US20080085758A1 - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Gaming machine Download PDF

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Publication number
US20080085758A1
US20080085758A1 US11/907,101 US90710107A US2008085758A1 US 20080085758 A1 US20080085758 A1 US 20080085758A1 US 90710107 A US90710107 A US 90710107A US 2008085758 A1 US2008085758 A1 US 2008085758A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
variable display
special
symbol
display sections
gaming machine
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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.)
Abandoned
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US11/907,101
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English (en)
Inventor
Kazunobu Sato
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: SATO, KAZUNOBU
Publication of US20080085758A1 publication Critical patent/US20080085758A1/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
    • G07F17/3244—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 that variably displays a plurality of symbols in each of a plurality of variable display sections.
  • gaming machines As the popularity of gaming machines increases recently, various types of gaming machines have been developed and emerged in the market. Among these gaming machines, many types of gaming machines, in which nine reels are disposed in a 3 ⁇ 3 matrix and total of eight pay lines including three vertical pay lines, three horizontal pay lines, and two diagonal pay lines are provided, have been developed and emerged in the market.
  • gaming machines pay out awards to players when symbol combinations stopped on pay lines satisfies winning combinations.
  • gaming machines having a type of bonus also called “Mystery Feature”
  • Mystery Feature which is awarded unexpectedly when a predetermined condition not clarified to the garners is satisfied, in addition to winning combinations on pay lines
  • gaming machines having a bonus also called “Mystery Odds” that makes an ordinary award two times to five times when a predetermined condition is satisfied have been proposed (for example, JP-A-2003-180908, also published as US 2003/0130027 A1).
  • This type of gaming machines provide excellent stimulus to the players in a relatively monotonous video slot games, and since games having the “Mystery Odds” can improve the expectation of the players, entertaining features of the games become excellent, whereby the gaming machines become very popular.
  • One of objects of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of performing moderate payouts while increasing the expectation for acquisition of a large quantity of coins similar to the conventional “Mystery Odds” and provides a surprise for unexpected awards.
  • a gaming machine including: a display; an operation unit that allows a player to input commands for playing a game; and a processor that operates to: control the display to perform a variable display of a plurality of symbols in each of a plurality of variable display sections that are arranged in matrix, when a start command is input through the operation unit; perform a lottery to determine stop symbols to be displayed stopped in the variable display sections; control the display to display the stop symbols in the variable display sections after performing the variable display; determine whether or not a symbol combination of the stop symbols satisfies a winning combination; provide an award to the player when determined that the symbol combination of the stop symbols satisfies the winning combination; assign at least one of the variable display sections as a special variable display section; provide a special award to the player based on the special variable display section, the special award being advantageous to the player.
  • a gaming machine including: a plurality of variable display sections that display stop symbols after variably displaying a plurality of symbols; a lottery means for performing a lottery for determining the stop symbols to be displayed on the plurality of variable display sections; a determination means for determining whether or not the stop symbols displayed on the plurality of variable display sections include a symbol combination forming a winning combination on the basis of the stop symbols determined by the lottery performed by the lottery means; an award providing means for providing an award corresponding to the winning combination when the determination means determines that the stop symbols displayed on the plurality of variable display sections include the symbol combination forming the winning combination; an assignment means for assigning at least one of the plurality of variable display sections as a special variable display section; and a special advantage awarding means for providing a special advantage that is advantageous to a player on the basis of the special variable display section assigned by the assignment means.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a slot machine as a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the slot machine showing the configuration of its internal control system as an example
  • FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a video controller of the slot machine showing its internal configuration as an example
  • FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a main process that is an operational flow from the start to the end of a game in the slot machine;
  • FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operational flow of a base game process
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a stop table as an example
  • FIG. 7 shows the configuration of a game screen displayed in the slot machine
  • FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a first example of a special advantage process
  • FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a second example of the special advantage process.
  • FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a third example of the special advantage process
  • FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a fourth example of the special advantage process
  • FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a bonus game process as an example
  • FIG. 13 is a partially enlarged diagram of a screen displayed on a main display in a base game process
  • FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a screen in a status that a scroll process is started after the status shown in FIG. 13 ;
  • FIG. 15 shows an example of a screen for notification of a variable display section assigned as a special variable display section to the player in a variable display section assigning process
  • FIG. 16 shows an example of a screen in which stop symbols are displayed on variable display sections after a stop control process following the scroll process shown in FIG. 15 is performed;
  • FIG. 17 shows an example of a screen in the second example of the special advantage process
  • FIG. 18 shows an example of a screen in the third example of the special advantage process
  • FIG. 19 shows an example of a screen in the fourth example of the special advantage process.
  • FIG. 20 is an example of a screen in which a scroll process is performed on the basis of the result of a re-lottery process.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a slot machine 1 .
  • the slot machine 1 is a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention and is configured to perform a variable display game (also referred to as a slot game) using variable display images of a plurality of symbols.
  • the slot machine 1 has a base game mode in which a base game started by default from the start of an operation thereof is performed and a bonus game mode in which a bonus game started under a predetermined condition after the base game is performed.
  • the slot machine 1 is configured to be able to perform the variable display game also in the bonus game mode.
  • the slot machine 1 has a main display 3 provided with a liquid crystal device on the front side of a casing 2 .
  • the slot machine 1 has a sub-display 4 , which is also provided with a liquid crystal device, above the main display 3 .
  • variable display area 30 In the approximately center of the screen of the main display 3 , a variable display area 30 is provided.
  • This variable display area 30 has a plurality of variable display sections (in the embodiment, total nine variable display sections 3 A, 3 B, 3 C, 3 D, 3 E, 3 F, 3 G, 3 H, and 3 I disposed in horizontal three rows X vertical three columns).
  • a scrolling image an image displayed as if a mechanical reel rotates, in which a plurality of symbols look as if they move from top to bottom are displayed, is configured to be displayed in the variable display sections 3 A to 3 I included in the variable display area 30 of the main display 3 in both the base game mode and the bonus game mode.
  • the slot machine 1 since the slot machine 1 has nine variable display sections 3 A to 3 I, total of eight pay lines L 1 to L 8 including six lines constituted by three vertical columns and horizontal three rows of the variable display sections 3 A to 3 I and two diagonal lines of the 3 ⁇ 3 matrix are set.
  • various information related to the game for example, a description of game rules, an award table, description of a game.
  • a pedestal portion 11 having substantially horizontal surface is provided at a position lower than the main display 3 , is provided.
  • the pedestal portion 11 is provided with a coin insertion slot 6 , a bill insertion slot 7 , a spin button 8 , a 1 -BET switch 9 , and a MAX-BET switch 10 .
  • the coin insertion slot 6 is provided for the player to insert a game medium such as a coin, a medal, a token, a credit, or the like (hereinafter, simply referred to as a coin) to be bet in a game, and has a coin insertion sensor 6 S (see FIG. 2 ) for transmitting a signal indicative of coin insertion.
  • the bill insertion slot 7 is provided for reception of bills inserted by the player, and has a bill insertion sensor 7 S (see FIG. 2 ) for transmitting a signal indicative of bill insertion.
  • the spin button 8 is provided for the player to perform an operation to start a slot game by displaying scrolling display images of the symbols in the variable display sections 3 A to 3 I, and has a spin switch 8 S (see FIG. 2 ) for indicating detection of press-down of the spin button 8 .
  • the 1 -BET button 9 is provided for placing a bet of one coin in a single operation, and has a 1-BET switch 9 S (see FIG. 2 ) indicating detection of press-down of the 1-BET button 9 .
  • the MAX-BET button 10 is provided for placing a bet of the maximum number (for example, five) of coins for one game in a single operation, and has a MAX-BET switch 10 S (see FIG. 2 ) indicating detection of press-down of the MAX-BET button 10 .
  • the slot machine 1 includes a coin payout opening 13 and a coin receiving tray 14 for receiving coins paid out which are provided on a lower side of the casing 2 .
  • speakers 12 L and 12 R are provided on the left and right sides of the coin payout opening 13 .
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the slot machine 1 showing its internal control system as an example.
  • the slot machine 1 includes a plurality of components with a microcomputer 31 serving as a core.
  • the microcomputer 31 includes a main CPU (Central Processing Unit) 32 , a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33 , and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 34 .
  • the main CPU 32 operates as various means featuring the invention based on a program stored in the ROM 34 , transmits/receives signals to/from the other components via an I/O port 39 , and controls operations of the entire slot machine 1 .
  • the RAM 33 stores data and programs which are used when the MAIN CPU 32 is in operation. For example, the RAM 33 temporarily retains random number values sampled by a sampling circuit 36 to be described later, after the game starts.
  • the ROM 34 stores programs to be executed by the main CPU 32 and permanent data.
  • the slot machine 1 includes a random number generator 35 , the sampling circuit 36 , a clock pulse generating circuit 37 , and a frequency divider 38 .
  • the random number generator 35 operates in accordance with an instruction from the main CPU 32 and generates random numbers in a predetermined range.
  • the sampling circuit 36 in accordance with an instruction from the main CPU 32 , extracts an arbitrary random number from among the random numbers generated by the random number generator 35 and inputs the extracted random number to the main CPU 32 .
  • the clock pulse generating circuit 37 generates a reference clock for operating the main CPU 32
  • the frequency divider 38 inputs a signal obtained by dividing the reference clock by a fixed frequency to the main CPU 32 .
  • the slot machine 1 includes a touch panel 3 a, a lamp driving circuit 59 , a lamp 60 , a LED driving circuit 61 , an LED 62 , a hopper driving circuit 63 , a hopper 64 , a payout completion signal circuit 65 , and a coin detecting unit 66 .
  • the slot machine 1 includes a video controller 71 and a sound controller 72 .
  • the touch panel 3 a is provided so as to cover a display screen of the main display 3 .
  • the touch panel 3 a detects a position of a spot on the display screen which is touched by a finger of the player and inputs a position signal corresponding to the detected position to the main CPU 32 .
  • the lamp driving circuit 59 outputs a signal for turning the lamp 60 on to the lamp 60 , and thereby blinking the lamp 60 in the game. By the blinking of the lamp 60 , various effects pertaining to the game is performed.
  • the LED driving circuit 61 generates a driving control signal for controlling the blinking of the LED 62 and outputs the driving control signal to the LED 62 .
  • the LED 62 displays the number of credits, the number of acquired credits, or the like in accordance with the driving control signal output from the LED driving circuit 61 .
  • the hopper driving circuit 63 drives a hopper 64 in accordance with the control of the main CPU 32 .
  • the hopper 64 performs an operation for paying out awarded coins and pays out the coins to the coin receiving tray 14 from the payout opening.
  • the coin detecting unit 66 counts the number of coins paid out by the hopper 64 and inputs data for the counted number of coins to the payout completion signal circuit 65 .
  • the payout completion signal circuit 65 receives the data for the number of coins input from the coin detecting circuit 66 . Then, the payout completion signal circuit 65 inputs a signal indicative of completion of coin payout to the main CPU 32 when the number of the coins reaches a predetermined number.
  • the touch panel 3 a, the spin switch 8 S, the 1-BET switch 9 S, the MAX-BET switch 10 S, the coin insertion sensor 6 S, and the bill insertion sensor 7 S are directly connected to the I/O port 39 for performing input/output (transmission/reception) operations of signals
  • a subsidiary circuit board door PCB (Printed Circuit Board)
  • the touch panel 3 a or the like and the I/O port 39 may be inserted therebetween (between the touch panel 3 a or the like and the I/O port 39 ) so as to identify a source of a signal such as the touch panel 3 a or the like and the signal may be input/output (transmitted/received) to/from the main CPU 32 by the IO port 39 .
  • main circuit board (main PCB (Printed Circuit Board)) may be inserted between the various circuits 59 , 61 , 63 , 65 , 71 , and 72 disposed on the main body side and the I/O port 39 .
  • main PCB printed Circuit Board
  • the video controller 71 controls image display operations of the main display 3 and the sub display 4 and displays various images such as variable display images of a plurality of symbols, a sub game preparing screen, or the like on the main display 3 and the sub display 4 .
  • FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram of the video controller 71 showing its configuration as an example.
  • the video controller 71 includes an image control CPU 71 a, a work RAM 71 b, a program ROM 71 c, an image ROM 71 d, a video RAM 71 e, and a VDP (Video Display Processor) 71 f.
  • the image control CPU 71 a based on a parameter set by the microcomputer 31 , determines an image (a reel image, an image of a stop symbol displayed at a time when the scroll display stops, or the like) to be displayed on the main display 3 and the sub display 4 in accordance with an image control program (regarding the display on the main display 3 and the sub display 4 ) stored in the program ROM 71 c in advance.
  • the work RAM 71 b is configured as a temporary storage to be used at a time when the image control CPU 71 a executes the image control program.
  • the program ROM 71 c stores the image control program, various selection tables, and the like.
  • the image ROM 71 d stores dot data (bitmap data) for forming an image. In the embodiment, symbol image data representing symbols used in the base game and the bonus game is included in the dot data.
  • the video RAM 71 e is configured as a temporary storage used for the VDP 71 f to form an image.
  • the VDP 71 f includes a control RAM 71 g.
  • the VDP 71 f forms images on the basis of the images to be displayed on the main display 3 and the sub display 4 which have been determined by the image control CPU 71 a, and outputs the formed images to the main display 3 and the sub display 4 .
  • the sound controller 72 outputs a sound signal, which is used for outputting a sound from the speakers 12 L and 12 R, to the speakers 12 L and 12 R. From the speakers 12 L and 12 R, for example, a sound is output to add excitement to the game at an appropriate time after the game starts.
  • FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operational flow of a main process from the start to the end of a single round of a game (unit game) in the slot machine 1 .
  • the term “Step” is abbreviated as “S”.
  • the main CPU 32 operates as a game progress controller so as to control the progress of a game.
  • the main CPU 32 starts the main process as shown in FIG. 4 , in the start of the game, a start accepting process (S 1 ) is performed at the start of the game in Step 1 , a base game process (S 2 ) is performed in the subsequent Step 2 while a base game mode is maintained as a gaming mode, and the process proceeds to Step 3 .
  • Step 3 after receiving a result of a base game lottery process ( FIG.
  • the main CPU 32 determines whether to make a transition of the gaming mode to a bonus game mode on the basis of a transition condition set for transition of the gaming mode to the bonus game mode (S 3 ).
  • the slot machine 1 more particularly, the main CPU 32 , determines that the transition condition is satisfied (S 3 : Yes)
  • the process proceeds to a bonus game process of Step 4 , and then, the process proceeds to a payout process of Step 5 .
  • the slot machine 1 more particularly, the main CPU 32 , proceeds the process to the payout process of Step 5 without performing the bonus game process of Step 4 .
  • the slot machine 1 when a wining combination is generated in the base game or the bonus game, the slot machine 1 , more particularly, the main CPU 32 , performs a coin payout process (a process of instructing the hopper driving circuit 63 to payout coins corresponding to the number of paying-out coins performed by the main CPU 32 , and a process of paying out the coins performed by the hopper 64 , and a process of inputting a signal from the payout completion signal circuit 65 ) in accordance with the wining combination and then ends the main process.
  • a coin payout process a process of instructing the hopper driving circuit 63 to payout coins corresponding to the number of paying-out coins performed by the main CPU 32 , and a process of paying out the coins performed by the hopper 64 , and a process of inputting a signal from the payout completion signal circuit 65 .
  • the slot machine 1 accepts an operation for start of the game from the player in accordance with control of the main CPU 32 . Since the slot machine 1 is a coin-operated game machine, in order to start a game, the player first inserts the number of coins to be bet in one round (unit) of the game into the coin insertion slot 6 or operates the 1-BET button 9 or the MAX-BET button 10 in a case where there are remaining credits. Thereafter, the player performs an operation of the spin button 8 (hereinafter, referred to as a start operation) By performing the start operation, a start signal output from the spin switch 8 S which has detected the press-down of the spin button 8 is input to the main CPU 32 .
  • a start operation a start signal output from the spin switch 8 S which has detected the press-down of the spin button 8 is input to the main CPU 32 .
  • FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the base game process as an example. Hereinafter, the base game process will be described with reference to FIG. 5 .
  • the slot machine 1 When the process proceeds to the base game process, the slot machine 1 , more particularly, the main CPU 32 , which serves as a lottery means according to an embodiment of the present invention, first performs a base game lottery process (S 10 ).
  • the main CPU 32 In the base game lottery process, the main CPU 32 is operated as a symbol determination means and performs a process of determination of the symbol.
  • the main CPU 32 determines the symbols (hereinafter, this symbols are referred to as stop symbols) to be stopped for being displayed by stopping variable display of the symbols on the variable display sections 3 A to 3 I. Whether the stop symbols satisfy a wining combination depends on whether the stop symbols on the pay lines L 1 to L 8 form predetermined combinations.
  • the main CPU 32 of the slot machine 1 instructs the video controller 71 during the base game lottery process (S 10 ) so as to display an image (hereinafter, referred to as a representation image) for representation of the game in the sub display 4 .
  • the CPU 32 when detecting the player's start operation on the basis of the start signal, the CPU 32 instructs the random number generator 35 to generate random numbers in a predetermined range in accordance with the detection (that is, in accordance with the start of the game). Then, the main CPU 32 instructs the sampling circuit 36 to extract an arbitrary random number from among the random numbers generated by the random number generator 35 .
  • the main CPU 32 acquires a code number of a symbol corresponding to the extracted random number with reference to a symbol determining table (a table in which code numbers (hereinafter, simply referred to as numbers) of symbols linked with random numbers are stored) stored in the ROM 34 by using the random number as a search key.
  • the slot machine 1 searches for stop symbols to be stopped for being displayed in the variable display sections 3 A to 3 I with reference to a stop table 90 shown in FIG. 6 using the acquired code number as a search key.
  • the stop table 90 includes a code number area 90 a for storage of code numbers of the symbols and a first symbol area 90 b and a second symbol area 90 c which are used for storage of symbols (or file names of the symbols corresponding to the code numbers, addresses of file storing places of the symbols, file paths of the symbols, or the like).
  • the stop table 90 is configured such that symbols for the variable display sections 3 A to 3 I can be found by searching the code number area 90 a using the code number as the search key.
  • first symbol area 90 b and the second symbol area 90 c symbols (or codes of the symbols) are registered in correspondence with code numbers of “ 0 ” to “ 31 ”.
  • first symbol area 90 b stop symbols to be displayed in variable display sections 3 A to 3 D and 3 F to 3 I other than a center variable display section 3 E are registered.
  • second symbol area 90 c stop symbols (or codes of the stop symbols) to be stopped for being displayed in the center variable display section 3 E are registered.
  • a symbol (Wild Joker 92 ) corresponding to a code number “0” of the second symbol area 90 c is configured as a beneficial symbol.
  • This “Wild Joker” 92 indicates a symbol more beneficial than any other symbol to the player and, as shown in FIG. 6 , is composed of an image representing a doll's face and a text string of “Wild”.
  • the slot machine 1 performs total of nine times of the operation for extraction of random numbers and the operation for search of the symbol determining table and the stop table 90 for each of the variable display sections 3 A to 3 I.
  • the operation for search of the tables is performed the number of times corresponding to the number of the variable display sections, and thereby the stop symbols for the variable display sections 3 A to 3 I are determined.
  • the main CPU 32 which also serves as determination means according to an embodiment of the present invention, determines whether an award is won with reference to a winning determining table (not shown in the figure) stored in the ROM 34 .
  • a winning determining table (not shown in the figure) stored in the ROM 34 .
  • symbol patterns are registered with being linked with combinations (hereinafter, referred to as code number patterns) of code numbers such that determination on whether a code number pattern is a winning symbol pattern or a non-winning symbol pattern can be made for determining award win.
  • the main CPU 32 Since, the code number pattern corresponding to the stop symbols has been determined, the main CPU 32 is operated as the determination means and refers to the winning determining table by using the code number pattern corresponding to the stop symbols as the search key, and determines whether a wining combination has been satisfied in the variable display game.
  • a winning state determination process in which the main CPU 32 determines a winning state with reference to a state table (not shown in the figure) is performed (the winning state is also called a winning combination).
  • the state table is used for determination of a state (winning state) from among the winning combinations. In the state table, awards for the winning combination are registered.
  • the winning combination determination process and the winning state determination process may not be performed in the base game lottery process (S 10 ), and may be performed in a latter special advantage process (S 14 ).
  • the slot machine 1 After the base game lottery process (S 10 ) is performed, the slot machine 1 , more particularly, the main CPU 32 , serving as assignment means according to an embodiment of the present invention, performs a variable display section assigning process (S 11 ).
  • the slot machine 1 In the variable display section assigning process, the slot machine 1 , more particularly, the main CPU 32 , assigns one or a plurality of variable display sections from among the variable display sections 3 A to 3 I as a special variable display section.
  • the assigned variable display section becomes a special variable display section (also called “Mystery Position”).
  • the slot machine 1 more particularly, the main CPU 32 , provides a special advantage that makes the player beneficial for acquisition of a gaming value in a special advantage process (S 14 ) to be described later.
  • the assignment of the variable display section may be determined by the slot machine 1 , more particularly, the main CPU 32 .
  • the slot machine 1 may randomly assigns or determine the variable display section by performing a lottery using random numbers.
  • the slot machine 1 may urge the player to assigns the variable display section and assigns the variable display section on the basis of the player's input.
  • the slot machine 1 more particularly, the main CPU 32 , displays a message of “PLEASE TOUCH A REEL DESIRED TO BE A MYSTERY POSITION” or the like on the main display 3 or the sub-display 4 .
  • the player inputs assignment of the variable display section by touching the variable display section desired to be assigned in accordance with this message. Then, the touch panel 3 a detects a touched position and transmits the detected touched position to the slot machine 1 , more particularly, the main CPU 32 . Then, the slot machine 1 , more particularly, the main CPU 32 , recognizes the assigned variable display section.
  • the number of the variable display sections to be assigned is not limited to one, as described above, and a plurality of the variable display sections may be assigned.
  • the slot machine 1 more particularly, the main CPU 32 , may assigns some variable display sections and allow the player to assigns the other variable display sections.
  • variable display section assigning process (S 11 ) After the variable display section assigning process (S 11 ) is performed, the slot machine 1 , more particularly, the main CPU 32 , performs a scroll process (S 12 ).
  • FIG. 7 shows the configuration of a game screen according to an embodiment of the present invention as an example.
  • the game screen as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed.
  • the above-described nine variable display sections 3 A to 3 I are formed.
  • the nine variable display sections 3 A to 3 I constitute the variable display area 30 .
  • a title display unit 83 including a text string for displaying “BONUS-SPIN” and a description of the game is displayed.
  • a meter display unit 84 having a BET number display section 84 a, a PAID number display section 84 b, a coin insertion and payout display section 84 c, and a CREDIT (credit) number display section 84 d is displayed.
  • eight BET number display sections 82 a for displaying the BET numbers for each pay line are disposed so as to surround the variable display sections 3 A to 3 I.
  • the scroll process in which symbols are changed to be displayed on the variable display sections 3 A to 3 I of the main display 3 as if reels having symbol arrays on their peripheries rotate, is performed in accordance with an instruction of the main CPU 32 .
  • the slot machine 1 When the process proceeds to Step 13 after the scroll process is performed (S 12 ), the slot machine 1 , more particularly, the main CPU 32 , performs the stop control process.
  • the stop control process stops the stop symbols, corresponding to the result of the base game lottery process (S 10 ), to be displayed in the variable display sections 3 A to 3 I while a predetermined representation process such as a process of reducing the speed of scrolling the symbols performed in the above-described scroll process (S 12 ) is performed.
  • a predetermined representation process such as a process of reducing the speed of scrolling the symbols performed in the above-described scroll process (S 12 ) is performed.
  • the special advantage process is performed by the main CPU 32 serving as special advantage providing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the special advantage process provides a special advantage that is more advantageous in acquisition of the gaming value on the basis of the special variable display section.
  • the special advantage may have various contents so as to increase amusement of the game, achieve continuation or increase of the player's enthusiasm for the game.
  • a plurality of examples of the special advantage process will be described as follows.
  • FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a first example of the special advantage process.
  • a symbol role changing process in which the stop symbol of the special variable display section is treated as a predetermined symbol instead of the stop symbol in the above-described win determination process and the winning state determination process, is performed as the special advantage.
  • the stop symbol of a special variable display section is a “cherry” and the predetermined symbol is a “Wild Joker”.
  • the “Wild joker” is a so-called almighty symbol that is treated as a substitute for all the other symbols.
  • the slot machine 1 more particularly, the main CPU 32 , substitutes the stop symbol with the “Wild Joker” in the symbol role changing process (S 21 ) and performs the win determination process and the winning state determination process again, as in the above-described base game lottery process (S 10 ).
  • the substitution of the symbol may not be accompanied with change of the symbol.
  • the predetermined symbol may be fixedly predetermined or may be changeable.
  • the main CPU 32 may perform a process to select the predetermined symbol from among the plurality of symbols.
  • the predetermined symbol may be a desired symbol selected by the player prior to start of the game or stop of the variable display.
  • the slot machine 1 may allow the player to select the symbol to be stopped for being displayed on the special variable display section from among a plurality of symbol candidates (for example, a cherry symbol, a seven symbol, a bar symbol, a double bar symbol, a triple bar symbol, or the like) during the scroll process (S 12 ).
  • the slot machine 1 After the symbol role changing process (S 21 ) is performed, the slot machine 1 , more particularly, the main CPU 32 , performs the win determination process and the winning state determination process as in the above-described base game lottery process (S 10 ). Then, when a winning combination is satisfied, the main CPU 32 determines a corresponding award (S 22 ).
  • the slot machine 1 ends the special advantage process, and returns the process back to the base game process (see FIG. 5 ).
  • the slot machine 1 more particularly, the main CPU 32 , ends the base game process, and returns the process back to the main process (see FIG. 4 ).
  • a predetermined award is provided to the player under a condition that the special variable display section is located on (included in) the pay line on which a winning combination is satisfied in the previous base game lottery process (S 10 ).
  • FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the second example of the special advantage process.
  • the slot machine 1 determines whether the special variable display section is located on (included in) the pay line on which a winning combination is satisfied (S 31 ).
  • the slot machine 1 determines whether the special variable display section is located on the pay line on which the winning combination is satisfied (S 31 ).
  • the slot machine 1 determines whether the special variable display section is located on the pay line on which the winning combination is satisfied (S 31 : No).
  • the slot machine 1 does not perform any process and immediately ends the special advantage process (S 14 ).
  • the slot machine 1 when it is determined that the special variable display section is located on the pay line on which the winning combination is satisfied (S 31 : Yes), the slot machine 1 , more particularly, the main CPU 32 , provides a predetermined award (S 32 ).
  • a predetermined award (paying out additional 100 coins, doubling the award, starting a bonus game, or the like) is provided to the player.
  • the “predetermined award” described above may be any type of award that is advantageous to the player in a game such as awarding coins, improving a winning ratio, providing a bonus game, or providing a free game.
  • the slot machine 1 ends the special advantage process, and returns the process back to the base game process (see FIG. 5 ).
  • the slot machine 1 more particularly, the main CPU 32 , ends the base game process, and returns the process back to the main process (see FIG. 4 ).
  • the predetermined award may be set such that the predetermined award becomes more advantageous to the gamer as the number of the special variable display sections located on the pay line increases (for example, the number of coins provided increases as the number of the special variable display sections located on the pay line increases, or the like).
  • a predetermined award is provided to the player under a condition that the special variable display sections have a predetermined positional relationship, for example, a condition that the special variable display sections are adjacent.
  • the “predetermined positional relationship” means that there is a predetermined positional relationship among the plurality of the special variable display sections. For example, there may be the positional relationship in which the plurality of the special variable display sections are positioned on the same row, on the same line, on a diagonal line, in adjacent locations, or the like.
  • FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the third example of the special advantage process.
  • the predetermined positional relationship in the third example of the special advantage process is described as a relationship in which the plurality of special variable display sections are positioned to be adjacent to each other.
  • the “predetermined award” means the same as described in the second example of the special advantage process, however, as an example thereof, the predetermined award is described as setting a special pay line.
  • the slot machine 1 determines whether the plurality of special variable display sections are adjacent to each other (S 41 ).
  • “being adjacent” means to be adjacent to each other in a horizontal, a vertical, or a diagonal direction.
  • the slot machine 1 When it is determined that the plurality of the special variable display sections are not adjacent (S 41 : No), the slot machine 1 , more particularly, the main CPU 32 , does not perform any process and immediately ends the special advantage process. On the other hand, when it is determined that the plurality of the special variable display sections are adjacent (S 41 : Yes), the slot machine 1 , more particularly, the main CPU 32 , sets a special pay line (S 42 ).
  • the special pay line is different from the ordinary pay lines L 1 to L 8 .
  • the special pay line may a pay line, which passes through the variable display sections 3 A, 3 E, and 3 C, having a letter “V” shape.
  • the slot machine 1 more particularly, the main CPU 32 , performs the win determination process, the winning combination determination process, and the winning state determination process for the special pay line (S 43 ). When the winning combination is satisfied, the main CPU 32 of the slot machine 1 determines a corresponding award.
  • the slot machine 1 When completing the win determination process and the like (S 43 ), the slot machine 1 , more particularly, the main CPU 32 , ends the special advantage process, and returns the process back to the base game process (see FIG. 5 ).
  • the slot machine 1 When the process is returned back to the base game process, the slot machine 1 , more particularly, the main CPU 32 , ends the base game process, and returns the process back to the main process (see FIG. 4 ).
  • a predetermined award is provided to the player when a stop sequence that is determined by time, at which the variable display of the symbols are stopped (display of the stop symbols) on the special variable display section, satisfies a predetermined condition.
  • variable display of the variable display sections 3 A to 3 I ends by performing the above-described scroll process (S 12 ) and stop control process (S 13 ), and thereby stop symbols are displayed on the variable display sections 3 A to 3 I.
  • the stop of the variable display of the variable display sections 3 A to 3 I is not necessarily performed simultaneously, and the time for the variable display of each of the variable display sections 3 A to 3 I is set independently, and the stop control process (S 13 ) is performed such that timings of stopping the stop symbols are not necessarily the same with each other.
  • variable display section 3 B is firstly brought into a stop display state, next, the variable display section 3 F is brought into a stop display state, and finally, the variable display section 3 A is brought into a stop display state.
  • the whole variable display sections 3 A to 3 I are brought into in the stop display state. Accordingly, the order of the stop display of the variable display sections is determined.
  • a predetermined award is awarded when a predetermined condition on the basis of the order of this stop display processes is satisfied.
  • the predetermined condition may be any condition that can be determined on the basis of the order of the stop display processes of the special variable display sections. Examples of the predetermined condition are as follows.
  • the predetermined award means any award that is advantageous to the player as described in the second and third examples of the special advantage process, however, the predetermined award is regarded as performing a re-lottery process in this example.
  • the re-lottery process is a process in which new stop symbols of the variable display sections are determined by performing a lottery and the scroll process (S 12 ) and the stop control process (S 13 ) are performed so as to display the determined stop symbols on the corresponding variable display sections.
  • FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the fourth example of the special advantage process.
  • the slot machine 1 determines whether the stop sequence of the special variable display sections satisfies a predetermined condition (S 51 ).
  • the slot machine 1 more particularly, the main CPU 32 , performs the above-described re-lottery process (S 52 ).
  • the slot machine 1 more particularly, the main CPU 32 , performs the win determination process, the winning combination determination process, and the winning state determination process (see S 22 ) for each pay line on the basis of the stop symbols of the variable display sections 3 A to 3 I that have been determined in the re-lottery process (S 52 ). Then, when the winning combination is satisfied, a corresponding award is determined (S 53 ). Accordingly, the player can acquire a special advantage that an award on the basis of the re-lottery process in addition to an award acquired before the performance of the re-lottery process (S 52 ) can be acquired.
  • the slot machine 1 When the win determination process and the like (S 53 ) is completed, the slot machine 1 , more particularly, the main CPU 32 , ends the special advantage process, and returns the process back to the base game process (see FIG. 5 ). When the process is returned back to the base game process, the slot machine 1 , more particularly, the main CPU 32 , ends the base game process, and returns the process back to the main process (see FIG. 4 ).
  • the re-lottery process (S 52 ) may be modified as follows.
  • both an award corresponding to the winning combination that has been achieved before the re-lottery process and an award corresponding to the winning combination that has been achieved after the re-lottery process may be provided to the player.
  • the player does not have any disadvantage even in a case where the award corresponding to the winning combination that has been achieved before the re-lottery process is higher than the award corresponding to the winning combination that has been achieved after the re-lottery process.
  • the player may be allowed to select one between the award corresponding to the winning combination that has been achieved before the re-lottery process and the award corresponding to the winning combination that has been achieved after the re-lottery process.
  • the number of times of the re-lottery processes performed is not limited to one, and a plurality of times of the re-lottery processes (S 52 ) and the win determination processes and the like (S 53 ) may be performed in one special advantage process (S 14 ). An award may be provided at each re-lottery process. Furthermore, the number of times of the re-lottery processes in one special advantage process may be randomly determined by a lottery process or any other method.
  • the scroll process (S 12 ) and the stop control process (S 13 ) may be performed for the whole or some variable display sections 3 A to 3 I by using a symbol determining table and/or a stop table other than the symbol determining table and/or the stop table which have been used in the base game process (S 2 ).
  • the re-lottery process may be performed by using a reel (referred to as a re-lottery reel) having a symbol array other than the symbol array used in the base game.
  • the scroll process (S 12 ) and the stop control process (S 13 ) may be performed by using a symbol determining table and/or a stop table which have symbol arrays constituted by only the stop symbols displayed on the variable display sections 3 A to 3 I except for the special variable display sections right before the re-lottery process is performed.
  • the stop symbols displayed on the variable display sections 3 A to 3 I except for the special variable display sections are “Wild Joker” symbols and empty symbols
  • the variable display and stop display processes of the symbols on the variable display sections 3 A to 3 I may be performed such that a reel having a symbol array including only the “Wild Joker” symbols and empty symbols rotates.
  • variable display sections that perform the variable display and stop display processes by using the re-lottery reel may not be the whole variable display sections 3 A to 3 I and may be limited to the variable display sections assigned by the player or randomly determined by the slot machine 1 .
  • the process proceeds to Step 3 , and the slot machine 1 , more particularly, the main CPU 32 , operates as transition determination means.
  • the slot machine 1 more particularly, the main CPU 32 , performs a transition determination process (S 3 ), in which whether a transition condition for transiting the gaming mode from the base game mode to a bonus game that is a bonus game mode is satisfied is determined, on the basis of the result of the symbol determination process in the base game lottery process (S 10 ) or the special advantage process (S 52 ).
  • the main CPU 32 determines that the transition condition is satisfied, it determines that transition can be made.
  • the transition condition is satisfied, for example, when the stop symbol of the variable display section 3 E is “Wild Joker” 92 .
  • the transition condition may be satisfied by a combination of predetermined symbols.
  • FIG. 12 shows a flowchart representing an example of the bonus game process.
  • a bonus game provided by the slot machine 1 is not limited thereto, and any other game that provides a bonus game advantageous to the player may be provided as the bonus game.
  • the slot machine 1 When the bonus game process (S 4 ) is started, the slot machine 1 , more particularly, the main CPU 32 , sequentially performs a bonus game lottery process (S 61 ), a variable display section assigning process (S 62 ), a bonus game scroll process (S 63 ), a bonus game stop control process (S 64 ), and a special advantage process (S 65 ).
  • a bonus game lottery process S 61
  • S 62 a variable display section assigning process
  • S 63 a bonus game scroll process
  • S 64 a bonus game stop control process
  • S 65 special advantage process
  • the bonus game lottery process (S 61 ), the variable display section assigning process (S 62 ), the bonus game scroll process (S 63 ), the bonus game stop control process (S 64 ), and the special advantage process (S 65 ) are the same as the base game lottery process (S 61 ), the variable display section assigning process (S 62 ), the scroll process (S 63 ), the stop control process (S 64 ), and the special advantage process (S 65 ) of the base game process (S 2 ), detailed descriptions thereof are omitted here.
  • the slot machine 1 determines whether free games are performed a predetermined number of times (S 66 ). When it is determined that the free games are performed for the predetermined number of times (S 66 : Yes), the slot machine 1 , more particularly, the main CPU 32 , ends the bonus game process and returns the process back to the main process.
  • the slot machine 1 when it is determined that the free games are not performed for the predetermined number of times (S 66 : No), the slot machine 1 , more particularly, the main CPU 32 , returns the process back to the bonus game lottery process (S 61 ) so as to continue to perform the bonus game process for performing the free games for the remaining number of times, and continues to perform the bonus game process.
  • FIG. 13 is a partially enlarged diagram of a screen (see FIG. 6 ) displayed on the main display 3 in the base game process and shows a variable display area 30 .
  • the screen shown in FIG. 13 is an example of display of the variable display area 30 after the previous game is over and before the scroll process (S 12 ) thereafter is started. On this screen, the stop symbols in the previous game remain to be displayed on the variable display sections 3 A to 3 I.
  • FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the screen in a status in which the scroll process (S 12 ) is started after the status shown in FIG. 13 .
  • variable display scroll display
  • Arrows illustrated in the variable display sections 3 A to 3 I indicates that the screen is in the process of variable display (scroll display).
  • FIG. 15 shows an example of a screen for notification of a variable display section assigned as a special variable display section to the player in the variable display section assigning process (S 11 ).
  • the variable display section 3 A is assigned as the special variable display section.
  • a frame 1501 surrounding the variable display section 3 A is displayed on the main display 3 .
  • the player can recognize that a variable display section is assigned as the special variable display section and which variable display section is assigned as the special variable display section.
  • the display of the frame 1501 is illustrated to be performed after the scroll process (S 12 ) is started, in FIGS. 13 to 15 , the display of the frame 1501 may be performed before the scroll process (S 12 ) is started.
  • FIG. 16 shows an example of the screen in which the stop symbols are displayed on the variable display sections 3 A to 3 I after the stop control process (S 13 ) following the scroll process shown in FIG. 15 is performed.
  • FIG. 17 shows an example of a screen in the second example (see FIG. 9 ) of the special advantage process and is an example of a screen displayed on the main display 3 after the status shown in FIG. 15 .
  • variable display section 3 A which is a special variable display section
  • the symbol stopped to be displayed on the variable display section 3 A is “Signal Bar”
  • the winning combination of “Single Bar:Single Bar:Single Bar” is achieved on the pay line L 2 .
  • the slot machine 1 more particularly, the main CPU 32 , performs a predetermined award awarding (see S 32 in FIG. 9 ) so as to award a predetermined award (for example, payout of 100 coins) in addition to the award for the winning combination of “Single Bar:Single Bar:Single Bar”.
  • FIG. 18 shows an example of a screen in the third example of the special advantage process and is an example of a screen displayed on the main display 3 after the status shown in FIG. 15 .
  • variable display section 3 A and a variable display section 3 B are assigned as special variable display sections and are displayed to be surrounded by frames 1501 and 1502 used for indicating the special variable display sections.
  • a condition for awarding the special advantage in the third example of the special advantage process, in which the special variable units are adjacent to each other, is satisfied.
  • the slot machine 1 more particularly, the main CPU 32 , performs a special pay line setting process (S 42 in FIG. 10 ).
  • a special pay line L 9 which has a letter “V” shape, passing through the variable display sections 3 A, 3 E, and 3 C is set in addition to the ordinary pay lines L 1 to L 8 .
  • the winning combination of “Double Bar:Double Bar:Double Bar” is achieved on the special pay line L 9 .
  • the slot machine 1 more particularly, the main CPU 32 , performs an win determination process and the like (S 43 ) and pays out an award corresponding to the winning combination of “Double Bar:Double Bar:Double Bar” achieved on the special pay line L 9 .
  • the special line setting which is special advantage awarding, may be performed when three or more special variable display sections are achieved.
  • the variable display sections 3 A, 3 C, and 3 E are selected as the special variable display sections
  • a line formed by the three special variable display sections may be set as the special pay line.
  • two special pay lines including a special pay line formed by the special variable display sections 3 A, 3 B, and 3 C and a special pay line formed by the variable display sections 3 A, 3 E, and 3 C may be set.
  • FIG. 19 shows an example of a screen in the fourth example of the special advantage process and is an example of a screen displayed on the main display 3 after the status shown in FIG. 15 .
  • the slot machine 1 performs a re-lottery process (S 52 in FIG. 11 ) when the stop sequence of the special variable display sections satisfies a predetermined condition.
  • FIG. 20 is an example of a screen in which a scroll process is performed on the basis of the result of the re-lottery process (S 52 ). In this example, it is shown that the scroll display is performed on the variable display sections 3 B to 3 I other than the variable display section 3 A which is the special variable display section.
  • stop symbols determined on the basis of the result of the re-lottery are displayed on the variable display sections 3 B to 3 I, an win determination process and the like are performed on the basis of the stop symbols (S 53 ), and the corresponding award is paid out in a case where a winning combination is achieved.
  • variable display sections Although nine variable display sections are provided, however, the number of the variable display sections is not limited thereto and may be three or five. In addition, the variable display sections may be displayed in one line by being vertically aligned in one row in accordance with the number thereof (for example, when the number of the variable display sections is three).
  • a special variable display section assigned once may be treated as the special variable display section continuously.
  • the same variable display section may be continuously treated as the special variable display section.
  • the treatment of the same variable display section as the special variable display section may be continued until the base game is performed a predetermined number of times after the special variable display section is assigned or until award win is generated a predetermined number of times.
  • the treatment of the same variable display section as the special variable display section may be continued until a predetermined symbol (for example, “cherry”) is stopped to be displayed a predetermined number of times (for example, three times).
  • the number of times of the continuation may be increased when a predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, under a condition in which a symbol of “Wild Joker” is displayed on the special variable display section as the stop symbol, the number of times of the continuation may be increased by 10 .
  • a gaming machine that includes: a display; an operation unit that allows a player to input commands for playing a game; and a processor.
  • the processor operates to: control the display to perform a variable display of a plurality of symbols in each of a plurality of variable display sections that are arranged in matrix, when a start command is input through the operation unit; perform a lottery to determine stop symbols to be displayed stopped in the variable display sections; control the display to display the stop symbols in the variable display sections after performing the variable display; determine whether or not a symbol combination of the stop symbols satisfies a winning combination; provide an award to the player when determined that the symbol combination of the stop symbols satisfies the winning combination; assign at least one of the variable display sections as a special variable display section; provide a special award to the player based on the special variable display section, the special award being advantageous to the player.
  • a gaming machine that includes: a plurality of variable display sections that display stop symbols by variably displaying symbol arrays and thereafter stopping the variable display; a lottery means (for example, a main CPU) for performing a lottery for determining the stop symbols to be displayed on the plurality of variable display sections; a determination means (for example, a main CPU) for determining whether or not the stop symbols displayed on the plurality of variable display sections include a symbol combination forming a winning combination on the basis of the stop symbols drawn in the lottery performed by the lottery means; an award providing means (for example, a main CPU, a hopper driving circuit, and a payout completion signal circuit) for providing an award corresponding to the winning combination when the determination means determines that the stop symbols displayed on the plurality of variable display sections include the symbol combination forming the winning combination; an assignment means (for example, a main CPU) for assigning at least one of the plurality of variable display sections as a special variable display section (for example, a Mystery Position); and special advantage
  • a special advantage is provided to a player on the basis of a special variable display section in addition to payouts for the winning combinations of base games, and accordingly, it is possible to further improve the enthusiasm of a player for the game.
  • the gaming machine may be configured that the special advantage awarding means replaces the stop symbol of the special variable display section with a predetermined symbol, and that the determination means determines whether the predetermined symbol and the stop symbols of the plurality of variable display sections include a symbol combination forming a winning combination on the basis of the predetermined symbol and the stop symbols of the plurality of variable display sections.
  • the stop symbol displayed on the special variable display section is replaced with a predetermined symbol, and it is determined whether a winning combination is achieved for each pay line.
  • the predetermined symbol may be a symbol (for example, “Wild Joker” that is an all-mighty symbol or the like) selected by the gaming machine, or may be a symbol freely selected by a player before the start of the game.
  • a winning combination can be achieved by substitution of the stop symbol performed by the special advantage awarding means even when a winning combination is not achieved on the basis of the result of a lottery performed by the lottery means, it is possible to provide a game advantageous to the player.
  • the gaming machine may be configured that the predetermined symbol is selected by the player.
  • a strategy can be set on the basis of the selection of the symbol, it is possible to further improve amusement of the game.
  • the gaming machine may be configured that the special advantage awarding means awards the special advantage when the stop symbol displayed on the special variable display section is included in the symbol combination forming the winning combination, in a case where the determination means determine that the stop symbols displayed on the plurality of variable display sections include the symbol combination forming the winning combination.
  • a special advantage is provided to the player. For example, when a winning combination of “cherry” formed by “cherry” symbol; “cherry” symbol; “cherry” symbol is achieved as a result of a base game, if one of the three “cherry” symbols is the stop symbol of the special variable display section, a special advantage is provided to the player.
  • the gaming machine may be configured that the special advantage awarding means controls the lottery means to perform a re-lottery of the stop symbols when a symbol stop state of the plurality of variable display sections including the special variable display sections satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, when stop of scroll display of the special variable display section is performed the last in order).
  • a predetermined condition for example, when stop of scroll display of the special variable display section is performed the last in order.
  • the attention of the player can be drawn to stop of symbols on the variable display sections including the special variable display section, and accordingly, it is possible to improve enthusiasm of the player for the game.
  • the gaming machine may be configured that the re-lottery of the stop symbols is performed by using only the stop symbols of the plurality of variable display sections except for the special variable display section.
  • the scroll process and the stop control process are performed such that a symbol array variably displayed on the variable display sections is formed by only the stop symbols of the variable display sections except for the special variable display section (for example, when the stop symbols of the variable display sections except for the special variable display section are two types of “Wild Joker” and “Blank”, then, only the two types of “Wild Joker” and “Blank”) and scroll display is performed for the symbol array.
  • the gaming machine may be configured that the special advantage awarding means award the special advantage when the assignment means assigns a plurality of the special variable display sections and the plurality of special variable display sections that have been assigned are in a predetermined positional relationship (for example, mutually adjacent, located in a diagonal direction, located in the same line or column, or the like).
  • the gaming machine since a special advantage is provided on the basis of the position of assignment of the special variable display section, it is possible to improve the attention of the player and excitement of the game for assignment of the special variable display section, in addition to the base game.
  • the gaming machine may be configured that the special advantage is to provide a special pay line other than a pay line.
  • the special pay line is provided, and the probability of the winning combination achievement is increased, and accordingly, it is possible to improve -the attention of the player and excitement of the game for setting of the special variable display section.
  • a gaming machine that provides a game in which a special advantage is provided to a player on the basis of a special variable display section in addition to payouts for the winning combinations of base games or the like, and accordingly, it is possible to further improve the enthusiasm of the player for the game.
  • the present invention may be applicable to various types of gaming machines including a slot machine, a pachinko machine, a pachi-slot machine.
  • the gaming machine may be provided with a video reel or a mechanical reel for variably displaying the symbols in the variable display section.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Slot Machines And Peripheral Devices (AREA)
  • Game Rules And Presentations Of Slot Machines (AREA)
  • Display Devices Of Pinball Game Machines (AREA)
US11/907,101 2006-10-10 2007-10-09 Gaming machine Abandoned US20080085758A1 (en)

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US9836915B2 (en) * 2013-07-15 2017-12-05 Ainsworth Game Technology Limited Electronic gaming machine and gaming method

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US9836915B2 (en) * 2013-07-15 2017-12-05 Ainsworth Game Technology Limited Electronic gaming machine and gaming method

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AU2007221884A1 (en) 2008-04-24

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