US20090253489A1 - Slot machine having feature in which sequence of rearranging symbols on respective defined areas becomes random, and control method of the slot machine - Google Patents
Slot machine having feature in which sequence of rearranging symbols on respective defined areas becomes random, and control method of the slot machine Download PDFInfo
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- US20090253489A1 US20090253489A1 US12/418,012 US41801209A US2009253489A1 US 20090253489 A1 US20090253489 A1 US 20090253489A1 US 41801209 A US41801209 A US 41801209A US 2009253489 A1 US2009253489 A1 US 2009253489A1
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- slot machine
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/326—Game play aspects of gaming systems
- G07F17/3262—Player actions which determine the course of the game, e.g. selecting a prize to be won, outcome to be achieved, game to be played
- G07F17/3265—Influencing the position of stopped moving members to achieve a winning arrangement, e.g. nudging, shuffling, holding
Abstract
A slot machine scrolls symbols on a plurality of defined areas provided on a display at a time of executing a slot game, and thereafter stops the symbols on the respective defined areas. A lottery of the symbols is performed not for each of the respective defined areas but for each of the defined areas divided into a plurality of groups. Moreover, a sequence of rearranging the symbols on the defined areas is changeable, and can be made random for each unit game.
Description
- This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/042,099 entitled “SLOT MACHINE HAVING VARIETY OF AWARDS WITH POINT-ALLOCATED SYMBOLS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF” filed on Apr. 3, 2008 and naming Yukinori INAMURA as inventor, and which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to a slot machine that plays a game by using a medal or the like, and to a control method of the slot machine.
- 2. Description of Related Art
- As related slot machines, for example, those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,960,133 B1 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,983 are known. In such a slot machine, when a player inserts a monetary value such as a medal, a coin or a bill into an insertion slot of the slot machine and operates a spin switch, for example, totally 15 symbols with a matrix of three rows and five columns are scrolled on defined areas of a display provided on a front surface of a cabinet, and thereafter, the respective symbols automatically stop. Then, in the case where a predetermined number of scatter symbols are displayed when the respective 15 symbols stop, an award is generated.
- In such a slot machine, the award is only decided depending on the number of appeared scatter symbols, and a slot machine provided with a new entertainment factor is desired to appear.
- An aspect of the present invention is a slot machine comprising: a display that displays a unit game in which symbols arranged on a plurality of defined areas are rearranged; and a controller that executes: (A) processing for deciding all the symbols to be rearranged individually on the defined areas by symbol decision processing of which number of times is smaller than a number of the defined areas; (B) processing for deciding a sequence of rearranging the symbols on the individual defined areas; and (C) processing for rearranging the symbols on the individual defined areas in accordance with the sequence of rearranging the symbols.
- Another aspect of the present invention is a slot machine, comprising: a display that displays a unit game in which symbols arranged on a plurality of defined areas are rearranged; a memory that stores sequence patterns for a sequence of rearranging the symbols on the defined areas; and a controller that executes: (A) processing for deciding all the symbols to be rearranged individually on the defined areas by symbol decision processing of which number of times is smaller than a number of the defined areas; (B) processing for deciding a sequence of rearranging the symbols on the individual defined areas by selecting one from the sequence patterns; and (C) processing for rearranging the symbols on the individual defined areas in accordance with the sequence pattern.
- Another aspect of the present invention is a control method of a slot machine, comprising: (A) deciding all symbols to be rearranged individually on defined areas by symbol decision processing of which number of times is smaller than a number of the defined areas; (B) deciding a sequence of rearranging the symbols on the individual defined areas; and (C) rearranging the symbols on the individual defined areas in accordance with the sequence of rearranging the symbols.
- Another aspect of the present invention is a control method of a slot machine, comprising: (A) deciding all symbols to be rearranged individually on defined areas by symbol decision processing of which number of times is smaller than a number of the defined areas; (B) deciding a sequence of rearranging the symbols on the individual defined areas by selecting one from sequence patterns for the sequence of rearranging the symbols on the defined areas, the sequence patterns being stored in a memory; and (C) rearranging the symbols on the individual defined areas in accordance with the sequence pattern.
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FIG. 1 is a view showing an example of symbols displayed on a display of a slot machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention in accordance with a sequence. -
FIG. 2 is a view showing the sequence of the symbols to be rearranged on the display of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 is a view showing an example of the symbols rearranged on the display of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of an award setting table for use in the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 5 is an entire configuration view of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 7 is a view showing defined areas set on the display of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of a symbol group rearranged on the display of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of the symbol group rearranged on the display of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing slot game execution processing of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing image effect control processing of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing payout processing of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 13 is an entire configuration view of a slot machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the slot machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 15A is a perspective view showing a rotation reel device of the slot machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 15B is a side view showing the rotation reel device of the slot machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. -
FIGS. 1 and 2 are explanatory views showing an example of a sequence of rearranging symbols on a display of a slot machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention,FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing an example of the symbols rearranged on the display of the slot machine according to the first embodiment,FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing an example of an award setting table of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention,FIG. 5 is an exterior appearance view of the slot machine according to the first embodiment, andFIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of the slot machine according to the first embodiment. When a slot game is executed, totally 15 symbols with a matrix of three rows and five columns, which are displayed on defined areas q1 a to q3 e of thedisplay 16 shown inFIG. 5 , start to scroll, and after elapse of a predetermined time, the symbols stop sequentially (the arranged symbols are rearranged) as shown inFIG. 1 in accordance with a sequence shown inFIG. 2 . As a result, the 15 symbols are rearranged as shown inFIG. 3 . - Then, in the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in the case where a predetermined number of the same symbols are rearranged, an award that is based on the number of the same symbols is generated. Specifically, the award setting table shown in
FIG. 4 is stored in aRAM 110 ofFIG. 6 , and the award to be given to a player is decided with reference to this award setting table. - In the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the sequence of rearranging the symbols on the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e becomes random for each game. Accordingly, an effect as if the 15 defined areas q1 a to q3 e were sorted individually and the symbols were decided randomly can be made, and an appeal that the game is free from an intentional action can be made to the player.
- Next, a description will be made in detail of a configuration of the
slot machine 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown inFIG. 5 , theslot machine 10 according to the first embodiment includes acabinet 11, atop box 12 provided on an upper side of thecabinet 11 concerned, and amain door 13. On thecabinet 11, on a surface thereof facing to the player, thedisplay 16 is provided. Moreover, in thecabinet 11, there are provided a variety of constituent members including a controller 40 (refer toFIG. 6 ) for electrically controlling thisslot machine 10, a hopper 44 (refer toFIG. 6 ) for controlling insertion, storage and payout of medals, and the like. - Moreover, though the medals are mentioned as an example of game media for use in the case of executing a unit game, the game media are not limited to the medals, and for example, coins, tokens, electronic money, or electronic valuable information (credits) equivalent to these can be mentioned.
- The
main door 13 is attached to thecabinet 11 so as to be openable/closable, and thedisplay 16 is provided on a substantial center of themain door 13. As will be described later, thedisplay 16 displays images regarding a variety of the unit games including the slot game. In the slot game, the symbols arranged on the totally 15 defined areas q1 a to q3 e provided in such a matrix shape of three rows and five columns as shown inFIG. 5 are scrolled, and are thereafter stopped (the arranged symbols are rearranged). Then, as will be described later, in the case where a predetermined number (for example, four or more) of each type of the symbols stopped on the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e are rearranged, the award that is based on the number of the same symbols is generated. - Here, as shown in
FIG. 7 , suffixes “a” to “e” assigned to the defined areas q denote the columns, and suffixes “1” to “3” assigned thereto denote the rows. Note that, though the defined areas in the case of executing the slot game are set to have the three columns and the five rows in the first embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. - Moreover, on a lower left area of the
display 16 shown inFIG. 5 , a number-of-payouts definedarea 48 for displaying the number of payouts is provided. - Below the
display 16, there are provided: amedal insertion slot 21 for inserting therethrough the medals for use in the case of playing the game; and abill identifier 22 for identifying whether or not a bill is a real one and receiving the real bill. Moreover, a variety of operation switches are provided in the vicinities of themedal insertion slot 21 and thebill identifier 22. - As the operation switches, there are provided: a
CASHOUT switch 23; aMAXBET switch 24; aBET switch 25; a SPIN/REPEAT/BET switch 26; and aSTART switch 27. - The
BET switch 25 is a switch for deciding the number of credits to be bet on the slot game executed on thedisplay 16, and every time when theBET switch 25 is pressed, a credit equivalent to one medal is bet. - The SPIN/REPEAT/
BET switch 26 is a switch for betting credits again without changing the number of credits bet by the above-describedBET switch 25 in the unit game executed last time, thereby performing the slot game. - The START switch 27 is a switch for starting the slot game on the
display 16 after the credits are bet. When theSTART switch 27 is pressed after the medals are inserted into themedal insertion slot 21 or after the credits are bet by theBET switch 25, the slot game is started on the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e of thedisplay 16. - The
CASHOUT switch 23 is a switch for paying out the inserted medals. The medals to be paid out are discharged from amedal payout port 28 open at a lower portion of a front surface of themain door 13, and the discharged medals are accumulated in amedal tray 18. - The
MAXBET switch 24 is a switch for betting, by one operation, the maximum number (for example, equivalent to 30 medals) of credits bettable in one unit game. - On the front surface of the lower portion of the
main door 13, afoot display 34 is provided, and displays a variety of images regarding the unit game of theslot machine 10. As such images, for example, a character of theslot machine 10 and the like can be mentioned. - On both sides of the
foot display 34,lamps 47 are provided, and emit light based on a light-emitting pattern pre-set for the play of theslot machine 10. Themedal payout port 28 is provided below thefoot display 34. - On the front surface of the
top box 12, anupper display 33 is provided. Theupper display 33 includes a display panel, and relationships between points and the awards, which are assigned to the symbols, and the like are displayed thereon. - Moreover,
speakers 29 are provided in thetop box 12. Below theupper display 33, there are provided: aticket printer 35; acard reader 36; adata display 37; and akeypad 38. Theticket printer 35 prints, on a ticket, a bar code in which the respective data such as the number of credits, a date, and an identification number of theslot machine 10 are encoded, and outputs the ticket as a bar code-addedticket 39. - The player allows another slot machine to read the bar code-added
ticket 39, and thereby can perform the game on the slot machine concerned, and can exchange the bar code-addedticket 39 with bills and the like at a predetermined spot (for example, a casher in a casino) of a game arcade. - The
card reader 36 is capable of receiving a smart card, and reads data from the smart card inserted thereinto, and writes data into the smart card. The smart card is a card carried by the player, in which data for identifying the player, data regarding a history of the games performed by the player, and the like are stored. -
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of thecontroller 40 provided in theslot machine 10 according to the first embodiment, and of the variety of instruments connected to thecontroller 40. Thecontroller 40 of theslot machine 10, which is shown inFIG. 6 , is a microcomputer, and includes: aninterface circuit group 102; an input/output bus 104; aCPU 106; aROM 108; aRAM 110; acommunication interface circuit 111; arandom number generator 112; anexternal storage device 113; aspeaker driving circuit 122; ahopper driving circuit 124; adisplay driving circuit 128; and adisplay controller 140. - The
interface circuit group 102 is connected to the input/output bus 104, and the input/output bus 104 transfers a data signal or an address signal with theCPU 106. - The START switch 27 is connected to the
interface circuit group 102. A starting signal outputted from theSTART switch 27 is converted into a predetermined signal in theinterface circuit group 102, and is then transmitted to theCPU 106 through the input/output bus 104. - Moreover, to the
interface circuit group 102, there are connected: theBET switch 25; theMAXBET switch 24; the SPIN/REPEAT/BET switch 26; and theCASHOUT switch 23. The respective switching signals outputted from therespective switches interface circuit group 102, are converted into predetermined signals in theinterface circuit group 102, and are then transmitted to theCPU 106 through the input/output bus 104. - In addition, a
medal sensor 43 is connected to theinterface circuit group 102. Themedal sensor 43 is a sensor for detecting the medals inserted into themedal insertion slot 21, and is provided in a medal insertion spot of themedal insertion slot 21. A detection signal outputted from themedal sensor 43 is supplied to theinterface circuit group 102, is converted into a predetermined signal by theinterface circuit group 102, and is then transmitted to theCPU 106 through the input/output bus 104. - To the input/
output bus 104, there are connected: theROM 108 in which a system program is stored; and theRAM 110 for storing a variety of data. Moreover, to the input/output bus 104, there are connected: therandom number generator 112; thecommunication interface circuit 111; theexternal storage device 113; thedisplay controller 140; thehopper driving circuit 124; thespeaker driving circuit 122; and thedisplay driving circuit 128. - On an occasion that a starting operation for the unit game has been received by the
START switch 27, theCPU 106 reads out game execution programs, and executes the slot game. The game execution programs are programs for executing the unit game through thedisplay controller 140 on thedisplay 16. Specifically, the game execution programs are programmed so as to execute the unit game. In the unit game, the award that is based on the number of the same symbols is generated when the symbols are scrolled on the respective display areas q1 a to q3 e (refer toFIG. 7 ), the symbols are then stopped (the arranged symbols are rearranged), and the predetermined number (for example, four or more) of each type of the symbols thus stopped are rearranged. - Moreover, the
CPU 106 decides the symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas q1 a to q3 e. For example, in the case where the plurality of columns or rows are provided as in the defined areas q1 a to q3 e shown inFIG. 7 , theCPU 106 decides the symbols, which are to be rearranged, for each of the columns or for each of the rows (refer toFIGS. 8 and 9 ). In the case where the symbols to be rearranged are decided for each of the columns, and symbol groups G1 to G5, each of which is composed of three symbols rearranged for each column shown inFIG. 8 , are selected, the 15 symbols shown in FIG. 3 are rearranged on the defined areas q1 a to q3 e. Moreover, in the case where the symbols to be rearranged are decided for each of the rows, and symbol groups Ga to Gc, each of which is composed of five symbols rearranged for each row shown inFIG. 9 , are selected, the 15 symbols shown inFIG. 3 are rearranged on the defined areas q1 a to q3 e. - Moreover, after having decided the symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas q1 a to q3 e, the
CPU 106 decides the sequence (refer toFIG. 2 ) in which the symbols are rearranged on the individual defined areas q1 a to q3 e. Then, theCPU 106 creates, as an image display command outputted to thedisplay controller 140, signals of the symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas q1 a to q3 e, and of the sequence of rearranging the decided symbols thereon. Specifically, theCPU 106 creates the signals of the image display command corresponding to a state of the unit game, a result of the unit game and the sequence of rearranging the symbols, and outputs the signals of the image display command to thedisplay controller 140 through the input/output bus 104. - The
communication interface circuit 111 is connected to a hall server or the like, and transmits data on a history of plays executed on thisslot machine 10, and the like to the hall server. Moreover, thecommunication interface circuit 111 receives a variety of data transmitted from the hall server. - The
random number generator 112 generates random numbers for deciding whether or not to generate a winning combination in the slot game executed on thedisplay 16. - In the
external storage device 113, a plurality of the sequence patterns (refer toFIG. 2 ) for such sequences in which the symbols are rearranged on the defined areas q1 a to q3 e are stored in advance. Moreover, in theexternal storage device 113, the symbol groups G1 to G5 (refer toFIG. 8 ) for each column of the symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas q1 a to q3 e and the symbol groups Ga to Gc (refer toFIG. 9 ) for each row thereof are stored. - Incidentally, the plurality of sequence patterns for the sequences in which the symbols are rearranged on the defined areas q1 a to q3 e and the symbol groups of the symbols rearranged on the defined areas q1 a to q3 e can be provided, for example, in a program of the
ROM 108 instead of being stored in theexternal storage device 113. - The
display driving circuit 128 performs a control to display the number of payouts on the number-of-payouts definedarea 48 set on the lower left area of thedisplay 16. - The
speaker driving circuit 122 outputs audio data to thespeakers 29. Specifically, theCPU 106 reads out the audio data stored in theROM 108, and transmits the audio data to thespeaker driving circuit 122 through the input/output bus 104. In such a way, a predetermined effect sound is emitted from thespeakers 29. - The
hopper driving circuit 124 outputs a payout signal to thehopper 44 when cashout occurs. Specifically, upon receiving a cashout signal from theCASHOUT switch 23, theCPU 106 outputs a drive signal to thehopper driving circuit 124 through the input/output bus 104. In such a way, thehopper 44 pays out the medals of the number equivalent to the remaining number of credits at that point of time, which is stored in a predetermined memory area of theRAM 110. - The
display controller 140 performs a display control to execute the slot game on thedisplay 16. Specifically, theCPU 106 creates signals of an image display command corresponding to a state of the slot game and a result of the slot game, and outputs the signals of the image display command to thedisplay controller 140 through the input/output bus 104. - Upon receiving the signals of the image display command, which are outputted from the
CPU 106, thedisplay controller 140 creates superimposedly displayed two frame memories, which are to be displayed on thedisplay 16, based on this image display command, and stores the frame memories in theRAM 110. A front frame memory as one of the two frame memories is one that displays an image of a state where the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e are scrolling, and a rear frame memory as the other one of the two frame memories is one that displays images of the symbols rearranged on the defined areas q1 a to q3 e, which are decided by theCPU 106. Moreover, upon receiving the signals of the image display command, which are outputted from theCPU 106, thedisplay controller 140 creates a drive signal for driving thedisplay 16 based on this image display command, and outputs the drive signal thus created to thedisplay 16. Specifically, the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e of the front frame memory are switched to transparent display one by one, whereby the symbols displayed on the rear frame memory are individually controlled to be visually recognizable on thedisplay 16. In such a way, predetermined images are displayed on thedisplay 16. - Next, with reference to the award setting table shown in
FIG. 4 , a description will be made of relationships between the symbols rearranged on the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e of thedisplay 16 and the awards each of which is to be given to the player based on the number of the same symbols. - On each of the defined areas q1 a to q3 e of the
display 16, any of totally five types of symbols, which are “Sun shape”, “Heart shape”, “Doughnut shape”, “Circle shape”, and “Cross shape”, is rearranged. Moreover, relationships between the number of points and the awards, which are displayed accompanied with the respective symbols, are set as shown inFIG. 4 . - For example, in the case where 15 symbols “Sun shape” are displayed, an award equivalent to 5000 pieces is generated, and the number of pieces for the award to be given to the player is gradually reduced as the number of rearranged pieces is reduced. Then, in the case where the number of the symbols “Sun shape” is less than four, the award is not generated. Moreover, in the case where 15 symbols “Cross shape” are displayed, an award equivalent to 1000 pieces is generated, and the number of pieces for the award to be given to the player is gradually reduced as the number of rearranged pieces is reduced. Then, in the case where the number of the symbols “Cross shape” is less than four, the award is not generated.
- In the first embodiment, probabilities that the symbols “Sun shape”, “Heart shape”, “Doughnut shape”, “Circle shape”, and “Cross shape” are rearranged on the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e are set so as to be increased in this sequence. Specifically, the probability that the symbol “Cross shape” is rearranged is the highest, and the probability that the symbol “Sun shape” is rearranged is the lowest. Hence, the
controller 40 shown inFIG. 6 controls an effect of the images displayed on thedisplay 16 so that, as the symbols are those generating a larger award, the probability that the symbols concerned are rearranged on the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e can be decreased. - Next, a description will be made of operations of the
slot machine 10 according to the first embodiment with reference to flowcharts shown inFIG. 10 ,FIG. 11 , andFIG. 12 .FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure of execution processing of the slot game executed on theslot machine 10 according to the first embodiment. - First, the
CPU 106 receives a bet of the medals or the credits by the player (Step S11). Specifically, in the case where the player presses theBET switch 25, and bets a desired number of the credits, or in the case where the player inserts a desired number of the medals from themedal insertion slot 21, such a number is inputted as the number of bets. - In the case where the
BET switch 25 has been pressed to place the bet, theCPU 106 reduces the current credits by the bet credits (Step S12). For example, in the case where a bet for the credits “10” is placed when the credits are “30”, the credits are reduced to be “20”. - The
CPU 106 determines whether or not theSTART switch 27 has been switched on (Step S13), and in the case where theSTART switch 27 has been switched on (YES in Step S13), performs stopped symbol decision processing (Step S14). In this processing, the symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas q1 a to q3 e are decided by selecting the symbol groups (refer toFIGS. 8 and 9 ) for each column or row based on the random numbers obtained from therandom number generator 112. At this time, such symbol decision processing decides the symbols, which are to be rearranged, for each column or for each row, and accordingly, can decide all the symbols to be rearranged individually on the defined areas q1 a to q3 e by the number of times, which is smaller than the number of defined areas q1 a to q3 e. Specifically, therandom number generator 112 just needs to generate the random numbers the number of times, which is the same as the number of columns or rows. - After the processing (Step S14) for deciding such rearrangement positions of the symbols for the defined areas q1 a to q3 e, the
CPU 106 selects the sequence pattern (refer toFIG. 2 ) stored in theexternal storage device 113, and decides the sequence of rearranging the symbols of the defined areas q1 a to q3 e (Step S15). TheCPU 106 executes image effect control processing (Step S16). Details of the image effect control processing will be described later. - Subsequently, the
CPU 106 performs payout processing that is based on the symbols displayed on the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e and on the sum of the points to be described later (Step S17). Details of the payout processing will be described later. - Next, a description will be made of the image effect control processing shown in Step S16 of
FIG. 11 with reference toFIG. 12 . - First, the
CPU 106 outputs an instruction signal to start scroll display of the symbols to thedisplay controller 140. Upon receiving this instruction signal, thedisplay controller 140 creates the front frame memory that displays the image of the state where the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e are scrolling. Then, thedisplay controller 140 starts the scroll display of the symbols on the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e of the display 16 (Step S21). - The
CPU 106 counts an elapsed time since the scrolling of the symbols is started (Step S82). In the case where a predetermined time (for example, five seconds) has elapsed (YES is Step S22), theCPU 106 stops the symbols on the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e based on the stopped symbols decided in Step S14 ofFIG. 10 and on the sequence of rearranging the symbols, which is decided in Step S15 ofFIG. 10 (Step S23). For example, in the case where the sequence of rearranging the symbols is decided by theCPU 106 to the sequence of the numeric characters, which is shown inFIG. 2 , the front frame memory for the scroll display is sequentially switched to the transparent display for each of the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e, whereby the rear frame memory that displays the images of the symbols rearranged on the defined areas q1 a to q3 e, which are created by thedisplay controller 140, becomes visually recognizable. Specifically, the player can visually recognize that, as shown inFIG. 1 , the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e turn from the scrolling state to the state where the symbols are rearranged in the sequence of the numeric characters, which is shown inFIG. 2 . The respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e are turned from the scrolling state to the state where the symbols are rearranged in the sequence of the numeric characters, which is shown inFIG. 2 , whereby a state is finally brought as shown inFIG. 3 , where the symbols are rearranged individually on the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e. Thereafter, theCPU 106 ends this processing. - Next, a description will be made of the payout processing shown in Step S17 of
FIG. 11 with reference toFIG. 13 . - First, the
CPU 106 recognizes the symbols stopped by the processing of Step S23 ofFIG. 11 , and calculates the number of the same symbols (Step S31). - Thereafter, the
CPU 106 determines whether or not the symbols exist, in which the number of the same symbols becomes the predetermined number or more (Step S32). - With reference to the award setting table shown in
FIG. 4 , theCPU 106 decides the awards for the symbols in which the number of the rearranged symbols becomes the predetermined number or more (Step S33). Subsequently, theCPU 106 calculates the sum of the awards (Step S34). - Thereafter, the
CPU 106 pays out the credits or the medals, which are equivalent to the added-up awards (Step S35) In such a way, the payout processing is performed. - As described above, in the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the symbols to be rearranged on the respective 15 defined areas are not sorted individually, but such a lottery of the symbols is executed for each of the defined areas q1 a to q3 e divided into the plurality of groups. The lottery of the symbols is executed for each of the defined areas q1 a to q3 e divided into the plurality of groups, whereby the rearrangement of the symbols is decided by the number of times, which is smaller than the number of defined areas q1 a to q3 e, and accordingly, cumbersomeness of the symbol decision processing can be resolved.
- Moreover, in the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the sequence of rearranging the symbols on the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e becomes random for each game. Accordingly, the effect as if 15 reels were sorted individually and the symbols were decided randomly can be made, and the appeal that the game is free from the intentional action can be made to the player.
- Furthermore, depending on countries or regions, owing to a legal regulation for a gaming machine, there is a case where it is obliged to decide stopped positions for each reel and to execute the rearrangement processing of the symbols on the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e; however, the slot machine according to this embodiment does not violate the legal regulation concerned.
- Next, a description will be made of a modification example of the
slot machine 10 according to the above-described first embodiment. Theslot machine 10 according to the modification example is different from theslot machine 10 according to the above-described first embodiment in that the symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas q1 a to q3 e divided into the plurality of groups are decided not for each column or row but for each group formed by randomly selecting the defined areas q1 a to q3 e. For example, theslot machine 10 according to the modification example can set groups, each of which is composed by randomly selecting three areas from the defined areas q1 a to q3 e, individually to the defined area groups. In the case of the defined area groups, each of which is composed of three of the defined areas q1 a to q3 e, symbol groups, each of which is composed of three symbols, are selected. Then, the symbols are rearranged in accordance with the sequence of rearranging the symbols, which is decided by theCPU 106, whereby the symbols are rearranged individually on the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e as shown inFIG. 3 . - In such a way, in the
slot machine 10 according to the modification example of the first embodiment of the present invention, the defined areas q1 a to q3 e randomly selected are set to the defined area groups, and the lottery for the symbol groups to be rearranged on the defined area groups is performed. Accordingly, it becomes possible to increase variations of the lottery. - In the above-described first embodiment, it is assumed that the
display 16 is a liquid crystal panel, and that the rearrangement of the symbols on the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e is performed by using the liquid crystal panel. However, with regard to the rearrangement of the symbols on the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e of thedisplay 16, an apparatus including a liquid crystal panel capable of the transparent display can be provided, and the rearrangement of the symbols on the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e can also be performed by a rotation reel device disposed behind the liquid crystal panel concerned. - A description will be made below of a slot machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which performs the rearrangement of the symbols by the rotation reel device disposed behind the liquid crystal panel of the
display 16, and of a playing method of the slot machine.FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the slot machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the slot machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 15A andFIG. 15B are a perspective view and side view of rotation reels of the slot machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. - As shown in
FIG. 13 , theslot machine 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is different from theslot machine 10 of the first embodiment in thatwindows 16 a to 16 e and the rotation reel device 53 (refer toFIG. 15A andFIG. 15B ) includingrotation reels 53 a to 53 e arranged behind thewindows 16 a to 16 e are provided instead of thedisplay 16 of theslot machine 10 of the first embodiment. Others are substantially the same as those of theslot machine 10 according to the first embodiment, and accordingly, a duplicate description will be omitted. - As shown in
FIG. 14 , theslot machine 10 of the second embodiment further includes amotor driving circuit 51 and a reelposition detection circuit 52 in themachine controller 40 of theslot machine 10 of the first embodiment. Note that, following the fact that theslot machine 10 of the second embodiment includes therotation reel device 53, theslot machine 10 of the second embodiment further includes:respective drive motors 56 a to 56 e of therotation reel device 53, which are driven by themotor driving circuit 51; andsensors 54 a to 54 e for detecting rotations, stops and stopped positions of therespective rotation reels 53 a to 53 e of therotation reel device 53 by the reelposition detection circuit 52. As shown inFIG. 14 , themotor driving circuit 51 and the reelposition detection circuit 52 are connected to the input/output but 104 in a similar way to therandom number generator 112, thecommunication interface circuit 111, theexternal storage device 113, thedisplay controllers hopper driving circuit 124, thespeaker driving circuit 122, thedisplay driving circuit 128 and the like. - Note that, in the
slot machine 10 of the second embodiment, when the symbols are rearranged on the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e, a display control to perform the transparent display for each spot of thewindows 16 a to 16 e, which corresponds to each of the defined areas q1 a to q3 e, can be performed. Specifically, in the case where each spot of thewindows 16 a to 16 e, which corresponds to each of the defined areas q1 a to q3 e, is included in the sequence of rearranging the symbols, theCPU 106 creates a signal of an image display command to allow the corresponding spot to perform the transparent display, and outputs the signal of the image display command to thedisplay controller 140. Upon receiving the signal of the image display command, which is outputted from theCPU 106, thedisplay controller 140 creates a drive signal for driving thedisplay 16 based on this image display command, and outputs the drive signal thus created to thedisplay 16. In such a way, on thedisplay 16, the spots corresponding to the respective defined areas q1 a to q3 e, which are included in the sequence of rearranging the symbols, are transparently displayed. - Hence, the
CPU 106 outputs an image display command for displaying the image of the slot game and an effect corresponding to a result thereof on thedisplay 16 to thedisplay controller 140 at timing corresponding to a progress of the slot game. In such a way, on thedisplay 16, the effect for the slot game and the effect corresponding to the game result are made. - The
CPU 106 decides the stopped positions for each of therotation reels 53 a to 53 e, and thereby decides the symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas q1 a to q3 e. Specifically, theCPU 106 decides the symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas q1 a to q3 e by selecting the stopped positions of therotation reels 53 a to 53 e based on the random numbers obtained from therandom number generator 112. Specifically, therandom number generator 112 generates the random numbers of which number is the same as the number ofrotation reels 53 a to 53 e. - Also by the
slot machine 10 of the second embodiment, which is configured as described above, and by the playing method thereof, similar effects to those of theslot machine 10 of the first embodiment and the playing method thereof can be obtained. - The description has been made above of the embodiments of the present invention; however, the embodiments merely illustrate specific examples, and do not particularly limit the present invention, and with regard to specific configurations of the respective means and the like, design thereof is appropriately changeable. Moreover, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention merely list the most suitable effects generated from the present invention, and the effects by the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.
- Moreover, in the above-described detailed description, the description has been made mainly of characteristic portions so that the present invention can be understood more easily. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the above-described detailed description, and can also be applied to other embodiments, and application ranges thereof are broad. Moreover, the terms and the phraseology, which are used in this specification, are used for accurately explaining the present invention, and are not used for limiting the interpretation of the present invention. Moreover, it is considered easy for those skilled in the art to figure out other configurations, systems, methods and the like, which are incorporated in the concept of the present invention described in this specification, from the concept concerned of the present invention. Hence, the description of the scope of claims must be regarded as one that incorporates equilibrium configurations of those of the scope of the technical concept of the present invention without departing therefrom. Moreover, it is an object of the abstract to assist patent offices, general public institutions, engineers who belong to this technical field and are not conversant in patents, law terms, or technical terms, and the like so that they can rapidly determine the technical contents and essence of this application by a simple investigation. Hence, the abstract is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to be evaluated by the description of the scope of claims. Moreover, in order to sufficiently understand the object of the present invention and the effects intrinsic to the present invention, it is desired that the present invention be interpreted in full consideration for already-disclosed documents, and the like.
- The above-described detailed description incorporates processing executed by a computer. The descriptions and the expressions in the above are described for the purpose of being understood most efficiently by those skilled in the art. In this specification, the respective steps for use in deriving one result should be understood as processing free from self-contradiction. Moreover, in the respective steps, electric or magnetic signal transmission/reception, recording, and the like are performed. In the processing in each step, such a signal is expressed by a bit, a value, a symbol, a letter, a term, a number, or the like; however, it is necessary to keep it in mind that these are merely used for explanation convenience. Moreover, the processing in each step is sometimes described in expression common to a human action; however, the processing explained in this specification is basically executed by a variety of devices. Moreover, other configurations required for performing the respective steps become self-evident from the above descriptions.
Claims (20)
1. A slot machine comprising:
a display that displays a unit game in which symbols arranged on a plurality of defined areas are rearranged; and
a controller that executes:
(A) processing for deciding all the symbols to be rearranged individually on the defined areas by symbol decision processing of which number of times is smaller than a number of the defined areas;
(B) processing for deciding a sequence of rearranging the symbols on the individual defined areas; and
(C) processing for rearranging the symbols on the individual defined areas in accordance with the sequence of rearranging the symbols.
2. The slot machine according to claim 1 ,
wherein, in a case where the rearrangement of the symbols on the respective defined areas is performed by using a plurality of rotation reels, the symbol decision processing is performed the same number of times as a number of the rotation reels.
3. The slot machine according to claim 1 ,
wherein, in a case where the defined areas have a plurality of columns, the symbol decision processing is performed the same number of times as a number of the columns of the defined areas.
4. The slot machine according to claim 1 ,
wherein, in a case where the defined areas have a plurality of rows, the symbol decision processing is performed the same number of times as a number of the rows of the defined areas.
5. The slot machine according to claim 1 ,
wherein the symbol decision processing is performed the same number of times as a number of defined area groups composed by randomly selecting the defined areas.
6. A slot machine, comprising:
a display that displays a unit game in which symbols arranged on a plurality of defined areas are rearranged;
a memory that stores sequence patterns for a sequence of rearranging the symbols on the defined areas; and
a controller that executes:
(A) processing for deciding all the symbols to be rearranged individually on the defined areas by symbol decision processing of which number of times is smaller than a number of the defined areas;
(B) processing for deciding a sequence of rearranging the symbols on the individual defined areas by selecting one from the sequence patterns; and
(C) processing for rearranging the symbols on the individual defined areas in accordance with the sequence pattern.
7. The slot machine according to claim 6 ,
wherein, in a case where the rearrangement of the symbols on the respective defined areas is performed by using a plurality of rotation reels, the symbol decision processing is performed the same number of times as a number of the rotation reels.
8. The slot machine according to claim 6 ,
wherein, in a case where the defined areas have a plurality of columns, the symbol decision processing is performed the same number of times as a number of the columns of the defined areas.
9. The slot machine according to claim 6 ,
wherein, in a case where the defined areas have a plurality of rows, the symbol decision processing is performed the same number of times as a number of the rows of the defined areas.
10. The slot machine according to claim 6 ,
wherein the symbol decision processing is performed the same number of times as a number of defined area groups composed by randomly selecting the defined areas.
11. A control method of a slot machine, comprising:
(A) deciding all symbols to be rearranged individually on defined areas by symbol decision processing of which number of times is smaller than a number of the defined areas;
(B) deciding a sequence of rearranging the symbols on the individual defined areas; and
(C) rearranging the symbols on the individual defined areas in accordance with the sequence of rearranging the symbols.
12. The control method of a slot machine according to claim 11 ,
wherein, in a case where the rearrangement of the symbols on the respective defined areas is performed by using a plurality of rotation reels, the symbol decision processing is performed the same number of times as a number of the rotation reels.
13. The control method of a slot machine according to claim 11 ,
wherein, in a case where the defined areas have a plurality of columns, the symbol decision processing is performed the same number of times as a number of the columns of the defined areas.
14. The control method of a slot machine according to claim 11 ,
wherein, in a case where the defined areas have a plurality of rows, the symbol decision processing is performed the same number of times as a number of the rows of the defined areas.
15. The control method of a slot machine according to claim 11 ,
wherein the symbol decision processing is performed the same number of times as a number of defined area groups composed by randomly selecting the defined areas.
16. A control method of a slot machine, comprising:
(A) deciding all symbols to be rearranged individually on defined areas by symbol decision processing of which number of times is smaller than a number of the defined areas;
(B) deciding a sequence of rearranging the symbols on the individual defined areas by selecting one from sequence patterns for the sequence of rearranging the symbols on the defined areas, the sequence patterns being stored in a memory; and
(C) rearranging the symbols on the individual defined areas in accordance with the sequence pattern.
17. The control method of a slot machine according to claim 16 ,
wherein, in a case where the rearrangement of the symbols on the respective defined areas is performed by using a plurality of rotation reels, the symbol decision processing is performed the same number of times as a number of the rotation reels.
18. The control method of a slot machine according to claim 16 ,
wherein, in a case where the defined areas have a plurality of columns, the symbol decision processing is performed the same number of times as a number of the columns of the defined areas.
19. The control method of a slot machine according to claim 16 ,
wherein, in a case where the defined areas have a plurality of rows, the symbol decision processing is performed the same number of times as a number of the rows of the defined areas.
20. The control method of a slot machine according to claim 16 ,
wherein the symbol decision processing is performed the same number of times as a number of defined area groups composed by randomly selecting the defined areas.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/418,012 US20090253489A1 (en) | 2008-04-03 | 2009-04-03 | Slot machine having feature in which sequence of rearranging symbols on respective defined areas becomes random, and control method of the slot machine |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US4209908P | 2008-04-03 | 2008-04-03 | |
US12/418,012 US20090253489A1 (en) | 2008-04-03 | 2009-04-03 | Slot machine having feature in which sequence of rearranging symbols on respective defined areas becomes random, and control method of the slot machine |
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US20090253489A1 true US20090253489A1 (en) | 2009-10-08 |
Family
ID=41133758
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/418,012 Abandoned US20090253489A1 (en) | 2008-04-03 | 2009-04-03 | Slot machine having feature in which sequence of rearranging symbols on respective defined areas becomes random, and control method of the slot machine |
Country Status (2)
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US (1) | US20090253489A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2009201290A1 (en) |
Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6012983A (en) * | 1996-12-30 | 2000-01-11 | Walker Asset Management Limited Partnership | Automated play gaming device |
US6960133B1 (en) * | 2000-08-28 | 2005-11-01 | Igt | Slot machine game having a plurality of ways for a user to obtain payouts based on selection of one or more symbols (power pays) |
US20080045304A1 (en) * | 2006-08-18 | 2008-02-21 | Aruze Gaming America, Inc. | Slot machine and playing method thereof |
US20080125205A1 (en) * | 2006-11-27 | 2008-05-29 | Aruze Corp. | Gaming apparatus and playing method of card game |
US20080125204A1 (en) * | 2006-11-27 | 2008-05-29 | Aruze Corp. | Gaming apparatus and playing method of card game |
US20080139304A1 (en) * | 2006-11-27 | 2008-06-12 | Aruze Corp. | Gaming apparatus and playing method of card game |
US20080248856A1 (en) * | 2006-11-27 | 2008-10-09 | Aruze Corp. | Gaming apparatus and playing method of card game |
-
2009
- 2009-04-02 AU AU2009201290A patent/AU2009201290A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2009-04-03 US US12/418,012 patent/US20090253489A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6012983A (en) * | 1996-12-30 | 2000-01-11 | Walker Asset Management Limited Partnership | Automated play gaming device |
US6960133B1 (en) * | 2000-08-28 | 2005-11-01 | Igt | Slot machine game having a plurality of ways for a user to obtain payouts based on selection of one or more symbols (power pays) |
US20080045304A1 (en) * | 2006-08-18 | 2008-02-21 | Aruze Gaming America, Inc. | Slot machine and playing method thereof |
US20080125205A1 (en) * | 2006-11-27 | 2008-05-29 | Aruze Corp. | Gaming apparatus and playing method of card game |
US20080125204A1 (en) * | 2006-11-27 | 2008-05-29 | Aruze Corp. | Gaming apparatus and playing method of card game |
US20080139304A1 (en) * | 2006-11-27 | 2008-06-12 | Aruze Corp. | Gaming apparatus and playing method of card game |
US20080248856A1 (en) * | 2006-11-27 | 2008-10-09 | Aruze Corp. | Gaming apparatus and playing method of card game |
Also Published As
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AU2009201290A1 (en) | 2009-10-22 |
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Owner name: ARUZE CORP., JAPAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:INAMURA, YUKINORI;REEL/FRAME:022502/0982 Effective date: 20090323 |
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