EA010444B1 - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A slot machine includes a main display, a spin switch and a processor. The main display is provided with variable displays for variably displaying, and the spin switch is provided so that a player can perform a start operation for causing the main display to start variably displaying. The processor determines whether the player performs an in-time start operation in which the player performs an operation with the spin switch within a time limit after a last game ends. The processor provides the player with an award if the in-time start operation is performed.

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with a function of variable display of a plurality of symbols.

The level of technology

Slot machines are traditionally known as slot machines in which payment means are paid, such as tokens and coins used in the game, according to the details of the win in the game.

The slot machine implements the function of varying the display of a plurality of symbols by means of a plurality of mechanical drums, each of which has a plurality of images on the outer surface, or by means of an image displaying device that displays images showing a plurality of drums (the drums displayed by the images are also called “pseudo-drums”). When a player performs a predetermined operation, the slot machine causes the reels to start alternately displaying symbols. In accordance with the combination of symbols displayed on the predetermined activated pay line at the time when the reels are stopped, the player can understand whether or not the game is won and what the winning combination is.

For example, in Japanese Laid-Open Application No. 2004-329297, a slot machine is disclosed that includes a plurality of independent reels constituting a display area. The slot machine variablely displays the symbols of the reels simultaneously with the start of the game when the player acts and stops the reels at a predetermined point in time after the expiration of a predetermined time.

When a player starts a game, the gaming machine remains occupied by the player until the player stops playing, regardless of the number of games, with the result that other players cannot play games. It is desirable for galleries with installed slot machines to ensure that a large number of games take place regardless of who plays the games. This can be achieved by reducing the time between games.

Summary of Invention

However, since the operation to start a game is an operation of a rotation switch pressed by the player, in conventional slot machines it is difficult to increase the number of games played while the machines are occupied by players who continue to play games slowly.

To overcome the above problem, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can induce a player to reduce the interval between start operations, thus increasing the number of games played per unit of time.

In accordance with the present invention, a gaming machine includes a variable display means, a working means, a determining means and a reward providing means. An alternating display means includes a plurality of variable-display parts for varying display of symbols. The work tool prompts the variable display means to start the variable display of symbols. The determining means determines whether the player performs a timely starting operation for prompting the variable-displaying means to start the variable display of the symbols by the working means before the elapsed time measured after the end of the game exceeds the time limit. The reward providing means provides the player with remuneration if the determining means determines that the player has performed a timely starting operation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the complete structure of the slot machine, which is a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a slot machine with an emphasis on the representation of the internal structure.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal structure of an image control circuit.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the main process from the start to the end of the game in the slot machine.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the starting input process.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the main gameplay.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the bonus game process.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the operation procedure of the start-up process in the modified example.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure for operating the reward process in a modified example.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the operation procedure of the start-up process in the modified example.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the game value detection process in the modified example.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the process of providing a change management reward in a modified example.

- 1 010444

FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of game processing images displayed on the main display device.

FIG. 14 is a view showing an example of images displaying a time notification image other than that shown in FIG. 13, on the main display device.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a slot machine with rotating drums in accordance with a modified example.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the structure of the reels in a rotating slot machine.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the schematic structure of a liquid crystal display device in a slot machine with rotating drums, as seen from the back side of its body.

Further, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be disclosed in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, identical or equivalent parts are denoted by identical numbers.

The complete structure of the slot machine

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the complete structure of the slot machine 1. Slot Machine 1 is a gaming machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention and is designed to allow execution of a variable display game (also called a “slot game”), with using variably displayed images of multiple characters for variable display. The slot machine 1 has not only the main game mode for playing the main game, which starts regardless of the conditions after the game start, but also a special game mode for playing the bonus game, which starts under a predetermined condition after the main game. In a special game mode, a doubling game can be performed, which will be explained further.

The slot machine 1 has a main display device 3 equipped with a liquid crystal display device at the front end of the housing 2. The slot machine 1 also has an auxiliary display device 4, similarly provided with a liquid crystal display device on the upper side of the main display device 3.

The main display device 3 is a variable display means according to the present invention, the variable display area 15 being substantially in the center of the screen. The variable display area 15 has five variable-display parts 15A, 15B, 15C, 15Ό, 15E, arranged in a horizontal row. In the main game mode, the main display device 3 alternately displays characters by displaying scrolling image displays, as if a plurality of characters are moving down (images on the drum, visible, as if mechanical drums rotate) in the variable display sections 15A15E of the variable display area 15. The main display device 3 also has a time notification part 16 for displaying an image of a time notification, which will be described later, on the lower side of the variable display area 15, thus forming a time notification means of the present invention.

The auxiliary display device 4 displays game-related images, such as pay tables and explanations regarding games (for example, explanations of game content).

The slot machine 1 is provided with a substantially horizontal work table 11 on the lower side of the main display device 3. The work table 11 is equipped with a coin slot 6, a slot 7 for banknotes, a rotation switch 8, a switch 9 1-BET, a maximum switch 10 BETTING

A coin slot 6 is provided for the player to deposit coins for the stakes in the games, and includes a coin depositing sensor 6a (see FIG. 2) for issuing a signal indicative of the coin insertion. A slot 7 for depositing bills is provided for the player to deposit bills, and includes a billing sensor 7a (see FIG. 2) for issuing a signal indicating the deposit of bills. The rotation switch 8 is the operating means of the present invention and provides the main CPU 32, which will be disclosed further, with a start signal during a push operation (start operation) to start the game “in slot” by starting the variable display of symbols on the alternately displaying parts 15A-15E. A 1-BET switch 9 is provided for executing a single coin by one transaction. A maximum BET switch 10 is provided to perform a setup for betting on the maximum number of coins that can be bet on in a single game in a single operation.

In the lower part of the housing 2, the slot machine 1 is provided with a groove 13 for paying out coins and a coin tray 14 for collecting paid coins. In addition, loudspeakers 12b, 12k. located on the left and right sides of the groove 13 for the payment of coins, respectively.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the slot machine 1 with an emphasis on the internal structure. The slot machine 1 includes a plurality of elements concentrated in the microcomputer 31, which constitute the processor of the slot machine 1 along with various circuits 36, 37, 59, 61, 63, 65, 71 and 72, which

- 2 010444 rye will be described later.

The microcomputer 31 includes a main CPU (central processing unit) 32, a RAM (random access memory) 33, and a ROM (read-only memory) 34. The main CPU 32 acts as various means of characterizing the present invention in accordance with programs stored in the ROM 34 , and inputs signals to other constituent elements / outputs signals from other constituent elements via an input / output port 39, thereby controlling the operations of the slot machine 1, as a whole. The RAM 33 stores data and used programs when the main CPU 32 is running. For example, after the game has started, the RAM 33 temporarily holds the value of the random number selected by the sampling circuit 36, which will be described later. The ROM 34 stores persistent data and programs executed by the main CPU 32.

The slot machine 1 also includes a random number generator 35, a sampling circuit 36, a clock generation circuit 37, and a divider 38. The random number generator 35 operates as prescribed by the main CPU 32 so as to generate random numbers in a constant range. As prescribed by the main CPU 32, the sampling circuit 36 randomly selects a random number from the random numbers generated by the random number generator 35 and delivers the random number thus chosen to the main CPU 32. The clock generation circuit 37 produces a reference clock signal for driving the main CPU 32, while divider 38 supplies the main CPU 32 with a signal obtained by dividing the reference clock signal by a predetermined period.

The slot machine 1 further includes a touch panel 3a, a lamp driving circuit 59, a lamp 60, an LED driving circuit 61, a LED 62 driving circuit, a hopper driving circuit 63, a hopper 64, a payout completion signal circuit 65 and block 66 coin detection. The slot machine 1 also includes an image control circuit 71 and a sound control circuit 72.

The touch panel 3 a is provided so as to cover the display screen of the main display device 3, detects a location touched by a player’s finger, and provides a position signal corresponding to the thus detected location to the main CPU 32. The lamp driving circuit 59 outputs a signal to the lamp 60 to turn on the lamp 60 and ensures that the lamp 60 flashes during game play. This blinking performs special effects for games. The LED driving circuit 61 controls the flashing of the LED 62. The LED 62 displays the number of credited coins, the number of coins purchased, etc. The hopper activation circuit 63 drives the hopper 64 under the control of the main CPU 32, while the hopper 64 performs the operation to pay out the coins so as to pay the coins from the pay-out chute to the coin tray 14. The coin detection part 66 counts the number of coins paid by the hopper 64 , and reports data on the counted amount per payout completion circuit 65. The payout completion signal circuit 65 receives data on the number of coins from the coin detection part 66 and sends a signal to the main CPU 32 notifying that the coins have been paid out when the number of coins reaches a predetermined number.

The image control circuit 71 controls the corresponding image display devices in the main display device 3 and the sub display device 4 to cause the main display device 3 and the sub display device 4 to display variable display images of a plurality of symbols for variable display and various images, such as of time.

As shown in FIG. 3, the image control circuit 71 includes an image control CPU 71a, a work RAM 71b, a program ROM 71c, an image ROM 716, a video RAM 71e, and a VDP (video display processor) 7I. In accordance with the parameters set by the microcomputer 31, the image control CPU 71a determines images to be displayed on the main display device 3 and the sub display device 4 according to the image control program (relative to the displays on the main display device 3 and the sub display device 4) previously stored in the program ROM 71c. The work RAM 71b is implemented as a temporary storage means used when the image control CPU 71a executes an image control program.

The program ROM 71c stores the image control program, various selection tables, etc. The image ROM 716 stores point data for imaging. In this embodiment, the dot data includes character image data showing corresponding symbols used in the main game and the bonus game. Video RAM 71e is built as a temporary storage tool used when images are generated by the VDP 7I. VDP 7I includes control RAM 71d. This VDP 71G generates images in accordance with the corresponding content that is to be displayed on the main display device 3 and the auxiliary display device 4 defined by the image control CPU 71a, and outputs the thus-formed images to the main display device 3 and the auxiliary display device 4.

The sound control circuit 72 provides beeps to the speakers 12b, 12b to cause the speakers 12b, 12b to produce sounds. Loudspeakers 12b, 12v give sounds to

- 3 010444 make the game more enjoyable.

Slot machine operation details

The details of the operations of the slot machine 1 thus executed will be further explained with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIG. 4-7. As shown in FIG. 4, the slot machine 1 initially executes the base game process following the starting input process, and then executes the bonus game process under a given condition.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the order of operation of the main process from the beginning to the end of the game in the slot machine 1, while FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the start-up process. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the main game process, while FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the bonus game process. FIG. 4-7 stages are abbreviated as 8.

In the slot machine 1, the main CPU 32 acts as a means of controlling the progress of the game, thus controlling the progress of the game. When the main process is started, as shown in FIG. 4, the slot machine 1 performs the starting entry process in step 1 and then executes the base game process in step 2, maintaining the game mode in the base game mode, whereby the main CPU 32 proceeds to step 3. In step 3, the main CPU 32 acts as a means of determining the transition to determine whether or not to transfer the game mode to a special game mode in accordance with the transition condition for transferring the game mode to a special game mode. If the transition condition is satisfied here so that the transition is allowed, the main CPU 32 acts as a translation means, thus proceeding to step 4, in order to transfer the game mode to a special game mode, and then to step 5. If the transition condition is not satisfied, the main CPU 32 proceeds to step 5 without performing step 4. In step 5, the main process ends when the coin payout process corresponding to the winning combination is completed if the main game or bonus game is won (i.e., the main CPU 32 instructs the circuit 63 when SIC in the coin payout hopper operation in accordance with information about the amount of payment, indicating the amount of coins obtained by the player, so that the hopper 64 pays out coins circuit 65 and a payout completion signal signal is input into the main CPU 32). The coin payout process can update the loan information according to the payout information. In this case, the payment of coins is performed by activating the not shown calculation button after the end of the game. In the following description, the details of the individual blocks will be disclosed.

First, the slot machine 1 executes the starting input process in step 1 in accordance with the block circuit shown in FIG. 5. At the start of the start-up process, the main CPU 32 proceeds to step 11 to perform display control with respect to the game original image, thus instructing the image control circuit 71 to show the game original image on the main display device 3. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the main display device 3 shows the game original image 18, including the variable display area 15, the time notification part 16 and the counter part 17.

As mentioned above, the variable display area 15 has five variable-display parts 15A-15E arranged in a horizontal row. The time notification part 16 displays a time notification image. The time notification image is an image showing the expiration of the time after the end of the previous game and the time limit to the extent that they are recognizable by the player. Additionally, the time notification image is formed by the moving image 16a and the outline image 16b. The moving image 16a is an image of an inverted triangle, which is seen as moving to the right as time passes. The outline image 16b is a horizontal image shaped like a stick. The moving image 16b, when it reaches the right end of the outline image 16b, indicates that the time elapsed after the end of the game reaches the time limit and that the time after it is outside the time limit. A moving image 16a located somewhere outside the right end indicates that it is within the time limit.

Part 17 with a counter displays the number of coins received by the player, the number of coins saved as a loan, and the number of coins used as a bet.

At step 12, following step 11, the slot machine 1, under the control of the main CPU 32, performs time notification control in order to instruct the image control circuit 71 to make the main display device 3 a notification of the elapsed time and time limit. Then, the moving image 16a begins to move from the left end of the outline image 16b, thus showing an image that is recognized as if the moving image 16 moves from left to right along the outline image 16b as time elapses. The time notification image has the function of prompting the player to press the rotation switch 8 before the moving image 16a reaches the right end of the outline image 16b. Namely, the time notification image functions to induce the player to perform a timely starting operation within the time limit.

After instructing the image control circuit 71, the main CPU 32 proceeds to step 13

- 4 010444 so as to accept coins contributed by the player. Since the slot machine 1 is a coin-type gaming machine, the player initially deposits coins that are designed to play a single game into the coin slot 6 and controls the 1-BET switch 9 or the maximum BET switch 10 when there is credit.

When any of these operations (hereinafter referred to as the “coin depositing operation”) is completed, the main CPU 32 proceeds to step 14 and waits for the start signal to be input through the start operation caused by pressing the rotation switch 8. When the start operation is completed and the start signal is input, the main CPU 32 proceeds to step 15 and acts as the determining means of the present invention. The main CPU 32 determines whether a timely start operation is performed before the elapsed time, which is measured after the end of the game (the previous game), exceeds the time limit. Thus, the main CPU 32 determines whether a start signal is input before the moving image 16a reaches the right end of the outline image 16b. If the timely start operation is performed, that is, if the start operation is performed within the time limit, the main CPU 32 proceeds to step 16; otherwise, it ends the start-up process without performing step 16 and the subsequent step 17. At step 16, the main CPU 32 acts as a reward providing means to perform the process of providing the player with a favorable reward.

Here, examples of remuneration include the advantage of switching to the bonus game and the advantage of increasing the number of coins to be paid. In the case of a transition to a bonus game, the reward process establishes a predetermined data element in the bonus flag indicating the transition to the bonus game. Otherwise, in the case of an increase in the number of coins to be paid, the process of providing a reward adds an amount corresponding to the amount of increase to the information on the amount of the payout. The player can also be given certain slot games related to the reward, and the rewards can be provided in other modes as long as they are useful to the player. The following explanation refers to the case where the reward process is performed by setting a predetermined data element (1 in this embodiment) in the award flag.

In the next step 17, the main CPU 32 acts as a remuneration notification management tool for managing the remuneration notification notification, thereby causing notification on the reward to be provided on the main display device 3. For example, the main CPU 32 instructs the image control circuit 71 so that the main display device 3 displays an image that issues a message saying “Lucky !! Get a Special Bonus! ” This player is informed that reward is given.

When the start entry process ends, the main CPU 32 proceeds to step 2 of FIG. 4 and performs the base game process in accordance with the flowchart shown in FIG. 6. When the base game process begins, the main CPU 32 proceeds to step 21, thereby performing the base game lottery process. In the base game lottery process, the main CPU 32 acts as a symbol-determining means, thus performing the symbol determination process. In the process of determining the symbol, the main CPU 32 determines the corresponding symbols (hereinafter referred to as “stop symbols”) displayed stationary in the stopped state in the vertical centers of the variable display portions 15A-15E by stopping the variable display apparatus. The definition of the corresponding stop symbols in the variable display portions 15A-15E fixes symbols represented on the upper and lower sides of the stop symbols, so that the three symbols are displayed in the stopped state in each of the variable display portions 15A-15E. During the lottery process of the main game in the slot machine 1, the main CPU 32 instructs the image control circuit 71 so as to cause the auxiliary display device 4 to display images for the direction of the game.

During the main game lottery, when the main CPU 32 detects the player’s starting action by means of a starting signal (that is, when the game is started), the main CPU 32 instructs the random number generator 35 to generate random numbers in a fixed range. In addition, the main CPU 32 instructs the sampling circuit 36 to randomly select a random number from those random numbers generated by the random number generator 35. When a random number is selected, the main CPU 32 refers to an undefined character definition table (which is a table storing character code numbers in combination with random numbers) stored in ROM 34, using the selected random number as a search key, and obtaining the code number of the corresponding character.

Then, specifying the code number thus obtained as a search key, the main CPU 32 accesses the not shown stop table (the table storing the character code numbers in conjunction with their respective characters) and searches for the corresponding stop symbols displayed in the stopped state in the variable display parts 15A- 15E in the variable display area 15.

- 5 010444

When the corresponding stop symbols in the variable-mapping portions 15A-15E are shown fixed, the main CPU 32 determines whether or not the win is achieved by referring to the win definition table stored in the ROM 34. In the win definition table, any of the winning symbol combinations and losing ones are recorded (losing ) character combinations in combination with code number combinations (hereinafter referred to as “code number samples”) in such a way that the gain or loss is distinguishable. Since the sample code numbers corresponding to the stopped characters have already been determined, the main CPU 32 refers to the win definition table, setting the sample code number corresponding to the combination of characters organized along the working (effective) line as the search key and determines or not winnings.

Following this, the main CPU 32 refers to the combination table and executes the process of determining the winning combination to determine the winning combination (which is also called simply “combination”) in order to make a payment decision. The combination table is used to determine the winning mode (winning combination) and registers the corresponding payouts in accordance with the individual winning combinations. When the process of determining the winning combination ends, the lottery process of the main game ends.

When the scrolling process begins in step 22, the scrolling process of the variable display of a plurality of symbols in the variable display portions 15A-15E is performed on the main display device 3. Then, in step 23, the main CPU 32 performs a stop control process to slow down the scroll speed, by calling in each of the variable-mapping parts 15A-15E a display of three characters, including a stop symbol corresponding to the result of the base game lottery process in step 21. When each of the variable-mapping xparts 15A-15E shows three characters, including the stop symbol after the completed stage 23, the base game process ends.

When the main game process ends, the main CPU 32 proceeds to step 3 of FIG. 4, to determine whether or not the transition condition for transitioning the game mode to the specific game mode is satisfied. If the transition condition is satisfied, the main CPU 32 acts as a switching means for transferring the game mode to the special game mode. In step 3, since slot machine 1 provides reward by setting a predetermined data element (“1” in this embodiment) in the award flag, the main CPU 32 determines that the transition is allowed if the predetermined data element is specified in the award flag. Thus, the slot machine 1 in this embodiment proceeds to the bonus game regardless of the stop symbols. Of course, whether or not a transition is allowed, it can be determined according to the fact that with respect to particular characters on the variable display parts 15A-15E, it is determined that they are stop symbols for the transition condition in addition to the condition mentioned above, so that the transition depends on stop symbols, or whether the transition is allowed or not, may be determined by other conditions. When the game mode shifts to the specific game mode, processing continues at step 4 where the bonus game process is performed.

Bonus game process

If the main CPU 32 determines that the game mode can move from the main game mode to the special game mode, so that the bonus game process begins, the free game, executable without player actions, having the same details as in the main game, repeats in advance a certain number of times (which is 10 in this embodiment, but may be more).

When the bonus game process begins, the main CPU 32 proceeds to step 31, as shown in FIG. 7, so as to complete the bonus game lottery process. The bonus game lottery process performs a predetermined number of lottery processes similar to the base game process in step 21, so as to determine the stop symbols in the variable display parts 15A-15E, as well as to determine whether the game is won or not by a predetermined number. In this bonus lottery process, the bonus counter is set to an initial value (“1”) indicating the number of bonus games held.

Then, the main CPU 32 proceeds to step 32 so as to execute the scrolling process as in step 22. Thereafter, in step 33, a stop control process similar to that performed in step 23 is performed to show the number of stop symbols in variable display parts 15A-15E. corresponding to the bonus counter as a result of the bonus lottery process in step 31. In step 33, the bonus counter is updated by adding “1” to it.

Following this, in step 34, the main CPU 32 determines whether the bonus counter exceeds a predetermined amount or not, and ends the bonus game process if the bonus counter exceeds a predetermined amount; otherwise, the main CPU 32 returns to step 31 and repeats steps 31-34.

As in the previous one, slot machine 1 sets the “1” in the award flag when the starting operation with the rotation switch 8 is performed within the time limit in accordance with the time notification image, and at a later stage determines that the transition condition to the premium

- 6 010444 is satisfied with the game, whereby the player is given a bonus game reward when the spin switch 8 is pressed within the time limit in the time notification image. Therefore, the slot machine 1 may cause the player to perform a starting operation within the time limit in accordance with the elapsed time and the time limit communicated to the player, so as to shorten the interval between the starting operations, whereby the number of games played in a single time interval can be increased .

Modified example

At the remuneration step, at step 16 shown in FIG. 5, “1” is set in the award flag as soon as the timely start operation is completed, corresponding to the time notification image. In this modified example, “1” is set in the award flag when many timely starting operations are performed sequentially. In this case, it will suffice if the start-up input process is performed in accordance with the flowchart shown in FIG. 8. This starting input process differs from that shown in FIG. 5 in that step 160 is performed instead of steps 16, 17, and in that another step 18 is performed.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the reward management process in step 160. When starting the reward management process, the main CPU 32 proceeds to step 171 so as to add “1” to the quantity counter indicating the number of timely start operations. Following this, the main CPU 32 proceeds to step 172 so as to act as a means of counting the number of starting operations, thus determining whether or not the counter reaches the number of a predetermined number (for example, "3"). The main CPU 32 terminates the reward management process if the quantity counter does not reach the predetermined quantity; otherwise, the main CPU 32 resets the quantity counter and proceeds to step 16. The main CPU 32 then acts as a reward providing means to perform the aforementioned remuneration process and the process for managing the notification of the reward condition as step 17 following it, thus ending the reward management process.

If the starting operation is not performed within the time limit in accordance with the time notification image in step 15 shown in FIG. 8, the main CPU 32 proceeds to step 18 so as to reset the quantity counter. Thus, the number is counted only when the timely starting operations are performed sequentially; otherwise, the value of the quantity counter is cleared.

In this way, the slot machine 1, in accordance with this modified example, provides a reward when timely start operations, each of which is performed within the time limit in accordance with the time notification image, are performed sequentially and thus can cause the player to further reduce the interval between starting operations, thus speeding up the game. Therefore, the number of games played in a single time interval can be increased.

During the start-up process, this modified example modifies at least one of the resolution resolution of the expiration of the time and time limit, the content of the reward and the point in time of the notification in accordance with the usage rate in a single time interval of the game value used to start the game, for example coins deposited during a single time interval. In this case, it will suffice if the start-up input process is performed in accordance with the flowchart shown in FIG. 10. This starting input process differs from that shown in FIG. 5 in that step 120 is performed instead of step 12, and in that step 19 is performed between steps 11 and 120. There are also differences in that step 20 is performed between steps 13 and 14, and that the process of providing variable remuneration for step 161 is performed instead of steps 16 and 17.

At the start of the start-up process, the main CPU 32 proceeds to step 19, following step 11, mentioned above, to act as the changing means of the present invention, thus performing the process of managing the change in reward. Subsequently, the main CPU 32 executes the time notification control process in step 120. The main CPU 32 then performs step 13, as mentioned above, then proceeds to step 20 to act as the detecting means of the present invention, thereby performing the game value detection process. After that, the main CPU 32 executes steps 14 and 15, as mentioned above. Following this, the main CPU 32 proceeds to step 161 so as to carry out the process of providing variable reward, thus ending the process of starting input.

When the game value discovery process starts by going to step 20, the main CPU 32 proceeds to step 191, as shown in FIG. 11 to act as a detecting agent according to the present invention. Then, the main CPU 32 adds to the game value counter the number of coins deposited or the credit utilization rate in coin deposit operations for a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes). Then, the main CPU 32 calculates the usage rate in a unit time interval based on the value of the game value counter. Following this, the main CPU 32 proceeds to step 192 so as to act as a means of determining game value

- 7 010444 STI, thus determining whether or not the counter reaches the number of a predetermined quantity (for example, “100”). If the usage rate is less than a predetermined value, the main CPU 32 ends the game value detection process. If the game value amount counter has at least a predetermined value, the main CPU 32 proceeds to step 193 so as to set a predetermined data element (eg, “1”) in the reward flag to change the content related to the reward, and then ends the process of discovering game value.

At the start of the reward change management process by moving to step 19 shown in FIG. 10, the main CPU 10 proceeds forward to step 181, as shown in FIG. 12 to act as a detecting agent according to the present invention. Then, the main CPU 32 determines whether or not “1” is set in the reward flag by means of the detection of game value. The main CPU 32 ends the reward change control process if “1” is not set in the reward flag, while the main CPU 32 proceeds to step 182 if “1” is set in the reward flag. At step 182, the main CPU 32 instructs the sampling circuit 36 to randomly select a random number from those random numbers generated by the random number generator 35. In accordance with an arbitrary random number, the main CPU 32 sets predetermined data elements in flags A, B and C of the change in remuneration. For example, “1” is set in the A change flag, while any of the set of values “1”, “2”, ... is set in the B and C flags of the change in reward. After setting the aforementioned data in flags AC of the reward change, the main CPU 32 ends the reward change control process.

At step 120, shown in FIG. 10, the main CPU 32 decides whether or not to perform the notification of the elapsed time and time limit in accordance with the A-flag changes of remuneration. Namely, the main CPU 32 determines whether or not “1” is set in the A change flag of the reward. The main CPU 32 ends the time notification management process if “1” is not set in the A change of remuneration flag A, and executes the aforementioned time notification process if “1” is set in the reward change A flag A.

Following this, at step 120, the main CPU 32 changes the notification time according to the value of the compensation change flag B. Namely, the main CPU 32 determines whether or not any value is set in the B change compensation flag. If no value is set in the reward change flag B, the main CPU 32 ends the time notification control process. If any value is set in the reward change flag B, the main CPU 32 changes the aforementioned time notice of the elapsed time and time limit in accordance with the value of the reward change flag B. For example, the main CPU 32 immediately executes the aforementioned time notification process if “1” is set in the reward change flag B, and the main CPU 32 performs the aforementioned time notification process 2 seconds later if in the reward change flag B is set to “2”. The main CPU 32 may perform a time notification process as in step 12, mentioned above, if “1” is set in the compensation change flag B. In addition, the main CPU 32 may perform a time notification process in which the time limit could become half the limit in step 12 if “2” is set in the B change compensation flag.

At step 161, in accordance with the value of the reward change flag C, the main CPU 32 changes the content of the reward which is provided. Namely, the main CPU 32 determines whether or not any value is set in the compensation change flag C. If no value is set in the reward change flag C, the main CPU 32 ends the time notification control process. If a value is set in the reward change flag C, the main CPU 32 alters the content of the reward for the aforementioned remuneration process in accordance with the value of the reward change flag C. For example, according to the value of the reward change flag C, the main CPU 32 selects one reward from advantages such as the aforementioned transition to the bonus game and an increase in the number of coins to be paid, and performs the aforementioned reward security process.

Since at least one of (a) the resolution of the notification of the elapsed time and time limit, (b) the content of the remuneration and (c) the point in time of the notification is changed in accordance with the usage rate in a single time interval of the game value used to start the game, this modified An example may induce a player to play a game, taking into account the rate of use in a single time interval of the game value used to start the game, whereby the number of games played in a single time interval It can be increased.

The time notification image may be a “smiley image” 21 displaying a smiling face, shown in FIG. 14. When notifying about the elapsed time and time limit with a smiley image 21, a smiley image 21 is made luminous or blinking (alternately displayed bright and dark) in a state where the elapsed time is within the time limit, but not in the state when the elapsed time is has reached a time limit. These functions

- 8 010444 time notification images are intended to induce the player to press the rotation switch 8 while the smiley image 21 is on or flashing. In this case, it will suffice if the premium flag is set when the player presses the spin switch 8, while the image of 21 appears or blinks.

Although the elapsed time and time limit is indicated by displaying an image of a time notification on the main display device 3 in the aforementioned embodiment, they can be reported by flashes, which periodically illuminate the entire screen for an instant, or by audible signals emitted from loudspeakers 12b, 12B.

Although the slot machine 1, in which the variable display means is formed by the main display device 3 showing the images representing the drums, is presented as an example, the present invention can also be used in a rotary drum slot machine having a plurality of mechanical drums on each of which drawn a lot of characters and which make up the variable display means.

This rotary drum slot machine has a drum unit in which three mechanical drums 103L, 103C, 103B shown in FIG. 16 and 17 are mounted in a horizontal row rotatably, and the liquid crystal display device 141 is located on the front side of the drums 103L, 103C, 103B, closing them in the housing 2, for example. The drums 103L, 103C, 103B have corresponding drum elements, on the lateral front sides of each of which a set of symbols is drawn and which are rotated by a stepper motor, not shown in the drawing, mounted inside.

The liquid crystal display device 141 includes a transparent glass sheet 142 and a display plate 143; liquid crystal panel 144; light guide plate 145; reflective film 146; fluorescent lamps 147a, 147b, 148a, 148b, which are sources of white light; lamp holders 149a-149y and a flexible substrate (not shown), which is connected to the contact part of the liquid crystal panel 144, and built with a table media package (PTN, TCP) with an integrated IC for activating the liquid crystal panel 144.

The liquid crystal panel 144 is usually made white to display white (light is transmitted to the side of the display surface and is visible from the outside) in a state where no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal (the liquid crystal is not engaged), whereby the drums 103b, 103c, 103b are visible from the front. The light guide panel 145 is provided to direct light from the fluorescent lamps 147a, 147b to the liquid crystal panel 144. A reflective film 146 is provided to reflect light entering the light guide panel 145 towards the front end of the light guide panel 145, and has a reflecting area 146A and non-reflecting areas 146BB, 146BC, 146BB as a light transmitting part that transmits the incident light through itself without reflecting it. The non-reflecting areas 146ВБ, 146ВС, 146ВВ are arranged in front of three symbols arranged in a vertical row, appearing when the corresponding drums 103b, 103c, 103b are stopped.

When the reels 103L, 103C, 103B are rotated, a plurality of symbols drawn on their front sides are variably displayed in the slot-machine with rotating reels which are thus made. Accordingly, the reels 103L, 103C, 103B comprise the variable-display parts of the present invention, while the drum-block 103 constitutes the variable-display means. The liquid crystal display device 141 constitutes a time notification means for notifying the elapsed time and time limit by displaying an image of the time notification. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, the time notification part 16 is arranged on the lower side of the variable display area 15, where the drums 103L, 103C, 103B of the liquid crystal display device 141 are visible.

The foregoing embodiments of the present invention are explained on the basis of the slot machine 1. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the number of variable display parts is not limited to 3 and 5. Although each variable display part displays three characters arranged in a vertical row, one character can be displayed.

In addition, although some examples are explained as remuneration to be provided by the main CPU (reward providing means), the present invention is not limited to the preceding examples.

For example, the aforementioned symbol definition table, in which the code numbers of symbols in combination with random numbers are stored, can be changed into a so-called “special paytable”, which makes it possible to more easily reward the player with the best winning combinations. Thus, the distribution of random numbers in the special paytable is changed in favor of the player. Instead of the symbol definition table, the aforementioned scoring table can be changed in favor of the player.

As another example, the so-called “mysterious bonus” can be used as a reward, which will be provided by the means providing the reward. More specifically, 9 010444, but when a mysterious bonus is granted, the main game will be transferred to the bonus game, regardless of the player’s operation or the symbols on the main display device. Entry to such a mysterious bonus can be determined in accordance with the lottery in the slot machine itself or the control machine that controls the many slot machines. In addition, the entrance to such a mysterious bonus can be determined by a special winning combination, which is hidden from the player, or by a special player operation, such as the mode or time the switches are pressed.

Although embodiments of the present invention are described by way of an example of a slot machine that cannot stop each reel during a variable show, the present invention is also applicable to slot machines (packs-slots (racglo) automatic machines) of the type in which each reel can be stopped during a variable show.

As described above, the present invention provides a gaming machine that may induce a player to reduce the interval between starting operations in order to increase the number of games played in a single time interval.

The gaming machine of the present invention includes a variable display means, which is provided with a plurality of variable display portions for the variable display symbols, and a working means for causing the variable display means to start the variable symbol display. The gaming machine of the present invention further includes determining means for determining whether a timely starting operation is performed by the operating means before the elapsed time measured after the end of the game exceeds the time limit and providing a reward means for providing the player with a reward useful for him determining means determines that the timely starting operation is completed.

This gaming machine provides the player with a useful reward when the timely starting operation is performed before the elapsed time measured after the end of the game exceeds the time limit. Therefore, the gaming machine may induce the player to perform a starting operation within the time limit in order to shorten the interval between the starting operations.

The gaming machine of the present invention may further include a time notifying means for notifying elapsed time and a time limit. This gaming machine notifies about the elapsed time and time limit and thus can induce the player to perform a starting operation in accordance with the elapsed time and time limit about which he is notified.

The reward providing means may provide remuneration if the determining means determines that the timely starting operations are performed sequentially. In this structure, remuneration is granted when timely starting operations are performed sequentially, whereby the gaming machine may induce the player to further reduce the interval between starting operations and speed up.

The gaming machine of the present invention may additionally include a detecting means for detecting a usage rate in a unit time interval of a game value used to start a variable-displayed game with a variable-display means; and modifying means for modifying at least one of the following: resolving the notification of the elapsed time and time limit, the content of the reward provided by the rewarding means, and the notification time by means of the time-notifying means, in accordance with the detection result of the detecting means.

In accordance with the rate of use of the game value in a single time interval used to start the game, this gaming machine changes at least one of the following: (a) resolution of the elapsed time and time limit notification, (b) the content of the remuneration provided and (c) the time of notification, and thus may induce the player to play the game, taking into account the rate of use of the game value in a single time interval.

The gaming machine of the present invention may further include a reward-notifying means for notifying that the reward is provided by the rewarding means if a timely starting operation is performed. This structure allows the gaming machine to inform the player that it is given a reward.

Claims (5)

CLAIM 1. A gaming machine that includes a variable display means, including a plurality of variable display parts for variable display of symbols; working means for prompting the variable-display means to start the variable display of symbols; determining means for determining whether the player performs a timely starting operation for prompting the variable-displaying means to start the variable display of the symbols by the operating means before the elapsed time measured after the end of the game exceeds the time limit - 10 010444 cases; and a reward providing means for providing a player with rewards, if the determining means determines that the player has performed a timely starting operation. 2. A gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a time-notifying means for notifying the elapsed time and time limit. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reward providing means provides reward if the determining means determines that the timely starting operations are performed sequentially. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising detecting means for detecting a utilization rate in a unit time interval of a game value used to start the game; and modifying means for changing in accordance with the detection result by the detecting means at least one of permitting the player to notify of the elapsed time and time limit, the content of the reward provided by the rewarding means and the time of notification of the elapsed time and time limit. 5. A gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a reward-notifying means for notifying that the reward is provided by the rewarding means if a timely starting operation is performed.