Game machine
A second display section of a second display device is movable from an initial position to an end position. Upon starting the game, a first display device displays the symbols in motion and thereafter displays the stop symbols. Subsequently, the second display section displays the symbols in motion and displays the stop symbol. In some cases, the second display device moves. Even when there is no winning symbol combination, the player can win in accordance with the symbol combination of the first display device and the second display section. When the winning symbol combination appears after the second display section moves, the player wins the game.
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a game machine that determines winning or not by symbol combination on a predetermined winning line after displaying the symbols in motion.
2. Explanations of the Prior Arts
There is a game machine that starts rotating its symbols upon start of a game and stops displaying the symbols in motion after a predetermined period. A symbol display device is taken as an example. The symbol display devices with mechanical reels or electronic display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) device are well known in general.
In the symbol display device with mechanical reels, plural reels having plural kinds of symbols placed at a predetermined pitch are arranged in a line or matrix. As a game starts, each reel is rotated by a corresponding motor. When the reel is stopped the rotation at a random timing, at least one symbol is displayed through a display window. Meanwhile, in the symbol display device with electronic display device like LCD, after plural symbol images as graphic data are displayed in motion, a still image is displayed. In this way, it is possible to simulate to rotate and stop the symbol.
When a symbol is stopped, the win or the loss is determined in accordance with symbol type or symbol combination on specific winning lines. In case of winning, predetermined amount of coins are paid out according to the type of the winning. For instance, when three reels are arranged in a straight line (including simulated symbol display) and three symbols of each reel are displayed, a total of nine symbols are displayed. In this case, there is a total of five winning lines that consist of three horizontal lines and two diagonal lines. The player wins the game when a predetermined winning symbol combination is completed on these winning lines, and therefore the corresponding amount of coins are dispensed. In the above game machine, however, the win or the loss is predictable when two reels have stopped even if the last one reel rotating. As a result, the game does not provide sufficient appeal to the player.
Meanwhile, in the game machine with symbols arranged in three rows and three columns in matrix, a total of nine reels consisting of three horizontal and three vertical reels are arranged accordingly. As each reel displays only one symbol, there are additional three vertical winning lines. This increases the player's expectation to win.
In order to increase expectation to the win, Japan Patent Application No. 2002-136733 discloses a game machine that consists of a first display device of three rows and three columns and a predetermined number of second display devices arranged around the first display device. Each second display device is arranged on an extension of a diagonal line of the first display device. Consequently, further four oblique winning lines are set in addition to the winning lines set by the first display device, to increase expectation to the win.
According to the game machine with the above symbol display device incorporated, as the winning line is fixed, the REACH (Ready-for-winning) and the winning states remain unchanged. In terms of visual appeal, just adding the number of winning line is not enough to increase the player's expectation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAn object of the present invention is to provide a game machine in which the position and number of winning line are appropriately changed upon stopping displaying the symbols in motion to change the REACH and the winning states, for amusing a player in an original manner.
To attain the above object, a game machine of the present invention has plural first display sections to display symbols in motion and to display a stop symbol, at least one second display section to display the symbol in motion and to display the stop symbol, and a move device that moves the second display section around a first display device. Winning lines have a first line consisting of the first display sections arranged in line and a second line consisting of the first display sections and the second display section arranged in line. Based on the combinations of the stop symbols on the winning lines, the winning determine section determines the win or the loss.
Upon playing the game, a rotation display determine section determines whether to display the symbols of the second display section in motion or not to the second display sections respectively. Further, a move position determine section determines the position of movement of the second display section.
The move device consists of a drive motor attached to one end of a holder, a first pulley attached to a drive shaft of the drive motor, a second pulley attached to other end of the holder and a belt wound around the first pulley and the second pulley. The second display section is attached to the belt and movable in a first direction along the first display device and a second direction opposite to the first direction.
It is preferable that the first display section and the second display section are respectively composed of a LCD device or a mechanical reel. Otherwise, it is possible to provide plural first display areas to display symbols in motion and to display a stop symbol and at least one second display area, which moves along the first display areas.
Since the number of winning line changes depending on the number and the movement of the second display sections, even if the player loses to win in the first display section, the game can maintain the player's expectation to the win in accordance with symbol combinations of the first display sections and the second display sections.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe above and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments when read in association with the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only and thus are not limiting the present invention. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and wherein:
As shown in
As shown in
A second display device 16 is arranged on the periphery of the first display device 15. The second display device 16 has four second display sections 16a-16d, each of which displays the symbols “1” to “9” and “0” in motion and displays one of the symbols as the stop symbol. Each second display section 16a-16d is movable up to three frames (each display section corresponds to one frame) from the initial position (shown by solid lines) to the end position (shown by dotted lines). The second display sections 16a and 16c are movable in the horizontal direction of the drawing, while the second display sections 16b and 16d are movable in the vertical direction of the drawing. In consideration of the character of a game, the first display sections 15a-15i and the second display sections 16a-16d may display letters, marks, characters, and so forth. Note that, upon starting the game, the second display sections 16a-16d display star symbols that are unrelated to the result of the game.
The slot machine of the present embodiment has plural first winning lines formed by three symbols of the first display sections 15a-15i arranged in line, and second winning lines formed by three symbols of the first and the second display sections arranged in line. In
When the second display section 16d moves a distance of two frames from the initial position (the position B), the winning line 17k of
Furthermore, when the second display section 16d moves a distance of three frames from the initial position (the position C), the winning lines 17p and 17q become valid. As a result, the number of winning line amounts to thirteen, which are the same when the second display section 16d moves a distance of one frame. Note that the present embodiment shows the case in which the second display section 16d is moved. It is the same, however, when one of other second display sections 16a-16c is moved.
The number of winning line changes depending on the number and the movement of the second display sections 16a-16d. As shown in
The structure of the slot machine according to the above embodiment is explained. As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
Upon operation of the start lever 4 for starting a game, a start signal generator 55 is driven to input a start signal to the CPU 50. Based on the start signal, the CPU 50 outputs a lottery start signal to a random number generator 56, in which a random number is sampled and outputted to a first stop symbol determiner 57 and a motion display determiner 58. The first stop symbol determiner 57 refers to a first stop symbol determine table 59 to determine the stop symbol of the first display sections 15a-15i. The first stop symbol determine table 59 consists of plural table data for the first display sections 15a-15i in each of which random numbers are related with the symbols. The first stop symbol determiner 57 reads address data of symbol images to display in the first display sections 15a-15i from a first symbol data memory 71, and stores it to the RAM 53.
The motion display determiner 58 refers to a motion display determine table 60 to determine whether to display the symbol of each second display section 16a-16d in motion, and outputs result data to a second stop symbol determiner 61 and a move symbol determiner 62 and stores result data in the RAM 53. Based on the random number outputted from the motion display determiner 58, the second stop symbol determiner 61 refers to a second stop symbol determine table 63 to determine the stop symbol. The second stop symbol determine table 63 includes table data in which each symbol corresponds to the random number. This table data is provided for each second display section 16a-16d. The second stop symbol determiner 61 reads out the address information of stop symbol image data from a second symbol data memory 76 and stores it into the RAM 53.
After determining the second display sections 16a-16d to display symbols in motion, the move symbol determiner 62 refers to a move determine table 64 to determine the movement of the second display sections 16a-16d. The move determine table 64 consists of plural table data in which random numbers are allocated for every move frame number. Each table data corresponds to each of the second display section 16a-16d. The movement of information of the second display sections 16a-16d determined by the move symbol determiner 62 is temporarily stored into the RAM 53.
After the stop symbol is determined, the CPU 50 activates a first display control IC 70. The first display control IC 70 successively reads out symbol image data from the first symbol data memory 71 and inputs it to the first display device 15. Consequently, rotation symbols are displayed in each first display section 15a-15i. When reading out the symbol image data of each first display section 15a-15i, the first display control IC 70 outputs the corresponding address information to the CPU 50. As a result, the CPU 50 can distinguish the symbol displayed in the first display sections 15a-15i. In case the address information in the RAM 53 corresponds with the address information from the first display control IC 70, the CPU 50 outputs a stop signal to the first display control IC 70 to display the stop symbol corresponding to the address information in the RAM 53. When the stop symbols are displayed in the first display device 15, the CPU 50 activates a second display control IC 75. The second display control IC 75 successively reads out symbol image data from the second symbol data memory 76 and inputs it to the second display sections 16a-16d. As a result, the symbols of the second display sections 16a-16d display the symbols in motion. When the address information in the RAM 53 corresponds with the address information from the second display control IC 75, the CPU 50 sends a stop signal to the second display control IC 75 to display the symbol in corresponding second display sections 16a-16d.
When the move symbol determiner 62 determines to activate the move mechanism 20, a motor controller 80 sends pulse signals to the stepping motor 36 via a driver 81 to drive the second display sections 16a-16d. As the movement of the second display sections 16a-16d for a pulse signal is determined in advance, counters 82 count the number of pulse signal in order to detect the positions of the second display sections 16a-16d. After winning is judged by a winning determiner 85 (to be explained later), the motor controller 80 drives the stepping motor 36 in an opposite direction to move the moved second display sections 16a-16d to the initial position.
The winning determiner 85 determines whether there is a winning symbol combination or not in reference with the address information of the stop symbols of the first display sections 15a-15i and the second display sections 16a-16d respectively. When there is a winning symbol combination, a winning signal indicating a winning type is outputted to the CPU 50. The ROM 51 stores a dividend table corresponding the winning type to the dividend coin amount, and a magnification table indicating the payout magnification corresponding to the bet number. Based on a winning signal from the winning determiner 85, the CPU 50 determines the amount of dividend coins. And based on the bet number stored in the RAM 53, the CPU 50 determines a payout magnification. The CPU 50 refers these dividend coin amount and the payout magnification to calculate the amount of the payout coin. A coin dispenser 89 is activated to pay out the calculated number of coins to the coin saucer 9.
Based on the flow chart of
The motion display determiner 58 compares the random number and the motion display determine table 60 to determine whether to display the symbols in motion in each second display section 16a-16d of the second display device 16. Result data to indicate the second display sections 16a-16d to display symbols in motion is stored in the RAM 53.
In case at least one of the second display section 16a-16d display the symbols in motion, the second stop symbol determiner 61 compares the random number with the second stop symbol determine table 63 to determine the stop symbol. The address information of the stop symbol is stored in the RAM 53. Similarly, the move symbol determiner 62 refers the random number and the move determine table 64 to determine the frame number (including 0) of movement of the second display sections 16a-16d.
Upon determining the stop symbol of the first display sections 15a-15i and the second display sections 16a-16d respectively, the CPU 50 controls the first display control IC 70 to display the symbol in motion in each first display sections 15a-15i (see
When display the symbols in motion is completed, the CPU 50 refers the RAM 53 to determine whether to move the second display sections 16a-16d. In the event of moving at least one of the second display section 16a-16d, the CPU 50 activates the motor controller 80, which gives predetermined amount of drive pulses to move the corresponding second display section 16a-16d to the determined position.
After the second display section 16 is moved, the winning determiner 85 is activated to detect, the stop symbols of the first display sections 15a-15i and the second display sections 16a-16d. Then, the winning determiner 85 determines whether there is a winning symbol combination on any valid winning line.
In case there is a winning symbol combination on a valid winning line, the CPU 50 refers to the dividend table stored in the ROM 51 to determine the amount of the dividend coin. Based on the dividend coin number stored in the RAM 53 and the payout magnification stored in the ROM 51, the CPU 50 determines the amount of the payout coins and activates the coin dispenser 89 to dispense the determined amount of payout coins to the coin saucer 9.
In case the second display sections 16a-16d do not display the symbols, the win or the loss is determined based on the stop symbols of only the first display sections 15a-15i. In case the second display sections 16a-16d do not move, the win or the loss is determined after the second display sections 16a-16d display the stop symbols. When the second display sections 16a-16d display the stop symbol, the star symbol is displayed after the winning judgment. The second display sections 16a-16d, which move from the initial position, return to the initial position when the game finishes. As shown in
Thereafter, the second display sections 16a and 16d move two frames and stop respectively. As shown in
In an example shown in
According to the embodiment of the present invention, the LCD device is used for the first display device. It is also possible to arrange three mechanical reels in line or mechanical reels in a matrix. Likewise, although the second display device consists of the four LCD devices in the present embodiment, mechanical reels can be used to display symbols of the second display device.
It is also suitable to use a display device of dot matrix type using light-emitting element such as LED, a display device of seven-segment type, a CRT (cathode-ray tube), or an organic electro luminescence cell. In case the mechanical reel is used to display the symbol of the second display section, a light-emitting element such as LED may be provided on the front periphery of the mechanical reel in order to illuminate the symbol while the reel is rotating, before or after the rotation of the reel.
Although the first display section and the second display section are provided separately in the above embodiment, it is possible to combine them. For instance, as shown in
The above embodiment, the second display section is initially positioned on an extension of the diagonal line of the first display device. However, the second display section can be initially positioned on the right, left, top or bottom side of the first display device. Also the position and the number of the second display device can be suitably set in consideration of the character of the game.
According to the embodiment of the present invention, the second display section displays the stop symbol. Instead of this, the second display section may be moved before the first display section displays the symbols in motion. Otherwise, the second display section may be moved while displaying the symbols of the first display section in motion. In the above embodiment, the second display section is moved in either horizontal or vertical direction in the drawings. It is also possible, however, to move the second display section horizontal and vertical directions, or around the first display device.
The present embodiment sets winning when a predetermined number of the same symbols are arranged on a winning line. The winning symbol combination is not limited to the above, but can be set appropriately. For instance, the player may win the game when four same symbols are arranged in block. In this case, new pattern of winning can be set when the second display section can be moved in both vertical and horizontal directions. Moreover, the present embodiment refers to a single winning when the same symbols are arranged on a winning line. Also winning can be obtained when the same symbols are arranged on plural winning lines. In such a case, coins are paid out for each winning symbol combination.
In the above embodiment, when the second display device displays the symbols in motion, the star symbol is displayed in the second display section after the winning judgment. Instead, the stop symbol of the second display section can be used for the next game. In addition, although the second display sections are moved to the initial position after each game, it is possible to conduct the next game without moving the second display section to the initial position.
In the above embodiment, the first display device displays the symbols in motion by operating the bet button and the start lever in this order. It is not limited, but changeable in an appropriate manner. For instance, in case there is no bet button, a game starts automatically to display the symbols in motion by inserting a coin and operating the start lever. The start time for displaying the symbol of the first display is not limited. Further, although the stop symbol is displayed automatically in the above embodiment, a stop button to display the stop symbol can be provided. Although the win or the loss is determined according to the combination of the stop symbols after the display sections stop displaying the symbols in motion, it is possible to determine whether winning or not in advance upon operation of the start lever, for instance. Based on the result of winning judgment, the symbol combination is displayed. Upon winning or REACH (ready-for-winning) state, special effects by illumination or audio can appeal to the game player. In the above embodiment, the move mechanism consists of the carrier and the belt-drive type carrier driver that has the stepping motor, the pulley, and the belt. Instead, it is possible to apply a carrier driver having a gear mechanism with plural gears, a link mechanism with a cam and a link, a mechanism with a solenoid, or a spline mechanism. Furthermore, the present invention is also applicable to a pachinko machine, and other game machines as well.
As shown in
Although the present invention has been fully described by the 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 game machine comprising:
- a first display device having plural first display sections to display symbols in motion and to display a stop symbol;
- a second display device having at least one second display section to display said symbols in motion and to display said stop symbol;
- a move device for moving said second display section around said first display device; and
- a winning determine section for determining the win or the loss based on the combinations of said stop symbols on winning lines, said winning line comprising a first line consisting of said first display sections being arranged in line and a second line consisting of said first display sections and said second display section in line.
2. A game machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first display sections are arranged in a matrix.
3. A game machine as claimed in claim 1, further comprising
- a rotation display determine section for determining whether to display said symbols of said second display section in motion.
4. A game machine as claimed in claim 1, said move device comprising:
- a holder;
- a drive motor attached to one end of said holder;
- a first pulley attached to a drive shaft of said drive motor;
- a second pulley attached to other end of said holder; and
- a belt wound around said first pulley and said second pulley, said second display section being attached to said belt.
5. A game machine as claimed in claim 4, further comprising:
- a move position determine section for determining the position of movement of said second display section; and
- means for detecting the position of movement of said second display section based on the number of pulse signal outputting to said drive motor.
6. A game machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second display section is movable in a first direction along said first display device and a second direction opposite to said first direction.
7. A game machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first display section is composed of a LCD device or a mechanical reel.
8. A game machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second display section is composed of a LCD device or a mechanical reel.
9. A game machine comprising:
- a display device having plural first display areas to display symbols in motion and to display a stop symbol and at least one second display area, said second display area moving along said first display areas; and
- a winning determine section for determining the win or the loss based on the combinations of said stop symbols on winning lines, said winning line comprising a first line consisting of said first display areas being arranged in line and a second line consisting of said first display areas and said second display area in line.
10. A game machine as claimed in claim 9, further comprising a rotation display determine section for determining whether to display said symbols of each second display area in motion.
11. A game machine as claimed in claim 9, further comprising a move position determine section for determining the position of movement of said second display area.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 12, 2003
Publication Date: Aug 2, 2007
Applicant: DRAGON CO., LTD. (TOKYO)
Inventor: Haruo Inoue (Tokyo)
Application Number: 10/638,361
International Classification: A63F 9/24 (20060101);