US20060258431A1

US20060258431A1 - Gaming machine

Info

Publication number: US20060258431A1
Application number: US11/415,088
Authority: US
Inventors: Masatsugu Kobayashi
Original assignee: Aruze Corp
Current assignee: Universal Entertainment Corp
Priority date: 2005-05-10
Filing date: 2006-05-02
Publication date: 2006-11-16
Also published as: AU2006201903A1

Abstract

A gaming machine according to an aspect of the invention is a gaming machine which shifts to a free game to perform a plurality of free spins when a predetermined condition is met during a base game, has a variable display device that performs variable display of a plurality of symbols, and a controller that controls the variable display in the variable display device, where the controller shifts to a free game to perform a plurality of free spins when a predetermined condition is met during a base game, collectively executes lotteries performed corresponding to the number of free spins during the free game, and controls the variable display in the variable display device corresponding to a result of the collective lotteries.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine and the like, and more specifically, to a gaming machine that executes a free game to perform a predetermined number of free spins.
Conventionally, a gaming machine referred to as a slot machine is provided with a plurality of reels installed rotatably inside a casing where a plurality of types of symbols is drawn on the outer circumference surface of each of the reels. There is known a gaming machine that shifts to a free game to perform a predetermined number of (for example, ten) free spins when a specific symbol is stopped on a pay line on the reel. Herein, the free spin is the operation such that the reels automatically rotate without newly inserting a coin or the like, while stopping after a lapse of predetermined time, and corresponding to a stopped symbol combination, coins or the like are paid out.
In such a free game, whether or not to display a winning combination comprised of a predetermined symbol combination on a pay line during the free spins is determined corresponding to a result of a lottery performed for each free spin (for example, see JP 2005-34301). Further, the content of representation performed in the gaming machine during the free game is also determined corresponding to a result of the lottery.
However, in the conventional gaming machine, the winning combination occurs randomly corresponding to a result of a lottery performed for each free spin, resulting in a problem that it is difficult to sufficiently raise player's interest in the game during the free game.
Further, the content of representation performed in the gaming machine is also determined corresponding to a result of a lottery performed for each free spin. Therefore, in terms of the content of representation of the entire free game, it is difficult to provide the content of representation with continuity and/or association. As a result, such a problem arises that it is not possible to encourage a player to be interested in the content of representation, nor to raise an interest of the player in the game during the free game.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of thoroughly raising player's interest in the game during a free game.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect of the invention, provided is a gaming machine which shifts to a free game to perform a plurality of free spins when a predetermined condition is met during a base game, and has a variable display device that performs variable display of a plurality of symbols, and a controller that controls the variable display in the variable display device, where the controller shifts to a free game to perform a plurality of free spins when a predetermined condition is met during a base game, collectively executes lotteries performed corresponding to the number of free spins during the free game, and controls the variable display in the variable display device corresponding to a result of the collective lotteries.
Further, in a second aspect of the invention, provided is a gaming machine which shifts to a free game to perform a plurality of free spins when a predetermined condition is met during a base game, and has a variable display device that performs variable display of a plurality of symbols, a display device that displays the content of representation corresponding to a status of a game, and a controller that controls the variable display in the variable display device and the content of representation in the display device, where the controller shifts to a free game to perform a plurality of free spins when a predetermined condition is met during the game, collectively executes lotteries performed corresponding to the number of free spins during the free game, and selects the content of representation having continuous content in response to the plurality of free spins corresponding to a result of the collective lotteries.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects and features of the invention will appear more fully hereinafter from a consideration of the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing wherein one example is illustrated by way of example, in which;
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external construction of a slot machine as a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of symbol series variably displayed in variable display portions of the slot machine according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a control system of the slot machine according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a liquid crystal driving circuit of a lower liquid crystal display of the slot machine according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of main processing of the slot machine according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of start accepting processing of the slot machine according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of lottery processing of the slot machine according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of base game processing of the slot machine according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of bonus game processing of the slot machine according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of collective lottery processing of the slot machine according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of free spin processing of the slot machine according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of main processing of a slot machine according to a second embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of bonus game processing of the slot machine according to the second embodiment;
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of collective lottery processing of the slot machine according to the second embodiment;
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of bonus game processing of a slot machine according to a third embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of collective lottery processing of the slot machine according to the third embodiment;
FIG. 17 is a view showing an example of a representation table in the slot machine according to the third embodiment;
FIG. 18 is a view showing an example of the content of representation performed in a free game in the slot machine according to the third embodiment;
FIG. 19 is another view showing the example of the content of representation performed in the free game in the slot machine according to the third embodiment;
FIG. 20 is another view showing the example of the content of representation performed in the free game in the slot machine according to the third embodiment;
FIG. 21 is another view showing the example of the content of representation performed in the free game in the slot machine according to the third embodiment;
FIG. 22 is another view showing the example of the content of representation performed in the free game in the slot machine according to the third embodiment; and
FIG. 23 is still another view showing the example of the content of representation performed in the free game in the slot machine according to the third embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A gaming machine according to the present invention will specifically be described below based on embodiments of slot machines embodying the invention with reference to accompanying drawings.

Embodiment 1

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external construction of a slot machine. In FIG. 1, the slot machine 1 has a cabinet 2 forming the entire structure, and a lamp 20 is provided on the top of the cabinet 2. An upper liquid crystal display 3 is provided in a front upper portion of the cabinet 2, and a lower liquid crystal display 4 is provided in a front center portion of the cabinet 2.
The upper liquid crystal display 3 is comprised of a generally used liquid crystal display, and displays information on a game such as a way to play the game, kinds of winning combinations and their prizes, various pieces of content of representation associated with the game and the like. The lower liquid crystal display 4 is comprised of the co-called transparent liquid crystal display, and as shown in FIG. 1, displays four variable display portions, 22, 23, 24 and 25. In this embodiment, a pay line L is provided on the four variable display portions, 22 to 25. In each of the variable display portions 22 to 25, various symbols formed on a reel described later are scrolled downward while being changed and displayed.
An operation table 5 protruding forward is provided under the lower liquid crystal display 4. Disposed in the operation table 5 are, from the leftmost side, a CHANGE button 6, CASHOUT button 7 and HELP button 8. To the right of the HELP button 8 are provided a coin inserting slot 9 and a bill inserting slot 10. Further, on the front side of the operation table 5 are disposed, from the leftmost side, a 1-BET button 11, SPIN (spin/repeat bet) button 12, 3-BET button 13 and 5-BET button 14.
The CHANGE button 6 is a button to turn on the lamp 20. The CASHOUT button 7 is a button to press when a base game is finished. When the CASHOUT button 7 is pressed, coins as game media acquired by the game are paid back to a coin tray 16 from a coin paying outlet 15. The HELP button 8 is a button to press when the operation method of the game is unknown or the like. When the HELP button 8 is pressed, various help information is displayed in the upper liquid crystal display 3 and lower liquid crystal display 4.
A coin sensor 65 is disposed in the coin inserting slot 9, and detects an inserted coin. A bill sensor 66 is disposed in the bill inserting slot 10 and detects an inserted bill. The 1-BET button 11 is a button to impose one bet whenever being pressed. The spin button 12 is a button to start variable display of symbols in each of the variable display portions 22 to 25 in the lower liquid crystal display 4 so as to start the game with the current number of bets or the last number of bets when pressed. In addition, allowable numbers of bets to impose by pressing the spin button 12 are assumed “1”, “2”, “3”, “4” and “5”.
The 3-BET button 13 is a button to start the game with three bets when pressed. The 5-BET button 14 is a button to start the game with five bets when pressed. Under the cabinet 2 are formed the coin paying outlet 15 and the coin tray 16 that receives a coin paid out of the coin paying outlet 15.
Four reels as variable display devices are provided at positions facing four variable display portions, 22 to 25, formed in the lower liquid crystal display 4. Among four reels as viewed from the front side of the slot machine 1, the leftmost reel is opposite to the variable display portion 22 formed in the lower liquid crystal display 4, the second left reel is similarly opposite to the variable display portion 23, the second right reel is similarly opposite to the variable display portion 24, and the rightmost reel is similarly opposite to the variable display portion 25.
On the outer circumference surface of each of the reels are formed various symbols, as shown in FIG. 2, used in the base game. FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of symbols that are formed on outer circumference surfaces of respective reels and that are displayed while being scrolled in respective transparent variable display portions 22 to 25 in the lower liquid crystal display 4 during a base game.
In FIG. 2, a symbol series 141 is a symbol series variably displayed in the variable display portion 22, a symbol series 142 is a symbol series variably displayed in the variable display portion 23, a symbol series 143 is a symbol series variably displayed in the variable display portion 24, and a symbol series 144 is a symbol series variably displayed in the variable display portion 25.
Symbol series 141, 142 and 143 have the same arrangement of symbols. Each of the symbol series is comprised of 11 symbols obtained by appropriately combining a triple BAR 91, cherry 92, double BAR 93, seven 94, single BAR 95 and blank (region with no symbol) 96.
The symbol series 144 differs from the symbol series 141, 142 and 143 in that a trigger symbol 97 is added to the symbols contained in the lines 141 to 143 and arranged. The trigger symbol 97 is a symbol to shift to a bonus game as described later. When the trigger symbol 97 is stopped and displayed on the pay line L in the variable display portion 25, it is possible to shift to a bonus game.
In forming various symbols on the circumference surface of each of the reels, it is general printing eleven symbols on a reel sheet with a long length matching the width and circumference length of each reel, and bonding the reel sheet to the circumference surface of each reel. However, it is naturally possible to form the symbols by methods other than the above-mentioned method.
In addition, when the symbol series 141 to 144 scrolled in the variable display portions 22 to 25 are stopped and displayed, four symbols are stopped and displayed in the variable display portions 22 to 25, respectively. Further, various winning combinations are beforehand set based on a plurality of kinds of combinations of symbols, and when a combination of symbols in accordance with a winning combination is stopped on the pay line L, coins are paid out of the coin paying outlet 15 corresponding to the winning combination, as in conventional slot machines. Therefore, descriptions thereof are omitted herein.
A configuration according to a control system of the slot machine 1 will be described below with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the control system of the slot machine.
In FIG. 3, the control system of the slot machine 1 is basically comprised of a micro computer 100 having a CPU 50 that functions as a controller, ROM 51 and RAM 52, as a core. The CPU 50 is connected to the ROM 51 and RAM 52. The ROM 51 stores various programs, data tables and the like to perform processing, such as main processing, start accepting processing, lottery processing, base game processing, bonus game processing and the like, required to control the slot machine 1. The RAM 52 is memory to temporarily store various data computed in the CPU 50.
In addition, in this embodiment, programs, data and the like used in controlling the slot machine 1 is not limited to the case that the programs, data and the like is beforehand stored in the ROM 51 and RAM 52, and is capable of being stored in modified manners as appropriate. For example, such programs, data and the like may be stored in a storage medium such as compact flash (Trademark), and downloaded from the storage medium to the ROM 51 or the like.
The CPU 50 is connected to a clock pulse generating circuit 53 and frequency divider 54 which generate a reference clock pulse, and a random number generator 55 and random number sampling circuit 56 which generate a random numbers. The random numbers sampled through the random number sampling circuit 56 are used for various lotteries for the winning combination and the like. Further, the CPU 50 is connected to a spin switch 58 provided in the spin button 12, 1-BET switch 59 provided in the 1-BET button 11, 3-BET switch 60 provided in the 3-BET button 13, 5-BET switch 61 provided in the 5-BET button 14, CHANGE switch 62 provided in the CHANGE button 6, CASHOUT switch 63 provided in the CASHOUT button 7, and HELP switch 64 provided in the HELP button 8. Based on a switch signal output from each switch by pressing the button, the CPU 50 performs control to execute various operation associated with each button.
The CPU 50 is connected to four stepping motors 68 that rotate respective reels 220 via a motor driving circuit 167. When the CPU 50 outputs a motor driving signal to the motor driving circuit 167, each stepping motor 68 is driven by the motor driving circuit 167. Each reel 220 is thereby rotated. In this case, after each reel 220 starts rotating, the number of driving pulses to supply to each of the stepping motor 68 is calculated, and the calculation value is written in a predetermined area of the RAM 52. Further, each reel 220 outputs a reset pulse to the CPU 50 every rotation. When the reset pulse is thus input to the CPU 50, the calculation value written in the RAM 52 is cleared to “0”. Then, the CPU 50 recognizes rotational positions of symbols in each reel 220, based on the calculation value associated with the rotational position within a single rotation of each reel 220, and a symbol table that associates the rotation position of each reel 220 with the symbols formed on the circumference surface of each reel 220. In addition, the symbol table is stored in the ROM 51.
The CPU 50 is connected to a change-in-position detecting circuit 69. The change-in-position detecting circuit 69 detects a change in stop position of the reel 220 controlled to be stopped by the motor driving circuit 167. For example, when a player forcefully changes a stop position to obtain a combination of symbols in accordance with a winning combination but actually the combination of symbols is not the winning combination, the change-in-position detecting circuit 69 detects a change in stop position of the reel 220. For example, the change-in-position detecting circuit 69 is configured to detect fins attached at predetermined intervals to an inner portion of the reel 220, and thereby enable detection of a change in the stop position of the reel 220.
The CPU 50 is connected to the coin sensor 65 disposed in the coin inserting slot 9 and bill sensor 66 disposed in the bill inserting slot 10. The coin sensor 65 detects a coin inserted from the coin inserting slot 9. The CPU 50 calculates the number of coins based on a coin detection signal output from the coin sensor 65. The bill sensor 66 detects a type and amount of the bill inserted from the bill inserting slot 10. The CPU 50 calculates the number of coins equivalent to the amount of the bill based on a bill detection signal output from the bill sensor 66.
The CPU 50 is connected to a hopper 71 via a hopper driving circuit 70. When the CPU 50 outputs a driving signal to the hopper driving circuit 70, the hopper 71 delivers a predetermined number of coins from the coin paying outlet 15. The CPU 50 is further connected to a coin detecting portion 73 via a paying-out completion signal circuit 72. The coin detecting portion 73 is disposed inside the coin paying outlet 15. When detecting that a predetermined number of coins are paid from the coin paying outlet 15, the coin detecting portion 73 outputs a coin paying-out detection signal to the paying-out completion signal circuit 72, and based on the signal, paying-out completion signal circuit 72 outputs a paying-out completion signal to the CPU 50.
The CPU 50 is connected to the upper liquid crystal display 3 and lower liquid crystal display 4 via a liquid crystal driving circuit 74, and controls the upper liquid crystal display 3 and lower liquid crystal display 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the liquid crystal driving circuit 74 is comprised of program ROM 81, image ROM 82, image control CPU 83, work RAM 84, VDP (Video Display Processor) 85, video RAM 86 and the like.
In FIG. 4, the program ROM 81 stores image control programs and various selection tables for display in the upper liquid crystal display 3 and lower liquid crystal display 4. For example, the image ROM 82 stores dot data and the like to form images on the upper liquid crystal display 3 and lower liquid crystal display 4. Based on the parameter set by the CPU 50, the image control CPU 83 determines images to display in the upper liquid crystal display 3 and lower liquid crystal display 4 from among the dot data stored in the image ROM 82, according to the image control program beforehand stored in the program ROM 81. The work RAM 84 is configured as temporary storage means when the image control CPU 83 executes the image control program. The VDP 85 generates image data corresponding to the content of display determined in the image control CPU 83 to output to the upper liquid crystal display 3 and lower liquid crystal display 4. In addition, the video RAM 86 is configured as temporary storage means when the VDP 85 forms an image.
As shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 50 is connected to LEDs 78 via a LED driving circuit 77. A plurality of LEDs 78 in arranged on the front of the slot machine 1. In performing various kinds of representation, the LED driving circuit 77 controls lighting of the LEDs based on a driving signal from the CPU 50. Further, the CPU 50 is connected to a sound output circuit 79 and speaker 80. Based on an output signal from the sound output circuit 79, the speaker 80 generates various sound effects in performing various kinds of representation.
The CPU 50 is connected to the lamp 20 via a lamp driving circuit 75. The lamp 20 is disposed on the top of the slot machine 1 (see FIG. 1). When the CHANGE button 6 is pressed, the lamp 20 is controlled to be ON by the lamp driving circuit 75 based on a driving signal from the CPU 50.
The CPU 50 is connected to a transparent touch panel 30 via a touch panel driving circuit 67. The transparent touch panel 30 is mounted on a screen of the lower liquid crystal display 4, and outputs coordinate position information of a portion touched by a player through the touch panel driving circuit 67. The CPU 50 is capable of determining a portion that the player touches corresponding to the coordinate position information.
Described next is an example of the operation of the slot machine 1 with the above-mentioned configuration.
An example of main processing performed in the slot machine 1 will be described first based on FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an example of the main processing. When starting the main processing, the slot machine 1 (more specifically, the CPU 50) first executes start accepting processing (step (hereinafter, referred to as “S”) 11). The processing is to receive a switch signal output from the spin switch 58, 1-BET switch 59, 3-BET switch 60 or 5-BET switch 61 based on the operation of the spin button 12, 1-BET button 11, 3-BET button 13 or 5-BET button 14. At the time of receiving the switch signal output from either switch, the game is started.
The start accepting processing performed in the slot machine 1 will be described below based on FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example of the start accepting processing. In S11 of the main processing as shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 50 first judges whether or not predetermined time (for example, 15 seconds) has elapsed (S21). When judging that the predetermined time has not elapsed (S21, No), the CPU 50 proceeds to S23 without performing any processing. Meanwhile, when judging that the predetermined time has elapsed (S21, Yes), the CPU 50 performs processing for demonstrating representation in the upper liquid crystal display 3 and lower liquid crystal display 4 in S22, and then proceeds to S23. In addition, the processing for demonstrating representation is performed according to a representation pattern beforehand determined.
In S23, the CPU 50 judges whether the spin button 12, 1-BET button 11, 3-BET button 13 or 5-BET button 14 is operated. When judging that any of buttons 11 to 14 is not operated (S23, No), the CPU 50 returns to S21, and repeats the above-mentioned processing. Meanwhile, when judging that either of buttons 11 to 14 is operated (S23, Yes), the CPU 50 returns to the main processing as shown in FIG. 5 even during the processing for demonstrating representation.
Lottery processing (S12) performed in the slot machine 1 will be described below based on FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an example of the lottery processing. In S12 of the main processing as shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 50 first performs random-number sampling processing (S31) The random-number sampling processing is processing for the CPU 50 to sample a random number through the random number sampling circuit 56.
Subsequent to the random-number sampling processing (S31), the CPU 50 executes processing (hereinafter, referred to as “combination determining processing”) for determining a combination (S32). The combination determining processing is processing for determining a combination corresponding to an sampled random number by comparing the random number sampled in S31 and the lottery table describing the correspondence relationship between the random number and combination (including a winning combination and losing combination). For example, the lottery table describes that random numbers “1” to “10” correspond to a winning combination of “bonus game”, random numbers “11” to “40” correspond to a winning combination of “all sevens”, . . . , and that random numbers “341” to “1024” correspond to a losing combination. In addition, “all sevens” represents a case that all the symbols stopped on the pay line L are symbols of “7”.
Subsequent to the combination determining processing (S32), the CPU 50 executes processing (hereinafter, referred to as “stop symbol determining processing”) for determining symbols to stop (S33). The stop symbol determining processing is to determine a symbol stopped and displayed on the pay line L for each of the variable display portions 22 to 25 so as to establish a winning combination (a losing combination) determined in the combination determining processing. More specifically, the CPU 50 determines a code number of a symbol to stop and display for each of the reels 220 so that a combination of symbols in accordance with the determined winning combination is established on the pay line L. After finishing the stop symbol determining processing (S33), the CPU 50 returns to the main processing as shown in FIG. 5, and proceeds to base game processing in S13.
The base game processing (S13) performed in the slot machine 1 will be described below based on FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an example of the base game processing. In S13 of the main processing as shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 50 first executes rotation processing for starting rotation of four reels 220 inside the cabinet 2 (S41), based on the switch signal output from the spin switch 58, 1-BET switch 59, 3-BET switch 60 or 5-BET switch 61 received in the start accepting processing (S11). By the rotation processing, the symbols are scrolled in the variable display portions 22 to 25. At this point, since the variable display portions 22 to 25 are transparent, scrolling of the symbols can be viewed.
Next, the CPU 50 executes stop control processing for stopping rotation of four reels 220 inside the cabinet 2 so as to stop on the pay line L symbols determined in the lottery processing (S12), more specifically, in the stop symbol determining processing (S33) (S42). By the stop control processing, scrolling of the symbols is stopped in the variable display portions 22 to 25.
Next, the CPU 50 executes addition processing for temporarily adding, to paying-out scheduled coins, coins corresponding to a predetermined award (S43), according to the combination of symbols of the winning combination stopped in the variable display portions 22 to 25 by the stop control processing (S42). Information of the paying-out scheduled coin is assigned to a predetermined area of the RAM 52 to be stored. In the addition processing, addition of coins and the like is performed according to the winning combination determined in the combination determining processing (S32). In addition, after executing the addition processing, the CPU 50 returns to the main processing as shown in FIG. 5.
Referring again to FIG. 5, the main processing will be further described below. After executing the base game processing (S13), the CPU 50 determines whether or not a bonus game occurs (S14). The determination is made based on the symbol stopped on the pay line L in the stop control processing (S42) in the base game processing as shown in FIG. 8, or the random number or winning combination determined in the lottery processing (S12).
When determining that the bonus game is being held (S14, Yes), the CPU 50 executes bonus game processing (S15). In the bonus game processing (S15), the slot machine 1 executes a free game to perform a predetermined number of (assumed “10” in this embodiment) free spins. In other words, the bonus game corresponds to a free game to permit ten free spins in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment.
In performing the free spins, the same processing as in the base game is executed without a player inserting a coin or pressing the bet button, i.e. without a player consuming coins and/or stored credits. Accordingly, during the bonus game, a player receives payments of coin or credit without consuming a number of coins and/or credits, and therefore, the bonus game is significantly advantageous to the player in acquisition of coin and/or credit.
The slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment collectively performs the lottery processing, which has conventionally been performed for each free spin, at the beginning of the bonus game processing in performing the free spins. Then, when a result of the collective lottery includes a winning combination containing a specific symbol, the slot machine 1 controls the winning combination to be displayed in the last free spin. For example, when the result includes a winning combination containing a specific symbol that is a trigger to shift to another new free game during the free game, the machine 1 controls such a winning combination to be displayed in the last free spin. In this way, by maintaining player's expectations for shift to the new free game until the last free spin in the free game, it is intended to raise player's interest in the game during the free game.
In other words, in conventional gaming machines, whenever the free spin is performed, it is determined whether to display a winning combination comprised of a combination of symbols at the stop time using the random number or the like. Meanwhile, there is known a gaming machine where a new free game is continuously performed after finishing the current free game, when a specific symbol is stopped again on the pay line for a period during which a predetermined number of free spins are performed. However, in the conventional gaming machines, since a winning combination appears randomly, players are not capable of recognizing when a specific symbol causing an occurrence of a new free game is stopped on the pay line. Therefore, some player starts thinking of not moving to a new free game in the final phase of the free game. As a result, there is a problem that the player is not able to purely enjoy the real thrill of the free game. Therefore, in the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment, it is intended to raise player's interest in the free game by keeping player's expectations for moving to another new free game until the last free spin during a free game.
The bonus game processing performed in the slot machine 1 will be described below based on FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an example of the bonus game processing. In S15 of the main processing as shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 50 first performs collective lottery processing (S51). In the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment, the collective lottery processing is processing for collectively performing the lottery processing for all the predetermined number of free spins, and when a result of the collective lottery includes a winning combination (hereinafter, referred to as a “specific winning combination”) including a specific symbol, determining symbols so that the specific winning combination is displayed in the last free spin.
The collective lottery processing performed in the bonus game processing will be described below based on FIG. 10. As shown in FIG. 10, when the collective lottery processing is started, the CPU 50 first performs random-number sampling processing (S61), and subsequently, performs combination determining processing (S62). The random-number sampling processing and combination determining processing is the same as the processing performed in the lottery processing as described in FIG. 7, and specific descriptions thereof are omitted. Combinations determined by the combination determining processing are stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 52.
When the combination determining processing (S62) is finished, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the number of executions of the random-number sampling processing and combination determining processing reaches the predetermined number (ten in this embodiment) (S63). As a result of the determination, when the number of executions of the random-number sampling processing and combination determining processing does not reach the predetermined number (S63, No), the CPU 50 performs again the random-number sampling processing and combination determining processing (S61,S62).
Meanwhile, when such a number reaches the predetermined number (S63, Yes), the CPU 50 performs processing (hereinafter, referred to as “specific winning combination determining processing) for determining a specific winning combination (S64). The specific winning combination determining processing is processing for determining whether a processing result of the combination determining processing includes a specific winning combination. Particularly, in this embodiment, it is determined whether or not a winning combination including the trigger symbol 97 triggering a shift to a new free game is included as a specific winning combination.
In addition, described herein is the case of judging whether or not the number of executions of the random-number sampling processing and combination determining processing reaches the predetermined number in S63, and repeating the processing of S61 and S62 until the number of executions reaches the predetermined number. However, the number of times and the order in which the random-number sampling processing and combination determining processing is performed collectively are not limited to the foregoing, and can be modified as appropriate. For example, a predetermined number of random numbers may be collectively sampled to collectively perform the combination determining processing of the predetermined number of times. Further, a plurality of random numbers that does not reach the predetermined number may be sampled, while determining combinations corresponding to the random numbers.
Subsequent to the specific winning combination determining processing (S64), the CPU 50 performs stop symbol determining processing (S65). The stop symbol determining processing is to determine a symbol stopped and displayed on the pay line L for each of the variable display portions 22 to 25 so as to establish the specific winning combination in the last free spin when the specific winning combination is determined to exist by the specific winning combination determining processing. More specifically, the CPU 50 determines a code number of a symbol to be stopped for each of the reels 220 so that a combination of symbols in accordance with the specific winning combination is established on the pay line L. After finishing the stop symbol determining processing (S65), the CPU 50 returns to the bonus game processing as shown in FIG. 9, and proceeds to free spin processing in S52.
In addition, in the collective lottery processing as shown in FIG. 10, the case is shown that the collective lottery processing is performed at the beginning of the bonus game processing. However, such timing is one example, and timing for performing the collective lottery processing can be modified as appropriate. For example, the collective lottery processing may be performed in the base game processing at any time before starting the free spin processing.
Described herein is the free spin processing performed in the bonus game processing based on FIG. 11. As shown in FIG. 11, upon starting the free spin processing, the CPU 50 performs symbol varying processing (S71) corresponding to the rotation processing (S41) to execute the same processing as the base game processing (S13) as shown in FIG. 5 in response the predetermined operation of the player. As described above, the symbol varying processing does not require inserting the coin or pressing the bet button.
Subsequent to the symbol varying processing (S71) the CPU 50 performs symbol stop processing (S72) corresponding to the stop control processing (S42) in the base game processing. In the symbol stop processing, the CPU 50 determines a symbol to be stopped in each of the variable display portions 22 to 25. Then, the CPU 50 instructs the stepping motors 68 and motor driving circuit 167 to control the reels 220 to stop so that the symbol is stopped in each of the variable display portions 22 to 25.
Next, when symbols displayed in the variable display portions 22 to 25 are of a predetermined symbol combination, the CPU 50 performs winning determining processing (S73) for calculating the number of coins to pay to the player, or the number of credits to newly add to the number of credits owned by the player, corresponding to the combination. In addition, the timing for performing the winning determining processing can be modified as appropriate. For example, the processing may be performed at any timing until next paying-out processing (S16) after performing the collective lottery processing (S51).
After calculating the number of coins to pay to the player or the like in the winning determining processing (S73), the CPU 50 executes addition processing for temporarily adding a calculated number of coins to paying-out scheduled coins (S74). Then, when the processing of S71 to 74 is performed, the free spin processing is finished once.
Referring to FIG. 9 again, the bonus game processing will be described further. When the free spin processing is finished in aforementioned procedures, the CPU determines whether or not the number of executions of the free spin processing reaches the predetermined number (ten in this embodiment) (S53). As a result of the determination, when the number of executions of the free spin processing does not reach the predetermined number (S53, No), the CPU 50 executes again the free spin processing (S52). Meanwhile, when the number of executions of the free spin processing reaches the predetermined number (S53, Yes), the CPU 50 finishes the bonus game processing and returns to the main processing.
When a specific winning combination is determined to exist by the specific winning combination determining processing (64) as described in FIG. 10 during a period of time the free spin processing is repeated until the number of executions reaches the predetermined number, the specific winning combination is displayed on the pay line L in the last free spin processing. In other words, the winning combination including the trigger symbol 97 is displayed on the pay line L. When the winning combination including the trigger symbol 97 is displayed on the pay line L, the bonus game processing as shown in FIG. 9 is performed again in the slot machine 1.
Referring to FIG. 5 again, the main processing will be further described. When the bonus game does not occur in S14 (S14, No) or the bonus game processing (S15) is finished, the CPU 50 performs the paying-out processing (S16). In the paying-out processing, the CPU 50 pays all the coins corresponding to the award added to the paying-out scheduled coins in the addition processing (S43) in the base game processing and the addition processing (S74) in the free spin processing, or newly adds the number corresponding to the award to the number of credits owned by the player. Then, after performing the paying-out processing, the CPU 50 returns to the start accepting processing (S11), and prepares for start of a next game. Descriptions of the main processing and an example of the operation of the slot machine are as in the foregoing and finished herein.
Thus, according to the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, lotteries performed corresponding to the number of free spins during a free game are collectively made once. Then, when a result of the collective lottery includes a specific winning combination, the specific winning combination is controlled to be stopped and displayed in the last free spin. By thus controlling a specific winning combination to be stopped and displayed in the last free spin, it is possible to maintain player's expectations until the last free spin during the free game, and thus, adequately raise player's interest in the game during the free game.
Particularly, in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment, the specific winning combination including the trigger symbol 97 triggering a shift to another new free game is controlled to be stopped and displayed in the last free spin. It is thereby possible to keep player's expectations for shift to another new free game until the last free spin during the free game, and thus, adequately raise player's interest in the game during the free game.
In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the case is described that as a specific winning combination, a winning combination including the trigger symbol 97 triggering a shift to another new free game is controlled to be stopped and displayed in the last free spin. However, as a specific winning combination, another winning combination can be designated as appropriate. The specific winning combination designated herein is preferably a winning combination capable of offering any benefit to a player. For example, it is possible to designate a winning combination including a specific symbol to provide a larger number of coins than a constant number of coins. Also in this case, player's expectations for acquisition of a large number of coins and the like can be kept until the last free spin during the free game, and it is thus possible to adequately raise player's interest in the game during the free game.

Embodiment 2

The slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment collectively executes lotteries performed corresponding to the number of free spins during a free game. Then, when a result of the collective lottery includes a specific winning combination, the machine 1 controls the specific winning combination to be displayed in the last free spin. The slot machine 1 according to the second embodiment is the same as the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment in collectively executing lotteries performed corresponding to the number of free spins during a free game, but differs from the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment in determining game characteristics that define a characteristic of a sequence to display a winning combination including a predetermined symbol during a free game, and rearranging the sequence to display the winning combination based on the game characteristics.
In other words, in the conventional gaming machine, a winning combination occurs randomly corresponding to a result of a lottery performed every free spin. As a result, the occurrence has no feature, and a problem arises that it is difficult to sufficiently raise player's interest in the game during a free game. Meanwhile, player's preferences have diversified recently, and manufacturers and the like of gaming machines have a desire to provide even the same type of gaming machine with game characteristics specific to each gaming machine to continue to attract the player's interest. However, as described above, under circumstances where a winning combination is generated randomly during a free game, it is not possible to achieve such a desire, and it is difficult to provide specific game characteristics for each gaming machine. Therefore, in the slot machine 1 according to the second embodiment, occurrences of winning combination are provided with a feature such that winning combinations are continuously displayed, for example. Thus, even in the same type of the slot machine 1, each slot machine 1 is provided with specific game characteristics to thoroughly raise player's interest in the game during a free game.
In addition, the slot machine 1 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as that of the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment, and descriptions of the configuration are omitted. Described below is an example of the operation of the slot machine 1 according to the second embodiment. The example of the operation of the slot machine 1 according to the second embodiment differs from that of the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment in part of the main game processing as shown in FIG. 5, part of the bonus game processing as shown in FIG. 9, and part of the collective lottery processing as shown in FIG. 10. The differences from the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment will selectively be described below.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart of an example of main processing in the slot machine 1 according to the second embodiment. Upon starting the main processing, the slot machine 1 (more specifically, the CPU 50) according to the second embodiment executes processing (hereinafter, referred to as “game characteristics determining processing”) for determining game characteristics (step (hereinafter, abbreviated as “S”) 10), and in this respect, differs from the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment that does not execute the game characteristics determining processing. The game characteristics determining processing is to determine game characteristics that define a characteristic of a sequence to display a winning combination including a predetermined symbol during a free game, described later.
The game characteristics determining processing is executed at the time of applying power supply to the slot machine 1, for example. Examples of game characteristics (characteristics of a sequence to display a winning combination) include cases that winning combinations are displayed successively, winning combinations are displayed evenly, and the like. In addition, in the case of displaying the winning combination successively, the case is sorted to display at first part, middle part and last part of a free game. In addition, these game characteristics are of one example, and can be modified as appropriate.
In addition, in the game characteristics determining processing, game characteristics can be determined in any procedures. For example, a random number may be sampled in making a determination to determine game characteristics corresponding to a value of the random number. Otherwise, game characteristics maybe determined corresponding to a result of calculation using the random number. At this point, it is preferable as an embodiment to manage game characteristics using a table. Further, a worker in a game hall may designate game characteristics, instead of using the random number or the like.
Then, after determining the game characteristics by the game characteristics determining processing, the CPU 50 executes the start accepting processing (S11) and subsequent processing (S11). In addition, procedures from the start accepting processing to the base game processing are the same as in the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof are omitted. As described above, the slot machine 1 according to the second embodiment differs from the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment in part of the bonus game processing (S15).
The slot machine 1 according to the second embodiment collectively performs the lottery processing, which has conventionally been performed for each free spin, at the beginning of the bonus game processing. Then, based on the game characteristics determined in the previously executed game characteristics determining processing (S10), the machine 1 rearranges the sequence to display a winning combination including a predetermined symbol corresponding to a result of the collective lottery. Thus, for example, by controlling winning combinations to be displayed successively to provide occurrences of the winning combinations with a feature, slot machines 1 even of the same type are provided with game characteristics specific to each of the slot machines 1, while it is intended to raise player's interest in the game during a free game.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart of an example of the bonus game processing in the slot machine 1 according to the second embodiment. In S15 of the main processing as shown in FIG. 12, the CPU 50 first performs the collective lottery processing (S54). The slot machine 1 according to the second embodiment differs from the slot machine 1 according to first embodiment in the content of processing in the collective lottery processing. In the slot machine 1 according to the second embodiment, the collective lottery processing is processing for collectively performing the lottery processing for all the predetermined number of free spins, and based on the game characteristics determined in the game characteristics determining processing (S10), determining the sequence to display a winning combination including a predetermined symbol corresponding to a result of the collective lotteries.
The collective lottery processing performed in the bonus game processing will be described below based on FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 14, when the collective lottery processing is started, the CPU 50 first executes the random-number sampling processing (S61) and the combination determining processing (S62), while judging the number of executes of the processing (S63). In addition, the processing is the same as the processing performed in the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof are omitted.
As a result of the judgment in S63, when the number of executions of the random-number sampling processing and combination determining processing reaches the predetermined number (S63, Yes), the CPU 50 performs processing (hereinafter, referred to as “stop sequence determining processing”) for determining a sequence to stop a winning combination (S66), as distinct from the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment. The stop sequence determining processing is to determine the sequence to stop the winning combination determined by performing the combination determining processing in a plurality of times, based on the game characteristics determined in the game characteristics determining processing (S10). Described herein is the case where game characteristics such that winning combinations are successively displayed at the last part of the free game are determined by the game characteristics determining processing.
Subsequent to the stop sequence determining processing (S66), the CPU 50 executes stop symbol determining processing (S67). The slot machine 1 according to the second embodiment differs from the slot machine 1 according to first embodiment in the content of processing in the stop symbol determining processing. The stop symbol determining processing is to determine a symbol displayed on the payline L for each of the variable display portions 22 to 25 so as to display the winning combination successively at the last part of the free game according to the sequence to display the winning combination determined in the stop sequence determining processing. More specifically, the CPU 50 determines a code number of a symbol to be stopped for each of the reels 220 so that a combination of symbols in accordance with the winning combination is established on the pay line L. After finishing the stop symbol determining processing (S67), the CPU 50 returns to the bonus game processing as shown in FIG. 13, and proceeds to the free spin processing in S52. In addition, the free spin processing (S52) as shown in FIG. 13 and subsequent processing is the same as in the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof are omitted.
In repeating the free spin processing until the number of executions of the processing reaches the predetermined number, according to the sequence to display the winning combination determined in the stop sequence determining processing (S66) as described in FIG. 14, the winning combination is displayed on the pay line L. In other words, winning combinations are displayed on the pay line L to be displayed successively in the last part of the free game.
Thus, according to the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment, lotteries performed corresponding to the number of free spins during a free game are collectively performed once, and based on game characteristics determined in the game characteristics determining processing, the sequence to display a winning combination including a predetermined symbol is rearranged corresponding to a result of the collective lottery. Thus, for example, by controlling winning combinations to be displayed successively to provide occurrences of the winning combinations with a feature, slot machines 1 even of the same type are provided with game characteristics specific to each of the slot machines 1. As a result, it is possible to thoroughly raise player's interest in the game during a free game.
Particularly, in the slot machine 1 according to the second embodiment, the case is described of determining the sequence such that winning combination are displayed successively in the last part of a free game corresponding to a result of collective lottery. In this case, the slot machine 1 makes a player acquire coins successively in the last part of a free game, and is thereby capable of raising player's interest in the game particularly in the last part of the free game. Further, the slot machine 1 thus makes a player acquire coins successively in the last part of a free game, and is capable of giving the player the impression that coins can be acquired successively in the last part of a free game.
In addition, in the second embodiment, the case is described of determining game characteristics such that winning combinations are displayed successively in the last part of a free game corresponding to a result of collective lottery. However, the sequence can be changed as appropriate. For example, after rearranging a sequence to the sequence such that winning combinations are displayed successively, game characteristics may be determined such that the winning combinations are displayed in the first part of a free game, or game characteristics may be determined such that the winning combinations are displayed in the middle part of a free game. In this case, the slot machine 1 makes a player acquire coins successively in the first part or middle part of a free game, and is thereby capable of raising the player's interest in the game intensively in such a part of the free game, and giving the player the impression that coins can be acquired successively in such a part.
Further, in displaying winning combinations successively in the last part of a free game as in the second embodiment, or in displaying winning combinations successively in the first part or middle part, any procedures may be adopted in rearranging the sequence to display the winning combinations. Described below is an example of procedures to rearrange the sequence to display winning combinations. In addition, it is assumed that ten free spins are performed in a free game.
As the procedures to rearrange the sequence to display winning combinations, for example, it is considered that a free spin with a number as a reference (hereinafter, referred to as “reference-number spin”) is set in each of the first part, middle part and last part, and that winning combinations are concentrated on free spins with numbers near the reference-number spin.
More specifically, assuming that the free spin is performed in ten times (0th free spin to ninth free spin), the 0th free spin, fifth free spin and ninth free spin are set as the reference-number free spin respectively in the first part, middle part and last part. Then, when three winning combinations exist and are set to be displayed successively in the first part, the winning combinations are displayed in the 0th free spin that is the reference-number spin, first free spin and second free spin. Similarly, when the winning combinations are set to be displayed successively in the middle part, the winning combinations are displayed in the fifth free spin that is the reference-number spin, fourth free spin and sixth free spin. Further, when the winning combinations are set to be displayed successively in the last part, the winning combinations are displayed in the ninth free spin that is the reference-number spin, eighth free spin and seventh free spin.
Moreover, game characteristics may be determined such that winning combinations are displayed on average during a free game. In this case, the slot machine 1 makes a player acquire coins uniformly, and is capable of raising player's interest in the game evenly during the game. Further, the slot machine 1 makes a player acquire coins on average during a free game, and is thereby capable of giving the impression that coins can be acquired frequently to the player.
The sequence to display winning combinations in game characteristics to display the winning combinations successively can be set arbitrarily. Such a sequence may be set that winning combinations are displayed corresponding to the number of coins that a player can acquire. For example, it is possible to set a sequence such that the number of coins to acquire increases as the number of free spins increases during a free game. In this case, since the number of coins to acquire increases as the number of free spins increases during a free game, it is possible to give the player the impression that the number of coins to acquire gradually increases. Further, when a plurality of the same winning combinations exists as a result of collective lottery, it is possible to set a sequence such that the winning combinations are displayed successively. In this case, since the same winning combination is displayed repeatedly, it is possible to make a strong impression on the player.
Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the case is exemplified that the game characteristic determining processing is executed at timing in which power supply is applied to the slot machine 1. However, the timing for executing the game characteristics determining processing can be changed as appropriate. The game characteristics determining processing may be executed at any timing unless execution of the main processing (see FIG. 5) is not reserved after performing the game characteristics determining processing. For example, the game characteristics determining processing may be executed corresponding to an instruction of a worker in a game hall in which the slot machine 1 is installed. In the case that game characteristics are determined corresponding to an instruction by the worker, since the game characteristics of the slot machine 1 are updated whenever such an instruction is provided, it is possible to further raise player's interest in the game.

Third Embodiment

The slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment collectively executes lotteries performed corresponding to the number of free spins during a free game, and then, when a specific winning combination is contained in a result of the collective lottery, controls the specific winning combination to be stopped and displayed in the last free spin. The slot machine 1 according to the third embodiment collectively executes lotteries performed corresponding to the number of free spins during a free game, is the same in this respect as the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment, further determines the content of representation during a free game corresponding to a result of the collective lottery and differs in this respect from the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment.
In other words, in the conventional gaming machine, the content of representation performed in the gaming machine is also determined corresponding to a result of a lottery performed for each free spin. Therefore, in terms of the content of representation of the entire free game, it is difficult to provide the content of representation with continuity and association. As a result, a problem arises that it is not possible to encourage a player to have an interest in the content of representation, and that player's interest in the game cannot be raised during a free game either. Therefore, the slot machine 1 according to the third embodiment selects the content of representation with the continuous content in response to a plurality of free spins corresponding to a result of collective lottery. In this way, it is intended to raise player's interest in the game during a free game by providing the content of representation with continuity and unity.
In addition, the slot machine 1 according to the third embodiment has the same configuration as that of the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment, and descriptions of the configuration are omitted. Described below is an example of the operation of the slot machine 1 according to the third embodiment. The example of operation of the slot machine 1 according to the third embodiment differs from the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment in part of the bonus game processing as shown in FIG. 9, and part of the collective lottery processing as shown in FIG. 10. The differences from the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment will selectively be described below.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart of an example of the bonus game processing in the slot machine 1 according to the third embodiment. In S15 of the main processing as shown in FIG. 5, the slot machine 1 (more specifically, the CPU 50) according to the third embodiment first performs the collective lottery processing (S51). The slot machine 1 according to the third embodiment differs from the slot machine 1 according to first embodiment in the content of processing in the collective lottery processing. In the slot machine 1 according to the third embodiment, the collective lottery processing is processing for collectively performing the lottery processing for all the predetermined number of free spins to determine the content of representation during a free game.
The collective lottery processing performed in the bonus game processing will be described below based on FIG. 16. As shown in FIG. 16, when the collective lottery processing is started, the CPU 50 first executes the random-number sampling processing (S61) and the combination determining processing (S62), while judging the number of executes of the processing. In addition, the processing is the same as the processing performed in the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof are omitted.
As a result of the judgment in S63, when the number of executions of the random-number sampling processing and combination determining processing reaches the predetermined number (S63, Yes), the CPU 50 performs processing (hereinafter, referred to as “representation content determining processing”) for determining the content of representation (S68), as distinct from the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment. The representation content determining processing is to compare the number of winning combinations including predetermined symbols determined in a predetermined number of times of the combination determining processing or the number of coins to acquire corresponding to the number of winning combinations with a representation table describing the correspondence relationship between the number of winning combinations or the number of coins and representation pattern, and determine a representation pattern corresponding to the number of winning combinations or the number of coins. In addition, the representation table is stored in a predetermined area in the RAM 52.
FIG. 17 shows an example of the representation table. As shown in FIG. 17, representation patterns are registered with the representation table in association with the number of winning combinations. More specifically, with respect to the number of winning combinations, representation pattern “A” is registered in association with “1”, representation pattern “B” is registered in association with “2”, representation pattern “C” is registered in association with “3”, . . . , and representation pattern “J” is registered in association with “10”. Further, the representation pattern is registered with the representation table in association with the number of coins to acquire. More specifically, with respect to the number of coins to acquire, representation pattern “A” is registered in association with “200” or more, representation pattern “B” is registered in association with “150” to “199”, . . . , and representation pattern “E” is registered in association with “0” to “49”.
In the representation content determining processing, a representation pattern is determined according to the description of such a representation table. Since the representation pattern can be selected from the representation table corresponding to the number of winning combinations or the like, it is possible to select the representation pattern easily and suitably. In addition, whether to determine the representation pattern corresponding to the number of winning combinations or the number of coins can be selected optionally. The representation pattern may be selected according to a predetermined order, or switched to be selected for each free game.
The slot machine 1 according to the third embodiment determines the content of representation (particularly, the length of the content of representation) according to the number of winning combinations. In other words, when the number of winning combinations is “1”, a combination of symbols of the winning combination is stopped and displayed in the last (tenth) free spin, while the content of representation is selected which has continuous content corresponding to ten free spins. When the number of winning combinations is “2”, combinations of symbols of the winning combinations are respectively displayed in the fifth and tenth free spins, while the content of representation is selected which has continuous content corresponding to five free spins. Further, when the number of winning combinations is “3”, combinations of symbols of the winning combinations are respectively displayed in the third, sixth and tenth free spins, while the content of representation is selected which has continuous content corresponding to three free spins (four spins for the last content). Thus, the content of representation is determined in a similar manner according to the number of winning combinations. In addition, when the number of winning combinations is “10”, the content of representation corresponding to one free spin is selected as in the conventional case. Alphabets of representation patterns in FIG. 17 are related to the length of the content of representation, and “A” has the longest content of representation, while “J” has the shortest content of representation.
The slot machine 1 according to the third embodiment determines the length of the content of representation according to the number of coins to acquire. In other words, when the number of coins to acquire is “200” or more, a combination of symbols of the winning combination is displayed in the last (tenth) free spin, while the content of representation is selected which has continuous content corresponding to ten free spins. When the number of coins is “150” to “199”, combinations of symbols of the winning combinations are displayed in the fifth and tenth free spins, while the content of representation is selected which has continuous content corresponding to five free spins. Further, when the number of winning combinations is “100” to “149”, combinations of symbols of the winning combinations are displayed in the third, sixth and tenth free spins, while the content of representation is selected which has continuous content corresponding to three free spins (four spins for the last content). Thus, the content of representation is determined in a similar manner according to the number of coins to acquire.
Subsequent to the representation content determining processing (S68), the CPU 50 executes stop symbol determining processing (S69). The slot machine 1 according to the third embodiment differs from the slot machine 1 according to first embodiment in the content of processing in the stop symbol determining processing. The stop symbol determining processing is to determine symbols displayed on the pay line L so that a winning combination is established in a free spin with a number corresponding to the representation pattern determined in the representation content determining processing. More specifically, the CPU 50 determines a code number of a symbol to be stopped for each of the reels 220 so that a combination of symbols in accordance with the winning combination is established on the pay line L in a free spin with a number corresponding to the representation pattern determined in the representation content determining processing. After finishing the stop symbol determining processing (S69), the CPU 50 returns to the bonus game processing as shown in FIG. 15, and proceeds to the free spin processing in S52. In addition, the free spin processing (S52) and subsequent processing as shown in FIG. 15 is the same as in the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof are omitted.
Referring to FIGS. 18 to 23, described below is an example of the content of representation performed during a free game in the slot machine 1 according to the third embodiment. As described above, the slot machine 1 according to the third embodiment collectively performs lotteries in a free game, and selects the content of representation having the continuous content in response to a plurality of free spins corresponding to a result of the collective lottery.
Considered herein is the content of representation such that a bird is flying over a screen of the lower liquid crystal display 4 and picks up something from a hole. As shown in FIG. 18, a bird 300 flies between a perch 301 displayed in an upper right portion and a perch 302 displayed in a lower left portion in the lower liquid crystal display 4. Then, the bird 300 picks up something from a hole 303 displayed near the perch 302, while being on the perch 302. It is assumed that when a player wins, the bird 300 picks up a symbol of a winning combination from the hole 303.
FIGS. 18 to 23 are views showing states in which the bird 300 takes off the perch 301, stops on the perch 302, and then picks up a single “BAR” as a specific symbol from the hole 303. FIG. 18 shows a state where the bird 300 is on the perch 301. FIG. 19 shows a state where the bird 300 takes off the perch 301. FIGS. 20 and 21 show a state where the bird 300 is flying to the perch 302. FIG. 22 shows a state where the bird 300 stops on the perch 302. FIG. 23 shows a state where the bird 300 picks up a single “BAR” that is a specific symbol from the hole 303.
The slot machine 1 according to the third embodiment selects the content of representation having continuous content corresponding to a plurality of free spins in a process during which the bird 301 taking off the perch 301 reaches the perch 302, or in a process during which the bird 300 on the perch 302 picks up a specific symbol from the hole 303. For example, the slot machine 1 selects the content of representation such that the bird 300 takes off the perch 301, and requires three spins to reach the perch 302 due to interference of rain, another bird and the like. Further, the slot machine 1 selects the content of representation such that the bird 300 picks up fish, junk and like, and requires four spins to pick up a specific symbol.
The slot machine 1 according to the third embodiment beforehand prepares pieces of content of representation having continuous content in response to a plurality of free spins, and selects some piece of content of representation corresponding to a result of lottery performed collectively in shifting to the bonus game processing. By this means, it is possible to provide the content of representation with continuity and story, as compared with the conventional content of representation difficult to be provided with the continuity and association. As a result, it is possible to make a player have an interest in the content of representation, and player's interest in the game can be raised thoroughly during a free game.
Particularly, in the slot machine 1 according to the third embodiment, the content of representation is determined corresponding to the number of winning combinations obtained from a result of the collective lottery. Therefore, it is possible to perform the representation with continuous content of a suitable length corresponding to the number of winning combinations, and it is thus possible to make the player have an interest in the content of representation without making the player get bored.
Further, in the slot machine 1 according to the third embodiment, the content of representation is determined according to the number of coins to acquire corresponding to a winning combination obtained from a result of the collective lottery. Therefore, it is possible to perform the representation with continuous content of a suitable length corresponding to the number of coins, and it is thus possible to make the player have an interest in the content of representation without making the player get bored.
Furthermore, in the slot machine 1 according to the third embodiment, the case is described that the number of free spins is “10” during a free game, but the present invention is not limited such a number. The invention is applicable to a case of selecting the number of free spins corresponding to a result of lottery. In this case, the content of representation (particularly, the length of the content of representation) may be determined, particularly, corresponding to the selected number of free spins. In this case, the content of representation is changed corresponding to the number of free spins attracting most attention, and it is thus possible to make a player have an interest in the content of representation.
Moreover, in the above-mentioned embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, the case is described that the content of representation is determined corresponding to the number of winning combinations or the number of coins to acquire. However, in determining the content of representation, the invention is not limited thereto, and the content of representation can be determined according to an arbitrary set value. For example, the content of representation may be determined corresponding to an occurrence of a specific winning combination (for example, “three sevens” having the lowest occurrence probability). Further, the content of representation may be determined corresponding to the number of occurrences of the specific winning combination. In the case of thus determining the content of representation corresponding to an arbitrary set value, it is possible to change the content of representation flexibly according to player's preference, and further raise player's interest in the game.
In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various variations and modifications may be possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. In the above-mentioned embodiments, sizes, shapes and the like illustrated in accompanying lotteries are not limited thereto, and are capable of being modified as appropriate within the scope of exhibiting the effects of the invention. The embodiments are capable of being carried into practice with various modifications thereof without departing from the scope of the object of the invention. Modifications of the invention will be described below.
In the above-mentioned embodiments, the case is described that the collective lottery processing is performed at the beginning of the bonus game processing. However, as the timing of the collective lottery processing, the processing is only required to be performed before staring a free game, and may be performed during the base game processing. In particular, by performing the collective lottery processing at timing in which the CPU 50 performs less computation processing, it is possible to enhance efficiency of the computation processing in the CPU 50.
Further, the above-mentioned embodiments describe the slot machine 1 using the so-called mechanical reels. However, the present invention is applicable to the so-called video reel type slot machine which substitutes display means capable of displaying images such as a liquid crystal display device for the mechanical reels, and displays images on the display means as a substitute for the mechanical reels.
Furthermore, the above-mentioned embodiments describe the slot machine 1 having four reels 220 inside the cabinet 2 with one pay line L set. However, it is possible to arbitrarily set the number of reels 220 and the number of pay lines L. Moreover, the above-mentioned embodiments describe the case of determining symbols stopped on four, leftmost, second left, second right and rightmost, reels 220 using a single random number. However, a symbol to stop may be determined for each of the reels 220 by sampling a single random number for each of four, leftmost, second left, second right and rightmost, reels 220.
Still furthermore, the above-mentioned embodiments describe the case of using a coin as an example of a game medium. However, the form of the game medium is not limited to a coin, and may adopt any forms enabling a game to be performed in the slot machine 1. Particularly, in the case of receiving paying-out of game media acquired by the game, it may be possible to receive paying-out with a magnetic card in which an amount of acquired game media is recorded or a receipt on which an amount of acquired game media is printed. Further, a server that manages information in the slot machine 1 may manage an amount of game media targeted for paying-out.
Moreover, the case is described that the lottery table describing the correspondence relationship between the random number and winning combination is used in a lottery (for example, lottery performed in the lottery processing) executed in the slot machine 1 of the above-mentioned embodiments. However, the method of the lottery is not limited thereto, and can be modified as appropriate. In particular, with respect to descriptions of registration of the lottery table, the random number and winning combination may be associated in one-to-one association or in many-to-one association. Further, it may possible to describe the correspondence relationship between the random number and symbol formed on the reel to determine a symbol to stop for each reel, instead of describing the correspondence relationship between the random number and winning combination. In this case, considered is using the code number assigned to each symbol. Furthermore, instead of directly using the random number for use in lottery, a winning combination maybe determined corresponding to a result of calculation obtained by subjecting the random number to predetermined calculation processing.
The present invention is not limited to the above described embodiment, and various variations and modifications may be possible without departing from the scope of the present invention.
This application is based on the Japanese Patent Applications No. 2005-137464 filed on May 10, 2005, No. 2005-140305 filed on May 12, 2005 and No. 2005-143464 filed on May 17, 2005, entire contents of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein.

Claims

1. A gaming machine shifts to a free game to perform a plurality of free spins when a predetermined condition is met during a base game, comprising:

a variable display device that performs variable display of a plurality of symbols; and

a controller that controls the variable display in the variable display device,

wherein the controller shifts to a free game to perform a plurality of free spins when a predetermined condition is met during a base game, collectively executes lotteries performed corresponding to the number of free spins during the free game, and controls the variable display in the variable display device corresponding to a result of collective lotteries.

2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein when the result of collective lottery includes a winning combination including a specific symbol, the controller controls the variable display in the variable display device so that the winning combination is displayed in a last free spin.

3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein when the result of collective lottery includes a winning combination including a specific symbol triggering a shift to a new free game, the controller controls the variable display in the variable display device so that the winning combination is displayed in a last free spin.

4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein when the result of collective lottery includes a winning combination including a specific symbol that makes the number of acquired game media larger than a constant number, the controller controls the variable display in the variable display device so that the winning combination is displayed in a last free spin.

5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the controller determines game characteristics that define a characteristic of a sequence to display a winning combination including a predetermined symbol during the free game, and based on the game characteristics, rearranges the sequence to display the winning combination.

6. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the controller rearranges the sequence to display the winning combination so that the winning combination is displayed successively.

7. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the controller rearranges the sequence to display the winning combination so that the winning combination is displayed successively in one of a first part, middle part and last part of the free game.

8. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the controller rearranges the sequence to display the winning combination so that the winning combination is displayed evenly.

9. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the controller rearranges the sequence to display the winning combination corresponding to the number of game media to be acquired according to the winning combination.

10. A gaming machine shifts to a free game to perform a plurality of free spins when a predetermined condition is met during a base game, comprising:

a variable display device that performs variable display of a plurality of symbols;

a display device that displays the content of representation corresponding to a status of a game; and

a controller that controls the variable display in the variable display device and the content of representation in the display device,

wherein the controller shifts to a free game to perform a plurality of free spins when a predetermined condition is met during a base game, collectively executes lotteries performed corresponding to the number of free spins during the free game, and selects the content of representation having continuous content in response to the plurality of free spins corresponding to a result of collective lotteries.

11. The gaming machine according to claim 10, wherein the controller determines the content of representation corresponding to the number of winning combinations including predetermined symbols which are displayed when the variable display is stopped in the variable display device.

12. The gaming machine according to claim 11, further comprising:

a storage device that stores a representation table with which are registered numbers of winning combinations and representation patterns with different content in association with each other,

wherein the controller selects one of the representation patterns from the representation table corresponding to the result of collective lottery.

13. The gaming machine according to claim 10, wherein the controller determines the content of representation corresponding to the number of game media to be acquired corresponding to a winning combination including a predetermined symbol which is displayed when the variable display is stopped in the variable display device.

14. The gaming machine according to claim 13, further comprising:

a storage device that stores a representation table with which are registered numbers of game media to be acquired corresponding to winning combinations and representation patterns with different content in association with each other,

wherein the controller selects one of the representation patterns from the representation table corresponding to the result of collective lotteries.