Slot machine having a plurality of game lines

Abstract

Symbol displaying windows are arranged in matrix and are combined to set game lines including three horizontal lines, three vertical lines, and two diagonal lines. An operation panel is provided with line buttons and bet buttons. When a game is played, one of the line buttons is depressed first to nominate the game lines. Successively, one of the bet buttons is depressed to bet coins on the nominated game lines. After that, a symbol row is rotated in each symbol displaying window. A number of the game lines to be nominated and a number of coins to be betted thereon are optionally selected by a player. Each of the line buttons and the bet buttons contains an LED for showing whether the corresponding button is operative or not.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a slot machine in which occurrence of winning is determined in accordance with a combination of symbols stopped at a nominated game line.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] In a most popularized slot machine of a three-reel type, three reels having symbols arranged on peripheries thereof are disposed side by side and are rotated. When each reel has stopped, three symbols are displayed within a symbol window in a vertical direction. In total, nine symbols are displayed in the symbol window. A game line is predetermined in accordance with a type of the slot machine so as to straightly combine the symbols of the respective reels. For example, a certain type of the slot machine has one horizontal game line, and another type thereof has three horizontal game lines. Further, the other type of the slot machine has five game lines additionally including two diagonal lines.

[0005] The slot machine having the plural game lines tends to catch a player's fancy because probability of winning increases. Usually, a number of the game lines is determined in accordance with a number of coins (including tokens) betted prior to a slot-machine game. For example, as to the slot machine having five game lines, the central horizontal line is nominated by inserting one coin, and the three horizontal lines are nominated by inserting two coins. Further, the five lines including two diagonal lines are nominated by inserting three coins.

[0006] In the meantime, some players desire to play a game on a condition that only the central line is nominated and three coins are intensively betted on this line. In this case, the player needs to choose the slot machine in which only the central line is set as the game line and the number of coins to be betted can be selected. By the way, the slot machines are located in a casino so as to be grouped every type. Thus, it is troublesome for the player to choose the desired slot machine among the various types of the slot machine.

[0007] In some slot machines having plural game lines, the player can select the number of the game lines separately from the number of the betted coins. With respect to such a slot machine, it is preferable to have more game lines for the purpose of raising its attraction. For instance, as shown in FIG. 8, the number of the reels is increased up to five. In this case, six game lines 90d to 90i having a bent shape are provided in addition to three horizontal game lines 90a to 90c. In other words, the game lines are contrived such that the number thereof is nine.

[0008] In the above slot machine, when the player operates a selection button of one line prior to the game, only the game line 90a is nominated. When a selection button of three lines is operated, the game lines 90b and 90c are added to nominate the three game lines. When a selection button of five lines is operated, the game lines 90d and 90e are further added to nominate the five game lines. When a selection button of seven lines is operated, the game lines 90f and 90g are further added to nominate the seven game lines. When a selection button of nine lines is operated, the game lines 90h and 90i are furthermore added to nominate the nine game lines. After that, by operating a bet button, a bet number is determined relative to the nominated game lines. Meanwhile, such as shown in FIG. 9, if four symbols are displayed per reel, eight game lines 91a through 91h may be set. The player can select the proper number of the game lines among the lines 91a through 91h.

[0009] However, when the plural game lines are provided such as shown in FIG. 8, the game lines 90d to 90i are bent and some of the game lines partially overlap with the other game line. Due to this, there arises a problem in that it is difficult to distinguish the player's nominated game line from the other game lines. The game lines 91a to 91h shown in FIG. 9 are straight. However, when the respective reels are separated from each other, and when the symbols of each reel are arranged at short intervals, it is difficult to distinguish the respective game lines at a glance.

[0010] Moreover, when the slot machine is provided with the plural game-line selection buttons and the plural bet buttons, there arises a problem in that it is difficult to instantly judge the operative game-line selection buttons and the operative bet buttons within an extent of the inserted coins.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In view of the foregoing, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a slot machine in which it is possible to set more game lines, and only a part of which can be optionally nominated by a player.

[0012] It is a second object of the present invention to provide a slot machine in which a game line nominated by a player may be easily distinguished from the other game lines.

[0013] It is a third object of the present invention to provide a slot machine in which operative buttons for selecting game lines and a bet number thereof may be easily distinguished from the other inoperative buttons.

[0014] In order to achieve the above and other objects, the slot machine of a preferred embodiment comprises nine reels, each of which has symbols aligned on a surface thereof. These nine reels are arranged in square matrix to set eight game lines including three horizontal lines, three vertical lines, and two diagonal lines. From the eight game lines, a player can select a desired number thereof to be nominated.

[0015] The slot machine is provided with game-line selection buttons for selecting a number of the game lines to be nominated. In addition, the slot machine is provided with bet-number input buttons and a simultaneous-input button. The bet-number input button is for inputting a number of coins to be betted on the nominated game lines. The simultaneous-input button is operated for simultaneously performing both of nominating the game lines and betting the coins thereon. Whenever the simultaneous-input button is operated, a predetermined number of the game lines are additionally nominated in a predetermined order. For instance, upon operation of the simultaneous-input button, the number of the nominated game lines increases one by one. At the same time, a fixed number of coins are betted on the nominated game line. When the simultaneous-input button is successively operated after nominating all of the game lines, the fixed number of coins are additionally betted on the nominated game lines in the predetermined order. In this way, it is possible to optionally determine the number of the game lines to be nominated. Moreover, it is also possible to optionally determine the number of coins to be betted on the nominated game lines.

[0016] The slot machine according to another embodiment comprises indication members for indicating the operative buttons among the game-line selection buttons and the bet-number input buttons. The indication member is contained in the respective buttons. After inserting the coins into the slot machine, the game-line selection buttons and the bet-number input buttons partly become operative in accordance with a number of the inserted coins. Of course, when the number of the inserted coins exceeds a predetermined number, all of the buttons become operative. The operative button is indicated by turning on the indication member contained therein. The indication member is an LED, for example.

[0017] According to the present invention, the nine reels are arranged in square matrix, and three of them are vertically, horizontally and diagonally combined to set the eight game lines. Moreover, the game-line selection members are provided. This member is operated after inserting the coins and before moving a symbol row. The player can select the game lines to be nominated and the number of coins to be betted on the nominated game lines. Owing to this, the player is more interested in the slot machine game. Incidentally, the nominated game line is adapted to be easily distinguished.

[0018] Further, according to the present invention, the player can instantly judge the number of the nominatable game lines and the possible number of coins to be betted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The above objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a slot machine of a first embodiment;

[0021] FIG. 2 is an explanatory illustration showing formation game lines;

[0022] FIG. 3 is a front view showing an operation panel;

[0023] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing electrical structure of the slot machine of the first embodiment;

[0024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the slot machine of a second embodiment;

[0025] FIG. 6 is a front view showing a liquid-crystal panel of the slot machine of the second embodiment;

[0026] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing electrical structure of the slot machine of the second embodiment;

[0027] FIG. 8 is an explanatory illustration showing game-line formation of the conventional slot machine having five reels; and

[0028] FIG. 9 is an explanatory illustration showing game-line formation of the slot machine in which four symbols are displayed per reel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, a front face of a slot machine 10 is provided with nine symbol windows 11, an operation panel 12 and a coin tray 13. The symbol windows 11 are arranged in three-by-three matrix. Behind the symbol windows 11, nine reels 14 are respectively disposed so as to correspond to each windows 11. A plurality of symbols are arranged on a peripheral surface of the reel 14 at predetermined intervals. When the reel 14 is stopped, one of the symbols is displayed through the symbol window 11.

[0030] In FIG. 2, such as shown by broken lines, eight game lines are provided for the symbol windows 11 arranged in matrix. The eight game lines include horizontal three game lines 15a to 15c, vertical three game lines 15d to 15f, and diagonal two game lines 15g and 15h. In accordance with a symbol combination displayed along each of the game lines 15a to 15h, it is determined whether winning occurs or not. One end of each of the game lines 15a to 15h is provided with a line indicator 16 having an arrow shape. An LED is disposed behind the line indicator 16, and is turned on to indicate the nominated game line.

[0031] The operation panel 12 is disposed under the symbol windows 11, and is provided with various operation buttons and a coin slot 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the operation panel 12 is provided with a payout button 21, a change button 22, line buttons 23, bet buttons 24, a spin button 25, a one-by-one bet button 26, and a maximum bet button 27.

[0032] Each of the line buttons 23 works as a member for selecting the game lines. The line buttons 23 include a one-line button 23a, a three-line button 23b, a five-line button 23c, and an eight-line button 23d. By selectively depressing the line buttons 23a to 23d, a number of the game lines to be nominated is selected. The selectable number of the game lines is determined in accordance with a number of coins (including tokens) inserted into the coin slot 20. Incidentally, when the coin accumulated in a credit counter is used, the coin is not actually inserted for each game. In the present specification, however, meaning of “coin insertion” includes usage of the coin accumulated in the credit counter.

[0033] For example, when a player inserts one or two coins, the number of the nominatable game lines is one. Upon depression of the one-line button 23a, the game line 15a is nominated. When three or four coins are inserted, the number of the nominatable game lines is three. Upon depression of the three-line button 23b, the game lines 15a to 15c are nominated. Similarly, when five through seven coins are inserted, the game lines 15a to 15e are nominated upon depression of the five-line button 23c. Further, when eight or more coins are inserted, all the game lines 15a to 15h are nominated upon depression of the eight-line button 23d.

[0034] Each of the bet buttons 24 works as a member for inputting a bet number. The bet buttons 24 include a one-bet button 24a, a two-bet button 24b, a three-bet button 24c, and a four-bet button 24d. By selectively depressing one of the bet buttons 24, a number of the coins to be betted is determined every nominated game line. Incidentally, it is possible to bet one through four coins on the nominated game line by using the bet buttons 24. Consequently, as to the slot machine 10, the limit number of the coins to be betted in each game is thirty-two under the circumstances that all of the game lines 15a to 15h are nominated and four coins are betted on the respective game lines.

[0035] When the coins are betted with the bet buttons 24a to 24d, the same number of the coins is adapted to be betted on each of the nominated game lines. For instance, when all of the game lines 15a to 15h are nominated and the one-bet button 24a is depressed, the coins are betted on the respective game lines 15a to 15h one by one so that eight coins are betted in total. Similarly, when all of the game lines 15a to 15h are nominated and the two-bet button 24b is depressed, the coins are betted on the respective game lines 15a to 15h two by two so that sixteen coins are betted in total. If the winning occurs on the nominated game line, the player obtains the award coins, the number of which corresponds to a dividend multiplied by the bet number &agr; (&agr;is equal to 1, 2, 3 or 4).

[0036] The one-by-one bet button 26 works as a member for simultaneously inputting plural operations. Concretely, the one-by-one bet button 26 is used for simultaneously performing both of nominating the game line and betting the coin thereon. For instance, when the one-by-one bet button 26 is depressed by one time, the game line 15a is nominated and one coin is betted thereon. When the one-by-one bet button 26 is depressed by two times, the game lines 15a and 15b are nominated and two coins are betted on these two lines one by one. When the one-by-one bet button 26 is depressed by three times, the game lines 15a to 15c are nominated and three coins are betted thereon one by one. In this way, the game lines are nominated in a predetermined order such that the number of the nominated game lines corresponds to the depression number of the one-by-one bet button 26.

[0037] When the depression number of the one-by-one bet button 26 exceeds the number of the whole game lines 15a to 15h, the coin is betted on the game line again in the predetermined order. For instance, when the one-by-one bet button 26 is depressed by nine times, the coins are betted such as follows. Upon depressing the one-by-one bet button 26 by eight times, the whole game lines 15a to 15h are nominated and the coins are betted on the respective game lines 15a to 15h one by one. And then, upon ninth depression of the one-by-one bet button 26, the coin is betted on the game line 15a again. In other words, two coins are betted on the game line 15a and one coin is betted on each of the other game lines 15b to 15h. In this way, when the one-by-one bet button 26 is depressed by “N” times (N is an integer of 4 or less) for each the game line, the coins of which number is “N” are betted.

[0038] When the number of the inserted coins exceeds thirty-two or when the number of the coins accumulated in the credit counter exceeds thirty-two, the whole game lines 15a to 15h are nominated by operating the maximum bet button 27. At this time, the coins are betted on the respective game lines four by four. By the way, if the number of the inserted coins is thirty-one or less, all of the inserted coins may be betted with the maximum bet button 27. In this instance, nominating the game line and betting the coin thereon are carried out similarly to the case in that the one-by-one bet button 26 is operated.

[0039] Meanwhile, an LED 28 is disposed behind each of the buttons including the line buttons 23a to 23d, the bet buttons 24a to 24d, the one-by-one bet button 26, and the maximum bet button 27. These buttons are made of translucent plastic. When the LED 28 is turned on, the light thereof is visible through the translucent button. By turning on the LEDs 28 in accordance with the number of the inserted coins, it is possible to indicate the operative buttons among the line buttons and the bet buttons. The button whose LED 28 is turned off can not be selected. The one-by-one bet button 26 and the maximum bet button 27 can be always operated when the coin is inserted. Thus, the LEDs 28 of the one-by-one bet button 26 and the maximum bet button 27 are always turned on when the coin is inserted.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4, a coin sensor 31 disposed behind the coin slot 20 inputs a coin detection signal into a CPU 32 whenever the proper coin is inserted in the coin slot 20. A lighting data memory 33 stores lighting data for turning on and off the LEDs 28 in accordance with the number of the inserted coins. The CPU 32 reads the lighting data from the memory 33 in response to the coin detection signal. At the same time, the CPU 32 activates an LED controller 34 to control the LED 28 via an LED driver 35. Owing to this, the LEDs 28 of the line buttons 23a to 23d and the bet buttons 24a to 24d are turned on in accordance with the number of the inserted coins. Moreover, the LEDs 28 of the one-by-one bet button 26 and the maximum bet button 27 are turned on.

[0041] When each button of the operation panel 12 is operated, an operation signal thereof is inputted into the CPU 32 by an operation detecting circuit 36. When the line button 23 is operated, a line selection signal is inputted into the CPU 32 to judge the number of the game lines to be nominated. A ROM 37 stores game-line patterns for nominating the game lines. The CPU 32 reads the game-line pattern from the ROM 37 and nominates the game lines so as to correspond to the selected number thereof. When the bet button 24 is depressed, the bet number (odds) selection signal is inputted into the CPU 32 to temporarily store the bet number in a RAM 38.

[0042] When the one-by-one bet button 26 is depressed, an input signal thereof is inputted into the CPU 32. Upon this, the CPU 32 reads the game-line pattern from the ROM 37 to nominate the game line 15a and the succeeding game lines in accordance with a number of the signals inputted from the one-by-one bet button 26. The CPU 32 temporarily stores the bet number of the nominated game lines in the RAM 38. Incidentally, the CPU 32 outputs a signal to a display driver 39 in response to the operation signal of the line buttons 23 and the one-by-one bet button 26 in order to activate the line indicator 16.

[0043] The lighting data memory 33 stores the lighting data for turning on and off the LEDs 28 in accordance with the operation of the line buttons 23 and the bet buttons 24. When the operation signals of the line button 23 and the bet button 24 are inputted into the CPU 32, the lighting data is read from the lighting data memory 33 by the CPU 32 to activate the LED controller 34. Based on the read lighting data, the LED controller 34 turns on only the LEDs 28 corresponding to the selected line button 23 and the selected bet button 24. The LEDs 28 of the other buttons are turned off.

[0044] By the way, when the line button 23 is operated, the LED controller 34 turns off the LEDs 28 of the bet buttons 24 which can not be selected in view of the number of the inserted coins. In a case that another line button 23 whose LED 28 is turned off is operated after selecting one of the line buttons, the LED controller 34 turns on the LED 28 of the newly operated line button 23, and turns off the LED 28 of the previously operated line button 23. In this way, it is possible for the player to change the selected number of the game lines.

[0045] Upon depression of the spin button 25, a start signal is inputted into the CPU 32 to activate a motor controller 40. The motor controller 40 supplies drive pulses to stepping motors 42a to 42i via motor drivers 41a to 41i provided for the respective stepping motors. By the way, in a state that the coin is not inserted, the start signal is ignored so that the reel 14 is not rotated.

[0046] The respective reels 14 are directly driven by the stepping motors 42a to 42i. A rotational amount of the reel 14 is calculated from a number of the drive pulses supplied to the corresponding stepping motor. The number of the drive pulses supplied to the stepping motor is counted by an individual counter provided in a winning judgement section 43. Meanwhile, a reset signal is outputted from each of sensors 44a to 44i whenever each reel 14 passes its reference position. In response to the reset signal, a counted value of the drive pulses supplied to the corresponding stepping motor is reset. This way, the rotational position of the stepping motor is continuously monitored per rotation. Symbol arrangement commencing from the reference position is known in advance with respect to each reel 14. Accordingly, when the stepping motor has been stopped, a kind of the symbol appearing in the symbol displaying window 11 is specified on the basis of the counted value of the drive pulses.

[0047] When the motor controller 40 is activated, the CPU 32 extracts a random number from a random-number generator 45 to determine a symbol combination occurring as a result of the current game. In order to determine the symbol combination, the ROM 37 stores data for correlating the random number with the symbol combination.

[0048] The symbol arrangement commencing from the reference position is known regarding each reel 14, and arrangement data thereof is written in the ROM 37. The CPU 32 controls the stepping motors 42a to 42i, observing the counted values of the respective counters. Owing to this, the reels may be stopped such that the symbol combination corresponding to the extracted random number is displayed on the nominated game line. In other words, the respective reels 14 are stopped by the CPU 32 so as to obtain the symbol combination determined on the basis of the extracted random number.

[0049] The winning judgement section 43 receives the data of the nominated game lines from the CPU 32. Moreover, the winning judgement section 43 checks the data stored in the ROM 37 to confirm whether the winning occurs or not every nominated game line. When occurrence of the winning is confirmed, a winning signal and a line signal are inputted into the CPU 32. The winning signal represents a kind of the winning, and the line signal represents the nominated game line on which the winning occurs. When the winning does not occur, a loss signal is inputted into the CPU 32.

[0050] In the case that the winning has occurred, the CPU 32 checks the bet number saved in the RAM 38 and the dividend-coin data stored in the ROM 37. Then, the CPU 32 stores, in the RAM 38, the number of the dividend coins corresponding to the kind of the obtained winning. Moreover, the CPU 32 actuates a credit display 17 to indicate the accumulated number of the dividend coins. If the payout button 21 is depressed at this time, a coin dispenser 46 is driven to pay out the coins, the number of which is indicated by the credit display 17, to the coin tray 13. Incidentally, the RAM 38 includes a credit counting area and a coin counting area in addition to an area for storing the number of the betted coins. The credit counting area is for accumulating the number of the divided coins obtained every winning, and the coin counting area is for storing the number of the inserted coins. The RAM 38 is used as a memory for temporarily storing the various data obtained during the game process. The ROM 37 stores, besides the above data, programs for executing a main-game sequence and a sub-game sequence.

[0051] Hereinafter, an operation of the slot machine 10 is described. First of all, the player inserts the coin into the coin slot 20. Then, the player imagines which game line is expected to obtain the winning. In accordance with the imagination, the player selects the number of the game lines to be nominated. Further, the player selects the bet number of the nominated game lines. Selecting the game lines and the bet number is performed by operating the line buttons 23 and the bet buttons 24, alternatively by operating the one-by-one bet button 26.

[0052] When operating the line button 23 and the bet button 24, the line button 23 is operated first to select the number of the game lines to be nominated. At this time, the LEDs 28 of the line buttons 23 being selectable are turned on in accordance with the number of the inserted coins. Upon depression of the one-line button 23a, only the game line 15a is nominated. Upon depression of the three-line button 23b, the game lines 15a to 15c are nominated. Upon depression of the five-line button 23c, the game lines 15a to 15e are nominated. Upon depression of the eight-line button 23d, the whole game lines 15a to 15h are nominated. Incidentally, after the line button 23 has been selected, only the LED 28 of the selected one is turned on.

[0053] Successively, one of the bet buttons 24 is depressed for selecting the number of the coins to be betted on the nominated game lines. At this time, only the LEDs 28 of the operative bet buttons 24 are turned on after depressing the line button 23. Upon selectively depressing one of the bet buttons 24, the coins whose number is one, two, three or four are betted on each of the nominated game lines. After depressing one of the bet buttons 24, only the LED 28 of the selected one is turned on. Meanwhile, an operation signal is inputted from the operation detecting circuit 36 into the CPU 32 to actuate the line indicator 16.

[0054] After that, the spin button 25 is depressed to rotate the reels 14. Upon this, the start signal is inputted from the operation detecting circuit 36 into the CPU 32 to activate the motor controller 40. The CPU 32 extracts the random number from the random-number generator 45 to determine the symbol combination to be displayed as a result of the current game. Further, the symbols to be stopped at the game line are determined with respect to the respective reels 14.

[0055] Occurrence of winning is determined as stated above. In the case of winning, a kind thereof is also determined. And then, the respective reels 14 are simultaneously started to rotate. After rotating the respective reels 14 by a predetermined amount, the CPU 32 performs a stopping operation of the stepping motors 42a to 42j, referring to the counted value of the counter. In virtue of this operation, the reels 14 are stopped so as to display the symbol combination determined on the basis of the extracted random number. In the case of winning, the credit display 17 is actuated, referring to both of the dividend-coin data stored in the ROM 37 and the bet number saved in the RAM 38, to indicate the accumulation number of the awarded coins corresponding to the kind of the obtained winning. At the same time, the number of the awarded coins is accumulated in the credit counter area of the RAM 38. In this case, the awarded coins are the dividend-coin number multiplied by the bet number &agr; (=1 to 4). After displaying the number of the awarded coins, one game is completed.

[0056] When the number of the game lines to be nominated and the bet number thereof are selected by operating the one-by-one bet button 26, this button 26 is depressed by desired times. When the one-by-one bet button 26 is depressed, the number of the nominated game lines increases in association with the depression number of the button 26. At the same time, betting the coin is also performed. When the one-by-one bet button 26 is depressed within eight times, the coins are betted on the nominated game lines one by one. When the one-by-one bet button 26 is depressed within a range of nine times to thirty-two times, the coins are betted on the nominated game lines two by two, three by three, or four by four.

[0057] After that, the respective reels 14 are rotated upon depression of the spin button 25. When the respective reels 14 are stopped, the credit display 17 indicates the kind of winning and the awarded-coin number corresponding to the betted-coin number, if the winning is obtained. At the same time, the awarded-coin number is accumulated in the credit counter area of the RAM 38. Then, one game is completed.

[0058] When the inserted-coin number or the accumulated-coin number of the credit counter is thirty-two or more, the whole game lines 15a to 15h are nominated by depressing the maximum bet button 27. In this case, it is possible to bet the coins on the game lines 15a to 15h four by four. On the other hand, when the inserted-coin number or the accumulated-coin number of the credit counter is thirty-one or less, the number of the game lines to be nominated and the bet number thereof are selected in accordance with the number of the coins similarly to the case of depressing the one-by-one bet button 26. Thus, by depressing the maximum bet button 27, it is unnecessary to operate the line button 23, the bet button 24, and the one-by-one bet button 26.

[0059] As described above, the slot machine 10 has two manners for selecting the number of the game lines and the bet number thereof. In one manner, the line button 23 and the bet button 24 are operated. In the other manner, the one-by-one bet button 26 is operated. For instance, when the game is played with two coins, the game line 15a is nominated by operating the one-line button 23a, and then, one or two coins are betted on the game line 15a by operating the one-bet button 24a or the two-bet button 24b. In contrast, by depressing the one-by-one bet button 26 twice, the coins are betted on the game lines 15a and 15b one by one.

[0060] The player forecasts the game line on which the winning is likely to occur, and operates the line button 23 and the bet button 24. Owing to this, the number of the coins to be betted on the forecasted game line may be increased to obtain a large number of the dividend coins. Therefore, the player obtains novel interest of the game, since it is annexed thereto to forecast the game line on which the winning is likely to occur. Moreover, by operating the one-by-one bet button 26, the coins may be uniformly betted on the nominated game lines so that the player may play one game without losing many coins.

[0061] As described above, when playing the slot-machine game, the one-by-one bet button 26 is used separately from the line buttons 23 and the bet buttons 24. Owing to this, the game is prevented from being monotonously played, and it is possible to play the game in various ways. Thus, interest of the game may be enhanced for the player. Further, the nine reels are arranged in the matrix form so that it is possible to introduce the vertical game lines. Accordingly, the number of the game lines is increased. At the same time, all the game lines become straight so that the game lines may be easily distinguished from each other notwithstanding the increase of the game lines. Consequently, game contents may be easily grasped so that the player may enjoy the game in various aspect.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the nine symbol windows 11 are combined three by three in the vertical direction, in the horizontal direction, and in the diagonal direction to set the eight game lines in total. However, this is not exclusive. It is possible to set a proper number of the game lines by combining any three of the symbol windows 11. Also in this case, the number of the game lines to be nominated and the bet number thereof are selected similarly to the above embodiment. In this way, the game may be played in various manners so that interest of the game is enhanced for the player.

[0063] As to the operation buttons disposed on the operation panel 12, the kinds and the arrangement thereof may be properly changed. For instance, a two-by-two bet button may be provided besides the one-by-one bet button 26. By using the two-by-two bet button, the coins are betted two by two on the game lines to be sequentially nominated. Similarly, a three-by-three bet button may be provided. Moreover, if a double-up button and so forth are provided, the game may be played in more various ways.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to the slot machine whose reels 14 are automatically stopped. However, this is not exclusive. The present invention may be applied to the slot machine whose reel is stopped by operating a stop button. Further, the present invention may be applied to a video-type slot machine in which reels are displayed on a CRT and are rotated in accordance with graphic data stored in a ROM.

[0065] Next, a second embodiment is described below. In the second embodiment, a component being identical with that of the first embodiment is denoted by same reference numeral and detailed description thereof is abbreviated. As shown in FIG. 5, a front face of a slot machine 50 is provided with a symbol-image displaying unit 51, an operation panel 12, and a coin tray 13. FIG. 6 shows the symbol-image displaying unit 51 under a condition that five game lines are nominated. A liquid crystal panel 57 is attached to the symbol-image displaying unit 51. A display surface of the liquid crystal panel 57 is provided with symbol-image windows 58, a line-number window 59, bet-number windows 60, a total-bet-number window 61, a coin-number window 62, a message window 63, and a credit window 64.

[0066] A number of the symbol-image windows 58 is nine, and they are arranged in three-by-three matrix. The symbol-image window 58 is an individual area for displaying symbol images which move so as to flow therein. The nine symbol-image windows 58 are combined three by three, including three horizontal lines, three vertical lines, and two diagonal lines. In total, eight game lines are provided. By the way, frame lines for defining the display surface is not essential and may be omitted insofar as the individual display area, the number of which is nine, are secured.

[0067] The line-number window 59 works as a display for indicating a number of the nominated game lines for the player. The nominated game line itself is indicated by a line display 65 straightly extending from one end of the three symbol-image windows of the game line to the other end thereof. The line display 65 is superimposed on the symbol images and is turned on to indicate the nominated game line. When the moving display of the symbol images is started, the line display 65 is turned off for a while. Then, when the moving display of the symbol images is stopped, the line display 65 is turned on again. At this time, the line display 65 on which winning occurs is adapted to be blinked.

[0068] The bet-number windows 60 are disposed near the one ends of the respective line displays 65 to indicate the number of coins betted on the nominated game lines. The total bet-number window 61 indicates the total number of coins betted on the nominated game lines. In FIG. 6, the five game lines are nominated and the coins are betted thereon one by one so that the respective bet-number windows 60 indicate “1” and the total-bet-number window 61 indicates “5”.

[0069] The coin-number window 62 indicates a number of coins to be paid when the winning occurs on the nominated game line. The message window 63 displays messages for instructing coin insertion and operations of various buttons provided on the operation panel 12. The massage window 63 guides a player along a game process. The message shown in FIG. 6 instructs the player to operate the bet button. In accordance with the displayed message, the player operates the bet button. The credit window 64 displays a number of coins accumulated in a credit counter.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 5, the operation panel 12 is provided under the symbol-image displaying unit 51. The operation panel 12 is described in the first embodiment in detail.

[0071] When a player inserts one coin, the number of the nominatable game lines is one. Upon depression of the one-line button 23a, the central horizontal game line is nominated. When three coins are inserted, the number of the nominatable game lines is three. Upon operation of the three-line button 23b, the three horizontal game lines are nominated. Similarly, when five coins are inserted, the five game lines are nominated in total upon operation of the five-line button 23c. The five game lines include the three horizontal game lines and the two diagonal game lines. When eight coins are inserted, the eight game lines are nominated in total upon operation of the eight-line button 23d. The eight game lines include the three vertical game lines in addition to the above-noted five game lines.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 32 activates a display control IC 72 and the LED controller 34 in response to the coin detection signal outputted from the coin sensor 31. The display control IC 72 indicates a number of the inserted coins in the credit window 64 of the liquid crystal panel 57.

[0073] When each button of the operation panel 12 is operated, an operation signal thereof is inputted into the CPU 32 via the operation detecting circuit 36. Incidentally, the CPU 32 totally controls the operation of the slot machine in accordance with a game program stored in the ROM 37, and ignores the inputted operation signals if these signals are irrelevant to game procedure.

[0074] When the line button 23 is depressed, the CPU 32 judges the number of the game lines to be nominated in response to the selected line button 23. Then, a judgement signal is inputted into the display control IC 72. From a line pattern memory 78, the display control IC 72 reads out graphic data of the line-number window 59 and the line display 65 corresponding to the judgement signal. The graphic data are displayed on the liquid crystal panel 57 every display position. The CPU 32 nominates the game lines shown by the line displays 65 so as to correspond to the selected number of the game lines.

[0075] When the bet button 24 is depressed, a bet-number selection signal is inputted into the CPU 32. Successively, the CPU 32 judges the bed number to input a judgement signal into the display control IC 72. From a bet-number data memory 79, the display control IC 72 reads out corresponding graphic data to be displayed in both of the bet-number window 60 and the total-bet-number window 61. The graphic data are displayed on the liquid crystal panel 57. Meanwhile, the CPU 32 temporarily saves the bet number in the RAM 38.

[0076] In addition, from a message data memory 81, the display control IC 72 reads a massage for instructing coin insertion when it is required to insert the coins. The display control IC 72 also reads, from the message date memory 81, messages for instructing operations of the line button 23, the bet button 24 and the spin button 25. The read message is displayed in the message window 63.

[0077] When the spin button 25 is depressed, the start signal is inputted into the CPU 32 to activate the display control IC 72 in response to the start signal. The display control IC 72 reads out graphic data of a symbol-image row from a symbol-image data memory 82 with respect to each of the symbol-image windows 58. The read graphic data is inputted into the liquid crystal panel 57. Owing to this, the individual symbol image constituting the symbol-image row is repeatedly displayed in the symbol-image window 58 so as to flow therein. In the meantime, when the spin button 25 is depressed, the CPU 32 actuates the LED controller 34 to change the state of the lighting LED 28 to a blinking state via the LED driver 35.

[0078] When the start signal is inputted into the CPU 32, a sole random number is sampled from the random-number generator 45 and is inputted into the winning judgement section 43. When inputting the random number, the winning judgement section 43 determines a kind of the winning to be awarded in the current game. Successively, the CPU 32 activates a symbol determining circuit 85 for determining the symbol images to be stopped in the symbol-image windows 58. The symbol images to be finally displayed are determined in accordance with the kind of winning or non-winning determined on the basis of the sampled random number. A head address of the graphic data corresponding to the finally displayed symbol image is inputted into the CPU 32.

[0079] The display control IC 72 inputs the head address allocated to each symbol image into the CPU 32 when the graphic data of each display position is inputted into the liquid crystal panel 57. Thus, the CPU 32 can recognize the symbol image currently displayed at each display position by monitoring the head address. When the head address inputted from the symbol determining circuit 85 coincides with the head address inputted from the display control IC 72, the moving display of the symbol-image row is stopped. In this way, the determined symbol image is stopped in each of the symbol-image windows 58. In the case of winning, the CPU 32 determines the game line, at random, on which the winning occurs.

[0080] As stated above, the symbol image is displayed in the symbol-image window 58 so as to flow. Thus, the timing for inputting the head address of the graphic data into the liquid crystal panel 57 does not coincide with the timing for displaying the corresponding symbol image at the center of the symbol-image window 58. However, the display control IC 72 monitors a moving speed of the symbol image by counting clock pulses so that it is easy to deal with a difference between the former timing and the latter timing.

[0081] After the winning has occurred, the CPU 32 checks the dividend-coin data stored in the ROM 37 and the bet number saved in the RAM 38. Then, the CPU 32 stores, in the RAM 38, the number of the dividend coins corresponding to the kind of the obtained winning. At the same time, the CPU 32 actuates the display control IC 72 to indicate the accumulated number of the dividend coins in the credit window 64. In addition, the display control IC 72 blinks the line display 65 along which the winning occurs. Upon depression of the payout button 21, the coin dispenser 46 is driven to pay out the coins, the number of which is indicated in the credit window 64, to the coin tray 13.

[0082] An operation of the slot machine 50 is described below. First of all, the player inserts the coin into the coin slot 20. Then, the player imagines which game line is expected to obtain the winning. In accordance with the imagination, the player selects the number of the game lines to be nominated. Further, the player selects the bet number of the nominated game lines. Selecting the game lines and the bet number are performed by operating the line buttons 23 and the bet buttons 24.

[0083] When the coin is inserted, the coin detection signal is inputted into the CPU 32 to activate the LED controller 34. If the number of the inserted coins is thirty two or more, all of the line buttons 23 and the bet buttons 24 are tuned on. After that, the player determines the number of the game lines to be nominated, and selectively depresses any one of the line buttons 23 including the one-line button 23a through the eight-line button 23d. Upon depressing the one-line button 23a, the sole horizontal line is nominated. Upon depressing the three-line button 23b, the three horizontal lines are nominated. Upon depressing the five-line button 23c, the three horizontal lines and the two diagonal lines are nominated. Upon depressing the eight-line button 23d, the three horizontal lines, the two diagonal lines and the three vertical lines are nominated. When one of the line buttons 23 is depressed such as stated above, a game-line selection signal is inputted into the CPU 32 via the operation detecting circuit 36 to activate the display control IC 72 and the LED controller 34.

[0084] In accordance with the number of the nominated game lines, the LED controller 34 continues to turn on the LED 28 of the depressed line button 23. The LEDs 28 of the non-selected line buttons 23 are turned off. For instance, when the one-line button 23a is depressed, the LED 28 thereof is kept in a lighting state and the LEDs 28 of the other line buttons are turned off. In a case the user wants, after depressing the line button 23, to change the number of the game lines to be nominated, it is sufficient to depress the line button of the desired number. In this case, the LED controller 34 turns on the LED 28 of the newly depressed line button 23, and turns off the LED 28 of the previously depressed line button 23.

[0085] In the meantime, the display control IC 72 indicates the nominated game line on the liquid crystal panel 57 with the line display 65. In addition, the display control IC 72 shows the number of the nominated game lines in the line-number window 59.

[0086] Successively, the player selects the number of the coins to be betted on the nominated game line. At this point in time, all of the bet buttons 24 are turned on. The player depresses any one of the bet buttons 24a through 24d to bet the coins of four or less on the nominated game line. Similarly to the line button 23, only the LED 28 of the depressed bet button 24 continues to be turned on and the LEDs 28 of the other bet buttons 24 are turned off. Incidentally, when thirty two coins are betted by depressing the eight-line button 23d and the four-bet button 24d, the maximum bet button 27 may be depressed instead of these buttons 23d and 24d.

[0087] When one of the bet buttons 24 is depressed, the operation signal is inputted into the CPU 32 via the operation detecting circuit 36 to activate the display control IC 72 for indicating the number of the betted coins in the bet-number window 60. At the same time, the total number of the betted coins is shown in the total-bet-number window 61.

[0088] When the number of the inserted coins is thirty one or less and is eight or more, the LEDs 28 of all of the line buttons 23 and the bet buttons 24 are turned on. Upon depressing one of the line buttons 23a through 23d, only the LED 28 of the depressed line button 23 is kept in the lighting state. According to the number of the nominated game lines, there is a possibility that some of the bet buttons 24 become inoperative. In this case, the LED 28 of the inoperative bet button 24 is turned off.

[0089] For instance, when the coins are inserted by eight, the LEDs 28 of all of the line buttons 23 and the bet buttons 24 are turned on. Successively, when the three-line button 23b is depressed, it is possible to bet one or two coins on each of the nominated game lines. Accordingly, after depressing the three-line button 23b, the LEDs 28 of the one-bet button 24a and the two-bet button 24b are kept in the lighting state and the LEDs 28 of the three-bet button 24c and the four-bet button 24d are turned off.

[0090] One of the operative bet buttons 24 is selectively depressed after selecting the line button 23. Consequently, the two LEDs 28 of the depressed line button 23 and the depressed bet button 24 are kept in the lighting state.

[0091] When the number of the inserted coins is seven or less, only the LEDs 28 of the operative buttons are turned on. At this point in time, the LEDs 28 of the inoperative buttons are turned off. Upon depressing one of the line buttons 23a to 23d, only the LED 28 of the depressed line button 23 is turned on. At this time, some of the bet buttons 24 become inoperative according to the number of the nominated game lines so that the LEDs 28 thereof are turned off.

[0092] When the coins are inserted by three, it is impossible to nominate the five game lines and the eight game lines. Thus, the LEDs 28 of the five-line button 23c and the eight-line button 23d are turned off, and the LEDs 28 of the one-line button 23a and the three-line button 23b are turned on. Under this condition, if the number of the game lines to be nominated is one, three coins may be betted at the maximum. Accordingly, the one-bet button 24a to the three-bet button 24c are turned on and the four-bet button 24d is turned off. Meanwhile, if the three-line button 23b is depressed when nominating the game lines, the number of the coins betted on the nominated game lines is one. Thus, the two-bet button 24b and the three-bet button 24c become inoperative in addition to the four-bet button 24d so that the LEDs 28 thereof are turned off.

[0093] One of the operative bet buttons 24 is selectively depressed after selecting the line button 23. Consequently, the two LEDs 28 of the depressed line button 23 and the depressed bet button 24 are kept in the lighting state.

[0094] As stated above, nominating the game lines and betting the coins are completed after inserting the coins. Then, the spin button 25 is depressed to move the symbol-image rows. Upon depression of the spin button 25, the display control IC 72 starts the moving display of the symbol-image row and turns off the line display 65. In a case that the player wishes to confirm the number of the nominated game lines during the moving display of the symbol-image row, the player watches the line-number window 59. Incidentally, while the symbol-image row is moved, the LEDs 28 of the line button 23 and the bet button 24 are blinked.

[0095] In the meantime, the CPU 32 extracts the random number from the random-number generator 45 every nominated game line to determine the kind of winning to be awarded to the current game. The CPU 32 stops the moving display of the symbol-image row performed by the display control IC 72, such that the head address inputted from the symbol determining circuit 85 coincides with the head address inputted from the display control IC 72. In this way, one operation of the symbol-image displaying unit 51 is completed. In the case of winning, the CPU 32 refers to both of the dividend-coin data stored in the ROM 37 and the bet number saved in the RAM 38. Then, the CPU 32 indicates, in the credit window 64, the accumulation number of the awarded coins corresponding to the kind of the obtained winning. At the same time, the number of the awarded coins is accumulated in the credit counter area of the RAM 38. Incidentally, the number of the awarded coins are the dividend-coin number multiplied by the bet number &agr; (=1 to 4). After displaying the number of the awarded coins, one game is completed.

[0096] In the slot machine 50, the LEDs 28 provided inside the line buttons 23 and the bet buttons 24 are adapted to indicate the operative buttons in accordance with the number of the inserted coins. Therefore, the player can immediately distinguish the operative buttons after inserting the coins and after depressing the line button 23. Moreover, the nominated game lines and the bet number thereof are shown by the line display 65 and the line-number window 59 so that the player can easily distinguish the nominated game lines from the other game lines as soon as the line buttons 23 is depressed. Further, the bet-number window 60 and the total-bet-number window 61 are provided so that it is possible to immediately know the number of the betted coins and the totally betted coins. In conclusion, according to the slot machine 50, the player can easily grasp the game contents.

[0097] The second embodiment of the present invention has been described, referring to the drawings. However, when working the present invention, it is possible to properly modify the second embodiment. Although the number of the game lines is set to eight in the second embodiment, this is not exclusive and it is possible to set a proper number of the game lines at proper positions. Moreover, the number of the symbol-image windows 58 is not exclusive to nine and may be a proper number.

[0098] In the second embodiment, the number of the nominated game lines is changed by depressing the line button 23 again after the number of the game lines to be nominated has been determined by depressing the line button 23. Similarly, the bet button 24 may be changeable after depression thereof. Further, in the second embodiment, the bet button 24 is depressed after depression of the line button 23. However, the bet button 24 may be depressed first to determine the number of the coins to be betted on the game lines. In this case, the line button 23 is depressed to determine the game lines to be nominated after depressing the bet button 24.

[0099] In the second embodiment, the LEDs 28 of the operative buttons are turned on, the LEDs 28 of the inoperative buttons are turned off, and the LEDs 28 of the selected buttons are blinked during the moving display of the symbol-image row. However, this way is not exclusive. For example, the LEDs 28 of the operative buttons may be kept in the lighting state to notify the changeable buttons to the player. In this case, it is preferable to turn off the LEDs 28 of the non-depressed buttons after commencing the moving display of the symbol-image row. Further, it is possible to properly modify the lighting way of the LED 28 including the lighting manner, the lighting timing, the lighting period, and so forth. For example, the LED 28 of the operative button may be blinked. Furthermore, the LED 28 is not exclusive for lighting the line button 23 and the bet button 24. Instead of the LED 28, a lump or the like may be used.

[0100] In the second embodiment, the game line nominated by depressing the line button 23 is shown with the line display 65. However, this is not exclusive. For example, all of the game lines may be indicated in advance, and the nominated game line may be indicated in a different color or in a blinking manner. In the second embodiment, the number of the betted coins is digitally indicated in the bet-number window 60. However, this is not exclusive. The number of the betted coins may be indicated with indicias, marks and so forth.

[0101] It is possible to properly modify the kinds and the arrangement of the various operation buttons disposed on the operation panel 12. For example, by providing an extra button for doubling the number of the obtained coins, it is possible to play more various games. Further, as far as the subject matter of the present invention is not changed, it is possible to variously modify the number of the symbol-image windows, the kinds of the symbols, the symbol arrangement of the symbol row, the kinds and the dividend of the winnings, the bet number, the moving direction of the symbol row, the manner and the order for stopping the symbol row, and so forth.

[0102] In the second embodiment, the present invention is applied to the video-type slot machine in which the reel rotation is simulated by the displaying unit on the basis of the graphic data stored in the ROM. The present invention, however, may be applied to a reel-type slot machine in which physical reels, on peripheral surfaces of which a plurality of symbols are arranged, are actually rotated. In this case, the nominated game line may be indicated by LEDs and lamps provided along the game line. In another way, an Electro Luminescence tape (EL tape) may be utilized for indicating the nominated game line. Moreover, it is preferable that the number of coins betted on the nominated game line is shown by indication segments disposed near the LED, the lamp, and the end of the EL tape. Further, it is preferable that the total number of the nominated game lines is shown by lamps and indication segments. Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to the slot machine in which the reel rotation or the moving display of the symbol row is stopped by depressing a stop button.

[0103] Although the present invention has been fully described by way of the preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to those having skill in this field. Therefore, unless otherwise these changes and modifications depart from the scope of the present invention, they should be construed as included therein.

Claims

1. A slot machine having a plurality of game lines, in which occurrence of winning is determined in accordance with a combination of symbols stopped at said game line nominated by a player, said slot machine comprising:

nine symbol windows arranged in a three-by-three matrix and for displaying said symbols, moving display of a row of said symbols being individually performed in the respective symbol windows; and

a game-line selection member for selecting said game lines to be nominated, said game-line selection member being operated by the player after inserting coins into said slot machine and before commencing the moving display of said symbol row.

2. A slot machine according to claim 1, wherein said nine symbol windows are combined three by three in a vertical direction, in a horizontal direction, and in a diagonal direction to set the eight game lines in total.

3. A slot machine according to claim 1, further comprising:

an odds inputting member for setting odds to said game lines nominated by said game-line selection member.

4. A slot machine according to claim 3, further comprising:

a simultaneous-input member for simultaneously inputting both of a number of said game lines to be nominated and the odds thereof, said simultaneous-input member nominating a predetermined number of said game lines in a predetermined order and setting the fixed odds to the nominated game lines in each operation of said simultaneous-input member, and when said simultaneous-input member is operated after nominating all of said game lines, the fixed odds being added to said game lines in the predetermined order in each operation of said simultaneous-input member.

5. A slot machine according to claim 4 wherein said odds is a number of coins to be betted on said nominated game line.

6. A slot machine according to claim 4, further comprising:

a line indicator for indicating said nominated game line, said line indicator being disposed at one end of said game line.

7. A slot machine according to claim 6, wherein said line indicator has an arrow shape.

8. A slot machine according to claim 7, wherein said line indicator includes an LED and said nominated game line is indicated by turning on said LED.

9. A slot machine according to claim 8, wherein said symbol row is arranged on a periphery of a reel to perform said moving display of said symbol row by rotating said reel.

10. A slot machine according to claim 9, wherein said reel is rotated by means of a stepping motor.

11. A slot machine according to claim 8, wherein said symbol row is displayed on an image displaying unit.

12. A slot machine having a plurality of game lines, in which occurrence of winning is determined in accordance with a combination of symbols stopped at said game line nominated by a player, said slot machine comprising:

game-line selecting means for determining a number of said game lines to be nominated, said game-line selecting means including a plurality of line buttons, one of which being operated by the player after inserting coins into said slot machine and before commencing moving display of a row of said symbols;

odds selecting means for determining odds of said game lines to be nominated by said game-line selecting means, said odds selecting means including a plurality of odds buttons, one of which being operated by the player after inserting the coins into said slot machine and before commencing the moving display of said symbol row; and

indication means for indicating the operative buttons among said line buttons and said odds buttons which are changed into an operative state in accordance with a number of coins inserted by the player.

13. A slot machine according to claim 12, wherein nine symbol windows for displaying said symbol rows are arranged in a three-by-three matrix to individually perform the moving display of said symbol row in the respective symbol windows.

14. A slot machine according to claim 12, wherein said odds is a number of coins to be betted on said game lines and said odds button corresponds to said number of the coins.

15. A slot machine according to claim 12, wherein said indication means indicates the operative line or odds buttons before operating them, and said indication means indicates the operated line or odds buttons after operating them.

16. A slot machine according to claim 12, wherein said indication means indicates the operative odds buttons in accordance with the operated line button when the line button has been operated prior to the odds button.

17. A slot machine according to claim 12, wherein said indication means indicates the operative line buttons in accordance with the operated odds button when the odds button has been operated prior to the line button.

18. A slot machine according to claim 12, wherein said game lines to be nominated by said line buttons are determined in advance.

19. A slot machine according to claim 18, wherein said symbol rows and said game line are displayed as visible images by means of an image displaying unit, the nominated game line being displayed so as to cross said symbols.

20. A slot machine according to claim 19, wherein displaying said game line is stopped when commencing the moving display of said symbol row, and said game line is displayed again when stopping the moving display.

21. A slot machine according to claim 20, further comprising:

a line-number displaying member for indicating the number of said game lines nominated by said game-line selecting means.