US20050170879A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20050170879A1
Application number: US11/043,309
Authority: US
Inventors: Motoaki Tachikawa
Original assignee: Aruze Corp
Current assignee: Universal Entertainment Corp; LNW Gaming Inc
Priority date: 2004-01-29
Filing date: 2005-01-27
Publication date: 2005-08-04
Also published as: EA007527B1; EP1560175A3; CN1647843A; AU2005200347A1; AU2005200347B2; EP1560175A2; EA200500117A1; ZA200500692B; JP2005211341A

Abstract

It is disclosed a gaming machine comprising: a display device with a first display area and a second display area; a first game controller for executing a first game in which symbols are scrolled in each of plural rows on the first display area and a game result is determined corresponding to the symbol or a symbol combination stopped and displayed on the first display area; a first determination device for determining whether or not a predetermined symbol is included in the symbols stopped and displayed in the first game; a second game controller for executing a second game in which the symbols are scrolled in each of plural rows on the first display area when the first determination device determines that the predetermined symbol is included in the symbols stopped and displayed in the first game; and a payout device for paying out a game medium corresponding to a game result in the first game or the second game; wherein the second game controller controls the display device so that a specific symbol characterizing the second game is displayed on the second display area and controls the payout device to pay out the game medium when any one of the symbols stopped and displayed on the first display area in the second game coincides with the specific symbol.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATION (S)

This application is based upon and claims a priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-022229 filed on Jan. 29, 2004, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a first game is executed in a normal state and a second game is executed under a rule different from that of the first game if a specific condition is realized.

2. Description of Related Art

Conventionally, a video-slot machine and a slot machine (hereinafter, such machines are sometimes called as slot machine and the like) are generally well-known and favored as gaming machines in which winning states are determined based on symbol combinations and coins such as medals are paid out according to the symbol combination. In the slot machine and the like, when a start lever is operated after coins are inserted, a so-called first game is conducted. The first game is a variable displaying game, in which a plurality of reels (for example, three reels), on each outer periphery of which a plural kinds of symbols are arranged, are rotated and symbols are scrolled, and in a case that the symbol combination corresponds to a predetermined winning mode when the reels are stopped, coins a number of which corresponds to the winning mode are paid out. As a winning mode in the first game, for example, there exist a so-called “big prize” that coins more than1000 are paid out and a so-called “small prize” that coins less than1000 are paid out.

And it will exist a gaming machine, as disclosed in Unexamined Japanese Publication No. 11-244453, in which, as the winning mode in the first game, there exists a so-called “obtainment of a second game” in which the second game can be done other than the “big prize” and “small prize”, and if the winning mode corresponds to the “obtainment of a second game”, the second game can be conducted without newly inserting coins. Such second game is done under a rule different from that of the first game, and is, for example, generally called as bonus game or free game. In most cases, the second game becomes beneficial for a player, thus many coins can be obtained according to a result of the second game.

However, the second game in the conventional gaming machine has only very simple game characteristic, therefore it is not enough to raise interest for games so that the player is not tired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been done to dissolve the above problems and has an object to provide a gaming machine in which interest for games can be improved.

In order to accomplish the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, it is provided a gaming machine comprising:

- a display device with a first display area and a second display area;
- a first game controller for executing a first game in which symbols are scrolled in each of plural rows on the first display area and a game result is determined corresponding to the symbol or a symbol combination stopped and displayed on the first display area;
- a first determination device for determining whether or not a predetermined symbol is included in the symbols stopped and displayed in the first game;
- a second game controller for executing a second game in which the symbols are scrolled in each of plural rows on the first display area when the first determination device determines that the predetermined symbol is included in the symbols stopped and displayed in the first game; and
- a payout device for paying out a game medium corresponding to a game result in the first game or the second game;
- wherein the second game controller controls the display device so that a specific symbol characterizing the second game is displayed on the second display area and controls the payout device to pay out the game medium when any one of the symbols stopped and displayed on the first display area in the second game coincides with the specific symbol.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, the game similar to the first game, in which variable display of plural symbols is done, when seeing from outside, is conducted as the second game under a quite different condition from that of the first game, therefore game contents of both the first game and the second game can be made different while retaining connection with the first game. Thus, feelings capable of enjoying one game with two ways can be given to the player, as a result, interest for games can be raised. And since it is determined based on the game result in the first game whether or not the second game is executed, interest and concern for the first game can be raised and interest for both games can be raised.

According to the present invention, it can be provided the gaming machine through which interest of the player for games can be improved.

The above and further objects and novel features of the invention will more fully appear from the following detailed description when the same is read in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for purpose of illustration only and not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the objects, advantages and principles of the invention.

In the drawings,

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing one example of a gaming machine according to the present invention,

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing an electrical construction of the gaming machine shown inFIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a display control device provided in the gaming machine shown inFIG. 1,

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine for conducting a first game process, the sub-routine being executed in a main control circuit,

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine for conducting a winning process in the first game executed in the main control circuit,

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine for conducting a second game process executed in the main control circuit,

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing one example of a ANY symbol determination table which is utilized in S110 in the sub-routine shown inFIG. 6,

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine for conducting a winning process in the second game executed in the main control circuit,

FIGS.9(a)˜(d) are explanatory views schematically showing images displayed on an upper display device and a lower display device in the gaming machine,

FIG. 10 is another explanatory view showing one example of a ANY symbol determination table which is utilized in S110 in the sub-routine shown inFIG. 6,

FIG. 11 is further another explanatory view showing one example of a ANY symbol determination table which is utilized in S110 in the sub-routine shown inFIG. 6,

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a slot machine as another gaming machine according to the present invention,

FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of a lower liquid crystal display and a reel provided in the slot machine shown inFIG. 12,

FIG. 14 an exploded perspective view of the lower liquid crystal display provided in the slot machine shown inFIG. 12,

FIG. 15 is an explanatory view schematically showing symbol examples formed on an outer periphery of the reel,

FIG. 16 is a block diagram schematically showing an electrical construction of the slot machine shown inFIG. 12 and

FIG. 17 is an explanatory view schematically showing a progressive game system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

In the embodiment described hereinafter, it will be described a video-slot machine in which the present invention is adopted, the video-slot machine being embodied as the preferred embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing one example of a gaming machine according to the present invention.

Agaming machine2 has acabinet30 in central front of which it is formed a plane inclined somewhat in a rearward direction against a vertical direction. On the inclined plane, two display devices32 (upper display device32U andlower display device32D) are formed so that two display devices are arranged in an up-and-down relation.

Here, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the number of the display devices are not especially limited, thus it is not necessary to arrange two display devices (upper display device32U andlower display device32D), as in thegaming machine2.

On the display devices32 (upper display device32U andlower display device32D), images indicating the first game or the second game are displayed and both the first game and the second game are progressed on thedisplay devices32. In variable display games conducted as the first game and the second game, a plurality of symbols or marks to conduct a game similar to a slot game done in the slot machine and pay lines are displayed on theupper display device32U and various effect images are displayed on thelower display device32D.

Here, in the embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of symbols and marks to conduct a game similar to a slot game done in the slot machine and the pay lines may be displayed on thelower display device32D and various effect images may be displayed on theupper display device32U.

The above symbols and marks are displayed on theupper display device32U so as to be described on the outer periphery of reels which are displayed as images. And when the game is started, the symbols are variably moved so that they are scrolled in a predetermined direction and are stopped and displayed at a predetermined timing.

Further, when a 1-BET switch20, a 3-BET switch22 or amaximum BET switch24 mentioned later is pressed, the pay lines are activated according to the BET switch which is pressed. Here, the present invention can be adopted to, for example, a video-slot machine with 5 reels and 9 pay lines.

When the symbol combination stopped on the activated pay line becomes, for example, a winning state corresponding to the “big prize” or the “small prize”, coins a number of which corresponds to the winning state are paid out. And in the first game, in a case that a predetermined symbol is included among plural symbols which are stopped, images indicating the second game are displayed on thedisplay device32 and the second game is progressed on thedisplay device32. Here, as for the second game, it will be described in detail hereinafter. And hereinafter, although explanation will be done as the predetermined symbol, which becomes a trigger to shift to the second game, is a “7” symbol, the predetermined symbol is not limited to the “7” symbol.

At a lower position of thelower display device32D, abase portion50 projected horizontally is formed, and on the upper left side of thebase portion50, there are provided the 1-BET switch20 to bet one coin among coins already inserted, the 3-BET switch22 to bet three coins among coins already inserted and themaximum BET switch24 to bet the maximum number of coins for one game among coins already inserted. Based on that the

BET switch

20,22 or24 is pressed, the pay lines are activated according to the pressed BET switch. And on the upper left side of thebase portion50, aspin switch25 to start the game is arranged. The player inserts coins through acoin insertion slot44 mentioned later and presses one of the BET switches20,22 and24, thereby a predetermined number of coins are betted. Thereafter, the player presses thespin switch25, thereby the game is started.

On the rear side of the BET switches20,22,24 arranged on the upper left side of thebase portion50, anoperation portion42 constructing from a plurality of push buttons and a cross key is provided. Thisoperation portion42 is operated when the second game is conducted, as mentioned hereinafter. And on the upper right side of thebase portion50, acoin insertion slot44 and abill insertion slot46 are provided. Coins or bills are inserted in thecoin insertion slot44 orbill insertion slot44, thereby games can be executed.

And apayout switch48 is arranged near thecoin insertion slot44 and when thepayout switch48 is pressed, coins inserted in thegaming machine2 are paid out through acoin payout opening52 formed at the lower front position of thecabinet30. Coins paid out are stored in acoin receiving tray54.

Further, on the upper part of thecabinet30, it is provided aninformation lamp56 which is turned on or blinked when abnormality of thegaming machine2 is detected and the player calls a shop keeper in a game arcade, and is utilized to inform the shop keeper of abnormality in thegaming machine2.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing an electrical construction of the gaming machine shown inFIG. 1.

The above mentioned 1-BET switch20, 3-BET switch22 andmaximum BET switch24 are connected to aninterface circuit group62 of themain control circuit60, and theinterface circuit group62 is connected to a input/output bus64. Each of the switches produces a predetermined signal when pressed and outputs such signal to the input/output bus64.

And theoperation portion42 having a plurality of push buttons and the cross key and thespin switch25 for starting the game are connected to theinterface circuit group62 of themain control circuit60. Each of theoperation portion42 and thespin switch25 produces a predetermined signal when pressed respectively and outputs such signal to the input/output bus64.

The input/output bus64 is constructed so as to be able to input and output data signals or address signals. Here, in the embodiment, although aCPU66 conducts transmission and reception of signals with an external through the bus, theCPU66 may conduct transmission and reception of signals through ports.

Abill validator40 and acoin detection sensor58 are connected to the above mentionedinterface group62. The bill validator40 produces a signal based on kind and number of bill when a bill is inserted therein and transmits such signal to theinterface circuit group62. And thecoin detection sensor58 produces signal based on kind and number of coin when coins are inserted in thecoin insertion slot44 and transmits such signal to theinterface circuit group62.

Thepayout switch48 is connected to the above mentionedinterface circuit group62 and when the player presses the payout switch48 a predetermined signal is output to the input/output bus64. Based on this signal, coins inserted are paid out to thecoin payout opening52 through apayout device82 mentioned later.

And aROM68 and aRAM70 are connected to the above mentioned input/output bus64. TheROM68 stores control program for wholly controlling procedures done by the system of thegaming machine2. Further, theROM68 stores initial data for executing the control program and a part of program for conducting display control of thedisplay device32 and the like. TheRAM70 temporarily stores the above program and data, flags as calculation result and process result and values of variables.

And a hard-disc drive74 is also connected to the input/output bus64, and programs for conducting games and various data such as image data are stored in the hard-disc drive74. Here, in the present invention, instead of the hard-disc drive74, for example, it may be utilized a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory which has comparatively large memory capacity, or a volatile memory may be utilized.

Further, arandom number generator78 for generating random numbers is connected to the input/output bus64. When a command to generate random numbers is input to therandom number generator78 from theCPU66, therandom number generator78 generates random numbers within a predetermined range and outputs a signal indicating the value of random number to the input/output bus64. And theCPU66 progresses the game according to the generated random number. Further, such random number is stored in theRAM70 as the data indicating a lottery result. Here, therandom number generator78 may be realized, for example, by software through the program stored in theROM68 and theRAM70.

Further, aninterface circuit group72 is connected to the input/output bus64. Aspeaker80, aninformation lamp56 and apayout device82 are connected to theinterface circuit group72 and theinterface circuit group72 provides drive signals and drive power to control each of the above mentioned devices, based on a result of calculation process done in theCPU66. And theinformation lamp56 is turned on or blinked when abnormality of thegaming machine2 is detected and the player calls the shop keeper of the game arcade, thereby theinformation lamp56 informs the shop keeper of occurrence of abnormality in thegaming machine2. As theinformation lamp56, for example, LED, lamp or fluorescent lamp may be utilized.

Further, adisplay control device200 is also connected to theinterface circuit group72 and thedisplay control device200 produces a drive signal to drive the display device32 (upper display device32U andlower display device32D) connected to thedisplay control device200, based on an image instruction signal output from themain control circuit60.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a construction of thedisplay control device200 provided in thegaming machine2 shown inFIG. 1.

Aninterface circuit202 is connected to an input/output bus204 and an image display command output from the above mentionedmain control circuit60 is input to the input/output bus204 through theinterface circuit202. Data signal and address signal are input to and output from aCPU206 through the input/output bus204. In the embodiment, although theCPU206 conducts transmission and reception of signals with an external through the bus, theCPU206 may conduct transmission and reception of signals through ports.

To the above mentioned input/output bus204, aROM208 and aRAM210 are also connected. TheROM208 stores display control program to produce a drive signal provided to the display device32 (upper display device32U andlower display device32D), based on image display command output from themain control circuit60. On the other hand, theRAM210 stores flags used in the display control program and values of variables.

Further, an image data processor (abbreviated as VDP hereinafter)212 is also connected to the input/output bus204. TheVDP212 includes a splite circuit, a screen circuit and a palette circuit, thus theVDP212 is a processing device capable of conducting various processes to display images on the display device32 (upper display device32U andlower display device32D).

And to theVDP212, it is connected avideo RAM214 for storing various image data corresponding to the image display command output from themain control circuit60 and animage data ROM216 for storing various image data necessary to conduct the first game and the second game. Further, to theVDP212, it is connected adrive circuit218 for producing a drive signal to drive the display device32 (upper display device32U andlower display device32D).

The above mentionedCPU206 reads the display control program stored in theROM208 and executes it, and stores in thevideo RAM214 the image data displayed on the display device32 (upper display device32U andlower display device32D) corresponding to the image display command output from themain control circuit60. And the image data stored in thevideo RAM214 are output to the display device32 (upper display device32U andlower display device32D) through thedrive circuit218. Of course, the electrical construction of thegaming machine2 according to the present invention is not limited to examples shown inFIGS. 3 and 4.

A sub-routine executed by themain control circuit60 to control thegaming machine2 is shown in FIGS.4 to6. Hereinafter, explanation will be done supposed that thegaming machine2 is operated beforehand and variables used in the mentionedCPU66 is initialized to a predetermined values and thegaming machine2 normally operates.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine for conducting the first game process executed in themain control circuit60.

This sub-routine is a sub-routine called out and executed at a predetermined timing by a main routine which is executed beforehand.

At first, it is determined whether or not coins are betted (step S11). In this process, theCPU66 determines whether or not a signal indicating that the player conducts BET process is received. If it is determined that such signal is received, the procedure shifts to step S12, and on the other hand, if it is determined that such signal is not received, the sub-routine is terminated.

The above BET process may be automatically done when the player inserts coins, and may be first done when the player presses any one of the 1-BET switch20, the 3-BET switch22 and themaximum BET switch24.

Next, it is determined whether or not thespin switch25 to instruct game start is pressed (step S12). In this process, theCPU66 determines whether or not a signal indicating that the player presses thespin switch25 is received. If it is determined that such signal is received, the procedure shifts to step S13, and on the other hand, if it is determined that such signal is not received, the process in step S12 is executed again.

Next, an internal lottery process is conducted (step S13). In this process, theCPU66 produces a command indicating that random numbers should be generated by therandom number generator78 and therandom number generator78 generates random numbers based on the above command. And theCPU66 stores in a predetermined area in theRAM70 internal lottery data determined based on the random number obtained. Here, the internal lottery data include data indicating a symbol combination mode which can be stopped and displayed if the “big prize” or “small prize” is won. And hereinafter explanation will be done supposed that the probability to win the “big prize” is 1/512, the, probability to win the “small prize” is 3/512 and the probability to lose prize (including “obtainment of the second game”) is 508/512.

Here, in the present invention, random numbers may be produced according to the software by theCPU66, the program stored in theROM68 and the RAM70 (for example, by renewing a value with a constant frequency or irregular frequency) and the internal lottery data may be stored in the predetermined area in theRAM70 based on the obtained random number. In this case, therandom number generator78 can be omitted.

Next, rotation and display process of the reels is done (step S14). In this process, theCPU66 transmits signals to thedisplay control device200 so that the game similar to the slot machine is started on theupper display device32U, that is, the reels displayed on theupper display device32U as images are rotated. In these signals, symbol image data to determine the symbol combination when stopped based on the above internal lottery data are included. Further, thedisplay control device200 displays the reels so that the reels are rotated on theupper display device32U, based on the above signals, thereby variable display of the plural symbols is started. And while the first game is executed, thedisplay control device200 also executes display process of various effect images on thelower display device32D, based on the signals transmitted from theCPU66.

Next, stop display process of the reels is done (step S15). In this process, theCPU66 transmits the signal to thedisplay control device200 so that the game similar to the slot machine is terminated on theupper display device32U, that is, rotation of the reels displayed on theupper display device32U as images is stopped. And thedisplay control device200 conducts variable display of the plural symbols for a predetermined time, thereafter stops the symbols.

Next, winning process in the first game is conducted (step S16). In this process, theCPU66 executes the winning process based on the symbols stopped or the internal lottery data. This winning process will be described hereinafter. After the process in the step S16 is terminated, the sub-routine is terminated.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine for conducting the winning process in the first game executed by themain control circuit60.

This sub-routine is a sub-routine which called out in step S16 in the above mentioned sub-routine shown inFIG. 4, and is executed.

At first, it is determined whether or not any one of the symbols stopped and displayed is the symbol to shift to the second game (“7” symbol) (step S21). In this process, theCPU66 determines whether or not the symbol to shift to the second game is included among the symbols stopped and displayed in step S15 of the sub-routine shown inFIG. 4. When the process of step S21 is executed, themain control circuit60 functions as a determination device for determining whether or not the symbol to shift to the second game is included among plural symbols stopped and displayed in the first game.

If it is determined that the symbol to shift to the second game is included in the symbols stopped and displayed, theCPU66 executes the second game process (step S22). In the second game, variable display of the symbols substantially similar to game contents of the first game is done. At that time, the second game can be done without newly inserting coins and if any one of plural symbols stopped and displayed in the second game coincides with an ANY symbol (for example, “cherry” symbol, “melon” symbol and the like), which is a specific symbol, game worth (coins) corresponding to the kind of ANY symbol is paid out. Here, the second game may be executed when coins are inserted. The second game will be explained in detail hereinafter.

In step S21, if it is determined that the symbol to shift to the second game is not included in the symbols stopped and displayed, it is continuously determined whether or not the symbols or the symbol combination is the winning state of the prize (the state that the big prize or the small prize is won)(step S23). And if it is determined that the symbols or the symbol combination stopped and displayed is the winning state of the prize, theCPU66 drives thepayout device82. That is to say, theCPU66 drives thepayout device82 so that coins the number of which corresponds to the winning state are paid out to thecoin receiving tray54 through the coin payout opening52 (step S24), for example so that 1000 coins are paid out if the winning state is the big prize and 500 coins are paid out if the winning state is the small prize. In step S23, if it is determined that the symbols or the symbol combination is not the winning state of the prize, or if the process in step S22 or step S24 is executed, the sub-routine is terminated. When the sub-routines shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 are executed, themain control circuit60 functions as the first game controller.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine for conducting the second game process executed by themain control circuit60. This sub-routine is a sub-routine called out and executed in step S22 in the sub-routine shown inFIG. 5.

At first, theCPU66 conducts the process to determine the number of kind of ANY symbol (S110). In this step S110, the number of kind of ANY symbol displayed during the variable display game is determined corresponding to the number of symbol to shift to the second game, the symbol being included in plural symbols stopped and displayed in the first game. The process of step S110 is, for example, done based on the ANY symbol determination table shown inFIG. 7.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing one example of the ANY symbol determination table which is utilized in step S110 of the sub-routine shown inFIG. 6. Here, the probability that the ANY symbol shown inFIG. 7 is included in the symbols stopped and displayed is set to 100/512 in all kinds of ANY symbols. And in the second game, the probability to win the “big prize” is set to 1/512 and the probability to win the “small prize” is set to 3/512.

InFIG. 7, “number of symbol to shift to the second game” in the left column in the ANY symbol determination table represents the number of symbol to shift to the second game, the symbol being included in the symbols stopped and displayed in the first game. And “ANY symbol” in the right column in the ANY symbol determination table represents the number of kind of the ANY symbol displayed in the second game. Further, in the column of “ANY symbol”, it is indicated the number of game worth (payout coin number) paid out when any one of the stopped and displayed symbols coincides with the ANY symbol.

For example, if the “number of symbol to shift to the second game” is “1”, the ANY symbol displayed in the second game is “cherry” symbol. At that time, if any one of the symbols stopped and displayed in the second game is the “cherry” symbol, 100 coins are paid out. And for example, if the “number of symbol to shift to the second game” is “2”, the ANY symbol displayed in the second game is the “cherry” symbol and “melon” symbol. At that time, if any one of the symbols stopped and displayed in the second game is the “cherry” symbol, 100 coins are paid out, and if any one of the symbols stopped and displayed in the second game is the “melon” symbol, 200 coins are paid out.

As mentioned in the above, the probability that the ANY symbol is included in the symbols stopped and displayed in the second game is set to 100/512 in all kinds of ANY symbols, therefore according that the “number of symbol to shift to the second game” included in the symbols stopped and displayed in the first game increases and the kind of ANY symbol displayed in the second game increases, the probability that any one of the symbols stopped and displayed coincides with the ANY symbol becomes high.

After the process in step S110 is executed, it is continuously determined whether or not thespin switch25 to instruct game start is pressed (step S112). In this process, theCPU66 determines whether or not a signal indicating that thespin switch25 is pressed by the player is received. If it is determined that such signal is received, the procedure shifts to S113, and on the other hand, if it is determined that such signal is not received, the process in step S112 is executed again.

Next, the internal lottery process is conducted (step S113). In this process, theCPU66 transmits a command to generate the random numbers to therandom number generator78 and therandom number generator78 which receives the above command generates the random numbers. Further, theCPU66 stores in the predetermined area in theRAM70 the internal lottery data calculated based on the obtained random number.

Next, rotation process of the reels is done (step S114). In this rotation process, theCPU66 transmits a signal to thedisplay control device200 so that the game like the slot machine is started on theupper display device32U, that is, the reels displayed as images on theupper display device32U are rotated. Such signal includes the symbol image data for determining the symbol combination when stopped and displayed based on the above internal lottery data. Based on the above signal, thedisplay control device200 controls theupper display device32U so that the reels are rotated on theupper display device32U, thereby variable display of plural symbols is started. Further, while the second game is executed, thedisplay control device200 also conducts the process in which various effect images are displayed on thelower display device32D based on the signal transmitted from theCPU66.

Next, stop display process of the reels is conducted (step S115). In this process, theCPU66 transmits a signal to thedisplay control device200 so that the game like the slot machine is terminated, that is, rotation of the reels displayed as images on the upper display device is stopped. And thedisplay control device200 conducts variable display of plural symbols for a predetermined time, thereafter stops and displays plural symbols.

After the process in step S115 is executed, theCPU66 continuously conducts the winning process in the second game (S116). In this process, theCPU66 conducts the winning process based on the symbol stopped and displayed or the internal lottery data. This process will be described hereinafter. After the process in step S116, the sub-routine is terminated.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine for conducting the winning process in the second game executed by themain control circuit60.

This sub-routine is a sub-routine which called out in step S116 in the above mentioned sub-routine shown inFIG. 6, and is executed.

At first, it is determined whether or not the symbols or the symbol combination stopped and displayed corresponds to the winning state of prize (“big prize” or “small prize”) (step S123). And if it is determined that the symbols or the symbol combination corresponds to the winning state of prize, theCPU66 drives thepayout device82. That is to say, theCPU66 drives thepayout device82 so that coins the number of which corresponds to the winning state are paid out to thecoin receiving tray54 through the coin payout opening52 (step S124), for example so that 1000 coins are paid out if the winning state is the big prize and 500 coins are paid out if the winning state is the small prize.

On the other hand, in step S123, if it is determined that the symbols or the symbol combination does not correspond to the winning state of prize, theCPU66 continuously determines whether or not any one of the symbols stopped and displayed coincides with the ANY symbol (step S125). If it is determined that any one of the symbols stopped and displayed coincides with the ANY symbol, theCPU66 conducts the process to pay out coins the number of which corresponds to the kind of ANY symbol to thecoin receiving tray54 through the coin payout opening52 (step S126).

After the process of step S126 is executed or if it is determined that any one of the symbols stopped and displayed in step S125 does not coincide with the ANY symbol, the sub-routine is terminated.

When the sub-routines shown inFIGS. 6 and 8 are executed, themain control circuit60 functions as the second game controller.

FIGS.9(a)˜(d) are explanatory views schematically showing images displayed on theupper display device32U and thelower display device32D when the sub-routines shown in FIGS.4˜8 are executed.

The images shown inFIG. 9(a) show an example of images displayed on thedisplay device32 right after the first game is terminated. On theupper display device32U, the image showing a game like the slot machine having five (5) reels and nine (9) pay lines is displayed. In this image, five (5) reels are included and the symbol to shift to the second game (“7” symbol) is stopped and displayed in the left reel. And on thelower display device32D, the effect image is displayed.

Thereafter, when the second game is started, images shown inFIG. 9(b) are displayed.

These images show an example of images displayed on thedisplay device32 right after the second game is terminated, and become substantially as same as those shown inFIG. 9(a) which is displayed right after the first game is terminated. On theupper display device32U, the image showing a game like the slot machine having five (5) reels and nine (9) pay lines is displayed. In such image, five (5) reels are included and the “cherry” symbol which is the ANY symbol is stopped and displayed in the left reel.

And the effect image displayed on thelower display device32D includes the image indicating while the second game called “bonus game” is executed. And at the right side thereof, it is displayed the image indicating that the “cherry” symbol as the ANY symbol is activated. Further, at the lower position of the image indicating the “bonus game”, it is displayed the image indicating that the “cherry” symbol is included in the symbols stopped and displayed on theupper display device32U and game worth of100 coins is paid out based on that the “cherry” prize is won.

The images shown inFIG. 9(c) show an example of images displayed on thedisplay device32 right after the first game is terminated. On theupper display device32U, the image showing a game like the slot machine having five (5) reels and nine (9) pay lines is displayed. In such image, in both the second and third reels from the left side, the symbols to shift to the second game (“7” symbol) are stopped and displayed. And on thelower display device32D, the effect image is displayed.

Thereafter, when the second game is started, the images shown inFIG. 9(d) is displayed.

These images show another example of images displayed on thedisplay device32 right after the second game is terminated, and become substantially as same as those shown inFIG. 9(c) which is displayed right after the first game is terminated. On theupper display device32U, the image showing a game like the slot machine having five (5) reels and nine (9) pay lines is displayed. In such image, five (5) reels are included and the “melon” symbol as the ANY symbol is stopped and displayed in the second reel from the left side.

And the effect image displayed on thelower display device32D includes the image indicating while the second game called “bonus game” is executed. Further, at the right side thereof, it is displayed the image indicating that the “cherry” symbol and the “melon” symbol as the ANY symbol are activated. Further, at the lower position of the image indicating the “bonus game”, it is displayed the image indicating that the “melon” symbol is included in the symbols stopped and displayed on theupper display device32U and game worth of 200 coins is paid out based on that the “melon” prize is won.

As mentioned, according to thegaming machine2, the game similar to the first game, in which variable display of plural symbols is done, when seeing from outside, is conducted as the second game and the ANY symbol is included in the symbols variably displayed in the second game. And if any one of the symbols stopped and displayed coincides with the ANY symbol, game worth (coins) is paid out. At this point, the second game has game contents different from those in the first game while retaining connection with the first game. Therefore, feelings capable of enjoying one game with two ways can be given to the player, as a result, interest for games can be raised.

And according that the number of symbol to shift to the second game (“7” symbol) included in the symbols stopped and displayed in the first game increases, the number of kind of ANY symbol displayed on thelower display device32D in the second game increases. Therefore, based on that the ANY symbol is included in the symbols stopped and displayed, possibility that game worth (coins) is paid out becomes higher, thus the result of the first game can be correlated with the game contents and the result of the second game. As a result, interest and concern for both the first game and the second game can be increasingly raised and interest for games can be improved.

Further, in the present invention, it is not necessary to determine the number of kind of the specific symbol (for example, ANY symbol) displayed during variable display in the second game corresponding to only the number of predetermined symbol (for example, symbol to shift to the second game) included in the symbols stopped and displayed in the first game.

In the present invention, it may be determined the number of kind of the specific symbol displayed in the second game while variable displaying corresponding to the lottery result obtained by the lottery done when the number of kind of the specific symbol displayed during variable display in the second game is determined and the number of the predetermined symbol stopped and displayed in the first game. In this case, for example, the lottery is conducted in step S110 (ANY symbol determination process) of the sub-routine shown inFIG. 6 while referring the ANY symbol determination table shown inFIG. 10, and the number of kind of the ANY symbol displayed in the second game can be determined corresponding to the lottery result and the number of symbol to shift to the second game included in the symbols stopped and displayed in the first game.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view schematically showing another example of the ANY symbol determination table which is utilized in step S110 of the sub-routine shown inFIG. 6. Here, the probability that the ANY symbol shown inFIG. 10 is included in any of the symbols stopped and displayed is set to 100/512 in all plural kinds of ANY symbols.

In the ANY symbol determination table, the “number of symbol to shift to the second game” in the most left column indicates the number of symbol to shift to the second game included in the symbols stopped and displayed in the first game. In the center column of the table, the “lottery result” indicates a random number range extracted in the lottery. Here, one random number is extracted in a random number range of 0˜63 in the above lottery. And the “ANY symbol” in the most right column of the table indicates the number of kind of the ANY symbol displayed during variable display in the second game.

For example, in a case that the “number of symbol to shift to the second game” is “1” and the lottery result is “1”, the ANY symbol displayed during variable display in the second game is “cherry”. And, for example, in a case that the “number of symbol to shift to the second game” is “2” and the lottery result is “50”, the ANY symbols displayed during variable display in the second game are “cherry”, “melon”, “banana” and “apple”.

As mentioned in the above, the number of kind of the ANY symbol is not determined corresponding to only the number of symbol to shift to the second game, but is determined corresponding to both the number of symbol to shift to the second game and the lottery result obtained by the lottery done thereafter. Thereby, determination of the number of the ANY symbol displayed can be further variegated, as a result, interest for games can be improved.

And in the present invention, corresponding to both the predetermined symbol included in the symbols stopped and displayed in the first game and the number of game worth (coins) betted in the first game, the number of the specific symbol converted in the second game, may be determined.

In this case, for example, in step S110 of the sub-routine shown inFIG. 6, a ANY symbol determination table shown inFIG. 11 is referred and the number of the ANY symbol may be determined corresponding to both the number of the symbol to shift to the second game, such symbol being included in the symbols stopped and displayed in the first game, and the number of game worth (coins) betted in the first game.

FIG. 11 is further another explanatory view showing one example of a ANY symbol determination table which is utilized in S110 in the sub-routine shown inFIG. 6. Here, the probability that the ANY symbol shown inFIG. 11 is included in any of the symbols stopped and displayed is set to 100/512 in all plural kinds of ANY symbols.

In the ANY symbol determination table, the “number of symbol to shift to the second game” in the most left column indicates the number of symbol to shift to the second game included in the symbols stopped and displayed in the first game. In the center column of the table, the “bet number in the first game” indicates a range of number of game worth (coins) betted in the first game. Here, in the first game, the game worth (coins) in a range of 1˜45 can be utilized. Here, the game worth (coins) within a range of 1˜45 can be utilized in the first game. And the “bet number” in FIG.11 indicates a total bet number betted in the first game.

For example, in a case that the “number of symbol to shift to the second game” is “1” and the “bet number in the first game” is “10”, the ANY symbol displayed during variable display in the second game is “cherry”. And for example, in a case that the “number of symbol to shift to the second game” is “2” and the “bet number in the first game” is “40”, the ANY symbols displayed during variable display in the second game are “cherry”, “melon”, “banana” and “apple”.

As mentioned in the above, the number of kind of the ANY symbol displayed in the second game is not determined corresponding to only the number of symbol to shift to the second game, but is determined corresponding to both the number of symbol to shift to the second game and the number of game worth (coins) betted in the first game. Thereby, determination of the number of the ANY symbol displayed in the second game can be further variegated. And the player can change the number of kind of the ANY symbol displayed in the second game according to his or her own intention, by increasing or decreasing the game worth (coins) betted in the first game, thereby strategy can be given to the second game.

Further, in the present invention, the number of the specific symbol displayed in the second game may be determined corresponding to the number of the predetermined symbol included in the symbols stopped and displayed in the first game.

For example, in a case that the number of the symbol to shift to the second game, such symbol being included in the symbols stopped and displayed in the first game, is “1”, one “cherry” symbol may be displayed in the second game, and in a case that the number of the symbol to shift to the second game, such symbol being included in the symbols stopped and displayed in the first game, is “2”, two “cherry” symbols may be displayed in the second game.

And the same symbol (for example, “7” symbol) may be utilized as the predetermined symbol (for example, symbol to shift to the second game) in the first game and the specific symbol (for example, ANY symbol) in the second game.

Further, the present invention may be adopted to the slot machine mentioned hereinafter.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a slot machine as another gaming machine according to the present invention.

InFIG. 12, theslot machine301 has acabinet302 constructing a whole of theslot machine301. At a front upper part of thecabinet302 an upperliquid crystal display303 is arranged, and at a front central part of the cabinet302 a lowerliquid crystal display304 is arranged. Here, the upperliquid crystal display303 is constructed from a liquid crystal display device which is generally used, and the lowerliquid crystal display304 is constructed from, so-called, a transparent liquid crystal display device. A detailed construction of the transparent liquid crystal display device will be explained hereinafter.

An operation table305, which is projected frontward, is formed below the lowerliquid crystal display304, and from the most left side on the operation table305, achange button306, a payout (cash out)button307, ahelp button308 are arranged. And acoin insertion slot309 and abill insertion portion310 are arranged at the right side of thehelp button308. Further, from the left side, a 1-BET button311, a SPIN/REPEAT BET button (hereinafter, abbreviated as “spin button”)312, a 3-BET button313 and a 5-BET button314 are positioned at the front side on the operation table305.

Here, thechange button306 is pressed when exchanging the bill inserted in thebill insertion portion311, and the exchanged coins are paid out through acoin payout opening315 to acoin tray316 which is formed at the lower part of thecabinet302. To thechange button306, a change switch362 (explained hereinafter) is attached, and the a switch signal is output to a CPU350 (mentioned hereinafter) from thechange switch362 based on press of thechange button306.

Thepayout button307 is usually pressed when games are terminated, and when thepayout button307 is pressed coins got in games are paid out through thecoin payout opening315 to thecoin tray316. Here, to thepayout button307, a payout (cash out) switch363 (mentioned hereinafter) is attached and a switch signal is output to theCPU350 from thepayout switch363 based on press of thepayout button307.

Thehelp button308 is pressed when the player cannot understand game operation method, and when thehelp button308 is pressed, various help information is displayed on the upperliquid crystal display303 or the lowerliquid crystal display304. To thishelp button308, a help switch364 (mentioned hereinafter) is attached and a switch signal is output to theCPU350 from thehelp switch364 based on press of thehelp button308.

To the coin insertion slot309 a coin sensor365 (mentioned hereinafter) is positioned, and when the coin is inserted in the coin insertion slot309 a coin detection signal is output to theCPU350 through thecoin sensor365. And to the bill insertion portion310 a bill sensor366 (mentioned hereinafter) is positioned, and when the bill is inserted in the bill insertion portion310 a bill detection signal is output to theCPU350 through thebill sensor366.

As for the 1-BET button311, every the 1-BET button311 is pressed one credit is betted, and the 1-BET button311 can bet by pressing up to tree times as the maximum pressing time. To the 1-BET button311, a 1-BET switch359 is attached and when the 1-BET button311 is pressed a switch signal is output to theCPU350 from the 1-BET switch359 based on press of the 1-BET button311.

Thespin button312 is the button to start games from the present bet number or the previous bet number by press thereof, thereby reels322 (mentioned later) are started to rotate. To thespin button312, a spin switch358 (mentioned later) is attached, and when thespin button312 is pressed a switch signal is output to theCPU350 from thespin switch358 based on press of thespin button312. Here, as the bet number which can be betted by press of thespin button312, there may exist 1, 2, 3 and 5 bets.

The 3-BET button313 is the button to start games from 3 bets on the basis of press thereof. To this 3-BET button313, a 3-BET switch360 (mentioned hereinafter) is attached and when the 3-BET button313 is pressed a switch signal is output to theCPU350 from the 3-BET switch360. And the 5-BET button314 is the button to start games from 5 bets on the basis of press thereof. To the 5-BET button314, a 5-BET switch361 is attached and when the 5-BET button is pressed a switch signal is output to theCPU350 from the 5-BET switch361 on the basis of press thereof.

Further, at the lower part of thecabinet302, thecoin payout opening315 is formed and thecoin tray316 to receive coins paid out from thecoin payout opening315 is provided. In thecoin payout opening315, acoin detection part373 constructed from a sensor and the like is positioned and thecoin detection part373 detects number of coins paid out from thecoin payout opening315.

Further, at the side plane (the right side plane inFIG. 12) of thecabinet302, astart lever317 is arranged rotatably within a predetermined angle range. To thestart lever317, astart switch357 is attached and when thestart lever317 is rotated a switch signal occurring from thestart switch357 is output to theCPU350.

Next, it will be described a detailed construction of the lowerliquid crystal display304 and reels rotatably arranged behind the lowerliquid crystal display304 in thecabinet302, with reference toFIGS. 13 and 14.FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of the lowerliquid crystal display304 and thereels322, andFIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the lowerliquid crystal display304.

InFIGS. 13 and 14, the lowerliquid crystal display304 is arranged within adisplay window321 of adevice front panel320 positioned at the front center part of thecabinet302 in theslot machine301, with a transparent touch panel330 (abbreviated as “touch panel330” hereinafter) arranged at the front side (the left side inFIG. 13) of the lowerliquid crystal display304. And at the rear side (the right side inFIG. 13) of the lowerliquid crystal display304, three reels322 (only onereel322 is indicated inFIG. 13) are supported in a parallel state so that thereels322 become independently rotatable.

Here, eachreel322 will be described. Among threereels322, theleft reel322 when seeing the front plane of theslot machine301 faces to a left display window323 (seeFIG. 12) formed in the lowerliquid crystal display304, thecenter reel322 faces to a center display window324 (seeFIG. 12) similarly formed in the lowerliquid crystal display304 and theright reel322 faces to a right display window325 (seeFIG. 12) similarly formed in the lowerliquid crystal display304. Construction of each of the

display windows

323,324,325 will described hereinafter.

Further, on an outer periphery of eachreel322, various kinds of symbols shown inFIG. 15 (6 kinds of symbols are indicated inFIG. 15) are formed. Concretely, as kinds of symbols formed on the outer periphery of thereel322, concerning with game contents conducted in theslot machine301, it is utilized a wild symbol, a pendant symbol, a trigger symbol, a red 7 symbol to which a beautiful girl is attached, a bill bundle symbol and a gold coin symbol. And these 6 kinds of symbols and blank (s) (area where the symbol do not exist) are combined based on a predetermined combination and the combinations in which the symbols and the blanks are totally combined (the total number of the symbols and the blanks is 22) is formed. On the outer periphery of eachreel322, such combination with of symbols and blanks (total number of which is 22) is formed.

Here, various winning combinations are determined beforehand based on plural kinds of combinations of the symbols and when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is stopped along a pay line L (seeFIG. 12), coins are paid out from thecoin payout opening315 according to the winning combination. These points are as same as those in the conventional slot machine, therefore explanation thereof will be omitted. And formation of the symbols on the outer periphery of thereel322 is generally done as follows. First, symbols and blanks (total number of which is 22) are printed on a long seal having a width and a length corresponding to the width and the periphery length of thereel322, respectively. And such seal is adhered on the peripheral plane of thereel322. Of course, the symbols may be formed by different method other than the above method. These symbols and blanks correspond to a plurality of symbols in the first game, and are variably displayed by rotating thereels322 and are stopped and displayed by stopping rotation of thereels322.

In the embodiment, the pay line L is determined to only the center line, and such pay line L is displayed on the lowerliquid crystal display304 when the game, namely the first game, is conducted by rotating and stopping thereels322 based on press of thespin button312, the 3-BET button313 and the 5-BET button314 or rotation of thestart lever317.

Further, the above mentioned trigger symbol functions as a trigger to obtain the second games. In the embodiment, one trigger symbol is formed only on the peripheral plane of theright reel322. Based on that the trigger symbol existing on the peripheral plane of theright reel322 is stopped on the pay line L in the first game, the second game can be obtained.

That is to say, the specific condition to execute the second game is that the trigger symbol stops on the pay line L.

Next, construction of the lowerliquid crystal display304 will be described with reference toFIGS. 13 and 14. InFIGS. 13 and 14, the lowerliquid crystal display304 is constructed by arranging from the front side of theslot machine301; thetouch panel330, thereel glass base331, thebezel metal frame332, the transparentliquid crystal panel333, theliquid crystal holder334, thescattering sheet335, the light leadingplate336, thewhite reflector337, therear holder338 and theantistatic sheet339. In thescattering sheet335, three

openings

335A,335B,335C are formed. Similarly, in the light leadingplate336, thereflector337 and therear holder338, three

openings

336A,336B,336C,337A,337B,337C,338 A,338B,338C are formed respectively, so as to coincide with the

openings

335A,335B,335C. Here, theopenings335A˜338A construct the left display window323 (seeFIG. 12) by superimposing so as to coincide with each other. Similarly, theopenings335B˜338B construct the center display window324 (seeFIG. 12) by superimposing so as to coincide with each other and theopenings335˜338C construct the right display window325 (seeFIG. 12) by superimposing so as to coincide with each other.

Here, theopenings335A˜335C in thescattering sheet335 and theopenings336A˜336C in the light leadingplate336 construct the light transmitting areas to retain visibility while variable displaying is conducted by rotatingreels322.

In order to install the lowerliquid crystal display304 to thedisplay window321 of thedevice front panel320, as shown inFIG. 13,brackets340 are screwed to the rear side of thedevice front panel320 byscrews341.

And at an upper and lower end of the lightleading panel336, a pair of coldcathode ray tubes342 are arranged as light sources of theliquid crystal panel333. And at an upper and lower positions in the rear side of each ofopenings338A˜338C in therear holder338, a pair of coldcathode ray tubes343 are arranged to illuminate the symbols on the outer periphery of each of thereels322.

Theliquid crystal panel333 is a transparent electric display panel on which transparent electrodes such as ITO are formed, and arranged in front of each of thereels322 which can be seen therethrough. And the circumference in rear side of the display part of theliquid crystal panel333 is held by theliquid crystal holder334. The light leadingplate336 is made from the light transmitting resin panel, and in the light leadingplate336 lens cut portions are formed, the lens cut portions leading light emitted from the coldcathode ray tubes343 positioned at side positions to the rear side of theliquid crystal panel333. Thelight scattering sheet335 is made from a light transmitting resin sheet and scatters light led by the lightleading panel336 and levels light irradiated to theliquid crystal panel333. Theliquid crystal holder334 for holding theliquid crystal panel333, thescattering sheet335 and the light leadingplate336 are assembled into one body and circumference thereof is inserted in thebezel metal frame332. Thereby, the front side of the display part in theliquid crystal panel333 is retained by thebezel metal frame332.

Circumference of theliquid crystal holder334, thelight scattering sheet335 and the light leadingplate336, which are inserted in thebezel metal frame332 and assembled into one body, is further inserted in thereel glass base331 and retained by thereel glass base331 in a state that the front display plane of theliquid crystal panel333 is opened. Thetransparent touch panel330 is pressed and contacted to the front side of thereel glass base331 by installing thereel glass base331 to thedevice front panel320 through thescrews341, thereby thetransparent touch panel330 is superimposed on the front display plane of theliquid crystal panel333.

Therear holder338 is made from a white resin plate and retains to thereel glass base331 thebezel metal frame332 supported to thereel glass base331, theliquid crystal holder334 holding theliquid crystal panel333, thelight scattering sheet335 and the light leadingplate336 from the rear sides thereof Therear holder338 also functions as a reflecting plate for reflecting light emitted from the coldcathode ray tubes343 to the light leadingplate336 toward theliquid crystal panel333. Theantistatic sheet339 is made transparent and adhered to the rear plane of therear holder338 by double-sided adhesive tape, thereby theantistatic sheet339 covers the rear plane of each of theopenings338A˜338C formed in therear holder338.

Next, construction of the control system in theslot machine301 will be described with reference toFIG. 16.FIG. 16 is a block diagram schematically showing the control system in theslot machine301.

InFIG. 16, the control system of theslot machine301 is basically constructed from theCPU350, and aROM351 and aRAM352 are connected to theCPU350. TheROM351 stores game control program (mentioned later), various effect programs for executing various effects on the upperliquid crystal display303 and the lowerliquid crystal display304 according to progress in games, lottery program for conducting lottery of various winning combinations, various programs necessary for controlling theslot machine301 and various data tables and the like. And theRAM352 is a memory for temporarily storing various data calculated by theCPU350.

TheCPU350 executes the first game based on the various programs stored in theROM351 and the second game when the specific condition is realized in the first game.

And to theCPU350, aclock pulse generator353 for generating standard clock pulses and afrequency divider354 are connected, and arandom number generator355 and asampling circuit356 are also connected. Random number sampled by therandom number generator356 is utilized in various lotteries of the symbol every eachreel322, the effects and the like. Here, the symbols stopped on the pay line L are determined as follows. That is, a random number range corresponding to the symbols every eachreel322 is set beforehand and the random number every eachreel322 extracted from a predetermined random number range (for example, the range of “0”˜“255”) and the “probability lottery table” (not shown) are referred with each other. Thereby, the symbols are determined by determining that the extracted random number lies in the random number range of which symbol. Further, to theCPU350, thestart switch357 attached to thestart lever317, thespin switch358 attached to thespin button312, the 1-BET switch359 attached to the 1-BET button311, the 3-BET switch360 attached to the 1-BET button313, thechange switch362 attached to thechange button306, thecashout switch363 attached to thecashout button307 and thehelp switch364 attached to thehelp button308 are connected respectively. TheCPU350 controls theslot machine301 to execute various operations corresponding to each button, based on the switch signal output from each switch when such buttons are pressed.

Further, to theCPU350, thecoin sensor365 positioned in thecoin insertion slot309 and thebill sensor366 positioned in thebill insertion portion310 are connected respectively. Thecoin sensor365 detects coins inserted from thecoin insertion slot309 and theCPU350 calculates the number of inserted coins based on the coin detection signal output from thecoin sensor365. Thebill sensor366 detects the kind and sum of bill and theCPU350 calculates the number of coins equivalent to sum of bill, based on the bill detection signal output from thebill sensor366.

To theCPU350, three steppingmotors368 for rotating each of thereels322 through amotor drive circuit367 are connected, and also a reelposition detection circuit369 is connected. When a motor drive signal is output to themotor drive circuit367, each steppingmotor368 is driven to rotate by themotor drive circuit367, thereby eachreel322 is rotated.

At that time, after eachreel322 is started to rotate, the number of drive pulses provided to each steppingmotor368 is calculated and the calculated value is written in the predetermined area of theRAM352. And the reset pulse is output every one rotation of thereel322 and such reset pulse is input to theCPU350 through the reelposition detection circuit369. When the reset pulse is input to theCPU350, the calculated value written in theRAM352 is cleared in “0”, and theCPU350 recognizes the symbol rotational position in thereel322, based on the calculated value corresponding to the rotational position of thereel322 within one rotation and the symbol table in which the rotational position of thereel322 stored in theROM351 and the symbols formed on outer peripheral plane of thereel322 are corresponded with each other.

To theCPU350, ahopper371 is connected through ahopper drive circuit370. When a drive signal is output to thehopper drive circuit370 from theCPU350, thehopper371 pays out predetermined number of coins from thecoin payout opening315.

And to theCPU350, acoin detection part373 is connected through a payoutcompletion signal circuit372. Thecoin detection part373 is arranged in thecoin payout opening315 and when thecoin detection part373 detects that a predetermined number of coins are paid out from thecoin payout opening315, the payout completion signal is output to the payoutcompletion signal circuit372 from thecoin detection part373. Based on this, the payoutcompletion signal circuit372 outputs the payout completion signal to theCPU350.

Further, to theCPU350, the upperliquid crystal display303 is connected through a liquid crystal drive circuit374 and the lowerliquid crystal display304 is connected through a liquidcrystal drive circuit375. And to theCPU350, thetouch panel330 is connected through a touchpanel drive circuit376.

Further, to theCPU350

LEDs

378 are connected through aLED drive circuit377. A plurality of theLEDs378 are arranged on the front plane of theslot machine301 and theLEDs378 are controlled so as to turn on based on the drive signals from theCPU350. Further, aspeaker380 and asound output circuit379 are connected to theCPU350 and thespeaker380 produces various effective sounds when various effects are conducted based on the output signal from thesound output circuit379. And to theCPU350, a progressive interface (I/F)381 is provided.

In theslot machine301, the symbols formed on the outer periphery of eachreel322 variably displayed by rotation of thereel322 and the symbols are stopped and displayed by stopping rotation of thereel322, thereby the first game is progressed. The player can see and recognize the symbols, which are variably displayed and stopped and displayed, through the lowerliquid crystal display304 which is the so-called transparent liquid crystal display.

And according to the result in the first game, in a case that the symbol combination stopped and displayed becomes the predetermined symbol combination or in a case that the trigger symbol (seeFIG. 15) is included in plural symbols stopped and displayed, the second game is executed. The game contents of the second game itself is as same as those of the first game and the game contents of the first game are already explained, thus explanation of the second game will omitted. Here, in theslot machine301, the second game may be executed on theupper display device303 or thelower display device304. Further, the second game may be executed on each of theupper display device303 and thelower display device304.

Further, the second game may be executed on threereels322, the lowerliquid crystal display303 and the lowerliquid crystal display304. In this case, the specific symbols can be displayed on the lowerliquid crystal display304 so as to cover the symbols formed on thereels322.

And according to the result of the second game, the game worth (for example, coins) paid out to the player may be determined based on the number of coins betted in the first game and the point number obtained in the second game, as in thegaming machine2. For example, as mentioned later, the common bonus (so-called progressive bonus) in common with a plurality ofslot machines301 is accumulated and the game worth as the common bonus may be paid out from theslot machine301 in which the points more than a predetermined number are obtained in the second game.

Next, it will be described a progressive gaming system in which a plurality ofslot machines301 are connected through the progressive interface (I/F)381 provided in eachslot machine301, with reference toFIG. 17.FIG. 17 is an explanatory view schematically showing the progressive gaming system.

In theprogressive gaming unit382 shown inFIG. 17, a plurality of slot machines301 (in the embodiment, four slot machines301) are connected to atransmission control part384 in theprogressive unit383 through the progressive interface (I/F)381 provided in eachslot machine301. As for connection between theprogressive unit383 and eachslot machine301, any one of wire connection and wireless connection can be utilized. Thereby, mutual transmission can be done through thetransmission control part384 between theprogressive unit383 and eachslot machine301.

As the information transmitted to theprogressive unit383 from eachslot machine301, coin insertion information betted in eachslot machine301, winning information indicating that the first game or the second game is won. And as information transmitted to eachslot machine301 from theprogressive unit383, pool number information of coins as the common bonus in common with eachslot machine301.

Such pool number information of coins is transmitted from theprogressive unit383 to eachslot machine301 through thetransmission control part384 and displayed on the upperliquid crystal display303 in eachslot machine301. And a poolnumber calculation part385 in theprogressive unit383 adds the common bonus based on the coin insertion information transmitted from eachslot machine301.

Here, in eachslot machine301, in a case that any one of the progressive bonuses is won in the first game or the second game, the coin number corresponding to the common bonus won is rest to the initial number of coins. And the poolnumber storing part386 stores the above mentioned coin number calculated by the poolnumber calculation part385.

Theprogressive unit383 constructed according to the above periodically transmits from thetransmission control part384 to eachslot machine301 the coin pool number information stored in the poolnumber storing part386. And eachslot machine301 periodically compares the coin pool number information transmitted in previous time with the coin pool number information transmitted in present time, based on the coin pool number information transmitted from theprogressive unit383. And in a case that the coin pool number in present time reduces than the coin pool number in previous time, eachslot machine301 notifies that the common bonus in which the coin pool number reduces is won.

In the above case, if the predetermined winning state such as the “big prize” or the “small prize” is realized in the variable display game corresponding to the second game, the game worth (for example, coins) as the common bonus accumulated from a plurality ofslot machines301 can be obtained. Therefore, it concludes that competitive spirit of the other players is stirred up, as a result, interest and connection for the second game can be raised. And according to the number of the predetermined symbol included in the symbols stopped and displayed in the first game, the number of the specific symbol displayed in the second game is determined and the second game result is affected by the number of the specific symbol. Therefore, interest and connection for not only the second game but also the first game can be raised, thus interest for games can be improved.