Slot machine and playing method thereof

Abstract

A slot machine randomly determines transition to a special game, and in a case of transition to the special game, has a special prize occur subject to a match between predicted orders of symbols predicted by a player and orders of magnitude of prizes that can occur in conjunction with kinds of symbols rearranged on a display device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/846,734, filed on Sep. 25, 2006; the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a slot machine and a playing method thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art

For a slot machine in the related art, a player feeds a game medium such as a coin or bill to an insertion slot of the slot machine, and operates a spin button, whereby a device provided as a display at the front of machine housing displays a plurality of symbols scrolling, which automatically stop thereafter.

Some of such slot machines have imported the idea of employing a wining line so as to pay out a prescribed amount of game medium for a combination of symbols rearranged on the wining line, matching a prescribed winning combination, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,093,102, for example.

Some of such slot machines are adapted, upon a match of a combination of symbols rearranged on a wining line with a prescribed winning combination, to pay out a prescribed amount of game medium, and payout, together therewith, a prescribed amount of game medium depending on numbers of symbols called scatter symbols rearranged on a display device, independently of the wining line, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,999 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0065124, for example.

The present invention provides a slot machine and a playing method thereof with distinctive entertainment over the related art described.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a slot machine comprises a display device adapted to have a plurality of kinds of symbols arranged thereon, an input device adapted for a player to input orders of magnitude of prizes to occur in correspondence to kinds of symbols, and a controller operable to randomly determine transition to a special game, and, in a case of transition to the special game, have a special prize occur subject to a match between predicted orders input from the input device before execution of the special game and orders of magnitude of prizes that can occur in conjunction with kinds of symbols rearranged on the display device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a slot machine comprises a display device adapted to have a plurality of kinds of scatter symbols arranged thereon and set for prizes to be bigger as a number to be rearranged is greater, an input device adapted for a player to input orders of magnitude of prizes, and a controller operable to randomly determine transition to a special game, and, in a case of transition to the special game, have a special prize occur subject to a match between predicted orders input from the input device before execution of the special game and orders of multitude in number of scatter symbols rearranged on the display device. This slot machine has a chance of special game randomly determined to have a special prize occur subject to a match between predicted orders input by a player from an input device and orders of multitude in number of scatter symbols rearranged on the display device.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a slot machine comprises a display device adapted to have a plurality of kinds of symbols arranged thereon, an input device adapted for a player to input thereto orders of magnitude of prizes to occur in correspondence to kinds of symbols, and a controller operable to randomly determine transition to a special game, and, in a case of transition to the special game, have a special prize occur subject to a match between predicted orders input from the input device before execution of the special game and orders of magnitude of prizes that can occur in conjunction with kinds of symbols rearranged on the display device, and when rearranging symbols on the display device, have a symbol greatest of magnitude of prize rearranged in advance of other symbols. This slot machine has a chance of special game randomly determined, and when rearranging symbols on a display device, has a symbol greatest of magnitude of prize rearranged in advance of other symbols.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a slot machine comprises a display device adapted to have a plurality of kinds of symbols arranged thereon, an input device adapted for a player to input orders of magnitude of prizes to occur in correspondence to kinds of symbols, and a controller operable to randomly determine transition to a special game, and, in a case of transition to the special game, have a special prize occur subject to a match between predicted orders input from the input device before execution of the special game and orders of magnitude of prizes that can occur in conjunction with kinds of symbols rearranged on the display device, and when rearranging symbols on the display device, have symbols rearranged in orders of magnitude of prizes. This slot machine has a chance of special game randomly determined, and when rearranging symbols on a display device, has symbols rearranged in orders of magnitude of prizes.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a slot machine comprises a display device adapted to have a plurality of kinds of symbols arranged thereon, a first input device adapted for a player to input orders of magnitude of prizes to occur in correspondence to kinds of symbols, a second input device adapted for a player to input an instruction for game start, and a controller operable to randomly determine transition to a special game, taking the instruction input from the second input device for game start as an occasion therefore, and, in a case of transition to the special game, have a special prize occur subject to a match between predicted orders input from the first input device before execution of the special game and orders of magnitude of prizes that can occur in conjunction with kinds of symbols rearranged on the display device. This slot machine has a chance of special game randomly determined, based on an instruction input by a player for game start.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a slot machine comprises a display device adapted to have a plurality of kinds of symbols arranged thereon, an input device adapted to be adaptive for a player to input orders of magnitude of prizes to occur in correspondence to kinds of symbols, in either of a case of transition to a special game and a case of no transition, and a controller operable to randomly determine transition to the special game, and, in a case of transition to the special game, have a special prize occur subject to a match between predicted orders input from the input device before execution of the special game and orders of magnitude of prizes that can occur in conjunction with kinds of symbols rearranged on the display device. This slot machine has a chance of special game randomly determined, and enables an input of predicted orders by a player, in either of a case of transition to the special game and a case of no transition.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a playing method for a slot machine comprises the steps of executing rearrangement of a plurality of kinds of symbols arranged on a display device, randomly determining transition to a special game, before execution of the rearrangement, accepting, before execution of the rearrangement, an input of orders of magnitude of prizes to occur in correspondence to kinds of symbols rearranged on the display device, and having a special prize occur subject to a match between the orders input, in a case of transition to the special game, before execution of the special game, and orders of magnitude of prizes that can occur in conjunction with kinds of symbols rearranged on the display device. This playing method for a slot machine has a chance of special game randomly determined to have a special prize occur subject to a match between predicted orders input by a player from an input device, and orders of magnitude of prizes to occur in conjunction with kinds of symbols rearranged on the display device.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, a playing method for a slot machine comprises the steps of executing rearrangement on a display device, of a plurality of kinds of scatter symbols set for prizes to be bigger as a number to be rearranged is greater, randomly determining transition to a special game, before execution of the rearrangement, accepting, before execution of the rearrangement, an input of orders of magnitude of prizes, and having a special prize occur subject to a match between the orders input, in a case of transition to the special game, before execution of the special game, and orders of multitude in number of scatter symbols rearranged on the display device. This playing method for a slot machine has a chance of special game randomly determined to have a special prize occur subject to a match between predicted orders input by a player from an input device, and orders of multitude in number of scatter symbols rearranged on the display device.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, a playing method for a slot machine comprises the steps of executing rearrangement of a plurality of kinds of symbols arranged on a display device, randomly determining transition to a special game, before execution of the rearrangement, accepting, before execution of the rearrangement, an input of orders of magnitude of prizes to occur in correspondence to kinds of symbols rearranged on the display device, having a symbol greatest of magnitude of prize rearranged in advance of other symbols, when rearranging symbols on the display device, and having a special prize occur subject to a match between the orders input, in a case of transition to the special game, before execution of the special game, and orders of magnitude of prizes that can occur in conjunction with kinds of symbols rearranged on the display device. This playing method for a slot machine has a chance of special game randomly determined, and when rearranging symbols on a display device, has a symbol greatest of magnitude of prize rearranged in advance of other symbols.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, a playing method for a slot machine comprises the steps of executing rearrangement of a plurality of kinds of symbols arranged on a display device, randomly determining transition to a special game, before execution of the rearrangement, accepting, before execution of the rearrangement, an input of orders of magnitude of prizes to occur in correspondence to kinds of symbols rearranged on the display device, having symbols rearranged in orders of magnitude of prizes, when rearranging symbols on the display device, and having a special prize occur subject to a match between the orders input, in a case of transition to the special game, before execution of the special game, and orders of magnitude of prizes that can occur in conjunction with kinds of symbols rearranged on the display device. This playing method for a slot machine has a chance of special game randomly determined, and when rearranging symbols on a display device, has symbols rearranged in orders of magnitude of prizes.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, a playing method for a slot machine comprises the steps of executing rearrangement of a plurality of kinds of symbols arranged on a display device, accepting, before execution of the rearrangement, an input of orders of magnitude of prizes to occur in correspondence to kinds of symbols rearranged on the display device, accepting an input of an instruction for game start, randomly determining transition to a special game, taking the instruction input for game start as an occasion therefore, having a special prize occur subject to a match between the orders input, in a case of transition to the special game, before execution of the special game, and orders of magnitude of prizes that can occur in conjunction with kinds of symbols rearranged on the display device. This playing method for a slot machine has a chance of special game randomly determined, based on an instruction input by a player for game start.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, a playing method for a slot machine comprises the steps of executing rearrangement of a plurality of kinds of symbols arranged on a display device, randomly determining transition to a special game, before execution of the rearrangement, enabling, before execution of the rearrangement, an input of orders of magnitude of prizes to occur in correspondence to kinds of symbols rearranged on the display device, in either of a case of transition to a special game and a case of no transition, and having a special prize occur subject to a match between the orders input, in a case of transition to the special game, before execution of the special game, and orders of magnitude of prizes that can occur in conjunction with kinds of symbols rearranged on the display device. This playing method for a slot machine has a chance of special game randomly determined, and enables an input of predicted orders by a player, in either of a case of transition to the special game and a case of no transition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing a playing method of a slot machine according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a diagram showing an example of a frame of image to be displayed when entering an order of a symbol.

FIG. 2B is a diagram showing an example of a frame of image to be displayed when entering orders of symbols.

FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an example of symbol rearrangement.

FIG. 3B is a diagram showing an example of symbol rearrangement.

FIG. 3C is a diagram showing an example of symbol rearrangement.

FIG. 3D is a diagram showing an example of symbol rearrangement.

FIG. 3E is a diagram showing an example of symbol rearrangement.

FIG. 4 is a table showing a relationship between prize and payout amount in a bonus game.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a table showing symbols, and code numbers of the symbols.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the slot machine shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a game execution processing procedure to be executed by the slot machine in the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing details of a bonus game selection processing procedure in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing details of a symbol decision processing procedure in FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a table showing a relationship between prize and payout amount.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing details of a bonus game processing procedure in FIG. 8.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a playing method of a slot machine according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing a game execution processing procedure to be executed by the slot machine in the second embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing details of a symbol decision processing procedure in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing a game execution processing procedure according to a modification of the second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing details of a bonus game processing procedure in FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(1) First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a flow chart schematically showing a playing method of a slot machine according to the first embodiment. There will be described below the slot machine and general actions of the playing method, with reference made to the flow chart shown in FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine in the present embodiment has at a step S1 a plurality of symbols arranged on a device as a display, and thereafter goes to a step S2, where it randomly determines a transition to a special game. Then, in the case the transition to the special game is determined, it goes from the step S2 to a step S3, where it accepts an entry of predicted orders of a plurality of symbols to be rearranged on the display, and thereafter goes to a step S4, where it rearranges the plurality of symbols arranged on the display. Then, at a step S5, it judges whether or not orders of multitude in number of identical symbols rearranged match the predicted orders having been entered at the above-noted step S3, and in the case they match, it goes from the step S5 to a step S6, where it offers a prize. To the contrary, unless they match, it ends this game process.

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are diagrams showing examples of frames of image to be displayed when entering orders of symbols. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3E are diagrams showing examples of symbol rearrangement. FIG. 4 is a table showing a relationship between prize and payout amount in a bonus game. In FIG. 4, m is a payout amount for the case in which a symbol whose predicted order has been entered is rearranged three in number in a lower image display panel 16, and n is a number in rearrangement in the lower image display panel 16 in respect of the symbol whose predicted order has been entered. For example, assuming the symbol having a predicted order entered be “CHERRY”, and this symbol “CHERRY” be displayed six in number, it so follows that m=2, and n=6.

It is noted that the slot machine 10 is a slot machine of a stand-alone type that is connected to no networks, while the present invention is applicable to a slot machine connected to a network, as well.

The slot machine 10 of the present embodiment has the lower image display panel 16, which is made by a liquid crystal panel, and adapted to display fifteen display blocks 28 of three rows by five columns, as shown in FIG. 3A to FIG. 3E. The display blocks 28 are each respectively adapted to have a single symbol arranged therein. In the present embodiment, each display block 28 has arranged therein any one of symbols “CHERRY”, “BELL”, “STRAWBERRY”, “ORANGE”, “PLUM”, “BLUE 7”, “JACKPOT 7”, and “APPLE”.

In the slot machine 10, when a game is started, it is randomly determined whether a transition to a bonus game as the special game should develop or not, and in the case the transition to the bonus game is to develop, the image shown in FIG. 2A is displayed in an upper image display panel 33.

When this image is displayed, the slot machine 10 is waiting for entry of a predicted order of a symbol. The predicted order of a symbol is an order of multitude, to be entered by a player who has predicted it, in respect of the number of identical symbols to be displayed in the lower image display panel 16. For example, assuming the lower image display panel 16 having the symbol “ORANGE” rearranged seven in number therein, “PLUM”, four, “BELL”, two, “APPLE”, one, and “CHERRY”, one, it so follows that the symbol “ORANGE” has a first place as an actual order thereof, “PLUM”, a second place, “BELL”, a third place, and “APPLE” and “CHERRY”, fourth places. The slot machine 10 accepts an entry of a prediction of such orders (predicted orders) by the player.

In the slot machine 10, those predicted orders which have been entered in a waiting state for entry of predicted orders are set as predicted orders of symbols within first to third places in respect of subsequently rearranged symbols.

In the waiting state for entry of predicted orders of symbols, the upper image display panel 33 displays in a lower part thereof an image indicating “ENTER PREDICTED ORDERS”. Further, in a central part, there are displayed three arrays of order entry images 200 for entries of orders of symbols. Each order entry image 200 is made by images of “CHERRY”, “BELL”, “STRAWBERRY”, “ORANGE”, “PLUM”, “BLUE 7”, “JACKPOT 7”, and “APPLE” in order from above. An order entry image 200 at the left is adapted for entry of a symbol in a first place, an order entry image 200 in the middle, for entry of a symbol in a second place, and an order entry image 200 at the right, for entry of a symbol in a third place. The upper image display panel 33 has a touch panel 69 provided as an input device on the front side. The player touches a location on the touch panel 69 corresponding to any order entry image 200, whereby an order of a symbol is entered.

For example, assuming the symbol “ORANGE” having been entered in the first place as a predicted order, “PLUM”, in the second place, and “BELL”, in the third place, the frame of image shown in FIG. 2B is displayed. In the order entry image 200 for the first place, an image of “ORANGE” has a red color. In the order entry image 200 for the second place, an image of “PLUM” has a red color. In the order entry image 200 for the third place, an image of “BELL” has a red color. Further, the upper image display panel 33 displays in the lower part an image indicating “ENTER” for a decisive entry, and an image indicating “CANCEL” for the cancellation. When the image indicating “ENTER” is selected, a scroll of symbols starts. On the other hand, when the image indicating “CANCEL” is selected, the image shown in FIG. 2A is displayed again.

As the scroll of symbols has started (refer to FIG. 3A), scroll is finished first simply of a symbol to be greatest in number in rearrangement in the lower image display panel 16, to display the symbol only. FIG. 3B shows an appearance of rearrangement made simply of the symbol “ORANGE” to be greatest in number in rearrangement in the lower image display panel 16. It is noted in the Figure downward-pointing arrows indicate other symbols being scrolled.

Thereafter, scroll is finished of a symbol to be second-greatest in number in rearrangement in the lower image display panel 16, with a resultant rearrangement thereof. FIG. 3C additionally shows an appearance of rearrangement made of the symbol “PLUM” to be second-greatest in number in rearrangement in the lower image display panel 16.

Thereafter, scroll is finished of a symbol to be third-greatest in number in rearrangement in the lower image display panel 16, with a resultant rearrangement thereof. FIG. 3D additionally shows an appearance of rearrangement made of the symbol “BELL” to be third-greatest in number in rearrangement in the lower image display panel 16.

Then, finally, the remaining symbols are rearranged (refer to FIG. 3E).

It is noted that for symbols to be identical in number in rearrangement, their turns of rearrangement may be rendered concurrent, or may follow a preset priority.

As a result of rearrangement of symbols, a prescribed number of (e.g. 500) coins are paid out as a bonus, if orders of multitude in numbers of symbols in rearrangement in the lower image display panel 16 match the predicted orders having been entered through the touch panel 69. In other words, the present embodiment employs, as symbols, a plurality of kinds of scatter symbols to be set so that the prize gets bigger as they become greater in numbers in rearrangement.

It is noted that, in the present embodiment, the bonus to occur or to be offered is not particularly limited, and may be a free game playable a prescribed number of times without feeding coins, or may be a payout by a progressive jackpot.

In addition, coins will be paid out, depending on numbers of symbols rearranged in the lower image display panel 16.

FIG. 4 is a table showing a relationship between prize and payout amount in the bonus game. A prescribed number of coins shown in FIG. 4 will be paid out in any case in which a symbol whose order has been entered is rearranged three or more in number in the lower image display panel 16. For example, two coins will be paid out for symbol “CHERRY” rearranged three in number, and four coins, for symbol “CHERRY” rearranged four in number. Moreover, for symbol “CHERRY” rearranged six or more in number, 2×(n−2) coins will be paid out, where n is a number in rearrangement of symbol “CHERRY” in the lower image display panel 16.

In the example shown by FIGS. 3A to 3E, the symbol “ORANGE” is rearranged seven in number, and the symbol “PLUM”, four in number, and hence, there will be paid out sixty coins, as a total of forty coins for ORANGE” being seven in number and twenty coins for “PLUM” being four in number.

Although the present embodiment is described for a case that implements a payout of coins depending on numbers of symbols in rearrangement in the lower image display panel 16, the present invention may be embodied in free of such a payout.

Although, in the example above, description is made of a case that implements entry of orders of first to third places, the present invention is not particularly limited in this respect, and may be embodied for entry of orders of first and second places, or for entry of orders of first to fourth places. Further, it may be embodied for entry of a single order, such as of a first place or a second place only.

Although, in the example above, description is made of a case that implements entry of orders of symbols through the touch panel 69, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be embodied with a device separately provided for entry or input.

Although, in the example above, description is made of a case in which symbols are rearranged in order of multitude in number in rearrangement in the lower image display panel 16, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be embodied such that the symbol to be greatest in number in rearrangement is rearranged first, and the remaining symbols are rearranged concurrently or at random timings, or such that all the symbols are rearranged at random timings. Moreover, in a case symbols are rearranged on an array basis, it may be embodied by use of a mechanical reel having an array of symbols depicted thereon.

Although, in the example above, description is made of a case for arrangement of a total number of fifteen symbols in three rows by five columns, the present invention is not limited to three rows by five columns. Further, although, in the example above, description is made of a case for display (arrangement) of symbols in the lower image display panel 16 made by a liquid crystal panel, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be embodied with mechanical reels disposed at the back of a display device (e.g. transparent liquid crystal panel), so that the mechanical reels can be used for arrangement of symbols on the display device. In the use of a mechanical reel, the number of mechanical reels may be identical to that of symbols to be rearranged on the display device, for scrolls of symbols to be individual.

Although, in the example above, description is made of a case for a plurality of kinds of scatter symbols set to be greater in number of symbols in rearrangement to get a bigger prize, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be embodied to determine a magnitude of prize depending on kinds of symbols in rearrangement. In this case, for example, those symbols relatively low of possibility of rearrangement may have their orders set high, of which information may be stored in advance in a RAM 43. Then, a player enters predicted orders of symbols through the touch panel 69 on the upper image display panel 33, as shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. The player operates a spin button 23, whereby a main CPU 41 starts scrolling plural kinds of symbols arranged on the lower image display panel 16. In due course, the scrolls go to ends, indicating plural symbols stopped on the lower image display panel 16, of which one symbol highest in the orders preset in the RAM 43 is determined as in the first place by the main CPU 41, another symbol next-highest, as in the second place, and yet another symbol next-highest, as in the third place. The main CPU 41 offers a special prize for a match of orders thus determined in each game with the predicted orders having been entered by the player.

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The slot machine 10 employs, as a game medium therein, coins, bills, or electronic valued information corresponding thereto. However, in the present invention, the game medium to be employed is not particularly limited, and may be a medal, token, electronic money, or ticket, for example. It is noted that the ticket is not particularly limited, and may be, e.g., a ticket with bar codes, as will be described later.

The slot machine 10 is configured with a cabinet 11, a top box 12 disposed on the top of the cabinet 11, and a main door 13 provided at the front of the cabinet 11. The main door 13 has the lower image display panel 16 provided as a display device at the front thereof. The lower image display panel 16 has a liquid crystal panel for displaying fifteen display blocks 28 in three rows by five columns. The display blocks 28 are each respectively adapted to arrange therein a single symbol.

Further, in each row of the lower image display panel 16, there is a single winning line L horizontally extending across five display blocks 28 displayed in a central region thereof. The winning line L specifies a combination of symbols thereon.

The lower image display panel 16 further has a credit amount indicator 31 and a payout amount indicator 32 set thereon. The credit amount indicator 31 indicates the number of credited coins by an image. The payout amount indicator 32 indicates by an image the number of coins to be paid out for a combination of symbols arranged on wining line L as a prescribed combination.

Under the lower image display panel 16, there are provided a control panel 20 that has a plurality of buttons 23 to 27 for a player to input commands associated with a game in progress, a coin slot 21 that receives a coin to be fed inside the cabinet 11, and a bill verifier 22.

The control panel 20 has a spin button 23 as a second device for entry or input, a change button 24, a cashout button 25, a 1-bet button 26, and a max-bet button 27. The spin button 23 is adapted for inputting a command to start scrolling symbols. This command is an instruction for starting a game. The change button 24 is employable when requesting a change to an attendant in a gaming facility. The cashout button 25 is adapted for inputting a command to pay out credited coins to a coin tray 18.

The 1-bet button 26 is adapted for inputting a command to bet one of credited coins to a game. The max-bet button 27 is adapted for inputting a command to bet a maximal number of (50 in this embodiment) credited coins that can be bet to a single game.

The bill verifier 22 is adapted to verify a bill to be legitimate or not, for acceptance of a legitimate bill into cabinet 11. The bill verifier 22 may be configured to read a bar-coded ticket 39 described below. At the front of a lower part of main door 13, there is a berry glass 34 provided with a depicted character of slot machine 10 or the like.

The upper image display panel 33 is provided at the front of top box 12. The upper image display panel 33 has a liquid crystal panel, which displays images for, e.g., introduction to contents of a game, as well as explanation of rules of a game. Further, the upper image display panel 33 displays thereon the order entry images 200 for entry or input of orders of symbols.

Further, the touch panel 69 is provided at the front of upper image display panel 33 as a first device for entry or input, which is adapted for operation by a player to thereby enter or input various commands.

The top box 12 has a speaker 29 provided thereon. Further, in a lower part under the upper image display panel 33, it has a ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a data indicator 37, and a keypad 38. The ticket printer 35 is adapted for printing on a ticket a code of bars having encoded data such as on a credit amount and date and time as well as an identification number of slot machine 10, to provide the bar-coded ticked 39. This bar-coded ticked 39 may be read by another slot machine, for execution of a game at this slot machine. Further, the bar-coded ticked 39 may be changed for bills or like at a prescribed place in a gaming facility (e.g. a cashier in a casino).

The card reader 36 is adapted for reading data from a smart card, and writing data to the smart card. The smart card is a card to be possessed by a player, and has stored data on, e.g., identification of the player and history of games by the player. The smart card may have stored data corresponding to coins, bills, or credit. Further, a magnetic stripe card may be employed to substitute for the smart card. The data indicator 37 is made by a fluorescent display device or the like, and adapted for display of, e.g., a data read by the card reader 36, as well as a data entered or input through the key pad 38 by a player. The keypad 38 is adapted for entry or input of commands or data such as on a ticket issuance.

FIG. 6 is a table showing symbols, and code numbers of the symbols.

As shown in FIG. 6, each display block 28 is adapted for scrolling a series of symbols, twenty-two in total, represented by code numbers “00” to “21”. Each symbol series is composed of a combination of symbols “JACKPOT 7”, “BLUE 7”, “BELL”, “CHERRY”, “STRAWBERRY”, “PLUM”, “ORANGE”, and “APPLE”. For five of symbols “JACKPOT 7”, “BLUE 7”, “BELL”, “CHERRY”, “STRAWBERRY”, “PLUM”, “ORANGE”, and “APPLE” rearranged on a winning line L, a prescribed number of coins are paid out (refer to FIG. 11).

The 1-bet button 26 or max-bet button 27 is pressed, and thereafter, the spin button 23 is pressed to start a game, where symbols vertically scroll down. With lapse of a prescribed time interval, they are rearranged. For a prize then established, a prescribed number of coins are paid out (refer to FIG. 11).

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the slot machine shown in FIG. 5.

A gaming board 50 is configured with a CPU (central processing unit) 51, a ROM 55, and a boot ROM 52, which are interconnected by an internal bus, and has a card slot 53S for a memory card 53, and an IC socket 54S for a GAL (generic array logic) 54.

The memory card 53 is made by a nonvolatile memory, such as a compact flash®, and has a game program stored therein. The game program includes a symbol determining program. The symbol determining program is a program for determining symbols (in terms of code numbers corresponding thereto) to be rearranged on a wining line L as a payline.

The card slot 53S is configured for a removal insertion thereto of the memory card 53, and is connected to a mother board 40 by an IDE bus. Therefore, the memory card 53 is demounted out of the card slot 53S, has another game program written thereto, and inserted into the card slot 53S, to change the type, as well as contents, of the game to be played at the slot machine 10. The game program includes a program engaged with the progress of game. Further, the game program includes data on images or sounds to be output during the game.

The CPU 51, ROM 55 and boot ROM 52 mutually connected by the internal bus are connected to the mother board 40 by a PCI bus. The PCI bus serves for transmission of signals between the mother board 40 and the gaming board 50, and power supply from the mother board 40 to the gaming board 50.

The mother board 40 is made by use of a commercially available general purpose mother-board (as a printed circuit board with implemented basic components of a personal computer), and has a main CPU 41, a ROM (read-only memory) 42, a RAM (random access memory) 43, and interfaces 44 for communications. The mother board 40 corresponds to a controller in the present invention.

The ROM 42, made of a memory device such as a flash memory, has stored therein programs, such as a BIOS (basic input/output system), to be executed by the main CPU 41, as well as data to be permanent. The BIOS is adapted, when executed by the main CPU 41, to implement processes for initialization of prescribed peripherals, and start a process for importing a game program stored in the memory card 53, through the gaming board 50. It is noted that, in the present invention, the ROM 42 may be updatable of contents, or not.

The RAM 43 has stored therein programs and data to be used when the main CPU 41 works. Further, the RAM 43 is adapted for storing a game program.

The RAM 43 is further adapted for storage of data such as on a credit amount, as well as on a feed amount and a payout amount for a single time of play.

Further, the mother board 40 has connected thereto a later-described main PCB (printed circuit board) 60 and door PCB 80, each respectively by an associated USB (universal serial bus). Further, a power supply unit 45 is connected to the mother board 40.

The main PCB 60 and door PCB 80 have connected thereto those appliances and devices which generate input signals to be input to the main CPU 41, and those appliances and devices which have their performances controlled by control signals output from the main CPU 41. The main CPU 41 is adapted to depend on input signals input thereto, for executing a game program stored in the RAM 43 to thereby implement prescribed calculation processes, storing the results in the RAM 43, and transmission of control signals to respective appliances and devices, as a control process therefore.

The main PCB 60 has connected thereto a lamp 30, a hopper 66, a coin detector 67, a graphic board 68, the speaker 29, the touch panel 69, the bill verifier 22, the ticket printer 35, the card reader 36, a key switch 38S, and the data indicator 37. The lamp 30 is lit in a prescribed pattern in accordance with a control signal output from the main CPU 41.

The hopper 66 is installed inside the cabinet 11, and adapted to pay out a prescribed number of coins from a coin payout opening 19 to the coin tray 18, in accordance with a control signal output from the main CPU 41. The coin detector 67 is installed inside the coin payout opening 19, and adapted, upon detection of a prescribed number of coins having been paid from the coin payout opening 19, to output an input signal to the main CPU 41.

The graphic board 68 is adapted to control displaying images on upper image display panel 33 and lower side image display panel 16, in accordance with control signals output from the main CPU 41. The lower image display panel 16 is adapted to display in each display block 28 thereof a scrolling or rearranged symbol. The lower image display panel 16 is adapted to indicate in the credit amount indicator 31 a credit amount stored in the RAM 43. Further, the lower image display panel 16 is adapted to indicate a payout amount of coins in the payout amount indicator 32.

The graphic board 68 includes a VDP (video display processor) for generating image data in accordance with a control signal output from the main CPU 41, a video RAM for temporarily storing image data generated by the VDP, etc. For the generation of image data by the VDP, there is used an image data included in the game program read from the memory card 53 and stored in the RAM 43.

The bill verifier 22 verifies a bill to be legitimate or not, and accepts a legitimate bill into cabinet 11. The bill verifier 22 is adapted, upon acceptance of a legitimate bill, to output an input signal to the main CPU 41 depending on a value of the bill. The main CPU 41 stores in the RAM 43 a credit amount depending on the value of bill informed by the input signal.

The ticket printer 35 prints on a ticket a code of bars having encoded data such as on a credit amount and date and time as well as an identification number of slot machine 10, to provide the bar-coded ticked 39.

The card reader 36 is adapted to read data from the smart card, to transmit to the main CPU 41, as well as to write data to the smart card in accordance with a control signal from the main CPU 41. The key switch 38S is provided on the key pad 38, and outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41, when the key pad 38 is operated by a player. The data indicator 37 is adapted for indication of a data read by the card reader 36, as well as a data entered or input through the key pad 38 by a player, in accordance with a control signal output from the main CPU 41.

The door PCB 80 has connected thereto the control panel 20, a reverter 21S, a coin counter 21C, and a cold cathode tube 81. The control panel 20 is provided with a spin switch 23S for the spin button 23, a change switch 24S for the change button 24, a cashout switch 25S for the cashout button 25, a 1-bet switch 26S for the 1-bet button 26, and a max-bet switch 27S for the max-bet button 27. The switches 23S to 27S are each respectively adapted, upon operation of a corresponding button 23 to 27 by a player, to output an input signal to the main CPU 41.

The coin counter 21C is installed inside the coin slot 21, and adapted to verify whether a coin fed by a player to the coin slot 21 is legitimate or not. Any coin else than a legitimate one is released from the coin payout opening 19. The coin counter 21C is adapted, upon detection of a legitimate coin, to output an input signal to the main CPU 41.

The reverter 21S is adapted to work in accordance with a control signal output from the main CPU 41, for distributing a coin verified as legitimate by the coin counter 21C to the hopper 66 or a cash box (not shown) installed inside the slot machine 10. That is, if the hopper 66 is filled with coins, a legitimate coin is distributed to the cash box by the reverter 21S. On the other hand, unless the hopper 66 is filled with coins, the legitimate coin is distributed to the hopper 66. The cold cathode tube 81 serves as a back light disposed behind lower image display panel 16 and upper side image display panel 33, and is lit in accordance with a control signal output from the main CPU 41.

Description is now made of processes to be implemented in the slot machine 10.

The main CPU 41 reads and executes a game program, to conduct a game.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a game execution processing procedure in the first embodiment.

In the process for execution of the game, the main CPU 41 first judges whether a coin is bet or not (at a step S10). In this process, the main CPU 41 judges whether or not a reception is made of the signal to be output from the 1-bet switch 26S upon operation of the 1-bet button 26 or of the signal to be output from the max-bet switch 27S upon operation of the max-bet button 27. If no coin is bet in judgment, the process goes again to the step S10.

On the other hand, if a coin is bet in judgment at the step S10, the main CPU 41 executes a process for reduction of a credit amount stored in the RAM 43 depending on the number of bet coins (at a step S11). It is noted that if the number of bet coins is greater than the credit amount stored in the RAM 43, the process goes again to the step S10, without entering the process for reduction of a credit amount stored in the RAM 43. Further, if the number of bet coins exceeds an upper limit (fifty coins in this embodiment) that can be bet for a single time of game, the process goes to a step S12, without entering the process for reduction of a credit amount stored in the RAM 43.

At the step S12, the main CPU 41 judges whether or not the spin button 23 is turned on. In this process, the main CPU 41 judges whether or not a reception is made of the signal to be output from the spin switch 23S when the spin button 23 is pressed. Unless the spin button 23 is turned on in judgment, the process goes again to the step S10. It is noted that if the spin button 23 fails to turn on (for example, by an input command to finish the game without turning the spin button 23 on), the main CPU 41 cancels a result of reduction at the step S11.

If the spin button 23 is turned on in judgment at the step S12, the main CPU 41 goes from the step S12 to a step S13, where it implements a bonus game selection process. In the bonus game selection process, the main CPU 41 executes a game selection program stored in the RAM 43, for random selection of a decision to go, or not to go, to a bonus game provided as a special game. The bonus game selection process will be described later, with reference to FIG. 9. Like this, the main CPU 41 starts a game play, depending on the signal to be input from the spin button switch 23S upon and by an operation of turning the spin button 23 on, and is thereby adapted to execute the bonus game selection process (at the step S13). In other words, this signal, which is generated by a player's operation, serves as a signal to provide a chance of transition to the bonus game as a special game. As the bonus game selection process (step S13) ends, the main CPU 41 goes to a step S14, where it determines, depending on a result of selection in the bonus game selection process (step S13), to go to a step S15 for a bonus game process or to a step S16 for a symbol determination process. That is, if a transition to the bonus game is selected in the bonus game selection process (step S13), the main CPU 41 goes from the step S14 to the step S15, where it implements the bonus game process before ending this sub-routine. The bonus game process will be described later, with reference to FIG. 12. Like this, the game execution process of the present embodiment creates a chance of bonus game by the bonus game selection process at the step S13.

Unless a transition to the bonus game is selected in the bonus game selection process (step S13), the main CPU 41 goes from the step S14 to the step S16, where it implements the symbol determination process. In the symbol determination process, the main CPU 41 executes a symbol determining program stored in the RAM 43, to thereby determine code numbers that symbols should have when stop. The symbol determination process will be detailed later, with reference to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11. It is noted that, although in the present embodiment description is made of a case for determination of symbols to be rearranged to thereby determine a single prize from among a plurality of kinds of prizes, the present invention may be embodied to first determine, for example, a single prize selective from among a plurality of kinds of prizes, and thereafter, determine a combination of symbols to be rearranged in dependence on the above-noted prize.

Next, at a step S17, the main CPU 41 implements a scroll display control process. This is a process for controlling display of symbols whose scrolls have been started, to have symbols rearranged as determined in the step S16.

Next, the main CPU 41 judges whether or not a prize is established (at a step S18). If a prize is established in judgment, the main CPU 41 payouts (at a step S19) a number of coins depending on the prize and bet amount, to finish this sub-routine. On the other hand, unless a prize is established in judgment, it ends this sub-routine.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a bonus game selection processing procedure to be called up as a sub-routine for execution at the step S13 of FIG. 8. This is a process for the main CPU 41 to execute the bonus game selection program stored in the RAM 43.

First, at a step S31, the main CPU 41 executes a random number generation program included in a lottery process program, to thereby select a random number within a range of numbers 0 to 255. In this embodiment, description is made of a case that generates a random number on a program (i.e. for use of a so-called software random number). However, the present invention may be embodied with a random number generator for extraction of a random number therefrom (i.e. for use of a so-called hardware random number).

Next, the main CPU 41 goes to a step S32, where it makes a decision to go, or not to go, to a bonus game in dependence on the random number selected in the above-noted step S31. That is, the main CPU 41 refers to a table representing a relationship between random number and transition to a bonus game, to thereby judge whether or not the random number selected in the step S31 corresponds to the transition to a bonus game. Then, if the selected random number corresponds to the transition to a bonus game, the main CPU 41 decides the transition to a bonus game, as result of selection. To the contrary, unless the selected random number corresponds to the transition to a bonus game, the main CPU 41 decides not to go to the bonus game, as result of selection.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a symbol determination processing procedure to be called up as a sub-routine for execution at the step S16 of FIG. 8. This is a process for the main CPU 41 to execute the symbol determination program stored in the RAM 43.

First, at a step S41, the main CPU 41 executes a random number generation program included in the symbol determination program, to thereby select random numbers corresponding to respective arrays of symbols within a range of numbers 0 to 255. In this embodiment, description is made of a case that generates random numbers on a program (i.e. for use of so-called software random numbers). However, the present invention may be embodied with a random number generator for extraction of random numbers therefrom (i.e. for use of so-called hardware random numbers).

Next, the main CPU 41 goes to a step S42, where it determines code numbers (refer to FIG. 6) of respective symbol arrays in dependence on the selected random numbers. The code numbers of symbol arrays correspond to code numbers of symbols to be displayed on the wining line L where they stop. The main CPU 41 determines a prize by determination of code numbers of respective symbol arrays. For example, assuming code numbers of respective symbols be determined as “00”, “00”, “00”, “00”, “00”, the main CPU 41 has determined a prize of “JACKPOT 7”.

It is noted that the present embodiment implements scroll of symbols in a symbol basis, and rearrangement of symbols in a symbol array basis. That is, when scrolling, respective symbols individually scroll, and, once the code number of a certain symbol array be determined to “10”, for example, the symbol array will have code numbers “9”, “10”, “11” in order from above in final rearrangement in the lower image display panel 16.

Description is now made of prizes in the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a table showing a relationship between prize and payout amount. In FIG. 11, the payout amount means the number of coins to be paid out per unit of fed amount of coins.

For “APPLE” symbols rearranged five on the winning line L, fifty coins will be paid out per one of fed coins. Likewise, for “JACKPOT 7”, “BLUE 7”, “BELL”, “STRAWBERRY”, “PLUM”, “CHERRY”, or “ORANGE” symbols rearranged five on the winning line L, a number of coins corresponding to each prize will be paid out.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing a bonus game process to be called up as a sub-routine for execution at the step S15 of FIG. 8.

First, at a step S50, the main CPU 41 accepts an entry of predicted orders of symbols. In the step S50, for symbols to be next rearranged (those symbols to be rearranged at steps S51 and S52), predicted symbol orders of first to third places are entered by a player. The upper image display panel 33 then displays frames of images shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B.

Next, the main CPU 41 goes to the step S51 for implementation of a symbol determination process. The process at this step S51 is substantially identical to that referred to in description of step S16 in FIG. 8. This process has already been described, and further description is omitted here.

Next, at the step S52, the main CPU 41 implements a scroll display control process. In this process, for each symbol whose rearrangement in lower image display panel 16 is determined in the above-noted step S51, the main CPU 41 counts the number of identical symbols. Then, symbols start scroll, and get rearranged in due course in order of magnitude in number in rearrangement in lower image display panel 16, as shown in FIGS. 3A to 3E.

Next, at a step S53, the main CPU 41 judges, for symbols rearranged in lower image display panel 16, whether or not orders of magnitude (places of order) in number in the rearrangement match the predicted orders of symbols entered in the above-noted step S50. If the orders match in judgment, the main CPU 41 goes from the step S53 to a step S54, where it pays out a prescribed number of (e.g. 500) coins as a bonus, to finish this sub-routine. To the contrary, unless the orders match in judgment at the step S53, the main CPU 41 ends the sub-routine.

In the slot machine 10 and a playing method thereof in the present embodiment, the bonus game selection process (step S13 in FIG. 8) is executed every time when the spin button 23 is operated, for random decision to go, or not to go, to a bonus game. That is, a random decision is made every game, to go or not to go to a bonus game.

For transition to a bonus game, an acceptance is made of predicted orders of symbols entered through the touch panel 69. And, for rearrangement of a plurality of symbols arranged in the lower image display panel 16, the rearrangement is made in order of magnitude in number of identical symbols displayed in the lower image display panel 16. And, when a plurality of symbols arranged in the lower image display panel 16 are rearranged, if orders of magnitude in number of symbols displayed in the lower image display panel 16 match predicted orders entered through the touch panel 69, a prescribed number of (e.g. 500) coins are paid out as a bonus.

The first embodiment of the present invention has been described hitherto, which is a mere illustration of a specific example, and in no way constitutes a limitation to the present invention, so that specific configurations of respective measures can be designed or modified in an adequate manner. The embodiment of the present invention has described effects, which are simply enumerated as most preferable effects occurring from the invention, while the invention has effects thereof encompassing those described in the embodiment, without limitation thereto.

(2) Second Embodiment

In the first embodiment, description is made of a case in which, in accordance with a result of the bonus game selection process (step S13 in FIG. 8), transition is made to a bonus game, where predicted orders of symbols are entered by a player (step S50 in FIG. 12), and thereafter, the symbol determination process is executed (step S51 in FIG. 12), while the present invention is not limited thereto, and may have a player enter predicted orders of symbols, irrespective of the result of the bonus game selection process implemented for random selection to go or not to go to a bonus game.

That is, in the second embodiment, after the random selection to go or not to go to a bonus game, predicted orders of symbols are entered by a player, whether the selection has a successful result or an unsuccessful result for transition to a bonus game. In a slot machine according to this embodiment, such a progress of game allows the player to recognize a bonus game being always executed.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart schematically showing a playing method of a slot machine according to the second embodiment. There will be described below the slot machine and general actions of the playing method, with reference made to the flow chart shown in FIG. 13.

As shown in FIG. 13, the slot machine in the present embodiment has at a step S61 a plurality of symbols arranged on a device as a display, and thereafter goes to a step S62, where it randomly determines a transition to a special game. Then, at a step S63, it enables entry of predicted orders of a plurality of symbols to be rearranged on the display, by a device for the entry, whether in the case to go to a special game or the case not to go to a special game. Then, in the case the transition to the special game is determined at the step S62, it goes to a step S64, where it accepts an entry of predicted orders of a plurality of symbols to be rearranged on the display, and thereafter goes to a step S65, where it rearranges the plurality of symbols arranged on the display. Then, at a step S66, it judges whether or not orders of multitude in number of identical symbols rearranged match the predicted orders having been entered at the above-noted step S64, and in the case they match, it goes from the step S66 to a step S67, where it offers a prize. To the contrary, unless they match, it ends this game process.

It is noted that the order of processes may be interchanged between the process to randomly determine the transition to a special game (step S62) and the process to enable entry of predicted orders whether in presence or absence of the transition to a special game (step S63).

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing details of a game execution processing procedure to be executed by the slot machine in the second embodiment.

In FIG. 14, steps S70, S71, S72, and S73 have like processes to the steps S10, S11, S12, and S13 in FIG. 8. These processes have already been described, and further description is omitted here.

In the case of transition to a bonus game as a result of a bonus game selection process at the step S73, the main CPU 41 goes from a step S74 to a step S75 for implementation of a bonus game process. The steps S74 and S75 have like processes to the steps S14 and S15 in FIG. 8. These processes have already been described, and further description is omitted here.

Upon completion of the bonus game process, the main CPU 41 goes from the step S75 to a step S79. At this step S79, the main CPU 41 judges whether or not a prize is established by a combination of symbols displayed on a wining line L where they stop, in accordance with an arrangement of symbols determined in a symbol determination process of the bonus game process (step S75). This symbol determination process is like to that referred to in description of FIG. 12. This process has already been described, and further description is omitted here. If a prize is established, the main CPU 41 payouts (at a step S80) a number of coins depending on the prize and bet amount, to finish this sub-routine. On the other hand, unless a prize is established in judgment, it ends this sub-routine. In the game execution process of this embodiment, a prize is established in dependence on a combination of symbols displayed on a wining line L where they stop, even in the case of a transition to a bonus game.

In the case of no transition to a bonus game as a result of the bonus game selection process at the step S73, the main CPU 41 goes from the step S74 to a step S76, where it enables entry of predicted orders of symbols. In the step S76, for symbols to be next rearranged, predicted symbol orders of first to third places are entered by a player. The upper image display panel 33 then displays frames of images shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. Like this, even in the case the bonus game selection process (step S73) has determined no transition to a bonus game, entry of predicted orders of symbols by a player is requested, thereby allowing the player to recognize a bonus game being always executed.

As predicted orders of symbols are entered, the main CPU 41 stores a result of this entry in a RAM 43, and thereafter, goes to a subsequent step S77, where it implements a symbol determination process. In the symbol determination process, the main CPU 41 executes a symbol determination program stored in the RAM 43, to determine code numbers to be set when symbols stop. In the symbol determination process, the main CPU 41 determines so that symbols stop in orders different from predicted orders of symbols entered by a player at the step S76.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a symbol determination processing procedure to be executed at the step S77 of FIG. 14. This is a process for the main CPU 41 to execute the symbol determination program stored in the RAM 43.

First, at a step S91, the main CPU 41 executes a random number generation program included in the symbol determination program, to thereby select random numbers corresponding to respective arrays of symbols within a range of numbers 0 to 255. This is a process like to that in the step S41 of FIG. 10, and further description is omitted here.

Next, the main CPU 41 goes to a step S92, where it determines code numbers of respective symbol arrays in dependence on five random numbers selected in the step S91. This is a process like to that in the step S42 of FIG. 10, and further description is omitted here.

Then, the main CPU 41 goes to a step S93, where it judges whether or not orders in numbers of respective symbols to de displayed on the lower image display panel 16 (FIG. 5) by code numbers of symbol arrays determined in the above-noted step S92 match the predicted orders entered by a player in the step S76 of FIG. 14. An affirmative result, if given at the step S93, means a match between the predicted orders entered by a player and the orders of symbols determined in the step S92, and the main CPU 41 then goes from the step S93 again to the step S91, where it again makes a selection of random numbers.

To the contrary, a negative result, if given at the step S93, means a failed match between the predicted orders entered by a player and the orders of symbols determined in the step S92, and the main CPU 41 then goes from the symbol determination process as a sub-routine again to the game execution process shown in FIG. 14, where it goes to a scroll display control process (at a step S78).

At the step S17, the main CPU 41 implements the scroll display control process. This is a process for controlling display of symbols whose scrolls have been started, to have symbols rearranged as determined in the step S77. In the scroll display control process, for each symbol whose rearrangement in lower image display panel 16 is determined in the step S77, the main CPU 41 counts the number of identical symbols. Then, symbols start scroll, and get rearranged in due course in order of magnitude in number in rearrangement in lower image display panel 16, as shown in FIGS. 3A to 3E. In the above-noted step S77, symbols are determined to have different orders from the predicted orders entered by a player in the step S76, whereby symbols after the scroll display control process are rearranged with a lost match to the predicted orders entered by a player.

Like this, the game execution process according to the present embodiment has the player enter predicted orders of symbols for both successful selection and unsuccessful selection of a bonus game in the bonus game selection process at the step S73, and has symbols rearranged in orders of place different from predicted orders that have been entered in the case of unsuccessful selection of a bonus game. This results in a cancellation of payout for a bonus game in the case of unsuccessful selection of the bonus game in the bonus game selection process (step S73), so that the result of game reflects a result of the bonus game selection process (step S73).

Next, the main CPU 41 goes to a step S79, where it judges whether or not a prize is established in accordance with a combination of symbols rearranged on the winning line L. If a prize is established in judgment, the main CPU 41 pays out (at a step S80) a number of coins depending on the prize and bet amount, to finish this sub-routine. On the other hand, unless a prize is established in judgment, it ends this sub-routine.

In the present embodiment, the slot machine as well as the playing method thereof has the player enter predicted orders of symbols, irrespective of a result of selection in the bonus game selection process (step S73). The player is thereby shown an indicative bonus game being always executed, while a random selection to go or not to go to a bonus game is made every game, with a result of the selection reflected on a result of game. That is, in the slot machine and the playing method thereof according to the present embodiment, actually, a bonus game selection process is executed every game, while the progress of game appears to the player as if a bonus game were continued.

Although in the second embodiment description is made of a case which has, after a bonus game selection process (step S73), a player enter predicted orders of symbols (step S75, step S66) irrespective of the result of selection in the bonus game selection process, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may have the predicted orders of symbols entered before the bonus game selection process (step S73).

FIG. 16 shows a processing procedure that enables entry of predicted orders of symbols before a bonus game selection process.

In FIG. 16, steps S100, S101, and S102 have like processes to the steps S70, S71, and S72 in FIG. 14. These processes have already been described, and further description is omitted here.

At a step S103, the main CPU 41 enables entry of predicted orders of symbols. In the step S103, for symbols to be next rearranged, predicted symbol orders of first to third places are entered by a player. The upper image display panel 33 then displays frames of images shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. In this case, entry of predicted orders is enabled before a bonus game selection process to be executed at a later-described step S104. That is, predicted orders of symbols can be entered by a player, even in a state where no decision is made to go or not to go to a bonus game. The main CPU 41 stores in the RAM 43 predicted orders, as they are entered at the step S103.

Then, the main CPU 41 executes a bonus game selection process (step S104) following the process of enabling entry of predicted orders (step S103). That is like process to the step S73 of FIG. 14, and further description is omitted here.

In the case of transition to a bonus game as a result of the bonus game selection process at the step S104, the main CPU 41 goes from a step S105 to a step S106 for implementation of a bonus game process. FIG. 17 shows the bonus game process at the step S106. At this bonus game process, entry of predicted orders of symbols by a player has been enabled since step S103 shown in FIG. 16, and predicted orders then entered has been stored in the RAM 43. Therefore, in the bonus game process shown in FIG. 17, the main CPU 41 first goes to a step S120, where it reads predicted orders stored in the RAM 43, assuming those orders as predicted orders entered by the player.

Then, the main CPU 41 executes processes at steps S121, S122, S123, and S124. These processes have been described with reference to FIG. 12, and further description is omitted here.

Having executed such a bonus game process (step S106 in FIG. 16), the main CPU 41 goes from the step S106 to a step S109, as shown in FIG. 16. The step S09 and a step S110 are processes for judgment as to whether or not a prize is established by a combination of symbols displayed on a winning line L where they stop, and for execution of a payout process for an established prize. These processes are like to those at the steps S79 and S80 in FIG. 14, which have been already described with reference to FIG. 14, and further description is omitted here.

On the other hand, in the case of no transition to a bonus game as a result of the bonus game selection process at the step S104, the main CPU 41 goes from the step S105 to a step S107, where it implements a symbol determination process. In the symbol determination process, the main CPU 41 executes a symbol determination program stored in the RAM 43, to thereby determine code numbers that symbols should have when stop. In this symbol determination process, the main CPU 41 determines so that symbols stop in orders different from predicted orders of symbols entered by a player at the step S76. This symbol determination process is like to that at the step S77 in FIG. 14, which has been already described with reference to FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, and further description is omitted here.

After the symbol determination process, the main CPU 41 goes to a step S108, where it implements a scroll display control process, and then to a step S109, where it judges whether or not a prize is established by a combination of symbols displayed on a winning line L where they stop, and if a prize is established, it goes to a step S110 for execution of a payout process.

Like this, the game execution process in FIG. 16 enables entry of predicted orders of symbols by a player, before a bonus game selection process (step S104).

The second embodiment of the present invention has been described hitherto, which is a mere illustration of a specific example, and in no way constitutes a limitation to the present invention, so that specific configurations of respective measures can be designed or modified in an adequate manner. The embodiment of the present invention has described effects, which are simply enumerated as most preferable effects occurring from the invention, while the invention has effects thereof encompassing those described in the embodiment, without limitation thereto.

Claims

1. A slot machine comprising:

a display device adapted to have a plurality of kinds of symbols arranged thereon;

an input device adapted for a player to input orders of magnitude of prizes to occur in correspondence to kinds of symbols; and

a controller operable to randomly determine transition to a special game, and, in a case of transition to the special game, have a special prize occur subject to a match between predicted orders input from the input device before execution of the special game and orders of magnitude of prizes that can occur in conjunction with kinds of symbols rearranged on the display device.

2. A slot machine comprising:

a display device adapted to have a plurality of kinds of scatter symbols arranged thereon and set for prizes to be bigger as a number of the scatter symbols to be rearranged is greater;

an input device adapted for a player to input orders of magnitude of prizes; and

a controller operable to randomly determine transition to a special game, and, in a case of transition to the special game, have a special prize occur subject to a match between predicted orders input from the input device before execution of the special game and orders of multitude in number of scatter symbols rearranged on the display device.

3. A slot machine comprising:

a display device adapted to have a plurality of kinds of symbols arranged thereon;

an input device adapted for a player to input orders of magnitude of prizes to occur in correspondence to kinds of symbols; and

a controller operable to randomly determine transition to a special game, and, in a case of transition to the special game, have a special prize occur subject to a match between predicted orders input from the input device before execution of the special game and orders of magnitude of prizes that can occur in conjunction with kinds of symbols rearranged on the display device, and, when rearranging symbols on the display device, have a symbol greatest of magnitude of prize rearranged in advance of other symbols.

4. A slot machine comprising:

a display device adapted to have a plurality of kinds of symbols arranged thereon;

an input device adapted for a player to input orders of magnitude of prizes to occur in correspondence to kinds of symbols; and

a controller operable to randomly determine transition to a special game, and, in a case of transition to the special game, have a special prize occur subject to a match between predicted orders input from the input device before execution of the special game and orders of magnitude of prizes that can occur in conjunction with kinds of symbols rearranged on the display device, and when rearranging symbols on the display device, have symbols rearranged in orders of magnitude of prizes.

5. A slot machine comprising:

a display device adapted to have a plurality of kinds of symbols arranged thereon;

a first input device adapted for a player to input orders of magnitude of prizes to occur in correspondence to kinds of symbols;

a second input device adapted for a player to input an instruction for game start; and

a controller operable to randomly determine transition to a special game, taking the instruction input from the second input device for game start as an occasion therefore, and, in a case of transition to the special game, have a special prize occur subject to a match between predicted orders input from the first input device before execution of the special game and orders of magnitude of prizes that can occur in conjunction with kinds of symbols rearranged on the display device.

6. A slot machine comprising:

a display device adapted to have a plurality of kinds of symbols arranged thereon;

an input device adapted for a player to input orders of magnitude of prizes to occur in correspondence to kinds of symbols, in either of a case of transition to a special game and a case of no transition; and

a controller operable to randomly determine transition to the special game, and, in a case of transition to the special game, have a special prize occur subject to a match between predicted orders input from the input device before execution of the special game and orders of magnitude of prizes that can occur in conjunction with kinds of symbols rearranged on the display device.

7. A playing method for a slot machine, comprising the steps of:

executing rearrangement of a plurality of kinds of symbols arranged on a display device;

randomly determining transition to a special game, before execution of the rearrangement;

accepting, before execution of the rearrangement, an input of orders of magnitude of prizes to occur in correspondence to kinds of symbols rearranged on the display device; and

having a special prize occur subject to a match between the orders input, in a case of transition to the special game, before execution of the special game, and orders of magnitude of prizes that can occur in conjunction with kinds of symbols rearranged on the display device.

8. A playing method for a slot machine, comprising the steps of:

executing rearrangement on a display device, of a plurality of kinds of scatter symbols set for prizes to be bigger as a number to be rearranged is greater;

randomly determining transition to a special game, before execution of the rearrangement;

accepting, before execution of the rearrangement, an input of orders of magnitude of prizes; and

having a special prize occur subject to a match between the orders input, in a case of transition to the special game, before execution of the special game, and orders of multitude in number of scatter symbols rearranged on the display device.

9. A playing method for a slot machine, comprising the steps of:

executing rearrangement of a plurality of kinds of symbols arranged on a display device;

randomly determining transition to a special game, before execution of the rearrangement;

accepting, before execution of the rearrangement, an input of orders of magnitude of prizes to occur in correspondence to kinds of symbols rearranged on the display device;

having a symbol greatest of magnitude of prize rearranged in advance of other symbols, when rearranging symbols on the display device; and

having a special prize occur subject to a match between the orders input, in a case of transition to the special game, before execution of the special game, and orders of magnitude of prizes that can occur in conjunction with kinds of symbols rearranged on the display device.

10. A playing method for a slot machine, comprising the steps of:

executing rearrangement of a plurality of kinds of symbols arranged on a display device;

randomly determining transition to a special game, before execution of the rearrangement;

accepting, before execution of the rearrangement, an input of orders of magnitude of prizes to occur in correspondence to kinds of symbols rearranged on the display device;

having symbols rearranged in orders of magnitude of prizes, when rearranging symbols on the display device; and

having a special prize occur subject to a match between the orders input, in a case of transition to the special game, before execution of the special game, and orders of magnitude of prizes that can occur in conjunction with kinds of symbols rearranged on the display device.

11. A playing method for a slot machine, comprising the steps of:

executing rearrangement of a plurality of kinds of symbols arranged on a display device;

accepting, before execution of the rearrangement, an input of orders of magnitude of prizes to occur in correspondence to kinds of symbols rearranged on the display device;

accepting an input of an instruction for game start;

randomly determining transition to a special game, taking the instruction input for game start as an occasion therefore;

having a special prize occur subject to a match between the orders input, in a case of transition to the special game, before execution of the special game, and orders of magnitude of prizes that can occur in conjunction with kinds of symbols rearranged on the display device.

12. A playing method for a slot machine, comprising the steps of:

executing rearrangement of a plurality of kinds of symbols arranged on a display device;

randomly determining transition to a special game, before execution of the rearrangement;

enabling, before execution of the rearrangement, an input of orders of magnitude of prizes to occur in correspondence to kinds of symbols rearranged on the display device, in either of a case of transition to a special game and a case of no transition; and

having a special prize occur subject to a match between the orders input, in the case of transition to the special game, before execution of the special game, and orders of magnitude of prizes that can occur in conjunction with kinds of symbols rearranged on the display device.