ZA200710891B - Slot machine - Google Patents

Description

ge -.9007/ 10891 } CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon the prior Japanese Patent

Application No. 2006-337480, filed on December 14, 2006, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. : This application is related to co-pending u.s. patent application entitled "SLOT MACHINE AND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF" referred to as the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-337540, filed in Japan on December 14, 2006, co-pending

U.S. patent application entitled "SLOT MACHINE AND PLAYING

METHOD THEREOF" referred to as the prior Japanese Patent

Application No. 2006-337541, filed in Japan on December 14, 2006, co-pending U.S. patent application entitled "SLOT MACHINE AND

PLAYING METHOD THEREOF" referred to as the prior Japanese Patent

Application No. 2006-337556, filed in Japan on December 14, 2006, and co-pending U.S. patent application entitled "SLOT MACHINE

AND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF" referred to as the prior Japanese

Patent Application No. 2006-343150, filed in Japan on’ December 20, 2006, which are assigned to the assignee of the present invention. The teachings of the co-pending applications are incorporated herein by reference to the extent they do not conflict with the teachings herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION . 1. Field of the Invention :

The present invention relates to a slot machine and a method thereof. 2. Description of the Related Art

In a conventional slot machine, a plurality of reels (e.g., three reels) on which a plurality of symbols is drawn spins, - respectively, when a player inserts a medal(s) into a medal insertion slot and then presses a start button. The reels stop after a predetermined time has elapsed. At this time, a payout : is awarded to the player 2ocording to the number of inserted medals if a winning symbol combination achieved on a preset payline. Alternatively, a payout is awarded to the player according to the number of inserted medals if a predetermined number of scatter symbols displayed.

On the other hand, in the gaming machine described in

United States Patent No. 6,855,052, a plurality of wheels provided above the reels begins to spin sequentially and then . stops if a preset symbol combination has displayed on the reels : 15 after the reels has stopped. A large amount payout is awarded if the stopped wheels have brought a predetermined outcome.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present inventors have thought that provision of a certain slot machine is desired, with which a player can play a plurality of slot games instead of only one slot game by one time insertion of a medal (s) as described above. The slot : machine can further stimulate the desire to play games of the player. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine and a playing method thereof capable of improving entertaining feature.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a slot machine which comprises: a display which has slot game areas including at least one slot game area constituted by mechanical reels and at least one slot game area constituted by a liquid crystal display panel and displays slot games on the slot game areas; an input device for inputting a bet amount; and a controller. Each of the slot games is a game in which symbols had been displayed on each of the slot game areas are rearranged.

Thecontroller is operableto (a) place a bet using the bet amount on the slot game on one or more slot game areas, and (b) execute the slot games at least on the one or more slot game areas on each of which the bet has been placed in (a).

It is preferable that the display include two or more slot game areas constituted by the liquid crystal display panel.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a slot oo machine which comprises: a display which has slot game areas - including a slot game area constituted by mechanical reels and slot game areas constituted by a liquid crystal display panel and displays slot games on the slot game areas; an input device for inputting a bet amount; and a controller. Each of the slot games is a game in which symbols had been displayed on each of the slot game areas are rearranged. The slot game areas constituted by the liquid crystal display panel are disposed surrounding the slot game area constituted by the mechanical reels. The controller is operable to (a) place a bet using the bet amount on the slot game on each of one or more slot game areas, and (b) execute the slot games at least on the one or ’ more slot game areas on each of which the bet has been placed in (a).

A third aspect of the present invention provides a slot machine which comprises: a display which has slot game areas including a slot game area constituted by mechanical reels and } slot game areas constituted by a liquid crystal display panel and displays slot games on the slot game areas; an input device for inputting a bet amount; and a controller. Each of the slot : games is a game in which symbols had been displayed on each of the slot game areas are rearranged. The slot game areas. constituted by the liquid crystal display panel are disposed above and below the slot game area constituted by the mechanical reels. The controller is operable to (a) place a bet using the bet amount on the slot game on each of one or more slot game areas, and (b) execute the slot games at least on the one or : more slot game areas on each of which the bet has been placed in (a).

A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a method of operating a slot machine for playing slot games on : slot game areas including at least one slot game area constituted by mechanical reels and at least one slot game : area constituted by a liquid crystal display panel. Each of : the slot game is a game in which symbols had been displayed “on a slot game area are rearranged. The method comprises: : (a) inputting a bet amount, (b) placing a bet using the bet amount on the slot game on each of one or more slot game areas, and (c) executing the slot games at least on the one or more slot game areas on each of which the bet has been placed in (b).

It is preferable that the display include two or more slot game areas constituted by the liquid crystal display panel.

A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a method of operating a slot machine for playing slot games on slot game areas including a game area constituted by mechanical reels and slot game areas constituted by a liquid crystal display panel.

Each of the slot game is a game in which symbols had been displayed on a slot game area are rearranged. The slot game areas constituted by the liquid crystal display panel are oo »+2007710891 disposed surrounding the slot game area constituted by the mechanical reels. The method comprises: (a) inputting a bet } amount, (b) placing a bet using the bet amount on the slot game on each of one or more slot game areas, and (c) executing the ‘slot games at least on the one or more slot game areas on each . of which the bet has been placed in (b).

A sixth aspect of the present Invention provides a method of operating a slot machine for playing slot games on slot : game areas including a. game area constituted by mechanical reels and slot game areas constituted by a liquid crystal display panel. Each of the slot game is a game in which symbols had been displayed on a slot game area are rearranged. The slot game. areas constituted by the liquid crystal display panel are disposed above and below the slot game area constituted by the mechanical reels. The method comprises: (a) inputting a bet amount, (b) placing a bet : using the bet amount on the slot game on each of one or more slot game areas, and (c) executing the slot games at least on the one or more slot game areas on each of which the bet has been placed in (b).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS .

Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing eleven slot game areas displayed on a lower display in first to third embodiments of a slot machine of the present inventions;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the slot machine of the first embodiment of the present inventions; ]

Fig. 3 is a backside perspective view of an LCD panel in the slot machine of the first embodiment;

Fig. 4 is front side exploded perspective view of the LCD panel; : | :

Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the slot machine of the first embodiment;

Fig. 6 is a flowchart showinga processing procedure (slot game execution processing) in the slot machine of the first embodiment; oo I

Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure (execution processing for slot games on areas A2 to All) in the slot machine of the first embodiment;

Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure (bonus game starting processing) in the slot machine of the first embodiment; i;

Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure (bonus game execution processing) in the slot machine of the first embodiment ;

Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure (bet processing) in the slot machine of the first embodiment:

Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure (bet ; processing [alternate example]) in the slot machine of the first : embodiment; | oo

Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a central slot game area in the slot machine of the first embodiment;

Fig. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing one of the slot game areas other than the central slot game area;

Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a payline on the slot game area; -

Fig. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a payout table;

Fig. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the slot game areas displayed on the LCD panel;

Fig. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing the slot game areas displayed on the LCD panel;

oo Fig. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between bet amounts and bet areas in the slot machine of the first embodiment;

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the slot machine of the i 5 second embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 20 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the slot machine of the second embodiment;

Fig. 21 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure : (slot game execution processing) in the slot machine of the : 10 second embodiment; and } Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the slot machine of the third embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

Characteristics of a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Fig. 1 and oo Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 1, eleven slot game areas Al to All are provided on a lower display 16 (corresponding to the "display" in claims). A slot game is executed in each of the slot game areas Al to All.

The slot game areas Al to All include one large slot game area Al (corresponding to a "slot game area constituted by mechanical reels" in claims) in the center and ten small slot : game areas A2 to All (corresponding to "slot game areas constituted by a liquid crystal display panel " in claims) arranged therearound.

Display areas of three rows by three columns are provided in the respective slot game areas A2 to All except the central slot game area Al. A credit(s) (corresponding to the "gaming media") is bet by an insertion of a medal (s) or pressing of a :

bet switch 25. Symbols displayed (arranged) in the display areas are scrolled when a start switch 27 has been pressed and then the symbols stop (rearranged) in each of the display areas. :

In this manner, the slot game is executed in each of the slot game areas A2 to All. | =

In the slot game executed in each of the slot game areas

A2 to All except the central slot game area Al, up to three © Gredits can be bet and the number of activated paylines increases as a bet amount increases in each slot game.

On the other hand, display areas of one row by three : columns are provided on the central slot game area Al. On the slot game area Al, a credit(s) is bet by an insertion of a medal (s) or pressing of a bet switch 25. Symbols displayed (arranged) in each of the display areas are scrolled when the start switch 27 has been pressed and then the symbols stop (rearranged) in each of the display areas. In this manner, the . slot game is executed on the slot game area Al. Co : : | In addition, since the display areas on the central slot game area Al is configured with one row by three columns, the central slot game area Al has only one payline. As a result, only one credit can be bet on the slot game executed on the central slot game area Al. oo

The surrounding ten slot game areas A2 toAll are displayed on an LCD panel 17 provided in the lower display 16. The ~ 25 configuration of the LCD panel 17 will be described later with reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4.

The central slot game area Al is displayed by three mechanical spinning reels 3A to 3C arranged behind in a center area of the LCD panel 17. Each of the reels 3A to 3C is spun by each of stepping motors 45A to 45C (see Fig. 5). A plurality

Co of symbols is disposed on a peripheral surface of each of the : reels 3A to 3C with at some intervals. It is possible for the player to visually recognize part of the peripheral surface of each of the reels 3A to 3C through a constantly transmissive area (slot game area Al) in the center of the LCD panel 17. : The lower display 16 on which the slot game areas Al to.

All are displayed is arranged in a center of a front face of : a slot machine 10. In the slot machine 10, a bet can be placed on each of the slot game areas Al to All when a medal (s) is : © 10 inserted into a medal insertion slot 21 provided below the lower display 16 (or a bet may be placed with internally stored credits - by the pressing of the bet switch 25). The player can select EE oo (activate) the slot game areas Al to All to be bet (activated) arbitrarily. In other words, the player can select (activate the slot game areas Al to All on which games are executed with a bet placed. For example, it is possible for the player to activate each of the slot game areas Al to All by touching it. BE :

The operation of touching the slot game areas Al to All can be detected by a touch screen 72 provided on a surface of the LCD panel 17. | Co oo

For example, one bet is placed on the slot game area Al when the player inserts one medal into the medal insertion slot 21 after touching the slot game area Al. And then, one more : bet is placed on the slot game area Al when the second medal is inserted further. However, a bet is placed preferentially on the slot game areas Al to All on which a bonus game is being executed. This will be further described in detail later with reference to Fig. 18. In addition, as described above, only one bet can be placed on the central slot game area Al.

It may also be possible that the player previously selects

(activates) a slot game area(s) by touching the game area(s) and then places a bet(s) on the activated slot game area(s) randomly by inserting a medal (s). :

Co After a bet is placed on the slot game, a payout (payout | of a medal(s), or addition of credits) is provided according to the bet amount and a winning combination when the winning combination is achieved on the payline in the slot game on each of activated slot game areas a1 to All except the central slot game area Al. Since the slot machine 10 of the present embodiment has above-mentioned configurations, a slot game is executed on each of the slot game areas Al to All inthis manner. :

In the present embodiment, a bet is placed on the slot game areas Al to All by the insertion of a medal (s), however, a bet may be placed using a coin, bill, bar coded ticket, etc.

In addition, inthe present embodiment, the symbols are scrolled and then stopped again in the slot game on the slot game areas

Al to All. However, the slot game on each of the slot game areas

Al to All is not limited to that in which the symbols are scrolled.

For example, the symbols may be successively switched over in each of the display areas and then stopped.

Further, in the present embodiment, a maximum bet amount is set to three on the slot game areas A2 to All except the central slot game area Al. However, the maximum bet amount is not limited to this. If two or more rows of the display areas are provided on the central slot game area Al, the number of activated paylines can be increased according to a bet amount.

Next, a configuration of the slot machine 10 of the present embodiment will be described. The slot machine 10 includes a cabinet 11 and a top box 12 provided on top of the cabinet 11, as shown in Fig. 2. The cabinet 11 has a main door 13. An upper 10 oo display 33 is provided on the front of the top box 12 facing the player. The lower display 16 is disposed on the front of the cabinet 11 facing the player. Various component devices are disposed within the cabinet 11, such as a controller 40 (see

Fig. 5) for electrically controlling the slot machine 10 and : a hopper 44 (see Fig. 5) for controlling the insertion, pooling, and payout of medals. | i.

In the present embodiment, medals are used for gaming media at game play. However, gaming media is not limited to medals only. For example, coins, tokens, electronic money, or other equivalent electronic value information may be also used as ‘gaming media. :

The main door 13 is attached to the cabinet 11 so that it can be opened and closed. The lower display 16 is disposed on an upper portion of the main door 13. As will be described indetail later, the eleven slot game areas Al toAll are provided on the lower display 16 and independent slot games are executed on the slot game areas Al to All, respectively. In the present embodiment, the number of slot game areas is eleven. However, two or more slot game areas including at least one slot game area constituted by mechanical reels and at least one slot game } area constituted by an LCD may be provided.

Three display areas with one row by three columns are - provided on the central slot game area Al. Nine display areas with three rows by three columns are provided on each of the slot game areas A2 to All. Various kinds of symbols can be displayed in each of the display areas. In other words, symbols displayed (arranged) in each of the display areas are scrolled : when a slot game has been started and then stopped (rearranged) after a predetermined time has elapsed. Then, a payout is awarded to a player according to a symbol combination that stops in the display areas on activated slot game areas Al to

All. : The touch screen 72 is provided on a surface of the lower display 16. “The touch screen 72 is partitioned into areas in a matrix. Some of the partitioned areas correspond to the ten slot game areas A2 to All displayed and the central slot game area Al on the LCD panel 17. The central slot game area Al can be visually recognized through a central area of the LCD panel 17. In other words, a touched position can be detected by the touch screen 72 when the player touches each of the slot game areas Al to All.

A payout counter 48 for displaying a payout amount is : : provided in a bottom left area of the lower display 16 (LCD panel 15° 17).

The medal insertion slot 21 and a bill validator 22 are disposed below the lower display 16. The bill validator 22 validates bills and accepts valid ones. Various operational . switches are disposed nearby the medal insertion slot 21 and the bill validator 22. : A cash-out switch 23, a max-bet switch 24, a bet switch 25, a spin/repeat-bet switch 26, and the start switch 27 are provided as the operational switches.

The bet switch 25 is a switch for determining a bet amount : on each slot game on the slot game areas Al to All. As will be described later, each time the bet switch 25 is pressed, one bet is placed on a predetermined slot game area. The slot game area on which a bet has been placed is activated and a payout is provided to the player when a winning symbol combination has been achieved on an activated payline in the slot game.

The spin/repeat-bet switch 26 is a switch for placing a bet again without changing a bet amount placed by the bet switch 25 (and the max-bet switch 24) on the previous game on each of : the slot game areas Al to All and starting a slot game on each : of the slot game areas A2 to All.

The start switch 27 is a switch for starting a slot game on each of the slot game areas A2 to All after bets have been placed on desired slot game areas. A slot game on each of the slot game areas A2 to All is startedafter amedal (s) was inserted into the medal insertion slot 21 or a bet (s) was placed by the : bet switch 25 and the start switch 27 has been pressed.

The cash-out switch 23 is a switch for cashing out awarded medals (internally stored credits). The medals are cashed out from a medal cash-out chute 28 opened in the front lower part of the main door 13 and pooled on a medal tray 18. Co

The max-bet switch 24 is a switch for betting the maximum : bet amount (e.g., thirty-one credits) that can be placed on a single game play by one pressing.

SE | ‘A foot display 34 is disposed on the lower front of the main door 13. Various images relating to the game of the slot . machine 10 (such as characters of the slot machine 10) are displayed on the foot display 34. ) Lamps 47 are provided on both sides of the foot display 34 and illuminate in a preset illuminating pattern. The medal cash-out chute 28 is provided below the foot display 34.

The upper LCD 33 is disposed on the front of the top box 12. The upper display 33 has a display panel and displays a payout table indicating each payout amount for each symbol combination etc.

Speakers 29 ‘are provided on the top box 12. A ticket

B 13 oo printer 35, a card reader 36, a data display 37, and a keypad 38 are disposed below the upper display 33. The ticket printer 35 prints out a ticket 39 including data such as a credit amount, : time and date, identification number of the slot machine 10 printed thereon as a bar code. | So

The player can play a game at another slot machine by using the bar-coded ticket 39, and exchange the bar-coded ticket 39 for bills at a predetermined site in an amusement facility (e.g., a cashier in the casino).

A smart card can be inserted into the card reader 36 and “the card reader 36 reads data from the inserted smart card and writes data onto the smart card. The smart card is carried by the player and stores the player's identification data and gaming history data of the FATES played by the player.

Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the electric Co configuration of the controller 40 and various components } connected to the controller 40, which are provided within the slot machine 10 of the present embodiment. The controller 40 of the slot machine 10 is a microcomputer and includes interface circuits 102, an input/output (I/O) bus 104, a CPU 106, a ROM 108, a RAM 110, a signal communication interface (I/F) circuit 111, a random number generator (RNG) 112, a motor drive circuit } 120, a speaker drive circuit 122, a hopper drive circuit 124, a display control circuit 128, and a display controller 140.

The interface circuits 102 are connected to the I/0 bus 104. The I/O bus 104 inputs/outputs data signals and address signals to/from the CPU 106.

The start switch 27 is connected to the interface circuits 102. A start signal output from the start switch 27 is transmitted to the CPU 106 via the I/O bus 104, after having been converted into a predetermined signal by the interface circuits 102.

The bet switch 25, the max-bet switch 24, the spin/repeat-bet switch 26, and the cash-out ‘switch 23 are '5 connected to the interface circuits 102. a switching signal output from each of the switches 23 to 26 is transmitted to the

CPU 106 via the I/O bus 104, after having been converted into : a predetermined signal by the interface circuits 102.

A medal sensor 43 is connected to the interface circuits 102. The medal sensor 43 detects a medal(s), which has been inserted into the medal insertion slot 21. The medal sensor 43 is provided inside the medal insertion slot 21. The detection signal output from the medal sensor 43 is transmitted to the CPU 106 via the I/0 bus 104, after having been converted into a predetermined signal by the interface circuits 102.

The touch screen 72 described above is connected to the ’ interface circuits 102. ‘The touch screen 72 detects the touch - operation onto the slot game areas Al to All displayed on the ~ lower display 16 by a player. The touch screen 72 is provided } on the surface of the LCD panel 17. A position signal output from the touch screen 72 is transmitted to the CPU 106 via the

I/0 bus 104, after having been converted into a predetermined signal by the interface circuits 102. : The ROM 108 storing system programs and the RAM 110 storing various data are connected to the I/O bus 104. The RNG 112, the signal communication I/F circuit 111, the motor drive circuit 120, the display controller 140, the hopper drive circuit 124, the speaker drive circuit 122, and the display control circuit 128 are connected to the I/O bus 104.

The CPU 106, triggered by receiving the start signal from ]

. the start switch 27, reads a game execution program among the _ system programs stored in the ROM 108 and executes a game. The game execution program is a program for executing the slot game in each of the slot game areas Al to All on the lower display 16 using the motor drive circuit 120 and the display controller ‘140.

In other words, the game execution program is programmed : so as to execute a slot game in which symbols are rearranged after scrolling in each of the slot game areas Al to All and a payout is provided when a winning combination is achieved on an activated payline.

The signal communication I/F circuit 111, which is connected to a hall server etc., transmits gaming history data etc. of the slot machine 10 to the hall server. The signal communication I/Fcircuit 111 receives various datatransmitted from the hall server. _

The RNG 112 generates a random number for determining : whether or not to achieve a winning combination in the slot game on each of the slot game areas Al to All. : 20 The display control circuit 128 controls displaying a payout smont on the payout counter 48 provided at the lower left area of the lower display 16 (LCD panel 17). :

The speaker drive circuit 122 outputs sound data to the speakers 29. In other words, the CPU 106 reads the sound data stored in the ROM 108 and transmits the sound data to the speaker drive circuit 122 via the I/0 bus 104. In this manner, predetermined sound effects are generated via the speakers 29. :

The hopper drive circuit 124 outputs a cash-out signal to the hopper 44 when providing a cash-out. In other words, the CPU 106 outputs a drive signal to the hopper drive circuit oo £-2007/10807 124 via the I/0 bus 104 when receiving the cash-out signal from the cash-out switch 23. As a result, the hopper 44 cashes out medals equivalent to the credits stored at that time in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. oo The motor drive circuit 120 controls the execution of the . slot game by the reels 3A to 3C on the central slot game area

Al of the lower display 16. The motor drive circuit 120 is configured by including a reel CPU, a reel ROM, and a reel RAM : internally. In detail, the CPU 106 generates a command signal relating to a symbol display according to status and an outcome of the slot game on the slot game area Al and outputs the command signal to the motor drive circuit 120 via the 1/0 bus 104. Upon - receipt of the command signal, the motor drive circuit 120 : generates drive signals for the stepping motors 45A to 45C, which spins or stops each of the reels 3A to 3C based on the - command signal. And then, the motor drive circuit 120 outputs the drive signals to the stepping motors 45A to 45C, : : respectively. In this manner, the slot game is executed (predetermined images are displayed) on the slot game area Al.

The display controller 140 controls the execution of the slot game on each of the slot game areas AZ to All around the slot game area Al. In detail, the CPU 106 generates an image : display signal according to status and an outcome of the slot : game on each of the slot game areas A2 to All and outputs the image display signal to the display controller 140 via the I/0 bus 104. Upon receipt of the image display signal, the display controller 140 generates a drive signal of the LCD panel 17 based on the image display signal. And then, the display controller 140 outputs the drive signal to the LCD panel 17. In this manner, the slot game is executed (predetermined images are displayed)

on each of the slot game areas A2 to All.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view when the LCD panel 17 is viewed frombehind. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view when viewed oo from the front. Some parts shown in Fig. 3 are omitted (not | shown) in Fig. 4. =

The LCD panel 17 has a shape and size corresponding to the lower display 16. As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the ICD panel 17 is constituted by overlapping a liquid crystal unit 74, a light guide plate 75, and a reflective film 76 in the order from the front side of the slot machine 10.

The liquid crystal unit 74 is constituted by filling liquid crystal between a transparent substrate, such as a glass plate on which a thin film transistor layer is formed, and another transparent substrate in opposition thereto. The liquid crystal unit 74 changes colorless in an inactive state, : : in which no image is displayed. In the inactive state, the transmitted light can be visually recognized from the outside.

The central area of the liquid crystal unit 74 is always inactive (transmissive) in order for a player to visually recognize the reels 3A to 3C. ~The light guide plate 75 guides light from fluorescent tubes 77a, 77b to the inside of the liquid crystal unit 74 to

So illuminate the liquid crystal unit 74 from the backside.

Specifically, the light guide plate 75 is a transparent member having a thickness of about 2 cm and made of acryl resin etc. : The light guide plate 75 is made of a material having light ~ guiding feature. The fluorescent tubes 77a, 77b are attached on upper and lower ends of the light guide plate 75 by lamp . holders 7% to 79d. .

The reflective film 76 has a transparent film as a substrate, such as a polyester film etc. The reflective film 76 has a non-reflective area 76B and a reflective area 76A ~ therearound. The shape, position, and size of the —— non-reflective area 76B are the same as those of the central slot game area Al. The non-reflective area 76B is a light transmissive plane made of the substrate. The reflective area 76A is made by depositing a thin aluminum or silver layer on : the substrate. | : 8 ‘The reflective area 76A of the reflective Film 76 partially reflects light introduced into the inside of the light i guide plate 75 from the upper and lower ends thereof. And then, the reflective area 76A outputs the .light frontward. The reflective area 76A prevents light from leaking backward and - effectively outputs the light frontward.

Fluorescent tubes 78a, 78b are disposed behind the oo reflective film 76 with lamp holders 7%9e to 7Sh. The fluorescent tubes 78a, 78b illuminate the periphery of the reels 3A to 3C from above and beneath.

An outer plate 73 is disposed in front of the liquid crystal unit 74. The touch screen 72 is arranged on the surface of the outer plate 73. The touch screen 72 detects player's touch operations etc. The touch screen 72 is made of a transmissive member. The outer plate 73 is made of a transmissive member and images, such as patterns, characters, etc., are drawn on its surface. The images are drawn on the areas outside the slot game areas Al to All. The player can see the images drawn on the areas outside the areas Al to All : when playing with the slot machine 10. The outer plate 73 may be omissible. :

Next, images displayed on the slot game areas Al to All are explained with reference to Fig. 12 and Fig. 13. Fig. 12 is a display example of the central slot game area Al and Fig. 14 is a display example of the slot game areas A2 to All.

As shown in Fig. 12, three (one row by three column) display areas gl to g3 are provided on the central slot game | SU area Al. Symbols are scrolled by the reels 3A to 3C in each of the display areas gl to g3 when the slot game is started. ~ Then, a payout is awarded according to a winning combination when the winning combination is achieved ‘in the display areas gl to g3 of the central slot game area Al.

As shown in Fig. 13, nine (three row by three column) i display areas gll to g33 are provided on each of the slot game p areas A2 to All. Symbols are scrolled in each of the columns of the display areas gll to g33 on the LCD panel 17 when the slot game is started on each of the slot game areas A2 to All. : Five LEDs 53a to 53e are provided on the left side of the : display areas gll to g33 of each of the slot game areas AZ to

All. The LEDs 53a to 53e notify the activated payline (s) on © each of the slot game areas A2 to All. As shown in Fig. 14, five paylines are prepared on the display areas gll to g33. A horizontal line in the middle row is L1, a horizontal line in oo the upper row is L2, a horizontal line in the lower row is L3, a diagonal line going down to the right is Ld, and a diagonal line going up to the right is L5. : :

The LEDs 53a to 53e light up according to a bet amount. . In detail, only the LED 53a lights up when one credit is bet.

The LEDs 53b, 53c, in addition to the LED 53a, light up when two credits are bet. The LEDs 53d, 53e, in addition to the LEDs 53a to 53c, light up when three credits are bet.

It is indicated that the line L1 has been activated, when the LED 53a lights up. In addition, it is indicated that the lines L2, L3 have been activated, respectively, when the LEDs 53b, 53c light up. Furthermore, it is indicated that the lines 1.4, L5 have been activated, respectively, when the LEDs 53d, ~~ 5 53e light up. As a result, only the line L1 is activated when one credit has been bet, the lines L1, L2, and L3 are activated oo ‘when two credits have been bet, and all of the lines L1 to L5 are activated when three credits have been bet. Then, a payout is awarded according to a winning combination(s) when the winning combination (s) is achieved on the activatedpayline(s). . + An activation indicating frame 51 is provided on each peripheral edge of the slot game areas Al to All. Each of the activation indicating frames 51 lights up on the LCD panel 17 for the activated slot game areas Al to All. The activation ‘indicating frame 51 lights up on the slot game areas Al to All on which at least one credit is bet. It is possible for a player to easily recognize the activated slot game area(s) by the oo activation indicating frame (s) 51.

A bonus game indicator 52 is provided above each of the slot game areas Al to All. The bonus game indicator 52 of each of the slot game area Al to All lights up on the LCD panel 17 during a bonus game (to be described later). It is possible for a player to easily recognize the slot game area(s) during the bonus game by the bonus game indicator (s) 52.

Fig. 15 shows winning combinations in the slot game on the slot game areas Al to All. As shown in Fig. 15, the bonus game is started when three 7 s are rearranged on the activated payline (e.g., the three 7's are rearranged on the line L1 (Fig. 14) when the line L1 has been activated). In addition, a 15-credits payout is awarded to the player when three APPLEs are rearranged, a 10-credits payout is awarded when three BELLs are rearranged, and a 2-credits payout i% awarded when a "CHERRY" is rearranged onthe leftmost of the activated payline.

Next, an operation of the slot machine of the present : embodiment is described with reference to flowcharts shown in Lo

Fig. 6 to Fig. 11. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing slot game execution processing. The slot game execution processing is executed by the CPU 106 (Fig. 5) according to the game execution programs stored in the ROM 108. | : : 10 First, the CPU 106 executes area activation receiving © processing for receiving a selection for activating slot game areas Al to All (step S11). In the area activation receiving processing, the slot game areas Al to All, which have been touched by the player to activate, are detected by the touch screen 72. Then, the CPU 106 activates the touched slot game areas Al to All (step S12). The CPU 106 lights up the activation oo indicating frame 51 on the peripheral edge of the activated slot game area(s) to notify the player of the activated slot game area(s) . : A

For example, when the slot game areas Al to A6 has been activated, the activation indicating frames 51 of the activated slot game areas Al to A6 are 1it up and the activation indicating frames 51 of the non-activated slot game areas A7 to All are not lit up, as shown in Fig. 16.

Next, the CPU 106 executes bet amount receiving processing for receiving a total bet amount on the slot games on the activated slot game areas Al to All (step S13). In the bet amount receiving processing, pressing of the bet switch 25 by the player is detected and the bet total amount is calculated.

Then, the CPU 106 subtracts the bet amount having been input

EE c-2007/10801 from an internally stored credit amount (step S14). Forexample, : if the stored credit amount is 50 credits and a 30-credits bet amount is received, the stored credit amount will be 20 credits.

So It is also possible to place a bet on each slot game on the activated slot game areas Al to All by inserting a medal (s) into the medal insertion slot 21. In this case, the CPU 106 recognizes the number of inserted medals as a bet amount. In this case, it is not needed to execute subtraction from the stored credit amount in step S14. 10 . Next, the CPU 106 executes bet processing for placing a bet on each of the slot games on the activated slot game areas

Al to All (step S15). Thebet processingwill be described later in detail with reference to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. : After step S15, the CPU 106 determines a payline(s) to be activated according to the bet amount for each of the slot game areas A2 to All except the central slot game area Al (step 816). In this processing, as described above, the line L1 is ol activated when one credit is bet on each of the slot games on the slot game areas A2 to All, the lines L1, L2, and L3 are activated when two credits are bet, and all of the lines Ll to : L5 are activated when three credits are bet (see Fig. 14).

Although a detailed description will be given later, it is also possible to place a bet randomly on each slot game on the slot game areas Al to All. In this case, it is not limited that a bet is placed on each of the slot game areas Al to All in numerical order of the areas. For example, when the slot : game areas al, A3, A6, A8, and A9 are activated, one credit is bet, respectively, in the order of A8, A3, A9, Al, and A6. . Then, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the start switch 27 has been pressed (step S17). The slot games are executed on the slot game areas Al to All in parallel when the start switch 27 has been pressed (step S18). . _ Next, a processing procedure of the slot game executed on each of the activated slot game areas Al to All is described oo with reference to Fig. 7. In the following description, a slot game in an activated slot game area A6 is described as an example.

In the present embodiment, a slot game (s) is executed also in a non-activated slot game area(s). However, no payout is awarded even if a winning combination is achieved and a trigger combination does not cause a trigger in respect to the non-activated slot game area(s).

First, the CPU 106 determines whether a bonus flag of the slot game area A6 is "0" or "1" (step 521) . The default value of the bonus flag is "0" and set to "1" when the bonus game is : 15 to be executed.

The CPU 106 determines symbols to be stopped (hereinafter, " simply referred to as stop symbols) in each of the display areas gll to g33 on the slot game area A6 when the bonus flag is "0" (step S23). By this processing, symbols ("7", "BELL", "APPLE", etc.) to be displayed in each of the display areas gll to g33 are determined.

Next, the CPU 106 scrolls symbols in the display areas gll to g33 (step S24). Then, the symbols stop in each of the display areas gll to g33 after a predetermined time has elapsed.

The displayed symbols at this time are the stop symbols determined in step S23.

Then, the CPU 106 determines whether or not abonus trigger combination (three 7's: Fig. 15) is rearranged on any of the activated paylines (step S25). For example, it is determined whether or not the bonus trigger combination is achieved on any of the paylines L1 to L5 (Fig. 14) when all of the lines Ll to

L5 are activated. oo Then, the CPU 106 executes bonus game starting processing (step S26) when the bonus trigger combination is achieved on any of the paylines Ll to L5. The bonus game starting processing will be described later with Fig. 8.

On the other hand, the CPU 106 determines whether or not one of winning combinations has been achieved on any of the activated paylines (step S27) when the bonus trigger combination has not been achieved. A payout is awarded according to a winning combination (step $28) when the winning : combination has been achieved. On the other hand, the CPU 106 : oo does not award a payout when a winning combination has not been achieved. And then the CPU 16 ends the slot game. It may be possible to cash-out a medal(s) equivalent to a payout amount

N through the cash-out chute 28 or to add a credit (s) equivalent to a payout amount to the internally stored credits, when a payout is to be awarded. -

Next, the bonus game starting processing is described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 8. The bonus flag is set to “1” (step S31) when the bonus trigger is achieved in step

S25 in Fig. 7. At this time, the bonus game indicator 52 of the slot game area A6 lights up as shown in Fig. 17 to notify the player that the bonus game is being executed on the slot game area A6. :

Then, the CPU 106 determines the number of the bonus games

T (step S32). The number of games T is, for example, fifty. " The number of games T may be fixed or determined each time randomly by the CPU 106. The number of games T is stored in the RAM 110.

Next, a payout for the bonus trigger is awarded (step S33).

For example, a 15-credits (15-medals) payout is awarded in the present embodiment. Then, the present processing is ended.

Bonus game execution processing is executed (step S22) + 5 for the next slot game on the slot game area A6 after step 21 in Fig. 7, when the bonus flag has been set to “1” in the bonus game start processing (step S31 in Fig. 8). . The bonus game execution processing is described below with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 9. The CPU 106 executes processing for determining stop symbols (step S41) when the bonus game execution is started. This processing is the same processing as that in step S23 in Fig. 7. In step S541, three 7's are not rearrangedon the payline, but the stop symbols are determined so that a winning combination is achieved with a high probability. In other words, a winning combination (three

BELLs, three APPLEs or at least one CHERRY on the leftmost in : oo Fig. 15) is achieved on an activated payline with higher : probability in the bonus game than in the normal game.

Co Next, the CPU 106 scrolls the symbols in the display areas gll to g33 (step S42). This processing is the same as that in step S24 in Fig. 7. Then, the symbols stop in each of the display areas gll to g33 after a predetermined time has elapsed. At this time, the displayed symbols are the stop symbols determined in step S41. :

Next, the CPU 106 determines whether or not a winning combination has been achieved on the activated payline (step :

S43). A payout is awarded according to a winning combination (step S44) when the winning combination has been achieved. On the other hand, the CPU 106 does not award a payout when a winning combination has not been achieved.

Then, the CPU 106 decrements the number of games T stored in the RAM 110 (step S453).

Next, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the number of games T is “0” (step S46) . The bonus flag is reset to “0” when “T=0" (step s47) . In other words, the bonus flag is reset and the bonus game is ended when the predetermined number of bonus games has been expended.

Next, the bet processing (step S15 in Fig. 6) is described | - with reference to a flowchart in Fig. 10 and a table in Fig. 18.

The CPU 106 first places a bet preferentially on the bonus slot ‘game (s) on the activated slot game areas Al to All (step

S51) after the bet switch 25 has been pressed or a medal (s) has been inserted into the medal insertion slot 21. After that, a bet is placed sequentially on the slot game on the activated slot game areas Al to All in ascending order of the area numbers (step $52). : oo

For example, when all of the slot game areas Al to All are activated and the bonus game is being played on the slot : 20 game area A8, the first to third credits are bet on the bonus slot game on the slot game area A8 as shown in Fig. 18. Then the fourth credit is bet on the slot game on the slot game area

Al and the fifth credit is bet on the slot game on the slot game area A2. One bet is placed one by one on the remaining slot : game areas A2 - A7 and AS - All (except the slot game area AS and the central slot game area Al) according to the above - procedure. ‘Then, the above procedure is repeated to place second and third bets. In this manner, thirty-one credits can be expended to place a 1-credit bet on the central slot game area Al and a 3-credits bet on each of the other slot game areas

Co : "27

A2 to All, respectively.

An example has been described above, in which the number of activated slot game areas during the bonus game is one (slot ~ oo game area AB). However, a 3-credits bet is placed preferentially on the bonus slot games on each of the activated slot game areas (only l-credit bet canbe placed preferentially on the bonus slot game on the central slot game area Al) when the bonus games are executed simultaneously on two or more activated slot game areas. And then, one bet is placed a. sequentially on the normal slot game on each of the activated slot game areas. | . ~ Fig. 11 is a flowchart of another example of the bet processing. In this processing, the CPU 106 first places a bet preferentially on the bonus slot game (s) on the activated slot game areas Al to All (step S61) after the bet switch 25 has been ~ pressed or a medal (s) has been inserted, as in the case shown in Fig. 10. After that, a bet is placed sequentially on the : normal slot game on the activated slot game areas Al to All in random order (step S62) . At this time, the bet order for the slot games on the slot game areas Al to All, which are not during the bonus game, is determined randomly by the CPU 106 at each game play.

As obvious from the above description of the present embodiment, the medal insertion slot 21 and the bet switch 25 correspond to the "input device" in claims.

In this manner, the slot game areas Al to All to be . activated can be selected arbitrarily by the touch operation onto the slot game areas Al to All on the lower display 16 in the slot machine 10 of the present embodiment. And then, the slot game is executed after a bet (s) has been placed on the activated slot game areas Al to All. | :

As a result, in the slot machine 10 of the present embodiment, the slot games on the slot game areas AZ to All on : the LCD panel 17 and the slot game on the slot game area Al by the reels 3A to 3C can be executed in parallel in a single game play.

Since a player can arbitrarily select the slot game areas

Al to All to be activated by the touch operation, the player can freely select the slot game areas Al to All to play the slot game (s), on which a bet is to be placed.

In the present embodiment, an example has been described : | above, in which the slot game area(s) Al to Allon which a bet (s) is to be placed is preliminarily selected. Then, a total bet : amount is input and distributed on the selected (activated) slot game area(s) Al to All. However, it may also be possible that B a total bet amount is preliminarily input and then the slot game area(s) Al to All on which a bet (s) is to be placed is selected.

Then, the bet amount is distributed on the selected slot game area(s) Al to All. N

A slot machine of a second embodiment, which follows this procedure, will be described below with reference to Fig. 21 to Fig. 23. :

As shown in Fig. 19, a slot machine 10A of the present embodiment differs from the slot machine 10 (Fig. 2) of the first embodiment described above in that a fix switch 30 and a selectable area counter 49 at the bottom right of the lower . display 16 are added.

The fix switch 30 is one of the various operational switches disposed nearby the vicinity of the medal insertion slot 21 and the bill validator 22. The fix switch 30 is a switch

: for fixing a slot game area(s) to be activated among the slot game areas Al to All. A player is no longer able to select a slot game area(s) for activation the touch operation after pressing the fix switch 30. : :

Co 5 The selectable area counter 49 displays the maximum number of slot game areas Al to All that are selectable to be activated. If a bet amount, which has been input by pressing of the bet switch 25 or inserting a medal (s) into the medal insertion slot 21, is ten or less, the input bet amount is : 10 displayed as is in the selectable area counter 49. If the input bet amount is.equal to or greater than eleven, a value "11" is displayed in the selectable area counter 49,

In the slot machine 102A of the present embodiment, the activation indicating frame (s) 51 of the selected slot game area(s) Al to All is blinked between having been selected (activated) by touch operation and being fixed by the fix switch 30. Since the activation indicating frame (s) 51 is blinked, the player can easily recognize the slot game area(s) Al to All on which a bet (s) is about to be placed. oo

As shown in a block diagram of Fig. 20, the slot machine 10A of the present embodiment differs from the slot machine 10 (Fig. 5) of the first embodiment described above in that the fix switch 30 is connected to the interface circuits 102 and the selectable area counter 49 is connected to the display control circuit 128.

In addition to the differences in outside appearance and electrical configuration described above, the slot machine 10A of the present embodiment differs from the slot machine 10 of the first embodiment in part of the processing executed by the

CPU 106. The slot game execution processing of the present

_. embodiment will be described below (in particular, the part different from that of the first embodiment).

Fig. 21 is a flowchart showing slot game execution processing that the CPU 106 of the slot machine of the present embodiment executes according to the game execution programs stored in the ROM 108.

First, the CPU 106 executes bet amount receiving processing for receiving a total bet amount on the slot games on the slot game areas Al to All to be activated (step S101).

In the bet amount receiving processing, pressing of the bet switch 25 by the player is detected and the total bet amount is calculated. Then, the CPU 106 subtracts the bet amount - having been input from an internally stored credit amount (step : 5102). | For example, if the stored credit amount is 50 credits | and a 20-credits bet amount is received, the stored credit amount will be 30 credits.

It is also possible to input a total bet amount by inserting a medal (s) into the medal insertion slot 21. In this case, the CPU 106 recognizes the number of as a bet amount . In this case, it is not needed to execute subtraction from the stored credit amount in step 5102. oo

Next, the CPU 106 calculates the maximum number of slot game areas Al to All that can be selectable to activate based on the total bet amount and displays it on the selectable area : counter 49 (step S103). Then, the CPU 106 executes area activation receiving processing for receiving a selection for ‘activating the slot game areas Al to All (step S104). In the activation receiving processing, the slot game areas Al to All, which have been touched by the player, are detected by the touch screen 72. The CPU 106 blinks the activation indicating frame

51 on the peripheral edge of the selected slot game area(s) to notify the player of the selected slot game area(s).

Next, the CPU 106 calculates the maximum number of selectable slot game areas and displays the calculated number on the selectable area counter 49 (step S105). The value on the selectable area counter 49 is reduced by one when one of non-selected slot game areas Al to All has been newly selected.

For example, the calculated maximum number is eleven when the bonus game is not being executed and none of the slot game areas.

Al to All is selected yet. Here, the value on the selectable area counter 49 is reduced to ten when the slot game area Al is selected. In the downstream bet processing (the content of the processing is the same as that of the first embodiment), : there may be the case where the bet amount is distributed preferentially (during the execution of the bonus game). For example, three credits can be expended at once when the slot game area, on which the bonus game is being executed, is selected.

The calculated maximum number is 11 when the bonus game is being executed on one slot game area and none of the slot game areas

Al to All is selected yet. Here, the remaining number of bet amounts becomes eight when the slot game area, on which the bonus game is being executed, is selected at first. That is, the calculated maximum number is eight. In this manner, the CPU 106 calculates the maximum number of selectable slot game areas based on the total bet amount and distribution processing in the downstream bet processing.

Subsequently, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the fix switch 30 has been pressed (step S106). The CPU 106 determines whether or not the value on the selectable area counter 49 is "0" (step S107) when the fix switch 30 has not been pressed (step S106: NO). The processing returns to step :

S104 when the value on the selectable area counter 49 is not "0" (step S107: NO). On the other hand, the processing returns ’ to step S106 when the value on the selectable area counter 49 : is "0" (step S107: YES). The CPU 106 activates the selected slot game areas Al to All (step S108) when it is determined that the fix switch 30 has been pressed (step S106: YES) . The CPU 106 lights up the activation indicating frame 51 on the peripheral edge of the activated slot game area(s) to notify the player of the activated slot game area(s). ] - Next, the CPU 106 executes the bet processing for placing a bet on each of the slot games on the activated slot game areas

Al to All (step S109).

The CPU 106 determines a payline(s) to be activated according to a bet amount on each of the slot game areas Al to

All (step 5110) after the betting processing has finished.

Subsequently, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the start switch 27 has been pressed (step S111). The slot game is executed on each of the slot game areas Al to All (step S112) when the start switch 27 has been pressed (step S111: YES).

After that, the present processing ends. oo

Each processing in step S109 to step S112 is the same as that in step S15 to step S18 (Fig. 6) of the first embodiment.

As described above, in the slot machine 10A of the present embodiment, the total bet amount is held after the bet switch 25 has been pressed or a medal (s) has been inserted into the medal insertion slot 21. Then, the max imum number of slot game areas Al to All that can be selectable to activate is calculated according to the held total bet amount and then displayed on the selectable area counter 49.

: : ~ Then, the slot game areas Al to All are arbitrarily selected by the touch operation onto the slot game areas Al to

All on the lower display 16 within the range of the calculated ‘maximum number. The total bet amount is distributed on the slot : games on the selected slot game areas Al to All (the slot game : areas Al to All on which a bet has been placed are activated). ce Then, the slot game is executed on each of the activated slot game areas Al to All. :

As a result, also in the slot machine 10A of the present embodiment, the slot game on each of the game areas A2 to All on the LCD panel 17 and the slot game on the slot game area Al by the reels 3A to 3C can be executed in parallel in a single game play.

In addition, since a player can arbitrarily select the slot game areas Al to All tobe activated by the touch operation, the player can freely select ‘the slot game areas Al to All to play the slot game (s) on which a bet is to be placed. . Further, in the present embodiment, the slot game areas al to All to be activated are selected after the total bet amount is determined. Therefore, since the maximum number of slot game areas Al to All which can be activated is calculated preliminarily, it is possible to prevent a selection of the slot game areas Al to All beyond the calculated maximum number.

Since a bet (s) is placed preferentially on the bonus game (s) on the slot game area(s) Al to All, the slot game area(s)

Al to All which is to be expected a larger payout by the bonus game can be activated without fail.

In the first and second embodiments described above, the slot game area Al corresponding to the "slot game area constituted by mechanical reels" in claims is arranged in the center of the lower display 16, surrounded by the other slot : ‘game areas A2 to All constituted by the LCD panel 17. However, © the slot game area Al (the slot game area constituted by mechanical reels) may be disposed not on the lower display 16 but at another different position, independently from the other slot game areas A2 to All constituted by the LCD panel 17.

For example, as a slot machine 10C of a third embodiment shown in Fig. 22, the slot game area Al constitutedby the reels 33A to 33C may be disposed on the upper display 33. The slot game areas AZ to All are disposed on the lower display 16 (the

LCD panel 17). It is possible to dispose the slot game area

Al constituted by the mechanical reels 3A to 3C on the lower ‘display 16 and the slot game areas A2 to All constituted by the

LCD panel 17 on the upper display 33. | ‘In this case, the slot game execution processing on the slot game areas Al to All is the same as the processing in the : slot machines 10 and 10A in the first and second embodiments. :

The slot machines and the playing methods thereof are ) described as above based on the embodiments schematically shown, however, the present invention is not limited to the above. The configuration of each part can be replaced with an arbitrary configuration having the same function.

For example, in the above embodiments, the examples are shown, in which the slot games are executed in all of the slot game areas Al to All regardless of activation. However, it may also be possible to execute the slot games only in the activated slot game areas Al to All. Alternatively, a movie, which is Co looked like a slot game, may be played on each non-activated slot game area.

Claims (10)

oo B11] CLAIMS: NEL

1. A slot machine comprising: a display which has slot game areas including at least one slot game area constituted by mechanical reels and at least one slot game area constituted by a liquid crystal display panel and displays slot games on the slot game areas, each of the slot games being a game in which symbols had been displayed on each I of the slot game areas are rearranged; an input device for inputting a bet meant; and a controller operable to: : (a) place a bet using the bet amount on the slot : game on each of one or more slot game areas, -and B (©) execute the slot games at least on the one or more slot game CGE on each of which the bet has : - been placed in (a). : oo

2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein oo the display includes two or more slot game areas : constituted by the liquid crystal display panel.

3. A slot machine comprising: a display which has slot game areas including a slot game area constituted by mechanical reels and slot game areas constituted by a liquid crystal display panel and displays slot games on the slot game areas, each of the slot games being a game in which symbols had been displayed on each of the slot game areas are rearranged; an input device for inputting a bet amount; and a controller operable to:

(a) place a bet using the bet amount on the slot game on each of one or more slot game areas, and (b) execute the slot games at least on the one or more slot game areas on each of which the bet has been placed in (a), "wherein the slot game areas constituted by the liquid : crystal display panel are disposed surrounding the slot game area constituted by the mechanical reels. -

4. A slot machine comprising: | oo ] a display which has slot game areas including a slot game area constituted by mechanical reels and slot game areas constituted by a liquid crystal display panel and displays slot games on the slot game areas, each of the slot games being a "game in which symbols had been displayed on each of the slot game areas are rearranged; an input device for inputting a bet amount; and a controller operable to: | - : (a) place a bet using the bet amount on the slot game on each of one or more slot game areas, and (by execute the slot games at least on the one : or more slot game areas on each of which the bet has . been placed in (a), X ~~ wherein the slot game areas constituted by the liquid crystal display panel are disposed above and below the slot game area constituted by the mechanical reels.

5. A method of operating a slot machine for playing slot games on slot game areas including at least one slot game area constituted by mechanical reels and at least one slot game area constituted by a liquid crystal display panel, each of the slot © game being a game in which symbols had been displayed on a slot game area are rearranged, comprising: (a) inputting a bet amount, : (bo) placing a bet using the bet amount on the slot : game on each of one or more slot game areas, and (c) executing the slot games at least on the one or more ~ slot game areas on each of which the bet has been placed in(b).

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein. | To the display includes two or more slot game areas constituted by the liquid crystal display panel.

7. A method of operating a slot machine for playing slot games on slot game areas including a slot game area constituted by mechanical reels and slot game areas constituted by a liquid crystal display panel, each of the slot game being a game in which symbols had been displayed ona slot game area are. rearranged, comprising: (a) inputting a bet amount, (b) placing a bet using the bet amount on the slot game on each of one or more slot game areas, and (c) executing the slot games at least on the one or more : slot game areas on each of which the bet has been placed in(b}, wherein the slot game areas constituted by the liquid crystal display panel are disposed surrounding the slot game area constituted by the mechanical reels.

: 8. A method of operating a slot machine for playing slot games on slot game areas including a slot game area constituted by mechanical reels and slot game areas constituted by a liquid crystal display panel, each of the slot game being a game in which symbols had been displayed on a slot game area are rearranged, comprising: (@) inputting a bet amount, (b) placing a bet using the bet amount on the slot game on each of one or more slot game areas, and (c) executing the slot games at least on the one or more slot game areas on each of which the bet has been placed in (b), wherein the slot game areas constituted by the liquid crystal display panel are disposed above and below the slot game area constituted by the mechanical reels.

9. A slot machines substantially as herein described with reference to the illustrated embodiments.

10. A method of operating a slot machine substantially as herein described with reference to the illustrated : embodiments. DATED THIS 14™ DAY OF DECEMBER 2007 = os OOR & FISHER APPLICANTS PATENT ATTORNEYS