 32I. And the display control device 200 performs the operation of alternately displaying a plurality of characters for a predetermined period of time, after which it stops the characters.

Then, the operation of providing a win in the first game is performed (operation 816). In this operation, the CPU 66 performs an operation of providing a win based on the stopped symbols or data about the internal lottery. A description of this win-win operation is given below. After completion of operation 816, the subroutine execution is completed.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a subroutine of a method for providing a win in the first game, performed by the main control circuit 60.

This subroutine is a subroutine that is called when performing operation 816 in the aforementioned subroutine shown in FIG. 4, and execute.

First, it is determined whether any of the symbols stopped and displayed on the display is a symbol granting the right to move to the second game (symbol of the seven (7)) or not (operation 821). In this operation, the CPU 66 determines whether the symbols stopped and displayed on the display are included in the routine 815 of the routine shown in FIG. 4, the symbol granting the right to move to the second game, or not. In operation 821, the main control circuit 60 functions as a determination device for determining whether among the plurality of symbols stopped and displayed during the first game, the symbol granting the right to switch to the second game or not.

If it is determined that among the symbols stopped and displayed during the first game, there is a symbol giving the right to transition to the second game, then the central processor 66 performs the operation of conducting the second game (operation 822). In the second game, the symbols are alternately visualized, and its content is essentially the same as the content of the first game. At this point, the second game can be played without inserting new coins, and if any of the many symbols stopped and displayed on the display during the second game,

- 6 007527 coincides with the ANY (ΑΝΥ) symbol (for example, the cherry symbol, the melon symbol, etc.), which is a special symbol, then payment of game means of payment, having a monetary value, (coins) is made according to characters ANY (ΑΝΥ). Here the second game can be played with the inserted coins. A detailed description of the second game is given below.

If during the operation of §21 it is determined that among the symbols stopped and displayed during the first game, there is no symbol giving the right to switch to the second game, then immediately determine whether the symbols or combination of symbols are the prize winning condition (the state of winning a big prize or a small prize), or not (operation §23). And in the event that it is determined that the symbols or combination of symbols that are stopped and displayed on the display are a prize winning state, then the CPU 66 activates the payout device 82. That is, the processor 66 drives the payout device 82 in such a way that it pays out a certain number of coins corresponding to the winnings, which enter the coin collecting tray 54 through the coin payment opening 52 (operation §24), for example, that when the prize state is a big prize, 1000 coins are paid out, and when the prize condition is a small prize, 500 coins are paid out. The subroutine is completed if, during the operation of §23, it is determined that the symbols or combination of symbols are not the winning state of the prize, or after performing the operation of §22 or the operation of §24. When executing the routines shown in FIG. 4 and 5, the main control circuit 60 functions as the first gaming controller.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the method of conducting the second game, executed by the main control circuit 60. This subroutine is a subroutine that is called and executed when performing operation §22 of the subroutine shown in FIG. five.

First, the CPU 66 determines the number of kinds of characters ANY (ΑΝΥ) (operation §110). In this operation, §110 determines the number of kinds of characters ANY (ΑΝΥ) displayed on the display during a game with alternate display of images corresponding to the number of characters giving the right to switch to the second game contained in the set of characters stopped and displayed during the first game . The operation §110 is performed, for example, on the basis of the symbol definition table ANY (ΑΝΥ) shown in FIG. 7

In the explanatory drawing of FIG. 7 shows one of the examples of the symbol definition table ANY (ΑΝΥ), which is used when performing the operation §110 of the subroutine of FIG. 6. Here, the probability that the symbol ANY (ΑΝΥ) shown in FIG. 7, contained in the stopped and displayed symbols, is set to 100/512 for all kinds of characters ANY (ΑΝΥ). In the second game, the probability of winning a large prize is set equal to 1/512, and the probability of winning a small prize is set equal to 3/512.

In the leftmost column of the symbol definition table ANY (ΑΝΥ), which is shown in FIG. 7, entitled the number of characters giving the right to move to the second game, indicates the number of characters giving the right to go to the second game, provided that this character is contained in the characters stopped and shown on the display during the first game. And in the right column of the symbol definition table ANY (ΑΝΥ), entitled ANY (ΑΝΥ), the number of types of ANY (ΑΝΥ) characters displayed on the display during the second game is shown. In addition, the ANY (ΑΝΥ) symbol in the column indicates the number of game means of payment that have a monetary value (the number of coins paid out) paid when any of the symbols stopped and displayed on the display is the same as ANY (ΑΝΥ ).

For example, if the number of characters allowing the transition to the second game is 1, then the ANY (() symbol displayed on the display in the second game is the cherry symbol. In this case, if any of the symbols stopped and displayed on the display during the second game is the cherry symbol, then 100 coins are paid out. And if, for example, the number of characters giving the right to move to the second game is 2, then the ANY () symbol displayed on the display in the second game is the melon symbol and the cherry symbol. In this case, if a cherry symbol is one of the symbols stopped and displayed on the display during the second game, then 100 coins are paid out, and if the symbols of the second game stopped and displayed on the display are melon then pay out 200 coins.

As mentioned above, the probability that the symbol ANY (ΑΝΥ) is contained in the characters stopped and displayed on the display during the second game is set to 100/512 for all kinds of characters ANY (ΑΝΥ), therefore, with an increase in the number of characters giving the right to the transition to the second game contained in the symbols stopped and displayed on the display during the first game, and increasing the varieties of the symbol ANY (ΑΝΥ) displayed in the second game increases the probability of any of the stopped ones to coincide and displayed characters with the symbol ANY (ΑΝΥ).

- 7 007527

Immediately after performing the operation 8110, it is determined whether the switch 25 was rotated to issue the game start command or not (operation 8112). In this operation, the CPU 66 determines whether a signal has been received, indicating that the player has pressed the switch 25 to rotate, or not. If it is determined that this signal is received, then the method proceeds to operation 8113, and otherwise, if it is determined that this signal is not received, then operation 8112 is performed again.

Then the operation of the internal lottery is performed (operation 8113). In this operation, the CPU 66 transmits to the random number generator 78 a command to generate random numbers, and the random number generator 78 that receives the above command generates random numbers. Then, the CPU 66 stores data on the internal lottery, calculated on the basis of the obtained random number, in a predetermined area of the memory of the RAM 70.

Then perform the operation of rotation of the drums (operation 8114). In this rotation operation, the central processor 66 transmits to the display control device 200 a signal enabling the start of a game, like a game in a slot on a gaming machine, on the upper display 32I, i.e. the reels displayed on the upper display screen 32I as images are rotated. This signal contains data about the images of characters, which are used to determine the combination of characters, when they are stopped and displayed on the display, on the basis of the above-mentioned data about the internal lottery. Based on the above signal, the display control device 200 controls the upper display 32I in such a way that it rotates the reels on the upper display 32I, thus starting the variable display of a plurality of symbols. In addition, during the second game, the display control device 200, based on a signal transmitted from the central processor 66, also performs an operation of displaying a lower display 32Ό of various images creating accompanying effects.

Thereafter, an operation of displaying the reels in the stopped state is performed (operation 8115). In this operation, the CPU 66 transmits a signal to the display control device 200 in order to complete the game similar to the game in the slot on the gaming machine, that is, to stop the rotation of the reels displayed as images on the upper display screen. And the display control device 200 alternately displays a plurality of characters for a predetermined period of time, then stops and displays a plurality of characters on the display screen.

Immediately after performing operation 8115, the central processor 66 performs an operation of providing a win in the second game (operation 8116). In this operation, the CPU 66 performs an operation of providing a win based on the presence of a symbol stopped and displayed on the display, or data on the internal lottery. The description of this operation is given below. After operation 8116, the subroutine is terminated.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a subroutine for implementing a method of providing a win in the second game, performed by the main control circuit 60.

This subroutine is a subroutine that is called when performing operation 8116 in the aforementioned subroutine shown in FIG. 6, and execute.

First, it is determined whether the symbols or a combination of symbols that are stopped and displayed on the display correspond to the prize winning condition (large prize or small prize) or not (operation 8123). And in the event that it is determined that the symbols or combination of symbols correspond to the prize winning condition, then the central processor 66 drives the payout device 82. That is, the processor 66 drives the payout device 82 in such a way that it pays out the number of coins corresponding to the winnings that are received in the coin collecting tray 54 through the coin payment opening 52 (operation 8124), for example, such that when the winning state is a big prize, then 1000 coins are paid, and when the winning state is a small prize, 500 coins are paid out.

Otherwise, if at execution of operation 8123 it is determined that the symbols or combination of symbols do not correspond to the prize winning status, then the central processor 66 immediately determines whether any of the stopped and displayed symbols match the symbol ANY (ΑΝΥ) (operation 8125). If it is determined that any of the stopped and displayed symbols coincides with the symbol ANY (ΑΝΥ), then the central processor 66 performs an operation to pay out coins, the number of which corresponds to the type of the symbol ANY (ΑΝΥ) entering the tray 54 to collect coins, through hole payout 52 (operation 8126).

After performing operation 8126, or if, at operation 8125, it is determined that none of the symbols stopped and displayed on the display match the symbol ANY (ΑΝΥ), the subroutine is completed.

When executing the routines shown in FIG. 6 and 8, the main control circuit 60 functions as a second game controller.

In the explanatory drawings of FIG. 9A-9G schematically shows the images displayed on the screen of the upper display 32I and on the screen of the lower display 32 during the execution of the subroutines shown

- 8 007527 in FIG. 4-8.

The images shown in FIG. 9A are examples of images displayed on the display 32 immediately after the end of the first game. The top display 32ϋ displays an image that shows a game similar to a slot game on a slot machine with five (5) reels and nine (9) pay lines. This image contains images of five (5) reels, and on the left reel the symbol giving the right to move to the second game is stopped and displayed (symbol of the seven (7)). And the image that creates the accompanying effect is displayed on the screen of the lower display 32.

When the second game is then started, the images shown in FIG. 9b.

These images show an example of the images displayed on the display 32 immediately after the end of the second game, and they are essentially the same as the images shown in FIG. 9A, which are displayed on the screen immediately after the end of the first game. An image is displayed on the upper 32D display screen, which shows a game similar to a slot game on a slot machine with five (5) reels and nine (9) pay lines. This image contains images of five (5) reels, and on the left reel the cherry symbol is stopped and displayed, which is the symbol ANY (ΑΝΥ).

And the image that creates the accompanying effect, which is displayed on the lower display 32Ό, contains an image indicating that a second game is being played at this point in time, called the bonus game. And in its right side, an image is displayed indicating that the cherry symbol, which serves as the symbol of ANY (ΑΝΥ), is activated. In addition, in the lower part of the image indicating the bonus game, an image is displayed indicating that the symbols stopped and displayed on the upper display 32ϋ contain the cherry symbol, and that they make payment of game funds with a value of 100 coins on the basis that won the prize cherry.

Another example of the images displayed on the display 32 immediately after the end of the first game is the images shown in FIG. 9B. The top display 32ϋ displays an image that shows a game similar to a slot game on a slot machine with five (5) reels and nine (9) pay lines. This image shows two symbols stopped and displayed on the display, granting the right to move to the second game (symbols of the seven (7)), which are located on two reels, on the second and on the third reel to the left. And the image that creates the accompanying effect is displayed on the screen of the lower display 32.

When the second game is then started, the images shown in FIG. 9G.

These images show another example of the images displayed on the display 32 immediately after the end of the second game, and they are essentially the same as the images shown in FIG. 9B, which are displayed on the screen immediately after the end of the first game. The top display 32 На displays an image that shows a game similar to a slot game on a slot machine with five (5) reels and nine (9) pay lines. This image contains images of five (5) reels, and the melon symbol, which serves as the symbol of ANY (останов), is stopped and displayed on the second left drum.

And the image that creates the accompanying effect, which is displayed on the lower display 32Ό, contains an image indicating that a second game is being played at this point in time, called the bonus game. In addition, in its right part, an image is displayed indicating that the symbols cherry and melon are activated, which serve as the symbol ANY (ΑΝΥ). In addition, in the bottom of the image indicating the bonus game, an image is displayed indicating that the symbols stopped and displayed on the upper display 32ϋ contain the melon symbol, and that the payment means with money in value terms in the amount of 200 are paid out coins on the basis that won the prize melon.

As mentioned above, according to the gaming machine 2, as the second game, a game similar to the first game is played, in which images viewed from the outside are displayed alternately, and the symbol ANY (ΑΝΥ) is included in the characters alternately displayed in the second game. And if any of the symbols, stopped and displayed on the display, coincides with the symbol ANY (ΑΝΥ), then the game means of payment, having a monetary value (coins), are paid. Here, the second game has a different game content that is different from the content of the first game, but it also maintains the connection with the first game. Consequently, the player may be given the opportunity to feel that he is able to enjoy one game conducted in two ways, and, as a result, an increase in interest in games can be provided.

And the presence of a larger number of characters giving the right to move to the second game (symbols of seven (7)) contained in the symbols stopped and displayed on the display during the first game results in a corresponding increase in the number of types of the symbol ANY (ΑΝΥ) displayed on the lower display 32Ό in the second game. Consequently, the likelihood of payment of game means of payment having a value in monetary terms (coins) on the basis of

- 9 007527 that the symbols stopped and displayed on the display contain the symbol ANY (ΑΝΥ), therefore the result of the first game can be interconnected with the content and the result of the second game. As a result, an increasing interest in both the first game and the second game, and their enthusiasm, can be ensured, and an increase in interest in both games can be ensured.

In addition, in the present invention, the number of kinds of a special symbol (for example, the symbol ANY (ΑΝΥ)) displayed on the display during the alternate display of symbols in the second game is not necessarily set so that it corresponds only to the number of predetermined symbols (for example, characters eligible for the transition to the second game) contained in the characters stopped and displayed on the display during the first game.

In the present invention, the number of kinds of a special symbol displayed on the display in the second game during the alternate display of symbols can be set in such a way that it corresponds to the lottery result obtained as a result of a lottery when determining the number of kinds of a special symbol displayed on the screen alternately displaying characters in the second game, and the number of pre-set characters stopped and displayed on the display during the first game. In this case, the lottery is performed, for example, when performing operation 8110 (the operation of determining the symbol ANY (ΑΝΥ)) of the subroutine shown in FIG. 6, referring to the symbol definition table ANY (ΑΝΥ) shown in FIG. 10, and the number of kinds of the symbol ANY (ΑΝΥ) displayed on the display in the second game can be set so that it corresponds to the result of the lottery and the number of symbols granting the right to switch to the second game contained in the symbols stopped and displayed. on display at the first game.

In the explanatory drawing of FIG. 10 shows another example of the symbol definition table ANY (ΑΝΥ), which is used when performing the routine 8110 routine of FIG. 6. Here, the probability that the symbol ANY (ΑΝΥ) shown in FIG. 10, is contained in any of the symbols stopped and displayed on the display, set to 100/512 for all of the many kinds of characters ANY (ΑΝΥ).

In the leftmost column of the symbol definition table ANY (ΑΝΥ), entitled the number of characters giving the right to go to the second game, the number of characters giving the right to go to the second game is indicated, provided that this character is contained in the characters stopped and displayed on display when you first play. In the central column of the table, entitled the result of the lottery, the interval of values of a random number that fell out in the lottery is indicated. When drawing the aforementioned lottery, one random number is extracted from the range of values of random numbers from 0 to 63. And in the right column of the symbol definition table ANY (ΑΝΥ), entitled ANY (ΑΝΥ), the number of types of ANY character (ΑΝΥ) displayed on the display when the characters are alternately displayed in the second game.

For example, in the case when the number of characters giving the right to move to the second game is 1, and the result of the lottery is 1, the symbol ANY (ΑΝΥ) displayed on the display when the characters are alternately displayed in the second game is the cherry symbol. And, for example, in the case when the number of characters granting the right to move to the second game is 2, and the result of the lottery is 50, the characters ANY (ΑΝΥ) displayed on the display when the characters are alternately displayed in the second game are cherry melon, banana and apple.

As mentioned above, the number of kinds of character ANY (ΑΝΥ) is determined not only according to the number of characters giving the right to move to the second game, but it is determined so that it corresponds to both the number of characters giving the right to move to the second game, and the result of the lottery resulting from the lottery held thereafter. Thus, additional diversity can be provided in determining the number of displayed characters ANY (ΑΝΥ), as a result of which an increase in interest in games can be achieved.

As well as in the present invention, the number of special characters converted in the second game can be determined so that it corresponds to both parameters: the presence of a predetermined character contained in the characters stopped and displayed on the display during the first game, and the number of game funds having value in money terms (coins), on which bets are made in the first game.

In this case, for example, when performing operation 8110 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 6 refer to the symbol definition table ANY (ΑΝΥ) shown in FIG. 11, and the number of characters ANY (ΑΝΥ) can be determined so that it corresponds both to the number of characters giving the right to switch to the second game, which are contained in the symbols stopped and displayed on the display during the first game, and to the number of game means of payment with a value in terms of money (coins), on which bets are made in the first game.

In the explanatory drawing of FIG. 11 shows another example of the LY symbol definition table.

- 10 007527

FIGHT (ΑΝΥ), which is used when performing the operation 8110 of the subroutine of FIG. 6. Here, the probability that the symbol ANY (ΑΝΥ) shown in FIG. 11, is contained in any of the stopped and displayed symbols, set to 100/512 for all kinds of characters ANY (ΑΝΥ).

In the leftmost column of the symbol definition table ANY (ΑΝΥ), entitled the number of characters giving the right to go to the second game, the number of characters giving the right to go to the second game is indicated, provided that this character is contained in the characters stopped and displayed on display when you first play. In the central column of the table entitled the number of bets in the first game, the interval of values of the number of game means of payment that have a value in money terms (coins), on which the bets were made in the first game, is indicated. In this case, in the first game, bets can be made in the interval from 1 to 45 units of game means of payment, having a value in monetary terms (coins). And the number of bets in FIG. 11 means the total number of bets made in the first game.

For example, if the number of characters giving the right to move to the second game is 1, and the number of bets in the first game is 10, then the symbol ANY (ΑΝΥ) displayed on the display during the alternate display of characters in the second game is cherry. And, for example, if the number of characters giving the right to move to the second game is 2, and the number of bets in the first game is 40, then the symbol ANY (ΑΝΥ) displayed on the display during the alternate display of characters in the second game, are the symbols of cherry, melon, banana and apple.

As mentioned above, the number of kinds of character ANY (ΑΝΥ) displayed on the display in the second game is determined not only according to the number of characters giving the right to move to the second game, but it is determined so that it corresponds to the number of characters giving the right to switch to the second game, as well as the number of game means of payment, which have a monetary value (coins), on which the bets are made in the first game. Thus, additional diversity can be provided when determining the number of characters ANY (ΑΝΥ) displayed on the display in the second game. And a player can change the number of kinds of the ANY (ΑΝΥ) symbol displayed on the display in the second game, in accordance with his or her own intention, by increasing or decreasing the number of game means of payment that have a monetary value (coins) on which the bets are made in the first game, so the second game can be given strategic properties.

In addition, in the present invention, the number of special characters displayed on the display in the second game may be set so as to correspond to the number of predetermined characters contained in the characters stopped and displayed on the display during the first game.

For example, in the case when the number of characters giving the right to move to the second game, provided that this symbol is contained in the symbols stopped and displayed on the display during the first game, is 1, in the second game one cherry symbol can be displayed, and In the case when the number of characters giving the right to move to the second game, provided that this symbol is contained in the symbols stopped and displayed on the display during the first game, is 2, in the second game two cherry symbols can be displayed.

And as a predetermined symbol (for example, a symbol granting the right to move to the second game) in the first game and a special symbol (for example, the symbol ANY (ΑΝΥ)) in the second game the same symbol can be used (for example, the symbol of seven (7)).

In addition, the present invention can be applied in a slot game machine, which is described below.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a slot machine for gaming, which is another example of a slot machine according to the present invention.

Shown in FIG. 12, the slot machine 301 has a case 302, which forms a unified design of the slot machine 301. In the upper front part of this case 302, the upper liquid crystal display 303 is located, and in the center of the front part of the housing 302, the lower liquid crystal display 304. Here, the upper liquid crystal display 303 is made in the form of a conventional widely used liquid crystal display, and the lower liquid crystal display 304 is made in the form of a so-called transparent liquid crystal display. A detailed description of the design of the lower liquid crystal display is given below.

Under the lower liquid crystal display 304, there is a control table 305 protruding forward, and the following buttons are located on the control table 305: exchange button 306 (syapda), payout (cash disbursement button) 307 (cash) () and button 308 help (d), located in the specified order, starting from the leftmost side. And to the right of the help button 308 there is a slot 309 for inserting coins and a node 310 for inserting banknotes. In addition, the following buttons are located on the front side of the control table 305: single-rate button 1 (1-BET), rotation / repeat-rate button 312 (8ΡΙΝ / ΚΕΡΕΑΤ-ΒΕΤ) (below the abbreviated name of the rotation button), three-way button 313 ( 3-BET) and button 314 five-time bet (5-BET),

- 11 007527 located in the specified order, starting from the left side.

Here, the exchange button 306 is pressed to exchange a banknote inserted into the banknote insertion section 310 into coins, and these coins are discharged through the coin dispensing opening 315 formed in the coin tray 316 at the bottom of the housing 302. This exchange button 306 is attached switch 362 to exchange (an explanation of which is given below), and when the button 306 is pressed to exchange into the central processor 350 (described below), a switching signal from the output of the switch 362 is exchanged.

The payout button 307 is usually pressed at the end of the games, and when the payout button 307 is pressed, the payout of the coins received in the games is made through the hole 315 to pay out the coins that come into the coin tray 316. In this embodiment, payout is connected to the payout button 307 (payout (disbursement of cash)) (described below), and when the payout button 307 is pressed, the CPU 350 receives a switching signal from the output of the payout switch 363.

The help button 308 is pressed when the player cannot understand the game control method, and when the button 308 is pressed, the help on the upper liquid crystal display 303 or lower liquid crystal display 304 displays various reference information. A help switch 364 is attached to this help button 308 (described below), and when you press the help button 308, the switching signal from the output of the help switch 364 is sent to the central processor 350.

In the coin insertion slot 309, a coin sensor 365 (described below) is located, and the sensor 365, when inserting a coin into the coin insertion slot 309, outputs a coin detection signal to the central processor 350. And at the note insertion node 310 a banknote sensor 366 (which is described below) is located, and a banknote insertion unit 310 outputs a signal to the central processor 350 when a banknote is inserted into the banknote insertion unit 310 by means of the banknote sensor 366.

As for the single bet button 311 (1-BET), each time you press the single bet button 311 (1-BET) they bet one credit, and for placing bets, the single bet button 311 (1-BET) can be pressed down to 3 times that is the maximum number of clicks on it. A single bet (1-BET) switch 359 (1-BET) is connected to the single-bid button (1-BET), and a single bid (1-BET) from the single-bid switch 359 when the button 311 is pressed, and the single bid (1 -BOOK) output the switching signal to the central processor 350.

The rotation button 312 (κρίη) is a button, pressing which leads to the launch of games with the current number of bets or with the previous number of bets, thus starting the rotation of the reels 322 (described below). A rotation switch 358 is attached to the button 312 (described below), and when the button 312 is pressed, the rotation from the switch 358 rotates on the basis of the fact that the button 312 is pressed, the switch outputs the input to the central processor 350. In this variant, the number of bets that can be made by clicking on the spin button 312, there may be a number of bets equal to 1, 2, 3 and 5 bets.

The triple bet button 313 (3-BET) is a button used to launch triple bet games when it is pressed. A triple rate switch (3-BET) is attached to this button 313, a triple-rate switch 360 (described below), and when the triple-rate (3-BET) button 313 is pressed, the switch 350 receives a triple-rate switch from the output of the 360 switch. A button 314 five-bet (5-BET) is a button that serves to start games with a five-time bet when you click on it. A switch 361, a five-time rate (5-BET), is attached to the button 314, a five-time bet (5-BET), and when the button 314 is pressed, the five-time bet (5-BET) from the switch 361, a five-fold rate, entering the central processor 350.

In addition, a coin dispensing hole 315 is formed at the bottom of the housing 302, and there is also a coin tray 316 for collecting coins paid out from the coin dispensing hole 315. In the coin dispensing opening 315, a coin detector assembly 373 is located, consisting of a sensor, etc., and the coin detector assembly 373 records the number of coins paid out of the coin dispensing opening 315.

In addition, on the side (on the right side in FIG. 12) of the housing 302, there is a starting lever 317 capable of being rotated in a predetermined range of angles. A start switch 357 is connected to the start lever 317, and when the start lever 317 is rotated, a switch signal is received to the central processor 350, a trigger occurring at the output of the switch 357.

Below with reference to FIG. 13 and 14, a detailed description is given of the construction of the lower liquid crystal display 304 and the drums located in the housing 302 on the back side of the lower liquid crystal display 304 so that they are rotatable. FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the lower liquid-crystal display 304 and drums 322, and FIG. 14 on the form in the lane

- 12 007527 A spatially separated image shows the lower display 304 on liquid crystals.

As shown in FIG. 13 and 14, the lower liquid crystal display 304 is located inside the display window 321 on the front panel 320 of the device located in the front center part of the housing 302 of the slot machine 301, together with the transparent touch panel 330 (which is abbreviated below as the touch panel 330 ), located on the front side (in Fig. 13 on the left) of the lower liquid-crystal display 304. And on the back side (in Fig. 13 on the right) of the lower display 304, three drums 322 are located on liquid crystals (only one drum 322 is shown in Fig. 13) mounted on a support in a parallel state so that the drums 322 can rotate independently of each other friend

Each drum 322 is now described. Of these three reels 322, the left reel 322, when viewed from the front of the slot machine 301, is located opposite the left display window 323 (see FIG. 12) formed in the lower liquid crystal display 304 , the central drum 322 is located opposite the central display window 324 (see FIG. 12), similarly formed in the lower liquid crystal display 304, and the right drum 322 is located opposite the right display window 325 (see FIG. 12), similarly formed in the lower display 304 on liquid crystals. The design of each display window 323, 324, 325 is shown below.

In addition, various kinds of symbols are shown on the outer circumference of each drum 322, as shown in FIG. 15 (in Fig. 15 six kinds of symbols are shown). In particular, the following symbols are used as the kinds of symbols formed on the outer circumference of the reel 322, which are related to the content of the game played on the slot machine 301: the symbol AGYA (symbol equivalent to any symbol), the symbol of addition (rspb) . the symbol of the initiation of the bonus game (itddeg), the symbol of the red seven with a beauty (ΒΕΌ 7 \ νί11ι 1Нс ЬеаиЕМ ιιγ1), the symbol of a bundle of banknotes (L111 Hyptile) and the symbol of the gold coin (up to 1b hundred). And these six kinds of characters and spaces (spaces) (an area in which there is no character) are grouped based on a predetermined combination, and combinations are formed in which all characters and spaces are grouped (the total number of characters and spaces is 22). Such a combination consisting of symbols and spaces (the total number of which is equal to 22) is formed on the outer circumference of each drum 322.

Here, the various winning combinations are predetermined, taking into account the many variants of combinations of symbols, and when, when stopped on the activated pay line B (see FIG. 11), the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination occurs, then the coins are paid out of the hole 315 for payouts of coins in accordance with the winning combination. This is done in exactly the same way as in a conventional slot machine, so the description of these questions is omitted here. And the formation of symbols on the outer circumference of each drum 322 is usually carried out as follows. First, symbols and spaces are printed (the total number is 22) on a long sticker, the width and length of which coincide, respectively, with the width and length of the outer circumference of the drum 322. And this sticker is glued to the plane of the outer circumference of the drum 322. There is no doubt that symbols can be formed in a different way than the one described above. The alternating display of these symbols and spaces corresponding to the set of symbols in the first game is carried out by rotating the reels 322, and their display on the display in the stopped state is carried out by stopping the rotation of the reels 322.

In this embodiment of the invention, the pay line b is defined as relating only to the center line, and the visual display of this pay line b is performed on the lower liquid crystal display 304 during the game, namely, the first game, which is performed by rotating and stopping the drums 322 c. by pressing the button 312 rotation, the button 313 is a triple rate (3-BET) and the button 314 is a five-time rate (5-BET), or by turning the start lever 317.

In addition, the aforementioned bonus game initiation symbol acts as a means of obtaining eligibility for second games. In this embodiment of the invention, one bonus game initiation symbol is formed, located on the plane of the outer circumference of the right reel 322 only. The right to a second game can be obtained on the basis that, during the first game, this bonus game initiation symbol that exists on the right outer circumference plane drum 322, stopped on line b payments.

That is, a special condition for the second game is to stop the symbol of initiation of the bonus game on the payout line b.

The following is a description of the construction of the lower liquid crystal display 304 according to FIG. 13 and 14. As shown in FIG. 13 and 14, the lower liquid crystal display 304 has a structure that includes a touch panel 330, a drum glass base 331, a mandrel metal frame 332, a transparent liquid crystal panel 333, a liquid crystal panel holder 334, a diffuse scattering sheet 335, a light guide plate 336, white reflector 337, rear

- 13 007527 holder 338 and antistatic sheet 339 arranged in the indicated order, starting from the front side of the slot machine 301. In the diffuse-scattering sheet 335, three holes 335A, 335B and 335C are formed. In the light guide plate 336, in the reflector 337 and in the rear holder 338, there are similarly formed three holes, which are respectively the holes 336A, 336B, 336C, 337A, 337B, 337C and 338A, 338B, 338C, coinciding with the holes 335A335C. Here, the holes 335A-338A, being superimposed on one another in such a way that they coincide with each other, form the left display window 323 (see FIG. 12). Similarly, the holes 335B-338B, being superimposed on one another in such a way that they coincide with each other, form the central window 324 of the display (see FIG. 12), and the holes 335C-338C, being superimposed on one another, so that they coincide with each other, they form the right window 325 of the display (see Fig. 12).

Here, the holes 335A-335C in the diffuse-scattering sheet 335 and the holes 336A-336C in the light guide plate 336 form areas that are transparent to light radiation, which serve to provide visibility while performing alternate display of symbols when the reels 322 rotate.

As shown in FIG. 13, to attach the lower liquid crystal display 304 to the display window 321 provided in the front panel 320 of the device, serve as brackets 340, screwed with screws 341 to the back of the front panel 320 of the device.

And at the upper end and at the lower end of the light guide plate 336 there are two cold cathode cathode tubes 342 that serve as sources of light for the liquid crystal panel 333. And in the upper part and in the lower part from the back of each of the holes 338A-338C The back holder 338 has two cathode cathode tubes 342 that serve to illuminate the symbols on the outer circumference of each of the drums 322.

The liquid crystal panel 333 is a transparent electrical display panel on which transparent electrodes are formed, for example, from indium and tin oxides (ΙΤΟ), located in front of each of the drums 322, which can be seen through it. And from the back side, the holder 334 of the liquid crystal panel serves as a holder for that part of the liquid crystal panel 333, in which images are output along its perimeter. The light guide plate 336, made of an optically transparent polymer plate, and in the light guide plate 336 cutouts in the form of lenses are formed, while the aforementioned cutouts in the form of lenses direct light radiation from cold cathode tubes 342 to the back side of the liquid crystal panel 333 Diffuse-scattering sheet 335 is made of an optically transparent polymer sheet and diffuses the light radiation directed by the light guide plate 336, and ensures that NOSTA lighting the liquid crystal panel 333 by light radiation. The liquid crystal panel holder 334, which serves to secure the liquid crystal panel 333, the diffuse-diffusing sheet 335 and the light guide plate 336 are assembled as a single unit and inserted along the perimeter into the metal frame 332 of the mandrel. Thus, the front side of that portion of the liquid crystal panel 333 in which the images are output is held by the metal frame 332 of the mandrel.

The liquid crystal panel holder 334, the diffuse-diffusing sheet 335 and the light guide plate 335 inserted into the metal frame 332 of the mandrel and assembled as a single unit are then inserted along their perimeter into the base 331 for the glass of the drum and are held by the base 331 for the glass of the drum in the state in wherein the front side of the liquid crystal panel 333 to which the images are output is open. The touch panel 330 is pressed against the front side of the base 331 for the drum glass and is in contact with it by attaching the base 331 for the drum glass to the front panel 320 of the machine with screws 341, so the transparent touch panel 330 is superimposed on the front side liquid crystal panel 333, to which the output images.

The rear holder 338 is made of a white polymer plate and holds on the base for the drum glass a metal frame 332 of the mandrel, supported by the base 331 for the glass of the drum, the holder 334 of the liquid crystal panel, the holding liquid crystal panel 333, the diffuse-diffusing sheet 335 and the light guide plate 336 from their backs. The rear holder 338 also functions as a reflecting plate, which serves to reflect the light emission of the cathode-ray tubes 342 with a cold cathode into the light guide plate 336 in the direction of the liquid crystal panel 333. An antistatic sheet 339 is glued to the back plane of the rear holder 338 with a double-sided tape, which is transparent, thus, the back plane of each of the holes 338A-338C, formed in the rear holder 338, is covered with an antistatic sheet 339.

Below is a description of the structure of the control system in the slot machine 301, with reference to FIG. 16. In the block diagram of FIG. 16 schematically shows a control system available in a slot machine 301.

Shown in FIG. 16, the slot machine game control system, essentially with

- 14 007527 costs from the central processor 350, the ROM 351 and the RAM 352 connected to the central processor 350. The ROM 351 stores the game control program (described below), various accompanying effects programs, which serve to reproduce the various effects on the upper display 303 on liquid crystals and on the lower display and 304 on liquid crystals in accordance with the course of the games, a lottery program, which serves to hold a lottery on various winning combinations, various programs necessary to control Gaming slot machine 301 for playing in the slot, various data tables, etc. And RAM 352 is a memory device used to temporarily store various data calculated by the central processor 350.

The central processor 350 provides for conducting the first game based on various programs stored in the ROM 351, and provides for conducting the second game in the event that a special condition is fulfilled in the first game.

And the central processor 350 is connected to a clock pulse generator 353, used to generate reference clock pulses, and a frequency divider 354, as well as connected to a random number generator 355 and to a sampling circuit 356. The random number selected by the sampling scheme 356 is used in conducting various lotteries to determine the symbol for each and every reel 322, to create accompanying effects, etc. Here, the symbols that stopped on the pay line b are determined as follows. Namely, the range of random numbers corresponding to the symbols on each and every reel 322, and the random number extracted for each and every reel 322 from a predetermined interval of random numbers (for example, from 0 to 255), and the table of probability values when a lottery (not shown) is compared with each other. Thus, the characters are set by determining that the extracted random number is in the random number interval of a particular character. In addition, a start switch 357 connected to the start lever 317, a switch 358 rotation connected to the button 312 rotation, a switch 359 single rate (1-BET) connected to the button 311 single rate (1BET) are connected to the central processor 350, respectively. , switch 360 triple rate (3-BET), attached to the button 313 triple rate (3BET), switch 362 exchange (syaide), connected to button 306 exchange (syayide), switch 363 cash out (sa1yi1). attached to the button 307, the issuance of cash (Sakoyi!), and the switch 364 help (1е1р), connected to the button 308 help (1е1р). The CPU 350 controls the gaming machine 301 to play in a slot in such a way that it performs various operations corresponding to each of the buttons based on a switch signal from the output of each switch when these buttons are pressed.

In addition, a sensor 365 coins located in the slot 309 for inserting coins and a sensor 366 banknotes located in the node 310 for inserting banknotes are connected to the central processor 350, respectively. The coin sensor 365 detects the inserted coins received from the coin insertion slot 309, and the CPU 350 calculates the number of inserted coins based on the coin detection signal received from the output of the coin sensor 365. The banknote sensor 366 registers the type and denomination of the banknote inserted into the banknote insertion section 310, and the central processor 350 calculates the number of coins equivalent in monetary terms to the banknote nominal, based on the banknote detection signal received from the output of the banknote sensor 366.

The central processor 350 is connected to three stepper motors 368, serving to rotate each of the drums 322, through the motor control circuit 367, and also to the drum position detection circuit 369. When a motor starting signal is applied to the motor control circuit 367, the motor control circuit 367 drives each stepper motor 368 to rotate, thereby ensuring the rotation of each drum 322.

At this point, after each drum 322 has started to rotate, the number of control pulses supplied to each of the stepper motors 368 is calculated, and the calculated value is recorded in a predetermined area of RAM 352. And every one turn of the drum 322, a reset pulse is output, and this reset pulse is introduced into the central processor 350 through the drum position detection circuit 369. When a reset pulse is entered into the central processor 350, the calculated value recorded in RAM 352 is zeroed out, and the angular position of the symbols on the drum 322 is detected by the central processor 350 based on the calculated value corresponding to the angular position of the drum 322 within one revolution and a symbol table in which the mutual correspondence between the angular position of the drum 322 stored in the ROM 351 and the symbols formed on the plane of the outer circumference of the drum 322 is indicated.

A hopper 371 is connected to the central processor 350 through the bunker control circuit 370. When a control signal is received from the output of the central processor 350 to the bunker control circuit 370, the bunker 371 pays out a predetermined number of coins from the coin payout hole 315.

And the node 373 of the coin detector is connected to the central processor 350 through the signaling circuit 372

- 00 007527 on completion of payment. The coin detector unit 373 is located in the coin dispensing opening 315, and when the coin detector unit 373 detects that a predetermined number of coins have been paid out of the coin dispensing hole 315, then the coin completion unit output signal is sent from the coin detector unit 373 372 alarm on completion of payment. Based on this, the payout completion signaling circuit 372 outputs the payout completion signal to the central processor 350.

In addition, an upper liquid crystal display 303 is connected to the central processor 350 via a liquid crystal display control circuit 374 and a liquid crystal lower display 304 via a liquid crystal display control circuit 375. As well as with the central processor 350, a touch panel 330 is connected via a touch panel control circuit 376.

In addition, the LEDs 378 are connected to the central processor 350 via a LED control circuit 377. A plurality of LEDs 378 are located on the front plane of the slot machine 301, and the LEDs 378 are controlled in such a way as to ensure their activation based on control signals from central processor 350. In addition, a loudspeaker 380 and an audio output circuit 379 are connected to the central processor 350, and the loudspeaker 380 creates various sound effects when reproducing various accompanying effects based on the output signal from the audio output circuit 379. And provided the presence of an interface (I / F) 381 for the game on a progressive system, connected to the central processor 350.

In the slot machine 301, the slot symbols formed on the outer circumference of each drum 322 are alternately displayed by rotating the drum 322, and the symbols stopped and displayed on the display are obtained by stopping the rotation of the drum 322, thereby ensuring that the first game continues . The player can see and recognize alternately displayed symbols and symbols that are stopped and displayed on the display through the lower liquid crystal display 304, which is the so-called transparent liquid crystal display.

And in the case when, according to the result of the first game, the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the display, which is a predetermined combination of symbols, falls out, or in the case when the set of symbols, stopped and displayed on the display, includes the symbol of the initiation of the bonus game (see Fig. 15), then spend the second game. Since the content of the second game itself is the same as the content of the first game, and the content of the first game has already been explained, therefore, the explanation of the second game is not given here. In this embodiment, in the slot machine 301, the second game can be conducted on the upper liquid crystal display 303 or on the lower liquid crystal display 304. In addition, the second game can be conducted on each of the displays, which are the upper liquid crystal display 303 and the lower liquid crystal display 304.

In addition, the second game can be conducted on the three reels 322 on the upper liquid crystal display 303 and on the lower liquid crystal display 304. In this case, on the lower liquid crystal display 304, special symbols can be displayed so that they cover the symbols formed on the drums 322.

And in accordance with the result of the second game, the number of game means of payment that have a monetary value (for example, coins) paid to a player can be determined based on the number of coins that were bet on in the first game and on the number of points received in the second game. the game, as well as in the gaming machine 2. For example, as mentioned below, the total bonus reward (the so-called progressive bonus) is accumulated, which is common to many slot machines 301 for playing in the slot, and yplatu game media having a value in monetary terms, as a general bonus that is produced from the gaming machine 301 for the game in the slot in which the second game is obtained more points than a predetermined quantity.

Below, with reference to FIG. 17, a description is given of a progressive game system in which a plurality of slot machines 301 are connected to each other via the progressive game system interface 381, which is provided with each of the slot games 301. In the explanatory drawing of FIG. 17 schematically shows a system for conducting games on a progressive system.

In the group 382 of devices for playing on the progressive system shown in FIG. 17, a plurality of slot machines 301 (in this embodiment, four slot machines 301 for playing in the slot) are connected to the transmission control unit 384 of the progressive device 383 via the progressive game interface 381 with which each slot machine 301 is equipped for playing in the slot. Regarding the communication between the progressive device 383 and each slot machine 301, any of the communication methods can be used: a wired communication method and a wireless communication method. Thus, mutual communication can be provided between the progressive device 383 and each gaming machine 301 for playing in a slot through the node.

- 16 007527

384 transmission control.

The information transmitted to the progressive device 383 from each slot machine 301 is the following information: information about the inserted coins, on which bets are placed in each slot machine 301, the information about winnings, indicating that the first game was won or second game. And the information transmitted to each slot machine 301 for playing in the slot of the progressive device 383 is information about the total number of coins serving as a general bonus, which is common to each slot machine 301 for playing the slot.

This information about the total number of coins is transmitted from the progressive device 383 through the transmission control node 384 to each slot machine 301 to play in the slot and displayed on the upper liquid crystal display 303 of each slot machine 301 to play. And the node 385 for calculating the total number of coins that is part of the progressive device 383 summarizes the total bonuses based on the information about the inserted coins transferred from each slot machine 301 to play in the slot.

Here, in the case when in each of the slot machines 301 for playing in the slot in the first game or in the second game, any of the progressive bonuses is won, then the remainder of the number of coins corresponding to the total bonus won is the initial number of coins. And the above data on the number of coins, calculated by the device 385 calculating the total number of coins, is stored in the node 386 storing data about the total number of coins.

The progressive device 383, having the above-described construction, periodically transfers information about the total number of coins stored in the total number of coins data storage section 386 from the transfer control section 384 to each slot machine 301 for playing. And each slot machine 301 for playing in a slot, based on information about the total number of coins transferred from the progressive device 383, periodically compares information about the total number of coins transferred the last time with information about the total number of coins transferred at the current time. And in the event that the current value of the total number of coins is smaller than the previous total number of coins, then each slot machine 301 for playing the game sends a notification that the total bonus has been won, while the total number of coins has decreased.

If, in the aforementioned case, when playing with the alternate display of images corresponding to the second game, a predetermined win state is realized, for example, winning a big prize or a small prize, then game payment means having a value in money terms (for example, coins) can be obtained serving as a general bonus, accumulated from a variety of slot machines 301. Therefore, it is concluded that this awakens the competitive spirit of the other players, as a result of which an increase in interest in the second game and an increase in communication with it can be ensured. And the number of special characters displayed on the display during the second game is determined according to the number of predetermined characters contained in the characters stopped and displayed on the display during the first game, and this number of special characters influences the outcome of the second game. Consequently, an increase in interest not only in the second game, but also in the first game can be achieved, and the strengthening of the connection between them, respectively, an increase in interest in both games can be ensured.

Claims (8)

CLAIM 1. A gaming machine comprising a display having a first working portion of a display screen and a second working portion of a display screen; a first game controller providing a first game in which characters are scrolled in each of a plurality of rows in a first working portion of a display screen and a game result is determined in accordance with the presence of a character or combination of characters stopped and displayed in a first working portion of a display screen; a first determination device for determining whether a predetermined symbol is contained in the symbols stopped and displayed on the display during the first game or not; the second game controller, providing the second game, in which the characters in each of the plurality of rows are scrolled in the first working portion of the display screen in the case when the first determination device determines that the characters stopped and displayed on the display during the first game are contained in advance specified character; and a payout device serving to pay out game media in accordance with the outcome of the game in the first game or in the second game; the second game controller controls the display in such a way that it provides a visual display of a special character that characterizes the second game in the second working section of the display screen, and controls the payout device in such a way that provides payment of game media in that case when any of the characters stopped and displayed in the first working area of the display screen during the second game coincides with a special character. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, which also contains a second determination device, which is used to determine the number of types of a special character displayed in the second working portion of the display screen during the second game, in accordance with the number of predetermined characters contained in the characters stopped and displayed in the first working portion of the display screen during the first game. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, in which the number of types of a special character is increased in accordance with an increase in the number of predetermined characters. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, in which the probability of coincidence of any of the symbols stopped and displayed on the display during the second game with a special symbol increases in accordance with an increase in the number of types of a special symbol. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 2, which also comprises a lottery device used to conduct a lottery to extract a random number when determining the number of types of a special character, while the second game controller determines the number of types of a special character based on the number of special characters stopped and displayed on display at the first game, and a random number retrieved by the lottery device. 6. The gaming machine according to claim 2, which also comprises a counting device for counting the number of game media on which bets are made in the first game, wherein the second game controller determines the number of types of the special character based on the number of special characters stopped and displayed on the display during the first game, and the number of game media calculated by the counting device. 7. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the display comprises a display on which a plurality of reels is visually displayed, each of which contains symbols, such that the reels rotate and the symbols scroll. 8. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the display comprises a plurality of reels, on each of which symbols are formed, the reels being fixed in such a way that they can rotate, and in which the symbols are scrolled by rotating the reels.