US20020094862A1 - Slot machine having a plurality of game lines - Google Patents

Abstract

Symbol displaying windows are arranged in matrix and are combined to set game lines including three horizontal lines, three vertical lines, and two diagonal lines. An operation panel is provided with line buttons and bet buttons. When a game is played, one of the line buttons is depressed first to nominate the game lines. Successively, one of the bet buttons is depressed to bet coins on the nominated game lines. After that, a symbol row is rotated in each symbol displaying window. A number of the game lines to be nominated and a number of coins to be betted thereon are optionally selected by a player. Each of the line buttons and the bet buttons contains an LED for showing whether the corresponding button is operative or not.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention[0001]
• The present invention relates to a slot machine in which occurrence of winning is determined in accordance with a combination of symbols stopped at a nominated game line.[0002]
• 2. Description of the Related Art[0003]
• In a most popularized slot machine of a three-reel type, three reels having symbols arranged on peripheries thereof are disposed side by side and are rotated. When each reel has stopped, three symbols are displayed within a symbol window in a vertical direction. In total, nine symbols are displayed in the symbol window. A game line is predetermined in accordance with a type of the slot machine so as to straightly combine the symbols of the respective reels. For example, a certain type of the slot machine has one horizontal game line, and another type thereof has three horizontal game lines. Further, the other type of the slot machine has five game lines additionally including two diagonal lines.[0004]
• The slot machine having the plural game lines tends to catch a player's fancy because probability of winning increases. Usually, a number of the game lines is determined in accordance with a number of coins (including tokens) betted prior to a slot-machine game. For example, as to the slot machine having five game lines, the central horizontal line is nominated by inserting one coin, and the three horizontal lines are nominated by inserting two coins. Further, the five lines including two diagonal lines are nominated by inserting three coins.[0005]
• In the meantime, some players desire to play a game on a condition that only the central line is nominated and three coins are intensively betted on this line. In this case, the player needs to choose the slot machine in which only the central line is set as the game line and the number of coins to be betted can be selected. By the way, the slot machines are located in a casino so as to be grouped every type. Thus, it is troublesome for the player to choose the desired slot machine among the various types of the slot machine.[0006]
• In some slot machines having plural game lines, the player can select the number of the game lines separately from the number of the betted coins. With respect to such a slot machine, it is preferable to have more game lines for the purpose of raising its attraction. For instance, as shown in FIG. 8, the number of the reels is increased up to five. In this case, six game lines[0007]90dto90ihaving a bent shape are provided in addition to threehorizontal game lines90ato90c.In other words, the game lines are contrived such that the number thereof is nine.
• In the above slot machine, when the player operates a selection button of one line prior to the game, only the[0008]game line90ais nominated. When a selection button of three lines is operated, thegame lines90band90care added to nominate the three game lines. When a selection button of five lines is operated, thegame lines90dand90eare further added to nominate the five game lines. When a selection button of seven lines is operated, thegame lines90fand90gare further added to nominate the seven game lines. When a selection button of nine lines is operated, thegame lines90hand90iare furthermore added to nominate the nine game lines. After that, by operating a bet button, a bet number is determined relative to the nominated game lines. Meanwhile, such as shown in FIG. 9, if four symbols are displayed per reel, eightgame lines91athrough91hmay be set. The player can select the proper number of the game lines among thelines91athrough91h.
• However, when the plural game lines are provided such as shown in FIG. 8, the game lines[0009]90dto90iare bent and some of the game lines partially overlap with the other game line. Due to this, there arises a problem in that it is difficult to distinguish the player's nominated game line from the other game lines. Thegame lines91ato91hshown in FIG. 9 are straight. However, when the respective reels are separated from each other, and when the symbols of each reel are arranged at short intervals, it is difficult to distinguish the respective game lines at a glance.
• Moreover, when the slot machine is provided with the plural game-line selection buttons and the plural bet buttons, there arises a problem in that it is difficult to instantly judge the operative game-line selection buttons and the operative bet buttons within an extent of the inserted coins.[0010]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• In view of the foregoing, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a slot machine in which it is possible to set more game lines, and only a part of which can be optionally nominated by a player.[0011]
• It is a second object of the present invention to provide a slot machine in which a game line nominated by a player may be easily distinguished from the other game lines.[0012]
• It is a third object of the present invention to provide a slot machine in which operative buttons for selecting game lines and a bet number thereof may be easily distinguished from the other inoperative buttons.[0013]
• In order to achieve the above and other objects, the slot machine of a preferred embodiment comprises nine reels, each of which has symbols aligned on a surface thereof. These nine reels are arranged in square matrix to set eight game lines including three horizontal lines, three vertical lines, and two diagonal lines. From the eight game lines, a player can select a desired number thereof to be nominated.[0014]
• The slot machine is provided with game-line selection buttons for selecting a number of the game lines to be nominated. In addition, the slot machine is provided with bet-number input buttons and a simultaneous-input button. The bet-number input button is for inputting a number of coins to be betted on the nominated game lines. The simultaneous-input button is operated for simultaneously performing both of nominating the game lines and betting the coins thereon. Whenever the simultaneous-input button is operated, a predetermined number of the game lines are additionally nominated in a predetermined order. For instance, upon operation of the simultaneous-input button, the number of the nominated game lines increases one by one. At the same time, a fixed number of coins are betted on the nominated game line. When the simultaneous-input button is successively operated after nominating all of the game lines, the fixed number of coins are additionally betted on the nominated game lines in the predetermined order. In this way, it is possible to optionally determine the number of the game lines to be nominated. Moreover, it is also possible to optionally determine the number of coins to be betted on the nominated game lines.[0015]
• The slot machine according to another embodiment comprises indication members for indicating the operative buttons among the game-line selection buttons and the bet-number input buttons. The indication member is contained in the respective buttons. After inserting the coins into the slot machine, the game-line selection buttons and the bet-number input buttons partly become operative in accordance with a number of the inserted coins. Of course, when the number of the inserted coins exceeds a predetermined number, all of the buttons become operative. The operative button is indicated by turning on the indication member contained therein. The indication member is an LED, for example.[0016]
• According to the present invention, the nine reels are arranged in square matrix, and three of them are vertically, horizontally and diagonally combined to set the eight game lines. Moreover, the game-line selection members are provided. This member is operated after inserting the coins and before moving a symbol row. The player can select the game lines to be nominated and the number of coins to be betted on the nominated game lines. Owing to this, the player is more interested in the slot machine game. Incidentally, the nominated game line is adapted to be easily distinguished.[0017]
• Further, according to the present invention, the player can instantly judge the number of the nominatable game lines and the possible number of coins to be betted.[0018]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The above objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:[0019]
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a slot machine of a first embodiment;[0020]
• FIG. 2 is an explanatory illustration showing formation game lines;[0021]
• FIG. 3 is a front view showing an operation panel;[0022]
• FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing electrical structure of the slot machine of the first embodiment;[0023]
• FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the slot machine of a second embodiment;[0024]
• FIG. 6 is a front view showing a liquid-crystal panel of the slot machine of the second embodiment;[0025]
• FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing electrical structure of the slot machine of the second embodiment;[0026]
• FIG. 8 is an explanatory illustration showing game-line formation of the conventional slot machine having five reels; and[0027]
• FIG. 9 is an explanatory illustration showing game-line formation of the slot machine in which four symbols are displayed per reel.[0028]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
• As shown in FIG. 1, a front face of a[0029]slot machine10 is provided with ninesymbol windows11, anoperation panel12 and acoin tray13. Thesymbol windows11 are arranged in three-by-three matrix. Behind thesymbol windows11, ninereels14 are respectively disposed so as to correspond to eachwindows11. A plurality of symbols are arranged on a peripheral surface of thereel14 at predetermined intervals. When thereel14 is stopped, one of the symbols is displayed through thesymbol window11.
• In FIG. 2, such as shown by broken lines, eight game lines are provided for the[0030]symbol windows11 arranged in matrix. The eight game lines include horizontal three game lines15ato15c,vertical threegame lines15dto15f,and diagonal twogame lines15gand15h.In accordance with a symbol combination displayed along each of the game lines15ato15h,it is determined whether winning occurs or not. One end of each of the game lines15ato15his provided with aline indicator16 having an arrow shape. An LED is disposed behind theline indicator16, and is turned on to indicate the nominated game line.
• The[0031]operation panel12 is disposed under thesymbol windows11, and is provided with various operation buttons and acoin slot20. As shown in FIG. 3, theoperation panel12 is provided with apayout button21, achange button22,line buttons23,bet buttons24, aspin button25, a one-by-onebet button26, and amaximum bet button27.
• Each of the[0032]line buttons23 works as a member for selecting the game lines. Theline buttons23 include a one-line button23a,a three-line button23b,a five-line button23c,and an eight-line button23d.By selectively depressing theline buttons23ato23d,a number of the game lines to be nominated is selected. The selectable number of the game lines is determined in accordance with a number of coins (including tokens) inserted into thecoin slot20. Incidentally, when the coin accumulated in a credit counter is used, the coin is not actually inserted for each game. In the present specification, however, meaning of “coin insertion” includes usage of the coin accumulated in the credit counter.
• For example, when a player inserts one or two coins, the number of the nominatable game lines is one. Upon depression of the one-[0033]line button23a,the game line15ais nominated. When three or four coins are inserted, the number of the nominatable game lines is three. Upon depression of the three-line button23b,the game lines15ato15care nominated. Similarly, when five through seven coins are inserted, the game lines15ato15eare nominated upon depression of the five-line button23c.Further, when eight or more coins are inserted, all the game lines15ato15hare nominated upon depression of the eight-line button23d.
• Each of the[0034]bet buttons24 works as a member for inputting a bet number. Thebet buttons24 include a one-bet button24a,a two-bet button24b,a three-bet button24c,and a four-bet button24d.By selectively depressing one of thebet buttons24, a number of the coins to be betted is determined every nominated game line. Incidentally, it is possible to bet one through four coins on the nominated game line by using thebet buttons24. Consequently, as to theslot machine10, the limit number of the coins to be betted in each game is thirty-two under the circumstances that all of the game lines15ato15hare nominated and four coins are betted on the respective game lines.
• When the coins are betted with the[0035]bet buttons24ato24d,the same number of the coins is adapted to be betted on each of the nominated game lines. For instance, when all of the game lines15ato15hare nominated and the one-bet button24ais depressed, the coins are betted on the respective game lines15ato15hone by one so that eight coins are betted in total. Similarly, when all of the game lines15ato15hare nominated and the two-bet button24bis depressed, the coins are betted on the respective game lines15ato15htwo by two so that sixteen coins are betted in total. If the winning occurs on the nominated game line, the player obtains the award coins, the number of which corresponds to a dividend multiplied by the bet number α (αis equal to 1, 2, 3 or 4).
• The one-by-one[0036]bet button26 works as a member for simultaneously inputting plural operations. Concretely, the one-by-onebet button26 is used for simultaneously performing both of nominating the game line and betting the coin thereon. For instance, when the one-by-onebet button26 is depressed by one time, the game line15ais nominated and one coin is betted thereon. When the one-by-onebet button26 is depressed by two times, the game lines15aand15bare nominated and two coins are betted on these two lines one by one. When the one-by-onebet button26 is depressed by three times, the game lines15ato15care nominated and three coins are betted thereon one by one. In this way, the game lines are nominated in a predetermined order such that the number of the nominated game lines corresponds to the depression number of the one-by-onebet button26.
• When the depression number of the one-by-one[0037]bet button26 exceeds the number of the whole game lines15ato15h,the coin is betted on the game line again in the predetermined order. For instance, when the one-by-onebet button26 is depressed by nine times, the coins are betted such as follows. Upon depressing the one-by-onebet button26 by eight times, the whole game lines15ato15hare nominated and the coins are betted on the respective game lines15ato15hone by one. And then, upon ninth depression of the one-by-onebet button26, the coin is betted on the game line15aagain. In other words, two coins are betted on the game line15aand one coin is betted on each of theother game lines15bto15h.In this way, when the one-by-onebet button26 is depressed by “N” times (N is an integer of 4 or less) for each the game line, the coins of which number is “N” are betted.
• When the number of the inserted coins exceeds thirty-two or when the number of the coins accumulated in the credit counter exceeds thirty-two, the whole game lines[0038]15ato15hare nominated by operating themaximum bet button27. At this time, the coins are betted on the respective game lines four by four. By the way, if the number of the inserted coins is thirty-one or less, all of the inserted coins may be betted with themaximum bet button27. In this instance, nominating the game line and betting the coin thereon are carried out similarly to the case in that the one-by-onebet button26 is operated.
• Meanwhile, an[0039]LED28 is disposed behind each of the buttons including theline buttons23ato23d,thebet buttons24ato24d,the one-by-onebet button26, and themaximum bet button27. These buttons are made of translucent plastic. When theLED28 is turned on, the light thereof is visible through the translucent button. By turning on theLEDs28 in accordance with the number of the inserted coins, it is possible to indicate the operative buttons among the line buttons and the bet buttons. The button whoseLED28 is turned off can not be selected. The one-by-onebet button26 and themaximum bet button27 can be always operated when the coin is inserted. Thus, theLEDs28 of the one-by-onebet button26 and themaximum bet button27 are always turned on when the coin is inserted.
• As shown in FIG. 4, a[0040]coin sensor31 disposed behind thecoin slot20 inputs a coin detection signal into aCPU32 whenever the proper coin is inserted in thecoin slot20. Alighting data memory33 stores lighting data for turning on and off theLEDs28 in accordance with the number of the inserted coins. TheCPU32 reads the lighting data from thememory33 in response to the coin detection signal. At the same time, theCPU32 activates anLED controller34 to control theLED28 via anLED driver35. Owing to this, theLEDs28 of theline buttons23ato23dand thebet buttons24ato24dare turned on in accordance with the number of the inserted coins. Moreover, theLEDs28 of the one-by-onebet button26 and themaximum bet button27 are turned on.
• When each button of the[0041]operation panel12 is operated, an operation signal thereof is inputted into theCPU32 by anoperation detecting circuit36. When theline button23 is operated, a line selection signal is inputted into theCPU32 to judge the number of the game lines to be nominated. AROM37 stores game-line patterns for nominating the game lines. TheCPU32 reads the game-line pattern from theROM37 and nominates the game lines so as to correspond to the selected number thereof. When thebet button24 is depressed, the bet number (odds) selection signal is inputted into theCPU32 to temporarily store the bet number in aRAM38.
• When the one-by-one[0042]bet button26 is depressed, an input signal thereof is inputted into theCPU32. Upon this, theCPU32 reads the game-line pattern from theROM37 to nominate the game line15aand the succeeding game lines in accordance with a number of the signals inputted from the one-by-onebet button26. TheCPU32 temporarily stores the bet number of the nominated game lines in theRAM38. Incidentally, theCPU32 outputs a signal to adisplay driver39 in response to the operation signal of theline buttons23 and the one-by-onebet button26 in order to activate theline indicator16.
• The[0043]lighting data memory33 stores the lighting data for turning on and off theLEDs28 in accordance with the operation of theline buttons23 and thebet buttons24. When the operation signals of theline button23 and thebet button24 are inputted into theCPU32, the lighting data is read from thelighting data memory33 by theCPU32 to activate theLED controller34. Based on the read lighting data, theLED controller34 turns on only theLEDs28 corresponding to the selectedline button23 and the selectedbet button24. TheLEDs28 of the other buttons are turned off.
• By the way, when the[0044]line button23 is operated, theLED controller34 turns off theLEDs28 of thebet buttons24 which can not be selected in view of the number of the inserted coins. In a case that anotherline button23 whoseLED28 is turned off is operated after selecting one of the line buttons, theLED controller34 turns on theLED28 of the newly operatedline button23, and turns off theLED28 of the previously operatedline button23. In this way, it is possible for the player to change the selected number of the game lines.
• Upon depression of the[0045]spin button25, a start signal is inputted into theCPU32 to activate amotor controller40. Themotor controller40 supplies drive pulses to steppingmotors42ato42iviamotor drivers41ato41iprovided for the respective stepping motors. By the way, in a state that the coin is not inserted, the start signal is ignored so that thereel14 is not rotated.
• The[0046]respective reels14 are directly driven by the steppingmotors42ato42i.A rotational amount of thereel14 is calculated from a number of the drive pulses supplied to the corresponding stepping motor. The number of the drive pulses supplied to the stepping motor is counted by an individual counter provided in a winningjudgement section43. Meanwhile, a reset signal is outputted from each of sensors44ato44iwhenever eachreel14 passes its reference position. In response to the reset signal, a counted value of the drive pulses supplied to the corresponding stepping motor is reset. This way, the rotational position of the stepping motor is continuously monitored per rotation. Symbol arrangement commencing from the reference position is known in advance with respect to eachreel14. Accordingly, when the stepping motor has been stopped, a kind of the symbol appearing in thesymbol displaying window11 is specified on the basis of the counted value of the drive pulses.
• When the[0047]motor controller40 is activated, theCPU32 extracts a random number from a random-number generator45 to determine a symbol combination occurring as a result of the current game. In order to determine the symbol combination, theROM37 stores data for correlating the random number with the symbol combination.
• The symbol arrangement commencing from the reference position is known regarding each[0048]reel14, and arrangement data thereof is written in theROM37. TheCPU32 controls the steppingmotors42ato42i,observing the counted values of the respective counters. Owing to this, the reels may be stopped such that the symbol combination corresponding to the extracted random number is displayed on the nominated game line. In other words, therespective reels14 are stopped by theCPU32 so as to obtain the symbol combination determined on the basis of the extracted random number.
• The winning[0049]judgement section43 receives the data of the nominated game lines from theCPU32. Moreover, the winningjudgement section43 checks the data stored in theROM37 to confirm whether the winning occurs or not every nominated game line. When occurrence of the winning is confirmed, a winning signal and a line signal are inputted into theCPU32. The winning signal represents a kind of the winning, and the line signal represents the nominated game line on which the winning occurs. When the winning does not occur, a loss signal is inputted into theCPU32.
• In the case that the winning has occurred, the[0050]CPU32 checks the bet number saved in theRAM38 and the dividend-coin data stored in theROM37. Then, theCPU32 stores, in theRAM38, the number of the dividend coins corresponding to the kind of the obtained winning. Moreover, theCPU32 actuates acredit display17 to indicate the accumulated number of the dividend coins. If thepayout button21 is depressed at this time, acoin dispenser46 is driven to pay out the coins, the number of which is indicated by thecredit display17, to thecoin tray13. Incidentally, theRAM38 includes a credit counting area and a coin counting area in addition to an area for storing the number of the betted coins. The credit counting area is for accumulating the number of the divided coins obtained every winning, and the coin counting area is for storing the number of the inserted coins. TheRAM38 is used as a memory for temporarily storing the various data obtained during the game process. TheROM37 stores, besides the above data, programs for executing a main-game sequence and a sub-game sequence.
• Hereinafter, an operation of the[0051]slot machine10 is described. First of all, the player inserts the coin into thecoin slot20. Then, the player imagines which game line is expected to obtain the winning. In accordance with the imagination, the player selects the number of the game lines to be nominated. Further, the player selects the bet number of the nominated game lines. Selecting the game lines and the bet number is performed by operating theline buttons23 and thebet buttons24, alternatively by operating the one-by-onebet button26.
• When operating the[0052]line button23 and thebet button24, theline button23 is operated first to select the number of the game lines to be nominated. At this time, theLEDs28 of theline buttons23 being selectable are turned on in accordance with the number of the inserted coins. Upon depression of the one-line button23a,only the game line15ais nominated. Upon depression of the three-line button23b,the game lines15ato15care nominated. Upon depression of the five-line button23c,the game lines15ato15eare nominated. Upon depression of the eight-line button23d,the whole game lines15ato15hare nominated. Incidentally, after theline button23 has been selected, only theLED28 of the selected one is turned on.
• Successively, one of the[0053]bet buttons24 is depressed for selecting the number of the coins to be betted on the nominated game lines. At this time, only theLEDs28 of theoperative bet buttons24 are turned on after depressing theline button23. Upon selectively depressing one of thebet buttons24, the coins whose number is one, two, three or four are betted on each of the nominated game lines. After depressing one of thebet buttons24, only theLED28 of the selected one is turned on. Meanwhile, an operation signal is inputted from theoperation detecting circuit36 into theCPU32 to actuate theline indicator16.
• After that, the[0054]spin button25 is depressed to rotate thereels14. Upon this, the start signal is inputted from theoperation detecting circuit36 into theCPU32 to activate themotor controller40. TheCPU32 extracts the random number from the random-number generator45 to determine the symbol combination to be displayed as a result of the current game. Further, the symbols to be stopped at the game line are determined with respect to therespective reels14.
• Occurrence of winning is determined as stated above. In the case of winning, a kind thereof is also determined. And then, the[0055]respective reels14 are simultaneously started to rotate. After rotating therespective reels14 by a predetermined amount, theCPU32 performs a stopping operation of the steppingmotors42ato42j,referring to the counted value of the counter. In virtue of this operation, thereels14 are stopped so as to display the symbol combination determined on the basis of the extracted random number. In the case of winning, thecredit display17 is actuated, referring to both of the dividend-coin data stored in theROM37 and the bet number saved in theRAM38, to indicate the accumulation number of the awarded coins corresponding to the kind of the obtained winning. At the same time, the number of the awarded coins is accumulated in the credit counter area of theRAM38. In this case, the awarded coins are the dividend-coin number multiplied by the bet number α (=1 to 4). After displaying the number of the awarded coins, one game is completed.
• When the number of the game lines to be nominated and the bet number thereof are selected by operating the one-by-one[0056]bet button26, thisbutton26 is depressed by desired times. When the one-by-onebet button26 is depressed, the number of the nominated game lines increases in association with the depression number of thebutton26. At the same time, betting the coin is also performed. When the one-by-onebet button26 is depressed within eight times, the coins are betted on the nominated game lines one by one. When the one-by-onebet button26 is depressed within a range of nine times to thirty-two times, the coins are betted on the nominated game lines two by two, three by three, or four by four.
• After that, the[0057]respective reels14 are rotated upon depression of thespin button25. When therespective reels14 are stopped, thecredit display17 indicates the kind of winning and the awarded-coin number corresponding to the betted-coin number, if the winning is obtained. At the same time, the awarded-coin number is accumulated in the credit counter area of theRAM38. Then, one game is completed.
• When the inserted-coin number or the accumulated-coin number of the credit counter is thirty-two or more, the whole game lines[0058]15ato15hare nominated by depressing themaximum bet button27. In this case, it is possible to bet the coins on the game lines15ato15hfour by four. On the other hand, when the inserted-coin number or the accumulated-coin number of the credit counter is thirty-one or less, the number of the game lines to be nominated and the bet number thereof are selected in accordance with the number of the coins similarly to the case of depressing the one-by-onebet button26. Thus, by depressing themaximum bet button27, it is unnecessary to operate theline button23, thebet button24, and the one-by-onebet button26.
• As described above, the[0059]slot machine10 has two manners for selecting the number of the game lines and the bet number thereof. In one manner, theline button23 and thebet button24 are operated. In the other manner, the one-by-onebet button26 is operated. For instance, when the game is played with two coins, the game line15ais nominated by operating the one-line button23a,and then, one or two coins are betted on the game line15aby operating the one-bet button24aor the two-bet button24b.In contrast, by depressing the one-by-onebet button26 twice, the coins are betted on the game lines15aand15bone by one.
• The player forecasts the game line on which the winning is likely to occur, and operates the[0060]line button23 and thebet button24. Owing to this, the number of the coins to be betted on the forecasted game line may be increased to obtain a large number of the dividend coins. Therefore, the player obtains novel interest of the game, since it is annexed thereto to forecast the game line on which the winning is likely to occur. Moreover, by operating the one-by-onebet button26, the coins may be uniformly betted on the nominated game lines so that the player may play one game without losing many coins.
• As described above, when playing the slot-machine game, the one-by-one[0061]bet button26 is used separately from theline buttons23 and thebet buttons24. Owing to this, the game is prevented from being monotonously played, and it is possible to play the game in various ways. Thus, interest of the game may be enhanced for the player. Further, the nine reels are arranged in the matrix form so that it is possible to introduce the vertical game lines. Accordingly, the number of the game lines is increased. At the same time, all the game lines become straight so that the game lines may be easily distinguished from each other notwithstanding the increase of the game lines. Consequently, game contents may be easily grasped so that the player may enjoy the game in various aspect.
• In the above embodiment, the nine[0062]symbol windows11 are combined three by three in the vertical direction, in the horizontal direction, and in the diagonal direction to set the eight game lines in total. However, this is not exclusive. It is possible to set a proper number of the game lines by combining any three of thesymbol windows11. Also in this case, the number of the game lines to be nominated and the bet number thereof are selected similarly to the above embodiment. In this way, the game may be played in various manners so that interest of the game is enhanced for the player.
• As to the operation buttons disposed on the[0063]operation panel12, the kinds and the arrangement thereof may be properly changed. For instance, a two-by-two bet button may be provided besides the one-by-onebet button26. By using the two-by-two bet button, the coins are betted two by two on the game lines to be sequentially nominated. Similarly, a three-by-three bet button may be provided. Moreover, if a double-up button and so forth are provided, the game may be played in more various ways.
• In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to the slot machine whose[0064]reels14 are automatically stopped. However, this is not exclusive. The present invention may be applied to the slot machine whose reel is stopped by operating a stop button. Further, the present invention may be applied to a video-type slot machine in which reels are displayed on a CRT and are rotated in accordance with graphic data stored in a ROM.
• Next, a second embodiment is described below. In the second embodiment, a component being identical with that of the first embodiment is denoted by same reference numeral and detailed description thereof is abbreviated. As shown in FIG. 5, a front face of a[0065]slot machine50 is provided with a symbol-image displaying unit51, anoperation panel12, and acoin tray13. FIG. 6 shows the symbol-image displaying unit51 under a condition that five game lines are nominated. Aliquid crystal panel57 is attached to the symbol-image displaying unit51. A display surface of theliquid crystal panel57 is provided with symbol-image windows58, a line-number window59, bet-number windows60, a total-bet-number window61, a coin-number window62, amessage window63, and acredit window64.
• A number of the symbol-[0066]image windows58 is nine, and they are arranged in three-by-three matrix. The symbol-image window58 is an individual area for displaying symbol images which move so as to flow therein. The nine symbol-image windows58 are combined three by three, including three horizontal lines, three vertical lines, and two diagonal lines. In total, eight game lines are provided. By the way, frame lines for defining the display surface is not essential and may be omitted insofar as the individual display area, the number of which is nine, are secured.
• The line-[0067]number window59 works as a display for indicating a number of the nominated game lines for the player. The nominated game line itself is indicated by aline display65 straightly extending from one end of the three symbol-image windows of the game line to the other end thereof. Theline display65 is superimposed on the symbol images and is turned on to indicate the nominated game line. When the moving display of the symbol images is started, theline display65 is turned off for a while. Then, when the moving display of the symbol images is stopped, theline display65 is turned on again. At this time, theline display65 on which winning occurs is adapted to be blinked.
• The bet-[0068]number windows60 are disposed near the one ends of the respective line displays65 to indicate the number of coins betted on the nominated game lines. The total bet-number window61 indicates the total number of coins betted on the nominated game lines. In FIG. 6, the five game lines are nominated and the coins are betted thereon one by one so that the respective bet-number windows60 indicate “1” and the total-bet-number window61 indicates “5”.
• The coin-[0069]number window62 indicates a number of coins to be paid when the winning occurs on the nominated game line. Themessage window63 displays messages for instructing coin insertion and operations of various buttons provided on theoperation panel12. Themassage window63 guides a player along a game process. The message shown in FIG. 6 instructs the player to operate the bet button. In accordance with the displayed message, the player operates the bet button. Thecredit window64 displays a number of coins accumulated in a credit counter.
• As shown in FIG. 5, the[0070]operation panel12 is provided under the symbol-image displaying unit51. Theoperation panel12 is described in the first embodiment in detail.
• When a player inserts one coin, the number of the nominatable game lines is one. Upon depression of the one-[0071]line button23a,the central horizontal game line is nominated. When three coins are inserted, the number of the nominatable game lines is three. Upon operation of the three-line button23b,the three horizontal game lines are nominated. Similarly, when five coins are inserted, the five game lines are nominated in total upon operation of the five-line button23c.The five game lines include the three horizontal game lines and the two diagonal game lines. When eight coins are inserted, the eight game lines are nominated in total upon operation of the eight-line button23d.The eight game lines include the three vertical game lines in addition to the above-noted five game lines.
• As shown in FIG. 7, the[0072]CPU32 activates adisplay control IC72 and theLED controller34 in response to the coin detection signal outputted from thecoin sensor31. Thedisplay control IC72 indicates a number of the inserted coins in thecredit window64 of theliquid crystal panel57.
• When each button of the[0073]operation panel12 is operated, an operation signal thereof is inputted into theCPU32 via theoperation detecting circuit36. Incidentally, theCPU32 totally controls the operation of the slot machine in accordance with a game program stored in theROM37, and ignores the inputted operation signals if these signals are irrelevant to game procedure.
• When the[0074]line button23 is depressed, theCPU32 judges the number of the game lines to be nominated in response to the selectedline button23. Then, a judgement signal is inputted into thedisplay control IC72. From aline pattern memory78, thedisplay control IC72 reads out graphic data of the line-number window59 and theline display65 corresponding to the judgement signal. The graphic data are displayed on theliquid crystal panel57 every display position. TheCPU32 nominates the game lines shown by the line displays65 so as to correspond to the selected number of the game lines.
• When the[0075]bet button24 is depressed, a bet-number selection signal is inputted into theCPU32. Successively, theCPU32 judges the bed number to input a judgement signal into thedisplay control IC72. From a bet-number data memory79, thedisplay control IC72 reads out corresponding graphic data to be displayed in both of the bet-number window60 and the total-bet-number window61. The graphic data are displayed on theliquid crystal panel57. Meanwhile, theCPU32 temporarily saves the bet number in theRAM38.
• In addition, from a[0076]message data memory81, thedisplay control IC72 reads a massage for instructing coin insertion when it is required to insert the coins. Thedisplay control IC72 also reads, from themessage date memory81, messages for instructing operations of theline button23, thebet button24 and thespin button25. The read message is displayed in themessage window63.
• When the[0077]spin button25 is depressed, the start signal is inputted into theCPU32 to activate thedisplay control IC72 in response to the start signal. Thedisplay control IC72 reads out graphic data of a symbol-image row from a symbol-image data memory82 with respect to each of the symbol-image windows58. The read graphic data is inputted into theliquid crystal panel57. Owing to this, the individual symbol image constituting the symbol-image row is repeatedly displayed in the symbol-image window58 so as to flow therein. In the meantime, when thespin button25 is depressed, theCPU32 actuates theLED controller34 to change the state of thelighting LED28 to a blinking state via theLED driver35.
• When the start signal is inputted into the[0078]CPU32, a sole random number is sampled from the random-number generator45 and is inputted into the winningjudgement section43. When inputting the random number, the winningjudgement section43 determines a kind of the winning to be awarded in the current game. Successively, theCPU32 activates asymbol determining circuit85 for determining the symbol images to be stopped in the symbol-image windows58. The symbol images to be finally displayed are determined in accordance with the kind of winning or non-winning determined on the basis of the sampled random number. A head address of the graphic data corresponding to the finally displayed symbol image is inputted into theCPU32.
• The[0079]display control IC72 inputs the head address allocated to each symbol image into theCPU32 when the graphic data of each display position is inputted into theliquid crystal panel57. Thus, theCPU32 can recognize the symbol image currently displayed at each display position by monitoring the head address. When the head address inputted from thesymbol determining circuit85 coincides with the head address inputted from thedisplay control IC72, the moving display of the symbol-image row is stopped. In this way, the determined symbol image is stopped in each of the symbol-image windows58. In the case of winning, theCPU32 determines the game line, at random, on which the winning occurs.
• As stated above, the symbol image is displayed in the symbol-[0080]image window58 so as to flow. Thus, the timing for inputting the head address of the graphic data into theliquid crystal panel57 does not coincide with the timing for displaying the corresponding symbol image at the center of the symbol-image window58. However, thedisplay control IC72 monitors a moving speed of the symbol image by counting clock pulses so that it is easy to deal with a difference between the former timing and the latter timing.
• After the winning has occurred, the[0081]CPU32 checks the dividend-coin data stored in theROM37 and the bet number saved in theRAM38. Then, theCPU32 stores, in theRAM38, the number of the dividend coins corresponding to the kind of the obtained winning. At the same time, theCPU32 actuates thedisplay control IC72 to indicate the accumulated number of the dividend coins in thecredit window64. In addition, thedisplay control IC72 blinks theline display65 along which the winning occurs. Upon depression of thepayout button21, thecoin dispenser46 is driven to pay out the coins, the number of which is indicated in thecredit window64, to thecoin tray13.
• An operation of the[0082]slot machine50 is described below. First of all, the player inserts the coin into thecoin slot20. Then, the player imagines which game line is expected to obtain the winning. In accordance with the imagination, the player selects the number of the game lines to be nominated. Further, the player selects the bet number of the nominated game lines. Selecting the game lines and the bet number are performed by operating theline buttons23 and thebet buttons24.
• When the coin is inserted, the coin detection signal is inputted into the[0083]CPU32 to activate theLED controller34. If the number of the inserted coins is thirty two or more, all of theline buttons23 and thebet buttons24 are tuned on. After that, the player determines the number of the game lines to be nominated, and selectively depresses any one of theline buttons23 including the one-line button23athrough the eight-line button23d.Upon depressing the one-line button23a,the sole horizontal line is nominated. Upon depressing the three-line button23b,the three horizontal lines are nominated. Upon depressing the five-line button23c,the three horizontal lines and the two diagonal lines are nominated. Upon depressing the eight-line button23d,the three horizontal lines, the two diagonal lines and the three vertical lines are nominated. When one of theline buttons23 is depressed such as stated above, a game-line selection signal is inputted into theCPU32 via theoperation detecting circuit36 to activate thedisplay control IC72 and theLED controller34.
• In accordance with the number of the nominated game lines, the[0084]LED controller34 continues to turn on theLED28 of thedepressed line button23. TheLEDs28 of thenon-selected line buttons23 are turned off. For instance, when the one-line button23ais depressed, theLED28 thereof is kept in a lighting state and theLEDs28 of the other line buttons are turned off. In a case the user wants, after depressing theline button23, to change the number of the game lines to be nominated, it is sufficient to depress the line button of the desired number. In this case, theLED controller34 turns on theLED28 of the newly depressedline button23, and turns off theLED28 of the previouslydepressed line button23.
• In the meantime, the[0085]display control IC72 indicates the nominated game line on theliquid crystal panel57 with theline display65. In addition, thedisplay control IC72 shows the number of the nominated game lines in the line-number window59.
• Successively, the player selects the number of the coins to be betted on the nominated game line. At this point in time, all of the[0086]bet buttons24 are turned on. The player depresses any one of thebet buttons24athrough24dto bet the coins of four or less on the nominated game line. Similarly to theline button23, only theLED28 of thedepressed bet button24 continues to be turned on and theLEDs28 of theother bet buttons24 are turned off. Incidentally, when thirty two coins are betted by depressing the eight-line button23dand the four-bet button24d,themaximum bet button27 may be depressed instead of thesebuttons23dand24d.
• When one of the[0087]bet buttons24 is depressed, the operation signal is inputted into theCPU32 via theoperation detecting circuit36 to activate thedisplay control IC72 for indicating the number of the betted coins in the bet-number window60. At the same time, the total number of the betted coins is shown in the total-bet-number window61.
• When the number of the inserted coins is thirty one or less and is eight or more, the[0088]LEDs28 of all of theline buttons23 and thebet buttons24 are turned on. Upon depressing one of theline buttons23athrough23d,only theLED28 of thedepressed line button23 is kept in the lighting state. According to the number of the nominated game lines, there is a possibility that some of thebet buttons24 become inoperative. In this case, theLED28 of theinoperative bet button24 is turned off.
• For instance, when the coins are inserted by eight, the[0089]LEDs28 of all of theline buttons23 and thebet buttons24 are turned on. Successively, when the three-line button23bis depressed, it is possible to bet one or two coins on each of the nominated game lines. Accordingly, after depressing the three-line button23b,theLEDs28 of the one-bet button24aand the two-bet button24bare kept in the lighting state and theLEDs28 of the three-bet button24cand the four-bet button24dare turned off.
• One of the[0090]operative bet buttons24 is selectively depressed after selecting theline button23. Consequently, the twoLEDs28 of thedepressed line button23 and thedepressed bet button24 are kept in the lighting state.
• When the number of the inserted coins is seven or less, only the[0091]LEDs28 of the operative buttons are turned on. At this point in time, theLEDs28 of the inoperative buttons are turned off. Upon depressing one of theline buttons23ato23d,only theLED28 of thedepressed line button23 is turned on. At this time, some of thebet buttons24 become inoperative according to the number of the nominated game lines so that theLEDs28 thereof are turned off.
• When the coins are inserted by three, it is impossible to nominate the five game lines and the eight game lines. Thus, the[0092]LEDs28 of the five-line button23cand the eight-line button23dare turned off, and theLEDs28 of the one-line button23aand the three-line button23bare turned on. Under this condition, if the number of the game lines to be nominated is one, three coins may be betted at the maximum. Accordingly, the one-bet button24ato the three-bet button24care turned on and the four-bet button24dis turned off. Meanwhile, if the three-line button23bis depressed when nominating the game lines, the number of the coins betted on the nominated game lines is one. Thus, the two-bet button24band the three-bet button24cbecome inoperative in addition to the four-bet button24dso that theLEDs28 thereof are turned off.
• One of the[0093]operative bet buttons24 is selectively depressed after selecting theline button23. Consequently, the twoLEDs28 of thedepressed line button23 and thedepressed bet button24 are kept in the lighting state.
• As stated above, nominating the game lines and betting the coins are completed after inserting the coins. Then, the[0094]spin button25 is depressed to move the symbol-image rows. Upon depression of thespin button25, thedisplay control IC72 starts the moving display of the symbol-image row and turns off theline display65. In a case that the player wishes to confirm the number of the nominated game lines during the moving display of the symbol-image row, the player watches the line-number window59. Incidentally, while the symbol-image row is moved, theLEDs28 of theline button23 and thebet button24 are blinked.
• In the meantime, the[0095]CPU32 extracts the random number from the random-number generator45 every nominated game line to determine the kind of winning to be awarded to the current game. TheCPU32 stops the moving display of the symbol-image row performed by thedisplay control IC72, such that the head address inputted from thesymbol determining circuit85 coincides with the head address inputted from thedisplay control IC72. In this way, one operation of the symbol-image displaying unit51 is completed. In the case of winning, theCPU32 refers to both of the dividend-coin data stored in theROM37 and the bet number saved in theRAM38. Then, theCPU32 indicates, in thecredit window64, the accumulation number of the awarded coins corresponding to the kind of the obtained winning. At the same time, the number of the awarded coins is accumulated in the credit counter area of theRAM38. Incidentally, the number of the awarded coins are the dividend-coin number multiplied by the bet number α (=1 to 4). After displaying the number of the awarded coins, one game is completed.
• In the[0096]slot machine50, theLEDs28 provided inside theline buttons23 and thebet buttons24 are adapted to indicate the operative buttons in accordance with the number of the inserted coins. Therefore, the player can immediately distinguish the operative buttons after inserting the coins and after depressing theline button23. Moreover, the nominated game lines and the bet number thereof are shown by theline display65 and the line-number window59 so that the player can easily distinguish the nominated game lines from the other game lines as soon as theline buttons23 is depressed. Further, the bet-number window60 and the total-bet-number window61 are provided so that it is possible to immediately know the number of the betted coins and the totally betted coins. In conclusion, according to theslot machine50, the player can easily grasp the game contents.
• The second embodiment of the present invention has been described, referring to the drawings. However, when working the present invention, it is possible to properly modify the second embodiment. Although the number of the game lines is set to eight in the second embodiment, this is not exclusive and it is possible to set a proper number of the game lines at proper positions. Moreover, the number of the symbol-[0097]image windows58 is not exclusive to nine and may be a proper number.
• In the second embodiment, the number of the nominated game lines is changed by depressing the[0098]line button23 again after the number of the game lines to be nominated has been determined by depressing theline button23. Similarly, thebet button24 may be changeable after depression thereof. Further, in the second embodiment, thebet button24 is depressed after depression of theline button23. However, thebet button24 may be depressed first to determine the number of the coins to be betted on the game lines. In this case, theline button23 is depressed to determine the game lines to be nominated after depressing thebet button24.
• In the second embodiment, the[0099]LEDs28 of the operative buttons are turned on, theLEDs28 of the inoperative buttons are turned off, and theLEDs28 of the selected buttons are blinked during the moving display of the symbol-image row. However, this way is not exclusive. For example, theLEDs28 of the operative buttons may be kept in the lighting state to notify the changeable buttons to the player. In this case, it is preferable to turn off theLEDs28 of the non-depressed buttons after commencing the moving display of the symbol-image row. Further, it is possible to properly modify the lighting way of theLED28 including the lighting manner, the lighting timing, the lighting period, and so forth. For example, theLED28 of the operative button may be blinked. Furthermore, theLED28 is not exclusive for lighting theline button23 and thebet button24. Instead of theLED28, a lump or the like may be used.
• In the second embodiment, the game line nominated by depressing the[0100]line button23 is shown with theline display65. However, this is not exclusive. For example, all of the game lines may be indicated in advance, and the nominated game line may be indicated in a different color or in a blinking manner. In the second embodiment, the number of the betted coins is digitally indicated in the bet-number window60. However, this is not exclusive. The number of the betted coins may be indicated with indicias, marks and so forth.
• It is possible to properly modify the kinds and the arrangement of the various operation buttons disposed on the[0101]operation panel12. For example, by providing an extra button for doubling the number of the obtained coins, it is possible to play more various games. Further, as far as the subject matter of the present invention is not changed, it is possible to variously modify the number of the symbol-image windows, the kinds of the symbols, the symbol arrangement of the symbol row, the kinds and the dividend of the winnings, the bet number, the moving direction of the symbol row, the manner and the order for stopping the symbol row, and so forth.
• In the second embodiment, the present invention is applied to the video-type slot machine in which the reel rotation is simulated by the displaying unit on the basis of the graphic data stored in the ROM. The present invention, however, may be applied to a reel-type slot machine in which physical reels, on peripheral surfaces of which a plurality of symbols are arranged, are actually rotated. In this case, the nominated game line may be indicated by LEDs and lamps provided along the game line. In another way, an Electro Luminescence tape (EL tape) may be utilized for indicating the nominated game line. Moreover, it is preferable that the number of coins betted on the nominated game line is shown by indication segments disposed near the LED, the lamp, and the end of the EL tape. Further, it is preferable that the total number of the nominated game lines is shown by lamps and indication segments. Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to the slot machine in which the reel rotation or the moving display of the symbol row is stopped by depressing a stop button.[0102]
• Although the present invention has been fully described by way of the preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to those having skill in this field. Therefore, unless otherwise these changes and modifications depart from the scope of the present invention, they should be construed as included therein.[0103]

Claims (21)

What is claimed is:

1. A slot machine having a plurality of game lines, in which occurrence of winning is determined in accordance with a combination of symbols stopped at said game line nominated by a player, said slot machine comprising:

nine symbol windows arranged in a three-by-three matrix and for displaying said symbols, moving display of a row of said symbols being individually performed in the respective symbol windows; and

a game-line selection member for selecting said game lines to be nominated, said game-line selection member being operated by the player after inserting coins into said slot machine and before commencing the moving display of said symbol row.

2. A slot machine according toclaim 1, wherein said nine symbol windows are combined three by three in a vertical direction, in a horizontal direction, and in a diagonal direction to set the eight game lines in total.

3. A slot machine according toclaim 1, further comprising:

an odds inputting member for setting odds to said game lines nominated by said game-line selection member.

4. A slot machine according toclaim 3, further comprising:

a simultaneous-input member for simultaneously inputting both of a number of said game lines to be nominated and the odds thereof, said simultaneous-input member nominating a predetermined number of said game lines in a predetermined order and setting the fixed odds to the nominated game lines in each operation of said simultaneous-input member, and when said simultaneous-input member is operated after nominating all of said game lines, the fixed odds being added to said game lines in the predetermined order in each operation of said simultaneous-input member.

5. A slot machine according toclaim 4 wherein said odds is a number of coins to be betted on said nominated game line.

6. A slot machine according toclaim 4, further comprising:

a line indicator for indicating said nominated game line, said line indicator being disposed at one end of said game line.

7. A slot machine according toclaim 6, wherein said line indicator has an arrow shape.

8. A slot machine according toclaim 7, wherein said line indicator includes an LED and said nominated game line is indicated by turning on said LED.

9. A slot machine according toclaim 8, wherein said symbol row is arranged on a periphery of a reel to perform said moving display of said symbol row by rotating said reel.

10. A slot machine according toclaim 9, wherein said reel is rotated by means of a stepping motor.

11. A slot machine according toclaim 8, wherein said symbol row is displayed on an image displaying unit.

12. A slot machine having a plurality of game lines, in which occurrence of winning is determined in accordance with a combination of symbols stopped at said game line nominated by a player, said slot machine comprising:

game-line selecting means for determining a number of said game lines to be nominated, said game-line selecting means including a plurality of line buttons, one of which being operated by the player after inserting coins into said slot machine and before commencing moving display of a row of said symbols;

odds selecting means for determining odds of said game lines to be nominated by said game-line selecting means, said odds selecting means including a plurality of odds buttons, one of which being operated by the player after inserting the coins into said slot machine and before commencing the moving display of said symbol row; and

indication means for indicating the operative buttons among said line buttons and said odds buttons which are changed into an operative state in accordance with a number of coins inserted by the player.

13. A slot machine according toclaim 12, wherein nine symbol windows for displaying said symbol rows are arranged in a three-by-three matrix to individually perform the moving display of said symbol row in the respective symbol windows.

14. A slot machine according toclaim 12, wherein said odds is a number of coins to be betted on said game lines and said odds button corresponds to said number of the coins.

15. A slot machine according toclaim 12, wherein said indication means indicates the operative line or odds buttons before operating them, and said indication means indicates the operated line or odds buttons after operating them.

16. A slot machine according toclaim 12, wherein said indication means indicates the operative odds buttons in accordance with the operated line button when the line button has been operated prior to the odds button.

17. A slot machine according toclaim 12, wherein said indication means indicates the operative line buttons in accordance with the operated odds button when the odds button has been operated prior to the line button.

18. A slot machine according toclaim 12, wherein said game lines to be nominated by said line buttons are determined in advance.

19. A slot machine according toclaim 18, wherein said symbol rows and said game line are displayed as visible images by means of an image displaying unit, the nominated game line being displayed so as to cross said symbols.

20. A slot machine according toclaim 19, wherein displaying said game line is stopped when commencing the moving display of said symbol row, and said game line is displayed again when stopping the moving display.

21. A slot machine according to claim20, further comprising:

a line-number displaying member for indicating the number of said game lines nominated by said game-line selecting means.

Images