EP1643467A1 - Spielautomat - Google Patents

Spielautomat Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1643467A1
EP1643467A1 EP05021031A EP05021031A EP1643467A1 EP 1643467 A1 EP1643467 A1 EP 1643467A1 EP 05021031 A EP05021031 A EP 05021031A EP 05021031 A EP05021031 A EP 05021031A EP 1643467 A1 EP1643467 A1 EP 1643467A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
symbol
symbol combination
winning symbol
displayed
symbols
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP05021031A
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English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Kazuo Okada
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Universal Entertainment Corp
Original Assignee
Aruze Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Aruze Corp filed Critical Aruze Corp
Publication of EP1643467A1 publication Critical patent/EP1643467A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/326—Game play aspects of gaming systems
    • G07F17/3262—Player actions which determine the course of the game, e.g. selecting a prize to be won, outcome to be achieved, game to be played
    • G07F17/3265—Influencing the position of stopped moving members to achieve a winning arrangement, e.g. nudging, shuffling, holding

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a game is conducted by utilizing symbols variably displayed and stopped.
  • a conventional gaming machine for example, a slot machine
  • a slot machine it is constructed so that a plurality of reels are rotated for a predetermined time, thereafter if a symbol combination in a state that each of the reels is stopped corresponds to any of winning symbol combinations, coins are paid out corresponding to the winning symbol combination.
  • the symbol combination corresponds to a plurality of the winning symbol combinations by regarding the symbol "WILD” as any of the normal symbols at a position where the symbol "WILD” is stopped and displayed, coins are paid out corresponding to all of the winning symbol combinations which are realized by regarding the symbol "WILD” as any of the normal symbols. Therefore, the player can obtain satisfaction as if catching good fortune.
  • the present invention has been done and has an object to provide a gaming machine in which it can be given to the player extension which winning symbol combination is realized by informing possibility indicating whether plural winning symbol combinations are realized or any one of plural winning symbol combinations is realized, thereby new interest for games can be given to the player.
  • a gaming machine comprising:
  • the specific symbol changeable to the new symbol capable of constructing the new winning symbol combination is displayed at the symbol display position, that is, an intersection of symbol columns each of which constructs the new winning symbol combination.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the slot machine.
  • Fig. 2 is a front view of a control panel.
  • Fig 3 is a block diagram schematically showing a control system of the slot machine.
  • the slot machine 1 has a cabinet 2 which forms whole construction of the slot machine 1.
  • a cabinet 2 which forms whole construction of the slot machine 1.
  • an upper liquid crystal display 3 is arranged and a lower liquid crystal display 4 is arranged on a device front panel 20 which is arranged at a center position of the front plane of the cabinet 2.
  • both the upper liquid crystal display 3 and the lower liquid crystal display 4 are constructed from liquid crystal display generally used.
  • credits are displayed and five variable display portions 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25 are basically displayed as shown in Fig. 1.
  • various symbols are variably displayed while being scrolled (hereinafter, called as "scroll display") from an upper direction toward a lower direction, thereafter stopped and displayed.
  • a slot game (there exist a base game and a bonus game) is conducted through a video reels which are realized by displaying variable display portions 21 to 25 on the lower liquid crystal display 4.
  • the slot game there exist three symbols stopped and displayed on each of the variable display portions 21 to 25. That is to say, as shown in Fig. 8, each of the variable display portions 21 to 25 is constructed from a first stop display area, a second stop display area and a third stop display area.
  • the variable display portion 21 is constructed from a first stop display area 211, a second stop display area 212 and a third stop display area 213. In each of these stop display areas 211 to 213, 221 to 223, 231 to 233, 241 to 243, 251 to 253, the symbol is respectively stopped and displayed.
  • each pay line being constructed from five stop display areas among the stop display areas 211 to 213, 221 to 223, 231 to 233, 241 to 243 and 251 to 253. If each of the pay lines is activated and specific symbols are aligned with a specific display mode along the activated pay line when the symbols are stopped and displayed, a predetermined payout is given to the player.
  • twenty-five pay lines will be omitted.
  • the pay line (s) activated among the 25 pay lines is/are called as "activated pay line (s)"
  • a control panel 5 which is projected forward is formed.
  • a COLLECT button 31 and a GAME RULES button 32 are arranged in an upper step from the most left side.
  • a BET 1 PER LINE button 33, a BET 2 PER LINE button 34, a BET 3 PER LINE button 35, a BET 5 PER LINE button 36, a BET 8 PER LINE button 37 and a WIN START FEATURE button 38 are arranged.
  • a RED PLAY 1 LINE button 39, a PLAY 2 LINES button 40, a PLAY 5 LINES button 41, a PLAY 20 LINES button 42, a BLACK PLAY 25 LINES button 43 and a GAMBLE RESERVE button 44 are arranged.
  • a coin insertion slot 9 and a bill insertion portion 10 are provided at the right side of the control panel 5.
  • the COLLECT button 31 is a button which is pressed when the base game is terminated, and when the COLLECT button 31 is pressed, coins equal to the credits obtained in the game are paid out from a coin payout opening 15 to a coin tray 16.
  • a COLLECT switch 45 is attached and a switch signal is output to a CPU 50 from the COLLECT switch 45 on the basis of press of the COLLECT button 31 (see Fig. 3).
  • the GAME RULES button 32 is a button which is pressed if operation methods of the game cannot be understood, and when the GAME RULES button 32 is pressed, various help information is displayed on the upper liquid crystal display 3 or the lower liquid crystal display 4.
  • a GAME RULES switch 46 is attached and a switch signal is output to the CPU 50 from the GAME RULES switch 46 on the basis of press of the GAME RULES button 32 (see Fig. 3).
  • a coin sensor 49 and a bill sensor 67 are arranged, and when a coin or a bill is inserted in the coin insertion slot 9 or the bill insertion slot 10, a coin detection signal or a bill detection signal is output to the CPU 50 through the sensor corresponding thereto (see Fig. 3) and credit corresponding to the inserted coin or the bill is added.
  • the BET 1 PER LINE button 33 is a button to bet one credit to each of the activated pay lines every one press thereof.
  • the BET 2 PER LINE button 34 is a button to start the game with 2 bets against each of the activated pay lines on the basis of press thereof
  • the BET 3 PER LINE button 35 is a button to start the game wit 3 bets against each of the activated pay lines on the basis of press thereof
  • the BET 5 PER LINE button 36 is a button to start the game with 5 bets against each of the activated pay lines on the basis of press thereof
  • the BET 8 PER LINE button 37 is a button to start the game with 8 bets against each of the activated pay lines on the basis of press thereof.
  • a 1-BET switch 57, a 2-BET switch 58, a 3-BET switch 59, a 5-BET switch 60 or a 8-BET switch 61 is attached and when each of the buttons is pressed, a switch signal is output to the CPU 50 from each of the switches (see Fig. 3). Therefore, there will exist 1 bet, 2 bets, 3 bets, 5 bets and 8 bets as the bet number which can be betted by press of the BET 1 PER LINE button 33, the BET 2 PER LINE button 34, the BET 3 PER LINE button 35, the BET 5 PER LINE button 36 and the BET 8 PER LINE button 37.
  • the WIN START FEATURE button 38 is a button to start a bonus game or add the payout obtained in the bonus game to the credit on the basis of press thereof.
  • a WIN ⁇ START switch 47 is attached to the WIN START FEATURE button 38 and when the WIN START FEATURE button 38 is pressed, a switch signal is output to the CPU 50 from the WIN ⁇ START switch 47 (see Fig. 3).
  • the RED PLAY 1 LINE button 39 is a button to start the game while retaining the number of the activated pay line to "1" on the basis of press thereof.
  • a 1-LINE switch 62 is attached to the RED PLAY 1 LINE button 39 and when the RED PLAY 1 LINE button 39 is pressed, a switch signal is output to the CPU 50 from the 1-LINE switch 62 (see Fig. 3).
  • the PLAY 2 LINES button 40 is a button to start the game while retaining the number of the activated pay line to "2" on the basis of press thereof.
  • the PLAY 5 LINES button 41, the PLAY 20 LINES button 42 and the BLACK PLAY 25 LINES button 43 are buttons to start the game while retaining the number of the activated pay line to "5", "20” an "25" on the basis of press thereof.
  • a 2-LINES switch 63 Similar to the RED PLAY 1 LINE button 39, a 2-LINES switch 63, a 5-LINES switch 64, a 20-LINES switch 65 and a 25-LINES switch 66 are respectively attached and when each of the above switches is pressed, a switch signal is output to the CPU 50 from each of the switches on the basis of press thereof (see Fig. 3).
  • each of the RED PLAY 1 LINE button 39, the PLAY 2 LINES button 49, the PLAY 5 LINES button 41, the PLAY 20 LINES button 42 and the BLACK PLAY 25 LINES button 43 is a button to start the game with the present bet number and the number of the activated pay lines and to start variable display of the symbols on each of the variable display portions 21 to 25 in the lower liquid crystal display 4.
  • the RED PLAY 1 LINE button 39 and the BLACK PLAY 25 LINES button 43 are also used for selecting red or black in the double down game which is conducted by using the credit obtained in the bonus game.
  • the GAMBLE RESERVE button 44 is a button to be pressed when the player leaves the seat and to shift to the double down game after the bonus game is terminated.
  • a GAMBLE ⁇ RESERVE switch 48 is attached to the GAMBLE RESERVE button 44 and when the GAMBLE RESERVE button 44 is pressed, a switch signal is output to the CPU 50 from the GAMBLE RESERVE switch 48 (see Fig. 3).
  • a coin payout opening 15 is formed and a coin tray 16 for receiving coins paid out from the coin payout opening 15 is provided.
  • a coin detection portion 73 (mentioned later) which is constructed from sensors and the like (see Fig. 3). And the coin detection portion 73 counts the number of coins paid out from the coin payout opening 15.
  • the symbol column indicated by a first reel strip 101 corresponds to a symbol column variably displayed on the variable display portion 21
  • the symbol column indicated by a second reel strip 102 corresponds to a symbol column variably displayed on the display portion 22
  • the symbol column indicated by a third reel strip 103 corresponds to a symbol column variably displayed on the variable display portion 23
  • the symbol column indicated by a fourth reel strip 104 corresponds to a symbol column variably displayed on the variable display portion 24
  • the symbol column indicated by a fifth reel strip 105 corresponds to a symbol column variably displayed on the variable display portion 25.
  • the symbol columns respectively indicated by the first to fifth reel strips 101 to 105 have different symbol columns from each other and each symbol column is constructed from 12 symbols by voluntarily combining "WILD”, “SHARK”, “FISH”, “PUNK”, “OCTOPUS”, “CRAB”, “WORM”, “A”, “K”, “Q”, “J” and “SARDINE".
  • SARDINE is a scatter symbol to shift to the bonus game as mentioned later and in a case that more than three "SARDINE" symbols are totally displayed on the variable display portions 21 to 25, the game state can be shifted to the bonus game.
  • WILD is an almighty symbol which can be substituted for any of "SHARK", “FISH”, “PUNK”, “OCTOPUS", "CRAB”, “WORM”, "A”, “K”, “Q” and "J".
  • "WILD” cannot be substituted for "SARDINE” which is the scatter symbol.
  • Fig. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing a control system of the slot machine 1.
  • the control system of the slot machine 1 is basically constructed from a CPU 50, and a ROM 51 and a RAM 52 are connected to the CPU 50.
  • ROM 51 a main process program mentioned later, a base game process program, a bonus game process program, a lottery table used when it is conducted lottery to determine the symbols which are stopped and displayed in the base game, a lottery table used when it is conducted lottery to determine the symbols which are stopped and displayed in the bonus game, and the other various programs necessary for control of the slot machine 1 and data tables.
  • the RAM 52 is a memory to temporarily store various data calculated by the CPU 50.
  • a clock pulse generator 53 for generating standard clock pulses and a frequency divider 54 are connected, and a random number generator 55 for generating random numbers and a random number sampling circuit 56 are also connected.
  • the random number sampled through the random number sampling circuit 56 is utilized in various lotteries of the winning symbol combinations and the like.
  • the switches corresponding to each of the buttons such as the COLLECT button 31 and the like are respectively connected.
  • each of the switches respectively means the COLLECT switch 45, the GAME ⁇ RULES switch 46, the WIN ⁇ START switch 47, the GAMBLE ⁇ RESERVE switch 48, the 1-BET switch 57, the 2-BET switch 58, the 3-BET switch 59, the 5-BET switch 60, the 8-BET switch 61 each of which determines a coin number to be betted to for one pay line, the 1-LINE switch 62, the 2-LINES switch 63, the 5-LINES switch 64, the 20-LINES switch 65, the 25-LINES switch 66 each of which determines a number of the pay line.
  • the CPU 50 conducts control to execute various operations each of which corresponds to each button, based on the switch signal output from each switch by press thereof.
  • the coin sensor 49 arranged in the coin insertion slot 9 and the bill sensor 67 arranged in the bill insertion portion 10 are respectively connected.
  • the coin sensor 49 detects coins inserted from the coin insertion slot 9 and the CPU 50 calculates the number of inserted coins based on the coin detection signal output from the coin sensor 49.
  • the bill sensor 67 detects kinds and sum of the bill inserted from the bill insertion portion 10 and the CPU 50 calculates the credit number equal to the sum of bill, based on the bill detection signal output from the bill sensor 67.
  • a hopper 71 is connected to the CPU 50, a hopper 71 is connected through a hopper drive circuit 70.
  • a drive signal is output to the hopper drive circuit 70 from the CPU 50, the hopper 71 pays out a predetermined number of coins from the coin payout opening 15.
  • a coin detection portion 73 is connected through a payout completion signal circuit 72.
  • the coin detection portion 73 is arranged in the coin payout opening 15 and when the coin detection portion 73 detects that a predetermined number of coins are paid out from the coin payout opening 15, a coin payout detection signal is output to the payout completion signal circuit 72 from the coin detection portion 73, thereby the payout completion signal circuit 72 outputs a payout completion signal to the CPU 50.
  • the upper liquid crystal display 3 and the lower liquid crystal display 4 are connected through a liquid crystal drive circuit 74, and the upper liquid crystal display 3 and the lower liquid crystal display 4 are controlled by the CPU 50.
  • the liquid crystal drive circuit 74 is constructed from a program ROM 81, an image ROM 82, an image control CPU 83, a work RAM 84, a VDP (video display processor) 85 and a video RAM 68.
  • the program ROM 81 there are stored an image control program for controlling display of the upper liquid crystal display 3 and the lower liquid crystal display 4 and various selection tables.
  • the image ROM 82 for example, there are stored dot data for forming images of the symbol columns indicated by the first to fifth reel strips 101 to 105 in Fig. 5 and the symbol "LOBSTER" mentioned later, such images being displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4 (or variable display portions 21 to 25).
  • the image control CPU 83 determines the images displayed on the upper liquid crystal display 3 and the lower liquid crystal display 4 among the dot data stored beforehand in the image ROM 82, according to the image control program stored beforehand in the program ROM 81 based on parameters set by the CPU 50. Further, the work RAM 84 functions as temporary memory when the image control program is executed by the image control CPU 83. And the VDP 85 forms images corresponding to display contents determined by the image control CPU 83 and outputs such images to the upper liquid crystal display 3 and the lower liquid crystal display 4. Thereby, for example, the symbol columns indicated by the first to fifth reel strips 101 to 105 are scrolled and displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4 (or the variable display portions 21 to 25).
  • the video RAM 86 functions as temporary memory when images are formed by the VDP 85.
  • LEDs 78 are connected through a LED drive circuit 77.
  • Many LEDs 78 are arranged on the front plane of the slot machine 1 and are controlled so as to turn on or turn off by the LED drive circuit 77 based on the drive signal from the CPU 50, when various effects are done.
  • a sound output circuit 79 and a speaker 80 are connected to the CPU 50 and the speaker 80 produces various effect sounds when various effects are conducted based on the output signal from the sound output circuit 79.
  • Fig. 7 is an explanatory view showing a lottery table of the stop display symbols used when the base game is conducted by utilizing five variable display portions 21 to 25.
  • the symbols stopped and displayed on the activated pay line constructed from the second stop display areas 212, 222, 232, 242 and 252 in the variable display portions 21 to 25 are determined every each of the variable display portions 21 to 25.
  • code Nos. "00" ⁇ "29" are respectively allotted to the symbol in each symbol column indicated by the first to fifth reel strips 101 to 105 as shown in Fig. 5, in order of the upper most symbol.
  • the lottery table shown in Fig. 7 is provided beforehand. Further, five random numbers are sampled by the random number sampling circuit 56 so as to correspond to each of the variable display portions 21 to 25.
  • the lottery table of the stop display symbols shown in Fig. 7 is referred and the code No. corresponding to the random number value is read out. And based on the code No. read out and the relation between the code No. shown in Fig. 5 and the symbol, it is determined the symbol stopped and displayed on the activated pay line constructed form the second stop display areas 212, 222, 232, 242 and 252 of the variable display portions 21 to 25.
  • Fig. 6 is an explanatory view showing the winning symbol combinations and payouts thereof in a case that the base game is executed by using five variable display portions 21 to 25, and shows payouts in a case that the bet number is "1". Therefore, if the bet number is "1", the payout number shown in Fig. 6 is added to the credit, and if the bet number is more than "2", the value obtained by multiplying the bet number with the payout number shown in Fig. 6 is added to the credit.
  • the payout is given corresponding to the number of the symbols which are serially displayed if the symbols are serially stopped and displayed on the activated pay line (see Fig. 6).
  • the payout number calculated by multiplying the payout number shown in Fig. 6 with the total bet number (a product of the bet number and the number of activated pay line) is added to the credit. At that time, if it exists the payout other than the payout on the basis of the symbol "SARDINE", such payout is also added to the credit.
  • the bonus game is a game which is conducted after the base game is terminated, and in many cases the bonus game is generally more beneficial for the player. If the game state shifts to the bonus game, it is executed a game (so-called free game) in which 15 ⁇ 25 games can be continuously and automatically executed without betting any credits corresponding to a result of the lottery conducted when the game state shifts to the bonus game.
  • the symbol column variably displayed while being scrolled on the variable display portion 21 of the lower liquid crystal display 4 is the symbol column indicated by the first reel strip 123 shown in Fig. 10.
  • the symbol column variably displayed while being scrolled on the variable display portion 22 is the symbol column indicated by the second reel strip 124 shown in Fig. 10
  • the symbol column variably displayed while being scrolled on the variable display portion 23 is the symbol column indicated by the third reel strip 125 shown in Fig. 10.
  • the symbol column indicated by the fourth reel strip 126 is variably displayed, and on the variable display portion 25, the symbol column indicated by the fifth reel strip 127 is variably displayed.
  • the symbol columns indicated by the reel strips 123 to 126 shown in Fig. 10 are as same as those indicated by the reel strips 101 to 104, which are utilized in the base game, shown in Fig. 5.
  • the symbol column indicated by the reel strip 127 shown in Fig. 10 is substantially as same as the symbol column indicated by the reel strip 105, which is utilized in the base game, shown in Fig. 5, except for the symbol "WILD" allotted to the code No. "10".
  • the bet number and the number of activated pay line in the bonus game the bet number and the number of activated pay line set in the base game are utilized, respectively.
  • the symbol "SHARK” is regarded as the symbol "WILD” and if more than three symbols "SARDINE” totally appear (are totally stopped and displayed), the game state in the bonus game can be again shifted to the bonus game. Therefore, the player can obtain a lot of credits in many cases.
  • Fig. 11 is a flowchart of the main process program.
  • S step (abbreviated as "S" hereinafter) 11
  • a start acceptance process shown in Fig. 12 mentioned later is executed.
  • This process is a process for accepting the switch signal output from the 1-BET switch 57, the 2-BET switch 58, the 3-BET switch 59, the 5-BET switch 60, the 8-BET switch 61, the 1-LINE switch 62, the 2-LINES switch 63, the 5-LINES switch 64, the 20-LINES switch 65, the 25-LINES switch 66, based on operation to determine a number of the pay line during one game through the BET 1 PER LINE button 33, the BET 2 PER LINES button 34, the BET 3 PER LINES button 35, the BET 5 PER LINES 36, the BET 8 PER LINES button 37, the RED PLAY 1 LINE button 39, the PLAY 2 LINES button 40, the PLAY 5 LINES button 41, the PLAY 20 LINES button 42 or the BLACK PLAY 25 LINES button 43.
  • the switch signal output from each switch is accepted, the game is started.
  • a lottery process shown in Fig. 13 mentioned later is executed based on the switch signal output from the 1-LINE switch 62, the 2-LINES switch 63, the 5-LINES switch 64, the 20-LINES switch 65, the 25-LINES switch 66.
  • a repeat number of the bonus game is determined.
  • such repeat number is selected among 10 ⁇ 25 games by a lottery.
  • Fig. 12 is a flowchart of the start acceptance process program.
  • S11 of the main process program shown in Fig. 11 the start acceptance process is conducted.
  • such determination in S23 may be conducted based on the other input signals other than the above operation signals.
  • Fig. 13 is a flowchart of the lottery process program.
  • the lottery process is executed.
  • procedure shifts to S31 of Fig. 13 and a symbol determination process is conducted.
  • the symbols stopped and displayed on the activated pay line constructed from the second stop display areas 212, 222, 232, 242, 252 of the variable display portions 21 to 25 in the base game are determined every each of the variable display portions 21 to 25.
  • Fig. 14 is a flowchart of the base game process program.
  • the base game is conducted.
  • Scroll of each of the symbols is done on the variable display portions 21 to 25 based on the switch signal output from the 1-LINE switch 62, the 2-LINES switch 63, the 5-LINES switch 64, the 20-LINES switch 65 or the 25-LINES switch 66, the switch signal being accepted in S11 mentioned in the above.
  • Fig. 15 is a flowchart of the bonus game process program.
  • S14 of the main process program shown in Fig. 11 if it is determined that the bonus game is won (S14: YES), procedure shifts to S15 and the bonus game process is conducted.
  • procedure shifts to S51 shown in Fig. 15 and the lottery process during the bonus game is executed.
  • the symbols stopped and displayed on the activated pay line constructed from the second stop display areas 212, 222, 232, 242, 252 of the variable display portions 21 to 25 are determined every each of the variable display portions 21 to 25.
  • five random number values are sampled by the random number sampling circuit 56 so as to correspond to each of the variable display portions 21 to 25, and the symbols stopped and displayed are determined through the code Nos. of Fig. 10 based on the lottery table shown in Fig. 9. And if the symbols stopped and displayed on the pay line are determined, the winning symbol combination and the payout thereof are determined based on the table shown in Fig. 6 through the code Nos..
  • the repeat number of times of the bonus game is determined again and the determined repeat number of times is added to the "number of times determined in S12 of Fig. 11" used in the determination process in S55.
  • procedure can again shift to the bonus game.
  • the bonus games are conducted in 25 times (20 times - 12 times + 17 times) thereafter.
  • the CPU 50 functions as "game control device” when the main process program of Fig. 16 is executed.
  • the symbol “BLANK” is displayed at a position through which a plurality of winning symbol combinations are realized. And at the position where the symbol “BLANK” is displayed, the symbol “BLANK”, the symbol “WILD” and the symbol constructing plural winning symbol combinations (any one of the symbol “SHARK”, the symbol FISH”, the symbol “PUNK”, the symbol OCTOPUS”, the symbol “CRAB”, the symbol “WORM”, the symbol “A”, the symbol “K”, the symbol “Q” and the symbol “J”) are sequentially and variably displayed.
  • the symbol "BLANK” is a space display area where no symbol is described within the stop display area and corresponds to a specific symbol in the present invention.
  • Fig. 16 is a flowchart of a variable display position determination program of the symbol "BLANK”.
  • the flowchart of Fig. 16 is executed at a timing W1 right after the lottery process is conducted in S12 in the main process program shown in Fig. 11. That is to say, in the main process program in Fig. 11, after the lottery process is conducted in S12, procedure shifts to S101 in Fig. 16 and it is determined whether or not the winning symbol combination is realized in the symbol combination on the pay line.
  • determination in S101 the determination result of the winning symbol combination determination process of S32 in the lottery process of Fig. 13 may be utilized.
  • S103 it is referred whether or not the other winning symbol combination different from the winning symbol combination realized in the lottery process in S12 is realized, while substituting any one of plural symbols constructing the winning symbol combination on the pay line for a symbol which conducts function similar to that of the symbol "WILD".
  • the symbol having function similar to that of the symbol "WILD” is not a symbol factually displayed on the variable display portions 21 to 25 but a hypothetical symbol utilized during inner process of the slot machine 1, therefore such symbol is called as a symbol “HYPOTHETICAL WILD” hereinafter and is indicated in Figs. 18 and 19 as the symbol "WILD”.
  • procedure returns to the main process program in Fig. 11 and shifts to the base game process in S 13.
  • S104 it is determined whether or not the process in S103 is conducted for all of plural symbols constructing the winning symbol combination on the pay line. If it is determined that the process in S103 is conducted for all of plural symbols constructing the winning symbol combination on the pay line (S104: YES), procedure shifts to S105. On the other hand, if it is determined that he process in S103 is not conducted for all of plural symbols constructing the winning symbol combination on the pay line (S104: NO), procedure returns to S102 and the process in S103 is conducted for the symbols, which constructs the winning symbol combination on the pay line, about which reference is not completed yet.
  • S105 among the symbols constructing the winning symbol combination, it is determined whether or not it exists a symbol position according to which the other winning symbol combination different from the winning symbol combination already realized in the lottery process is realized. If it is determined that the symbol position to realize the other winning symbol combination exists (S105: YES), procedure shifts to S106. On the other hand, if it is determined that the symbol position to realize the other winning symbol combination does not exist (S105: NO), procedure returns to the main process program in Fig. 11 and shifts to the base game process in 513.
  • the symbol position on which the symbol "BLANK” is variably displayed is determined. This determination is conducted based on the number of the winning symbol combination every the symbol position according to which the winning symbol combination is realized and the total payout data. In the embodiment, at first, among 2 ⁇ 5 symbols constructing the winning symbol combination, it is determined the symbol position according to which the number of the winning symbol combination becomes largest in a case that the other winning symbol combination is realized. And if the symbol position cannot be determined according to a size of the number of the winning symbol combination, it is determined the symbol position according to which the total payout including that of the other winning symbol combination becomes largest.
  • variable display of the symbol "BLANK” is conducted.
  • Variable display of the symbol “BLANK” in the embodiment is done at the symbol position determined in S 106 so that the symbol "BLANK”, the symbol “WILD”, the symbol determined in the lottery process (S12) and the symbol constructing the other winning symbol combination are serially changed and displayed.
  • the symbol determined in the lottery process (S12) is stopped and displayed at the symbol position. Thereafter, procedure shifts to S43.
  • the same display control can be conducted in the bonus game if such process is executed at a timing W2 right after the lottery process in S51 in the bonus game process program of Fig. 15 is conducted.
  • the symbol "SHARK” is similarly regarded as the symbol "WILD”, and after the process in S106 of Fig. 16 is conducted, procedure returns to the bonus game process program of Fig. 15 and shifts to the scroll process in S52.
  • the symbol “BLANK”, the symbol “WILD”, the symbol determined in the lottery process (S51) and the symbol constructing the other winning symbol combination are serially changed and displayed at the symbol position determined in S106.
  • the symbol determined in the lottery process (S51) may be stopped and displayed at the symbol position, thereafter procedure may shift to S54.
  • the symbol "A" displayed in the first stop display area 211 is substituted for the symbol "HYPOTHETICAL WILD" (see Fig. 18 (a)), and it is referred the other winning symbol combination realized independently of the winning symbol combination already realized (case of 4k of symbol "A") if the first stop display area 211 is regarded as the symbol "HYPOTHETICAL WILD".
  • the winning symbol combination case of 4k of symbol "A”
  • the lottery process S12
  • the other winning symbol combination is not realized.
  • the winning symbol combination (case of 2k of symbol “FISH"), in which two symbols “FISH” are continuously displayed, is realized on the pay line constructed from the first stop display areas 221, 241 and the second stop display area 212 and the third stop display areas 233, 253 (see Fig. 19 (c)).
  • the symbol “A” displayed in the first stop display area 241 is processed as the symbol "HYPOTHETICAL WILD" (see Fig. 18 (d)) and it is referred the other winning symbol combination which is realized independently of the winning symbol combination (case of 4k of symbol “A”).
  • the winning symbol combination case of 4k of symbol "A”
  • S12 the winning symbol combination
  • the display position of the symbol "BLANK” is determined.
  • the display position of the symbol "BLANK” is determined in the stop display area through which the most winning symbol combinations are realized.
  • the display position of the symbol "BLANK” can be determined according to size of the number of the winning symbol combination, for example, if three winning symbol combinations are realized in the first stop display area 231 in addition to the first stop display area 221, the display position of the symbol "BLANK” is determined in the stop display area according to which the total payout data stored in the RAM 52 become larger.
  • process in the flowchart shown in Fig. 16 is terminated, thereafter procedure shifts to the base game process (S13).
  • the display position of the symbol "BLANK” is determined based on size of the number of the winning symbol combination, and if further determination is required, the total payout data are utilized, the display position of the symbol "BLANK” may be determined based any one of the number of the winning symbol combination and the total payout data.
  • the display position of the symbol "BLANK” may be determined based on the result that such display position is judged first based on the total payout data and thereafter judged based on the number of the winning symbol combination.
  • the total payout data become 32 coins if the symbol "A" in the first stop display area 221 is processed as the symbol "HYPOTHETICAL WILD” and the total payout data become 25 coins if the symbol "A” in each of the first stop display areas 211, 231, 241 is processed as the symbol "HYPOTHETICAL WILD" (see Fig. 18 (a), (c), (d)), therefore the display position of the symbol "BLANK" is determined in the first stop display area 221.
  • the symbol “BLANK” is variably displayed in the display position of the symbol “BLANK” determined in S106.
  • variable display of the symbol "BLANK" will be described by using the above mentioned concrete example with reference to Fig. 20.
  • variable display in which the symbol "BLANK”, the symbol "WILD” and the symbol capable of obtaining the winning symbol combination when stopped are sequentially changed.
  • the symbol "BLANK” is displayed in the first stop display area 221 (see Fig. 20).
  • the symbol capable of constructing the winning symbol combination is the symbol “A” constructing the winning symbol combination (case of 4k of symbol “A”, see Fig. 21), the symbol “J” constructing the winning symbol combination (case of 3k of symbol “J”, see Fig. 22), the symbol “FISH” constructing the winning symbol combination (case of 2k of symbol “FISH”, see Fig. 23) and the symbol "WILD” through which all of the winning symbol combinations (case of 4k of symbol "A", case of 3k of symbol "J", case of 2k of symbol "FISH”, see Fig. 24) are realized.
  • Variable display of these five symbols are serially changed in order of the symbol “BLANK”, the symbol “A”, the symbol “J”, the symbol “FISH”, the symbol “WILD”, the symbol BLANK ⁇ , as shown in Figs. 20 to 24, and after such variable display is conducted for a predetermined time, display contents (symbol "A") of the first stop display area 221 determined in the lottery process (S12) are stopped and displayed.
  • the image control CPU 83 functions as "display control device” when executing variable display of the symbol "BLANK” in the stop control process in S43 of Fig. 14.
  • the player can enjoy comfortable tension whether or not all of plural winning symbol combinations are realized and many coins can be obtained based on that the symbol "WILD” is displayed, or whether or not only one winning symbol combination is realized and a few coins for one winning symbol combination can only be obtained based on that the symbols except for the symbol "WILD” are displayed.
  • the winning symbol combination shown in the table of Fig. 13 is realized in the symbol combination stopped and displayed on the variable display portions 21 to 25 of the lower liquid crystal display 4 and the other winning symbol combination is realized by substituting one symbol constructing the winning symbol combination for a different symbol
  • the symbol "BLANK” is displayed in the symbol display position thereof and it is conducted variable display in which the symbol "BLANK", the symbol "WILD”, the symbol constructing the winning symbol combination and the symbol constructing the other winning symbol combination are sequentially changed and displayed.
  • variable display in which the symbol "BLANK”, the symbol “A”, the symbol “J”, the symbol “FISH” and the symbol “WILD” are sequentially changed in the first stop display area 221, thereby it is indicated to the player possibility to win four kinds of the winning patterns including: the winning pattern to win the winning symbol combination of 4k of the symbol "A”; the winning pattern to win the winning symbol combination of 3k of the symbol "J”; the winning pattern to win the winning symbol combination of 2k of the symbol "FISH”; the winning pattern to win all of the winning symbol combinations constructed from the winning symbol combination of 4k of the symbol "A", the winning symbol combination of 3k of the symbol "J” and the winning symbol combination of 2k of the symbol "FISH".
  • the display position of the symbol "BLANK” is first determined based on the number of the winning symbol combination. Thereby, it concludes that the symbol “BLANK” is displayed in the symbol position through which the most kinds of the symbols are variably displayed. As a result, since it becomes difficult to judge which winning pattern is won among many patterns, tension given to the player further becomes strong:
  • the display position of the symbol "BLANK” is determined to the position that the total payout data become largest by using the total payout data stored in the RAM 52. Thereby, it is given to the player expectation to obtain high payout, thus new interest for the slot machine 1 can be provided.
  • the present invention is not limited to the above mentioned embodiment and various modifications may be done within the scope of the present invention.
  • the specific symbol of the present invention is realized by using the symbol "BLANK”
  • the specific symbol is not limited to the symbol “BLANK” which indicates a space symbol area.
  • the symbol "WILD” may be used as the specific symbol and the other new symbol may be also used as the specific symbol.
  • the image control CPU 83 variably changes only the display position of the symbol "BLANK", display mode of the other symbol can be changed in connection with variable display of the symbol "BLANK".
  • slot machine 1 of the embodiment conducts the video slot game through five reels, it may be conducted the video slot game through three reels or nine reels.
  • the present invention can be applied to a case that the game is executed by using symbols displayed on the display device.

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EP05021031A 2004-09-29 2005-09-27 Spielautomat Withdrawn EP1643467A1 (de)

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US9330540B2 (en) 2008-02-05 2016-05-03 Steven R. Michels Customization apparatus and method
AU2009201800B2 (en) * 2008-05-23 2010-09-09 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited A method of gaming, a gaming system and a game controller
US8641044B2 (en) * 2009-05-04 2014-02-04 Global Gaming Group, Inc. Multi-direction slot machine pay lines
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US20030054874A1 (en) * 2001-09-20 2003-03-20 Kaminkow Joseph E. Gaming device having transformable wild symbols or cards with wild signal indicators

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