US20050170878A1 - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Gaming machine Download PDF

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Publication number
US20050170878A1
US20050170878A1 US11/043,064 US4306405A US2005170878A1 US 20050170878 A1 US20050170878 A1 US 20050170878A1 US 4306405 A US4306405 A US 4306405A US 2005170878 A1 US2005170878 A1 US 2005170878A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
game
symbols
symbol
display device
displayed
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Abandoned
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US11/043,064
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English (en)
Inventor
Motoaki Tachikawa
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
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Assigned to ARUZE CORP. reassignment ARUZE CORP. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: TACHIKAWA, MOTOAKI
Publication of US20050170878A1 publication Critical patent/US20050170878A1/en
Abandoned 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
    • G07F17/3267—Game outcomes which determine the course of the subsequent game, e.g. double or quits, free games, higher payouts, different new games
    • 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
    • G07F17/3202—Hardware aspects of a gaming system, e.g. components, construction, architecture thereof
    • 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
    • G07F17/3244—Payment aspects of a gaming system, e.g. payment schemes, setting payout ratio, bonus or consolation prizes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a first game is executed in a normal state and a second game is executed under a rule different from that of the first game if a specific condition is realized.
  • a video-slot machine and a slot machine are generally well-known and favored as gaming machines in which winning states are determined based on symbol combinations and coins such as medals are paid out according to the symbol combination.
  • slot machine and the like when a start lever is operated after coins are inserted, a so-called first game is conducted.
  • the first game is a variable displaying game, in which a plurality of reels (for example, three reels), on each outer periphery of which a plural kinds of symbols are arranged, are rotated and symbols are scrolled, and in a case that the symbol combination corresponds to a predetermined winning state when the reels are stopped, coins a number of which corresponds to the winning state are paid out.
  • a winning state in the first game for example, there exist a so-called big prize that coins more than 1000 are paid out and a so-called small prize that coins less than 1000 are paid out.
  • the second game in the conventional gaming machine scarcely concerns with the first game, therefore it is not enough to raise interest for games so that the player is not tired.
  • the present invention has been done to dissolve the above problems and has an object to provide a gaming machine in which interest for games can be improved.
  • a gaming machine comprising:
  • a variable display game similar to the first game of the same kind is conducted as the second game under a condition beneficial for a player that one or more specific symbols appear and the payout rate becomes high.
  • connection between the first game and the second game can be raised and interest for games can be enhanced. Therefore, when the second game is executed, expectation and excitement of a player can be raised. And since it is determined on a basis of a result of the first game whether or not the second game conducted under a more beneficial condition for the player is executed, interest and concern for the first game can be raised, thus interest for games can be improved.
  • the number of specific symbol is determined based on the symbol or the symbol combination stopped and displayed in the first game by the second game controller, since the number of the specific symbol utilized in the second game is affected by the result in the first game, connection between the first game and the second game can be improved. Thereby, interest and concern for both the first game and the second game can be increasingly raised and interest for whole game can be improved.
  • the gaming machine through which interest of the player for games can be improved.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing one example of a gaming machine according to the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing an electrical construction of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1 ,
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a display control device provided in the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1 ,
  • FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine for conducting a first game, the sub-routine being executed in a main control circuit,
  • FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine for conducting a winning process executed in the main control circuit
  • FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine for conducting a second game executed in the main control circuit
  • FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing one example of a WILD symbol number determination table which is utilized in S 110 in the sub-routine shown in FIG. 6 ,
  • FIG. 8 is an explanatory views schematically showing images displayed on an upper display device and a lower display device in the gaming machine
  • FIG. 9 is another explanatory view showing one example of a WILD symbol number determination table which is utilized in S 110 in the sub-routine shown in FIG. 6 ,
  • FIG. 10 is further another explanatory view showing one example of a WILD symbol number determination table which is utilized in S 110 in the sub-routine shown in FIG. 6 ,
  • FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a slot machine as another gaming machine according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of a lower liquid crystal display and a reel provided in the slot machine shown in FIG. 11 ,
  • FIG. 13 an exploded perspective view of the lower liquid crystal display provided in the slot machine shown in FIG. 11 ,
  • FIG. 14 is an explanatory view schematically showing symbol examples formed on an outer periphery of the reel
  • FIG. 15 is a block diagram schematically showing an electrical construction of the slot machine shown in FIG. 11 and
  • FIG. 16 is an explanatory view schematically showing a progressive game system.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing one example of a gaming machine according to the present invention.
  • a gaming machine 2 has a cabinet 30 in central front of which it is formed a plane inclined somewhat in a rearward direction against a vertical direction. On the inclined plane, two display devices 32 (upper display device 32 U and lower display device 32 D) are formed so that two display devices are arranged in an up-and-down relation.
  • the number of the display devices are not especially limited, thus it is not necessary to arrange two display devices (upper display device 32 U and lower display device 32 D), as in the gaming machine 2 .
  • the display devices 32 On the display devices 32 (upper display device 32 U and lower display device 32 D), images indicating the first game or the second game are displayed and both the first game and the second game are progressed on the display devices 32 .
  • variable display games conducted as the first game and the second game a plurality of symbols or marks to conduct a game similar to a slot game done in the slot machine and pay lines are displayed on the upper display device 32 U and various effect images are displayed on the lower display device 32 D.
  • a plurality of symbols and marks to conduct a game similar to a slot game done in the slot machine and the pay lines may be displayed on the lower display device 32 D and various effect images may be displayed on the upper display device 32 U.
  • the above symbols and marks are displayed on the upper display device 32 U so as to be described on the outer periphery of reels which are displayed as images. And when the game is started, the symbols are variably moved so that they are scrolled in a predetermined direction and are stopped and displayed at a predetermined timing.
  • the pay lines are activated according to the BET switch which is pressed.
  • the present invention can be adopted to, for example, a video-slot machine with 5 reels and 9 pay lines.
  • a specific condition based on which the second game is executed in the gaming machine 2 corresponds to that the symbol combination stopped on the activated pay line becomes the winning state of the “obtainment of the second game”.
  • the above specific condition for example, it can be indicated a case that a specific symbol (for example, the “JOKER” symbol) is stopped and displayed on the display device 32 , a case that a specific symbol combination (for example, a specific symbol combination that four “ACE” symbols are aligned along the pay line) is realized in a predetermined number of times (for example, five times), or a case that a specific symbol combination (for example, five “7” symbols are aligned on the pay line) is realized.
  • the specific condition is not limited to the above cases and can be voluntarily set.
  • a base portion 50 projected horizontally is formed, and on the upper left side of the base portion 50 , there are provided the 1-BET switch 20 to bet one coin among coins already inserted, the 3-BET switch 22 to bet three coins among coins already inserted and the maximum BET switch 24 to bet the maximum number of coins for one game among coins already inserted. Based on that the BET switch 20 , 22 or 24 is pressed, the pay lines are activated according to the pressed BET switch. And on the upper left side of the base portion 50 , a spin switch 25 to start the game is arranged.
  • the player inserts coins through a coin insertion slot 44 mentioned later and presses one of the BET switches 20 , 22 and 24 , thereby a predetermined number of coins are betted. Thereafter, the player presses the spin switch 25 , thereby the game is started.
  • an operation portion 42 constructing from a plurality of push buttons and a cross key is provided on the rear side of the BET switches 20 , 22 , 24 arranged on the upper left side of the base portion 50 .
  • This operation portion 42 is operated when the second game is conducted, as mentioned hereinafter.
  • a coin insertion slot 44 and a bill insertion slot 46 are provided on the upper right side of the base portion 50 . Coins or bills are inserted in the coin insertion slot 44 or bill insertion slot 44 , thereby games can be executed.
  • a payout switch 48 is arranged near the coin insertion slot 44 and when the payout switch 48 is pressed, coins inserted in the gaming machine 2 are paid out through a coin payout opening 52 formed at the lower front position of the cabinet 30 . Coins paid out are stored in a coin receiving tray 54 .
  • an information lamp 56 which is turned on or blinked when abnormality of the gaming machine 2 is detected and the player calls a shop keeper in a game arcade, and is utilized to inform the shop keeper of abnormality in the gaming machine 2 .
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing an electrical construction of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the above mentioned 1-BET switch 20 , 3-BET switch 22 and maximum BET switch 24 are connected to an interface circuit group 62 of the main control circuit 60 , and the interface circuit group 62 is connected to a input/output bus 64 .
  • Each of the switches produces a predetermined signal when pressed and outputs such signal to the input/output bus 64 .
  • the operation portion 42 having a plurality of push buttons and the cross key and the spin switch 25 for starting the game are connected to the interface circuit group 62 of the main control circuit 60 .
  • Each of the operation portion 42 and the spin switch 25 produces a predetermined signal when pressed respectively and outputs such signal to the input/output bus 64 .
  • the input/output bus 64 is constructed so as to be able to input and output data signals or address signals.
  • a CPU 66 conducts transmission and reception of signals with an external through the bus, the CPU 66 may conduct transmission and reception of signals through ports.
  • a bill validator 40 and a coin detection sensor 58 are connected to the above mentioned interface group 62 .
  • the bill validator 40 produces a signal based on kind and number of bill when a bill is inserted therein and transmits such signal to the interface circuit group 62 .
  • the coin detection sensor 58 produces signal based on kind and number of coin when coins are inserted in the coin insertion slot 44 and transmits such signal to the interface circuit group 62 .
  • the payout switch 48 is connected to the above mentioned interface circuit group 62 and when the player presses the payout switch 48 a predetermined signal is output to the input/output bus 64 . Based on this signal, coins inserted are paid out to the coin payout opening 52 through a payout device 82 mentioned later.
  • a ROM 68 and a RAM 70 are connected to the above mentioned input/output bus 64 .
  • the ROM 68 stores control program for wholly controlling procedures done by the system of the gaming machine 2 . Further, the ROM 68 stores initial data for executing the control program and a part of program for conducting display control of the display device 32 and the like.
  • the RAM 70 temporarily stores the above program and data, flags as calculation result and process result and values of variables.
  • a hard-disc drive 74 is also connected to the input/output bus 64 , and programs for conducting games and various data such as image data are stored in the hard-disc drive 74 .
  • a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory which has comparatively large memory capacity, or a volatile memory may be utilized.
  • a random number generator 78 for generating random numbers is connected to the input/output bus 64 .
  • the random number generator 78 When a command to generate random numbers is input to the random number generator 78 from the CPU 66 , the random number generator 78 generates random numbers within a predetermined range and outputs a signal indicating the value of random number to the input/output bus 64 . And the CPU 66 progresses the game according to the generated random number. Further, such random number is stored in the RAM 70 as the data indicating a lottery result.
  • the random number generator 78 may be realized, for example, by software through the program stored in the ROM 68 and the RAM 70 .
  • an interface circuit group 72 is connected to the input/output bus 64 .
  • a speaker 80 , an information lamp 56 and a payout device 82 are connected to the interface circuit group 72 and the interface circuit group 72 provides drive signals and drive power to control each of the above mentioned devices, based on a result of calculation process done in the CPU 66 .
  • the information lamp 56 is turned on or blinked when abnormality of the gaming machine 2 is detected and the player calls the shop keeper of the game arcade, thereby the information lamp 56 informs the shop keeper of occurrence of abnormality in the gaming machine 2 .
  • the information lamp 56 for example, LED, lamp or fluorescent lamp may be utilized.
  • a display control device 200 is also connected to the interface circuit group 72 and the display control device 200 produces a drive signal to drive the display device 32 (upper display device 32 U and lower display device 32 D) connected to the display control device 200 , based on an image instruction signal output from the main control circuit 60 .
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a construction of the display control device 200 provided in the gaming machine 2 shown in FIG. 1 .
  • An interface circuit 202 is connected to an input/output bus 204 and an image display command output from the above mentioned main control circuit 60 is input to the input/output bus 204 through the interface circuit 202 .
  • Data signal and address signal are input to and output from a CPU 206 through the input/output bus 204 .
  • the CPU 206 may conduct transmission and reception of signals through ports.
  • a ROM 208 and a RAM 210 are also connected.
  • the ROM 208 stores display control program to produce a drive signal provided to the display device 32 (upper display device 32 U and lower display device 32 D), based on image display command output from the main control circuit 60 .
  • the RAM 210 stores flags used in the display control program and values of variables.
  • an image data processor (abbreviated as VDP hereinafter) 212 is also connected to the input/output bus 204 .
  • the VDP 212 includes a splite circuit, a screen circuit and a palette circuit, thus the VDP 212 is a processing device capable of conducting various processes to display images on the display device 32 (upper display device 32 U and lower display device 32 D).
  • VDP 212 it is connected a video RAM 214 for storing various image data corresponding to the image display command output from the main control circuit 60 and an image data ROM 216 for storing various image data necessary to conduct the first game and the second game. Further, to the VDP 212 , it is connected a drive circuit 218 for producing a drive signal to drive the display device 32 (upper display device 32 U and lower display device 32 D).
  • the above mentioned CPU 206 reads the display control program stored in the ROM 208 and executes it, and stores in the video RAM 214 the image data displayed on the display device 32 (upper display device 32 U and lower display device 32 D) corresponding to the image display command output from the main control circuit 60 . And the image data stored in the video RAM 214 are output to the display device 32 (upper display device 32 U and lower display device 32 D) through the drive circuit 218 .
  • the electrical construction of the gaming machine 2 according to the present invention is not limited to examples shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 .
  • FIGS. 4 to 6 A sub-routine executed by the main control circuit 60 to control the gaming machine 2 is shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 .
  • the gaming machine 2 is operated beforehand and variables used in the mentioned CPU 66 is initialized to a predetermined values and the gaming machine 2 normally operates.
  • FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine for conducting the first game process executed in the main control circuit 60 .
  • This sub-routine is a sub-routine called out and executed at a predetermined timing by a main routine which is executed beforehand.
  • step S 11 it is determined whether or not coins are betted.
  • the CPU 66 determines whether or not a signal indicating that the player conducts BET process is received. If it is determined that such signal is received, the procedure shifts to step S 12 , and on the other hand, if it is determined that such signal is not received, the sub-routine is terminated.
  • the above BET process may be automatically done when the player inserts coins, and may be first done when the player presses any one of the 1-BET switch 20 , the 3-BET switch 22 and the maximum BET switch 24 .
  • step S 12 it is determined whether or not the spin switch 25 to instruct game start is pressed.
  • the CPU 66 determines whether or not a signal indicating that the player presses the spin switch 25 is received. If it is determined that such signal is received, the procedure shifts to step S 13 , and on the other hand, if it is determined that such signal is not received, the process in step S 12 is executed again.
  • step S 13 an internal lottery process is conducted (step S 13 ).
  • the CPU 66 produces a command indicating that random numbers should be generated by the random number generator 78 and the random number generator 78 generates random numbers based on the above command.
  • the CPU 66 stores in a predetermined area in the RAM 70 internal lottery data determined based on the random number obtained and a probability table set in the RAM 70 .
  • the internal lottery data include data indicating a symbol combination mode which can be stopped and displayed if the “big prize” or “small prize” is won.
  • random numbers may be produced according to the software by the CPU 66 , the program stored in the ROM 68 and the RAM 70 (for example, by renewing a value with a constant frequency or irregular frequency) and the internal lottery data may be stored in the predetermined area in the RAM 70 based on the obtained random number.
  • the random number generator 78 can be omitted.
  • step S 14 rotation and display process of the reels is done (step S 14 ).
  • the CPU 66 transmits signals to the display control device 200 so that the game similar to the slot machine is started on the upper display device 32 U, that is, the reels displayed on the upper display device 32 U as images are rotated.
  • symbol image data to determine the symbol combination when stopped based on the above internal lottery data are included.
  • the display control device 200 displays the reels so that the reels are rotated on the upper display device 32 U, based on the above signals, thereby variable display of the plural symbols is started.
  • the display control device 200 also executes display process of various effect images on the lower display device 32 D, based on the signals transmitted from the CPU 66 .
  • step S 15 stop display process of the reels is done (step S 15 ).
  • the CPU 66 transmits the signal to the display control device 200 so that the game similar to the slot machine is terminated on the upper display device 32 U, that is, rotation of the reels displayed on the upper display device 32 U as images is stopped.
  • the display control device 200 conducts variable display of the plural symbols for a predetermined time, thereafter stops the symbols.
  • step S 16 winning process is conducted.
  • the CPU 66 executes the winning process based on the symbols stopped or the symbol combination, or the internal lottery data. This winning process will be described hereinafter.
  • the sub-routine is terminated.
  • FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine for conducting the winning process executed by the main control circuit 60 .
  • This sub-routine is a sub-routine which called out in step S 16 in the above mentioned sub-routine shown in FIG. 4 , and is executed.
  • step S 21 it is determined whether or not the symbols or the symbol combination stopped and displayed is the winning state corresponding to the “obtainment of the second game” (step S 21 ).
  • the CPU 66 determines whether or not the symbols or the symbol combination stopped and displayed in step S 15 of the sub-routine shown in FIG. 4 indicates a case that the procedure shifts to the second game.
  • the CPU 66 executes the second game process (step S 22 ).
  • the second game variable display of the symbols substantially similar to game contents of the first game is done. At that time, the second game can be done without newly inserting coins and a payout rate of game worth (coins) is set higher than that of the first game.
  • the second game may be executed when coins are inserted. The second game will be explained in detail hereinafter.
  • the above payout rate is defined as the expectation value of the game worth (coins) which is paid out per a predetermined number of games (for example, 100 games). This payout rate can be, for example, calculated based on that the game worth (coins) paid out is measured every 100 games and the average value of the measured values is obtained.
  • step S 21 if it is determined that the symbols or the symbol combination stopped and displayed does not indicate the case that the procedure shifts to the second game, it is continuously determined whether or not the symbols or the symbol combination is the winning state of the prize (the state that the big prize or the small prize is won)(step S 23 ). And if it is determined that the symbols or the symbol combination stopped and displayed is the winning state of the prize, the CPU 66 drives the payout device 82 .
  • the CPU 66 drives the payout device 82 so that coins the number of which corresponds to the winning state are paid out to the coin receiving tray 54 through the coin payout opening 52 (step S 24 ), for example so that 1000 coins are paid out if the winning state is the big prize and 500 coins are paid out if the winning state is the small prize.
  • step S 23 if it is determined that the symbols or the symbol combination is not the winning state of the prize, or if the process in step S 22 or step S 24 is executed, the sub-routine is terminated.
  • the main control circuit 60 functions as the first game controller.
  • FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine for conducting the second game process executed by the main control circuit 60 .
  • This sub-routine is a sub-routine called out and executed in step S 22 in the sub-routine shown in FIG. 5 .
  • the CPU 66 determines the number of the symbols each of which is substituted to a WILD symbol as a specific symbol among the plural symbols displayed while the variable display game as the second game is conducted (step S 110 ).
  • This WILD symbol can be replaced by each of all kinds of symbols displayed in the second game.
  • the winning state of the big prize is obtained if five “7” symbols are aligned on the pay line
  • the winning state of the big prize is realized.
  • the winning state of the small prize is obtained if five “3” symbols are aligned on the pay line, when five symbols of the WILD symbol (s) and the “3” symbol (s) in total are aligned on the pay line, the winning state of the small prize is realized.
  • step S 110 is, for example, done based on a WILD symbol number determination table shown in FIG. 7 .
  • FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing one example of the WILD symbol number determination table which is utilized in step S 110 of the sub-routine shown in FIG. 6 .
  • WILD symbol number determination table “symbol combination” in the most left column indicates the symbol combination stopped and displayed in the first game. And “WILD symbol number” in the center column of the table indicates the number of WILD symbol which is replaceable by the symbol displayed in the second game among a plurality of symbols. And “winning probability” in the most right column indicates kinds of the probability tables set in the RAM 70 in the process of step S 110 .
  • the WILD symbol number becomes “3”. At that time, it is set in the RAM 70 the probability table, in which the probability that the “big prize” is won is 3/512, the probability that the “small prize” is won is 9/512 and the probability that the winning state becomes the “loss of winning” is 500/512.
  • the WILD symbol number becomes “1”. At that time, it is set the probability table, in which the probability that the “big prize” is won is 1/512, the probability that the “small prize” is won is 3/512 and the probability that the winning state becomes the “loss of winning” is 508/512.
  • the winning probability (the probability of the “big prize” and the probability of the “small prize”) is made higher than the winning probability in the first game.
  • step S 112 it is continuously determined whether or not the spin switch 25 to instruct game start is pressed.
  • the CPU 66 determines whether or not a signal indicating that the spin switch 25 is pressed by the player is received. If it is determined that such signal is received, the procedure shifts to S 113 , and on the other hand, if it is determined that such signal is not received, the process in step S 112 is executed again.
  • the internal lottery process is conducted (step S 113 ).
  • the CPU 66 transmits a command to generate the random numbers to the random number generator 78 and the random number generator 78 which receives the above command generates the random numbers.
  • the CPU 66 stores in the predetermined area in the RAM 70 the internal lottery data calculated based on the obtained random number and the probability table set in the RAM 70 through the above process in step S 110 .
  • the internal lottery data include the data indicating the symbol combination which can be stopped and displayed based on that the “big prize” or the “small prize” is won.
  • WILD symbol conversion process is conducted (step S 120 ).
  • the CPU 66 conducts conversion process in which the WILD symbol is substituted to any one of plural symbols displayed so as to be described on each outer periphery of the reels, based on the WILD symbol number determined in step S 110 .
  • Concerning with that the WILD symbol is substituted to which symbol among plural symbols displayed on each of outer periphery of the reels, for example, such symbol may be determined based on the random number generated by the random number generator 78 .
  • step S 114 rotation process of the reels is done (step S 114 ).
  • the CPU 66 transmits a signal to the display control device 200 so that the game like the slot machine is started on the upper display device 32 U, that is, the reels displayed as images on the upper display device 32 U are rotated.
  • Such signal includes' the symbol image data for determining the symbol combination when stopped and displayed based on the above internal lottery data.
  • the display control device 200 controls the upper display device 32 U so that the reels are rotated on the upper display device 32 U, thereby variable display of plural symbols is started.
  • the display control device 200 also conducts the process in which various effect images are displayed on the lower display device 32 D based on the signal transmitted from the CPU 66 .
  • step S 115 stop display process of the reels is conducted.
  • the CPU 66 transmits a signal to the display control device 200 so that the game like the slot machine is terminated, that is, rotation of the reels displayed as images on the upper display device is stopped.
  • the display control device 200 conducts variable display of plural symbols for a predetermined time, thereafter stops and displays plural symbols.
  • step S 115 the CPU 66 determines whether or not the stopped and displayed symbols or the symbol combination corresponds to the winning state that the prize (big prize or small prize) is won (step S 116 ). And if it is determined that the stopped and displayed symbols or the symbol combination corresponds to the winning state that the prize is won, the CPU 66 drives the payout device 82 so that coins the number of which corresponds to the winning state are paid out to the coin receiving tray 54 through the coin payout opening 52 (step S 117 ), for example so that 1000 coins are paid out if the winning state is the big prize and 500 coins are paid out if the winning state is the small prize.
  • step S 116 if it is determined that the symbols or the symbol combination is not the winning state of the prize, the sub-routine is terminated.
  • the main control circuit 60 functions as the second game controller.
  • FIGS. 8 ( a ) ⁇ ( d ) are explanatory views schematically showing images displayed on the upper display device 32 U and the lower display device 32 D when the sub-routines shown in FIGS. 4 ⁇ 6 are executed.
  • the images shown in FIG. 8 ( a ) show an example of images displayed on the display device 32 right after the first game is terminated.
  • the image showing a game like the slot machine having five (5) reels and nine (9) pay lines is displayed.
  • five (5) “ACE” symbols are stopped and displayed on the central pay line.
  • the effect image is displayed.
  • These images show an example of images displayed on the display device 32 right after the second game is terminated, and become substantially as same as those shown in FIG. 8 ( a ) which is displayed right after the first game is terminated.
  • the image showing a game like the slot machine having five (5) reels and nine (9) pay lines is displayed.
  • three WILD symbols and two “7” symbols are displayed.
  • the symbol combination of these WILD symbols and the “7” symbols constructs the winning state of the “big prize”.
  • the effect image displayed on the lower display device 32 D includes the image indicating while the second game called “bonus game” is executed and the image indicating that 1000 coins are paid out based on that the “big prize” is won.
  • the images shown in FIG. 8 ( c ) show an example of images displayed on the display device 32 right after the first game is terminated.
  • the image showing a game like the slot machine having five (5) reels and nine (9) pay lines is displayed.
  • five (5) “JACK” symbols are stopped and displayed on the central pay line.
  • the effect image is displayed.
  • These images show another example of images displayed on the display device 32 right after the second game is terminated, and become substantially as same as those shown in FIG. 8 ( c ) which is displayed right after the first game is terminated.
  • the image showing a game like the slot machine having five (5) reels and nine (9) pay lines is displayed.
  • one WILD symbol and four “3” symbols are displayed.
  • the symbol combination of the WILD symbols and the “3” symbols constructs the winning state of the “small prize”.
  • the effect image displayed on the lower display device 32 D includes the image indicating while the second game called “bonus game” is executed and the image indicating that 500 coins are paid out based on that the “small prize” is won.
  • the variable display game similar to the first game is conducted in the second game, and the WILD symbol (specific symbol) appears, thus the payout rate becomes higher since the probability winning the “big prize” and the “small prize” becomes high, as a result, the player can get a beneficial condition. Therefore, connection between the first game and the second game can be enhanced and interest for games can be raised, thus expectation and excitement of the player can be raised. And since it is determined whether or not the second game is executed, the second game being done under a more beneficial condition according to the result in the first game, interest and connection for the first game can be raised, therefore interest for games can be improved.
  • connection between the first game and the second game can be improved, and interest and connection for the first game and the second game can be synergistically raised and interest for whole game can be improved.
  • the kind of the specific symbol substituted in the second game is determined based on the symbol combination stopped and displayed in the first game
  • the number of the specific symbol may be determined corresponding to the symbols stopped and displayed in the first game except for the symbol combination stopped and displayed, in the present invention. For example, if the specific symbol is included in any of the plural symbols stopped and displayed in the first game, two symbols are substituted to the specific symbols, and if the specific symbol is not included in any of the plural symbols stopped and displayed in the first game, one symbol is substituted to the specific symbol.
  • step S 110 WILD symbol number determination process
  • the number of the WILD symbol substituted in the second game can be determined corresponding to the lottery result and the symbols or the symbol combination stopped and displayed in the first game.
  • FIG. 9 is an explanatory view schematically showing another example of the WILD symbol number determination table which is utilized in step S 110 of the sub-routine shown in FIG. 6 .
  • the “symbol combination” in the most left column indicates the symbol combination stopped and displayed in the first game.
  • the “lottery result” indicates a random number range extracted in the lottery. Here, one random number is extracted in a random number range of 0 ⁇ 63 in the above lottery.
  • the WILD symbol number is “3”.
  • the “symbol combination” is “JACK” (other symbol combination) and the lottery result is “47”, the WILD symbol number is “2”.
  • the probability table corresponding to the WILD symbol number determined in S 110 is set in the RAM 70 . Further, in the probability table set in the RAM 70 during the second game, the probability for winning prizes (the probability for winning the “big prize” and the probability for winning the “small prize”) is made higher than that in the first game.
  • the WILD symbol number, the WILD symbol being substituted in the second game is not determined corresponding to only the symbols or the symbol combination stopped and displayed in the first game, but is determined corresponding to both the symbols or the symbol combination and the lottery result obtained by the lottery done thereafter. Thereby, determination of the WILD symbol number, the WILD symbol being substituted, can be further variegated, as a result, interest for games can be improved.
  • the specific symbol (WILD symbol) number corresponding to both the symbols or the symbol combination stopped and displayed in the first game and the game worth (coins) betted in the first game, the specific symbol (WILD symbol) number, the specific symbol being substituted in the second game, may be determined.
  • step S 110 of the sub-routine shown in FIG. 6 a WILD symbol number determination table shown in FIG. 10 is referred and the WILD symbol number may be determined corresponding to the symbols or the symbol combination stopped and displayed in the first game and the game worth (coins) betted in the first game.
  • FIG. 10 is further another explanatory view showing one example of a WILD symbol number determination table which is utilized in S 110 in the sub-routine shown in FIG. 6 .
  • the “symbol combination” in the most left column indicates the symbol combination stopped and displayed in the first game.
  • the “bet number in the first game” indicates a range of the game worth (coins) betted in the first game.
  • the game worth (coins) in the range of 1 ⁇ 45 can be betted.
  • the “bet number” in FIG. 10 indicates a total bet number betted in the first game.
  • the WILD symbol number is “3”.
  • the WILD symbol number is “JACK” (other symbol combination) and the “bet number in the first game” is “25”.
  • the probability table corresponding to the WILD symbol number determined in S 110 is set in the RAM 70 . Further, in the probability table set in the RAM 70 during the second game, the probability for winning prizes (the probability for winning the “big prize” and the probability for winning the “small prize”) is made higher than that in the first game.
  • the WILD symbol number, the WILD symbol being substituted in the second game is not determined corresponding to only the symbols or the symbol combination stopped and displayed in the first game, but is determined corresponding to both the symbols or the symbol combination and the number of game worth (coins) betted in the first game.
  • determination of the WILD symbol number, the WILD symbol being substituted can be further variegated.
  • the player can change the number of the WILD symbol substituted in the second game according to his or her own intention, by increasing or decreasing the game worth (coins) betted in the first game, thereby strategy can be given to the second game.
  • the number of the specific symbol substituted in the second game may be determined corresponding to the number of the specific symbol stopped and displayed in the first game.
  • the number of the specific symbol substituted in the second game may be “3”
  • the number of the specific symbol substituted in the second game may be “5”. According to this, connection between the first game and the second game can be improved, thereby interest for games can be further raised.
  • the timing at which the symbol is substituted in the specific symbol during variable display game conducted as the second game is not especially limited.
  • such timing may be a time that the symbols are stopped before variable display of a plurality of symbols is done or a time that the symbols are stopped and displayed after variable display is started.
  • images indicating the second game are displayed over the upper display device 32 U and the lower display device 32 D
  • images indicating the second game may be displayed on one of the upper display device 32 U and the lower display device 32 D in the gaming machine of the present invention.
  • the gaming machine may be constructed so that images indicating the second game is displayed on each of the upper display device 32 U and the lower display device 32 D and two second games can be simultaneously conducted.
  • the present invention may be adopted to the slot machine mentioned hereinafter.
  • FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a slot machine as another gaming machine according to the present invention.
  • the slot machine 301 has a cabinet 302 constructing a whole of the slot machine 301 .
  • an upper liquid crystal display 303 is arranged, and at a front central part of the cabinet 302 a lower liquid crystal display 304 is arranged.
  • the upper liquid crystal display 303 is constructed from a liquid crystal display device which is generally used, and the lower liquid crystal display 304 is constructed from, so-called, a transparent liquid crystal display device. A detailed construction of the transparent liquid crystal display device will be explained hereinafter.
  • An operation table 305 which is projected frontward, is formed below the lower liquid crystal display 304 , and from the most left side on the operation table 305 , a change button 306 , a payout (cash out) button 307 , a help button 308 are arranged. And a coin insertion slot 309 and a bill insertion portion 310 are arranged at the right side of the help button 308 . Further, from the left side, a 1-BET button 311 , a SPIN/REPEAT BET button (hereinafter, abbreviated as “spin button”) 312 , a 3-BET button 313 and a 5-BET button 314 are positioned at the front side on the operation table 305 .
  • spin button SPIN/REPEAT BET button
  • the change button 306 is pressed when exchanging the bill inserted in the bill insertion portion 311 , and the exchanged coins are paid out through a coin payout opening 315 to a coin tray 316 which is formed at the lower part of the cabinet 302 .
  • a change switch 362 (explained hereinafter) is attached, and the a switch signal is output to a CPU 350 (mentioned hereinafter) from the change switch 362 based on press of the change button 306 .
  • the payout button 307 is usually pressed when games are terminated, and when the payout button 307 is pressed coins got in games are paid out through the coin payout opening 315 to the coin tray 316 .
  • a payout (cash out) switch 363 (mentioned hereinafter) is attached and a switch signal is output to the CPU 350 from the payout switch 363 based on press of the payout button 307 .
  • the help button 308 is pressed when the player cannot understand game operation method, and when the help button 308 is pressed, various help information is displayed on the upper liquid crystal display 303 or the lower liquid crystal display 304 .
  • a help switch 364 (mentioned hereinafter) is attached and a switch signal is output to the CPU 350 from the help switch 364 based on press of the help button 308 .
  • a coin sensor 365 (mentioned hereinafter) is positioned, and when the coin is inserted in the coin insertion slot 309 a coin detection signal is output to the CPU 350 through the coin sensor 365 .
  • a bill sensor 366 (mentioned hereinafter) is positioned, and when the bill is inserted in the bill insertion portion 310 a bill detection signal is output to the CPU 350 through the bill sensor 366 .
  • the 1-BET button 311 As for the 1-BET button 311 , every the 1-BET button 311 is pressed one credit is betted, and the 1-BET button 311 can bet by pressing up to tree times as the maximum pressing time. To the 1-BET button 311 , a 1-BET switch 359 is attached and when the 1-BET button 311 is pressed a switch signal is output to the CPU 350 from the 1-BET switch 359 based on press of the 1-BET button 311 .
  • the spin button 312 is the button to start games from the present bet number or the previous bet number by press thereof, thereby reels 322 (mentioned later) are started to rotate.
  • a spin switch 358 (mentioned later) is attached, and when the spin button 312 is pressed a switch signal is output to the CPU 350 from the spin switch 358 based on press of the spin button 312 .
  • the bet number which can be betted by press of the spin button 312 there may exist 1, 2, 3 and 5 bets.
  • the 3-BET button 313 is the button to start games from 3 bets on the basis of press thereof.
  • a 3-BET switch 360 (mentioned hereinafter) is attached and when the 3-BET button 313 is pressed a switch signal is output to the CPU 350 from the 3-BET switch 360 .
  • the 5-BET button 314 is the button to start games from 5 bets on the basis of press thereof.
  • a 5-BET switch 361 is attached and when the 5-BET button is pressed a switch signal is output to the CPU 350 from the 5-BET switch 361 on the basis of press thereof.
  • the coin payout opening 315 is formed and the coin tray 316 to receive coins paid out from the coin payout opening 315 is provided.
  • a coin detection part 373 constructed from a sensor and the like is positioned and the coin detection part 373 detects number of coins paid out from the coin payout opening 315 .
  • a start lever 317 is arranged rotatably within a predetermined angle range.
  • a start switch 357 is attached to the start lever 317 and when the start lever 317 is rotated a switch signal occurring from the start switch 357 is output to the CPU 350 .
  • FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of the lower liquid crystal display 304 and the reels 322
  • FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the lower liquid crystal display 304 .
  • the lower liquid crystal display 304 is arranged within a display window 321 of a device front panel 320 positioned at the front center part of the cabinet 302 in the slot machine 301 , with a transparent touch panel 330 (abbreviated as “touch panel 330 ” hereinafter) arranged at the front side (the left side in FIG. 12 ) of the lower liquid crystal display 304 .
  • a transparent touch panel 330 abbreviated as “touch panel 330 ” hereinafter
  • three reels 322 are supported in a parallel state so that the reels 322 become independently rotatable.
  • each reel 322 will be described.
  • the left reel 322 when seeing the front plane of the slot machine 301 faces to a left display window 323 (see FIG. 11 ) formed in the lower liquid crystal display 304
  • the center reel 322 faces to a center display window 324 (see FIG. 11 ) similarly formed in the lower liquid crystal display 304
  • the right reel 322 faces to a right display window 325 (see FIG. 11 ) similarly formed in the lower liquid crystal display 304 . Construction of each of the display windows 323 , 324 , 325 will described hereinafter.
  • each reel 322 various kinds of symbols shown in FIG. 14 (6 kinds of symbols are indicated in FIG. 14 ) are formed.
  • symbols formed on the outer periphery of the reel 322 concerning with game contents conducted in the slot machine 301 , it is utilized a wild symbol, a pendant symbol, a trigger symbol, a red 7 symbol to which a beautiful girl is attached, a bill bundle symbol and a gold coin symbol.
  • these 6 kinds of symbols and blank (s) are combined based on a predetermined combination and the combinations in which the symbols and the blanks are totally combined (the total number of the symbols and the blanks is 22) is formed.
  • such combination with of symbols and blanks total number of which is 22 is formed.
  • the pay line L is determined to only the center line, and such pay line L is displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 304 when the game, namely the first game, is conducted by rotating and stopping the reels 322 based on press of the spin button 312 , the 3-BET button 313 and the 5-BET button 314 or rotation of the start lever 317 .
  • the above mentioned trigger symbol functions as a trigger to obtain the second games.
  • one trigger symbol is formed only on the peripheral plane of the right reel 322 . Based on that the trigger symbol existing on the peripheral plane of the right reel 322 is stopped on the pay line L in the first game, the second game can be obtained.
  • the specific condition to execute the second game is that the trigger symbol stops on the pay line L.
  • the lower liquid crystal display 304 is constructed by arranging from the front side of the slot machine 301 ; the touch panel 330 , the reel glass base 331 , the bezel metal frame 332 , the transparent liquid crystal panel 333 , the liquid crystal holder 334 , the scattering sheet 335 , the light leading plate 336 , the white reflector 337 , the rear holder 338 and the antistatic sheet 339 .
  • the scattering sheet 335 three openings 335 A, 335 B, 335 C are formed.
  • openings 336 A, 336 B, 336 C, 337 A, 337 B, 337 C, 338 A, 338 B, 338 C are formed respectively, so as to coincide with the openings 335 A, 335 B, 335 C.
  • the openings 335 A ⁇ 338 A construct the left display window 323 (see FIG. 11 ) by superimposing so as to coincide with each other.
  • the openings 335 B ⁇ 338 B construct the center display window 324 (see FIG. 11 ) by superimposing so as to coincide with each other
  • the openings 335 C ⁇ 338 C construct the right display window 325 (see FIG. 11 ) by superimposing so as to coincide with each other.
  • the openings 335 A ⁇ 335 C in the scattering sheet 335 and the openings 336 A ⁇ 336 C in the light leading plate 336 construct the light transmitting areas to retain visibility while variable displaying is conducted by rotating reels 322 .
  • brackets 340 are screwed to the rear side of the device front panel 320 by screws 341 .
  • a pair of cold cathode ray tubes 342 are arranged as light sources of the liquid crystal panel 333 .
  • a pair of cold cathode ray tubes 343 are arranged to illuminate the symbols on the outer periphery of each of the reels 322 .
  • the liquid crystal panel 333 is a transparent electric display panel on which transparent electrodes such as ITO are formed, and arranged in front of each of the reels 322 which can be seen therethrough. And the circumference in rear side of the display part of the liquid crystal panel 333 is held by the liquid crystal holder 334 .
  • the light leading plate 336 is made from the light transmitting resin panel, and in the light leading plate 336 lens cut portions are formed, the lens cut portions leading light emitted from the cold cathode ray tubes 343 positioned at side positions to the rear side of the liquid crystal panel 333 .
  • the light scattering sheet 335 is made from a light transmitting resin sheet and scatters light led by the light leading panel 336 and levels light irradiated to the liquid crystal panel 333 .
  • the liquid crystal holder 334 for holding the liquid crystal panel 333 , the scattering sheet 335 and the light leading plate 336 are assembled into one body and circumference thereof is inserted in the bezel metal frame 332 . Thereby, the front side of the display part in the liquid crystal panel 333 is retained by the bezel metal frame 332 .
  • the transparent touch panel 330 is pressed and contacted to the front side of the reel glass base 331 by installing the reel glass base 331 to the device front panel 320 through the screws 341 , thereby the transparent touch panel 330 is superimposed on the front display plane of the liquid crystal panel 333 .
  • the rear holder 338 is made from a white resin plate and retains to the reel glass base 331 the bezel metal frame 332 supported to the reel glass base 331 , the liquid crystal holder 334 holding the liquid crystal panel 333 , the light scattering sheet 335 and the light leading plate 336 from the rear sides thereof.
  • the rear holder 338 also functions as a reflecting plate for reflecting light emitted from the cold cathode ray tubes 343 to the light leading plate 336 toward the liquid crystal panel 333 .
  • the antistatic sheet 339 is made transparent and adhered to the rear plane of the rear holder 338 by double-sided adhesive tape, thereby the antistatic sheet 339 covers the rear plane of each of the openings 338 A ⁇ 338 C formed in the rear holder 338 .
  • FIG. 15 is a block diagram schematically showing the control system in the slot machine 301 .
  • the control system of the slot machine 301 is basically constructed from the CPU 350 , and a ROM 351 and a RAM 352 are connected to the CPU 350 .
  • the ROM 351 stores game control program (mentioned later), various effect programs for executing various effects on the upper liquid crystal display 303 and the lower liquid crystal display 304 according to progress in games, lottery program for conducting lottery of various winning combinations, various programs necessary for controlling the slot machine 301 and various data tables and the like.
  • the RAM 352 is a memory for temporarily storing various data calculated by the CPU 350 .
  • the CPU 350 executes the first game based on the various programs stored in the ROM 351 and the second game when the specific condition is realized in the first game.
  • a clock pulse generator 353 for generating standard clock pulses and a frequency divider 354 are connected, and a random number generator 355 and a sampling circuit 356 are also connected. Random number sampled by the random number generator 356 is utilized in various lotteries of the symbol every each reel 322 , the effects and the like.
  • the symbols stopped on the pay line L are determined as follows. That is, a random number range corresponding to the symbols every each reel 322 is set beforehand and the random number every each reel 322 extracted from a predetermined random number range (for example, the range of “0” ⁇ “255”) and the “probability lottery table” (not shown) are referred with each other.
  • the symbols are determined by judging that the extracted random number lies in the random number range of which symbol.
  • the start switch 357 attached to the start lever 317 , the spin switch 358 attached to the spin button 312 , the 1-BET switch 359 attached to the 1-BET button 311 , the 3-BET switch 360 attached to the 1-BET button 313 , the change switch 362 attached to the change button 306 , the cashout switch 363 attached to the cashout button 307 and the help switch 364 attached to the help button 308 are connected respectively.
  • the CPU 350 controls the slot machine 301 to execute various operations corresponding to each button, based on the switch signal output from each switch when such buttons are pressed.
  • the coin sensor 365 positioned in the coin insertion slot 309 and the bill sensor 366 positioned in the bill insertion portion 310 are connected respectively.
  • the coin sensor 365 detects coins inserted from the coin insertion slot 309 and the CPU 350 calculates the number of inserted coins based on the coin detection signal output from the coin sensor 365 .
  • the bill sensor 366 detects the kind and sum of bill and the CPU 350 calculates the number of coins equivalent to sum of bill, based on the bill detection signal output from the bill sensor 366 .
  • each stepping motor 368 for rotating each of the reels 322 through a motor drive circuit 367 are connected, and also a reel position detection circuit 369 is connected.
  • a motor drive signal is output to the motor drive circuit 367
  • each stepping motor 368 is driven to rotate by the motor drive circuit 367 , thereby each reel 322 is rotated.
  • the number of drive pulses provided to each stepping motor 368 is calculated and the calculated value is written in the predetermined area of the RAM 352 .
  • the reset pulse is output every one rotation of the reel 322 and such reset pulse is input to the CPU 350 through the reel position detection circuit 369 .
  • the CPU 350 recognizes the symbol rotational position in the reel 322 , based on the calculated value corresponding to the rotational position of the reel 322 within one rotation and the symbol table in which the rotational position of the reel 322 stored in the ROM 351 and the symbols formed on outer peripheral plane of the reel 322 are corresponded with each other.
  • a hopper 371 is connected through a hopper drive circuit 370 .
  • the hopper 371 pays out predetermined number of coins from the coin payout opening 315 .
  • a coin detection part 373 is connected through a payout completion signal circuit 372 .
  • the coin detection part 373 is arranged in the coin payout opening 315 and when the coin detection part 373 detects that a predetermined number of coins are paid out from the coin payout opening 315 , the payout completion signal is output to the payout completion signal circuit 372 from the coin detection part 373 . Based on this, the payout completion signal circuit 372 outputs the payout completion signal to the CPU 350 .
  • the upper liquid crystal display 303 is connected through a liquid crystal drive circuit 374 and the lower liquid crystal display 304 is connected through a liquid crystal drive circuit 375 .
  • the touch panel 330 is connected through a touch panel drive circuit 376 .
  • LEDs 378 are connected through a LED drive circuit 377 .
  • a plurality of the LEDs 378 are arranged on the front plane of the slot machine 301 and the LEDs 378 are controlled so as to turn on based on the drive signals from the CPU 350 .
  • a speaker 380 and a sound output circuit 379 are connected to the CPU 350 and the speaker 380 produces various effective sounds when various effects are conducted based on the output signal from the sound output circuit 379 .
  • a progressive interface (I/F) 381 is provided to the CPU 350 .
  • the player can see and recognize the symbols, which are variably displayed and stopped and displayed, through the lower liquid crystal display 304 which is the so-called transparent liquid crystal display.
  • the second game is executed.
  • the game contents of the second game itself is as same as those of the first game and the game contents of the first game are already explained, thus explanation of the second game will omitted.
  • the second game may be executed on the upper display device 303 or the lower display device 304 . Further, the second game may be executed on each of the upper display device 303 and the lower display device 304 .
  • the second game may be executed on three reels 322 , the lower liquid crystal display 303 and the lower liquid crystal display 304 .
  • the specific symbols can be displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 304 so as to cover the symbols formed on the reels 322 .
  • the game worth (for example, coins) paid out to the player may be determined based on the number of coins betted in the first game and the point number obtained in the second game, as in the gaming machine 2 .
  • the common bonus so-called progressive bonus
  • the game worth as the common bonus may be paid out from the slot machine 301 in which the points more than a predetermined number are obtained in the second game.
  • FIG. 16 is an explanatory view schematically showing the progressive gaming system.
  • a plurality of slot machines 301 are connected to a transmission control part 384 in the progressive unit 383 through the progressive interface (I/F) 381 provided in each slot machine 301 .
  • I/F progressive interface
  • any one of wire connection and wireless connection can be utilized. Thereby, mutual transmission can be done through the transmission control part 384 between the progressive unit 383 and each slot machine 301 .
  • Such pool number information of coins is transmitted from the progressive unit 383 to each slot machine 301 through the transmission control part 384 and displayed on the upper liquid crystal display 303 in each slot machine 301 .
  • a pool number calculation part 385 in the progressive unit 383 adds the common bonus based on the coin insertion information transmitted from each slot machine 301 .
  • each slot machine 301 in a case that any one of the progressive bonuses is won in the first game or the second game, the coin number corresponding to the common bonus won is rest to the initial number of coins. And the pool number storing part 386 stores the above mentioned coin number calculated by the pool number calculation part 385 .
  • the progressive unit 383 constructed according to the above periodically transmits from the transmission control part 384 to each slot machine 301 the coin pool number information stored in the pool number storing part 386 . And each slot machine 301 periodically compares the coin pool number information transmitted in previous time with the coin pool number information transmitted in present time, based on the coin pool number information transmitted from the progressive unit 383 . And in a case that the coin pool number in present time reduces than the coin pool number in previous time, each slot machine 301 notifies that the common bonus in which the coin pool number reduces is won.
  • the game worth for example, coins
  • the common bonus accumulated from a plurality of slot machines 301 can be obtained. Therefore, it concludes that competitive spirit of the other players is stirred up, as a result, interest and connection for the second game can be raised.
  • the number of the specific symbol substituted in the second game is determined and the second game result is affected by the number of the specific symbol. Therefore, interest and connection for not only the second game but also the first game can be raised, thus interest for games can be improved.

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US8235799B2 (en) * 2004-05-31 2012-08-07 Universal Entertainment Corporation Gaming machine and method including re-triggering a feature game to a next feature game
US20110009185A1 (en) * 2004-05-31 2011-01-13 Universal Entertainment Corporation Gaming machine
US7824261B2 (en) * 2004-05-31 2010-11-02 Universal Entertainment Corporation Gaming machine with second symbols substitutable for first symbols during a feature game
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EP1560176A1 (en) 2005-08-03
AU2005200348A1 (en) 2005-08-18
CN1647842A (zh) 2005-08-03
ZA200500777B (en) 2005-10-26
EA200500118A1 (ru) 2005-08-25
JP2005211340A (ja) 2005-08-11

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