Gaming machine with plural gaming styles

Abstract

The present invention relates to a gaming machine having of a display screen, a plurality of grids displayed on the display screen, one or more pay-lines equipped on the plurality of grids, a symbol equipped in each of the grids, and a payout for paying back awards according to results of play, wherein a plurality of symbols change in case that the symbols are in a winning condition, and the changed symbols are compared with one or more symbols existing around the changed symbols on the one or more pay-lines to change again.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a gaming machine, which is utilized in casinos. The gaming machine is arranged to payout award to a player corresponding to a play result of the player.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hitherto, gaming machines having a various kinds of game styles have been provided in order to give pleasure to players in casinos. For example, there is a gaming machine, in which various kinds of bonus games are started in case when symbols on reels match and the symbol is triggered while playing a primary game. With respect to the bonus game, there are various kinds of bonus games. For example, there is a bonus game, in which a player arbitrarily selects a box among plural boxes displayed on a display screen and is able to obtain an award amount in the selected box. Further, for example, there is a bonus game, in which a player can obtain an award amount when a rotation disc, onto which award amounts are written, rotates and an arrow indicates the award amount.

Further, with respect to a puzzle game, hitherto, for example, there has been Shanghai game. The Shanghai game is a puzzle game, in which a player takes two tiles of the same type from a plurality of piled mah-jongg tiles and the game is clear when the tiles on the display screen eventually become zero. Furthermore, with respect to a gaming machine of a card category, for example, there is a gaming machine of a poker game and a black jack game.

In order to give pleasure to players in casinos, various kinds of gaming machines have been provided. However, further various kinds of game styles are desired in order to attract more players in casinos.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a gaming machine includes a display screen, a plurality of grids displayed on the display screen, one or more pay-lines equipped on the plurality of grids, a symbol equipped in each of the grids and a payout for paying back awards according to results of play, wherein a plurality of symbols changes in case that the symbols are in a winning condition, and the changed symbols are compared with one or more symbols existing around the changed symbols on the one or more pay-lines to change again.

After the changed symbols are compared with the one or more symbols existing around the changed symbols on the one or more pay-lines to change again, the changed symbols and the one or more symbols may change when the changed symbols and the one or more symbols are in the winning condition. The symbols may flip all together when the symbols are in the winning condition.

The symbols may flip all together when the symbols are in the winning condition.

By configuring the gaming machine as described above, it is finally determined whether the symbols are matched after the symbols have continuously changed plural times and not determined whether the symbol has matched after the symbol has changed only one time. Thus, a new game style, which has not been introduced so far, can be provided. Further, by configuring the gaming machine as described above, various kinds of processes (paths) to the point where a bonus is set can be made. Thus, the player has not been able to expand expectation till just before the bonus so far. However, since the symbols described above complicatedly change and the changes are beyond player's imagination, the player can have expectation to obtain a bonus in each process as the symbols match and the number of the changes increase. Further, since the symbols match and the number of the times of the flip increase, the player is able to gradually expand expectations toward a bonus.

The awards may increase as the number of times of the flip becomes large. The awards may become bigger as the number of the flipped symbols becomes large. The awards may become bigger as the number of the pay-lines with the flipped symbols increases.

Players in casinos tend to seek active characteristics. Namely, players in casinos find pleasure in many changes at one time in a game or in obtaining a large award amount at one time. By configuring the gaming machine as described above, since the award amount can be increased as the number of flips of symbols increases, it becomes possible to give pleasure to players.

Players in casinos find pleasure in case in many changes at one time in a game or in obtaining a large award amount at one time. By configuring the gaming machine as described above, since the award amount can be increased when the number of flip of symbols becomes large, it becomes possible to give pleasure players.

The awards may be paid back when the number of times of the flip is not less than three times.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a gaming machine includes a display screen, a controller, a plurality of symbols displayed on the display screen, a plurality of grids without symbols displayed on the display screen, one or more pay-lines equipped on the plurality of grids and a payout paying back awards according to results of play, wherein a plurality of symbols is selected from the symbols displayed on the display screen, each of the selected symbols is located at each of the grids without symbols, the controller determines whether a plurality of symbols of the located symbols are in a winning condition or not.

By configuring the gaming machine as described above, it becomes possible to give an opportunity to players to participate in games. Thus, the controller automatically determines whether a bonus is set or not, and a newer game being interactive with a player, which is not a simple game, can be provided. Further, by configuring the gaming machine as described above, in case when there is a possibility of various kinds of bonus, the player can determine a kind of bonus to be set.

The game machine may have a plurality of grids with symbols displayed on the display screen, the plurality of grids without symbols and the plurality of grids with symbols are regularly or randomly displayed on the display screen, each of the selected symbols is located at each of the grids without symbols.

By configuring the game machine as described above, before a player disposes the symbol, a predetermined symbol has already been disposed. Therefore a more complicated character can be given to a game than the game described above. According to this structure, the game is not too complicated to play with. Thus, it is possible to give pleasure to players.

One or more symbols of the symbols displayed on the display screen may be one or more symbols having special function.

The one or more symbols having special function may be one or more symbols with function, which can become all kind of symbols.

The one or more symbols having special function may be one or more symbols with function which one or more symbols out of the symbols can become same kind of symbols as the one or more symbols having special function.

The awards may become bigger as the number of the symbols being in the winning condition increases.

The awards may become bigger as the number of the pay-lines with the symbols being in the winning condition increases.

In one game, players in casinos find pleasure in many changes at one time or in wining a large award amount in one game. By configuring the gaming machine as describing above, since the award amount can be increased as the number of matched symbols increase, the gaming machine can give pleasure to players.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a gaming machine includes a display screen, a plurality of grids equipped on the display screen, one or more pay-lines equipped on the plurality of grids, each of plurality of symbols equipped in each of the grids, a layer made of the symbols, a plurality of layers made of lamination of the layer and a payout paying back awards according to results of play, wherein a plurality of symbols disappear on the display screen in case that the symbols are in a winning condition, a plurality of symbols existing at lower layer of the disappeared symbols are displayed on the display screen, the newly-displayed symbols are compared with one or more symbols existing around the disappeared symbols on the one or more pay-lines, the newly-displayed symbols and the one or more symbols existing around the disappeared symbols disappear in case that the newly-displayed symbols and the one or more symbols existing around the disappeared symbols are in the winning condition.

By configuring the gaming machine as described above, it is finally determined which symbols are matched after the symbols have continuously matched plural times and not determined whether the symbol has matched after the symbol has changed only one time. Thus, a new game style, which has not been introduced, can be provided. Further, the award amount for a player can be determined based on the number of disappearance of the symbols and the element of the layers disappeared.

The awards may become bigger as a number of the disappeared symbols increases. The awards may become bigger as the number of the symbols disappeared increases.

The awards may become bigger as the number of times of the layers disappeared increases. The awards may be bigger as the number of the pay-lines with the disappeared symbols increases.

In one game, players in casinos find pleasure in many changes at one time or in wining a large award amount in one game. By configuring the gaming machine as described above, since the award amount can be increased as the number a plurality of layer deformation on a display screen increases. Therefore the gaming machine can further give pleasure to players. Further, by configuring the gaming machine as described above, since the award amount can be increased as the number of the layers disappeared increases, the gaming machine can further give pleasure to players.

The number of the plurality of layers may be 3 to 5.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine pertaining to the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a first game style of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a situation where a certain symbol illustrated in FIG. 2 has been changed.

FIG. 4 illustrates a situation where a certain symbol illustrated in FIG. 3 has been changed.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the first game style pertaining to the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a situation where a certain symbol illustrated in FIG. 5 has been changed.

FIG. 7 illustrates a pay-table of the first game style of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a flowchart of the first game style of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of symbols, which a player is able to select, in the second game style of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a plurality of grids capable of disposing symbols selected by a player in the second game style pertaining to the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a plurality of grids, onto which a symbol has been disposed, in the second game style of the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a plurality of grids capable of disposing symbols selected by a player in the second game style pertaining to the present invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates a situation where a plurality of symbols, which have been disposed in the plurality of grids illustrated in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example of the flowchart of the second game style of the present invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example the third game style of the present invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates a situation where a certain symbol illustrated in FIG. 15 has disappeared.

FIG. 17 illustrates a situation where a certain symbol illustrated in FIG. 16 has disappeared.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example of the third game style of the present invention.

FIG. 19 illustrates a situation where certain symbols illustrated in FIG. 18 have disappeared.

FIG. 20 illustrates a pay-table of the third game style of the present invention.

FIG. 21 illustrates an example of a flowchart of the third game style of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

The detail description of the present invention will be hereinafter explained. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a gaming machine in the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a gaming machine 1 includes display screens 2 and 3. Right below the display screen 2, provided are a bet switch 4, a multi-line switch 5, a max bet switch 6, a payout switch 7, a coin slot 8, and a bill slot 9. The bet switch 4 has 5 switches, 1 bet through 5 bet. The multi-line switch 5 has 5 switches, 10 line through 50 line. Further, in the lower right side of the gaming machine 1, a coin payout slot 10 is provided.

The display screen 2 displays a plurality of grids, onto which the pay-line has been provided and a plurality of symbols, which are utilized to progress a game. Further, for example, when the configuration of the game in the present invention includes a plurality of primary games or bonus games, the display screen 2 may display a screen for a player to select kinds of primary games or bonus games. Further, the display screen 2, for example, may display a screen for a player to play a primary game or a bonus game. On the display screen 3, a progressive screen showing the amount that a player is able to win in a bonus game may be displayed. Further, the display screen 2 or 3 may display a presentation of a progress of the game and a credit input to the gaming machine by a player. Further, the contents to be displayed, which has been described above, on the display screen 2 and 3 may be displayed on the display screen 2 or 3.

The bet switch 4 is to input a bet amount for a game. A player, by using the bet switch 4, is able to input the bet amount of 1 bet through 5 bets in one game. The multi-line switch 5 is for a player to select a line for aligning symbols on the plurality of grids. The player, by using the multi-line switch 5, may select lines by 10 LINE from 10 LINE to 50 LINE. The types of the bet switch 4 and the multi-line switch 5 are not limited to the five types. For example, the bet switch 4 may include a switch to bet 10 bet. Further, for example, the multi-line switch 5 may include a switch to select 100 LINE.

The MAXBET switch 6 is a switch for inputting the maximum bet amount on one game and to select the maximum line in one game for a player. The payout switch 7 is for payout the amount credited to the gaming machine. The coin slot 8 is a hole for a player to credit coins into the gaming machine. The bill slot 9 is a hole for a player to input a bill or a prepaid card, or to be used to payout the credited amount in the gaming machine. The coin payout slot 10 is to payout the credited amount in the gaming machine to a player.

The components provided on the gaming machine of the present invention are not limited to those described above. For example, when proceeding from a primary game into a bonus game, or a progressive game, an illumination device to illuminate a gaming machine with not less than 1 color may be provided on the gaming machine. Also, when proceeding into the bonus game or the progressive game, a device to vibrate the entire gaming machine or to output sound may be provided on the gaming machine. Also, not less than 3 display screen may be provided on the gaming machine. Also, a switch for a player to re-select the same bet and line from a previous game may be provided on the gaming machine. Also, a reel may be provided.

A gaming machine of the present invention includes three broadly classified game styles. The game styles are described along with drawings hereinafter.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the first game style in the present invention. A display screen 12 of the gaming machine of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 2. The display screen 12 includes a credit display 13, which displays an amount inputted into the gaming machine by a player, a bet display 14, which displays a bet amount of the player, and a win display 15, which displays an award amount won by a player. Further, a plurality of grids 16 and symbols 17 provided in each grid, are displayed on the display screen 12. Further, a wild symbol 21 is displayed in the grid 16. A wild symbol is indicated as a symbol capable of being changed into any kind of symbol.

First, the first game style of the present invention will be explained. Once a predetermined number of symbols are in a winning condition on a pay-line selected by a player, the plurality of the symbols is changed into different kinds of symbols. At this time, the number of symbols will not change before and after the change. And, when the changed symbols and unchanged symbols on the pay-line are in the winning condition, those symbols are changed into different kinds of symbols again. In this way, the change is continuously made till no symbols are in the winning condition on the pay-line. And, when no symbols are in the winning condition on the pay-line, the game is over. And, when a player wins an award amount, a predetermined award amount is paid out to the player as a game result is analyzed. Further, when a predetermined number of symbols are in the winning condition, the symbols change, however, the predetermined number may be any number. However, the explanation hereinafter is under a condition that the symbols change when not less than three symbols are in the winning condition.

In FIG. 2, the wild symbol 21 is in between symbols 20 and 22 in the lower portion of the grids. Since the wild symbol is capable of changing into any kind of symbols, the symbols 20, 21, and 22 are considered to be the same kind of symbols. Therefore, since the symbols 20, 21, and 22 are in the winning condition on the pay-line, the symbols are changed into other symbols.

FIG. 3 illustrates a situation where a certain symbol illustrated in FIG. 2 has been changed. In FIG. 3, the display screen 12 of the gaming machine of the present invention is illustrated. The display screen 12 includes the credit display 13, the bet display 14, the win display 15, the plurality of grids 16 and the plurality of symbols 17. It is recognized in FIG. 3 that the symbols 20, 21 and 22 have changed from the state illustrated in FIG. 2. And, the state of the symbol 22 after the change matches the state of symbols 23 and 24. Therefore, the three symbols 22, 23, and 24, which are in the winning condition on the pay-line, are changed into other symbols.

FIG. 4 illustrates a situation where a certain symbol illustrated in FIG. 3 has been changed. In FIG. 4, the display screen 12 of the gaming machine of the present invention is illustrated. The display screen 12 includes the credit display 13, the bet display 14, the win display 15, the plurality of grids 16 and the plurality of symbols 17. It is recognized in FIG. 4 that the symbols 22, 23 and 24 have changed from the state illustrated in FIG. 3. And, the state of the symbol 23 after the change matches the state of symbols 27 and 28. Therefore, the three symbols 23, 27 and 28, which are in the winning condition on the pay-line, are changed into other symbols.

The game is finished, when there is no winning condition, where three or more symbols are aligned, is found on the pay-line after the change has been made on the symbols 23, 27, and 28. And, an award amount to be paid out to a player is determined by the last number or state of symbols of the winning condition, and a number of times that the symbols had been changed in one game. Further, when the winning condition, where three or more symbols are aligned, is found on the pay-line after the changes have been made on the symbols 23, 27 and 28, the symbols are changed into other symbols again, and the game continues.

Meanwhile, a situation of a large number of the symbols being changed into the other symbols in the first game style in the present invention will be explained. FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the first game type of the present invention. In FIG. 5, the display screen 12 of the gaming machine of the present invention is illustrated. The display screen 12 includes the credit display 13, the bet display 14, the win display 15, the plurality of grids 16 and the plurality of symbols 17. The state of the symbols 29, 30 and 31 are matching in FIG. 5. Therefore, the symbols 29, and 31 are changed into other symbols.

FIG. 6 illustrates a situation where a certain symbol illustrated in FIG. 5 has been changed. In FIG. 6, the display screen 12 of the gaming machine of the present invention is illustrated. The display screen 12 includes the credit display 13, the bet display 14, the win display 15, the plurality of grids 16 and the plurality of symbols 17. It is appreciated in FIG. 6 that the symbols 29, 30 and 31 have changed from the state illustrated in FIG. 5. And, the state of the symbols 29, 30 and 31 after the change matches the state of symbols 32 and 33. Therefore, in this case, the seven symbols 29, 30, 31, 32, and 33 are changed into other symbols extending into vertical and horizontal lines.

In this way, a number of the symbols to be changed may be any number. For example, all the symbols displayed on the screen may be changed. Further, when two symbols are turned into the winning condition, those symbols may be changed into other symbols. Further, when not only one line, but at least two lines selected from a vertical line, a horizontal line and a diagonal line are on the pay-line, the symbols in the winning condition maybe changed into other symbols

Further, the first game style in the present invention is not limited to the subjects of the FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 as described above. For example, a form of the pay-line is not limited to a vertical line, a horizontal line, and a diagonal line. For example, there may be an U-shaped, a Y-shaped, or a cross-shaped pay-line. Further, a number of the pay-line may be any number. Further, the symbols are not limited to those described above, and may be in any form. For example, there may be a symbol of an alphabet or a number other than A, K, Q, J, and 10. Further, for example, an animation character, or an animal may be used as a symbol.

Further, a step of a symbol changing may be in any way in the first game style of the present invention. As for the step of a symbol changing to another symbol, for example, the grid that displays a symbol flips and another symbol displayed on the back of the grid may be displayed on the display screen. Further, for example, there is a step of a symbol changing that is a symbol disappearing from the display screen for a moment, and after a certain period of time, different symbol may be displayed on the display screen. When a plurality of symbols changes, a plurality of symbols may be changed at once. Further, a plurality of symbols may change according to a certain order.

Further, a special symbol may not only be the wild symbol, but may be any other symbols. For example, there may be a certain symbol having a function of changing all symbols adjacent to the certain symbol when the certain symbol appears. Further, for example, there may be a certain symbol having a function of changing all existing symbol on the screen when a certain symbol appears. Further, a special symbol may be in effect not only by the special symbol alone, but also by a predetermined number (for example, three) of special symbols are aligned on the pay-line.

The number of grids is not limited to twenty five. The number of grids may be any number. For example, the number of grids may be sixteen or thirty-six. The numbers of the vertical line and the horizontal line may not be necessarily the same. For example, the number of row may be five and the number of column may be six. The shape of the grid may not be necessarily a square-shape. For example, the shapes of the respective grids may be a triangle and a diamond shape. All grids displayed on the screen may not have respective symbols. For example, twenty five grids may include twenty symbols.

A player selects arbitrary symbols out of a plurality of symbols displayed on the screen, and may be able to exchange the selected symbols for other symbols. Further, the player is able to dispose specially provided symbols on the grids, when there are grids with no symbols. Further, the player maybe able to shuffle the disposed position of a plurality of symbols on the grids for plural times. When the symbols are in the winning condition on the pay-line, the symbols not change, but symbols may vanish, or change places with adjacent symbols. Further, at the time of symbol changing, the number of symbols of before and after the change may be different.

FIG. 7 illustrates a pay-table of the first game style of the present invention. A vertical line displays a state of symbols in the winning condition on the pay-line. A horizontal line displays a number of times that the change has been made to a symbol. Precisely, for example, when a predetermined number of symbols 34 are aligned on the pay-line after a symbol has been changed for five times, a player wins 500 credits. Further, for example, when a predetermined number of symbols 35 are aligned on the pay-line after a symbol has been changed for three times, a player wins 5 credits. Further, the pay-table of the first game style of the present invention is not limited to the pay-table described above and may be set by any way. For example, the amount of the credit won by the player may arbitrarily set. Further, a number of times of changes corresponding to a predetermined credit to be paid out to a player may be arbitrarily set. Further, a kind, a shape, and a number of symbols may not be limited to and may be the same as those described above.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a flowchart of the first game style of the present invention. First, when a game is started (STEP 1), a plurality of symbols is distributed to a player, and a plurality of symbols is displayed on the display screen (STEP 2). It is determined whether a predetermined number of symbols out of the symbols distributed on the pay-line are in the winning condition or not (STEP 3). A predetermined number mentioned here may be any number, and may be arbitrarily set by a configuration of the game. When a predetermined number of symbols on the pay-line are in the winning condition, the symbols are changed into different kinds of symbols (STEP 4). Meanwhile, when a predetermined number of symbols on the pay-line are not in the winning condition, whether the game ends or not is determined (STEP 10). When the game is determined not to end, a plurality of symbols is distributed to the player again, and a plurality of symbols is displayed on a display screen (STEP 2). When the game is determined to end, the game is over (STEP 11).

When a symbol is changed into a different kind of symbol (STEP 4), a predetermined number of symbols on the pay-line are determined to be in the winning condition or not (STEP 5) after the symbols have been change. A predetermined number mentioned here may also be any number, and may be arbitrarily set by a configuration of the game. When a predetermined number of symbols on the pay-line are in the winning condition, the symbols are changed into different kinds of symbols (STEP 4). When a predetermined number of symbols on the pay-line are not in the winning condition after the symbols change, a determination is made on whether three or more times of changes had been made in the game to the symbol or not (STEP 6). A bonus is not paid to a player when the symbol has not been changed for three or more times (STEP 7), and a determination on ending the game or not is made (STEP 10). When the game is determined not to end, a plurality of symbols is distributed to the player again, and a plurality of symbols is displayed on a display screen (STEP 2). When the game is determined to end, the game is over (STEP 11).

When it is determined that the symbols have changed for three or more times in the game, a determination of the definite times the changes have made on a symbol is made (STEP 8). An award amount, which is corresponding to the number of times the symbols have changed, and the state (style) or the number of symbols that were in the winning condition on the pay-line at last, is paid out to a player (STEP 9). A determination on ending the game or not is made (STEP 10). When the game is determined not to end, a plurality of symbols is distributed to the player again, and a plurality of symbols is displayed on a display screen (STEP 2). When the game is determined to end, the game is over (STEP 11).

The first game style in the present invention is not limited to the game style described above. For example, in a case when determining whether an award is paid to a player or not, a number of times of changes made to a symbol may not only be three times but may be any number. For example, the number of times may be one time, two times, or four times. Also, as the number of times of changes made to a symbol in one game increases, also the award amount paid out to a player may increase. Further, as a number of a plurality of symbols in the winning condition on the pay-line increases, also the award amount paid out to the player may increase.

When a determination is made for ending a game or not (STEP 10), a plurality of symbols are distributed again to a player or not may be determined according to an opinion of a player. Possibly, when a determination is made for ending a game or not, a plurality of symbols are distributed again to a player or not may be determined randomly without the opinion of the player.

For example, when a plurality of symbols is distributed to a player, and a plurality of symbols is displayed on a display screen (STEP 2), a player may be able to change a certain symbol out of the plurality of the symbols into other symbols when a predetermined number of symbols on the pay-line are not in the winning condition. Even when a predetermined number of symbols are in the winning condition on the pay-line, a player may be able to change a certain symbols out of the plurality of the symbols into other symbols. The period of time of a player changing a certain symbol out of the plurality of the symbols is not limited to before the change of a symbol but the period of time may be after the change of a symbol.

For example, a parameter, which is considered when determining an award paid out to a player, is not limited to a number of times of a symbol changing, or a state (style) or number of a symbol on the pay-line in the winning condition at last. For example, the determination of an award paid out to a player may be based on a period of time the game had been executed, or a number of symbols distributed at the start of the game.

Next, the second game style in the present invention is described. First, a plurality of symbols is displayed on a display screen as illustrated in FIG. 9 described in detail hereinafter. A player selects arbitrary symbols out of the plurality of symbols. The selected symbols are filled into a plurality of grids as illustrated in FIG. 10 described in detail hereinafter. When a predetermined number of symbols are in the winning condition on a pay-line, an award is paid out to a player. The second game style of the present invention is described hereinafter in detail based on figures.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a symbol to be able to be selected by a player in the second game style in the present invention. In FIG. 9, the display screen 12 of the gaming machine in the present invention is illustrated. The display screen 12 includes a plurality of grids 16, which a symbol 17 is provided on each grid. Further, a wild symbol 21 is displayed on the grid 16. The wild symbol is indicated as a symbol being able to be changed to any kind of symbol. First, the player selects symbols out of a plurality of symbols 17 to fill in the plurality of grids illustrated in FIG. 10.

Further, the second game style of the present invention is not limited to FIG. 9. For example, a plurality of symbols, which is displayed on the display screen, is not limited to twenty-five, and may be any numbers. For example, the number of the symbols may be sixteen, or thirty-six. Further, a number of the symbols in the vertical lines and the horizontal lines may not be the same. For example, the number of the symbols in the vertical line may be five and the number of the symbols in the horizontal line may be six. Further, the shape of the entire grids may not be a square-shape. For example, the shape of the entire grids may be a triangle-shape or a diamond-shape. Further, the shape of each grid may not be a square-shape. For example, the shape of each grid may be a triangle-shape or a diamond-shape.

Further, forms of the symbols are not limited to the forms illustrated in the figure but may be in any form. For example, there may be a symbol of an alphabet or a number other than A, K, Q, J, 9 and 10. Further, for example, an animation character, or an animal may be used as a symbol. Further, to give a player an opportunity to select symbols, a plurality of symbols displayed in the display screen may be selected corresponding to a certain rule, or may be randomly selected. Further, a special symbol may not only be the wild symbols and may be any symbols.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a plurality of grids, which a player has selected, among the second game type pertaining to the present invention. In FIG. 10, the display screen 12 in the gaming machine in the present invention is illustrated. The display screen 12 includes a credit display 13, which displays an amount inputted in to the gaming machine by a player, a bet display 14, which displays a bet amount of a player, and win display 15, which displays a winning amount of a player. Further, the display screen 12 displays a plurality of grids 40, onto which a plurality of pay-line 41 is provided, and an empty grid 42 without a symbol.

A player disposes selected symbols on the empty grid 42 without a symbol after selecting a plurality of symbols displayed on the display screen. In here, fifteen empty grids without symbols exist in the form of three vertical lines, and five horizontal lines. As the player selects symbols from the plurality of symbols for each empty grid having a number of one through fifteen, the process of disposing the symbols to each grid is repeated.

Further, the second game style in the present invention is not limited to FIG. 10. For example, the number of grids is not limited to fifteen but may be any number. For example, the number of the grids may be eighteen or twenty. Further, a number of a vertical line of the grids may be any number. For example, the number of the vertical lines of the grids may be four lines or five lines. Further, a number of horizontal lines of the grids may be any number. For example, the number of the horizontal lines of the grids may be four lines or six lines.

The shape of the entire grids may not be a square-shape. For example, the shape of the entire grids may be a triangle-shape, or a diamond-shape. Further, the shape of each grid may not be a square-shape. For example, the shape of each grid may be a triangle-shape, or a diamond-shape. For example, a form of the pay-line is not limited to a vertical line, a horizontal line, or a diagonal line. For example, a form of the pay-line may be an U-shape, a Y-shape, or a cross-shape. Further, a number of the pay-line may be any number. The screens illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 may be displayed on the same screen.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a plurality of grids, onto which a symbol has been disposed, in the second game type of the present invention. In FIG. 11, the display screen 12 of the gaming machine of the present invention is illustrated. The display screen 12 includes the credit display 13, the bet display 14 and the win display 15. Further, the display screen 12 displays a plurality of grids 40, onto which a plurality of pay-line 41 is provided, and a symbol 43.

FIG. 11 illustrates a state of a player selecting symbols from the plurality of symbols for each empty grid having a number of one through fifteen, and disposing the symbols to each grid in FIG. 10. As recognized from FIG. 11, the symbols 43 on the pay-line are in the winning condition. Therefore, a predetermined award amount is paid out to a player. When the symbols on the pay-line are not in the winning condition, the player may not be paid out an award.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a plurality of grids, which a player has selected among the second game style pertaining to the present invention. In FIG. 12, the display screen 12 of the gaming machine of the present invention is illustrated. The display screen 12 includes the credit display 13, the bet display 14, and the win display 15. Further, the display screen 12 displays a plurality of grids 40, a plurality of pay-line 41, an empty grids 42 without symbol and symbols 44, 45, and 46.

In FIG. 12, the symbols are disposed into a predetermined number of grids before a player disposes the symbols. The player selects arbitrary symbols from the plurality of symbols shown in FIG. 9, and disposes the symbols to each empty grid 42 shown in FIG. 12. There are no symbols in grids numbered 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 in FIG. 12. The player disposes symbols, which are capable of being disposed on the grids, corresponding to the symbols, which have already been disposed on the grids. In this case, the symbols 44, 45, and 46 are on the pay-line. Therefore, by disposing the same form of symbols as the symbols 44, 45, and 46 onto number one and nine of the empty grids, the symbols are aligned on the pay-line.

FIG. 13 illustrates a situation where a plurality of symbols, which have been disposed in the plurality of grids, illustrated in FIG. 12. The display screen 12 of a gaming machine of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 13. A credit display 13, a bet display 14 and a win display 15 are displayed on display screen 12. Further, the display screen 12 displays a plurality of grids 40, a plurality of pay-lines 41 and symbols 44-48.

In FIG. 13, a player has disposed symbols 47 and 48 in empty grids having numbers 1 and 9 illustrated in FIG. 12. Thus, the symbols 44-48 are aligned on the pay-line. Thus, a predetermined award amount is paid out to the player.

The second game style of the present invention is not limited to the style described above. For example, the number of empty grids and the number of symbols, which are disposed in a grid, may be any number in FIG. 12. For example, in case that the number of the grids is fifteen, the number of the empty grids may be from five to ten. Further, for example, in case when the award is paid out to the player, the number of symbols, which have to be in the winning condition on the pay-line, may be any number. For example, the number may be a number from three to seven. Further, the total shape of grids, the shapes of respective grids, the number of grids, the types of symbols, the number of the types of symbols and the number and the shape of the pay-line are not limited to specific shapes. These shapes are not limited to specific ones and may be the same shape as described above. Further, the award amount, which will be paid out to the player, may vary corresponding to the type or the number of the symbol in a winning condition on the pay-line. Further the award amount, which will be paid out to the player, is not limited to a specific award amount. It may be arbitrary determined.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example of the flowchart of the second game style of the present invention. Firstly, when a game starts (STEP 1), a screen to select a game mode is displayed on the display screen (STEP 2). There are following two modes in the game modes. The first one is a game mode, in which a predetermined symbol has been disposed in the grid, into which a player disposes symbols, before the player disposes symbols (STEP 4). The second one is a game mode, in which no symbol has been disposed in the grid, into which the player disposes symbols, before the player disposes symbols (STEP 3).

In case when the player has selected a game mode, a plurality of symbols is displayed, which the player disposes in the grids (STEP 5). The player selects a symbol from the symbols to be disposed in the grid and disposes the selected symbol into the grid (STEP 6). Then, when having finished the disposure of the symbol, whether the predetermined number of symbol is in a winning condition on the pay-line is determined (STEP 7). In case when the predetermined number of symbol is in a winning condition on the pay-line, an award amount will be paid out to the player corresponding to the role and the number of the aligned symbols (STEP 8).

In case when the award has been paid out to the player (STEP 8) or the predetermined number of symbols is not in the winning condition on the pay-line (STEP 7), whether the game has finished or not is determined (STEP 9). When determined that the game has not been finished, whether there is a mode change or not is determined (STEP 10). In case when there is a change in the game mode, the game mode is re-selected again (step 2). In case when there is no game mode change, a plurality of symbols to be disposed in the grids by the player will be distributed (STEP 5). On the other hand, in case when having determined that the game has finished, the game finishes (STEP 11).

The second game style of the present invention is not limited to the type described above. For example, the game modes are not limited to those two examples described above. The number of game modes may be any number. For example, the game mode may be a game mode, in which the player is able to select the number of grids, into which the player disposes symbols. Further, for example, the game mode may be a game mode, which is capable of shuffling a plurality of symbols several times in order to replace the plurality of symbols, which are displayed for selecting symbols to be disposed on the grids by a player, to the other type of the plurality of symbols. Further, the selection means of the game mode may be any selection means. For example, the selection means of the game mode may be a game selection means, which is capable of selecting a game mode by utilizing an operation member provided on the gaming machine without displaying the game mode selection screen on the display screen.

Next, a third game style of the present invention will be described. FIG. 15 illustrates an example of the third game style of the present invention. In FIG. 15, a display screen 12 of a gaming machine of the present invention is illustrated. On the display screen 12, displayed are the credit display 13 for displaying the bet amount, which the player has inputted into the gaming machine, the bet display 14 for displaying the bet amount, onto which the player has betted and the win display 15 for indicating the winning amount of the player. Further, on the display screen 12, displayed are a plurality of grids 16, a symbol 17 provided in the each grid 16 and a plurality of layers 65 formed by a plurality of symbols. The plurality of layers 65 has a structure, which is formed by layers, each layer being formed by the plurality of symbols. A wild symbol 49 is displayed in the grid 16. The wild symbol denotes a symbol, which is capable of being any kinds of symbols. In this specification, the top layer of the plurality of layers 65 is named the first layer, the second layer from the top is named a second layer, the third layer from the top is named a third layer, the fourth layer from the top is named a fourth layer and the fifth layer from the top is named a fifth layer.

At first, a third game style of the present invention will be briefly described. In the third game style of the present invention, firstly, a plurality of layers formed by a plurality of symbols will be distributed to a player. Then, in case when a predetermined number of symbols is in a winning condition on the pay-line of the first layer, which the player has selected, the plurality of symbols disappears. When the plurality of symbols of the first layer has disappeared, the symbols will disappear from the display screen and the plurality of symbols on the second layer will be displayed. In case when the symbols of the first layer and the second layer are in the winning condition on the pay-line, these symbols will disappear. As described above, the disappearances of the symbols will be repeated until the existence of the symbols in the winning condition on the pay-line becomes zero. Then, in case when the existence of the symbols, which are in the winning condition on the pay-line, becomes zero, the game finishes. Then, the game results will be analyzed. In case when the player has won the award amount, a predetermined award amount will be paid out to the player. In this case, when the predetermined numbers of symbols are in a winning condition, the symbols will disappear. The predetermined number may be any number. However, in the following description, it is determined that when not less than three symbols are in a winning condition, the symbols is to disappear.

In FIG. 15, a wild symbol 49 is put between symbols 50, which are displayed in the lower row of the grids. Since the wild symbol may be changed to any kinds of symbols, the symbols 49 and 50 are deemed the same kind of symbol. Thus, since the symbols 49 and 50 are in the winning condition on the pay-line, the symbols 49 and 50 will disappear.

FIG. 16 illustrates a situation where a certain symbol illustrated in FIG. 15 has disappeared. In FIG. 16, a display screen 12 of a gaming machine of the present invention is illustrated. On the display screen 12, displayed are the credit display 13, the bet display 14, the win display 15, the plurality of grids 16, the plurality of symbols 17 and the plurality of layers 65. In FIG. 16, the symbols 49 and 50 illustrated in FIG. 15 have disappeared from the display screen, and the symbols 51-53 belonging to the second layer are newly displayed. Then, it is apparent that the styles of newly displayed symbol 53 and symbols 54 and 55 belonging to the first layer coincide. Thus, since three symbols 53-55 are in the winning condition on the pay-line, they disappear.

FIG. 17 illustrates a situation where a certain symbol illustrated in FIG. 16 has disappeared. In FIG. 17, a display screen 12 of a gaming machine of the present invention is illustrated. On the display screen 12, displayed are the credit display 13, the bet display 14, the win display 15, the plurality of grids 16, the plurality of symbols 17 and the plurality of layers 65. In FIG. 17, the symbols 53-55 illustrated in FIG. 16 have disappeared from the display screen and a symbol 57 belonging to the third layer and symbols 58 and 59 belonging to the second layer are newly displayed. Then, in FIG. 17, since there are no symbols of not less than three symbols are in the winning condition on the pay-line, the game has finished.

Then, the award amount, which will be paid out to the player, will be determined based on the number of disappeared symbols, the style of the symbols and the number of layers, on which symbols have disappeared in one game. In FIG. 17, in case when there are symbols, which are not less than three, are in the winning condition on the pay-line, these symbols will disappear and the game is to be continued.

On the other hand, in the third game style of the present invention, the case that a layer formed by symbols disappearing will be described. FIG. 18 illustrates an example of the third game style of the present invention. In FIG. 18, a display screen 12 of a gaming machine of the present invention is illustrated. On the display screen 12, displayed are the credit display 13, the bet display 14, the win display 15, the plurality of grids 16, the plurality of symbols 17 and the plurality of layers 65. FIG. 18 illustrates the situation where the symbols belonging to the first layer are only symbols 60 and the other symbols belonging to the first layer have been disappeared. Since the symbols 60 are in the winning condition on the pay-line, they are to disappear.

FIG. 19 illustrates a situation where a certain symbols illustrated in FIG. 18 has disappeared. In FIG. 19, a display screen 12 of a gaming machine of the present invention is illustrated. On the display screen 12, displayed are the credit display 13, the bet display 14, the win display 15, the plurality of grids 16, the plurality of symbols 17 and the plurality of layers 65. In FIG. 19, the symbols 60 illustrated in FIG. 18 have disappeared and symbols 61, which have been existed beneath the layer of the symbols 60, are newly displayed. As illustrated in FIG. 19, all symbols belonging to the first layer have disappeared, the layer, which has been originally the second layer, is displayed as the first layer. As described above, in case when all the symbols belonging to respective layers have disappeared, a special bonus may be paid out to the player.

The third game style of the present invention is not limited to examples illustrated in FIGS. 15-19. For example, the number of symbols, which have to be in the winning condition on the pay-line in order for symbols to disappear, may be any number. For example, the number may be a number from three to twenty. Or, for example, all the symbols displayed on the screen may disappear. Further, there may be a case that only one symbol disappears. Further, the number of layers may be any number of layers. The number of layers may be, for example, four layers or five layers. The shape of the entire layer does not have to be a cube or a rectangular parallelepiped. The shape of the entire layer may be, for example, a pyramid shape or a diamond shape. Or, the shape of the total layer may be, for example, a certain animal shape. The time when the shape becomes these shapes may be at any time. The time when the shape becomes these shapes may be, for example, at the time when the game starts. Further, the time when the shape becomes these shapes may be, for example, at the time after the symbols have disappeared as the game proceeds.

Further, a special symbol is not only limited to the wild symbol, but also any kinds of symbols may be acceptable. For example, in case when a certain symbol appears, there may be a symbol, which has a function that the symbol belonging to the lower layer, which is not displayed on the screen, disappears while the symbols of the upper layer have not disappeared. Further, in case when a certain symbol appears, there may be a symbol, which has a function that, for example, all symbols adjacent to the symbol disappear. Further, in case when a certain symbol appears, there may be a symbol, which has a function that, for example, all symbols displayed on the display screen disappear. Further, in case when a certain symbol appears, there may be a symbol, which has a function that, for example, all symbols belonging to a certain layer disappear. Further, the special symbol may exhibit the effect when a predetermined number of the special symbols appear (for example three special symbols) on the pay-line, and may not exhibit the effect when only one special symbol appears on the pay-line but also efficiently exhibits.

Further, a disappearance method of the symbol may be any methods. For example, the symbols in the winning condition on the pay-line and all the symbols on the layer beneath the symbols in the winning condition may disappear. Further, for, example, the symbols, which are in the winning condition on the pay-line and the symbols on the lower layer, which is located obliquely under the symbols in the winning condition, may disappear. Further, for example, in case when predetermined numbers of symbols have disappeared, all the symbols having the same symbol as the disappeared symbols among all symbols forming a plurality of layers may disappear. Further, for example, in case when grouping symbols into groups having the same style and symbols having a certain style (for example, symbols having a numeral) have disappeared, all the symbols having the same style among all symbols forming a plurality of layers may disappear.

Further, the shape of the pay-line, the number of the pay-line, the style of symbol, the number of the kinds of symbols, the number of grids, the shape of the entire grid and the shapes of respective grids are not limited to particular numbers and shapes, and may be the same as the one described in the first game style. Further, not only one line on a pay-line but also the symbols in the winning condition on at least by two lines, which have been selected from a vertical line, a horizontal line and a diagonal line may disappear.

FIG. 20 illustrates a pay-table of the third game style of the present invention. Vertical lines express the styles of the symbols in the winning condition on the pay-line. The horizontal lines express the layer, to which the disappeared symbols have belonged. Namely, for example, in case when a disappeared symbol 63 has belonged to the fifth layer, one thousand credits are paid out to the player. Further, for example, in case when a disappeared symbol 64 has belonged to the third layer, ten credits are paid out to the player. As described above, the award to be paid out to a player may be determined based on the layer, to which the disappeared symbol has belonged.

The pay-table of the third game style of the present invention is not limited to the example described above and may be arbitrarily determined. For example, the award amount may be determined by the number of the disappeared symbols. Further, for example, the more the number of times of disappearance of the symbols, the more bonus amount may be paid out to the player. Further, for example, in case when all the symbols belonging to a specific layer disappear, a bonus may be paid out to the player. Further, for example, the lower the layer, to which the disappeared symbols belong, is, the more bonus amount may be paid out to the player.

FIG. 21 illustrates an example of a flowchart of third game style of the present invention. When a game is started (STEP 1), a plurality of symbols is distributed to a player (STEP 2). Then, whether a predetermined number of symbols on the pay-line of the first layer are in a winning condition or not is determined (STEP 3). The “predetermined number” may be any number and may be arbitrarily determined to match the game structure. In case when the predetermined numbers of symbols are not in the winning condition on the pay-line, a plurality of new symbols is distributed to the player again (STEP 2).

In case when the predetermined numbers of symbols have been in the winning condition on the pay-line, the award amount to be paid out to the player will be increased (STEP 4). Then the predetermined numbers of symbols disappear from the display screen (STEP 5). Then, whether the combination between the symbols of the lower layer, which has been newly displayed on the screen after the disappearance of the symbols and the symbols, which have been displayed from the time prior to the disappearance of the symbols, has been in the winning condition or not is determined (STEP 6). In case when there exist the predetermined number of symbols, which have been in the winning condition, the award amount to be paid out to the player is increased (STEP 7), and the predetermined numbers of symbols disappear from the screen (STEP 5).

When no predetermined number of symbols, which is in the winning condition, exists, whether a layer disappearance has existed or not in the game will be determined (STEP 8). In case there has been a disappearance of a layer, the award amount paid to the player will be increased (STEP 9). And after STEP 9, or in case there has been no disappearance of a layer, the award amount is determined corresponding to the style of disappeared symbols, the number of disappeared symbols and the number of disappeared layers, and the award is paid out to the player (STEP 10). After that, whether the game has finished or not is determined (STEP 11). In case when having determined the game has not been finished yet, a plurality of symbols is distributed again (STEP 2). In case when having determined the game has finished, the game is to finish (STEP 12).

The gaming machine pertaining to the present invention is not limited to the examples described above. For example, other than three styles of games described above, the gaming machine may include the other style of games, such as, a bonus game and a progressive game. Further, the game styles of the above three game styles may not only be respectively played but also played by combining the three types of games. For example, the player selects a predetermined number of symbols from a plurality of symbols displayed on the display screen, after disposing the symbols into empty girds (the second style); the symbols may change (the first style); and the symbols may disappear (the third style). Further, for example, the game may be the style so that a predetermined number of symbols change after the predetermined number of symbols has been in the winning condition on the pay-line, and in case when the change is executed several times, the changed symbols disappear. Further, for example, the gaming machine may execute the second game style after having executed the first game style.

Further, the definition of the sentence “symbols is in the winning condition” in the present invention is not limited to the symbols on the pay-line coinciding. It may be arbitrarily determined in which case the symbols on the pay-line are in the winning condition. For example, it is possible to determine that symbols are in the winning condition in the following cases, for example, in case when the type of symbols on the pay-line is aligned in the order of “7” “8” and “9” or “J” “Q” and “K”. Further, for example, in case when the type of symbols on the pay-line are animals, such as “HORSE” “RABBIT” and “BIRD”.

The subjects displayed on the display screen of the gaming machine of the present invention are not limited to the credit display, the bet display and the win display. For example, displays for the other parameters may be provided. The display for showing the number of games executed by the player may be provided. Further, the display for enhancing the effects of the game may be provided. For example, fire works is displayed when winning a big bonus or colorful umbrellas may rotate.

Claims

1. A gaming machine comprising:

a display screen;

a plurality of grids displayed on the display screen;

one or more pay-lines equipped on the plurality of grids;

a symbol equipped in each of the grids; and

a payout for paying back awards according to results of play,

wherein a plurality of symbols changes in case that the symbols are in a winning condition, and

the changed symbols are compared with one or more symbols existing around the changed symbols on the one or more pay-lines to change again.

2. The gaming machine according to claim 1,

wherein after the changed symbols are compared with the one or more symbols existing around the changed symbols on the one or more pay-lines to change again,

the changed symbols and the one or more symbols change when the changed symbols and the one or more symbols are in the winning condition.

3. The gaming machine according to claim 2,

wherein the symbols flip when the symbols are in the winning condition.

4. The gaming machine according to claim 3,

wherein the awards increase in case a number of flip becomes larger.

5. The gaming machine according to claim 3,

wherein the awards becomes bigger in case the number of flipped symbol becomes larger.

6. The gaming machine according to claim 3,

wherein the awards becomes bigger in case the number of pay-line with the flipped symbols becomes larger.

7. The gaming machine according to claim 3,

wherein the awards are paid back when the number of times of flip becomes not less than three times.

8. A method for paying out an award corresponding to play results of a player in a gaming machine, the method comprising the steps of:

displaying a plurality of symbols, which the player can select, and a plurality of grids, in which the selected symbol can be located, on a display screen;

selecting a symbol of the plurality of symbols;

locating the selected symbol at the plurality of grids; and

determining if the symbols on the plurality of grids are in a winning condition.

9. The method according to claim 8,

wherein the plurality of grids, before the symbol is located, have a part with a symbol and blank part.

10. The method according to claim 8,

wherein a symbol of the plurality of symbols has a special function.

11. The method according to claim 10,

wherein all of the plurality of symbols become the same kinds of symbol in case the symbol having the special function has been displayed on the screen.

12. The method according to claim 10,

wherein the symbol with the special function and a symbol adjoining the symbol with the special function become the same kinds of symbol in case the symbol with the special function has been displayed on the screen.

13. The method according to claim 8,

wherein the amount of award changes corresponding to the number of symbol being in the winning condition.

14. The method according to claim 8,

wherein the amount of award changes corresponding to the number of pay-line being symbol in the winning condition.

15. A gaming machine comprising:

a display screen;

a plurality of grids equipped on the display screen;

one or more pay-lines equipped on the plurality of grids;

each of plurality of symbols equipped in each of the grids;

a layer comprised of the symbols;

a plurality of layers comprised of lamination of the layer; and

a payout paying back awards according to results of play,

wherein a plurality of symbols disappear on the display screen in case that the symbols are in a winning condition,

a plurality of symbols existing at lower layer of the disappeared symbols are displayed on the display screen,

newly-displayed symbols are compared with one or more symbols existing around the disappeared symbols on the one or more pay-lines,

the newly-displayed symbols and the one or more symbols existing around the disappeared symbols disappear in case that the newly-displayed symbols and the one or more symbols existing around the disappeared symbols are in the winning condition.

16. The gaming machine according to claim 15,

wherein the awards increase when a number of the disappeared symbols increases.

17. The gaming machine according to claim 15,

wherein the awards increase when a number of symbol disappeared increases.

18. The gaming machine according to claim 15,

wherein the awards increase when a number of layer disappeared increases.

19. The gaming machine according to claim 15,

wherein the awards increase when a number of pay-line with the disappeared symbols increases.

20. The gaming machine according to claim 15,

wherein a number of layer is 3 to 5.