Patent Grant
9965917
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a slot machine for playing a game using medals and the like, and a control method thereof.
2. Description of the Related Art
As described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,459 specification, U.S. Pat. No. 6,695,697 specification, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0,069,073 specification, European Patent Application Publication No. 1,192,975 specification, U.S. Pat. No. 6,254,483 specification, U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,730 specification, U.S. Pat. No. 5,639,088 specification, U.S. Pat. No. 6,257,981 specification, U.S. Pat. No. 6,234,896 specification, U.S. Pat. No. 6,001,016 specification, U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,820 specification, U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,482 specification, U.S. Pat. No. 4,669,731 specification, U.S. Pat. No. 6,244,957 specification, U.S. Pat. No. 5,910,048 specification, U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,402 specification, U.S. Pat. No. 6,003,013 specification, U.S. Pat. No. 4,283,709 specification, European Patent Application Publication No. 0,631,798 specification, German Patent Application Publication No. 4,137,010 specification, British Patent Application Publication No. 2,326,830 specification, German Patent Application Publication No. 3,712,841 specification, U.S. Pat. No. 4,964,638 specification, U.S. Pat. No. 6,089,980 specification, U.S. Pat. No. 5,280,909 specification, U.S. Pat. No. 5,702,303 specification, U.S. Pat. No. 6,270,409 specification, U.S. Pat. No. 5,770,533 specification, U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,817 specification, U.S. Pat. No. 6,932,704 specification, U.S. Pat. No. 6,932,707 specification, U.S. Pat. No. 4,837,728 specification, European Patent Application Publication No. 1,302,914 specification, U.S. Pat. No. 4,624,459 specification, U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,700 specification, PCT Patent Application Publication No. 03/083,795 specification, German Patent Application Publication No. 3,242,890 specification, European Patent Application Publication No. 0,840,264 specification, German Patent Application Publication No. 10,049,444 specification, PCT Patent Application Publication No. 04/095,383 specification, European Patent Application Publication No. 1,544,811 specification, U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,963 specification, European Patent Application Publication No. 1,477,947 specification, and European Patent Application Publication No. 1,351,180 specification, in a facility having slot machines installed therein, a player can play a game provided by a slot machine by placing a wager such as coins or credits.
For example, every time the player makes a bet in a slot machine and presses a start switch, the slot machine executes a slot game in which a plurality of symbols arranged on a display are rearranged. Thereafter, when the symbols thus rearranged on the display include a predetermined number of scatter symbols or when a predetermined winning combination is formed on a payline, the slot machine provides an award corresponding to the contents of the scatter symbols or the winning combination.
Furthermore, in the slot machine, a special game is executed when a predetermined condition is satisfied. In many cases, the special game is a free game that the player can play without placing a wager, and is also called a feature game. In the special game represented by the free game, there is a chance to get more awards.
However, since the special game is the free game, the player can only watch the game without doing anything. Thus, expectations of the player are reduced.
A first aspect of the present invention is a slot machine comprising: a display configured to display a unit game rearranging a plurality of arranged symbols in partitioned regions, and to display a predetermined number of free games upon satisfaction of a predetermined condition; a speaker configured to emit a game sound to an outside of the slot machine; a storage device configured to store sound data on the game sound to be emitted in the free games; a speaker drive circuit configured to transmit the sound data to the speaker; and a controller configured to (a) determine whether a rearrangement pattern of symbols rearranged in the predetermined number of the free games satisfies the predetermined condition, and (b) when determining that the rearrangement pattern satisfies the predetermined condition, read out the sound data stored in the storage device and transmit the read out sound data to the speaker drive circuit to change the game sound being currently emitted into a game sound corresponding to the read out sound data.
A second aspect of the present invention is a slot machine comprising: a display configured to display a unit game rearranging a plurality of arranged symbols in partitioned regions, and to display a predetermined number of free games upon satisfaction of a predetermined condition; a speaker configured to emit a game sound to an outside of the slot machine; a storage device configured to store sound data on the game sound to be emitted in the free games; a speaker drive circuit configured to transmit the sound data to the speaker; and a controller configured to (a) determine whether a rearrangement pattern of symbols rearranged in the predetermined number of the free games satisfies the predetermined condition, and (b) when determining that the rearrangement pattern satisfies the predetermined condition, read out the sound data stored in the storage device and transmit the read out sound data to the speaker drive circuit to change the game sound being currently emitted into a game sound corresponding to the read out sound data, and (c) when determining that the rearrangement pattern satisfies the predetermined condition, increase a current number of remaining free games.
A third aspect of the present invention is a slot machine comprising: a display configured to display a unit game rearranging a plurality of arranged symbols in partitioned regions, and to display a predetermined number of free games upon satisfaction of a predetermined condition; a speaker configured to emit a game sound to an outside of the slot machine; a storage device configured to store sound data on the game sound to be emitted in the free games; a speaker drive circuit configured to transmit the sound data to the speaker; and a controller configured to (a) determine whether a rearrangement pattern of symbols rearranged in the predetermined number of the free games satisfies the predetermined condition, and (b) every time when determining that the rearrangement pattern satisfies the predetermined condition, read out the sound data stored in the storage device and transmit the read out sound data to the speaker drive circuit to change the game sound being currently emitted into a game sound corresponding to the read out sound data, and (c) every time when determining that the rearrangement pattern satisfies the predetermined condition, increase a current number of remaining free games.
A fourth aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling a slot machine including a display configured to display a unit game rearranging a plurality of arranged symbols in partitioned regions and to display a predetermined number of free games upon satisfaction of a predetermined condition, a speaker configured to emit a game sound to an outside of the slot machine, a storage device configured to store sound data on the game sound to be emitted in the free games, and a speaker drive circuit configured to transmit the sound data to the speaker, the method comprising: determining whether a rearrangement pattern of symbols rearranged in the predetermined number of the free games satisfies the predetermined condition; and when determining that the rearrangement pattern satisfies the predetermined condition, reading out the sound data stored in the storage device and transmitting the read out sound data to the speaker drive circuit to change the game sound being currently emitted into a game sound corresponding to the read out sound data.
A fifth aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling a slot machine including a display configured to display a unit game rearranging a plurality of arranged symbols in partitioned regions and to display a predetermined number of free games upon satisfaction of a predetermined condition, a speaker configured to emit a game sound to an outside of the slot machine, a storage device configured to store sound data on the game sound to be emitted in the free games, and a speaker drive circuit configured to transmit the sound data to the speaker, the method comprising: determining whether a rearrangement pattern of symbols rearranged in the predetermined number of the free games satisfies the predetermined condition; when determining that the rearrangement pattern satisfies the predetermined condition, reading out the sound data stored in the storage device and transmitting the read out sound data to the speaker drive circuit to change the game sound being currently emitted into a game sound corresponding to the read sound data; and when determining that the rearrangement pattern satisfies the predetermined condition, increasing a current number of remaining free games.
A sixth aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling a slot machine including a display configured to display a unit game rearranging a plurality of arranged symbols in partitioned regions and to display a predetermined number of free games upon satisfaction of a predetermined condition, a speaker configured to emit a game sound to an outside of the slot machine, a storage device configured to store sound data on the game sound to be emitted in the free games, and a speaker drive circuit configured to transmit the sound data to the speaker, the method comprising: determining whether a rearrangement pattern of symbols rearranged in the predetermined number of the free games satisfies the predetermined condition; every time when determining that the rearrangement pattern satisfies the predetermined condition, reading out the sound data stored in the storage device and transmitting the read out sound data to the speaker drive circuit to change the game sound being currently emitted into a game sound corresponding to the read out sound data; and every time when determining that the rearrangement pattern satisfies the predetermined condition, increasing a current number of remaining free games.
On a front surface of a cabinet 11 of a slot machine 10 shown in
In the slot machine 10 shown in
As the symbols to be displayed on the display 16, for example, there are nine kinds of symbols, including “A (ace)”, “K (king)”, “Q (queen)”, “J (jack)”, “10”, “umbrella”, “lightning”, “cloud” and “special (man's face)”.
When the symbols are rearranged in each of the partitioned regions q11 to q54 in the unit game, an award of credits is determined according to rules of a predetermined payout table. Thereafter, a payout equivalent to the determined award of credits is provided. Subsequently, the symbols in the respective partitioned regions q11 to q54 are rearranged as the next unit game is started.
As shown in
The unit game can be executed by the player betting a wager. To be more specific, the wager can be bet by inserting medals or coins as cashable credits, which can be cashed in, into the slot machine 10 by the player. Alternatively, the wager can also be bet by appropriating an amount of restricted credits specified by the player to the wager by operating the slot machine 10. Specifically, the restricted credits are digitized and stored in the slot machine 10, and can be continuously used as the wager until the restricted credits are cashed in.
Note that, in the following description, a unit of the wager that can be bet by using the cashable credits or restricted credits described above is called “credit”. For example, when one medal or coin is inserted as a wager into the slot machine 10 by the player, “1 credit” is bet as the wager. Moreover, for example, when two restricted credits are appropriated to a wager by the player operating the slot machine 10, “2 credits” are bet as the wager.
Next, in Step S2, the slot machine 10 determines whether or not a predetermined condition for executing a free game that is a special game is satisfied (Step S2) as shown in
If the predetermined condition is not satisfied in Step S2 (NO in Step S2), the slot machine 10 terminates a series of processes once and displays the unit game on the display again in Step S1, as shown in
On the other hand, if the predetermined condition is satisfied (YES in Step S2), the slot machine 10 displays a screen of the free game as the special game on the display 16 (Step S3). By using a margin around windows 16a to 16e on the display 16, the number of remaining games in the free game can also be displayed as a part of an image of the free game.
Thereafter, the slot machine 10 executes, as the free game that is the special game, slot games a predetermined number of play times (for example, 10) (Step S4). While executing the free game, the slot machine 10 emits a game sound specific to the free game, which is different from that of a normal unit game, from a speaker 29 (see
Subsequently, the slot machine 10 determines whether or not the predetermined condition for executing the free game that is the special game is satisfied again (retrigger) during the free game (Step S5).
As shown in
On the other hand, if the predetermined condition is satisfied (YES in Step S5), the slot machine 10 changes the game sound of the free game (Step S6). To be more specific, the game sound is changed in the following manner. Specifically, sound data stored in an external storage device 113 (see
As a result of the processing described above, the slot machine 10 according to the first embodiment can notify the player that the player wins the free game again (retrigger), by changing the game sound in the free game.
Moreover, the slot machine 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention can change the song and tempo of the game sound if the player wins the free game again. Thus, the slot machine 10 can increase or maintain expectations of the player by changing the song and tempo of the game sound.
Next, detailed description will be given of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in
In each of the partitioned regions q11 to q54, any one of nine kinds of symbols, including “A (ace)”, “K (king)”, “Q (queen)”, “J (jack)”, “10”, “umbrella”, “lightning”, “cloud” and “special (man's face)” is displayed.
In the slot machine 10 of this embodiment, one slot game (unit game) is executed by rearranging, as shown in
Note that, in this embodiment, medals are taken as an example of the game media to be used for executing the slot game (except during the free game). However, the game media for the slot game are not limited to the medals but may include, for example, tokens, electronic money and electronic value information (credits) equivalent thereto.
Below the display 16, provided are: various input buttons 23 to 26 used by the player to input instructions related to a game process; a coin acceptor 21 for accepting coins; and a bill identifier 22 for identifying whether or not bills are eligible and accepting the legitimate bills. Note that the bill identifier 22 may be configured to be able to read a bar-coded ticket 39.
Moreover, in the vicinity of the medal insertion slot 21 and the bill identifier 22, various operation switches are provided. As the operation switches, a payout switch 23, a MAXBET switch 24, a BET switch 25, a spin repeat bet switch 26 and a start switch 27 are provided.
The BET switch 25 is a switch for determining the number of credits to be bet on the slot game to be executed on the display 16. As described later, every time the BET switch 25 is pressed, a credit equivalent to one medal is bet.
The spin repeat bet switch 26 is a switch for executing the slot game by betting again the same amount of credits as that bet in the previous game with BET switch 25 described above.
The start switch 27 is a switch for starting the slot game after a desired number of credits are bet. When the start switch 27 is pressed after medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 21 or credits are bet by use of the BET switch 25, the slot game is started on the display 16.
The payout switch 23 is a switch for paying out the inserted medals. The medals to be paid out are discharged from a medal payout opening 19 provided in a lower front portion of the main door 13. The medals paid out are accumulated in a medal tray 18.
The MAXBET switch 24 is a switch for betting, in one operation, the maximum number of credits (for example, 30 medals) that can be bet on one slot game.
On a lower front surface of the main door 13, a foot display 34 is provided, which displays a predetermined screen on the basis of image display control data included in game software that is being executed.
On a front surface of the top box 12, an upper display 33 is provided. The upper display 33 includes a liquid crystal panel to display a payout table and the like.
Moreover, a speaker 29 is provided in the top box 12. Below the upper display 33, a ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a data display 37 and a keypad 38 are provided. The ticket printer 35 prints out a bar-code on a ticket, the bar-code having coded data such as the number of credits, date and time and an identification number of the slot machine 10, and outputs the ticket as the bar-coded ticket 39.
The player can use the bar-coded ticket 39 to make a bet on a slot game with another slot machine by allowing the slot machine to read the bar-coded ticket 39 or can change the bar-coded ticket 39 for bills and the like at a predetermined location in a gaming facility (for example, a cashier in a casino).
The card reader 36 allows a smart card to be inserted thereinto, reads data from the inserted smart card and writes data into the smart card. The smart card is a card carried by the player and stores data for identifying the player and data on a history of games played by the player.
The smart card may store data corresponding to coins, bills or credits. Moreover, instead of the smart card, a magnetic stripe card may be employed. The data display 37 is formed of a fluorescent display or the like and displays, for example, the data read by the card reader 36 and data inputted by the player using the keypad 38.
Moreover, instead of the smart card, an RFID card capable of reading and writing data contactlessly may be used. The keypad 38 is for inputting instructions or data for ticketing and the like.
The interface circuit group 102 is connected to the I/O bus 104. The I/O bus 104 inputs and outputs a data signal or an address signal to and from the CPU 106.
The start switch 27 is connected to the interface circuit group 102. A start signal outputted from the start switch 27 is converted into a predetermined signal by the interface circuit group 102 and then transmitted to the CPU 106 through the I/O bus 104.
The BET switch 25, the MAXBET switch 24, the spin repeat bet switch 26 and the payout switch 23 are further connected to the interface circuit group 102. Each of switching signals outputted from the switches 23 to 26 is supplied to the interface circuit group 102, converted into a predetermined signal by the interface circuit group 102 and then transmitted to the CPU 106 through the I/O bus 104.
In addition, a medal sensor 43 is connected to the interface circuit group 102. The medal sensor 43 is a sensor for detecting medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 21 and is provided in a medal insertion part of the medal insertion slot 21. A detection signal outputted from the medal sensor 43 is supplied to the interface circuit group 102, converted into a predetermined signal by the interface circuit group 102 and then transmitted to the CPU 106 through the I/O bus 104.
The ROM 108 for storing system programs and the RAM 110 for storing various data are connected to the I/O bus 104. In the RAM 110, provided are areas for managing flags and storing various information, and the like.
The ROM 108 stores a payout table. The payout table shows conditions for generating a payout and the number of credits to be paid out when the condition is satisfied, and a correspondence relationship between the conditions. The conditions for generating a payout are determined by contents of the symbols rearranged in the partitioned regions q11 to q54 on the display 16. A symbol rearrangement mode to generate a payout can be determined by the number of scatter symbols rearranged in a slot game or a pattern of a winning combination formed on a payline set in the partitioned regions q11 to q54. In the slot game of this embodiment, the CPU 106 determines whether or not to generate a payout (whether or not to provide a payout for credits) and the credit payout amount (the number of credits for the payout) on the basis of the payout table and the symbols stopped in each of the partitioned regions q11 to q54.
Upon receipt of a game start operation from the start switch 27, the CPU 106 executes a slot game by reading a game execution program from the ROM 108. To be more specific, as a program for executing the slot game, the game execution program is programmed to execute the slot game in the following manner. Firstly, symbols are varied (scrolled) and displayed simultaneously in all the partitioned regions q11 to q54 on the display 16, and then the symbols are stopped from varying (scrolling). When the symbols are rearranged so as to form a pattern for providing a payout, the credits are provided according to the payout amount based on the payout table stored in the ROM 108.
The random number generating circuit 112, the communication interface circuit 111, the external storage device 113, the display controllers 140 and 141, the hopper drive circuit 124, the speaker drive circuit 122 and the display drive circuit 128 are further connected to the I/O bus 104.
The communication interface circuit 111 is connected to a hall server and the like and transmits, to the hall server, data on a history of plays executed in the slot machine 10. Moreover, the communication interface circuit 111 receives various data transmitted from the hall server.
The random number generating circuit 112 generates a random number for determining a winning combination or whether or not to generate a jackpot in a slot game executed on the display 16.
The external storage device (equivalent to a storage device in the claims) 113 stores sound data on a game sound to be emitted in the slot game. Moreover, the external storage device 113 also stores sound data on a game sound specific to a free game to be emitted in the free game executed as a special game when a predetermined condition is satisfied.
The display drive circuit 128 performs control of displaying the amount of payout in a payout amount defined region 48 set in the lower left area of the display 16.
The speaker drive circuit 122 outputs sound data to the speaker 29. Specifically, the CPU 106 reads sound data stored in the ROM 108 and the external storage device 113, and transmits the sound data to the speaker drive circuit 122 through the I/O bus 104. Thus, predetermined sound effects and game sounds are emitted from the speaker 29.
The hopper drive circuit 124 outputs a payout signal to the hopper 44 when a payout occurs. Specifically, when a payout signal is inputted by the payout switch 23, the CPU 106 outputs a drive signal to the hopper drive circuit 124 through the I/O bus 104. Thus, the hopper 44 pays out medals equivalent to the number of credits remaining at the time, which is stored in a predetermined memory region of the RAM 110.
Upon receipt of an image display command signal outputted by the CPU 106, the display controller 140 generates a drive signal for driving the display 16 on the basis of the image display command, and then outputs the generated drive signal to the display 16.
Upon receipt of the image display command signal outputted by the CPU 106, the display controller 140 creates two frame memories to be displayed so as to overlap with each other on the display 16 on the basis of the image display command, and then stores the frame memories in the RAM 110. A front frame memory being one of the two frame memories displays an image of a state where the partitioned regions q11 to q54 are being scrolled. Meanwhile, a rear frame memory being the other frame memory displays an image of the symbols determined by the CPU 106 so as to be rearranged in the partitioned regions q11 to q54.
Moreover, upon receipt of the image display command signal outputted by the CPU 106, the display controller 140 generates a drive signal for driving the display 16 on the basis of the image display command, and then outputs the generated drive signal to the display 16. The display controller 140 performs control of the symbols displayed on the rear frame memory so as to be individually viewed on the display 16 according to the drive signal. Thus, a predetermined image is displayed on the display 16.
The display controller 141 performs control of displaying a predetermined screen on the upper display 33. Specifically, the CPU 106 generates an image display command signal corresponding to the predetermined screen, and then outputs the image display command signal to the display controller 141 through the I/O bus 104. Upon receipt of the image display command signal outputted by the CPU 106, the display controller 141 generates a drive signal for driving the upper display 33 on the basis of the image display command, and then outputs the generated drive signal to the upper display 33. Thus, the predetermined screen is displayed on the upper display 33. The predetermined screen can be displayed by use of a still image or a moving image.
Next, with reference to flowcharts shown in
In the slot game processing shown in
Meanwhile, when, in Step S11, the CPU 106 determines that the credits are bet, the CPU 106 transitions to Step S12 and decrements the number of credits stored in the RAM 110 according to the number of the credits bet.
Next, in Step S13, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the start switch 27 is pressed. In this processing, the CPU 106 determines whether or not a signal outputted from the start switch 27 when the start switch 27 is pressed is received.
When the CPU 106 determines that the start switch 27 is not pressed, the CPU 106 returns the processing to Step S11. Note that, when the start switch 27 is not pressed (for example, when an instruction to finish the game is inputted instead of pressing the start switch 27), the CPU 106 cancels a result of decrement of the number of credits in Step S12.
Meanwhile, when, in Step S13, the CPU 106 determines that the start switch 27 is pressed, the CPU 106 transitions to Step S14 from Step S13 and notifies a payout controller 3 of the number of the credits bet. At the same time, the CPU 106 determines stop-symbols in Step S15. In this stop-symbol determination processing, the CPU 106 determines the symbols to be stopped and displayed (rearranged) in the respective partitioned regions q11 to q54 by executing a stop-symbol determination program that is one of the game execution programs stored in the ROM 108.
By the stop-symbol determination processing, in the slot machine 10, the symbols to be rearranged in the partitioned regions q11 to q54 on the first to fifth columns shown in
Next, the CPU 106 performs symbol varying (scrolling) and displaying processing in Step S16. In this processing, symbol varying (scrolling) and displaying is started in the partitioned regions q11 to q54 as shown in
When the symbol varying (scrolling) and displaying processing is finished, the CPU 106 transitions to Step S17 and determines whether or not there is a winning on the basis of the symbols rearranged in the partitioned regions q11 to q54. Specifically, the CPU 106 determines whether or not a condition for providing an award is satisfied.
In Step S17, the CPU 106 refers to the payout table stored in the ROM 108 and determines whether or not a pattern of the symbols rearranged in Step S16 described above coincides with any one of symbol rearrangement modes to provide a payout, which are set in the payout table.
If the pattern of the rearranged symbols coincides with any one of the symbol rearrangement modes set in the payout table, a winning is considered to be established. Thus, the payout amount set so as to correspond to the symbol rearrangement mode is determined as the number of credits to be paid out. Thereafter, the processing transitions to the next Step S18 from Step S17.
Meanwhile, if the pattern of the symbols rearranged in Step S17 described above does not coincide with any one of the symbol rearrangement modes to provide a payout, which are set in the payout table, no winning is considered to be established. Thus, the CPU 106 transitions to Step S19 to be described later.
In Step S18, the CPU 106 executes processing of providing credits corresponding to a result of the winning in Step S16 described above. In this payout processing, the CPU 106 increments the number of credits to be paid out, which is obtained in Step S17 described above, to the number of credits stored in the RAM 110.
In Step S19, the CPU 106 uses a random number generated by the random number generating circuit 112 to perform a lottery for determining whether or not a predetermined condition for starting the free game is satisfied. Thereafter, in Step S20, the CPU 106 determines whether or not an outcome of the lottery satisfies the predetermined condition.
If the outcome of the lottery does not satisfy the predetermined condition (the condition is dissatisfied) (NO in Step S20), the CPU 106 returns to Step S11 described above to execute next slot game processing. If the outcome of the lottery satisfies the predetermined condition (YES in Step S20), the CPU 106 performs free game execution processing in Step S21 and then returns the processing to Step S11 described above to execute next slot game processing.
In the free game execution processing in Step S21, the CPU 106 generates a free game image display command signal and displays a free game screen on the display 16 in Step S211 as shown in
Thereafter, the CPU 106 executes, as the free game, the slot game a predetermined number (for example, 10) of play times (Step S212). While executing the free game, the CPU 106 performs processing of reading sound data stored in the external storage device 113 and emitting a game sound specific to the free game, which is different from that of a normal unit game, from the speaker 29 (see
Subsequently, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the predetermined condition for executing the free game that is the special game is satisfied again (retrigger) during the free game (Step S213).
As shown in
On the other hand, if the predetermined condition is satisfied (YES in Step S213), the CPU 106 changes the game sound of the free game (Step S214). To be more specific, the game sound is changed in the following manner. Specifically, the CPU 106 reads sound data stored in the external storage device 113, transmits the read sound data to the speaker drive circuit 122 and thus changes the game sound that has been emitted to a game sound corresponding to the read sound data. For example, the game sound is changed by changing a song, a tempo and the like.
Thereafter, the CPU 106 determines whether or not there is a winning on the basis of the symbols rearranged in the partitioned regions q11 to q54 in the free game (Step S216). Specifically, the CPU 106 determines whether or not a condition for providing an award is satisfied.
In Step S216, the CPU 106 refers to the payout table stored in the ROM 108 and determines whether or not a pattern of the symbols rearranged in the partitioned regions q11 to q54 coincides with anyone of symbol rearrangement modes to provide a payout, which are set in the payout table.
If the symbols rearranged in the partitioned regions q11 to q54 do not form a winning combination to provide the player with an award in the free game (NO in Step S216), the CPU 106 terminates a series of special game processing once.
On the other hand, if the pattern of the symbols rearranged coincides with any one of the symbol rearrangement modes set in the payout table (YES in Step S216), the CPU 106 determines that a winning is established and provides the player with an award (Step S217). Thereafter, the CPU 106 executes processing of providing the number of credits set so as to correspond to the award to be provided (Step S218). Subsequently, the CPU 106 terminates the free game execution processing.
As is clear from the above description, the CPU 106 in this embodiment forms a controller in the claims.
In the slot machine 10 according to this embodiment having the above configuration, a winning can occur again during the free game (retrigger). The slot machine 10 according to this embodiment can change the game sound when a retrigger occurs during the free game. Therefore, the slot machine 10 according to the first embodiment can notify the player that the retrigger occurs during the free game, by changing the game sound in the free game.
Moreover, the slot machine 10 according to the first embodiment can change the song and tempo of the game sound if the retrigger occurs during the free game. Thus, the slot machine 10 can increase or maintain expectations of the player by changing the song and tempo of the game sound.
Incidentally, in Step S214 of
Next, a slot machine 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention and a control method thereof will be described. The slot machine according to the second embodiment has substantially the same constituent members and the like as those of the slot machine 10 according to the first embodiment, and thus repetitive description will be omitted.
As shown in
Next, in Step S2, the slot machine 10 determines whether or not a predetermined condition for executing a free game that is a special game is satisfied (Step S2) as shown in
If the predetermined condition is not satisfied in Step S2 (NO in Step S2), the slot machine 10 terminates a series of processes once and displays the unit game on the display again in Step S1, as shown in
On the other hand, if the predetermined condition is satisfied (YES in Step S2), the slot machine 10 displays a screen of the free game as the special game on the display 16 (Step S3). By using the margin around the windows 16a to 16e on the display 16, the number of remaining games in the free game can also be displayed as a part of the image of the free game.
Thereafter, the slot machine 10 executes, as the free game that is the special game, a slot game a predetermined number (for example, 10) of play times (Step S4). While executing the free game, the slot machine 10 emits a game sound specific to the free game, which is different from that of a normal unit game, from the speaker 29 (see
Subsequently, the slot machine 10 determines whether or not the predetermined condition for executing the free game that is the special game is satisfied again (retrigger) during the free game (Step S5).
As shown in
On the other hand, if the predetermined condition is satisfied (YES in Step S5), the slot machine 10 changes the game sound of the free game (Step S6). To be more specific, the game sound is changed in the following manner. Specifically, sound data stored in the external storage device 113 (see
Subsequently, the slot machine 10 increments a predetermined number (for example, 10) of slot games to be executed as the free game (Step S7). For example, when a condition for incrementing 10 games is satisfied with the number of 5 being remaining games in the free game, the slot machine 10 performs processing of setting the number of remaining games to 15 by incrementing the number of games in the free game.
As a result of the processing described above, the slot machine 10 according to the second embodiment can notify the player that the player wins the free game again (retrigger), by changing the game sound in the free game.
Moreover, the slot machine 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention can change the song and tempo of the game sound if the retrigger occurs during the free game. Thus, the slot machine 10 can increase or maintain expectations of the player by changing the song and tempo of the game sound.
Moreover, the slot machine 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention can increment the number of games in the free game if the retrigger occurs during the free game. Thus, the slot machine 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention can notify the player that the number of games in the free game is increased, by changing the game sound.
Next, operations of the slot machine 10 according to this embodiment will be described. Note that slot game processing executed by the slot machine 10 shown in
With reference to a flowchart shown in
In the free game execution processing in Step S21 of
Thereafter, the CPU 106 executes, as the free game, the slot game a predetermined number (for example, 10) of play times (Step S212). While executing the free game, the CPU 106 performs processing of reading sound data stored in the external storage device 113 and emitting a game sound specific to the free game, which is different from that of a normal unit game, from the speaker 29 (see
Subsequently, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the predetermined condition for executing the free game that is the special game is satisfied again (retrigger) during the free game (Step S213).
As shown in
On the other hand, if the predetermined condition is satisfied (YES in Step S213), the CPU 106 changes the game sound of the free game (Step S214). To be more specific, the game sound is changed in the following manner. Specifically, the CPU 106 reads sound data stored in the external storage device 113, transmits the read sound data to the speaker drive circuit 122 and thus changes the game sound that has been emitted to a game sound corresponding to the read sound data. For example, the game sound is changed by changing a song, a tempo and the like.
Subsequently, the CPU 106 increments a predetermined number (for example, 10) of slot games to be executed as the free game (Step S215). For example, when a condition for incrementing 10 games is satisfied when the number of remaining games in the free game is 5, the slot machine 10 performs processing of setting the number of remaining games to 15 by incrementing the number of games in the free game.
Thereafter, the CPU 106 determines whether or not there is a winning on the basis of the symbols rearranged in the partitioned regions q11 to q54 in the free game (Step S216). Specifically, the CPU 106 determines whether or not a condition for providing an award is satisfied.
In Step S216, the CPU 106 refers to the payout table stored in the ROM 108 and determines whether or not a pattern of the symbols rearranged in the partitioned regions q11 to q54 coincides with anyone of symbol rearrangement modes to provide a payout, which are set in the payout table.
If the symbols rearranged in the partitioned regions q11 to q54 do not form a winning combination to provide the player with an award in the free game (NO in Step S216), the CPU 106 terminates a series of special game processing once.
On the other hand, if the pattern of the symbols rearranged coincides with any one of the symbol rearrangement modes set in the payout table (YES in Step S216), the CPU 106 determines that a winning is established and provides the player with an award (Step S217). Thereafter, the CPU 106 executes processing of providing the number of credits set so as to correspond to the award to be provided (Step S218). Subsequently, the CPU 106 terminates the free game execution processing.
As is clear from the above description, the CPU 106 in this embodiment forms a controller in the claims.
In the slot machine 10 according to this embodiment having the above configuration, a winning can occur again during the free game (retrigger). The slot machine 10 according to this embodiment can change the game sound when a retrigger occurs during the free game. Therefore, the slot machine 10 according to the second embodiment can notify the player that the retrigger occurs during the free game, by changing the game sound in the free game.
Moreover, the slot machine 10 according to the second embodiment can change the song and tempo of the game sound if the retrigger occurs during the free game. Thus, the slot machine 10 can increase or maintain expectations of the player by changing the song and tempo of the game sound.
Moreover, the slot machine 10 according to the second embodiment can increment the number of games in the free game if the retrigger occurs during the free game. Thus, the slot machine 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention can notify the player that the number of games in the free game is increased, by changing the game sound.
Next, a slot machine 10 according to a third embodiment of the present invention and a control method thereof will be described. The slot machine according to the third embodiment has substantially the same constituent members and the like as those of the slot machine 10 according to the first embodiment, and thus repetitive description will be omitted.
As shown in
Next, in Step S2, the slot machine 10 determines whether or not a predetermined condition for executing a free game that is a special game is satisfied (Step S2) as shown in
If the predetermined condition is not satisfied in Step S2 (NO in Step S2), the slot machine 10 terminates a series of processes once and displays the unit game on the display again in Step S1, as shown in
On the other hand, if the predetermined condition is satisfied (YES in Step S2), the slot machine 10 displays a screen of the free game as the special game on the display 16 (Step S3). By using the margin around the windows 16a to 16e on the display 16, the number of remaining games in the free game can also be displayed as a part of the image of the free game.
Thereafter, the slot machine 10 executes, as the free game that is the special game, a slot game a predetermined number (for example, 10) of play times (Step S4). While executing the free game, the slot machine 10 emits a game sound specific to the free game, which is different from that of a normal unit game, from the speaker 29 (see
Subsequently, the slot machine 10 determines whether or not the predetermined condition for executing the free game that is the special game is satisfied again (retrigger) during the free game (Step S5).
As shown in
On the other hand, if the predetermined condition is satisfied (YES in Step S5), the slot machine 10 changes the game sound of the free game (Step S6). To be more specific, the game sound is changed in the following manner. Specifically, sound data stored in the external storage device 113 (see
Subsequently, the slot machine 10 increments a predetermined number (for example, 10) of slot games to be executed as the free game (Step S7). For example, when a condition for incrementing 10 games is satisfied with the number of 5 being remaining games in the free game, the slot machine 10 performs processing of setting the number of remaining games to 15 by incrementing the number of games in the free game.
Thereafter, the slot machine 10 transitions to Step S4 and repeats Steps S4 to S7. By repeating Steps S4 to S7, the slot machine 10 performs processing of changing the game sound and incrementing the number of games every time the retrigger occurs during the free game.
As a result of the processing described above, the slot machine 10 according to the third embodiment can notify the player that the player wins the free game again (retrigger) during the free game, by changing the game sound in the free game.
Moreover, the slot machine 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention can change the song and tempo of the game sound if the retrigger occurs during the free game. Thus, the slot machine 10 can increase or maintain expectations of the player by changing the song and tempo of the game sound.
Moreover, the slot machine 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention can increment the number of games in the free game if the retrigger occurs during the free game. Thus, the slot machine 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention can notify the player that the number of games in the free game is increased, by changing the game sound.
Moreover, in a case where more than one retrigger occurs during the free game, the slot machine 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention can perform, the processing of changing the game sound and incrementing the number of games every time the retrigger occurs. Therefore, the slot machine 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention can notify the player that the number of games in the free game is increased more than once, by changing the game sound more than once.
Next, operations of the slot machine 10 according to this embodiment will be described. Note that slot game processing executed by the slot machine 10 shown in
With reference to a flowchart shown in
In the free game execution processing in Step S21 of
Thereafter, the CPU 106 executes, as the free game, the slot game a predetermined number (for example, 10) of play times (Step S212). While executing the free game, the CPU 106 performs processing of reading sound data stored in the external storage device 113 and emitting a game sound specific to the free game, which is different from that of a normal unit game, from the speaker 29 (see
Subsequently, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the predetermined condition for executing the free game that is the special game is satisfied again (retrigger) during the free game (Step S213).
As shown in
On the other hand, if the predetermined condition is satisfied (YES in Step S213), the CPU 106 changes the game sound of the free game (Step S214). To be more specific, the game sound is changed in the following manner. Specifically, the CPU 106 reads sound data stored in the external storage device 113, transmits the read sound data to the speaker drive circuit 122 and thus changes the game sound that has been emitted to a game sound corresponding to the read sound data. For example, the game sound is changed by changing a song, a tempo and the like.
Subsequently, the CPU 106 increments a predetermined number (for example, 10) of slot games to be executed as the free game (Step S215). For example, when a condition for incrementing 10 games is satisfied when the number of remaining games in the free game is 5, the slot machine 10 performs processing of setting the number of remaining games to 15 by incrementing the number of games in the free game.
Thereafter, the CPU 106 transitions to Step S212 and repeats Steps S212 to S215. By repeating Steps S212 to S215, the CPU 106 performs processing of changing the game sound and incrementing the number of games every time the retrigger occurs during the free game.
Thereafter, the CPU 106 determines whether or not there is a winning on the basis of the symbols rearranged in the partitioned regions q11 to q54 in the free game (Step S216). Specifically, the CPU 106 determines whether or not a condition for providing an award is satisfied.
In Step S216, the CPU 106 refers to the payout table stored in the ROM 108 and determines whether or not a pattern of the symbols rearranged in the partitioned regions q11 to q54 coincides with any one of symbol rearrangement modes to provide a payout, which are set in the payout table.
If the symbols rearranged in the partitioned regions q11 to q54 do not form a winning combination to provide the player with an award in the free game (NO in Step S216), the CPU 106 terminates a series of special game processing once.
On the other hand, if the pattern of the symbols rearranged coincides with any one of the symbol rearrangement modes set in the payout table (YES in Step S216), the CPU 106 determines that a winning is established and provides the player with an award (Step S217). Thereafter, the CPU 106 executes processing of providing the number of credits set so as to correspond to the award to be provided (Step S218). Subsequently, the CPU 106 terminates the free game execution processing.
As is clear from the above description, the CPU 106 in this embodiment forms a controller in the claims.
In the slot machine 10 according to this embodiment having the above configuration, a winning can occur again during the free game (retrigger). The slot machine 10 according to this embodiment can change the game sound when a retrigger occurs during the free game. Therefore, the slot machine 10 according to the third embodiment can notify the player that the retrigger occurs during the free game, by changing the game sound in the free game.
Moreover, the slot machine 10 according to the third embodiment can change the song and tempo of the game sound if the retrigger occurs during the free game. Thus, the slot machine 10 can increase or maintain expectations of the player by changing the song and tempo of the game sound.
Moreover, the slot machine 10 according to the third embodiment can increment the number of games in the free game if the retrigger occurs during the free game. Thus, the slot machine 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention can notify the player that the number of games in the free game is increased, by changing the game sound.
Moreover, in a case where more than one retrigger occurs during the free game, the slot machine 10 according to the third embodiment can perform the processing of changing the game sound and incrementing the number of games every time the retrigger occurs. Therefore, the slot machine 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention can notify the player that more than one retrigger occurs and the number of games in the free game is increased more than once, by changing the game sound more than once.
In each of the first to third embodiments described above, the display 16 is a liquid crystal panel and rearrangement of the symbols in the partitioned regions q11 to q54 is performed by use of the liquid crystal panel. However, rearrangement of the symbols in the partitioned regions q11 to q54 on the display 16 can also be performed by providing the display with a liquid crystal panel capable of transparent display and by using a rotating reel device disposed behind the display.
Hereinafter, description will be given of a slot machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which symbol rearrangement is performed by the rotating reel device disposed behind the liquid crystal panel of the display 16, and a control method thereof.
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
Note that the slot machine 10 of the fourth embodiment can perform display control of transparently displaying each of spots corresponding to the partitioned regions q11 to q54 in the windows 16a to 16e when the symbols are rearranged in the partitioned regions q11 to q54. Specifically, when the spots corresponding to the partitioned regions q11 to q54 in the windows 16a to 16e are arranged in the same order as that of symbol rearrangement, the CPU 106 generates an image display command signal for transparently displaying the corresponding spots, and then outputs the image display command signal to the display controller 140 through the I/O bus 104. Upon receipt of the image display command signal outputted by the CPU 106, the display controller 140 generates a drive signal for driving the display 16 on the basis of the image display command, and then outputs the generated drive signal to the display 16. Thus, the spots corresponding to the partitioned regions q11 to q54 in the order of symbol rearrangement are transparently displayed on the display 16.
Therefore, the CPU 106 outputs, at a timing corresponding to the progress of the slot game, the image display command for displaying the slot game image and the effect corresponding to the outcome thereof on the display 16 so that the display controller 140 receives the image display command. Thus, the effect corresponding to the slot game and the outcome thereof is displayed on the display 16.
The CPU 106 determines the symbols to be rearranged in the partitioned regions q11 to q54 by determining stop positions of the rotating reels 53a to 53e. Specifically, the CPU 106 determines the symbols to be rearranged in the partitioned regions q11 to q54 by selecting the stop positions of the rotating reels 53a to 53e based on random numbers generated by the random number generating circuit 112. To be more specific, the random number generating circuit 112 generates the same number of random numbers as that of the rotating reels 53a to 53e.
The thus configured slot machine 10 and control method thereof according to the fourth embodiment can also achieve the same effects as those achieved by the slot machine 10 and control method thereof according to the first to third embodiments.
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments are described merely as concrete examples and the present invention is not particularly limited thereto. The concrete configuration of each of the means and the like can be changed in design according to the necessity. Moreover, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely listed as preferred effects achieved by the present invention. The effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.
For example, in the slot machine 10 according to the first to fourth embodiments, a probability of establishment of the predetermined condition in the normal unit game may be different from that in the free game. A probability of establishment of the retrigger is increased by increasing the probability of establishment of the predetermined condition in the free game. Thus, the expectations of the player can be increased by the processing of changing the game sound and incrementing the number of games, which is executed when the retrigger occurs.
Moreover, in the slot machine 10 according to the first to fourth embodiments, the description was given of the case where the predetermined condition is that three or more “special (man's face)” symbols are rearranged in the partitioned regions q11 to q54. However, the predetermined condition may be determined according to the number of the “special (man's face)” symbols rearranged on an active line provided in the partitioned regions q11 to q54.
Moreover, in the slot machine 10 according to the first to fourth embodiments, the description was given of the case where the predetermined condition is that three or more “special (man's face)” symbols are rearranged in the partitioned regions q11 to q54. However, the symbols are not limited to the “special (man's face)” symbols.
Moreover, in the first to fourth embodiments, the predetermined number of play times in the special game is set to 10. However, the predetermined number of special games is not limited to 10.
In addition, in the detailed description above, the characteristic portions are mainly described in order to make the present invention easily understandable. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the detailed description above, and can be applied to the other embodiments, and its range of application is wide. Also, the terms and the terminology used in the present specification are used only for the purpose of explaining the present invention precisely, and not used for the purpose of limiting the interpretation of the present invention. Also, for those skilled in the art, it should be easy to contemplate other configurations, systems, methods, etc., that are contained in the concept of the present invention, from the content of the invention described in the present specification. Consequently, the description of the scope of claims should be construed as containing equivalent configurations within a range of not deviating from a range of the technical ideas of the present invention. Also, the purpose of the abstract is to make it possible for the patent office, the general public organizations, and technicians and the like who belong to the present technical field and who are not thoroughly familiar with patent and law terms or specialized terms, to quickly judge the technical content and its essence of the present application by a simple search. Consequently, the abstract is not intended to limit the scope of the invention which should be evaluated by the description of the scope of claims. Also, in order to sufficiently understand the purpose of the present invention and the effects specific to the present invention, they should preferably be interpreted by sufficiently referring to the documents and the like that are already disclosed in public.
Also, the detailed description above contains the processing to be executed by a computer. The explanations and expressions in the above are described for the purpose of facilitating the most efficient understanding by those skilled in the art. In the present specification, each step used in deriving one result should be understood as a processing without a self-contradiction. Also, at each step, transmission and reception, recording, etc., of electric or magnetic signals will be carried out. In the processing at each step, such signals are expressed by bits, values, symbols, letters, terms, numbers, etc., but it should be noted that they are used simply because they are convenient for the purpose of explanation. Also, there are cases where the processing at each step is described by an expression common to the human behavior, but the processing described in the present specification is to be executed by various devices in principle. Also, the other configuration required in carrying out each step will be obvious from the above description.
This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/104,408 filed on Oct. 10, 2008, and which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4283709 | Lucero et al. | Aug 1981 | A |
| 4624459 | Kaufman | Nov 1986 | A |
| 4669731 | Clarke | Jun 1987 | A |
| 4837728 | Barrie et al. | Jun 1989 | A |
| 4964638 | Ishida | Oct 1990 | A |
| 5280909 | Tracy | Jan 1994 | A |
| 5564700 | Celona | Oct 1996 | A |
| 5611730 | Weiss | Mar 1997 | A |
| 5639088 | Schneider et al. | Jun 1997 | A |
| 5695402 | Stupak | Dec 1997 | A |
| 5702303 | Takemoto et al. | Dec 1997 | A |
| 5743798 | Adams | Apr 1998 | A |
| 5770533 | Franchi | Jun 1998 | A |
| 5820459 | Acres et al. | Oct 1998 | A |
| 5836817 | Acres et al. | Nov 1998 | A |
| 5890963 | Yen | Apr 1999 | A |
| 5910048 | Feinberg | Jun 1999 | A |
| 6001016 | Walker et al. | Dec 1999 | A |
| 6003013 | Boushy et al. | Dec 1999 | A |
| 6089980 | Gauselmann | Jul 2000 | A |
| 6224482 | Bennett | May 2001 | B1 |
| 6234896 | Walker et al. | May 2001 | B1 |
| 6244957 | Walker et al. | Jun 2001 | B1 |
| 6254483 | Acres | Jul 2001 | B1 |
| 6257981 | Acres et al. | Jul 2001 | B1 |
| 6270409 | Shuster | Aug 2001 | B1 |
| 6273820 | Haste, III | Aug 2001 | B1 |
| 6695697 | Okada | Feb 2004 | B1 |
| 6848996 | Hecht et al. | Feb 2005 | B2 |
| 6932704 | Walker et al. | Aug 2005 | B2 |
| 6932707 | Duhamel | Aug 2005 | B2 |
| 20030069073 | Okada | Apr 2003 | A1 |
| 20030073491 | Hecht et al. | Apr 2003 | A1 |
| 20040053695 | Mattice | Mar 2004 | A1 |
| 20050026676 | Olive | Feb 2005 | A1 |
| 20050245309 | Englman | Nov 2005 | A1 |
| 20080030455 | Foxenland | Feb 2008 | A1 |
| 20100248806 | Englman et al. | Sep 2010 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 32 42 890 | May 1984 | DE |
| 37 12 841 | Nov 1988 | DE |
| 41 37 010 | Aug 1992 | DE |
| 100 49 444 | Nov 2001 | DE |
| 0 631 798 | Jan 1995 | EP |
| 0 840 264 | May 1998 | EP |
| 1 192 975 | Apr 2002 | EP |
| 1 302 914 | Apr 2003 | EP |
| 1 351 180 | Oct 2003 | EP |
| 1 477 947 | Nov 2004 | EP |
| 1 544 811 | Jun 2005 | EP |
| 2 326 830 | Jan 1999 | GB |
| WO 03083795 | Oct 2003 | WO |
| WO 2004095383 | Nov 2004 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20100093425 A1 | Apr 2010 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61104408 | Oct 2008 | US |
