The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-184646, which was filed on Sep. 10, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a gaming machine which is configured to award progressive payouts of different types which are different in payout amounts and in each of which a part of a bet amount is accumulated each time a unit game is executed.
2. Description of Related Art
There are known gaming machines each configured to award a progressive payout (progressive jackpot) (e.g., U.S. Patent Publication No1.2011/0118003). A progressive payout is arranged such that, a part of a bet amount bet in a gaming machine is accumulated, and the accumulated credits are awarded when a trigger is established. Among these gaming machines, there is a gaming machine which is configured to award plural types of progressive payouts which are different in payout amounts.
In the gaming machine configured to award plural types of progressive payouts, an effect of indicating which type of the progressive payout is to be awarded plays an important role in the improvement in entertainment characteristics of the gaming machine. However, providing, for example, an additional effect device in the gaming machine for the effect is disadvantageous in terms of cost.
An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a gaming machine which achieves, with a simple arrangement, an effect indicating which one of plural types of progressive payouts is to be awarded.
The present invention relates to a gaming machine configured to award, as a prize, one of plural types of progressive payouts which are different from one another in payout amount and are formed by accumulating a part of a bet amount each time a unit game is executed, the gaming machine including:
With the arrangement above, an effect indicating which one of the plural types of progressive payouts is awarded as a prize is performed by displaying the specific symbols stepwise on the display device. In this way, as the symbols on the display device displaying a game result in the normal game are used for the effect indicating which one of the plural types of progressive payouts is awarded as a prize, the effect is performed with a simple arrangement.
In addition to the above, the present invention relates to a gaming machine configured to award, as a prize, one of plural types of progressive payouts which are different from one another in payout amount and are formed by accumulating a part of a bet amount each time a unit game is executed, the gaming machine including:
With the arrangement above, an effect indicating which one of the plural types of progressive payouts is awarded as a prize is performed by displaying the specific symbols stepwise on the display device. In this way, as the symbols on the display device displaying a game result in the normal game are used for the effect indicating which one of the plural types of progressive payouts is awarded as a prize, the effect is performed with a simple arrangement. Furthermore, the number of the specific symbols allocated to each step is determined by an allocation pattern which is randomly selected from the predetermined number of the allocation patterns. This diversifies the rearrangement patterns of the specific symbols rearranged in the display device in each step, and hence effect patterns of the effect of indicating which one of the plural types of progressive payouts is awarded as a prize are diversified.
In addition to the above, the gaming machine of the present invention is arranged such that the storage is configured to further store a third table in which, for each number of the plural types of of the specific symbol rearrangeable on the display device in each step, a predetermined number of allocation patterns each defining the number of the specific symbol allocated to each of the reels displayed on the display device are provided, and
According to the arrangement above, the number of the specific symbols allocated to each of the reels in each step is determined based on the allocation pattern randomly selected from the predetermined number of the allocation patterns. This diversifies the rearrangement patterns of the specific symbols rearranged on the display device in each step, and hence the effect patterns of the effect of indicating which one of the plural types of progressive payouts is awarded as a prize are further diversified.
The gaming machine of the present invention is arranged such that the storage is configured to further store a fourth table which defines, for each bet amount bettable on the unit game, a selection rate at which each total number of the plural types of the specific symbol rearrangeable stepwise on the display device when the winning condition is established is selected in the process (a2),
With the arrangement above, the larger the bet amount bet on the unit game is, the higher the probability of winning the progressive payout with a large payout is. As a result, when the winning condition is established while the bet amount bet on the normal game is large, the player expects a winning of the progressive payout with a large payout.
In addition to the above, the gaming machine of the present invention is arranged such that, the controller is programmed to further execute the processes of:
With this arrangement, a prize awarded at the time of the establishment of the predetermined condition in the normal game is diversified.
In the present invention, an effect indicating which one of plural types of progressive payouts is to be awarded is achieved with a simple arrangement.
Other and further objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear more fully from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
(Outline of One Embodiment of Present Invention)
The following will describe an embodiment of the present invention with reference to figures. As shown in
This slot machine 1 is provided with a reel unit M1 which displays five reels on which symbols including a specific symbol 502 are lined up. Furthermore, the slot machine stores types of progressive payout in association with numbers of the specific symbols (see a progressive level/number table shown in
The slot machine 1 executes a normal game in which the symbols are rearranged on the reel unit M1 and a prize corresponding to the rearranged symbols is awarded (S1). When a trigger with which a progressive payout is awarded is generated in the normal game (S2), one of plural types of progressive payouts is randomly selected (S3). Then the number of the specific symbols 502 stored in association with the selected type of the progressive payout is displayed stepwise on the reel unit M1 (S4). In the present embodiment, as shown in
In the slot machine 1, an effect indicating which one of the plural types of progressive payouts is awarded as a prize is performed by displaying the specific symbols 502 stepwise on the reel unit M1. In this way, as the symbols on the reel unit M1 displaying a game result in the normal game are used for the effect indicating which one of the plural types of progressive payouts is awarded as a prize, the effect is performed with a simple arrangement.
(Definitions and the Like)
The above described slot machine is a type of gaming machine. The present embodiment deals with a case where the slot machine 1 is the gaming machine; however, the present invention is not limited to this, and is applicable to any given gaming machine configured to independently run any type of normal game and award progressive payouts of plural types.
The normal game and the free game in the present embodiment are executed by the slot machine 1. Each of the normal game and the free game is a slot game where a plurality of symbols (see
The free game in the present embodiment is executed plural times in the feature game when a winning condition of winning one of plural types of progressive payouts which are different in payout amounts is established. In short, the feature game includes execution of the free game plural times.
The feature game is equivalent to a bonus game and is executed when a predetermined condition is established in the normal game in the present embodiment. The feature game is a game which is more advantageous than the normal game, and another feature game may be additionally employed on condition that a state advantageous for the player, i.e., a state more advantageous than the normal game is achieved. For example, in the feature game, various states such as a state in which more game values can be achieved as compared to the normal game, a state in which the probability of obtaining a game value is higher than the probability in the normal game, and a state in which the number of consumed game values is smaller than in the normal game are achieved independently or in combination.
The progressive payout is, in a broad sense, a special payout different from normal payouts. In the present embodiment, the progressive payout is a payout formed by accumulating a part of a bet amount (bet number) bet in the slot machine each time the unit game is executed, and is awarded to the player when a predetermined condition is satisfied.
The symbols here collectively mean “WILD1”, “WILD2”, “WILD3”, “WILD4”, “ORCA”, “DOLPHIN”, “TURTLE”, “CLOWN FISH”, “YELLOW FISH”, “WHITE FISH”, “BLUE FISH”, “STARFISH”, “CORAL”, “SEAWEED”, and “BONUS”. Among these symbols , “BONUS” is a specific symbol. In the execution of the free game plural times in the feature game, one of the plural types of progressive payouts is awarded as a prize in accordance with the total number of the specific symbols rearranged in the display window.
In the present embodiment, the specific symbol functions as a trigger of the execution of the feature game. In the present embodiment, the specific symbol functions as a scatter symbol. That is to say, the trigger condition is established based solely on the number of the rearranged specific symbols, irrespective of the payline. “WILD1”, “WILD2”, “WILD3”, and “WILD4” can be used as a substitute for any type of the symbols except the specific symbol.
A game value is electrically valuable information such as electronic money. It is to be noted that the game value in the present invention is not limited to these, and game media such as a medal, a token, and a ticket can be adopted. The ticket may be, for example, a ticket with a barcode in which data such as a credit amount is encoded. Alternatively, the game value may be a game point not including valuable information.
The term “rearrangement” indicates that the symbols are rearranged after the arrangement of the symbols is dismissed. The term “arrangement” indicates a state in which the symbols are visually recognizable by an external player. More specifically, “rearrangement” is a state in which, after the symbols on the reels are variably displayed as the reels rotate, the variable display of the symbols stops as the rotation of the reels stops, and the symbols stop in the display window.
(Function Flow)
To begin with, the basic functions of the slot machine of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to
(Bet/Start-Check)
First, the slot machine checks whether or not a BET button has been pressed by a player, and subsequently checks whether or not a spin button has been pressed by the player.
<Symbol Determination>
Next, when the spin button has been pressed by the player, the slot machine extracts a random number for symbol determination, and determines symbols to be displayed (rearranged) for the player at the time of stopping the scroll of reels, for respective reels.
(Reel Control)
Thereafter, the slot machine starts the rotation of each reel and stops the rotation of each reel so that the determined symbols are displayed for the player.
<Winning Determination>
Subsequently, as the rotation of each reel is stopped, the slot machine determines whether the combination of the symbols displayed for the player is a combination related to winning
<Awarding of Benefit>
When the combination of the symbols displayed for the player is a combination related to winning, the slot machine offers, to the player, benefit according to the combination. For example, when a combination of the symbols related to the awarding of credits, the slot machine awards credits to the player, the number of which corresponds to the combination of the symbols.
Furthermore, each time the unit game is executed, the slot machine accumulatively adds a part of the bet amount to each of the plural types of progressive payouts stored in a storage.
<Feature Game>
When a combination of the symbols functioning as the trigger of the feature game is displayed, the slot machine starts the feature game. In the feature game, when a predetermined condition is established, the slot machine determines the total number of the specific symbols which are displayed for the player when the rotation of the reels is stopped in plural times of execution of the free game. As detailed later, in the present embodiment, the determination of the total number of the specific symbols is equivalent to the selection of one progressive payout from the plural types of progressive payouts. Next, the slot machine determines symbols to be displayed for the player at the time of stopping the scroll of reels in each execution of the free game. Thereafter, each time the free game is executed, the slot machine starts the rotation of each reel and stops the rotation of each reel so that the determined symbols are displayed for the player. Subsequently, based on the total number of the specific symbols rearranged in the execution of the free game plural times, the slot machine determines which progressive payout is won among the plural types of progressive payouts. Then the progressive payout having been won is awarded to the player.
In addition to the above, the slot machine may have other benefits such as mystery bonus and insurance, in addition to the benefit above In the mystery bonus, a predetermined number of credits are paid out when a winning is achieved in dedicated random determination. In this case, when the spin button is pressed, the slot machine samples a random number for the mystery bonus and randomly determines whether a mystery bonus trigger is established.
The insurance is a function for saving the player when the feature game is not executed for a long period of time. When the insurance is activated, a predetermined insurance activation amount must be paid. When the insurance is activated, the slot machine starts to count the number of times of execution of the game. When the counted number of times reaches a predetermined number while a large amount of payout on account of the feature game or the like is not carried out, the slot machine pays out credits which have been set for the insurance.
<Determination of Effect>
The slot machine produces an effect by displaying an image on a display, outputting light from a lamp, and outputting sound from a speaker. The slot machine samples an effect-use random number and determines the content of an effect based on randomly determined symbols or the like.
[Overall Structure of Slot Machine]
Now, referring to
In the slot machine 1 the game value is electronic valuable information such as electronic money. The game value is not limited to this. For example, coins, medals, tokens, and tickets with barcodes may be employed.
The slot machine 1 includes a cabinet 11, a top box 12 installed on the upper side of the cabinet 11, and a main door 13 provided at the front surface of the cabinet 11. The cabinet 11 is provided with a lamp 111.
The main door 13 is provided with a reel unit M1 (corresponding to a display device) constituted by five reels 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105. On the front surface of the reel unit M1 is provided a reel cover 135. On the front surface of the reel cover 135, a liquid crystal display device 134 by which a game status is notified to the player and a transparent panel are provided. This liquid crystal display device 134 is provided with a touch panel 137 (see
As show in
In the descriptions below, winning achieved according to a payline will be referred to as line winning, whereas winning achieved by a scattered symbol will be referred to as scattered winning
As shown in
On the inner circumferential side of each of the reels 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105 arranged as above, a backlight unit (not illustrated) is provided. The backlight unit is arranged so that illuminating light is emitted from the inner circumferential side of the reels 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105 toward the outer circumferential surface side of the reels so that the illumination light passing through the outer circumferential surfaces of the reels is viewable from the outside of the display windows 150. The backlight unit is configured to be able to change the amount of illumination light in multiple stages. The degree of freedom in the effects using illumination light is therefore high. Furthermore, the backlight unit is able to emit light in multiple colors. The symbols are illuminated with the illumination light of the following colors.
It should be noted that the present embodiment deals with a case where the slot machine 1 employs the reel unit M1 in the form of mechanical reels; however, the slot machine 1 of the present invention may adopt video reels that display simulated reels, or adopt a combination of the video reels and the mechanical reels.
As shown in
The denomination button 402 displays current denomination set in the AUDIT. A menu screen is displayed when the menu button 403 is touched. The sound volume switch button 404 switches the game sound volume in, for example three stages. Each time the button is touched, the game sound volume is switched from small to middle to large to small to middle, and so on.
The meter group 410 is formed of a bet meter 411, a credit meter 412, a win meter 413, and a line meter 414. The bet meter 411 displays a bet amount. The bet amount is re-calculated each time the game is executed. The credit meter 412 indicates the total credit amount at the time. The total credit amount is initially zero, and increases or decreases in accordance with an input of a game value, betting, and a game result. The win meter 413 increments and displays the total credit of the prizes having been won. The line meter 414 displays the number of activated paylines and a value of “MULTIPLIER” which will be described later.
An upper image display panel 131 is provided at the front face of the top box 12. The upper image display panel 131 includes a liquid crystal panel, and forms the display. The upper image display panel 131 displays images related to effects and images showing introduction of the game contents and explanation of the game rules. In the present embodiment, as shown in
Below the reel unit M1, a control panel 30 on which buttons are provided, a PTS device 700, and a bill entry 60 are provided.
The bill entry 60 validates a bill, and accepts a genuine bill into the cabinet 11. This bill entry 60 is electrically connected with the PTS device 700. When receiving a genuine bill, the bill entry 60 sends an input signal based on the amount of the bill to the PTS device 700. This input signal includes information such as credit data regarding the received bill.
The PTS device 700 is a unit in which a LCD (liquid crystal display), a human detection camera, a microphone, and the like are integrated. The human detection camera is configured to detect the presence of a player by a camera function. The microphone allows a player to participate in a game by sound or authorizes a player by voice recognition. The PTS device 700 is provided with a card insertion slot through which an IC card is inserted. This allows the player to insert an IC card into the card insertion slot and use credits stored in the IC card in the slot machine 1.
(Control Panel 30)
On the control panel 30, a HELP button 31 and a CASHOUT button 32 are provided in the left side area, a 50-BET button 34, a 100-BET button 35, a 150-BET button 36, a 250-BET button 37, and a 500-BET button 38 are provided in the central area, and a spin button 46 is provided in the right side area.
The help button 31 is pressed when, for example, it is unclear how to play a game. As the help button 31 is pressed, various help information is displayed on a liquid crystal display device 134. The cashout button 32 is an operation button to be used for cashing out credits stored in the slot machine 1.
The 50-bet button 34 is used for placing a bet of 50 credits out of the credits owned by the player, every time it is pressed. The 100-bet button 35 is used for starting the game with a bet of 100 credits. The 150-bet button 36 is used for starting the game with a bet of 150 credits. The 250-bet button 37 is used for starting the game with a bet of 250 credits. The 500-bet button 38 is used for starting the game with a bet of 500 credits. As such, the bet amount on each active payline is determined by pressing the 50-BET button 34, the 100-BET button 35, the 150-BET button 36, the 250-BET button 37, or the 500-BET button 38. In the present embodiment, an amount bettable on single execution of the game is 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 500, or 1000.
The spin button 46 is used to start the scroll of the reels 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105.
(symbol Column)
Next, with reference to
As shown in
[Structures of Circuits Provided in Slot Machine]
Next, with reference to
A gaming board 50 is provided with a CPU 51, a ROM 52, and a boot ROM 53, which are mutually connected by an internal bus; a card slot 55 corresponding to a memory card 54; and an IC socket 57 corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 56.
The memory card 54 includes a nonvolatile memory, and stores a game program. The game program includes a program related to game progression and a program for producing effects by images and sounds.
Furthermore, the card slot 55 is configured so that the memory card 54 can be inserted thereinto and removed therefrom, and is connected to a motherboard 70 by an IDE bus. The type and contents of the game to be played on the slot machine 1 can be changed by drawing out the memory card 54 from the card slot 55, writing another game program into the memory card 54, and inserting the memory card 54 into the card slot 55.
The GAL 56 is a type of PLD (programmable Logic Device) having a fixed OR array structure. The GAL 56 is provided with a plurality of input ports and output ports, and predetermined input into the input port causes output of the corresponding data from the output port.
Further, the IC socket 57 is configured so that the GAL 56 can be inserted thereinto and removed therefrom, and is connected to the motherboard 70 by a PCI bus. The contents and settings of the game to be played on the slot machine 1 can be changed by replacing the memory card 54 with another memory card 54 having another program written therein or by rewriting the program written into the memory card 54 as another program.
The CPU 51, the ROM 52 and the boot ROM 53 mutually connected by the internal bus are connected to the motherboard 70 by a PCI bus. The PCI bus enables a signal transmission between the motherboard 70 and the gaming board 50, and power supply from the motherboard 70 to the gaming board 50.
The ROM 52 stores an authentication program. The boot ROM 53 stores a pre-authentication program, a program (boot code) to be used by the CPU 51 for activating the pre-authentication program, and the like. The authentication program is a program (falsification check program) for authenticating the game program. The pre-authentication program is a program for authenticating the aforementioned authentication program. The authentication program and the pre-authentication program are written along a procedure (authentication procedure) for proving that the program to be the subject has not been falsified.
The motherboard 70 is provided with a main CPU 71, a ROM 72, a RAM 73, and a communication interface 82. The ROM 72 and the RAM 73 are equivalent to storages.
The ROM 72 includes a memory device such as a flash memory, and stores a program such as BIOS to be executed by the main CPU 71, and permanent data. When the BIOS is executed by the main CPU 71, a process for initializing predetermined peripheral devices is executed. Further, through the gaming board 50, a process of loading the game program stored in the memory card 54 is started.
The processor of the present invention includes the main CPU 71, the ROM 72, and the RAM 73 above and the memory card 54 storing the game program, and controls the slot machine by causing the CPU 71 to execute the game program. Needless to say, the processor may alternatively store the game program in the ROM 72 instead of the memory card 54.
The RAM 73 stores data and programs which are used in operation of the main CPU 71. For example, when the process of loading the aforementioned game program or authentication program is executed, the RAM 73 can store the program. The RAM 73 is provided with working areas used for operations in execution of these programs. Examples of the areas include: an area that stores counters for the number of games, the bet amounts, the credit amounts, the progressive payouts and each payout values, and an area that stores symbols (code numbers) randomly determined.
The RAM 73 stores tables such as a normal game symbol table (see
The communication interface 82 is provided for communicating with the PTS device 700 and an unillustrated external controller. Upon receiving the input signal from the bill entry 60, the PTS device 700 sends the credit data in the input signal to the main CPU 71 via the communication interface 82. When the IC card is inserted into the card insertion slot, the PTS device 700 sends the credit data stored in the IC card to the main CPU 71 via the communication interface 82. Furthermore, based on the control signal received from the main CPU 71 via the communication interface 82, the PTS device 700 writes credit data into the IC card inserted into the card insertion slot.
Further, the motherboard 70 is connected with a later-described door PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 90 and a main body PCB 110 by respective USBs. The motherboard 70 is also connected with a power supply unit 81. When the power is supplied from the power supply unit 81 to the motherboard 70, the main CPU 71 of the motherboard 70 is activated, and then the power is supplied to the gaming board 50 through the PCI bus so as to activate the CPU 51.
The door PCB 90 and the main body PCB 110 are connected with input devices such as a switch and a sensor, and peripheral devices the operations of which are controlled by the main CPU 71. The door PCB 90 is connected with a control panel 30 and a cold cathode tube 93.
The control panel 30 is provided with a HELP switch 31S, a CASHOUT switch 32S, a 50-BET switch 34S, a 100-BET switch 35S, a 150-BET switch 36S, a 250-BET switch 37S, a 500-BET switch 38S,and a spin switch 46S to correspond to the respective buttons. Each of the switches outputs a signal to the main CPU 71 upon detection of the pressing of the button corresponding thereto by the player.
The cold cathode tube 93 functions as a backlight installed on the rear face side of the upper image display panel 131, and lights up based on a control signal output from the main CPU 71.
The main PCB 110 is connected with a lamp 111, a speaker 112, a graphic board 130, a liquid crystal display device 136, a touch panel 137, an index detection circuit 151, a position change detection circuit 152, a backlight control circuit 153, and a motor driving circuit 154. The index detection circuit 151, the position change detection circuit 152, the backlight control circuit 153, and the motor driving circuit 154 are connected to the reel unit M1.
The lamp 111 turns on based on a control signal outputted from the main CPU 71. The speaker 112 outputs sounds such as BGM, based on a control signal outputted from the main CPU 71.
The graphic board 130 controls image display executed by the upper image display panel 131 based on a control signal outputted from the main CPU 71. The graphic board 130 is provided with a VDP (Video Display Processor) generating image data, a video RAM temporarily storing the image data generated by the VDP, and the like. It is to be noted that the image data used in generation of image data by the VDP is included in the game program that has been read from the memory card 54 and stored into the RAM 73.
The liquid crystal display device 136 displays an image based on a control signal output from the main CPU 71. The touch panel 137 detects a place on the liquid crystal display device 136 touched by the player's finger or the like, and outputs to the main CPU 71 a signal corresponding to the detected place.
The motor driving circuit 154 is connected to a stepper motor that rotates the reels 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105. The motor driving circuit 154 is provided with a FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) 155 and a driver. The FPGA 155 is a programmable electronic circuit such as LSI and functions as a control circuit of the stepper motor. The driver functions as an amplifying circuit for amplifying a pulse input to the stepper motor.
The index detection circuit 151 detects the positions of the rotating reels 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105 and is able to detect the step out of the reels 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105.
The position change detection circuit 152 detects a change in the stop positions of the reels 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105 after the rotation of the reels 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105 is stopped. The position change detection circuit 152 detects a change in the stop positions of the reels 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105 when, for example, a stop position is changed to achieve a winning combination of the symbols 501 by an illicit way when no winning combination of the symbols 501 is achieved. The position change detection circuit 152 is configured to be able to detect a change in the stop positions of the reels 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105 by, for example, detecting unillustrated fins attached at predetermined intervals to the inner circumferential part of each of the reels 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105.
The method of magnetic excitation of the stepper motor is not particularly limited; 1-2 phase excitation or 2 phase excitation may be employed. Furthermore, a DC motor may be used in place of the stepper motor. When a DC motor is used, an error counter, a D/A converter, and a servo amplifier are connected to the body PCB 110 in this order, and the servo amplifier is connected to the DC motor. The rotational position of the DC motor is detected by a rotary encoder, and a current rotational position of the DC motor is supplied as data from the rotary encoder to the error counter.
The backlight control circuit 153 is connected to the backlight units to individually supply driving power thereto. Upon receiving an instruction from the main CPU 71, the backlight control circuit 153 changes the amount of light emitted in multiple stages. The five backlight units provided on the inner circumference surfaces of the reels 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105 are able to individually illuminate 20 symbols 501 having stopped on the display windows 150 by means of the backlight control circuit 153.
[Normal Game Symbol Table]
Now, the normal game symbol table will be described with reference to
As shown in
The slot machine 1 of the present embodiment has plural types of game settings to correspond to rules (regulations) which are different between countries and/or regions, and the AUDIT is arranged so that one of these settings is selectable. To be more specific, there are five major settings which are SC (Setting Combination) 1 to SC5. In each of SC1 to SC5, there are seven minor settings V01 to V07. To put it differently, there are 35 types of game settings in the present embodiment, and the AUDIT is arranged so that one of these 35 types is selectable. 35 types of the symbol tables are provided to correspond to 35 types of game settings, and
[Special Game Symbol Table]
In the later-described four types of the special games, a special game symbol table shown in
[Payout Table]
Now, referring to
Basically, in cases of each of the “ORCA”, “DOLPHIN”, “TURTLE”, “CLOWN FISH”, “YELLOW FISH”, “WHITE FISH”, “BLUE FISH”, “STARFISH”, “CORAL”, and “SEAWEED” symbols, a line winning is achieved when three, four, or all of five symbols of the same type are displayed on a payline. “WILD1”, “WILD2”, “WILD3”, and “WILD4” symbols substitute for “ORCA”, “DOLPHIN”, “TURTLE”, “CLOWN FISH”, “YELLOW FISH”, “WHITE FISH”, “BLUE FISH”, “STARFISH”, “CORAL”, and “SEAWEED” symbols.
The payout table shown in
When three “ORCA” are arranged on one payline while the normal game is executed with the betting of 50 credits, 15 credits are awarded in response to the winning When five “ORCA” are arranged on one payline while the normal game is executed with the betting of 500 credits, 2500 (=250×10) credits are awarded in response to the winning Hereinafter, a multiplier calculated by dividing a bet amount by 50 will be referred to as “BET MULTIPLIER”.
When three or more “BONUS” symbols (specific symbols 502) which trigger the feature game are rearranged in the display window 150, a winning combination of the “feature game trigger” is achieved and the game shifts to the feature game. Specifically, the symbol of “BONUS” displayed on the first reel 101 to the fifth reel 105 may be rearranged in any of the upper stage, the upper middle state, the lower middle stage, and the lower stage of the display window (paylines do not matter). For example, when the “BONUS” is rearranged in the lower stage of the first reel 101, in the upper middle stage of the second reel 102, and in the upper stage of the third reel 103, this is regarded as to be a winning combination of the “feature game trigger”.
In the present embodiment, when three or more “BONUS” symbols are rearranged in the display window 150, a scattered winning of BONUS AWARD is achieved. When the normal game is executed with the betting of 50 credits, 100 credits are awarded if three “BONUS” symbols are rearranged, 250 credits are awarded if four “BONUS” symbols are rearranged, and 1000 credits are awarded if five “BONUS” symbols are rearranged.
[Feature Game]
Now, referring to
In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when three or more “BONUS” symbols (specific symbols 502) are rearranged in the display window 150 in the normal game, the trigger condition is established and shifting to the feature game occurs. As shown in
The progressive challenge is a game in which the free game is executed three times and one of the four types of the progressive jackpots is awarded as a prize in accordance with the game results of the free game. The free game is a slot game in which symbols 501 (see
The special game is a game in which the free game of rearranging the symbols 501 is executed a predetermined number of times and a payout is awarded in accordance with a combination of the rearranged symbols.
The free game in the special game is executed without requiring the betting of a game value, but is different from the free game executed in the progressive challenge. As detailed later, for example, in the free game which is executed plural times in the progressive challenge, whether a winning is achieved is determined based solely on the total number of the specific symbols 502 rearranged in the free game which is executed plural times. On this account, in the progressive challenge, the payout amount is unchanged even if the combination of the symbols displayed on a payline is identical with a combination of the symbols defined in the payout table shown in
[Roulette Random Determination]
The roulette random determination is performed to randomly select one of five features formed of the progressive challenge and the four types of the special games. In this roulette random determination, to begin with, a feature selection process of selecting one of the progressive challenge and the special game is carried out by using a feature selection table shown in
As described above, the “Bet Multiplier” in the feature selection table indicates a multiplier calculated by dividing each bet amount bettable on the normal game by 50. For example, in “Bet Multiplier”, “1” indicates that the bet amount in the normal game is 50, and “3” indicates that the bet amount in the normal game is 150. On this account, when, for example, the normal game is executed with the betting of 150 credits, the probability of the selection of the special game is 9333/10000 and the probability of the selection of the progressive challenge is 677/10000 in the feature selection process.
In the present embodiment, as shown in the feature selection table shown in
In the present embodiment five types of the feature selection tables (see
[Special Game Selection Table]
In the present embodiment, when the special game is selected in the feature selection process, a special game selection process of selecting one of four types of the special game is executed by using a special game selection table shown in
[Roulette Display]
When the feature selection process and the special game selection process above are executed and one of the five features formed of the progressive challenge and the four types of the special games is selected, as shown in
[Special Game]
Now, the special game will be described. As described above, in the special game, the free game of rearranging the symbols 501 is executed a predetermined number of times. When a combination of the symbols displayed on a payline in each execution of the free game corresponds to a combination of the symbols defined in the payout table, a value calculated by multiplying the credit amount defined in the payout table by a predetermined payout rate is awarded as a payout. The four types of the special games are different from one another in the payout rate and the number of times of execution of the free game to be awarded.
[Special Game Setting Table]
The special game setting table shown in
In the present embodiment, the payout rates of the “Killer whale free game”, “Dolphin free game”, “Turtle free game”, and “Clownfish free game” are in the descending order as shown in the special game setting table. The numbers of times of execution of the free game to be awarded are 10 in the “Killer whale free game”, 8 in the “Dolphin free game”, 7 in the “Turtle free game”, and 7 in the “Clownfish free game”. As mentioned above, in all the four types of the special games, the same special game symbol table (see
[Progressive Challenge]
Now, the progressive challenge will be described. The progressive challenge is a game for determining which one of the four types of the progressive jackpots (“GRAND JACKPOT”, “MAJOR JACKPOT”, “MINOR JACKPOT”, and “MINI JACKPOT”) is to be awarded as a prize. In the progressive challenge, the free game is executed three times as shown in
While in the present embodiment there are four types of the progressive jackpots, the number of the types is not limited as long as the number is plural.
The payout amount of each of the four types of the progressive jackpots is a total sum of a progressive initial payout value and a value which is incremented with a predetermined rate (increment rate) of a bet amount bet on each execution of the normal game. The progressive initial payout and the increment rate corresponding to each of the four types of the progressive jackpots are defined in a special game setting table shown in
[Progressive Payout Setting Table]
Now, the progressive payout setting table will be described with reference to
In each of the “GRAND JACKPOT”, “MAJOR JACKPOT”, “MINOR JACKPOT”, and “MINI JACKPOT”, 0.25% of the bet amount that the player bets on the normal game is incremented in each execution of the normal game and accumulated. This increment rate may be arranged to be settable by the AUDIT. In the present embodiment, the increment rates of the “GRAND JACKPOT”, “MAJOR JACKPOT”, “MINOR JACKPOT”, and “MINI JACKPOT” are all 0.25%. On this account, the value for the increment in each execution of the normal game remains the same irrespective of the level of the progressive jackpot. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the payout amounts (levels) of the “GRAND JACKPOT”, “MAJOR JACKPOT”, “MINOR JACKPOT”, and “MINI JACKPOT” are in the descending order as in the case of the progressive initial payout values. As a modification, the increment rates of the “GRAND JACKPOT”, “MAJOR JACKPOT”, “MINOR JACKPOT”, and the “MINI JACKPOT” may be in the ascending order.
For each of the “GRAND JACKPOT”, “MAJOR JACKPOT”, “MINOR JACKPOT”, and “MINI JACKPOT”, as shown in
[Progressive Level/number Table]
In the progressive challenge, the type of the progressive jackpot to be awarded is changed in accordance with the total number of the specific symbols 502 rearranged in the display window 150 in the execution of the free game three times. The progressive level/number table shown in
In the present embodiment, there are 6 types, “3” to “8”, of the total numbers of the specific symbols 502 rearranged in the display window 150 in the execution of the free game three times. On this account, in the progressive level/number table, the six types of the total numbers of the specific symbols 502 are associated with the four types of progressive jackpot. In the present embodiment, as shown in
[Number of Specific Symbol Determination Table]
Now, the number of specific symbol determination table shown in
In the present embodiment, as shown in the number of specific symbol determination table in
35 types of the number of specific symbol determination tables are provided to correspond to the 35 types of game settings, and the AUDIT is arranged so that one of these 35 types of the number of specific symbol determination tables is selectable. In the present embodiment, the feature selection tables corresponding to the seven settings V01 to V07 are identical with one another in each SC.
[Free Game Allocation Pattern Determination Table]
Now, six types of free game allocation pattern determination tables shown in
Each of the six types of the free game allocation pattern determination tables has plural allocation patterns each defining the number of the specific symbols 502 allocated to each execution of the free game. For example, the 3-symbol free game allocation pattern determination table shown in
For each of the allocation patterns of each free game allocation pattern determination table, a weight is set. This weight indicates the probability of the selection of the corresponding allocation pattern in the free game allocation process. In other words, the probability of the selection of the corresponding allocation pattern in the free game allocation process is calculated by dividing the weight of that allocation pattern by the total weight of the all allocation patterns.
In the arrangement above, for example, when the total number of the specific symbols 502 determined in the specific symbol number random determination process is “3”, the probability of the selection of the allocation pattern having the code number “14” in the 3-symbol free game allocation pattern determination table shown in
As described above, the number of the specific symbols 502 allocated to each execution of the free game is determined by an allocation pattern which is randomly selected from the predetermined number of the allocation patterns. This diversifies the rearrangement patterns of the specific symbols 502 rearranged in the display window 150 in the execution of the free game plural times. In other words, effect patterns of the effect of indicating which one of the plural types of progressive payouts is won are diversified. In the present embodiment, this free game allocation pattern determination table is equivalent to a second table.
[Reel Allocation Pattern Determination Table]
Now, six types of reel allocation pattern determination tables shown in
Each of the six types of the reel allocation pattern determination tables has a predetermined number of allocation patterns each specifying the number of the specific symbols 502 allocated to each reel. For example, the 2-symbol reel allocation pattern determination table shown in
For each of the predetermined number of allocation patterns of each reel allocation pattern determination table, a weight is set. This weight indicates the probability of the selection of the corresponding allocation pattern in the reel allocation process. That is to say, the probability of the selection of the corresponding allocation pattern in the reel allocation process is calculated by dividing the weight of that allocation pattern by the total weight of the all allocation patterns.
In the 1-symbol reel allocation pattern determination table (see
Similarly, in the 2-symbol reel allocation pattern determination table (see
As described above, the number of the specific symbols 502 allocated to each of the reels 101 to 105 in each execution of the free game is determined based on the allocation pattern randomly selected from the predetermined number of the allocation patterns. This diversifies the rearrangement patterns of the specific symbols rearranged on the display device in each execution of the free game. That is to say, the effect patterns of the effect of indicating which one of the plural types of progressive payouts is won are further diversified. In the present embodiment, this reel allocation pattern determination table is equivalent to a third table.
[Stop Position Determination Table]
Now, two types of stop position determination tables shown in
These stop position determination tables are used for a stop position determination process of determining the stop position of each of the reels (reels 101 to 105) in each execution of the free game. Each of these two types of the stop position determination tables is associated with the number of the specific symbols 502 of one of the two types, which may be allocated to one reel in the reel allocation process. To be more specific, when the number of the specific symbols allocated to one reel in the reel allocation process is “1”, a 1-symbol stop position determination table shown in
In the present embodiment, because the code number corresponding to the specific symbol 502 is “13” as shown in
In the 1-symbol stop position determination table shown in
In the present embodiment, when no specific symbol 502 is rearranged on each of the reels 101 to 105, the code numbers of the symbols to be stopped in the upper middle stage of the display window 150 are “10” and “15”. In the 0-symbol stop position determination table shown in
As described above, in the present embodiment, the effect of indicating which one of the plural types of progressive jackpot is to be awarded as a prize is performed by displaying the specific symbol 502 in the display window 150 during the execution of the free game plural times. As such, as the symbols on the reel unit M1 displaying a game result in the normal game are used for the effect of indicating which one of the plural types of progressive payouts is awarded as a prize, the effect is achieved with a simple arrangement. While in the present embodiment the specific symbols 502 are displayed stepwise on the reel unit M1 by executing the free game of rearranging the symbols on the reel unit M1 plural times, the disclosure is not limited to this arrangement on condition that the specific symbols 502 are displayed stepwise on the reel unit M1. For example, instead of the execution of the free game plural times, a game executed on condition that a game value is bet may be executed plural times, and the specific symbols 502 may be displayed stepwise on the reel unit M1 during the execution of the game plural times.
In this regard, when the free game in the progressive challenge is arranged in the same manner as the a normal game above such that symbols to be rearranged are randomly determined and the determined symbols are rearranged in the display window 150, because the total number of the specific symbols 502 rearranged during the execution of the free game plural times is determined based on the random determination of the symbols to be rearranged in each execution of the free game, it is difficult to control the total number of the specific symbols 502.
In the meanwhile, in the progressive challenge of the present embodiment, after the total number of the specific symbols 502 to be rearranged in the display window 150 in the execution of the free game three times is randomly determined, symbols to be rearranged on the display window 150 in each execution of the free game is determined based on the random determination result. As such, because in the present embodiment the total number of the specific symbols 502 to be rearranged in the execution of the free game plural times is determined by single random determination, it is easy to control the total number of the specific symbols 502. To put it differently, in the present embodiment, the probability of winning each of the plural types of progressive jackpot is easily adjustable, and hence the payout rate of the slot machine 1 is easily adjustable.
[Contents of Program]
Now, the program to be executed by the slot machine 1 is described with reference to
(Main Control Process)
First, with reference to
First, when the slot machine 1 is powered on, the main CPU 71 reads the authenticated game program from the memory card 54 through the gaming board 50, and writes the program into the RAM 73 (S11).
Next, the main CPU 71 executes at-one-game-end initialization process (S12). This process clears data in a working area of the RAM 73, which becomes unnecessary at the end of each round of game, e.g., a bet amount, symbols randomly determined, and the like.
The main CPU 71 executes a bet/start check process which is described later with reference to
The main CPU 71 then executes a symbol random determination process (S14). In the process, to-be-stopped symbols are determined based on the random numbers for symbol determination. In the present embodiment, symbols to be stopped on each of the reels 101 to 105 are determined according to the weight values of the 22 symbols corresponding to code numbers 00 to 21, shown in
The main CPU 71 then executes an effect contents determination process (S15). The main CPU 71 samples an effect-use random number, and randomly selects any of the effect contents from the preset plurality of effect contents.
Next, the main CPU 71 executes the symbol display control process (S16). In this process, scrolling of the reels 101 to 105 is started, and the symbols to be stopped, which are determined in the symbol random determination process of S14, are stopped in predetermined positions (e.g., the upper middle stage of the display windows 150). That is, 20 symbols including the to-be-stopped symbols are displayed in the display windows 150. In this symbol display control process, the effect determined in the effect contents determination process in the step S15 is executed.
Subsequently, the main CPU 71 executes the awarded credit amount determination process (S17). In this process, the payout table (see
Subsequently, the main CPU 71 determines whether the feature game trigger has been established (S18). In the present embodiment, as shown in
Thereafter, after the step S19 or when it is determined in the step S18 that the feature game trigger is not established (S18: NO), the main CPU 71 determines whether there is a payout (S20). That is to say, whether a payout has been awarded in S17 or S19 is determined. When there is a payout (S20: YES), a credit awarding process is executed (step S21). The main CPU 71 adds the value stored in the awarded credit amount storage area to the value stored in the credit amount storage area provided in the RAM 73. Alternatively, based on an input to the CASHOUT switch 32S, the main CPU 71 may control the PTS device 700 and write the credit data indicating the value stored in the awarded credit amount storage area into the IC card inserted into the card insertion slot. After this process or when it is determined in S20 that there is no payout (S20: NO), the process proceeds to the step S12.
(Bet/Start Check Process)
Next, with reference to
To begin with, the main CPU 71 determines whether credit data is received from the PTS device 700 (S41). The credit data is sent from the PTS device 700 to the main CPU 71 when the IC card is inserted into the card insertion slot and when the bill entry 60 receives a genuine bill.
When the credit data is received (S41: YES), the main CPU 71 adds the amount indicated by the received credit data to the value stored in the credit amount storage area (S42).
After S42 or when determining in S41 that the receiving of the credit data has not been detected (S41: NO), the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the value stored in the credit amount storage area is zero (S43). When the main CPU 71 determines that the value stored in the credit amount storage area is not zero (S43: NO), the main CPU 71 permits operation acceptance of the bet buttons (50-bet button 34, 100-bet button 35, 150-bet button 37, 250-bet button 38, and 500-bet button 39) (S44).
Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not operation of any of the BET buttons has been detected (S45). When an operation of the bet button by a player is detected by the bet switch (50-bet switch 34S, 100-bet switch 35S, 150-bet switch 36S, 250-bet switch 37S, and 500-bet switch 38S), the main CPU 71 performs addition to the value stored in a bet amount storage area provided to the RAM 73, and performs reduction from the value stored in the credit amount storage area, based on the type of the bet button (S46).
The main CPU 71 then determines whether or not the value stored in the bet amount storage area is at its maximum (S47). The main CPU 71, when determining that the value stored in the bet amount storage area is the maximum value (S47: YES), prohibits updating of the value stored in the bet amount storage area (S48). After S48 or when determining in S47 that the value stored in the bet amount storage area is not at its maximum (S47: NO), the main CPU 71 permits operation acceptance of the spin button 46 (S49).
After S49, when determining in S45 that the operation of any of the BET buttons has not been detected (S45: NO), or when determining in S43 that the value stored in the credit amount storage area is zero (S43: YES), the main CPU 71 determines whether or not an operation of the spin button 46 has been detected (S50). The main CPU 71 shifts the process to S41, when determining that no operation of the spin button 46 is detected (S50: NO).
When it is determined that the operation of the spin button 46 is detected (S50: YES), the main CPU 71 executes the progressive jackpot related process which will be described later with reference to
(Progressive Jackpot Related Process)
Now, a progressive jackpot related process will be described with reference to
To begin with, the main CPU 71 calculates the value with which each of the four types of the progressive jackpot payout amounts is incremented (S71). To be more specific, the main CPU 71 calculates a product of the value of the bet amount counter and an increment rate shown in
Subsequently, the main CPU 71 accumulatively adds the value for the increment calculated in the step S71 to the payout amount of each of the four types of progressive jackpot stored in the progressive payout storage area in the RAM 73 and updates the payout amount (S72). After this step, the progressive jackpot related process is terminated.
(Feature Game Process)
Now, referring to
To begin with, when the feature game process is executed, the main CPU 71 executes the feature selection process (S81). In this feature selection process, the main CPU 71 samples one random number. Then, with reference to the feature selection table (see
Subsequently, the main CPU 71 determines whether the progressive challenge has been selected in the step S81 (S82). When the progressive challenge is selected (S82: YES), it is determined that the winning condition of the progressive challenge has been established, and the main CPU 71 performs, on the upper image display panel 131, an effect of lighting the five areas of the roulette 441 one by one and then stopping the roulette 441 at the area corresponding to the progressive challenge (S83). Then the main CPU 71 executes the progressive challenge process which will be described later with reference to
In the meanwhile, if the progressive challenge is not selected in the step S82 (S82: NO), the special game selection process is executed (S85). In this special game selection process, the main CPU 71 samples one random number. With reference to the special game selection table (see
Subsequently, the main CPU 71 performs, on the upper image display panel 131, an effect of lighting the five areas of the roulette 441 one by one and then stopping the roulette 441 at the area corresponding to the type of the special game determined in the step S85 (S86). Then the main CPU 71 executes the special game process which will be described later with reference to
As described above, in the present embodiment, when three or more specific symbols 502 are rearranged in the display window 150 in the normal game and the shifting to the feature game occurs, one of the five features constituted by the progressive challenge and the four types of special game is awarded to the player as a prize. As such, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, a prize awarded at the time of the shifting to the feature game is diversified.
(Progressive Challenge Process)
Now, the progressive challenge process will be described with reference to
To begin with, when the progressive challenge process is executed, the main CPU 71 executes the specific symbol number random determination process (S101). To be more specific, in this specific symbol number random determination process, the main CPU 71 samples one random number. Thereafter, with reference to the number of specific symbol determination table shown in
Subsequently, the main CPU 71 executes the free game allocation process (S102). To be more specific, in this free game allocation process, the main CPU 71 samples one random number. Then, with reference to the free game allocation pattern determination table associated with the total number of the specific symbols 502 determined in the specific symbol number random determination process in the step S101, one allocation pattern is randomly selected based on the weight set for each allocation pattern in the free game allocation pattern determination table and the sampled random number. As such, the number of the specific symbols 502 allocated to each of the three times of the execution of the free game is determined.
Subsequently, the main CPU 71 executes the reel allocation process (S103). To be more specific, in this reel allocation process, the main CPU 71 samples one random number. Then, with reference to the reel allocation pattern determination table associated with the number of the specific symbols 502 allocated to the free game and determined in the free game allocation process in the step S102, one allocation pattern is randomly selected based on the weight set for each allocation pattern and the sample random number. With this, as a result of single execution of the free game, the number of the specific symbols 502 allocated to each of the reels 101 to 105 is determined.
Subsequently, the main CPU 71 executes the stop position determination process (S104). To be more specific, in this stop position determination process, the main CPU 71 samples five random numbers corresponding to the reels 101 to 105, respectively. Then the stop position determination table corresponding to the number of the specific symbols 502 allocated to each of the reels 101 to 105 and determined in the reel allocation process in the step S103 is referred to. Based on the weight set for each code number in the referred stop position determination table and the sampled random number, symbols to be stopped are randomly determined. As this random determination of the to-be-stopped symbols is performed for each of the reels 101 to 105, the symbols 501 to be rearranged in the display window 150 are determined.
Next, the main CPU 71 executes the symbol display control process (S105). In this process, the scroll of the reels 101 to 105 starts, and the to-be-stopped symbols determined in the stop position determination process in the step S104 stop in the upper middle stage of the display window 150. That is, 20 symbols including five to-be-stopped symbols are displayed on the display windows 150.
Subsequently, the main CPU 71 determines whether the free game has been executed three times (S106). When the free game has not been executed three times (S106: NO), the process goes back to the step S103 to perform the next execution of the free game. In the meanwhile, when the free game has been executed three times (S106: YES), the main CPU 71 selects, as the progressive jackpot, the progressive jackpot associated with the total number of the specific symbols determined in the specific symbol number random determination process in the step S101 with reference to the progressive level/number table in
Subsequently, the main CPU 71 executes the progressive jackpot winning effect process (S108). In this process, as shown in
As described above, in the present embodiment, the symbols on the display device are utilized for displaying a game result in the normal game of awarding a prize in accordance with rearranged symbols and for an effect of indicating which one of the plural types of progressive payouts is to be awarded as a prize.
(Special Game Process)
Now, the special game process will be described with reference to
To begin with, the main CPU 71 determines, as the number of times of execution of the free game to be executed, the number of times of execution of the free game associated in the special game setting table shown in
Next, the main CPU 71 executes an at-one-game-end initialization process (S123). This process clears data in a working area of the RAM 73, which becomes unnecessary at the end of each round of game, e.g., symbols randomly determined, and the like.
Subsequently, the main CPU 71 executes the symbol random determination process (S124). In the process, to-be-stopped symbols are determined based on the random numbers for symbol determination. In the present embodiment, symbols to be stopped on each of the reels 101 to 105 are determined according to the weight values of the 22 symbols corresponding to code numbers 00 to 21, shown in
The main CPU 71 then executes an effect contents determination process (S125). The main CPU 71 samples an effect-use random number, and randomly selects any of the effect contents from the preset plurality of effect contents.
Next, the main CPU 71 executes the symbol display control process (S126). In this process, scrolling of the reels 101 to 105 is started, and the to-be-stopped symbols, which are determined in the symbol random determination process of S124, are stopped in predetermined positions (e.g., in the upper middle stage of the display windows 150). That is, 20 symbols including the to-be-stopped symbols are displayed on the display windows 150.
Subsequently, the main CPU 71 executes the awarded credit amount determination process (S127). In this process, with reference to the special game setting table (see
Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not a re-trigger has been established (step S128). In the present embodiment, when three or more “BONUS” symbols (specific symbol 502) which are re-trigger symbols of the free game are rearranged in the display window 150, the “re-trigger” is selected as a winning combination.
When the re-trigger is established (S128: YES), the main CPU 71 determines the number of times of execution of the free game to be added (S129). In the present embodiment, the number of times of execution of the free game associated in the special game setting table shown in
Subsequently, after the step S130 or when the re-trigger is not established in the step S128 (S128: NO), the main CPU 71 subtracts 1 from the number of times of execution of free game counter in the RAM 73 and updates the counter (S131).
Subsequently, the main CPU 71 determines whether the number indicated by the number of times of execution of free game counter updated in the step S131 is larger than 0 (S132). When the number of times of execution of free game counter is larger than 0 (S132: YES), the process proceeds to the step S123.
In the meanwhile, when the number of times of execution of free game counter is not larger than 0 (S132: NO), the process is terminated.
Embodiments of the present invention thus described above solely serve as specific examples of the present invention, and are not to limit the scope of the present invention. The specific structures and the like are suitably modifiable. Further, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention described in the above embodiment are no more than examples of preferable effects brought about by the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described hereinabove.
Further, the detailed description above is mainly focused on characteristics of the present invention to fore the sake of easier understanding. The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and is applicable to diversity of other embodiments. Further, the terms and phraseology used in the present specification are adopted solely to provide specific illustration of the present invention, and in no case should the scope of the present invention be limited by such terms and phraseology. Further, it will be obvious for those skilled in the art that the other structures, systems, methods or the like are possible, within the spirit of the invention described in the present specification. The description of claims therefore shall encompass structures equivalent to the present invention, unless otherwise such structures are regarded as to depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, the abstract is provided to allow, through a simple investigation, quick analysis of the technical features and essences of the present invention by an intellectual property office, a general public institution, or one skilled in the art who is not fully familiarized with patent and legal or professional terminology. It is therefore not an intention of the abstract to limit the scope of the present invention which shall be construed on the basis of the description of the claims. To fully understand the object and effects of the present invention, it is strongly encouraged to sufficiently refer to disclosures of documents already made available.
The detailed description of the present invention provided hereinabove includes a process executed on a computer. The above descriptions and expressions are provided to allow the one skilled in the art to most efficiently understand the present invention. A process executed in or by respective steps yielding one result or blocks with a predetermined processing function described in the present specification shall be understood as a process with no self-contradiction. Further, the electrical or magnetic signal is transmitted/received and written in the respective steps. It should be noted that such a signal is expressed in the form of bit, value, symbol, text, terms, number, or the like solely for the sake of convenience. Although the present specification occasionally personifies the processes carried out in the steps, these processes are essentially executed by various devices. Further, the other structures necessary for the steps are obvious from the above descriptions.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
2014-184646 | Sep 2014 | JP | national |