Gaming machine and method

Abstract

A gaming machine provides a slot game with a display for the slot game. The display variably displays a plurality of symbols. The gaming machine is provided with a processor programmed to operate with the display to (a) accept a player's anticipation of a stop position for a specific symbol in the display, (b) determine symbols for a stationary state in the slot game, (c) display the symbols determined on the display, (d) provide a first award to the player if a combination of the symbols is won, and (e) provide a second award to the player if the specific symbol is positioned on the stop position anticipated by the player.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-135766, filed on May 9, 2005, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a gaming machine, such as a slot machine and gaming method. More particularly, this invention relates to a gaming machine and method that can grant a predetermined award to a player, in addition to a regular award granted in a game performed normally.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, a gaming machine called “slot machine” has a plurality of reels rotatably arranged in a casing and provided, on each outer circumferential surface, with several kinds of symbols. These symbols on the reels are visible through display windows on the front side of the gaming machine. Around the display windows, there are represented paylines that can be activated corresponding to the number of bets. Thus, when symbols are aligned along an activated payline, a winning becomes definite (Japanese Patent Publication Laid-open 2002-159624).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the conventional gaming machine, however, it is difficult to enhance a player's fin and excitement in playing a game sufficiently. Because, under so-called “nailed-down” circumstance about the paylines, a player can do nothing but selecting the number of activated paylines by changing the number of bets. Particularly, in a current environment where an interaction between a gaming machine (e.g. slot machine) and a player is required, the above-mentioned shortage in terms of the player's fun and excitement becomes more obvious.

Under the above-mentioned circumstances, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can improve an interaction between the gaming machine and a player and enhance the player's fun and excitement sufficiently.

In order to attain the above object, according to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a gaming machine comprising: a display for variably displaying a plurality of symbols; a processor programmed to operate with the display to (a) accept a player's anticipation of a stop position for a specific symbol in the display, (b) determine symbols for a stationary state, (c) display the symbols determined on the display, and (d) provide an award to the player if the specific symbol is positioned on the stop position anticipated by the player.

According to the gaming machine with a configuration described above, when the specific symbol stops on the stop position anticipated by the player, an award is granted to the player. That is, as the gaming machine can provide a slot game allowing the player to participate in the game positively, it is possible to improve an interaction between the gaming machine and the player and also possible to enhance the player's fun and excitement sufficiently.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine comprising: a slot game; a display for the slot game, which variably displays a plurality of symbols; a processor programmed to operate with the display to (a) accept a player's anticipation of a stop position for a specific symbol in the display, (b) determine symbols for a stationary state in the slot game, (c) display the symbols determined on the display, (d) provide a first award to the player if a combination of the symbols is won, and (e) provide a second award to the player if the specific symbol is positioned on the stop position anticipated by the player.

In this case, when the specific symbol stops in the stop position anticipated by the player, a second award is granted to the player. That is, as the gaming machine of the second aspect can provide a slot game allowing the player to participate in the game positively, it is possible to improve an interaction between the gaming machine and the player and also possible to enhance the player's fun and excitement sufficiently.

In the gaming machine of the second aspect of the present invention, the slot game may include a base game, and the processor may accept a player's anticipation of a stop position for a specific symbol in the display in the base game.

In the gaming machine above, the first award may be to shift a gaming mode of the slot game from a base game to a bonus game profitable for the player to acquire a game medium.

In this case, when the combination of symbols displayed on the display unit in the stopped condition in the base game coincides with the predetermined winning combination, the base game of the gaming machine is changed to the bonus game which is a profitable game for the player. Then, the player's fin and excitement can be enhanced

In the gaming machine of the first aspect of the present invention, the processor may accept a player's anticipation of a stop position for a specific symbol in the display in the bonus game.

In this case, when the specific symbol stops on the stop position anticipated by the player in the bonus game, the second award is granted to the player. Then, the player's fun and excitement can be further enhanced in comparison with the player's fun and excitement in the gaming machine.

In the gaming machine of the second aspect of the present invention, the processor may accept the player's plural anticipations about the stop positions for the specific symbol.

In this case, it is expected that the gaming machine could expand in application, for example, possibility of modifying the contents of award corresponding to the number of player's anticipations for the stop positions of the specific symbol. Then, it is possible to improve an interaction between the gaming machine and the player in anticipating the stop position of the specific symbol and also possible to enhance the player's fun and excitement sufficiently.

In the gaming machine of the second aspect of the present invention, the processor may allow the player to select the specific symbol from the plurality of symbols.

Also in his case, it is expected that the gaming machine could expand in application, for example, possibility of modifying the contents of award corresponding to the kind of the specific symbol selected by the player. Thus, it is possible to improve an interaction between the gaming machine and the player in anticipating the stop position of the specific symbol.

In the gaming machine of the second aspect of the present invention, the second award may be to shift gaming mode of the slot game from a base game to a bonus game.

In this case, since the base game is changed to the bonus game profitable for acquisition of the game medium, it is possible to enhance the player's gaming will and the player's fin and excitement.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine comprising: a display for variably displaying a plurality of symbols; a processor programmed to operate with the display to (a) accept a player's anticipation of a stop position for a specific symbol in the display, (b) determine symbols for a stationary state, (c) display the symbols determined on the display, and (d) provide an award to the player if the specific symbol is positioned on the stop position anticipated by the player, wherein the processor accepts the player's plural anticipations about the stop positions for the specific symbol.

According to the above gaming machine, it is possible to improve an interaction between the gaming machine and the player and also possible to enhance the player's fun and excitement sufficiently.

In order to attain the above object, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a gaming method for a gaming machine having a display for a slot game, which variably displays a plurality of symbols, the gaming method comprising: accepting a player's anticipation of a stop position for a specific symbol in the display; determining a combination of symbols for a stationary state; operating the display to display the symbols variably and stopping the operation of the display to display the combination of symbols in a stationary state; and granting an award to the player when the specific symbol is positioned on the stop position anticipated by the player.

According to the above gaming method, as the gaming machine can provide the slot game allowing the player to participate in the game positively, it is possible to improve an interaction between the gaming machine and the player and also possible to enhance the player's fun and excitement sufficiently.

These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance structure of a slot machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view showing one example of symbol rows variably displayed on a display portion of the slot machine;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control system of the slot machine typically;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a liquid crystal driving circuit of a lower liquid crystal display of the slot machine typically;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing one example of a main process of the slot machine;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing one example of a sub-game acceptance process of the slot machine;

FIG. 7 is a view showing one example that a sub-game selection requesting area in the lower liquid crystal display of the slot machine;

FIG. 8 is a view showing one example of a selecting acceptance image displayed on the lower liquid crystal display in a selecting acceptance image displaying process of the slot machine;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing one example of a start acceptance process of the slot machine;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing one example of a lottery process of the slot machine;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing one example of a base game process of the slot machine;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing one example of a bonus game process of the slot machine; and

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing one example of a fee spin process of the slot machine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention will be described in detail based on one embodiment where a gaming machine of the present invention is realized in the form of a slot machine, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance structure of the slot machine. In FIG. 1, the slot machine 1 includes a cabinet 2 forming the whole slot machine 1. The cabinet 2 is provided, on a top face thereof, with a lamp 20. Additionally, the slot machine 1 has an upper liquid crystal display 3 arranged at an upper part of the front surface of the cabinet 2 and a lower liquid crystal display 4 arranged on a central part of the front surface of the cabinet 2.

The upper liquid crystal display 3 is formed by a general-purpose liquid crystal display. The upper liquid crystal display 3 displays game information, for example, gaming method, various winning combinations and their dividends, various effects about game and so on. While, the lower liquid crystal display 4 is formed by a so-called transparent liquid crystal display. For example, the transparent liquid crystal display is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication Laid-open No. 2005-81015. As shown in FIG. 1, the lower liquid crystal display 4 includes four variable display portions 22, 23, 24 and 25. In this embodiment, a single activated payline L is formed throughout these variable display portions 22, 23, 24 and 25. In the variable display portions 22, 23, 24 and 25, various kinds of symbols are displayed variably while scrolling from top down. Corresponding to the variable display portions 22, 23, 24 and 25, the symbols are represented on respective reels which are mentioned in detail later.

Below the lower liquid crystal display 4, an operating table 5 is arranged so as to project toward a player's side. On the operating table 5, there are arranged an exchange (signage: CHANGE) button 6, a payout (signage: CASHOUT) button 7 and a help (signage: HELP) button 8, in sequence from a leftmost side of the table 5. Additionally, the operating table 5 has a coin insertion slot 9 and a bill insertion portion 10 both arranged on the right side of the help button 8. On the front portion of the operating table 5, there are successively arranged an 1-BET button 11, a spin (SPIN/REPEAT BET) button 12, a 3-BET button 13 and a 5-BET button 14, in order from left side.

The exchange button 6 is provided to turn on the lamp 20. The payout button 7 is pushed down by a player when the base game is finished. Thus, when the payout button 7 is pushed down, the gaming medium on a player's acquisition at a game (e.g. coin(s)) is paid out into a coin receiving portion 16 through a coin payout opening 15. The help button 8 is pushed down when a player cannot understand an operating method of the game machine so well. When the help button 8 is pushed down, various help information is displayed on the upper liquid crystal display 3 and the lower liquid crystal display 4.

The coin insertion slot 9 is equipped with a later-described coin sensor 65 (see FIG. 3) that detects a coin (or coins) inserted into the slot machine 1. Similarly, the bill insertion portion 10 is equipped with a later-described bill sensor 66 (see FIG. 3) that detects a bill (or bills) inserted into the slot machine 1. The 1-BET button 11 is capable of increasing the number of bets (coins) one by one with respect to each pushing down. The spin button 12 is provided to start variable displaying of respective symbols in the variable display portions 22 to 25 of the lower liquid crystal display 4. That is, when the spin button 12 is pushed down, the game is started with the present number of bets or the previous number of bets. As the number of bets (bet coins) that a player can bet by pushing down the spin button 12, there exist 1-bet (i.e. betting with one coin), 2-bet (betting with two coins), 3-bet (betting with three coins), abet (betting with four coins) and 5-bet (betting with five coins).

By pushing down the 3-BET button 13, a player can start a game with 3-bet. Similarly, by pushing down the 5-BET button 14, a player can start a game with 5-bet. The cabinet 2 is provided, in a lower portion thereof, with a coin payout opening 15 and a coin receiving portion 16 for receiving coins paid out through the coin payout opening 15.

In the cabinet 2, four reels are arranged in respective positions adjacent to four variable display portions 22 to 25 formed in the lower liquid crystal display 4, respectively. In these reels, a leftmost reel in view from front of the slot machine 1 is opposed to the variable display portion 22 formed in the lower liquid crystal display 4, while a left-of-center reel is opposed to the variable display portion 23. Again, a right-of-center reel is opposed to the variable display portion 24, while a rightmost reel is opposed to the display portion 25.

On the outer circumferential surface of each reel, there are represented a variety of symbols for use in a base game (i.e. a first gaming mode of the invention). These symbols are shown in FIG. 2. In the base game, these symbols are displayed variably while scrolling in the transparent variable display portions 22 to 25 of the lower liquid crystal display 4.

In FIG. 2, a symbol column 141 consist of a column of symbols to be variably displayed on the variable display portion 22, while a symbol column 142 consist of a column of symbols to be variably displayed on the variable display portion 23. Similarly, a symbol column 143 consist of a column of symbols to be variably displayed on the variable display portion 24, while a symbol column 144 consist of a column of symbols to be variably displayed on the variable display portion 25.

The symbol columns 141, 142 and 143 have identical symbol arrangements in common. Each of the symbol columns is formed by eleven symbols where a triple BAR 91, a cherry 92, a double BAR 93, a “7” 94, a single BAR 95 and a blank (no symbol) 96 are combined appropriately.

The symbol column 144 differs from the other columns 141, 142 and 143 in that a single trigger symbol 97 is incorporated to the symbols forming the columns 141, 142 and 143. This trigger symbol 97 is provided to shift the base game to a bonus game described later. Thus, if the trigger symbol 97 is stopped and displayed on the activated payline L, then the base game can be shifted to the bonus game.

In order to form such various symbols on each reel, generally, it is first performed to prepare a long reel sheet having dimensions equal to both width and peripheral length of the reel and having eleven symbols printed thereon. Next, the so-formed long reel sheet is applied on a curved surface of the reel. Of course, the symbols may be formed by the other method except the above-mentioned method.

When the respective symbol columns 141 to 144 scrolling in the variable display portions 22 to 25 are stopped, four symbols appear on the variable display portions 22 to 25, respectively. In the slot machine 1, a variety of winning combinations are established on the basis of multiple kinds of combinations of symbols in advance. In the slot machine 1, if a combination of symbols corresponding to a winning combination stops on the activated winning payline L, then coins worthy of the winning combination are paid out to a player through the coin payout opening 15, which is similar to the operation of the conventional slot machine. In this view, descriptions in common with the conventional slot machine are eliminated.

Referring to FIG. 3, a control system of the slot machine 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the control system of the slot machine 1 typically.

In FIG. 3, the control system of the slot machine 1 mainly includes a microcomputer 100 composed of a CPU 50 (functioning as control unit), a ROM 51 and a RAM 52. The ROM 51 and the RAM 52 are together connected to the CPU 50. In the ROM 51, there are stored a variety of programs and data tables for executing a variety of processes (e.g. main process, start acceptance process, lottery process, base game process, bonus game process, etc.—all described later) which are required to control the slot machine 1. While, the RAM 52 is a memory to temporarily store various data calculated by the CPU 50.

Note that in this embodiment, such programs and data used in controlling the slot machine 1 are not limited to be stored in the ROM 51 and the RAM 52 in advance and therefore, their storages may be modified appropriately. For instance, it may be attempted that similar programs and data are stored in a memory medium, such as compact flash (registered trade mark) in advance and thereupon, they are down-loaded from the memory medium into the ROM 51 or the like.

A clockpulse generating circuit 53 generating reference clockpulses and a divider 54 are connected to the CPU 50 in common. Further, a random-number generator 55 generating a random number and a random-number sampling circuit 56 are together connected to the CPU 50. Random numbers sampled by the random-number sampling circuit 56 are used in a variety of lotteries, for example, a lottery for winning combinations. To the CPU 50, there are further connected a spin switch 58 accompanied with the spin button 12, an 1-BET switch 59 accompanied with the 1-BET button 11, a 3-BET switch 60 accompanied with the 3-BET button 13, a 5-BET switch 61 accompanied with the 5-BET button 14, an exchange (CHANGE) switch 62 accompanied with the exchange button 6, a payout (CASHOUT) switch 63 accompanied with the payout button 7 and a help (HELP) switch 64 accompanied with the help button 8, respectively. Based on switch signals outputted from these switches pushed down, the CPU 50 performs a variety of controls in order to accomplish various operations corresponding to the above buttons.

Four stepping motors 68 for rotating respective reels 220 are connected to the CPU 50 through a motor driving circuit 167. When a motor driving signal is outputted from the CPU 50 to the motor driving circuit 167, the stepping motors 68 are driven in rotation by the motor driving circuit 167. Consequently, the respective reels 220 are rotated. Then, after starting to rotate the reels 220, the number of driving pulses supplied to each stepping motor 68 is calculated and successively, the calculated value is stored in a designated area in the RAM 52. In rotation, each reel 220 outputs a reset pulse with respect to each one revolution and this reset pulse is inputted to the CPU 50. When the reset pulse is inputted to the CPU 50 in this way, the above calculated value in the Ram 52 is cleared up to “0”. Then, based on a calculated value corresponding to a rotational position in the range of one revolution of each reel 220 and a symbol table where respective rotational positions of each reel 220 stored in the ROM 51 correspond to respective symbols formed on the circumferential surface of each reel 220, the CPU 50 recognizes the rotational positions of the symbols in each reel 220.

A positional change detecting circuit 69 is connected to the CPU 50. The positional change detecting circuit 69 detects a change in the stop position of each reel 220 after it has been stopped by the motor driving circuit 167. For instance, it should be noted that a player forcibly changes respective stop positions of the reels 220 so as to from a winning combination despite that the stop positions do not form a winning combination of symbols actually. Coping with this, the positional change detecting circuit 69 is provided to detect a change in the stop positions of the reels 220 in the above case. For example, the positional change detecting circuit 69 is formed so as to enable the change in the stop positions of the reels 220 to be detected by detecting respective fins arranged an inside portion of each reel 220 at regular intervals.

A coin sensor 65 is arranged in the coin insertion slot 9 to detect a coin inserted through the coin insertion slot 9. The coin sensor 65 is connected to the CPU 50. The CPU 50 calculates the number of coins inserted, based on a coin detection signal outputted from the coin sensor 65. A bill sensor 66 is arranged in the bill insertion opening 10 to detect both kind and sum of bills inserted through the opening 10. The bill sensor 66 is connected to the CPU 50. The CPU 50 calculates the number of coins equivalent to the value of bills inserted, based on a bill detection signal outputted from the bill sensor 66.

A hopper 71 is connected to the CPU 50 through a hopper driving circuit 70. When the CPU 50 outputs a drive signal to the hopper driving circuit 70, the hopper 71 pays out a designated number of coins from the coin payout opening 15. If respective symbols displayed on the variable display portions 22 to 25 form a designated combination of symbols, for instance, the designated number of coins corresponding to the combination are paid out to a player, as an award. Thus, the CPU 50 functions as award granting unit that grants an award to a player when the symbols in their stopped condition form a predetermined winning combination. A coin detecting portion (sensor) 73 is connected to the CPU 50 through a payout completion signal circuit 72. The coin detecting portion 73 is arranged in the coin payout opening 15. When detecting that the designated number of coins have been paid out of the coin payout opening 15, the coin detecting portion 73 outputs a coin payout detection signal to the payout completion signal circuit 72. Based on the coin payout detection signal, the payout completion signal circuit 72 outputs a payout completion signal to the CPU 50.

The upper liquid crystal display 3 and the lower liquid crystal display 4 are connected to the CPU 50 through a liquid crystal driving circuit 74. The CPU 50 controls the operations of the upper liquid crystal display 3 and the lower liquid crystal display 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the liquid crystal driving circuit 74 comprises a program ROM 81, an image ROM 82, an image control CPU 83, a work RAM 84, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 85 and a video RAM 86.

In FIG. 4, the program ROM 81 stores image control programs about respective displays on the upper liquid crystal display 3 and the lower liquid crystal display 4 and various selection tables. The image ROM 82 stores, for example, dot data for forming images on the upper liquid crystal display 3 and the lower liquid crystal display 4. Based on parameters set by the CPU 50, the image control CPU 83 determines images to be displayed on the upper liquid crystal display 3 and the lower liquid crystal display 4 from the dot data memorized in the program ROM 81 in advance, in accordance with the image control programs memorized in the program ROM 81 in advance. When the image control CPU 83 executes the image control programs, the work RAM 84 operates as temporary memory means. The VDP 85 produces image data corresponding to display contents determined by the image control CPU 83 and outputs the image data to the upper liquid crystal display 3 and the lower liquid crystal display 4. Note that when the VDP 85 forms an image, the video RAM 86 operates as temporary memory means.

As shown in FIG. 3, an LED 78 is connected to the CPU 50 through an LED driving circuit 77. The LED 78 is arranged on the front surface of the slot machine 1. When performing a variety of effects, the lighting of the LED 78 is controlled by the LED driving circuit 77 on the basis of a driving signal from the CPU 50. Additionally, a sound generating circuit 79 and a speaker 80 are connected to the CPU 50. Based on an output signal from the sound generating circuit 79, the speaker 80 can generate various effecting sounds in performing various effects

The lamp 20 is connected to the CPU 50 through a lamp driving circuit 75. The lamp 20 is arranged on the top of the slat machine 1 (see FIG. 1). When the exchange button 6 is pushed down, the lighting of the lamp 20 is controlled by the lamp driving circuit 75 on the basis of a driving signal from the CPU 50.

The transparent touch panel 30 is connected to the CPU 50 through a touch panel driving circuit 67. The transparent touch panel 30 is fixed on a screen of the lower liquid crystal display 4. The transparent touch panel 30 outputs information about coordinate positions of a panel's portion in contact with a player (player's finger) through the touch panel driving circuit 67, while the CPU 50 determines which portion on the touch panel 30 has been touched by the player. Accordingly, since the CPU 50 utilizes the touch panel driving circuit 67 and the transparent touch panel 30 in a sub-game acceptance process mentioned later, it becomes possible to accept a variable display portion that the player has anticipated that specific symbol might be stopped and displayed on the same display portion. That is, the CPU 50 functions as anticipation acceptance unit for accepting a player's anticipation about a stop position of the specific symbol.

Next, the operational example of the above-constructed slot machine 1 will be described below.

First, we now describe a main process (by way of example) executed by the slot machine 1 with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a flow chart of the main process. At the beginning pf the main process, the slot machine 1 (i.e. the CPU 50) carries out a sub-game acceptance process at step S11. At this step, it is executed to determine whether the slot machine 1 accepts a player's request to take part in a sub-game mentioned later (corres. the second gaming mode of the invention).

Here, it is defined that the above “sub-game” is identical to a game to be performed in the form of an appendix of a main game (base game or bonus game) executed in the slot machine 1. Note that the base game is defined as the first gaming mode of the invention, while the bonus game is defined as the special gaming mode of the invention. In the sub-game (i.e. the second gaming mode), for example, if a predetermined special symbol stops (on display) in a specified stop position (e.g. variable display portion), which has been selected and anticipated by a player, at a stop of the rotating reels 220 in the main game, then a predetermined award is paid out against the player. As the predetermined award, any award will do so long as one could supply a player's requirement. For instance, the award may be formed by a dividend of coins. Alternatively, if the sub-game is a game to be performed in the base game, the award may be formed by a shift to the bonus game. In each case, it is possible to arouse a player's passion for gambling and also possible to enhance a player's gaming will (fin and excitement).

Assume in the following descriptions that a symbol “7” is designated as the predetermined special symbol. That is, if the symbol “7” is displayed (or appears) on a variable display portion on a player's selection (anticipation), it becomes definite that the player has just won the sub-game and thereafter, a predetermined number of dividends (e.g. coins) are provided for the player. Note that the following explanation is directed to a case of performing the sub-game in the base game only. However, it is not limited to this and therefore, the sub-game may be carried out only in a bonus game as a result of shifting from the base game. Alternatively, the sub-game may be carried in both base game and bonus game.

The sub-game acceptance process performed by the slot machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a flow chart explaining one example of the sub-game acceptance process. By the CPU 50 starting the sub-game acceptance process at step S11 (FIG. 5), it is first executed to determine whether a player has requested to take part in the sub-game or not (step S21). Note that the player's request to take part in the sub-game will be referred to as “sub-game challenge” after. This sub-game challenge is accomplished by a player's predetermined inputting operation, for example, a player's touching on a predetermined portion of the touch panel.

FIG. 7 shows one displaying example of the lower liquid crystal display 4 provided with a sub-game challenge area 26 for accomplishing a sub-game challenge. In this illusion, the sub-game challenge area 26 is arranged under the variable display portions 22 to 25. In the sub-game challenge area 26, there is indicated a winning symbol “7” for the sub-game. A player can take part in the sub-game by operating the sub-game challenge area 26 selectively.

The slot machine 1 of this embodiment operates to accept a player's betting for performing the sub-game corresponding to the player's sub-game challenge. Note at this player's betting will be referred to as “additional bet” after. The number of additional bets can be set optionally. For instance, the slot machine 1 may be constructed so as to accept the player's sub-game challenge with one coin (i.e. 1-BET). Alternatively, the machine 1 may be constructed so as to accept the player's sub-game challenge with a fixed number of bets, such as 3-BET or 5-BET. Further, the award to be granted to a player may be modified in accordance with the number of additional bets. For instance, the award is formed by a payout of coins in case of 1-BET (i.e. betting with one coin) for the sub-game challenge, while the award is formed by a shifting to the bonus game in case of 5-BET (i.e. betting with five coins) for the sub-game challenge.

In this embodiment, as mentioned above, player's indications about the sub game challenge and the additional bet are recognized in accordance with the possibility of a player's selection of the sub-game challenge area 26 on the lower liquid crystal display 4. However, the indication forms about sub-game challenge and the additional bet may be modified appropriately. For example, the player's indications about the sub-game challenge and the additional bet may be recognized by using the 1-BET button 11 or the like both as one bet button in the base game and an element corresponding to the sub-game challenge area 26. Alternatively, the slot machine 1 may be constructed to allow a player to take part in the sub-game whenever the player plays the main game, irrespective of a player's intention.

If there is no sub-game challenge, that is, the determination at step S21 is No, then the routine goes to step S22 where it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (e.g. 10 seconds) has passed since the determination of No at step S21. If the predetermined time has not passed yet (“No” at step S22), then the routine returns to step S21 to continue the monitoring of the sub-game challenge from a player. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has already passed (“Yes” at step S22), then the sub-game acceptance process is ended on determination that a player has no intension of the sub-game challenge and the routine returns to the main process. Note that while standing ready to the sub-game challenge at step S22, it is preferable to display a message for urging a player to participate in the sub-game on the lower liquid crystal display 4 on the lower liquid crystal display 4, as one modification.

When it is determined at step S21 that the sub-game challenge is requested by a player, then the routine goes to step S22 where the CPU 50 determines whether any of the variable display portions has been selected by a player or not. If the player touches any of the variable display portions with a player's finger, then the CPU 50 determines which of the variable display portions has been selected, based on the positional information from the transparent touch panel 30 and the touch panel driving circuit 67. In his way, since the player's anticipation is accepted through the transparent touch panel 30, a player can specify the stop position of the special symbol with ease.

When any of the variable display portions is not selected (“No” at step S23), the routine goes to step S24 where the CPU 50 determines whether the predetermined time (e.g. 10 sec.) has passed since the determination “Yes” at step S21 or not. If not passed yet (“No” at step S24), then the routine returns to step S23 to continue the monitoring of the player's selecting of the variable display portion. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has passed (“Yes” at step S24), the sub-game acceptance process is ended on determination that the player has no intension of the sub-game challenge and the routine returns to the main process. Note that while standing ready to the sub-game challenge at step S24, it is also preferable to display a message for urging the player to participate in the sub-game on the lower liquid crystal display 4 on the lower liquid crystal display 4, as the modification.

If the determination at step S23 is Yes, that is, when it is determined that any of the variable display portions has been selected, the routine goes to step S25 where the CPU 50 carries out a “selection acceptance image” displaying process where an image representing a variable display portion on acceptance of a player's selection is displayed while corresponding to the relevant variable display portion. Note that the above image will be referred to as “selection acceptance image” after. FIG. 8 shows one example of the selection acceptance image to be displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4 by the selection acceptance image displaying process. In his example, FIG. 8 illustrates the variable display portion 22 being selected by a player and a selection acceptance image 27 being displayed above the variable display portion 22. Incorporated in the selection acceptance image 27 is the symbol “7” which corresponds to a winning symbol for the sub-game.

On completion of the selection acceptance image displaying process at step S25, the CPU 50 finishes the sub-game acceptance process and returns to the main process. Note that the above-mentioned sub-game acceptance process may be modified accordingly. For instance, although the determination of a player's selection of the variable display portion (step S23) follows the determination of the presence of a player's sub-game challenge (step S21) in the above-mentioned sub-game acceptance process, it may be carried out to determine the presence of a player's sub-game challenge (step S21) by a player's selecting of the variable display portion on anticipation (step S22). Additionally, the selection acceptance image displaying process at step S25 would be eliminated so long as the variable display portion selected by a player could be confirmed.

Returning to FIG. 5, we begin to describe the main process again. When the sub-game acceptance process (at step S11) is completed, the CPU 50 carries out a start acceptance process at step S12. This process is accomplished by accepting a switch signal outputted from the spin switch 58, the 1-BET switch 59, the 3-BET switch 60 or the 5-BET switch 61 based on a player's operating of the spin button 12, the 1-BET button 11, the 3-BET button 13 or the 5-BET button 14. The game is started at a point of time of accepting the switch signal from the relevant switch.

Based on FIG. 9, we now describe the start acceptance process performed by the slot machine 1. FIG. 9 is a flow chart of the start acceptance process by way of example. At step S12 in the main process of FIG. 5, the CPU 50 determines whether or not any of the spin button 12, the 1-BET button 11, the 3-BET button 13 and the 5-BET button 14 has been operated at step S31. Here, if it is determined that the 1-BET button 11 or the like has not been operated yet (“No” at step S31), then it is executed to maintain the monitoring operation until the relevant button is operated. On the other hand, if the determination at step S31 is Yes, the routine returns to the main process, that is, a lottery process at step S13.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the start acceptance process (step S12) is carried out after executing the sub-game acceptance process (step S11). However, the present invention is not limited to this only and therefore, the sub-game acceptance process may be carried out after executing the start acceptance process. Particularly, when the number of stop positions for the specific symbol anticipated in the sub-game acceptance process is changeable corresponding to the number of bets (described later in details), it is necessary to make the number of bets definite in the start acceptance process in advance of the sub-game acceptance process.

Next, the lottery process at step S13 will be described with reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a flow chart of the lottery process by way of example. At step S13 in the main process of FIG. 5, the CPU 50 first carries out a random number sampling process at step S41. This random number sampling process is a process where the CPU 50 samples one random number by the random number sampling circuit 56. Note that the random number sampling process will be referred to as “determination of random number” later.

In succession to the determination of random number at step S41, the CPU 50 performs a determination process of combination at step S42. This determination of combination is accomplished by first comparing a random number sampled at step S41 with a lottery table describing the correspondence between random numbers and combinations (including “losing”) and further determining a combination corresponding to the so-sampled random number. In this lottery table, for instance, there are defined a combination of “bonus game” for any of random numbers from 1 to 10, a combination of “all seven” for any of random numbers from 11 to 40, . . . and a combination of “losing” for any of random numbers from 341 to 1024, respectively. Note that the above combination of “all seven” coincides with a situation that all symbols at standstill on the activated payline L are formed by “7”.

In succession to the determination process of combination at step S42, the CPU 50 performs a sub-game winning determination process at step S43. This sub-game winning determination process is formed by determining a result of the lottery for the sub-game in accordance with the combination determined at step S42. In detail, it is executed to determine whether or not, in connection with the combination determined at step S42, the specific symbol “7” is displayed on the variable display portion selected in the sub-game acceptance process at step S11 by the player. For instance, if the combination determined in the determination process is the combination “all seven”, then a winning is determined. Further, even if the combination determined in the determination process is the combination “losing”, a winning is determined so long as the symbol “7” is displayed on the selected variable display portion.

Note that in this embodiment, the lottery result of the sub-game (i.e. a result of the sub-game winning determination process) is determined on the basis of the lottery results (i.e. both results of the determination of random number and the determination of combination) carried out in the main game. However, the lottery result in the sub-game may be modified properly. For instance, by comparing a random number determined at step S41 with a sub-game lottery table where random numbers corresponds to various lottery results (including loses), it may be carried out to determine a lottery result corresponding to the so-determined random number. In this case, for example, the sub-game lottery table may describe configurations of “win” for a determined random number being any one of 1 to 40 and “lose” for a determined random number being any one from 41 to 1024.

Then, since the lottery result is determined with the use of a determined random number, it is possible to control a probability causing a player's expectation to come true appropriately, allowing the player to be attracted to the game by means of hitting/non-hitting of the player's expectations. In connection, the lottery results for the combination and the sub-game may be determined in accordance with the comparison result with the identical random number determined at step S41. In this case, it is possible to simplify the operation in the slot machine 1 since there is no need to repeat the random number determination process again.

In succession to the sub-game winning determination process at step S43, the CPU 50 performs a determination process of stopping symbols at step S44. This determination process of stopping symbols is formed by determining a symbol to be stopped and displayed on the activated payline L with respect to each variable display portion 22 to 25 so as to establish the combination determined in the combination determination process at step S42. In detail, the CPU 50 determines a code number (No.) for a stopping symbol with respect to each reel 220 so that a combination of symbols corresponding to the determined combination is established on the activated payline L. On completion of the determination process of stopping symbols at step S44, the routine returns to the main process, that is, a base game process at step S14,

Referring to FIG. 11, the base game process performed by the slot machine 1 will be described below. FIG. 11 is a flow chart of the base game process by way of example. At step S14 in the main process of FIG. 5, the CPU 50 first carries out a rotating process to start rotating of four reels 200 in the cabinet 2 at step S51, on the basis of the switch signal outputted from the spin switch 58, the 1-BET switch 59, the 3-BET switch 60 or the 5-BET switch 61 and also accepted in the start acceptance process at step S12. Due to this rotating process, respective symbols are scrolled in the variable display portions 22 to 25. Note that the scrolls of respective symbols are visible since the variable display portions 22 to 25 are permeable.

Next, at step S52, the CPU 50 carries out a stop control process of stopping four reels 220 in the cabinet 2 so that the stopping symbols determined in the lottery process at step S13, more in detail, in the determination process of stopping symbols at step S44 stops on the activated payline L. Due to the stop control process, the scrolls of respective symbols in the variable display portions 22 to 25 are stopped respectively.

At next step S53, the CPU 50 carries out an adding process of adding coins (value of coins) corresponding to a preset dividend to payout schedule coins (value of coins on payout schedule) temporarily, in accordance with the combination of symbols for a winning combination stopped and displayed on the variable display portions 22 to 25 in the stop control process at step S52. Note that the value of coins on payout schedule is allocated and stored in a fixed area of the RAM 52. In this adding process, an addition of coins or the like is carried out in accordance with the combination determined in the combination determination process (step S42) and the result of lottery determined in sub-game winning determination process. After the adding process, the routine returns to the main process of FIG. 5.

Returning to FIG. 5, we begin to describe the main process again. After performing the base game process (step S14), the routine goes to step S15 where the CPU 50 determines whether the bonus game is being established or not. This determination is executed based on the symbols stopping on the activated payline L in the stop control process (step S52) in the base game process of FIG. 11 or the random number (or the combination) determined in the lottery process at step S13.

If it is determined that the bonus game is coming into existence (“Yes” at step S15), then the routine goes to step S16 where the CPU 50 performs the bonus game process. FIG. 12 is a flow chart of the bonus game by way of example. Under the bonus game process, the slot machine 1 carries out a free spin process by predetermined times (e.g. ten times in the embodiment) at step S61. That is, in the embodiment, the bonus game is accomplished by executing the free spin process ten times.

In the free spin process, an operation similar to the base game is carried out without forcing a player to insert a coin or push down the bet button, in other words, without consuming coins or accumulated credits. Therefore, since a player can accept the payout of coins or credits without reducing the number of coins or accumulated credits in the bonus game, the player becomes advantageous in view of acquiring the coins or the credits.

The free spin process performed in the bonus game process will be described with reference to FIG. 13. As shown in FIG. 13, since the CPU 50 performs a similar process to the lottery process (step S13) and the base game process (step S14) in accordance with a player's predetermined operation, it is executed to carry out a lottery process corresponding to the lottery process (step S13) at step S71. In this lottery process, the CPU 50 determines symbols to be displayed on the variable display portions 22 to 25 under condition that the variable displaying is stopped.

Next, at step S72, the CPU 50 starts variable displaying of symbols corresponding to the rotating process at step S51 in the base game process of FIG. 11. Further, at step S73, the CPU 50 stops the variable displaying of symbols corresponding to the stop control process at step S51 in the base game process of FIG. 11. In this stopping operation, the CPU 50 controls the operations of the stepping motors 68 and the motor driving circuit 167 to stop the reels 220 so that the symbols determined in the lottery process (step S71), which will be referred to as “stopping symbols” accordingly, are displayed on the variable display portions 22 to 25 respectively.

Next, at step S74, the CPU 50 carries out a winning determination process. In detail, if the stopping symbols displayed on the respective variable display portions 22 to 25 contain a combination of predetermined symbols, it is executed to calculate the number of coins paid out to a player or the number of credits to be added to the number of stock credits of the player's own, corresponding to the above combination. Note that the timing of performing the winning determination process may be modified. That is, the winning determination process may be carried out at any timing in a period from the lottery process (step S71) up to the next-coming payout process (step S17).

After calculating the number of coins to be paid out to a player in the winning determination process at step S74, the routine goes to step S75 where the CPU 50 performs an adding process of adding the above number of coins to preceding coins on payment schedule temporarily. With completion of the processes from step S71 to step S75, one free spin process is finished.

Returning to FIG. 12, we continue to explain the bonus game. On completion of the free spin process in the above way (step S61), the routine goes to step S62 where the CPU 50 determines whether the number of executions of the bonus game has reached a prescribed number of times (i.e. 10 times in this embodiment) or not. If the judgment at step S61 is No (unattained), then the CPU 50 carries out the free spin process again. While, if the number of executions has reached the prescribed number (“Yes” at step S62), the CPU 50 finishes the bonus game process and the routine returns to the main process.

Returning to FIG. 5, we begin to describe the main process again When it is determined at step S15 that the bonus game is not established yet and when the bonus game at step S16 is completed, the routine goes to step S17 where the CPU 50 performs a payout process. In the payout process, it is performed to eject the dividend number of coins to be added to the preceding coins (on payment schedule) in both adding processes in the base game (step S53) and the free spin process (step S75) collectively. Alternatively, it is executed to add the dividend number to the number of credits in stock. After executing the payout process, the routine goes back to the sub-game acceptance process at step S11, preparing the next-coming game. Here, we finish respective explanations of the main process and the operation of the slot machine.

In this way, according to the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the predetermined award is granted to a player when the specific symbol has been stopped and displayed on the variable display portion selected (anticipated) by the player, in addition to the payout in the base game. That is, since the slot machine 1 of his embodiment is capable of providing a player with a gaming mode that the player can participate in the game positively, which is different from the conventional game unilaterally afforded by the slot machine, it is possible to improve an interaction between the gaming machine and the player and also possible to enhance the player's fun and excitement sufficiently.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment and therefore, various changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the invention. Regarding both sizes and shapes of constituents of the slot machine, the present invention is not limited to those shown in the accompanied drawings with the above-mentioned embodiment and therefore, they may be modified within the scope exerting the effects of the present invention. As for the other elements, they may be altered within the scope of purpose of the invention Various modifications of the present invention will be described below.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the slot machine 1 is formed by a gaming machine equipped with so-called “mechanical reels”. In the modification, the present invention is also applicable to a so-called “video-reel” type slot machine having image display unit, such as liquid crystal display unit, in place of the mechanical reels.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the slot machine 1 is provided, in the cabinet 2, with four reels 220 and one activated payline L. In connection with his constitution, the number of reels 220 and the number of activated paylines L may be established optionally. Additionally, the stopping symbols for four (left, left-and-center, right-and-center, right) reels 220 are determined by one random number in the above-mentioned embodiment. In the modification, it may be carried out to sample one random number with respect to each reel 200, determining the stopping symbol for each reel 200.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the sub-game is formed by a player's anticipation of a variable display portion where the specific symbol (e.g. “7”) might be stopped and displayed thereon. In the modification, the sub-game may be modified optionally. For instance, needless to say, the other symbol except for the symbol “7” may be employed for the specific symbol. The selecting of the specific symbol may be modified so that a player can take charge of it. Then, the player is required to select both of the specific symbol and the variable display portion on anticipation. Alternatively, the selecting of the specific symbol may be modified so that a player can select the variable display portion(s) on anticipation by plural. On the assumption of adopting these modifications, additionally, the dividend may be changed in accordance with a degree (high/low) of winning probability. If adopting the above-mentioned modifications, then it is possible to improve an interaction in the sub-game between a gaming machine and a player and also possible to enhance player's fun and excitement against the game furthermore.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the selecting of a specific symbol in the sub-game requires for a player to touch the transparent touch panel 30 of the lower liquid crystal display 4 through a player's finger etc. Instead, four buttons exclusive to the selection may be provided on the operating table 5, allowing the variable display portion on anticipation to be selected.

It should be noted that in the above-mentioned embodiment, a player's selecting of one variable display portion is directly linked to the player's anticipating of a stop position for the specific symbol, owing to the provision of the single activated payline L. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the modification, for example, there may be provided a plurality of activated paylines that allow a player to anticipate the stop position for the specific symbol with respect to each activated payline. Then, it becomes more difficult for the player to anticipate the stop position due to an increase of positions that the specific symbol can stop, allowing the player's fun and excitement for the game to be enhanced furthermore.

Particularly, in case of providing a plurality of activated paylines, it is general that the activated paylines can be activated in accordance with the number of bets. Thus, it is desirable that the slot machine is constructed so as to enable a player to anticipate the stop positions for the specific symbol only on the activated paylines activated corresponding to the number of bets. In such a case, the number of expectable stop positions for the specific symbol is increased as the number of bets increases. Therefore, if anticipating the stop positions for the specific symbol in multiple, then it becomes necessary for the player to increase the number of bets. Consequently, in addition to the above effects, it is also possible to increase the whole sales of a game arcade having many slot machines constructed above.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the coin is illustrative of the gaming medium. However, the gaming medium is not limited to this and therefore, any gaming medium could be adopted so long as it enables a player to play a game using the slot machine 1. Particularly, as for the payout form of gaming medium obtained by a player, the player may accept the payout in the from of a magnetic card recording the number of obtained gaming medium therein or a receipt having the number of gaming medium printed thereon. Additionally, the number of gaming medium to be paid out may be managed by a server performing information management about the slot machine 1.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the lottery (e.g. lottery in the lottery process) is accomplished with the use of a lottery table where random numbers corresponds to various winning combinations. However, the lottery in content is not limited to this and therefore, it may be modified. Regarding registration contents in the lottery table, particularly, it may be constructed so that the random numbers relate to the winning combinations one on one. Alternatively, the lottery table may be formed so that the random numbers relate to the winning combinations, plural numbers on one combination. Additionally, on condition that there is provided a lottery table where the random numbers relate to respective symbols formed on the reels, the stopping symbol may be determined with respect to each reel. In this case, it is expected to make use of a code number (No.) allocated with respect to each symbol. Moreover, without adopting a random number as it is for lottery, the winning combination may be determined in accordance with a calculation result obtained by applying a predetermined calculation on the random number.

Repeatedly, the foregoing descriptions are related to one embodiment and various modifications of the invention. However, the invention is not limited to them and therefore, various changes and modifications may be made within the scope of claims.

Claims

1. A gaming machine comprising:

a display for variably displaying a plurality of symbols;

a processor programmed to operate with the display to (a) accept a players anticipation of a stop position for a specific symbol in the display, (b) determine symbols for a stationary state, (c) display the symbols determined on the display, and (d) provide an award to the player if the specific symbol is positioned on the stop position anticipated by the player.

2. A gaming machine comprising:

a slot game;

a display for the slot game, which variably displays a plurality of symbols;

a processor programmed to operate with the display to (a) accept a player's anticipation of a stop position for a specific symbol in the display, (b) determine symbols for a stationary state in the slot game, (c) display the symbols determined on the display, (d) provide a fit award to the player if a combination of the symbols is won, and (e) provide a second award to the player if the specific symbol is positioned on the stop position anticipated by the player.

3. The gang machine of claim 2, wherein the slot game including a base game, and the processor accepts a player's anticipation of a stop position for a specific symbol in the display in the base game.

4. The gaming machine of claim 2, wherein the first award is to shift a gaming mode of the slot game from a base game to a bonus game which is a profitable gaming mode for the player.

5. The gaming machine of claim 2, wherein the slot game including a bonus game, and the processor accepts a player's anticipation of a stop position for a specific symbol in the display in the bonus game.

6. The gaming machine of claim 2, wherein the processor accepts the player's plural anticipations about the stop positions for the specific symbol.

7. The gaming machine of claim 2, wherein the processor allows the player to select the specific symbol from the plurality of symbols.

8. The gaming machine of claim 2, wherein the second award is to shift a gaming mode of the slot game from a base game to a bonus game.

9. A gaming machine comprising:

a display for variably displaying a plurality of symbols;

a processor programmed to operate with the display to (a) accept a player's anticipation of a stop position for a specific symbol in the display, (b) determine symbols for a stationary state, (c) display the symbols determined on the display, and (d) provide an award to the player if the specific symbol is positioned on the stop position anticipated by the player,

wherein the processor accepts the player's plural anticipations about the stop positions for the specific symbol.

10. A gaming method for a gaming machine having a display for a slot game, which variably displays a plurality of symbols, the gaming method comprising:

accepting a player's anticipation of a stop position for a specific symbol in the display;

determining a combination of symbols for a stationary state;

operating the display to display the symbols variably and stopping the operation of the display to display the combination of symbols in a station state; and

granting an award to the player when the specific symbol is positioned on the stop position anticipated by the player.