BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a first game is shifted
to a second game when a predetermined condition is realized while the first game is
executed.
2. Description of Related Art
[0002] In a conventional gaming machine, for example a slot machine, when various symbols
on reels, which are rotating, are stopped with a predetermined combination, it is
conducted a first game which gives a predetermined benefit to a player. At that time,
there is a gaming machine that a second game more beneficial for the player than the
first game is executed when a trigger symbol is stopped in the first game. Further,
as shown in Unexamined Japanese Publication No. 2001-293248, there is a gaming machine
in which a plurality of second games, each of which has different game contents and
payout amount with each other, are stored, and the next second game is successively
and developingly conducted one by one among the second games every a continuation
condition is realized in the second game, according to the originality of the gaming
machine.
[0003] Here, among plural second games, since it is general that the second game is made
so that the game contents thereof become more ingenious and the second game has a
higher payout according that execution order of the second game becomes latter, the
player is very interested in the second games. In spite of the above, on the other
hand, if the execution order becomes more latter, the continuation condition is generally
set so that such condition becomes more difficult to be realized. Therefore, as mentioned,
even though the game contents of the second game become ingenious and the payout thereof
becomes high among plural second games, there scarcely exists chances for the player
to be able to experience such second game if the execution order of the second game
becomes more latter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention has done to resolve the above problems and it is an object
to provide a gaming machine in which it can give the player more chances to experience
each second game, concerning with a plurality of second games each of which is successively
and developingly executed every the continuation condition is realized after the predetermined
condition is realized in the first game.
[0005] In order to accomplish the above problems, according to one aspect of the present
invention, it is provided a gaming machine comprising:
a first game controller for executing a first game;
a second game controller for executing one of a plurality of second games, game contents
thereof being different from each other; and
a third game controller for controlling the first game controller and the second game
controller;
wherein the third game controller controls the second game controller so as to
execute a first bonus game which is one of the second games if a first predetermined
condition concerning with the first game is realized;
wherein the third game controller controls the second game controller so as to
execute a second bonus game which is one of the second games if a continuation condition
concerning with the first bonus game is realized; and
wherein the third game controller controls the second game controller so as to
execute the second bonus game if a second predetermined condition concerning with
the first game executed by the first game controller is realized.
[0006] In the gaming machine constructed according to the above, the third game controller
controls the second game controller so as to execute a first bonus game which is one
of the second games if a first predetermined condition concerning with the first game
is realized, and controls the second game controller so as to execute a second bonus
game which is one of the second games if a continuation condition concerning with
the first bonus game is realized. Therefore, among the second games, the second bonus
game is executed after execution of the first bonus game. On the other hand, the third
game controller controls the second game controller so as to execute the second bonus
game if a second predetermined condition concerning with the first game is realized.
[0007] That is to say, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, as for
a plurality of second games which are successively and developingly executed after
the first predetermined condition concerning with the first game is realized, if the
first predetermined condition concerning with the first game is realized, the first
bonus game is executed and the second bonus game is executed if the continuation condition
with the first bonus game is realized. On the contrary, if the second predetermined
condition concerning with the first game is realized, the second bonus game is executed.
Therefore, there will possibly exist not only a case that the second bonus game is
executed after the first bonus game is executed but also a case that the second bonus
game is executed directly from the first game. Thus, it can be increased chances for
the player to experience the second bonus game, as a result, interest of the player
for games can be raised.
[0008] At that time, if the second bonus game has a higher payout than the first bonus game,
the player is more strongly interested in the second bonus game than the first bonus
game, therefore interest of the player for games can be more effectively raised.
[0009] Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, it is provided a gaming
machine comprising:
a first game controller for executing a first game;
a second game controller for executing one of a plurality of second games, game contents
thereof being different from each other;
a third game controller for controlling the first game controller and the second game
controller;
a first determination device for determining whether or not a first predetermined
condition concerning with the first game executed by the first game controller is
realized;
a second determination device for determining whether or not a continuation condition
concerning with a first bonus game executed by the second game controller is realized,
the first bonus game being one of the second games; and
a third determination device for determining whether or not a second predetermined
condition concerning with the first game executed by the first game controller is
realized;
wherein the third game controller controls the second game controller so as to
execute the first bonus game if the first determination device determines that the
first predetermined condition is realized;
wherein the third game controller controls the second game controller so as to
execute a second bonus game which is one of the second games if the second judgement
device determines that the continuation condition is realized; and
wherein the third game controller controls the second game controller so as to
execute the second bonus game if the third judgement device determines that the second
predetermined condition is realized.
[0010] In the above gaming machine, as for a plurality of second games which are successively
and developingly executed after the first game, if the first judgement device determines
that the first predetermined condition concerning with the first game is realized,
the first bonus game is executed and if the second judgement device determines that
the continuation condition concerning with the first bonus game is realized, the second
bonus game is executed. On the other hand, if the third judgement device determines
that the second predetermined condition concerning with the first game is realized,
the second bonus game is executed. Therefore, there will possibly exist not only a
case that the second bonus game is executed after the first bonus game is executed
but also a case that the second bonus game is executed directly from the first game.
Thus, it can be increased chances for the player to experience the second bonus game,
as a result, interest of the player for games can be raised.
[0011] The above and further objects and novel features of the invention will more fully
appear from the following detailed description when the same is read in connection
with the accompanying drawings. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the
drawings are for purpose of illustration only and not intended as a definition of
the limits of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
specification illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description,
serve to explain the objects, advantages and principles of the invention.
[0013] In the drawings,
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a slot machine,
Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a lower liquid crystal display and
reels,
Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the lower liquid crystal display,
Fig. 4 is an explanatory view schematically showing symbols formed on an outer periphery
of the reel,
Fig. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing a control system of the slot machine,
Fig. 6 is an explanatory view showing an example of effect 1 before a bonus game,
the effect 1 being displayed on the lower liquid crystal display,
Fig. 7 is an explanatory view showing an example of effect 2 before the bonus game,
the effect 2 being displayed on the lower liquid crystal display,
Fig. 8 is an explanatory view showing an example of effect 3 before the bonus game,
the effect 3 being displayed on the lower liquid crystal display,
Fig. 9 is an explanatory view showing an example of effect 4 before the bonus game,
the effect 4 being displayed on the lower liquid crystal display,
Fig. 10 is an explanatory view showing an example of effect contents displayed on
an upper liquid crystal display and the lower liquid crystal display when a "golden
gate bonus" as a bonus game with a medium payout is executed,
Fig. 11 is an explanatory view showing an example of effect contents displayed on
the upper liquid crystal display and the lower liquid crystal display when the "golden
gate bonus" as the bonus game with the medium payout is executed, following to the
effect contents shown in Fig. 10,
Fig. 12 is an explanatory view showing an example of effect contents displayed on
the upper liquid crystal display and the lower liquid crystal display when the "golden
gate bonus" as the bonus game with the medium payout is executed, following to the
effect contents shown in Fig. 11,
Fig. 13 is an explanatory view showing an example of effect contents displayed on
the upper liquid crystal display and the lower liquid crystal display when the "golden
gate bonus" as the bonus game with the medium payout is executed, following to the
effect contents shown in Fig. 12,
Fig. 14 is an explanatory view showing an example of effect contents displayed on
the upper liquid crystal display and the lower liquid crystal display when the "golden
gate bonus" as the bonus game with the medium payout is executed, following to the
effect contents shown in Fig. 13,
Fig. 15 is an explanatory view showing an example of effect contents displayed on
the upper liquid crystal display and the lower liquid crystal display when a "condor
treasure bonus" as a bonus game with a high payout is executed,
Fig. 16 is an explanatory view showing an example of effect contents displayed on
the upper liquid crystal display and the lower liquid crystal display when the "condor
treasure bonus" as the bonus game with the high payout is executed, following to the
effect contents shown in Fig. 15,
Fig. 17 is an explanatory view showing an example of effect contents displayed on
the upper liquid crystal display and the lower liquid crystal display when the "condor
treasure bonus" as the bonus game with the high payout is executed, following to the
effect contents shown in Fig. 16,
Fig. 18 is an explanatory view showing an example of effect contents displayed on
the upper liquid crystal display and the lower liquid crystal display when the "condor
treasure bonus" as the bonus game with the high payout is executed, following to the
effect contents shown in Fig. 17,
Fig. 19 is an explanatory view showing an example of effect contents displayed on
the upper liquid crystal display and the lower liquid crystal display when the "condor
treasure bonus" as the bonus game with the high payout is executed, following to the
effect contents shown in Fig. 18,
Fig. 20 is an explanatory view showing an example of effect contents displayed on
the upper liquid crystal display and the lower liquid crystal display when the "condor
treasure bonus" as the bonus game with the high payout is executed, following to the
effect contents shown in Fig. 19,
Fig. 21 is an explanatory view showing an example of effect contents displayed on
the upper liquid crystal display and the lower liquid crystal display when the "condor
treasure bonus" as the bonus game with the high payout is executed, following to the
effect contents shown in Fig. 20,
Fig. 22 is an explanatory view showing an example of effect contents displayed on
the upper liquid crystal display and the lower liquid crystal display when the "condor
treasure bonus" as the bonus game with the high payout is executed, following to the
effect contents shown in Fig. 21, and
Fig. 23 is a flowchart showing control procedures when the bonus game with the medium
payout or the bonus game with the high payout is executed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0014] Hereinafter, the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described
according to the embodiment embodying the invention, with reference to the drawings.
First, an outline construction of the gaming machine according to the embodiment will
be described with reference to Fig. 1. Here, in the embodiment, the slot machine as
an example of the gaming machine will be explained. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of
the slot machine.
[0015] In Fig. 1, the slot machine 1 has a cabinet 2 constructing a whole of the slot machine
1. At a front upper part of the cabinet 2 an upper liquid crystal display 3 is arranged,
and at a front central part of the cabinet 2 a lower liquid crystal display 4 is arranged.
Here, the upper liquid crystal display 3 is constructed from a liquid crystal display
device which is generally used, and the lower liquid crystal display 4 is constructed
from, so-called, a transparent liquid crystal display device. A detailed construction
of the transparent liquid crystal display device will be explained hereinafter.
[0016] An operation table 5, which is projected frontward, is formed below the lower liquid
crystal display 4, and from the most left side on the operation table 5, a change
button 6, a payout (cash out) button 7, a help button 8 are arranged. And a coin insertion
slot 9 and a bill insertion slot 10 are arranged at the right side of the help button
8. Further, from the left side, a 1-BET button 11, a SPIN/REPEAT BET button 12, a
3-BET button 13 and a 5-BET button 14 are positioned at the front side on the operation
table 5.
[0017] Here, the change button 6 is pressed when exchanging the bill inserted in the bill
insertion slot 10, and the exchanged coins are paid out through a coin payout hole
15 to a coin tray 16 which is formed at the lower part of the cabinet 2. To the change
button 6, a change switch 62 (explained hereinafter) is attached, and the a switch
signal is output to a CPU 50 (mentioned hereinafter) from the change switch 62 based
on press of the change button 6.
[0018] The cash-out button 7 is usually pressed when games are terminated, and when the
CASH-OUT button 7 is pressed coins got in games are paid out through the coin payout
hole 15 to the coin tray 16. Here, to the CASH-OUT button 7, a payout (cash out) switch
63 (mentioned hereinafter) is attached and a switch signal is output to the CPU 50
from the payout switch 63 based on press of the CASH-OUT button 7.
[0019] The help button 8 is pressed when the player does not understand game operation method,
and when the help button 8 is pressed, various help information is displayed on the
upper liquid crystal display 3 or the lower liquid crystal display 4. To this help
button 8, a help switch 64 (mentioned hereinafter) is attached and a switch signal
is output to the CPU 50 from the help switch 64 based on press of the help button
8.
[0020] To the coin insertion slot 9 a coin sensor 65 (mentioned hereinafter) is positioned,
and when the coin is inserted in the coin insertion slot 9 a coin detection signal
is output to the CPU 50 through the coin sensor 65. And to the bill insertion slot
10 a bill sensor 66 (mentioned hereinafter) is positioned, and when the bill is inserted
in the bill insertion slot 10 a bill detection signal is output to the CPU 50 through
the bill sensor 66.
[0021] As for the 1-BET button 11, every the 1-BET button 11 is pressed one credit is betted,
and the 1-BET button 11 can bet by pressing up to tree times as the maximum pressing
time. To the 1-BET button 11, a 1-BET switch 59 is attached and when the 1-BET button
11 is pressed a switch signal is output to the CPU 50 from the 1-BET switch 59 based
on press of the 1-BET button 11.
[0022] The SPIN/REPEAT BET button 12 is the button to start games from the present bet number
or the previous bet number by press thereof, thereby reels (mentioned later) are started
to rotate. To the SPIN/REPEAT BET button 12, a spin switch 58 (mentioned later) is
attached, and when the SPIN/REPEAT BET button 12 is pressed a switch signal is output
to the CPU 50 from the spin switch 58 based on press of the SPIN/REPEAT BET button
12. Here, as the bet number which can be betted by press of the SPIN/REPEAT BET button
12, there may exist 1, 2, 3 and 5 bets.
[0023] The 3-BET button 13 is the button to start games from 3 bets on the basis of press
thereof. To this 3-BET button 13, a 3-BET switch 60 (mentioned hereinafter) is attached
and when the 3-BET button 13 is pressed a switch signal is output to the CPU 50 from
the 3-BET switch 60. And the 5-BET button 14 is the button to start games from 5 bets
on the basis of press thereof or to be pressed when a bonus game (mentioned hereinafter)
is started. To the 5-BET button 14, a 5-BET switch 61 is attached and when the 5-BET
button is pressed a switch signal is output to the CPU 50 from the 5-BET switch 61
on the basis of press thereof.
[0024] Further, at the lower part of the cabinet 2, the coin payout hole 15 is formed and
the coin tray 16 to receive coins paid out from the coin payout hole 15 is provided.
In the coin payout hole 15, a coin detection part 73 constructed from a sensor and
the like is positioned and the coin detection part 73 detects number of coins paid
out from the coin payout hole 15.
[0025] Further, at the side plane (the right side plane in Fig. 1) of the cabinet 2, a start
lever 17 is arranged rotatably within a predetermined angle range. To the start lever
17, a start switch 57 is attached and when the start lever 17 is rotated a switch
signal occurring from the start switch 57 is output to the CPU 50.
[0026] Next, it will be described a detailed construction of the lower liquid crystal display
4 and reels rotatably arranged behind the lower liquid crystal display 4 in the cabinet
2, with reference to Figs. 2 and 3. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the
lower liquid crystal display and the reels, and Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective
view of the lower liquid crystal display 4.
[0027] In Figs. 2 and 3, the lower liquid crystal display 4 is arranged within a display
window 21 of a device front panel 20 positioned at the front center part of the cabinet
2 in the slot machine 1, with a touch panel 30 arranged at the front side (the left
side in Fig. 2) of the lower liquid crystal display 4. And at the rear side (the right
side in Fig. 2) of the lower liquid crystal display 4, three reels 22 (only one reel
22 is indicated in Fig. 2) are supported in a parallel state so that the reels 22
become independently rotatable.
[0028] Here, each reel 22 will be described. Among three reels 22, the left reel 22 when
seeing the front plane of the slot machine 1 faces to a left display window 23 (see
Fig. 1) formed in the lower liquid crystal display 4, the center reel 22 faces to
a center display window 24 (see Fig. 1) similarly formed in the lower liquid crystal
display 4 and the right reel 22 faces to a right display window 25 (see Fig. 1) similarly
formed in the lower liquid crystal display 4. Construction of each of the display
windows 23, 24, 25 will described hereinafter.
[0029] Further, on an outer periphery of each reel 22, various kinds of symbols shown in
Fig. 4 (9 kinds of symbols are indicated in Fig. 4) are formed. Concretely, as kinds
of symbols formed on the outer periphery of the reel 22, concerning with game contents
conducted in the slot machine 1, it is utilized a direction-map symbol, a lake-map
symbol, a condor treasure trigger symbol, a WILD symbol, a 3BAR symbol, a golden gate
trigger symbol, a RED 7 symbol, a 2BAR symbol and a 1BAR symbol. And these 9 kinds
of symbols and blank (s) (area where the symbol do not exist) are combined based on
a predetermined combination and the combinations in which the symbols and the blanks
are totally combined (the total number of the symbols and the blanks is 22) are formed.
On the outer periphery of each reel 22, such combination with symbols and blanks (total
number of which is 22) is formed.
[0030] Here, various winning combinations are determined beforehand based on plural kinds
of combinations of the symbols and when the symbol combination corresponding to the
winning combination is stopped along a pay line L (see Fig. 1), coins are paid out
from the coin payout hole 15 according to the winning combination. These points are
as same as that in the conventional slot machine, therefore explanation thereof will
be omitted. And formation of the symbols on the outer periphery of the reel 22 is
generally done as follows. First, symbols and blanks (total number of which is 22)
are printed on a long seal having a width and a length corresponding to the width
and the periphery length of the reel 2, respectively. And such seal is adhered on
the peripheral plane of the reel 22. Of course, the symbols may be formed by different
method other than the above method.
[0031] In the embodiment, the pay line L is determined to only the center line, and such
pay line L is displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4 when games are conducted
by rotating and stopping the reels 22 based on press of the SPIN/REPEAT BET button
12, the 3-BET button and the 5-BET button 14 or rotation of the start lever 17. On
the other hand, the pay line L is eliminated from the lower liquid crystal display
4 when the bonus game is conducted based on press of the 5-BET button 14 in obtaining
various bonus games.
[0032] As for the trigger symbols, there are the condor treasure trigger symbol and the
golden gate trigger symbol, and these trigger symbols are function as triggers to
obtain various bonus games. In the embodiment, one condor treasure trigger symbol
and one golden gate trigger symbol are formed on only the outer periphery of the right
reel 22. Further, a bonus game concerning with a condor treasure bonus can be obtained
based on that the direction-map symbol existing on the outer periphery of the left
reel 22, the lake-map symbol existing on the center reel 22 and the condor treasure
trigger symbol existing on the right reel 22 stop along the pay line L. And a bonus
game concerning with the golden gate bonus can be obtained based on that the direction-map
symbol existing on the left reel 22, the lake-map symbol existing on the center reel
22 and the golden gate trigger symbol existing on the right reel 22 stop along the
pay line L. Here, the condor treasure bonus is the bonus game with a higher payout
than the golden gate bonus.
[0033] Next, construction of the lower liquid crystal display 4 will be described with reference
to Figs. 2 and 3A - 3J. In Figs. 2 and 3A - 3J, the lower liquid crystal display 4
is constructed by arranging from the front side of the slot machine 1; the transparent
touch panel 30, the reel glass base 31, the bezel metal frame 32, the transparent
liquid crystal panel 33, the liquid crystal holder 34, the diffusion sheet 35, the
light guiding plate 36, the white reflector 37, the rear holder 38 and the antistatic
sheet 39. In the diffusion sheet 35, three openings 35A, 35B, 35C are formed. Similarly,
in the light guiding plate 36, the reflector 37 and the rear holder 38, three openings
36A, 36B, 36C, 37A, 37B, 37C, 38 A, 38B, 38C are formed respectively, so as to coincide
with the openings 35A, 35B, 35C. Here, the openings 35A - 38A construct the left display
window 23 (see Fig. 1) by superimposing so as to coincide with each other. Similarly,
the openings 35B - 38B construct the center display window 24 (see Fig. 1) by superimposing
so as to coincide with each other and the openings 35C - 38C construct the right display
window 25 by superimposing so as to coincide with each other. Here, the openings 35A
- 35C in the diffusion sheet 35 and the openings 36A - 36C in the light guiding plate
36 construct the light transmitting areas to retain visibility while variable displaying
is conducted by rotating reels 22.
[0034] In order to install the lower liquid crystal display 4 to the display window 21 of
the device front panel 20, as shown in Fig. 2, brackets 40 are screwed to the rear
side of the device front panel 20 by screws 41.
[0035] And at an upper and lower end of the light guiding plate 36, a pair of cathode ray
tubes 42 may be arranged as light sources of the liquid crystal panel 33. And at an
upper and lower positions in the rear side of each of openings 38A - 38C in the rear
holder 38, a pair of cold cathode ray tubes 43 are arranged to illuminate the symbols
on the outer periphery of each of the reels 22.
[0036] The liquid crystal panel 33 is a transparent electric display panel on which transparent
electrodes such as ITO are formed, and arranged in front of each of the reels 22 which
can be seen therethrough. And the circumference in rear side of the display part of
the liquid crystal panel 33 is held by the liquid crystal holder 34. The light guiding
plate 36 is made from the light transmitting resin panel, and in the light guiding
plate 36 lens cut portions are formed, the lens cut portions leading light emitted
from the cold cathode ray tubes 43 positioned at side positions to the rear side of
the liquid crystal panel 33. The light diffusion sheet 35 is made from a light transmitting
resin sheet and scatters light led by the light guiding plate 36 and levels light
irradiated to the liquid crystal panel 33. The liquid crystal holder 34 for holding
the liquid crystal panel 33, the diffusion sheet 35 and the light guiding plate 36
are assembled into one-piece construction and circumference thereof is inserted in
the bezel metal frame 32. Thereby, the front side of the display part in the liquid
crystal panel 33 is retained by the bezel metal frame 32.
[0037] Circumference of the liquid crystal holder 34, the light diffusion sheet 35 and the
light guiding plate 36, which are inserted in the bezel metal frame 32 and assembled
into one-piece construction, is further inserted in the reel glass base 31 and retained
by the reel glass base 31 in a state that the front display plane of the liquid crystal
panel 33 is opened. The transparent touch panel 30 is pressed and contacted to the
front side of the reel glass base 31 by installing the reel glass base 31 to the device
front panel 20 through the screws 41, thereby the transparent touch panel 30 is superimposed
on the front display plane of the liquid crystal panel 33.
[0038] The rear holder 38 is made from a white resin plate and retains to the reel glass
base 31 the bezel metal frame 32 supported to the reel glass base 31, the liquid crystal
holder 34 holding the liquid crystal panel 33, the light diffusion sheet 35 and the
light guiding plate 36 from the rear sides thereof. The rear holder 38 also functions
as a reflecting plate for reflecting light emitted from the cold cathode ray tubes
43 to the light guiding plate 36 toward the liquid crystal panel 33. The antistatic
sheet 39 is made transparent and adhered to the rear plane of the rear holder 38 by
double-sided adhesive tape, thereby the antistatic sheet 39 covers the rear plane
of each of the openings 38A - 38C formed in the rear holder 38.
[0039] Next, construction of the control system in the slot machine 1 will be described
with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing the control
system in the slot machine 1.
[0040] In Fig. 5, the control system of the slot machine 1 is basically constructed from
the CPU 50, and a ROM 51 and a RAM 52 are connected to the CPU 50. The ROM 51 stores
game control program (mentioned later), various effect programs for executing various
effects on the upper liquid crystal display 3 and the lower liquid crystal display
4 according to progress in games, lottery program for conducting lottery of various
winning combinations, various programs necessary for controlling the slot machine
1 and various data tables and the like. And the RAM 52 is a memory for temporarily
storing various data calculated by the CPU 50.
[0041] And to the CPU 50, a clock pulse generator 53 for generating standard clock pulses
and a frequency divider 54 are connected, and a random number generator 55 and a sampling
circuit 56 are also connected. Random number sampled by the random number generator
56 is utilized in various lotteries of the winning combinations, the effects and the
like. Further, to the CPU 50, the start switch 57 attached to the start lever 17,
the spin switch 58 attached to the SPIN/REPEAT BET button 12, the 1-BET switch 59
attached to the 1-BET button 11, the 3-BET switch 60 attached to the 1-BET button
13, the change switch 62 attached to the CASH-OUT button 7 and the help switch 63
attached to the help button 8 are connected respectively. The CPU 50 controls the
slot machine 1 to execute various operations corresponding to each button, based on
the switch signal output from each switch when such buttons are pressed.
[0042] Further, to the CPU 50, the coin sensor 65 positioned in the coin insertion slot
9 and the bill sensor 66 positioned in the bill insertion slot 10 are connected respectively.
The coin sensor 65 detects coins inserted from the coin insertion slot 9 and the CPU
50 calculates the number of inserted coins based on the coin detection signal output
from the coin sensor 65. The bill sensor 66 detects the kind and sum of bill and the
CPU 50 calculates the number of coins equivalent to sum of bill, based on the bill
detection signal output from the bill sensor 66.
[0043] To the CPU 50, three stepping motors 68 for rotating each of the reels 22 through
a motor drive circuit 67 are connected, and also a reel position detection circuit
69 is connected. When a motor drive signal is output to the motor drive circuit 67,
each stepping motor 68 is driven to rotate by the motor drive circuit 67, thereby
each reel 22 is rotated.
[0044] At that time, after each reel 22 is started to rotate, the number of drive pulses
provided to each stepping motor 68 is calculated and the calculated value is written
in the predetermined area of the RAM 52. And the reset pulse is output every one rotation
of the reel 22 and such reset pulse is input to the CPU 50 through the reel position
detection circuit 69. When the reset pulse is input to the CPU 50, the calculated
value written in the RAM 52 is cleared in "0", and the CPU 50 recognizes the symbol
rotational position in the reel 22, based on the calculated value corresponding to
the rotational position of the reel 22 within one rotation and the symbol table in
which the rotational position of the reel 22 stored in the ROM 51 and the symbols
formed on outer peripheral plane of the reel 22 are corresponded with each other.
[0045] To the CPU 50, a hopper 71 is connected through a hopper drive circuit 70. When a
drive signal is output to the hopper drive circuit 70 from the CPU 50, the hopper
71 pays out predetermined number of coins from the coin payout hole 15.
[0046] And to the CPU 50, a coin detection part 73 is connected through a payout completion
signal circuit 72. The coin detection part 73 is arranged in the coin payout hole
15 and when the coin detection part 73 detects that a predetermined number of coins
are paid out from the coin payout hole 15, the payout completion signal is output
to the payout completion signal circuit 72 from the coin detection part 73. Based
on this, the payout completion signal circuit 72 outputs the payout completion signal
to the CPU 50.
[0047] Further, to the CPU 50, the upper liquid crystal display 3 is connected through a
liquid crystal drive circuit 74 and the lower liquid crystal display 4 is connected
through a liquid crystal drive circuit 75. And to the CPU 50, the touch panel 30 is
connected through a touch panel drive circuit 76.
[0048] Further, to the CPU 50 LEDs 78 are connected through a LED drive circuit 77. A plurality
of the LEDs 78 are arranged on the front plane of the slot machine 1 and the LEDs
78 are controlled so as to turn on based on the drive signals from the CPU 50. Further,
a speaker 80 and a sound output circuit 79 are connected to the CPU 50 and the speaker
80 produces various effective sounds when various effects are conducted based on the
output signal from the sound output circuit 79.
[0049] Next, the game contents executed in the slot machine 1 will be described. As mentioned,
at first in the slot machine 1, the slot game is conducted, and when each of reels
22 is stopped, if a symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is
stopped on the pay line L, coins are paid out from the coin payout hole 15 according
to the winning combination. Further, at that time, in a case that the direction-map
symbol existing on the outer periphery of the left reel 22, the lake-map symbol existing
on the outer periphery of the center reel 22 and the golden gate trigger symbol existing
on the outer periphery of the right reel 22 are stopped on the pay line L or the direction-map
symbol existing on the outer periphery of the left reel 22, the lake-map symbol existing
on the outer periphery of the center reel 22 and the condor treasure trigger symbol
existing on the outer periphery of the right reel 22 are stopped on the pay line L,
the bonus game such as the golden gate bonus or the condor treasure bonus can be obtained.
And the control concerning with the game thereafter is, for example, done by executing
the program shown in the flowchart of Fig. 23. Here, the flowchart shown in Fig. 23
will be explained.
[0050] In the flowchart of Fig. 23, when the direction-map symbol existing on the outer
periphery of the left reel 22, the lake-map symbol existing on the outer periphery
of the center reel 22 and the golden gate trigger symbol existing on the outer periphery
of the right reel 22 are stopped on the pay line L or the direction-map symbol existing
on the outer periphery of the left reel 22, the lake-map symbol existing on the outer
periphery of the center reel 22 and the condor treasure trigger symbol existing on
the outer periphery of the right reel 22 are stopped on the pay line L, one of steps
(abbreviated as "S" hereinafter) 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D is executed. In the flowchart
of Fig. 23, although the condition that which one of steps 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D is
executed is not described, for example, in a case that the direction-map symbol existing
on the outer periphery of the left reel 22, the lake-map symbol existing on the outer
periphery of the center reel 22 and the condor treasure trigger symbol existing on
the outer periphery of the right reel 22 are stopped on the pay line L, the procedure
shifts to S10A and the effect 1 before the bonus game is displayed on the lower liquid
crystal display 4 through the liquid crystal drive circuit 75. And in a case that
the direction-map symbol existing on the outer periphery of the left reel 22, the
lake-map symbol existing on the outer periphery of the center reel 22 and the golden
gate trigger symbol existing on the outer periphery of the right reel 22 are stopped
on the pay line L, the procedure shifts to one of S10B, 10C and 10D by selecting through
the random lottery using the random number. Here, if the procedure shifts to S10B,
the effect 2 before the bonus game is displayed on the lower liquid crystal display
4 through the liquid crystal drive circuit 75 and if the procedure shifts to S10C,
the effect 3 before the bonus game is displayed on the lower crystal display 4 through
the liquid crystal drive circuit 75 and if the procedure shifts to S10D, the effect
4 before the bonus game is displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4 through
the liquid crystal drive circuit 75.
[0051] Thereafter, the procedure shifts to S11 and the bonus game executed thereafter is
determined according to the game result in the slot game. Here, as the result in the
slot game, if the direction-map symbol existing on the outer periphery of the left
reel 22, the lake-map symbol existing on the outer periphery of the center reel 22
and the golden gate trigger symbol existing on the outer periphery of the right reel
22 are stopped on the pay line L, that is, if the procedure shifts to one of S10B,
10C and 10D, the route A is selected in S11 and the bonus game with the medium payout
is executed in S12. And in S13, it is determined whether the continuation condition
is realized or not in the bonus game with the medium payout. If it is determined that
the continuation condition is realized in the bonus game with the medium payout (S13:
YES), the procedure shifts to S15. In the S15, the bonus game with the high payout
is done instead of the bonus game with the medium payout. Thereafter, the procedure
shifts to S16 and the bonus game with the high payout is finished. And if it is determined
that the continuation condition is not realized (S13: NO), the procedure shifts to
S14 without executing the bonus game with the high payout and the bonus game with
the medium payout is finished.
[0052] On the other hand, in S11 mentioned above, as the game result in the slot game, if
the direction-map symbol existing on the outer periphery of the left reel 22, the
lake-map symbol existing on the outer periphery of the center reel 22 and the condor
treasure trigger symbol existing on the outer periphery of the right reel 22 are stopped
on the pay line L, that is, if the procedure shifts to S10A, the route B is selected
in S11 and the bonus game with the high payout is executed in S15 without executing
the bonus game with medium payout, thereafter the procedure shifts to S16 and the
bonus game with the high payout is finished in S16.
[0053] Here, the bonus game with the high payout means the bonus game in which the player
can obtain more coins in comparison with the bonus game with the medium payout.
[0054] Next, the bonus game with the high payout and the bonus game with the medium payout
will be described with reference to the examples, including each of the effects 1
∼ 4 before the bonus game.
[0055] At first, if the direction-map symbol existing on the outer periphery of the left
reel 22, the lake-map symbol existing on the outer periphery of the center reel 22
and the condor treasure trigger symbol existing on the outer periphery of the right
reel 22 are stopped on the pay line L (S10A), the effect (airplane version) shown
in Fig. 6 is displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4 as the effect 1 before
the bonus game. Here, in the effect (airplane version) shown in Fig. 6, a condor flies
toward a hero who is flying by an airplane and ruins in the sky are indicated in a
direction along which the condor is flying. And if the direction-map symbol existing
on the outer periphery of the left reel 22, the lake-map symbol existing on the outer
periphery of the center reel 22 and the golden gate trigger symbol existing on the
outer periphery of the right reel 22 are stopped on the pay line L and the procedure
shifts to S10B, the effect (canoe version) shown in Fig. 7 is displayed on the lower
liquid crystal display 4 as the effect 2 before the bonus game. Here, in the effect
(canoe version) shown in Fig. 7, the hero is riding on a canoe and an entrance of
the ruins is displayed in a direction along which the canoe is forwarding. And if
the direction-map symbol existing on the outer periphery of the left reel 22, the
lake-map symbol existing on the outer periphery of the center reel 22 and the golden
gate trigger symbol existing on the outer periphery of the right reel 22 are stopped
on the pay line L and the procedure shifts to S10C, the effect (tramcar version) shown
in Fig. 8 is displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4 as the effect 3 before
the bonus game. Here, in the effect (tramcar version) shown in Fig. 8, rocks existing
in a front direction of the hero who is riding on a tramcar are collapsing and an
entrance of the ruins is indicated in a forward direction of the rocks. And if the
direction-map symbol existing on the outer periphery of the left reel 22, the lake-map
symbol existing on the outer periphery of the center reel 22 and the golden gate trigger
symbol existing on the outer periphery of the right reel 22 are stopped on the pay
line L and the procedure shifts to S10D, the effect (ruins version) shown in Fig.
9 is displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4 as the effect 4 before the bonus
game. Here, in the effect (ruins version) shown in Fig. 9, the rocks existing in the
front direction of the hero who is moving in the ruins are collapsing and a hidden
path is indicated in a forward direction of the rocks.
[0056] And on the lower liquid crystal display 4, if one of the effect (canoe version) shown
in Fig. 7, the effect (tramcar version) shown in Fig. 8 and the effect (ruins version)
shown in Fig. 9 is displayed (S11: A), "the golden gate bonus" constructed from the
effects shown in Figs. 10 - 14 is executed.
[0057] In the "golden gate bonus", at first, the effect indicated on the upper side in Fig.
10 is displayed on the upper liquid crystal display 3 through the liquid crystal drive
circuit 74, and at the same time, the effect indicated on the lower side of Fig. 10
is displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4 through the liquid crystal drive
circuit 75. Here, in the effect indicated in the upper side of Fig. 10, the hero discovers
several golden statues in the ruins. And in the effect indicated in the lower side
of Fig. 10, the words "golden gate bonus" are displayed. Thereby, it is suggested
to the player that the "golden gate bonus" is started.
[0058] Next, in the "golden gate bonus", the effect indicated in the upper side of Fig.
11 is displayed on the upper liquid crystal display 3 through the liquid crystal drive
circuit 74 and at the same time, the effect indicated in the lower side of Fig. 11
is displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4 through the liquid crystal drive
circuit 75. Here, in the effect indicated in the upper side of Fig. 11, the hero grasps
one of the golden statues. And in the effect indicated in the lower side of Fig. 11,
a lithograph map of the ruins is indicated. At that time, several exits toward which
the hero should move are shown on the lithograph map and the player selects one of
the exit toward which the hero should move through the touch panel 30 arranged on
the lower liquid crystal display 4.
[0059] Next, in the "golden gate bonus", the effect indicated in the upper side of Fig.
12 is displayed on the upper liquid crystal display 3 through the liquid crystal drive
circuit 74 and at the same time, the effect indicated in the lower side of Fig. 12
is displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4 through the liquid crystal drive
circuit 75. Here, in the effect indicated in the upper side of Fig. 12, the hero runs
toward the exit selected by the player and a stone door of the path is shut every
the hero exceeds the stone door. And the player can get coins according to the payout
number, which is indicated in the upper position of the hero and increased every the
hero exceeds the stone door. Instead of the payout number, a magnification or a key
of condor sanctuary may be displayed and the player may get them. Thereby, the player
can have empathy against the hero who is running through the path while exceeding
the stone doors which are going to shut, and can have expectation for the payout number
or the magnification to get the key of the condor sanctuary. Further, in the effect
indicated in the lower side of Fig. 12, there are displayed on the lithograph map
of the ruins the locus along which the hero runs and the history of the payout number
obtained by the player, the magnification and the key of the condor sanctuary.
[0060] Next, in the "golden gate bonus", if the player gets the key of the condor sanctuary
at that time (S13: YES), the effect indicated in the upper side of Fig. 13 is displayed
on the upper liquid crystal display 3 through the liquid crystal drive circuit 74
and at the same time, the effect indicated in the lower side of Fig. 13 is displayed
on the lower liquid crystal display 4 through the liquid crystal drive circuit 75.
Here, in the effect indicated in the upper side of Fig. 13, the hero moves toward
the golden gate. Thereby, it is suggested to the player that the bonus game shifts
to the bonus game with the high payout. And in the effect indicated in the lower side
of Fig. 13, the courses toward the exit which is not selected by the player is indicated
on the lithograph map of the ruins and the payout numbers corresponding to the courses
are indicated.
[0061] On the other hand, in the "golden gate bonus", if the player does not get the key
of the condor sanctuary at that time (S13: NO), the effect indicated in the upper
side of Fig. 14 is displayed on the upper liquid crystal display 3 through the liquid
crystal drive circuit 74 and at the same time, the effect indicated in the lower side
of Fig. 13 is displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4 through the liquid crystal
drive circuit 75. Here, in the effect indicated in the upper side of Fig. 14, the
hero moves toward the door which is opened. Thereby, it is suggested to the player
that the "golden gate bonus" is finished. And in the effect indicated in the lower
side of Fig. 14, the courses toward the exit which is not selected by the player is
indicated on the lithograph map of the ruins and the payout numbers corresponding
to the courses are indicated.
[0062] As mentioned above, in the "golden gate bonus", the player obtains the payout number
or the magnification, the key of the condor sanctuary. At this point, the payout number
or the magnification is set to about one ∼ two figures, therefore the player can get
no more than about 100 coins at best.
[0063] And on the lower liquid crystal display 4, if the effect (airplane version) shown
in Fig. 6 is displayed (S11: B), "the condor treasure bonus" constructed from the
effects shown in Figs. 15 - 22 is executed, as the bonus game with the high payout.
Here, in the above mentioned "golden gate bonus", if the player obtains the key of
the condor sanctuary (S13: YES), the "condor treasure bonus" is executed.
[0064] In the "condor treasure bonus", at first, the effect indicated on the upper side
in Fig. 15 is displayed on the upper liquid crystal display 3 through the liquid crystal
drive circuit 74, and at the same time, the effect indicated on the lower side of
Fig. 15 is displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4 through the liquid crystal
drive circuit 75. Here, in the effect indicated in the upper side of Fig. 15, the
hero tries to take an emerald glittering in the eye of the condor of the ruins in
the condor sanctuary. And in the effect indicated in the lower side of Fig. 15, the
words "condor treasure bonus" are displayed. Thereby, it is suggested to the player
that the "condor treasure bonus" is started.
[0065] Next, in the "condor treasure bonus", the effect indicated on the upper side in Fig.
16 is displayed on the upper liquid crystal display 3 through the liquid crystal drive
circuit 74, and at the same time, the effect indicated on the lower side of Fig. 16
is displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4 through the liquid crystal drive
circuit 75. Here, in the effect indicated in the upper side of Fig. 15, the hero falls
down due to that the floor of the condor sanctuary falls out. And in the effect indicated
in the lower side of Fig. 16, the words "condor treasure bonus" are continuously displayed.
[0066] Next, in the "condor treasure bonus", the effect indicated on the upper side in Fig.
17 is displayed on the upper liquid crystal display 3 through the liquid crystal drive
circuit 74, and at the same time, the effect indicated on the lower side of Fig. 17
is displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4 through the liquid crystal drive
circuit 75. Here, in the effect indicated in the upper side of Fig. 17, the hero is
falling in the space like a well. And in the effect indicated in the lower side of
Fig. 17, a plurality of treasures are displayed at the bottom of the well. At that
time, when the player selects one of the treasures through the touch panel 30 arranged
on the lower liquid crystal display 4, the payout number obtained by the player is
displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4.
[0067] Next, in the "condor treasure bonus", the effect indicated on the upper side in Fig.
18 is displayed on the upper liquid crystal display 3 through the liquid crystal drive
circuit 74, and at the same time, the effect indicated on the lower side of Fig. 18
is displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4 through the liquid crystal drive
circuit 75. Here, in the effect indicated in the upper side of Fig. 18, the hero climbs
up the wall of the well by using the rope. At that time, during climbing by the rope,
the hero sometimes breaks the wall of the well and a value jumping from the broken
wall is added to the payout number. And the magnification magnified to the payout
number increases according to the extent that the hero climbs the wall by the rope.
And the magnification at present is always shown by the meter arranged at the right
side of the upper liquid crystal display 3. Further, in the effect indicated in the
lower side of Fig. 18, the payout number obtained at present by the player is shown.
[0068] Next, in the "condor treasure bonus", the effect indicated on the upper side in Fig.
19 is displayed on the upper liquid crystal display 3 through the liquid crystal drive
circuit 74, and at the same time, the effect indicated on the lower side of Fig. 19
is displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4 through the liquid crystal drive
circuit 75. Here, in the effect indicated in the upper side of Fig. 19, the hero continuously
climbs up the wall of the well by using the rope. At that time, during climbing by
the rope, the hero sometimes breaks the wall of the well and the treasure comes out
from the broken wall. If the most valuable treasure appears from the broken wall,
the hero falls down and the rule for the player to climb up the wall is understandably
shown in the effect. And in the effect indicated in the lower side of Fig. 19, the
treasures which come out from the broken wall are displayed. At that time, the player
selects one among plural treasures through the touch panel 30 arranged on the lower
liquid crystal display 4 and the payout number is obtained according to selection
by the player, thereafter the obtained value is added to the payout number which the
player already obtains.
[0069] Next, in the "condor treasure bonus", the effect indicated on the upper side in Fig.
20 is displayed on the upper liquid crystal display 3 through the liquid crystal drive
circuit 74, and at the same time, the effect indicated on the lower side of Fig. 20
is displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4 through the liquid crystal drive
circuit 75. Here, in the effect indicated in the upper side of Fig. 20, the magnification
magnified to the payout number is shown by a numeral according to the extent that
the hero climbs up the wall by the rope. And in the effect indicated in the lower
side of Fig. 20, the payout number obtained at present by the player is displayed.
[0070] Next, in the "condor treasure bonus", the effect indicated on the upper side in Fig.
21 is displayed on the upper liquid crystal display 3 through the liquid crystal drive
circuit 74, and at the same time, the effect indicated on the lower side of Fig. 21
is displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4 through the liquid crystal drive
circuit 75. Or the effect indicated in the upper side of Fig. 22 is displayed on the
upper liquid crystal display 3 through the liquid crystal drive circuit 74 and at
the same time, the effect indicated in the lower side of Fig. 22 is displayed on the
lower liquid crystal display 4 through the liquid crystal drive circuit 75.
[0071] Here, in the effect indicated in the upper side of Fig. 21, the hero completely climbs
up the wall of the well and reaches to the condor sanctuary, thereafter the hero who
takes the emerald glittering in the eye of the condor in the ruins is displayed. At
that time, the player gets the magnification of 100 times and "100X" is displayed
on the upper liquid crystal display 3, thereby the player can know such fact. And
in the effect indicated in the lower side of Fig. 21, the payout number obtained by
the player in the "condor treasure bonus" is displayed. At that time, on the lower
liquid crystal display 4, it is displayed an equation in which the magnification of
100 times is magnified to the payout number obtained at present by the player, thereby
it is suggested to the player that the "condor treasure bonus" is finished.
[0072] Further, in the effect indicated in the upper side of Fig. 22, it is displayed the
exit appearing from the broken wall by the hero. And in the effect indicated in the
lower side of Fig. 22, the payout number obtained by the player in the "condor treasure
bonus" is displayed. At that time, on the lower liquid crystal display 4, it is displayed
the equation in which the magnification of 20 times obtained at present by the player
is magnified to the payout number obtained at present by the player. Thereby, it is
suggested to the player that the "condor treasure bonus" is finished.
[0073] As mentioned above, in the "condor treasure bonus", the player can get many coins
according to the payout. At this point, the payout number or the magnification becomes
about one - three figures, therefore the player can get more than 1, 000 coins in
many cases.
[0074] As mentioned above in detail, in the slot machine 1, the slot game is done and if
the direction-map symbol existing on the outer periphery of the left reel 22, the
lake-map symbol existing on the outer periphery of the center reel 22 and the golden
gate trigger symbol existing on the outer periphery of the right reel 22 are stopped
on the pay line L or the direction-map symbol existing on the outer periphery of the
left reel 22, the lake-map symbol existing on the outer periphery of the center reel
22 and the condor treasure trigger symbol existing on the outer periphery of the right
reel 22 are stopped on the pay line L, one of the effects before the bonus game shown
in Figs. 6 ∼ 9 is displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4 (S10A, S10B, S10C,
S10D). At that time, in a case that the direction-map symbol existing on the outer
periphery of the left reel 22, the lake-map symbol existing on the outer periphery
of the center reel 22 and the golden gate trigger symbol existing on the outer periphery
of the right reel 22 are stopped on the pay line L, the "golden gate bonus" is executed
(S11: A). And in the "golden gate bonus", if the key of the condor sanctuary cannot
be obtained (S13: NO), the "golden gate bonus" is finished (S14). On the contrary,
if the key of the condor sanctuary can be obtained (S13: YES) , the "golden gate bonus"
shifts to the "condor treasure bonus" (S15), thereafter the "condor treasure bonus"
is finished (S16). And on the other hand, in a case that the direction-map symbol
existing on the outer periphery of the left reel 22, the lake-map symbol existing
on the outer periphery of the center reel 22 and the condor treasure trigger symbol
existing on the outer periphery of the right reel 22 are stopped on the pay line L,
the "condor treasure bonus" is executed without executing the "golden gate bonus".
[0075] Therefore, after the slot game, according to that the direction-map symbol existing
on the outer periphery of the left reel 22, the lake-map symbol existing on the outer
periphery of the center reel 22 and the golden gate trigger symbol existing on the
outer periphery of the right reel 22 are stopped on the pay line L or the direction-map
symbol existing on the outer periphery of the left reel 22, the lake-map symbol existing
on the outer periphery of the center reel 22 and the condor treasure trigger symbol
existing on the outer periphery of the right reel 22 are stopped on the pay line L,
the "golden gate bonus" is executed directly from the slot game (S11: A) or the "condor
treasure bonus" is executed directly from the slot game (S11: B). At this point, as
for the "condor treasure bonus", the "condor treasure bonus" is executed with low
probability under condition that the key of the condor sanctuary is obtained if the
"condor treasure bonus" is executed after execution of the "golden gate bonus" (S13:
YES). Taking this point into consideration, based on that there is a chance that the
"condor treasure bonus" is executed directly from the slot game (S14), it can be increased
chances for the player to experience the "condor treasure bonus". In particular, since
the "condor treasure bonus" is very elaborated and coin number which the player can
get becomes more than that of the "golden gate bonus", in comparison with the "golden
gate bonus", concern of the player becomes high. Therefore, according to that chances
for the player to experience the "condor treasure bonus" are increased, interest of
the player for games can be raised.
[0076] The present invention is not limited to the embodiment and various modifications
can be done within the scope of the present invention
[0077] For example, in the above mentioned slot machine 1, although two kinds of the bonus
games such as the "golden gate bonus" and the "condor treasure bonus" are executed
as plural second games, the present invention can be applied to a case that three
second games are executed. In this case, for convenience of explanation, supposed
that three second games are called as the second game A, the second game B and the
second game C, respectively, the second game A can be executed directly from the first
game under a first predetermined condition, the second game B can be executed under
a second predetermined condition after the second game A is executed and the second
game C can be executed under the first and second conditions after both the second
game A and the second game B are executed. Thus, although the second game B or the
second game C is executed with low probability, it can be given to the player many
chances to experience the second game A based on that the second game is executed
directly from the first game according to the game result of the first game.
[0078] Here, the above point can be similarly applied to a case that more than four second
games are executed.