EA007528B1 - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

It is disclosed a gaming machine comprising: a display device; a first game controller for executing a first game in which symbols are scrolled in each of plural rows on the display device and a game result is determined corresponding to the symbol or a symbol combination stopped and displayed on the display device; a determination device for determining whether or not a predetermined condition is realized in the first game; and a second game controller for executing a second game in which the symbols are scrolled in each of plural rows on the display device when the determination device determines that the predetermined condition is realized in the first game; wherein the second game controller substitutes one or more symbols displayed while being scrolled on the display device to one or more specific symbols each of which is replaceable by any one of all kinds of the symbols; and wherein the second game controller makes a probability capable of winning in the second game higher than a probability capable of winning in the first game and makes a payout rate in the second game higher than a payout rate in the first game.

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 met, then the second game is played according to other rules that differ from the rules of the first game.

Description of the Related Art

Typically, a gaming machine for a video version of playing in a slot and a gaming machine for playing in a slot (hereinafter, these devices are sometimes referred to simply as a gaming machine for playing in a slot and similar games) are widely known and popular gaming machines in which winning states are determined based on the presence of winning combinations and carry out the payment of coins, for example tokens, in accordance with the winning winning combination. In such a gaming machine for playing in a slot and similar games, when the trigger is actuated after the coins are inserted, the so-called first game is played. The first game is a game with alternately displaying images on the screen, in which many reels are rotated (for example, three reels), on the outer circumference of each of which there are many types of symbols, and scroll symbols, and in the case when the combination of symbols, which fell out when these reels stop, corresponds to a predetermined win state, a certain number of coins are paid, the number of which corresponds to the win state. For example, as a winning state in the first game, there is a so-called big prize, when won, more than 1000 coins are paid out, and a so-called small prize, when won, less than 1000 coins are paid out.

There is a gaming machine disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 11-244453, in which, as a winning state in the first game, there is a so-called right to the second game, while the second game can be implemented in a different way than providing a large prize or small prize, and if the winning state 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 according to different rules than the rules of the first game, and an example of this game is a game, commonly called a bonus game or a free game. In most cases, the second game is beneficial 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 a regular slot machine, the second game has a weak connection with the first game, therefore, this is not sufficient to increase interest in games so that the player does not get bored.

Disclosure of invention

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

To achieve the aforementioned goal, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine comprising a display;

a first game controller providing a first game in which symbols are scrolled in each of a plurality of rows on the aforementioned display and a game result is determined in accordance with the presence of a symbol or combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the aforementioned display;

a determination device for determining whether a predetermined condition is fulfilled in the first game or not; and a second game controller for conducting a second game in which symbols are scrolled in each of a plurality of rows on the aforementioned display in the case where the aforementioned determination device determines that the aforementioned predetermined condition is satisfied in the first game;

moreover, the aforementioned second game controller replaces one or more displayed characters when scrolling on the aforementioned display with one or more special characters, each of which can be replaced by any of all kinds of characters; and wherein the aforementioned second game controller provides in the second game a higher probability of winning than the probability of winning in the first game, and provides a higher payout rate in the second game than the payout rate in the first game.

According to the present invention, as a second game, a game is played with alternately displaying images on the screen, which is similar to the first game of the same type, under favorable conditions for the player that one or more special characters appear and the payout rate is increased. Thus, the connection between the first game and the second game can be improved, and interest in games can be increased. Therefore, during the second game, a higher hope of winning can be provided and the player’s emotional excitement is increased. And since the determination of whether a second game will be provided, conducted at more benefits

- Under conditions for a player, or not, they are carried out on the basis of the result of the first game, then interest in the first game and enthusiasm for it can be increased, due to which it is possible to increase interest in games.

Since in the embodiment described here, in which the number of special characters is determined by the second game controller based on the presence of a character or combination of characters that were stopped and visually displayed in the first game, the number of special characters used in the second game depends on the result in the first game, then the connection between the first game and the second game can be improved. Thus, interest in both the first game and the second game can be increased, and their enthusiasm in an increasing measure, and interest in the whole game as a whole can be increased.

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

The above and other objectives and novelty elements of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, it should be clearly understood that the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are intended to not limit the scope of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are included in and form part of this description, illustrate embodiments of the present invention, and together with the description they serve to explain the objectives, advantages and principles of the present invention.

The drawings show the following:

in FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing 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 a display control device with which the gaming machine of FIG. one;

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

in FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a win submission procedure performed in the main control circuit;

in FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a second game subroutine executed in a main control circuit;

in the explanatory drawing of FIG. 7 illustrates one example of a table for determining the number of characters ^ l0 (characters equivalent to any character) used in step 8110 of the routine of FIG. 6;

in the explanatory drawing of FIG. 8 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. 9 shows another example of a table for determining the number of characters ^ 1L0 (characters equivalent to any character) used in performing operation 8110 of the subroutine of FIG. 6;

in the explanatory drawing of FIG. 10 shows yet another example of a table for determining the number of characters ^ 1L0 (characters equivalent to any character) used in performing operation 8110 of the subroutine of FIG. 6;

in FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a gaming machine for playing in a slot, which is another embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention;

in FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a lower liquid crystal display and a drum that are provided with a gaming machine for playing in the slot of FIG. eleven;

in FIG. 13 is a perspective exploded perspective view showing a lower liquid crystal display that is provided with a gaming machine for playing in the slot of FIG. eleven;

in the explanatory drawing of FIG. 14 shows diagrammatically examples of symbols formed on the outer circumference of a drum;

in FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing in schematic form the structure of the electrical components of a gaming machine for playing in the slot of FIG. eleven; and in the explanatory drawing of FIG. 16 schematically shows a progressive gaming 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 described below, a gaming machine for a video embodiment of a game in a slot using the present invention is described, with the aforementioned embodiment of a gaming machine for a video version of playing in a slot is a preferred embodiment

- 2 007528 volume of the implementation of the gaming machine according to the present invention.

In FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing 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 plane is formed having a slight inclination in the backward direction relative to the vertical direction. On this inclined plane, two displays 32 are formed (upper display 32ϋ and lower display 32Ό) so that these two displays are located one above the other with respect to each other.

In this case, the gaming machine of the present invention does not have any particular restrictions on the number of displays, and it is not necessary that the design should have two displays (upper display 32ϋ and lower display 32Ό), which occurs in the gaming machine 2.

The screens 32 (upper display 32 (and lower display 32Ό) display images by which they display the first game or second game, and on displays 32 reflect the progress of both games: the first game and the second game. In games with alternately displaying images conducted as a first game and a second game, images of a plurality of symbols or characters used in a game similar to a game in a slot game played on a slot machine for playing a slot game are displayed on the upper display screen 32ϋ. , and pay lines, and the lower display 32Ό displays various images that create accompanying effects.

In this embodiment, images of a plurality of symbols and characters used in a game like a game in a slot played on a slot machine and paylines can be displayed on the lower display 32Ό, and various images creating accompanying effects can be displayed on the top display 32ϋ.

The aforementioned symbols and signs are visually displayed on the upper display 32ϋ in such a way that they seem to be located on the outer circumference of the reels represented in the form of 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 are scrolled in a predetermined direction at the time the game begins, and then at a predetermined point in time they are stopped and displayed on the display.

In addition, when you press switch 20 single bet (1-BET), switch 22 triple bet (3-BET) or switch 24 maximum bet (max1-bet-BET), the description of which is given below, the paylines corresponding to the pressed bet selection switch are activated . In this case, the present invention can be applied, for example, in a gaming machine for a video version of a game in a slot with five reels and nine pay lines.

In the case when the combination of symbols stopped on the activated pay line is a winning state corresponding to, for example, a large prize or a small prize, coins are paid out, the number of which corresponds to the winning state. And in the case when the combination of symbols that stopped on the activated pay line is a winning state corresponding to obtaining the right to a second game, then images displaying the second game are displayed on the screens 32 and then the second game is displayed on the display 32. A detailed description of the second game is given below.

The following is a description of a case in which a special condition on the basis of which the second game is played in the gaming machine 2 is that the combination of symbols stopped on the activated pay line corresponds to a win state representing the acquisition of the right to the second game. Here, as the aforementioned special condition, for example, one can indicate the case in which a particular symbol (for example, a joker symbol) is stopped and displayed on the display 32, the case in which a particular combination of characters (for example, a specific combination of characters in which four ace symbols located on one payline) a predetermined number of times (for example, five times) fell out, or the case in which a particular combination of symbols (for example, five seven characters (7) located on one line) fell out. Of course, the special condition is not limited to the above cases and can be set arbitrarily.

Under the lower display 32Ό, part 50 is formed, which is a base protruding in the horizontal direction, and on the upper left side of part 50, which is a base, there is a single bet switch 20 (1-BET), which serves to make a bet equal to one a coin of already inserted coins, switch 22 triple bet (3-BET), used to place a bet equal to three coins of already inserted coins, and switch 24 maximum bet (tah1tit-BET), used to place a bet on one game equal to the maximum number of coins from already inserted coins. Based on the fact of pressing the bet selection switch 20, 22 or 24, the pay lines are activated in accordance with which bet selection switch was pressed. And on the upper left side of the base portion 50, a rotation switch 25 is provided for starting a game. The player inserts coins through the slot 44 for inserting coins, the description of which is given below, and presses one of the bet selection switches 20, 22 or 24, thereby making a bet equal to a predetermined number of coins. Then, the player presses the rotation switch 25, thus starting

- 3,007528 games.

Behind the bet selection switches 20, 22, and 24 located on the upper left side of the base portion 50 is a control panel 42 made in the form of a plurality 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 base portion 50, 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 providing the possibility of playing a game.

And next to the slot 44 for inserting coins, a payout switch 48 is located, and when the payout switch 48 is pressed, 2 coins inserted into the gaming machine are paid out from the coin payout 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 equipped with an information lamp 56, which is turned on continuously or in a pulsed mode when a deviation from the normal mode of operation of the gaming machine 2 is detected, and the player calls the caretaker of the gambling establishment serving the gallery of gaming machines, and which is used to notify this caretaker of a gambling establishment about the presence in the gaming machine of 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 aforementioned switches, which are the single rate switch 20 (1BET), the triple rate switch 22 (3-BET), and the maximum rate switch 24 (max1CHETBET) 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 input-output 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, comprising a plurality of push buttons and a cross key, and a rotation switch 25 for starting a game, are connected to a group 62 of interface circuits 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.

The I / O bus 64 is designed to be capable of providing input and output of information signals or addressing signals. Despite the fact that in this embodiment, the central processor 66 transmits signals to external devices and receives signals from external devices via the bus, the central processor 66 can perform operations of transmitting and receiving signals through ports.

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

A payout switch 48 is connected to the aforementioned group of interface circuits 62, and when a player presses the payout switch 48, a predetermined signal received from its output is supplied to the I / O bus 64. Based on this signal, inserted coins are paid out from the hole 52 for paying out coins by the payout device 82, the description of which is given below.

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

A hard disk drive 74 is also connected to the I / O bus 64, and games programs and various data such as image data are stored on this hard disk drive 74. 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 non-volatile memory.

In addition, a random number generator 78, which is used to generate random numbers, is connected to the input / output bus 64. When you enter the random number generator 78 of the random number generation command received from the central processor 66, the random number generator 78 generates random numbers within a predetermined interval and outputs a signal, decrees

- 4 007528 value of the generated random number, which is fed to the I / O bus 64. And the central processor 66 provides the further conduct of the game in accordance with a random number obtained as a result of its generation. Then this random number is stored in RAM 70 in the form of data indicating the result of the lottery. In this embodiment, the random number generator 78 can be implemented, for example, by software in the form of a program stored in ROM 68 and in RAM 70.

In addition, a group 72 of interface circuits are 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 aforementioned devices depending on the result of the processing performed by the central processor 66. Information lamp 56 turn on in continuous or in 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 information, serving the gallery of gaming machines, and thus, the information lamp 56 notifies the gambling caretaker of a deviation from the normal operation of the gaming machine 2. As the information lamp 56, for example, the following devices can be used: LED, incandescent or fluorescent lamp lamp.

In addition, a 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 (upper display 32I and 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 that the gaming machine 2 of FIG. one.

An interface circuit 202 is connected to the input / output bus 204, and through this interface circuit 202, an image output command is sent to the input / output bus 204 from the output of 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 is carried out via the input / output bus 204. Despite the fact that in this embodiment of the invention, the central processor 206 transmits signals to external devices and receives signals from external devices via a bus, the central processor 206 can perform operations of transmitting and receiving signals through ports.

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

In addition, a video information processor 212 (hereinafter referred to as PVR (UER)) is also connected to the I / O bus 204. PVI 212 contains a sprite creation scheme, a screen content creation scheme, and a palette creation scheme, therefore, PVI 212 is a processing device capable of implementing various methods of displaying images on a display screen 32 (upper display 32i and lower display 32Ό).

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

The aforementioned central processor 206 reads and executes the display control program stored in the ROM 208 and stores in the video RAM 214 the image data displayed on the display screen 32 (the upper display 32I and the lower display 32Ό), in accordance with the command to display the images on the screen the display received from the output of the main control circuit 60. And the output of image data stored in the video RAM 214 to the display 32 (to the upper display 32I and to the lower display 32Ό) is carried out 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 which shown in FIG. 2 and 3.

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

In FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a method for conducting a first game executed in the main control circuit 60.

- 5 007528

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

First, it is determined whether a bet has been made in the form of coins or not (operation 811). In this operation, the central processor 66 determines whether a signal has been received indicating that the player has completed an operation to place a bet or not. In the event that it is determined that this signal has been received, the method proceeds to step 812, and otherwise, when it is determined that the above signal has not been received, the subroutine is completed.

The aforementioned operation to place a bet 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 bid (tah1tit-BET).

Then, it is determined whether the rotation switch 25, which was used to issue the game start command, was pressed or not (operation 812). In this operation, the CPU 66 determines whether a signal has been received indicating that the rotation switch 25 has been pressed by the player or not. In the event that it is determined that this signal has been received, the method proceeds to step 813, and otherwise, when it is determined that this signal has not been received, step 812 is performed again.

After that, the operation of conducting the internal lottery is performed (operation 813). In this operation, the central processor 66 issues a command indicating that the random number generator 78 is to generate random numbers, and the random number generator 78 generates random numbers based on the above command. And the central processor 66 stores the data about the internal lottery, determined on the basis of the obtained random number and the probability tables placed in the RAM 70, in the predetermined memory area of the RAM 70. In this embodiment, the data on the internal lottery contains data indicating the type of possible combination of stopped and the symbols shown on the display when you win a big prize or a small prize. And in the explanation below, the assumption is made that in ROM 70 a lottery table is set according to which the probability of winning a large prize is 1/1024, the probability of winning a small prize is 3/1024, and the probability of losing the prize (including obtaining the right to second game) is equal to 1020/1024.

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

Then perform the operation of rotation and visual display of the video reels (operation 814). In this operation, the central processor 66 transmits signals to the display control device 200 to trigger a game similar to playing in a slot on a gaming machine on the upper display 32I, i.e. rotate the video drums displayed on the screen of the upper display 32 and in the form of images. These signals contain symbol image data for setting a combination of symbols in a stopped state based on the above internal lottery data. Then, based on the aforementioned signals, the display control device 200 displays images of the video reels in the upper display 32I so that they appear to rotate, thereby starting to alternately display a plurality of characters. And during the first game, the display control device 200, based on the signals transmitted from the central processor 66, also performs the operation of displaying various images creating accompanying effects on the lower display screen 32Ό.

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

Then perform the operation of providing a win (operation 816). In this operation, the central processor 66 performs an operation for providing winnings based on stopped symbols, or a combination of symbols, or data about an internal lottery. A description of this winning operation is provided below. After completion of operation 816, the execution of the subroutine is completed.

In FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of an implementation of a winning method executed by a main control circuit 60.

This routine is a routine that is called when an opera

- 6 007528816 in the above routine shown in FIG. 4, and execute.

First, it is determined whether or not the symbols or combination of symbols that are stopped and displayed on the display is a winning state corresponding to obtaining a right to a second game or not (operation 821). In this operation, the central processor 66 determines whether the characters or combination of characters that are stopped and displayed on the display during step 815 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 4, mean that in the method they proceed to the second game or not.

If it is determined that the symbols or combination of symbols means that the method proceeds to the second game, the CPU 66 performs the second game operation (operation 822). In the second game, alternate visual display of the characters is carried out, 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 the payout rate in the form of game media with monetary value (coins) is set higher than the payout rate in the first game. Here, the second game can be played with inserted coins. A detailed description of the second game is given below.

Here, the aforementioned payout rate is defined as the expected value of the amount of game media with monetary value (coins) paid for a predetermined number of games (for example, for 100 games). This payout rate can, for example, be calculated on the basis of the measurement results of the paid amount of game media with monetary value (coins) for every 100 games and the average value of the measured values.

In the event that it is determined in step 821 that the characters or combination of characters that are stopped and displayed on the display do not mean that the method moves to the second game, then immediately after that it is determined whether the characters or combination of characters is a state winning a prize (a winning state of a large prize or a small prize) or not (operation 823). And in the event that it is determined that the symbols or combination of symbols that are stopped and displayed on the display is a prize winning state, 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 winning state that enter the coin collection tray 54 through the coin payout hole 52 (operation 824), for example, such that when the winning state is a large prize, then 1,000 coins are paid, and when the winning state is a small prize, 500 coins are paid. The subroutine is completed if it is determined in step 823 that the symbols or combination of symbols is not a prize winning state, or after the execution of operation 822 or operation 824. In the execution of the subroutines shown in FIG. 4 and 5, the main control circuit 60 functions as a first game controller.

In FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a method for conducting a second game executed by a main control circuit 60. This routine is a routine that is called and executed in step 822 of the routine shown in FIG. 5.

First, the central processor 66 determines the number of characters, each of which is replaced by an HUSH symbol (a symbol equivalent to any symbol), which serves as a special symbol from a plurality of symbols displayed on the display during the second game, which is a game with alternately displaying images on the screen ( operation 8110). This HUSCH symbol can replace any of all kinds of symbols displayed on the display during the second game.

For example, in the case when the winning state of a large prize is received when five seven (7) symbols are located on one payline, the winning state of a large prize is realized when there are five symbols on the one payline, consisting, in total, of the symbol (symbols ) HUSH and the symbol (s) seven (7).

And in the case when the state of winning a small prize is obtained when five symbols of the triple (3) appear on the same payline, the state of winning the small prize is realized if there are five symbols on one payment line, consisting, in total, of the symbol (s) HUSHP and triple character (s) (3).

It is not necessary here that the aforementioned special character can be replaced by any of all kinds of characters displayed on the second game, and it is sufficient that this particular character can be replaced by a plurality of kinds of characters.

Operation 8110 is performed, for example, based on a table for determining the number of HUSH symbols. shown in FIG. 7.

In the explanatory drawing of FIG. 7 illustrates one example of a character number determination table ’ΨΙΕΌ that is used in the operation 8110 of the routine of FIG. 6.

In the leftmost column of the ’ΨΙΕΌ character counting table, entitled combination of characters, the combinations of characters that are stopped and shown on the display are indicated

- 7 007528 howling game. In the center column of the table entitled HUSHE characters. indicated the number of characters of the HUSHE. each of which can be replaced by a symbol. representing one of many characters. displayed on the second game. And in the rightmost column. entitled probability of winning. types of probability value tables are indicated. located in RAM 70 at operation 8110.

For example. if the combination of characters is an ace. then the number of HUSHE symbols becomes equal to 3. At this moment, a table of probability values is placed in RAM 70. in which the probability of winning a large prize is 3/512. the probability of winning a small prize is 9/512. and the probability of that. that the state of winning will be the lack of winning. equal to 500/512.

For example. if the combination of characters is a jack (another combination of characters). then the number of HUSHE symbols becomes equal to 1. At this point, establish such a table of probability values. wherein. the probability of winning a big prize is 1/512. the probability of winning a small prize is 3/512. and the probability of that. that the state of winning will be the lack of winning. equal to 508/512.

Moreover, in the table of probability values. shown in FIG. 7. The probability of winning (the probability of winning a large prize and the probability of winning a small prize) is made greater. than the probability of winning the first game.

Immediately after operation 8110 is determined. whether the switch 25 rotation was pressed. serving to issue a game launch command. or not (operation 8112). In this operation, the central processor 66 determines. whether a signal was received. meaning that. that the player pressed the switch 25 rotation. or not. In that case. if determined. that this signal is received. then the method proceeds to operation 8113. otherwise. if determined. that this signal is not received. then operation 8112 is performed again.

Then perform the operation of conducting the internal lottery (operation 8113). In this operation, the central processor 66 instructs the random number generator 78 to generate random numbers. and a 78 random number generator. received the above command. generates random numbers. Then, the CPU 66 stores data about the internal lottery. calculated on the basis of the obtained random number and the table of probability values placed in RAM 70. as described above. in a predetermined memory area of RAM 70. Here, the data on the internal lottery contains data. indicating that possible combination of characters. paused and displayed. on the basis of which the fact of winning a large prize or a small prize is determined.

Then, the HUSHE symbol conversion operation is performed (operation 8120). In this operation 8120, the central processing unit 66 performs a conversion operation. in which the HUSHE symbol is replaced by any of the many symbols. displayed in this way. that they seem to be depicted on the outer circumference of each of the drums. given the number of characters of the HUSHE. determined during operation 8110. As for that. which character from the set of characters. displayed on the outer circumference of each of the reels. replaced by the HUSHE symbol. then this symbol. eg. can be determined based on a random number. which is generated by a 78 random number generator. Wherein. It’s not necessary to use the method. in which the symbol is replaced with a special symbol (HUSHE symbol). what is the case in this embodiment of the invention. but a method can be used. in which the symbol is stored as is. and this symbol is given the function of a special symbol (i.e., the function of. that this symbol can be replaced by many kinds of symbols).

Then perform the operation of rotation of the drums (operation 8114). In this rotation operation, the central processor 66 transmits a signal to the display device 200. providing the launch of the game. like a game in a slot on a slot machine. on the top display 32I. those. drums. displayed on the screen of the upper display 32I in the form of images. lead into rotation. This signal contains image data of characters. used to determine the combination of characters. when they stop and display. based on the above internal lottery data. Based on the aforementioned signal, the display control device 200 controls the upper display 32I in this way. which ensures the rotation of the drums on the upper display 32I. starting out. thus. alternate display of multiple characters. Besides. during the second game, the display control device 200 based on the signal. transferred from the Central processor 66. also performs the operation of displaying the lower display 32Ό various images. creating accompanying effects.

After that, the operation of displaying the reels in a stopped state (operation 8115) is performed. In this operation, the central processor 66 transmits a signal to the display device 200 to do so. to complete the game. like a game in a slot on a slot machine. i.e. 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 over a predetermined period of time. after which it stops and carries out

- 8 007528 the defeat of many characters on the display screen.

After performing operation 8115, the central processor 66 determines whether the stopped and displayed symbols or combination of symbols corresponds to a winning state that means winning a prize (large prize or small prize) or not (operation 8116). And, if it is determined that the stopped and displayed symbols or a combination of symbols corresponds to a winning state meaning winning a prize, the central processor 66 drives the payout device 82 so that it pays out a certain number of coins corresponding to the winning state that enter the tray 54 to collect coins through the hole 52 for paying coins (operation 8117), for example, in such a way that if the winning state is a big prize, then 1000 coins are paid out, and in nd if the winning state is a small pot, then make the payment of 500 coins. If it is determined in step 8116 that the symbols or combination of symbols is not a prize winning state, then the routine is completed. Here, when executing the routine shown in FIG. 6, the main control circuit 60 functions as a second game controller.

In the explanatory drawings of FIG. 8A-8G schematically show the images displayed on the screen of the upper display 32I and on the screen of the lower display 32Ό during execution of the routines shown in FIG. 4-6.

The images shown in FIG. 8A are an example of images displayed on the display screen 32 immediately after the end of the first game. An image showing a game similar to a game in a slot on a gaming machine with five (5) reels and nine (9) pay lines is displayed on the upper display 32I. This image shows the five (5) Ace symbols stopped and displayed on the display that have fallen on the center payline. And on the screen of the lower display 32Ό is displayed an image that creates an accompanying effect.

When the second game is started after this, the images shown in FIG. 8B.

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. 8A, which are displayed immediately after the end of the first game. An image showing a game similar to a game in a slot on a gaming machine with five (5) reels and nine (9) pay lines is displayed on the upper display screen 32i. This image shows three characters \ U1B0 and two characters seven (7). As mentioned above, since each of the symbols \ U1B0 can be replaced by any of all kinds of symbols, the combination of symbols consisting of these symbols of HUSHE and symbols of seven (7) creates a state of winning a big prize.

And the image that creates the accompanying effect, which is displayed on the screen of the lower display 32 изображение, contains an image indicating that a second game, called a bonus game, is currently being played, and an image indicating that the payout amount when winning a big prize is 1000 coins.

Another example of images displayed on the display screen 32 immediately after the end of the first game are the images shown in FIG. 8B. An image showing a game similar to a game in a slot on a gaming machine with five (5) reels and nine (9) pay lines is displayed on the upper display 32I. This image shows five (5) stopped and displayed jack symbols on the center pay line. And on the screen of the lower display 32Ό is displayed an image that creates an accompanying effect.

When the second game is started after this, the images shown in FIG. 8G.

These images show another example of the images displayed on the display screen 32 immediately after the end of the second game, and they are essentially the same as the images shown in FIG. 8B, which are displayed immediately after the end of the first game. An image is displayed on the upper display screen 32I showing a game similar to a game in a slot on a gaming machine with five (5) reels and nine (9) pay lines. This image shows one \ U1B0 character and four triple characters (3). As mentioned above, since each of the symbols \ U1B0 can be replaced by any of all types of symbols, a combination of symbols consisting of symbols \ U1B0 and three symbols (3) creates a winning state of a small prize.

And the image that creates the accompanying effect, which is displayed on the screen of the lower display 32 изображение, contains an image indicating that a second game, called a bonus game, is currently being played, and an image indicating that the payout amount when winning a small prize is 500 coins.

As mentioned above, according to the gaming machine 2, as the second game, a game is played with alternately displaying images similar to the first game, and the HUSHE symbol (special symbol) appears, due to which the payout rate becomes higher since the probability of winning a large prize is increased and a small prize, as a result of which the player can get favorable conditions for him. Therefore, communication between the first game and the second game can be enhanced, and interest in games can be increased, and accordingly, higher reliability can be provided.

- 9 007528 Yes, the player to win and increased his emotional arousal. And since it is decided whether to conduct the second game or not, the second game is carried out under more favorable conditions according to the result obtained in the first game, communication with the first game can be strengthened, therefore, an increase in interest in games can be ensured.

And the number of characters replaced by the symbol ΑΙΕΌ (a special character) is determined in accordance with the presence of characters or a combination of characters that are stopped and displayed on the display during the first game, thereby the communication between the first game and the second game can be improved, and due to synergy, there will be increased interest in both the first game and the second game, and improved communication between them, and increased interest in the whole game as a whole can be provided.

Despite the fact that in the aforementioned gaming machine 2, the kind of special character that other characters replace in the second game is determined based on the combination of characters stopped and displayed on the display during the first game, the number of special characters in the present invention can be set so that it corresponds only to the characters stopped and displayed during the first game, without taking into account the combination of characters stopped and displayed. For example, if a special character is contained in any of the sets of characters that are stopped and displayed on the display during the first game, then two characters are replaced with special characters, and if a special symbol is not contained in any of the sets of characters that are stopped and displayed on the first game, then a special character is replaced by one character.

In addition, in the present invention, the number of special characters that other characters replace in the second game need not be set so that it matches only the presence of characters or a combination of characters that are stopped and displayed on the first game.

In the present invention, the number of special characters that other characters replace in the second game can be set in such a way that it corresponds to the lottery result obtained by the lottery when determining the number of special characters in the second game, and characters or combinations of characters that are stopped and displayed on the first game. In this case, the lottery is carried out at the stage of operation 8110 (operations for determining the number of ASHO symbols). shown in FIG. 6, referring to the character number determination table ΑΙΕΌ shown in FIG. 9, and the number of characters ΑΙΕΌ, which replace other characters in the second game, can be set so that it matches the result of the lottery and the symbols or combination of characters that are stopped and displayed on the display during the first game.

In the explanatory drawing of FIG. 9 schematically shows another example of a character number determination table ΑΙΕΌ used in performing the subroutine operation 8110 of FIG. 6.

In the leftmost column of the character number determination table ΑΙΕΌ, entitled combination of characters, combinations of characters that are stopped and displayed on the first game are indicated. In the central column of the table, entitled the result of the lottery, the interval of values of a random number in the lottery is indicated. When drawing the aforementioned lottery, one random number is extracted from the range of random numbers from 0 to 63.

For example, in the case when the combination of characters is all the aces, and the result of the lottery draw is 1, the number of characters is equal to 3. In the case when the combination of characters are all jacks (a different combination of characters) and the result of the lottery draw is 47, the number characters ΑΙΕΌ is 2.

In this embodiment, a table of probability values corresponding to the number of characters ΑΙΕΌ determined in step 8110 is located in RAM 70, although this is not shown in FIG. 9. In addition, in the table of probability values placed in RAM 70 during the second game, a higher probability of winning prizes (probability of winning a large prize and probability of winning a small prize) is set than in the first game.

As mentioned above, the number of characters ΑΙΕΌ, which replace other characters in the second game, is determined not only according to the presence of characters or combinations of characters that are stopped and displayed on the display during the first game, but this number is determined so that it matches the presence of symbols or a combination of symbols, as well as the result of a lottery drawing obtained as a result of a lottery conducted thereafter. Thus, additional variety can be provided in determining the number of characters ΑΙΕΌ, which replace other characters in the second game, as a result of which interest in games can be increased.

And also, in the present invention, the number of special characters (ΑΙΕΌ characters), which replace other characters in the second game, can be determined so that it matches both parameters: the presence of characters or a combination of characters that are stopped and displayed on the first game, and the number of game media with a value in monetary terms (coins) on which bets are made in the first game.

- 10 007528

In this case, in step 8110 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 6, refer to the character counting table ^ 1L0 shown in FIG. 10, and the number of HUSHE symbols can be determined in accordance with the presence of symbols or a combination of symbols that are stopped and displayed on the display during the first game, and with the number of game media with monetary value (coins) on which bets are made in the first the game.

In the explanatory drawing of FIG. 10 shows yet another example of a character counting table ^ 1LO used in step 8110 of the routine of FIG. 6.

In the leftmost column of the table for determining the number of characters ^ 1LO, entitled combination of characters, the combination of characters that are stopped and displayed on the display during the first game is indicated. In the central column of the table entitled the number of bets in the first game, the range of values of the number of game media with value in monetary terms (coins) for which bets are made in the first game is indicated. In this case, bets can be made in the range from 1 to 45 units of game media with a value in monetary terms (coins). And the number of bets in FIG. 10 means the total number of bets made in the first game.

For example, if the combination of symbols is all the aces, and the number of bets in the first game is 10, then the number of symbols of HUSHE is 3. And if the combination of symbols is all jacks (a different combination of symbols), and the number of bets in the first game is 25, then the number of HUSHE characters is 2.

In this embodiment, a table of probability values corresponding to the number of characters ^ l0 determined in step 8110 is located in RAM 70, although this is not shown in FIG. 10. In addition, in the table of probability values placed in RAM 70 during the second game, a higher probability of winning prizes (probability of winning a large prize and probability of winning a small prize) is set than in the first game.

As mentioned above, the number of characters ^ 1LO, which replace other characters in the second game, is determined not only in accordance with the presence of characters or combinations of characters that are stopped and displayed on the display during the first game, but this number is determined so that it matches the presence of symbols or a combination of symbols, and the number of game media with a value in money terms (coins) on which bets are made in the first game. Thus, additional variety can be provided in determining the number of characters ^ l0, which replace other characters in the second game. And the player can change the number of symbols ^ 1LO, which replace other symbols in the second game, in accordance with his or her own intention, increasing or decreasing the number of game media with a value in money terms (coins) for which bets are made in the first game Therefore, the second game can be given strategic properties.

In addition, in the present invention, the number of special characters that other characters replace in the second game can be set so that it corresponds to the number of special characters stopped and displayed on the display during the first game.

For example, in the case when the number of special characters of the seven (7) stopped and displayed on the display during the first game is 3, the number of special characters that replace other characters in the second game may be 3, and in the case when the number of special characters of the seven (7), stopped and displayed on the display during the first game, is 5, the number of special characters that replace other characters in the second game can be equal to 5. According to this, the connection between the first game and the second game can be improved due to it can be ensured even greater increase in interest in the games.

In the gaming machine of the present invention, there are no particular restrictions imposed at that point in time at which the substitution of characters into a special character during a game with alternately displaying images on the screen as a second game. For example, this point in time may be the point in time when the symbols are stopped before the alternate display of a plurality of symbols, or that point in time when the symbols are stopped and displayed on the display after the beginning of their alternate display.

Despite the fact that when describing the gaming machine 2, an embodiment was explained in which the output of images on which the second game is displayed is carried out on the screens of the upper display 32I and the lower display 32Ό, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the output of images on which the second game is displayed , can be carried out on the screen of one of the displays: the upper display 32I or the lower display 32Ό. In addition, the gaming machine can be made in such a way that the image displaying the second game is displayed on the screen of each of the displays: the upper display 32i and the lower display 32Ό, and two second games can be played simultaneously.

In addition, the present invention can be applied in a gaming machine for playing in a slot, the description of which is given below.

- 11 007528

In FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a gaming machine for playing in a slot, which is another example of a gaming machine according to the present invention.

Shown in FIG. 11, the gaming machine 301 for playing in the slot has a housing 302 forming a single structure of the gaming machine 301. An upper liquid crystal display 303 is located in the upper front part of this housing 302, and a lower liquid crystal display 304 is located in the center of the front of the housing 302. 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 display 304 on the liquid crystals there is a control table 305 protruding forward, and on the control table 305 the following buttons are located: exchange button 306 (syapde), payout button 307 (cash out) (wow! (Thank you!)) And the button 308 help (He1p), located in the indicated order, starting from the far left 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, on the front side of the control table 305, there are the following buttons: single rate button 311 (1-BET), rotation button / repeat button 312 (8ΡΙΝ / ΒΕΡΕΑΤ-ΒΕΤ) (the rotation button has an abbreviated name below), triple rate button 313 ( 3-BET) and button 314 five-time rate (5-BET), located in the indicated order, starting from the left side.

Here, the exchange button 306 is pressed to exchange the banknote inserted in the banknote insertion unit 310 into coins, and the payment of these coins is carried out through the coin hole 315 to the coin tray 316 formed in the lower part of the housing 302. The exchange button 306 is attached to this button switch 362 exchange (the explanation of which is given below), and when you click on the button 306 exchange in the central processor 350 (the description of which is given below), a switching signal is received from the output of the switch 362 exchange.

The payout button 307 is usually pressed at the end of the games, and when the payout button 307 is pressed, the coins received in the games are paid out through the hole 315 to pay out the coins that enter the coin tray 316. In this embodiment, a payout switch 363 (cash withdrawal) is attached to the payout button 307 (the description of which is given below), and when the payout button 307 is pressed, a switching signal is received from the output of the payout switch 363 to the central processor 350.

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 on the lower liquid crystal display 304 displays various help information. A help switch 364 is attached to this help button 308 (the description of which is given below), and when the help button 308 is pressed, a switching signal is output from the output of the help switch 364 to the CPU 350.

In the slot 309 for inserting coins, a sensor 365 of coins is located (the description of which is given below), and by means of the sensor 365 coins, when inserting a coin into the slot 309 for inserting coins, a detection signal for the coin is supplied to the central processor 350. And in the node 310 for inserting banknotes a banknote sensor 366 is located (the description of which is given below), and by means of a banknote sensor 366, when a banknote is inserted into the banknote insertion unit 310, a banknote detection signal is output to the central processor 350.

As for the button 311 single bet (1-BET), then each time you press the button 311 single bet (1-BET) make a bet in one credit, and to place bets button 311 single bet (1-BET) can be pressed up to three times, which is the maximum number of clicks on it. A single rate switch (1-BET) is connected to button 311; a single rate switch 359 (1BET) is connected, and when a button 311 is pressed (1-BET) from a single rate switch 359, a single rate is pressed based on the fact that a single rate button (1-BET) is pressed ) carry out the output of the switching signal supplied to the Central processor 350.

The spin button (krsh) 312 is a button that, when pressed, starts games with the current number of bets or with the previous number of bets, thus starting the rotation of the reels 322 (the description of which is given below). A rotation switch 358 is attached to the rotation button 312 (the description of which is described below), and when the rotation button 312 is pressed from the rotation switch 358, based on the fact that the rotation button 31 is pressed, the switching signal is output to the central processor 350. In this embodiment, the number of bets that can be made by pressing the rotation button 312 may be the number of bets equal to 1, 2, 3 and 5 bets.

Button 313 triple bet (3-BET) is a button that serves to start games with a triple bet when you click on it. A triple bet 360 switch (3-BET) is connected to this button 313 triple bet (description of which is given below), and when the button 313 triple bet (3-BET) is pressed, the switching signal from the output of the triple bet switch 360 is received in the central processor 350. And the button 314 five-time rate (5-BET) is a button serving

- 12 007528 to start games with five-fold bets when you click on it. A switch 361 five times the rate (5-BET) is connected to the button 314 five-time rate (5BET), and when you press the button 314 a five-time rate (5-BET) from the switch 361 a five-time rate, based on the fact of pressing it, the switching signal arriving at central processing unit 350.

In addition, a hole 315 for paying out coins is formed in the lower part of the housing 302, and there is also a coin tray 316 for collecting coins paid out from the opening 315 for paying out coins. A coin detector unit 373 consisting of a sensor or the like is located in the coin payout hole 315, and a coin detector unit 373 registers the number of coins paid out from the coin payout hole 315.

In addition, on the side (on the right side in FIG. 11) of the housing 302 is a trigger lever 317 capable of pivoting 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 switching signal is generated at the output of the start switch 357 to the central processor 350.

Below with reference to FIG. 12 and 13, a detailed description is given of the structure of the lower liquid crystal display 304 and the drums located in the housing 302 from the rear side of the lower liquid crystal display 304 so that they are able to rotate. In FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a lower liquid crystal display 304 and drums 322, and FIG. 13 is a perspective exploded perspective view of a lower liquid crystal display 304.

As shown in FIG. 12 and 13, 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 central part of the housing 302 of the slot machine 301, together with a transparent touch panel 330 (which is hereinafter abbreviated as touch panel 330 ) located on the front side (in FIG. 12 on the left) of the lower liquid crystal display 304. And on the back side (in FIG. 12 to the right) of the lower liquid crystal display 304 there are three drums 322 (only one drum 322 is shown in FIG. 12) mounted on a support in a parallel state so that the drums 322 can rotate independently friend.

Now a description is given of each reel 322. 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. 11) formed in the lower liquid crystal display 304 , the central drum 322 is located opposite the central display window 324 (see FIG. 11), similarly formed in the lower liquid crystal display 304, and the right drum 322 is located opposite the right display window 325 (see FIG. 11), similarly formed in the lower liquid crystal display 304. A description of the design of each display window 323, 324, 325 is given below.

In addition, on the outer circumference of each drum 322, various kinds of symbols are shown, shown in FIG. 14 (six types of symbols are shown in FIG. 14). In particular, the following symbols are used as types 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 for playing the slot: the symbol \ U1BB (a symbol equivalent to any symbol), the complement symbol (re-buy !), the symbol of the initiation of the bonus game (1g1ddeg), the symbol of the red seven with a beauty (ΚΕΌ 7 \ νί11ι 1ее беаиИГи1 дй1), the symbol of the bundle of banknotes (b111 иппб1е) and the gold coin symbol (do1b honeycomb). 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 of characters and spaces (the total number of which is 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 symbol combinations, and in the case when, when stopping on the activated pay line b (see FIG. 11), the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination drops out, then coins are paid out from the opening 315 for payouts of coins in accordance with the winning combination. This is carried out in exactly the same way as in a conventional slot machine for playing in a slot, therefore, a description of these issues is omitted here. And the formation of characters on the outer circumference of each drum 322 is usually carried out as follows. First, they print characters and spaces (the total number of which 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. Undoubtedly, the symbols can be formed in a different way than the above method. Alternately displaying these symbols and spaces corresponding to the plurality of symbols in the first game is performed by rotating the reels 322, and their display on the display in a stopped state is carried out by stopping the rotation of the reels 322.

In this embodiment, the pay line b is defined as referring only to the center line, and a visual display of this pay line b is carried out on the lower dis

- 13 007528 player 304 on liquid crystals during the game, namely, the first game, which is carried out by rotating and stopping the reels 322 as a result of pressing the rotation button 312, triple rate (3-BET) on button 313 and five-time rate on button 314 (5-BET), or by turning the start lever 317.

In addition, the aforementioned bonus game initiation symbol acts as a means of acquiring a right to second games. In this embodiment of the invention, one bonus game triggering symbol is formed, located on the outer circumference plane of just the right reel 322. The right to a second game can be obtained on the basis of the fact that during the first game this bonus game triggering symbol is available on the right circumference plane drum 322 stopped at the pay line b.

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

The following is a description of the design of the lower liquid crystal display 304 of FIG. 12 and 13. As shown in FIG. 12 and 13, the lower liquid crystal display 304 has a structure including 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 diffusion sheet 335, a light guide plate 336, a white reflector 337, a rear holder 338 and an antistatic sheet 339 arranged in this order, starting from the front side of the slot machine 301. Three holes 335A, 335B, and 335C are formed in the diffuse scattering sheet 335. Three holes are similarly formed in the light guide plate 336, in the reflector 337 and in the rear holder 338, which are, respectively, holes 336A, 336B, 336C, 337A, 337B, 337C and 338A, 338B, 338C, matching the holes 335A335C. Here, the openings 335A-338A, being superimposed on one another so that they coincide with each other, form the left display window 323 (see Fig. 11).

Similarly, holes 335B-338B, being superimposed one on top of another so that they coincide with each other, form a central display window 324 (see FIG. 11), and holes 335C-338C, when superimposed one on top of the other, so that they coincide with each other, form the right window 325 of the display (see Fig. 11).

Here, the openings 335A-335C in the diffusely scattering sheet 335 and the openings 336A-336C in the light guide plate 336 form light-transparent regions serving to provide visibility during alternate symbol display during the rotation of the reels 322.

As shown in FIG. 12, brackets 340 fastened with screws 341 to the rear of the front panel 320 of the device are used to attach the lower liquid crystal display 304 to the display window 321 provided on 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 ray tubes 342 serving as light sources for the liquid crystal panel 333. And in the upper part and lower part of the back side of each of the holes 338A-338C in the rear holder 338 are two cold cathode cathode ray tubes 342 serving to illuminate the symbols on the outer circumference of each of the reels 322.

The liquid crystal panel 333 is a transparent electric indicator panel on which transparent electrodes are formed, for example of indium and tin oxides (ΙΤΟ), located in front of each of the drums 322, which can be seen through it. And on 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 located along its perimeter. A light guide plate 336 made of an optically transparent polymer plate, and lens cutouts are formed in the light guide plate 336, wherein the aforementioned lens cutouts direct light from cold-cathode cathode ray tubes 342 located at the edges to the rear side of the liquid crystal panels 333. The diffusion diffuser sheet 335 is made of an optically transparent polymer sheet and scatters the light radiation directed by the light guide plate 336, and ensures even NOSTA lighting the liquid crystal panel 333 by light radiation. A liquid crystal panel holder 334 for mounting the liquid crystal panel 333, a diffuse diffusion sheet 335, and a light guide plate 336 are assembled as a single unit and inserted around the perimeter into a metal frame 332 of the mandrel. Thus, the front side of that part of the liquid crystal panel 333 in which the image is output is held by the mandrel metal frame 332.

An LCD panel holder 334, a diffuse diffusion sheet 335 and a 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 drum glass base 331 and held in the drum glass base 331 in a state in wherein the front side of the liquid crystal panel 333 to which the image output is carried out is open. The touch panel 330 is pressed against the front side of the drum glass base 331 and is in contact with it due to the fact that

- 14 007528 the base 331 for the glass of the drum is attached to the front panel 320 of the machine with screws 341, thus, the transparent touch panel 330 is superimposed on the front side of the liquid crystal panel 333, which carry out the image output.

The back holder 338 is made of a white polymer plate and holds on the drum glass base 331 a mandrel metal frame 332, which is supported by the drum glass base 331, a liquid crystal panel holder 334, a liquid crystal panel holding 333, a diffusely diffusing sheet 335 and a light guide plate 336 from their backs. The rear holder 338 also functions as a reflective plate serving to reflect the light from the cold cathode cathode ray tubes 342 into the light guide plate 336 in the direction of the liquid crystal panel 333. An anti-static sheet 339 is glued to the rear plane of the rear holder 338 by 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.

The following is a description of the structure of the control system in the slot machine 301 for playing in the slot with reference to FIG. 15. In the block diagram of FIG. 15 schematically shows the control system available in the slot machine 301.

Shown in FIG. 15, the gaming machine control system for playing in a slot essentially consists of a central processor 350, ROM 351 and RAM 352 connected to a central processor 350. The game management program (described below), various programs for creating accompanying effects are stored in ROM 351 serving to reproduce various effects on the upper liquid crystal display 303 and on the lower liquid crystal display 304 in accordance with the course of the games, a lottery program serving to conduct the lottery for various winnings ryshny combinations, various programs necessary to control the slot machine 301 for playing in the slot, various data tables, etc. And RAM 352 is a storage device for temporarily storing various data calculated by the central processor 350.

The central processor 350 provides a first game based on various programs stored in the ROM 351, and provides a second game when a special condition is met in the first game.

And the central processor 350 is connected to a clock generator 353, which serves to generate reference clock pulses, and to a frequency divider 354, and is also connected to a random number generator 355 and to a sampling circuit 356. The random number selected by the sampling circuit 356 is used when conducting various lotteries to determine the symbol by draw for each and every reel 322, to create accompanying effects, etc. Here, the symbols stopped on the pay line L are determined as follows. Namely, a range of random numbers corresponding to the symbols on each reel 322 is predetermined, and a random number extracted for each reel 322 without exception from a predetermined range of random numbers (for example, from 0-255), and a table of probability values with a lottery (not shown in the drawing) are compared with each other. Thus, the characters are determined by judging that the extracted random number is in the range of random numbers of a particular character. In addition, the start switch 357 connected to the start lever 317, the rotation switch 358 connected to the rotation button 312, the single rate switch 359 (1-BET) attached to the single rate button 311 (1- BET), switch 360 triple rate (3-BET), attached to button 313 triple rate (3-BET), switch 362 exchange (syaide), attached to button 306 exchange (syaide), switch 363 cash withdrawal (sakyo!) attached to the button 307 cash withdrawal money (sayuSh). and a switch 364 help (e1p) attached to the button 308 help (e1p). The central processor 350 controls the gaming machine 301 for playing in the slot in such a manner that it performs various operations corresponding to each of the buttons based on a switching signal from the output of each of the switches when these buttons are pressed.

In addition, with the central processor 350, respectively, a coin sensor 365 located in the coin insertion slot 309 and a banknote sensor 366 located in the banknote insertion unit 310 are respectively connected. The coin sensor 365 detects inserted coins coming 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 365 coin. The banknote sensor 366 registers the type and denomination of the banknote inserted in the banknote insertion assembly 310, and the central processor 350 calculates the number of coins equivalent in monetary terms to the banknote face value 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, used to rotate each of the drums 322, through a motor control circuit 367, as well as a drum position registration circuit 369. When applying to the circuit 367 control electric motor signal

- 15 007528 starting the electric motors, the motor control circuit 367 drives each stepping motor 368 to rotate, thereby providing 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 written to a predetermined area of RAM 352. And through each one revolution of the drum 322, a reset pulse is output, and this reset pulse is introduced into the central processor 350 through the drum position recording circuit 369. When a reset pulse is inputted to the central processor 350, the calculated value recorded in the RAM 352 is reset to zero, and the angular position of the symbols on the drum 322 is recognized by the central processor 350 based on the calculated value corresponding to the angular position of the drum 322 within one revolution and the symbol table in which Mutual correspondence of 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 hopper control circuit 370. In the event that a control signal is received from the output of the central processor 350 to the hopper control circuit 370, the hopper 371 pays a predetermined number of coins from the coin payout hole 315.

And the coin detector assembly 373 is connected to the central processor 350 via a payout completion signaling circuit 372. The coin detector unit 373 is located in the coin payout hole 315, and when the coin detector unit 373 detects that a predetermined number of coins has been paid out from the coin payout hole 315, a payout completion signal is output from the coin detector unit 373, which is fed to the circuit 372 payout completion alarms. Based on this, the payout completion signaling circuitry 372 outputs a 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, as well as a lower liquid crystal display 304 via a liquid crystal display control circuit 375. Also, a touch panel 330 is connected to the central processor 350 via a touch panel control circuit 376.

In addition, LEDs 378 are connected to the central processor 350 via the LED control circuit 377. A plurality of LEDs 378 are located on the front plane of the gaming machine 301 for playing the slot, and the LEDs 378 are controlled in such a way as to enable them based on control signals from a central processor 350. In addition, a speaker 380 and a sound output circuit 379 are connected to the central processor 350, and the speaker 380 produces various sound effects when reproducing various accompanying effects based on the output signal coming from the sound output circuitry 379. And there is an interface (I / F) 381 for playing a progressive system connected to a central processor 350.

In the gaming machine 301 for playing in the slot, the symbols formed on the outer circumference of each reel 322 are alternately displayed by rotating the reel 322, and the symbols stopped and displayed on the display are obtained by stopping the rotation of the reel 322, thereby ensuring the further progress of the first game . 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, a combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the display appears, which is a predetermined combination of symbols, or in the case when the set of symbols stopped and displayed on the display includes a bonus game initiation symbol (see Fig. 14), 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, an explanation of the second game is not given here. In this embodiment, in the gaming machine 301 for playing in the slot, a second game can be played on the upper liquid crystal display 303 or on the lower liquid crystal display 304. In addition, a second game can be played on each of the displays, which are the upper liquid crystal display 303 and the lower liquid crystal display 304.

In addition, a second game can be played on 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, particular symbols may be displayed so that they obscure the symbols formed on the reels 322.

And in accordance with the result of the second game, the number of game media with a value in money terms (for example, coins) paid to the player based on the number of coins on which bets were made in the first game and the number of points received in the second can be determined the game, as well as in the gaming machine 2. For example, as mentioned below, accumulate the total prize reward (bonus) (the so-called progressive bonus),

- 16 007528 which is common for many gaming machines 301 for playing in a slot, and payment of gaming media having a value in money terms is made as a general bonus from that gaming machine 301 for playing in a slot on which a larger amount is received in the second game points than their predetermined number.

Below, with reference to FIG. 16, a description is given of a progressive gaming system in which a plurality of slot machines 301 for playing in a slot are connected to each other via a progressive system gaming interface 381 that is provided with each of the slot machines 301 for playing in a slot. In the explanatory drawing of FIG. 16 schematically shows a progressive gaming system.

In the group 382 of game devices according to the progressive system shown in FIG. 16, a plurality of slot machines 301 for playing in a slot (in this embodiment four four slot machines 301 for playing in a slot) are connected to the transmission control unit 384 of the progressive device 383 via the progressive game interface 381 that each gaming machine 301 is provided with for playing in the slot. As for the communication between the progressive device 383 and each gaming machine 301 for playing in a slot, any of the communication methods may be used: a wired communication method and a wireless communication method. In this way, mutual communication between the progressive device 383 and each gaming machine 301 for playing in the slot through the transmission control unit 384 can be ensured.

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

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

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

The progressive device 383 having the above construction periodically transmits information about the total number of coins stored in the data storage unit 386 about the total number of coins from the transmission control unit 384 to each gaming machine 301 for playing in the slot. And each gaming machine 301 for playing in the slot, based on information on the total number of coins transmitted from the progressive device 383, periodically compares information on the total number of coins transmitted last time with information on the total number of coins transmitted at the current time. And in the event that the current value of the total number of coins is less than the previous total number of coins, then each slot machine 301 for playing in the slot 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 alternately displaying images corresponding to the second game, a predetermined winning state is realized, for example, winning a big prize or a small prize, then game means of payment having a monetary value (for example, coins) can be obtained, serving as a general bonus accumulated from a plurality of slot machines 301 for playing in a slot. Therefore, they conclude that this arouses 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 that other characters replace in the second game is determined in accordance with the presence of characters or a combination of characters stopped and displayed on the display during the first game, and this number of special characters affects the outcome of the second game. Therefore, there can be an increase in interest not only in the second game, but also in the first game, and an increase in communication between them, respectively, an increase in interest in both games can be ensured.

Claims (9)

CLAIM 1. A gaming machine containing a display; a first game controller providing a first game in which symbols are scrolled in each of a plurality of rows on a display and a game result is determined in accordance with the presence of a symbol or a combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the display; a determination device for determining whether a predetermined condition is fulfilled in the first game or not; and a second game controller, providing a second game, in which the characters in each of the plurality of rows on the display are scrolled when the device determines that a predetermined condition is fulfilled in the first game; moreover, the second game controller replaces one or more displayed characters when they are scrolled on the display by one or more special characters, each of which can be replaced by any of all kinds of characters; and while the second game controller provides in the second game a higher probability of winning than the probability of winning in the first game, and provides a higher payout rate in the second game than the payout rate in the first game. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, in which the second game controller determines the number of special characters based on the presence of a character or combination of characters stopped and displayed on the display during the first game. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, in which the probability of winning in the second game is set in accordance with the number of special characters. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, in which each of the payout tariffs: the payout rate in the first game and the payout rate in the second game is determined by the expected value of the amount of game media paid for a predetermined number of games. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 2, in which the probability of winning in the second game is increased in accordance with an increase in the number of special characters. 6. 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 special characters; wherein the second game controller determines the number of special characters based on the presence of a character or a combination of characters stopped and displayed on the display during the first game, and a random number retrieved by the lottery device. 7. The gaming machine according to claim 2, which also comprises a counting device used to count the number of game media on which bets are made in the first game; wherein the second game controller determines the number of special characters based on the presence of the character or combination of characters stopped and displayed on the display during the first game and the number of game media calculated by the counting device. 8. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the display comprises a display on which a plurality of reels are visually displayed, each of which contains symbols, such that the reels rotate and the symbols scroll. 9. The gaming machine according to claim 1, in which 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.