US20120115569A1 - Gaming machine capable of broadcasting a status of a game by a reel action - Google Patents

Gaming machine capable of broadcasting a status of a game by a reel action Download PDF

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Publication number
US20120115569A1
US20120115569A1 US13/275,011 US201113275011A US2012115569A1 US 20120115569 A1 US20120115569 A1 US 20120115569A1 US 201113275011 A US201113275011 A US 201113275011A US 2012115569 A1 US2012115569 A1 US 2012115569A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
symbols
reel
moved
scroll
game
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US13/275,011
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English (en)
Inventor
Masumi Fujisawa
Kenta Kitamura
Takehisa Itagaki
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
Aruze Gaming America Inc
Original Assignee
Universal Entertainment Corp
Aruze Gaming America Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Universal Entertainment Corp, Aruze Gaming America Inc filed Critical Universal Entertainment Corp
Assigned to UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION, ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC. reassignment UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: FUJISAWA, MASUMI, ITAGAKI, TAKEHISA, KITAMURA, KENTA
Publication of US20120115569A1 publication Critical patent/US20120115569A1/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
    • G07F17/34—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements depending on the stopping of moving members in a mechanical slot machine, e.g. "fruit" machines
    • 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
    • G07F17/3204—Player-machine interfaces
    • G07F17/3211—Display means
    • G07F17/3213—Details of moving display elements, e.g. spinning reels, tumbling members

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a gaming machine that is capable of broadcasting a status of a game to a player by means of a reel action.
  • a unit game is repeatedly performed in such a manner that a plurality of symbols are displayed after movably displayed during a predetermined period of time and then a predetermined prize is awarded to a winning player, in accordance with a combination or the number of symbols having been rearranged.
  • a player repeatedly performs a unit game in such a manner that movement of symbols are started and then predetermined symbols are rearranged, and a prize is determined, while expecting that such a prize may be obtained.
  • a predetermined prize according to a combination or the number of symbols having been rearranged is awarded to a winning player.
  • symbols are rearranged, whereby if a combination of predetermined symbols is arranged along a winning line, it is determined that a winning prize has been established and then a predetermined prize is awarded to a winning player.
  • a combination or the number of symbols having been rearranged is the same and is not arranged along a winning line, it is not determined that a winning prize has been established and then a predetermined prize is not awarded to a player. In this way, in order to clearly show a player as to whether or not a winning prize has been established, there is a need to clearly display a winning line as well as the rearranged symbols.
  • a winning prize depends on a winning line as well as a combination or the number of symbols having been rearranged.
  • a gaming machine in which a number of winning lines are provided.
  • the ones in which there are several hundreds of winning lines as well there has occurred apprehension that the progress of a game is hardly visually recognizable to players because the number of winning lines is too large.
  • a gaming machine adapted to move symbols in a direction opposite to a normal direction, with use of a time from start of symbol movement to symbol redisplay (for example, refer to United State Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0227343).
  • This gaming machine has been adapted to display symbols to be moved in a normal direction and symbols to be moved in a direction opposite to the normal direction so that they are caused to coexist.
  • This gaming machine has also been adapted to display the symbols to be moved in a plurality of directions to thereby stimulate a player's visual sense so as to enhance a sense of expectation of the player.
  • a unit game is performed in such a manner that a player operates a spin button, whereby movement of symbols is started and then the symbols are stopped and rearranged.
  • operation of the spin button, movement of symbols, and rearrangement of symbols are repeatedly performed in the same manner every time; and therefore, there has been a possibility that a comparatively monotonous game is played.
  • a player loses a tense atmosphere or a concentration for a game if he or she plays the game for a long period of time, and there has been likely to be established a situation that he or she misses a symbol display region while seeing it.
  • the gaming machine described in United State Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0227343, as described above, has been adapted to display symbols so that the symbols to be moved in a normal direction and the symbols to be moved in a direction opposite to the normal direction are caused to coexist; and therefore, a player enhances a sense of expectation at a stage at which the user has visually recognized the moving symbols, whereas there has been a high possibility that the player gradually loses his or her interest in game.
  • the gaming machine described in International Patent Application Publication No. WO 99/64997 if a player plays a game over a long period of time, there has been established a situation that the player does not carefully look at a symbol display region.
  • the present invention has been made in view of the circumstance described above, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that is capable of prompting a player to pay his or her attention to a unit game that is attractive to the player, by performing a rendering caused by WILD symbol display or symbol movement mode.
  • a gaming machine in which a prize is determined based on rearranged symbols, the gaming machine comprising:
  • a display having a display region in which symbols that are associated with each of a plurality of scroll lines are to be displayed
  • controller for controlling a unit game in which the symbols that are associated with said each scroll line are moved and then the moved symbols are rearranged in the display region, the controller being programmed to execute processing operations of:
  • (1-1-2) displaying symbols that are associated with at least one first scroll line among the plurality of scroll lines, in the display region so as to be moved in a first direction;
  • (1-1-3) displaying symbols that are associated with at least one second scroll line that is different from the first scroll line among the plurality of scroll lines, in the display region so as to be moved in a direction that is different from the first direction;
  • (1-1-5) displaying the symbols that are associated with at least one first scroll line in the display region so that a movement speed is gradually slowed down as triggered by a fact that the WILD symbol is displayed in the stopped state;
  • (1-1-6) automatically stopping symbols that are associated with at least one scroll line among the plurality of scroll lines and then rearranging the symbols that are determined in accordance with the processing operation of (1-1-1).
  • Symbols are moved in a first direction, and other symbols are moved in a direction that is different from the first direction, so that a sense of expectation can be enhanced.
  • WILD symbols are displayed in a stopped state, thus making it possible to enhance a sense of expectation that there may be a higher possibility that an advantageous result can be obtained.
  • symbols are displayed so that a movement speed of the symbols gradually slows down, thus making it possible to impart a tense atmosphere. In this way, in a unit game from start of symbol movement to symbol rearrangement, it is possible to prompt a player to pay his or her attention by means of symbol movement.
  • the gaming machine in which a prize is determined based on rearranged symbols, the gaming machine comprising:
  • a display having a display region in which symbols that are associated with each of a plurality of scroll lines are to be displayed
  • controller for controlling a unit game in which the symbols that are associated with said each scroll line are moved and then the moved symbols are rearranged in the display region, the controller being programmed to execute processing operations of:
  • (1-2-4) automatically stopping symbols that are associated with at least one scroll line among the plurality of scroll lines and then rearranging the symbols that are determined in accordance with the processing operation of (1-2-1).
  • Symbols are moved in a first direction by a predetermined distance at a first speed that is slower than a predetermined speed, and the symbols move differently as usual, so that a tense atmosphere and a sense of expectation can be imparted to a player.
  • symbols are moved in a second direction that is different from the first direction at a second speed that is different from the first speed, so that a tense atmosphere and a sense of expectation can be imparted to a player while the player is surprised to see it. In this way, in a unit game from start of symbol movement to symbol rearrangement, it is possible to prompt a player to pay his or her attention by means of symbol movement.
  • the gaming machine according to further another aspect of the present invention in which a prize is determined based on rearranged symbols, the gaming machine comprising:
  • a display having a display region in which symbols that are associated with each of a plurality of scroll lines are to be displayed
  • controller for controlling a unit game in which the symbols that are associated with said each scroll line are moved and then the moved symbols are rearranged in the display region, the controller being programmed to execute processing operations of:
  • (1-3-4) displaying symbols that are associated with each other, in the display region so as to be moved and arranged in line, in a case where the symbols that are associated with each of at least two scroll lines among the plurality of scroll lines, and that are associated with each other, are not arranged while the predetermined symbols are moved in the first direction at the second speed;
  • (1-3-6) automatically stopping symbols that are associated with at least one scroll line among the plurality of scroll lines and then rearranging the symbols that are determined in accordance with the processing operation of (1-3-1).
  • Symbols are displayed in a display region so as to be moved at a second speed that is faster than a first speed, so that a tense atmosphere and a sense of expectation can be imparted to a player while the player is surprised to see it.
  • symbols that are associated with each other are displayed to be moved and arranged in line, thus making it possible to impart a sense of expectation that the symbols may gradually form a combination.
  • the symbols are moved at a third speed that is slower than the first speed, so that a sense of expectation can be further enhanced. In this way, in a unit game from start of symbol movement to symbol rearrangement, it is possible to prompt a player to pay his or her attention by means of symbol movement.
  • the gaming machine according to furthermore another aspect of present invention in which a prize is determined based on rearranged symbols, the gaming machine comprising:
  • a display having a display region in which symbols that are associated with each of a plurality of scroll lines are to be displayed
  • controller for controlling a unit game in which the symbols that are associated with said each scroll line are moved and then the moved symbols are rearranged in the display region, the controller being programmed to execute processing operations of:
  • (1-4-6) automatically stopping symbols that are associated with at least one scroll line among the plurality of scroll lines and then rearranging the symbols that are determined in accordance with the processing operation of (1-4-1).
  • Symbols are displayed in a display region so as to be moved at a second speed that is slower than a first speed, so that a sense of expectation can be imparted to a player.
  • symbols that are associated with each other are displayed so as to be moved and arranged in line; and therefore, a sense of expectation that a winning prize may be established can be imparted to a player by causing the player to visually recognize that symbols may gradually form a combination while they are moved.
  • the symbols are moved at a third speed that is slower than the first speed, so that a sense of expectation can be further enhanced. In this way, in a unit game from start of symbol movement to symbol rearrangement, it is possible to prompt a player to pay his or her attention by means of symbol movement.
  • the gaming machine in which a prize is determined based on rearranged symbols, the gaming machine comprising:
  • a display having a display region in which symbols that are associated with each of a plurality of scroll lines are to be displayed
  • controller for controlling a unit game in which the symbols that are associated with said each scroll line are moved and then the moved symbols are rearranged in the display region, the controller being programmed to execute processing operations of:
  • (1-5-4) determining whether or not symbols that are associated with each other can be moved and arranged in line at the second speed, in a case where the symbols that are associated with each of at least two scroll lines among the plurality of scroll lines, and that are associated with each other, are not arranged while the predetermined symbols are moved in the first direction at the first speed;
  • (1-5-9) automatically stopping symbols that are associated with at least one scroll line among the plurality of scroll lines and then rearranging the symbols that are determined in accordance with the processing operation of (1-5-1).
  • Symbols are displayed in a first direction so as to be moved at a second speed that is slower than a first speed, so that a sense of expectation can be imparted to a player.
  • the symbols that are associated with each other are moved and arranged in line at the second speed; and therefore, it is possible to cause the player to visually recognize that the symbols that are associated with each other may form a combination while they are moved; it is possible to cause the player to visually recognize that the symbols that are associated with each other may gradually form a combination while they are moved, or alternatively, to expect that more symbols, for example, all of the symbols may form a combination; and in a case where symbols are adapted to gradually form a combination, a tense atmosphere and a sense of expectation of the player can be continuously maintained.
  • the symbols that are associated with each other are moved to be gradually slowed down while they are arranged, so that a tense atmosphere and a sense of expectation can be continuously imparted until the symbols have been rearranged. In this way, in a unit game from start of symbol movement to symbol rearrangement, it is possible to prompt a player to pay his or her attention by means of symbol movement.
  • the gaming machine according to furthermore another aspect of present invention in which a prize is determined based on rearranged symbols, the gaming machine comprising:
  • a display having a display region in which symbols that are associated with each of a plurality of scroll lines are to be displayed
  • controller for controlling a unit game in which the symbols that are associated with said each scroll line are moved and then the moved symbols are rearranged in the display region, the controller being programmed to execute processing operations of:
  • (1-6-9) automatically stopping symbols that are associated with at least one scroll line among the plurality of scroll lines and then rearranging the symbols that are determined in accordance with the processing operation of (1-6-1).
  • Symbols are moved in a stepwise manner; and therefore, the symbols are moved clearly differently, thereby enabling a player to be surprised to see it,
  • it is selectively executed as to whether the symbols are moved in a first direction by a predetermined distance or as to whether the symbols are moved by a predetermined distance in a second direction that is different from the first direction or are stopped, so that a tense atmosphere and a sense of expectation can be imparted in such a manner as to disable a player to except how the symbols are moved.
  • a tense atmosphere and a sense of expectation can be imparted in such a manner as to disable a player to except how the symbols are moved.
  • the gaming machine in which a prize is determined based on rearranged symbols, the gaming machine comprising:
  • a display having a display region in which symbols that are associated with each of a plurality of scroll lines are to be displayed
  • controller for controlling a unit game in which the symbols that are associated with said each scroll line are moved and then the moved symbols are rearranged in the display region, the controller being programmed to execute processing operations of:
  • (1-7-5) automatically stopping symbols that are associated with at least one among the plurality of scroll lines and then rearranging the symbols that are determined in accordance with the processing operation of (1-7-1).
  • Symbol movement is gradually started, so that a sense of expectation can be imparted to a player at the time of starting a unit game. In this way, in a unit game from start of symbol movement to symbol rearrangement, it is possible to prompt a player to pay his or her attention by means of symbol movement.
  • FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing a reel setting method in a gaming machine
  • FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing a functional flow of the gaming machine
  • FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a functional flow of a game in a gaming machine according to the embodiment
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an entire gaming machine
  • FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a gaming system
  • FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a PTS system
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a slot machine in a gaming machine
  • FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing a button layout of a control panel
  • FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a PTS terminal
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a reel device
  • FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the reel device
  • FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a reel unit retaining mechanism
  • FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the reel unit retaining mechanism
  • FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a second connector
  • FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a slide retaining mechanism
  • FIG. 16 is a rear view of the reel device
  • FIG. 17 is a front view of the reel device
  • FIG. 18 is a side view of the reel device
  • FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a reel support mechanism
  • FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the reel support mechanism
  • FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the reel support mechanism and a rendering light emitting device
  • FIG. 22 is a side view of the reel device
  • FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a reel drive mechanism
  • FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the reel drive mechanism
  • FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a blade mechanism and a driving force transmission mechanism
  • FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the blade mechanism and the driving force transmission mechanism
  • FIG. 27 is a perspective view of reels
  • FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the reels
  • FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a reel frame member
  • FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the reel frame member and a reel band
  • FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the reel frame member and a backlight device
  • FIG. 32 is a front view of the reel frame member and the backlight device
  • FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the backlight device
  • FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the backlight device
  • FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a backlight board case
  • FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the rendering light emitting device
  • FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the rendering light emitting device
  • FIG. 38 is an electrical block diagram of a slot machine
  • FIG. 39 is an electrical block diagram of a reel board
  • FIG. 40 is an electrical block diagram of a PTS terminal
  • FIG. 41 is an electrical block diagram of an IC card
  • FIG. 42 is an explanatory view of a data table indicating symbols and code numbers of the respective symbols
  • FIG. 43 is an explanatory view of a data table of a prize management table
  • FIG. 44 is an explanatory view of a data table of a number-of-free-games table
  • FIG. 45 is an explanatory view showing a relationship between a reel setting table and a magnetic force detection value table
  • FIG. 46 is a flowchart of startup processing
  • FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing a part of basic game processing
  • FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing a part of the basic game processing
  • FIG. 49 is a subroutine showing bonus game processing to be invoked and executed in step S 15 of FIG. 48 ;
  • FIG. 50 is a flowchart of common game processing
  • FIG. 51 is a flowchart of first reel setting processing
  • FIG. 52 is an explanatory view showing a reel setting method in a gaming machine
  • FIG. 53 is an explanatory view showing a functional flow of the gaming machine
  • FIG. 54 is an electrical block diagram of a reel board
  • FIG. 55 is an explanatory view of a reel setting table
  • FIG. 56 is a flowchart of second reel setting processing
  • FIG. 57 is an explanatory view showing the reel setting method in the gaming machine.
  • FIG. 58 is a flowchart of check pulse value acquisition processing
  • FIG. 59 is a flowchart of third reel setting processing
  • FIG. 60 is an explanatory view of an illumination mode setting table
  • FIG. 61 is an explanatory view of backlight luminance adjustment
  • FIG. 62 is a flowchart of backlight luminance adjustment processing
  • FIG. 63 is an explanatory view of pay line display
  • FIG. 64 is an explanatory view of pay line rendering
  • FIG. 65 is a view showing a schematic configuration of a gaming machine according to a third embodiment.
  • FIG. 66 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of reel rotation start processing to be invoked and executed in step S 9 of FIG. 47 described above;
  • FIG. 67 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of reel rotation stop processing to be invoked and executed in step S 11 of FIG. 47 described above;
  • FIG. 68 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of first display control processing
  • FIG. 69 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of second display control processing
  • FIG. 70 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of third display control processing
  • FIG. 71 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of fourth display control processing
  • FIG. 72 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of fifth display control processing
  • FIG. 73 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of sixth display control processing
  • FIG. 74 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of seventh display control processing
  • FIG. 75 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of eighth display control processing
  • FIG. 76 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of ninth display control processing
  • FIG. 77 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of tenth display control processing
  • FIG. 78 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of continual of the tenth display control processing
  • FIG. 79 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of eleventh display control processing
  • FIG. 80 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of twelfth display control processing
  • FIG. 81 is a view showing an example of movement of reels in the first display control processing
  • FIG. 82 is a view showing an example of movement of reels in the second display control processing
  • FIG. 83 is a view showing an example of movement of reels in the third display control processing
  • FIG. 84 is a view showing an example of movement of reels in the fourth display control processing
  • FIG. 85 is a view showing an example of movement of reels in the fifth display control processing
  • FIG. 86 is a view showing an example of movement of reels in the sixth display control processing
  • FIG. 87 is a view showing an example of movement of reels in the seventh display control processing
  • FIG. 88 is a view showing an example of movement of reels in the eighth display control processing
  • FIG. 89 is a view showing an example of movement of reels in the ninth display control processing
  • FIG. 90 is a view showing an example of movement of reels in the tenth display control processing
  • FIG. 91 is a view showing an example of movement of reels in the eleventh display control processing
  • FIG. 92 is a view showing an example of movement of reels in the twelfth display control processing.
  • FIG. 93 is a flowchart showing a subroutine indicating processing of expectation value meter lighting control.
  • a gaming machine as shown in FIG. 1 has a slot machine 10 to be played by rearranging a symbol 501 based on a magnetic force in an external magnetic field that varies by means of rotation of a reel M 3 . While, in the following description, gaming machines are explained using a device type of a plurality of slot machines 10 in which a plurality of players participate, slot machines 10 to be played by single players itself may be provided.
  • a slot machine 10 is provided with a reel device M 1 in which a magnetic force in an external magnetic field that varies by means of rotation of the reel M 3 and an arrangement position of the symbol 501 are associated with each other, thereby enabling rearrangement of the symbol 501 with the use of only the magnetic force in the external magnetic field that varies due to rotation of the reel M 3 .
  • a slot machine 10 has a reel device M 1 provided with a reel M 3 and a reel control portion 631 of FIG. 2 for controlling the reel device M 1 .
  • the reel device M 1 has: a reel M 3 having symbols 501 arranged on an outer circumferential face; a reel drive mechanism M 5 for rearranging the symbols 501 by driving the reel M 3 in a rotating manner; a magnet M 201 that is provided in the reel drive mechanism M 5 so as to change an external magnetic field by rotation of the reel M 3 ; a magnetic force detection mechanism M 202 for detecting a magnetic force in the external magnetic field to thereby output a magnetic force detection signal; and a reel setting means (a reel setting portion 632 of FIG. 2 ) for associating a magnetic force detection signal and an arrangement position of the symbol 501 with each other.
  • a reel control portion 631 of FIG. 2 has, as a reel drive control means, a function of controlling the reel drive mechanism M 5 so as to rearrange the symbols 501 in a predetermined rearrangement state, based on a magnetic force detection signal and the rearrangement position of the symbol 501 .
  • the stop machine 10 is capable of indirectly detecting the arrangement position of the symbols 501 , based on the magnetic force detection signal even if the arrangement position of the symbols 501 is not directly detected by means of a sensor or the like by the fact that the magnetic force detection signal that is obtained by detecting the magnetic force in the external magnetic field that varies by means of rotation of the reel M 3 and the arrangement position of the symbols 501 are associated with each other.
  • the symbol 501 having arranged on the reel M 3 can be specified; and therefore, the symbol 501 can be rearranged in a predetermined arrangement state.
  • the slot machine 10 configured as described above is provided in a gaming machine 300 in which a plurality of players participate, as shown in FIG. 2 .
  • a gaming machine 300 each of a plurality of slot machines 10 that is a game terminal provided with reel device M 1 is connected to a center controller 200 so as to enable data communication.
  • the gaming machine 300 is capable of individually executing a base game such as a slot game by means of each slot machine 10 and is capable of executing a common game in synchronism with each slot machine 10 .
  • a connection between the slot machine 10 and the center controller 200 may be either of a wired connection and a wireless connection, or alternatively, may be a combination thereof.
  • a unit of bet amount may be a national or regional currency such as dollars, Yens, or Euros, or alternatively, may be game points to be used in halls provided with gaming machines 300 or in the relevant industry.
  • a gaming machine 300 has: an input device that enables external input; a plurality of slot machines 10 that are programmed to individually execute a base game and to execute a variety of processing operations in order to play a common game that is executed in a plurality of slot machines 10 ; and a center controller 200 that is connected to enable communication with the plurality of slot machines 10 , and is programmed to execute a variety of processing operations.
  • a terminal controller of the gaming machine 300 is capable of executing at least three processing operations, i.e., a first processing operation of executing a base game by inputting a start operation from an input device; a second processing operation of executing a common game by means of a game start command from the center controller 200 ; and a third processing operation of determining a game result of the common game, based on game result information from the center controller 200 .
  • a word “common game” used herein designates a subsidiary game that is different from a main game that is essential in the gaming machine 300 .
  • the common game is executed in parallel to a basic game or is executed during one time point while the basic game is stopped.
  • the common game includes a game such as a claps game, a baseball game, or a soccer game.
  • the center controller 200 of the gaming machine 300 is capable of executing at least three processing operations, i.e., a first processing operation of outputting a game start command to a slot machine 10 meeting a game execution condition with a predetermined timing; a second processing operation of determining a game result of a common game; and a third processing operation of sequentially outputting the game result determined in the second processing operation as game result information to each slot machine 10 .
  • a word “game execution condition” used herein designates a condition for providing a qualification to participate in a common game, for example, a condition that a cumulative value of bet amounts in a base game is equal to or greater than a minimum bet amount I or a condition that the number of base games is equal to or greater than a minimum number of bets.
  • the “game execution condition” can be met by means of a player's intension immediately before starting a common game.
  • a difference between the minimum bet amount and the cumulative value of bet amounts is paid immediately before starting the common game, or alternatively, a payment of the amount when a predetermined condition has been met is made, whereby a state in which the game execution condition has been met is established.
  • a payment of the amount corresponding to such an insufficiency or a payment of the amount when a predetermined condition has been met is made, whereby a state in which the game execution condition has been met is established.
  • a predetermined timing of outputting a game start command is established when a common game start condition has been established in any one slot machine 10 .
  • a word “common game start condition” used here designates a condition such as a cumulative value of bet amount information or a cumulative value of the number of base games. While the embodiment describes use of a gaming machine 300 provided with a center controller 200 apart from a slot machine 10 , the present invention is not limited thereto. As the gaming machine 300 , one or more slot machines 10 may be configured to have a function of the center controller 200 , whereas slot machines 10 may be connected to each other to enable data communication.
  • the “slot machine 10 ” described above is a one kind of game terminal in the gaming machine 300 . While the embodiment describes a slot machine 10 as one example of game terminal, the present invention is not limited thereto. A device type provided with a terminal controller that is capable of independently executing any base game can be applied as a game terminal.
  • the “base game” in the embodiment is executed by means of a slot machine 10 .
  • the base game is a slot game to be played by rearranging a plurality of symbols 501 .
  • the base game is not limited to the slot game, and may be a game that can be independently executed in a game terminal such as a slot machine 10 .
  • Rearrangement of symbols 501 in a slot game is performed in a reel device M 1 (a symbol display device).
  • the slot game has a processing operation of executing a normal game to be played by rearranging the symbols 501 in the reel device M 1 on a condition that a gaming value has been betted, and then, awarding a normal prize according to the rearranged symbols 501 ; a processing operation of, in a case where symbols 501 have been rearranged in a predetermined condition in a normal game, executing a bonus game to be played by rearranging the symbols 501 on a condition that a payout rate that is greater than that in the normal game is established, and then, awarding a bonus prize according to the rearranged symbols 501 ; and a processing operation of executing rescue processing in a case where a rescue start condition has been established.
  • symbol 501 is not limited to a kind or number as long as the symbol is rearranged in the reel symbol M 1 , it is a generic concept of a specific symbol and a normal symbol.
  • the specific symbol is added to the normal symbol as required.
  • the specific symbols include a wild symbol and a trigger symbol.
  • the wild symbol is a symbol that can be substituted as a symbol 501 of any kind.
  • the trigger symbol is a symbol that serves as a trigger of starting execution of at least a bonus game.
  • “BLUE 7” is a kind of trigger symbol.
  • the trigger symbol may be a trigger of increasing a specific symbol in a bonus game, i.e., increasing at least one specific symbol of the trigger symbol and the wild symbol. Further, the trigger symbol may be a trigger of increasing the number of bonus games in a bonus game.
  • a word “gaming value” used herein designates a coin, a bill, or electrical valid information equivalent thereto.
  • the gaming value in the present invention is not limited in particular, and may be a gaming medium such as a medal, token, electronic money, or a ticket.
  • the ticket is not limited in particular, and may be a barcode-attached ticket or the like to be described later, for example.
  • bonus game used herein is synonym for a word “feature game”. While the bonus game in the embodiment is described as a game to be played by repeating a free game, the bonus game may be any kind of game as long as a game playing state that is more advantageous than that in a normal game is established. This bonus game may be employed together with another bonus game as long as a game playing state that is advantageous for a player, i.e., a game playing state that is more advantageous than that in a normal game is established.
  • the bonus game may be realized in each of various states such as a state in which more gaming values than in a normal game can be acquired, a state in which gaming values can be acquired at a higher probability than that in a normal game, or a state in which less gaming values than in a normal game are consumed, or alternatively, a combination of these states.
  • a word “free game” used herein designates a game in which less betting of gaming values than in a normal game can be executed.
  • a word “less betting of gaming values can be executed” includes a case in which the number of bets is “0”. Therefore, the “free game” is a game that is executed without establishment of a condition for betting a gaming value, and is adapted to pay gaming values whose amount is in accordance with the rearranged symbols 501 . In other words, the “free game” may be a game to be started without presupposition of consumption of a gaming value.
  • a word “normal game” used here designates a game that is executed on a condition for betting a gaming value, and is adapted to pay gaming values whose amount is in accordance with the rearranged symbols 501 .
  • the “normal game” is a game to be started on the presupposition of consumption of a gaming value.
  • a word “rearrangement” used here designates a state in which symbols 501 are rearranged after arrangement of the symbols 501 has been released.
  • a word “arrangement” designates a state in which symbols 501 can be visually checked by means of an external player.
  • a word “normal prize according to rearranged symbols 501 ” designates a normal prize that corresponds to a winning combination of rearranged symbols.
  • a word “bonus prize according to rearranged symbols 501 ” designates a bonus prize that corresponds to a winning combination of rearranged symbols.
  • a word “winning combination” used herein designates a combination of establishing a prize.
  • the word “winning combination” also designates an arrangement or a combination of symbols establishing a prize.
  • a base game when a rescue start condition is established, rescue processing may be executed.
  • rescue processing designates a processing operation for saving a player.
  • rescue processing operations include execution of a free game, execution of a game with an increase of a wild symbol or a trigger symbol or with the use of a symbol substitution table, and awarding an insurance prize or the like.
  • a “rescue start condition” includes: a state of excessive continuation of normal game, i.e., a state in which normal game has been repeated over a predetermined number of times; or a case of excessively small amount of acquired prizes, i.e., a case in which a predetermined value or more of normal prize or bonus prize has been acquired when a same player has repeated a game over a predetermined number of times or more.
  • a word “rescue processing” designates a processing operation for saving a player.
  • the rescue processing operations include: execution of a free game; execution of a game with an increase of a wild symbol or a trigger symbol or with the use of a symbol substitution table; and awarding an insurance prize or the like.
  • the gaming machine 300 further has a common display device 700 that is provided at a position visually recognizable from operation positions of all of the slot machines 10 , and the center controller 200 may cause the common display device 700 to display a state that is established until a common game start condition has been established.
  • a word “operating position” used herein designates a player's eye position for operating a slot machine 10 .
  • the state that is established until the common game start condition has been established is displayed on the common display device 700 to thereby enable each player to predict a waiting time required until the common game has been started.
  • the gaming machine 300 that is configured as described above has a slot machine 10 and an external control device 621 (a center controller 200 ) that is connected to the slot machine 10 to enable data communication.
  • the external control device 621 is connected to a plurality of slot machines 10 that are installed in a hall to enable data communication.
  • Each slot machine 10 has a BET button 601 , a spin button 602 , and a display 614 , and has a game controller 100 configured to control each of these constituent elements.
  • the BET button 601 and the spin button 602 each are one kind of input device.
  • each slot machine 10 has a transmitting/receiving portion 652 that enables data communication with the external control device 621 .
  • the BET button 601 described above has a function of accepting a BET amount by means of a player operation.
  • the spin button 602 has a function of accepting a player operation, i.e., accepting start of a game such as a normal game by means of a start operation.
  • the display 614 has: a function of displaying still image information such as a variety of symbols 501 , numeric values, or signs; and mobile image information such as a rendering image.
  • the display 614 has a symbol display region 614 a , an image display region 614 b , and a common game display region 614 c.
  • the symbol display region 614 a has a reel device M 1 , and displays symbols 501 of FIG. 1 .
  • the image display region 614 b displays a variety of image information on rendering that is executed during the progress of a game by means of a mobile image or a still image.
  • the common game display region 614 c is a region adapted to display a common game such as a jackpot game, for example.
  • the game controller 100 has a coin insertion/start check portion 603 , a normal game executing portion 605 , a bonus game start determining portion 606 , a bonus game executing portion 607 , a random numeric value extracting portion 615 , a symbol determining portion 612 , a rendering random numeric value extracting portion 616 , a rendering content determining portion 613 , a speaker portion 617 , a lamp portion 618 , a winning prize determining portion 619 , and a payout portion 620 .
  • the normal game executing portion 605 has a function of executing a normal game on a condition that operation of the BET button 601 is made.
  • the bonus game start determining portion 606 determines whether or not to execute a bonus game, based on a combination of symbols 501 that have been rearranged in a normal game. That is, the bonus game start determining portion 606 has a function of determining that a player has won a bonus game when trigger symbols have been rearranged under a predetermined condition and then causing the routine to migrate to the bonus game executing portion 607 so as to execute a bonus game from a next unit game.
  • a word “unit game” designates a series of operation from start of acceptance of BET to a state in which a winning prize is established.
  • a unit game in a normal game designates a state including a respective one of a BET time for accepting a BET, a game time for rearranging stopped symbols 501 , and a payout time for payout processing to award a prize.
  • the unit game in a normal game is referred to as a unit normal game.
  • a unit game may be a game from when a player has operated the BET button 601 or the spin button 602 to when a prize is determined after symbols have been rearranged.
  • a time point at which a player has operated the spin button 602 be a time point of starting a unit game.
  • the bonus game executing portion 607 has a function of executing a bonus game in which a free game is repeated by a plural number of games by means of only operation of the spin button 602 .
  • the bonus game executing portion 612 has: a function of determining symbols 501 targeted to be rearranged, with the use of random numeric value values from the random numeric value extracting portion 615 ; a function of rearranging the determined symbols 501 in the symbol display region 614 a of the display 614 ; a function of outputting rearrangement information on the symbols 501 to a winning prize determining portion 619 ; and a function of outputting a rendering specifying signal to the rendering random numeric value extracting portion 616 , based on a state of rearrangement of the symbols 501 .
  • the rendering random numeric value extracting portion 616 has: a function of extracting a rendering random numeric value in a case where a rendering command signal has been received from the symbol determining portion 612 ; and a function of outputting the rendering random numeric value to the rendering content determining portion 613 .
  • the rendering content determining portion 613 has: a function of determining the contents of rendering with the use of the rendering random numeric value; a function of outputting the determined contents of rendering to the image display region 614 b of the display 614 ; and a function of outputting voice/light emission information on the determined contents of rendering to the speaker portion 617 and the lamp portion 618 .
  • the winning prize determining portion 619 has: a function of determining the presence or absence of a winning prize in a case where rearrangement information on symbols 501 has been obtained as a display state in which symbols have been rearranged in the display 614 ; a function of computing a payout amount based on a winning combination when a winning prize has been determined; and a function of outputting a payout signal that is based on the payout amount to the payout portion 620 .
  • the payout portion 620 has a function of paying out a gaming value to a player in a mode of a coin, a medal, or a credit and the like.
  • the payout portion 620 has a function of adding credit data according to a credit to be paid out to credit data that is stored in an IC card 500 inserted into a PTS terminal 700 to be described later,
  • the game controller 100 has a storage portion configured to store a variety of BET amount data, although not shown.
  • the storage portion is a device configured to store data contained in a hard disk unit or a memory in a rewritable manner.
  • the game controller 100 has a common game executing portion 653 .
  • the common game executing portion 653 has: a function of outputting BET amount information that is based on a BET amount betted in a normal game to the external control device 621 every time unit base game is played; a function of executing a common game by means of a game start command from the external control device 621 ; and a function of accepting a BET input by means of the BET button 601 as to a BET amount that corresponds to data on a BET amount data for common game that can be betted in a common game.
  • the game controller 100 is connected to the PTS terminal 700 .
  • the PTS terminal 700 is a unit in which an LCD 719 , microphones 704 and 705 , and human body detecting cameras 712 and 713 or the like are integrated with each other. and has a function of communicating with the game controller 100 to thereby perform rendering of a game, for example.
  • a card insertion slot 706 is provided in the PTS terminal 700 so as to be able to insert an IC card 500 . In this manner, a player inserts the IC card 500 into the card insertion slot 706 to thereby able to use a credit that is stored in the IC card 500 at a slot machine 10 .
  • a mechanical configuration of the PTS terminal 700 will be described later.
  • the game controller 100 updates credit display of the display 614 when the credit controller has received credit data from the PTS terminal 700 . Further, the game controller 100 outputs liquidation credit data to the PTS terminal 700 in a case where a game liquidation has occurred.
  • the PTS terminal 700 included in a respective one of a plurality of slot machines 10 configuring a gaming machine 300 is connected to a management server 800 to enable communication therewith, and integrally performs image downloading or management of IC card 500 or credit.
  • a slot machine 10 enables a reel setting device 635 to be connected thereto via a transmitting/receiving portion 652 .
  • the reel setting device 635 has a function as an external operating means for outputting an operation command signal by means of an external operation.
  • a personal computer of FIG. 1 is exemplified in addition to an exclusive setting device.
  • an operation command signal can be output with a timing when an operation of a specific key such as an enter key has been made.
  • an operator who provides setting of the reel device M 1 can output an operation command signal by means of a key operation while checking an operating procedure on a display screen of the personal computer.
  • the reel setting device 635 may be a reel setting enabling member such as a USB memory that can be removably mounted on the transmitting/receiving portion 652 or may be a variety of buttons such as a BET button 601 that is provided in a slot machine 10 .
  • the reel setting enabling member when the reel setting enabling member is connected to the transmitting/receiving portion 652 , the slot machine 10 itself serves as a part of the reel setting device 635 . Then, the operator who providing setting of the reel device M 1 can output an operation command signal by means of operation of an operating button while checking an operating procedure that is displayed in the image display region 614 b or the like in the display 614 of the slot machine 10 .
  • each slot machine 10 has a reel control portion 631 , a reel setting portion 632 , a reel setting storage portion 633 , and a magnetic force detecting portion 630 .
  • the magnetic force detecting portion 630 has a function of detecting a magnetic force in an external magnetic field to thereby output a magnetic force detection signal.
  • the reel setting storage portion 633 stores a variety of data required for reel setting such as a magnetic force detection value included in a magnetic force detection signal that has been continuously detected together with rotation of the reel M 3 .
  • the reel control portion 631 has a function of controlling the reel device M 1 so as to rearrange symbols 501 in a predetermined arrangement state, based on a magnetic force detection signal and the arrangement position of the symbols 501 .
  • the reel setting portion 632 has a function of associating a magnetic force detection signal and the arrangement position of the symbols 501 with each other. Specifically, the reel setting portion 632 has a function of acquiring a magnetic force detection value of a magnetic force detecting signal as being a magnetic force value in a reel origin position, with a timing of outputting an operation command signal. In this manner, the operation command signal is output by means of an external operation, so that predetermined symbols 501 can be positioned in a predetermined location (an origin position) of the reel M 3 by providing a setting work of operating the reel setting device 635 with a timing with which a predetermined arrangement state is established while the operator visually checks an arrangement state of the symbols 501 . As a result, the reel setting portion 632 enables a work of setting a positional relationship between a symbol 501 and a reel M 3 to be easily started by means of an operation of the reel setting device 635 .
  • the gaming machine 300 configured as described above is connected to an external control device 621 .
  • the external control device 621 has a function of remotely operating and remotely monitoring an operating state of each slot machine 10 or a processing operation such as changing a variety of game setting values. Further, the external control device 621 has a function of determining a common game start condition for each game terminal and then executing a common game in a plurality of slot machines 10 when a determination result satisfying the common game start condition has been obtained in any of the game terminals.
  • the external control device 621 has a common game start portion 6213 , a game terminal selecting portion 6215 , and a transmitting/receiving portion 6217 (not shown).
  • the common game start determining portion 6213 has: a function of determining whether or not a common game start condition is established, based on a cumulative value of bet amount information that is transmitted from a slot machine 10 in each base game; a function of outputting a game start command to a plurality of slot machine 10 ; and a function of displaying a state that is established until the common game start condition has been established on the common display device 700 .
  • Determination of whether or not the common game start condition is established may be made based on all of the cumulative values that are obtained by repetition of a unit base game as well as based on a cumulative value of bet amount information.
  • the number of base games or a base game playing time and the like may be a cumulative value.
  • the common game start portion 6213 has a function of outputting a game start command to a slot machine 10 in which a cumulative value increasing due to repetition of a base game satisfies a game execution condition. In this manner, the common game start portion 6213 enables a player to have a consciousness to actively repeat a base game because a qualification to participate in a common game is not provided to a slot machine 10 whose cumulative value is less than a minimum setting value.
  • the common game start portion 6213 has a function of monitoring a non-input time during which no start operation is made and then outputting a game start command to slot machines 10 other than a slot machine 10 whose non-input time is more than a timeout time. In this manner, the common game start portion 6213 is capable of determining that a player is absent as to a slot machine 10 in which no base game is executed over a timeout time or more, and is capable of avoiding execution of a common game for such a slot machine 10 .
  • the game terminal selecting portion 6215 has a function of selecting a specific slot machine 10 from among a plurality of slot machines 10 and then outputting a common game start command signal to the specific slot machine 10 .
  • the transmitting/receiving portion 6217 has a function enabling transmission/reception of data to/from the slot machine 10 .
  • FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a functional flow of a game in a gaming machine according to the embodiment.
  • a player operates a start button, whereby a unit game is started.
  • winning determination processing is executed (step SF 311 ) and then kinds of symbols to be rearranged are determined.
  • reels start rotation, movement of symbols is started, and then a unit game in a basic game starts.
  • the reels are controlled to be stopped (step SF 313 ) and then symbols having been determined by means of winning determination processing are rearranged.
  • a maximum of ten bonus symbols can be displayed in a stopped state.
  • Zero to two bonus symbols are displayed in a stopped state as to one reel. That is, when symbols have been rearranged, there is a case where no bonus symbol is displayed in a stopped state as to one reel, in a case where one bonus symbol is displayed in a stopped state, or in a case where two bonus symbols are displayed in a stopped state. In a case where two bonus symbols are displayed in a stopped state as to all of the five reels, ten bonus symbols are displayed in a stopped state.
  • wild symbols are arranged on at least a second reel and a fourth reel.
  • a wild symbol is a symbol that can be substituted as a symbol of any kind, and is also referred to as an almighty symbol. That is, a wild symbol is a symbol having a function enabling substitution into any of the symbols used in a gaming machine, and in particular, is a symbol that can be substituted so that a game result is advantageous to a player.
  • a prize is increased twice as usual as to one wild symbol. Wild symbols may be arranged on all of the five reels. Reels on which wild symbols are to be arranged may be determined as required.
  • step SF 315 After arrangement of predetermined symbols has been determined by means of winning determination processing, when the symbols are rearranged, a small hit is established (step SF 315 ), a predetermined prize is awarded, and a unit game in a basic game completes.
  • the routine migrates to the bonus game.
  • roulette lottery is performed (step SF 317 ).
  • a magnification relative to one bonus symbol is determined by way of winning determination processing (step SF 319 ).
  • roulette lottery starts, a roulette image displayed on an upper image display panel 131 is displayed in an enlarged manner and then a game in which a magnification is determined by means of lottery is executed in such a manner that a lamp has lit.
  • a magnification determined by means of roulette lottery is used every time a bonus symbols stops in a free game to be described later and then a prize is determined.
  • retrigger is established in addition to a prize.
  • at least one roulette lottery can be performed again (step SF 325 ) and then a magnification is determined again (step SF 327 ).
  • a full rotation slow rendering in which all of the five reels spin slowly may be occasionally determined in accordance with a result of the winning determination processing in step SF 311 described above (step SF 313 ). If a predetermined character is displayed on the upper image display panel 131 while the reels spin, reel rotation gradually slows down and then symbols with a high prize or bonus symbols are gradually rearranged. The longer time the reels spin slowly, the more symbols are gradually rearranged.
  • a game system 350 that includes gaming machines 300 having the respective functions described above will be described hereinafter.
  • the game system 350 includes a plurality of slot machines 10 and an external control device 621 that is connected to each of the slot machines 10 via a communication line 301 .
  • the external control device 621 is configured to control a plurality of slot machines 10 .
  • the external control device 621 is a so called hall server that is installed in a gaming facility having a plurality of slot machines 10 .
  • Each of the slot machines 10 has its own identification number assigned thereto, and the external control device 621 determines a source of data to be transmitted from each of the slot machines 10 , in accordance with the assigned identification number.
  • a transmission destination is specified with the use of the assigned identification number.
  • the game system 350 may be constructed in one gaming facility that is capable of performing a variety of games, such as a casino, or may be constructed across a plurality of gaming facilities. In a case where the game system 350 is constructed in one gaming facility, the game system may be constructed every floor or every section in the gaming facility.
  • the communication line 301 may be wired or wireless, and a leased line or a switched line and the like can be employed.
  • the game system is divided into three sections, i.e. a management server block, a customer terminal block, and a staff terminal block.
  • the management server block has a casino hall server 850 , a money exchange server 860 , a casino/hotel staff management server 870 , and a download server 880 .
  • the casino hall sever 850 is a server configured to manage an entire casino hall in which slot machines 10 have been installed.
  • the money exchange server 860 is a server configured to prepare money exchange rate data based on money exchange information.
  • the casino/hotel staff management server 870 is a server configured to manage staffs in a casino hall or a hotel associated with the casino hall.
  • the download server 880 is a server configured to download information relating to games or the latest information such as news and then broadcast the downloaded information to players through the PTS terminals 700 of a variety of slot machines 10 .
  • the management server block has a member management server 810 , an IC card & money management server 820 , a megabucks server 830 , and an image server 840 .
  • the member management server 810 is a server configured to manage members information on a player who plays a game at a slot machine 10 .
  • the IC card & money management server 820 is a server configured to manage an IC card 500 used in a slot machine 10 .
  • the IC card & money management server 820 is a server configured to store fraction money data to be associated with an identification code or to output the fraction money data to the PTS terminal 700 .
  • the IC card & money management server 820 is also configured to prepare and manage denomination data or the like.
  • the megabucks server 830 is a server configured to manage megabucks serving as games in which a total amount of betted money in a plurality of slot machines 10 installed in a plurality of casino hall is determined as a prize.
  • the image server 840 is a server configured to download an image relating to a game or a latest image such as news, for example, and then, broadcast the downloaded image to players through the PTS terminal 700 of a variety of slot machines 10 .
  • the customer terminal block has a slot machine 10 , a PTS terminal 700 , and a liquidation machine 750 .
  • the PTS terminal 700 can be mounted on the slot machine 10 and can communicate with the management server 800 .
  • the liquidation machine 750 is a machine configured to cash out and liquidate money data that is stored in an IC card 500 that a player owns or to store a coin or a bill as money data in the IC card 500 .
  • the staff terminal block has a staff management terminal 900 and a member card issuing terminal 950 .
  • the staff management terminal 900 is a terminal for staffs in a casino hall to manage a variety of slot machines 10 .
  • the staffs in a casino hall manage whether too many IC cards 500 are stocked in the PTS terminal 700 or the number of IC cards 500 is insufficient.
  • the member card issuing terminal 950 is a terminal for a player who plays a game in a casino hall to use when issuing a member card.
  • a PTS terminal 700 is incorporated in a PTS system.
  • the PTS terminal 700 that is mounted on a slot machine 10 is connected to a game controller 100 and a bill validator controller 890 of the slot machine 10 to enable communication therewith.
  • the PTS terminal 700 performs rendering of a game by means of sound or image and the like or updating of credit data in communication with the game controller 100 .
  • the PTS terminal 700 transmits credit data required for liquidation in communication with the bill validator controller 890 .
  • the PTS terminal 700 is connected to a management server 800 to enable communication therewith.
  • the PTS terminal 700 communicates with the management server 800 between two lines, .i.e., between a general communication line and an additional function communication line.
  • the PTS terminal 700 makes communication of data such as money data or identification code data or members information on players, for example, in the general communication line.
  • the PTS terminal 700 makes communication relating to functions to be newly added in the additional function communication line.
  • the PTS terminal 700 makes communication relating to an exchange function, an IC card function, a biological authentication function, a camera function, or an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) function serving as a function of making solid identification with the use of radio waves.
  • a coin, a bill or electronic variable information equivalent thereto is employed as a gaming medium.
  • credit-related data such as money data, stored in an IC card 500 , is employed.
  • the slot machine 10 includes a cabinet 11 , a top box 12 that is installed at an upper side of the cabinet 11 ; and a main door 13 that is provided on a front face of the cabinet 11 .
  • a reel M 1 is provided on the main door 13 .
  • a reel cover 134 is provided on a front face of the reel M 1 .
  • the reel cover 134 has a transparent liquid crystal panel or a transparent panel.
  • the reel cover 134 may include a touch panel.
  • the reel cover 134 has a display window 150 at a center part of the cover.
  • the display window 150 is capable of visually recognizing twenty symbols 501 in five columns and four lines from the outside. Four symbols 501 in each column are a part of symbol groups that are arrange on an outer circumferential face of the reel M 3 .
  • Each reel M 3 is movably displayed in a downward direction or in an upward direction while four symbols 501 entirely change a speed, thereby enabling the symbols 501 that are displayed in each symbol 501 to be rearranged in a stopped manner after these symbols have been rotated in a vertical direction.
  • the number of symbols to be redisplayed on the display window 150 is not limited to the example described above.
  • a third embodiment to bee described later shows a case in which a total of fifteen symbols 501 in five columns and three lines are displayed in a stopped state and then are rearranged so as to be visually recognizable from the outside on the display window 150 .
  • two pay line generation columns are arranged horizontally symmetrically.
  • a pay line generation column at the left end part which is arranged at a left side viewed from a player side has 25 pay line generating portions.
  • a pay line generating column at the right end part which is arranged at a right side, has 25 pay line generating portions.
  • the pay line generating portion at the left side part forms a pair with either one of the pay lines generating portions at the right end part. From each of the pay line generating portions at the left end part, a pay line which is a line oriented to a pay line generating portion at the end part in relationship with a pair with such each pay line generation portion is specified in advance. A total of 25 pay lines are specified.
  • the pay lines described above are activated by connecting the pay line generating portions at the left end part and at the right end part to each other. In other cases, these pay lines are deactivated. A valid number of pay lines is determined based on a BET amount. In the case of MAX BET that is a maximum BET amount, a maximum number of 25 pay lines is activated.
  • the activated pay lines are configured to establish a variety of winning combinations as to each symbol 501 . A detailed description of the winning combinations will be given later.
  • An activated pay line is also referred to as a winning line.
  • a slot machine 10 includes a reel device M 1 of a mechanical reel system
  • the slot machine 10 of the present invention may be the one in which a video reel system and a mechanism reel system for displaying pseudo reels are caused to coexist.
  • a touch panel may be provided on the reel cover 134 . In this case, a player can input a variety of commands by operating the touch panel. An input signal from the touch panel is transmitted to a main CPU 71 .
  • a control panel 30 is disposed at a lower part of the reel device M 1 .
  • the control panel 30 includes a variety of buttons, a coin entry 21 configured to accept a coin in a cabinet 11 , and a bill entry 22 .
  • the control panel 30 includes: a reserve button 31 , a collect button 32 , and a game rule button 33 that are disposed at an upper stage in a left side region toward the panel; 1-BET button 34 , a 2-BETS button 35 , 3-BETS button 37 , a 5-BETS button 38 , and 10-BETS button 39 that are disposed at a middle stage in a left side region; and a PLAY 2 LINES button 40 , a PLAY 10 LINES button 41 , a PLAY 20 LINES button 42 , a PLAY 40 LINES button 43 , and a MAX LINES button 44 that are disposed at a lower stage in a left side region.
  • control panel 30 includes: a coin entry 21 and a bill entry 22 that are disposed at an upper stage in a right side region toward the panel; and a gamble button 45 and a start button 46 that are disposed at a lower stage in a left side region.
  • the reserve button 31 described above is an operating button to be employed when a player wants to leave a seat or when a player wants to request the staffs in a gaming facility to exchange money.
  • the collect button 32 is a so called liquidation button configured to add the credit data relating to credits obtained in a variety of games to the credit data that is stored in the IC card 500 inserted into the PTS terminal 700 .
  • the game rule button 33 is a button to be depressed in a case where a game operation method or the like is unclear, and when the game rule button 33 is depressed, a variety of help information is displayed on an upper image display panel 131 to be described later.
  • the 1-BET button 34 is a button to be employed when player currently owned credits are betted on a one-by-one basis for each winning pay line every time the button is depressed.
  • the 2-BETS button 35 is a button for starting a game in 2 BETS for each winning pay line.
  • the 3-BETS button 37 is a button for starting a game by placing 3 BETS for each winning pay line.
  • the 5-BETS button 38 is a button for starting a game by placing 5 BETS for each winning pay line.
  • the 10-BETS button 39 is a button for starting a game by placing 10 BETS for each winning pay line.
  • the number of BETS to be betted for each winning pay line is determined by depressing any one of the 1-BET button 34 , the 2-BETS button 35 , the 3-BETS button 37 , the 5-BETS button 38 , and the 10-BETS button 39 .
  • the PLAY 2 LINES button 40 is a button configured to activate pay lines by pressing it. In this manner, two pay lines are activated.
  • the PLAY 10 LINES button 41 is a button configured to activate pay lines by pressing it. In this manner, 10 pay lines are activated.
  • the PLAY 20 LINES button 42 is a button configured to activate pay lines by pressing it. In this manner, 20 pay lines are activated.
  • the PLAY 40 LINES button 43 is a button configured to activate pay lines by pressing it. In this manner, 40 pay lines are activated.
  • the MAX LINES button 44 is a button configured to activate pay lines by pressing it. In this manner, a maximum of 50 pay lines are activated.
  • the gamble button 45 is an operating button to be employed when the routine is caused to migrate to a gamble game after a bonus game has completed, for example.
  • the gamble game used herein is a game to be played by using acquired credits.
  • the start button 46 is a button to be employed when scrolling of symbols 501 is started. In addition, this start button 46 also functions as a button for starting a bonus game or adding the prize acquired in the bonus game to the credits.
  • the coin entry 21 is configured to accept a coin in the cabinet 11 .
  • the bill entry 22 is configured to validate whether an entered bill is legitimate or not and to accept a legitimate bill in the cabinet 11 .
  • a coin acceptance inlet 18 for accepting a coin and a belly glass 132 on which a character or the like of a slot machine 10 is drawn are provided on a lower front face of the main door 13 , i.e., at a lower side of the control panel 30 .
  • An upper image display panel 131 is provided on a front face of the top box 12 .
  • the upper image display panel 131 is made of a liquid crystal panel, and configures a display.
  • the upper image display panel 131 displays an image relating to rendering or an image indicating an introduction of the contents of a game or a rule of the game.
  • a speaker 112 and a lamp 111 are provided on the top box 12 .
  • rendering is executed by means of image display, sound output, and light output.
  • a data display 174 and a keypad 173 are provided at a lower side of the upper image display panel 131 .
  • the data display 174 is made of a fluorescent display or an LED, and is configured to display members data read from the IC card 500 that is inserted from the PTS terminal 700 , for example, or data input by a player via the keypad 173 .
  • the keypad 173 is configured to input data.
  • An expectation value meter 160 is provided at an upper part of the display window 150 .
  • the expectation value meter 160 is made of an opening 162 and a backlight 164 (not shown).
  • the opening 162 is a through hole formed in the reel cover 134 .
  • the opening 162 has a length that is substantially equal to a width of the display window 150 .
  • the backlight 164 is made of a full-color LED (Light Emitting Diode).
  • the backlight 164 is provided along the opening 162 on a rear face of the reel cover 134 .
  • a degree of expectation indicating a possibility that a unit game is advantageous can be indicated for a player.
  • the full-color LED is made of a plurality of LED elements, a region in which light is to be emitted can be determined by changing the number of LED elements configured to emit light.
  • a region having its transparency which is formed on the reel cover 134 , for example, a transparent region may be provided in place of the opening 162 .
  • the region having its transparency like the opening 162 , is formed in an elongated shape in a horizontal direction, and has a length that is substantially equal to the width of the display window 150 .
  • the backlight 164 is provided on a rear face of the region having its transparency, whereby the expectation value meter 160 can be configured.
  • the degree of expectation may be information indicating a possibility that a unit game is advantageous.
  • the degree of expectation includes an expectation value indicating a possibility of winning a prize such as a bonus.
  • the expectation value if a probability of winning a prize such as a bonus is 1/300, a winning possibility becomes higher as the number of unit games continuously failing to win a prize is close to 300 times.
  • a color of light to be emitted or a light emitting region may be determined by computing an expectation value from the number of unit games continuously failing to win a prize and a probability of winning a prize.
  • the expectation value is high, a region in which light is to be emitted by means of an LED is increased, or alternatively, if the expectation value is low, a region in which light is to be emitted by means of an LED is decreased. By doing his, the expectation value can be visually recognized by a player immediately.
  • an expectation value indicating a possibility of winning a small hit combination as well as a bonus may be employed as a degree of expectation. Further, the expectation value is different depending on a kind of bonus or a kind of small hit combination; and therefore, it is preferable to change a color of light emission in accordance with a kind of bonus or a kind of small hit combination.
  • the expectation value meter 160 may cause an LED to emit light so as to indicate expectation values of all kinds.
  • one of plural kinds of bonuses or plural kinds of small hit combinations may be sequentially indicated by means of the expectation value meter 160 in each unit game. By doing this, a player can be given a motivation to repeatedly play a unit game in order to acquire an expectation value.
  • the degree of expectation may be information relating to a prize that a player can acquire.
  • a prize which can be awarded by a player continuously playing a unit game may be computed based on a prize to be awarded every time a winning prize is obtained and a probability of winning a prize or the like.
  • information relating to a prize that can be awarded by winning a prize such as a bonus can be employed.
  • These prizes can be indicated for a player by means of a color of the light that is emitted by an LED or a region in which light is to be emitted.
  • the PTS terminal 700 is mounted between the reel device M 1 and the control panel 30 .
  • the PTS terminal 700 includes an LCD 719 , as shown in FIG. 9 .
  • the LCD 719 is disposed at a center part of the PTS terminal 700 .
  • the LCD 719 is configured to display a rendering image for rendering a game, for example.
  • Human body detecting cameras 712 and 713 , microphones 704 and 705 , and bass reflection type (bass reflex type) speakers 707 and 708 are disposed at an upper part of the PTS terminal 700 .
  • the human body detecting cameras 712 and 713 are configured to detect the presence or absence of a player by means of a camera function and then output a signal to a unit controller 730 to be described later.
  • the microphones 704 and 705 are used for a player to participate in a game by means of voice or to authenticate a player by means of voice recognition.
  • the speakers 707 and 708 are configured to perform rendering of a game by means of voice and to output a broadcasting sound caused by a failure to remove an IC card 500 . Further, the speakers 707 and 708 are configured to output a broadcasting sound in a case where authentication of an inserted IC card 500 has failed as well.
  • the speakers 707 and 708 are installed so as to listen to a sound via a duct from a back side of the LCD 719 in a stereoscopic manner on a front side (on a player side), and can be installed in a space reduction manner.
  • an LED 709 and a card insertion slot 706 are provided in the PTS terminal 700 .
  • the LED 709 is configured to broadcast a remaining number of IC cards 500 having been stacked in a card stacker 714 to be described later. Specifically, in a case where the remaining number of IC cars 500 is 5 or less, the LED 709 lights in yellow, in a case where the remaining number is 6 to 24, the LED 709 lights in blue, or alternatively, in a case where the remaining number is 25 or more, the LED 709 lights in green. In a case where the remaining number of IC cards 500 is 0 or 30, the LED 709 lights in gray and a game being executed is stopped.
  • the staff in a casino hall immediately determines that the remaining number of IC cards 500 is small and then IC cards 500 can be refilled.
  • the staff in a casino hall immediately determine that the remaining number of IC cards is full and then IC cards 500 can be removed.
  • these cards can be supplied by inserting the IC cards 500 that are owned by only the respective staffs through a card insertion slot 706 .
  • the card insertion slot 706 has a mechanism that is capable of inserting or removing an IC card 500 .
  • the IC card 500 is inserted so that a display portion 510 is upward and so that the card is oriented in opposite to the card insertion slot 706 .
  • the card is ejected so that the display portion 510 is exposed at the time of liquidation. In this manner, the player can check a credit-related data such as updated money data.
  • the IC card 500 may be retained so that the display portion 510 is exposed while the card is not completely inserted even while the player plays a game. In this manner, the player can always check how credits are updated while in the play of a game.
  • the IC card 500 is pulled to the inside so as to be stacked in the card stacker 714 .
  • the card stacker 714 can stack up to 30 cards.
  • the PTS terminal 700 of the embodiment realizes space reduction because a variety of devices having a microphone function, a camera function, a speaker function, and a display function or the like integrally formed one unit.
  • the respective functions are installed solely, whereby there never occurs an inconvenience that a speaker cannot be installed toward a player if an LCD is oriented to the player.
  • the reel device M 1 included in a slot machine 10 has: a reel unit M 11 configured to rearrange symbols 501 by rotationally driving a reel M 3 having the symbols 501 arranged on an outer circumferential face thereat and a reel unit retaining mechanism M 12 configured to removably retain the reel unit M 11 .
  • this reel unit is referred to as first to fifth reel units M 11 a to M 11 e in sequential order from a left end when it is viewed from a front side.
  • the reel unit retaining mechanism M 12 has: a reel unit support plate M 121 that is capable of being mounted on the cabinet 11 (a casing) of a slot machine 10 ; and a slide retaining mechanism M 122 that is provided on the reel unit support plate M 121 and is configured to retain the reel unit M 11 to be slidably movable relative to a front face side of the cabinet 11 .
  • the reel device M 1 can be mounted and removed by means of the slide retaining mechanism M 122 merely by sliding the reel unit M 11 relative to the reel unit support plate M 121 if the reel unit support plate M 121 is mounted on the cabinet 11 of the slot machine 10 ; and therefore, a process such as screw tightening, which has been conventionally performed, can be eliminated.
  • the reel unit retaining mechanism M 12 has a flat reel unit support plate M 121 .
  • the reel unit support plate M 121 has: a rectangular flat plate portion M 1211 that is horizontally disposed; a front face bent portion M 1212 that is bent downward from a front end edge of the flat plate portion M 1211 ; and a rear face bent portion M 1213 that is bent upward from a rear end edge of the flat plate portion M 1211 .
  • the front face bent portion M 1212 and the rear face bent portion M 1213 are configured to hardly deform the reel unit support plate M 121 relative to a weight when the reel unit M 11 is retained.
  • a word “font end edge” used here designates one edge on a front face side of a slot machine 10 .
  • a word “rear end edge” used here designates one edge of a rear face side of a slot machine 10 .
  • a side at which a player who plays a game at this slot machine 10 is positioned while the slot machine 10 is defined as a reference position is referred to as a front side, a front direction, or a front face side, and a back direction relative to the front side is referred to as a rear side.
  • a direction in which the slot machine 10 and the player passes is referred to as a forward/backward direction
  • a horizontal direction orthogonal to the forward/backward direction is referred to as a transverse direction.
  • a connector support member M 1214 is provided in a transverse direction (in a widthwise direction).
  • the connector support member M 1214 is formed in an L shape on a longitudinal cross section in the forward/backward direction, and has: a transversely provided portion M 1214 a that is bonded with the flat plate portion M 1211 ; and an erected portion M 1214 b that is erected in a vertical direction from the transversely provided portion M 1214 a .
  • a connector engagement hole M 1214 c is formed in the erected portion M 1214 b .
  • the connector engagement hole M 1214 c is formed in number corresponding to the number of reel units M 11 installed.
  • a forming position of the connector engagement hole M 1214 c is set so that when the reel unit M 11 is installed on the reel unit flat plate M 121 , a center part in the widthwise direction of the reel unit M 11 and a center part in the widthwise direction of the connector engagement hole M 1214 c are opposed to each other.
  • a plurality of fixing holes M 1211 a are formed in the flat plate portion M 1211 .
  • These fixing holes M 1211 a are respectively disposed at two longitudinal sites at a front position of each of the connector engagement holes M 1214 c . That is, the fixing holes M 1211 a are disposed in a matrix shape of two lines and five columns in the flat plate portion M 1211 .
  • the fixing holes M 1211 a configure a part of a slide retaining mechanism M 122 to be described later, enabling a slide retaining member M 1221 of FIG. 12 to be mounted on the reel unit support plate M 121 .
  • a second connector M 123 is provided as shown in FIG. 12 .
  • the second connector M 123 is a female type connector. That is, the second connector M 123 , as shown in FIG. 14 , has a connector engagement member M 1231 and a plurality of pin terminals M 1232 .
  • the pin terminals M 1232 are electrically connected to a main PCB 110 of FIG. 38 via a signal line, although not shown.
  • the connector engagement member M 1231 has: mount portions M 1231 a , M 1231 a that are formed at both end parts in a widthwise direction; and a connector insert portion M 1231 b that is opened on a front face side. As shown in FIG. 12 , the mount portions M 1231 a , M 1231 a are tightened with screws relative to the erected portion M 1214 b of the connector support member M 1214 . In addition, as shown in FIG. 18 , the second connector M 123 is electrically coupled to a first connector M 124 by inserting the first connector M 124 that is a male type connector included in the reel unit M 11 when the reel unit M 11 is installed on the reel unit support plate M 121 .
  • a slide retaining mechanism M 122 is disposed as shown in FIG. 12 .
  • the slide retaining mechanism M 122 has a slide retaining member M 1221 .
  • the slide retaining member M 1221 is formed transversely symmetrically relative to a centerline in a forward/backward direction.
  • the slide retaining member M 1221 has: a side main body portion M 1222 ; a first slide fixing portion M 1223 that is disposed at a front side of the slide main body portion M 1222 ; and a second slide fixing portion M 1224 that is disposed at a rear side of the slid main body portion M 1222 .
  • the slide main body portion M 1222 is formed in a flat plate shape on a top face and a bottom face.
  • the top face of the slide main body portion M 1222 enables a reel support mechanism M 6 to be supported in a planar shape.
  • the bottom face of the slide main body portion M 1222 abuts in a planar shape with the flat plate portion M 1211 of the reel unit support plate M 121 to thereby enable the reel support mechanism M 6 to be supported in a planar shape by means of the reel unit support plate M 121 .
  • the slide main body portion M 1222 is formed in a top-viewing rectangular shape while a forward/backward direction is defined as a longitudinal direction.
  • a through home M 1222 a is formed at a center part of the slide main body portion M 1222 .
  • the through hole M 1222 a enables fixing to the reel unit support plate M 121 by means of screw tightening, as shown in FIG. 12 .
  • the first slide fixing portion M 1223 that is disposed at a front side of the slide main body portion M 1222 is formed in a flat face shape that is identical to the slide main body portion M 1222 .
  • the first slide fixing portion M 1223 is formed in a top-viewing square shape having a widthwise dimension that is longer than a widthwise dimension of the slide main body portion M 1222 .
  • both end parts in the widthwise direction of the first slide fixing portion M 1223 are more protrusive than both end parts in the widthwise direction of the slide main body portion M 1222 .
  • a through hole M 1223 a is formed at a center part of the first slide fixing portion M 1223 .
  • the through hole M 1223 a enables fixing to the reel unit support by means of screw tightening.
  • a fixing protrusion portion M 1223 b is formed at a front end part of the first slide fixing portion M 1223 .
  • the fixing protrusion portion M 1223 b is formed so as to protrude obliquely upward from the first slide fixing portion M 1223 toward a rear side.
  • a protrusion portion M 1223 is formed downward.
  • the fixing protrusion portion M 1223 b has a function of fixing the reel unit M 11 in a vertical direction and disabling movement in a forward/backward direction.
  • slide stop portions M 1223 c , M 1223 e are disposed transversely symmetrically.
  • the slide stop portion M 1223 c is formed by a wall portion that is opened on a front face side and a top face side, i.e., by a wall portion formed in a top-viewing L shape that is protruded upward from an inside portion to a rear side position.
  • the slide stop portion M 1223 a has a function of stopping the reel unit M 11 at a predetermined position in the forward/bacicward direction when the reel unit is slidably moved from a front side.
  • insert portions M 1223 e , M 1223 e that are opened at a front side are formed transversely symmetrically.
  • coupling portions M 1223 d , M 1223 d are formed at a rear end part of the first slide fixing portion M 1223 .
  • the coupling portions M 1223 d , M 1223 d are formed so as to protrude obliquely downward from the first slide fixing portion M 1223 to a rear side.
  • the coupling portions M 1223 d , M 1223 d as shown in FIG. 16 , has a function of engaging with the fixing hole M 1211 a that is disposed at a front side of the flat plate portion M 1211 in an oblique direction to thereby fix the slide retaining member M 1221 to the reel support plate M 121 in a vertical direction.
  • the second slide fixing portion M 1224 that is disposed at a rear side of the slide main body portion M 1222 is formed in a flat plate shape that is identical to the slide main body portion M 1222 .
  • the second slide fixing portion M 1224 is formed in a top-viewing square shape having a widthwise dimension that is longer than a widthwise dimension of the slide main body portion M 1222 .
  • both end parts in the widthwise direction of the second slide fixing portion M 1224 are more protrusive than both end parts in the widthwise direction of the slide main body portion M 1222 .
  • a through hole M 1224 a is formed at a center part of the second slide fixing portion M 1224 .
  • the through hole M 1224 a enables fixing to the reel unit support plate M 121 by means of screw tightening.
  • slide stop portions M 1224 b , 1224 b are disposed transversely symmetrically.
  • the slide stop portion M 1224 b is formed by a wall portion that is opened on a front face side and a top face side, i.e., by a wall portion formed in a top-viewing L shape that is protruded upward from an inside portion to a rear side position.
  • the slide stop portion M 1224 b has a function of stopping the reel unit M 11 at a predetermined position in the forward/backward direction when the reel unit is slidably moved from a front side.
  • insert portions M 1224 d , M 1224 d that are opened at a front side are formed transversely symmetrically.
  • coupling portions M 1224 c , M 1224 c are formed at a rear end part of the second slide fixing portion M 1224 .
  • the coupling portions M 1224 c , M 1224 c are formed so as to protrude obliquely downward from the second slide fixing portion M 1224 to a rear side.
  • the coupling portions M 1224 c , M 1224 c as shown in FIG. 16 , has a function of engaging with the fixing hole M 1211 a that is disposed a rear side of the flat plate portion M 1211 in an obliquely direction to thereby fix the slide retaining member M 1221 to the reel unit support plate M 121 in a vertical direction.
  • the reel unit retaining mechanism M 12 configured as described above enables a reel unit M 11 to be removably retained as shown in FIG. 10 .
  • the reel unit M 11 has: a reel M 3 having symbols 501 arranged on an outer circumferential face of the reel; and a reel support mechanism M 6 configured to support the reel M 3 .
  • a reel support mechanism M 6 has a reel support member M 61 and a motor support member M 62 .
  • the reel support member M 61 has a side face erected portion M 63 , a front face erected portion M 64 , a rear face erected portion M 65 , and a support bottom face portion M 66 .
  • Each of these portions M 63 to M 66 is formed by bending a flat plate.
  • the support bottom face portion M 66 is formed in a flat shape so as to be abutted with the reel unit support plate M 121 in a planar shape.
  • a bottom face trough hole M 66 a is formed in the support bottom face portion M 66 .
  • the bottom face through hole M 66 a is formed in a rectangular shape.
  • center protrusion portions M 66 b , M 66 b are formed at a center part
  • front side protrusion portions M 66 c , M 66 c are formed at a front side part.
  • the bottom face through hole M 66 a is slightly larger in size than an external dimension of the slide retaining member M 1221 described above, is formed in an approximate opening shape, and is capable of inserting the slide retaining member M 1221 from a top side.
  • the center protrusion portion M 66 b engages into a gap between the insert portion M 1223 e that is formed on a bottom face of the first slide fixing portion M 1223 of FIG. 15 and the reel unit support plate M 121
  • the front side protrusion portion M 66 c engages into a gap between the insert portion M 1224 d that is formed on a bottom face of the second slide fixing portion M 1224 of FIG. 15 and the reel unit support plate M 121 , whereby the reel support member M 61 is fixed to the reel unit support plate M 121 in a vertical direction.
  • a front face erected portion M 64 is disposed at a front side of the support bottom face portion M 66 .
  • the front face erected portion M 64 is erected in a vertical direction relative to the support bottom face portion M 66 .
  • a front face through hole M 64 a is formed in the support bottom face portion M 66 .
  • the front face through hole M 64 a is provided so that a fixing protrusion portion M 1223 b is inserted and a protrusion portion 1223 f is abutted with a front face side of the front face erected portion M 64 .
  • the reel support member M 61 as shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 18 , can be fixed in a vertical direction and in a forward/backward direction without the reel support member M 61 being screw-tightened relative to the reel unit support plate M 121 .
  • a rear face erected portion M 65 is disposed at a rear side of the support bottom face portion M 66 .
  • a connector engagement hole M 65 a is formed in the rear face erected portion M 65 .
  • the connector engagement hole M 65 a is disposed so as to be opposed to the connector engagement hole M 1214 c of FIG. 13 .
  • the first connector M 124 of FIG. 18 described above is provided at a height position and in the connector engagement hole M 65 a . In this manner, as shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 18 , when the reel support member M 61 is slidably moved on the reel support plate M 121 to a rear side, the first connector M 124 is connected to the second connector M 123 .
  • a side face erected portion M 63 is disposed at a right side as viewed from a front side of the support bottom face portion M 66 .
  • the side face erected portion M 63 has: front face tilt portion M 63 a that is tilted from a top end to a rear side of the front face erected portion M 64 ; an illumination mount portion M 63 b that is disposed upward of the front face tilt portion M 63 a ; a mounting cutout portion M 63 c that is disposed at a rear side of the illumination mount portion M 63 b ; and a rear face tilt portion M 63 d that is tilted from a rear side of the mounting cutout portion M 63 c to a top end of the rear face erected portion M 65 .
  • the board mount portions M 63 e are horizontally disposed so as to retain a reel board M 67 in parallel to the side face erected portion M 63 , as shown in FIG. 21 .
  • the reel board M 67 has a function of controlling the reel device M 1 , and is electrically connected to the first connector M 124 via a signal line, although not shown.
  • an origin sensor M 671 is provided On one face on the side of the reel M 3 of the reel board M 67 . The origin sensor M 671 configures a part of a reel origin detecting mechanism configured to output a reel origin signal.
  • the illumination mount portion M 63 b has: a backlight mount portion M 63 b 1 configured to support a backlight device M 7 ; and a rendering mount portion M 63 b 2 configured to support a rendering light emitting device M 8 .
  • the backlight mount portion M 63 b 1 and the illumination mount portion M 63 b are respectively disposed on a rear face side and on a front face side.
  • a widthwise dimension in the vertical direction of the backlight mount portion M 63 b 1 is greater than a widthwise direction in the vertical direction of the rendering mount portion M 63 b 2 .
  • a rendering light fixing hole M 63 M 4 is formed at a center part of the rendering mount portion M 63 b 2 .
  • two backlight fixing holes M 63 b 3 , M 63 b 3 are formed in the illumination mount portion M 63 b .
  • These backlight fixing holes M 63 b 3 , M 63 b 3 has a function of retaining a mount posture of the backlight device M 7 .
  • a motor support member M 62 is provided at a mounting cutout portion M 63 c .
  • the motor support member M 62 is erected in a leftward direction viewed from a front face side, and has: erected portions M 62 a , M 62 a that are disposed longitudinally symmetrically; and a flat face mount portion M 62 b that is transversely provided between the erected portions M 62 a and M 62 a .
  • a reel motor M 51 of FIG. 11 is provided on a left side face of the flat face mount portion M 62 b .
  • a circular through hole M 62 c is formed so as to expose an end face of the reel motor M 51 to the side of the mounting cutout portion M 63 c .
  • an encoder device M 21 that is provided on an end face of the reel motor M 51 is disposed as shown in FIG. 11 .
  • the reel motor M 51 described above configures a part of a reel drive mechanism M 5 .
  • the reel drive mechanism M 5 is configured so as to rearrange symbols 501 by rotationally driving reels M 3 .
  • the reel drive mechanism M 5 has: a reel motor M 51 configured to impart a rotation drive force to the reels M 3 ; and a heat sink M 52 configured to radiate a heat by increasing a surface area of the reel motor M 51 .
  • the reel motor M 51 is a stepping motor having a resolution of 200, and is capable of controlling a rotation speed of a rotation drive shaft M 512 from a high speed rotation of 200 rpm or the like to a low speed rotation of 12.5 rpm.
  • the reel motor M 51 as shown in FIG. 23 and FIG. 24 , has a motor bulkhead M 511 formed in a hollow columnar shape. On one end of the motor bulkhead M 511 , a flange portion M 511 a is formed.
  • the flange M 511 a as shown in FIG. 21 is fixedly provided on a flat face mount portion M 62 b of a motor support member M 62 by means of screw tightening.
  • a positioning portion M 511 b that is protruded in a circular shape is formed at a center part of the flange portion M 511 a .
  • the positioning portion M 511 b is engaged into a through hole M 62 c to thereby facilitate positioning at the time of assembling that cause the rotation drive shaft M 512 to coincide with a rotation center of the reel M 3 and to prevent a positional shaft at the time of actuation.
  • one end part of the rotation drive shaft M 512 is protruded as shown in FIG. 23 at a center part of the positioning portion M 511 b .
  • One end part of the rotation drive shaft M 512 is coupled with an encoder device M 21 .
  • the encoder device M 21 configures a part of a reel angle detecting mechanism M 2 .
  • the encoder device M 21 includes: a reel interlock shaft, although not shown, which is coupled with the rotation drive shaft M 512 that coincides with a rotation center of the reel M 3 ; and a signal output portion configured to magnetically detect rotation of the reel interlock shaft, thereby outputting a magnetic force detection signal, a position pulse signal, a origin pulse signal, and a phase difference pulse signal.
  • a heat sink M 52 is provided on a top face of the motor bulkhead M 511 .
  • the heat sink M 52 is formed of a metal with its high thermal conductivity such as aluminum or copper.
  • the heat sink M 52 has a flat base portion M 522 that is bonded with the motor bulkhead M 511 in a planar shape; and a plurality of fin members M 521 that are erected on a top face of the base portion M 522 . In this manner, the heat sink M 52 is capable of performing cooling without a need to provide specific electrical wiring for cooling the reel M 3 by increasing a surface area of the reel motor M 51 .
  • the other end part of the rotation drive shaft M 512 is protruded at the other end of the motor bulkhead M 511 .
  • An engagement ring-shape portion M 512 a is formed at a tip end part of the rotation drive shaft M 512 .
  • the engagement ring-shaped member M 512 a as shown in FIG. 11 , enables a blade mechanism M 4 and a drive force transmission mechanism M 9 to be fixed in an axial direction by engaging a stop member M 514 .
  • two fixing members M 513 are provided transversely symmetrically around the rotation drive shaft M 512 .
  • the fixing member M 513 is disposed in a vertical direction relative to the rotation drive shaft M 512 .
  • the fixing member M 513 is configured to fix the blade mechanism M 4 and the drive force transmission mechanism M 9 to each other in a rotation direction and then fix the reel M 3 that is coupled with the drive force transmission mechanism M 9 in a rotation direction, thereby causing a rotation angle of the reel M 3 and a rotation angle of the rotation drive shaft M 512 to coincide with each other.
  • the blade mechanism M 4 and the drive force transmission mechanism M 9 to be coupled with the reel motor M 51 configured as described above are provided by means of a rotor 90 that is integrally formed of a resin, as shown in FIG. 25 and FIG. 26 .
  • the rotor 90 has: a first ring-shaped portion M 91 that is disposed on one end side of a left side as viewed from a front side; a second ring-shaped portion M 92 that is disposed at the other end side; and a third ring-shaped portion 93 that is disposed between the first ring-shaped portion M 91 and the second ring-shaped portion M 92 .
  • the first ring-shaped portion M 91 , the second ring-shaped portion M 92 , and the third ring-shaped portion M 93 are respectively formed in a circular ring shape, and a center shaft is caused to coincide with a rotation center of the reel M 3 .
  • a reel motor M 51 or the like of the reel drive mechanism M 5 in FIG. 11 is disposed on an inner circumferential side of each of the second ring-shaped portion M 92 and the third ring-shaped portion 93 .
  • a cutout portion M 921 is partially formed in the second ring-shaped portion M 92 .
  • the cutout portion M 921 configures a reel origin detecting mechanism together with an origin sensor M 671 of FIG. 21 .
  • the cutout portion M 921 is detected by means of the origin sensor M 671 to thereby able to output a reel origin signal.
  • the third ring-shaped portion 93 has a plurality of first blade portions M 931 (blade mechanisms M 4 ) on an inner circumferential face thereof.
  • the first blade portion M 931 is formed in a wavy shape from its outer circumferential side to its inner circumferential side. In this manner, the first blade portion M 931 is configured to distribute air in a rotation center direction and then cool the reel drive mechanism M 5 when the blade portion is swiveled around its rotation center.
  • an inner circumferential ring-shaped portion M 912 is disposed on an inner circumferential side of the first ring-shaped portion M 91 .
  • a plurality of second blade portions M 911 are formed between the first ring-shaped portion M 91 and the inner circumferential ring-shaped portion M 912 .
  • the second blade portions M 911 are formed in a state in which they tilt from an end face of the first ring-shaped portion M 91 to the side of the third ring-shaped portion 93 .
  • the second blade portions M 911 are swiveled around its rotation center to thereby distribute external air on the end face of the first ring-shaped portion M 91 to the inner circumferential side of the third ring-shaped portion 93 and then cool the reel drive mechanism M 5 .
  • an inner circumferential support portion M 913 formed in a crossed shape and a through hole M 914 formed at a center part of the inner circumferential support portion M 913 are disposed on the inner circumferential side of the inner circumferential ring-shaped portion M 912 .
  • the through hole M 914 is caused to coincide with the rotation center of the reel M 3 .
  • the through hole M 914 is configured to insert the rotation drive shaft M 512 of the reel motor M 51 in FIG. 24 .
  • a fixing engagement portion M 915 is formed on a wall face on the inner circumferential side of the third ring-shaped portion 93 in the inner circumferential support portion M 913 .
  • the fixing engagement portion M 915 enables fixing in a rotation direction between the rotation drive shaft M 512 and the rotor 90 by allowing the fixing member M 513 of FIG. 24 to be engaged therewith.
  • a reel M 3 is provided as shown in FIG. 27 .
  • the reel M 3 has: a ring-shaped reel band M 32 on which one or more symbols 501 are arranged; and a reel frame member M 31 in which the reel band M 32 is provided on an outer circumferential face and a blade mechanism M 4 in a rotor 90 is disposed on an inner circumferential side.
  • the reel M 3 prevents upsizing exerted by providing a cooling function for a reel motor M 51 by defining the inner circumferential side of the reel frame member M 31 as a mount site of the blade mechanism M 4 .
  • the reel frame member M 31 described above, as shown in FIG. 28 has: a driving-side reel frame member M 311 configured to retain one end part of the reel band M 32 ; a follower-side reel frame member M 312 configured to retain the other end part of the reel band M 32 ; and a frame member coupling member 313 configured to couple the outer circumferential portions of the driving-side reel frame body M 311 and the follower-side reel frame reel M 312 to each other.
  • the reel frame member M 31 that is formed by these members is formed of a light transmission material.
  • the reel M 3 is capable of assembling the reel frame member M 31 by coupling the reel frame member M 31 via a frame member coupling member 313 from a state in which the reel is divided into two sections, the driving-side reel frame member M 311 and the follower-side reel frame member M 312 ; and therefore, a width of the reel frame member M 31 , i.e., a width of the reel M 3 including the reel frame member M 31 and the reel band M 32 can be easily changed merely by changing a length of the frame member coupling member 313 .
  • the driving-side reel frame member M 311 has an inner circumferential ring-shaped portion M 3111 .
  • the inner circumferential ring-shaped portion M 3111 is engaged with and is fixed to an outer circumferential face of the first ring-shaped portion M 91 . In this manner, the reel M 3 is coupled in a state in which the reel coincides with the rotation center of the rotor 90 .
  • the follower-side reel frame member M 312 has a reel band engagement portion M 312 a that engages with an end part of the reel band M 32 .
  • the driving-side reel frame member M 311 as shown in FIG. 29 , has a reel band engagement portion M 311 a that engages with an end part of the reel band M 32 .
  • the reel M 3 is capable of easily assembling the reel band M 32 with the reel frame M 31 by engaging both end parts of the reel band M 32 with each other so as to be sandwiched from both sides between the reel band engagement portions M 311 a and M 312 a of the driving-side frame member M 311 and the follower-side reel frame member M 312 on the way of assembling the reel frame member M 31 by coupling the reel frame member M 31 via the frame member coupling member 313 from a state in which the reel is divided into two sections, the driving-side reel frame member M 311 and the follower-side reel frame member M 312 .
  • the reel band engagement portions M 311 a and M 312 a described above, as shown in FIG. 30 , are formed so as to engage the entire circumference of the reel band M 32 .
  • the reel frame member M 31 is configured to hold the entire circumference of the reel band M 32 to thereby able to enhance shape sustainability when the reel band M 32 has been retained by means of the reel frame member M 31 .
  • the frame member coupling member 313 is disposed to able to support a back face of the reel band M 32 . In this manner, it becomes possible to further enhance shape sustainability when the reel band M 32 is retained by means of the reel frame member M 31 .
  • the reel band M 32 is formed of a material such as an acrylic resin that is capable of transmitting illumination light.
  • a backlight device M 7 is arranged on the inner circumferential side of the reel M 3 configured as described above.
  • the backlight device M 7 is arranged so as to emit illumination light from the inner circumferential side of the reel M 3 into the direction of the reel band M 32 and then allow the emitted light having transmitted the reel band M 32 to be visually recognized from the outside of a slot machine 10 .
  • the backlight device M 7 has: a backlight source unit M 70 ; and a board case support member M 74 that is provided in a reel support mechanism M 6 and is configured to removably support the backlight source unit M 70 .
  • Four backlight source units M 70 are disposed in a vertical direction. These backlight source units M 70 are disposed and set at intervals so that the backlight source units are opposed to symbols 501 . That is, a positional relationship between the backlight units M 70 and the symbols 501 are set so that they exist on a line segment passing through the rotation center of the reel M 3 in a vertical direction. In this manner, illumination light can be transmitted from the reel band M 32 and the transparent reel frame member M 31 while each of the backlight source units M 70 illuminates each of the symbols 501 opposed thereto.
  • the respective backlight source units M 70 described above has a plurality of illumination light sources M 71 that are arranged in a widthwise direction and in a longitudinal direction of the reel band M 32 and that is capable of changing a light quantity when illumination light is emitted.
  • the backlight device M 7 is capable of individually controlling an emission mode of illumination light in each of the illumination light sources M 71 , and is capable of enhancing a degree of freedom in rendering with the use of illumination light.
  • the backlight source unit M 70 has: a backlight board M 72 on which the illumination light source M 71 is provided and then is disposed to opposed to the reel band M 32 ; and a backlight board case M 73 configured to retain the backlight board M 72 .
  • the backlight board case M 73 is removably supported on a board case support member M 74 .
  • the reel device M 1 has a backlight board M 72 , a backlight board case M 73 , and a board case support member M 74 configured to removably support the backlight board case M 73 .
  • the backlight device M 7 is capable of coping with a change of a reel width merely by exchanging the backlight source unit M 70 (the backlight board M 72 and the board case support member M 74 ) without a need to exchange the entire backlight device M 7 when there occurs a need to change a size of the backlight board M 72 in accordance with a change of a reel width of the reel band M 32 , for example, because the backlight board case M 73 configured to retain the backlight board M 72 is removable from the board case support member M 74 . That is, the backlight device M 7 is capable of performing a work of changing the side of the backlight board M 72 easily and within a short period of time.
  • the board case support member M 74 has an engagement portion M 741 and a protrusion portion M 742 on a base side of the other side of a mount position of the backlight source unit M 70 .
  • the engagement portion M 741 and the protrusion portion M 742 as shown in FIG. 31 , is removably coupled by engaging with the backlight mount portion M 63 b 1 of the reel support member M 61 .
  • the backlight board case M 73 that is removably supported on the board case support member M 74 , as shown in FIG. 34 and FIG. 35 as well, has a plate-shaped member M 731 that is disposed at one end in a reel widthwise direction, and is formed so as to abut with the board case support member M 74 in a planar shape; and a claw member M 732 that is protruded to be elastically deformable from the plate-shaped member M 731 in the direction of the board case support member M 74 .
  • the board case support member M 74 has: an engagement portion M 741 configured to slidably engage both end parts of the plate-shaped member M 731 with each other when the plate-shaped member M 731 is abutted in a planar shape; and an engagement hole M 742 in which the claw member M 732 is engaged when the plate-shaped member M 731 is engaged with the engagement portion M 741 .
  • the backlight device M 7 is capable of respectively coupling the backlight board case M 73 and the board case support member M 74 with the engagement portion M 741 and the engagement hole M 742 by allowing both end parts of the plate-shaped member M 731 to be slidably engaged with the engagement portion M 741 when the plate-shaped member M 731 has been abutted in a planar shape and allowing the claw member M 732 of the plate-shaped member M 731 to be engaged into the engagement hole M 742 .
  • the backlight device M 7 is capable of removing the backlight board case M 73 from the board case support member M 74 if an external force of elastically deforming the claw member M 732 is applied to the backlight board case M 73 .
  • the backlight device M 7 is capable of easily mounting or removing the backlight source unit M 70 relative to the board case support member M 74 .
  • a rendering light emitting device M 8 is disposed lateral of a reel M 3 .
  • the rendering light emitting device M 8 is configured to emit a plurality of rendering light beams so as to be visually recognizable from the outside of a slot machine 10 .
  • the rendering light emitting device M 8 is capable of enhancing a rendering effect and a degree of freedom in rendering at the time of rotation of the reel M 3 or at the time of rearranging symbols 501 .
  • the rendering light emitting device M 8 described above has at least a plurality of rendering light sources M 81 that are arranged along a longitudinal direction of a reel band M 32 .
  • These rendering light sources M 81 are individually controllable and are capable of changing a light quantity when rendering light is emitted in a plurality of steps. In this manner, the rendering light emitting device M 8 is capable of enhancing a rendering effect and a degree of freedom in rendering at the time of rotation of the reel M 3 or at the time of rearranging symbols 501 .
  • each of the rendering light emitting devices M 8 has: a rendering light source unit M 80 ; and a unit support member M 83 that is provided in the reel support mechanism M 6 , and is configured to removably support the rendering light source unit M 80 .
  • the rendering light source unit M 80 has: a hollow-shaped board case M 82 ; a rendering light board M 84 that is housed in the board case M 82 ; and rendering light sources M 81 that are disposed in one column on a top face of the rendering light board M 84 .
  • the board case M 82 is formed in a fan shape so as to have a curved face that is identical to an outer circumferential face of a ring-shaped reel M 3 .
  • the board case M 82 is formed of a material for transmitting light on at least a front face side.
  • the rendering light board M 84 is curved at a curvature radius that is identical to that of the board case M 82 . In this manner, each of the rendering light sources M 81 on the rendering light board M 84 is provided so that a distance from a top face of the board case M 82 is identical.
  • a unit support member M 83 is disposed at an end part on the inner circumferential side of the board case M 82 described above.
  • the unit support member M 83 is provided removably from a side face erected portion M 63 of the reel support mechanism M 6 .
  • the unit support member M 83 has: a plate-shaped member M 831 that is formed so as to abut with a rendering mount portion M 63 b 2 in a planar shape; an engagement portion M 833 that is slidably engage both end parts of the rendering mount portion M 63 b 2 with each other when the plate-shaped member M 831 is abutted in a planar shape; and a claw member M 832 that is protruded to be elastically deformable from the plate-shaped member M 831 in the direction of the rendering mount portion M 63 b 2 , and that can be engaged into a rendering light fixing hole M 63 b 4 .
  • the rendering light emitting device M 8 is capable of coupling the rendering light emitting device M 8 and a reel support member M 61 with each other by allowing both end parts of the rendering mount portion M 63 b 2 to be slidably engaged with an engagement portion M 833 when the plate-shaped member M 831 has been abutted with the rendering mount portion M 63 b 2 in a planar shape and allowing the claw member M 832 to be engaged with the rendering mount portion M 63 b 2 .
  • the rendering light emitting device M 8 is capable of removing the rendering light emitting device M 8 from the reel support member M 61 if an external force of elastically deforming the claw member M 832 is applied.
  • the rendering light emitting device M 8 is capable of being easily mounted or removed relative to the reel support member M 61 of the reel support mechanism M 6 .
  • a gaming board 50 includes: a CPU 51 , a ROM 52 , and a boot ROM 53 that are interconnected by means of an internal bus; a card slot 55 that corresponds to a memory car 54 ; and an IC socket 57 that corresponds to a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 56 .
  • GAL Generic Array Logic
  • the memory card 54 is made of a nonvolatile memory, and stores game programs and game system programs.
  • the game programs include a program relating to the progress of a game and a program for executing rendering by means of image or sound.
  • the game programs include a symbol determination program.
  • the symbol determination program is a program for determining symbols to be rearranged as symbols 501 .
  • the game programs include: symbol table data for normal game indicating a correlation between each symbol of each symbol array in a display block, a code No., a random numeric value; a symbol table data for bonus game indicating a symbol table for bonus game indicating a correlation between each symbol of each symbol table in a display block, code No., and a random numeric value; a symbol No. determination table data indicating a symbol array determination table; a code No.
  • determination table data indicating a symbol array determination table; a wild symbol increment determination table indicating a wild symbol increment determination table; a trigger symbol increment determination table data indicating a trigger symbol increment determination table; and odds data indicating a correlation between types and the number of symbols that are rearranged on a pay line and a prize amount or the like.
  • the card slot 55 is configured to be able to insert or removing a memory card 54 , and is connected to a motherboard 70 by means of an IDE bus. Therefore, the memory card 54 is removed from the card slot 53 S, another game program is written in the memory card 54 , and then, the memory card 54 is inserted into a card slot 53 S, whereby types or contents of games to be played in a slot machine 10 can be changed.
  • the GAL 56 is one kind of PLD (Programmable Logic Device) having an OR-fixed type array structure.
  • the GAL 56 includes a plurality of input ports and output ports, and outputs corresponding data from an output port if a predetermined input occurs in an input port.
  • the IC socket 57 is configured to be able to mount or remove the GAL 56 , and is connected to the motherboard 70 by means of a PCI bus.
  • the memory card 54 is replaced with another one in which another program is written, or alternatively, the program that is written in the memory card 54 is rewritten into another one, whereby the contents of a play to be played in a slot machine 10 can be changed.
  • the CPU 51 , the ROM 52 , and the boot ROM 53 that are interconnected by means of the internal bus are connected to the motherboard 70 by means of the PCI bus.
  • the PCI bus transmits a signal between the motherboard 70 and the gaming board 50 , and supplies electric power from the motherboard 70 to the gaming board 50 .
  • An authentication program is stored in the ROM 52 .
  • a preliminary authentication program and a program (a boot code) for the CPU 51 to start up the preliminary authentication program or the like are stored in the boot ROM 53 .
  • the authentication program is a program (tampering check program) for authenticating a game program and a game system program.
  • the preliminary authentication program is a program for authenticating the authentication program described above.
  • the authentication program and the preliminary authentication program are described along a procedure (an authentication procedure) for authenticating the fact that a target program is not tampered.
  • the motherboard 70 is configured using a commercially available general purpose motherboard (a printed wiring board implementing basic parts of a personal computer), and includes a main CPU 71 , a ROM (Read Only Memory) 72 , a RAM (RANDOM Access Memory) 73 , and a communication interface 82 .
  • the motherboard 70 is equivalent to a game controller 100 in the embodiment.
  • the ROM 72 is made of a memory device such as a flash memory, and stores programs such as a BIOS (a Basic Input/Output System) to be executed by means of the main CPU 71 and permanent data.
  • BIOS a Basic Input/Output System
  • initialization processing of predetermined peripheral devices is performed.
  • acquisition processing of the game programs and game system programs that are stored in the memory card 54 is started via the gaming board 50 .
  • the ROM 72 may be the one of which the contents are rewritable or are not rewritable.
  • the RAM 73 stores data employed when the main CPU 71 operates or programs such as a symbol determination program. For example, when the acquisition processing of the game programs and game system programs or authentication program described previously has been performed, these programs can be stored.
  • a work region for executing the programs described above is provided in the RAM 73 . For example, there are provided a region for storing a counter managing the number of games played, the number of BETs, the number of payouts, or the number of credits, for example, or a region for storing symbols (code numbers) that are determined by means of lottery.
  • the communication interface 82 is configured to make communication with an external control device 621 such as a server via a communication line 301 .
  • an external control device 621 such as a server via a communication line 301 .
  • a door PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 90 and a main PCB 110 to be described later are respectively connected to the motherboard 70 by means of a USB.
  • a power unit 81 is connected to the motherboard 70 .
  • a PTS terminal 700 is connected to the motherboard 70 by means of the USB.
  • the main CPU 71 of the motherboard 70 is started up, and electric power is supplied to the gaming board 50 via the PCI bus and then the CPU 51 is started up.
  • Input devices such as switches or sensors or peripheral devices whose operations are controlled by means of the main CPU 71 are respectively connected to the door PCB 90 and the main PCB 110 .
  • a control panel 30 , a reverter 91 , a coin counter 92 C, and a cold cathode-ray tube 93 are respectively connected to the door PCB 90 .
  • a reserve switch 31 S On the control panel 30 , in association with the respective buttons described previously, there are provided: a reserve switch 31 S; a collect switch 32 S; a game rule switch 335 ; a 1-BET switch 34 S; a 2-BETS switch 35 S; a 3-BETS switch 37 S; a 5-BETS switch 385 ; a 10-BETS switch 39 S; a PLAY 2 LINES switch 40 S; a PLAY 10 LINES switch 41 S; a PLAY 20 LINES switch 42 S; a PLAY 40 LINES switch 43 S; a MAX LINES switch 44 S; a gamble switch 45 S; and a start switch 46 S.
  • Each switch detects that a corresponding button has been pressed by a player, and outputs a signal to the main CPU 71 .
  • the reverter 91 and the coin counter 92 C are provided inside of the coin entry 36 . Then, the reverter 91 identifies whether or not a coin inserted into the coin entry 36 is legitimate, and ejects a coin other than a legitimate coin from a coin payout exit. In addition, the coin counter 92 C detects the accepted legitimate coins and counts the number of these coins.
  • the reverter 91 operates based on a control signal that is output from the main CPU 71 , and distributes the legitimate coins that are screened by the coin counter 92 C into a hopper 113 or a cashbox (not shown). In a case where the holler 113 is not filled with coins, they are distributed to the hopper 113 , or alternatively, in a case where the hopper 113 is filled with coins, they are distributed to the cashbox.
  • the cold cathode-ray tube 93 functions as a backlight that is installed at a rear face side of an upper image display panel 131 , and lights based on a control signal that is output from the main CPU 71 .
  • a lamp 111 , a speaker 112 , a hopper 113 , a coin detecting portion 113 S, a bill entry 22 , a graphic board 130 , a key switch 173 S, and a data display 174 are respectively connected to the main PCB 110 .
  • the lamp 111 lights based on a control signal that is output from the main CPU 71 .
  • the speaker 112 outputs a sound such as BGM based on a control signal that is output from the main CPU 71 .
  • the hopper 113 operates based on a control signal that is output from the main CPU 71 and then pays out coins whose payout number is specified from the coin payout exit to a coin tray, although not shown.
  • the coin detecting portion 113 S detects the coins to be paid out by means of the hopper 113 and then outputs a signal to the main CPU 71 .
  • a touch panel may be provided on a front face of a reel device M 1 .
  • the touch panel detects a position that touched by a player's finger and then outputs a signal that corresponds to the detected position to the main CPU 71 .
  • the bill entry 22 is configured to identify whether or not a bill is legitimate and accept a legitimate bill in the cabinet 11 . Then, the bill entered in the cabinet 11 is converted to the number of coins, and credits equivalent to the number of coins converted are added as the player owned credits.
  • the graphic board 130 controls an image to be displayed by means of the upper image display panel 131 , based on a control signal that is output from the main CPU 71 .
  • the graphic board 130 includes a VDP (a Video Display Processor) configured to generate image data or a video RAM configured to store the image data that is generated by means of the VDP.
  • the image data employed when the image data is generated by means of the VDP is included in the game programs that are read out from the memory card 54 and are stored in the RAM 73 .
  • the graphic board 130 includes a VDP (a Video Display Processor) configured to generate image data, based on a control signal that is output from the main CPU 71 , or a video RAM or the like configured to temporarily store the image data that is generated by means of the VDP.
  • VDP Video Display Processor
  • the image data employed when the image data is generated by means of the VDP is included in the game programs that are read out from the memory card 54 and are stored in the RAM 73 .
  • the key switch 173 S is provided in a keypad 173 , and when the keypad 173 is operated by a player, a predetermined signal is output to the main CPU 71 .
  • the data display 174 displays the data that a card reader 172 has read based on a control signal that is output from the main CPU 71 or the data that is input by a player via the keypad 173 .
  • a backlight 164 of an expectation value meter 160 is electrically connected to the main PCB 110 .
  • the backlight 164 is made of a full-color LED (a light emitting diode).
  • the full-color LED can be configured so as to be made of a plurality of LED elements.
  • the main CPU 71 determines a light emission color indicating a degree of expectation and the size of a light emitting region, and a signal indicating the determined light emission color and the size of the light emitting region is transmitted to the backlight 164 via the main PCB 110 .
  • a reel device M 1 is connected to the main PCB 110 described above.
  • the reel device M 1 as shown in FIG. 11 has five reel units, i.e., first to fifth reel units M 11 a to M 11 e .
  • each of the first to fifth reel units M 11 a to M 11 e has a reel board M 67 .
  • the reel board M 67 has: an input/output portion M 675 that is connected to the main PCB 110 to enable data communication; a reel drive portion M 672 that is connected to the input/output portion M 675 ; a backlight drive portion M 673 ; and a rendering device drive portion M 674 .
  • a magnetic force detecting mechanism M 202 is connected to the input/output portion M 675 .
  • the magnetic force detecting mechanism M 202 has: a magnetic force sensor configured to output a magnetic force detection signal of output intensity in accordance with a magnetic force; and a sensor fixing mechanism configured to fix the magnetic force sensor at a predetermined position.
  • the magnetic force detecting mechanism M 202 is coupled with a rotary shaft of a reel motor M 51 so as to thereby output a magnetic force detection signal by detecting a magnetic force in an external magnetic field by means of a magnet M 201 of FIG. 1 that rotates together with a reel M 3 .
  • the reel drive portion M 672 is connected so as to supply drive power to the reel motor M 51 .
  • the backlight drive portion M 673 is connected so as to individually supply drive power to each illumination light source M 71 of the backlight device M 7 .
  • the rendering device drive portion M 674 is connected so as to individually supply drive power to each rendering light source M 81 of the rendering light emitting device M 8 .
  • a PTS controller 720 configured to control the PTS terminal 700 has a CPU 731 , a communication portion 734 , a ROM 733 , and a RAM 732 while a variety of functional portions are connected around a unit controller 730 .
  • the CPU 731 executes or computes a variety of programs that are stored in the ROM 733 to be described later.
  • the CPU 731 executes a credit update program, converts credit data that acquired from a game controller 100 to money data, sums the converted money data with fraction money data contained in a management server 800 , and then, transmits the summed data to an IC card 500 .
  • the CPU 731 executes a human body detection actuating program and then determines whether or not to take the IC card 500 in a card stacker 714 with the use of human body detecting cameras 712 and 713 in a case where the number of credits based on the credit data that is acquired from the game controller 100 is not set to “0”.
  • the CPU 731 executes an authentication program and then correlate an identification code contained in the IC card 500 and an identification code contained in the management server 800 with each other.
  • the CPU 731 executes a voice control program and then controls a voice control circuit portion 724 to be described later, based on an authentication result.
  • the voice control used here designates a control that in a case where authentication fails, the CPU 731 controls the voice control circuit portion 724 to be described later and then broadcasts that such authentication fails from speakers 707 and 708 .
  • the communication portion 734 enables communication with the game controller 100 .
  • the CPU 731 executes a device program and then actuates and controls an LCD 719 , microphones 704 and 705 , and the speakers 707 and 708 . Further, the CPU 731 executes an LED control program and then controls an LED 718 to light in accordance with a remaining number of IC cards 500 .
  • the ROM 733 is made of a memory device such as a flash memory, and stores permanent data to be executed by means of the CPU 731 .
  • the ROM 733 has: a credit update program configured to rewrite the credit data that is stored in the IC card 500 in accordance with a command from the game controller 100 ; a human body detection actuating program; an authentication program; a voice control program, a device program; and an LED control program.
  • the RAM 732 temporarily stores data required to execute a variety of programs that are stored in the ROM 733 .
  • the RAM 732 stores the credit data to be updated, based on a signal from the game controller 100 .
  • the RAM 732 stores a time when a player has been detected by means of the human body detecting cameras 712 and 713 and a time to be counted from that time point.
  • the unit controller 730 is connected to a human body detecting camera control portion 722 , an LCD drive portion 723 , a voice control circuit portion 724 , a remaining card recognition input portion 727 , a card entry/ejection drive portion 726 , a card detection input portion 725 , an LED drive portion 728 , and a modulation/demodulation portion 721 .
  • the human body detecting camera control portion 722 actuates and controls the human body detecting cameras 712 and 713 based on a command from the unit controller 730 .
  • the LCD drive portion 723 actuates and controls the LCD 719 based on a command from the unit controller 730 .
  • the voice control circuit portion 724 actuates and controls the microphones 704 and 705 and the speakers 707 and 708 based on a command from the unit controller 730 .
  • the remaining card recognition input portion 727 inputs to the unit controller 730 a signal for determining a remaining number of IC cards 500 that are stacked in the card stacker 714 by means of a remaining card recognition sensor 717 .
  • the remaining card recognition sensor 717 used herein has a function of determining a remaining number of IC cards 500 that are stacked in the card stacker 714 with the use of an infrared-ray detecting mechanism, although not shown, for example.
  • the card entry/ejection drive portion 726 drives and controls a card entry/ejection mechanism 716 based on a command from the unit controller 730 .
  • the card entry/ejection mechanism 716 used here has a mechanism of taking an IC card 500 to the inside and a mechanism of ejection the taken IC card to the outside.
  • the card detection input portion 725 inputs a signal from a card detecting sensor 715 to the unit controller 730 .
  • the card detecting sensor 715 used here acquires a variety of data such as money data from the inserted IC card 500 or identification codes.
  • the LED drive portion 728 drives and controls an LED 718 to light, based on a command from the unit controller 730 .
  • the modulation or demodulation portion 721 converts a high frequency signal from an antenna 701 to a signal that the unit controller 730 can control, whereas this portion converts a signal from the unit controller 730 to a signal that can be transmitted to the IC card 500 , via the antenna 701 .
  • the unit controller 730 , the card entry/ejection drive portion 726 , the card detection input portion 725 , and the modulation/demodulation portion 721 described previously are also referred to as a card unit control controller altogether.
  • the IC card 500 has an antenna 507 , a power control circuit 504 , a modulation/demodulation circuit 508 , a display write IC 505 , a display driver 506 , and a display portion 510 .
  • the antenna 507 transmits or receives a variety of signals via the antenna 701 that the PTS terminal 700 has.
  • the power control circuit 504 has a second voltage increase circuit 531 and a third voltage increase circuit 532 .
  • the second voltage increase circuit 531 increases the intensity of a signal from the antenna 507 up to a voltage that the modulation/demodulation circuit 508 to be described later can process.
  • the third voltage increase circuit 532 increases a voltage from a power source up to a voltage for driving the display driver 506 to be described later.
  • the modulation/demodulation circuit 508 has a signal generator 521 and a waveform detector circuit 522 .
  • the signal generator 521 outputs a signal of a specific frequency and then mixes the output signal with a signal that is received from the antenna 507 to thereby convert the mixed signal to a signal that the display write IC 505 to be described later can process.
  • the waveform detector circuit 522 detects the signal that is received from the antenna 507 as a waveform.
  • the display write IC 505 has a CPU 553 , a credit data memory 552 , and a display controller 551 .
  • the CPU 553 executes a money data rewrite update program and then rewrites and updates the money data that is stored in the credit data memory 552 , based on the money data that is acquired from the PTS terminal 700 .
  • the CPU 553 controls the display controller 551 , causes the money data that is stored in the credit data memory 552 to be used as a display data, and then, causes the display portion 510 to display the data via a display driver 506 to be described later.
  • the credit data memory 552 stores: the aforementioned money data rewrite update program; and credit-related data such as money data, identification codes, and display money data.
  • the items of the credit-related data that are stored in the credit data memory 552 are used for computation or for display.
  • the display controller 551 acquires the display credit data that is stored in the credit data memory 552 , based on a CPU 553 control signal, and then, causes the display portion 510 to display the acquired data via the display driver 506 .
  • An IC card 500 has a communication IC 509 .
  • the communication IC 509 has: a first voltage increase circuit 543 ; a signal generator 546 ; a waveform detector circuit 545 ; a transmission control portion 544 ; a CPU 542 , and an authentication memory 541 .
  • the first voltage increase circuit 543 increases terminal-side authentication data that is acquired from the PTS terminal 700 up to a voltage that the CPU 542 to be described later can process.
  • the signal generator 546 outputs a signal of a specific frequency and then mixes the output signal with a signal that is received from the antenna 507 to thereby convert the mixed signal to a signal that the CPU 542 can process.
  • the waveform detector circuit 522 detects the signal that is received from the antenna 507 as a waveform.
  • the CPU 542 executes an authentication routine program and then transmits to the PTS terminal 700 an identification code that is stored in the authentication memory 541 to be described later, when an authentication request from the PTS terminal 700 occurs.
  • the authentication memory 541 stores the authentication routine program that the CPU 542 uses and the identification code.
  • Symbols 301 that are displayed in display windows 7 A, 7 B, 7 C, 7 D, and 7 E of the slot machine 10 described above form a symbol array by means of 22 symbols. Any code number of 0 to 21 is assigned to any of symbols configuring each symbol array, as shown in FIG. 42 .
  • Each symbol array is configured by allowing “JACKPOT 7 ”, “BLUE 7”, “BELL”, “CHERRY”, “STRAWBERRY”, “PLUM”, “ORANGE”, and “APPLE” symbols to be combined with each other.
  • Three continuous symbols in symbol arrays are displayed (arranged) at a respective one of an upper stage 7 a , a middle stage 7 b , and a lower stage 7 c of each of the display windows 7 A, 7 B, 7 C, 7 D, and 7 E, whereby a symbol matrix of five columns and three lines are configured in the display windows 7 A, 7 B, 7 C, 7 D, and 7 E.
  • the symbols configuring the symbol matrix starts scrolling when a game is started, if a start button is depressed after a BET button has been depressed. When a predetermined period of time has elapsed after scrolling has been started, scrolling of the respective symbols stops (are rearranged).
  • a winning combination designates that a combination in a state in which a combination of symbols having stopped on a pay line is advantageous to a player.
  • a word “advantageous state” designates a state such as a state in which coins according to a winning combination is paid out, a state in which the payout number of coins is added to credits, a state in which a bonus game is started.
  • a bonus trigger is established when a combination of “APPLE” symbols has stopped on a pay line and then the play state migrates from a basic game to a bonus game.
  • a bonus game in a case where a combination of “CHERRY” symbols has stopped on a pay line, payout of twenty coins per 1 BET (variable values) is performed.
  • payout of five coins per 1 BET is performed in a basic game.
  • a bonus game is a play state that is more advantageous than in a basic game.
  • another bonus game may be employed together.
  • another bonus game there can be employed: a state in which more coins can be acquired than in a basic game, a state in which coins can be acquired at a higher probability than in a basic game, a state in which lesser coins are consumed than in a basic game; or a free game and the like.
  • FIG. 43 shows a prize management table for managing a prize to be awarded based on a winning combination.
  • This prize management table is stored in a ROM 242 of a main control board 71 , and items of prize information are associated with types of winning combination. For example, a prize corresponding to a “BELL” winning combination is “10”. A prize corresponding to a “BLUE 7” winning combination is “40”.
  • prizes in a basic game and in a free game are set to be equal to each other in amount.
  • FIG. 44 shows a table to be referred to when determining the number of free games relative to the number of points that is acquired in a common game in a basic game.
  • the number-of-free-games table the number of points that is awarded in a common game is associated with the number of free games. For example, in a case where the number of cumulative points is “4”, “80” free games are executed. In addition, in a case where the number of cumulative points is “8”, “160” free games are executed. In this manner, a result of a common game is successful in a basic game and then more points are acquired, whereby a free game can be continued longer.
  • FIG. 45 is an explanatory view showing a relationship between a reel setting table and a magnetic force detection value table in a case where a symbol array, a reel origin, and a magnetic detection value are associated with each other.
  • the reel setting table has a code number field, a symbol array field, and a magnetic force detection value field. There exist five kinds of reel setting tables for first to fifth symbol arrays.
  • FIG. 45 shows a reel setting table for the first symbol array.
  • the reel setting table for the first symbol array shows that when a site of a reel M 3 at which a “BLUE 7” symbol of code number “08” has been arranged is defined as a reel origin position, a magnetic force detection value (a reel origin magnetic force value) at the reel origin position is “ND78”, and shows a state of assigning a magnetic signal pattern made of a magnetic force detection value for one reel rotation (for one cycle) relative to symbols of all code numbers.
  • the reel setting table is capable of specifying rearranged symbols by reading each magnetic force detection value of a magnetic force signal pattern.
  • the magnetic force detection value table is a table for storing a magnetic force detection value obtained by numerically defining a magnetic force detection signal when the magnetic force detection signal is obtained by detecting a magnetic force in an external magnetic field when a reel M 3 is rotated. That is, the magnetic force detection value table is capable of storing a magnetic force detection value of a magnetic signal pattern of one cycle or more.
  • a magnetic force detection value (a reel origin magnetic force value) obtained when an external command signal has been input is “ND78”
  • a magnetic force signal pattern is stored in a magnetic force detection value field so that the “ND78” is stored in the magnetic force detection value field that corresponds to code number “08” of the reel setting table.
  • startup processing to be performed in a slot machine 10 will be described.
  • a startup processing routine shown in FIG. 46 is executed on a motherboard 240 and a gaming board 250 .
  • a memory card 253 is inserted into a card slot 253 S of the gaming board 250 and then a GAL 254 is mounted on an IC socket 254 S.
  • a power switch is turned on (powered on) in a power unit 245
  • the motherboard 240 and the gaming board 250 are started up.
  • individual processing operations are made in parallel. That is, in the gaming board 250 , a CPU 251 executes a processing operation of reading out a preliminary authentication program that is stored in a boot ROM 252 and a processing operation of performing preliminary authentication by means of the authentication program.
  • the word “preliminary authentication” used here designates a processing operation of checking and authenticating that tampering of an authentication program is not performed in advance before being taken in the motherboard 240 in accordance with the preliminary authentication program (A 1 ).
  • a main CPU 241 executes a BIOS that is stored in a ROM 242 .
  • compression data that is incorporated in the BIOS is decompressed in a RAM 243 (B 1 ).
  • the main CPU 241 executes the BIOS that is decompressed in the RAM 243 and then diagnoses and initializes a variety of peripheral devices (B 2 ).
  • the main CPU 241 reads out the authentication program that is stored in a ROM 255 via a PCI bus and stores the read out authentication program in the RAM 243 (B 3 ).
  • the main CPU 241 takes a check sum by means of an ADD SUM system (a standard check function), in accordance with a function of a standard BIOS of the BIOS. In this manner, it is checked whether or not the authentication program is stored in the RAM 243 smoothly without any problem.
  • an ADD SUM system a standard check function
  • the main CPU 241 checks a member that is connected to an IDE bus. After that, the main CPU 241 provides an access via an IDE bus to a memory card 253 that is inserted into a card slot 253 S and then reads out game programs and game system programs from the memory card 253 . In this case, data configuring the game programs and the game system programs is read out by four bytes. Subsequently, the main CPU 241 performs authentication to check and certify that tampering of the read out game programs and game system programs is not performed, in accordance with the authentication program that is stored in the RAM 243 (B 4 ).
  • the main CPU 241 After authentication processing completes normally, the main CPU 241 writes and stores the game programs and game system programs that are targeted for authentication (that have been authenticated) in the RAM 243 (B 5 ).
  • the main CPU 241 provides an access to a GAL 254 that is mounted on an IC socket 254 S, reads payout rate setting data from the GAL 254 , and then writes and stores the read data in the RAM 243 (B 6 ). After that, the main CPU 241 performs a processing operation of reading out country identification information that is stored in the ROM 255 of the gaining board 250 and storing the read out country identification information in the RAM 243 (B 7 ).
  • the main CPU 241 determines whether or not programs and data are normal (B 8 ). If they are not normal (B 8 , NO), an abnormal signal including ID information for specifying a slot machine 10 is output to an intensive monitoring device, although not shown.
  • the intensive monitoring device specifies an abnormal slot machine 10 based on the abnormal signal, instructs a staff waiting in the vicinity of the slot machine 10 to take troubleshooting processing, and stores abnormality history information such as a date and time when such an abnormality has occurred or a location where such an abnormality has occurred (B 18 ). After that, a speaker 23 of the slot machine 10 generates a sound and then a light emitting portion 20 emits light, whereby an abnormal state is broadcasted. After that, this routine in the motherboard 240 is completed.
  • FIG. 47 and FIG. 48 are flowcharts showing a flow of processing operation in a basic game of a slot machine 10 , which is executed by means of the main CPU 241 of the slot machine 10 .
  • One routine of FIG. 47 and FIG. 48 corresponds to a unit game. It is assumed that the slot machine 10 is started up in advance, and on the other hand, variables employed in the main CPU 241 on the side of the game controller 1 are initialized at predetermined values, whereby the slot machine 10 operates normally.
  • a credit it is determined whether or not a credit remains as a remaining number of coins that a player has inserted (S 1 ). Specifically, the number of credits C that is stored in the RAM 243 is read out and then a processing operation based on the read out number of credits C is made. In a case where the number of credits C is “0” (S 1 , NO), a game cannot be started, and therefore, this routine is completed without making any processing operation. On the other hand, in a case where the number of credits C is “1” or more (S 1 , YES), it is determined that a credit remains and then the routine is caused to revert to S 2 .
  • step S 2 it is determined whether or not a press operation of an operating button 11 (a BET button) has been made (S 2 ).
  • a press operation of an operating button 11 (a BET button) has been made (S 2 ).
  • the operating button 11 (the BET button) is not operated after a predetermined period of time has elapsed (S 2 , NO)
  • a game condition is set (S 3 ). Specifically, based on the operation of the operating button 11 (the BET button), the number of coins to be betted for a pay line in this game is determined.
  • an operating signal that is issued by the fact that operation of the operating button 11 (the BET button) has been made is received, and based on the number of times of receiving the received operating signal, the number of BETs relating to a pay line is stored in a predetermine memory space of the RAM 243 . Then, the number of credits C that is written in a predetermined memory space of the RAM 243 is read out. A total number of BETs to which the above number of BETs has been added is subtracted from the read out number of credits C. The subtracted value is stored in a predetermined memory space of the RAM 243 .
  • an operating button 11 (a start button) has been operated (S 4 ).
  • S 4 is repeatedly executed, whereby a standby state is established until the operating button 11 has been operated.
  • S 5 it is determined whether or not a common game is started (S 5 ).
  • step S 2 (S 2 , YES)
  • a value indicating the number of credits C is equal to or greater than a total number of BETs in a previous game.
  • a game can be started by a press operation of the operating button 11 (the BET button).
  • the number of credits C that is written in the predetermined memory space of the RAM 243 and the number of BETs relating to a pay line in a previous game are read out.
  • a processing operation is made in accordance with whether or not the number of credits C is equal to or greater than a value indicating a total number of BETs in a previous game.
  • a value indicating the number of credits C is less than the total number of BETs in the previous game (S 16 , NO)
  • this routine is completed without making any processing operation.
  • the value indicating the total number of BETs in the previous game is subtracted from the value indicating the number of credits C. Then, the subtracted value is stored in the predetermined memory space of the RAM 243 . After that, it is determined whether or not a common game is started (S 5 ).
  • a common game start flag is set to “ON” (S 7 ). Specifically, data indicating that the game start flag has been set to “ON” is written in a memory space for the common game start flag of the RAM 243 .
  • combination determination processing is executed ( 58 ).
  • a combination of stopped symbols along a pay line is first determined. Specifically, a command adapted to generate random numbers for a random number generator is issued. Then, a predetermined range of random numbers that is generated by means of the random number generator is extracted. The extracted random numbers are stored in a predetermined memory space of the RAM 243 . While, in the embodiment, random numbers are generated in the random number generator that is provided outside of the main CPU 241 , they may be generated in accordance with computation processing of the main CPU 241 without providing this random number generator.
  • a random number table and a winning combination table for awarding a prize are read out.
  • the read out random number table and winning combination table are stored in a predetermined memory space of the RAM 243 . Based on the random number table described above, stop-display is controlled for each reel.
  • the random number table and winning combination table each of which is started in the predetermined memory space of the RAM 243 , are read out. While the random numeric values that are written in the predetermined memory space of the RAM 243 are defined as parameters, the random number table are to be referred to. Then, a combination of stopped symbols relating to a pay line is determined.
  • the winning combination table is stored in the predetermined memory space of the RAM 243 .
  • the random numeric values that are written in the predetermined memory space of the RAM 243 and the winning combination table are read out.
  • a stopped symbol combination to be displayed in a stopped state is determined.
  • a symbol arrangement table that is stored in the ROM 242 is read out by means of the main CPU 241 and then is stored and referred to in a predetermined memory space of the RAM 243 .
  • the determined stopped symbol data described above is stored in a predetermined memory space of the RAM 243 .
  • stopped symbols may be determined for each reel with the use of the random number table described above.
  • a combination of stopped symbols relating to the pay line described above it is determined whether or not the combination of stopped symbols relating to the pay line is a winning combination.
  • a flag indicating that a prize indicating a kind of the winning combination is to be awarded is activated in order to generate a prize that corresponds to a symbol combination that is the determined winning combination on the pay line.
  • the flag indicating that the activated prize is to be awarded is stored in a predetermined memory space of the RAM 243 .
  • the flag indicating that the prize is to be awarded is not activated.
  • a combination may be determined as is the case with a unit game employing scatter symbols.
  • it is determined whether or not a winning prize is established according to the number of scatter symbols having been rearranged.
  • the number of scatter symbols having been rearranged can be counted according to symbols configuring the combination that is determined in accordance with the determination processing of step S 8 . For example, with the use of a code number indicating the determined combination, the number of scatter symbols can be counted referring to a data table shown in FIG. 42 .
  • a subroutine of expectation value meter lighting control processing of FIG. 93 to be described later is invoked and executed (S 18 ).
  • reels 30 A, 30 B, 30 C, 30 D, and 30 E are rotated so as to move a plurality of symbols 301 in a plurality of display windows 7 A to 7 E (S 9 ).
  • a subroutine of FIG. 66 to be described later is invoked and executed.
  • the processing operation of starting reel rotation shown in FIG. 66 is executed, whereby a normal rotation mode or a variety of special rotation modes are selected and then reel rotation control is performed.
  • the routine is waited until a predetermined period of time has elapsed (S 10 ).
  • step S 11 a subroutine of FIG. 67 to be described later is invoked and executed.
  • the processing operation of stopping reels shown in FIG. 66 is executed, whereby reel stop control is performed in a normal stop mode or in a special stop mode.
  • the reels 30 A, 30 B, 30 C, 30 D, and 30 E are automatically controlled to be stopped so as to form a combination that is determined in accordance with the combination determination processing of step S 8 . That is, in accordance with the processing operation of the step S 11 , symbols are rearranged so as to form a combination that is determined in accordance with the combination determination processing of step S 8 .
  • step S 8 it is determined whether or not a winning combination is established (S 12 ). Specifically, this determination is made based on a state of a flag indicating that a prize relating to a pay line stored in a predetermined memory space of the RAM 243 is to be awarded. In a case where the flag indicating that the prize is to be awarded is not activated (S 12 , NO), it is determined that no winning combination is established and then this routine is completed.
  • a common game completion flag is set to ON (S 14 ). Specifically, it is determined whether or not data indicating that the common game completion flag is set to ON is written in a common game completion flag region of the RAM 243 . In a case where the common game completion is not set to ON (S 14 , NO), S 14 is repeatedly executed, whereby a standby state is established. In addition, in a case where the common game completion flag is set to ON (S 14 , YES), free game processing is executed (S 15 ). Then, this routine is completed.
  • FIG. 49 is a subroutine showing bonus game processing to be invoked and executed in step S 15 of FIG. 48 .
  • a bonus game is started after the routine has migrated from a basic game to the bonus game on a condition that five or more bonus symbols have been rearranged in the basic game.
  • This bonus game is a game to be played by determining a magnification of bonus symbols in accordance with roulette lottery processing and then determining a prize to be awarded to a player in accordance with the prize when a free game has been played and the determined magnification.
  • the CPU 71 determines the number of times of roulette lottery, based on the number of bonus symbols that have been rearranged in a basic game (step S 4911 ). For example, when five bonus symbols have been rearranged in a basic game, the number of times of roulette lottery is determined to be once; when six bonus symbols have been rearranged, the number is determined to twice; when seven bonus symbols have been rearranged, the number is determined to be three times; when eight bonus symbols have been rearranged, the number is determined to be five times; when nine bonus symbols have been rearranged, the number is determined to be seven times; and when ten bonus symbols have been rearranged, the number is determined to be ten times. In this way, the more bonus symbols have been rearranged in a basic game, the more times of roulette lottery are.
  • step S 4913 the CPU 71 performs roulette lottery processing.
  • a magnification is determined in accordance with this roulette lottery processing. For example, when a plurality of magnifications are 15, 20, 25, 50, 100, 200, 250, 500, and 1000, one of these magnifications is determined in accordance with the roulette lottery processing.
  • the upper image display panel 131 displays an image simulating a roulette board on which images indicating a plurality of magnifications are arranged in a circumferential shape.
  • the images indicating the plurality of magnifications are selected on a one by one image basis and then the selected images are displayed in an illumination mod and are displayed in a non-illumination mode.
  • the illumination display and the non-illumination display are sequentially made as to the images indicating the plurality of magnifications, thereby making a display in such a manner that a magnification is determined by means of a roulette as if the illumination display and the non-display display were rotating.
  • Duplicated same magnifications may be included in the images indicating the plurality of magnifications. For example, it may be that three low magnifications 15 or 20 are included, two 25 or 30 magnifications are included, and only one magnification that is greater than these magnifications is included. By doing this, a lower magnification can be defined to be easily won, and a higher magnification can be defined to be hardly won.
  • a roulette is disabled to stop at an image indicating a magnification have been won once. By doing this, a player can be given a sense of expectation that a higher magnification will be won.
  • a roulette is enabled to stop at a different image with a same magnification. For example, in the example described above, three low magnifications 15 (a first magnification 15, a second magnification 15, and a third magnification 15) are included. After the first magnification 15 has won in a first time of winning prize determination processing, winning prize determination processing is executed excluding this first magnification 15.
  • the second magnification 15 and the third magnification 15 are targeted for winning prize determination processing as to the magnifications 15. Therefore, even in a case where the magnification 15 (the first magnification 15) has won in the first time of the winning prize determination processing, 15 there may occur a case of winning in the second time of the winning prize determination processing (winning of the second magnification 15 and the third magnification 15).
  • the CPU 71 stores a magnification that is determined in accordance with the roulette lottery processing of step S 4913 (step S 4915 ).
  • the processing of step S 4915 an image of the magnification that is determined in accordance with the roulette lottery processing is finally displayed to be illuminated. By doing this, a player can visually recognize the magnification that is determined in accordance with the roulette lottery processing.
  • step S 4917 the CPU 71 determines whether or not to complete roulette lottery processing.
  • the number of times of roulette lottery is determined in accordance with the processing operation of step S 4911 , and roulette lottery processing can be performed by the determined number.
  • the determination of step S 4917 is a processing operation of determining whether or not roulette lottery processing has been performed by the determined number in the processing operation of step S 4911 .
  • step S 4917 NO
  • the CPU 71 determines that roulette lottery processing is not completed in the determination processing of step S 4917 (NO)
  • the CPU 71 causes the routine to reverts to the step S 4913 described above.
  • the magnification that is determined in each lottery processing operation is added and then the added magnification is stored in the processing operation of step S 4915 .
  • the roulette lottery processing of step S 4913 is repeated two times.
  • a counter indicating the number of free games is initialized (step S 4919 ). For example, the counter indicating the number of free games is set to 7. By doing this, seven free games can be performed.
  • the CPU 71 performs a free game using five reels M 3 a to M 3 e (step S 4921 ). Then, the CPU 71 determines a prize to be awarded to a player, based on a result of the free game (step S 4923 ). Specifically, when bonus symbols have been displayed in a stopped state by rearranging them after the free game has been performed, a numeric value obtained by multiplying the probability described above for the number of bonus symbols that are displayed in a stopped state is awarded to a player as a prize.
  • the CPU 71 updates a counter indicating the number of free games (step S 4925 ). For example, the counter indicating the number of free games is subtracted by 1.
  • the CPU 71 determines whether or not to complete the free game (step S 4927 ). For example, the CPU 71 determines whether or not a value of the counter indicating the number of free games is set to zero.
  • step S 4929 the CPU 71 determines whether or not to perform retrigger from a result of the free game that has been performed in step S 4921 (step S 4929 ).
  • Retrigger is to change a magnification by performing roulette lottery processing again.
  • a condition for performing retrigger is that five or more bonus symbols have been displayed in a stopped state in a free game. That is, the determination processing of step S 4929 is a processing operation of determining whether or not five or more bonus signals have been displayed in a stopped state in a free game.
  • step S 4929 When it is determined that retrigger is performed in the determination processing of step S 4929 (YES), roulette lottery processing is performed (step S 4931 ), a magnification is changed (step S 4933 ), and then the counter indicating the number of free games is updated (step S 4935 ).
  • the roulette lottery processing of step S 4931 is a processing operation similar to that of the step S 4913 described above. Further, like the steps S 4911 to S 4917 described above, the number of times that roulette lottery can be performed may be determined according to the number of bonus symbols that have been displayed in a stopped state in a free game.
  • a processing operation of updating the counter indicating the number of free games in step S 4935 is a processing operation of increasing the number of free games to a predetermined number of times, for example, five times.
  • step S 4929 When the CPU 71 determines that no retrigger is performed in the determination processing of the step S 4929 described above (NO) or when the CPU 71 executes the processing operation of step S 4935 , the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert to step S 4921 .
  • a common game screen that is a rendering screen at the time of stopping a common game is displayed in an upper liquid crystal display panel 5 A (S 201 ). Then, it is determined whether or not a common game start flat is set to ON. Specifically, it is determined whether or not data indicating that the common game start flag is set to ON is written in a region of the game start flag of a RAM 243 (S 202 ).
  • a common game is started (S 205 ). Then, it is determined whether or not a player has won the common game (S 206 ). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the common game is caused to be successful with the use of random numeric values obtained by extracting random numbers.
  • the common game In a case where the common game has not been executed a predetermined number of times (S 210 , NO), the game is executed again from S 203 and then a next common game is started. For example, in a case where a common game has been repeatedly performed 10 times, for example, (S 210 , YES), a current screen is switched to a basic game screen (S 211 ). After that, the number of free games is determined (S 212 ) and then the cumulative number of points is reset (S 213 ). Then, the common game completion flag is set to ON (S 214 ) and then this routine is completed.
  • First reel setting processing will be described with reference to FIG. 51 .
  • a reel setting command has been executed (S 501 ). If no reel setting command is executed (S 501 , NO), this processing operation is completed.
  • a reel setting device 635 is connected to a slot machine 10 to enable data communication therewith, it is determined that the reel setting command has been executed by sensing this connection (S 501 , YES). It may be determined that the reel setting command has been executed by a reel setting command signal being transmitted to a main PCB 110 of the slot machine 10 by means of key operation in the reel setting device 635 . After that, the slot machine 10 instructs the reel setting device 635 to display a setting screen. In this manner, the reel setting device 635 displays a procedure for reel setting or a manual on a screen (S 502 ).
  • an operator makes key operation from the reel setting device 635 , whereby it is determined whether or not a data signal of a reel number has been received from the reel setting device 635 (S 503 ).
  • a standby state is established by executing 5503 again.
  • any one the first to fifth reel units M 11 a to M 11 e that corresponds to the reel number is targeted to be set and then the following processing operation is executed.
  • an operator having specified a reel number manually operates a reel M 3 of each of the first to fifth reel units M 11 a to M 11 e that corresponds to the specified reel number. Then, a magnetic force signal pattern for at least one rotation is acquired and then the acquired pattern is stored in a magnetic force detection value table of FIG. 45 (S 504 ). After that, it is determined whether or not an operation command signal has been input (S 504 ), or in a case where the signal is not input (S 504 , NO), a standby state is established.
  • the operation command signal is input to a slot machine 10 by the reel setting device 635 being made by key operation when a specific site has moved a predetermined position (a rotation angle of a predetermined reel M 3 ) in a case where the specific site such as a specific symbol 501 is defined as a reel origin position.
  • a magnetic force detection signal is read with an input timing of this operation command signal and then a magnetic force detection value of this magnetic force detection signal is acquired as a reel origin magnetic force value (S 506 ).
  • a magnetic force signal pattern, a reel origin magnetic force value, and a symbol are associated with each other (S 507 ). For example, as shown in FIG. 45 , in a case where a site of a reel M 3 on which a “BLUE 7” symbol of code number “08” has been arranged is set or selected as a reel origin position, if a magnetic force detection value (a reel origin magnetic force value) obtained when an external command signal has been input is “ND78”, a magnetic force signal pattern is stored in a magnetic force detection value field so that the “ND78” is stored in a magnetic force detection value field that corresponds to code number “08” of a reel setting table.
  • a magnetic force detection value a reel origin magnetic force value
  • a slot machine 10 of the embodiment has: a reel M 3 having symbols 501 arranged on an outer circumferential face; a reel drive mechanism M 5 configured to rearrange the symbols 501 by rotationally driving the reel M 3 ; a magnet M 201 that is provided in the reel drive mechanism M 5 so as to change an external magnetic field by means of rotation of the reel M 3 ; a magnetic force detecting mechanism M 202 configured to output a magnetic force detection signal by detecting a magnetic force in the external magnetic field; a reel setting means for associating a magnetic force detection signal and an arrangement position of the symbols 501 with each other (a reel setting portion 632 of FIG. 2 ); and a reel drive control means (a main PCB 110 of FIG. 38 and FIG. 39 ) for controlling the reel drive mechanism M 5 so as to rearrange the symbols 501 in a predetermined arrangement state based on the magnetic force detection signal and the arrangement position of the symbols 501 .
  • a slot machine 10 is capable of reducing a work load required for arrangement more remarkably than in a case where symbols 501 are arranged while being positioned relative to a predetermined position (an origin position) of a reel M 3 , in a case where symbols 501 are arranged on an outer circumferential face of the reel M 3 .
  • the first embodiment described a configuration of achieving reel control in an analog manner by associating a magnetic force signal pattern for one cycle, in which a magnetic force changes with rotation of a reel M 3 , and a symbol array.
  • a description will be given with respect to a configuration of achieving reel control in a digital manner by forming a digital signal, based on the change of the magnetic force described above.
  • a gaming machine of a second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 52 has a slot machine 10 that has been provided paying attention to the fact that encoder signals includes an origin pulse signal and a position pulse signal.
  • An encode signal can be formed by obtaining a plurality of magnetic force detection signals having a phase difference of 90 degrees, for example, by disposing a plurality of the magnetic force detecting mechanisms M 202 in FIG. 1 in a point-symmetrical manner relative to a rotation center.
  • the slot machine 10 has a reel device M 1 of mechanism reel system that is capable of rearranging symbols 501 with the use of only an encoder signal that is output with rotation of a reel M 3 by associating a origin pulse signal and the arrangement position of symbols 501 with each other by means of a correction pulse value based on a position pulse signal.
  • the slot machine 10 has: a reel device M 1 including a reel M 3 and a reel control portion 631 of FIG. 53 configured to control the reel device M 1 .
  • the reel device M 1 has: a reel M 3 having symbols 501 on an outer circumferential face; a reel drive mechanism M 5 configured to rearrange the symbols 501 by rotating driving the reel M 3 ; a reel angle detecting mechanism M 2 configured to output a position pulse signal in units of predetermined angles by means of rotation of the reel M 3 and to output an origin pulse signal every one rotation of the reel M 3 ; and a reel setting means (a reel setting portion 632 of FIG. 53 ) for associating an origin pulse signal and the arrangement position of the symbols 501 in accordance with a correction pulse value based on a position pulse signal.
  • the reel control portion 631 of FIG. 53 include, as a reel drive control means, a function of controlling the reel drive mechanism M 5 so as to rearrange symbols 501 in a predetermined arrangement state, based on a origin pulse signal, a correction pulse value, a phase difference pulse signal, and the arrangement position of the symbols 501 .
  • a slot machine 10 is capable of indirectly detecting the arrangement position of the symbols 501 based on the origin pulse signal, the correction pulse value, and the phase difference pulse signal even if the arrangement position of the symbols 501 is not directly detected by means of a sensor or the like, by associating the origin pulse signal and the arrangement position of the symbols 501 with each other in accordance with the correction pulse signal based on the position pulse signal that is output in units of predetermined angles. Therefore, even if a positional relationship between the symbols 501 and the reel M 3 is not preset, the symbols 501 arranged on the reel M 3 can be specified, so that the symbols 501 can be rearranged in a predetermined arrangement state.
  • a gaming machine 300 configured as described above has: a slot machine 10 and an external control device 621 (a center controller 200 ) that is connected to the slot machine 10 to enable data communication therewith.
  • the slot machine 10 enables a reel setting device 635 to be connected thereto via a transmitting/receiving portion 652 .
  • the reel setting device 635 has a function as an external operating means for outputting an operation command signal by means of an external operation.
  • the slot machine 10 has a reel control portion 631 , a reel setting portion 632 , a reel setting storage portion 633 , a reel angle detecting portion 634 , and a reel origin detecting portion 636 .
  • the reel origin detecting portion 636 has a function of outputting a reel origin signal when an origin position of a reel M 3 has been detected.
  • the reel angle detecting portion 634 has a function of outputting a position pulse signal, an origin pulse signal, and a phase difference pulse signal.
  • the reel angle detecting portion 634 is an encoder device configured to output a position pulse signal, an origin pulse signal, and a phase difference pulse signal by magnetically detecting rotation of a reel M 3 .
  • the position pulse signal is output in units of predetermined angles by means of rotation of the reel M 3 .
  • the origin pulse signal is output every one rotation of the reel M 3 .
  • the pulse difference pulse signal is output with a phase difference of 90 degrees, for example, so as to be able to detect forward and backward directions of the reel M 3 .
  • the reel setting storage portion 633 stores a variety of data required for reel setting such as a correction pulse value based on a position pulse signal.
  • the reel control portion 631 has a function of controlling a reel device M 1 so as to rearrange symbols 501 in a predetermined arrangement state based on an origin pulse signal, a correction pulse value, a phase difference pulse signal, and the arrangement position of symbols 501 .
  • the reel setting portion 632 has a function of associating an origin pulse signal and the arrangement position of symbols 501 with each other in accordance with a correction pulse value based on a position pulse signal. Specifically, the reel setting portion 632 has a function of starting counting of a phase difference pulse signal with an output timing of an operation command signal and then defining a count value when counting has been stopped with an output timing of the origin pulse signal as a correction pulse value.
  • the operation command is output by means of an external operation; and therefore, symbols 501 can be positioned at a predetermined position (an origin position) of a reel M 3 merely by performing a setting work of operating the reel setting device 635 with a timing when a predetermined arrangement state has been established while an operator visually check the arrangement state of the symbols 501 .
  • the reel setting portion 632 enables a work of setting a positional relationship between the symbols 501 and the reel M 3 to be easily started by means of operation of the reel setting device 635 .
  • the reel setting portion 632 has a function of detecting whether a rotation direction of a reel M 3 is either of the forward and backward directions by means of a phase difference pulse signal, and when the phase difference pulse signal is counted, offsetting the phase difference pulse signal at the time of forward rotation and the phase difference pulse signal at the time of backward direction. In this manner, the reel setting portion 632 enables a correction pulse value to be precisely obtained even if a reel rotation direction is indefinite by offsetting the phase difference pulse signal at the time of forward direction and the phase difference pulse signal at the time of backward rotation.
  • a slot machine 10 has a malfunction sensing portion 637 .
  • the malfunction sensing portion 637 has a function of sensing an malfunction of a reel angle detecting portion 634 based on a relationship between an origin position and an origin pulse signal of a reel M 3 that have been detected by means of a reel origin detecting portion 636 . In this manner, the malfunction sensing portion 637 senses an malfunction of the reel angle detecting portion 634 to thereby able to prevent an occurrence of a failure that symbols 501 are not rearranged in a predetermined arrangement state.
  • Other constituent elements are identical to those of the first embodiment.
  • a reel device M 1 is connected to a main PCB 110 .
  • each of the first to fifth reel units M 11 a to M 11 e has a reel board M 67 .
  • the reel board M 67 has: an input/output portion 675 that is connected to the main PCB 110 to enable data communication therewith; a reel drive portion M 672 that is connected to the input/output portion M 675 ; a backlight drive portion M 673 ; and a rendering device drive portion M 674 .
  • An origin sensor M 671 and an encoder device M 21 are respectively connected to the input/output portion M 675 .
  • FIG. 55 shows an example of a data table that is employed in a case of computing a correction symbol center value.
  • This data table has: an item field adapted to store an item required to compute the correction symbol center value; a computation formula field adapted to store a computation formula of an item required for computation; an item value field adapted to a specific value of each item; and a symbol data field adapted to store a computation value of each symbol.
  • the item field has a “reel number”, a “number of symbols N”, a “code number”, a “number of periodic pulses EP”, a “number of unit pulses UP”, a “symbol boundary value Pn”, a “symbol center value SPn”, a “correction pulse value AP”, and a “correction symbol center value ASPn”.
  • the “reel number” is data for specifying any of the first to fifth reel units M 11 a to M 11 e .
  • the “item value” corresponding to the “reel number” is set to “1”
  • the “number of symbols N” is data for specifying the number of symbols 501 that are arranged on a reel M 3 .
  • the “item value” corresponding to the “number of symbols N” is “22”
  • 22 items of numeric value data of “00” to “21” are assigned to the symbol data field corresponding to the “code number”.
  • the “number of periodic pulses EP” is the number of pulses to be output in a case where the reel M 3 has made one rotation, and “200” is input, for example. In this case, the resonance of an encoder device M 21 is indicated to be 200.
  • the “number of unit pulses UP” stores a computation value of the number of periodic pulses EP/the number of symbols N. That is, “18” is stored. In this case, a width of one symbol 501 is indicated to be 18 pulses.
  • a boundary value between the “code numbers” of “00” and “01” is set to “18”
  • a boundary value between the “code numbers” of “01” and “02” is set to “36”.
  • the “symbol center value SPn” indicates an approximate value of a center point on the boundary of the respective symbols 501 .
  • the symbol center value SPn is obtained in accordance with a computation formula of Sp ⁇ Pn ⁇ Upn/2. For example, in a case where the “code number” is “00”, “9” is set, and in a case where the “code number” is “01”, “27” is set.
  • the “correction pulse value AP” of “70” indicates that a position pulse signal is generated by 70 pulses until an origin pulse signal of the encoder device M 21 has been input from an origin position of the reel M 3 (a reel band M 32 ).
  • Such data tables are respectively provided as to the first to fifth reel units M 11 a to M 11 e , thereby making it possible to individually set reel specifications for the number of symbols, for example, as to the first to fifth reel units M 11 a to M 11 e .
  • Other constituent elements are identical to those of the first embodiment.
  • the second reel setting processing will be described with reference to FIG. 56 .
  • a reel setting command has been executed (S 301 ). In a case where the reel setting command is not executed (S 301 , NO), this processing operation is completed.
  • FIG. 52 if a reel setting device 635 is connected to a slot machine 10 to enable data communication therewith, it is determined that the reel setting command has been executed by sensing this connection (S 301 , YES). It may be determined that the reel setting command has been executed by a reel setting command signal being transmitted to a main PCB 110 of the slot machine 10 by means of key operation in the reel setting device 635 . After that, the slot machine 10 instructs the reel setting device 635 to display a setting screen. In this way, the reel setting device 635 displays a reel setting procedure or a manual on a screen (S 302 ).
  • an operator makes key operation from the reel setting device 635 , whereby it is determined that a data signal of a reel number has been received from the reel setting device 635 (S 303 ).
  • S 303 NO
  • a standby state is established by executing S 303 again.
  • each of the first to fifth reel units M 11 a to M 11 e that correspond to the reel number is targeted to be set and then the following processing operation is executed.
  • an operation command signal it is determined whether or not an operation command signal has been received (S 304 ).
  • a standby state is established by executing S 304 again.
  • an operator having specified a reel number manually rotates a reel M 3 of each of the first to fifth reel units M 11 a to M 11 e that corresponds to the specified reel number.
  • an operation command signal is output to a slot machine 10 by means of key operation of the reel setting device 635 .
  • this operation command signal is input (S 304 , YES)
  • the input operation command signal is handled as being a reel origin signal.
  • a correction pulse signal is reset to “0” (S 305 ).
  • the correction pulse value is counted down by “1” (S 310 ) and then it is determined that the origin pulse signal has been input (S 311 ). In this manner, even in a case where the rotation direction of the reel M 3 is in a state in which forward and backward directions coexist or in a case where a fluctuation occurs when the reel M 3 is manually rotated, the correction pulse value can be precisely obtained.
  • the slot machine 10 of the second embodiment has: a reel M 3 having symbols 501 arranged on an outer circumferential face; a reel drive mechanism M 5 configured to rearrange the symbols 501 by rotationally driving the reel M 3 ; a reel angle detecting mechanism M 2 configured to output a position pulse signal in units of predetermined angles by means of rotation of the reel M 3 and to output an origin pulse signal every one rotation of the reel M 3 ; a reel setting means (a reel setting portion 632 of FIG. 53 or first reel setting processing of FIG.
  • a reel drive control means (a main PCB 110 of FIG. 54 ) configured to control the reel drive mechanism M 5 so as to rearrange the symbols 501 in a predetermined arrangement state based on the origin pulse signal, the correction pulse value, a phase difference pulse value, and the arrangement position of the symbols 501 .
  • the slot machine 10 is capable of reducing a work load required for arrangement more remarkably than in a case of arranging symbols 501 while positioning them relative to a predetermined position (an origin position) of the reel M 3 , in a case of performing a work of arranging the symbols 501 on the outer circumferential face of the reel M 3 .
  • the slot machine 10 of the second embodiment is capable of sensing a malfunction of a reel angle detecting mechanism M 2 .
  • a detailed description thereof will be described with reference to FIG. 57 to FIG. 59 .
  • Check pulse value acquisition processing of FIG. 58 and third reel setting processing of FIG. 59 are executed.
  • the check pulse value acquisition processing of FIG. 58 it is determined whether or not a reel setting command has been executed (S 401 ). In a case where the reel setting command has not been executed (S 401 , NO), this processing operation is completed.
  • the reel setting device 635 is connected to the slot machine 10 to enable data communication therewith, it is determined that the reel setting command has been executed by sensing this connection (S 401 , YES).
  • an operator makes key operation from the reel setting device 635 , whereby it is determined whether a data signal of a reel number has been received from the reel setting device 635 (S 402 ). In a case where no data signal has been received (S 402 , NO), a standby state is established by executing 5402 again. On the other hand, in a case where the data signal of the reel number has been received (S 402 , YES), each of the first to fifth reel units M 11 a to M 11 e that correspond to the reel number is targeted to be set and then the following processing operation is executed.
  • an input of an encoder signal has been accepted (S 403 ). Then, it is determined whether or not a reel origin signal has been input from an origin sensor M 671 of FIG. 21 (S 404 ). In a case where no reel origin signal has been input (S 404 , NO), a standby state is established by executing S 404 again. On the other hand, if an origin sensor M 671 of FIG. 21 detects a cutout portion M 921 of FIG. 25 , whereby it is determined that a reel origin signal has been input (S 404 , YES), a check pulse value is reset to “0” (S 405 ). After that, an acquisition completion flag of the check pulse value is set to OFF (S 406 ).
  • a position pulse signal it is determined whether or not a position pulse signal has been input (S 407 ). In a case where no position pulse signal has been input (S 407 , NO), it is subsequently determined whether or not an origin pulse signal has been input (S 411 ). In a case where no origin pulse signal has been input (S 411 , NO), S 407 is executed again and then acceptance of an input of the positional pulse signal is continued. In a case where the position pulse signal has been input (S 407 , YES), it is subsequently determined whether or not a rotation direction of a reel M 3 is a forward rotation based on a phase difference pulse signal (S 408 ).
  • the check pulse value is counted up by “1” (S 409 ) and then it is determined whether or not the origin pulse signal has been input (S 410 ).
  • the check pulse value is counted down by “1” (S 410 ) and then it is determined whether or not the origin pulse signal has been input (S 411 ). If the origin pulse signal has been input (S 411 , YES), a correction pulse value having been counted up or counted down is stored together with the reel number (S 412 ).
  • the check pulse value After the check pulse value has been acquired as described above, it is determined whether or not a relationship between an origin position of a reel M 3 and an origin pulse signal (a total value of position pulse signals) coincides with the acquired check pulse value during operation of the slot machine 10 . If the relationship coincides with the value, it is determined to be normal, and if not, it is determined to be abnormal, whereby a malfunction of the reel angle detecting mechanism M 2 is sensed.
  • the slot machine 10 of the second embodiment includes: a reel M 3 having symbols 501 on an outer circumferential face; a reel drive mechanism M 5 configured to rearrange the symbols 501 by rotationally driving the reel M 3 ; a reel angle detecting mechanism M 2 configured to output a position pulse signal in units of predetermined angles by means of rotation of the reel M 3 and to output an origin pulse signal every one rotation of the reel M 3 ; a reel setting means (a reel setting portion 632 of FIG. 53 or third setting processing of FIG.
  • a reel drive control means (a main PCB 110 of FIG. 54 ) configured to control the reel drive mechanism M 5 so as to rearrange the symbols 501 in a predetermined arrangement state based on the origin pulse signal, the correction pulse value, a phase difference pulse signal, and the arrangement position of the symbols 501 ; a reel origin detecting mechanism (an origin sensor 671 of FIG. 21 or a cutout portion M 921 of FIG.
  • the slot machine 10 is capable of preventing an occurrence of a failure that the reel drive control means cannot rearrange the symbols 501 in a predetermined arrangement state, by sensing a malfunction of the reel angle detecting mechanism M 2 .
  • the slot machine 10 of the first and second embodiments is configured to be able to individually control a plurality of illumination light sources M 71 in a backlight device M 7 .
  • the slot machine 10 has: a reel M 3 including a reel band M 32 that is formed to enable transmission of illumination light, the reel having symbols 501 arranged on the reel band M 32 ; a reel drive mechanism M 5 configured to rearrange the symbols 501 by rotationally driving the reel M 3 ; a back light device M 7 that is arranged to emit illumination light in a direction of the reel band M 32 from an inner circumferential side of the reel M 3 so that the illumination light having transmitted the reel band M 32 is visually recognized from the outside; and a backlight control device (a main PCB 110 of FIG. 54 ) configured to control an emission mode (such as light quantity, emission intervals, or emission timing) of the illumination light that is emitted from the backlight device M 7 .
  • an emission mode such as light quantity, emission intervals, or emission timing
  • the backlight device M 7 has a plurality of illumination light sources M 71 that is arranged in a widthwise direction and in a longitudinal direction of the reel band M 32 and that is capable of changing a light quantity when the illumination light is emitted, in a plurality of steps.
  • the backlight control device is capable of individually controlling the plurality of illumination light sources M 71 .
  • the slot machine 10 is capable of individually controlling the emission mode of illumination light in each light source, so that a rendering effect and a degree of freedom in rendering at the time of rotation of the reel M 3 or at the time of rearrangement of the symbols 501 can be enhanced with the use of the illumination light.
  • the backlight control device is capable of individually controlling a plurality of illumination light sources M 71 so as to enter an emission mode of illumination light together with rotation of the reel M 3 .
  • the slot machine 10 can enhance the degree of freedom in rendering when the reel M 3 is rotated, by entering the emission mode of the illumination light together with rotation of the reel M 3 .
  • the plurality of illumination light sources M 71 are individually controlled to be able to light the illumination light sources M 71 corresponding to a reel on which such a bonus symbol has appeared in the display window 150 .
  • a player can clearly visually recognize a position of the bonus symbol in a state in which the reel M 3 is rotating.
  • the backlight control device controls the plurality of illumination light sources M 71 so as to increase or decrease a light quantity in stepwise manner from the inside to the outside in the widthwise direction and in the longitudinal direction of the reel band M 32 .
  • the slot machine 10 can impart a gradation-like rendering effect to a symbol 501 or a reel band M 32 having transmitted illumination light by means of stepwise increase or decrease of the light quantity.
  • the backlight control device controls an emission mode of a plurality of illumination light source M 71 in accordance with the rotation direction of the reel M 3 . In this manner, a rendering effect relative to the rotation direction of the reel M 3 can be imparted.
  • the backlight control device controls the plurality of illumination light sources M 71 so as to change the increase or decrease position of the light quantity in the same direction or in the opposite direction relative to the rotation direction of the reel M 3 .
  • the slot machine 10 can impart a rendering effect relative to the rotation direction of the reel M 3 .
  • the backlight control device controls the plurality of illumination light sources M 71 so as to interlock a change speed of the increase or decrease position of the light source relative to the rotation speed of the reel M 3 .
  • the slot machine 10 can impart a rendering effect relative to the rotation speed of the reel M 3 .
  • the backlight control device controls an emission mode of the plurality of illumination light sources in accordance with a combination established when the symbols 501 have been rearranged.
  • the slot machine 10 can impart a rendering effect relative to the combination established when the symbols 501 have been rearranged.
  • a control operation by means of the backlight control device described above can be easily achieved by storing mode data in an illumination mode setting table of FIG. 60 .
  • the illumination mode setting table has the respective reel operation items such as “reel forward rotation”, “reel backward rotation”, “reel rotation speed”, “reel rotation stop”, “bonus lottery”, “common game lottery”, “losing”, “li-zhi”, “winning common game”, and “losing common game”.
  • the “li-zhi” used here designates a state immediately before symbols 501 are rearranged in a unit game, thereby establishing a winning combination. For example, in a case where a plurality of symbols 501 are rearranged in sequential order, a state of a period a last symbol is rearranged is an “intermediately preceding state”.
  • the respective reel operation items described above are associated with the respective operation items of “gradation”, “blinking”, “light quantity”, and “movement”.
  • the “gradation” can be set at either one of two types, i.e., “active (1)” and “inactive (0)”.
  • active (1) the “reel forward rotation” is set at “active (1)”.
  • the “reel backward rotation” is set at “inactive (0)”.
  • the backlight device M 7 performs rendering of symbols 501 in an illumination mode of gradation.
  • the illumination mode of gradation is not established.
  • the “blinking” enables blinking intervals to be set in six steps of 0 to 5.
  • the blinking interval is set to “0”, it designates that lighting continues without blinking.
  • the blinking interval is set to “1”
  • the blinking interval is the longest and then the blinking interval becomes shorter in sequential order of “2” to “5”.
  • the “reel forward rotation” is set to “3”.
  • the “reel backward rotation” is set to “1”. In this manner, when the reel M 3 rotates in a forward direction, the backlight device M 7 blinks at comparatively short intervals. On the other hand, when the reel M 3 rotates in a backward direction, blinking occurs at long intervals.
  • the “light quantity” enables a light quantity level to be set in a range of “5” to “16”. That is, if the light quantity level can be adjusted in 16 steps ranging from “1”, which is close to level 0, to a maximum level “16”, the level can be adjusted in a range “5” or more.
  • This processing is adapted to illuminate symbols 501 sufficiently at a light quantity level of “5” or more, and however, the level may be adjustable at “0” or more.
  • the “reel forward rotation” is set to “13”.
  • the “reel backward rotation” is set to “10”. In this manner, when the reel M 3 rotates in a forward direction, the symbols 501 is illuminated brighter than when the reel M 3 rotates in a backward direction.
  • the “movement” can be set in any one of three types of “active (1)”, “inactive (0)”, and “moving together (2)”.
  • the “reel forward rotation” is set at “active (1)”
  • the “reel backward rotation” is set at “inactive (0)”
  • the “reel rotation speed” is set at “moving together (2)”.
  • the slot machine 10 of the first and second embodiments is configured to be able to individually control a plurality of rendering light sources M 81 in a rendering light emitting device M 8 .
  • the slot machine 10 has a reel device M 1 including: a reel M 3 having symbols 501 arranged on an outer circumferential face; a reel drive mechanism M 5 configured to rearrange the symbols 501 by rotationally driving the reel M 3 ; and a rendering light emitting device M 8 that is arranged lateral of the reel M 3 and is configured to emit a plurality of rendering light beams to be visually recognizable from the outside, and has a reel rendering control device (a main PCB 110 of FIG. 54 ) configured to control an emission mode (such as light quantity, color, emission intervals, or emission timing) of the rendering light beams that are emitted from the reel device M 1 .
  • an emission mode such as light quantity, color, emission intervals, or emission timing
  • the rendering light emitting device M 8 has a plurality of rendering light sources M 81 that is arranged in plurality at least along a longitudinal direction of a reel band M 32 and is capable of changing the light quantity when the rendering light beams are emitted, in a plurality of steps; and the reel rendering control device is capable of individually controlling the plurality of rendering light sources M 81 so as to establish an emission mode of the rendering light beams together with rotation of the reel M 3 .
  • the slot machine 10 is capable of individually controlling an emission mode of the rendering light beams in each light source, so that a rendering effect and a degree of freedom in rendering at the time of rotation of reel M 3 or at the time of rearrangement of the symbols 501 can be enhanced with the use of rendering light beams.
  • the reel rendering control device controls an emission mode of the plurality of rendering light sources M 81 in accordance with rotation of the reel M 3 .
  • the slot machine 10 can impart a rendering effect relative to rotation of the reel M 3 .
  • the reel rendering control device controls the plurality of rendering light sources M 81 so as to change an increase or decrease position of the light quantity in the same direction or in the opposite direction relative to the rotation direction of the reel M 3 .
  • the slot machine 10 can impart a rendering effect relative to rotation of the reel M 3 .
  • the reel rendering control device controls the plurality of rendering light sources M 81 so as to interlock a change speed of the increase or decrease position of the light quantity relative to a rotation speed of the reel M 3 .
  • the slot machine 10 can impart a rendering effect relative to the rotation speed of the reel M 3 .
  • the reel rendering control device controls the plurality of rendering light sources M 81 in accordance with a combination established when the symbols 501 have been arranged. In this manner, the slot machine 10 can impart a rendering effect relative to the combination established when the symbols 501 has been rearranged.
  • a control operation by means of the reel rendering control device described above can be easily achieved by means of a rendering mode setting table obtained by excluding “gradation” from an illumination mode setting table of FIG. 60 .
  • the respective items contained in the table are identical to those contained in the illumination mode setting table of FIG. 60 .
  • the slot machine 10 of the first and second embodiment is configured to be able to adjust luminance of a plurality of illumination light sources M 71 in a backlight device M 7 .
  • the slot machine 10 may be configured to be able to adjust luminance of a plurality of rendering light sources M 81 in a rendering light emitting device M 8 , and can be provided in the same method as luminance adjustment of the backlight device M 7 .
  • a touch panel is provided on an upper image display panel 131 .
  • the upper image display panel 131 is capable of displaying a backlight luminance adjustment screen.
  • the backlight luminance adjustment screen may be displayable by means of operations of both of a player and a manager or may be displayable by means of operation of only a manager.
  • a display caused by the operation of only the manager includes an operating method from an “AUDIT menu”.
  • the backlight luminance adjustment screen has a luminance adjustment button region 1311 and a reel selection button region 1312 .
  • the luminance adjustment button region 1311 includes a plurality of, for example, three luminance adjustment buttons 1311 a , 1311 b , and 1311 c . These luminance adjustment buttons 1311 a , 1311 b , and 1311 c enable luminance to be adjusted in a plurality of, for example, three steps.
  • the reel selection button region 1312 has five reel selection buttons 1312 a to 1312 e .
  • These reel selection buttons 1312 a to 1312 e are respectively capable of selecting the first to fifth reel units M 11 a to M 11 e.
  • Luminance adjustment of the backlight device M 7 is achieved by means of a backlight luminance adjustment processing routine of FIG. 62 . Specifically, while a game is executed or is stopped, the backlight luminance adjustment processing routine is periodically executed as one routine. When the backlight luminance adjustment processing routine is executed, it is first determined whether or not a backlight luminance adjustment mode is established (S 701 ). In a case where the backlight luminance adjustment mode is not established (S 701 , NO), this routine is completed. On the other hand, when a backlight luminance adjustment button is pressed on a mode selection screen of the upper image display panel 131 , it is determined that the backlight luminance adjustment mode is established (S 701 , YES). Then, a backlight luminance adjustment screen is displayed on the upper image display panel 131 in place of the mode selection screen (S 702 ).
  • reel selection processing is executed (S 703 ). For example, as shown in FIG. 61 , when the reel selection buttons 1312 a to 1312 e in the reel selection button region 1312 have been pressed, the pressed reel selection buttons 1312 a to 1312 e change in color. Then, the backlight device M 7 of the first to fifth reel units M 11 a to M 11 e that correspond to arrangements of the reel selection buttons 1312 a to 1312 e are highlighted to have been selected as a target for luminance adjustment. In addition, when the reel selection button 1312 a to 1312 e targeted for luminance adjustment are further pressed, they are reverted to a state before color change so as to become out of the target for luminance adjustment. By repeating such a press operation, one or more of the reel selection buttons 1312 a to 1312 e (the first to fifth reel units M 11 a to M 11 e ) are determined.
  • a backlight device M 7 of any of the first to fifth reel units M 11 a to M 11 e that is selected as a target for luminance adjustment emits illumination light at a luminance corresponding to any of the luminance adjustment buttons 1311 a , 1311 b , and 1311 c (S 704 ).
  • the luminance of illumination light is adjusted in all or in sequential order while it is visually checked as to the backlight device M 7 of each of the first to fifth reel units M 11 a to M 11 e.
  • the slot machine 10 of the first and second embodiments is configured to be able to display a pay line L on the upper image display panel 131 .
  • the pay line on the upper image display panel 131 is displayed when a current screen has been changed to a pay line display screen.
  • the pay line display screen is provided in the same mode as that of a pay line L in a display window 150 that is disposed on a front face of a reel device M 1 .
  • pay line generation columns 1313 and 1314 are disposed transversely symmetrically.
  • a pay line generation column 1313 at a left end part displayed on the left side viewed from a player side has 25 pay line generating portions 1313 a .
  • a pay line generation column 1314 at a right end part disposed at the right side has 25 pay line generating portion 1314 a .
  • the pay line L is activated by connecting the pay line generating portions 1313 a and 1314 a at the left end part and at the right end part to each other.
  • the pay line display screen is displayed when a combination of the rearranged symbols 501 forms a winning prize.
  • a winning prize is established by a combination of “PLUM” symbols 501
  • the “PLUM” symbols 501 of the winning combination is rendered as a wining prize in accordance with luminance or color and a blinking state that is different from that at another site by means of illumination light of the backlight device M 7 .
  • pay line rendering is performed by linking with winning rendering exerted by the backlight device M 7 .
  • the “link” used here designates that the pay line rendering is associated with the winning rendering exerted by the backlight device M 7 .
  • simulation winning symbols 1315 are displayed in the same arrangement mode as that of a winning combination.
  • a pay line L is displayed on these simulation winning symbols 1315 .
  • pay line rendering allowing the simulation winning symbols 1315 to be highlighted in sequential order with the same timing as that of the winning rendering is executed.
  • the first embodiment described above shows a gaming machine that achieves reel control in an analog manner.
  • the second embodiment showed a gaming machine that achieves reel control in a digital manner.
  • the third embodiment describes a variety of modes relating to rotation control and stop control of five reels of a first reel M 3 a , a second reel M 3 b , a third reel M 3 c , a fourth reel M 3 d , and a fifth reel M 3 e of the gaming machine of the first embodiment and the second embodiment. Therefore, the third embodiment can be applied to both of the gaming machine that achieves reel control in an analog manner (the first embodiment and the gaming machine that achieves reel control in a digital manner (the second embodiment).
  • a mechanical structure or hardware configuration of a gaming machine in the third embodiment is identical to that in the first embodiment or the second embodiment.
  • Program for executing processing operations shown in flowcharts shown in FIG. 66 to FIG. 80 described later are stored in advance in a ROM 72 ( FIG. 38 ) of the gaming machine of the first embodiment or the second embodiment, and values such as variables required when the programs have been executed are stored in a RAM 73 ( FIG. 38 ).
  • a reel M 3 of a first reel unit M 11 a is referred to as a first reel M 3 a ; a reel M 3 of a second reel unit M 11 b is referred to as a second reel M 3 b ; a reel M 3 of a third reel unit M 11 c is referred to as a third reel M 3 c ; a reel M 3 of a fourth reel unit Mild is referred to as a fourth reel M 3 d ; and a reel M 3 of a fifth reel unit M 11 e is referred to as a fifth reel M 3 e .
  • a reel M 3 is merely referred to as in a case where there is no need to discriminate these five reels in particular.
  • symbols are all symbols that are used in a gaming machine 300 , and these symbols are displayed to be visually recognizable to a player in the five reels of the first reel M 3 a , the second reel M 3 b , the third reel M 3 c , the fourth reel M 3 d , and the fifth reel M 3 e .
  • the symbols include scatter symbols.
  • the scatter symbols are symbols whose condition for establishing a winning prize is that these symbols have been rearranged regardless of a winning line (a pay line). In particular, it is preferable that the condition for establishing a winning prize be that a predetermined number of scatter symbols have been rearranged.
  • An outline of the gaming machine is directed to a rendering that is configured presupposing that a player has operated a spin button, and is also directed to: randomly selected seven kinds of individual renderings to be described later; providing data so as to be able to move symbols in a variety of modes; enabling individual reels to rotate respectively independently in a variety of modes; and providing a speed controller for a respective one of the reels.
  • a start button is provided, whereas a stop button does not exist in principle. This is because there exists a gaming machine such that a stop button is activated for some of the reels, although the stop button is not activated for all of the reels, in only a given game state as well.
  • symbol arrangement is randomly determined and then a prize is determined depending on the determined symbol arrangement, and the determined symbols are arranged as rearranged symbols. Therefore, a winning combination or a losing combination is first determined by means of lottery processing in a main control board and then according to a timing of a player operation, the contents of control are different from those in a gaming machine adapted to determine a reel stop position so as not to be discrepant from a lottery result. That is, the gaming machine according to the embodiment is different from the one in which symbol arrangement is determined according to a timing of a player operation after an internal flag of a given winning combination has been established.
  • FIG. 65 shows an outline of the gaming machine according to the third embodiment.
  • the gaming machine according to the embodiment in which a prize is determined based on rearranged symbols, the gaming machine comprising:
  • a display (For example, the display window 150 etc) having a display region in which symbols that are associated with each of a plurality of scroll lines (For example, five reels M 3 a to M 3 e described below, etc) are to be displayed; and
  • a controller for controlling a unit game in which the symbols that are associated with said each scroll line are moved and then the moved symbols are rearranged in the display region, the controller being programmed to execute processing operations of
  • (1-1-3) displaying symbols that are associated with a second scroll line that is different from the first scroll line among the plurality of scroll lines, in the display region so as to be moved in a direction that is different from the first direction (For example, step S 5615 and step S 5617 described below, etc);
  • step S 6317 displaying the symbols that are associated with the first scroll line in the display region so that a movement speed is gradually slowed down as triggered by a fact that the WILD symbol is displayed in the stopped state (For example, step S 6317 , step S 6321 and step S 6325 described below, etc);
  • (1-1-6) automatically stopping symbols that are associated with at least one scroll line among the plurality of scroll lines and then rearranging the symbols that are determined in accordance with the processing operation of (1-1-1) (For example, step S 11 and step S 5727 described below, etc).
  • the gaming machine has a display and a controller.
  • the display has a display region on which symbols are to be displayed.
  • a result of a unit game that is executed in the gaming machine is determined depending on kind of symbols.
  • the unit game is a game whose one cycle is that symbols to be rearranged are randomly determined, symbol movement is started, and then the symbols are rearranged.
  • the display region of the display is equivalent to an opening or a window in which symbols are formed to be visually recognizable on a front face of a casing in which reels have been arranged.
  • this display region is equivalent to a display surface of a display panel configured to display an image of the video reels.
  • the gaining machine have a start button that a player can operate. Based on the fact that the controller has received a signal indicating that the player has operated the start button, it is preferable that the controller randomly determine symbols to be rearranged and then control symbol display in the display region.
  • the plurality of scroll lines described above be formed in parallel to each other in the display region.
  • one reel formed in a cylindrical shape corresponds to one scroll line.
  • an image of one reel formed in the cylindrical shape corresponds to one scroll line.
  • the scroll lines in the gaming machine according to the third embodiment may be the one along which symbols can move, may be a mechanically formed reel or may be a reel displayed as an image.
  • a symbol movement mode be a mode (a first movement mode) in which symbols are moved in a first direction at a predetermined speed (at a first speed) along a scroll line with which the symbols are associated. It is preferable that the first movement mode be a normal symbol movement mode in a gaming machine. For example, it is preferable that the first movement mode be a symbol movement mode (a reference mode) when a basic game is played in a normal game mode.
  • the first movement mode be that symbols move in a first direction at a predetermined speed along a scroll line with which the symbols have been associated. It is preferable that the first movement mode be a normal symbol movement mode in the gaming machine. For example, it is preferable that the first movement mode be a symbol movement mode (a reference movement mode) when a basic game is performed in a normal play state.
  • the processing operation of (1-1-1) is to randomly determine symbols to be rearranged. For example, random numbers are generated and then symbols are determined by means of lottery processing or the like.
  • This processing operation is a processing operation of determining symbols to be rearranged, and the contents of rendering are not determined in this processing operation. Therefore, in the processing operation of (1-1-1), only symbols to be rearranged are determined, and the contents of rendering are not determined.
  • the processing operation of (1-1-2) is a processing operation of displaying symbols that are associated with a first scroll line in a display region so as to be moved in a first direction along the first scroll line.
  • the first scroll line is one scroll line among a plurality of scroll lines. That is, the processing operation of (1-1-2) is a processing operation of displaying the symbols that are associated with the first scroll line in the first movement mode described above. As described later, symbols that are associated with a second scroll line are displayed in a mode that is different from the first movement mode. Symbols are associated with each of the plurality of scroll lines. For example, symbols assigned to one reel are associated with that reel. In addition, even with different scroll lines, symbols of a same kind may be associated.
  • a symbol “7” may be associated with a first scroll line (a first reel) or a second scroll line (a second reel).
  • a plurality of symbols be associated with each of the scroll lines in a predetermined sequential order.
  • a plurality of symbols assigned to a reel are arranged to be associated along that reel in a predetermined sequential order. Therefore, the symbols are moved along the scroll line in a predetermined sequential order.
  • the processing operation of (1-1-3) is a processing operation of displaying symbols that are associated with a second scroll line in a display region so as to be moved in a second direction along the second scroll line.
  • the second scroll line is a scroll line that is different from the first scroll line among a plurality of scroll lines.
  • the second direction is a direction that is different from the first direction.
  • the processing operation of (1-1-4) is a processing operating of displaying a WILD symbol in a display region so as to be stopped after a predetermined period of time has elapsed subsequent to the processing operation of (1-1-3).
  • the WILD symbol is included in the symbols that are associated with the second scroll line.
  • the WILD symbol is also referred to as an all-mighty symbol.
  • the WILD symbol is a symbol that is capable of being substituted for any one of the symbols used in a gaming machine, and in particular, a symbol that can be substituted so that a game result is advantageous to a player. Therefore, by displaying the WILD symbol, a player can enhance a sense of expectation while feeling that there may be a higher possibility that an advantageous result can be obtained.
  • the processing operation of (1-1-5) is adapted to display symbols that are associated with a first scroll line in a display region so that their movement speed is gradually slowed down as triggered by the fact that a WILD symbol has been displayed in a stopped state. That is, it is determined whether or not a WILD symbol associated with a second scroll line is displayed in a stopped state, and then, as triggered by the fact that it is determined that the WILD symbol is displayed in a stopped state, the movement speed of the symbols that are associated with the first scroll line is displayed so as to be gradually slowed down.
  • a player becomes careful to visually recognize the symbols that are associated with the first scroll line, and a tense atmosphere and a sense of expectation can be imparted to the player.
  • the processing operation of (1-1-6) is a processing operation of automatically stopping and rearranging, with a predetermined timing, symbols that are associated with at least one scroll line from among a plurality of scroll lines. Symbols are rearranged, whereby a unit game completes.
  • symbols that are determined in accordance with the processing operation of (1-1-1) are automatically stopped and rearranged without a need to make a player operation.
  • the symbols that are determined in accordance with the processing operation of (1-1-1) are automatically stopped without a need to make a player operation.
  • Symbols are moved in a first direction, and other symbols are moved in a direction that is different from the first direction, so that a sense of expectation can be enhanced.
  • WILD symbols are displayed in a stopped state, thus making it possible to enhance a sense of expectation that there may be a higher possibility that an advantageous result can be obtained.
  • symbols are displayed so that a movement speed of the symbols gradually slows down, thus making it possible to impart a tense atmosphere. In this way, in a unit game from start of symbol movement to symbol rearrangement, it is possible to prompt a player to pay his or her attention by means of symbol movement.
  • the gaming machine according to the embodiment in which a prize is determined based on rearranged symbols, the gaming machine comprising:
  • a display (For example, the display window 150 described above, etc) having a display region in which symbols that are associated with each of a plurality of scroll lines (For example, five reels M 3 a to M 3 e described below, etc) are to be displayed; and
  • a controller for controlling a unit game in which the symbols that are associated with said each scroll line are moved and then the moved symbols are rearranged in the display region, the controller being programmed to execute processing operations of:
  • step S 6413 displaying predetermined symbols that are associated with the plurality of scroll lines, in the display region so as to be moved in a first direction by a predetermined distance at a first speed that is slower than a predetermined speed (For example, step S 6413 described below, etc);
  • step S 6417 (1-2-3) displaying the predetermined symbols in the display region in a second direction that is different from the first direction at a second speed that is different from the first speed, as triggered by a fact that the predetermined symbol has been moved by the predetermined distance (For example, step S 6417 described below, etc);
  • (1-2-4) automatically stopping symbols that are associated with at least one scroll line among the plurality of scroll lines and then rearranging the symbols that are determined in accordance with the processing operation of (1-2-1) (For example, step S 11 and step S 5727 described below, etc).
  • the gaming machine has a display and a controller.
  • the display has a display region in which symbols are to be displayed. Depending on a kind of symbols, a result of a unit game to be executed in the gaming machine is determined.
  • the unit game is a game to be played as one round in which symbols to be rearranged are randomly determined, movement of the symbols is started, and then, the symbols are rearranged.
  • the display region of the display is equivalent to an opening or a window that is formed so that the symbols can be visually recognized on a front face of a cabinet on which reels are disposed, for example.
  • this display region is equivalent to a display surface itself of a display panel configured to display an image of the video reels.
  • the gaming machine have a start button that a player can operate. Based on the fact that a controller has received a signal indicating that the player has operated the start button, it is preferable that the controller randomly determine symbols to be rearranged and then control symbol display in the display region.
  • a plurality of scroll lines described above be formed in parallel to each other in a display region.
  • one reel that is formed in a cylindrical shape corresponds to one scroll line.
  • an image of one reel that is formed in a cylindrical shape corresponds to one scroll line.
  • the scroll lines in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention may be the ones along which symbols can be moved, may be reels that are mechanically formed, or may be reels that are displayed as an image.
  • a symbol movement mode be a mode (a first movement mode) in which symbols are moved in a first direction at a predetermined speed along a scroll line with which symbols are associated. It is preferable that the first movement mode be a normal symbol movement mode in the gaming machine. For example, it is preferable that the first movement mode be a symbol movement mode (a reference movement mode) when a basic game is played in a normal game state.
  • the first movement mode is indicative of a mode in which symbols are moved, and may be able to specify a direction in which symbols are moved, a speed, a velocity, time required for stoppage, time required for next stoppage, final stoppage or the like.
  • the first movement mode be a reference mode. That is, it is preferable that, when a normal unit game is played, symbols be displayed in the first movement mode.
  • the processing operation of (1-2-1) is adapted to randomly determine symbols to be rearranged. For example, random numbers are generated and then symbols are determined by means of lottery processing or the like.
  • This processing operation is a processing operation of determining symbols to be rearranged, and the contents of rendering are not determined in accordance with this processing operation. Therefore, in the processing operation of (1-2-1), only symbols to be rearranged are determined, and the contents of rendering are not determined.
  • the processing operation of (1-2-2) is a processing operation of displaying predetermined symbols in a first direction by a predetermined distance at a first speed that is slower than a predetermined speed.
  • the predetermined symbols are associated with a plurality of scroll lines.
  • the symbols are associated with each of the plurality of scroll lines. For example, symbols assigned to one reel are associated with that reel.
  • symbols of a same kind may be associated. For example, a symbol “7” may be associated with a first scroll line (a first reel) or a second scroll line (a second reel).
  • the processing operation of (1-2-3) is a processing operation of displaying predetermined symbols so as to be moved in a second direction at a second speed, as triggered by the fact that predetermined symbols have been moved by a predetermined distance.
  • the second direction is a direction that is different from the first direction.
  • the second speed is a speed that is different from the first speed.
  • the predetermined symbols can be displayed so as to be moved in a direction that is different from the first direction at a speed that is different from the first speed. From the start of symbol movement to rearrangement, the predetermined symbols can be displayed while the movement direction or the movement speed are different from each other to be able to prompt a player to pay his or her attention to a unit game being played.
  • the processing operation of (1-2-4) is a processing operation of automatically stopping and rearranging, with a predetermined timing, symbols that are associated to at least one scroll line among a plurality of scroll lines. Symbols are rearranged, whereby a unit game completes.
  • symbols that are determined in accordance with the processing operation of (1-2-1) are automatically stopped and rearranged without a need to make a player operation.
  • the symbols that are determined in accordance with the processing operation of (1-2-1) are automatically stopped without a need to make a player operation.
  • Symbols are moved in a first direction by a predetermined distance at a first speed that is slower than a predetermined speed, and the symbols move differently as usual, so that a tense atmosphere and a sense of expectation can be imparted to a player.
  • symbols are moved in a second direction that is different from the first direction at a second speed that is different from the first speed, so that a tense atmosphere and a sense of expectation can be imparted to a player while the player is surprised to see it. In this way, in a unit game from start of symbol movement to symbol rearrangement, it is possible to prompt a player to pay his or her attention by means of symbol movement.
  • the gaming machine according of the embodiment in which a prize is determined based on rearranged symbols, the gaming machine comprising:
  • a display (For example, the display window 150 described above, etc) having a display region in which symbols that are associated with each of a plurality of scroll lines (For example, five reels M 3 a to M 3 e described below, etc) are to be displayed; and
  • a controller for controlling a unit game in which the symbols that are associated with said each scroll line are moved and then the moved symbols are rearranged in the display region, the controller being programmed to execute processing operations of:
  • step S 8 (1-3-1) randomly determining symbols to be rearranged (For example, step S 8 described below, etc);
  • step S 5613 and step S 5617 described below, etc
  • step S 6513 displaying the predetermined symbols in the display region so as to be moved in the first direction at a second speed that is faster than the first speed (For example, step S 6513 described below, etc);
  • step S 6515 and step S 6519 described below, etc) displaying symbols that are associated with each other, in the display region so as to be moved and arranged in line, in a case where the symbols that are associated with each of at least two scroll lines among the plurality of scroll lines, and that are associated with each other, are not arranged while the predetermined symbols are moved in the first direction at the second speed (For example, step S 6515 and step S 6519 described below, etc);
  • step S 6523 displaying symbols in the display region so as to be moved at a third speed that is slower than the first speed, as triggered by a fact that the symbols associated with each other have been arranged (For example, step S 6523 described below, etc);
  • (1-3-6) automatically stopping symbols that are associated with at least one scroll line among the plurality of scroll lines and then rearranging the symbols that are determined in accordance with the processing operation of (1-3-1) (For example, step S 11 and step S 5727 described below, etc).
  • the gaming machine has a display and a controller.
  • the display has a display region in which symbols are to be displayed. Depending on a kind of symbols, a result of a unit game that is executed in the gaming machine is determined.
  • the unit game is a game to be played as one round in which symbols to be rearranged are randomly determined, movement of the symbols is started, and then, the symbols are rearranged.
  • the display region of the display is equivalent to an opening or a window that is formed so that the symbols can be visually recognized on a front face of a cabinet on which reels are disposed, for example.
  • this display region is equivalent to a display surface itself of a display panel configured to display an image of the video reels.
  • the gaming machine have a start button that a player can operate. Based on the fact that a controller has received a signal indicating that the player has operated the start button, it is preferable that the controller randomly determine symbols to be rearranged and then control symbol display in the display region.
  • a plurality of scroll lines described above be formed in parallel to each other in a display region.
  • one reel that is formed in a cylindrical shape corresponds to one scroll line.
  • an image of one reel that is formed in a cylindrical shape corresponds to one scroll line.
  • the scroll lines in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention may be the ones along which symbols can be moved, may be reels that are mechanically formed, or may be reels that are displayed as an image.
  • a symbol movement mode be a mode (a first movement mode) in which symbols are moved in a first direction at a predetermined speed (a first speed) along a scroll line with which symbols are associated. It is preferable that the first movement mode be a normal symbol movement mode in the gaming machine. For example, it is preferable that the first movement mode be a symbol movement mode (a reference movement mode) when a basic game is played in a normal game state.
  • the first movement mode is indicative of a mode in which symbols are moved, and may be able to specify a direction in which symbols are moved, a speed, a velocity, time required for stoppage, time required for next stoppage, final stoppage or the like.
  • the first movement mode be a reference mode. That is, it is preferable that, when a normal unit game is played, symbols be displayed in the first movement mode.
  • the processing operation of (1-3-1) is adapted to randomly determine symbols to be rearranged. For example, random numbers are generated and then symbols are determined by means of lottery processing or the like.
  • This processing operation is a processing operation of determining symbols to be rearranged, and the contents of rendering are not determined in accordance with this processing operation. Therefore, in the processing operation of (1-3-1), only symbols to be rearranged are determined, and the contents of rendering are not determined.
  • the processing operation of (1-3-2) is a processing operation of displaying predetermined symbols in a first direction by a predetermined distance at a first speed that is slower than a predetermined speed.
  • the predetermined symbols are that are associated with a plurality of scroll lines.
  • the symbols are associated with each of the plurality of scroll lines. For example, symbols assigned to one reel are associated with that reel.
  • symbols of a same kind may be associated. For example, a symbol “7” may be associated with a first scroll line (a first reel) or a second scroll line (a second reel).
  • the processing operation of (1-3-3) is a processing operation of displaying predetermined symbols so as to be moved in a first direction at a second speed.
  • a second speed is a speed that is faster than the first speed.
  • the processing operation of (1-3-4) is a processing operation of displaying symbols that are associated with each other so as to be moved and arranged in line in a case where the symbols that are associated with each other are not arranged while predetermined symbols are moved in the first speed at the second speed.
  • the symbols that are associated with each other are that are associated with each of at least two scroll lines among a plurality of scroll lines.
  • the symbols that are associated with each other are that are associated with both of a first scroll line and a second scroll line, among a plurality of scroll lines, and these symbols are associated with each other.
  • a symbol “BAR” associated with the first scroll line and a symbol “BAR” of a same kind, associated with the second scroll line are that are associated with each other.
  • Symbols need to be of a same kind as long as a player can recognize that the symbols are associated with each other.
  • a red symbol “7” associated with the first scroll line and a blue symbol “7” associated with the second scroll line can be handled as the symbols that are associated with each other.
  • the symbols that are associated with each other may be symbols that are associated with different symbol lines of the plurality of scroll lines, the symbols being those which a player can recognize that there is any association between them.
  • Moving symbols in line designates that symbols that are associated with each other are moved in parallel to each other along a respective one of the scroll lines. It is sufficient if symbols be moved forward in line along a scroll line, and as the symbols are moved, a distance between the symbols that are associated with each other may be varied so as to be longer or shorter. For example, this means a state in which, when symbols that are associated with each other are assigned to each of a plurality of cylindrical reels, reels rotate while the symbols that are associated with each other are maintained to be arranged in a horizontal direction. Specifically, this means a state in which, as is the case with “7”-“7”-“7”, reels rotate while the symbols “7” associated with each other are maintained to be arranged in a horizontal direction.
  • the processing operation of (1-3-5) is a processing operation of displaying symbols that are associated with each other so as to be moved at a third speed that is slower than a first speed, as triggered by the fact that the symbols that are associated with each other are arranged.
  • this is a processing operation of slowing down a reel rotation speed while the symbols “7” associated with each other are maintained to be arranged in a horizontal direction, as is the case with “7”-“7”-“7”.
  • the processing operation of (1-3-6) is a processing operation of automatically stopping and rearranged, with a predetermined timing, symbols that are associated with at least one scroll line among a plurality of scroll lines. Symbols are rearranged, whereby a unit game completes.
  • symbols that are determined in accordance with the processing operation of (1-3-1) are automatically stopped and rearranged without a need to make a player operation.
  • such display is made for at least one scroll line among a plurality of scroll lines, and as to the remaining scroll lines, the symbols that are determined in accordance with the processing operation of (1-3-1) are automatically stopped without a need to make a player operation.
  • Symbols are displayed in a display region so as to be moved at a second speed that is faster than a first speed, so that a tense atmosphere and a sense of expectation can be imparted to a player while the player is surprised to see it.
  • symbols that are associated with each other are displayed to be moved and arranged in line, thus making it possible to impart a sense of expectation that the symbols may gradually form a combination.
  • the symbols are moved at a third speed that is slower than the first speed, so that a sense of expectation can be further enhanced. In this way, in a unit game from start of symbol movement to symbol rearrangement, it is possible to prompt a player to pay his or her attention by means of symbol movement.
  • the gaming machine according to the embodiment in which a prize is determined based on rearranged symbols, the gaming machine comprising:
  • a display (For example, the display window 150 described above, etc) having a display region in which symbols that are associated with each of a plurality of scroll lines (For example, five reels M 3 a to M 3 e described below, etc) are to be displayed; and
  • a controller for controlling a unit game in which the symbols that are associated with said each scroll line are moved and then the moved symbols are rearranged in the display region, the controller being programmed to execute processing operations of:
  • step S 5613 and step S 5617 described below, etc
  • step S 6613 displaying the predetermined symbols in the display region so as to be moved in the first direction at a second speed that is faster than the first speed (For example, step S 6613 described below, etc);
  • step S 6615 and step S 6619 described below, etc
  • step S 6623 displaying symbols in the display region so as to be moved at a third speed that is slower than the first speed, as triggered by a fact that the symbols associated with each other have been arranged (For example, step S 6623 described below, etc);
  • (1-4-6) automatically stopping symbols that are associated with at least one scroll line among the plurality of scroll lines and then rearranging the symbols that are determined in accordance with the processing operation of (1-4-1) (For example, step S 11 and step S 5727 described below, etc).
  • the gaming machine has a display and a controller.
  • the display has a display region in which symbols are to be displayed. Depending on a kind of symbols, a result of a unit game to be executed in the gaming machine is determined.
  • the unit game is a game to be played as one round in which symbols to be rearranged are randomly determined, movement of the symbols is started, and then, the symbols are rearranged.
  • the display region of the display is equivalent to an opening or a window that is formed so that the symbols can be visually recognized on a front face of a cabinet on which reels are disposed, for example.
  • this display region is equivalent to a display surface itself of a display panel configured to display an image of the video reels.
  • the gaming machine have a start button that a player can operate. Based on the fact that a controller has received a signal indicating that the player has operated the start button, it is preferable that the controller randomly determine symbols to be rearranged and then control symbol display in the display region.
  • a plurality of scroll lines described above be formed in parallel to each other in a display region.
  • one reel that is formed in a cylindrical shape corresponds to one scroll line.
  • an image of one reel that is formed in a cylindrical shape corresponds to one scroll line.
  • the scroll lines in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention may be the ones along which symbols can be moved, may be reels that are mechanically formed, or may be reels that are displayed as an image.
  • a symbol movement mode be a mode (a first movement mode) in which symbols are moved in a first direction at a predetermined speed (a first speed) along a scroll line with which symbols are associated. It is preferable that the first movement mode be a normal symbol movement mode in the gaming machine. For example, it is preferable that the first movement mode be a symbol movement mode (a reference movement mode) when a basic game is played in a normal game state.
  • the first movement mode is indicative of a mode in which symbols are moved, and may be able to specify a direction in which symbols are moved, a speed, a velocity, time required for stoppage, time required for next stoppage, final stoppage or the like.
  • the first movement mode be a reference mode. That is, it is preferable that, when a normal unit game is played, symbols be displayed in the first movement mode.
  • the processing operation of (1-4-1) is adapted to randomly determine symbols to be rearranged. For example, random numbers are generated and then symbols are determined by means of lottery processing or the like.
  • This processing operation is a processing operation of determining symbols to be rearranged, and the contents of rendering are not determined in accordance with this processing operation. Therefore, in the processing operation of (1-4-1), only symbols to be rearranged are determined, and the contents of rendering are not determined.
  • the processing operation of (1-4-2) is a processing operation of displaying predetermined symbols in a first direction by a predetermined distance at a first speed that is slower than a predetermined speed.
  • the predetermined symbols are that are associated with a plurality of scroll lines.
  • the symbols are associated with each of the plurality of scroll lines. For example, symbols assigned to one reel are associated with that reel.
  • symbols of a same kind may be associated. For example, a symbol “7” may be associated with a first scroll line (a first reel) or a second scroll line (a second reel).
  • the processing operation of (1-4-3) is a processing operation of displaying predetermined symbols so as to be moved in a first direction at a second speed.
  • a second speed is a speed that is faster than the first speed.
  • Symbols are moved at a speed that is slower than the first speed, whereby in the processing operation of (1-4-4) to be described later, in the course of the processing operation of displaying the symbols that are associated with each other to be moved and arranged in line, a player can be notified of the fact that the symbols that are associated with each other are gradually arranged, and the player's sense of expectation can be enhanced.
  • the processing operation of (1-4-4) is a processing operation of displaying symbols that are associated with each other so as to be moved and arranged in line in a case where the symbols that are associated with each other are not arranged while predetermined symbols are moved in the first speed at the second speed.
  • the symbols that are associated with each other are that are associated with each of at least two scroll lines among a plurality of scroll lines.
  • the symbols that are associated with each other are that are associated with both of a first scroll line and a second scroll line, among a plurality of scroll lines, and these symbols are associated with each other.
  • a symbol “BAR” associated with the first scroll line and a symbol “BAR” of a same kind, associated with the second scroll line are that are associated with each other.
  • Symbols need to be of a same kind as long as a player can recognize that the symbols are associated with each other.
  • a red symbol “7” associated with the first scroll line and a blue symbol “7” associated with the second scroll line can be handled as the symbols that are associated with each other.
  • the symbols that are associated with each other may be symbols that are associated with different symbol lines of the plurality of scroll lines, the symbols being those which a player can recognize that there is any association between them.
  • Moving symbols in line designates that symbols that are associated with each other are moved in parallel to each other along a respective one of the scroll lines. It is sufficient if symbols be moved forward in line along a scroll line, and as the symbols are moved, a distance between the symbols that are associated with each other may be varied so as to be longer or shorter. For example, this means a state in which, when symbols that are associated with each other are assigned to each of a plurality of cylindrical reels, reels rotate while the symbols that are associated with each other are maintained to be arranged in a horizontal direction. Specifically, this means a state in which, as is the case with “7”-“7”-“7”, reels rotate while the symbols “7” associated with each other are maintained to be arranged in a horizontal direction.
  • the processing operation of (1-4-5) is a processing operation of displaying symbols that are associated with each other so as to be moved at a third speed that is slower than a first speed, as triggered by the fact that the symbols that are associated with each other are arranged.
  • this is a processing operation of slowing down a reel rotation speed while the symbols “7” associated with each other are maintained to be arranged in a horizontal direction, as is the case with “7”-“7”-“7”.
  • the processing operation of (1-4-6) is a processing operation of automatically stopping and rearranged, with a predetermined timing, symbols that are associated with at least one scroll line among a plurality of scroll lines. Symbols are rearranged, whereby a unit game completes.
  • symbols that are determined in accordance with the processing operation of (1-4-1) are automatically stopped and rearranged without a need to make a player operation.
  • such display is made for at least one scroll line among a plurality of scroll lines, and as to the remaining scroll lines, the symbols that are determined in accordance with the processing operation of (1-4-1) are automatically stopped without a need to make a player operation.
  • Symbols are displayed in a display region so as to be moved at a second speed that is slower than a first speed, so that a sense of expectation can be imparted to a player.
  • symbols that are associated with each other are displayed so as to be moved and arranged in line; and therefore, a sense of expectation that a winning prize may be established can be imparted to a player by causing the player to visually recognize that symbols may gradually form a combination while they are moved.
  • the symbols are moved at a third speed that is slower than the first speed, so that a sense of expectation can be further enhanced. In this way, in a unit game from start of symbol movement to symbol rearrangement, it is possible to prompt a player to pay his or her attention by means of symbol movement.
  • the gaming machine according to embodiment in which a prize is determined based on rearranged symbols, the gaming machine comprising:
  • a display (For example, the display window 150 described above, etc) having a display region in which symbols that are associated with each of a plurality of scroll lines (For example, five reels M 3 a to M 3 e described below, etc) are to be displayed; and
  • a controller for controlling a unit game in which the symbols that are associated with said each scroll line are moved and then the moved symbols are rearranged in the display region, the controller being programmed to execute processing operations of:
  • step S 8 (1-5-1) randomly determining symbols to be rearranged (For example, step S 8 described below, etc);
  • step S 6713 displaying the predetermined symbols in the display region so as to be moved in the first direction at a second speed that is slower than the first speed (For example, step S 6713 described below, etc);
  • step S 6819 displaying the symbols that are associated with each other in the display region so as to be moved and arranged in line at the second speed as to all of the plurality of scroll lines (For example, step S 6819 described below, etc);
  • (1-5-9) automatically stopping symbols that are associated with at least one scroll line among the plurality of scroll lines and then rearranging the symbols that are determined in accordance with the processing operation of (1-5-1) (For example, step S 11 and step S 5727 described below, etc).
  • the gaming machine has a display and a controller.
  • the display has a display region in which symbols are to be displayed. Depending on a kind of symbols, a result of a unit game to be executed in the gaming machine is determined.
  • the unit game is a game to be played as one round in which symbols to be rearranged are randomly determined, movement of the symbols is started, and then, the symbols are rearranged.
  • the display region of the display is equivalent to an opening or a window that is formed so that the symbols can be visually recognized on a front face of a cabinet on which reels are disposed, for example.
  • this display region is equivalent to a display surface itself of a display panel configured to display an image of the video reels.
  • the gaming machine have a start button that a player can operate. Based on the fact that a controller has received a signal indicating that the player has operated the start button, it is preferable that the controller randomly determine symbols to be rearranged and then control symbol display in the display region.
  • a plurality of scroll lines described above be formed in parallel to each other in a display region.
  • one reel that is formed in a cylindrical shape corresponds to one scroll line.
  • an image of one reel that is formed in a cylindrical shape corresponds to one scroll line.
  • the scroll lines in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention may be the ones along which symbols can be moved, may be reels that are mechanically formed, or may be reels that are displayed as an image.
  • a symbol movement mode be a mode (a first movement mode) in which symbols are moved in a first direction at a predetermined speed (a first speed) along a scroll line with which symbols are associated. It is preferable that the first movement mode be a normal symbol movement mode in the gaming machine. For example, it is preferable that the first movement mode be a symbol movement mode (a reference movement mode) when a basic game is played in a normal game state.
  • the first movement mode is indicative of a mode in which symbols are moved, and may be able to specify a direction in which symbols are moved, a speed, a velocity, time required for stoppage, time required for next stoppage, final stoppage or the like.
  • the first movement mode be a reference mode. That is, it is preferable that, when a normal unit game is played, symbols be displayed in the first movement mode.
  • the processing operation of (1-5-1) is adapted to randomly determine symbols to be rearranged. For example, random numbers are generated and then symbols are determined by means of lottery processing or the like.
  • This processing operation is a processing operation of determining symbols to be rearranged, and the contents of rendering are not determined in accordance with this processing operation. Therefore, in the processing operation of (1-5-1), only symbols to be rearranged are determined, and the contents of rendering are not determined.
  • the processing operation of (1-5-2) is a processing operation of displaying predetermined symbols in a first direction by a predetermined distance at a first speed that is slower than a predetermined speed.
  • the predetermined symbols are that are associated with a plurality of scroll lines.
  • the symbols are associated with each of the plurality of scroll lines. For example, symbols assigned to one reel are associated with that reel.
  • symbols of a same kind may be associated. For example, a symbol “7” may be associated with a first scroll line (a first reel) or a second scroll line (a second reel).
  • the processing operation of (1-5-3) is a processing operation of displaying predetermined symbols so as to be moved in a first direction at a second speed.
  • a second speed is a speed that is faster than the first speed.
  • Symbols are moved at a speed that is slower than the first speed, whereby in the processing operation of (1-5-5) to be described later, in the course of the processing operation of displaying the symbols that are associated with each other to be moved and arranged in line, a player can be notified of the fact that the symbols that are associated with each other are gradually arranged, and the player's sense of expectation can be enhanced.
  • the processing operation of (1-5-4) is a processing operation of determining whether or not symbols that are associated with each other can be moved and arranged in line at a second speed in a case where these symbols are not arranged.
  • the symbols that are associated with each other are symbols that are associated with each of at least two scroll lines among a plurality of scroll lines.
  • the symbols that are associated with each other are that are associated with both of a first scroll line and a second scroll line, among a plurality of scroll lines, and these symbols are associated with each other.
  • a symbol “BAR” associated with the first scroll line and a symbol “BAR” of a same kind, associated with the second scroll line are symbols that are associated with each other. Symbols need to be of a same kind as long as a player can recognize that the symbols are associated with each other.
  • a red symbol “7” associated with the first scroll line and a blue symbol “7” associated with the second scroll line can be handled as the symbols that are associated with each other.
  • the symbols that are associated with each other may be symbols that are associated with different symbol lines of the plurality of scroll lines, the symbols being those which a player can recognize that there is any association between them.
  • Moving symbols in line designates that symbols that are associated with each other are moved in parallel to each other along a respective one of the scroll lines. It is sufficient if symbols be moved forward in line along a scroll line, and as the symbols are moved, a distance between the symbols that are associated with each other may be varied so as to be longer or shorter. For example, this means a state in which, when symbols that are associated with each other are assigned to each of a plurality of cylindrical reels, reels rotate while the symbols that are associated with each other are maintained to be arranged in a horizontal direction. Specifically, this means a state in which, as is the case with “7”-“7”-“7”, reels rotate while the symbols “7” associated with each other are maintained to be arranged in a horizontal direction.
  • the processing operation of (1-5-5) is a processing operation of displaying symbols that are associated with each other in a display region so as to be moved and arranged in line at a second speed when, in the processing operation of (1-5-4), it is determined that the symbols that are associated with each other can be moved and arranged in line at the second speed.
  • the processing operation of (1-5-6) is a processing operation of repeating the processing operation of (1-5-4) and the processing operation of (1-5-5) a least once.
  • a player can be notified of the fact that symbols are gradually arranged, and a sense of expectation or a tense atmosphere of the player can be gradually enhanced.
  • the processing operation of (1-5-7) is a processing operation of displaying symbols that are associated with each other in a display region so as to be moved at a predetermined speed as to all of a plurality of scroll lines.
  • the processing operation of (1-5-8) is a processing operation of displaying symbols that are associated with each other so as to be moved while being arranged and slowed down, after the processing of (1-5-7) has been executed.
  • the symbols that are associated with each other are relating to a winning prize
  • a sense of expectation or a tense atmosphere of a player that the winning prize may be established as is can be enhanced most.
  • the processing of (1-5-9) is a processing operation of automatically stopping and rearranging, with a predetermined timing, symbols that are associated with at least one scroll line among a plurality of scroll lines. Symbols are rearranged, whereby a unit game completes.
  • symbols that are determined in accordance with the processing operation of (1-5-1) are automatically stopped and rearranged without a need to make a player operation.
  • the symbols that are determined in accordance with the processing operation of (1-5-1) are automatically stopped without a need to make a player operation.
  • Symbols are displayed in a first direction so as to be moved at a second speed that is slower than a first speed, so that a sense of expectation can be imparted to a player.
  • the symbols that are associated with each other are moved and arranged in line at the second speed; and therefore, it is possible to cause the player to visually recognize that the symbols that are associated with each other may form a combination while they are moved; it is possible to cause the player to visually recognize that the symbols that are associated with each other may gradually form a combination while they are moved, or alternatively, to expect that more symbols, for example, all of the symbols may form a combination; and in a case where symbols are adapted to gradually form a combination, a tense atmosphere and a sense of expectation of the player can be continuously maintained.
  • the symbols that are associated with each other are moved to be gradually slowed down while they are arranged, so that a tense atmosphere and a sense of expectation can be continuously imparted until the symbols have been rearranged. In this way, in a unit game from start of symbol movement to symbol rearrangement, it is possible to prompt a player to pay his or her attention by means of symbol movement.
  • the gaming machine according to the embodiment in which a prize is determined based on rearranged symbols, the gaming machine comprising:
  • a display (For example, the display window 150 described above, etc) having a display region in which symbols that are associated with each of a plurality of scroll lines (For example, five reels M 3 a to M 3 e described below, etc) are to be displayed; and
  • a controller for controlling a unit game in which the symbols that are associated with said each scroll line are moved and then the moved symbols are rearranged in the display region, the controller being programmed to execute processing operations of:
  • step S 8 (1-6-1) randomly determining symbols to be rearranged (For example, step S 8 described below, etc);
  • step S 6911 subsequent to the processing operation of (1-6-2), stopping the predetermined symbols and then displaying the stopped symbols in the display region (For example, step S 6911 described below, etc);
  • step S 6921 and step S 6923 described below, etc
  • step S 6921 and step S 6923 described below, etc
  • step S 6921 and step S 6923 described below, etc
  • step S 6921 and step S 6923 described below, etc.
  • (1-6-9) automatically stopping symbols that are associated with at least one scroll line among the plurality of scroll lines and then rearranging the symbols that are determined in accordance with the processing operation of (1-6-1) (For example, step S 11 and step S 5727 described below, etc).
  • the gaming machine has a display and a controller.
  • the display has a display region in which symbols are to be displayed. Depending on a kind of symbols, a result of a unit game to be executed in the gaming machine is determined.
  • the unit game is a game to be played as one round in which symbols to be rearranged are randomly determined, movement of the symbols is started, and then, the symbols are rearranged.
  • the display region of the display is equivalent to an opening or a window that is formed so that the symbols can be visually recognized on a front face of a cabinet on which reels are disposed, for example.
  • this display region is equivalent to a display surface itself of a display panel configured to display an image of the video reels.
  • the gaming machine have a start button that a player can operate. Based on the fact that a controller has received a signal indicating that the player has operated the start button, it is preferable that the controller randomly determine symbols to be rearranged and then control symbol display in the display region.
  • a plurality of scroll lines described above be formed in parallel to each other in a display region.
  • one reel that is formed in a cylindrical shape corresponds to one scroll line.
  • an image of one reel that is formed in a cylindrical shape corresponds to one scroll line.
  • the scroll lines in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention may be the ones along which symbols can be moved, may be reels that are mechanically formed, or may be reels that are displayed as an image.
  • a symbol movement mode be a mode (a first movement mode) in which symbols are moved in a first direction at a predetermined speed (a first speed) along a scroll line with which symbols are associated. It is preferable that the first movement mode be a normal symbol movement mode in the gaming machine. For example, it is preferable that the first movement mode be a symbol movement mode (a reference movement mode) when a basic game is played in a normal game state.
  • the first movement mode is indicative of a mode in which symbols are moved, and may be able to specify a direction in which symbols are moved, a speed, a velocity, time required for stoppage, time required for next stoppage, final stoppage or the like.
  • the first movement mode be a reference mode. That is, it is preferable that, when a normal unit game is played, symbols be displayed in the first movement mode.
  • the processing operation of (1-6-1) is adapted to randomly determine symbols to be rearranged. For example, random numbers are generated and then symbols are determined by means of lottery processing or the like.
  • This processing operation is a processing operation of determining symbols to be rearranged, and the contents of rendering are not determined in accordance with this processing operation. Therefore, in the processing operation of (1-6-1), only symbols to be rearranged are determined, and the contents of rendering are not determined.
  • the processing operation of (1-6-2) is a processing operation of displaying predetermined symbols in a first direction by a predetermined distance at a first speed that is slower than a predetermined speed.
  • the predetermined symbols are that are associated with a plurality of scroll lines.
  • the symbols are associated with each of the plurality of scroll lines. For example, symbols assigned to one reel are associated with that reel.
  • symbols of a same kind may be associated. For example, a symbol “7” may be associated with a first scroll line (a first reel) or a second scroll line (a second reel).
  • a plurality of symbols be associated with each of the scroll lines in a predetermined sequential order. For example, a plurality of symbols assigned to a reel are arranged to be associated along that reel in a predetermined sequential order. Therefore, the symbols are moved along the scroll line in a predetermined sequential order.
  • the processing operation of (1-6-3) is a processing operation of displaying predetermined symbols in a stopped state, subsequent to the processing operation of (1-6-2).
  • the processing operation of (1-6-4) is a processing operation of displaying symbols that are associated with at least one scroll line among a plurality of scroll lines, in a stepwise manner along that scroll line, after the processing operation of (1-6-3) has been executed.
  • the processing operation of (1-6-8) is a processing operation of selecting and executing any of the processing operations of (1-6-5) of displaying symbols so as to be moved in a first direction by a predetermined distance; (1-6-6) of displaying symbols so as to be moved in a second direction by a predetermine distance; and (1-6-7) of displaying symbols in a stopped state.
  • the processing operation of (1-6-9) is a processing operation of automatically stopping and rearranged, with a predetermined timing, symbols that are associated with at least one scroll line among a plurality of scroll lines. Symbols are rearranged, whereby a unit game completes.
  • symbols that are determined in accordance with the processing operation of (1-6-1) are automatically stopped and rearranged without a need to make a player operation.
  • such display is made for at least one scroll line among a plurality of scroll lines, and as to the remaining scroll lines, the symbols that are determined in accordance with the processing operation of (1-6-1) are automatically stopped without a need to make a player operation.
  • Symbols are moved in a stepwise manner; and therefore, the symbols are moved clearly differently, thereby enabling a player to be surprised to see it.
  • it is selectively executed as to whether the symbols are moved in a first direction by a predetermined distance or as to whether the symbols are moved by a predetermined distance in a second direction that is different from the first direction or are stopped, so that a tense atmosphere and a sense of expectation can be imparted in such a manner as to disable a player to except how the symbols are moved.
  • a tense atmosphere and a sense of expectation can be imparted in such a manner as to disable a player to except how the symbols are moved.
  • the gaming machine according to the embodiment in which a prize is determined based on rearranged symbols, the gaming machine comprising:
  • a display (For example, the display window 150 described above, etc) having a display region in which symbols that are associated with each of a plurality of scroll lines (For example, five reels M 3 a to M 3 e described below, etc) are to be displayed; and
  • a controller for controlling a unit game in which the symbols that are associated with said each scroll line are moved and then the moved symbols are rearranged in the display region, the controller being programmed to execute processing operations of:
  • (1-7-5) automatically stopping symbols that are associated with at least one among the plurality of scroll lines and then rearranging the symbols that are determined in accordance with the processing operation of (1-7-1) (For example, step S 11 and step S 5727 described below, etc).
  • the gaming machine has a display and a controller.
  • the display has a display region in which symbols are to be displayed. Depending on a kind of symbols, a result of a unit game to be executed in the gaming machine is determined.
  • the unit game is a game to be played as one round in which symbols to be rearranged are randomly determined, movement of the symbols is started, and then, the symbols are rearranged.
  • the display region of the display is equivalent to an opening or a window that is formed so that the symbols can be visually recognized on a front face of a cabinet on which reels are disposed, for example.
  • this display region is equivalent to a display surface itself of a display panel configured to display an image of the video reels.
  • the gaming machine have a start button that a player can operate. Based on the fact that a controller has received a signal indicating that the player has operated the start button, it is preferable that the controller randomly determine symbols to be rearranged and then control symbol display in the display region.
  • a plurality of scroll lines described above be formed in parallel to each other in a display region.
  • one reel that is formed in a cylindrical shape corresponds to one scroll line.
  • an image of one reel that is formed in a cylindrical shape corresponds to one scroll line.
  • the scroll lines in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention may be the ones along which symbols can be moved, may be reels that are mechanically formed, or may be reels that are displayed as an image.
  • a symbol movement mode be a mode (a first movement mode) in which symbols are moved in a first direction at a predetermined speed along a scroll line with which symbols are associated. It is preferable that the first movement mode be a normal symbol movement mode in the gaming machine. For example, it is preferable that the first movement mode be a symbol movement mode (a reference movement mode) when a basic game is played in a normal game state.
  • the first movement mode is indicative of a mode in which symbols are moved, and may be able to specify a direction in which symbols are moved, a speed, a velocity, time required for stoppage, time required for next stoppage, final stoppage or the like.
  • the first movement mode be a reference mode. That is, it is preferable that, when a normal unit game is played, symbols be displayed in the first movement mode.
  • the processing operation of (1-7-1) is adapted to randomly determine symbols to be rearranged. For example, random numbers are generated and then symbols are determined by means of lottery processing or the like.
  • This processing operation is a processing operation of determining symbols to be rearranged, and the contents of rendering are not determined in accordance with this processing operation. Therefore, in the processing operation of (1-7-1), only symbols to be rearranged are determined, and the contents of rendering are not determined.
  • the processing operation of (1-7-2) is a processing operation of displaying symbols that are associated with one scroll line among a plurality of scroll lines so as to be moved. Symbols are associated with each of the plurality of scroll lines. For example, symbols assigned to one reel are associated with that reel. In addition, even with different scroll lines, symbols of a same kind may be associated. For example, a symbol “7” may be associated with a first scroll line (a first reel) or a second scroll line (a second reel). In addition, it is preferable that a plurality of symbols be associated with each of the scroll lines in a predetermined sequential order. For example, a plurality of symbols assigned to a reel are arranged to be associated along that reel in a predetermined sequential order. Therefore, the symbols are moved along the scroll line in a predetermined sequential order.
  • the processing operation of (1-7-3) is a processing operation of displaying symbols that are associated with another scroll line that is different from one scroll line so as to be moved, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the processing operation of (1-7-2) has been executed.
  • the processing operation of (1-7-4) is a processing operation of repeating the processing operations of (1-7-2) and (1-7-3) until symbols that are associated with all of a plurality of scroll lines have been moved. Symbol movement can be gradually started until all of the symbols have been moved.
  • the processing operation of (1-7-5) is a processing operation of automatically stopping and rearranging, with a predetermined timing, symbols that are associated with at least one scroll line among a plurality of scroll lines. Symbols are rearranged, whereby a unit game completes.
  • symbols that are determined in accordance with the processing operation of (1-7-1) are automatically stopped and rearranged without a need to make a player operation.
  • the symbols that are determined in accordance with the processing operation of (1-7-1) are automatically stopped without a need to make a player operation.
  • Symbol movement is gradually started, so that a sense of expectation can be imparted to a player at the time of starting a unit game. In this way, in a unit game from start of symbol movement to symbol rearrangement, it is possible to prompt a player to pay his or her attention by means of symbol movement.
  • FIG. 66 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of reel rotation start processing to be invoked and executed in step S 9 of FIG. 47 described above.
  • the CPU 71 determines whether or not to normally rotate reels (step S 6611 ). Whether or not to normally rotate reels can be determined in accordance with a result of lottery processing that performed after generating random numbers.
  • step S 6613 When the CPU 71 determines that reels are normally rotated (YES), the CPU 71 selects a normal rotation mode (step S 6613 ). This normal rotation is equivalent to a “first mode”. On the other hand, when the CPU 71 determines that no reel is normally rotated (NO), the CPU 71 selects a special rotation mode (step S 6615 ).
  • This special rotation mode includes a plurality of modes, and includes sixth display control processing to twelfth display control processing to be described later.
  • the sixth to twelfth display control processing operations include those relating to rotation stop processing as well as those relating to rotation start processing.
  • the sixth, eighth, ninth, tenth, and eleventh display control processing operations are processing operations relating to rotation stop processing.
  • the sixth, seventh, and twelfth display control processing operations are processing operations relating to rotation start processing.
  • the sixth display control processing is a processing operation including both of rotation start processing and rotation stop processing.
  • All the contents of the special rotation modes including rotation start processing and rotation stop processing are defined in accordance with a processing operation of selecting a special rotation mode in step S 6615 . That is, all display modes required in a unit game can be defined while reels start rotation after an operating button has been operated in the processing operation of step S 4 . By doing this, a unit game can be completed without a need to execute a processing operation of defining a display mode partway of the unit game and then unit game processing can be executed speedily and simply.
  • step S 6617 the CPU 71 executes reel rotation processing in the selected mode in step S 6613 or S 6615 (step S 6617 ) and then completes this subroutine.
  • FIG. 67 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of reel rotation stop processing to be invoked and executed in step S 11 of FIG. 47 described above.
  • the CPU 71 determines whether or not to normally stop reels (step S 6711 ).
  • This determination processing is a processing operation of randomly determining whether or not to generate random numbers, normally stopping reels by means of lottery processing, and then determine a result of the random determination.
  • step S 6713 When the CPU 71 determines that the reels are normally stopped (YES), the CPU 71 selects a normal stop mode (step S 6713 ). This normal stop mode is equivalent to a “first mode”. On the other hand, when the CPU 71 determines that no reels are normally stopped (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to migrate to step S 6717 to be described later.
  • the CPU 71 determines whether or not a timing of stopping the reels is established (step S 6717 ). When the CPU 71 determines that no timing of stopping the reels is established (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert to step S 6717 .
  • the CPU 71 determines whether or not a li-zhi has been established based on symbols on a reel having already stopped (step S 6719 ).
  • the CPU 71 determines that the timing of stopping the reels is not established (NO)
  • the CPU 71 causes the routine to migrate to step S 6727 . By doing this, the reels can be stopped in a normal stop mode or in a special stop mode.
  • Determination of whether or not the li-zhi has been established in step S 6719 can be made by means of only symbols having already stopped as long as they are normal symbols.
  • a predetermined winning combination has been determined in accordance with the combination determination processing of step S 8 described above, so that whether or not the li-zhi has been established can be determined by comparing the symbols that are arranged along a winning line and the symbols forming a winning combination. Therefore, as a result of the comparison, when one symbol is not determined from among the symbols forming a winning combination, it can be determined that a li-zhi has been established.
  • whether or not a li-zhi has been established can be determined by counting the number of scatter symbols from the symbols on a reel having already stopped. With the use of code numbers of symbols on the reel having already stopped, the number of scatter symbols that have already been displayed in a stopped state (the number of symbols having already been stopped) can be counted by referring to a data table shown in FIG. 42 . As described above, in a case where the scatter symbols have been employed, it is determined whether or not a winning prize has been established in accordance with the number of scatter symbols having been rearranged. That is, a winning prize can be obtained when the number of scatter symbols having been rearranged is greater than a predetermined number (the number of winning scatter symbols).
  • the number of scatter symbols to be displayed in a stopped state from now (the number of scatter symbols to be stopped) can be obtained from a combination that is determined in accordance with the determination processing of step S 8 .
  • the number of scatter symbols having been stopped and the number of scatter symbols to be stopped, described above, can be obtained by referring to the data table shown in FIG. 42 with the use of code numbers indicating symbols. In this way, in the case of a unit game using scatter symbols, it can be determined whether or not a li-zhi has been established from the number of scatter symbols having been stopped and the number of scatter symbols to be stopped.
  • the CPU 71 determines whether or not the normal stop mode described above has been selected (step S 6721 ). When the CPU 71 determines that no normal stop mode has been selected (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to migrate to step S 6727 . By doing this, when a special stop mode has already been selected, it is possible to disable determination of whether or not li-zhi rendering is performed in the processing operation of the step S 6723 described above.
  • Li-zhi rendering is included in the special stop mode that is selected in the processing operation of the step S 6715 described above, whereby, even in a case where it is determined that li-zhi rendering is not performed in the determination of step S 6723 , li-zhi rendering itself can be executed.
  • the CPU 71 determines whether or not to perform li-zhi rendering (step S 6723 ). Whether or not li-zhi rendering is performed may be determined based on a result of lottery processing performed after random numbers have been generated. When the CPU 71 determines that no li-zhi rendering is performed (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to migrate to step S 6727 to be described later.
  • the CPU 71 determines that li-zhi rendering is performed (YES)
  • the CPU 71 selects a li-zhi rendering mode (step S 6725 ).
  • This li-zhi rendering mode is equivalent to a “second mode”.
  • the li-zhi rendering mode includes a plurality of modes, and includes the first to first display control processing operations to be described later.
  • random numbers are generated and then one processing operation from these processing operations are selected as a li-zhi rendering mode by means of lottery processing.
  • step S 6727 the CPU 71 executes reel stop control in a selected mode. Reels are stopped in a variety of modes selected in the step S 6713 or S 6725 described above.
  • the CPU 71 determines whether or not reels have stopped (step S 6729 ). When the CPU 71 determines that no reels have stopped (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert to step S 6729 . When the CPU 71 determines that the reels have stopped (YES), the CPU 71 determines whether or not all of the reels have stopped (step S 6731 ).
  • the CPU 71 determines that all of the reels have not stopped (NO)
  • the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert to the step S 6717 described above.
  • the CPU 71 determines that all of the reels have stopped (YES)
  • the CPU 71 completes this subroutine.
  • FIG. 68 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of first display control processing. This subroutine is selected in the processing operation of step S 6725 in FIG. 67 and the selected subroutine is invoked and executed in step S 6727 .
  • the first display control processing is a processing operation relating to stop control of a next reel after a li-zhi has established. That is, this control processing is a processing operation relating to control of a reel targeted for next stop control (hereinafter, referred to as a reel targeted for control) when a li-zhi has been established by means of stop control of at least one reel from among a plurality of reels.
  • this control processing is a processing operation relating to control of a reel targeted for next stop control (hereinafter, referred to as a reel targeted for control) when a li-zhi has been established by means of stop control of at least one reel from among a plurality of reels.
  • a reel targeted for control repeats an action for the reel to move slowly, temporarily stop before a winning line on which a bonus symbol having already stopped is positioned, and then advance frames on a one by one frame basis every 0.5 second.
  • a winning line is referred to as each of three lines extending horizontally at upper, middle, and lower stages (refer to FIG. 81 ( a ) to FIG. 81 ( b - 6 )).
  • a first reel M 3 a , a second reel M 3 b , a third reel M 3 c , a fourth reel M 3 d , and a fifth reel M 3 e are arranged in sequential order from the left.
  • a bonus-in is established and the routine migrates to a bonus game.
  • symbols marked with open circles “ ⁇ ” indicate bonus symbols.
  • FIG. 81 ( a ) A more specific movement will be described with reference to FIG. 81 ( a ) to FIG. 81 ( b - 6 ).
  • the third reel M 3 c to the fifth reel M 3 e are still rotating.
  • the first reel M 3 a and the second reel M 3 b have stopped, whereby the reels targeted for control become the third reel M 3 c to the fifth reel M 3 e .
  • the third reel M 3 c will be described as a reel targeted for control.
  • bonus symbols “ ⁇ ” are positioned at the upper and lower stages, and on the second reel M 3 b , a bonus symbol “ ⁇ ” is positioned at the middle stage. Therefore, a total of three bonus symbols “0” are displayed in a stopped state.
  • the third reel M 3 c that is a reel targeted for control rotates in a downward direction by one frame, and the symbol “7” having been positioned at the upper stage is positioned at the middle stage ( FIG. 81 ( b - 3 )). Further, after 0.5 second, the third reel M 3 c that is a reel targeted for control rotates in a downward direction by one frame, a bonus symbol “ ⁇ ” is positioned at the upper stage, and the symbol “7” having been positioned at the middle stage is positionally shifted at the lower stage ( FIG. 81 ( b - 4 )).
  • the third reel M 3 c that is a reel targeted for control rotates in a downward direction by one frame, and the bonus symbol having been positioned at the upper stage is positionally shifted to the middle stage ( FIG. 81 ( b - 5 )). Further, after 0.5 seconds, the third reel M 3 c that is a reel targeted for control rotates in a downward direction by one frame, the bonus symbols “ ⁇ ” is positioned at the upper stage, and the bonus symbol having been positioned at the middle stage is positionally shifted to the lower stage ( FIG. 81 ( b - 6 )).
  • the bonus symbols “ ⁇ ” are positioned at the upper and lower stages of the first reel M 3 a
  • the bonus symbol “ ⁇ ” is positioned at the middle stage of the second reel M 3 b
  • the bonus symbols “ ⁇ ” are positioned at the upper and lower stages of the third reel M 3 c .
  • five bonus symbols “ ⁇ ” have been displayed in a stopped state, a bonus-in condition is met, and then the routine can migrate to a bonus game.
  • the “one frame” described above is referred to as an interval of a minimum unit of a position at which symbols can stop, and is also referred to as an interval of the adjacent positions at which symbols can stop along a movement direction (a rotation direction) of a reel M 3 when the reel has stopped.
  • this interval is referred to as an interval of winning lines that are adjacent to each other along the movement direction (the rotation direction) of the reel. More specifically, when three winning lines are set at the upper, middle, and lower stages, an interval between the upper and middle stages or an interval between the middle and lower stages becomes one frame.
  • first display control processing is executed in accordance with a subroutine of FIG. 68 .
  • the steps of the first display control processing are as follows.
  • step S 6811 After the CPU 71 has operated a reel targeted for control on a rotating side that is slower than a normal rotation speed, the CPU 71 stops the rotating reel at a predetermined position (step S 6811 ).
  • the CPU 71 determines whether or not a predetermined period of time, for example, 0.5 second has elapsed (step S 6813 ).
  • the CPU 71 determines that the predetermined period of time has not elapsed (NO)
  • the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert to step S 6813 .
  • the CPU 71 determines that the predetermined period of time has elapsed (YES)
  • the CPU 71 rotates the reel targeted for control by one frame and then stops the rotating reel again (step S 6815 ).
  • the CPU 71 determines whether or not a predetermined reel stop condition has been met (step S 6817 ).
  • the predetermined reel stop condition includes a condition for establishing a bonus-in or the like.
  • step S 6819 when the CPU 71 determines that the predetermined reel stop condition has not been met (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert to step S 6813 . On the other hand, when the CPU 71 determines that the predetermined reel stop condition has been met (YES), the CPU 71 determines whether or not a rotating reel exists (step S 6819 ).
  • the CPU 71 determines that a rotating reel exists (YES)
  • the CPU 71 changes a reel targeted for control (step S 6821 ) and then causes the routine to revert to the step S 6811 described above.
  • the CPU 71 determines that no rotating reel exists (NO), i.e., when the CPU 71 stops all of the reels and then determines that symbol rearrangement has completed, the CPU 71 completes this subroutine.
  • the reels can be controlled to be moved on a one by one frame basis and stopped so as to gradually close to a predetermined reel stop condition, for example, a condition for establishing a bonus-in; and a player can be given a sense of expectation.
  • a predetermined reel stop condition for example, a condition for establishing a bonus-in
  • FIG. 69 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of second display control processing. This subroutine is selected in the processing operation of step S 6725 in FIG. 67 and then the selected subroutine is invoked and executed in step S 6727 .
  • the second display control processing is also a processing operation relating to stop control of a next reel after a li-zhi has been established. That is, this processing is a processing operation relating to control of a reel targeted for next stop control (hereinafter, referred to as a reel targeted for control) when a li-zhi has been established by controlling at least one reel to be stopped from among a plurality of reels.
  • this processing is a processing operation relating to control of a reel targeted for next stop control (hereinafter, referred to as a reel targeted for control) when a li-zhi has been established by controlling at least one reel to be stopped from among a plurality of reels.
  • a reel targeted for control repeats an action for the reel to temporarily stopping and then rotating again, temporarily stopping again, and further, rotating again. Every time the reel targeted for control stops, symbols are displayed in a stopped state so as to gradually close to a predetermined reel stop condition, for example, a condition for establishing a bonus-in.
  • a first reel M 3 a , a second reel M 3 b , a third reel M 3 c , a fourth reel M 3 d , and a fifth reel M 3 e are arranged in sequential order from the left. Further, as described above, when five or more bonus symbols have been rearranged, a bonus-in is established and then the routine migrates to a bonus game. In FIG. 82 ( a ) to FIG. 82 ( b - 7 ), symbols marked with open circles “ ⁇ ” indicate bonus symbols.
  • FIG. 82 ( a ) A more specific movement will be described with reference to FIG. 82 ( a ) to FIG. 82 ( b - 7 ).
  • the third reel M 3 c to the fifth reel M 3 e are still rotating.
  • the first reel M 3 a and the second reel M 3 b have stopped, whereby the reels targeted for control become the third reel M 3 c to the fifth reel M 3 e .
  • the third reel M 3 c will be described as a reel targeted for control.
  • bonus symbols “ ⁇ ” are positioned at the upper and lower stages, and on the second reel M 3 b , a bonus symbol “ ⁇ ” is positioned at the middle stage. Therefore, a total of three bonus symbols “ ⁇ ” are displayed in a stopped state.
  • the third reel M 3 c that is a reel targeted for control temporarily stops (a first time of stop) and then a symbol “BAR” is positioned at the middle stage ( FIG. 82 ( b - 1 )).
  • the third reel M 3 c that is a reel targeted for control rotates again ( FIG. 82 ( b - 2 )).
  • the third reel M 3 c that is a reel targeted for control temporarily stops again (a second time of stop), a symbols “7” is positioned at the upper stage, and a symbol “BAR” is positioned at the lower stage ( FIG. 82 ( b - 3 )).
  • the third reel M 3 a that is a reel targeted for control stops at a position at which the reel has rotated in a downward direction by one frame more than at the first time of stop described above ( FIG. 82 ( b - 1 ).
  • the third reel M 3 c that is a reel targeted for control rotates again ( FIG. 82 ( b - 4 )).
  • the third reel M 3 c that is a reel targeted for control temporarily stops again (a third time of stop) and then a symbol “7” is positioned at the middle stage ( FIG. 82 ( b - 5 )).
  • the third reel M 3 c that is a reel targeted for control stops at a position at which the reel has rotate in a downward direction by one frame more than at the second time of stop described above ( FIG. 82 ( b - 3 ).
  • the third reel M 3 c that is a reel targeted for control rotates again ( FIG. 82 ( b - 6 )).
  • the third reel M 3 c that is a reel targeted for control temporarily stops again (a fourth time of stop), a bonus symbol “ ⁇ ” is positioned at the upper stage, and then, a symbol “7” is positioned at the lower stage ( FIG. 82 ( b - 7 )).
  • the third reel M 3 c that is a reel targeted for control stops at a position at which the reel has rotated in a downward direction by one frame more than at the third time of stop ( FIG. 82 ( b - 5 )) described above.
  • the bonus symbols “ ⁇ ” can be positioned at the upper and lower stages (not shown), a condition for establishing a bonus-in can be met, and then the routine can migrate to a bonus game.
  • the “one frame” described above is referred to as an interval of a minimum unit of a position at which symbols can stop, and is also referred to as an interval of the adjacent positions at which symbols can stop along a movement direction (a rotation direction) of a reel M 3 when the reel has stopped.
  • this interval is referred to as an interval of winning lines that are adjacent to each other along the movement direction (the rotation direction) of the reel. More specifically, when three winning lines are set at the upper, middle, and lower stages, an interval between the upper and middle stages or an interval between the middle and lower stages becomes one frame.
  • second display control processing is executed in accordance with a subroutine of FIG. 69 .
  • the steps of the second display control processing are as follows.
  • the CPU 71 stops a reel targeted for control at a predetermined position (step S 6911 ).
  • the CPU 71 determines a first predetermined period of time, for example, 0.5 second has elapsed (step S 6913 ).
  • step S 6913 when the CPU 71 determines that the first predetermine period of time has not elapsed (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert to step S 6913 .
  • the CPU 71 determines that the first predetermined period of time has elapsed (YES)
  • the CPU 71 rotates a reel targeted for control (step S 6915 ).
  • the CPU 71 determines whether or not a second period of time, for example, 0.5 second has elapsed (step S 6917 ).
  • the CPU 71 stop-controls the reel targeted for control so as to stop at a position at which the reel has been rotated by one frame more than at which the reel targeted for control has been stopped previously (step S 6919 ).
  • the CPU 71 determines whether or not a predetermined reel stop condition has been met (step S 6921 ).
  • the predetermined reel stop condition includes a condition for establishing a bonus-in, for example.
  • step S 6913 when the CPU 71 determines that the predetermined reel stop condition has not been met (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert to step S 6913 . On the other hand, when the CPU 71 determines that the predetermined reel stop condition has been met (YES), the CPU 71 determines whether or not a rotating reel still exists (step S 6923 ).
  • the CPU 71 determines that the rotating reel exists (YES)
  • the CPU 71 changes the reel targeted for control (step S 6925 ) and then causes the routine to revert to the step S 6911 described above.
  • the CPU 71 determines that no rotating reel exists (NO), i.e., when the CPU 71 stops all reels and then determines that symbol rearrangement has completed, the CPU 71 competes this subroutine.
  • a reel targeted for control is controlled to be stopped so as to close to a predetermined reel stop condition, for example, a condition for establishing a bonus-in on a one by one frame basis every time the reel is stopped after being rotated, so that the player can be given a higher sense of expectation again.
  • a predetermined reel stop condition for example, a condition for establishing a bonus-in on a one by one frame basis every time the reel is stopped after being rotated, so that the player can be given a higher sense of expectation again.
  • FIG. 70 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of third display control processing. This subroutine is selected in the processing operation of step S 6725 in FIG. 67 and then the selected subroutine is invoked and executed in step S 6727 .
  • the third display control processing is a processing operation relating to stop control a next reel after a li-zhi has been established. That is, this control processing is a processing operation relating to control of a reel targeted for next stop control (hereinafter, referred to as a reel targeted for control) when a li-zhi has been established by controlling at least one reel to be stopped from among a plurality of reels.
  • a reel targeted for control repeats an action for the reel to temporarily stop before a winning line on which a bonus symbol of a reel having already stopped is positioned, then advance on a one by one frame basis every 0.5 second, then temporarily stop before the winning line on which the bonus symbol having already stopped is positioned, and then, advance on a one by one frame basis every 0.5 second.
  • the above reel repeats an action of frame feeding and re-rotation (re-spinning).
  • a “frame feeding” is an operation or the like of advancing on a one by one frame basis every 0.5 second.
  • a “winning line” is referred to as each of three lines extending horizontally at the upper, middle, and lower stages (refer to FIG. 83 ( a ) to FIG. 83 ( b - 9 )).
  • a first reel M 3 a , a second reel M 3 b , a third reel M 3 c , a fourth reel M 3 d , and a fifth reel M 3 e are arranged in sequential order from the left.
  • a bonus-in is established and then the routine migrates to a bonus game.
  • symbols marked with open circles “ ⁇ ” indicate bonus symbols.
  • FIG. 83 ( a ) A more specific movement will be described with reference to FIG. 83 ( a ) to FIG. 83 ( b - 9 ).
  • the third reel M 3 c to the fifth reel M 3 e are still rotating.
  • the first reel M 3 a and the second reel M 3 b have stopped, whereby the reels targeted for control become the third reel M 3 c to the fifth reel M 3 e .
  • the third reel M 3 c will be described as a reel targeted for control.
  • bonus symbols “ ⁇ ” are positioned at the upper and lower stages, and on the second reel M 3 b , a bonus symbol “ ⁇ ” is positioned at the middle stage. Therefore, a total of three bonus symbols “ ⁇ ” are displayed in a stopped state.
  • the third reel M 3 c that is a reel targeted for control temporarily stops and then a symbol “7” is positioned at the middle stage ( FIG. 83 ( b - 1 )).
  • the third reel M 3 c that is a reel targeted for control rotates in a downward direction by one frame, a bonus symbol “ ⁇ ” is positioned at the upper stage, and then the symbol “7” having been positioned at the middle stage is positionally shifted to the lower stage ( FIG. 83 ( b - 2 )).
  • the third reel M 3 c that is a reel targeted for control rotates in a downward direction by one frame and then a bonus symbol “ ⁇ ” having been positioned at the upper stage is positionally shifted to the middle stage ( FIG. 83 ( b - 3 )). Further, after 0.5 second, the third reel M 3 c that is a reel targeted for control rotates in a downward direction by one frame, a bonus symbol “ ⁇ ” is positioned at the upper stage, and then, the bonus symbol “ ⁇ ” having been positioned at the middle stage is positionally shifted to the lower stage ( FIG. 83 ( b - 4 )).
  • the third reel M 3 c that is a reel targeted for control rotates again ( FIG. 83 ( b - 5 ) and then temporarily stops, and a symbol “7” is positioned at the middle stage ( FIG. 83 ( b - 6 )).
  • the third reel M 3 c that is a reel targeted for control rotates in a downward direction by one frame, a bonus symbol “ ⁇ ” is positioned at the upper stage, and then, the symbol “7” having been positioned at the middle stage is positionally shifted to the lower stage ( FIG. 83 ( b - 7 )).
  • the third reel M 3 c that is a reel targeted for control rotates in a downward by one frame and then the bonus symbols having positioned at the upper stage is positionally shifted to the middle stage ( FIG. 83 ( b - 8 )). Further, after 0.5 second, the third reel M 3 c that is a reel targeted for control rotates in a downward direction by one frame, a bonus symbol “ ⁇ ” is positioned at the upper stage, and then, the bonus symbol “ ⁇ ” having been positioned at the middle stage is positionally shifted to the lower stage ( FIG. 83 ( b - 9 )).
  • bonus symbols “ ⁇ ” are positioned at the upper and lower stages of the first reel M 3 a ; a bonus symbol “ ⁇ ” is positioned at the middle stage of the second reel M 3 b ; and bonus symbols “ ⁇ ” are positioned at the upper and lower stages of the third reel M 3 c .
  • five bonus symbols have been displayed in a stopped state; a condition for establishing a bonus-in is met; and then, the routine can migrate to a bonus game.
  • the “one frame” described above is referred to as an interval of a minimum unit of a position at which symbols can stop, and is also referred to as an interval of the adjacent positions at which symbols can stop along a movement direction (a rotation direction) of a reel M 3 when the reel has stopped.
  • this interval is referred to as an interval of winning lines that are adjacent to each other along the movement direction (the rotation direction) of the reel. More specifically, when three winning lines are set at the upper, middle, and lower stages, an interval between the upper and middle stages or an interval between the middle and lower stages becomes one frame.
  • third display control processing is executed in accordance with a subroutine of FIG. 70 .
  • the steps of the third display control processing are as follows.
  • step S 7011 After the CPU 71 has operated a reel targeted for control on a rotating side that is slower than a normal rotation speed, the CPU 71 stops the rotating reel at a predetermined position (step S 7011 ).
  • the CPU 71 determines whether or not a first predetermined period of time, for example, 0.5 second has elapsed (step S 7013 ).
  • the CPU 71 determines that the first predetermined period of time has not elapsed (NO)
  • the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert to step S 7013 .
  • the CPU 71 determines that the first predetermined period of time has elapsed (YES)
  • the CPU 71 rotates the reel targeted for control by one frame and then stops the rotating reel again (step S 7015 ).
  • the CPU 71 determines whether or not a predetermined reel stop condition has been met (step S 7017 ).
  • the predetermined reel stop condition includes a condition for establishing a bonus-in or the like.
  • the CPU 71 determines whether or not a predetermined completion condition has been met (step S 7019 ).
  • the predetermined completion condition can be met when the number of times of execution of a processing operation in step S 7021 to be described later reaches a predetermined number of times.
  • the predetermined number of times include three times, for example. By doing this, the processing operations of steps S 7011 to S 7023 can be repeated until the number of times of rotation of a reel targeted for control has reached a predetermined number of times.
  • step S 7021 When the CPU 71 determines that the predetermined completion condition has not been met in the determination processing of step S 7019 (NO), the CPU 71 rotates a reel targeted for control (step S 7021 ).
  • the CPU 71 determines whether or not a second predetermined period of time, for example, 0.5 second has elapsed (step S 7023 ).
  • the CPU 71 determines that the second predetermined period of time has not elapsed (NO)
  • the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert to step S 7023 .
  • the CPU 71 determines that the second predetermined period of time has elapsed (YES)
  • the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert to step S 7011 .
  • the CPU 71 determines whether or not a rotating reel exist (step S 7025 ).
  • the CPU 71 determines that the rotating reel exists (YES)
  • the CPU 71 changes a reel targeted for control (step S 7027 ) and then causes the routine to revert to the step S 7011 described above.
  • the CPU 71 determines that no rotating reel exists (NO), i.e., when the CPU 71 stops all of reels and then determines that symbol rearrangement has completed, the CPU 71 completes this subroutine.
  • a predetermined reel stop condition is temporarily met, a reel targeted for control is rotated again, thus making a player feel uneasiness.
  • the predetermined reel stop condition is met by making a similar movement, thus enabling a player to have a higher sense of expectation.
  • FIG. 71 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of fourth display control processing. This subroutine is selected in the processing operation of step S 6725 in FIG. 67 and then the selected subroutine is invoked and executed in step S 6727 .
  • the fourth display control processing is a processing operation relating to next reel stop control after a li-zhi has been established. That is, this control processing is a processing operation relating to control of a reel targeted for next stop control (hereinafter, referred to as a reel targeted for control) when a li-zhi has been established by controlling at least one reel to be stopped from among a plurality of reels.
  • this control processing is a processing operation relating to control of a reel targeted for next stop control (hereinafter, referred to as a reel targeted for control) when a li-zhi has been established by controlling at least one reel to be stopped from among a plurality of reels.
  • a reel targeted for control repeats an action for the reel to temporarily stop, then rotate in a forward direction again, then temporarily stop, then rotate in a backward direction again, then temporarily stop, then rotate slowly in the forward direction, and then, stop.
  • a position at which the reel targeted for control stops is made different from another one every time the reel targeted for control stops. For example, the reel targeted for control stops so as to close onto a winning line on which a prize can be obtained, every time the reel targeted for control stops.
  • a winning line is referred to as each of three lines extending horizontally at the upper, middle, and lower stages (refer to FIG. 84 ( a ) to FIG. 84 ( b - 7 ).
  • a first reel M 3 a , a second reel M 3 b , a third reel M 3 c , a fourth reel M 3 d , and a fifth reel M 3 e are arranged in sequential order from the left.
  • a bonus-in is established and then the routine migrates to a bonus game.
  • symbols marked with open circles “ ⁇ ” indicate bonus symbols.
  • FIG. 84 ( a ) A more specific movement will be described with reference to FIG. 84 ( a ) to FIG. 84 ( b - 7 ).
  • the third reel M 3 c to the fifth reel M 3 e are still rotating.
  • the first reel M 3 a and the second reel M 3 b have stopped, whereby the reels targeted for control become the third reel M 3 c to the fifth reel M 3 e .
  • the third reel M 3 c will be described as a reel targeted for control.
  • bonus symbols “ ⁇ ” are positioned at the upper and lower stages, and on the second reel M 3 b , a bonus symbol “ ⁇ ” is positioned at the middle stage. Therefore, a total of three bonus symbols “ ⁇ ” are displayed in a stopped state.
  • the third reel M 3 c that is a reel targeted for control temporarily stops and then a symbol “BAR” is positioned at the middle stage ( FIG. 84 ( b - 1 )).
  • the third reel M 3 c that is a reel targeted for control rotates ( FIG. 84 ( b - 2 )) in a forward direction (for example, in a downward direction).
  • the third reel M 3 c that is a reel targeted for control temporarily stops and then a symbol “BAR” is positioned at the middle stage ( FIG. 84 ( b - 3 )).
  • the third reel M 3 c that is a reel targeted for control rotates ( FIG. 84 ( b - 4 )) in a backward direction (for example, in an upward direction).
  • the third reel M 3 c that is a reel targeted for control temporarily stops and then a symbol “BAR” is positioned at the middle stage ( FIG. 84 ( b - 5 )).
  • the third reel M 3 c that is a reel targeted for control rotates slowly ( FIG. 84 ( b - 6 )) in a forward direction (for example, in an upward direction).
  • the third reel M 3 c that is a reel targeted for control stops and then bonus symbols “ ⁇ ” are displayed in a stopped state at the upper and lower stages ( FIG. 84 ( b - 7 )).
  • FIG. 84 ( b - 1 ), FIG. 84 ( b - 3 ), and FIG. 84 ( b - 5 ) showed a case in which symbols of same kind “BAR” are displayed in a stopped state at the middle stage.
  • symbols of same kind “BAR” are displayed in a stopped state at the middle stage.
  • symbols of different kinds be displayed in a stopped so that stopped positions are different from each other every time a reel targeted for control stops.
  • a current condition be gradually close to a condition for establishing a bonus-in every time a reel targeted for control stops.
  • bonus symbols “ ⁇ ” are positioned at the upper and lower stages of the first reel M 3 a ; a bonus symbol “ ⁇ ” is positioned at the middle stage of the second reel M 3 b ; and bonus symbols “ ⁇ ” are positioned at the upper and lower stages of the third reel M 3 c .
  • five bonus symbols have been displayed in a stopped state, a condition for establishing a bonus-in is met, and then, the routine can migrates to a bonus game.
  • fourth display control processing is executed in accordance with a subroutine of FIG. 71 .
  • the steps of the fourth display control processing are as follows.
  • the CPU 71 stops a reel targeted for control at a predetermined position (step S 7111 ).
  • the CPU 71 determines whether or not a first predetermined period of time, for example, 0.5 second has elapsed (step S 7113 ).
  • the CPU 71 determines that the first predetermined period of time has not elapsed (NO)
  • the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert to step S 7113 .
  • the CPU 71 determines that the first predetermined period of time has elapsed (YES)
  • the CPU 71 rotates a reel targeted for control in a forward direction (step S 7115 ).
  • the forward direction used herein designates a direction in which a reel targeted for control rotates in a downward direction in a display window 150 , for example.
  • the CPU 71 stops the reel targeted for control at a predetermined position after the predetermined period of time has elapsed after rotation of the reel targeted for control has been started (step S 7117 ).
  • the CPU 71 determines whether a second predetermined period of time, for example, 0.5 second has been elapsed (step S 7119 ).
  • step S 7119 when the CPU 71 determines that the second predetermined period of time has not elapsed (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert to step S 7119 .
  • the CPU 71 determines that the second predetermined period of time has elapsed (YES)
  • the CPU 71 rotates the reel targeted for control in a backward direction (step S 7121 ).
  • the backward direction used herein designates a direction in which the reel targeted for control rotates in an upward direction in the display window 150 , for example.
  • the CPU 71 stops the reel targeted for control at a predetermined position after the predetermined period of time has elapsed after rotation of the reel targeted for control has been started (step S 7123 ).
  • the CPU 71 determines whether or not a third predetermined period of time, for example, 0.5 second has elapsed (step S 7125 ).
  • step S 7125 when the CPU 71 determines that the third period of time has not elapsed (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert to step S 7125 .
  • the CPU 71 determines that the third period of time has elapsed (YES)
  • the CPU 71 rotates the reel targeted for control slowly (step S 7127 ).
  • a rotation speed in the processing operation of step S 7127 may be a speed that is slower than a rotation speed in step S 7115 or step S 7121 .
  • the reel targeted for control may be stopped in the processing operation of the next step S 7129 .
  • the CPU 71 stops the reel targeted for control at a predetermined position after the predetermined period of time has elapsed after rotation of the reel targeted for control has been started (step S 7129 ).
  • the CPU 71 determines whether or not a completion condition has been met (step S 7131 ).
  • the completion condition used herein designates that a stop position of the reel targeted for control has been determine at a position at which a condition for establishing a bonus-in is met. That is, this determination processing is to determine whether or not the reel targeted for control has stopped at the position at which the condition for establishing a bonus-in is met in accordance with the processing operation of S 7129 .
  • step S 7133 when the CPU 71 determines that the completion condition has not been met (NO), the CPI 71 causes the routine to revert to step S 7113 . On the other hand, when the CPU 71 determines that the completion condition has been met (YES), the CPU 71 determines whether or not a rotating reel exists (step S 7133 ).
  • the CPU 71 determines that the rotating reel exists (YES)
  • the CPU 71 changes the reel targeted for control (step S 7135 ) and then causes the routine to revert to the step S 7111 described above.
  • the CPU 71 determines that the rotating reel does not exist (NO), i.e., when the CPU 71 stops all reels and then determines that symbol rearrangement has completed, the CPU 71 completes this subroutine.
  • any one processing operation may be selected and executed from among processing operations of: executing lottery processing every time until the completion condition of step S 7131 has been established and then rotating a reel targeted for control in a forward direction (step S 7115 ); rotating the reel targeted for control in a backward direction (step S 7121 ); and rotating the reel targeted for control slowly in the forward direction (step S 7127 ).
  • a reel movement mode is randomly selected until the completion condition of step S 7131 , thus enabling a player to visually recognize the reel movement to thereby able to impart a tense atmosphere and to enhance a sense of expectation.
  • a position for stopping the reel targeted for control is predetermined.
  • the position for stopping the reel targeted for control may be randomly determined.
  • the position for stopping the reel targeted for control may be determined so as to be gradually close to a position meeting a condition for establishing a bonus-in every time the reel targeted for control stops, i.e., so as to be gradually close onto a winning line on which a prize can be obtained. In this way, a player's sense of expectation can be enhanced by stopping the reel targeted for control.
  • the reel targeted for reel is forwardly rotated, is backwardly rotated, or is slowly rotated to be thereby able to impart a sense of enhance a sense of expectation while imparting a sense of uneasiness to a player.
  • FIG. 72 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of fifth display control processing. This subroutine is selected in the processing operation of step S 6725 in FIG. 67 and then the selected subroutine is invoked and executed in step S 6727 .
  • the fifth display control processing is a processing operation relating to next reel stop control after a li-zhi has been established. That is, this control operation is a processing operation relating to control of a reel targeted for next stop control (hereinafter, referred to as a reel targeted for control when a li-zhi has been established by controlling at least one reel to be stopped from among a plurality of reels.
  • the number of reels targeted for control is always one, and when a plurality of reels rotate after a li-zhi has been established, the plurality of reels each are sequentially selected as a reel targeted for control and then are controlled to be stopped.
  • the fifth display control processing is to control at least two reels to be stopped as reels targeted for control when a plurality of reels rotates after a li-zhi has been established.
  • symbols are adjusted to be formed in a horizontal direction. For example, as to symbols “7” of same kind assigned to the respective three reels, three reels rotate while three symbols “7”-“7”-“7” of same kind are formed in a horizontal direction and then these reels stop at the same time.
  • a first reel M 3 a and a second reel M 3 b that is the right next thereto stop and then a li-zhi is established.
  • a third reel M 3 c and a fifth reel M 3 e are still rotating.
  • the first reel M 3 a and the second reel M 3 b have stopped, whereby the reels targeted for control become the third reel M 3 c to the fifth reel M 3 e .
  • the third reel M 3 c will be described as a reel targeted for control.
  • bonus symbols “ ⁇ ” are positioned at the upper and lower stages, and on the second reel M 3 b , a bonus symbol “ ⁇ ” is positioned at the middle stage. Therefore, a total of three bonus symbols “ ⁇ ” are displayed in a stopped state.
  • step S 85 ( b ) the third reel M 3 c , the fourth reel M 3 d , and the fifth reel M 3 e that are reels targeted for control adjust rotation speeds of the third reel M 3 c , the fourth reel M 3 d , and the fifth reel M 3 e so that symbols are formed along a horizontal direction while mainlining their rotating states.
  • fifth display control processing is executed in accordance with a subroutine of FIG. 72 .
  • the steps of the fifth display control processing are as follows.
  • the CPU 71 changes a rotation speed of a reel targeted for control (step S 7211 ).
  • one reel targeted for control is maintained at a normal rotation speed
  • the other reel targeted for control is set at a speed that is different from the normal rotation speed.
  • symbols can be gradually formed while the reels targeted for control are rotated.
  • a first reel targeted for control is maintained at a normal rotation speed
  • a second reel targeted for control is set at a first speed that is different from the normal rotation speed
  • a third reel targeted for control is set at a second speed that is different from the normal speed and the first speed.
  • the CPU 71 determines whether or not there exist reels targeted for control on which symbols have been formed in a horizontal direction (step S 7213 ). This determination is made by a reel targeted for control, which is rotating at a normal rotation speed, and by a reel targeted for control, which is rotating at a rotation speed that is different from the normal rotation speed. Whether or not symbols have been formed in a horizontal direction can be determined with the use of numbers for identifying the symbols.
  • the CPU 71 determines that there do not exist reels targeted for control on which symbols have been formed in a horizontal direction (NO)
  • the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert to step S 7213 .
  • a rotation speed of a reel targeted for control which is rotating at a rotation speed that is different from a normal speed, is reset to the normal speed from among the reels targeted for control on which the symbols have been formed (step S 7215 ).
  • the reels targeted for control can be continuously rotated at the normal rotation speed while the state in which the symbols have been formed is maintained.
  • the CPU 71 determines whether or not symbols have been formed in a horizontal direction as to all of the reels targeted for control (step S 7217 ).
  • the CPU 71 determines that the symbols have not been formed in the horizontal direction as to all of the reels targeted for control (NO)
  • the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert to step S 7213 .
  • step S 7219 when the CPU 71 determines that the symbols have been formed in the horizontal direction as to all of the reels targeted for control (YES), the rotations of all of the reels targeted for control are gradually slowed down (step S 7219 ).
  • the CPU 71 determines whether or not all of the reels targeted for control have stopped (step S 7221 ). When the CPU 71 determines that all of the reels targeted for control have not stopped yet (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert to step S 7219 . On the other hand, when the CPU 71 determines that all of the reels targeted for control have stopped (YES), the CPU 71 completes this subroutine.
  • FIG. 73 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of sixth display control processing. This subroutine is selected in the processing operation of step S 6615 in FIG. 66 and then the selected subroutine is invoked and executed in step S 6727 of FIG. 67 .
  • the sixth display control processing is a processing operation relating to rotation control and stop control of a reel having started rotation, as triggered by the fact that a player has operated a spin button 602 .
  • a first reel M 3 a , a third reel M 3 c , and a fifth reel M 3 e rotate in a forward direction and then a second reel M 3 b and a fourth reel M 3 d rotate in a backward direction.
  • wild symbols stop in sequential order of the second reel M 3 b and the fourth reel M 3 d and then stop slowly tantalizingly in sequential order of the first reel M 3 a , the third reel M 3 c , and the fifth reel M 3 e.
  • the wild symbol used herein is a symbol having a function of enabling a current symbol with any of symbols that are used in a gaming machine 300 , and in particular, is a symbol that can be replaced so that a game result is advantageous to a player.
  • FIG. 86 ( a ) and FIG. 86 ( b ) A specific movement will be described with reference to FIG. 86 ( a ) and FIG. 86 ( b ).
  • the first reel M 3 a , the third reel M 3 c , and the fifth reel M 3 e rotate in a forward direction and then the second reel M 3 b and the fourth reel M 3 d rotate in a backward direction ( FIG. 86 ( a )).
  • the downward arrow indicates a reel rotating in the forward direction
  • the upward arrow indicates a reel rotating in the backward direction.
  • the first reel M 3 a stops slowing while slowing down its rotation speed.
  • the third reel M 3 c stops slowly while slowing down its rotation speed.
  • the fifth reel M 3 e stops slowly while slowing down its rotation speed.
  • sixth display control processing is executed in accordance with a subroutine of FIG. 73 .
  • the sixth display control processing is as follows.
  • the CPU 71 rotates a first reel M 3 a , a third reel M 5 c , and a fifth reel M 3 e in a forward direction and then rotates a second reel M 3 and a fourth reel M 3 d in a backward direction, in the processing operations of steps S 6615 and S 6617 of FIG. 66 described above.
  • the reel rotation processing be as follows. As described above, wild symbols “WILD” are determined to be displayed in a stopped state on the second reel M 3 b and the fourth reel M 3 d in accordance with the combination determination processing of S 8 . Therefore, among the five reels of the first to fifth reels M 3 a to M 3 e , it is determined whether or not there exists a reel allowing a wild symbol “WILD” to be displayed in a stopped state on a winning line.
  • the CPU 71 stops the second reel M 3 b with a predetermined timing, for example after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after reel rotation has been started (step S 7311 ).
  • the CPU 71 stops the fourth reel M 3 d with a predetermined timing, for example, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after step S 7311 has been executed (S 7313 ).
  • the CPU 71 determines whether or not wild symbols “WILD” have been displayed in a stopped state on both of the second reel M 3 b and the fourth reel M 3 d that have been stopped (step S 7315 ).
  • the CPU 71 determines whether or not the first reel M 3 a has stopped (step S 7319 ). When the CPU 71 determines that the first reel M 3 a has not stopped (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert to step S 7317 .
  • the CPU 71 determines whether or not the third reel M 3 c has stopped (step S 7323 ). When the CPU 71 determines that the third reel M 3 c has not stopped (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert to step S 7321 .
  • the CPU 71 determines whether or not the fifth reel M 3 e has stopped (step S 7327 ). When the CPU 71 determines that the fifth reel M 3 e has not stopped (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert to step S 7325 .
  • step S 7315 the CPU 71 stops the first reel M 3 a , the third reel M 3 c , and the fifth reel M 3 e in a normal mode (a first mode) (step S 7329 ) and then completes this subroutine.
  • rotation directions of the five reels first rotate alternately differently, thus enabling a player to be surprised and to expect what happens next. Further, a wild symbol is displayed in a stopped state to be thus able to enhance a sense of expectation. Lastly, the reels are stopped slowly to be thus able to bring a player into a tense atmosphere and attract the player's interest to reel movement from start of rotation to symbol rearrangement.
  • FIG. 74 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of seventh display control processing. This subroutine is selected in the processing operation of step S 6615 in FIG. 66 and then the selected subroutine is invoked and executed in step S 6617 .
  • the seventh display control processing corresponds to the second symbol display control processing described above.
  • the seventh display control processing is a processing operation relating to rotation control and stop control of a reel having started rotation as triggered by the fact that a player has operated a spin button 602 .
  • the “one frame” described above is referred to as an interval of a minimum unit of a position at which symbols can stop, and is also referred to as an interval of the adjacent positions at which symbols can stop along a movement direction (a rotation direction) of a reel M 3 when the reel has stopped.
  • this interval is referred to as an interval of winning lines that are adjacent to each other along the movement direction (the rotation direction) of the reel. More specifically, when three winning lines are set at the upper, middle, and lower stages, an interval between the upper and middle stages or an interval between the middle and lower stages becomes one frame. Therefore, the “half frame” described above is referred to as an interval that is half of one frame, and a position of the “half frame” is referred to as an intermediate position between the upper stage and the middle stage or an intermediate position between the middle stage and the lower stage.
  • a symbol “BAR” is displayed in a stopped state on the first reel M 3 a ;
  • a symbol “7” is displayed in a stopped state on the second reel M 3 b ;
  • a bonus symbol “ ⁇ ” is displayed in a stopped state on the third reel M 3 c ;
  • a symbol 7 is displayed in a stopped state on the fourth reel M 3 d ;
  • a bonus symbol “ ⁇ ” is displayed in a stopped state on the fifth reel M 3 e ( FIG. 87 ( a )).
  • the symbol “BAR” on the first reel M 3 s , the symbol “7” on the second reel M 3 b , the bonus symbol “ ⁇ ” on the third reel M 3 c , the symbol “7” on the fourth reel M 3 d , and the bonus symbol “ ⁇ ” on the fifth reel M 3 e move for 0.5 second up to beneath a half frame in a forward direction (in a downward direction) ( FIG. 87 ( b )).
  • the first reel M 3 a , the second reel M 3 b , the third reel M 3 c , the fourth reel M 3 d , and the fifth reel M 3 e start rotation at the same time in a backward direction (an upward direction). After that, the reels rotate at a rotation speed that is faster than a normal rotation speed ( FIG. 87 ( c )).
  • seventh display control processing is executed in accordance with a subroutine of FIG. 74 .
  • the seventh display control processing is as follows.
  • the CPU 71 rotates the first reel M 3 a , the second reel M 3 b , the third reel M 3 c , the fourth reel M 3 d , and the fifth reel M 3 e in a forward direction at a rotation speed that is slower than a normal rotation speed (step S 7411 ).
  • the CPU 71 determines whether or not symbols on the first reel M 3 a , the second reel M 3 b , the third reel M 3 c , the fourth reel M 3 d , and the fifth reel M 3 e have moved up to the position beneath a half frame (step S 7413 ).
  • the CPU 71 determines that the symbols on the first reel M 3 a , the second reel M 3 b , the third reel M 3 c , the fourth reel M 3 d , and the fifth reel M 3 e have not moved up to the position beneath a half frame (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert to step S 7413 .
  • the CPU 71 determines that the symbols on the first reel M 3 a , the second reel M 3 b , the third reel M 3 c , the fourth reel M 3 d , and the fifth reel M 3 e have moved up to the position beneath a half frame (YES)
  • the CPU 71 stops the first reel M 3 a , the second reel M 3 b , the third reel M 3 c , the fourth reel M 3 d , and the fifth reel M 3 e (step S 7415 ).
  • the CPU 71 rotates the first reel M 3 a , the second reel M 3 b , the third reel M 3 c , the fourth reel M 3 d , and the fifth reel M 3 e at a rotation speed that is faster than a normal rotation speed (step S 7417 ) and then completes this subroutine.
  • these reels are rotated slowly and then are rotated in a backward direction, thus enabling a player to be surprised and to bring a player into a tense atmosphere, and slow and fast speed rendering can be provided to the player.
  • FIG. 75 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of eighth display control processing. This subroutine is selected in the processing operation of step S 6615 in FIG. 66 and then the selected subroutine is invoked and executed in step S 6727 of FIG. 67 .
  • the eighth display control processing corresponds to the third symbol display control processing described above.
  • the eighth display control processing is a processing operation relating to rotation control and stop control of a reel having started rotation as triggered by the fact that a player has operated a spin button 602 .
US13/275,011 2010-11-05 2011-10-17 Gaming machine capable of broadcasting a status of a game by a reel action Abandoned US20120115569A1 (en)

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US10328359B2 (en) * 2017-09-12 2019-06-25 Gamesman Limited Illuminated rotatable reels for entertainment machines

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Owner name: ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC., NEVADA

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